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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Oriental Literature, by Anonymous
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Oriental Literature
+       The Literature of Arabia
+
+Author: Anonymous
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2003 [EBook #10121]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORIENTAL LITERATURE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Beth Trapaga and PG Distributed
+Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+
+ORIENTAL LITERATURE
+
+THE LITERATURE OF ARABIA
+
+
+With Critical and Biographical Sketches by
+
+Epiphanius Wilson, A.M.
+
+
+1900
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+THE ROMANCE OF ANTAR
+
+Introduction
+The Early Fortunes of Antar
+Khaled and Djaida
+The Absians and Fazareans
+
+
+ARABIAN POETRY
+
+Introduction
+SELECTIONS.--
+  An Elegy
+  The Tomb of Mano
+  Tomb of Sayid
+  On the Death of His Mistress
+  On Avarice
+  The Battle of Sabla
+  Verses to My Enemies
+  On His Friends
+  On Temper
+  The Song of Maisuna
+  To My Father
+  On Fatalism
+  To the Caliph Harun-al-Rashid
+  Lines to Harun and Yahia
+  The Ruin of Barmecides
+  To Taher Ben Hosien
+  The Adieu
+  To My Mistress
+  To a Female Cup-bearer
+  Mashdud on the Monks of Khabbet
+  Rakeek to His Female Companions
+  Dialogue by Rais
+  To a Lady Weeping
+  On a Valetudinarian
+  On a Miser
+  To Cassim Obio Allah
+  A Friend's Birthday
+  To a Cat
+  An Epigram upon Ebn Naphta-Wah
+  Fire
+  To a Lady Blushing
+  On the Vicissitudes of Life
+  To a Dove
+  On a Thunder Storm
+  To My Favorite Mistress
+  Crucifixion of Ebn Bakiah
+  Caprices of Fortune
+  On Life
+  Extempore Verses
+  On the Death of a Son
+  To Leila
+  On Moderation in our Pleasures
+  The Vale of Bozâa
+  To Adversity
+  On the Incompatibility of Pride and True Glory
+  The Death of Nedham Almolk
+  Lines to a Lover
+  Verses to My Daughters
+  Serenade to My Sleeping Mistress
+  The Inconsistent
+  The Capture of Jerusalem
+  To a Lady
+  An Epigram
+  On a Little Man with a Very Large Beard
+  Lamiat Alajem
+  To Youth
+  On Love
+  A Remonstrance with a Drunkard
+  Verses
+  On Procrastination
+  The Early Death of Abou Alhassan Aly
+  The Interview
+
+
+ARABIAN NIGHTS
+
+THE SEVEN VOYAGES OF SINDBAD
+  First Voyage
+  Second Voyage
+  Third Voyage
+  Fourth Voyage
+  Fifth Voyage
+  Sixth Voyage
+  Seventh and Last Voyage
+ALADDIN'S WONDERFUL LAMP
+
+
+
+
+THE ROMANCE OF ANTAR
+
+[_Translation by Étienne Delécluse and Epiphanius Wilson_]
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+The romantic figure of Antar, or Antarah, takes the same place in
+Arabian literature as that of Achilles among the Greeks. The Cid in
+Spain, Orlando in Italy, and Arthur in England, are similar examples of
+national ideals put forth by poets and romance writers as embodiments of
+a certain half-mythic age of chivalry, when personal valor, prudence,
+generosity, and high feeling gave the warrior an admitted preeminence
+among his fellows. The literature of Arabia is indeed rich in novels and
+tales. The "Thousand and One Nights" is of world-wide reputation, but
+the "Romance of Antar" is much less artificial, more expressive of high
+moral principles, and certainly superior in literary style to the
+fantastic recitals of the coffee house and bazaar, in which Sindbad and
+Morgiana figure. A true picture of Bedouin society, in the centuries
+before Mohammed had conquered the Arabian peninsula, is given us in the
+charming episodes of Antar. We see the encampments of the tribe, the
+camels yielding milk and flesh for food, the women friends and
+councillors of their husbands, the boys inured to arms from early days,
+the careful breeding of horses, the songs of poet and minstrel stirring
+all hearts, the mail-clad lines of warriors with lance and sword, the
+supreme power of the King--often dealing out justice with stern, sudden,
+and inflexible ferocity. Among these surroundings Antar appears, a
+dazzling and irresistible warrior and a poet of wonderful power. The
+Arab classics, in years long before Mohammed had taken the Kaaba and
+made it the talisman of his creed, were hung in the little shrine where
+the black volcanic stone was kept. They were known as Maallakat, or
+Suspended Books, which had the same meaning among Arabian literati as
+the term classic bore among the Italian scholars of the Renaissance.
+Numbered with these books of the Kaaba were the poems of Antar, who was
+thus the Taliessin of Arabian chivalry.
+
+It is indeed necessary to recollect that in reading the episodes of
+Antar we have been taken back to the heroic age in the Arabian
+peninsula. War is considered the noblest occupation of a man, and Khaled
+despises the love of a noble maiden "from pride in his passion for war."
+Antar has his famous horse as the Cid had his Babicca, and his
+irresistible sword as Arthur his Excalibur. The wealth of chiefs and
+kings consists in horses and camels; there is no mention of money or
+jewelry. When a wager is made the stakes are a hundred camels. The
+commercial spirit of the Arabian Nights is wanting in this spirited
+romance of chivalry. The Arabs had sunk to a race of mere traders when
+Aladdin became possessed of his lamp, and the trickery, greed, and
+avarice of peddlers and merchants are exhibited in incident after
+incident of the "Thousand and One Nights." War is despised or feared,
+courage less to be relied upon than astute knavery, and one of the facts
+that strikes us is the general frivolity, dishonesty, and cruelty which
+prevail through the tales of Bagdad. The opposite is the case with
+Antar. Natural passion has full play, but nobility of character is taken
+seriously, and generosity and sensibility of heart are portrayed with
+truthfulness and naiveté. Of course the whole romance is a collection of
+many romantic stories: it has no epic unity. It will remind the reader
+of the "Morte d'Arthur" of Sir Thomas Malory, rather than of the
+"Iliad." We have chosen the most striking of these episodes as best
+calculated to serve as genuine specimens of Arabian literature. They
+will transport the modern reader into a new world--which is yet the old,
+long vanished world of pastoral simplicity and warlike enthusiasm, in
+primitive Arabia. But the novelty lies in the plot of the tales. Djaida
+and Khaled, Antar and Ibla, and the race between Shidoub and the great
+racers Dahir and Ghabra, bring before our eyes with singular freshness
+the character of a civilization, a domestic life, a political system,
+which were not wanting in refinement, purity, and justice. The
+conception of such a dramatic personage as Antar would be original in
+the highest degree, if it were not based upon historic fact. Antar is a
+more real personage than Arthur, and quite as real and historic as the
+Cid. Yet his adventures remind us very much of those which run through
+the story of the Round Table.
+
+The Arabs, in the days of romance, were a collection of tribes and
+families whose tents and villages were spread along the Red Sea, between
+Egypt and the Indian Ocean. There were some tribes more powerful than
+others, and the result of their tyranny was often bitter war. There was
+no central monarchy, no priesthood, and no written law. The only stable
+and independent unit was the family. Domestic life with its purest
+virtues constituted the strong point amongst the Arabian tribes, where
+gentleness, free obedience, and forbearance were conspicuous. Each tribe
+bore the name of its first ancestor, and from him and his successors
+came down a traditionary, unwritten law, the violation of which was
+considered the most heinous of offences. There was no settled religion
+before the conquest of Mohammed; each tribe and each family worshipped
+whom they would--celestial spirits, sun and moon, or certain idols. In
+the account given in Antar of the Council of War, the ancients, or old
+men of the tribe, came forth with idols or amulets round their necks,
+and the whole account of the council, in which the bard as well as the
+orator addressed the people, is strictly accurate in historic details.
+The custom of infanticide in the case of female children was perfectly
+authorized among the Arabs, and illustrates the motive of the pretty
+episode of Khaled and Djaida. War was individual and personal among the
+Arabs, and murder was atoned for by murder, or by the price of a certain
+number of camels. Raising of horses, peaceful contests in arms, or
+poetic competitions where each bard recited in public his compositions,
+formed their amusements. They were very sensible to the charms of music,
+poetry and oratory, and as a general rule the Arab chieftain was brave,
+generous, and munificent.
+
+All these historic facts are fully reflected in the highly emotional
+tale of "Antar," which is the greatest of all the national romances of
+Arabia. It would scarcely be possible to fix upon any individual writer
+as its author, for it has been edited over and over again by Arabian
+scribes, each adding his own glosses and enriching it with incidents.
+Its original date may have been the sixth century of our era, about five
+hundred years before the production of the "Thousand and One Nights."
+
+E.W.
+
+
+
+
+THE EARLY FORTUNES OF ANTAR
+
+At the time the "Romance of Antar" opens, the most powerful and the best
+governed of the Bedouin tribes were those of the Absians and the
+Adnamians. King Zoheir, chief of the Absians, was firmly established
+upon his throne, so that the kings of other nations, who were subject to
+him, paid him tribute. The whole of Arabia in short became subject to
+the Absians, so that all the chiefs of other tribes and all inhabitants
+of the desert dreaded their power and depredations.
+
+Under these circumstances, and as a consequence of a flagrant act of
+tyranny on the part of Zoheir, several chieftains, among whom was
+Shedad, a son of Zoheir, seceded from the Absian tribe, and set out to
+seek adventures, to attack other tribes, and to carry off their cattle
+and treasure. These chieftains arrived at the dwelling-place of a
+certain tribe, named Djezila, whom they fought with and pillaged.
+Amongst their booty was a black woman of extraordinary beauty, the
+mother of two children. Her name was Zebiba; her elder son was Djaris;
+her younger Shidoub. Shedad became passionately enamoured of this woman,
+and yielded all the rest of his share in the booty in order to obtain
+possession of her and her two children. He dwelt in the fields with this
+negress, whose sons took care of the cattle. In course of time Zebiba
+bore a son to Shedad. This child was born tawny as an elephant; his eyes
+were bleared, his head thick with hair, his features hard and fixed. The
+corners of his mouth drooped, his eyes started from his head, his bones
+were hard, his feet long; he had ears of prodigious size, and his glance
+flashed like fire. In other respects he resembled Shedad, who was
+transported with delight at the sight of his son, whom he named Antar.
+
+Meanwhile the child waxed in strength, and his name soon became known.
+Then the companions of Shedad wished to dispute the possession of the
+boy with him, and King Zoheir was informed of the matter. He demanded
+that the boy should be brought into his presence, and Shedad complied.
+As soon as the king caught sight of this extraordinary child, he uttered
+a cry of astonishment, and flung him a piece of goat's flesh. At the
+same moment a dog, who happened to be in the tent, seized the meat and
+ran off with it. But Antar, filled with rage, pursued the animal, and,
+violently taking hold of him, drew his jaws apart, splitting the throat
+down to the shoulders, and thus recovered the meat. King Zoheir, in
+amazement, deferred the matter to the Cadi, who confirmed Shedad's
+possession of Zebiba, and her three children, Djaris, Shidoub, and
+Antar.
+
+Shedad therefore provided a home for Zebiba, in order that his sons
+might be educated in their business of tending the herds. It was at this
+time that Antar began to develop his strength of body, his courage, and
+intelligence. When he was ten years of age he slew a wolf which
+threatened to attack the herds committed to his charge. Although brutal,
+headstrong, and passionate, he early exhibited a love of justice, and a
+disposition to protect the weak, especially women. He put to death a
+slave who beat an old woman, his slave and companion; and this action,
+although at first misunderstood, eventually gained the admiration of
+King Zoheir, who treated Antar with distinction, because of his nobility
+of character. In consequence of this action, which had been so much
+applauded by King Zoheir, the young Arab women and their mothers hung
+round Antar to learn the details of this courageous deed, and to
+congratulate him on his magnanimity.
+
+Among the young women was Ibla, daughter of Malek, the son of Zoheir.
+Ibla, fair as the full moon, was somewhat younger than Antar. She was
+accustomed to banter him in a familiar way, feeling that he was her
+slave. "And you," she said to him, "you, born so low, how dared you kill
+the slave of a prince? What provocation can you have against him?"
+"Mistress," replied Antar, "I struck that slave because he deserved it,
+for he had insulted a poor woman. He knocked her down, and made her the
+laughing stock of all the servants." "Of course you were right,"
+answered Ibla, with a smile, "and we were all delighted that you escaped
+from the adventure safe and sound. Because of the service you have
+rendered us by your conduct, our mothers look upon you as a son, and we
+as a brother."
+
+From that moment Antar made the service of women his special duty above
+all others. At that time the Arabian ladies had the habit of drinking
+camel's milk morning and evening, and it was especially the duty of
+those who waited upon them to milk the camels, and to cool it in the
+wind before offering it to them. Antar had been for some time released
+from this duty, when one morning he entered the dwelling of his uncle
+Malek, and found there his aunt, engaged in combing the hair of her
+daughter Ibla, whose ringlets, black as the night, floated over her
+shoulders. Antar was struck with surprise, and Ibla, as soon as she knew
+that he had seen her, fled and left him with his eyes fixed abstractedly
+on her disappearing form.
+
+It was from this incident that the love of Antar for the daughter of his
+uncle took its origin. He saw how Ibla shone in society, and his passion
+grew to such an extent that he ventured to sound her praises, and to
+express the feeling she excited in him by writing verses which, while
+they gained the admiration of the multitude, incurred also the envy of
+the chieftains. Moreover his father could not pardon the presumption of
+Antar, who, born a slave, had dared to cast eyes on his free-born
+cousin.
+
+When therefore he slew a slave who had slandered him, his father ordered
+him to be flogged, and sent away to watch over the cattle in the
+pastures. He had now before him a fresh opportunity for exhibiting his
+prodigious strength and invincible courage. A lion attempted to attack
+the herds committed to his care. He killed it at the very moment that
+his father Shedad, enraged against him, had come, accompanied by his
+brother, to do him ill. But a mingled feeling of admiration and fear
+held their hands, and in the evening, when Antar returned from the
+pastures, his father and his uncle made him seat himself at dinner with
+them, while the rest of the attendants stood behind them.
+
+Meanwhile King Zoheir was called upon a warlike expedition against the
+tribe of Temin. All his warriors followed him; the women alone remained
+behind. Shedad entrusted them to the protection of Antar, who pledged
+his life for their safety. During the absence of the warriors, Semiah,
+the lawful wife of Shedad, conceived the idea of giving an entertainment
+on the bank of the lake Zatoulizard. Ibla attended it with her mother,
+and Antar witnessed all the amusements in which his beloved took part.
+His passion for her became intensified. He was once tempted to violate
+the modesty of love by the violence of desire, but, at that moment, he
+saw a great cloud of dust rise in the distance; the shouts of war were
+heard; and suddenly the warriors of the tribe of Cathan appeared on the
+scene, and, descending on the pleasure-seekers, carried off the women,
+including Ibla. Antar, being unarmed, ran after one of the horsemen,
+seized him, strangled and threw him to the ground. Then he put on the
+armor of the vanquished foe, attacked and put to flight the tribe of
+Cathan, rescued the women, and obtained a booty of twenty-five horses.
+From that moment Semiah, the wife of Shedad, who hitherto had a
+pronounced aversion to Antar, conceived a sincere affection for him.
+
+King Zoheir, meantime, had returned victorious from his expedition.
+Shedad returned at the same moment, and went to visit his herds. Seeing
+Antar surrounded by horses which he did not know, and mounted upon a
+fine black courser, he asked, "Where did these animals, and particularly
+this superb horse, come from?" Then Antar, not willing to betray the
+imprudence of Semiah, declared that, as the Cathanians had left their
+horses behind them, he had seized them. Shedad was indignant, and
+treated Antar as a robber, reproached him for his wickedness, and after
+repeatedly telling him how wrong it was to rouse discord among the
+Arabs, struck him with his whip, with such violence as to draw blood.
+Then Semiah, distressed by the sight of this unjust treatment, took off
+her veil, letting her hair fall over her shoulders, took Antar into her
+arms and told all that had happened and how she and all the other women
+of her tribe were indebted to this hero for their honor and liberty.
+Shedad could not restrain his tenderness on learning the magnanimity of
+his son's silence. Soon afterwards King Zoheir, to whom this incident
+had been related, summoned Antar into his presence, and declared that a
+man who could exhibit such courage and generosity was bound to become
+preeminent among his companions. All the chieftains who surrounded the
+king congratulated Antar, and one of his friends, in order to give the
+court a complete idea of this young man's remarkable gifts, asked him to
+recite some of his verses.
+
+In compliance with this request he recited a poem in praise of warriors
+and war, and the king and all the court manifested their delight. Zoheir
+bade Antar approach, gave him a robe of honor, and thanked him. That
+evening Antar departed with his father Shedad, his heart full of joy
+over the honors which had been lavished on him, and his love for Ibla
+still more heightened.
+
+In spite of the indisputable virtues of Antar, in spite of the great
+services he had rendered the Absians, the chieftains of this tribe still
+regarded him as merely a common slave and tender of cattle. The
+beginning of his rise to favor excited a feeling of keen hatred, and
+caused many plots to be laid against him. A series of intrigues was
+entered upon, the aim of which was the death of the hero. But each
+attack upon his reputation and his life redounded to his benefit, and
+furnished him with an opportunity of putting his enemies to silence and
+defeat. For by his generosity and magnanimity, even his envious foes
+felt themselves under obligation to him. On each of his triumphs the
+mutual love between himself and Ibla went on increasing.
+
+After the performance of many feats as a horseman, Antar came into
+possession of a famous horse named Abjer, and a sword of marvellous
+temper, Djamy--and every time he appeared on the field of combat, as
+well as when he returned victorious from the fight, he made a poetic
+address, finishing with the words, "I am the lover of Ibla." At the
+conclusion of a war in which he had performed prodigies of valor, King
+Zoheir gave him the surname of Alboufauris, which means, "The Father of
+Horsemen."
+
+The greater grew his name, the more highly he was honored by King
+Zoheir, so much the more did the hatred of the chieftains and the love
+of Ibla towards him increase. But it came to pass that Ibla was asked in
+marriage by Amarah, a stupid youth, puffed up by his wealth and lineage.
+Antar, on hearing the news, was transported with rage, and attacked his
+young rival with such violence that all the Arabian chiefs begged of
+Zoheir to punish the aggressor. The king left to Shedad, Antar's father,
+the pronouncing of sentence. Shedad had, like the others, viewed the
+rise of Antar, the black slave, to favor, with jealous eye, and sent him
+back to the pastures to keep the herds.
+
+It was at this point that the greatness of Antar's character appeared in
+its full dimensions. The hero submitted with resignation to the orders
+of his father, "to whom," he said, "he owed obedience as to his master,
+since he was his slave"; and he swore to him, in the presence of
+witnesses, not to mount horse, nor engage in battle, without his
+permission. Tears flowed from his eyes, and before departing for the
+pastures he went to see his mother Zebiba, and to talk with her
+concerning Ibla. "Ibla?" said his mother--"but a moment ago she was
+here beside me, and said to me, 'Comfort the heart of Antar, and tell
+him from me, that even should my father torture me to death in trying to
+change my mind, I would not desire nor ask for other husband than
+Antar.'"
+
+These words of Ibla filled with rapture the heart of Antar, as he
+started for the pastures in company with his brothers, Djaris and
+Shidoub.
+
+At this time the tribe of Abs, which Zoheir ruled over, was at war with
+that of Tex, on account of the carrying off of Anima, daughter of the
+chief of the Tex, a man known as "The Drinker of Blood." Animated by the
+desire to take vengeance and recover his daughter, this chief and his
+army fell upon the Absians like a thunderbolt. The Absians were
+defeated, and their women, among whom was Ibla, taken prisoners. All
+pride was then, in this time of need, laid aside, and to their
+assistance Antar was summoned. But before acting Antar laid down his
+conditions, and stipulated that, in case he succeeded in subduing the
+foe and recovering the women, Ibla should be given him in marriage.
+Malek, the father of Ibla, and Shedad, the father of Antar, assented,
+and bound themselves by an oath to fulfil these conditions and to
+reinstate Antar in all the honors and dignities belonging to him.
+
+Antar was victorious. He rescued Ibla, and received grateful expressions
+of gratitude from his beloved, while King Zoheir gave him the kiss of
+royal honor. Everything seemed to unite in fulfilling the hopes of
+Antar. But at the very moment in which he was honored by royal
+felicitations, several chieftains, indignant at the elevation of a black
+slave, employed every means to prevent his marriage with Ibla, and to
+force him to undertake enterprises which would prove fatal to him.
+Shedad, his father, and Malek, the father of Ibla, connived at these
+plots. They demanded of Antar, who was of that trusting disposition
+which belongs to generous and brave men, that he give as a wedding
+present to his bride, a thousand camels, of a particular breed, not to
+be found excepting on the borders of the Persian kingdom. The hero made
+no remark on hearing this treacherous demand, and was so eager to please
+Ibla, that he took no count of the difficulties to be undergone. He set
+off and soon found himself engaged in conflict with a large army of
+Persians, who made him prisoner, and led him off with the view of
+bringing him into the presence of their king. There he was taken, bound
+and on horseback, when at that instant, the news came that a fierce lion
+of extraordinary size was ravaging the country. It was alleged that even
+armed men fled before it. Antar, who was on the point of being put to
+death, asked the King of Persia to cause his arms at least to be
+unbound, and to let him confront the lion. His prayer was granted; he
+rushed upon the savage creature, and transfixed it with his lance. Nor
+was this the only service he did the King of Persia, who in gratitude
+for many others, not only gave Antar the thousand camels he was looking
+for, but loaded him with treasures, with which to do homage to Ibla.
+
+On his return Antar was received with a rapturous welcome by the Absian
+tribe. But the hostile and the envious continued to plot against him.
+They still aimed at preventing his marriage, and compassing his death.
+Amarah, who aspired to Ibla's hand, backed by all the chieftains hostile
+to Antar, renewed his suit and pretensions. Ibla was carried off from
+her house among the Absians, and taken to another tribe. Then Antar set
+out in search of her, and at length rescued her: their mutual love was
+intensified by this reunion. By a series of wiles and intrigues
+skilfully conducted, the chiefs who surrounded Ibla persuaded her to
+demand still further dowry from Antar. She spoke of Khaled and Djaida,
+whose history has already been related; she said, in presence of Antar,
+that that young warrior girl would not consent to marry Khaled, saving
+on the condition that her camel's bridle be held by the daughter of
+Moawich. This word was sufficient for Antar, and he promised to Ibla
+that Djaida should hold the bridle of her camel on her wedding day; and
+more than that, the head of Khaled should be slung round the neck of the
+warrior girl. Thus the hero, constantly loving and beloved by Ibla,
+incessantly deceived by the cunningly devised obstacles raised by his
+foes, sustained his reputation for greatness of character and strength
+of arm, submitted with resignation to the severest tests, and passed
+victoriously through them all. After the death of King Zoheir, whom he
+avenged, he undertook to assist Cais, Zoheir's son, in all his
+enterprises, and after a long series of adventures which tired the
+patience, love, and courage of Antar, this hero, recognized as chief
+among Arabian chieftains, obtained the great reward of his long
+struggles and mighty toils, by marriage to his well-loved Ibla.
+
+
+
+
+KHALED AND DJAIDA
+
+Moharib and Zahir were brothers, of the same father and mother; the
+Arabs call them "brothers germane." Both were, renowned for courage and
+daring. But Moharib was chief of the tribe, and Zahir, being subject to
+his authority, was no more than his minister, giving him counsel and
+advice. Now it happened that a violent dispute arose between them. Zahir
+subsequently retired to his tent, in profound sorrow, and not knowing
+what course to take. "What is the matter with you?" asked his wife, "Why
+are you so troubled? What has happened to you? Has any one displeased or
+insulted you--the greatest of Arab chiefs?" "What am I to do?" replied
+Zahir; "the man who has injured me is one whom I cannot lay hands on, or
+do him wrong; he is my companion in the bosom of my family, my brother
+in the world. Ah, if it had been any one but he, I would have shown him
+what sort of a man he was at odds with, and have made an example of him
+before all the chiefs of our tribes!" "Leave him; let him enjoy his
+possessions alone," cried his wife, and, in order to persuade her
+husband to take this course, she recited verses from a poet of the time,
+which dissuade a man from tolerating an insult even at the hands of his
+parents.
+
+Zahir assented to the advice of his wife. He made all preparations for
+departure, struck his tents, loaded his camels, and started off on the
+road towards the camp of the Saad tribe, with whom he was in alliance.
+Yet in spite of all, he felt a keen pang at separating himself from his
+brother--and thus he spoke: "On starting on a journey which removes me
+from you, I shall be a thousand years on the way, and each year will
+carry me a thousand leagues.... Even though the favors you heap upon me
+be worth a thousand Egypts, and each of these Egypts had a thousand
+Niles, all those favors would be despised. I shall be contented with
+little so long as I am far from you. Away from you, I shall recite this
+distich, which is worth more than a necklace of fine pearls: 'When a man
+is wronged on the soil of his tribe, there is nothing left him but to
+leave it; you, who have so wickedly injured me, before long shall feel
+the power of the kindly divinity, for he is your judge and mine, he is
+unchangeable and eternal."
+
+Zahir continued his journey, until he reached the Saad tribe, when he
+dismounted from his horse. He was cordially received and was pressed to
+take up his abode with them. His wife was at that time soon to become a
+mother, and he said to her: "If a son is given to us, he will be right
+welcome; but if it be a daughter, conceal her sex and let people think
+we have a male child, so that my brother may have no reason to crow over
+us." When her time came Zahir's wife brought into the world a daughter.
+They agreed that her name should be actually Djaida, but that publicly
+she should be known as Djonder, that people might take her for a boy. In
+order to promote this belief, they kept up feasting and entertainment
+early and late for many days.
+
+About the same time Moharib, the other brother, had a son born to him,
+whom he named Khaled (The Eternal). He chose this name in gratitude to
+God, because, since his brother's departure, his affairs had prospered
+well.
+
+The two children eventually reached full age, and their renown was
+widespread among the Arabs. Zahir had taught his daughter to ride on
+horseback, and had trained her in all the accomplishments fitting to a
+warrior bold and daring. He accustomed her to the severest toils, and
+the most perilous enterprises. When he went to war, he put her among the
+other Arabs of the tribe, and in the midst of these horsemen she soon
+took her rank as one of the most valiant of them. Thus it came to pass
+that she eclipsed all her comrades, and would even attack the lions in
+their dens. At last her name became an object of terror; when she had
+overcome a champion she never failed to cry out: "I am Djonder, son of
+Zahir, horseman of the tribes."
+
+Her cousin Khaled, on the other hand, distinguished himself equally by
+his brilliant courage. His father Moharib, a wise and prudent chief, had
+built houses of entertainment for strangers; all horsemen found a
+welcome there. Khaled had been brought up in the midst of warriors. In
+this school his spirit had been formed, here he had learned to ride, and
+at last had become an intrepid warrior, and a redoubtable hero. It was
+soon perceived by the rest of the army that his spirit and valor were
+unconquerable.
+
+Eventually he heard tell of his cousin Djonder, and his desire to see
+and know him and to witness his skill in arms became extreme. But he
+could not satisfy this desire because of the dislike which his father
+showed for his cousin, the son of his uncle. This curiosity of Khaled
+continued unsatisfied until the death of his father Moharib, which put
+him in possession of rank, wealth, and lands. He followed the example of
+his father in entertaining strangers, protecting the weak and
+unfortunate, and giving raiment to the naked. He continued also to scour
+the plains on horseback with his warriors, and in this way waxed greater
+in bodily strength and courage. After some time, gathering together a
+number of rich gifts, he started, in company with his mother, to visit
+his uncle. He did not draw rein until he reached the dwelling of Zahir,
+who was delighted to see him, and made magnificent preparations for his
+entertainment; for the uncle had heard tell on many occasions of his
+nephew's worth and valor. Khaled also visited his cousin. He saluted
+her, pressed her to his bosom, and kissed her forehead, thinking she was
+a young man. He felt the greatest pleasure in her company, and remained
+ten days with his uncle, regularly taking part in the jousts and
+contests of the horsemen and warriors. As for his cousin, the moment she
+had seen how handsome and valiant Khaled was, she had fallen violently
+in love with him. Her sleep left her; she could not eat; and her love
+grew to such a pitch that feeling her heart completely lost to him, she
+spoke to her mother and said: "O mother, should my cousin leave without
+taking me in his company, I shall die of grief at his absence." Then her
+mother was touched with pity for her, and uttered no reproaches, feeling
+that they would be in vain. "Djaida," she said, "conceal your feelings,
+and restrain yourself from grief. You have done nothing improper, for
+your cousin is the man of your choice, and is of your own blood. Like
+him, you are fair and attractive; like him, brave and skilful in
+horsemanship. Tomorrow morning, when his mother approaches us, I will
+reveal to her the whole matter; we will soon afterwards give you to him
+in marriage, and finally we will all return to our own country."
+
+The wife of Zahir waited patiently until the following morning, when the
+mother of Khaled arrived. She then presented her daughter, whose head
+she uncovered, so as to allow the hair to fall to her shoulders. At the
+sight of such charms the mother of Khaled was beyond measure astonished,
+and exclaimed: "What! is not this your son Djonder?" "No! it is
+Djaida--she the moon of beauty, at last has risen." Then she told her
+all that had passed between herself and her husband, and how and why
+they had concealed the sex of their child. "Dear kinswoman," replied the
+mother of Khaled, still quite surprised, "among all the daughters of
+Arabia who have been celebrated for their beauty I have never seen one
+more lovely than this one. What is her name?" "I have already told you
+that it is Djaida, and my especial purpose in telling you the secret is
+to offer you all these charms, for I ardently desire to marry my
+daughter to your son, so that we may all be able to return to our own
+land." The mother of Khaled at once assented to this proposal, and said:
+"The possession of Djaida will doubtless render my son very happy." She
+at once rose and went out to look for Khaled, and communicated to him
+all she had seen and learned, not failing to extol especially the charms
+of Djaida. "By the faith of an Arab," said she, "never, my son, have I
+seen in the desert, or in any city, a girl such as your cousin; I do not
+except the most beautiful. Nothing is so perfect as she is, nothing more
+lovely and attractive. Make haste, my son, to see your uncle and ask him
+for his daughter in marriage. You will be happy indeed if he grants your
+prayer: Go, my son, and do not waste time in winning her."
+
+When Khaled had heard these words, he cast his eyes to the ground, and
+remained for some time thoughtful and gloomy. Then he replied: "My
+mother, I cannot remain here any longer. I must return home amid my
+horsemen and troops. I have no intention of saying anything more to my
+cousin; I am convinced that she is a person whose temper and ideas of
+life are uncertain; her character and manner of speech are utterly
+destitute of stability and propriety. I have always been accustomed to
+live amid warriors, on whom I spend my wealth, and with whom I win a
+soldier's renown. As for my cousin's love for me, it is the weakness of
+a woman, of a young girl." He then donned his armor, mounted his horse,
+bade his uncle farewell, and announced his intention of leaving at once.
+"What means this haste?" cried Zahir. "I can remain here no longer,"
+answered Khaled, and, putting his horse to a gallop, he flung himself
+into the depths of the wilderness. His mother, after relating to Djaida
+the conversation she held with her son, mounted a camel and made her way
+towards her own country.
+
+The soul of Djaida felt keenly this indignity. She brooded over
+it--sleepless and without appetite. Some days afterwards, as her father
+was preparing with his horsemen to make a foray against his foes, his
+glance fell on Djaida, and seeing how altered she was in face, and
+dejected in spirit, he refrained from saying anything, thinking and
+hoping that she would surely become herself again after a short time.
+
+Scarcely was Zahir out of sight of his tents, when Djaida, who felt
+herself like to die, and whose frame of mind was quite unsupportable,
+said to her mother: "Mother, I feel that I am dying, and that this
+miserable Khaled is still in the vigor of life. I should like, if God
+gives me the power, to make him taste the fury of death, the bitterness
+of its pang and torture." So saying, she rose like a lioness, put on her
+armor, and mounted her horse, telling her mother she was going on a
+hunting expedition. Swiftly, and without stopping, she traversed rocks
+and mountains, her excitement increasing as she approached the
+dwelling-place of her cousin. As she was disguised, she entered,
+unrecognized, into the tent where strangers were received. Her visor
+was, however, lowered, like that of a horseman of Hijaz. Slaves and
+servants received her, offered her hospitality, comporting themselves
+towards her as to one of the guests, and the most noble personages of
+the land. That night Djaida took rest; but the following day she joined
+the military exercises, challenged many cavaliers, and exhibited so much
+address and bravery, that she produced great astonishment among the
+spectators. Long before noon the horsemen of her cousin were compelled
+to acknowledge her superiority over themselves. Khaled wished to witness
+her prowess, and, surprised at the sight of so much skill, he offered to
+match himself with her. Djaida entered the contest with him, and then
+both of them joining in combat tried, one after another, all the methods
+of attack and defence, until the shadows of night came on. When they
+separated both were unhurt, and none could say who was the victor. Thus
+Djaida, while rousing the admiration of the spectators, saw the
+annoyance they felt on finding their chief equalled in fight by so
+skilful an opponent. Khaled ordered his antagonist to be treated with
+all the care and honor imaginable, then retired to his tent, his mind
+filled with thoughts of his conflict. Djaida remained three days at her
+cousin's habitation. Every morning she presented herself on the ground
+of combat, and remained under arms until night. She enjoyed it greatly,
+still keeping her _incognito_, whilst Khaled, on the other hand,
+made no enquiries, and asked no questions of her, as to who she was and
+to what tribe she might belong.
+
+On the morning of the fourth day, while Khaled, according to his custom,
+rode over the plain, and passed close to the tents reserved for
+strangers, he saw Djaida mounting her horse. He saluted her, and she
+returned his salute. "Noble Arab," said Khaled, "I should like to ask
+you one question. Up to this moment I have failed in courtesy towards
+you, but, I now beg of you, in the name of that God who has endowed you
+with such great dexterity in arms, tell me, who are you, and to what
+noble princes are you allied? For I have never met your equal among
+brave cavaliers. Answer me, I beseech you, for I am dying to learn."
+Djaida smiled, and raising her visor, replied: "Khaled, I am a woman,
+and not a warrior. I am your cousin Djaida, who offered herself to you,
+and wished to give herself to you; but you refused her--from the pride
+you felt in your passion for arms." As she spoke she turned her horse
+suddenly, stuck spurs into him, and dashed off at full gallop towards
+her own country.
+
+Khaled filled with confusion withdrew to his tent, not knowing what to
+do, nor what would be the end of the passionate love which he suddenly
+felt rise within him. He was seized with disgust for all these warlike
+habits and tastes, which had reduced him to the melancholy plight in
+which he found himself. His distaste for women was changed into love. He
+sent for his mother and related to her all that had occurred. "My son,"
+she said, "all these circumstances should render Djaida still dearer to
+you. Wait patiently a little, until I have been able to go and ask her
+of her mother." She straightway mounted her camel, and started through
+the desert on the tracks of Djaida, who immediately on her arrival home
+had told her mother all that had happened. As soon as the mother of
+Khaled had arrived, she flung herself into the arms of her kinswoman and
+demanded Djaida in marriage for her son, for Zahir had not yet returned
+from his foray. When Djaida heard from her mother the request of Khaled,
+she said, "This shall never be, though I be forced to drink the cup of
+death. That which occurred at his tents was brought about by me to
+quench the fire of my grief and unhappiness, and soothe the anguish of
+my heart."
+
+At these words the mother of Khaled, defeated of her object, went back
+to her son, who was tortured by the most cruel anxiety. He rose suddenly
+to his feet, for his love had reached the point of desperation, and
+asked with inquietude what were the feelings of his cousin. When he
+learned the answer of Djaida his distress became overwhelming, for her
+refusal only increased his passion. "What is to be done, my mother," he
+exclaimed. "I see no way of escaping from this embarrassment," she
+replied, "excepting you assemble all your horsemen from among the Arab
+sheiks, and from among those with whom you are on friendly terms. Wait
+until your uncle returns from the campaign, and then, surrounded by your
+followers, go to him, and in the presence of the assembled warriors,
+demand of him his daughter in marriage. If he deny that he has a
+daughter, tell him all that has happened, and urge him until he gives
+way to your demand." This advice, and the plan proposed moderated the
+grief of Khaled. As soon as he learned that his uncle had returned home,
+he assembled all the chiefs of his family and told his story to them.
+All of them were very much astonished, and Madi Kereb. one of the
+Khaled's bravest companions, could not help saying: "This is a strange
+affair; we have always heard say that your uncle had a son named
+Djonder, but now the truth is known. You are certainly the man who has
+most right to the daughter of your uncle. It is therefore our best
+course to present ourselves in a body and prostrate ourselves before
+him, asking him to return to his family and not to give his daughter to
+a stranger." Khaled, without hearing any more, took with him a hundred
+of his bravest horsemen, being those who had been brought up with
+Moharib and Zahir from their childhood, and, having provided themselves
+with presents even more costly than those they had taken before, they
+started off, and marched on until they came to the tribe of Saad. Khaled
+began by complimenting his uncle on his happy return from war, but no
+one could be more astonished than Zahir at this second visit, especially
+when he saw his nephew accompanied by all the chieftains of his family.
+It never for a moment occurred to him that his daughter Djaida had
+anything to do with Khaled's return, but thought that his nephew merely
+wished to persuade him to return to his native territory. He offered
+them every hospitality, provided them with tents and entertained them
+magnificently. He ordered camels and sheep to be killed, and gave a
+banquet; he furnished his guests with all things needful and proper for
+three days. On the fourth day Khaled arose, and after thanking his uncle
+for all his attentions, asked him for his daughter in marriage, and
+begged him to return to his own land. Zahir denied that he had any child
+but his son Djonder, but Khaled told him all that he had learned, and
+all that had passed between himself and Djaida. At these words Zahir was
+overcome with shame and turned his eyes to the ground. He remained for
+some moments plunged in thought, and after reflecting that the affair
+must needs proceed from bad to worse, he addressed those present in the
+following words: "Kinsmen, I will no longer delay acknowledging this
+secret; therefore to end the matter, she shall be married to her cousin
+as soon as possible, for, of all the men I know, he is most worthy of
+her." He offered his hand to Khaled, who immediately clasped it in
+presence of the chiefs who were witnesses to the contract. The dowry was
+fixed at five hundred brown black-eyed camels, and a thousand camels
+loaded with the choicest products of Yemen. The tribe of Saad, in the
+midst of which Zahir had lived, were excluded from all part in this
+incident.
+
+But when Zahir had asked his daughter's consent to this arrangement,
+Djaida was overwhelmed with confusion at the course her father had
+taken. Since he let his daughter clearly understand that he did not wish
+her to remain unmarried, she at last replied: "My father, if my cousin
+desires to have me in marriage, I shall not enter into his tent until he
+undertakes to slaughter at my wedding a thousand camels, out of those
+which belong to Gheshem, son of Malik, surnamed 'The Brandisher of
+Spears.'" Kahled agreed to this condition; but the sheiks and the
+warriors did not leave Zahir before he had collected all his possessions
+for transportation to his own country. No sooner were these preparations
+completed than Khaled marched forth at the head of a thousand horsemen,
+with whose assistance he subdued the tribe of Aamir. Having thrice
+wounded "The Brandisher of Spears," and slain a great number of his
+champions, he carried off their goods and brought back from their
+country even a richer spoil than Djaida had demanded. Loaded with booty
+he returned, and was intoxicated with success. But when he asked that a
+day should be fixed for the wedding, Djaida begged him to approach, and
+said to him: "If you desire that I become your wife, fulfil first of all
+my wishes, and keep the engagement I make with you. This is my demand: I
+wish that on the day of my marriage, some nobleman's daughter, a
+free-born woman, hold the bridle of my camel; she must be the daughter
+of a prince of the highest rank, so that I may be the most honored of
+all the daughters of Arabia." Khaled consented, and prepared to carry
+out her wishes. That very day he started with his horsemen, and
+traversed plains and valleys, searching the land of Ymer, even till he
+reached the country of Hijar and the hills of Sand. In this place he
+attacked the tribe-family of Moawich, son of Mizal. He burst upon them
+like a rain-storm, and cutting a way with his sword through the opposing
+horsemen, he took prisoner Amima, daughter of Moawich, at the very
+moment when she was betaking herself to flight.
+
+After having accomplished feats which rendered futile the resistance of
+the most experienced heroes, after having scattered all the tribes in
+flight, and carried off all the wealth of all the Arabs in that country,
+he returned home. But he did not wish to come near his tents until he
+had first gathered in all the wealth which he had left at different
+points and places in the desert.
+
+The young maidens marched before him sounding their cymbals and other
+instruments of music. All the tribe rejoiced; and when Khaled appeared,
+he distributed clothing to the widows and orphans, and invited his
+companions and friends to the feast he was preparing for his wedding.
+All the Arabs of the country came in a crowd to the marriage. He caused
+them to be regaled with abundance of flesh and wine. But while all the
+guests abandoned themselves to feasting and pleasure, Khaled,
+accompanied by ten slaves, prepared to scour the wild and marshy places
+of the land, in order to attack hand to hand in their caverns the lions
+and lionesses and their cubs, and bear them slain to the tents, in order
+to provide meat for all those who attended the festival.
+
+Djaida had been informed of this design. She disguised herself in coat
+of mail, mounted her horse, and left the tents; as three days of
+festivities still remained, she hastily followed Khaled into the desert,
+and met him face to face in a cavern. She flung herself upon him with
+the impetuosity of a wild beast, and attacked him furiously, crying
+aloud, "Arab! dismount from your horse, take off your coat of mail, and
+your armor; if you hesitate to do so, I will run this lance through your
+heart." Khaled was resolved at once to resist her in this demand. They
+engaged in furious combat. The struggle lasted for more than an hour,
+when the warrior saw in the eyes of his adversary an expression which
+alarmed him. He remounted his horse, and having wheeled round his steed
+from the place of combat, exclaimed: "By the faith of an Arab, I adjure
+you to tell me what horseman of the desert you are; for I feel that your
+attack and the violence of your blows are irresistible. In fact, you
+have prevented me from accomplishing that which I had intended, and all
+that I had eagerly desired to do." At these words Djaida raised her
+visor, thus permitting him to see her face. "Khaled," she cried, "is it
+necessary for the girl you love to attack wild beasts, in order that the
+daughters of Arabia may learn that this is not the exclusive privilege
+of a warrior?" At this cutting rebuke Khaled was overcome with shame.
+"By the faith of an Arab," he replied, "no one but you can overcome me;
+but is there anyone in this country who has challenged you, or are you
+come hither merely to prove to me the extent of your valor?" "By the
+faith of an Arab," replied Djaida, "I came into this desert solely for
+the purpose of helping you to hunt wild beasts, and in order that your
+warriors might not reproach you for choosing me as your wife." At these
+words Khaled felt thrilled with surprise and admiration, that such
+spirit and resolution should have been exhibited in the conduct of
+Djaida.
+
+Then both of them dismounted from their horses and entered into a
+cavern. There Khaled seized two ferocious wild beasts, and Djaida
+attacked and carried off a lion and two lionesses. After these exploits
+they exchanged congratulations, and Djaida felt happy to be with Khaled.
+"Meanwhile," she said, "I shall not permit you to leave our tents until
+after our marriage." She immediately left him in haste and betook
+herself to her own dwelling.
+
+Khaled proceeded to rejoin the slaves whom he had left a little way off,
+and ordered them to carry to the tents the beasts he had slain.
+Trembling with fright at the view of what Khaled had done, they extolled
+him with admiration above all other champions of the land.
+
+The feasts meanwhile went on, and all who came were welcomed with
+magnificence. The maidens sounded their cymbals; the slaves waved their
+swords in the air, and the young girls sang from morn till evening. It
+was in the midst of such rejoicings that Djaida and Khaled were married.
+Amima, the daughter of Moawich, held the reins of the young bride's
+camel, and men and women alike extolled the glory of Djaida.
+
+
+
+
+THE ABSIANS AND FAZAREANS
+
+King Cais, chief of the Absians, distrusting the evil designs of
+Hadifah, the chief of the tribe of Fazarah, had sent out his slaves in
+every direction to look after Antar. One of these slaves on his return
+said to the king: "As for Antar, I have not even heard his name; but as
+I passed by the tribe of Tenim, I slept one night in the tents of the
+tribe Byah. There I saw a colt of remarkable beauty. He belonged to a
+man named Jahir, son of Awef. I have never seen a colt so fine and
+swift." This recital made a profound impression upon Cais. And in truth
+this young animal was the wonder of the world, and never had a handsomer
+horse been reared among the Arabs. He was in all points high-bred and
+renowned for race and lineage, for his sire was Ocab and his dam Helweh,
+and these were horses regarded by the Arabs as quicker than lightning.
+All the tribes admired their points, and the tribe of Byah had become
+celebrated above all others, because of the mare and stallion which
+pertained to it.
+
+As for this fine colt, one day, when his sire Ocab had been put out on
+pasture, he was being led by the daughter of Jahir along the side of a
+lake at noonday, and there he saw the mare Helweh, who was tethered
+close to the tent of her master. He immediately began to neigh, and
+slipped his halter. The young girl in her embarrassment let him go, and
+for modesty took refuge in the tent of a friend. The stallion remained
+on the spot until the girl returned. She seized the halter and took him
+to the stables.
+
+But her father discerned the anxiety which she could not conceal. He
+questioned her, and she told him what had happened. He became furious
+with rage on hearing her story, for he was naturally choleric; he ran
+among the tents, flinging off his turban, and crying at the top of his
+voice, while all the Arabs crowded round him, "Tribe of Byah, tribe of
+Byah! Kinsmen and friends, hear me." Then he related what his daughter
+had told him. "I cannot permit," he added, "that the blood of my horse
+should be blended with that of Helweh; yet I am not willing to sell him
+for the most costly sheep and camels; and if I cannot otherwise prevent
+Helweh from bearing a colt to my stallion, I shall be glad if some one
+will put the mare to death." "By all means," cried his listeners, "do as
+you please, for we can have no objection." Such were the usual terms of
+Arabian courtesy.
+
+Nevertheless, Helweh, in course of time, bore a fine colt, whose birth
+brought great joy to her master. He named the young horse Dahir. The
+colt waxed in strength and beauty, until he actually excelled his sire
+Ocab. His chest was broad, his neck long, his hoofs hard, his nostrils
+widely expanded. His tail swept the ground, and he was of the gentlest
+temper; in short, he was the most perfect creature ever seen. Being
+reared with the greatest care, his shape was perfect as the archway of a
+royal palace. When the mare Helweh, followed by her colt, was one day
+moving along the shore of a lake, Ocab's owner chanced to see them. He
+seized the young horse, and took him home with him, leaving his mother
+in grief for his difference. "As for Jahir," he said, "this colt belongs
+to me, and I have more right to him than anyone else."
+
+The news of the colt's disappearance soon reached his owner's ears. He
+assembled the chiefs of the tribe, and told them what had happened. They
+sent to Jahir, and he was reproached bitterly. "Jahir," they said, "you
+have not suffered, yet have done injustice, in that you carried off that
+which belonged to another man." "Say no more," answered Jahir, "and
+spare me these reproaches, for, by the faith of an Arab, I will not
+return the colt, unless compelled by main force. I will declare war
+against you first." At that moment the tribe was not prepared for a
+quarrel; and several of them said to Jahir: "We are too much attached to
+you to push things to such an extreme as that; we are your allies and
+kinsmen. We will not fight with you, though an idol of gold were at
+stake." Then Kerim, son of Wahrab (the latter being the owner of the
+mare and colt, a man renowned among the Arabs for his generosity),
+seeing the obstinacy of Jahir, said to him: "Cousin, the colt is
+certainly yours, and belongs to you; as for the mare here, accept her as
+a present from my hand, so that mother and colt will not be separated,
+and no one will ever be able to accuse me of wronging a kinsman."
+
+The tribe highly applauded this act, and Jahir was so humiliated by the
+generosity with which he had been treated, that he returned mare and
+colt to Kerim, adding to the gift a pair of male and a pair of female
+camels.
+
+Dahir soon became a horse of absolute perfection in every point, and
+when his master Kerim undertook to race him with another horse, he rode
+the animal himself, and was in the habit of saying to his antagonist,
+"Even should you pass me like an arrow, I could catch you up, and
+distance you," and in fact this always happened.
+
+As soon as King Cais heard tell of this horse, he became beside himself
+with longing and mortification, and his sleep left him. He sent to
+Kerim, offering to buy the horse for as much gold or silver as the owner
+demanded, and adding that the price would be forwarded without delay.
+This message enraged Kerim. "Is not this Cais a fool, or a man of no
+understanding?" he exclaimed. "Does he think I am a man of traffic--a
+horse-dealer, who cannot mount the horses he owns? I swear by the faith
+of an Arab that if he had asked for Dahir, as a present, I would have
+sent the horse, and a troop of camels besides: but if he thinks of
+obtaining him by bidding a price, he will never have him; even were I
+bound to drink the cup of death."
+
+The messenger returned to Cais, and gave him the answer of Kerim, at
+which the latter was much annoyed. "Am I a king over the tribes of Abs,
+of Adnan, of Fazarah, and of Dibyan," he exclaimed, "and yet a common
+Arab dares to oppose me!" He summoned his people and his warriors.
+Immediately there was the flash of armor, of coats of mail, and swords
+and helmets appeared amid the tents; the champions mounted their steeds,
+shook their spears, and marched forth against the tribe of Byah. As soon
+as they reached their enemy's territory they overran the pastures, and
+gathered an immense booty in cattle, which Cais divided among his
+followers. They next made for the tents and surprised the dwellers
+there, who were not prepared for such an attack: Kerim being absent with
+his warriors on an expedition of the same sort. Cais at the head of the
+Absians, pushing his way into the dwellings, carried off the wives and
+daughters of his foe.
+
+As for Dahir, he was tethered to one of the tent-pegs, for Kerim never
+used him as a charger, for fear some harm might befall him, or he might
+be killed. One of the slaves who had been left in the encampment, and
+had been among the first to see the approach of the Absians, went up to
+Dahir for the purpose of breaking the line by which he was hobbled. This
+he failed to accomplish, but mounting him, and digging his heels into
+his flanks, he forced the horse, although he was hobbled, to rush off
+prancing like a fawn, until he reached the desert. It was in vain that
+the Absians pursued him; they could not even catch up with the trail of
+dust that he left behind him.
+
+As soon as Cais perceived Dahir, he recognized him, and the desire of
+possessing him became intensified. He hurried on, but his chagrin was
+great, as he perceived that, do what he would, he never could catch up
+with him. At last the slave, perceiving that he had quite out-distanced
+the Absians, dismounted, untied the feet of Dahir, leapt again into the
+saddle, and galloped off. Cais, who had kept up the pursuit, gained
+ground during this stop, and coming within ear-shot of the slave,
+shouted out, "Stop, Arab, there is no cause for fear; you have my
+protection; by the faith of a noble Arab, I swear it." At these words
+the slave stopped. "Do you intend to sell that horse?" said King Cais to
+him, "for in that case you have the most eager buyer of all the Arabian
+tribesmen." "I do not wish to sell him, sire," replied the slave,
+"excepting at one price, the restoration of all the booty." "I will buy
+him then," the King answered, and he clasped the hand of the Arab as
+pledge of the bargain. The slave dismounted from the young horse, and
+delivered him over to King Cais, and the latter overjoyed at having his
+wish, leapt on to his back, and set out to rejoin the Absians, whom he
+commanded to restore all the booty which they had taken. His order was
+executed to the letter. King Cais, enchanted at the success of his
+enterprise, and at the possession of Dahir, returned home. So great was
+his fondness for the horse that he groomed and fed him with his own
+hands. Soon as Hadifah, chief of the tribe of Fazarah, heard that Cais
+had possession of Dahir, jealousy filled his heart. In concert with
+other chiefs he plotted the death of this beautiful horse.
+
+Now it came to pass that at this time Hadifah gave a great feast, and
+Carwash, kinsman of King Cais, was present. At the end of the meal, and
+while the wine circulated freely the course of conversation turned to
+the most famous chiefs of the time. The subject being exhausted, the
+guests began to speak about their most celebrated horses, and next, of
+the journeys made by them in the desert. "Kinsmen," said Carwash, "none
+of you ever saw a horse like Dahir, which belongs to my ally Cais. It is
+vain to seek his equal; his pace is absolutely terrifying. He chases
+away sorrow from the heart of him who beholds him, and protects like a
+strong tower the man who mounts him." Carwash did not stop here, but
+continued to praise, in the highest and most distinguished language, the
+horse Dahir, until all of the tribe of Fazarah and of the family of
+Zyad, felt their hearts swell with rage. "Do you hear him, brother?"
+said Haml to Hadifah; "come, that is enough," he added, turning towards
+Carwash. "All that you have said about Dahir is absolute nonsense--for
+at present there are no horses better or finer than mine, and those of
+my brother."
+
+With these words he ordered his slaves to bring his horses and parade
+them before Carwash. This was done. "Come, Carwash, look at that horse."
+"He is not worth the hay you feed him on," said the other. Then those of
+Hadifah were led out; among them was a mare, named Ghabra, and a
+stallion called Marik. "Now look at these," said Hadifah. "They are not
+worth the hay they eat," replied Carwash. Hadifah, filled with
+indignation at these words: "What, not even Ghabra?" "Not even Ghabra,
+or all the horses in the world," repeated Carwash. "Would you like to
+make a bet for us with King Cais?" "Certainly," answered Carwash--"I
+will wager that Dahir will beat all the horses of the tribe of Fazarah,
+even if he carries a hundred weight of stone on his back." They
+discussed the matter for a long time, the one affirming the other
+denying the statements, until Hadifah closed the altercation by saying,
+"I hold to the wager, on condition that the winner takes from the loser
+as many male and female camels as he chooses." "You are going to play me
+a nice trick," said Carwash, "and for my part I tell you plainly that I
+won't bet more than twenty camels; the man whose horse loses shall pay
+this forfeit." The matter was arranged accordingly. They sat at table
+until nightfall, and then rested.
+
+The next day Carwash left his tent at early morn, went to the tribe of
+Abs, to find Cais, whom he told about the wager. "You were wrong," said
+Cais. "You might have made a bet with anyone excepting Hadifah, who is a
+man of tricks and treachery. If you have made the wager, you will have
+to declare it off." Cais waited until certain persons who were with him
+had retired, then he at once took horse, and repaired to the tribe of
+Fazarah, where everybody was taking their morning meal in their tents.
+Cais dismounted, took off his arms, and seating himself among them began
+to eat with them, like a noble Arab. "Cousin," said Hadifah to him
+jokingly, "What large mouthfuls you take; heaven preserve me from having
+an appetite like yours." "It is true," said Cais, "that I am dying of
+hunger, but by Him who abides always, and will abide forever, I came not
+here merely to eat your victuals. My intention is to annul the wager
+which was yesterday made between you and my kinsman Carwash, I beg of
+you to cancel this bet, for all that is uttered over cups and flagons is
+of no serious account, and ought to be forgotten." "I would have you to
+know," was the answer, "that I will not withdraw from the challenge,
+unless you forfeit the camels which are staked. If you accept this
+condition, I shall be perfectly indifferent to everything else.
+Nevertheless, if you wish it, I will seize the camels by force, or, if
+it be your good pleasure, I will waive every claim, save as a debt of
+honor." In spite of all that Cais could say, Hadifah remained firm in
+his resolution, and as his brother began to deride Cais, the latter lost
+his temper, and with a face blazing with wrath he asked of Hadifah,
+"What stake did you offer in your wager with my cousin?" "Twenty
+she-camels," said Hadifah. "As for this first wager," answered Cais, "I
+cancel it, and propose another one in its stead: I will bet thirty
+camels." "And I forty," replied Hadifah, "I make it fifty," was the
+retort of Cais. "Sixty," quickly added the other; and they continued
+raising the terms of the wager, until the number of camels staked was
+one hundred. The contract of the bet was deposited in the hands of a man
+named Sabic, son of Wahhab, and in the presence of a crowd of youths and
+old men. "What shall be the length of the race?" asked Hadifah of Cais.
+"One hundred bow-shots," replied Cais, "and we have an archer here,
+Ayas, the son of Mansour, who will measure the ground." Ayas was in fact
+the strongest and most accomplished archer then living among the Arabs.
+King Cais, by choosing Ayas, wished the course to be made long, knowing
+the endurance of his horse, and the longer distance Dahir had to travel,
+the more he gained speed, from the increased excitement of his spirit.
+"Well now, we had better fix the day for the race," said Cais to
+Hadifah. "Forty days will be required," replied Hadifah, "to bring the
+horses into condition." "You are right," said Cais, and they agreed that
+the horses should be trained for forty days, that the race should take
+place by the lake Zatalirsad, and that the horse that first reached the
+goal should be declared winner. All these preliminaries having been
+arranged, Cais returned to his tents.
+
+Meanwhile one of the horsemen of the tribe of Fazarah said to his
+neighbors: "Kinsmen, you may rest assured that there is going to be a
+breach between the tribe of Abs and that of Fazarah, as a result of this
+race between Dahir and Ghabra. The two tribes, you must know, will be
+mutually estranged, for King Cais has been there in person; now he is a
+prince and the son of a prince. He has made every effort to cancel the
+bet, but Hadifah would by no means consent. All this is the beginning of
+a broil, which may be followed by a war, possibly lasting fifty years,
+and many a one will fall in the struggle."
+
+Hadifah hearing this prediction, said: "I don't trouble myself much
+about the matter, and your suggestion seems to me absurd." "O Hadifah,"
+exclaimed Ayas, "I am going to tell you what will be the result of all
+your obstinacy towards Cais." Then he recited some verses, with the
+following meaning: "In thee, O Hadifah, there is no beauty; and in the
+purity of Cais there is not a single blot. How sincere and honest was
+his counsels, although they were lacking in prudence and dignity. Make a
+wager with a man who does not possess even an ass, and whose father has
+never been rich enough to buy a horse. Let Cais alone; he has wealth,
+lands, horses, a proud spirit, and he is the owner of this Dahir, who is
+always first on the day of a race, whether he is resting or
+running--this Dahir, a steed whose feet even appear through the
+obscurity of night like burning brands." "Ayas," replied Hadifah, "do
+you think I would break my word? I will take the camels of Cais, and
+will not permit my name to be inscribed among the number of those who
+have been vanquished. Let things run their course."
+
+As soon as King Cais had regained his tents he hastened to tell his
+slaves to begin the training of his horses, and to pay especial
+attention to Dahir. Then he told his kinsmen all that had taken place
+between himself and Hadifah. Antar was present at this recital, and as
+he took great interest in all that concerned the king, he said, "Cais,
+calm your fears, keep your eyes well open, run the race, and have no
+fear. For, by the faith of an Arab, if Hadifah makes any trouble or
+misunderstanding, I will kill him, as well as the whole tribe of
+Fazarah."
+
+The conversation on this subject continued until they reached the tents,
+which Antar declined to enter before seeing Dahir. He walked several
+times round this animal, and saw at a glance that the horse actually
+possessed qualities which astonished any one who saw him.
+
+Hadifah quickly learned the return of Antar, and knew that the hero was
+encouraging King Cais to run the race. Haml, Hadifah's brother, had also
+heard the news, and in the distress which he felt remarked to Hadifah,
+"I fear lest Antar should fall upon me, or some one of the family of
+Beder, and kill us, and thus render us disgraced. Give up this race, or
+we are ruined. Let me go to King Cais, and I will not leave him until he
+promises to come to you and cancel the contract." "Do as you please,"
+answered Hadifah. Thereupon Haml took horse, and went immediately to
+King Cais. He found him with his uncle Assyed, a wise and prudent man.
+Haml approached Cais, saluted him by kissing his hand, and after saying
+that he was the bearer of an important message, added: "Kinsman, you
+know that my brother Hadifah is a low fellow, whose mind is full of
+intrigues. I have spent the last three days in trying to persuade him to
+cancel this wager. At last he has said: 'Very good, if Cais comes to me,
+and wishes to be released from the contract, I will annul it; but do not
+let any Arab think that I abandon the bet through fear of Antar.' Now
+you, Cais, are aware that the greatest proof of attachment between
+kinsmen is their willingness to give way to one another. So I am here to
+beg that you will come to the dwelling of my brother Hadifah and ask him
+to give up the race, before it causes trouble, and the tribe be utterly
+driven away from its territories." At this address of Haml, Cais became
+flushed with shame, for he was trusting and generous. He at once arose,
+and leaving his uncle Assyed in charge of his domestic business, he
+accompanied Haml to the land of Fazarah. When they were midway on their
+journey Haml began to utter lavish praises of Cais to the latter's face,
+and to blame his own brother's faults, in the following terms: "O Cais,
+do not let your wrath be stirred up against Hadifah, for he is verily a
+man headstrong and unjust in his actions. O Cais, if you persist in
+holding to the bet, great disasters will follow. Both you and he are
+impulsive and passionate, and this is what causes me to feel anxiety
+about you, Cais. Put aside your private feelings, be kind and generous,
+and it will come to pass that the oppressor himself will become the
+oppressed."
+
+Haml continued to abuse his brother, and to flatter Cais with
+expressions of admiration all the way, until in the evening they arrived
+at the tribe of Fazarah. Hadifah, who at the moment was surrounded by
+many powerful chiefs, upon whose aid he depended in the hour of need,
+had changed his mind since his brother Haml's departure, and in place of
+coming to terms and making peace with Cais he had determined to yield in
+nothing, but to maintain rigorously the conditions of the coming race.
+He was speaking of this very matter with one of the chiefs at the moment
+when Cais and Haml presented themselves before him. As soon as Hadifah
+saw Cais, he resolved to cover him with shame. Turning therefore to his
+brother, he asked: "Who ordered you to go to this man? By the faith of a
+noble Arab, even if all the men who cover the surface of the earth were
+to come and importune me, saying, 'O Hadifah, give up one hair of these
+camels,' I would not yield until a lance had pierced my heart and a
+sword stricken the head from my shoulders." Cais crimsoned, and
+immediately remounted his horse, bitterly reproaching Haml. He returned
+home with the utmost haste, and found his uncle and brothers waiting for
+him in extreme anxiety. "O my son!" said his uncle Assyed as soon as he
+saw him, "you have had a disastrous journey, for it has caused you to be
+disgraced."
+
+"If Hadifah had not been surrounded by certain chiefs, who gave him
+treacherous counsels, I could have arranged the whole affair," answered
+Cais. "There is now nothing left but to carry out the race and the bet."
+
+King Cais did not sleep the whole of that night. On the morrow he
+thought of nothing but the training of his horses during the forty days'
+interval before the race. All the Arabs of the land agreed to come to
+the pastures and see the race, and when the forty days had expired the
+horsemen of the two tribes came in a crowd to the banks of lake
+Zatalirsud. Next arrived the archer Ayas, who, turning his back to the
+lake at the point where the horses were to start, drew his bow as he
+walked toward the north a hundred times, and measured out to the goal
+the course of a hundred bow-shots. Soon the horsemen of Ghitfan and
+Dibyan arrived, for they were of the same territory, and because of
+their friendly relations and kinship were comprised as one tribe under
+the name of Adnan. King Cais had begged Antar not to show himself on
+this occasion, fearing that his appearance might cause dissension. Antar
+listened to this advice, but was unable to rest quiet in the tents. The
+interest he felt in Cais, and the deep distrust with which the falseness
+of the Fazareans--who were always ready for treason--inspired him,
+induced him to show himself. Girding on his sword Dhami, and mounting
+his famous charger, Abjer, he took with him his brother Shidoub, and
+reached the spot fixed upon for the race, in order that he might watch
+over the safety of King Zoheir's sons. On his arrival he seemed to excel
+all that crowd, like a lion clad in coat of mail. He carried his naked
+sword, and his eyes flashed like blazing coals. As soon as he had
+reached the middle of the crowd, he cried out with a loud voice, that
+struck terror to all hearts: "Hearken, noble Arabian chieftains and men
+of renown assembled here--all of you know that I was supported and
+favored by King Zoheir, father of King Cais, that I am a slave bound to
+him, by his goodness and munificence; that it is he who caused my
+parents to acknowledge me, and gave me my rank, making me to be numbered
+among Arab chiefs. Although he is no longer living, I wish to show my
+gratitude to him, and bring the kings of the land into subjection to
+him, even after his death. He has left a son, whom his brothers have
+acknowledged, and have set on the throne of his father. This son is
+Cais, whom they have thus distinguished, because of his wisdom,
+rectitude, and noble heart. I am the slave of Cais, and am his property;
+I intend to be the supporter of him whom I love, and the enemy of
+whosoever resists him. It shall never be said, as long as I live, that I
+have suffered an enemy to affront him. As to the conditions of this
+wager, it is our duty to see them observed. The best thing, accordingly,
+to do is to let the horses race unobstructed, for victory comes from the
+creator of day and night. I make an oath, therefore, by the holy house
+at Mecca, by the temple, by the eternal God, who never forgets his
+servants and never sleeps, that if Hadifah commits any act of violence,
+I will make him drink the cup of vengeance and of death; and will make
+the whole tribe of Fazarah the byword of all the world. And you, Arab
+chieftains, if you sincerely desire the race to take place, conduct
+yourselves with justice and impartiality; otherwise, by the eyes of my
+dear Ibla, I will make the horses run the race in blood." "Antar is
+right," the horsemen shouted on all sides.
+
+Hadifah chose, as the rider of Ghabra, a groom of the tribe of Dibyan.
+This man had passed all his days and many of his nights in rearing and
+tending horses. Cais, on the other hand, chose as rider of Dahir a groom
+of the tribe of Abs, much better trained and experienced in his
+profession than was the Dibyanian. When the two contestants had mounted
+their horses King Cais gave this parting instruction to his groom: "Do
+not let the reins hang too loosely in managing Dahir; if you see him
+flag, stand up in your stirrups, and press his flanks gently with your
+legs. Do not urge him too much, or you will break his spirit." Hadifah
+heard this advice and repeated it, word for word, to his rider.
+
+Antar began to laugh. "By the faith of an Arab," he said to Hadifah,
+"you will be beaten. Are words so scarce that you are obliged to use
+exactly those of Cais? But as a matter of fact Cais is a king, the son
+of a king; he ought always to be imitated by others, and since you have
+followed, word by word, his speech, it is a proof that your horse will
+follow his in the desert."
+
+At these words the heart of Hadifah swelled with rage and indignation,
+and he swore with an oath that he would not let his horse run that day,
+but that he wished the race to take place at sunrise, next morning. This
+delay was indispensable to him in preparing the act of perfidy which he
+meditated, for he had no sooner seen Dahir than he was speechless with
+astonishment at the beauty and perfections of the horse.
+
+The judges had already dismounted and the horsemen of the various tribes
+were preparing to return home, when Shidoub began to cry out with a loud
+voice, "Tribes of Abs, of Adnan, of Fazarah and of Dibyan, and all here
+present attend to me for an instant, and listen to words which shall be
+repeated from generation to generation." All the warriors stood
+motionless. "Speak on," they cried, "what is your will? Perhaps there
+may be something good in your words." "Illustrious Arabs," continued
+Shidoub, "you know what happened in consequence of the match between
+Dahir and Ghabra: I assure you on my life that I will outstrip both of
+them in running, even were they swifter than the wind. But listen to the
+condition I offer; if I am the winner, I am to take the hundred camels
+which are at stake; but if I am beaten, I am to forfeit fifty." Upon
+this one of the Sheiks of Fazarah exclaimed, "What is that you are
+saying, vile slave? Why should you receive a hundred camels if you win
+and only forfeit fifty if you lose?" "Do you ask why, ancient mire of a
+dunghill," replied Shidoub, "because I have but two legs to run on and a
+horse has four, not counting his tail." All the Arabs burst out
+laughing; yet as they were astonished at the conditions proposed by
+Shidoub, and extremely curious to see him run the race, they agreed that
+he should make the hazardous experiment.
+
+When all had returned to the tents Antar said to Shidoub: "Come, now,
+thou son of a cursed mother, how dared thou say that thou couldst
+outstrip these two horses, whose race all horsemen of our tribes have
+assembled to see, and who all the world admits have no equals in speed,
+not even among the birds of the air?" "By him who created the springs in
+the rocks and who knows all things," replied Shidoub, "I will outstrip
+those two horses, be they fleet as the winds. Yes, and my victory will
+have an advantageous result, for when the Arabs hear of it, they will
+give up all idea of pursuing me, when I run across the desert." Antar
+laughed, for he was in doubt about Shidoub's plan. The latter went to
+find King Cais and his brothers, and the other witnesses of the race,
+and made oath on his life that he would outstrip the two horses. All
+present acknowledged themselves witnesses of the oath, and left the
+spot, filled with astonishment at the proposition.
+
+As for the trickster Hadifah, in the evening he summoned one of his
+slaves named Dames, a rascal, if ever there was one. "O Dames," he said,
+"you frequently boast of your cunning, but hitherto I have had no
+opportunity of putting it to the proof." "My Lord," answered the slave,
+"tell me in what way I can be useful to you." "I desire," said Hadifah,
+"that you go and post yourself in the great pass. Remain in this place,
+and go and hide yourself there in the morning. Watch the horses well,
+and see if Dahir is in advance. If he is, show yourself suddenly, strike
+him on the head, and cause him to stop, so that Ghabra may outstrip him,
+and we may not incur the disgrace of defeat. For I confess that since I
+have seen Dahir, his excellent points have made me doubt the superiority
+of Ghabra, and I fear my mare will be beaten, and we shall become the
+laughing stock of all the Arabs." "But, sir, how shall I distinguish
+Dahir from Ghabra when they advance, both of them wrapped in a cloud of
+dust?" Hadifah replied, "I am going to give you a sign, and to explain
+how the matter may be free from difficulty." As he spoke he picked up
+some stones from the ground and said: "Take these stones with you at
+sunrise, begin to count them, and throw them to the earth, four at a
+time. You must repeat the operation five times, and the last time Ghabra
+will arrive. That is the calculation I have made, so that if a cloud of
+dust presents itself to you, and some of the stones, a third or a half
+of them, still remain in your hand, you may be sure that Dahir has
+gained first place, and is before your eyes. You must then hurl a stone
+at his head, as I said, and stop his running, so that my mare may gain
+the lead." The slave agreed to do so. He provided himself with stones
+and went to hide himself at the great pass, and Hadifah felt confident
+of gaining the wager.
+
+At the dawn of day, the Arabs, coming from all quarters, were assembled
+on the race ground. The judges gave the signal for the start, and the
+two riders uttered loud shouts. The racers started like flashes of
+lightning which dazzle the sight and seemed like the wind when, as it
+blows, it increases in fury. Ghabra passed ahead of Dahir and distanced
+him. "Now you are lost, my brother of the tribe of Abs," cried the
+Fazarean groom to the Absian, "try and console yourself for this
+defeat." "You lie," retorted the Absian, "and in a few moments you will
+see how completely you are mistaken. Wait till we have passed this
+uneven ground. Mares always travel faster on rough roads than on smooth
+country." And so it happened, for when they arrived in the plain, Dahir
+shot forward like a giant, leaving a trail of dust behind him. It seemed
+as if he went on wings, not legs; in the twinkling of an eye he had
+outstripped Ghabra. "Here," cried the Absian to the Fazarean groom,
+"send a messenger from me to the family of Beder, and you yourself drink
+the bitter cup of patience behind me." Meanwhile Shidoub, swift as the
+north wind, kept ahead of Dahir, bounding like a fawn and running like
+an ostrich, until he reached the defile where Dames was hidden. The
+slave had only thrown down less than a third of his pebbles, when he
+looked up and saw Dahir approaching.
+
+He waited till the horse passed close by him, and suddenly showed
+himself with a shout, and hit the racer violently between the eyes with
+a stone. The horse reared, stopped one moment, and the rider was on the
+point of being unseated. Shidoub was a witness to the incident, and
+having looked at the slave, recognized him as belonging to the
+treacherous Hadifah. In the violence of his rage he flung himself upon
+Dames, and struck him dead with his sword: then he approached Dahir for
+the purpose of speaking soothingly to him, and starting him again on the
+race; but, alas, the mare Ghabra rushed up like the wind. Then Shidoub,
+fearing defeat, thinking of the camels he would forfeit, set out running
+at full speed towards the lake, where he arrived two bow-shots in
+advance of the horses. Ghabra followed, then Dahir last, bearing on his
+forehead the mark of the missile; his cheeks were covered with blood and
+tears.
+
+All the spectators were astounded on seeing the agility and endurance of
+Shidoub; but as soon as Ghabra had reached the finish the Fazareans
+uttered loud shouts of joy. Dahir was led home all bleeding, and his
+rider told the men of the tribe of Abs what the slave had done. Cais
+examined the wound of his horse and asked for full details of the
+occurrence. Antar grew crimson with anger, and laid his hand upon his
+invincible sword, as if impatient to annihilate the tribe of the
+Fazareans. But the sheiks restrained him, although with difficulty,
+after which they went to Hadifah to cover him with shame, and to
+reproach him with the infamous deed he had done. Hadifah denied it, with
+false oaths, affirming that he knew nothing of the blow dealt to Dahir;
+then he added, "I demand the camels which are due to me, and I do not
+admit the treacherous pretext on which they are being withheld."
+
+"That blow is doubtless of evil augury for the tribe of Fazarah," said
+Cais. "God will certainly give us victory and triumph, and destroy them.
+For Hadifah only desired this race to take place in order that it might
+cause trouble and discord, and the disturbance which this contest is
+sure to excite will stir up one tribe against another, so that there
+will be many men killed, and children made orphans." The conversation
+which followed among the tribesmen became more and more excited,
+confusion followed, shouts rang out on all sides, and drawn swords
+flashed. Bloodshed would have resulted had not the sheiks and wise men
+dismounted and with bared heads mingled with the crowd, with humble
+mien, imploring them, until at last the matter was settled as
+harmoniously as possible. It was agreed that Shidoub should receive the
+amount of the wager--a hundred camels from the tribe of Fazarah, and
+that Hadifah should abandon his claims and refrain from all dispute.
+Such were the measures taken to extinguish the hostility and disorder
+which threatened to burst out among the tribes. Then the different
+families retired to their own dwellings, but the hearts of all were
+filled with bitter hatred. One whose resentment seemed keenest was
+Hadifah, especially when he learned of the slave Dames's death. As for
+Cais, he was also filled with mute rage and intense hatred. Yet Antar
+tried to reassure him. "King," he said to him, "do not let your heart be
+a prey to mortification; for I swear by the tomb of King Zoheir, your
+father, that I will cause disgrace and infamy to fall on Hadifah, and it
+is only from regard for you that I have up to this time delayed action."
+Soon after all returned to their tents.
+
+The following morning Shidoub killed twenty of the camels he had won the
+day before, and caused the meat to be distributed among the widows and
+those who had been wounded and crippled in war. He slaughtered twenty
+others, which he used in entertaining the tribe of Abs, including women
+and slaves. Finally, the next day, he killed the rest of the camels and
+made a great feast near the lake Zatalirsad, to which he invited the
+sons of King Zoheir and his noblest chieftains. At the end of this
+banquet, when the wine circulated among the guests, all praised the
+behavior of Shidoub. But the news of the camel slaughter and of all the
+feasting was soon known to the tribe of Fazarah. All the enraged
+tribesmen hastened to seek Hadifah. "What," said they, "while we were
+first in the race, slaves and traitorous Absians have eaten our camels!
+Send for an equal number of camels, by all means; but if he refuses them
+let us make a terrible war upon the Absians."
+
+Hadifah raised his eyes upon his son Abou-Firacah. "Mount horse at
+once," he said to him, "and go and say to Cais: my father says that you
+must this instant pay the wager, or he will come and seize the amount by
+main force, and will bring trouble upon you." There was then present a
+chief among the sheiks, who, hearing the order that Hadifah had given to
+his son, said: "O Hadifah, are you not ashamed to send such a message to
+the tribe of the Absians? Are they not our kindred and allies? Does this
+proposal harmonize with the counsel and desire of allaying dissensions?
+The genuine man shows gratitude for generosity and kindness. I think it
+quite reasonable to expect that you desist from this perverse mood,
+which will end in our total extermination. Cais has shown himself quite
+impartial and has done wrong to no one; cherish, therefore, peace with
+the horsemen of the tribe of Abs. Take warning from what happened to the
+slave Dames; he struck Dahir, the horse of King Cais, and God punished
+him at once; he is left bathed in his slavish blood. I beg you to listen
+to none but wise counsels; act nobly, and abandon base designs. While
+you are thus forewarned as to your situation, keep a prudent eye on your
+affairs." This discourse rendered Hadifah furious. "Contemptible sheik!
+Dog of a traitor!" he exclaimed. "What! Must I be in fear of Cais and
+the whole tribe of the Absians? By the faith of an Arab, I will let all
+men of honor know that if Cais refuse to send the camels I will not
+leave one of his tents standing." The sheik was indignant, and to
+increase the fear he would cast into the heart of Hadifah he spoke to
+him in verses, to the following effect: "Insult is cowardliness, for it
+takes by surprise him who is not expecting it, as the night enwraps
+those who wander in the desert. When the sword shall once be drawn look
+out for blows. Be just and do not clothe thyself with dishonor. Enquire
+of those who know the fate of Themond and his tribe, when they committed
+acts of rebellion and tyranny. They will tell you that a command of God
+from on high destroyed them in one night, and on the morrow they lay
+scattered on the ground, their eyes turned towards the sky."
+
+Hadifah dissembled his contempt for these verses and the sheik who had
+pronounced them, but he ordered his son to go at once to Cais.
+Abou-Firacah started for the tribe of Abs, and as soon as he arrived
+there repaired to the home of Cais, who was absent. The messenger asked
+then for his wife Modelilah, the daughter of Rebia. "What do you desire
+of my husband?" she asked. "I demand my due, the prize of the horse
+race." "Misfortune take you and that which you demand," she replied.
+"Son of Hadifah! Do you not fear the consequences of such perfidy? If
+Cais were here he would send you to your death, instantly." Abou-Firacah
+returned to his father, to whom he told all that the wife of Cais had
+said "What, you coward," shouted Hadifah, "do you come back without
+completing your errand? Are you afraid of the daughter of Rebia? Go to
+him again."
+
+As Abou-Firacah reminded his father that it was now near night-fall, the
+message was postponed until the next day. As for Cais, when he
+re-entered his home, he learned from his wife that Abou-Firacah had come
+to ask for the camels. "By the faith of an Arab," he said, "if I had
+been here I would have slain him. But the matter is closed; let us think
+no more of it." Yet King Cais passed the night in grief and annoyance
+until sunrise, at which time he betook himself to his tent Antar came to
+see him. Cais rose, and making him take a seat, mentioned the name of
+Hadifah. "Would you believe he had the shamelessness to send his son to
+demand the camels of me? Ah, if I had been present I would have slain
+the messenger." Scarcely had he finished uttering these words when
+Abou-Firacah presented himself on horseback. Without dismounting, and
+uttering no word of salutation or preface, he said: "Cais, my father
+desires that you send him that which is his due; by so doing your
+conduct will be that of a generous man; but if you refuse, my father
+will come against you, carry off his property by force, and plunge you
+into misfortune."
+
+On hearing these words Cais felt the light change to darkness before his
+eyes. "O thou son of a vile coward," he exclaimed "how is it that you
+are not more respectful in your address to me?" He seized a javelin and
+plunged it into the breast of Abou-Firacah. Pierced through, the young
+messenger lost control of his horse.--Antar dragged him down and flung
+him on the ground. Then, turning the horse's head away from the
+direction of Fazarah, he struck him on the flank with a holly-stick, and
+the horse took the road towards the pastures, and finally entered his
+stable, all covered with blood. The shepherds at once led him to the
+tents, crying out, "Misfortune! Misfortune!"
+
+Hadifah became furious. He smote upon his breast, repeating the words:
+"Tribe of Fazarah, to arms, to arms, to arms!" and all the disaffected
+came to Hadifah once more, begging him to declare war on the Absians,
+and to take vengeance on them. "Kinsmen!" replied Hadifah, with
+alacrity, "let none of us sleep to-night without our armor on." And so
+it happened.
+
+At break of day Hadifah was on horseback; the warriors were ready, and
+only women and children and the feeble were left in the tents. Cais, on
+the other hand, after slaying Abou-Firacah, expected that the Fazareans
+would come and attack himself and his warriors; he therefore prepared
+for battle. Antar was charged with taking the necessary reconnoitre. He
+left in the tents only women, children, and those too feeble to bear the
+sword; then he put himself in command of the heroes of Carad. Nothing
+could be more brilliant than the ranks of the Absians in their coats of
+mail and gleaming weapons. These preparations caused an anxious moment
+for both parties. They marched forth against each other, and the sun had
+scarcely appeared, before scimitars flashed, and the whole country was
+in a turmoil.
+
+Antar was impatient to press forward, and satisfy his thirst for battle;
+but, lo! Hadifah, dressed in a black robe, advances, his heart broken by
+the death of his son. "Son of Zoheir," he cried to Cais, "it is a base
+action to slay a child; but it is good to meet in battle, to decide with
+these lances which shall predominate, you or me." These words cut Cais
+to the quick. Hurried along by passion he left his standard and rushed
+against Hadifah. Then the two chiefs, spurred on by mutual hatred,
+fought together on their noble chargers, until nightfall. Cais was
+mounted on Dahir, and Hadifah on Ghabra. In the course of this combat
+the exploits of the past were eclipsed. Each tribe despaired of his
+chieftain's safety, and they were eager to make a general attack, in
+order to stop the struggle of the chieftains and the fury with which
+they contended. Cries began to be heard in the air. Scimitars were
+drawn, and lances advanced over the ears of Arabian chargers. Antar
+approached certain Absian chiefs and said, "Let us attack the traitors."
+He prepared to charge, when the ancients of the two tribes came forth
+into the middle of the plain, with heads uncovered, their feet bared,
+and their idols hung from their shoulders. Standing between the two
+armies they spoke as follows: "Kinsmen and allies, in the name of that
+harmony which has hitherto prevailed among us, let us do nothing that
+will make us the byword of our slaves. Let us not furnish our enemies
+with ground for reproaching us. Let us forget all matter of dispute and
+dissension. Let us not turn wives into widows and our children into
+orphans. Satisfy your warlike ardor by attacking those among the Arabs
+who are your real foes; and you, kinsmen of Fazarah, show yourselves
+more humble and less haughty, towards your brethren the Absians. Above
+all, forget not that insolent wrong has often caused the destruction of
+many tribes, which have had sore reason to regret their impious actions;
+in this way many men have been deprived of their possessions, and a vast
+number been plunged into the gulf of despair and regret. Expect the
+fatal hour of death, the day of dissolution, for it is upon you. You
+will be rent asunder by the threatening eagles of destruction, and
+enclosed in the dark prison-house of the tomb. Take care, that when your
+bodies are separated from life, men may think about you without any
+other memory than that of your virtues."
+
+The sheiks talked together for a long time, and meanwhile the flame of
+passion which had been kindled in the soul of the two heroes, Cais and
+Hadifah, became quenched. Hadifah withdrew from the fight, and it was
+agreed that Cais should pay as the price of Abou-Firacah's blood a
+quantity of cattle and a string of camels. The sheiks did not wish even
+then to quit the field of battle until Cais and Hadifah embraced each
+other and had agreed to all the arrangements. Antar was crimson with
+rage. "O King Cais," he exclaimed, "what have you done? What! while our
+swords flash in our hands shall the tribe of Fazarah exact a price for
+the blood of its dead? And we never be able to obtain retaliation
+excepting with our spear points! The blood of our dead is shed, and
+shall we not avenge it?" Hadifah was beside himself on hearing these
+words. "And you, vile bastard," said Antar to him, "you son of a vile
+mother, must your honor be purchased at the expense of our disgrace? But
+for the presence of these noble sheiks I would annihilate you and all
+your people this very instant."
+
+Then Hadifah's indignation and anger overleaped all bounds. "By the
+faith of an Arab," he said to the sheiks, "I wish to hear no talk of
+peace at the moment that the enemy is ready to spear me." "Do not talk
+in that way, dear son of my mother," said Haml to his brother. "Do not
+dart away on the path of imprudence; abandon these gloomy resolutions.
+Remain in peace with the allies of the Absians, for they are shining
+stars: the burnished sun that guides all Arabs who love glory. It was
+but the other day that you wronged them by causing the horse Dahir to be
+wounded, and thus erred from the path of justice. As for your son, he
+was justly slain, for you had sent him to demand something that was not
+due you. After all, nothing is so proper as to make peace, for he who
+would seek and stir up war is a tyrant, and an oppressor. Accept
+therefore the compensation offered you, or you are likely to call up
+around us a fire which will burn us in the flames of hell." Haml
+concluded with verses of the following import: "By the truth of him who
+has rooted firm the mountains, without foundations, if you decline to
+accept the compensation offered by the Absians, you are in the wrong.
+They acknowledge Hadifah as their chief; be a chief in very deed, and be
+content with the cattle and camels offered you. Dismount from the horse
+of outrage, and mount it not again, for it will carry you to the sea of
+grief and calamity. Hadifah, renounce like a generous man, all violence,
+but particularly the idea of contending with the Absians. Make of them
+and of their leader a powerful rampart against the enemies that may
+attack us. Make of them friends that will remain faithful, for they are
+men of the noblest intentions. Such are the Absians, and if Cais has
+acted unjustly towards you, it is you who first set him the example some
+days ago."
+
+When Haml finished these verses, the chiefs of the different tribes
+thanked him, and Hadifah having consented to accept the compensation
+offered, all the Arabs renounced violence and war. All who carried arms
+remained at home. Cais sent to Hadifah two hundred camels, six
+men-slaves, ten women-slaves, and ten horses. Thus peace was
+reestablished and every one rested in tranquillity throughout the land.
+
+
+
+
+SELECTIONS FROM ARABIAN POETRY
+
+[_Translation by J.D. Carlyle_]
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+The essential qualities of Arabian poetry appear in the "Romance of
+Antar," and the tales of the "Thousand and One Nights." For such a
+blending of prose and verse is the favorite form of Arabian literature
+in its highest and severest form, even in the drama. But the character
+of the people is most clearly shown in the lyrical poems of the Bedouin
+country. The pastoral poetry of the peninsula is so local in its
+allusions that it cannot adequately be translated into English. It is in
+the lyrics that we find that "touch of nature which makes the whole
+world kin." The gorgeousness of Hindoo literature, with its lavish
+description of jewelry and gold, precious stones and marbles, hideous
+demons, and mighty gods, is not to be looked for in Arabia. There the
+horizon is clear, and the plain has nothing but human occupants. The
+common passions of men are the only powers at work; love, war, sorrow,
+and wine, are the subjects of these little songs, some of which might
+have been written by "Anacreon" Moore, and others by Catullus. The
+influence of Greek poetry is indeed manifest in these light and
+sometimes frivolous effusions. The sweetness and grace which distinguish
+some are only equalled by the wit of others. For wit is the prevailing
+characteristic of Arabian poetry, which is attractive for its
+cleverness, its brightness, the alternate smiles and tears which shine
+through it, and make the present selections so refreshing and
+interesting a revelation of the national heart and intellect.
+
+I use the word refreshing, because some of the imagery of these lyrics
+is new to me, and quite unparalleled in European literature. What can
+be more novel, and at the same time more charming than the following
+simile, with which a short elegy concludes:--
+
+  "But though in dust thy relics lie,
+  Thy virtues, Mano, ne'er shall die;
+  Though Nile's full stream be seen no more,
+  That spread his waves from shore to shore,
+  Still in the verdure of the plain
+  His vivifying smiles remain."
+
+The praise of a humble lot has been sung from Háfiz to Horace, but
+never illustrated by a prettier conceit than the Arabic poet has
+recourse to in this stanza:--
+
+  "Not always wealth, not always force
+    A splendid destiny commands;
+  The lordly vulture gnaws the corse
+    That rots upon yon barren sands.
+
+  "Nor want nor weakness still conspires
+    To bind us to a sordid state;
+  The fly that with a touch expires,
+    Sips honey from the royal plate."
+
+This is undoubtedly a very original way of stating the philosophic axiom
+of the Augustan poet,
+
+  "The lord of boundless revenues,
+  Do not salute as happy."
+
+I have spoken of the wit of these verses, which is certainly one of
+their distinguishing qualities. It is quite Attic in its flavor and
+exquisitely delicate in its combined good-humor and freedom from rancor.
+An epigram, according to the old definition, should be like a bee; it
+should carry the sweetness of honey, although it bears a sting at the
+end. Sometimes the end has a point which does not sting, as in the
+following quatrain of an Arabic poet:--
+
+  "When I sent you my melons, you cried out with scorn,
+    They ought to be heavy and wrinkled and yellow;
+  When I offered myself, whom those graces adorn,
+    You flouted, and called me an ugly old fellow."
+
+Martial himself could not have excelled the wit of an epigram addressed
+to a very little man who wore a very big beard, which thus concludes:--
+
+  "Surely thou cherishest thy beard
+  In hope to hide thyself behind it."
+
+To study a literature like that of the Arabians, even partially and in a
+translation, is one of those experiences which enlarge and stimulate the
+mind and expand its range of impressions with a distinctly elevating and
+liberalizing effect. It has the result of genuine education, in that it
+increases our capacity for sympathy for other peoples, making us better
+acquainted with the language in which they reveal that common human
+heart which they share with us.
+
+E.W.
+
+
+
+
+AN ELEGY[1]
+
+  Those dear abodes which once contain'd the fair,
+    Amidst Mitata's wilds I seek in vain,
+  Nor towers, nor tents, nor cottages are there,
+    But scatter'd ruins and a silent plain.
+
+  The proud canals that once Rayana grac'd,
+    Their course neglected and their waters gone,
+  Among the level'd sands are dimly trac'd,
+    Like moss-grown letters on a mouldering stone.
+
+  Rayana say, how many a tedious year
+    Its hallow'd circle o'er our heads hath roll'd,
+  Since to my vows thy tender maids gave ear,
+    And fondly listened to the tale I told?
+
+  How oft, since then, the star of spring, that pours
+    A never-failing stream, hath drenched thy head?
+  How oft, the summer cloud in copious showers
+    Or gentle drops its genial influence shed?
+
+  How oft since then, the hovering mist of morn
+    Hath caus'd thy locks with glittering gems to glow?
+  How oft hath eve her dewy treasures borne
+    To fall responsive to the breeze below?
+
+  The matted thistles, bending to the gale,
+    Now clothe those meadows once with verdure gay;
+  Amidst the windings of that lonely vale
+    The teeming antelope and ostrich stray.
+
+  The large-eyed mother of the herd that flies
+    Man's noisy haunts, here finds a sure retreat,
+  Here watches o'er her young, till age supplies
+    Strength to their limbs and swiftness to their feet.
+
+  Save where the swelling stream hath swept those walls
+    And giv'n their deep foundations to the light
+  (As the retouching pencil that recalls
+    A long-lost picture to the raptur'd sight).
+
+  Save where the rains have wash'd the gathered sand
+    And bared the scanty fragments to our view,
+  (As the dust sprinkled on a punctur'd hand
+    Bids the faint tints resume their azure hue).
+
+  No mossy record of those once lov'd seats
+    Points out the mansion to inquiring eyes;
+  No tottering wall, in echoing sounds, repeats
+    Our mournful questions and our bursting sighs.
+
+  Yet, midst those ruin'd heaps, that naked plain,
+    Can faithful memory former scenes restore,
+  Recall the busy throng, the jocund train,
+    And picture all that charm'd us there before.
+
+  Ne'e shall my heart the fatal morn forget
+    That bore the fair ones from these seats so dear--
+  I see, I see the crowding litters yet,
+    And yet the tent-poles rattle in my ear.
+
+  I see the maids with timid steps descend,
+    The streamers wave in all their painted pride,
+  The floating curtains every fold extend,
+    And vainly strive the charms within to hide.
+
+  What graceful forms those envious folds enclose!
+    What melting glances thro' those curtains play!
+  Sure Weira's antelopes, or Tudah's roes
+    Thro' yonder veils their sportive young survey!
+
+  The band mov'd on--to trace their steps I strove,
+    I saw them urge the camel's hastening flight,
+  Till the white vapor, like a rising grove,
+    Snatch'd them forever from my aching sight.
+
+  Nor since that morn have I Nawara seen,
+    The bands are burst which held us once so fast,
+  Memory but tells me that such things have been,
+    And sad Reflection adds, that they are past.
+
+_Lebid Ben Rabiat Alamary_.
+
+ [1] The author of this poem was a native of Yemen. He was contemporary
+     with Mohammed and was already celebrated as a poet when the prophet
+     began to promulgate his doctrines. Lebid embraced Islamism and was
+     one of the most aggressive helpers in its establishment. He fixed
+     his abode in the city of Cufa, where he died at a very advanced age.
+     This elegy, as is evident, was written previous to Lebid's conversion
+     to Islamism. Its subject is one that must be ever interesting to
+     the feeling mind--the return of a person after a long absence to
+     the place of his birth--in fact it is the Arabian "Deserted Village."
+
+
+THE TOMB OF MANO
+
+  Friends of my heart, who share my sighs!
+  Go seek the turf where Mano lies,
+  And woo the dewy clouds of spring,
+  To sweep it with prolific wing.
+
+  Within that cell, beneath that heap,
+  Friendship and Truth and Honor sleep,
+  Beneficence, that used to clasp
+  The world within her ample grasp.
+
+  There rests entomb'd--of thought bereft--
+  For were one conscious atom left
+  New bliss, new kindness to display,
+  'Twould burst the grave, and seek the day.
+
+  But tho' in dust thy relics lie,
+  Thy virtues, Mano, ne'er shall die;
+  Tho' Nile's full stream be seen no more,
+  That spread his waves from shore to shore,
+  Still in the verdure of the plain
+  His vivifying smiles remain.
+
+_Hassan Alasady_.
+
+
+TOMB OF SAYID[2]
+
+  Blest are the tenants of the tomb!
+    With envy I their lot survey!
+  For Sayid shares the solemn gloom,
+    And mingles with their mouldering clay.
+
+  Dear youth! I'm doom'd thy loss to mourn
+    When gathering ills around combine;
+  And whither now shall Malec turn,
+    Where look for any help but thine?
+
+  At this dread moment when the foe
+    My life with rage insatiate seeks,
+  In vain I strive to ward the blow,
+    My buckler falls, my sabre breaks.
+
+  Upon thy grassy tomb I knelt,
+    And sought from pain a short relief--
+  Th' attempt was vain--I only felt
+    Intenser pangs and livelier grief.
+
+  The bud of woe no more represt,
+    Fed by the tears that drench'd it there,
+  Shot forth and fill'd my laboring breast
+    Soon to expand and shed despair.
+
+  But tho' of Sayid I'm bereft,
+    From whom the stream of bounty came,
+  Sayid a nobler meed has left--
+    Th' exhaustless heritage of fame.
+
+  Tho' mute the lips on which I hung,
+    Their silence speaks more loud to me
+  Than any voice from mortal tongue,
+    "What Sayid was let Malec be."
+
+_Abd Almalec Alharithy_.
+
+ [2] Abd Almalec was a native of Arabia Felix. The exact period when
+     he flourished is unknown, but as this production is taken from the
+     Hamasa it is most probable that he was anterior to Mohammedanism.
+
+
+THE DEATH OF HIS MISTRESS[3]
+
+  Dost thou wonder that I flew
+  Charm'd to meet my Leila's view?
+  Dost thou wonder that I hung
+  Raptur'd on my Leila's tongue?
+  If her ghost's funereal screech
+  Thro' the earth my grave should reach,
+  On that voice I lov'd so well
+  My transported ghost would dwell:--
+  If in death I can descry
+  Where my Leila's relics lie,
+  Saher's dust will flee away,
+  There to join his Leila's clay.
+
+_Abu Saher Alhedily_.
+
+ [3] The sentiment contained in this production determines its
+     antiquity. It was the opinion of the Pagan Arabs that upon the
+     death of any person a bird, by them called Manah, issued from his
+     brain, which haunted the sepulchre of the deceased, uttering a
+     lamentable scream.
+
+
+ON AVARICE[4]
+
+  How frail are riches and their joys?
+  Morn builds the heap which eve destroys;
+  Yet can they have one sure delight--
+  The thought that we've employed them right.
+
+  What bliss can wealth afford to me
+  When life's last solemn hour I see,
+  When Mavia's sympathizing sighs
+  Will but augment my agonies?
+
+  Can hoarded gold dispel the gloom
+  That death must shed around his tomb?
+  Or cheer the ghost which hovers there,
+  And fills with shrieks the desert air?
+
+  What boots it, Mavia, in the grave,
+  Whether I lov'd to waste or save?
+  The hand that millions now can grasp,
+  In death no more than mine shall clasp.
+
+  Were I ambitious to behold
+  Increasing stores of treasured gold,
+  Each tribe that roves the desert knows
+  I might be wealthy if I chose:--
+
+  But other joys can gold impart,
+  Far other wishes warm my heart--
+  Ne'er may I strive to swell the heap,
+  Till want and woe have ceas'd to weep.
+
+  With brow unalter'd I can see
+  The hour of wealth or poverty:
+  I've drunk from both the cups of fate,
+  Nor this could sink, nor that elate.
+
+  With fortune blest, I ne'er was found
+  To look with scorn on those around;
+  Nor for the loss of paltry ore,
+  Shall Hatem seem to Hatem poor.
+
+_Hatem Tai_.
+
+ [4] Hatem Tai was an Arabian chief, who lived a short time prior to
+     the promulgation of Mohammedanism. He has been so much celebrated
+     through the East for his generosity that even to this day the
+     greatest encomium which can be given to a generous man is to say
+     that he is as liberal as Hatem. Hatem was also a poet; but his
+     talents were principally exerted in recommending his favorite
+     virtue.
+
+
+THE BATTLE OF SABLA[5]
+
+  Sabla, them saw'st th' exulting foe
+    In fancied triumphs crown'd;
+  Thou heard'st their frantic females throw
+    These galling taunts around:--
+
+  "Make now your choice--the terms we give,
+    Desponding victims, hear;
+  These fetters on your hands receive,
+    Or in your hearts the spear."
+
+  "And is the conflict o'er," we cried,
+    "And lie we at your feet?
+  And dare you vauntingly decide
+    The fortune we must meet?
+
+  "A brighter day we soon shall see,
+    Tho' now the prospect lowers,
+  And conquest, peace, and liberty
+    Shall gild our future hours."
+
+  The foe advanc'd:--in firm array
+    We rush'd o'er Sabla's sands,
+  And the red sabre mark'd our way
+    Amidst their yielding bands.
+
+  Then, as they writh'd in death's cold grasp,
+    We cried, "Our choice is made,
+  These hands the sabre's hilt shall clasp,
+    Your hearts shall have the blade."
+
+_Jaafer Ben Alba_.
+
+ [5] This poem and the one following it are both taken from the Hamasa
+     and afford curious instances of the animosity which prevailed
+     amongst the several Arabian clans, and of the rancor with which
+     they pursued each other, when once at variance.
+
+
+VERSES TO MY ENEMIES
+
+  Why thus to passion give the rein?
+    Why seek your kindred tribe to wrong?
+  Why strive to drag to light again
+    The fatal feud entomb'd so long?
+
+  Think not, if fury ye display,
+    But equal fury we can deal;
+  Hope not, if wrong'd, but we repay
+    Revenge for every wrong we feel.
+
+  Why thus to passion give the rein?
+    Why seek the robe of peace to tear?
+  Rash youths desist, your course restrain,
+    Or dread the wrath ye blindly dare.
+
+  Yet friendship we not ask from foes,
+    Nor favor hope from you to prove,
+  We lov'd you not, great Allah knows,
+    Nor blam'd you that ye could not love.
+
+  To each are different feelings given,
+    This slights, and that regards his brother;
+  'Tis ours to live--thanks to kind heav'n--
+    Hating and hated by each other.
+
+_Alfadhel Ibn Alabas_.
+
+
+ON HIS FRIENDS[6]
+
+  With conscious pride I view the band
+  Of faithful friends that round me stand,
+  With pride exult that I alone
+  Can join these scatter'd gems in one:--
+  For they're a wreath of pearls, and I
+  The silken cord on which they lie.
+
+  'Tis mine their inmost souls to see,
+  Unlock'd is every heart to me,
+  To me they cling, on me they rest,
+  And I've a place in every breast:--
+  For they're a wreath of pearls, and I
+  The silken cord on which they lie.
+
+_Meskin Aldaramy_.
+
+ [6] These lines are also from the Hamasa.
+
+
+ON TEMPER[7]
+
+  Yes, Leila, I swore by the fire of thine eyes,
+    I ne'er could a sweetness unvaried endure;
+  The bubbles of spirit, that sparkling arise,
+    Forbid life to stagnate and render it pure.
+
+  But yet, my dear maid, tho' thy spirit's my pride,
+    I'd wish for some sweetness to temper the bowl;
+  If life be ne'er suffer'd to rest or subside,
+    It may not be flat, but I fear 'twill be foul.
+
+_Nabegat Beni Jaid_.
+
+ [7] There have been several Arabian poets of the name of Nabegat. The
+     author of these verses was descended from the family of Jaid. As
+     he died in the fortieth year of the Hegira, aged one hundred and
+     twenty, he must have been fourscore at the promulgation of Islamism;
+     he, however, declared himself an early convert to the new faith.
+
+
+THE SONG OF MAISUNA[8]
+
+  The russet suit of camel's hair,
+    With spirits light, and eye serene,
+  Is dearer to my bosom far
+    Than all the trappings of a queen.
+
+  The humble tent and murmuring breeze
+    That whistles thro' its fluttering wall,
+  My unaspiring fancy please
+    Better than towers and splendid halls.
+
+  Th' attendant colts that bounding fly
+    And frolic by the litter's side,
+  Are dearer in Maisuna's eye
+    Than gorgeous mules in all their pride.
+
+  The watch-dog's voice that bays whene'er
+    A stranger seeks his master's cot,
+  Sounds sweeter in Maisuna's ear
+    Than yonder trumpet's long-drawn note.
+
+  The rustic youth unspoilt by art,
+    Son of my kindred, poor but free,
+  Will ever to Maisuna's heart
+    Be dearer, pamper'd fool, than thee.
+
+ [8] Maisuma was a daughter of the tribe of Calab; a tribe, according
+     to Abulfeda, remarkable both for the purity of dialect spoken in
+     it, and for the number of poets it had produced. She was married,
+     whilst very young, to the Caliph Mowiah. But this exalted situation
+     by no means suited the disposition of Maisuna, and amidst all the
+     pomp and splendor of Damascus, she languished for the simple
+     pleasures of her native desert.
+
+
+TO MY FATHER[9]
+
+  Must then my failings from the shaft
+    Of anger ne'er escape?
+  And dost thou storm because I've quaff'd
+    The water of the grape?
+
+  That I can thus from wine be driv'n
+    Thou surely ne'er canst think--
+  Another reason thou hast giv'n
+    Why I resolve to drink.
+
+  'Twas sweet the flowing cup to seize,
+    'Tis sweet thy rage to see;
+  And first I drink myself to please;
+    And next--to anger thee.
+
+_Yezid_.
+
+ [9] Yezid succeeded Mowiah in the Caliphate A.H. 60; and in most
+     respects showed himself to be of a very different disposition from
+     his predecessor. He was naturally cruel, avaricious, and debauched;
+     but instead of concealing his vices from the eyes of his subjects,
+     he seemed to make a parade of those actions which he knew no good
+     Mussulman could look upon without horror; he drank wine in public,
+     he caressed his dogs, and was waited upon by his eunuchs in sight
+     of the whole court.
+
+
+ON FATALISM[10]
+
+  Not always wealth, not always force
+    A splendid destiny commands;
+  The lordly vulture gnaws the corse
+    That rots upon yon barren sands.
+
+  Nor want, nor weakness still conspires
+    To bind us to a sordid state;
+  The fly that with a touch expires
+    Sips honey from the royal plate.
+
+_Imam Shafay Mohammed Ben Idris_.
+
+[10] Shafay, the founder of one of the four orthodox sects into
+     which the Mohammedans are divided, was a disciple of Malek Ben
+     Ans, and master to Ahmed Ebn Hanbal; each of whom, like himself,
+     founded a sect which is still denominated from the name of its
+     author. The fourth sect is that of Abou Hanifah. This differs
+     in tenets considerably from the three others, for whilst the
+     Malekites, the Shafaites, and the Hanbalites are invariably
+     bigoted to tradition in their interpretations of the Koran, the
+     Hanifites consider themselves as at liberty in any difficulty to
+     make use of their own reason.
+
+
+TO THE CALIPH HARUN-AL-RASHID[11]
+
+  Religion's gems can ne'er adorn
+  The flimsy robe by pleasure worn;
+  Its feeble texture soon would tear,
+  And give those jewels to the air.
+
+  Thrice happy they who seek th' abode
+  Of peace and pleasure, in their God!
+  Who spurn the world, its joys despise,
+  And grasp at bliss beyond the skies.
+
+_Ibrahim Ben Adham_.
+
+[11] The author of this poem was a hermit of Syria, equally celebrated
+     for his talents and piety. He was son to a prince of Khorasan, and
+     born about the ninety-seventh year of the Hegira. This poem was
+     addressed to the Caliph upon his undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca.
+
+
+LINES TO HARUN AND YAHIA[12]
+
+  Th' affrighted sun ere while he fled,
+  And hid his radiant face in night;
+  A cheerless gloom the world overspread--
+  But Harun came, and all was bright.
+
+  Again the sun shoots forth his rays,
+  Nature is deck'd in beauty's robe--
+  For mighty Harun's sceptre sways,
+  And Yahia's arm sustains the globe.
+
+_Isaac Almousely_.
+
+[12] Isaac Almousely is considered by the Orientals as the most
+     celebrated musician that ever flourished in the world. He was born
+     in Persia, but having resided almost entirely at Mousel, he is
+     generally supposed to have been a native of that place.
+
+
+THE RUIN OF BARMECIDES[13]
+
+  No, Barmec! Time hath never shown
+    So sad a change of wayward fate;
+  Nor sorrowing mortals ever known
+    A grief so true, a loss so great.
+
+  Spouse of the world! Thy soothing breast
+    Did balm to every woe afford;
+  And now no more by thee caress'd,
+    The widow'd world bewails her Lord.
+
+[13] The family of Barmec was one of the most illustrious in the
+     East. They were descended from the ancient kings of Persia, and
+     possessed immense property in various countries; they derived still
+     more consequence from the favor which they enjoyed at the court of
+     Bagdad, where, for many years, they filled the highest offices of
+     the state with universal approbation.
+
+
+TO TAHER BEN HOSIEN[14]
+
+  A pair of right hands and a single dim eye
+  Must form not a man, but a monster, they cry:--
+  Change a hand to an eye, good Taher, if you can,
+  And a monster perhaps may be chang'd to man.
+
+[14] Taher Ben Hosien was ambidexter and one-eyed and, strange to say,
+     the most celebrated general of his time.
+
+
+THE ADIEU[15]
+
+  The boatmen shout, "Tis time to part,
+    No longer we can stay"--
+  'Twas then Maimnna taught my heart
+    How much a glance could say.
+
+  With trembling steps to me she came;
+    "Farewell," she would have cried,
+  But ere her lips the word could frame
+    In half-form'd sounds it died.
+
+  Then bending down with looks of love,
+    Her arms she round me flung,
+  And, as the gale hangs on the grove,
+    Upon my breast she hung.
+
+  My willing arms embraced the maid,
+    My heart with raptures beat;
+  While she but wept the more and said,
+    "Would we had never met!"
+
+_Abou Mohammed_.
+
+[15] This was sung before the Caliph Wathek, by Abou Mohammed, a
+     musician of Bagdad, as a specimen of his musical talents; and such
+     were its effects upon the Caliph, that he immediately testified his
+     approbation of the performance by throwing his own robe over the
+     shoulders of Abou Mohammed, and ordering him a present of an hundred
+     thousand dirhems.
+
+
+TO MY MISTRESS[16]
+
+  Ungenerous and mistaken maid,
+    To scorn me thus because I'm poor!
+  Canst thou a liberal hand upbraid
+    For dealing round some worthless ore?
+
+  To spare's the wish of little souls,
+    The great but gather to bestow;
+  Yon current down the mountain rolls,
+    And stagnates in the swamp below.
+
+_Abou Teman Habib_.
+
+[16] Abou Teman is considered the most excellent of all the Arabian
+     poets. He was born near Damascus A.H. 190, and educated in Egypt;
+     but the principal part of his life was spent at Bagdad, under the
+     patronage of the Abasside Caliphs.
+
+
+TO A FEMALE CUP-BEARER[17]
+
+  Come, Leila, fill the goblet up,
+    Reach round the rosy wine,
+  Think not that we will take the cup
+    From any hand but thine.
+
+  A draught like this 'twere vain to seek,
+    No grape can such supply;
+  It steals its tint from Leila's cheek,
+    Its brightness from her eye.
+
+_Abd Alsalam Ben Ragban_.
+
+[17] Abd Alsalam was a poet more remarkable for abilities than morality.
+     We may form an idea of the nature of his compositions from the
+     nickname he acquired amongst his contemporaries of Cock of the
+     Evil Genii. He died in the 236th year of the Hegira, aged near
+     eighty.
+
+
+MASHDUD ON THE MONKS OF KHABBET[18]
+
+  Tenants of yon hallow'd fane!
+    Let me your devotions share,
+  There increasing raptures reign--
+    None are ever sober there.
+
+  Crowded gardens, festive bowers
+    Ne'er shall claim a thought of mine;
+  You can give in Khabbet's towers--
+    Purer joys and brighter wine.
+
+  Tho' your pallid faces prove
+    How you nightly vigils keep,
+  'Tis but that you ever love
+    Flowing goblets more than sleep.
+
+  Tho' your eye-balls dim and sunk
+    Stream in penitential guise,
+  'Tis but that the wine you've drunk
+    Bubbles over from your eyes.
+
+[18] The three following songs were written by Mashdud, Rakeek, and
+     Rais, three of the most celebrated improvisators in Bagdad, at an
+     entertainment given by Abou Isy.
+
+
+RAKEEK TO HIS FEMALE COMPANIONS
+
+  Tho' the peevish tongues upbraid,
+    Tho' the brows of wisdom scowl,
+  Fair ones here on roses laid,
+    Careless will we quaff the bowl.
+
+  Let the cup, with nectar crown'd,
+    Thro' the grove its beams display,
+  It can shed a lustre round,
+    Brighter than the torch of day.
+
+  Let it pass from hand to hand,
+    Circling still with ceaseless flight,
+  Till the streaks of gray expand
+    O'er the fleeting robe of night.
+
+  As night flits, she does but cry,
+    "Seize the moments that remain"--
+  Thus our joys with yours shall vie,
+    Tenants of yon hallow'd fane!
+
+
+DIALOGUE BY RAIS
+
+  _Rais_:
+
+  Maid of sorrow, tell us why
+    Sad and drooping hangs thy head?
+  Is it grief that bids thee sigh?
+    Is it sleep that flies thy bed?
+
+  _Lady_:
+
+  Ah! I mourn no fancied wound,
+    Pangs too true this heart have wrung,
+  Since the snakes which curl around
+    Selim's brows my bosom stung.
+
+  Destin'd now to keener woes,
+    I must see the youth depart,
+  He must go, and as he goes
+    Rend at once my bursting heart.
+
+  Slumber may desert my bed,
+    Tis not slumber's charms I seek--
+  'Tis the robe of beauty spread
+    O'er my Selim's rosy cheek.
+
+
+TO A LADY WEEPING[19]
+
+  When I beheld thy blue eyes shine
+    Thro' the bright drop that pity drew,
+  I saw beneath those tears of thine
+    A blue-ey'd violet bath'd in dew.
+
+  The violet ever scents the gale,
+    Its hues adorn the fairest wreath,
+  But sweetest thro' a dewy veil
+    Its colors glow, its odors breathe.
+
+  And thus thy charms in brightness rise--
+    When wit and pleasure round thee play,
+  When mirth sits smiling in thine eyes,
+    Who but admires their sprightly ray?
+  But when thro' pity's flood they gleam,
+    Who but must love their soften'd beam?
+
+_Ebn Alrumi_.
+
+[19] Ebn Alrumi is reckoned by the Arabian writers as one of the most
+     excellent of all their poets. He was by birth a Syrian, and passed
+     the greatest part of his time at Emessa, where he died A.H. 283.
+
+
+ON A VALETUDINARIAN
+
+  So careful is Isa, and anxious to last,
+    So afraid of himself is he grown,
+  He swears thro' two nostrils the breath goes too fast,
+    And he's trying to breathe thro' but one.
+
+_Ebn Alrumi_.
+
+
+ON A MISER
+
+  "Hang her, a thoughtless, wasteful fool,
+    She scatters corn where'er she goes"--
+  Quoth Hassan, angry at his mule,
+    That dropt a dinner to the crows.
+
+_Ebn Alrumi_.
+
+
+TO CASSIM OBIO ALLAH[20]
+
+  Poor Cassim! thou art doom'd to mourn
+      By destiny's decree;
+  Whatever happens it must turn
+      To misery for thee.
+
+  Two sons hadst thou, the one thy pride,
+      The other was thy pest;
+  Ah, why did cruel death decide
+      To snatch away the best?
+
+  No wonder thou shouldst droop with woe,
+      Of such a child bereft;
+  But now thy tears must doubly flow,
+      For, ah! the other's left.
+
+_Aly Ben Ahmed Ben Mansour_.
+
+[20] Aly Ben Ahmed distinguished himself in prose as well as poetry,
+     and an historical work of considerable reputation, of which he was
+     the author, is still extant. But he principally excelled in satire,
+     and so fond was he of indulging this dangerous talent that no one
+     escaped his lash; if he could only bring out a sarcasm, it was
+     matter of indifference to him whether an enemy or a brother smarted
+     under its severity. He died at Bagdad A.H. 302.
+
+
+A FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY[21]
+
+  When born, in tears we saw thee drown'd,
+  While thine assembled friends around,
+    With smiles their joy confest;
+  So live, that at thy parting hour,
+  They may the flood of sorrow pour,
+    And thou in smiles be drest!
+
+[21] The thought contained in these lines, appears so natural and so
+     obvious, that one wonders it did not occur to all who have attempted
+     to write upon a birthday or a death.
+
+
+TO A CAT
+
+  Poor Puss is gone! 'Tis fate's decree--
+    Yet I must still her loss deplore,
+  For dearer than a child was she,
+    And ne'er shall I behold her more.
+
+  With many a sad presaging tear
+    This morn I saw her steal away,
+  While she went on without a fear
+    Except that she should miss her prey.
+
+  I saw her to the dove-house climb,
+    With cautious feet and slow she stept
+  Resolv'd to balance loss of time
+    By eating faster than she crept.
+
+  Her subtle foes were on the watch,
+    And mark'd her course, with fury fraught,
+  And while she hoped the birds to catch,
+    An arrow's point the huntress caught.
+
+  In fancy she had got them all,
+    And drunk their blood and suck'd their breath;
+  Alas! she only got a fall,
+    And only drank the draught of death.
+
+  Why, why was pigeons' flesh so nice,
+    That thoughtless cats should love it thus?
+  Hadst thou but liv'd on rats and mice,
+    Thou hadst been living still, poor Puss.
+
+  Curst be the taste, howe'er refined,
+    That prompts us for such joys to wish,
+  And curst the dainty where we find
+    Destruction lurking in the dish.
+
+_Ibn Alalaf Alnaharwany_.
+
+
+AN EPIGRAM UPON EBN NAPHTA-WAH[22]
+
+  By the former with ruin and death we are curst,
+  In the latter we grieve for the ills of the first;
+  And as for the whole, where together they meet,
+  It's a drunkard, a liar, a thief, and a cheat.
+
+_Mohammed Ben Zeid Almotakalam_.
+
+[22] Mohammed Ben Arfa, here called Naphta-Wah, was descended from a
+     noble family in Khorasan. He applied himself to study with
+     indefatigable perseverance, and was a very voluminous author in
+     several branches of literature, but he is chiefly distinguished as
+     a grammarian. He died in the year of the Hegira 323.
+
+
+FIRE[23]
+
+_A Riddle_.
+
+  The loftiest cedars I can eat,
+    Yet neither paunch nor mouth have I,
+  I storm whene'er you give me meat,
+    Whene'er you give me drink, I die.
+
+[23] This composition seems a fit supplement to the preceding one;
+     notwithstanding its absurdity, however. It is inserted merely to
+     show that this mode of trifling was not unknown to the Orientals.
+     It is taken from the Mostatraf, where a great number of similar
+     productions on various subjects are preserved.
+
+
+TO A LADY BLUSHING[24]
+
+  Leila, whene'er I gaze on thee
+    My altered cheek turns pale,
+  While upon thine, sweet maid, I see
+    A deep'ning blush prevail.
+
+  Leila, shall I the cause impart
+    Why such a change takes place?
+  The crimson stream deserts my heart,
+    To mantle on thy face.
+
+_The Caliph Radhi Billah_.
+
+[24] Radhi Billah, son to Moctader, was the twentieth Caliph of the
+     house of Abbas, and the last of these princes who possessed any
+     substantial power.
+
+
+ON THE VICISSITUDES OF LIFE
+
+  Mortal joys, however pure,
+    Soon their turbid source betray;
+  Mortal bliss, however sure,
+    Soon must totter and decay.
+
+  Ye who now, with footsteps keen,
+    Range through hope's delusive field,
+  Tell us what the smiling scene
+    To your ardent grasp can yield?
+
+  Other youths have oft before
+    Deem'd their joys would never fade,
+  Till themselves were seen no more
+    Swept into oblivion's shade.
+
+  Who, with health and pleasure gay,
+    E'er his fragile state could know,
+  Were not age and pain to say
+    Man is but the child of woe?
+
+_The Caliph Radhi Billah_.
+
+
+TO A DOVE
+
+  The Dove to ease an aching breast,
+    In piteous murmurs vents her cares;
+  Like me she sorrows, for opprest,
+    Like me, a load of grief she bears.
+
+  Her plaints are heard in every wood,
+    While I would fain conceal my woes;
+  But vain's my wish, the briny flood,
+    The more I strive, the faster flows.
+
+  Sure, gentle Bird, my drooping heart
+    Divides the pangs of love with thine,
+  And plaintive murm'rings are thy part,
+    And silent grief and tears are mine.
+
+_Serage Alwarak_.
+
+
+ON A THUNDER STORM
+
+  Bright smil'd the morn, till o'er its head
+  The clouds in thicken'd foldings spread
+      A robe of sable hue;
+  Then, gathering round day's golden king,
+  They stretch'd their wide o'ershadowing wing,
+      And hid him from our view.
+
+  The rain his absent beams deplor'd,
+  And, soften'd into weeping, pour'd
+      Its tears in many a flood;
+  The lightning laughed with horrid glare;
+  The thunder growl'd, in rage; the air
+      In silent sorrow stood.
+
+_Ibrahim Ben Khiret Abou Isaac_.
+
+
+TO MY FAVORITE MISTRESS
+
+  I saw their jealous eyeballs roll,
+    I saw them mark each glance of mine,
+  I saw thy terrors, and my soul
+    Shar'd ev'ry pang that tortur'd thine.
+
+  In vain to wean my constant heart,
+    Or quench my glowing flame, they strove;
+  Each deep-laid scheme, each envious art,
+    But wak'd my fears for her I love.
+
+  'Twas this compelled the stern decree,
+    That forc'd thee to those distant towers,
+  And left me nought but love for thee,
+    To cheer my solitary hours.
+
+  Yet let not Abla sink deprest,
+    Nor separation's pangs deplore;
+  We meet not--'tis to meet more blest;
+    We parted--'tis to part no more.
+
+_Saif Addaulet, Sultan of Aleppe_.
+
+
+CRUCIFIXION OF EBN BAKIAH[25]
+
+  Whatever thy fate, in life and death,
+    Thou'rt doom'd above us still to rise,
+  Whilst at a distance far beneath
+    We view thee with admiring eyes.
+
+  The gazing crowds still round thee throng,
+    Still to thy well-known voice repair,
+  As when erewhile thy hallow'd tongue
+    Pour'd in the Mosque the solemn prayer.
+
+  Still, generous Vizir, we survey
+    Thine arms extended o'er our head,
+  As lately, in the festive day,
+    When they were stretch'd thy gifts to shed.
+
+  Earth's narrow boundaries strove in vain
+    To limit thy aspiring mind,
+  And now we see thy dust disdain
+    Within her breast to be confin'd.
+
+  The earth's too small for one so great,
+    Another mansion thou shalt have--
+  The clouds shall be thy winding sheet,
+    The spacious vault of heaven thy grave.
+
+_Abou Hassan Alanbary_.
+
+[25] Ebn Bakiah was vizir to Azzad Addaulet or Bachteir, Emir Alomra
+     of Bagdad, under the Caliphs Moti Lillah and Tay Lillah; but Azzad
+     Addaulet being deprived of his office, and driven from Bagdad by
+     Adhed Addaulet, Sultan of Persia, Ebn Bakiah was seized and
+     crucified at the gates of the city, by order of the conqueror.
+
+
+CAPRICES OF FORTUNE[26]
+
+  Why should I blush that Fortune's frown
+    Dooms me life's humble paths to tread?
+  To live unheeded, and unknown?
+    To sink forgotten to the dead?
+
+  'Tis not the good, the wise, the brave,
+    That surest shine, or highest rise;
+  The feather sports upon the wave,
+    The pearl in ocean's cavern lies.
+
+  Each lesser star that studs the sphere
+    Sparkles with undiminish'd light:
+  Dark and eclips'd alone appear
+    The lord of day, the queen of night.
+
+_Shems Almaali Cabus_.
+
+[26] History can show few princes so amiable and few so unfortunate
+     as Shems Almaali Cabus. He is described as possessed of almost every
+     virtue and every accomplishment: his piety, justice, generosity, and
+     humanity, are universally celebrated; nor was he less conspicuous
+     for intellectual powers; his genius was at once penetrating, solid,
+     and brilliant, and he distinguished himself equally as an orator, a
+     philosopher, and a poet.
+
+
+ON LIFE
+
+  Like sheep, we're doom'd to travel o'er
+    The fated track to all assign'd,
+  These follow those that went before,
+    And leave the world to those behind.
+
+  As the flock seeks the pasturing shade,
+    Man presses to the future day,
+  While death, amidst the tufted glade,
+    Like the dun robber,[A] waits his prey.
+
+[A] The wolf.
+
+
+EXTEMPORE VERSES[27]
+
+  Lowering as Barkaidy's face
+    The wintry night came in,
+  Cold as the music of his bass,
+    And lengthen'd as his chin.
+
+  Sleep from my aching eyes had fled,
+    And kept as far apart,
+  As sense from Ebn Fahdi's head,
+    Or virtue from his heart.
+
+  The dubious paths my footsteps balk'd,
+    I slipp'd along the sod,
+  As if on Jaber's faith I'd walk'd,
+    Or on his truth had trod.
+
+  At length the rising King of day
+    Burst on the gloomy wood,
+  Like Carawash's eye, whose ray
+    Dispenses every good.
+
+_Ebn Alramacram_.
+
+[27] The occasion of the following composition is thus related by
+     Abulfeda. Carawash, Sultan of Mousel, being one wintry evening
+     engaged in a party of pleasure along with Barkaidy, Ebn Fahdi, Abou
+     Jaber, and the improvisatore poet, Ebn Alramacram, resolved to
+     divert himself at the expense of his companions. He therefore
+     ordered the poet to give a specimen of his talents, which at the
+     same time should convey a satire upon the three courtiers, and a
+     compliment to himself. Ebn Alramacram took his subject from the
+     stormy appearance of the night, and immediately produced these
+     verses.
+
+
+ON THE DEATH OF A SON[28]
+
+  Tyrant of man! Imperious Fate!
+    I bow before thy dread decree,
+  Nor hope in this uncertain state
+    To find a seat secure from thee.
+
+  Life is a dark, tumultuous stream,
+    With many a care and sorrow foul,
+  Yet thoughtless mortals vainly deem
+    That it can yield a limpid bowl.
+
+  Think not that stream will backward flow,
+    Or cease its destin'd course to keep;
+  As soon the blazing spark shall glow
+    Beneath the surface of the deep.
+
+  Believe not Fate at thy command
+    Will grant a meed she never gave;
+  As soon the airy tower shall stand,
+    That's built upon a passing wave.
+
+  Life is a sleep of threescore years,
+    Death bids us wake and hail the light,
+  And man, with all his hopes and fears,
+    Is but a phantom of the night.
+
+_Aly Ben Mohammed Altahmany_.
+
+[28] Aly Ben Mohammed was a native of that part of Arabia called Hejaz;
+     and was celebrated not only as a poet, but as a politician.
+
+
+TO LEILA
+
+  Leila, with too successful art,
+    Has spread for me love's cruel snare;
+  And now, when she has caught my heart,
+    She laughs, and leaves it to despair.
+
+  Thus the poor sparrow pants for breath,
+    Held captive by a playful boy,
+  And while it drinks the draught of death,
+    The thoughtless child looks on with joy.
+
+  Ah! were its flutt'ring pinions free,
+    Soon would it bid its chains adieu,
+  Or did the child its suff'rings see,
+    He'd pity and relieve them too.
+
+
+ON MODERATION IN OUR PLEASURES[29]
+
+  How oft does passion's grasp destroy
+    The pleasure that it strives to gain?
+  How soon the thoughtless course of joy
+    Is doom'd to terminate in pain?
+
+  When prudence would thy steps delay,
+    She but restrains to make thee blest;
+  Whate'er from joy she lops away,
+    But heightens and secures the rest.
+
+  Wouldst thou a trembling flame expand,
+    That hastens in the lamp to die?
+  With careful touch, with sparing hand,
+    The feeding stream of life supply.
+
+  But if thy flask profusely sheds
+    A rushing torrent o'er the blaze,
+  Swift round the sinking flame it spreads,
+    And kills the fire it fain would raise.
+
+_Abou Alcassim Ebn Tabataba_.
+
+[29] Tabataba deduced his pedigree from Ali Ben Abou Taleb, and Fatima,
+     the daughter of Mohammed. He was born at Ispahan, but passed the
+     principal part of his life in Egypt, where he was appointed chief
+     of the sheriffs, i.e. the descendants of the Prophet, a dignity
+     held in the highest veneration by every Mussulman. He died in the
+     year of the Hegira 418, with the reputation of being one of the
+     most excellent poets of his time.
+
+
+THE VALE OF BOZAA[30]
+
+  The intertwining boughs for thee
+    Have wove, sweet dell, a verdant vest,
+  And thou in turn shalt give to me
+    A verdant couch upon thy breast.
+
+  To shield me from day's fervid glare
+    Thine oaks their fostering arms extend,
+  As anxious o'er her infant care
+    I've seen a watchful mother bend.
+
+  A brighter cup, a sweeter draught,
+    I gather from that rill of thine,
+  Than maddening drunkards ever quaff'd,
+    Than all the treasures of the vine.
+
+  So smooth the pebbles on its shore,
+    That not a maid can thither stray,
+  But counts her strings of jewels o'er,
+    And thinks the pearls have slipp'd away.
+
+_Ahmed Ben Yousef Almenazy_.
+
+[30] Ben Yousef for many years acted as vizir to Abou Nasser, Sultan
+     of Diarbeker. His political talents are much praised, and he is
+     particularly celebrated for the address he displayed while upon
+     an embassy to the Greek Emperor at Constantinople. Yousef's
+     poetry must be looked upon merely as a jeu d'esprit suggested
+     by the beauties of the vale of Bozâa, as he passed through it.
+
+
+TO ADVERSITY[31]
+
+  Hail, chastening friend Adversity! 'Tis thine
+  The mental ore to temper and refine,
+  To cast in virtue's mould the yielding heart,
+  And honor's polish to the mind impart.
+  Without thy wakening touch, thy plastic aid,
+  I'd lain the shapeless mass that nature made;
+  But form'd, great artist, by thy magic hand,
+  I gleam a sword to conquer and command.
+
+_Abou Menbaa Carawash_.
+
+
+[31] The life of this prince was checkered with various adventures;
+     he was perpetually engaged in contests either with the neighboring
+     sovereigns, or the princes of his own family. After many struggles
+     he was obliged to submit to his brother, Abou Camel, who
+     immediately ordered him to be seized, and conveyed to a place
+     of security.
+
+
+ON THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF PRIDE AND TRUE GLORY[32]
+
+  Think not, Abdallah, pride and fame
+    Can ever travel hand in hand;
+  With breast oppos'd, and adverse aim,
+    On the same narrow path they stand.
+
+  Thus youth and age together meet,
+    And life's divided moments share;
+  This can't advance till that retreat,
+    What's here increas'd, is lessen'd there.
+
+  And thus the falling shades of night
+    Still struggle with the lucid ray,
+  And e'er they stretch their gloomy flight
+    Must win the lengthen'd space from day.
+
+_Abou Alola_.
+
+[32] Abou Alola is esteemed as one of the most excellent of the
+     Arabian poets. He was born blind, but this did not deter him from
+     the pursuit of literature. Abou Alola died at Maara in the year
+     449, aged eighty-six.
+
+
+THE DEATH OF NEDHAM ALMOLK
+
+  Thy virtues fam'd thro' every land,
+    Thy spotless life, in age and youth,
+  Prove thee a pearl, by nature's hand,
+    Form'd out of purity and truth.
+
+  Too long its beams of Orient light
+    Upon a thankless world were shed;
+  Allah has now reveng'd the slight,
+    And call'd it to its native bed.
+
+_Shebal Addaulet_.
+
+
+LINES TO A LOVER
+
+  When you told us our glances soft, timid and mild,
+    Could occasion such wounds in the heart,
+  Can ye wonder that yours, so ungovern'd and wild,
+    Some wounds to our cheeks should impart?
+
+  The wounds on our cheeks are but transient, I own,
+    With a blush they appear and decay;
+  But those on the heart, fickle youths, ye have shown
+    To be even more transient than they.
+
+_Waladata_.
+
+
+VERSES TO MY DAUGHTERS[33]
+
+  With jocund heart and cheerful brow
+    I used to hail the festal morn--
+  How must Mohammed greet it now?--
+    A prisoner helpless and forlorn.
+
+  While these dear maids in beauty's bloom,
+    With want opprest, with rags o'erspread,
+  By sordid labors at the loom
+    Must earn a poor, precarious bread.
+
+  Those feet that never touched the ground,
+    Till musk or camphor strew'd the way,
+  Now bare and swoll'n with many a wound.
+    Must struggle thro' the miry clay.
+
+  Those radiant cheeks are veil'd in woe,
+    A shower descends from every eye,
+  And not a starting tear can flow,
+    That wakes not an attending sigh.
+
+  Fortune, that whilom own'd my sway,
+    And bow'd obsequious to my nod,
+  Now sees me destin'd to obey,
+    And bend beneath oppression's rod.
+
+  Ye mortals with success elate,
+    Who bask in hope's delusive beam,
+  Attentive view Mohammed's fate,
+    And own that bliss is but a dream.
+
+_Mohammed Bed Abad_.
+
+[33] Seville was one of those small sovereignties into which Spain
+     had been divided after the extinction of the house of Ommiah. It
+     did not long retain its independence, and the only prince who ever
+     presided over it as a separate kingdom seems to have been Mohammed
+     Ben Abad, the author of these verses. For thirty-three years he
+     reigned over Seville and the neighboring districts with considerable
+     reputation, but being attacked by Joseph, son to the Emperor of
+     Morocco, at the head of a numerous army of Africans, was defeated,
+     taken prisoner, and thrown into a dungeon, where he died in the year
+     488.
+
+
+SERENADE TO MY SLEEPING MISTRESS[34]
+
+  Sure Harut's[B] potent spells were breath'd
+    Upon that magic sword, thine eye;
+  For if it wounds us thus while sheath'd,
+    When drawn, 'tis vain its edge to fly.
+
+  How canst thou doom me, cruel fair,
+    Plung'd in the hell[C] of scorn to groan?
+  No idol e'er this heart could share,
+    This heart has worshipp'd thee alone.
+
+_Aly Ben Abd_.
+
+[34] This author was by birth an African; but having passed over to
+     Spain, he was much patronized by Mohammed, Sultan of Seville. After
+     the fall of his master, Ben Abd returned to Africa, and died at
+     Tangier, A.H. 488.
+
+[B] A wicked angel who is permitted to tempt mankind by teaching them
+    magic; see the legend respecting him in the Koran.
+
+[C] The poet here alludes to the punishments denounced in the Koran
+    against those who worship a plurality of Gods: "their couch shall
+    be in hell, and over them shall be coverings of fire."
+
+
+THE INCONSISTENT[35]
+
+  When I sent you my melons, you cried out with scorn,
+    They ought to be heavy and wrinkled and yellow;
+  When I offer'd myself, whom those graces adorn,
+    You flouted, and call'd me an ugly old fellow.
+
+[35] Written to a lady upon her refusal of a present of melons, and her
+     rejection of the addresses of an admirer.
+
+
+THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM[36]
+
+  From our distended eyeballs flow
+    A mingled stream of tears and blood;
+  No care we feel, nor wish to know,
+    But who shall pour the largest flood.
+
+  But what defense can tears afford?
+    What aid supply in this dread hour?
+  When kindled by the sparkling sword
+    War's raging flames the land devour.
+
+  No more let sleep's seductive charms
+    Upon your torpid souls be shed:
+  A crash like this, such dire alarms,
+    Might burst the slumbers of the dead.
+
+  Think where your dear companions lie--
+    Survey their fate, and hear their woes--
+  How some thro' trackless deserts fly,
+    Some in the vulture's maw repose;
+
+  While some more wretched still, must bear
+    The tauntings of a Christian's tongue--
+  Hear this--and blush ye not to wear
+    The silken robe of peace so long?
+
+  Remember what ensanguin'd showers
+    The Syrian plains with crimson dyed,
+  And think how many blooming flowers
+    In Syrian forts their beauties hide.
+
+  Arabian youths! In such a cause
+    Can ye the voice of glory slight?
+  Warriors of Persia! Can ye pause,
+    Or fear to mingle in the fight?
+
+  If neither piety nor shame
+    Your breasts can warm, your souls can move,
+  Let emulation's bursting flame
+    Wake you to vengeance and to love.
+
+_Almodhafer Alabiwerdy_.
+
+[36] The capture of Jerusalem took place in the 492d year of the Hegira,
+     A.D. 1099. Alabiwerdy, who wrote these verses, was a native of
+     Khorasan; he died A.H. 507.
+
+
+TO A LADY
+
+  No, Abla, no--when Selim tells
+  Of many an unknown grace that dwells
+      In Abla's face and mien,
+  When he describes the sense refin'd,
+  That lights thine eye and fills thy mind,
+      By thee alone unseen.
+
+  Tis not that drunk with love he sees
+  Ideal charms, which only please
+      Thro' passion's partial veil,
+  'Tis not that flattery's glozing tongue
+  Hath basely fram'd an idle song,
+      But truth that breath'd the tale.
+
+  Thine eyes unaided ne'er could trace
+  Each opening charm, each varied grace,
+      That round thy person plays;
+  Some must remain conceal'd from thee,
+  For Selim's watchful eye to see,
+      For Selim's tongue to praise.
+
+  One polish'd mirror can declare
+  That eye so bright, that face so fair,
+      That cheek which shames the rose;
+  But how thy mantle waves behind,
+  How float thy tresses on the wind,
+      Another only shows.
+
+
+AN EPIGRAM[37]
+
+  Whoever has recourse to thee
+    Can hope for health no more,
+  He's launched into perdition's sea,
+    A sea without a shore.
+
+  Where'er admission thou canst gain,
+    Where'er thy phiz can pierce,
+  At once the Doctor they retain,
+    The mourners and the hearse.
+
+_George_.
+
+[37] Written to Abou Alchair Selamu, an Egyptian physician. The author
+     was a physician of Antioch.
+
+
+ON A LITTLE MAN WITH A VERY LARGE BEARD
+
+  How can thy chin that burden bear?
+    Is it all gravity to shock?
+  Is it to make the people stare?
+    And be thyself a laughing stock?
+
+  When I behold thy little feet
+     After thy beard obsequious run,
+  I always fancy that I meet
+    Some father followed by his son.
+
+  A man like thee scarce e'er appear'd--
+    A beard like thine--where shall we find it?
+  Surely thou cherishest thy beard
+    In hope to hide thyself behind it.
+
+_Isaai, Ben Khalif_.
+
+
+LAMIAT ALAJEM[38]
+
+  No kind supporting hand I meet,
+  But Fortitude shall stay my feet;
+  No borrow'd splendors round me shine,
+  But Virtue's lustre all is mine;
+  A Fame unsullied still I boast,
+  Obscur'd, conceal'd, but never lost--
+  The same bright orb that led the day
+  Pours from the West his mellow'd ray.
+
+  Zaura, farewell! No more I see
+  Within thy walls, a home for me;
+  Deserted, spurn'd, aside I'm toss'd,
+  As an old sword whose scabbard's lost:
+  Around thy walls I seek in vain
+  Some bosom that will soothe my pain--
+  No friend is near to breathe relief,
+  Or brother to partake my grief.
+  For many a melancholy day
+  Thro' desert vales I've wound my way;
+  The faithful beast, whose back I press,
+  In groans laments her lord's distress;
+
+  In every quiv'ring of my spear
+  A sympathetic sigh I hear;
+  The camel bending with his load,
+  And struggling thro' the thorny road,
+  'Midst the fatigues that bear him down,
+  In Hassan's woes forgets his own;
+  Yet cruel friends my wanderings chide,
+  My sufferings slight, my toils deride.
+
+  Once wealth, I own, engrossed each thought,
+  There was a moment when I sought
+  The glitt'ring stores Ambition claims
+  To feed the wants his fancy frames;
+  But now 'tis past--the changing day
+  Has snatch'd my high-built hopes away,
+  And bade this wish my labors close--
+  Give me not riches, but repose.
+  'Tis he--that mien my friend declares,
+  That stature, like the lance he bears;
+  I see that breast which ne'er contain'd
+  A thought by fear or folly stain'd,
+  Whose powers can every change obey,
+  In business grave, in trifles gay,
+  And, form'd each varying taste to please,
+  Can mingle dignity with ease.
+
+  What, tho' with magic influence, sleep,
+  O'er every closing eyelid creep:
+  Tho' drunk with its oblivious wine
+  Our comrades on their bales recline,
+  My Selim's trance I sure can break--
+  Selim, 'tis I, 'tis I who speak.
+  Dangers on every side impend,
+  And sleep'st thou, careless of thy friend?
+  Thou sleep'st while every star on high,
+  Beholds me with a wakeful eye--
+  Thou changest, ere the changeful night
+  Hath streak'd her fleeting robe with white.
+
+  'Tis love that hurries me along--
+  I'm deaf to fear's repressive song--
+  The rocks of Idham I'll ascend,
+  Tho' adverse darts each path defend,
+  And hostile sabres glitter there,
+  To guard the tresses of the fair.
+
+  Come, Selim, let us pierce the grove,
+  While night befriends, to seek my love.
+  The clouds of fragrance as they rise
+  Shall mark the place where Abla lies.
+  Around her tent my jealous foes,
+  Like lions, spread their watchful rows;
+  Amidst their bands, her bow'r appears
+  Embosom'd in a wood of spears--
+  A wood still nourish'd by the dews,
+  Which smiles, and softest looks diffuse.
+  Thrice happy youths! who midst yon shades
+  Sweet converse hold with Idham's maids,
+  What bliss, to view them gild the hours,
+  And brighten wit and fancy's powers,
+  While every foible they disclose
+  New transport gives, new graces shows.
+  'Tis theirs to raise with conscious art
+  The flames of love in every heart;
+  'Tis yours to raise with festive glee
+  The flames of hospitality:
+  Smit by their glances lovers lie,
+  And helpless sink and hopeless die;
+  While slain by you the stately steed
+  To crown the feast, is doom'd to bleed,
+  To crown the feast, where copious flows
+  The sparkling juice that soothes your woes,
+  That lulls each care and heals each wound,
+  As the enlivening bowl goes round.
+  Amidst those vales my eager feet
+  Shall trace my Abla's dear retreat,
+  A gale of health may hover there,
+  To breathe some solace to my care.
+  I fear not love--I bless the dart
+  Sent in a glance to pierce the heart:
+  With willing breast the sword I hail
+  That wounds me thro' an half-clos'd veil:
+  Tho' lions howling round the shade,
+  My footsteps haunt, my walks invade,
+  No fears shall drive me from the grove,
+  If Abla listen to my love.
+
+  Ah, Selim! shall the spells of ease
+  Thy friendship chain, thine ardor freeze!
+  Wilt thou enchanted thus, decline
+  Each gen'rous thought, each bold design?
+  Then far from men some cell prepare;
+  Or build a mansion in the air--
+  But yield to us, ambition's tide,
+  Who fearless on its waves can ride;
+  Enough for thee if thou receive
+  The scattered spray the billows leave.
+
+  Contempt and want the wretch await
+  Who slumbers in an abject state--
+  'Midst rushing crowds, by toil and pain
+  The meed of Honor we must gain;
+  At Honor's call, the camel hastes
+  Thro' trackless wilds and dreary wastes,
+  Till in the glorious race she find
+  The fleetest coursers left behind:
+  By toils like these alone, he cries,
+  Th' adventurous youths to greatness rise;
+  If bloated indolence were fame,
+  And pompous ease our noblest aim,
+  The orb that regulates the day
+  Would ne'er from Aries' mansion stray.
+
+  I've bent at Fortune's shrine too long--
+  Too oft she heard my suppliant tongue--
+  Too oft has mock'd my idle prayers,
+  While fools and knaves engross'd her cares,
+  Awake for them, asleep to me,
+  Heedless of worth she scorn'd each plea.
+  Ah! had her eyes, more just survey'd
+  The diff'rent claims which each display'd,
+  Those eyes from partial fondness free
+  Had slept to them, and wak'd for me.
+
+  But, 'midst my sorrows and my toils,
+  Hope ever sooth'd my breast with smiles;
+  Her hand remov'd each gathering ill,
+  And oped life's closing prospects still.
+  Yet spite of all her friendly art
+  The specious scene ne'er gain'd my heart;
+  I lov'd it not altho' the day
+  Met my approach, and cheer'd my way;
+  I loath it now the hours retreat,
+  And fly me with reverted feet.
+
+  My soul from every tarnish free
+  May boldly vaunt her purity,
+  But ah, how keen, however bright,
+  The sabre glitter to the sight,
+  Its splendor's lost, its polish vain,
+  Till some bold hand the steel sustain.
+
+  Why have my days been stretch'd by fate,
+  To see the vile and vicious great--
+  While I, who led the race so long,
+  Am last and meanest of the throng?
+  Ah, why has death so long delay'd
+  To wrap me in his friendly shade,
+  Left me to wander thus alone,
+  When all my heart held dear is gone!
+
+  But let me check these fretful sighs--
+  Well may the base above me rise,
+  When yonder planets as they run
+  Mount in the sky above the sun.
+  Resigned I bow to Fate's decree,
+  Nor hope his laws will change for me;
+  Each shifting scene, each varying hour,
+  But proves the ruthless tyrants' power.
+
+  But tho' with ills unnumber'd curst,
+  We owe to faithless man the worst;
+  For man can smile with specious art,
+  And plant a dagger in the heart.
+  He only's fitted for the strife
+  Which fills the boist'rous paths of life,
+  Who, as he treads the crowded scenes,
+  Upon no kindred bosom leans.
+  Too long my foolish heart had deem'd
+  Mankind as virtuous as they seem'd;
+  The spell is broke, their faults are bare,
+  And now I see them as they are;
+  Truth from each tainted breast has flown,
+  And falsehood marks them all her own.
+  Incredulous I listen now
+  To every tongue, and every vow,
+  For still there yawns a gulf between
+  Those honeyed words, and what they mean;
+  With honest pride elate, I see
+  The sons of falsehood shrink from me,
+  As from the right line's even way
+  The biass'd curves deflecting stray--
+  But what avails it to complain?
+  With souls like theirs reproof is vain;
+  If honor e'er such bosoms share
+  The sabre's point must fix it there.
+  But why exhaust life's rapid bowl,
+  And suck the dregs with sorrow foul,
+  When long ere this my youth has drain'd
+  Whatever zest the cup contain'd?
+  Why should we mount upon the wave,
+  And ocean's yawning horrors brave,
+  When we may swallow from the flask
+  Whatever the wants of mortals ask?
+
+  Contentment's realms no fears invade,
+  No cares annoy, no sorrows shade,
+  There plac'd secure, in peace we rest,
+  Nor aught demand to make us blest.
+  While pleasure's gay fantastic bower,
+  The splendid pageant of an hour,
+  Like yonder meteor in the skies,
+  Flits with a breath no more to rise.
+
+  As thro' life's various walks we're led,
+  May prudence hover o'er our head!
+  May she our words, our actions guide,
+  Our faults correct, our secrets hide!
+
+  May she, where'er our footsteps stray,
+  Direct our paths, and clear the way!
+
+  Till, every scene of tumult past,
+  She bring us to repose at last,
+  Teach us to love that peaceful shore,
+  And roam thro' folly's wilds no more!
+
+_Mauid Eddin Alhassan Abou Ismael Altograi_.
+
+[38] Abou Ismael was a native of Ispahan. He devoted himself to the
+     service of the Seljuk Sultans of Persia, and enjoyed the confidence
+     of Malec Shah, and his son and grandson, Mohammed and Massoud, by
+     the last of whom he was raised to the dignity of vizir. Massoud,
+     however, was not long in a condition to afford Abou Ismael any
+     protection, for, being attacked by his brother Mahmoud, he was
+     defeated, and driven from Mousel, and upon the fall of his master
+     the vizir was seized and thrown into prison, and at length in the
+     year 515 sentenced to be put to death.
+
+
+TO YOUTH
+
+  Yes, youth, thou'rt fled, and I am left,
+    Like yonder desolated bower,
+  By winter's ruthless hand bereft
+    Of every leaf and every flower.
+
+  With heaving heart and streaming eyes
+    I woo'd thee to prolong thy stay,
+  But vain were all my tears and sighs,
+    Thou only fled'st more fast away.
+
+  Yet tho' thou fled'st away so fast,
+    I can recall thee if I will;
+  For I can talk of what is past,
+    And while I talk, enjoy thee still.
+
+_Ebn Alrabia_.
+
+
+ON LOVE[39]
+
+  I never knew a sprightly fair
+    That was not dear to me,
+  And freely I my heart could share,
+    With every one I see.
+
+  It is not this or that alone
+    On whom my choice would fall,
+  I do not more incline to one
+    Than I incline to all.
+
+  The circle's bounding line are they,
+    Its centre is my heart,
+  My ready love the equal ray
+    That flows to every part.
+
+_Abou Aly_.
+
+[39] Abou Aly flourished in Egypt about the year 530, and was equally
+     celebrated as a mathematician and as a poet.
+
+
+A REMONSTRANCE WITH A DRUNKARD[40]
+
+  As drench'd in wine, the other night,
+    Zeid from the banquet sallied,
+  Thus I reprov'd his drunken plight,
+    Thus he my prudence rallied;
+
+  "In bev'rage so impure and vile,
+    How canst thou thus delight?"--
+  "My cups," he answer'd with a smile,
+    "Are generous and bright."
+
+  "Beware those dang'rous draughts," I cried,
+    "With love the goblet flows"--
+  "And curst is he," the youth replied,
+    "Who hatred only knows."
+
+  "Those cups too soon with sickness fraught
+    Thy stomach shall deplore"--
+  "Then soon," he cried, "the noxious draught
+    And all its ills are o'er."
+
+  "Rash youth, thy guilty joys resign."
+    "I will," at length he said,
+  "I vow I'll bid adieu to wine
+    As soon as I am dead."
+
+_Yahia Ben Salamet_.
+
+[40] This author was a native of Syria, and died at Miafarakir in the
+     year of the Hegira 553.
+
+
+VERSES[41]
+
+  Tho' such unbounded love you swear,
+    'Tis only art I see;
+  Can I believe that one so fair
+    Should ever dote on me?
+
+  Say that you hate, and freely show
+    That age displeases youth;
+  And I may love you when I know
+     That you can tell the truth.
+
+_Caliph Almonklafi Laimrillah_.
+
+[41] Almonklafi was the thirty-first Caliph of the house of Abbas, and
+     the only one who possessed any real authority since the reign of
+     Radhi. These lines were addressed to a lady who pretended a
+     passion for him in his old age.
+
+
+ON PROCRASTINATION[42]
+
+  Youth is a drunken noisy hour,
+    With every folly fraught;
+  But man, by age's chast'ning power,
+    Is sober'd into thought.
+
+  Then we resolve our faults to shun,
+    And shape our course anew;
+  But ere the wise reform's begun
+    Life closes on our view.
+
+  The travellers thus who wildly roam,
+    Or heedlessly delay,
+  Are left, when they should reach their home,
+    Benighted on the way.
+
+_Hebat Allah Ibn Altalmith_.
+
+[42] Ibn Altalmith died in the 560th year of the Hegira, at the advanced
+     age of one hundred.
+
+
+THE EARLY DEATH OF ABOU ALHASSAN ALY[43]
+
+  Soon hast thou run the race of life,
+    Nor could our tears thy speed control--
+  Still in the courser's gen'rous strife
+    The best will soonest reach the goal.
+
+  As Death upon his hand turns o'er
+    The different gems the world displays,
+  He seizes first to swell his store
+    The brightest jewel he surveys.
+
+  Thy name, by every breath convey'd,
+    Stretch'd o'er the globe its boundless flight;
+  Alas! in eve the lengthening shade
+    But lengthens to be lost in night!
+
+  If gracious Allah bade thee close
+    Thy youthful eyes so soon on day,
+  'Tis that he readiest welcomes those
+    Who love him best and best obey.
+
+_Alnassar Ledin Allah_.
+
+[43] Alnassar Ledin Allah was the thirty-fourth Abasside Caliph, and
+     the last excepting three who enjoyed this splendid title, which
+     was finally abolished by the Tartars in the year 656.
+
+
+THE INTERVIEW
+
+_A Song_
+
+  Darkness clos'd around, loud the tempest drove,
+  When thro' yonder glen I saw my lover rove,
+                                            Dearest youth!
+  Soon he reach'd our cot--weary, wet, and cold,
+  But warmth, wine, and I, to cheer his spirits strove,
+                                            Dearest youth!
+  How my love, cried I, durst thou hither stray
+  Thro' the gloom, nor fear the ghosts that haunt the grove?
+                                            Dearest youth!
+  In this heart, said he, fear no seat can find,
+  When each thought is fill'd alone with thee and love,
+                                            Dearest maid!
+
+
+
+
+ARABIAN NIGHTS
+
+[_Selected tales edited by Andrew Lang_]
+
+
+THE SEVEN VOYAGES OF SINDBAD
+
+In the times of the Caliph Harun-al-Rashid there lived in Bagdad a poor
+porter named Hindbad, who, on a very hot day, was sent to carry a heavy
+load from one end of the city to the other. Before he had accomplished
+half the distance he was so tired that, finding himself in a quiet
+street where the pavement was sprinkled with rose-water, and a cool
+breeze was blowing, he set his burden upon the ground, and sat down to
+rest in the shade of a grand house. Very soon he decided that he could
+not have chosen a pleasanter place; a delicious perfume of aloes-wood
+and pastilles came from the open windows and mingled with the scent of
+the rose-water which steamed up from the hot pavement. Within the palace
+he heard some music, as of many instruments cunningly played, and the
+melodious warble of nightingales and other birds, and by this, and the
+appetizing smell of many dainty dishes of which he presently became
+aware, he judged that feasting and merry-making were going on. He
+wondered who lived in this magnificent house which he had never seen
+before, the street in which it stood being one which he seldom had
+occasion to pass. To satisfy his curiosity he went up to some splendidly
+dressed servants who stood at the door, and asked one of them the name
+of the master of the mansion.
+
+"What," replied he, "do you live in Bagdad, and not know that here lives
+the noble Sindbad the Sailor, that famous traveller who sailed over
+every sea upon which the sun shines?"
+
+The porter, who had often heard people speak of the immense wealth of
+Sindbad, could not help feeling envious of one whose lot seemed to be as
+happy as his own was miserable. Casting his eyes up to the sky he
+exclaimed aloud:--
+
+"Consider, Mighty Creator of all things, the difference between
+Sindbad's life and mine. Every day I suffer a thousand hardships and
+misfortunes, and have hard work to get even enough bad barley bread to
+keep myself and my family alive, while the lucky Sindbad spends money
+right and left and lives upon the fat of the land! What has he done that
+you should give him this pleasant life--what have I done to deserve so
+hard a fate?"
+
+So saying he stamped upon the ground like one beside himself with misery
+and despair. Just at this moment a servant came out of the palace, and
+taking him by the arm said, "Come with me, the noble Sindbad, my master,
+wishes to speak to you."
+
+Hindbad was not a little surprised at this summons, and feared that his
+unguarded words might have drawn upon him the displeasure of Sindbad, so
+he tried to excuse himself upon the pretext that he could not leave the
+burden which had been intrusted to him in the street. However the lackey
+promised him that it should be taken care of, and urged him to obey the
+call so pressingly that at last the porter was obliged to yield.
+
+He followed the servant into a vast room, where a great company was
+seated round a table covered with all sorts of delicacies. In the place
+of honor sat a tall, grave man, whose long white beard gave him a
+venerable air. Behind his chair stood a crowd of attendants eager to
+minister to his wants. This was the famous Sindbad himself. The porter,
+more than ever alarmed at the sight of so much magnificence, tremblingly
+saluted the noble company. Sindbad, making a sign to him to approach,
+caused him to be seated at his right hand, and himself heaped choice
+morsels upon his plate, and poured out for him a draught of excellent
+wine, and presently, when the banquet drew to a close, spoke to him
+familiarly, asking his name and occupation.
+
+"My lord," replied the porter, "I am called Hindbad."
+
+"I am glad to see you here," continued Sindbad. "And I will answer for
+the rest of the company that they are equally pleased, but I wish you to
+tell me what it was that you said just now in the street." For Sindbad,
+passing by the open window before the feast began, had heard his
+complaint and therefore had sent for him.
+
+At this question Hindbad was covered with confusion, and hanging down
+his head, replied, "My lord, I confess that, overcome by weariness and
+ill-humor, I uttered indiscreet words, which I pray you to pardon me."
+
+"Oh!" replied Sindbad, "do not imagine that I am so unjust as to blame
+you. On the contrary, I understand your situation and can pity you. Only
+you appear to be mistaken about me, and I wish to set you right. You
+doubtless imagine that I have acquired all the wealth and luxury that
+you see me enjoy without difficulty or danger, but this is far indeed
+from being the case. I have only reached this happy state after having
+for years suffered every possible kind of toil and danger.
+
+"Yes, my noble friends," he continued, addressing the company, "I assure
+you that my adventures have been strange enough to deter even the most
+avaricious men from seeking wealth by traversing the seas. Since you
+have, perhaps, heard but confused accounts of my Seven Voyages, and the
+dangers and wonders that I have met with by sea and land, I will now
+give you a full and true account of them, which I think you will be well
+pleased to hear."
+
+As Sindbad was relating his adventures chiefly on account of the porter,
+he ordered, before beginning his tale, that the burden which had been
+left in the street should be carried by some of his own servants to the
+place for which Hindbad had set out at first, while he remained to
+listen to the story.
+
+
+
+
+FIRST VOYAGE
+
+I had inherited considerable wealth from my parents, and being young and
+foolish I at first squandered it recklessly upon every kind of pleasure,
+but presently, finding that riches speedily take to themselves wings if
+managed as badly as I was managing mine, and remembering also that to be
+old and poor is misery indeed, I began to bethink me of how I could make
+the best of what still remained to me. I sold all my household goods by
+public auction, and joined a company of merchants who traded by sea,
+embarking with them at Balsora in a ship which we had fitted out between
+us.
+
+We set sail and took our course towards the East Indies by the Persian
+Gulf, having the coast of Persia upon our left hand and upon our right
+the shores of Arabia Felix. I was at first much troubled by the uneasy
+motion of the vessel, but speedily recovered my health, and since that
+hour have been no more plagued by sea-sickness.
+
+From time to time we landed at various islands, where we sold or
+exchanged our merchandise, and one day, when the wind dropped suddenly,
+we found ourselves becalmed close to a small island like a green meadow,
+which only rose slightly above the surface of the water. Our sails were
+furled, and the captain gave permission to all who wished to land for a
+while and amuse themselves. I was among the number, but when after
+strolling about for some time we lighted a fire and sat down to enjoy
+the repast which we had brought with us, we were startled by a sudden
+and violent trembling of the island, while at the same moment those left
+upon the ship set up an outcry bidding us come on board for our lives,
+since what we had taken for an island was nothing but the back of a
+sleeping whale. Those who were nearest to the boat threw themselves into
+it, others sprang into the sea, but before I could save myself the whale
+plunged suddenly into the depths of the ocean, leaving me clinging to a
+piece of the wood which we had brought to make our fire. Meanwhile a
+breeze had sprung up, and in the confusion that ensued on board our
+vessel in hoisting the sails and taking up those who were in the boat
+and clinging to its sides, no one missed me and I was left at the mercy
+of the waves. All that day I floated up and down, now beaten this way,
+now that, and when night fell I despaired for my life; but, weary and
+spent as I was, I clung to my frail support, and great was my joy when
+the morning light showed me that I had drifted against an island.
+
+The cliffs were high and steep, but luckily for me some tree-roots
+protruded in places, and by their aid I climbed up at last, and
+stretched myself upon the turf at the top, where I lay, more dead than
+alive, till the sun was high in the heavens. By that time I was very
+hungry, but after some searching I came upon some eatable herbs, and a
+spring of clear water, and much refreshed I set out to explore the
+island. Presently I reached a great plain where a grazing horse was
+tethered, and as I stood looking at it I heard voices talking apparently
+underground, and in a moment a man appeared who asked me how I came upon
+the island. I told him my adventures, and heard in return that he was
+one of the grooms of Mihrage, the King of the island, and that each year
+they came to feed their master's horses in this plain. He took me to a
+cave where his companions were assembled, and when I had eaten of the
+food they set before me, they bade me think myself fortunate to have
+come upon them when I did, since they were going back to their master on
+the morrow, and without their aid I could certainly never have found my
+way to the inhabited part of the island.
+
+Early the next morning we accordingly set out, and when we reached the
+capital I was graciously received by the King, to whom I related my
+adventures, upon which he ordered that I should be well cared for and
+provided with such things as I needed. Being a merchant I sought out men
+of my own profession, and particularly those who came from foreign
+countries, as I hoped in this way to hear news from Bagdad, and find out
+some means of returning thither, for the capital was situated upon the
+sea-shore, and visited by vessels from all parts of the world. In the
+meantime I heard many curious things, and answered many questions
+concerning my own country, for I talked willingly with all who came to
+me. Also to while away the time of waiting I explored a little island
+named Cassel, which belonged to King Mihrage, and which was supposed to
+be inhabited by a spirit named Deggial. Indeed, the sailors assured me
+that often at night the playing of timbals could be heard upon it.
+However, I saw nothing strange upon my voyage, saving some fish that
+were full two hundred cubits long, but were fortunately more in dread of
+us than even we were of them, and fled from us if we did but strike upon
+a board to frighten them. Other fishes there were only a cubit long
+which had heads like owls.
+
+One day after my return, as I went down to the quay, I saw a ship which
+had just cast anchor, and was discharging her cargo, while the merchants
+to whom it belonged were busily directing the removal of it to their
+warehouses. Drawing nearer I presently noticed that my own name was
+marked upon some of the packages, and after having carefully examined
+them, I felt sure that they were indeed those which I had put on board
+our ship at Balsora. I then recognized the captain of the vessel, but as
+I was certain that he believed me to be dead, I went up to him and asked
+who owned the packages that I was looking at.
+
+"There was on board my ship," he replied, "a merchant of Bagdad named
+Sindbad. One day he and several of my other passengers landed upon what
+we supposed to be an island, but which was really an enormous whale
+floating asleep upon the waves. No sooner did it feel upon its back the
+heat of the fire which had been kindled, than it plunged into the depths
+of the sea. Several of the people who were upon it perished in the
+waters, and among others this unlucky Sindbad. This merchandise is his,
+but I have resolved to dispose of it for the benefit of his family if I
+should ever chance to meet with them."
+
+"Captain," said I, "I am that Sindbad whom you believe to be dead, and
+these are my possessions!"
+
+When the captain heard these words he cried out in amazement, "Lackaday!
+and what is the world coming to? In these days there is not an honest
+man to be met with. Did I not with my own eyes see Sindbad drown, and
+now you have the audacity to tell me that you are he! I should have
+taken you to be a just man, and yet for the sake of obtaining that which
+does not belong to you, you are ready to invent this horrible
+falsehood."
+
+"Have patience, and do me the favor to hear my story," said I.
+
+"Speak then," replied the captain, "I am all attention."
+
+So I told him of my escape and of my fortunate meeting with the king's
+grooms, and how kindly I had been received at the palace. Very soon I
+began to see that I had made some impression upon him, and after the
+arrival of some of the other merchants, who showed great joy at once
+more seeing me alive, he declared that he also recognized me.
+
+Throwing himself upon my neck he exclaimed, "Heaven be praised that you
+have escaped from so great a danger. As to your goods, I pray you take
+them, and dispose of them as you please." I thanked him, and praised his
+honesty, begging him to accept several bales of merchandise in token of
+my gratitude, but he would take nothing. Of the choicest of my goods I
+prepared a present for King Mihrage, who was at first amazed, having
+known that I had lost my all. However, when I had explained to him how
+my bales had been miraculously restored to me, he graciously accepted my
+gifts, and in return gave me many valuable things. I then took leave of
+him, and exchanging my merchandise for sandal and aloes-wood, camphor,
+nutmegs, cloves, pepper, and ginger, I embarked upon the same vessel and
+traded so successfully upon our homeward voyage that I arrived in
+Balsora with about one hundred thousand sequins. My family received me
+with as much joy as I felt upon seeing them once more. I bought land and
+slaves, and built a great house in which I resolved to live happily, and
+in the enjoyment of all the pleasures of life to forget my past
+sufferings.
+
+Here Sindbad paused, and commanded the musicians to play again, while
+the feasting continued until evening. When the time came for the porter
+to depart, Sindbad gave him a purse containing one hundred sequins,
+saying, "Take this, Hindbad, and go home, but to-morrow come again and
+you shall hear more of my adventures."
+
+The porter retired quite overcome by so much generosity, and you may
+imagine that he was well received at home, where his wife and children
+thanked their lucky stars that he had found such a benefactor.
+
+The next day Hindbad, dressed in his best, returned to the voyager's
+house, and was received with open arms. As soon as all the guests had
+arrived the banquet began as before, and when they had feasted long and
+merrily, Sindbad addressed them thus:--
+
+"My friends, I beg that you will give me your attention while I relate
+the adventures of my second voyage, which you will find even more
+astonishing than the first."
+
+
+
+
+SECOND VOYAGE
+
+I had resolved, as you know, on my return from my first voyage, to spend
+the rest of my days quietly in Bagdad, but very soon I grew tired of
+such an idle life and longed once more to find myself upon the sea.
+
+I procured, therefore, such goods as were suitable for the places I
+intended to visit, and embarked for the second time in a good ship with
+other merchants whom I knew to be honorable men. We went from island to
+island, often making excellent bargains, until one day we landed at a
+spot which, though covered with fruit-trees and abounding in springs of
+excellent water, appeared to possess neither houses nor people. While my
+companions wandered here and there gathering flowers and fruit I sat
+down in a shady place, and, having heartily enjoyed the provisions and
+the wine I had brought with me, I fell asleep, lulled by the murmur of a
+clear brook which flowed close by.
+
+How long I slept I know not, but when I opened my eyes and started to my
+feet I perceived with horror that I was alone and that the ship was
+gone. I rushed to and fro like one distracted, uttering cries of
+despair, and when from the shore I saw the vessel under full sail just
+disappearing upon the horizon, I wished bitterly enough that I had been
+content to stay at home in safety. But since wishes could do me no good,
+I presently took courage and looked about me for a means of escape. When
+I had climbed a tall tree I first of all directed my anxious glances
+towards the sea; but, finding nothing hopeful there, I turned landward,
+and my curiosity was excited by a huge dazzling white object, so far off
+that I could not make out what it might be.
+
+Descending from the tree I hastily collected what remained of my
+provisions and set off as fast as I could go towards it. As I drew near
+it seemed to me to be a white ball of immense size and height, and when
+I could touch it, I found it marvellously smooth and soft. As it was
+impossible to climb it--for it presented no foothold--I walked round
+about it seeking some opening, but there was none. I counted, however,
+that it was at least fifty paces round. By this time the sun was near
+setting, but quite suddenly it fell dark, something like a huge black
+cloud came swiftly over me, and I saw with amazement that it was a bird
+of extraordinary size which was hovering near. Then I remembered that I
+had often heard the sailors speak of a wonderful bird called a roc, and
+it occurred to me that the white object which had so puzzled me must be
+its egg.
+
+Sure enough the bird settled slowly down upon it, covering it with its
+wings to keep it warm, and I cowered close beside the egg in such a
+position that one of the bird's feet, which was as large as the trunk of
+a tree, was just in front of me. Taking off my turban I bound myself
+securely to it with the linen in the hope that the roc, when it took
+flight next morning, would bear me away with it from the desolate
+island. And this was precisely what did happen. As soon as the dawn
+appeared the bird rose into the air carrying me up and up till I could
+no longer see the earth, and then suddenly it descended so swiftly that
+I almost lost consciousness. When I became aware that the roc had
+settled and that I was once again upon solid ground, I hastily unbound
+my turban from its foot and freed myself, and that not a moment too
+soon; for the bird, pouncing upon a huge snake, killed it with a few
+blows from its powerful beak, and seizing it rose up into the air once
+more and soon disappeared from my view. When I had looked about me I
+began to doubt if I had gained anything by quitting the desolate island.
+
+The valley in which I found myself was deep and narrow, and surrounded
+by mountains which towered into the clouds, and were so steep and rocky
+that there was no way of climbing up their sides. As I wandered about,
+seeking anxiously for some means of escaping from this trap, I observed
+that the ground was strewed with diamonds, some of them of an
+astonishing size. This sight gave me great pleasure, but my delight was
+speedily dampened when I saw also numbers of horrible snakes so long and
+so large that the smallest of them could have swallowed an elephant with
+ease. Fortunately for me they seemed to hide in caverns of the rocks by
+day, and only came out by night, probably because of their enemy the
+roc.
+
+All day long I wandered up and down the valley, and when it grew dusk I
+crept into a little cave, and having blocked up the entrance to it with
+a stone, I ate part of my little store of food and lay down to sleep,
+but all through the night the serpents crawled to and fro, hissing
+horribly, so that I could scarcely close my eyes for terror. I was
+thankful when the morning light appeared, and when I judged by the
+silence that the serpents had retreated to their dens I came tremblingly
+out of my cave and wandered up and down the valley once more, kicking
+the diamonds contemptuously out of my path, for I felt that they were
+indeed vain things to a man in my situation. At last, overcome with
+weariness, I sat down upon a rock, but I had hardly closed my eyes when
+I was startled by something which fell to the ground with a thud close
+beside me.
+
+It was a huge piece of fresh meat, and as I stared at it several more
+pieces rolled over the cliffs in different places. I had always thought
+that the stories the sailors told of the famous valley of diamonds, and
+of the cunning way which some merchants had devised for getting at the
+precious stones, were mere travellers' tales invented to give pleasure
+to the hearers, but now I perceived that they were surely true. These
+merchants came to the valley at the time when the eagles, which keep
+their eyries in the rocks, had hatched their young. The merchants then
+threw great lumps of meat into the valley. These, falling with so much
+force upon the diamonds, were sure to take up some of the precious
+stones with them, when the eagles pounced upon the meat and carried it
+off to their nests to feed their hungry broods. Then the merchants,
+scaring away the parent birds with shouts and outcries, would secure
+their treasures. Until this moment I had looked upon the valley as my
+grave, for I had seen no possibility of getting out of it alive, but now
+I took courage and began to devise a means of escape. I began by picking
+up all the largest diamonds I could find and storing them carefully in
+the leathern wallet which had held my provisions; this I tied securely
+to my belt. I then chose the piece of meat which seemed most suited to
+my purpose, and with the aid of my turban bound it firmly to my back;
+this done I laid down upon my face and awaited the coming of the eagles.
+I soon heard the flapping of their mighty wings above me, and had the
+satisfaction of feeling one of them seize upon my piece of meat, and me
+with it, and rise slowly towards his nest, into which he presently
+dropped me. Luckily for me the merchants were on the watch, and setting
+up their usual outcries, they rushed to the nest, scaring away the
+eagle. Their amazement was great when they discovered me, and also their
+disappointment, and with one accord they fell to abusing me for having
+robbed them of their usual profit. Addressing myself to the one who
+seemed most aggrieved, I said:--
+
+"I am sure, if you knew all that I have suffered, you would show more
+kindness towards me, and as for diamonds, I have enough here of the very
+best for you and me and all your company." So saying I showed them to
+him. The others all crowded around me, wondering at my adventures and
+admiring the device by which I had escaped from the valley, and when
+they had led me to their camp and examined my diamonds, they assured me
+that in all the years that they had carried on their trade they had seen
+no stones to be compared with them for size and beauty.
+
+I found that each merchant chose a particular nest, and took his chance
+of what he might find in it. So I begged the one who owned the nest to
+which I had been carried to take as much as he would of my treasure, but
+he contented himself with one stone, and that by no means the largest,
+assuring me that with such a gem his fortune was made, and he need toil
+no more. I stayed with the merchants several days, and then as they were
+journeying homewards I gladly accompanied them. Our way lay across high
+mountains infested with frightful serpents, but we had the good luck to
+escape them and came at last to the seashore. Thence we sailed to the
+isle of Roha, where the camphor-trees grow to such a size that a hundred
+men could shelter under one of them with ease. The sap flows from an
+incision made high up in the tree into a vessel hung there to receive
+it, and soon hardens into the substance called camphor, but the tree
+itself withers up and dies when it has been so treated.
+
+In this same island we saw the rhinoceros, an animal which is smaller
+than the elephant and larger than the buffalo. It has one horn about a
+cubit long which is solid, but has a furrow from the base to the tip.
+Upon it is traced in white lines the figure of a man. The rhinoceros
+fights with the elephant, and transfixing him with his horn carries him
+off upon his head, but becoming blinded with the blood of his enemy, he
+falls helpless to the ground, and then comes the roc, and clutches them
+both up in his talons and takes them to feed his young. This doubtless
+astonishes you, but if you do not believe my tale go to Roha and see for
+yourself. For fear of wearying you I pass over in silence many other
+wonderful things which we saw in this island. Before we left I exchanged
+one of my diamonds for much goodly merchandise by which I profited
+greatly on our homeward way. At last we reached Balsora, whence I
+hastened to Bagdad, where my first action was to bestow large sums of
+money upon the poor, after which I settled down to enjoy tranquilly the
+riches I had gained with so much toil and pain.
+
+Having thus related the adventures of his second voyage, Sindbad again
+bestowed a hundred sequins upon Hindbad, inviting him to come again on
+the following day and hear how he fared upon his third voyage. The other
+guests also departed to their homes, but all returned at the same hour
+next day, including the porter, whose former life of hard work and
+poverty had already begun to seem to him like a bad dream. Again after
+the feast was over did Sindbad claim the attention of his guests and
+began the account of his third voyage.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD VOYAGE
+
+After a very short time the pleasant easy life I led made me quite
+forget the perils of my two voyages. Moreover, as I was still in the
+prime of life, it pleased me better to be up and doing. So once more
+providing myself with the rarest and choicest merchandise of Bagdad, I
+conveyed it to Balsora, and set sail with other merchants of my
+acquaintance for distant lands. We had touched at many ports and made
+much profit, when one day upon the open sea we were caught by a terrible
+wind which blew us completely out of our reckoning, and lasting for
+several days finally drove us into harbor on a strange island.
+
+"I would rather have come to anchor anywhere than here," quoth our
+captain. "This island and all adjoining it are inhabited by hairy
+savages, who are certain to attack us, and whatever these dwarfs may do
+we dare not resist, since they swarm like locusts, and if one of them is
+killed the rest will fall upon us, and speedily make an end of us."
+
+These words caused great consternation among all the ship's company, and
+only too soon we were to find out that the captain spoke truly. There
+appeared a vast multitude of hideous savages, not more than two feet
+high and covered with reddish fur. Throwing themselves into the waves
+they surrounded our vessel. Chattering meanwhile in a language we could
+not understand, and clutching at ropes and gangways, they swarmed up the
+ship's side with such speed and agility that they almost seemed to fly.
+
+You may imagine the rage and terror that seized us as we watched them,
+neither daring to hinder them nor able to speak a word to deter them
+from their purpose, whatever it might be. Of this we were not left long
+in doubt. Hoisting the sails, and cutting the cable of the anchor, they
+sailed our vessel to an island which lay a little further off, where
+they drove us ashore; then taking possession of her, they made off to
+the place from which they had come, leaving us helpless upon a shore
+avoided with horror by all mariners for a reason which you will soon
+learn.
+
+Turning away from the sea we wandered miserably inland, finding as we
+went various herbs and fruits which we ate, feeling that we might as
+well live as long as possible though we had no hope of escape. Presently
+we saw in the far distance what seemed to us to be a splendid palace,
+towards which we turned our weary steps, but when we reached it we saw
+that it was a castle, lofty, and strongly built. Pushing back the heavy
+ebony doors we entered the courtyard, but upon the threshold of the
+great hall beyond it we paused, frozen with horror, at the sight which
+greeted us. On one side lay a huge pile of bones--human bones; and on
+the other numberless spits for roasting! Overcome with despair we sank
+trembling to the ground, and lay there without speech or motion. The sun
+was setting when a loud noise aroused us, the door of the hall was
+violently burst open and a horrible giant entered. He was as tall as a
+palm tree, and perfectly black, and had one eye, which flamed like a
+burning coal in the middle of his forehead. His teeth were long and
+sharp and grinned horribly, while his lower lip hung down upon his
+chest, and he had ears like elephant's ears, which covered his
+shoulders, and nails like the claws of some fierce bird.
+
+At this terrible sight our senses left us and we lay like dead men. When
+at last we came to ourselves the giant sat examining us attentively with
+his fearful eye. Presently when he had looked at us enough he came
+towards us, and stretching out his hand took me by the back of the neck,
+turning me this way and that, but feeling that I was mere skin and bone
+he set me down again and went on to the next, whom he treated in the
+same fashion; at last he came to the captain, and finding him the
+fattest of us all, he took him up in one hand and stuck him upon a spit
+and proceeded to kindle a huge fire at which he presently roasted him.
+After the giant had supped he lay down to sleep, snoring like the
+loudest thunder, while we lay shivering with horror the whole night
+through, and when day broke he awoke and went out, leaving us in the
+castle.
+
+When we believed him to be really gone we started up bemoaning our
+horrible fate, until the hall echoed with our despairing cries. Though
+we were many and our enemy was alone it did not occur to us to kill him,
+and indeed we should have found that a hard task, even if we had thought
+of it, and no plan could we devise to deliver ourselves. So at last,
+submitting to our sad fate, we spent the day in wandering up and down
+the island eating such fruits as we could find, and when night came we
+returned to the castle, having sought in vain for any other place of
+shelter. At sunset the giant returned, supped upon one of our unhappy
+comrades, slept and snored till dawn, and then left us as before. Our
+condition seemed to us so frightful that several of my companions
+thought it would be better to leap from the cliffs and perish in the
+waves at once, rather than await so miserable an end; but I had a plan
+of escape which I now unfolded to them, and which they at once agreed to
+attempt.
+
+"Listen, my brothers," I added. "You know that plenty of driftwood lies
+along the shore. Let us make several rafts, and carry them to a suitable
+place. If our plot succeeds, we can wait patiently for the chance of
+some passing ship which would rescue us from this fatal island. If it
+fails, we must quickly take to our rafts; frail as they are, we have
+more chance of saving our lives with them than we have if we remain
+here."
+
+All agreed with me, and we spent the day in building rafts, each capable
+of carrying three persons. At nightfall we returned to the castle, and
+very soon in came the giant, and one more of our number was sacrificed.
+But the time of our vengeance was at hand! As soon as he had finished
+his horrible repast he lay down to sleep as before, and when we heard
+him begin to snore I, and nine of the boldest of my comrades, rose
+softly, and took each a spit, which we made red-hot in the fire, and
+then at a given signal we plunged it with one accord into the giant's
+eye, completely blinding him. Uttering a terrible cry, he sprang to his
+feet clutching in all directions to try to seize one of us, but we had
+all fled different ways as soon as the deed was done, and thrown
+ourselves flat upon the ground in corners where he was not likely to
+touch us with his feet.
+
+After a vain search he fumbled about till he found the door, and fled
+out of it howling frightfully. As for us, when he was gone we made haste
+to leave the fatal castle, and, stationing ourselves beside our rafts,
+we waited to see what would happen. Our idea was that if, when the sun
+rose, we saw nothing of the giant, and no longer heard his howls, which
+still came faintly through the darkness, growing more and more distant,
+we should conclude that he was dead, and that we might safely stay upon
+the island and need not risk our lives upon the frail rafts. But alas!
+morning light showed us our enemy approaching us, supported on either
+hand by two giants nearly as large and fearful as himself, while a crowd
+of others followed close upon their heels. Hesitating no longer we
+clambered upon our rafts and rowed with all our might out to sea. The
+giants, seeing their prey escaping them, seized up huge pieces of rock,
+and wading into the water hurled them after us with such good aim that
+all the rafts except the one I was upon were swamped, and their luckless
+crews drowned, without our being able to do anything to help them.
+Indeed I and my two companions had all we could do to keep our own raft
+beyond the reach of the giants, but by dint of hard rowing we at last
+gained the open sea. Here we were at the mercy of the winds and waves,
+which tossed us to and fro all that day and night, but the next morning
+we found ourselves near an island, upon which we gladly landed.
+
+There we found delicious fruits, and having satisfied our hunger we
+presently lay down to rest upon the shore. Suddenly we were aroused by a
+loud rustling noise, and starting up, saw that it was caused by an
+immense snake which was gliding towards us over the sand. So swiftly it
+came that it had seized one of my comrades before he had time to fly,
+and in spite of his cries and struggles speedily crushed the life out of
+him in its mighty coils and proceeded to swallow him. By this time my
+other companion and I were running for our lives to some place where we
+might hope to be safe from this new horror, and seeing a tall tree we
+climbed up into it, having first provided ourselves with a store of
+fruit off the surrounding bushes. When night came I fell asleep, but
+only to be awakened once more by the terrible snake, which after hissing
+horribly round the tree at last reared itself up against it, and finding
+my sleeping comrade who was perched just below me, it swallowed him
+also, and crawled away leaving me half dead with terror.
+
+When the sun rose I crept down from the tree with hardly a hope of
+escaping the dreadful fate which had overtaken my comrades; but life is
+sweet, and I determined to do all I could to save myself. All day long I
+toiled with frantic haste and collected quantities of dry brushwood,
+reeds and thorns, which I bound with fagots, and making a circle of them
+under my tree I piled them firmly one upon another until I had a kind of
+tent in which I crouched like a mouse in a hole when she sees the cat
+coming. You may imagine what a fearful night I passed, for the snake
+returned eager to devour me, and glided round and round my frail shelter
+seeking an entrance. Every moment I feared that it would succeed in
+pushing aside some of the fagots, but happily for me they held together,
+and when it grew light my enemy retired, baffled and hungry, to his den.
+As for me I was more dead than alive! Shaking with fright and half
+suffocated by the poisonous breath of the monster, I came out of my tent
+and crawled down to the sea, feeling that it would be better to plunge
+from the cliffs and end my life at once than pass such another night of
+horror. But to my joy and relief I saw a ship sailing by, and by
+shouting wildly and waving my turban I managed to attract the attention
+of her crew.
+
+A boat was sent to rescue me, and very soon I found myself on board
+surrounded by a wondering crowd of sailors and merchants eager to know
+by what chance I found myself in that desolate island. After I had told
+my story they regaled me with the choicest food the ship afforded, and
+the captain, seeing that I was in rags, generously bestowed upon me one
+of his own coats. After sailing about for some time and touching at many
+ports we came at last to the island of Salahat, where sandal-wood grows
+in great abundance. Here we anchored, and as I stood watching the
+merchants disembarking their goods and preparing to sell or exchange
+them, the captain came up to me and said:--
+
+"I have here, brother, some merchandise belonging to a passenger of mine
+who is dead. Will you do me the favor to trade with it, and when I meet
+with his heirs I shall be able to give them the money, though it will be
+only just that you shall have a portion for your trouble."
+
+I consented gladly, for I did not like standing by idle. Whereupon he
+pointed the bales out to me, and sent for the person whose duty it was
+to keep a list of the goods that were upon the ship. When this man came
+he asked in what name the merchandise was to be registered.
+
+"In the name of Sindbad the Sailor," replied the captain.
+
+At this I was greatly surprised, but looking carefully at him I
+recognized him to be the captain of the ship upon which I had made my
+second voyage, though he had altered much since that time. As for him,
+believing me to be dead it was no wonder that he had not recognized me.
+
+"So, captain," said I, "the merchant who owned those bales was called
+Sindbad?"
+
+"Yes," he replied. "He was so named. He belonged to Bagdad, and joined
+my ship at Balsora, but by mischance he was left behind upon a desert
+island where we had landed to fill up our water-casks, and it was not
+until four hours later that he was missed. By that time the wind had
+freshened, and it was impossible to put back for him."
+
+"You suppose him to have perished then?" said I.
+
+"Alas! yes," he answered.
+
+"Why, captain!" I cried, "look well at me. I am that Sindbad who fell
+asleep upon the island and awoke to find himself abandoned!"
+
+The captain stared at me in amazement, but was presently convinced that
+I was indeed speaking the truth, and rejoiced greatly at my escape.
+
+"I am glad to have that piece of carelessness off my conscience at any
+rate," said he. "Now take your goods, and the profit I have made for you
+upon them, and may you prosper in future."
+
+I took them gratefully, and as we went from one island to another I laid
+in stores of cloves, cinnamon, and other spices. In one place I saw a
+tortoise which was twenty cubits long and as many broad, also a fish
+that was like a cow and had skin so thick that it was used to make
+shields. Another I saw that was like a camel in shape and color. So by
+degrees we came back to Balsora, and I returned to Bagdad with so much
+money that I could not myself count it, besides treasures without end. I
+gave largely to the poor, and bought much land to add to what I already
+possessed, and thus ended my third voyage.
+
+When Sindbad had finished his story he gave another hundred sequins to
+Hindbad, who then departed with the other guests, but next day when they
+had all reassembled, and the banquet was ended, their host continued his
+adventures.
+
+
+
+
+FOURTH VOYAGE
+
+Rich and happy as I was after my third voyage, I could not make up my
+mind to stay at home altogether. My love of trading, and the pleasure I
+took in anything that was new and strange, made me set my affairs in
+order, and begin my journey through some of the Persian provinces,
+having first sent off stores of goods to await my coming in the
+different places I intended to visit. I took ship at a distant seaport,
+and for some time all went well, but at last, being caught in a violent
+hurricane, our vessel became a total wreck in spite of all our worthy
+captain could do to save her, and many of our company perished in the
+waves. I, with a few others, had the good fortune to be washed ashore
+clinging to pieces of the wreck, for the storm had driven us near an
+island, and scrambling up beyond the reach of the waves we threw
+ourselves down quite exhausted, to wait for morning.
+
+At daylight we wandered inland, and soon saw some huts, to which we
+directed our steps. As we drew near their black inhabitants swarmed out
+in great numbers and surrounded us, and we were led to their houses, and
+as it were divided among our captors. I with five others was taken into
+a hut, where we were made to sit upon the ground, and certain herbs were
+given to us, which the blacks made signs to us to eat. Observing that
+they themselves did not touch them, I was careful only to pretend to
+taste my portion; but my companions, being very hungry, rashly ate up
+all that was set before them, and very soon I had the horror of seeing
+them become perfectly mad. Though they chattered incessantly I could not
+understand a word they said, nor did they heed when I spoke to them. The
+savages now produced large bowls full of rice prepared with cocoanut
+oil, of which my crazy comrades ate eagerly, but I only tasted a few
+grains, understanding clearly that the object of our captors was to
+fatten us speedily for their own eating, and this was exactly what
+happened. My unlucky companions having lost their reason, felt neither
+anxiety nor fear, and ate greedily all that was offered them. So they
+were soon fat and there was an end of them, but I grew leaner day by
+day, for I ate but little, and even that little did me no good by reason
+of my fear of what lay before me. However, as I was so far from being a
+tempting morsel, I was allowed to wander about freely, and one day, when
+all the blacks had gone off upon some expedition leaving only an old man
+to guard me, I managed to escape from him and plunged into the forest,
+running faster the more he cried to me to come back, until I had
+completely distanced him.
+
+For seven days I hurried on, resting only when the darkness stopped me,
+and living chiefly upon cocoanuts, which afforded me both meat and
+drink, and on the eighth day I reached the sea-shore and saw a party of
+white men gathering pepper, which grew abundantly all about. Reassured
+by the nature of their occupation, I advanced towards them and they
+greeted me in Arabic, asking who I was and whence I came. My delight was
+great on hearing this familiar speech, and I willingly satisfied their
+curiosity, telling them how I had been shipwrecked, and captured by the
+blacks. "But these savages devour men!" said they. "How did you escape?"
+I repeated to them what I have just told you, at which they were
+mightily astonished. I stayed with them until they had collected as much
+pepper as they wished, and then they took me back to their own country
+and presented me to their King, by whom I was hospitably received. To
+him also I had to relate my adventures, which surprised him much, and
+when I had finished he ordered that I should be supplied with food and
+raiment and treated with consideration.
+
+The island on which I found myself was full of people, and abounded in
+all sorts of desirable things, and a great deal of traffic went on in
+the capital, where I soon began to feel at home and contented. Moreover,
+the King treated me with special favor, and in consequence of this
+everyone, whether at the court or in the town, sought to make life
+pleasant to me. One thing I remarked which I thought very strange; this
+was that, from the greatest to the least, all men rode their horses
+without bridle or stirrups. I one day presumed to ask his Majesty why he
+did not use them, to which he replied, "You speak to me of things of
+which I have never before heard!" This gave me an idea. I found a clever
+workman and made him cut out under my direction the foundation of a
+saddle, which I wadded and covered with choice leather, adorning it with
+rich gold embroidery. I then got a locksmith to make me a bit and a pair
+of spurs after a pattern that I drew for him, and when all these things
+were completed I presented them to the King and showed him how to use
+them. When I had saddled one of his horses he mounted it and rode about
+quite delighted with the novelty, and to show his gratitude he rewarded
+me with large gifts. After this I had to make saddles for all the
+principal officers of the King's household, and as they all gave me rich
+presents I soon became very wealthy and quite an important person in the
+city.
+
+One day the King sent for me and said, "Sindbad, I am going to ask a
+favor of you. Both I and my subjects esteem you, and wish you to end
+your days amongst us. Therefore I desire that you will marry a rich and
+beautiful lady whom I will find for you, and think no more of your own
+country."
+
+As the King's will was law I accepted the charming bride he presented to
+me, and lived happily with her. Nevertheless I had every intention of
+escaping at the first opportunity, and going back to Bagdad. Things were
+thus going prosperously with me when it happened that the wife of one of
+my neighbors, with whom I had struck up quite a friendship, fell ill,
+and presently died. I went to his house to offer my consolations, and
+found him in the depths of woe.
+
+"Heaven preserve you," said I, "and send you a long life!"
+
+"Alas!" he replied, "what is the good of saying that when I have but an
+hour left to live!"
+
+"Come, come!" said I, "surely it is not so bad as all that. I trust that
+you may be spared to me for many years."
+
+"I hope," answered he, "that your life may be long, but as for me, all
+is finished. I have set my house in order, and to-day I shall be buried
+with my wife. This has been the law upon our island from the earliest
+ages--the living husband goes to the grave with his dead wife, the
+living wife with her dead husband. So did our fathers, and so must we
+do. The law changes not, and all must submit to it!"
+
+As he spoke the friends and relations of the unhappy pair began to
+assemble. The body, decked in rich robes and sparkling with jewels, was
+laid upon an open bier, and the procession started, taking its way to a
+high mountain at some distance from the city, the wretched husband,
+clothed from head to foot in a black mantle, following mournfully.
+
+When the place of interment was reached the corpse was lowered, just as
+it was, into a deep pit. Then the husband, bidding farewell to all his
+friends, stretched himself upon another bier, upon which were laid seven
+little loaves of bread and a pitcher of water, and he also was let
+down-down-down to the depths of the horrible cavern, and then a stone
+was laid over the opening, and the melancholy company wended its way
+back to the city.
+
+You may imagine that I was no unmoved spectator of these proceedings; to
+all the others it was a thing to which they had been accustomed from
+their youth up; but I was so horrified that I could not help telling the
+King how it struck me.
+
+"Sire," I said, "I am more astonished than I can express to you at the
+strange custom which exists in your dominions of burying the living with
+the dead. In all my travels I have never before met with so cruel and
+horrible a law."
+
+"What would you have, Sindbad?" he replied. "It is the law for
+everybody. I myself should be buried with the Queen if she were the
+first to die."
+
+"But, your Majesty," said I, "dare I ask if this law applies to
+foreigners also?"
+
+"Why, yes," replied the king smiling, in what I could but consider a
+very heartless manner: "they are no exception to the rule if they have
+married in the country."
+
+When I heard this I went home much cast down, and from that time forward
+my mind was never easy. If only my wife's little finger ached I fancied
+she was going to die, and sure enough before very long she fell really
+ill and in a few days breathed her last. My dismay was great, for it
+seemed to me that to be buried alive was even a worse fate than to be
+devoured by cannibals, nevertheless there was no escape. The body of my
+wife, arrayed in her richest robes and decked with all her jewels, was
+laid upon the bier. I followed it, and after me came a great procession,
+headed by the king and all his nobles, and in this order we reached the
+fatal mountain, which was one of a lofty chain bordering the sea.
+
+Here I made one more frantic effort to excite the pity of the King and
+those who stood by, hoping to save myself even at this last moment, but
+it was of no avail. No one spoke to me, they even appeared to hasten
+over their dreadful task, and I speedily found myself descending into
+the gloomy pit, with my seven loaves and pitcher of water beside me.
+Almost before I reached the bottom the stone was rolled into its place
+above my head, and I was left to my fate. A feeble ray of light shone
+into the cavern through some chink, and when I had the courage to look
+about me I could see that I was in a vast vault, bestrewn with bones and
+bodies of the dead. I even fancied that I heard the expiring sighs of
+those who, like myself, had come into this dismal place alive. All in
+vain did I shriek aloud with rage and despair, reproaching myself for
+the love of gain and adventure which had brought me to such a pass, but
+at length, growing calmer, I took up my bread and water, and wrapping my
+face in my mantle I groped my way towards the end of the cavern, where
+the air was fresher.
+
+Here I lived in darkness and misery until my provisions were exhausted,
+but just as I was nearly dead from starvation the rock was rolled away
+overhead and I saw that a bier was being lowered into the cavern, and
+that the corpse upon it was a man. In a moment my mind was made up, the
+woman who followed had nothing to expect but a lingering death; I should
+be doing her a service if I shortened her misery. Therefore when she
+descended, already insensible from terror, I was ready armed with a huge
+bone, one blow from which left her dead, and I secured the bread and
+water which gave me a hope of life. Several times did I have recourse to
+this desperate expedient, and I know not how long I had been a prisoner
+when one day I fancied that I heard something near me, which breathed
+loudly. Turning to the place from which the sound came I dimly saw a
+shadowy form which fled at my movement, squeezing itself through a
+cranny in the wall. I pursued it as fast as I could, and found myself in
+a narrow crack among the rocks, along which I was just able to force my
+way. I followed it for what seemed to me many miles, and at last saw
+before me a glimmer of light which grew clearer every moment until I
+emerged upon the sea-shore with a joy which I cannot describe. When I
+was sure that I was not dreaming, I realized that it was doubtless some
+little animal which had found its way into the cavern from the sea, and
+when disturbed had fled, showing me a means of escape which I could
+never have discovered for myself. I hastily surveyed my surroundings,
+and saw that I was safe from all pursuit from the town.
+
+The mountains sloped sheer down to the sea, and there was no road across
+them. Being assured of this I returned to the cavern, and amassed a rich
+treasure of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and jewels of all kinds, which
+strewed the ground. These I made up into bales, and stored them into a
+safe place upon the beach, and then waited hopefully for the passing of
+a ship. I had looked out for two days, however, before a single sail
+appeared, so it was with much delight that I at last saw a vessel not
+very far from the shore, and by waving my arms and uttering loud cries
+succeeded in attracting the attention of her crew. A boat was sent off
+to me, and in answer to the questions of the sailors as to how I came to
+be in such a plight, I replied that I had been shipwrecked two days
+before, but had managed to scramble ashore with the bales which I
+pointed out to them. Luckily for me they believed my story, and without
+even looking at the place where they found me, took up my bundles, and
+rowed me back to the ship. Once on board, I soon saw that the captain
+was too much occupied with the difficulties of navigation to pay much
+heed to me, though he generously made me welcome, and would not even
+accept the jewels with which I offered to pay my passage. Our voyage was
+prosperous, and after visiting many lands, and collecting in each place
+great store of goodly merchandise, I found myself at last in Bagdad once
+more with unheard-of riches of every description. Again I gave large
+sums of money to the poor, and enriched all the mosques in the city,
+after which I gave myself up to my friends and relations, with whom I
+passed my time in feasting and merriment.
+
+Here Sindbad paused, and all his hearers declared that the adventures of
+his fourth voyage had pleased them better than anything they had heard
+before. They then took their leave, followed by Hindbad, who had once
+more received a hundred sequins, and with the rest had been bidden to
+return next day for the story of the fifth voyage.
+
+When the time came all were in their places, and when they had eaten and
+drunk of all that was set before them Sindbad began his tale.
+
+
+
+
+FIFTH VOYAGE
+
+Not even all that I had gone through could make me contented with a
+quiet life. I soon wearied of its pleasures, and longed for change and
+adventure. Therefore I set out once more, but this time in a ship of my
+own, which I built and fitted out at the nearest seaport. I wished to be
+able to call at whatever port I chose, taking my own time; but as I did
+not intend carrying enough goods for a full cargo, I invited several
+merchants of different nations to join me. We set sail with the first
+favorable wind, and after a long voyage upon the open seas we landed
+upon an unknown island which proved to be uninhabited. We determined,
+however, to explore it, but had not gone far when we found a roc's egg,
+as large as the one I had seen before and evidently very nearly hatched,
+for the beak of the young bird had already pierced the shell. In spite
+of all I could say to deter them, the merchants who were with me fell
+upon it with their hatchets, breaking the shell, and killing the young
+roc. Then lighting a fire upon the ground they hacked morsels from the
+bird, and proceeded to roast them while I stood by aghast.
+
+Scarcely had they finished their ill-omened repast, when the air above
+us was darkened by two mighty shadows. The captain of my ship, knowing
+by experience what this meant, cried out to us that the parent birds
+were coming, and urged us to get on board with all speed. This we did,
+and the sails were hoisted, but before we had made any way the rocs
+reached their despoiled nest and hovered about it, uttering frightful
+cries when they discovered the mangled remains of their young one. For a
+moment we lost sight of them, and were flattering ourselves that we had
+escaped, when they reappeared and soared into the air directly over our
+vessel, and we saw that each held in its claws an immense rock ready to
+crush us. There was a moment of breathless suspense, then one bird
+loosed its hold and the huge block of stone hurtled through the air, but
+thanks to the presence of mind of the helmsman, who turned our ship
+violently in another direction, it fell into the sea close beside us,
+cleaving it asunder till we could nearly see the bottom. We had hardly
+time to draw a breath of relief before the other rock fell with a mighty
+crash right in the midst of our luckless vessel, smashing it into a
+thousand fragments, and crushing, or hurling into the sea, passengers
+and crew. I myself went down with the rest, but had the good fortune to
+rise unhurt, and by holding on to a piece of driftwood with one hand and
+swimming with the other I kept myself afloat and was presently washed up
+by the tide on to an island. Its shores were steep and rocky, but I
+scrambled up safely and threw myself down to rest upon the green turf.
+
+When I had somewhat recovered I began to examine the spot in which I
+found myself, and truly it seemed to me that I had reached a garden of
+delights. There were trees everywhere, and they were laden with flowers
+and fruit, while a crystal stream wandered in and out under their
+shadow. When night came I slept sweetly in a cosey nook, though the
+remembrance that I was alone in a strange land made me sometimes start
+up and look around me in alarm, and then I wished heartily that I had
+stayed at home at ease. However, the morning sunlight restored my
+courage, and I once more wandered among the trees, but always with some
+anxiety as to what I might see next. I had penetrated some distance into
+the island when I saw an old man bent and feeble sitting upon the river
+bank, and at first I took him to be some shipwrecked mariner like
+myself. Going up to him I greeted him in a friendly way, but he only
+nodded his head at me in reply. I then asked what he did there, and he
+made signs to me that he wished to get across the river to gather some
+fruit, and seemed to beg me to carry him on my back. Pitying his age and
+feebleness, I took him up, and wading across the stream I bent down that
+he might more easily reach the bank, and bade him get down. But instead
+of allowing himself to be set upon his feet (even now it makes me laugh
+to think of it!), this creature who had seemed to me so decrepit leaped
+nimbly upon my shoulders, and hooking his legs round my neck gripped me
+so tightly that I was well-nigh choked, and so overcome with terror that
+I fell insensible to the ground. When I recovered my enemy was still in
+his place, though he had released his hold enough to allow me breathing
+space, and seeing me revive he prodded me adroitly first with one foot
+and then with the other, until I was forced to get up and stagger about
+with him under the trees while he gathered and ate the choicest fruits.
+This went on all day, and even at night, when I threw myself down half
+dead with weariness, the terrible old man held on tight to my neck, nor
+did he fail to greet the first glimmer of morning light by drumming upon
+me with his heels, until I perforce awoke and resumed my dreary march
+with rage and bitterness in my heart.
+
+It happened one day that I passed a tree under which lay several dry
+gourds, and catching one up I amused myself with scooping out its
+contents and pressing into it the juice of several bunches of grapes
+which hung from every bush. When it was full I left it propped in the
+fork of a tree, and a few days later, carrying the hateful old man that
+way, I snatched at my gourd as I passed it and had the satisfaction of a
+draught of excellent wine so good and refreshing that I even forgot my
+detestable burden, and began to sing and caper.
+
+The old monster was not slow to perceive the effect which my draught had
+produced and that I carried him more lightly than usual, so he stretched
+out his skinny hand and seizing the gourd first tasted its contents
+cautiously, then drained them to the very last drop. The wine was strong
+and the gourd capacious, so he also began to sing after a fashion, and
+soon I had the delight of feeling the iron grip of his goblin legs
+unclasp, and with one vigorous effort I threw him to the ground, from
+which he never moved again. I was so rejoiced to have at last got rid of
+this uncanny old man that I ran leaping and bounding down to the
+sea-shore, where, by the greatest good luck, I met with some mariners
+who had anchored off the island to enjoy the delicious fruits, and to
+renew their supply of water.
+
+They heard the story of my escape with amazement, saying, "You fell into
+the hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and it is a mercy that he did not
+strangle you as he has everyone else upon whose shoulders he has managed
+to perch himself. This island is well-known as the scene of his evil
+deeds, and no merchant or sailor who lands upon it cares to stray far
+away from his comrades." After we had talked for awhile they took me
+back with them on board their ship, where the captain received me
+kindly, and we soon set sail, and after several days reached a large and
+prosperous-looking town where all the houses were built of stone. Here
+we anchored, and one of the merchants, who had been very friendly to me
+on the way, took me ashore with him and showed me a lodging set apart
+for strange merchants. He then provided me with a large sack, and
+pointed out to me a party of others equipped in like manner.
+
+"Go with them," said he, "and do as they do, but beware of losing sight
+of them, for if you strayed your life would be in danger."
+
+With that he supplied me with provisions, and bade me farewell, and I
+set out with my new companions. I soon learnt that the object of our
+expedition was to fill our sacks with cocoa-nuts, but when at length I
+saw the trees and noted their immense height and the slippery smoothness
+of their slender trunks, I did not at all understand how we were to do
+it. The crowns of the cocoa-palms were all alive with monkeys, big and
+little, which skipped from one to the other with surprising agility,
+seeming to be curious about us and disturbed at our appearance, and I
+was at first surprised when my companions after collecting stones began
+to throw them at the lively creatures, which seemed to me quite
+harmless. But very soon I saw the reason of it and joined them heartily,
+for the monkeys, annoyed and wishing to pay us back in our own coin,
+began to tear the nuts from the trees and cast them at us with angry and
+spiteful gestures, so that after very little labor our sacks were filled
+with the fruit which we could not otherwise have obtained.
+
+As soon as we had as many as we could carry we went back to the town,
+where my friend bought my share and advised me to continue the same
+occupation until I had earned money enough to carry me to my own
+country. This I did, and before long had amassed a considerable sum.
+Just then I heard that there was a trading ship ready to sail, and
+taking leave of my friend I went on board, carrying with me a goodly
+store of cocoanuts; and we sailed first to the islands where pepper
+grows, then to Comari where the best aloes-wood is found, and where men
+drink no wine by an unalterable law. Here I exchanged my nuts for pepper
+and good aloes-wood, and went a-fishing for pearls with some of the
+other merchants, and my divers were so lucky that very soon I had an
+immense number, and those very large and perfect. With all these
+treasures I came joyfully back to Bagdad, where I disposed of them for
+large sums of money, of which I did not fail as before to give the tenth
+part to the poor, and after that I rested from my labors and comforted
+myself with all the pleasures that my riches could give me.
+
+Having thus ended his story, Sindbad ordered that one hundred sequins
+should be given to Hindbad, and the guests then withdrew; but after the
+next day's feast he began the account of his sixth voyage as follows.
+
+
+
+
+SIXTH VOYAGE
+
+It must be a marvel to you how, after having five times met with
+shipwreck and unheard-of perils, I could again tempt fortune and risk
+fresh trouble. I am even surprised myself when I look back, but
+evidently it was my fate to rove, and after a year of repose I prepared
+to make a sixth voyage, regardless of the entreaties of my friends and
+relations, who did all they could to keep me at home. Instead of going
+by the Persian Gulf, I travelled a considerable way overland, and
+finally embarked from a distant Indian port with a captain who meant to
+make a long voyage. And truly he did so, for we fell in with stormy
+weather which drove us completely out of our course, so that for many
+days neither captain nor pilot knew where we were, nor where we were
+going. When they did at last discover our position we had small ground
+for rejoicing, for the captain, casting his turban upon the deck and
+tearing his beard, declared that we were in the most dangerous spot upon
+the whole wide sea, and had been caught by a current which was at that
+moment sweeping us to destruction. It was too true! In spite of all the
+sailors could do we were driven with frightful rapidity towards the foot
+of a mountain, which rose sheer out of the sea, and our vessel was
+dashed to pieces upon the rocks at its base, not, however, until we had
+managed to scramble on shore, carrying with us the most precious of our
+possessions. When we had done this the captain said to us:--
+
+"Now we are here we may as well begin to dig our graves at once, since
+from this fatal spot no shipwrecked mariner has ever returned."
+
+This speech discouraged us much, and we began to lament over our sad
+fate.
+
+The mountain formed the seaward boundary of a large island, and the
+narrow strip of rocky shore upon which we stood was strewn with the
+wreckage of a thousand gallant ships, while the bones of the luckless
+mariners shone white in the sunshine, and we shuddered to think how soon
+our own would be added to the heap. All around, too, lay vast quantities
+of the costliest merchandise, and treasures were heaped in every cranny
+of the rocks, but all these things only added to the desolation of the
+scene. It struck me as a very strange thing that a river of clear fresh
+water, which gushed out from the mountain not far from where we stood,
+instead of flowing into the sea as rivers generally do, turned off
+sharply, and flowed out of sight under a natural archway of rock, and
+when I went to examine it more closely I found that inside the cave the
+walls were thick with diamonds, rubies, and masses of crystal, and the
+floor was strewn with ambergris. Here, then, upon this desolate shore we
+abandoned ourselves to our fate, for there was no possibility of scaling
+the mountain, and if a ship had appeared it could only have shared our
+doom. The first thing our captain did was to divide equally amongst us
+all the food we possessed, and then the length of each man's life
+depended on the time he could make his portion last. I myself could live
+upon very little.
+
+Nevertheless, by the time I had buried the last of my companions my
+stock of provisions was so small that I hardly thought I should live
+long enough to dig my own grave, which I set about doing, while I
+regretted bitterly the roving disposition which was always bringing me
+into such straits, and thought longingly of all the comfort and luxury
+that I had left. But luckily for me the fancy took me to stand once more
+beside the river where it plunged out of sight in the depths of the
+cavern, and as I did so an idea struck me. This river which hid itself
+underground doubtless emerged again at some distant spot. Why should I
+not build a raft and trust myself to its swiftly flowing waters? If I
+perished before I could reach the light of day once more I should be no
+worse off than I was now, for death stared me in the face, while there
+was always the possibility that, as I was born under a lucky star, I
+might find myself safe and sound in some desirable land. I decided at
+any rate to risk it, and speedily built myself a stout raft of
+drift-wood with strong cords, of which enough and to spare lay strewn
+upon the beach. I then made up many packages of rubies, emeralds, rock
+crystal, ambergris, and precious stuffs, and bound them upon my raft,
+being careful to preserve the balance, and then I seated myself upon it,
+having two small oars that I had fashioned laid ready to my hand, and
+loosed the cord which held it to the bank. Once out in the current my
+raft flew swiftly under the gloomy archway, and I found myself in total
+darkness, carried smoothly forward by the rapid river. On I went as it
+seemed to me for many nights and days. Once the channel became so small
+that I had a narrow escape of being crushed against the rocky roof, and
+after that I took the precaution of lying flat upon my precious bales.
+Though I only ate what was absolutely necessary to keep myself alive,
+the inevitable moment came when, after swallowing my last morsel of
+food, I began to wonder if I must after all die of hunger. Then, worn
+out with anxiety and fatigue, I fell into a deep sleep, and when I again
+opened my eyes I was once more in the light of day; a beautiful country
+lay before me, and my raft, which was tied to the river bank, was
+surrounded by friendly looking black men. I rose and saluted them, and
+they spoke to me in return, but I could not understand a word of their
+language. Feeling perfectly bewildered by my sudden return to life and
+light, I murmured to myself in Arabic, "Close thine eyes, and while thou
+sleepest Heaven will change thy fortune from evil to good."
+
+One of the natives, who understood this tongue, then came forward
+saying:--
+
+"My brother, be not surprised to see us; this is our land, and as we
+came to get water from the river we noticed your raft floating down it,
+and one of us swam out and brought you to the shore. We have waited for
+your awakening; tell us now whence you come and where you were going by
+that dangerous way?"
+
+I replied that nothing would please me better than to tell them, but
+that I was starving, and would fain eat something first. I was soon
+supplied with all I needed, and having satisfied my hunger I told them
+faithfully all that had befallen me. They were lost in wonder at my tale
+when it was interpreted to them, and said that adventures so surprising
+must be related to their King only by the man to whom they had happened.
+So, procuring a horse, they mounted me upon it, and we set out, followed
+by several strong men carrying my raft just as it was upon their
+shoulders. In this order we marched into the city of Serendib, where the
+natives presented me to their King, whom I saluted in the Indian
+fashion, prostrating myself at his feet and kissing the ground; but the
+monarch bade me rise and sit beside him, asking first what was my name.
+
+"I am Sindbad," I replied, "whom men call 'the Sailor,' for I have
+voyaged much upon many seas."
+
+"And how came you here?" asked the King.
+
+I told my story, concealing nothing, and his surprise and delight were
+so great that he ordered my adventures to be written in letters of gold
+and laid up in the archives of his kingdom.
+
+Presently my raft was brought in and the bales opened in his presence,
+and the king declared that in all his treasury there were no such rubies
+and emeralds as those which lay in great heaps before him. Seeing that
+he looked at them with interest, I ventured to say that I myself and all
+that I had were at his disposal, but he answered me smiling:--
+
+"Nay, Sindbad. Heaven forbid that I should covet your riches; I will
+rather add to them, for I desire that you shall not leave my kingdom
+without some tokens of my good-will." He then commanded his officers to
+provide me with a suitable lodging at his expense, and sent slaves to
+wait upon me and carry my raft and my bales to my new dwelling-place.
+You may imagine that I praised his generosity and gave him grateful
+thanks, nor did I fail to present myself daily in his audience-chamber,
+and for the rest of my time I amused myself in seeing all that was most
+worthy of attention in the city. The island of Serendib being situated
+on the equinoctial line, the days and nights there are of equal length.
+The chief city is placed at the end of a beautiful valley, formed by the
+highest mountain in the world, which is in the middle of the island. I
+had the curiosity to ascend to its very summit, for this was the place
+to which Adam was banished out of Paradise. Here are found rubies and
+many precious things, and rare plants grow abundantly, with cedar-trees
+and cocoa-palms. On the sea-shore and at the mouths of the rivers the
+divers seek for pearls, and in some valleys diamonds are plentiful.
+After many days I petitioned the King that I might return to my own
+country, to which he graciously consented. Moreover, he loaded me with
+rich gifts, and when I went to take leave of him he intrusted me with a
+royal present and a letter to the Commander of the Faithful, our
+sovereign lord, saying, "I pray you give these to the Caliph
+Harun-al-Rashid, and assure him of my friendship."
+
+I accepted the charge respectfully, and soon embarked upon the vessel
+which the King himself had chosen for me. The King's letter was written
+in blue characters upon a rare and precious skin of yellowish color, and
+these were the words of it: "The King of the Indies, before whom walk a
+thousand elephants, who lives in a palace, of which the roof blazes with
+a hundred thousand rubies, and whose treasure-house contains twenty
+thousand diamond crowns, to the Caliph Harun-al-Rashid sends greeting.
+Though the offering we present to you is unworthy of your notice, we
+pray you to accept it as a mark of the esteem and friendship which we
+cherish for you, and of which we gladly send you this token, and we ask
+of you a like regard if you deem us worthy of it. Adieu, brother."
+
+The present consisted of a vase carved from a single ruby, six inches
+high and as thick as my finger; this was filled with the choicest
+pearls, large, and of perfect shape and lustre; secondly, a huge
+snake-skin, with scales as large as a sequin, which would preserve from
+sickness those who slept upon it. Then quantities of aloes-wood,
+camphor, and pistachio-nuts; and lastly, a beautiful slave-girl, whose
+robes glittered with precious stones.
+
+After a long and prosperous voyage we landed at Balsora, and I made
+haste to reach Bagdad, and taking the King's letter I presented myself
+at the palace gate, followed by the beautiful slave, and various members
+of my own family, bearing the treasure.
+
+As soon as I had declared my errand I was conducted into the presence of
+the Caliph, to whom, after I had made my obeisance, I gave the letter
+and the King's gift, and when he had examined them he demanded of me
+whether the Prince of Serendib was really as rich and powerful as he
+claimed to be.
+
+"Commander of the Faithful," I replied, again bowing humbly before him,
+"I can assure your Majesty that he has in no way exaggerated his wealth
+and grandeur. Nothing can equal the magnificence of his palace. When he
+goes abroad his throne is prepared upon the back of an elephant, and on
+either side of him ride his ministers, his favorites, and courtiers. On
+his elephant's neck sits an officer, his golden lance in his hand, and
+behind him stands another bearing a pillar of gold, at the top of which
+is an emerald as long as my hand. A thousand men in cloth of gold,
+mounted upon richly caparisoned elephants, go before him, and as the
+procession moves onward the officer who guides his elephant cries aloud,
+'Behold the mighty monarch, the powerful and valiant Sultan of the
+Indies, whose palace is covered with a hundred thousand rubies, who
+possesses twenty thousand diamond crowns. Behold a monarch greater than
+Solomon and Mihrage in all their glory!'
+
+"Then the one who stands behind the throne answers: 'This king, so great
+and powerful, must die, must die, must die!'
+
+"And the first takes up the chant again, 'All praise to Him who lives
+for evermore.'
+
+"Further, my lord, in Serendib no judge is needed, for to the King
+himself his people come for justice."
+
+The Caliph was well satisfied with my report.
+
+"From the King's letter," said he, "I judged that he was a wise man. It
+seems that he is worthy of his people, and his people of him."
+
+So saying he dismissed me with rich presents, and I returned in peace to
+my own house.
+
+When Sindbad had done speaking his guests withdrew, Hindbad having first
+received a hundred sequins, but all returned next day to hear the story
+of the seventh voyage.
+
+
+
+
+SEVENTH AND LAST VOYAGE
+
+After my sixth voyage I was quite determined that I would go to sea no
+more. I was now of an age to appreciate a quiet life, and I had run
+risks enough. I only wished to end my days in peace. One day, however,
+when I was entertaining a number of my friends, I was told that an
+officer of the Caliph wished to speak to me, and when he was admitted he
+bade me to follow him into the presence of Harun-al-Rashid, which I
+accordingly did. After I had saluted him, the Caliph said:--
+
+"I have sent for you, Sindbad, because I need your services. I have
+chosen you to bear a letter and a gift to the King of Serendib in return
+for his message of friendship."
+
+The Caliph's commandment fell upon me like a thunderbolt.
+
+"Commander of the Faithful," I answered, "I am ready to do all that your
+Majesty commands, but I humbly pray you to remember that I am utterly
+disheartened by the unheard-of sufferings I have undergone. Indeed, I
+have made a vow never again to leave Bagdad."
+
+With this I gave him a long account of some of my strangest adventures,
+to which he listened patiently.
+
+"I admit," said he, "that you have indeed had some extraordinary
+experiences, but I do not see why they should hinder you from doing as I
+wish. You have only to go straight to Serendib and give my message, then
+you are free to come back and do as you will. But go you must; my honor
+and dignity demand it."
+
+Seeing that there was no help for it, I declared myself willing to obey;
+and the Caliph, delighted at having got his own way, gave me a thousand
+sequins for the expenses of the voyage. I was soon ready to start, and
+taking the letter and the present I embarked at Balsora, and sailed
+quickly and safely to Serendib. Here, when I had disclosed my errand, I
+was well received, and brought into the presence of the king, who
+greeted me with joy.
+
+"Welcome, Sindbad," he cried. "I have thought of you often, and rejoice
+to see you once more."
+
+After thanking him for the honor that he did me, I displayed the
+Caliph's gifts. First a bed with complete hangings all cloth of gold,
+which cost a thousand sequins, and another like to it of crimson stuff.
+Fifty robes of rich embroidery, a hundred of the finest white linen from
+Cairo, Suez, Cufa, and Alexandria. Then more beds of different fashion,
+and an agate vase carved with the figure of a man aiming an arrow at a
+lion, and finally a costly table, which had once belonged to King
+Solomon. The King of Serendib received with satisfaction the assurance
+of the Caliph's friendliness towards him, and now my task being
+accomplished I was anxious to depart, but it was some time before the
+king would think of letting me go. At last, however, he dismissed me
+with many presents, and I lost no time in going on board a ship, which
+sailed at once, and for four days all went well. On the fifth day we had
+the misfortune to fall in with pirates, who seized our vessel, killing
+all who resisted, and making prisoners of those who were prudent enough
+to submit at once, of whom I was one. When they had despoiled us of all
+we possessed, they forced us to put on vile raiment, and sailing to a
+distant island there sold us for slaves. I fell into the hands of a rich
+merchant, who took me home with him, and clothed and fed me well, and
+after some days sent for me and questioned me as to what I could do.
+
+I answered that I was a rich merchant who had been captured by pirates,
+and therefore I knew no trade.
+
+"Tell me," said he, "can you shoot with a bow?"
+
+I replied that this had been one of the pastimes of my youth, and that
+doubtless with practice my skill would come back to me.
+
+Upon this he provided me with a bow and arrows, and mounting me with him
+upon his own elephant took the way to a vast forest which lay far from
+the town. When we had reached the wildest part of it we stopped, and my
+master said to me: "This forest swarms with elephants. Hide yourself in
+this great tree, and shoot at all that pass you. When you have succeeded
+in killing one come and tell me."
+
+So saying he gave me a supply of food, and returned to the town, and I
+perched myself high up in the tree and kept watch. That night I saw
+nothing, but just after sunrise the next morning a large herd of
+elephants came crashing and trampling by. I lost no time in letting fly
+several arrows, and at last one of the great animals fell to the ground
+dead, and the others retreated, leaving me free to come down from my
+hiding-place and run back to tell my master of my success, for which I
+was praised and regaled with good things. Then we went back to the
+forest together and dug a mighty trench in which we buried the elephant
+I had killed, in order that when it became a skeleton my master might
+return and secure its tusks.
+
+For two months I hunted thus, and no day passed without my securing an
+elephant. Of course I did not always station myself in the same tree,
+but sometimes in one place, sometimes in another. One morning as I
+watched the coming of the elephants I was surprised to see that, instead
+of passing the tree I was in, as they usually did, they paused, and
+completely surrounded it, trumpeting horribly, and shaking the very
+ground with their heavy tread, and when I saw that their eyes were fixed
+upon me I was terrified, and my arrows dropped from my trembling hand. I
+had indeed good reason for my terror when, an instant later, the largest
+of the animals wound his trunk round the stem of my tree, and with one
+mighty effort tore it up by the roots, bringing me to the ground
+entangled in its branches. I thought now that my last hour was surely
+come, but the huge creature, picking me up gently enough, set me upon
+its back, where I clung more dead than alive, and followed by the whole
+herd turned and crashed off into the dense forest. It seemed to me a
+long time before I was once more set upon my feet by the elephant, and I
+stood as if in a dream watching the herd, which turned and trampled off
+in another direction, and were soon hidden in the dense underwood. Then,
+recovering myself, I looked about me, and found that I was standing upon
+the side of a great hill, strewn as far as I could see on either hand
+with bones and tusks of elephants. "This then must be the elephants'
+burying-place," I said to myself, "and they must have brought me here
+that I might cease to persecute them, seeing that I want nothing but
+their tusks, and here lie more than I could carry away in a lifetime."
+
+Whereupon I turned and made for the city as fast as I could go, not
+seeing a single elephant by the way, which convinced me that they had
+retired deeper into the forest to leave the way open to the Ivory Hill,
+and I did not know how sufficiently to admire their sagacity. After a
+day and a night I reached my master's house, and was received by him
+with joyful surprise.
+
+"Ah! poor Sindbad," he cried, "I was wondering what could have become of
+you. When I went to the forest I found the tree newly uprooted, and the
+arrows lying beside it, and I feared I should never see you again. Pray
+tell me how you escaped death."
+
+I soon satisfied his curiosity, and the next day we went together to the
+Ivory Hill, and he was overjoyed to find that I had told him nothing but
+the truth. When we had loaded our elephant with as many tusks as it
+could carry and were on our way back to the city, he said:--
+
+"My brother--since I can no longer treat as a slave one who has enriched
+me thus--take your liberty, and may Heaven prosper you. I will no longer
+conceal from you that these wild elephants have killed numbers of our
+slaves every year. No matter what good advice we gave them, they were
+caught sooner or later. You alone have escaped the wiles of these
+animals, therefore you must be under the special protection of Heaven.
+Now through you the whole town will be enriched without further loss of
+life, therefore you shall not only receive your liberty, but I will also
+bestow a fortune upon you."
+
+To which I replied, "Master, I thank you, and wish you all prosperity.
+For myself I only ask liberty to return to my own country."
+
+"It is well," he answered, "the monsoon will soon bring the ivory ships
+hither, then I will send you on your way with somewhat to pay your
+passage."
+
+So I stayed with him till the time of the monsoon, and every day we
+added to our store of ivory till all his warehouses were overflowing
+with it. By this time the other merchants knew the secret, but there was
+enough and to spare for all. When the ships at last arrived my master
+himself chose the one in which I was to sail, and put on board for me a
+great store of choice provisions, also ivory in abundance, and all the
+costliest curiosities of the country, for which I could not thank him
+enough, and so we parted. I left the ship at the first port we came to,
+not feeling at ease upon the sea after all that had happened to me by
+reason of it, and having disposed of my ivory for much gold, and bought
+many rare and costly presents, I loaded my pack animals, and joined a
+caravan of merchants. Our journey was long and tedious, but I bore it
+patiently, reflecting that at least I had not to fear tempests, nor
+pirates, nor serpents, nor any of the other perils from which I had
+suffered before, and at length we reached Bagdad. My first care was to
+present myself before the Caliph, and give him an account of my embassy.
+He assured me that my long absence had disquieted him much, but he had
+nevertheless hoped for the best. As to my adventure among the elephants
+he heard it with amazement, declaring that he could not have believed it
+had not my truthfulness been well-known to him.
+
+By his orders this story and the others I had told him were written by
+his scribes in letters of gold, and laid up among his treasures. I took
+my leave of him, well satisfied with the honors and rewards he bestowed
+upon me; and since that time I have rested from my labors, and given
+myself up wholly to my family and my friends.
+
+Thus Sindbad ended the story of his seventh and last voyage, and turning
+to Hindbad he added:--
+
+"Well, my friend, and what do you think now? Have you ever heard of
+anyone who has suffered more, or had more narrow escapes than I have? Is
+it not just that I should now enjoy a life of ease and tranquillity?"
+
+Hindbad drew near, and kissing his hand respectfully, replied, "Sir, you
+have indeed known fearful perils; my troubles have been nothing compared
+to yours. Moreover, the generous use you make of your wealth proves that
+you deserve it. May you live long and happily in the enjoyment of it."
+
+Sindbad then gave him a hundred sequins, and henceforward counted him
+among his friends; also he caused him to give up his profession as a
+porter, and to eat daily at his table that he might all his life
+remember Sindbad the Sailor.
+
+
+
+
+ALADDIN'S WONDERFUL LAMP
+
+There once lived a poor tailor, who had a son called Aladdin, a
+careless, idle boy, who would do nothing but play all day long in the
+streets with little idle boys like himself. This so grieved the father
+that he died; yet, in spite of his mother's tears and prayers, Aladdin
+did not mend his ways. One day, when he was playing in the streets as
+usual, a stranger asked him his age, and if he were not the son of
+Mustapha the tailor.
+
+"I am, sir," replied Aladdin; "but he died a long while ago."
+
+On this the stranger, who was a famous African magician, fell on his
+neck and kissed him, saying: "I am your uncle, and knew you from your
+likeness to my brother. Go to your mother and tell her I am coming."
+
+Aladdin ran home, and told his mother of his newly-found uncle.
+
+"Indeed, child," she said, "your father had a brother, but I always
+thought he was dead."
+
+However, she prepared supper, and bade Aladdin seek his uncle, who came
+laden with wine and fruit. He presently fell down and kissed the place
+where Mustapha used to sit, bidding Aladdin's mother not to be surprised
+at not having seen him before, as he had been forty years out of the
+country. He then turned to Aladdin and asked him his trade, at which the
+boy hung his head, while his mother burst into tears. On learning that
+Aladdin was idle and would learn no trade, he offered to take a shop for
+him and stock it with merchandise. Next day he bought Aladdin a fine
+suit of clothes, and took him all over the city, showing him the sights,
+and brought him home at nightfall to his mother, who was overjoyed to
+see her son so fine.
+
+Next day the magician led Aladdin into some beautiful gardens a long way
+outside the city gates. They sat down by a fountain, and the magician
+pulled a cake from his girdle, which he divided between them. They then
+journeyed onwards till they almost reached the mountains. Aladdin was so
+tired that he begged to go back, but the magician beguiled him with
+pleasant stories, and led him on in spite of himself.
+
+At last they came to two mountains divided by a narrow valley.
+
+"We will go no farther," said the false uncle. "I will show you
+something wonderful; only do you gather up sticks while I kindle a
+fire."
+
+When it was lit the magician threw on it a powder he had about him, at
+the same time saying some magical words. The earth trembled a little and
+opened in front of them, disclosing a square flat stone with a brass
+ring in the middle to raise it by. Aladdin tried to run away, but the
+magician caught him and gave him a blow that knocked him down.
+
+"What have I done, uncle?" he said piteously; whereupon the magician
+said more kindly: "Fear nothing, but obey me. Beneath this stone lies a
+treasure which is to be yours, and no one else may touch it, so you must
+do exactly as I tell you."
+
+At the word treasure, Aladdin forgot his fears, and grasped the ring as
+he was told, saying the names of his father and grandfather. The stone
+came up quite easily and some steps appeared.
+
+"Go down," said the magician; "at the foot of those steps you will find
+an open door leading into three large halls. Tuck up your gown and go
+through them without touching anything, or you will die instantly. These
+halls lead into a garden of fine fruit-trees. Walk on till you come to a
+niche in a terrace where stands a lighted lamp. Pour out the oil it
+contains and bring it to me."
+
+He drew a ring from his finger and gave it to Aladdin, bidding him
+prosper.
+
+Aladdin found everything as the magician had said, gathered some fruit
+off the trees, and, having got the lamp, arrived at the mouth of the
+cave. The magician cried out in a great hurry:--
+
+"Make haste and give me the lamp." This Aladdin refused to do until he
+was out of the cave. The magician flew into a terrible passion, and
+throwing some more powder on the fire, he said something, and the stone
+rolled back into its place.
+
+The magician left Persia forever, which plainly showed that he was no
+uncle of Aladdin's, but a cunning magician who had read in his magic
+books of a wonderful lamp, which would make him the most powerful man in
+the world. Though he alone knew where to find it, he could only receive
+it from the hand of another. He had picked out the foolish Aladdin for
+this purpose, intending to get the lamp and kill him afterwards.
+
+For two days Aladdin remained in the dark, crying and lamenting. At last
+he clasped his hands in prayer, and in so doing rubbed the ring, which
+the magician had forgotten to take from him. Immediately an enormous and
+frightful genie rose out of the earth, saying:--
+
+"What wouldst thou with me? I am the Slave of the Ring, and will obey
+thee in all things."
+
+Aladdin fearlessly replied: "Deliver me from this place!" whereupon the
+earth opened, and he found himself outside. As soon as his eyes could
+bear the light he went home, but fainted on the threshold. When he came
+to himself he told his mother what had passed, and showed her the lamp
+and the fruits he had gathered in the garden, which were in reality
+precious stones. He then asked for some food.
+
+"Alas! child," she said, "I have nothing in the house, but I have spun a
+little cotton and will go and sell it."
+
+Aladdin bade her keep her cotton, for he would sell the lamp instead. As
+it was very dirty she began to rub it, that it might fetch a higher
+price. Instantly a hideous genie appeared, and asked what she would
+have. She fainted away, but Aladdin, snatching the lamp, said boldly:--
+
+"Fetch me something to eat!"
+
+The genie returned with a silver bowl, twelve silver plates containing
+rich meats, two silver cups, and two bottles of wine. Aladdin's mother,
+when she came to herself, said:--
+
+"Whence comes this splendid feast?"
+
+"Ask not, but eat," replied Aladdin.
+
+So they sat at breakfast till it was dinner-time, and Aladdin told his
+mother about the lamp. She begged him to sell it, and have nothing to do
+with devils.
+
+"No," said Aladdin, "since chance has made us aware of its virtues, we
+will use it and the ring likewise, which I shall always wear on my
+finger." When they had eaten all the genie had brought, Aladdin sold one
+of the silver plates, and so on till none was left. He then had recourse
+to the genie, who gave him another set of plates, and thus they lived
+for many years.
+
+One day Aladdin heard an order from the Sultan proclaimed that everyone
+was to stay at home and close his shutters while the princess, his
+daughter, went to and from the bath. Aladdin was seized by a desire to
+see her face, which was very difficult, as she always went veiled. He
+hid himself behind the door of the bath, and peeped through a chink. The
+princess lifted her veil as she went in, and looked so beautiful that
+Aladdin fell in love with her at first sight. He went home so changed
+that his mother was frightened. He told her he loved the princess so
+deeply that he could not live without her, and meant to ask her in
+marriage of her father. His mother, on hearing this, burst out laughing,
+but Aladdin at last prevailed upon her to go before the Sultan and carry
+his request. She fetched a napkin and laid in it the magic fruits from
+the enchanted garden, which sparkled and shone like the most beautiful
+jewels. She took these with her to please the Sultan, and set out,
+trusting in the lamp. The grand-vizir and the lords of council had just
+gone in as she entered the hall and placed herself in front of the
+Sultan. He, however, took no notice of her. She went every day for a
+week, and stood in the same place.
+
+When the council broke up on the sixth day the Sultan said to his vizir:
+"I see a certain woman in the audience-chamber every day carrying
+something in a napkin. Call her next time, that I may find out what she
+wants."
+
+Next day, at a sign from the vizir, she went up to the foot of the
+throne, and remained kneeling till the Sultan said to her: "Rise, good
+woman, and tell me what you want."
+
+She hesitated, so the Sultan sent away all but the vizir, and bade her
+speak freely, promising to forgive her beforehand for anything she might
+say. She then told him of her son's violent love for the princess.
+
+"I prayed him to forget her," she said, "but in vain; he threatened to
+do some desperate deed if I refused to go and ask your Majesty for the
+hand of the princess. Now I pray you to forgive not me alone, but my son
+Aladdin."
+
+The Sultan asked her kindly what she had in the napkin, whereupon she
+unfolded the jewels and presented them.
+
+He was thunderstruck, and turning to the vizir said: "What sayest thou?
+Ought I not to bestow the princess on one who values her at such a
+price?"
+
+The vizir, who wanted her for his own son, begged the Sultan to withhold
+her for three months, in the course of which he hoped his son would
+contrive to make him a richer present. The Sultan granted this, and told
+Aladdin's mother that, though he consented to the marriage, she must not
+appear before him again for three months.
+
+Aladdin waited patiently for nearly three months, but after two had
+elapsed his mother, going into the city to buy oil, found everyone
+rejoicing, and asked what was going on.
+
+"Do you not know," was the answer, "that the son of the grand-vizir is
+to marry the Sultan's daughter to-night?"
+
+Breathless, she ran and told Aladdin, who was overwhelmed at first, but
+presently bethought him of the lamp. He rubbed it, and the genie
+appeared, saying: "What is thy will?"
+
+Aladdin replied: "The Sultan, as thou knowest, has broken his promise to
+me, and the vizir's son is to have the princess. My command is that
+to-night you bring hither the bride and bridegroom."
+
+"Master, I obey," said the genie.
+
+Aladdin then went to his chamber, where, sure enough at midnight the
+genie transported the bed containing the vizir's son and the princess.
+
+"Take this new-married man," he said, "and put him outside in the cold,
+and return at daybreak."
+
+Whereupon the genie took the vizir's son out of bed, leaving Aladdin
+with the princess.
+
+"Fear nothing," Aladdin said to her; "you are my wife, promised to me by
+your unjust father, and no harm shall come to you."
+
+The princess was too frightened to speak, and passed the most miserable
+night of her life, while Aladdin lay down beside her and slept soundly.
+At the appointed hour the genie fetched in the shivering bridegroom,
+laid him in his place, and transported the bed back to the palace.
+
+Presently the Sultan came to wish his daughter good-morning. The unhappy
+vizir's son jumped up and hid himself, while the princess would not say
+a word, and was very sorrowful.
+
+The Sultan sent her mother to her, who said: "How comes it, child, that
+you will not speak to your father? What has happened?"
+
+The princess sighed deeply, and at last told her mother how, during the
+night, the bed had been carried into some strange house, and what had
+passed there. Her mother did not believe her in the least, but bade her
+rise and consider it an idle dream.
+
+The following night exactly the same thing happened, and next morning,
+on the princess's refusing to speak, the Sultan threatened to cut off
+her head. She then confessed all, bidding him ask the vizir's son if it
+were not so. The Sultan told the vizir to ask his son, who owned the
+truth, adding that, dearly as he loved the princess, he had rather die
+than go through another such fearful night, and wished to be separated
+from her. His wish was granted, and there was an end of feasting and
+rejoicing.
+
+When the three months were over, Aladdin sent his mother to remind the
+Sultan of his promise. She stood in the same place as before, and the
+Sultan, who had forgotten Aladdin, at once remembered him, and sent for
+her. On seeing her poverty the Sultan felt less inclined than ever to
+keep his word, and asked the vizir's advice, who counselled him to set
+so high a value on the princess that no man living could come up to it.
+
+The Sultan then turned to Aladdin's mother, saying: "Good woman, a
+Sultan must remember his promises, and I will remember mine, but your
+son must first send me forty basins of gold brimful of jewels, carried
+by forty black slaves, led by as many white ones, splendidly dressed.
+Tell him that I await his answer." The mother of Aladdin bowed low and
+went home, thinking all was lost.
+
+She gave Aladdin the message, adding: "He may wait long enough for your
+answer!"
+
+"Not so long, mother, as you think," her son replied. "I would do a
+great deal more than that for the princess." He summoned the genie, and
+in a few moments the eighty slaves arrived, and filled up the small
+house and garden.
+
+Aladdin made them set out to the palace, two and two, followed by his
+mother. They were so richly dressed, with such splendid jewels in their
+girdles, that everyone crowded to see them and the basins of gold they
+carried on their heads.
+
+They entered the palace, and, after kneeling before the Sultan, stood in
+a half-circle round the throne with their arms crossed, while Aladdin's
+mother presented them to the Sultan.
+
+He hesitated no longer, but said: "Good woman, return and tell your son
+that I wait for him with open arms."
+
+She lost no time in telling Aladdin, bidding him make haste. But Aladdin
+first called the genie.
+
+"I want a scented bath," he said, "a richly embroidered habit, a horse
+surpassing the Sultan's, and twenty slaves to attend me. Besides this,
+six slaves, beautifully dressed, to wait on my mother; and lastly, ten
+thousand pieces of gold in ten purses."
+
+No sooner said than done. Aladdin mounted his horse and passed through
+the streets, the slaves strewing gold as they went. Those who had played
+with him in his childhood knew him not, he had grown so handsome.
+
+When the Sultan saw him he came down from his throne, embraced him, and
+led him into a hall where a feast was spread, intending to marry him to
+the princess that very day.
+
+But Aladdin refused, saying, "I must build a palace fit for her," and
+took his leave.
+
+Once home he said to the genie: "Build me a palace of the finest marble,
+set with jasper, agate, and other precious stones. In the middle you
+shall build me a large hall with a dome, its four walls of massy gold
+and silver, each side having six windows, whose lattices, all except
+one, which is to be left unfinished, must be set with diamonds and
+rubies. There must be stables and horses and grooms and slaves; go and
+see about it!"
+
+The palace was finished by next day, and the genie carried him there and
+showed him all his orders faithfully carried out, even to the laying of
+a velvet carpet from Aladdin's palace to the Sultan's. Aladdin's mother
+then dressed herself carefully, and walked to the palace with her
+slaves, while he followed her on horseback. The Sultan sent musicians
+with trumpets and cymbals to meet them, so that the air resounded with
+music and cheers. She was taken to the princess, who saluted her and
+treated her with great honor. At night the princess said good-by to her
+father, and set out on the carpet for Aladdin's palace, with his mother
+at her side, and followed by the hundred slaves. She was charmed at the
+sight of Aladdin, who ran to receive her.
+
+"Princess," he said, "blame your beauty for my boldness if I have
+displeased you."
+
+She told him that, having seen him, she willingly obeyed her father in
+this matter. After the wedding had taken place Aladdin led her into the
+hall, where a feast was spread, and she supped with him, after which
+they danced till midnight.
+
+Next day Aladdin invited the Sultan to see the palace. On entering the
+hall with the four-and-twenty windows, with their rubies, diamonds, and
+emeralds, he cried:--
+
+"It is a world's wonder! There is only one thing that surprises me. Was
+it by accident that one window was left unfinished?"
+
+"No, sir, by design," returned Aladdin. "I wished your Majesty to have
+the glory of finishing this palace."
+
+The Sultan was pleased, and sent for the best jewellers in the city. He
+showed them the unfinished window, and bade them fit it up like the
+others.
+
+"Sir," replied their spokesman, "we cannot find jewels enough."
+
+The Sultan had his own fetched, which they soon used, but to no purpose,
+for in a month's time the work was not half done. Aladdin, knowing that
+their task was vain, bade them undo their work and carry the jewels
+back, and the genie finished the window at his command. The Sultan was
+surprised to receive his jewels again and visited Aladdin, who showed
+him the window finished. The Sultan embraced him, the envious vizir
+meanwhile hinting that it was the work of enchantment.
+
+Aladdin had won the hearts of the people by his gentle bearing. He was
+made captain of the Sultan's armies, and won several battles for him,
+but remained modest and courteous as before, and lived thus in peace and
+content for several years.
+
+But far away in Africa the magician remembered Aladdin, and by his magic
+arts discovered that Aladdin, instead of perishing miserably in the
+cave, had escaped, and had married a princess, with whom he was living
+in great honor and wealth. He knew that the poor tailor's son could only
+have accomplished this by means of the lamp, and travelled night and day
+till he reached the capital of China, bent on Aladdin's ruin. As he
+passed through the town he heard people talking everywhere about a
+marvellous palace.
+
+"Forgive my ignorance," he asked, "what is this palace you speak of?"
+
+"Have you not heard of Prince Aladdin's palace," was the reply, "the
+greatest wonder of the world? I will direct you if you have a mind to
+see it."
+
+The magician thanked him who spoke, and having seen the palace knew that
+it had been raised by the genie of the lamp, and became half mad with
+rage. He determined to get hold of the lamp, and again plunge Aladdin
+into the deepest poverty.
+
+Unluckily, Aladdin had gone a-hunting for eight days, which gave the
+magician plenty of time. He bought a dozen copper lamps, put them into a
+basket, and went to the palace, crying: "New lamps for old!" followed by
+a jeering crowd.
+
+The princess, sitting in the hall of four-and-twenty windows, sent a
+slave to find out what the noise was about, who came back laughing, so
+that the princess scolded her.
+
+"Madam," replied the slave, "who can help laughing to see an old fool
+offering to exchange fine new lamps for old ones?"
+
+Another slave, hearing this, said: "There is an old one on the cornice
+there which he can have."
+
+Now this was the magic lamp, which Aladdin had left there, as he could
+not take it out hunting with him. The princess, not knowing its value,
+laughingly bade the slave take it and make the exchange.
+
+She went and said to the magician: "Give me a new lamp for this."
+
+He snatched it and bade the slave take her choice, amid the jeers of the
+crowd. Little he cared, but left off crying his lamps, and went out of
+the city gates to a lonely place, where he remained till nightfall, when
+he pulled out the lamp and rubbed it. The genie appeared, and at the
+magician's command carried him, together with the palace and the
+princess in it, to a lonely place in Africa.
+
+Next morning the Sultan looked out of the window towards Aladdin's
+palace and rubbed his eyes, for it was gone. He sent for the vizir, and
+asked what had become of the palace. The vizir looked out too, and was
+lost in astonishment. He again put it down to enchantment, and this time
+the Sultan believed him, and sent thirty men on horseback to fetch
+Aladdin in chains. They met him riding home, bound him, and forced him
+to go with them on foot. The people, however, who loved him, followed,
+armed, to see that he came to no harm. He was carried before the Sultan,
+who ordered the executioner to cut off his head. The executioner made
+Aladdin kneel down, bandaged his eyes, and raised his scimitar to
+strike. At that instant the vizir, who saw that the crowd had forced
+their way into the courtyard and were scaling the walls to rescue
+Aladdin, called to the executioner to stay his hand. The people, indeed,
+looked so threatening that the Sultan gave way and ordered Aladdin to be
+unbound, and pardoned him in the sight of the crowd.
+
+Aladdin now begged to know what he had done.
+
+"False wretch!" said the Sultan, "come hither," and showed him from the
+window the place where his palace had stood.
+
+Aladdin was so amazed that he could not say a word.
+
+"Where is my palace and my daughter?" demanded the Sultan. "For the
+first I am not so deeply concerned, but my daughter I must have, and you
+must find her or lose your head."
+
+Aladdin begged for forty days in which to find her, promising if he
+failed, to return and suffer death at the Sultan's pleasure. His prayer
+was granted, and he went forth sadly from the Sultan's presence. For
+three days he wandered about like a madman, asking everyone what had
+become of his palace, but they only laughed and pitied him. He came to
+the banks of a river, and knelt down to say his prayers before throwing
+himself in. In so doing he rubbed the magic ring he still wore.
+
+The genie he had seen in the cave appeared, and asked his will.
+
+"Save my life, genie," said Aladdin, "and bring my palace back."
+
+"That is not in my power," said the genie; "I am only the Slave of the
+Ring; you must ask the Slave of the Lamp."
+
+"Even so," said Aladdin, "but thou canst take me to the palace, and set
+me down under my dear wife's window." He at once found himself in
+Africa, under the window of the princess, and fell asleep out of sheer
+weariness.
+
+He was awakened by the singing of the birds, and his heart was lighter.
+He saw plainly that all his misfortunes were owing to the loss of the
+lamp, and vainly wondered who had robbed him of it.
+
+That morning the princess rose earlier than she had done since she had
+been carried into Africa by the magician, whose company she was forced
+to endure once a day. She, however, treated him so harshly that he dared
+not live there altogether. As she was dressing, one of her women looked
+out and saw Aladdin. The princess ran and opened the window, and at the
+noise she made Aladdin looked up. She called to him to come to her, and
+great was the joy of these lovers at seeing each other again.
+
+After he had kissed her Aladdin said: "I beg of you, Princess, in God's
+name, before we speak of anything else, for your own sake and mine, tell
+me what has become of an old lamp I left on the cornice in the hall of
+four-and-twenty windows, when I went a-hunting."
+
+"Alas!" she said, "I am the innocent cause of our sorrows," and told him
+of the exchange of the lamp.
+
+"Now I know," cried Aladdin, "that we have to thank the African magician
+for this! Where is the lamp?"
+
+"He carries it about with him," said the princess, "I know, for he
+pulled it out of his breast to show me. He wishes me to break my faith
+with you and marry him, saying that you were beheaded by my father's
+command. He is forever speaking ill of you, but I only reply by my
+tears. If I persist, I doubt not that he will use violence."
+
+Aladdin comforted her, and left her for awhile. He changed clothes with
+the first person he met in the town, and having bought a certain powder
+returned to the princess, who let him in by a little side door.
+
+"Put on your most beautiful dress," he said to her, "and receive the
+magician with smiles, leading him to believe that you have forgotten me.
+Invite him to sup with you, and say you wish to taste the wine of his
+country. He will go for some, and while he is gone I will tell you what
+to do."
+
+She listened carefully to Aladdin, and when he left her arrayed herself
+gayly for the first time since she left China. She put on a girdle and
+head-dress of diamonds, and seeing in a glass that she looked more
+beautiful than ever, received the magician, saying to his great
+amazement: "I have made up my mind that Aladdin is dead, and that all my
+tears will not bring him back to me, so I am resolved to mourn no more,
+and have therefore invited you to sup with me; but I am tired of the
+wines of China, and would fain taste those of Africa."
+
+The magician flew to his cellar, and the princess put the powder Aladdin
+had given her in her cup. When he returned she asked him to drink her
+health in the wine of Africa, handing him her cup in exchange for his as
+a sign she was reconciled to him.
+
+Before drinking the magician made her a speech in praise of her beauty,
+but the princess cut him short, saying:--
+
+"Let me drink first, and you shall say what you will afterwards." She
+set her cup to her lips and kept it there, while the magician drained
+his to the dregs and fell back lifeless.
+
+The princess then opened the door to Aladdin, and flung her arms round
+his neck, but Aladdin put her away, bidding her to leave him, as he had
+more to do. He then went to the dead magician, took the lamp out of his
+vest, and bade the genie carry the palace and all in it back to China.
+This was done, and the princess in her chamber only felt two little
+shocks, and little thought she was at home again.
+
+The Sultan, who was sitting in his closet, mourning for his lost
+daughter, happened to look up, and rubbed his eyes, for there stood the
+palace as before! He hastened thither, and Aladdin received him in the
+hall of the four-and-twenty windows, with the princess at his side.
+Aladdin told him what had happened, and showed him the dead body of the
+magician, that he might believe. A ten days' feast was proclaimed, and
+it seemed as if Aladdin might now live the rest of his life in peace;
+but it was not to be.
+
+The African magician had a younger brother, who was, if possible, more
+wicked and more cunning than himself. He travelled to China to avenge
+his brother's death, and went to visit a pious woman called Fatima,
+thinking she might be of use to him. He entered her cell and clapped a
+dagger to her breast, telling her to rise and do his bidding on pain of
+death. He changed clothes with her, colored his face like hers, put on
+her veil and murdered her, so that she might tell no tales. Then he went
+towards the palace of Aladdin, and all the people thinking he was the
+holy woman, gathered round him, kissing his hands and begging his
+blessing. When he got to the palace there was such a noise going on
+round him that the princess bade her slave look out of the window and
+ask what was the matter. The slave said it was the holy woman, curing
+people by her touch of their ailments, whereupon the princess, who had
+long desired to see Fatima, sent for her. On coming to the princess the
+magician offered up a prayer for her health and prosperity. When he had
+done the princess made him sit by her, and begged him to stay with her
+always. The false Fatima, who wished for nothing better, consented, but
+kept his veil down for fear of discovery. The princess showed him the
+hall, and asked him what he thought of it.
+
+"It is truly beautiful," said the false Fatima. "In my mind it wants but
+one thing."
+
+"And what is that?" said the princess.
+
+"If only a roc's egg," replied he, "were hung up from the middle of this
+dome, it would be the wonder of the world."
+
+After this the princess could think of nothing but a roc's egg, and when
+Aladdin returned from hunting he found her in a very ill humor. He
+begged to know what was amiss, and she told him that all her pleasure in
+the hall was spoilt for the want of a roc's egg hanging from the dome.
+
+"If that is all," replied Aladdin, "you shall soon be happy."
+
+He left her and rubbed the lamp, and when the genie appeared commanded
+him to bring a roc's egg. The genie gave such a loud and terrible shriek
+that the hall shook.
+
+"Wretch!" he said, "is it not enough that I have done everything for
+you, but you must command me to bring my master and hang him up in the
+midst of this dome? You and your wife and your palace deserve to be
+burnt to ashes; but this request does not come from you, but from the
+brother of the African magician whom you destroyed. He is now in your
+palace disguised as the holy woman--whom he murdered. He it was who put
+that wish into your wife's head. Take care of yourself, for he means to
+kill you." So saying the genie disappeared.
+
+Aladdin went back to the princess, saying his head ached, and requesting
+that the holy Fatima should be fetched to lay her hands on it. But when
+the magician came near, Aladdin, seizing his dagger, pierced him to the
+heart.
+
+"What have you done?" cried the princess. "You have killed the holy
+woman!"
+
+"Not so," replied Aladdin, "but a wicked magician," and told her of how
+she had been deceived.
+
+After this Aladdin and his wife lived in peace. He succeeded the Sultan
+when he died, and reigned for many years, leaving behind him a long line
+of kings.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Oriental Literature, by Anonymous
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORIENTAL LITERATURE ***
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Oriental Literature, by Anonymous
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Oriental Literature
+       The Literature of Arabia
+
+Author: Anonymous
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2003 [EBook #10121]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORIENTAL LITERATURE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Beth Trapaga and PG Distributed
+Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+
+ORIENTAL LITERATURE
+
+THE LITERATURE OF ARABIA
+
+
+With Critical and Biographical Sketches by
+
+Epiphanius Wilson, A.M.
+
+
+1900
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+THE ROMANCE OF ANTAR
+
+Introduction
+The Early Fortunes of Antar
+Khaled and Djaida
+The Absians and Fazareans
+
+
+ARABIAN POETRY
+
+Introduction
+SELECTIONS.--
+  An Elegy
+  The Tomb of Mano
+  Tomb of Sayid
+  On the Death of His Mistress
+  On Avarice
+  The Battle of Sabla
+  Verses to My Enemies
+  On His Friends
+  On Temper
+  The Song of Maisuna
+  To My Father
+  On Fatalism
+  To the Caliph Harun-al-Rashid
+  Lines to Harun and Yahia
+  The Ruin of Barmecides
+  To Taher Ben Hosien
+  The Adieu
+  To My Mistress
+  To a Female Cup-bearer
+  Mashdud on the Monks of Khabbet
+  Rakeek to His Female Companions
+  Dialogue by Rais
+  To a Lady Weeping
+  On a Valetudinarian
+  On a Miser
+  To Cassim Obio Allah
+  A Friend's Birthday
+  To a Cat
+  An Epigram upon Ebn Naphta-Wah
+  Fire
+  To a Lady Blushing
+  On the Vicissitudes of Life
+  To a Dove
+  On a Thunder Storm
+  To My Favorite Mistress
+  Crucifixion of Ebn Bakiah
+  Caprices of Fortune
+  On Life
+  Extempore Verses
+  On the Death of a Son
+  To Leila
+  On Moderation in our Pleasures
+  The Vale of Bozaa
+  To Adversity
+  On the Incompatibility of Pride and True Glory
+  The Death of Nedham Almolk
+  Lines to a Lover
+  Verses to My Daughters
+  Serenade to My Sleeping Mistress
+  The Inconsistent
+  The Capture of Jerusalem
+  To a Lady
+  An Epigram
+  On a Little Man with a Very Large Beard
+  Lamiat Alajem
+  To Youth
+  On Love
+  A Remonstrance with a Drunkard
+  Verses
+  On Procrastination
+  The Early Death of Abou Alhassan Aly
+  The Interview
+
+
+ARABIAN NIGHTS
+
+THE SEVEN VOYAGES OF SINDBAD
+  First Voyage
+  Second Voyage
+  Third Voyage
+  Fourth Voyage
+  Fifth Voyage
+  Sixth Voyage
+  Seventh and Last Voyage
+ALADDIN'S WONDERFUL LAMP
+
+
+
+
+THE ROMANCE OF ANTAR
+
+[_Translation by Etienne Delecluse and Epiphanius Wilson_]
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+The romantic figure of Antar, or Antarah, takes the same place in
+Arabian literature as that of Achilles among the Greeks. The Cid in
+Spain, Orlando in Italy, and Arthur in England, are similar examples of
+national ideals put forth by poets and romance writers as embodiments of
+a certain half-mythic age of chivalry, when personal valor, prudence,
+generosity, and high feeling gave the warrior an admitted preeminence
+among his fellows. The literature of Arabia is indeed rich in novels and
+tales. The "Thousand and One Nights" is of world-wide reputation, but
+the "Romance of Antar" is much less artificial, more expressive of high
+moral principles, and certainly superior in literary style to the
+fantastic recitals of the coffee house and bazaar, in which Sindbad and
+Morgiana figure. A true picture of Bedouin society, in the centuries
+before Mohammed had conquered the Arabian peninsula, is given us in the
+charming episodes of Antar. We see the encampments of the tribe, the
+camels yielding milk and flesh for food, the women friends and
+councillors of their husbands, the boys inured to arms from early days,
+the careful breeding of horses, the songs of poet and minstrel stirring
+all hearts, the mail-clad lines of warriors with lance and sword, the
+supreme power of the King--often dealing out justice with stern, sudden,
+and inflexible ferocity. Among these surroundings Antar appears, a
+dazzling and irresistible warrior and a poet of wonderful power. The
+Arab classics, in years long before Mohammed had taken the Kaaba and
+made it the talisman of his creed, were hung in the little shrine where
+the black volcanic stone was kept. They were known as Maallakat, or
+Suspended Books, which had the same meaning among Arabian literati as
+the term classic bore among the Italian scholars of the Renaissance.
+Numbered with these books of the Kaaba were the poems of Antar, who was
+thus the Taliessin of Arabian chivalry.
+
+It is indeed necessary to recollect that in reading the episodes of
+Antar we have been taken back to the heroic age in the Arabian
+peninsula. War is considered the noblest occupation of a man, and Khaled
+despises the love of a noble maiden "from pride in his passion for war."
+Antar has his famous horse as the Cid had his Babicca, and his
+irresistible sword as Arthur his Excalibur. The wealth of chiefs and
+kings consists in horses and camels; there is no mention of money or
+jewelry. When a wager is made the stakes are a hundred camels. The
+commercial spirit of the Arabian Nights is wanting in this spirited
+romance of chivalry. The Arabs had sunk to a race of mere traders when
+Aladdin became possessed of his lamp, and the trickery, greed, and
+avarice of peddlers and merchants are exhibited in incident after
+incident of the "Thousand and One Nights." War is despised or feared,
+courage less to be relied upon than astute knavery, and one of the facts
+that strikes us is the general frivolity, dishonesty, and cruelty which
+prevail through the tales of Bagdad. The opposite is the case with
+Antar. Natural passion has full play, but nobility of character is taken
+seriously, and generosity and sensibility of heart are portrayed with
+truthfulness and naivete. Of course the whole romance is a collection of
+many romantic stories: it has no epic unity. It will remind the reader
+of the "Morte d'Arthur" of Sir Thomas Malory, rather than of the
+"Iliad." We have chosen the most striking of these episodes as best
+calculated to serve as genuine specimens of Arabian literature. They
+will transport the modern reader into a new world--which is yet the old,
+long vanished world of pastoral simplicity and warlike enthusiasm, in
+primitive Arabia. But the novelty lies in the plot of the tales. Djaida
+and Khaled, Antar and Ibla, and the race between Shidoub and the great
+racers Dahir and Ghabra, bring before our eyes with singular freshness
+the character of a civilization, a domestic life, a political system,
+which were not wanting in refinement, purity, and justice. The
+conception of such a dramatic personage as Antar would be original in
+the highest degree, if it were not based upon historic fact. Antar is a
+more real personage than Arthur, and quite as real and historic as the
+Cid. Yet his adventures remind us very much of those which run through
+the story of the Round Table.
+
+The Arabs, in the days of romance, were a collection of tribes and
+families whose tents and villages were spread along the Red Sea, between
+Egypt and the Indian Ocean. There were some tribes more powerful than
+others, and the result of their tyranny was often bitter war. There was
+no central monarchy, no priesthood, and no written law. The only stable
+and independent unit was the family. Domestic life with its purest
+virtues constituted the strong point amongst the Arabian tribes, where
+gentleness, free obedience, and forbearance were conspicuous. Each tribe
+bore the name of its first ancestor, and from him and his successors
+came down a traditionary, unwritten law, the violation of which was
+considered the most heinous of offences. There was no settled religion
+before the conquest of Mohammed; each tribe and each family worshipped
+whom they would--celestial spirits, sun and moon, or certain idols. In
+the account given in Antar of the Council of War, the ancients, or old
+men of the tribe, came forth with idols or amulets round their necks,
+and the whole account of the council, in which the bard as well as the
+orator addressed the people, is strictly accurate in historic details.
+The custom of infanticide in the case of female children was perfectly
+authorized among the Arabs, and illustrates the motive of the pretty
+episode of Khaled and Djaida. War was individual and personal among the
+Arabs, and murder was atoned for by murder, or by the price of a certain
+number of camels. Raising of horses, peaceful contests in arms, or
+poetic competitions where each bard recited in public his compositions,
+formed their amusements. They were very sensible to the charms of music,
+poetry and oratory, and as a general rule the Arab chieftain was brave,
+generous, and munificent.
+
+All these historic facts are fully reflected in the highly emotional
+tale of "Antar," which is the greatest of all the national romances of
+Arabia. It would scarcely be possible to fix upon any individual writer
+as its author, for it has been edited over and over again by Arabian
+scribes, each adding his own glosses and enriching it with incidents.
+Its original date may have been the sixth century of our era, about five
+hundred years before the production of the "Thousand and One Nights."
+
+E.W.
+
+
+
+
+THE EARLY FORTUNES OF ANTAR
+
+At the time the "Romance of Antar" opens, the most powerful and the best
+governed of the Bedouin tribes were those of the Absians and the
+Adnamians. King Zoheir, chief of the Absians, was firmly established
+upon his throne, so that the kings of other nations, who were subject to
+him, paid him tribute. The whole of Arabia in short became subject to
+the Absians, so that all the chiefs of other tribes and all inhabitants
+of the desert dreaded their power and depredations.
+
+Under these circumstances, and as a consequence of a flagrant act of
+tyranny on the part of Zoheir, several chieftains, among whom was
+Shedad, a son of Zoheir, seceded from the Absian tribe, and set out to
+seek adventures, to attack other tribes, and to carry off their cattle
+and treasure. These chieftains arrived at the dwelling-place of a
+certain tribe, named Djezila, whom they fought with and pillaged.
+Amongst their booty was a black woman of extraordinary beauty, the
+mother of two children. Her name was Zebiba; her elder son was Djaris;
+her younger Shidoub. Shedad became passionately enamoured of this woman,
+and yielded all the rest of his share in the booty in order to obtain
+possession of her and her two children. He dwelt in the fields with this
+negress, whose sons took care of the cattle. In course of time Zebiba
+bore a son to Shedad. This child was born tawny as an elephant; his eyes
+were bleared, his head thick with hair, his features hard and fixed. The
+corners of his mouth drooped, his eyes started from his head, his bones
+were hard, his feet long; he had ears of prodigious size, and his glance
+flashed like fire. In other respects he resembled Shedad, who was
+transported with delight at the sight of his son, whom he named Antar.
+
+Meanwhile the child waxed in strength, and his name soon became known.
+Then the companions of Shedad wished to dispute the possession of the
+boy with him, and King Zoheir was informed of the matter. He demanded
+that the boy should be brought into his presence, and Shedad complied.
+As soon as the king caught sight of this extraordinary child, he uttered
+a cry of astonishment, and flung him a piece of goat's flesh. At the
+same moment a dog, who happened to be in the tent, seized the meat and
+ran off with it. But Antar, filled with rage, pursued the animal, and,
+violently taking hold of him, drew his jaws apart, splitting the throat
+down to the shoulders, and thus recovered the meat. King Zoheir, in
+amazement, deferred the matter to the Cadi, who confirmed Shedad's
+possession of Zebiba, and her three children, Djaris, Shidoub, and
+Antar.
+
+Shedad therefore provided a home for Zebiba, in order that his sons
+might be educated in their business of tending the herds. It was at this
+time that Antar began to develop his strength of body, his courage, and
+intelligence. When he was ten years of age he slew a wolf which
+threatened to attack the herds committed to his charge. Although brutal,
+headstrong, and passionate, he early exhibited a love of justice, and a
+disposition to protect the weak, especially women. He put to death a
+slave who beat an old woman, his slave and companion; and this action,
+although at first misunderstood, eventually gained the admiration of
+King Zoheir, who treated Antar with distinction, because of his nobility
+of character. In consequence of this action, which had been so much
+applauded by King Zoheir, the young Arab women and their mothers hung
+round Antar to learn the details of this courageous deed, and to
+congratulate him on his magnanimity.
+
+Among the young women was Ibla, daughter of Malek, the son of Zoheir.
+Ibla, fair as the full moon, was somewhat younger than Antar. She was
+accustomed to banter him in a familiar way, feeling that he was her
+slave. "And you," she said to him, "you, born so low, how dared you kill
+the slave of a prince? What provocation can you have against him?"
+"Mistress," replied Antar, "I struck that slave because he deserved it,
+for he had insulted a poor woman. He knocked her down, and made her the
+laughing stock of all the servants." "Of course you were right,"
+answered Ibla, with a smile, "and we were all delighted that you escaped
+from the adventure safe and sound. Because of the service you have
+rendered us by your conduct, our mothers look upon you as a son, and we
+as a brother."
+
+From that moment Antar made the service of women his special duty above
+all others. At that time the Arabian ladies had the habit of drinking
+camel's milk morning and evening, and it was especially the duty of
+those who waited upon them to milk the camels, and to cool it in the
+wind before offering it to them. Antar had been for some time released
+from this duty, when one morning he entered the dwelling of his uncle
+Malek, and found there his aunt, engaged in combing the hair of her
+daughter Ibla, whose ringlets, black as the night, floated over her
+shoulders. Antar was struck with surprise, and Ibla, as soon as she knew
+that he had seen her, fled and left him with his eyes fixed abstractedly
+on her disappearing form.
+
+It was from this incident that the love of Antar for the daughter of his
+uncle took its origin. He saw how Ibla shone in society, and his passion
+grew to such an extent that he ventured to sound her praises, and to
+express the feeling she excited in him by writing verses which, while
+they gained the admiration of the multitude, incurred also the envy of
+the chieftains. Moreover his father could not pardon the presumption of
+Antar, who, born a slave, had dared to cast eyes on his free-born
+cousin.
+
+When therefore he slew a slave who had slandered him, his father ordered
+him to be flogged, and sent away to watch over the cattle in the
+pastures. He had now before him a fresh opportunity for exhibiting his
+prodigious strength and invincible courage. A lion attempted to attack
+the herds committed to his care. He killed it at the very moment that
+his father Shedad, enraged against him, had come, accompanied by his
+brother, to do him ill. But a mingled feeling of admiration and fear
+held their hands, and in the evening, when Antar returned from the
+pastures, his father and his uncle made him seat himself at dinner with
+them, while the rest of the attendants stood behind them.
+
+Meanwhile King Zoheir was called upon a warlike expedition against the
+tribe of Temin. All his warriors followed him; the women alone remained
+behind. Shedad entrusted them to the protection of Antar, who pledged
+his life for their safety. During the absence of the warriors, Semiah,
+the lawful wife of Shedad, conceived the idea of giving an entertainment
+on the bank of the lake Zatoulizard. Ibla attended it with her mother,
+and Antar witnessed all the amusements in which his beloved took part.
+His passion for her became intensified. He was once tempted to violate
+the modesty of love by the violence of desire, but, at that moment, he
+saw a great cloud of dust rise in the distance; the shouts of war were
+heard; and suddenly the warriors of the tribe of Cathan appeared on the
+scene, and, descending on the pleasure-seekers, carried off the women,
+including Ibla. Antar, being unarmed, ran after one of the horsemen,
+seized him, strangled and threw him to the ground. Then he put on the
+armor of the vanquished foe, attacked and put to flight the tribe of
+Cathan, rescued the women, and obtained a booty of twenty-five horses.
+From that moment Semiah, the wife of Shedad, who hitherto had a
+pronounced aversion to Antar, conceived a sincere affection for him.
+
+King Zoheir, meantime, had returned victorious from his expedition.
+Shedad returned at the same moment, and went to visit his herds. Seeing
+Antar surrounded by horses which he did not know, and mounted upon a
+fine black courser, he asked, "Where did these animals, and particularly
+this superb horse, come from?" Then Antar, not willing to betray the
+imprudence of Semiah, declared that, as the Cathanians had left their
+horses behind them, he had seized them. Shedad was indignant, and
+treated Antar as a robber, reproached him for his wickedness, and after
+repeatedly telling him how wrong it was to rouse discord among the
+Arabs, struck him with his whip, with such violence as to draw blood.
+Then Semiah, distressed by the sight of this unjust treatment, took off
+her veil, letting her hair fall over her shoulders, took Antar into her
+arms and told all that had happened and how she and all the other women
+of her tribe were indebted to this hero for their honor and liberty.
+Shedad could not restrain his tenderness on learning the magnanimity of
+his son's silence. Soon afterwards King Zoheir, to whom this incident
+had been related, summoned Antar into his presence, and declared that a
+man who could exhibit such courage and generosity was bound to become
+preeminent among his companions. All the chieftains who surrounded the
+king congratulated Antar, and one of his friends, in order to give the
+court a complete idea of this young man's remarkable gifts, asked him to
+recite some of his verses.
+
+In compliance with this request he recited a poem in praise of warriors
+and war, and the king and all the court manifested their delight. Zoheir
+bade Antar approach, gave him a robe of honor, and thanked him. That
+evening Antar departed with his father Shedad, his heart full of joy
+over the honors which had been lavished on him, and his love for Ibla
+still more heightened.
+
+In spite of the indisputable virtues of Antar, in spite of the great
+services he had rendered the Absians, the chieftains of this tribe still
+regarded him as merely a common slave and tender of cattle. The
+beginning of his rise to favor excited a feeling of keen hatred, and
+caused many plots to be laid against him. A series of intrigues was
+entered upon, the aim of which was the death of the hero. But each
+attack upon his reputation and his life redounded to his benefit, and
+furnished him with an opportunity of putting his enemies to silence and
+defeat. For by his generosity and magnanimity, even his envious foes
+felt themselves under obligation to him. On each of his triumphs the
+mutual love between himself and Ibla went on increasing.
+
+After the performance of many feats as a horseman, Antar came into
+possession of a famous horse named Abjer, and a sword of marvellous
+temper, Djamy--and every time he appeared on the field of combat, as
+well as when he returned victorious from the fight, he made a poetic
+address, finishing with the words, "I am the lover of Ibla." At the
+conclusion of a war in which he had performed prodigies of valor, King
+Zoheir gave him the surname of Alboufauris, which means, "The Father of
+Horsemen."
+
+The greater grew his name, the more highly he was honored by King
+Zoheir, so much the more did the hatred of the chieftains and the love
+of Ibla towards him increase. But it came to pass that Ibla was asked in
+marriage by Amarah, a stupid youth, puffed up by his wealth and lineage.
+Antar, on hearing the news, was transported with rage, and attacked his
+young rival with such violence that all the Arabian chiefs begged of
+Zoheir to punish the aggressor. The king left to Shedad, Antar's father,
+the pronouncing of sentence. Shedad had, like the others, viewed the
+rise of Antar, the black slave, to favor, with jealous eye, and sent him
+back to the pastures to keep the herds.
+
+It was at this point that the greatness of Antar's character appeared in
+its full dimensions. The hero submitted with resignation to the orders
+of his father, "to whom," he said, "he owed obedience as to his master,
+since he was his slave"; and he swore to him, in the presence of
+witnesses, not to mount horse, nor engage in battle, without his
+permission. Tears flowed from his eyes, and before departing for the
+pastures he went to see his mother Zebiba, and to talk with her
+concerning Ibla. "Ibla?" said his mother--"but a moment ago she was
+here beside me, and said to me, 'Comfort the heart of Antar, and tell
+him from me, that even should my father torture me to death in trying to
+change my mind, I would not desire nor ask for other husband than
+Antar.'"
+
+These words of Ibla filled with rapture the heart of Antar, as he
+started for the pastures in company with his brothers, Djaris and
+Shidoub.
+
+At this time the tribe of Abs, which Zoheir ruled over, was at war with
+that of Tex, on account of the carrying off of Anima, daughter of the
+chief of the Tex, a man known as "The Drinker of Blood." Animated by the
+desire to take vengeance and recover his daughter, this chief and his
+army fell upon the Absians like a thunderbolt. The Absians were
+defeated, and their women, among whom was Ibla, taken prisoners. All
+pride was then, in this time of need, laid aside, and to their
+assistance Antar was summoned. But before acting Antar laid down his
+conditions, and stipulated that, in case he succeeded in subduing the
+foe and recovering the women, Ibla should be given him in marriage.
+Malek, the father of Ibla, and Shedad, the father of Antar, assented,
+and bound themselves by an oath to fulfil these conditions and to
+reinstate Antar in all the honors and dignities belonging to him.
+
+Antar was victorious. He rescued Ibla, and received grateful expressions
+of gratitude from his beloved, while King Zoheir gave him the kiss of
+royal honor. Everything seemed to unite in fulfilling the hopes of
+Antar. But at the very moment in which he was honored by royal
+felicitations, several chieftains, indignant at the elevation of a black
+slave, employed every means to prevent his marriage with Ibla, and to
+force him to undertake enterprises which would prove fatal to him.
+Shedad, his father, and Malek, the father of Ibla, connived at these
+plots. They demanded of Antar, who was of that trusting disposition
+which belongs to generous and brave men, that he give as a wedding
+present to his bride, a thousand camels, of a particular breed, not to
+be found excepting on the borders of the Persian kingdom. The hero made
+no remark on hearing this treacherous demand, and was so eager to please
+Ibla, that he took no count of the difficulties to be undergone. He set
+off and soon found himself engaged in conflict with a large army of
+Persians, who made him prisoner, and led him off with the view of
+bringing him into the presence of their king. There he was taken, bound
+and on horseback, when at that instant, the news came that a fierce lion
+of extraordinary size was ravaging the country. It was alleged that even
+armed men fled before it. Antar, who was on the point of being put to
+death, asked the King of Persia to cause his arms at least to be
+unbound, and to let him confront the lion. His prayer was granted; he
+rushed upon the savage creature, and transfixed it with his lance. Nor
+was this the only service he did the King of Persia, who in gratitude
+for many others, not only gave Antar the thousand camels he was looking
+for, but loaded him with treasures, with which to do homage to Ibla.
+
+On his return Antar was received with a rapturous welcome by the Absian
+tribe. But the hostile and the envious continued to plot against him.
+They still aimed at preventing his marriage, and compassing his death.
+Amarah, who aspired to Ibla's hand, backed by all the chieftains hostile
+to Antar, renewed his suit and pretensions. Ibla was carried off from
+her house among the Absians, and taken to another tribe. Then Antar set
+out in search of her, and at length rescued her: their mutual love was
+intensified by this reunion. By a series of wiles and intrigues
+skilfully conducted, the chiefs who surrounded Ibla persuaded her to
+demand still further dowry from Antar. She spoke of Khaled and Djaida,
+whose history has already been related; she said, in presence of Antar,
+that that young warrior girl would not consent to marry Khaled, saving
+on the condition that her camel's bridle be held by the daughter of
+Moawich. This word was sufficient for Antar, and he promised to Ibla
+that Djaida should hold the bridle of her camel on her wedding day; and
+more than that, the head of Khaled should be slung round the neck of the
+warrior girl. Thus the hero, constantly loving and beloved by Ibla,
+incessantly deceived by the cunningly devised obstacles raised by his
+foes, sustained his reputation for greatness of character and strength
+of arm, submitted with resignation to the severest tests, and passed
+victoriously through them all. After the death of King Zoheir, whom he
+avenged, he undertook to assist Cais, Zoheir's son, in all his
+enterprises, and after a long series of adventures which tired the
+patience, love, and courage of Antar, this hero, recognized as chief
+among Arabian chieftains, obtained the great reward of his long
+struggles and mighty toils, by marriage to his well-loved Ibla.
+
+
+
+
+KHALED AND DJAIDA
+
+Moharib and Zahir were brothers, of the same father and mother; the
+Arabs call them "brothers germane." Both were, renowned for courage and
+daring. But Moharib was chief of the tribe, and Zahir, being subject to
+his authority, was no more than his minister, giving him counsel and
+advice. Now it happened that a violent dispute arose between them. Zahir
+subsequently retired to his tent, in profound sorrow, and not knowing
+what course to take. "What is the matter with you?" asked his wife, "Why
+are you so troubled? What has happened to you? Has any one displeased or
+insulted you--the greatest of Arab chiefs?" "What am I to do?" replied
+Zahir; "the man who has injured me is one whom I cannot lay hands on, or
+do him wrong; he is my companion in the bosom of my family, my brother
+in the world. Ah, if it had been any one but he, I would have shown him
+what sort of a man he was at odds with, and have made an example of him
+before all the chiefs of our tribes!" "Leave him; let him enjoy his
+possessions alone," cried his wife, and, in order to persuade her
+husband to take this course, she recited verses from a poet of the time,
+which dissuade a man from tolerating an insult even at the hands of his
+parents.
+
+Zahir assented to the advice of his wife. He made all preparations for
+departure, struck his tents, loaded his camels, and started off on the
+road towards the camp of the Saad tribe, with whom he was in alliance.
+Yet in spite of all, he felt a keen pang at separating himself from his
+brother--and thus he spoke: "On starting on a journey which removes me
+from you, I shall be a thousand years on the way, and each year will
+carry me a thousand leagues.... Even though the favors you heap upon me
+be worth a thousand Egypts, and each of these Egypts had a thousand
+Niles, all those favors would be despised. I shall be contented with
+little so long as I am far from you. Away from you, I shall recite this
+distich, which is worth more than a necklace of fine pearls: 'When a man
+is wronged on the soil of his tribe, there is nothing left him but to
+leave it; you, who have so wickedly injured me, before long shall feel
+the power of the kindly divinity, for he is your judge and mine, he is
+unchangeable and eternal."
+
+Zahir continued his journey, until he reached the Saad tribe, when he
+dismounted from his horse. He was cordially received and was pressed to
+take up his abode with them. His wife was at that time soon to become a
+mother, and he said to her: "If a son is given to us, he will be right
+welcome; but if it be a daughter, conceal her sex and let people think
+we have a male child, so that my brother may have no reason to crow over
+us." When her time came Zahir's wife brought into the world a daughter.
+They agreed that her name should be actually Djaida, but that publicly
+she should be known as Djonder, that people might take her for a boy. In
+order to promote this belief, they kept up feasting and entertainment
+early and late for many days.
+
+About the same time Moharib, the other brother, had a son born to him,
+whom he named Khaled (The Eternal). He chose this name in gratitude to
+God, because, since his brother's departure, his affairs had prospered
+well.
+
+The two children eventually reached full age, and their renown was
+widespread among the Arabs. Zahir had taught his daughter to ride on
+horseback, and had trained her in all the accomplishments fitting to a
+warrior bold and daring. He accustomed her to the severest toils, and
+the most perilous enterprises. When he went to war, he put her among the
+other Arabs of the tribe, and in the midst of these horsemen she soon
+took her rank as one of the most valiant of them. Thus it came to pass
+that she eclipsed all her comrades, and would even attack the lions in
+their dens. At last her name became an object of terror; when she had
+overcome a champion she never failed to cry out: "I am Djonder, son of
+Zahir, horseman of the tribes."
+
+Her cousin Khaled, on the other hand, distinguished himself equally by
+his brilliant courage. His father Moharib, a wise and prudent chief, had
+built houses of entertainment for strangers; all horsemen found a
+welcome there. Khaled had been brought up in the midst of warriors. In
+this school his spirit had been formed, here he had learned to ride, and
+at last had become an intrepid warrior, and a redoubtable hero. It was
+soon perceived by the rest of the army that his spirit and valor were
+unconquerable.
+
+Eventually he heard tell of his cousin Djonder, and his desire to see
+and know him and to witness his skill in arms became extreme. But he
+could not satisfy this desire because of the dislike which his father
+showed for his cousin, the son of his uncle. This curiosity of Khaled
+continued unsatisfied until the death of his father Moharib, which put
+him in possession of rank, wealth, and lands. He followed the example of
+his father in entertaining strangers, protecting the weak and
+unfortunate, and giving raiment to the naked. He continued also to scour
+the plains on horseback with his warriors, and in this way waxed greater
+in bodily strength and courage. After some time, gathering together a
+number of rich gifts, he started, in company with his mother, to visit
+his uncle. He did not draw rein until he reached the dwelling of Zahir,
+who was delighted to see him, and made magnificent preparations for his
+entertainment; for the uncle had heard tell on many occasions of his
+nephew's worth and valor. Khaled also visited his cousin. He saluted
+her, pressed her to his bosom, and kissed her forehead, thinking she was
+a young man. He felt the greatest pleasure in her company, and remained
+ten days with his uncle, regularly taking part in the jousts and
+contests of the horsemen and warriors. As for his cousin, the moment she
+had seen how handsome and valiant Khaled was, she had fallen violently
+in love with him. Her sleep left her; she could not eat; and her love
+grew to such a pitch that feeling her heart completely lost to him, she
+spoke to her mother and said: "O mother, should my cousin leave without
+taking me in his company, I shall die of grief at his absence." Then her
+mother was touched with pity for her, and uttered no reproaches, feeling
+that they would be in vain. "Djaida," she said, "conceal your feelings,
+and restrain yourself from grief. You have done nothing improper, for
+your cousin is the man of your choice, and is of your own blood. Like
+him, you are fair and attractive; like him, brave and skilful in
+horsemanship. Tomorrow morning, when his mother approaches us, I will
+reveal to her the whole matter; we will soon afterwards give you to him
+in marriage, and finally we will all return to our own country."
+
+The wife of Zahir waited patiently until the following morning, when the
+mother of Khaled arrived. She then presented her daughter, whose head
+she uncovered, so as to allow the hair to fall to her shoulders. At the
+sight of such charms the mother of Khaled was beyond measure astonished,
+and exclaimed: "What! is not this your son Djonder?" "No! it is
+Djaida--she the moon of beauty, at last has risen." Then she told her
+all that had passed between herself and her husband, and how and why
+they had concealed the sex of their child. "Dear kinswoman," replied the
+mother of Khaled, still quite surprised, "among all the daughters of
+Arabia who have been celebrated for their beauty I have never seen one
+more lovely than this one. What is her name?" "I have already told you
+that it is Djaida, and my especial purpose in telling you the secret is
+to offer you all these charms, for I ardently desire to marry my
+daughter to your son, so that we may all be able to return to our own
+land." The mother of Khaled at once assented to this proposal, and said:
+"The possession of Djaida will doubtless render my son very happy." She
+at once rose and went out to look for Khaled, and communicated to him
+all she had seen and learned, not failing to extol especially the charms
+of Djaida. "By the faith of an Arab," said she, "never, my son, have I
+seen in the desert, or in any city, a girl such as your cousin; I do not
+except the most beautiful. Nothing is so perfect as she is, nothing more
+lovely and attractive. Make haste, my son, to see your uncle and ask him
+for his daughter in marriage. You will be happy indeed if he grants your
+prayer: Go, my son, and do not waste time in winning her."
+
+When Khaled had heard these words, he cast his eyes to the ground, and
+remained for some time thoughtful and gloomy. Then he replied: "My
+mother, I cannot remain here any longer. I must return home amid my
+horsemen and troops. I have no intention of saying anything more to my
+cousin; I am convinced that she is a person whose temper and ideas of
+life are uncertain; her character and manner of speech are utterly
+destitute of stability and propriety. I have always been accustomed to
+live amid warriors, on whom I spend my wealth, and with whom I win a
+soldier's renown. As for my cousin's love for me, it is the weakness of
+a woman, of a young girl." He then donned his armor, mounted his horse,
+bade his uncle farewell, and announced his intention of leaving at once.
+"What means this haste?" cried Zahir. "I can remain here no longer,"
+answered Khaled, and, putting his horse to a gallop, he flung himself
+into the depths of the wilderness. His mother, after relating to Djaida
+the conversation she held with her son, mounted a camel and made her way
+towards her own country.
+
+The soul of Djaida felt keenly this indignity. She brooded over
+it--sleepless and without appetite. Some days afterwards, as her father
+was preparing with his horsemen to make a foray against his foes, his
+glance fell on Djaida, and seeing how altered she was in face, and
+dejected in spirit, he refrained from saying anything, thinking and
+hoping that she would surely become herself again after a short time.
+
+Scarcely was Zahir out of sight of his tents, when Djaida, who felt
+herself like to die, and whose frame of mind was quite unsupportable,
+said to her mother: "Mother, I feel that I am dying, and that this
+miserable Khaled is still in the vigor of life. I should like, if God
+gives me the power, to make him taste the fury of death, the bitterness
+of its pang and torture." So saying, she rose like a lioness, put on her
+armor, and mounted her horse, telling her mother she was going on a
+hunting expedition. Swiftly, and without stopping, she traversed rocks
+and mountains, her excitement increasing as she approached the
+dwelling-place of her cousin. As she was disguised, she entered,
+unrecognized, into the tent where strangers were received. Her visor
+was, however, lowered, like that of a horseman of Hijaz. Slaves and
+servants received her, offered her hospitality, comporting themselves
+towards her as to one of the guests, and the most noble personages of
+the land. That night Djaida took rest; but the following day she joined
+the military exercises, challenged many cavaliers, and exhibited so much
+address and bravery, that she produced great astonishment among the
+spectators. Long before noon the horsemen of her cousin were compelled
+to acknowledge her superiority over themselves. Khaled wished to witness
+her prowess, and, surprised at the sight of so much skill, he offered to
+match himself with her. Djaida entered the contest with him, and then
+both of them joining in combat tried, one after another, all the methods
+of attack and defence, until the shadows of night came on. When they
+separated both were unhurt, and none could say who was the victor. Thus
+Djaida, while rousing the admiration of the spectators, saw the
+annoyance they felt on finding their chief equalled in fight by so
+skilful an opponent. Khaled ordered his antagonist to be treated with
+all the care and honor imaginable, then retired to his tent, his mind
+filled with thoughts of his conflict. Djaida remained three days at her
+cousin's habitation. Every morning she presented herself on the ground
+of combat, and remained under arms until night. She enjoyed it greatly,
+still keeping her _incognito_, whilst Khaled, on the other hand,
+made no enquiries, and asked no questions of her, as to who she was and
+to what tribe she might belong.
+
+On the morning of the fourth day, while Khaled, according to his custom,
+rode over the plain, and passed close to the tents reserved for
+strangers, he saw Djaida mounting her horse. He saluted her, and she
+returned his salute. "Noble Arab," said Khaled, "I should like to ask
+you one question. Up to this moment I have failed in courtesy towards
+you, but, I now beg of you, in the name of that God who has endowed you
+with such great dexterity in arms, tell me, who are you, and to what
+noble princes are you allied? For I have never met your equal among
+brave cavaliers. Answer me, I beseech you, for I am dying to learn."
+Djaida smiled, and raising her visor, replied: "Khaled, I am a woman,
+and not a warrior. I am your cousin Djaida, who offered herself to you,
+and wished to give herself to you; but you refused her--from the pride
+you felt in your passion for arms." As she spoke she turned her horse
+suddenly, stuck spurs into him, and dashed off at full gallop towards
+her own country.
+
+Khaled filled with confusion withdrew to his tent, not knowing what to
+do, nor what would be the end of the passionate love which he suddenly
+felt rise within him. He was seized with disgust for all these warlike
+habits and tastes, which had reduced him to the melancholy plight in
+which he found himself. His distaste for women was changed into love. He
+sent for his mother and related to her all that had occurred. "My son,"
+she said, "all these circumstances should render Djaida still dearer to
+you. Wait patiently a little, until I have been able to go and ask her
+of her mother." She straightway mounted her camel, and started through
+the desert on the tracks of Djaida, who immediately on her arrival home
+had told her mother all that had happened. As soon as the mother of
+Khaled had arrived, she flung herself into the arms of her kinswoman and
+demanded Djaida in marriage for her son, for Zahir had not yet returned
+from his foray. When Djaida heard from her mother the request of Khaled,
+she said, "This shall never be, though I be forced to drink the cup of
+death. That which occurred at his tents was brought about by me to
+quench the fire of my grief and unhappiness, and soothe the anguish of
+my heart."
+
+At these words the mother of Khaled, defeated of her object, went back
+to her son, who was tortured by the most cruel anxiety. He rose suddenly
+to his feet, for his love had reached the point of desperation, and
+asked with inquietude what were the feelings of his cousin. When he
+learned the answer of Djaida his distress became overwhelming, for her
+refusal only increased his passion. "What is to be done, my mother," he
+exclaimed. "I see no way of escaping from this embarrassment," she
+replied, "excepting you assemble all your horsemen from among the Arab
+sheiks, and from among those with whom you are on friendly terms. Wait
+until your uncle returns from the campaign, and then, surrounded by your
+followers, go to him, and in the presence of the assembled warriors,
+demand of him his daughter in marriage. If he deny that he has a
+daughter, tell him all that has happened, and urge him until he gives
+way to your demand." This advice, and the plan proposed moderated the
+grief of Khaled. As soon as he learned that his uncle had returned home,
+he assembled all the chiefs of his family and told his story to them.
+All of them were very much astonished, and Madi Kereb. one of the
+Khaled's bravest companions, could not help saying: "This is a strange
+affair; we have always heard say that your uncle had a son named
+Djonder, but now the truth is known. You are certainly the man who has
+most right to the daughter of your uncle. It is therefore our best
+course to present ourselves in a body and prostrate ourselves before
+him, asking him to return to his family and not to give his daughter to
+a stranger." Khaled, without hearing any more, took with him a hundred
+of his bravest horsemen, being those who had been brought up with
+Moharib and Zahir from their childhood, and, having provided themselves
+with presents even more costly than those they had taken before, they
+started off, and marched on until they came to the tribe of Saad. Khaled
+began by complimenting his uncle on his happy return from war, but no
+one could be more astonished than Zahir at this second visit, especially
+when he saw his nephew accompanied by all the chieftains of his family.
+It never for a moment occurred to him that his daughter Djaida had
+anything to do with Khaled's return, but thought that his nephew merely
+wished to persuade him to return to his native territory. He offered
+them every hospitality, provided them with tents and entertained them
+magnificently. He ordered camels and sheep to be killed, and gave a
+banquet; he furnished his guests with all things needful and proper for
+three days. On the fourth day Khaled arose, and after thanking his uncle
+for all his attentions, asked him for his daughter in marriage, and
+begged him to return to his own land. Zahir denied that he had any child
+but his son Djonder, but Khaled told him all that he had learned, and
+all that had passed between himself and Djaida. At these words Zahir was
+overcome with shame and turned his eyes to the ground. He remained for
+some moments plunged in thought, and after reflecting that the affair
+must needs proceed from bad to worse, he addressed those present in the
+following words: "Kinsmen, I will no longer delay acknowledging this
+secret; therefore to end the matter, she shall be married to her cousin
+as soon as possible, for, of all the men I know, he is most worthy of
+her." He offered his hand to Khaled, who immediately clasped it in
+presence of the chiefs who were witnesses to the contract. The dowry was
+fixed at five hundred brown black-eyed camels, and a thousand camels
+loaded with the choicest products of Yemen. The tribe of Saad, in the
+midst of which Zahir had lived, were excluded from all part in this
+incident.
+
+But when Zahir had asked his daughter's consent to this arrangement,
+Djaida was overwhelmed with confusion at the course her father had
+taken. Since he let his daughter clearly understand that he did not wish
+her to remain unmarried, she at last replied: "My father, if my cousin
+desires to have me in marriage, I shall not enter into his tent until he
+undertakes to slaughter at my wedding a thousand camels, out of those
+which belong to Gheshem, son of Malik, surnamed 'The Brandisher of
+Spears.'" Kahled agreed to this condition; but the sheiks and the
+warriors did not leave Zahir before he had collected all his possessions
+for transportation to his own country. No sooner were these preparations
+completed than Khaled marched forth at the head of a thousand horsemen,
+with whose assistance he subdued the tribe of Aamir. Having thrice
+wounded "The Brandisher of Spears," and slain a great number of his
+champions, he carried off their goods and brought back from their
+country even a richer spoil than Djaida had demanded. Loaded with booty
+he returned, and was intoxicated with success. But when he asked that a
+day should be fixed for the wedding, Djaida begged him to approach, and
+said to him: "If you desire that I become your wife, fulfil first of all
+my wishes, and keep the engagement I make with you. This is my demand: I
+wish that on the day of my marriage, some nobleman's daughter, a
+free-born woman, hold the bridle of my camel; she must be the daughter
+of a prince of the highest rank, so that I may be the most honored of
+all the daughters of Arabia." Khaled consented, and prepared to carry
+out her wishes. That very day he started with his horsemen, and
+traversed plains and valleys, searching the land of Ymer, even till he
+reached the country of Hijar and the hills of Sand. In this place he
+attacked the tribe-family of Moawich, son of Mizal. He burst upon them
+like a rain-storm, and cutting a way with his sword through the opposing
+horsemen, he took prisoner Amima, daughter of Moawich, at the very
+moment when she was betaking herself to flight.
+
+After having accomplished feats which rendered futile the resistance of
+the most experienced heroes, after having scattered all the tribes in
+flight, and carried off all the wealth of all the Arabs in that country,
+he returned home. But he did not wish to come near his tents until he
+had first gathered in all the wealth which he had left at different
+points and places in the desert.
+
+The young maidens marched before him sounding their cymbals and other
+instruments of music. All the tribe rejoiced; and when Khaled appeared,
+he distributed clothing to the widows and orphans, and invited his
+companions and friends to the feast he was preparing for his wedding.
+All the Arabs of the country came in a crowd to the marriage. He caused
+them to be regaled with abundance of flesh and wine. But while all the
+guests abandoned themselves to feasting and pleasure, Khaled,
+accompanied by ten slaves, prepared to scour the wild and marshy places
+of the land, in order to attack hand to hand in their caverns the lions
+and lionesses and their cubs, and bear them slain to the tents, in order
+to provide meat for all those who attended the festival.
+
+Djaida had been informed of this design. She disguised herself in coat
+of mail, mounted her horse, and left the tents; as three days of
+festivities still remained, she hastily followed Khaled into the desert,
+and met him face to face in a cavern. She flung herself upon him with
+the impetuosity of a wild beast, and attacked him furiously, crying
+aloud, "Arab! dismount from your horse, take off your coat of mail, and
+your armor; if you hesitate to do so, I will run this lance through your
+heart." Khaled was resolved at once to resist her in this demand. They
+engaged in furious combat. The struggle lasted for more than an hour,
+when the warrior saw in the eyes of his adversary an expression which
+alarmed him. He remounted his horse, and having wheeled round his steed
+from the place of combat, exclaimed: "By the faith of an Arab, I adjure
+you to tell me what horseman of the desert you are; for I feel that your
+attack and the violence of your blows are irresistible. In fact, you
+have prevented me from accomplishing that which I had intended, and all
+that I had eagerly desired to do." At these words Djaida raised her
+visor, thus permitting him to see her face. "Khaled," she cried, "is it
+necessary for the girl you love to attack wild beasts, in order that the
+daughters of Arabia may learn that this is not the exclusive privilege
+of a warrior?" At this cutting rebuke Khaled was overcome with shame.
+"By the faith of an Arab," he replied, "no one but you can overcome me;
+but is there anyone in this country who has challenged you, or are you
+come hither merely to prove to me the extent of your valor?" "By the
+faith of an Arab," replied Djaida, "I came into this desert solely for
+the purpose of helping you to hunt wild beasts, and in order that your
+warriors might not reproach you for choosing me as your wife." At these
+words Khaled felt thrilled with surprise and admiration, that such
+spirit and resolution should have been exhibited in the conduct of
+Djaida.
+
+Then both of them dismounted from their horses and entered into a
+cavern. There Khaled seized two ferocious wild beasts, and Djaida
+attacked and carried off a lion and two lionesses. After these exploits
+they exchanged congratulations, and Djaida felt happy to be with Khaled.
+"Meanwhile," she said, "I shall not permit you to leave our tents until
+after our marriage." She immediately left him in haste and betook
+herself to her own dwelling.
+
+Khaled proceeded to rejoin the slaves whom he had left a little way off,
+and ordered them to carry to the tents the beasts he had slain.
+Trembling with fright at the view of what Khaled had done, they extolled
+him with admiration above all other champions of the land.
+
+The feasts meanwhile went on, and all who came were welcomed with
+magnificence. The maidens sounded their cymbals; the slaves waved their
+swords in the air, and the young girls sang from morn till evening. It
+was in the midst of such rejoicings that Djaida and Khaled were married.
+Amima, the daughter of Moawich, held the reins of the young bride's
+camel, and men and women alike extolled the glory of Djaida.
+
+
+
+
+THE ABSIANS AND FAZAREANS
+
+King Cais, chief of the Absians, distrusting the evil designs of
+Hadifah, the chief of the tribe of Fazarah, had sent out his slaves in
+every direction to look after Antar. One of these slaves on his return
+said to the king: "As for Antar, I have not even heard his name; but as
+I passed by the tribe of Tenim, I slept one night in the tents of the
+tribe Byah. There I saw a colt of remarkable beauty. He belonged to a
+man named Jahir, son of Awef. I have never seen a colt so fine and
+swift." This recital made a profound impression upon Cais. And in truth
+this young animal was the wonder of the world, and never had a handsomer
+horse been reared among the Arabs. He was in all points high-bred and
+renowned for race and lineage, for his sire was Ocab and his dam Helweh,
+and these were horses regarded by the Arabs as quicker than lightning.
+All the tribes admired their points, and the tribe of Byah had become
+celebrated above all others, because of the mare and stallion which
+pertained to it.
+
+As for this fine colt, one day, when his sire Ocab had been put out on
+pasture, he was being led by the daughter of Jahir along the side of a
+lake at noonday, and there he saw the mare Helweh, who was tethered
+close to the tent of her master. He immediately began to neigh, and
+slipped his halter. The young girl in her embarrassment let him go, and
+for modesty took refuge in the tent of a friend. The stallion remained
+on the spot until the girl returned. She seized the halter and took him
+to the stables.
+
+But her father discerned the anxiety which she could not conceal. He
+questioned her, and she told him what had happened. He became furious
+with rage on hearing her story, for he was naturally choleric; he ran
+among the tents, flinging off his turban, and crying at the top of his
+voice, while all the Arabs crowded round him, "Tribe of Byah, tribe of
+Byah! Kinsmen and friends, hear me." Then he related what his daughter
+had told him. "I cannot permit," he added, "that the blood of my horse
+should be blended with that of Helweh; yet I am not willing to sell him
+for the most costly sheep and camels; and if I cannot otherwise prevent
+Helweh from bearing a colt to my stallion, I shall be glad if some one
+will put the mare to death." "By all means," cried his listeners, "do as
+you please, for we can have no objection." Such were the usual terms of
+Arabian courtesy.
+
+Nevertheless, Helweh, in course of time, bore a fine colt, whose birth
+brought great joy to her master. He named the young horse Dahir. The
+colt waxed in strength and beauty, until he actually excelled his sire
+Ocab. His chest was broad, his neck long, his hoofs hard, his nostrils
+widely expanded. His tail swept the ground, and he was of the gentlest
+temper; in short, he was the most perfect creature ever seen. Being
+reared with the greatest care, his shape was perfect as the archway of a
+royal palace. When the mare Helweh, followed by her colt, was one day
+moving along the shore of a lake, Ocab's owner chanced to see them. He
+seized the young horse, and took him home with him, leaving his mother
+in grief for his difference. "As for Jahir," he said, "this colt belongs
+to me, and I have more right to him than anyone else."
+
+The news of the colt's disappearance soon reached his owner's ears. He
+assembled the chiefs of the tribe, and told them what had happened. They
+sent to Jahir, and he was reproached bitterly. "Jahir," they said, "you
+have not suffered, yet have done injustice, in that you carried off that
+which belonged to another man." "Say no more," answered Jahir, "and
+spare me these reproaches, for, by the faith of an Arab, I will not
+return the colt, unless compelled by main force. I will declare war
+against you first." At that moment the tribe was not prepared for a
+quarrel; and several of them said to Jahir: "We are too much attached to
+you to push things to such an extreme as that; we are your allies and
+kinsmen. We will not fight with you, though an idol of gold were at
+stake." Then Kerim, son of Wahrab (the latter being the owner of the
+mare and colt, a man renowned among the Arabs for his generosity),
+seeing the obstinacy of Jahir, said to him: "Cousin, the colt is
+certainly yours, and belongs to you; as for the mare here, accept her as
+a present from my hand, so that mother and colt will not be separated,
+and no one will ever be able to accuse me of wronging a kinsman."
+
+The tribe highly applauded this act, and Jahir was so humiliated by the
+generosity with which he had been treated, that he returned mare and
+colt to Kerim, adding to the gift a pair of male and a pair of female
+camels.
+
+Dahir soon became a horse of absolute perfection in every point, and
+when his master Kerim undertook to race him with another horse, he rode
+the animal himself, and was in the habit of saying to his antagonist,
+"Even should you pass me like an arrow, I could catch you up, and
+distance you," and in fact this always happened.
+
+As soon as King Cais heard tell of this horse, he became beside himself
+with longing and mortification, and his sleep left him. He sent to
+Kerim, offering to buy the horse for as much gold or silver as the owner
+demanded, and adding that the price would be forwarded without delay.
+This message enraged Kerim. "Is not this Cais a fool, or a man of no
+understanding?" he exclaimed. "Does he think I am a man of traffic--a
+horse-dealer, who cannot mount the horses he owns? I swear by the faith
+of an Arab that if he had asked for Dahir, as a present, I would have
+sent the horse, and a troop of camels besides: but if he thinks of
+obtaining him by bidding a price, he will never have him; even were I
+bound to drink the cup of death."
+
+The messenger returned to Cais, and gave him the answer of Kerim, at
+which the latter was much annoyed. "Am I a king over the tribes of Abs,
+of Adnan, of Fazarah, and of Dibyan," he exclaimed, "and yet a common
+Arab dares to oppose me!" He summoned his people and his warriors.
+Immediately there was the flash of armor, of coats of mail, and swords
+and helmets appeared amid the tents; the champions mounted their steeds,
+shook their spears, and marched forth against the tribe of Byah. As soon
+as they reached their enemy's territory they overran the pastures, and
+gathered an immense booty in cattle, which Cais divided among his
+followers. They next made for the tents and surprised the dwellers
+there, who were not prepared for such an attack: Kerim being absent with
+his warriors on an expedition of the same sort. Cais at the head of the
+Absians, pushing his way into the dwellings, carried off the wives and
+daughters of his foe.
+
+As for Dahir, he was tethered to one of the tent-pegs, for Kerim never
+used him as a charger, for fear some harm might befall him, or he might
+be killed. One of the slaves who had been left in the encampment, and
+had been among the first to see the approach of the Absians, went up to
+Dahir for the purpose of breaking the line by which he was hobbled. This
+he failed to accomplish, but mounting him, and digging his heels into
+his flanks, he forced the horse, although he was hobbled, to rush off
+prancing like a fawn, until he reached the desert. It was in vain that
+the Absians pursued him; they could not even catch up with the trail of
+dust that he left behind him.
+
+As soon as Cais perceived Dahir, he recognized him, and the desire of
+possessing him became intensified. He hurried on, but his chagrin was
+great, as he perceived that, do what he would, he never could catch up
+with him. At last the slave, perceiving that he had quite out-distanced
+the Absians, dismounted, untied the feet of Dahir, leapt again into the
+saddle, and galloped off. Cais, who had kept up the pursuit, gained
+ground during this stop, and coming within ear-shot of the slave,
+shouted out, "Stop, Arab, there is no cause for fear; you have my
+protection; by the faith of a noble Arab, I swear it." At these words
+the slave stopped. "Do you intend to sell that horse?" said King Cais to
+him, "for in that case you have the most eager buyer of all the Arabian
+tribesmen." "I do not wish to sell him, sire," replied the slave,
+"excepting at one price, the restoration of all the booty." "I will buy
+him then," the King answered, and he clasped the hand of the Arab as
+pledge of the bargain. The slave dismounted from the young horse, and
+delivered him over to King Cais, and the latter overjoyed at having his
+wish, leapt on to his back, and set out to rejoin the Absians, whom he
+commanded to restore all the booty which they had taken. His order was
+executed to the letter. King Cais, enchanted at the success of his
+enterprise, and at the possession of Dahir, returned home. So great was
+his fondness for the horse that he groomed and fed him with his own
+hands. Soon as Hadifah, chief of the tribe of Fazarah, heard that Cais
+had possession of Dahir, jealousy filled his heart. In concert with
+other chiefs he plotted the death of this beautiful horse.
+
+Now it came to pass that at this time Hadifah gave a great feast, and
+Carwash, kinsman of King Cais, was present. At the end of the meal, and
+while the wine circulated freely the course of conversation turned to
+the most famous chiefs of the time. The subject being exhausted, the
+guests began to speak about their most celebrated horses, and next, of
+the journeys made by them in the desert. "Kinsmen," said Carwash, "none
+of you ever saw a horse like Dahir, which belongs to my ally Cais. It is
+vain to seek his equal; his pace is absolutely terrifying. He chases
+away sorrow from the heart of him who beholds him, and protects like a
+strong tower the man who mounts him." Carwash did not stop here, but
+continued to praise, in the highest and most distinguished language, the
+horse Dahir, until all of the tribe of Fazarah and of the family of
+Zyad, felt their hearts swell with rage. "Do you hear him, brother?"
+said Haml to Hadifah; "come, that is enough," he added, turning towards
+Carwash. "All that you have said about Dahir is absolute nonsense--for
+at present there are no horses better or finer than mine, and those of
+my brother."
+
+With these words he ordered his slaves to bring his horses and parade
+them before Carwash. This was done. "Come, Carwash, look at that horse."
+"He is not worth the hay you feed him on," said the other. Then those of
+Hadifah were led out; among them was a mare, named Ghabra, and a
+stallion called Marik. "Now look at these," said Hadifah. "They are not
+worth the hay they eat," replied Carwash. Hadifah, filled with
+indignation at these words: "What, not even Ghabra?" "Not even Ghabra,
+or all the horses in the world," repeated Carwash. "Would you like to
+make a bet for us with King Cais?" "Certainly," answered Carwash--"I
+will wager that Dahir will beat all the horses of the tribe of Fazarah,
+even if he carries a hundred weight of stone on his back." They
+discussed the matter for a long time, the one affirming the other
+denying the statements, until Hadifah closed the altercation by saying,
+"I hold to the wager, on condition that the winner takes from the loser
+as many male and female camels as he chooses." "You are going to play me
+a nice trick," said Carwash, "and for my part I tell you plainly that I
+won't bet more than twenty camels; the man whose horse loses shall pay
+this forfeit." The matter was arranged accordingly. They sat at table
+until nightfall, and then rested.
+
+The next day Carwash left his tent at early morn, went to the tribe of
+Abs, to find Cais, whom he told about the wager. "You were wrong," said
+Cais. "You might have made a bet with anyone excepting Hadifah, who is a
+man of tricks and treachery. If you have made the wager, you will have
+to declare it off." Cais waited until certain persons who were with him
+had retired, then he at once took horse, and repaired to the tribe of
+Fazarah, where everybody was taking their morning meal in their tents.
+Cais dismounted, took off his arms, and seating himself among them began
+to eat with them, like a noble Arab. "Cousin," said Hadifah to him
+jokingly, "What large mouthfuls you take; heaven preserve me from having
+an appetite like yours." "It is true," said Cais, "that I am dying of
+hunger, but by Him who abides always, and will abide forever, I came not
+here merely to eat your victuals. My intention is to annul the wager
+which was yesterday made between you and my kinsman Carwash, I beg of
+you to cancel this bet, for all that is uttered over cups and flagons is
+of no serious account, and ought to be forgotten." "I would have you to
+know," was the answer, "that I will not withdraw from the challenge,
+unless you forfeit the camels which are staked. If you accept this
+condition, I shall be perfectly indifferent to everything else.
+Nevertheless, if you wish it, I will seize the camels by force, or, if
+it be your good pleasure, I will waive every claim, save as a debt of
+honor." In spite of all that Cais could say, Hadifah remained firm in
+his resolution, and as his brother began to deride Cais, the latter lost
+his temper, and with a face blazing with wrath he asked of Hadifah,
+"What stake did you offer in your wager with my cousin?" "Twenty
+she-camels," said Hadifah. "As for this first wager," answered Cais, "I
+cancel it, and propose another one in its stead: I will bet thirty
+camels." "And I forty," replied Hadifah, "I make it fifty," was the
+retort of Cais. "Sixty," quickly added the other; and they continued
+raising the terms of the wager, until the number of camels staked was
+one hundred. The contract of the bet was deposited in the hands of a man
+named Sabic, son of Wahhab, and in the presence of a crowd of youths and
+old men. "What shall be the length of the race?" asked Hadifah of Cais.
+"One hundred bow-shots," replied Cais, "and we have an archer here,
+Ayas, the son of Mansour, who will measure the ground." Ayas was in fact
+the strongest and most accomplished archer then living among the Arabs.
+King Cais, by choosing Ayas, wished the course to be made long, knowing
+the endurance of his horse, and the longer distance Dahir had to travel,
+the more he gained speed, from the increased excitement of his spirit.
+"Well now, we had better fix the day for the race," said Cais to
+Hadifah. "Forty days will be required," replied Hadifah, "to bring the
+horses into condition." "You are right," said Cais, and they agreed that
+the horses should be trained for forty days, that the race should take
+place by the lake Zatalirsad, and that the horse that first reached the
+goal should be declared winner. All these preliminaries having been
+arranged, Cais returned to his tents.
+
+Meanwhile one of the horsemen of the tribe of Fazarah said to his
+neighbors: "Kinsmen, you may rest assured that there is going to be a
+breach between the tribe of Abs and that of Fazarah, as a result of this
+race between Dahir and Ghabra. The two tribes, you must know, will be
+mutually estranged, for King Cais has been there in person; now he is a
+prince and the son of a prince. He has made every effort to cancel the
+bet, but Hadifah would by no means consent. All this is the beginning of
+a broil, which may be followed by a war, possibly lasting fifty years,
+and many a one will fall in the struggle."
+
+Hadifah hearing this prediction, said: "I don't trouble myself much
+about the matter, and your suggestion seems to me absurd." "O Hadifah,"
+exclaimed Ayas, "I am going to tell you what will be the result of all
+your obstinacy towards Cais." Then he recited some verses, with the
+following meaning: "In thee, O Hadifah, there is no beauty; and in the
+purity of Cais there is not a single blot. How sincere and honest was
+his counsels, although they were lacking in prudence and dignity. Make a
+wager with a man who does not possess even an ass, and whose father has
+never been rich enough to buy a horse. Let Cais alone; he has wealth,
+lands, horses, a proud spirit, and he is the owner of this Dahir, who is
+always first on the day of a race, whether he is resting or
+running--this Dahir, a steed whose feet even appear through the
+obscurity of night like burning brands." "Ayas," replied Hadifah, "do
+you think I would break my word? I will take the camels of Cais, and
+will not permit my name to be inscribed among the number of those who
+have been vanquished. Let things run their course."
+
+As soon as King Cais had regained his tents he hastened to tell his
+slaves to begin the training of his horses, and to pay especial
+attention to Dahir. Then he told his kinsmen all that had taken place
+between himself and Hadifah. Antar was present at this recital, and as
+he took great interest in all that concerned the king, he said, "Cais,
+calm your fears, keep your eyes well open, run the race, and have no
+fear. For, by the faith of an Arab, if Hadifah makes any trouble or
+misunderstanding, I will kill him, as well as the whole tribe of
+Fazarah."
+
+The conversation on this subject continued until they reached the tents,
+which Antar declined to enter before seeing Dahir. He walked several
+times round this animal, and saw at a glance that the horse actually
+possessed qualities which astonished any one who saw him.
+
+Hadifah quickly learned the return of Antar, and knew that the hero was
+encouraging King Cais to run the race. Haml, Hadifah's brother, had also
+heard the news, and in the distress which he felt remarked to Hadifah,
+"I fear lest Antar should fall upon me, or some one of the family of
+Beder, and kill us, and thus render us disgraced. Give up this race, or
+we are ruined. Let me go to King Cais, and I will not leave him until he
+promises to come to you and cancel the contract." "Do as you please,"
+answered Hadifah. Thereupon Haml took horse, and went immediately to
+King Cais. He found him with his uncle Assyed, a wise and prudent man.
+Haml approached Cais, saluted him by kissing his hand, and after saying
+that he was the bearer of an important message, added: "Kinsman, you
+know that my brother Hadifah is a low fellow, whose mind is full of
+intrigues. I have spent the last three days in trying to persuade him to
+cancel this wager. At last he has said: 'Very good, if Cais comes to me,
+and wishes to be released from the contract, I will annul it; but do not
+let any Arab think that I abandon the bet through fear of Antar.' Now
+you, Cais, are aware that the greatest proof of attachment between
+kinsmen is their willingness to give way to one another. So I am here to
+beg that you will come to the dwelling of my brother Hadifah and ask him
+to give up the race, before it causes trouble, and the tribe be utterly
+driven away from its territories." At this address of Haml, Cais became
+flushed with shame, for he was trusting and generous. He at once arose,
+and leaving his uncle Assyed in charge of his domestic business, he
+accompanied Haml to the land of Fazarah. When they were midway on their
+journey Haml began to utter lavish praises of Cais to the latter's face,
+and to blame his own brother's faults, in the following terms: "O Cais,
+do not let your wrath be stirred up against Hadifah, for he is verily a
+man headstrong and unjust in his actions. O Cais, if you persist in
+holding to the bet, great disasters will follow. Both you and he are
+impulsive and passionate, and this is what causes me to feel anxiety
+about you, Cais. Put aside your private feelings, be kind and generous,
+and it will come to pass that the oppressor himself will become the
+oppressed."
+
+Haml continued to abuse his brother, and to flatter Cais with
+expressions of admiration all the way, until in the evening they arrived
+at the tribe of Fazarah. Hadifah, who at the moment was surrounded by
+many powerful chiefs, upon whose aid he depended in the hour of need,
+had changed his mind since his brother Haml's departure, and in place of
+coming to terms and making peace with Cais he had determined to yield in
+nothing, but to maintain rigorously the conditions of the coming race.
+He was speaking of this very matter with one of the chiefs at the moment
+when Cais and Haml presented themselves before him. As soon as Hadifah
+saw Cais, he resolved to cover him with shame. Turning therefore to his
+brother, he asked: "Who ordered you to go to this man? By the faith of a
+noble Arab, even if all the men who cover the surface of the earth were
+to come and importune me, saying, 'O Hadifah, give up one hair of these
+camels,' I would not yield until a lance had pierced my heart and a
+sword stricken the head from my shoulders." Cais crimsoned, and
+immediately remounted his horse, bitterly reproaching Haml. He returned
+home with the utmost haste, and found his uncle and brothers waiting for
+him in extreme anxiety. "O my son!" said his uncle Assyed as soon as he
+saw him, "you have had a disastrous journey, for it has caused you to be
+disgraced."
+
+"If Hadifah had not been surrounded by certain chiefs, who gave him
+treacherous counsels, I could have arranged the whole affair," answered
+Cais. "There is now nothing left but to carry out the race and the bet."
+
+King Cais did not sleep the whole of that night. On the morrow he
+thought of nothing but the training of his horses during the forty days'
+interval before the race. All the Arabs of the land agreed to come to
+the pastures and see the race, and when the forty days had expired the
+horsemen of the two tribes came in a crowd to the banks of lake
+Zatalirsud. Next arrived the archer Ayas, who, turning his back to the
+lake at the point where the horses were to start, drew his bow as he
+walked toward the north a hundred times, and measured out to the goal
+the course of a hundred bow-shots. Soon the horsemen of Ghitfan and
+Dibyan arrived, for they were of the same territory, and because of
+their friendly relations and kinship were comprised as one tribe under
+the name of Adnan. King Cais had begged Antar not to show himself on
+this occasion, fearing that his appearance might cause dissension. Antar
+listened to this advice, but was unable to rest quiet in the tents. The
+interest he felt in Cais, and the deep distrust with which the falseness
+of the Fazareans--who were always ready for treason--inspired him,
+induced him to show himself. Girding on his sword Dhami, and mounting
+his famous charger, Abjer, he took with him his brother Shidoub, and
+reached the spot fixed upon for the race, in order that he might watch
+over the safety of King Zoheir's sons. On his arrival he seemed to excel
+all that crowd, like a lion clad in coat of mail. He carried his naked
+sword, and his eyes flashed like blazing coals. As soon as he had
+reached the middle of the crowd, he cried out with a loud voice, that
+struck terror to all hearts: "Hearken, noble Arabian chieftains and men
+of renown assembled here--all of you know that I was supported and
+favored by King Zoheir, father of King Cais, that I am a slave bound to
+him, by his goodness and munificence; that it is he who caused my
+parents to acknowledge me, and gave me my rank, making me to be numbered
+among Arab chiefs. Although he is no longer living, I wish to show my
+gratitude to him, and bring the kings of the land into subjection to
+him, even after his death. He has left a son, whom his brothers have
+acknowledged, and have set on the throne of his father. This son is
+Cais, whom they have thus distinguished, because of his wisdom,
+rectitude, and noble heart. I am the slave of Cais, and am his property;
+I intend to be the supporter of him whom I love, and the enemy of
+whosoever resists him. It shall never be said, as long as I live, that I
+have suffered an enemy to affront him. As to the conditions of this
+wager, it is our duty to see them observed. The best thing, accordingly,
+to do is to let the horses race unobstructed, for victory comes from the
+creator of day and night. I make an oath, therefore, by the holy house
+at Mecca, by the temple, by the eternal God, who never forgets his
+servants and never sleeps, that if Hadifah commits any act of violence,
+I will make him drink the cup of vengeance and of death; and will make
+the whole tribe of Fazarah the byword of all the world. And you, Arab
+chieftains, if you sincerely desire the race to take place, conduct
+yourselves with justice and impartiality; otherwise, by the eyes of my
+dear Ibla, I will make the horses run the race in blood." "Antar is
+right," the horsemen shouted on all sides.
+
+Hadifah chose, as the rider of Ghabra, a groom of the tribe of Dibyan.
+This man had passed all his days and many of his nights in rearing and
+tending horses. Cais, on the other hand, chose as rider of Dahir a groom
+of the tribe of Abs, much better trained and experienced in his
+profession than was the Dibyanian. When the two contestants had mounted
+their horses King Cais gave this parting instruction to his groom: "Do
+not let the reins hang too loosely in managing Dahir; if you see him
+flag, stand up in your stirrups, and press his flanks gently with your
+legs. Do not urge him too much, or you will break his spirit." Hadifah
+heard this advice and repeated it, word for word, to his rider.
+
+Antar began to laugh. "By the faith of an Arab," he said to Hadifah,
+"you will be beaten. Are words so scarce that you are obliged to use
+exactly those of Cais? But as a matter of fact Cais is a king, the son
+of a king; he ought always to be imitated by others, and since you have
+followed, word by word, his speech, it is a proof that your horse will
+follow his in the desert."
+
+At these words the heart of Hadifah swelled with rage and indignation,
+and he swore with an oath that he would not let his horse run that day,
+but that he wished the race to take place at sunrise, next morning. This
+delay was indispensable to him in preparing the act of perfidy which he
+meditated, for he had no sooner seen Dahir than he was speechless with
+astonishment at the beauty and perfections of the horse.
+
+The judges had already dismounted and the horsemen of the various tribes
+were preparing to return home, when Shidoub began to cry out with a loud
+voice, "Tribes of Abs, of Adnan, of Fazarah and of Dibyan, and all here
+present attend to me for an instant, and listen to words which shall be
+repeated from generation to generation." All the warriors stood
+motionless. "Speak on," they cried, "what is your will? Perhaps there
+may be something good in your words." "Illustrious Arabs," continued
+Shidoub, "you know what happened in consequence of the match between
+Dahir and Ghabra: I assure you on my life that I will outstrip both of
+them in running, even were they swifter than the wind. But listen to the
+condition I offer; if I am the winner, I am to take the hundred camels
+which are at stake; but if I am beaten, I am to forfeit fifty." Upon
+this one of the Sheiks of Fazarah exclaimed, "What is that you are
+saying, vile slave? Why should you receive a hundred camels if you win
+and only forfeit fifty if you lose?" "Do you ask why, ancient mire of a
+dunghill," replied Shidoub, "because I have but two legs to run on and a
+horse has four, not counting his tail." All the Arabs burst out
+laughing; yet as they were astonished at the conditions proposed by
+Shidoub, and extremely curious to see him run the race, they agreed that
+he should make the hazardous experiment.
+
+When all had returned to the tents Antar said to Shidoub: "Come, now,
+thou son of a cursed mother, how dared thou say that thou couldst
+outstrip these two horses, whose race all horsemen of our tribes have
+assembled to see, and who all the world admits have no equals in speed,
+not even among the birds of the air?" "By him who created the springs in
+the rocks and who knows all things," replied Shidoub, "I will outstrip
+those two horses, be they fleet as the winds. Yes, and my victory will
+have an advantageous result, for when the Arabs hear of it, they will
+give up all idea of pursuing me, when I run across the desert." Antar
+laughed, for he was in doubt about Shidoub's plan. The latter went to
+find King Cais and his brothers, and the other witnesses of the race,
+and made oath on his life that he would outstrip the two horses. All
+present acknowledged themselves witnesses of the oath, and left the
+spot, filled with astonishment at the proposition.
+
+As for the trickster Hadifah, in the evening he summoned one of his
+slaves named Dames, a rascal, if ever there was one. "O Dames," he said,
+"you frequently boast of your cunning, but hitherto I have had no
+opportunity of putting it to the proof." "My Lord," answered the slave,
+"tell me in what way I can be useful to you." "I desire," said Hadifah,
+"that you go and post yourself in the great pass. Remain in this place,
+and go and hide yourself there in the morning. Watch the horses well,
+and see if Dahir is in advance. If he is, show yourself suddenly, strike
+him on the head, and cause him to stop, so that Ghabra may outstrip him,
+and we may not incur the disgrace of defeat. For I confess that since I
+have seen Dahir, his excellent points have made me doubt the superiority
+of Ghabra, and I fear my mare will be beaten, and we shall become the
+laughing stock of all the Arabs." "But, sir, how shall I distinguish
+Dahir from Ghabra when they advance, both of them wrapped in a cloud of
+dust?" Hadifah replied, "I am going to give you a sign, and to explain
+how the matter may be free from difficulty." As he spoke he picked up
+some stones from the ground and said: "Take these stones with you at
+sunrise, begin to count them, and throw them to the earth, four at a
+time. You must repeat the operation five times, and the last time Ghabra
+will arrive. That is the calculation I have made, so that if a cloud of
+dust presents itself to you, and some of the stones, a third or a half
+of them, still remain in your hand, you may be sure that Dahir has
+gained first place, and is before your eyes. You must then hurl a stone
+at his head, as I said, and stop his running, so that my mare may gain
+the lead." The slave agreed to do so. He provided himself with stones
+and went to hide himself at the great pass, and Hadifah felt confident
+of gaining the wager.
+
+At the dawn of day, the Arabs, coming from all quarters, were assembled
+on the race ground. The judges gave the signal for the start, and the
+two riders uttered loud shouts. The racers started like flashes of
+lightning which dazzle the sight and seemed like the wind when, as it
+blows, it increases in fury. Ghabra passed ahead of Dahir and distanced
+him. "Now you are lost, my brother of the tribe of Abs," cried the
+Fazarean groom to the Absian, "try and console yourself for this
+defeat." "You lie," retorted the Absian, "and in a few moments you will
+see how completely you are mistaken. Wait till we have passed this
+uneven ground. Mares always travel faster on rough roads than on smooth
+country." And so it happened, for when they arrived in the plain, Dahir
+shot forward like a giant, leaving a trail of dust behind him. It seemed
+as if he went on wings, not legs; in the twinkling of an eye he had
+outstripped Ghabra. "Here," cried the Absian to the Fazarean groom,
+"send a messenger from me to the family of Beder, and you yourself drink
+the bitter cup of patience behind me." Meanwhile Shidoub, swift as the
+north wind, kept ahead of Dahir, bounding like a fawn and running like
+an ostrich, until he reached the defile where Dames was hidden. The
+slave had only thrown down less than a third of his pebbles, when he
+looked up and saw Dahir approaching.
+
+He waited till the horse passed close by him, and suddenly showed
+himself with a shout, and hit the racer violently between the eyes with
+a stone. The horse reared, stopped one moment, and the rider was on the
+point of being unseated. Shidoub was a witness to the incident, and
+having looked at the slave, recognized him as belonging to the
+treacherous Hadifah. In the violence of his rage he flung himself upon
+Dames, and struck him dead with his sword: then he approached Dahir for
+the purpose of speaking soothingly to him, and starting him again on the
+race; but, alas, the mare Ghabra rushed up like the wind. Then Shidoub,
+fearing defeat, thinking of the camels he would forfeit, set out running
+at full speed towards the lake, where he arrived two bow-shots in
+advance of the horses. Ghabra followed, then Dahir last, bearing on his
+forehead the mark of the missile; his cheeks were covered with blood and
+tears.
+
+All the spectators were astounded on seeing the agility and endurance of
+Shidoub; but as soon as Ghabra had reached the finish the Fazareans
+uttered loud shouts of joy. Dahir was led home all bleeding, and his
+rider told the men of the tribe of Abs what the slave had done. Cais
+examined the wound of his horse and asked for full details of the
+occurrence. Antar grew crimson with anger, and laid his hand upon his
+invincible sword, as if impatient to annihilate the tribe of the
+Fazareans. But the sheiks restrained him, although with difficulty,
+after which they went to Hadifah to cover him with shame, and to
+reproach him with the infamous deed he had done. Hadifah denied it, with
+false oaths, affirming that he knew nothing of the blow dealt to Dahir;
+then he added, "I demand the camels which are due to me, and I do not
+admit the treacherous pretext on which they are being withheld."
+
+"That blow is doubtless of evil augury for the tribe of Fazarah," said
+Cais. "God will certainly give us victory and triumph, and destroy them.
+For Hadifah only desired this race to take place in order that it might
+cause trouble and discord, and the disturbance which this contest is
+sure to excite will stir up one tribe against another, so that there
+will be many men killed, and children made orphans." The conversation
+which followed among the tribesmen became more and more excited,
+confusion followed, shouts rang out on all sides, and drawn swords
+flashed. Bloodshed would have resulted had not the sheiks and wise men
+dismounted and with bared heads mingled with the crowd, with humble
+mien, imploring them, until at last the matter was settled as
+harmoniously as possible. It was agreed that Shidoub should receive the
+amount of the wager--a hundred camels from the tribe of Fazarah, and
+that Hadifah should abandon his claims and refrain from all dispute.
+Such were the measures taken to extinguish the hostility and disorder
+which threatened to burst out among the tribes. Then the different
+families retired to their own dwellings, but the hearts of all were
+filled with bitter hatred. One whose resentment seemed keenest was
+Hadifah, especially when he learned of the slave Dames's death. As for
+Cais, he was also filled with mute rage and intense hatred. Yet Antar
+tried to reassure him. "King," he said to him, "do not let your heart be
+a prey to mortification; for I swear by the tomb of King Zoheir, your
+father, that I will cause disgrace and infamy to fall on Hadifah, and it
+is only from regard for you that I have up to this time delayed action."
+Soon after all returned to their tents.
+
+The following morning Shidoub killed twenty of the camels he had won the
+day before, and caused the meat to be distributed among the widows and
+those who had been wounded and crippled in war. He slaughtered twenty
+others, which he used in entertaining the tribe of Abs, including women
+and slaves. Finally, the next day, he killed the rest of the camels and
+made a great feast near the lake Zatalirsad, to which he invited the
+sons of King Zoheir and his noblest chieftains. At the end of this
+banquet, when the wine circulated among the guests, all praised the
+behavior of Shidoub. But the news of the camel slaughter and of all the
+feasting was soon known to the tribe of Fazarah. All the enraged
+tribesmen hastened to seek Hadifah. "What," said they, "while we were
+first in the race, slaves and traitorous Absians have eaten our camels!
+Send for an equal number of camels, by all means; but if he refuses them
+let us make a terrible war upon the Absians."
+
+Hadifah raised his eyes upon his son Abou-Firacah. "Mount horse at
+once," he said to him, "and go and say to Cais: my father says that you
+must this instant pay the wager, or he will come and seize the amount by
+main force, and will bring trouble upon you." There was then present a
+chief among the sheiks, who, hearing the order that Hadifah had given to
+his son, said: "O Hadifah, are you not ashamed to send such a message to
+the tribe of the Absians? Are they not our kindred and allies? Does this
+proposal harmonize with the counsel and desire of allaying dissensions?
+The genuine man shows gratitude for generosity and kindness. I think it
+quite reasonable to expect that you desist from this perverse mood,
+which will end in our total extermination. Cais has shown himself quite
+impartial and has done wrong to no one; cherish, therefore, peace with
+the horsemen of the tribe of Abs. Take warning from what happened to the
+slave Dames; he struck Dahir, the horse of King Cais, and God punished
+him at once; he is left bathed in his slavish blood. I beg you to listen
+to none but wise counsels; act nobly, and abandon base designs. While
+you are thus forewarned as to your situation, keep a prudent eye on your
+affairs." This discourse rendered Hadifah furious. "Contemptible sheik!
+Dog of a traitor!" he exclaimed. "What! Must I be in fear of Cais and
+the whole tribe of the Absians? By the faith of an Arab, I will let all
+men of honor know that if Cais refuse to send the camels I will not
+leave one of his tents standing." The sheik was indignant, and to
+increase the fear he would cast into the heart of Hadifah he spoke to
+him in verses, to the following effect: "Insult is cowardliness, for it
+takes by surprise him who is not expecting it, as the night enwraps
+those who wander in the desert. When the sword shall once be drawn look
+out for blows. Be just and do not clothe thyself with dishonor. Enquire
+of those who know the fate of Themond and his tribe, when they committed
+acts of rebellion and tyranny. They will tell you that a command of God
+from on high destroyed them in one night, and on the morrow they lay
+scattered on the ground, their eyes turned towards the sky."
+
+Hadifah dissembled his contempt for these verses and the sheik who had
+pronounced them, but he ordered his son to go at once to Cais.
+Abou-Firacah started for the tribe of Abs, and as soon as he arrived
+there repaired to the home of Cais, who was absent. The messenger asked
+then for his wife Modelilah, the daughter of Rebia. "What do you desire
+of my husband?" she asked. "I demand my due, the prize of the horse
+race." "Misfortune take you and that which you demand," she replied.
+"Son of Hadifah! Do you not fear the consequences of such perfidy? If
+Cais were here he would send you to your death, instantly." Abou-Firacah
+returned to his father, to whom he told all that the wife of Cais had
+said "What, you coward," shouted Hadifah, "do you come back without
+completing your errand? Are you afraid of the daughter of Rebia? Go to
+him again."
+
+As Abou-Firacah reminded his father that it was now near night-fall, the
+message was postponed until the next day. As for Cais, when he
+re-entered his home, he learned from his wife that Abou-Firacah had come
+to ask for the camels. "By the faith of an Arab," he said, "if I had
+been here I would have slain him. But the matter is closed; let us think
+no more of it." Yet King Cais passed the night in grief and annoyance
+until sunrise, at which time he betook himself to his tent Antar came to
+see him. Cais rose, and making him take a seat, mentioned the name of
+Hadifah. "Would you believe he had the shamelessness to send his son to
+demand the camels of me? Ah, if I had been present I would have slain
+the messenger." Scarcely had he finished uttering these words when
+Abou-Firacah presented himself on horseback. Without dismounting, and
+uttering no word of salutation or preface, he said: "Cais, my father
+desires that you send him that which is his due; by so doing your
+conduct will be that of a generous man; but if you refuse, my father
+will come against you, carry off his property by force, and plunge you
+into misfortune."
+
+On hearing these words Cais felt the light change to darkness before his
+eyes. "O thou son of a vile coward," he exclaimed "how is it that you
+are not more respectful in your address to me?" He seized a javelin and
+plunged it into the breast of Abou-Firacah. Pierced through, the young
+messenger lost control of his horse.--Antar dragged him down and flung
+him on the ground. Then, turning the horse's head away from the
+direction of Fazarah, he struck him on the flank with a holly-stick, and
+the horse took the road towards the pastures, and finally entered his
+stable, all covered with blood. The shepherds at once led him to the
+tents, crying out, "Misfortune! Misfortune!"
+
+Hadifah became furious. He smote upon his breast, repeating the words:
+"Tribe of Fazarah, to arms, to arms, to arms!" and all the disaffected
+came to Hadifah once more, begging him to declare war on the Absians,
+and to take vengeance on them. "Kinsmen!" replied Hadifah, with
+alacrity, "let none of us sleep to-night without our armor on." And so
+it happened.
+
+At break of day Hadifah was on horseback; the warriors were ready, and
+only women and children and the feeble were left in the tents. Cais, on
+the other hand, after slaying Abou-Firacah, expected that the Fazareans
+would come and attack himself and his warriors; he therefore prepared
+for battle. Antar was charged with taking the necessary reconnoitre. He
+left in the tents only women, children, and those too feeble to bear the
+sword; then he put himself in command of the heroes of Carad. Nothing
+could be more brilliant than the ranks of the Absians in their coats of
+mail and gleaming weapons. These preparations caused an anxious moment
+for both parties. They marched forth against each other, and the sun had
+scarcely appeared, before scimitars flashed, and the whole country was
+in a turmoil.
+
+Antar was impatient to press forward, and satisfy his thirst for battle;
+but, lo! Hadifah, dressed in a black robe, advances, his heart broken by
+the death of his son. "Son of Zoheir," he cried to Cais, "it is a base
+action to slay a child; but it is good to meet in battle, to decide with
+these lances which shall predominate, you or me." These words cut Cais
+to the quick. Hurried along by passion he left his standard and rushed
+against Hadifah. Then the two chiefs, spurred on by mutual hatred,
+fought together on their noble chargers, until nightfall. Cais was
+mounted on Dahir, and Hadifah on Ghabra. In the course of this combat
+the exploits of the past were eclipsed. Each tribe despaired of his
+chieftain's safety, and they were eager to make a general attack, in
+order to stop the struggle of the chieftains and the fury with which
+they contended. Cries began to be heard in the air. Scimitars were
+drawn, and lances advanced over the ears of Arabian chargers. Antar
+approached certain Absian chiefs and said, "Let us attack the traitors."
+He prepared to charge, when the ancients of the two tribes came forth
+into the middle of the plain, with heads uncovered, their feet bared,
+and their idols hung from their shoulders. Standing between the two
+armies they spoke as follows: "Kinsmen and allies, in the name of that
+harmony which has hitherto prevailed among us, let us do nothing that
+will make us the byword of our slaves. Let us not furnish our enemies
+with ground for reproaching us. Let us forget all matter of dispute and
+dissension. Let us not turn wives into widows and our children into
+orphans. Satisfy your warlike ardor by attacking those among the Arabs
+who are your real foes; and you, kinsmen of Fazarah, show yourselves
+more humble and less haughty, towards your brethren the Absians. Above
+all, forget not that insolent wrong has often caused the destruction of
+many tribes, which have had sore reason to regret their impious actions;
+in this way many men have been deprived of their possessions, and a vast
+number been plunged into the gulf of despair and regret. Expect the
+fatal hour of death, the day of dissolution, for it is upon you. You
+will be rent asunder by the threatening eagles of destruction, and
+enclosed in the dark prison-house of the tomb. Take care, that when your
+bodies are separated from life, men may think about you without any
+other memory than that of your virtues."
+
+The sheiks talked together for a long time, and meanwhile the flame of
+passion which had been kindled in the soul of the two heroes, Cais and
+Hadifah, became quenched. Hadifah withdrew from the fight, and it was
+agreed that Cais should pay as the price of Abou-Firacah's blood a
+quantity of cattle and a string of camels. The sheiks did not wish even
+then to quit the field of battle until Cais and Hadifah embraced each
+other and had agreed to all the arrangements. Antar was crimson with
+rage. "O King Cais," he exclaimed, "what have you done? What! while our
+swords flash in our hands shall the tribe of Fazarah exact a price for
+the blood of its dead? And we never be able to obtain retaliation
+excepting with our spear points! The blood of our dead is shed, and
+shall we not avenge it?" Hadifah was beside himself on hearing these
+words. "And you, vile bastard," said Antar to him, "you son of a vile
+mother, must your honor be purchased at the expense of our disgrace? But
+for the presence of these noble sheiks I would annihilate you and all
+your people this very instant."
+
+Then Hadifah's indignation and anger overleaped all bounds. "By the
+faith of an Arab," he said to the sheiks, "I wish to hear no talk of
+peace at the moment that the enemy is ready to spear me." "Do not talk
+in that way, dear son of my mother," said Haml to his brother. "Do not
+dart away on the path of imprudence; abandon these gloomy resolutions.
+Remain in peace with the allies of the Absians, for they are shining
+stars: the burnished sun that guides all Arabs who love glory. It was
+but the other day that you wronged them by causing the horse Dahir to be
+wounded, and thus erred from the path of justice. As for your son, he
+was justly slain, for you had sent him to demand something that was not
+due you. After all, nothing is so proper as to make peace, for he who
+would seek and stir up war is a tyrant, and an oppressor. Accept
+therefore the compensation offered you, or you are likely to call up
+around us a fire which will burn us in the flames of hell." Haml
+concluded with verses of the following import: "By the truth of him who
+has rooted firm the mountains, without foundations, if you decline to
+accept the compensation offered by the Absians, you are in the wrong.
+They acknowledge Hadifah as their chief; be a chief in very deed, and be
+content with the cattle and camels offered you. Dismount from the horse
+of outrage, and mount it not again, for it will carry you to the sea of
+grief and calamity. Hadifah, renounce like a generous man, all violence,
+but particularly the idea of contending with the Absians. Make of them
+and of their leader a powerful rampart against the enemies that may
+attack us. Make of them friends that will remain faithful, for they are
+men of the noblest intentions. Such are the Absians, and if Cais has
+acted unjustly towards you, it is you who first set him the example some
+days ago."
+
+When Haml finished these verses, the chiefs of the different tribes
+thanked him, and Hadifah having consented to accept the compensation
+offered, all the Arabs renounced violence and war. All who carried arms
+remained at home. Cais sent to Hadifah two hundred camels, six
+men-slaves, ten women-slaves, and ten horses. Thus peace was
+reestablished and every one rested in tranquillity throughout the land.
+
+
+
+
+SELECTIONS FROM ARABIAN POETRY
+
+[_Translation by J.D. Carlyle_]
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+The essential qualities of Arabian poetry appear in the "Romance of
+Antar," and the tales of the "Thousand and One Nights." For such a
+blending of prose and verse is the favorite form of Arabian literature
+in its highest and severest form, even in the drama. But the character
+of the people is most clearly shown in the lyrical poems of the Bedouin
+country. The pastoral poetry of the peninsula is so local in its
+allusions that it cannot adequately be translated into English. It is in
+the lyrics that we find that "touch of nature which makes the whole
+world kin." The gorgeousness of Hindoo literature, with its lavish
+description of jewelry and gold, precious stones and marbles, hideous
+demons, and mighty gods, is not to be looked for in Arabia. There the
+horizon is clear, and the plain has nothing but human occupants. The
+common passions of men are the only powers at work; love, war, sorrow,
+and wine, are the subjects of these little songs, some of which might
+have been written by "Anacreon" Moore, and others by Catullus. The
+influence of Greek poetry is indeed manifest in these light and
+sometimes frivolous effusions. The sweetness and grace which distinguish
+some are only equalled by the wit of others. For wit is the prevailing
+characteristic of Arabian poetry, which is attractive for its
+cleverness, its brightness, the alternate smiles and tears which shine
+through it, and make the present selections so refreshing and
+interesting a revelation of the national heart and intellect.
+
+I use the word refreshing, because some of the imagery of these lyrics
+is new to me, and quite unparalleled in European literature. What can
+be more novel, and at the same time more charming than the following
+simile, with which a short elegy concludes:--
+
+  "But though in dust thy relics lie,
+  Thy virtues, Mano, ne'er shall die;
+  Though Nile's full stream be seen no more,
+  That spread his waves from shore to shore,
+  Still in the verdure of the plain
+  His vivifying smiles remain."
+
+The praise of a humble lot has been sung from Hafiz to Horace, but
+never illustrated by a prettier conceit than the Arabic poet has
+recourse to in this stanza:--
+
+  "Not always wealth, not always force
+    A splendid destiny commands;
+  The lordly vulture gnaws the corse
+    That rots upon yon barren sands.
+
+  "Nor want nor weakness still conspires
+    To bind us to a sordid state;
+  The fly that with a touch expires,
+    Sips honey from the royal plate."
+
+This is undoubtedly a very original way of stating the philosophic axiom
+of the Augustan poet,
+
+  "The lord of boundless revenues,
+  Do not salute as happy."
+
+I have spoken of the wit of these verses, which is certainly one of
+their distinguishing qualities. It is quite Attic in its flavor and
+exquisitely delicate in its combined good-humor and freedom from rancor.
+An epigram, according to the old definition, should be like a bee; it
+should carry the sweetness of honey, although it bears a sting at the
+end. Sometimes the end has a point which does not sting, as in the
+following quatrain of an Arabic poet:--
+
+  "When I sent you my melons, you cried out with scorn,
+    They ought to be heavy and wrinkled and yellow;
+  When I offered myself, whom those graces adorn,
+    You flouted, and called me an ugly old fellow."
+
+Martial himself could not have excelled the wit of an epigram addressed
+to a very little man who wore a very big beard, which thus concludes:--
+
+  "Surely thou cherishest thy beard
+  In hope to hide thyself behind it."
+
+To study a literature like that of the Arabians, even partially and in a
+translation, is one of those experiences which enlarge and stimulate the
+mind and expand its range of impressions with a distinctly elevating and
+liberalizing effect. It has the result of genuine education, in that it
+increases our capacity for sympathy for other peoples, making us better
+acquainted with the language in which they reveal that common human
+heart which they share with us.
+
+E.W.
+
+
+
+
+AN ELEGY[1]
+
+  Those dear abodes which once contain'd the fair,
+    Amidst Mitata's wilds I seek in vain,
+  Nor towers, nor tents, nor cottages are there,
+    But scatter'd ruins and a silent plain.
+
+  The proud canals that once Rayana grac'd,
+    Their course neglected and their waters gone,
+  Among the level'd sands are dimly trac'd,
+    Like moss-grown letters on a mouldering stone.
+
+  Rayana say, how many a tedious year
+    Its hallow'd circle o'er our heads hath roll'd,
+  Since to my vows thy tender maids gave ear,
+    And fondly listened to the tale I told?
+
+  How oft, since then, the star of spring, that pours
+    A never-failing stream, hath drenched thy head?
+  How oft, the summer cloud in copious showers
+    Or gentle drops its genial influence shed?
+
+  How oft since then, the hovering mist of morn
+    Hath caus'd thy locks with glittering gems to glow?
+  How oft hath eve her dewy treasures borne
+    To fall responsive to the breeze below?
+
+  The matted thistles, bending to the gale,
+    Now clothe those meadows once with verdure gay;
+  Amidst the windings of that lonely vale
+    The teeming antelope and ostrich stray.
+
+  The large-eyed mother of the herd that flies
+    Man's noisy haunts, here finds a sure retreat,
+  Here watches o'er her young, till age supplies
+    Strength to their limbs and swiftness to their feet.
+
+  Save where the swelling stream hath swept those walls
+    And giv'n their deep foundations to the light
+  (As the retouching pencil that recalls
+    A long-lost picture to the raptur'd sight).
+
+  Save where the rains have wash'd the gathered sand
+    And bared the scanty fragments to our view,
+  (As the dust sprinkled on a punctur'd hand
+    Bids the faint tints resume their azure hue).
+
+  No mossy record of those once lov'd seats
+    Points out the mansion to inquiring eyes;
+  No tottering wall, in echoing sounds, repeats
+    Our mournful questions and our bursting sighs.
+
+  Yet, midst those ruin'd heaps, that naked plain,
+    Can faithful memory former scenes restore,
+  Recall the busy throng, the jocund train,
+    And picture all that charm'd us there before.
+
+  Ne'e shall my heart the fatal morn forget
+    That bore the fair ones from these seats so dear--
+  I see, I see the crowding litters yet,
+    And yet the tent-poles rattle in my ear.
+
+  I see the maids with timid steps descend,
+    The streamers wave in all their painted pride,
+  The floating curtains every fold extend,
+    And vainly strive the charms within to hide.
+
+  What graceful forms those envious folds enclose!
+    What melting glances thro' those curtains play!
+  Sure Weira's antelopes, or Tudah's roes
+    Thro' yonder veils their sportive young survey!
+
+  The band mov'd on--to trace their steps I strove,
+    I saw them urge the camel's hastening flight,
+  Till the white vapor, like a rising grove,
+    Snatch'd them forever from my aching sight.
+
+  Nor since that morn have I Nawara seen,
+    The bands are burst which held us once so fast,
+  Memory but tells me that such things have been,
+    And sad Reflection adds, that they are past.
+
+_Lebid Ben Rabiat Alamary_.
+
+ [1] The author of this poem was a native of Yemen. He was contemporary
+     with Mohammed and was already celebrated as a poet when the prophet
+     began to promulgate his doctrines. Lebid embraced Islamism and was
+     one of the most aggressive helpers in its establishment. He fixed
+     his abode in the city of Cufa, where he died at a very advanced age.
+     This elegy, as is evident, was written previous to Lebid's conversion
+     to Islamism. Its subject is one that must be ever interesting to
+     the feeling mind--the return of a person after a long absence to
+     the place of his birth--in fact it is the Arabian "Deserted Village."
+
+
+THE TOMB OF MANO
+
+  Friends of my heart, who share my sighs!
+  Go seek the turf where Mano lies,
+  And woo the dewy clouds of spring,
+  To sweep it with prolific wing.
+
+  Within that cell, beneath that heap,
+  Friendship and Truth and Honor sleep,
+  Beneficence, that used to clasp
+  The world within her ample grasp.
+
+  There rests entomb'd--of thought bereft--
+  For were one conscious atom left
+  New bliss, new kindness to display,
+  'Twould burst the grave, and seek the day.
+
+  But tho' in dust thy relics lie,
+  Thy virtues, Mano, ne'er shall die;
+  Tho' Nile's full stream be seen no more,
+  That spread his waves from shore to shore,
+  Still in the verdure of the plain
+  His vivifying smiles remain.
+
+_Hassan Alasady_.
+
+
+TOMB OF SAYID[2]
+
+  Blest are the tenants of the tomb!
+    With envy I their lot survey!
+  For Sayid shares the solemn gloom,
+    And mingles with their mouldering clay.
+
+  Dear youth! I'm doom'd thy loss to mourn
+    When gathering ills around combine;
+  And whither now shall Malec turn,
+    Where look for any help but thine?
+
+  At this dread moment when the foe
+    My life with rage insatiate seeks,
+  In vain I strive to ward the blow,
+    My buckler falls, my sabre breaks.
+
+  Upon thy grassy tomb I knelt,
+    And sought from pain a short relief--
+  Th' attempt was vain--I only felt
+    Intenser pangs and livelier grief.
+
+  The bud of woe no more represt,
+    Fed by the tears that drench'd it there,
+  Shot forth and fill'd my laboring breast
+    Soon to expand and shed despair.
+
+  But tho' of Sayid I'm bereft,
+    From whom the stream of bounty came,
+  Sayid a nobler meed has left--
+    Th' exhaustless heritage of fame.
+
+  Tho' mute the lips on which I hung,
+    Their silence speaks more loud to me
+  Than any voice from mortal tongue,
+    "What Sayid was let Malec be."
+
+_Abd Almalec Alharithy_.
+
+ [2] Abd Almalec was a native of Arabia Felix. The exact period when
+     he flourished is unknown, but as this production is taken from the
+     Hamasa it is most probable that he was anterior to Mohammedanism.
+
+
+THE DEATH OF HIS MISTRESS[3]
+
+  Dost thou wonder that I flew
+  Charm'd to meet my Leila's view?
+  Dost thou wonder that I hung
+  Raptur'd on my Leila's tongue?
+  If her ghost's funereal screech
+  Thro' the earth my grave should reach,
+  On that voice I lov'd so well
+  My transported ghost would dwell:--
+  If in death I can descry
+  Where my Leila's relics lie,
+  Saher's dust will flee away,
+  There to join his Leila's clay.
+
+_Abu Saher Alhedily_.
+
+ [3] The sentiment contained in this production determines its
+     antiquity. It was the opinion of the Pagan Arabs that upon the
+     death of any person a bird, by them called Manah, issued from his
+     brain, which haunted the sepulchre of the deceased, uttering a
+     lamentable scream.
+
+
+ON AVARICE[4]
+
+  How frail are riches and their joys?
+  Morn builds the heap which eve destroys;
+  Yet can they have one sure delight--
+  The thought that we've employed them right.
+
+  What bliss can wealth afford to me
+  When life's last solemn hour I see,
+  When Mavia's sympathizing sighs
+  Will but augment my agonies?
+
+  Can hoarded gold dispel the gloom
+  That death must shed around his tomb?
+  Or cheer the ghost which hovers there,
+  And fills with shrieks the desert air?
+
+  What boots it, Mavia, in the grave,
+  Whether I lov'd to waste or save?
+  The hand that millions now can grasp,
+  In death no more than mine shall clasp.
+
+  Were I ambitious to behold
+  Increasing stores of treasured gold,
+  Each tribe that roves the desert knows
+  I might be wealthy if I chose:--
+
+  But other joys can gold impart,
+  Far other wishes warm my heart--
+  Ne'er may I strive to swell the heap,
+  Till want and woe have ceas'd to weep.
+
+  With brow unalter'd I can see
+  The hour of wealth or poverty:
+  I've drunk from both the cups of fate,
+  Nor this could sink, nor that elate.
+
+  With fortune blest, I ne'er was found
+  To look with scorn on those around;
+  Nor for the loss of paltry ore,
+  Shall Hatem seem to Hatem poor.
+
+_Hatem Tai_.
+
+ [4] Hatem Tai was an Arabian chief, who lived a short time prior to
+     the promulgation of Mohammedanism. He has been so much celebrated
+     through the East for his generosity that even to this day the
+     greatest encomium which can be given to a generous man is to say
+     that he is as liberal as Hatem. Hatem was also a poet; but his
+     talents were principally exerted in recommending his favorite
+     virtue.
+
+
+THE BATTLE OF SABLA[5]
+
+  Sabla, them saw'st th' exulting foe
+    In fancied triumphs crown'd;
+  Thou heard'st their frantic females throw
+    These galling taunts around:--
+
+  "Make now your choice--the terms we give,
+    Desponding victims, hear;
+  These fetters on your hands receive,
+    Or in your hearts the spear."
+
+  "And is the conflict o'er," we cried,
+    "And lie we at your feet?
+  And dare you vauntingly decide
+    The fortune we must meet?
+
+  "A brighter day we soon shall see,
+    Tho' now the prospect lowers,
+  And conquest, peace, and liberty
+    Shall gild our future hours."
+
+  The foe advanc'd:--in firm array
+    We rush'd o'er Sabla's sands,
+  And the red sabre mark'd our way
+    Amidst their yielding bands.
+
+  Then, as they writh'd in death's cold grasp,
+    We cried, "Our choice is made,
+  These hands the sabre's hilt shall clasp,
+    Your hearts shall have the blade."
+
+_Jaafer Ben Alba_.
+
+ [5] This poem and the one following it are both taken from the Hamasa
+     and afford curious instances of the animosity which prevailed
+     amongst the several Arabian clans, and of the rancor with which
+     they pursued each other, when once at variance.
+
+
+VERSES TO MY ENEMIES
+
+  Why thus to passion give the rein?
+    Why seek your kindred tribe to wrong?
+  Why strive to drag to light again
+    The fatal feud entomb'd so long?
+
+  Think not, if fury ye display,
+    But equal fury we can deal;
+  Hope not, if wrong'd, but we repay
+    Revenge for every wrong we feel.
+
+  Why thus to passion give the rein?
+    Why seek the robe of peace to tear?
+  Rash youths desist, your course restrain,
+    Or dread the wrath ye blindly dare.
+
+  Yet friendship we not ask from foes,
+    Nor favor hope from you to prove,
+  We lov'd you not, great Allah knows,
+    Nor blam'd you that ye could not love.
+
+  To each are different feelings given,
+    This slights, and that regards his brother;
+  'Tis ours to live--thanks to kind heav'n--
+    Hating and hated by each other.
+
+_Alfadhel Ibn Alabas_.
+
+
+ON HIS FRIENDS[6]
+
+  With conscious pride I view the band
+  Of faithful friends that round me stand,
+  With pride exult that I alone
+  Can join these scatter'd gems in one:--
+  For they're a wreath of pearls, and I
+  The silken cord on which they lie.
+
+  'Tis mine their inmost souls to see,
+  Unlock'd is every heart to me,
+  To me they cling, on me they rest,
+  And I've a place in every breast:--
+  For they're a wreath of pearls, and I
+  The silken cord on which they lie.
+
+_Meskin Aldaramy_.
+
+ [6] These lines are also from the Hamasa.
+
+
+ON TEMPER[7]
+
+  Yes, Leila, I swore by the fire of thine eyes,
+    I ne'er could a sweetness unvaried endure;
+  The bubbles of spirit, that sparkling arise,
+    Forbid life to stagnate and render it pure.
+
+  But yet, my dear maid, tho' thy spirit's my pride,
+    I'd wish for some sweetness to temper the bowl;
+  If life be ne'er suffer'd to rest or subside,
+    It may not be flat, but I fear 'twill be foul.
+
+_Nabegat Beni Jaid_.
+
+ [7] There have been several Arabian poets of the name of Nabegat. The
+     author of these verses was descended from the family of Jaid. As
+     he died in the fortieth year of the Hegira, aged one hundred and
+     twenty, he must have been fourscore at the promulgation of Islamism;
+     he, however, declared himself an early convert to the new faith.
+
+
+THE SONG OF MAISUNA[8]
+
+  The russet suit of camel's hair,
+    With spirits light, and eye serene,
+  Is dearer to my bosom far
+    Than all the trappings of a queen.
+
+  The humble tent and murmuring breeze
+    That whistles thro' its fluttering wall,
+  My unaspiring fancy please
+    Better than towers and splendid halls.
+
+  Th' attendant colts that bounding fly
+    And frolic by the litter's side,
+  Are dearer in Maisuna's eye
+    Than gorgeous mules in all their pride.
+
+  The watch-dog's voice that bays whene'er
+    A stranger seeks his master's cot,
+  Sounds sweeter in Maisuna's ear
+    Than yonder trumpet's long-drawn note.
+
+  The rustic youth unspoilt by art,
+    Son of my kindred, poor but free,
+  Will ever to Maisuna's heart
+    Be dearer, pamper'd fool, than thee.
+
+ [8] Maisuma was a daughter of the tribe of Calab; a tribe, according
+     to Abulfeda, remarkable both for the purity of dialect spoken in
+     it, and for the number of poets it had produced. She was married,
+     whilst very young, to the Caliph Mowiah. But this exalted situation
+     by no means suited the disposition of Maisuna, and amidst all the
+     pomp and splendor of Damascus, she languished for the simple
+     pleasures of her native desert.
+
+
+TO MY FATHER[9]
+
+  Must then my failings from the shaft
+    Of anger ne'er escape?
+  And dost thou storm because I've quaff'd
+    The water of the grape?
+
+  That I can thus from wine be driv'n
+    Thou surely ne'er canst think--
+  Another reason thou hast giv'n
+    Why I resolve to drink.
+
+  'Twas sweet the flowing cup to seize,
+    'Tis sweet thy rage to see;
+  And first I drink myself to please;
+    And next--to anger thee.
+
+_Yezid_.
+
+ [9] Yezid succeeded Mowiah in the Caliphate A.H. 60; and in most
+     respects showed himself to be of a very different disposition from
+     his predecessor. He was naturally cruel, avaricious, and debauched;
+     but instead of concealing his vices from the eyes of his subjects,
+     he seemed to make a parade of those actions which he knew no good
+     Mussulman could look upon without horror; he drank wine in public,
+     he caressed his dogs, and was waited upon by his eunuchs in sight
+     of the whole court.
+
+
+ON FATALISM[10]
+
+  Not always wealth, not always force
+    A splendid destiny commands;
+  The lordly vulture gnaws the corse
+    That rots upon yon barren sands.
+
+  Nor want, nor weakness still conspires
+    To bind us to a sordid state;
+  The fly that with a touch expires
+    Sips honey from the royal plate.
+
+_Imam Shafay Mohammed Ben Idris_.
+
+[10] Shafay, the founder of one of the four orthodox sects into
+     which the Mohammedans are divided, was a disciple of Malek Ben
+     Ans, and master to Ahmed Ebn Hanbal; each of whom, like himself,
+     founded a sect which is still denominated from the name of its
+     author. The fourth sect is that of Abou Hanifah. This differs
+     in tenets considerably from the three others, for whilst the
+     Malekites, the Shafaites, and the Hanbalites are invariably
+     bigoted to tradition in their interpretations of the Koran, the
+     Hanifites consider themselves as at liberty in any difficulty to
+     make use of their own reason.
+
+
+TO THE CALIPH HARUN-AL-RASHID[11]
+
+  Religion's gems can ne'er adorn
+  The flimsy robe by pleasure worn;
+  Its feeble texture soon would tear,
+  And give those jewels to the air.
+
+  Thrice happy they who seek th' abode
+  Of peace and pleasure, in their God!
+  Who spurn the world, its joys despise,
+  And grasp at bliss beyond the skies.
+
+_Ibrahim Ben Adham_.
+
+[11] The author of this poem was a hermit of Syria, equally celebrated
+     for his talents and piety. He was son to a prince of Khorasan, and
+     born about the ninety-seventh year of the Hegira. This poem was
+     addressed to the Caliph upon his undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca.
+
+
+LINES TO HARUN AND YAHIA[12]
+
+  Th' affrighted sun ere while he fled,
+  And hid his radiant face in night;
+  A cheerless gloom the world overspread--
+  But Harun came, and all was bright.
+
+  Again the sun shoots forth his rays,
+  Nature is deck'd in beauty's robe--
+  For mighty Harun's sceptre sways,
+  And Yahia's arm sustains the globe.
+
+_Isaac Almousely_.
+
+[12] Isaac Almousely is considered by the Orientals as the most
+     celebrated musician that ever flourished in the world. He was born
+     in Persia, but having resided almost entirely at Mousel, he is
+     generally supposed to have been a native of that place.
+
+
+THE RUIN OF BARMECIDES[13]
+
+  No, Barmec! Time hath never shown
+    So sad a change of wayward fate;
+  Nor sorrowing mortals ever known
+    A grief so true, a loss so great.
+
+  Spouse of the world! Thy soothing breast
+    Did balm to every woe afford;
+  And now no more by thee caress'd,
+    The widow'd world bewails her Lord.
+
+[13] The family of Barmec was one of the most illustrious in the
+     East. They were descended from the ancient kings of Persia, and
+     possessed immense property in various countries; they derived still
+     more consequence from the favor which they enjoyed at the court of
+     Bagdad, where, for many years, they filled the highest offices of
+     the state with universal approbation.
+
+
+TO TAHER BEN HOSIEN[14]
+
+  A pair of right hands and a single dim eye
+  Must form not a man, but a monster, they cry:--
+  Change a hand to an eye, good Taher, if you can,
+  And a monster perhaps may be chang'd to man.
+
+[14] Taher Ben Hosien was ambidexter and one-eyed and, strange to say,
+     the most celebrated general of his time.
+
+
+THE ADIEU[15]
+
+  The boatmen shout, "Tis time to part,
+    No longer we can stay"--
+  'Twas then Maimnna taught my heart
+    How much a glance could say.
+
+  With trembling steps to me she came;
+    "Farewell," she would have cried,
+  But ere her lips the word could frame
+    In half-form'd sounds it died.
+
+  Then bending down with looks of love,
+    Her arms she round me flung,
+  And, as the gale hangs on the grove,
+    Upon my breast she hung.
+
+  My willing arms embraced the maid,
+    My heart with raptures beat;
+  While she but wept the more and said,
+    "Would we had never met!"
+
+_Abou Mohammed_.
+
+[15] This was sung before the Caliph Wathek, by Abou Mohammed, a
+     musician of Bagdad, as a specimen of his musical talents; and such
+     were its effects upon the Caliph, that he immediately testified his
+     approbation of the performance by throwing his own robe over the
+     shoulders of Abou Mohammed, and ordering him a present of an hundred
+     thousand dirhems.
+
+
+TO MY MISTRESS[16]
+
+  Ungenerous and mistaken maid,
+    To scorn me thus because I'm poor!
+  Canst thou a liberal hand upbraid
+    For dealing round some worthless ore?
+
+  To spare's the wish of little souls,
+    The great but gather to bestow;
+  Yon current down the mountain rolls,
+    And stagnates in the swamp below.
+
+_Abou Teman Habib_.
+
+[16] Abou Teman is considered the most excellent of all the Arabian
+     poets. He was born near Damascus A.H. 190, and educated in Egypt;
+     but the principal part of his life was spent at Bagdad, under the
+     patronage of the Abasside Caliphs.
+
+
+TO A FEMALE CUP-BEARER[17]
+
+  Come, Leila, fill the goblet up,
+    Reach round the rosy wine,
+  Think not that we will take the cup
+    From any hand but thine.
+
+  A draught like this 'twere vain to seek,
+    No grape can such supply;
+  It steals its tint from Leila's cheek,
+    Its brightness from her eye.
+
+_Abd Alsalam Ben Ragban_.
+
+[17] Abd Alsalam was a poet more remarkable for abilities than morality.
+     We may form an idea of the nature of his compositions from the
+     nickname he acquired amongst his contemporaries of Cock of the
+     Evil Genii. He died in the 236th year of the Hegira, aged near
+     eighty.
+
+
+MASHDUD ON THE MONKS OF KHABBET[18]
+
+  Tenants of yon hallow'd fane!
+    Let me your devotions share,
+  There increasing raptures reign--
+    None are ever sober there.
+
+  Crowded gardens, festive bowers
+    Ne'er shall claim a thought of mine;
+  You can give in Khabbet's towers--
+    Purer joys and brighter wine.
+
+  Tho' your pallid faces prove
+    How you nightly vigils keep,
+  'Tis but that you ever love
+    Flowing goblets more than sleep.
+
+  Tho' your eye-balls dim and sunk
+    Stream in penitential guise,
+  'Tis but that the wine you've drunk
+    Bubbles over from your eyes.
+
+[18] The three following songs were written by Mashdud, Rakeek, and
+     Rais, three of the most celebrated improvisators in Bagdad, at an
+     entertainment given by Abou Isy.
+
+
+RAKEEK TO HIS FEMALE COMPANIONS
+
+  Tho' the peevish tongues upbraid,
+    Tho' the brows of wisdom scowl,
+  Fair ones here on roses laid,
+    Careless will we quaff the bowl.
+
+  Let the cup, with nectar crown'd,
+    Thro' the grove its beams display,
+  It can shed a lustre round,
+    Brighter than the torch of day.
+
+  Let it pass from hand to hand,
+    Circling still with ceaseless flight,
+  Till the streaks of gray expand
+    O'er the fleeting robe of night.
+
+  As night flits, she does but cry,
+    "Seize the moments that remain"--
+  Thus our joys with yours shall vie,
+    Tenants of yon hallow'd fane!
+
+
+DIALOGUE BY RAIS
+
+  _Rais_:
+
+  Maid of sorrow, tell us why
+    Sad and drooping hangs thy head?
+  Is it grief that bids thee sigh?
+    Is it sleep that flies thy bed?
+
+  _Lady_:
+
+  Ah! I mourn no fancied wound,
+    Pangs too true this heart have wrung,
+  Since the snakes which curl around
+    Selim's brows my bosom stung.
+
+  Destin'd now to keener woes,
+    I must see the youth depart,
+  He must go, and as he goes
+    Rend at once my bursting heart.
+
+  Slumber may desert my bed,
+    Tis not slumber's charms I seek--
+  'Tis the robe of beauty spread
+    O'er my Selim's rosy cheek.
+
+
+TO A LADY WEEPING[19]
+
+  When I beheld thy blue eyes shine
+    Thro' the bright drop that pity drew,
+  I saw beneath those tears of thine
+    A blue-ey'd violet bath'd in dew.
+
+  The violet ever scents the gale,
+    Its hues adorn the fairest wreath,
+  But sweetest thro' a dewy veil
+    Its colors glow, its odors breathe.
+
+  And thus thy charms in brightness rise--
+    When wit and pleasure round thee play,
+  When mirth sits smiling in thine eyes,
+    Who but admires their sprightly ray?
+  But when thro' pity's flood they gleam,
+    Who but must love their soften'd beam?
+
+_Ebn Alrumi_.
+
+[19] Ebn Alrumi is reckoned by the Arabian writers as one of the most
+     excellent of all their poets. He was by birth a Syrian, and passed
+     the greatest part of his time at Emessa, where he died A.H. 283.
+
+
+ON A VALETUDINARIAN
+
+  So careful is Isa, and anxious to last,
+    So afraid of himself is he grown,
+  He swears thro' two nostrils the breath goes too fast,
+    And he's trying to breathe thro' but one.
+
+_Ebn Alrumi_.
+
+
+ON A MISER
+
+  "Hang her, a thoughtless, wasteful fool,
+    She scatters corn where'er she goes"--
+  Quoth Hassan, angry at his mule,
+    That dropt a dinner to the crows.
+
+_Ebn Alrumi_.
+
+
+TO CASSIM OBIO ALLAH[20]
+
+  Poor Cassim! thou art doom'd to mourn
+      By destiny's decree;
+  Whatever happens it must turn
+      To misery for thee.
+
+  Two sons hadst thou, the one thy pride,
+      The other was thy pest;
+  Ah, why did cruel death decide
+      To snatch away the best?
+
+  No wonder thou shouldst droop with woe,
+      Of such a child bereft;
+  But now thy tears must doubly flow,
+      For, ah! the other's left.
+
+_Aly Ben Ahmed Ben Mansour_.
+
+[20] Aly Ben Ahmed distinguished himself in prose as well as poetry,
+     and an historical work of considerable reputation, of which he was
+     the author, is still extant. But he principally excelled in satire,
+     and so fond was he of indulging this dangerous talent that no one
+     escaped his lash; if he could only bring out a sarcasm, it was
+     matter of indifference to him whether an enemy or a brother smarted
+     under its severity. He died at Bagdad A.H. 302.
+
+
+A FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY[21]
+
+  When born, in tears we saw thee drown'd,
+  While thine assembled friends around,
+    With smiles their joy confest;
+  So live, that at thy parting hour,
+  They may the flood of sorrow pour,
+    And thou in smiles be drest!
+
+[21] The thought contained in these lines, appears so natural and so
+     obvious, that one wonders it did not occur to all who have attempted
+     to write upon a birthday or a death.
+
+
+TO A CAT
+
+  Poor Puss is gone! 'Tis fate's decree--
+    Yet I must still her loss deplore,
+  For dearer than a child was she,
+    And ne'er shall I behold her more.
+
+  With many a sad presaging tear
+    This morn I saw her steal away,
+  While she went on without a fear
+    Except that she should miss her prey.
+
+  I saw her to the dove-house climb,
+    With cautious feet and slow she stept
+  Resolv'd to balance loss of time
+    By eating faster than she crept.
+
+  Her subtle foes were on the watch,
+    And mark'd her course, with fury fraught,
+  And while she hoped the birds to catch,
+    An arrow's point the huntress caught.
+
+  In fancy she had got them all,
+    And drunk their blood and suck'd their breath;
+  Alas! she only got a fall,
+    And only drank the draught of death.
+
+  Why, why was pigeons' flesh so nice,
+    That thoughtless cats should love it thus?
+  Hadst thou but liv'd on rats and mice,
+    Thou hadst been living still, poor Puss.
+
+  Curst be the taste, howe'er refined,
+    That prompts us for such joys to wish,
+  And curst the dainty where we find
+    Destruction lurking in the dish.
+
+_Ibn Alalaf Alnaharwany_.
+
+
+AN EPIGRAM UPON EBN NAPHTA-WAH[22]
+
+  By the former with ruin and death we are curst,
+  In the latter we grieve for the ills of the first;
+  And as for the whole, where together they meet,
+  It's a drunkard, a liar, a thief, and a cheat.
+
+_Mohammed Ben Zeid Almotakalam_.
+
+[22] Mohammed Ben Arfa, here called Naphta-Wah, was descended from a
+     noble family in Khorasan. He applied himself to study with
+     indefatigable perseverance, and was a very voluminous author in
+     several branches of literature, but he is chiefly distinguished as
+     a grammarian. He died in the year of the Hegira 323.
+
+
+FIRE[23]
+
+_A Riddle_.
+
+  The loftiest cedars I can eat,
+    Yet neither paunch nor mouth have I,
+  I storm whene'er you give me meat,
+    Whene'er you give me drink, I die.
+
+[23] This composition seems a fit supplement to the preceding one;
+     notwithstanding its absurdity, however. It is inserted merely to
+     show that this mode of trifling was not unknown to the Orientals.
+     It is taken from the Mostatraf, where a great number of similar
+     productions on various subjects are preserved.
+
+
+TO A LADY BLUSHING[24]
+
+  Leila, whene'er I gaze on thee
+    My altered cheek turns pale,
+  While upon thine, sweet maid, I see
+    A deep'ning blush prevail.
+
+  Leila, shall I the cause impart
+    Why such a change takes place?
+  The crimson stream deserts my heart,
+    To mantle on thy face.
+
+_The Caliph Radhi Billah_.
+
+[24] Radhi Billah, son to Moctader, was the twentieth Caliph of the
+     house of Abbas, and the last of these princes who possessed any
+     substantial power.
+
+
+ON THE VICISSITUDES OF LIFE
+
+  Mortal joys, however pure,
+    Soon their turbid source betray;
+  Mortal bliss, however sure,
+    Soon must totter and decay.
+
+  Ye who now, with footsteps keen,
+    Range through hope's delusive field,
+  Tell us what the smiling scene
+    To your ardent grasp can yield?
+
+  Other youths have oft before
+    Deem'd their joys would never fade,
+  Till themselves were seen no more
+    Swept into oblivion's shade.
+
+  Who, with health and pleasure gay,
+    E'er his fragile state could know,
+  Were not age and pain to say
+    Man is but the child of woe?
+
+_The Caliph Radhi Billah_.
+
+
+TO A DOVE
+
+  The Dove to ease an aching breast,
+    In piteous murmurs vents her cares;
+  Like me she sorrows, for opprest,
+    Like me, a load of grief she bears.
+
+  Her plaints are heard in every wood,
+    While I would fain conceal my woes;
+  But vain's my wish, the briny flood,
+    The more I strive, the faster flows.
+
+  Sure, gentle Bird, my drooping heart
+    Divides the pangs of love with thine,
+  And plaintive murm'rings are thy part,
+    And silent grief and tears are mine.
+
+_Serage Alwarak_.
+
+
+ON A THUNDER STORM
+
+  Bright smil'd the morn, till o'er its head
+  The clouds in thicken'd foldings spread
+      A robe of sable hue;
+  Then, gathering round day's golden king,
+  They stretch'd their wide o'ershadowing wing,
+      And hid him from our view.
+
+  The rain his absent beams deplor'd,
+  And, soften'd into weeping, pour'd
+      Its tears in many a flood;
+  The lightning laughed with horrid glare;
+  The thunder growl'd, in rage; the air
+      In silent sorrow stood.
+
+_Ibrahim Ben Khiret Abou Isaac_.
+
+
+TO MY FAVORITE MISTRESS
+
+  I saw their jealous eyeballs roll,
+    I saw them mark each glance of mine,
+  I saw thy terrors, and my soul
+    Shar'd ev'ry pang that tortur'd thine.
+
+  In vain to wean my constant heart,
+    Or quench my glowing flame, they strove;
+  Each deep-laid scheme, each envious art,
+    But wak'd my fears for her I love.
+
+  'Twas this compelled the stern decree,
+    That forc'd thee to those distant towers,
+  And left me nought but love for thee,
+    To cheer my solitary hours.
+
+  Yet let not Abla sink deprest,
+    Nor separation's pangs deplore;
+  We meet not--'tis to meet more blest;
+    We parted--'tis to part no more.
+
+_Saif Addaulet, Sultan of Aleppe_.
+
+
+CRUCIFIXION OF EBN BAKIAH[25]
+
+  Whatever thy fate, in life and death,
+    Thou'rt doom'd above us still to rise,
+  Whilst at a distance far beneath
+    We view thee with admiring eyes.
+
+  The gazing crowds still round thee throng,
+    Still to thy well-known voice repair,
+  As when erewhile thy hallow'd tongue
+    Pour'd in the Mosque the solemn prayer.
+
+  Still, generous Vizir, we survey
+    Thine arms extended o'er our head,
+  As lately, in the festive day,
+    When they were stretch'd thy gifts to shed.
+
+  Earth's narrow boundaries strove in vain
+    To limit thy aspiring mind,
+  And now we see thy dust disdain
+    Within her breast to be confin'd.
+
+  The earth's too small for one so great,
+    Another mansion thou shalt have--
+  The clouds shall be thy winding sheet,
+    The spacious vault of heaven thy grave.
+
+_Abou Hassan Alanbary_.
+
+[25] Ebn Bakiah was vizir to Azzad Addaulet or Bachteir, Emir Alomra
+     of Bagdad, under the Caliphs Moti Lillah and Tay Lillah; but Azzad
+     Addaulet being deprived of his office, and driven from Bagdad by
+     Adhed Addaulet, Sultan of Persia, Ebn Bakiah was seized and
+     crucified at the gates of the city, by order of the conqueror.
+
+
+CAPRICES OF FORTUNE[26]
+
+  Why should I blush that Fortune's frown
+    Dooms me life's humble paths to tread?
+  To live unheeded, and unknown?
+    To sink forgotten to the dead?
+
+  'Tis not the good, the wise, the brave,
+    That surest shine, or highest rise;
+  The feather sports upon the wave,
+    The pearl in ocean's cavern lies.
+
+  Each lesser star that studs the sphere
+    Sparkles with undiminish'd light:
+  Dark and eclips'd alone appear
+    The lord of day, the queen of night.
+
+_Shems Almaali Cabus_.
+
+[26] History can show few princes so amiable and few so unfortunate
+     as Shems Almaali Cabus. He is described as possessed of almost every
+     virtue and every accomplishment: his piety, justice, generosity, and
+     humanity, are universally celebrated; nor was he less conspicuous
+     for intellectual powers; his genius was at once penetrating, solid,
+     and brilliant, and he distinguished himself equally as an orator, a
+     philosopher, and a poet.
+
+
+ON LIFE
+
+  Like sheep, we're doom'd to travel o'er
+    The fated track to all assign'd,
+  These follow those that went before,
+    And leave the world to those behind.
+
+  As the flock seeks the pasturing shade,
+    Man presses to the future day,
+  While death, amidst the tufted glade,
+    Like the dun robber,[A] waits his prey.
+
+[A] The wolf.
+
+
+EXTEMPORE VERSES[27]
+
+  Lowering as Barkaidy's face
+    The wintry night came in,
+  Cold as the music of his bass,
+    And lengthen'd as his chin.
+
+  Sleep from my aching eyes had fled,
+    And kept as far apart,
+  As sense from Ebn Fahdi's head,
+    Or virtue from his heart.
+
+  The dubious paths my footsteps balk'd,
+    I slipp'd along the sod,
+  As if on Jaber's faith I'd walk'd,
+    Or on his truth had trod.
+
+  At length the rising King of day
+    Burst on the gloomy wood,
+  Like Carawash's eye, whose ray
+    Dispenses every good.
+
+_Ebn Alramacram_.
+
+[27] The occasion of the following composition is thus related by
+     Abulfeda. Carawash, Sultan of Mousel, being one wintry evening
+     engaged in a party of pleasure along with Barkaidy, Ebn Fahdi, Abou
+     Jaber, and the improvisatore poet, Ebn Alramacram, resolved to
+     divert himself at the expense of his companions. He therefore
+     ordered the poet to give a specimen of his talents, which at the
+     same time should convey a satire upon the three courtiers, and a
+     compliment to himself. Ebn Alramacram took his subject from the
+     stormy appearance of the night, and immediately produced these
+     verses.
+
+
+ON THE DEATH OF A SON[28]
+
+  Tyrant of man! Imperious Fate!
+    I bow before thy dread decree,
+  Nor hope in this uncertain state
+    To find a seat secure from thee.
+
+  Life is a dark, tumultuous stream,
+    With many a care and sorrow foul,
+  Yet thoughtless mortals vainly deem
+    That it can yield a limpid bowl.
+
+  Think not that stream will backward flow,
+    Or cease its destin'd course to keep;
+  As soon the blazing spark shall glow
+    Beneath the surface of the deep.
+
+  Believe not Fate at thy command
+    Will grant a meed she never gave;
+  As soon the airy tower shall stand,
+    That's built upon a passing wave.
+
+  Life is a sleep of threescore years,
+    Death bids us wake and hail the light,
+  And man, with all his hopes and fears,
+    Is but a phantom of the night.
+
+_Aly Ben Mohammed Altahmany_.
+
+[28] Aly Ben Mohammed was a native of that part of Arabia called Hejaz;
+     and was celebrated not only as a poet, but as a politician.
+
+
+TO LEILA
+
+  Leila, with too successful art,
+    Has spread for me love's cruel snare;
+  And now, when she has caught my heart,
+    She laughs, and leaves it to despair.
+
+  Thus the poor sparrow pants for breath,
+    Held captive by a playful boy,
+  And while it drinks the draught of death,
+    The thoughtless child looks on with joy.
+
+  Ah! were its flutt'ring pinions free,
+    Soon would it bid its chains adieu,
+  Or did the child its suff'rings see,
+    He'd pity and relieve them too.
+
+
+ON MODERATION IN OUR PLEASURES[29]
+
+  How oft does passion's grasp destroy
+    The pleasure that it strives to gain?
+  How soon the thoughtless course of joy
+    Is doom'd to terminate in pain?
+
+  When prudence would thy steps delay,
+    She but restrains to make thee blest;
+  Whate'er from joy she lops away,
+    But heightens and secures the rest.
+
+  Wouldst thou a trembling flame expand,
+    That hastens in the lamp to die?
+  With careful touch, with sparing hand,
+    The feeding stream of life supply.
+
+  But if thy flask profusely sheds
+    A rushing torrent o'er the blaze,
+  Swift round the sinking flame it spreads,
+    And kills the fire it fain would raise.
+
+_Abou Alcassim Ebn Tabataba_.
+
+[29] Tabataba deduced his pedigree from Ali Ben Abou Taleb, and Fatima,
+     the daughter of Mohammed. He was born at Ispahan, but passed the
+     principal part of his life in Egypt, where he was appointed chief
+     of the sheriffs, i.e. the descendants of the Prophet, a dignity
+     held in the highest veneration by every Mussulman. He died in the
+     year of the Hegira 418, with the reputation of being one of the
+     most excellent poets of his time.
+
+
+THE VALE OF BOZAA[30]
+
+  The intertwining boughs for thee
+    Have wove, sweet dell, a verdant vest,
+  And thou in turn shalt give to me
+    A verdant couch upon thy breast.
+
+  To shield me from day's fervid glare
+    Thine oaks their fostering arms extend,
+  As anxious o'er her infant care
+    I've seen a watchful mother bend.
+
+  A brighter cup, a sweeter draught,
+    I gather from that rill of thine,
+  Than maddening drunkards ever quaff'd,
+    Than all the treasures of the vine.
+
+  So smooth the pebbles on its shore,
+    That not a maid can thither stray,
+  But counts her strings of jewels o'er,
+    And thinks the pearls have slipp'd away.
+
+_Ahmed Ben Yousef Almenazy_.
+
+[30] Ben Yousef for many years acted as vizir to Abou Nasser, Sultan
+     of Diarbeker. His political talents are much praised, and he is
+     particularly celebrated for the address he displayed while upon
+     an embassy to the Greek Emperor at Constantinople. Yousef's
+     poetry must be looked upon merely as a jeu d'esprit suggested
+     by the beauties of the vale of Bozaa, as he passed through it.
+
+
+TO ADVERSITY[31]
+
+  Hail, chastening friend Adversity! 'Tis thine
+  The mental ore to temper and refine,
+  To cast in virtue's mould the yielding heart,
+  And honor's polish to the mind impart.
+  Without thy wakening touch, thy plastic aid,
+  I'd lain the shapeless mass that nature made;
+  But form'd, great artist, by thy magic hand,
+  I gleam a sword to conquer and command.
+
+_Abou Menbaa Carawash_.
+
+
+[31] The life of this prince was checkered with various adventures;
+     he was perpetually engaged in contests either with the neighboring
+     sovereigns, or the princes of his own family. After many struggles
+     he was obliged to submit to his brother, Abou Camel, who
+     immediately ordered him to be seized, and conveyed to a place
+     of security.
+
+
+ON THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF PRIDE AND TRUE GLORY[32]
+
+  Think not, Abdallah, pride and fame
+    Can ever travel hand in hand;
+  With breast oppos'd, and adverse aim,
+    On the same narrow path they stand.
+
+  Thus youth and age together meet,
+    And life's divided moments share;
+  This can't advance till that retreat,
+    What's here increas'd, is lessen'd there.
+
+  And thus the falling shades of night
+    Still struggle with the lucid ray,
+  And e'er they stretch their gloomy flight
+    Must win the lengthen'd space from day.
+
+_Abou Alola_.
+
+[32] Abou Alola is esteemed as one of the most excellent of the
+     Arabian poets. He was born blind, but this did not deter him from
+     the pursuit of literature. Abou Alola died at Maara in the year
+     449, aged eighty-six.
+
+
+THE DEATH OF NEDHAM ALMOLK
+
+  Thy virtues fam'd thro' every land,
+    Thy spotless life, in age and youth,
+  Prove thee a pearl, by nature's hand,
+    Form'd out of purity and truth.
+
+  Too long its beams of Orient light
+    Upon a thankless world were shed;
+  Allah has now reveng'd the slight,
+    And call'd it to its native bed.
+
+_Shebal Addaulet_.
+
+
+LINES TO A LOVER
+
+  When you told us our glances soft, timid and mild,
+    Could occasion such wounds in the heart,
+  Can ye wonder that yours, so ungovern'd and wild,
+    Some wounds to our cheeks should impart?
+
+  The wounds on our cheeks are but transient, I own,
+    With a blush they appear and decay;
+  But those on the heart, fickle youths, ye have shown
+    To be even more transient than they.
+
+_Waladata_.
+
+
+VERSES TO MY DAUGHTERS[33]
+
+  With jocund heart and cheerful brow
+    I used to hail the festal morn--
+  How must Mohammed greet it now?--
+    A prisoner helpless and forlorn.
+
+  While these dear maids in beauty's bloom,
+    With want opprest, with rags o'erspread,
+  By sordid labors at the loom
+    Must earn a poor, precarious bread.
+
+  Those feet that never touched the ground,
+    Till musk or camphor strew'd the way,
+  Now bare and swoll'n with many a wound.
+    Must struggle thro' the miry clay.
+
+  Those radiant cheeks are veil'd in woe,
+    A shower descends from every eye,
+  And not a starting tear can flow,
+    That wakes not an attending sigh.
+
+  Fortune, that whilom own'd my sway,
+    And bow'd obsequious to my nod,
+  Now sees me destin'd to obey,
+    And bend beneath oppression's rod.
+
+  Ye mortals with success elate,
+    Who bask in hope's delusive beam,
+  Attentive view Mohammed's fate,
+    And own that bliss is but a dream.
+
+_Mohammed Bed Abad_.
+
+[33] Seville was one of those small sovereignties into which Spain
+     had been divided after the extinction of the house of Ommiah. It
+     did not long retain its independence, and the only prince who ever
+     presided over it as a separate kingdom seems to have been Mohammed
+     Ben Abad, the author of these verses. For thirty-three years he
+     reigned over Seville and the neighboring districts with considerable
+     reputation, but being attacked by Joseph, son to the Emperor of
+     Morocco, at the head of a numerous army of Africans, was defeated,
+     taken prisoner, and thrown into a dungeon, where he died in the year
+     488.
+
+
+SERENADE TO MY SLEEPING MISTRESS[34]
+
+  Sure Harut's[B] potent spells were breath'd
+    Upon that magic sword, thine eye;
+  For if it wounds us thus while sheath'd,
+    When drawn, 'tis vain its edge to fly.
+
+  How canst thou doom me, cruel fair,
+    Plung'd in the hell[C] of scorn to groan?
+  No idol e'er this heart could share,
+    This heart has worshipp'd thee alone.
+
+_Aly Ben Abd_.
+
+[34] This author was by birth an African; but having passed over to
+     Spain, he was much patronized by Mohammed, Sultan of Seville. After
+     the fall of his master, Ben Abd returned to Africa, and died at
+     Tangier, A.H. 488.
+
+[B] A wicked angel who is permitted to tempt mankind by teaching them
+    magic; see the legend respecting him in the Koran.
+
+[C] The poet here alludes to the punishments denounced in the Koran
+    against those who worship a plurality of Gods: "their couch shall
+    be in hell, and over them shall be coverings of fire."
+
+
+THE INCONSISTENT[35]
+
+  When I sent you my melons, you cried out with scorn,
+    They ought to be heavy and wrinkled and yellow;
+  When I offer'd myself, whom those graces adorn,
+    You flouted, and call'd me an ugly old fellow.
+
+[35] Written to a lady upon her refusal of a present of melons, and her
+     rejection of the addresses of an admirer.
+
+
+THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM[36]
+
+  From our distended eyeballs flow
+    A mingled stream of tears and blood;
+  No care we feel, nor wish to know,
+    But who shall pour the largest flood.
+
+  But what defense can tears afford?
+    What aid supply in this dread hour?
+  When kindled by the sparkling sword
+    War's raging flames the land devour.
+
+  No more let sleep's seductive charms
+    Upon your torpid souls be shed:
+  A crash like this, such dire alarms,
+    Might burst the slumbers of the dead.
+
+  Think where your dear companions lie--
+    Survey their fate, and hear their woes--
+  How some thro' trackless deserts fly,
+    Some in the vulture's maw repose;
+
+  While some more wretched still, must bear
+    The tauntings of a Christian's tongue--
+  Hear this--and blush ye not to wear
+    The silken robe of peace so long?
+
+  Remember what ensanguin'd showers
+    The Syrian plains with crimson dyed,
+  And think how many blooming flowers
+    In Syrian forts their beauties hide.
+
+  Arabian youths! In such a cause
+    Can ye the voice of glory slight?
+  Warriors of Persia! Can ye pause,
+    Or fear to mingle in the fight?
+
+  If neither piety nor shame
+    Your breasts can warm, your souls can move,
+  Let emulation's bursting flame
+    Wake you to vengeance and to love.
+
+_Almodhafer Alabiwerdy_.
+
+[36] The capture of Jerusalem took place in the 492d year of the Hegira,
+     A.D. 1099. Alabiwerdy, who wrote these verses, was a native of
+     Khorasan; he died A.H. 507.
+
+
+TO A LADY
+
+  No, Abla, no--when Selim tells
+  Of many an unknown grace that dwells
+      In Abla's face and mien,
+  When he describes the sense refin'd,
+  That lights thine eye and fills thy mind,
+      By thee alone unseen.
+
+  Tis not that drunk with love he sees
+  Ideal charms, which only please
+      Thro' passion's partial veil,
+  'Tis not that flattery's glozing tongue
+  Hath basely fram'd an idle song,
+      But truth that breath'd the tale.
+
+  Thine eyes unaided ne'er could trace
+  Each opening charm, each varied grace,
+      That round thy person plays;
+  Some must remain conceal'd from thee,
+  For Selim's watchful eye to see,
+      For Selim's tongue to praise.
+
+  One polish'd mirror can declare
+  That eye so bright, that face so fair,
+      That cheek which shames the rose;
+  But how thy mantle waves behind,
+  How float thy tresses on the wind,
+      Another only shows.
+
+
+AN EPIGRAM[37]
+
+  Whoever has recourse to thee
+    Can hope for health no more,
+  He's launched into perdition's sea,
+    A sea without a shore.
+
+  Where'er admission thou canst gain,
+    Where'er thy phiz can pierce,
+  At once the Doctor they retain,
+    The mourners and the hearse.
+
+_George_.
+
+[37] Written to Abou Alchair Selamu, an Egyptian physician. The author
+     was a physician of Antioch.
+
+
+ON A LITTLE MAN WITH A VERY LARGE BEARD
+
+  How can thy chin that burden bear?
+    Is it all gravity to shock?
+  Is it to make the people stare?
+    And be thyself a laughing stock?
+
+  When I behold thy little feet
+     After thy beard obsequious run,
+  I always fancy that I meet
+    Some father followed by his son.
+
+  A man like thee scarce e'er appear'd--
+    A beard like thine--where shall we find it?
+  Surely thou cherishest thy beard
+    In hope to hide thyself behind it.
+
+_Isaai, Ben Khalif_.
+
+
+LAMIAT ALAJEM[38]
+
+  No kind supporting hand I meet,
+  But Fortitude shall stay my feet;
+  No borrow'd splendors round me shine,
+  But Virtue's lustre all is mine;
+  A Fame unsullied still I boast,
+  Obscur'd, conceal'd, but never lost--
+  The same bright orb that led the day
+  Pours from the West his mellow'd ray.
+
+  Zaura, farewell! No more I see
+  Within thy walls, a home for me;
+  Deserted, spurn'd, aside I'm toss'd,
+  As an old sword whose scabbard's lost:
+  Around thy walls I seek in vain
+  Some bosom that will soothe my pain--
+  No friend is near to breathe relief,
+  Or brother to partake my grief.
+  For many a melancholy day
+  Thro' desert vales I've wound my way;
+  The faithful beast, whose back I press,
+  In groans laments her lord's distress;
+
+  In every quiv'ring of my spear
+  A sympathetic sigh I hear;
+  The camel bending with his load,
+  And struggling thro' the thorny road,
+  'Midst the fatigues that bear him down,
+  In Hassan's woes forgets his own;
+  Yet cruel friends my wanderings chide,
+  My sufferings slight, my toils deride.
+
+  Once wealth, I own, engrossed each thought,
+  There was a moment when I sought
+  The glitt'ring stores Ambition claims
+  To feed the wants his fancy frames;
+  But now 'tis past--the changing day
+  Has snatch'd my high-built hopes away,
+  And bade this wish my labors close--
+  Give me not riches, but repose.
+  'Tis he--that mien my friend declares,
+  That stature, like the lance he bears;
+  I see that breast which ne'er contain'd
+  A thought by fear or folly stain'd,
+  Whose powers can every change obey,
+  In business grave, in trifles gay,
+  And, form'd each varying taste to please,
+  Can mingle dignity with ease.
+
+  What, tho' with magic influence, sleep,
+  O'er every closing eyelid creep:
+  Tho' drunk with its oblivious wine
+  Our comrades on their bales recline,
+  My Selim's trance I sure can break--
+  Selim, 'tis I, 'tis I who speak.
+  Dangers on every side impend,
+  And sleep'st thou, careless of thy friend?
+  Thou sleep'st while every star on high,
+  Beholds me with a wakeful eye--
+  Thou changest, ere the changeful night
+  Hath streak'd her fleeting robe with white.
+
+  'Tis love that hurries me along--
+  I'm deaf to fear's repressive song--
+  The rocks of Idham I'll ascend,
+  Tho' adverse darts each path defend,
+  And hostile sabres glitter there,
+  To guard the tresses of the fair.
+
+  Come, Selim, let us pierce the grove,
+  While night befriends, to seek my love.
+  The clouds of fragrance as they rise
+  Shall mark the place where Abla lies.
+  Around her tent my jealous foes,
+  Like lions, spread their watchful rows;
+  Amidst their bands, her bow'r appears
+  Embosom'd in a wood of spears--
+  A wood still nourish'd by the dews,
+  Which smiles, and softest looks diffuse.
+  Thrice happy youths! who midst yon shades
+  Sweet converse hold with Idham's maids,
+  What bliss, to view them gild the hours,
+  And brighten wit and fancy's powers,
+  While every foible they disclose
+  New transport gives, new graces shows.
+  'Tis theirs to raise with conscious art
+  The flames of love in every heart;
+  'Tis yours to raise with festive glee
+  The flames of hospitality:
+  Smit by their glances lovers lie,
+  And helpless sink and hopeless die;
+  While slain by you the stately steed
+  To crown the feast, is doom'd to bleed,
+  To crown the feast, where copious flows
+  The sparkling juice that soothes your woes,
+  That lulls each care and heals each wound,
+  As the enlivening bowl goes round.
+  Amidst those vales my eager feet
+  Shall trace my Abla's dear retreat,
+  A gale of health may hover there,
+  To breathe some solace to my care.
+  I fear not love--I bless the dart
+  Sent in a glance to pierce the heart:
+  With willing breast the sword I hail
+  That wounds me thro' an half-clos'd veil:
+  Tho' lions howling round the shade,
+  My footsteps haunt, my walks invade,
+  No fears shall drive me from the grove,
+  If Abla listen to my love.
+
+  Ah, Selim! shall the spells of ease
+  Thy friendship chain, thine ardor freeze!
+  Wilt thou enchanted thus, decline
+  Each gen'rous thought, each bold design?
+  Then far from men some cell prepare;
+  Or build a mansion in the air--
+  But yield to us, ambition's tide,
+  Who fearless on its waves can ride;
+  Enough for thee if thou receive
+  The scattered spray the billows leave.
+
+  Contempt and want the wretch await
+  Who slumbers in an abject state--
+  'Midst rushing crowds, by toil and pain
+  The meed of Honor we must gain;
+  At Honor's call, the camel hastes
+  Thro' trackless wilds and dreary wastes,
+  Till in the glorious race she find
+  The fleetest coursers left behind:
+  By toils like these alone, he cries,
+  Th' adventurous youths to greatness rise;
+  If bloated indolence were fame,
+  And pompous ease our noblest aim,
+  The orb that regulates the day
+  Would ne'er from Aries' mansion stray.
+
+  I've bent at Fortune's shrine too long--
+  Too oft she heard my suppliant tongue--
+  Too oft has mock'd my idle prayers,
+  While fools and knaves engross'd her cares,
+  Awake for them, asleep to me,
+  Heedless of worth she scorn'd each plea.
+  Ah! had her eyes, more just survey'd
+  The diff'rent claims which each display'd,
+  Those eyes from partial fondness free
+  Had slept to them, and wak'd for me.
+
+  But, 'midst my sorrows and my toils,
+  Hope ever sooth'd my breast with smiles;
+  Her hand remov'd each gathering ill,
+  And oped life's closing prospects still.
+  Yet spite of all her friendly art
+  The specious scene ne'er gain'd my heart;
+  I lov'd it not altho' the day
+  Met my approach, and cheer'd my way;
+  I loath it now the hours retreat,
+  And fly me with reverted feet.
+
+  My soul from every tarnish free
+  May boldly vaunt her purity,
+  But ah, how keen, however bright,
+  The sabre glitter to the sight,
+  Its splendor's lost, its polish vain,
+  Till some bold hand the steel sustain.
+
+  Why have my days been stretch'd by fate,
+  To see the vile and vicious great--
+  While I, who led the race so long,
+  Am last and meanest of the throng?
+  Ah, why has death so long delay'd
+  To wrap me in his friendly shade,
+  Left me to wander thus alone,
+  When all my heart held dear is gone!
+
+  But let me check these fretful sighs--
+  Well may the base above me rise,
+  When yonder planets as they run
+  Mount in the sky above the sun.
+  Resigned I bow to Fate's decree,
+  Nor hope his laws will change for me;
+  Each shifting scene, each varying hour,
+  But proves the ruthless tyrants' power.
+
+  But tho' with ills unnumber'd curst,
+  We owe to faithless man the worst;
+  For man can smile with specious art,
+  And plant a dagger in the heart.
+  He only's fitted for the strife
+  Which fills the boist'rous paths of life,
+  Who, as he treads the crowded scenes,
+  Upon no kindred bosom leans.
+  Too long my foolish heart had deem'd
+  Mankind as virtuous as they seem'd;
+  The spell is broke, their faults are bare,
+  And now I see them as they are;
+  Truth from each tainted breast has flown,
+  And falsehood marks them all her own.
+  Incredulous I listen now
+  To every tongue, and every vow,
+  For still there yawns a gulf between
+  Those honeyed words, and what they mean;
+  With honest pride elate, I see
+  The sons of falsehood shrink from me,
+  As from the right line's even way
+  The biass'd curves deflecting stray--
+  But what avails it to complain?
+  With souls like theirs reproof is vain;
+  If honor e'er such bosoms share
+  The sabre's point must fix it there.
+  But why exhaust life's rapid bowl,
+  And suck the dregs with sorrow foul,
+  When long ere this my youth has drain'd
+  Whatever zest the cup contain'd?
+  Why should we mount upon the wave,
+  And ocean's yawning horrors brave,
+  When we may swallow from the flask
+  Whatever the wants of mortals ask?
+
+  Contentment's realms no fears invade,
+  No cares annoy, no sorrows shade,
+  There plac'd secure, in peace we rest,
+  Nor aught demand to make us blest.
+  While pleasure's gay fantastic bower,
+  The splendid pageant of an hour,
+  Like yonder meteor in the skies,
+  Flits with a breath no more to rise.
+
+  As thro' life's various walks we're led,
+  May prudence hover o'er our head!
+  May she our words, our actions guide,
+  Our faults correct, our secrets hide!
+
+  May she, where'er our footsteps stray,
+  Direct our paths, and clear the way!
+
+  Till, every scene of tumult past,
+  She bring us to repose at last,
+  Teach us to love that peaceful shore,
+  And roam thro' folly's wilds no more!
+
+_Mauid Eddin Alhassan Abou Ismael Altograi_.
+
+[38] Abou Ismael was a native of Ispahan. He devoted himself to the
+     service of the Seljuk Sultans of Persia, and enjoyed the confidence
+     of Malec Shah, and his son and grandson, Mohammed and Massoud, by
+     the last of whom he was raised to the dignity of vizir. Massoud,
+     however, was not long in a condition to afford Abou Ismael any
+     protection, for, being attacked by his brother Mahmoud, he was
+     defeated, and driven from Mousel, and upon the fall of his master
+     the vizir was seized and thrown into prison, and at length in the
+     year 515 sentenced to be put to death.
+
+
+TO YOUTH
+
+  Yes, youth, thou'rt fled, and I am left,
+    Like yonder desolated bower,
+  By winter's ruthless hand bereft
+    Of every leaf and every flower.
+
+  With heaving heart and streaming eyes
+    I woo'd thee to prolong thy stay,
+  But vain were all my tears and sighs,
+    Thou only fled'st more fast away.
+
+  Yet tho' thou fled'st away so fast,
+    I can recall thee if I will;
+  For I can talk of what is past,
+    And while I talk, enjoy thee still.
+
+_Ebn Alrabia_.
+
+
+ON LOVE[39]
+
+  I never knew a sprightly fair
+    That was not dear to me,
+  And freely I my heart could share,
+    With every one I see.
+
+  It is not this or that alone
+    On whom my choice would fall,
+  I do not more incline to one
+    Than I incline to all.
+
+  The circle's bounding line are they,
+    Its centre is my heart,
+  My ready love the equal ray
+    That flows to every part.
+
+_Abou Aly_.
+
+[39] Abou Aly flourished in Egypt about the year 530, and was equally
+     celebrated as a mathematician and as a poet.
+
+
+A REMONSTRANCE WITH A DRUNKARD[40]
+
+  As drench'd in wine, the other night,
+    Zeid from the banquet sallied,
+  Thus I reprov'd his drunken plight,
+    Thus he my prudence rallied;
+
+  "In bev'rage so impure and vile,
+    How canst thou thus delight?"--
+  "My cups," he answer'd with a smile,
+    "Are generous and bright."
+
+  "Beware those dang'rous draughts," I cried,
+    "With love the goblet flows"--
+  "And curst is he," the youth replied,
+    "Who hatred only knows."
+
+  "Those cups too soon with sickness fraught
+    Thy stomach shall deplore"--
+  "Then soon," he cried, "the noxious draught
+    And all its ills are o'er."
+
+  "Rash youth, thy guilty joys resign."
+    "I will," at length he said,
+  "I vow I'll bid adieu to wine
+    As soon as I am dead."
+
+_Yahia Ben Salamet_.
+
+[40] This author was a native of Syria, and died at Miafarakir in the
+     year of the Hegira 553.
+
+
+VERSES[41]
+
+  Tho' such unbounded love you swear,
+    'Tis only art I see;
+  Can I believe that one so fair
+    Should ever dote on me?
+
+  Say that you hate, and freely show
+    That age displeases youth;
+  And I may love you when I know
+     That you can tell the truth.
+
+_Caliph Almonklafi Laimrillah_.
+
+[41] Almonklafi was the thirty-first Caliph of the house of Abbas, and
+     the only one who possessed any real authority since the reign of
+     Radhi. These lines were addressed to a lady who pretended a
+     passion for him in his old age.
+
+
+ON PROCRASTINATION[42]
+
+  Youth is a drunken noisy hour,
+    With every folly fraught;
+  But man, by age's chast'ning power,
+    Is sober'd into thought.
+
+  Then we resolve our faults to shun,
+    And shape our course anew;
+  But ere the wise reform's begun
+    Life closes on our view.
+
+  The travellers thus who wildly roam,
+    Or heedlessly delay,
+  Are left, when they should reach their home,
+    Benighted on the way.
+
+_Hebat Allah Ibn Altalmith_.
+
+[42] Ibn Altalmith died in the 560th year of the Hegira, at the advanced
+     age of one hundred.
+
+
+THE EARLY DEATH OF ABOU ALHASSAN ALY[43]
+
+  Soon hast thou run the race of life,
+    Nor could our tears thy speed control--
+  Still in the courser's gen'rous strife
+    The best will soonest reach the goal.
+
+  As Death upon his hand turns o'er
+    The different gems the world displays,
+  He seizes first to swell his store
+    The brightest jewel he surveys.
+
+  Thy name, by every breath convey'd,
+    Stretch'd o'er the globe its boundless flight;
+  Alas! in eve the lengthening shade
+    But lengthens to be lost in night!
+
+  If gracious Allah bade thee close
+    Thy youthful eyes so soon on day,
+  'Tis that he readiest welcomes those
+    Who love him best and best obey.
+
+_Alnassar Ledin Allah_.
+
+[43] Alnassar Ledin Allah was the thirty-fourth Abasside Caliph, and
+     the last excepting three who enjoyed this splendid title, which
+     was finally abolished by the Tartars in the year 656.
+
+
+THE INTERVIEW
+
+_A Song_
+
+  Darkness clos'd around, loud the tempest drove,
+  When thro' yonder glen I saw my lover rove,
+                                            Dearest youth!
+  Soon he reach'd our cot--weary, wet, and cold,
+  But warmth, wine, and I, to cheer his spirits strove,
+                                            Dearest youth!
+  How my love, cried I, durst thou hither stray
+  Thro' the gloom, nor fear the ghosts that haunt the grove?
+                                            Dearest youth!
+  In this heart, said he, fear no seat can find,
+  When each thought is fill'd alone with thee and love,
+                                            Dearest maid!
+
+
+
+
+ARABIAN NIGHTS
+
+[_Selected tales edited by Andrew Lang_]
+
+
+THE SEVEN VOYAGES OF SINDBAD
+
+In the times of the Caliph Harun-al-Rashid there lived in Bagdad a poor
+porter named Hindbad, who, on a very hot day, was sent to carry a heavy
+load from one end of the city to the other. Before he had accomplished
+half the distance he was so tired that, finding himself in a quiet
+street where the pavement was sprinkled with rose-water, and a cool
+breeze was blowing, he set his burden upon the ground, and sat down to
+rest in the shade of a grand house. Very soon he decided that he could
+not have chosen a pleasanter place; a delicious perfume of aloes-wood
+and pastilles came from the open windows and mingled with the scent of
+the rose-water which steamed up from the hot pavement. Within the palace
+he heard some music, as of many instruments cunningly played, and the
+melodious warble of nightingales and other birds, and by this, and the
+appetizing smell of many dainty dishes of which he presently became
+aware, he judged that feasting and merry-making were going on. He
+wondered who lived in this magnificent house which he had never seen
+before, the street in which it stood being one which he seldom had
+occasion to pass. To satisfy his curiosity he went up to some splendidly
+dressed servants who stood at the door, and asked one of them the name
+of the master of the mansion.
+
+"What," replied he, "do you live in Bagdad, and not know that here lives
+the noble Sindbad the Sailor, that famous traveller who sailed over
+every sea upon which the sun shines?"
+
+The porter, who had often heard people speak of the immense wealth of
+Sindbad, could not help feeling envious of one whose lot seemed to be as
+happy as his own was miserable. Casting his eyes up to the sky he
+exclaimed aloud:--
+
+"Consider, Mighty Creator of all things, the difference between
+Sindbad's life and mine. Every day I suffer a thousand hardships and
+misfortunes, and have hard work to get even enough bad barley bread to
+keep myself and my family alive, while the lucky Sindbad spends money
+right and left and lives upon the fat of the land! What has he done that
+you should give him this pleasant life--what have I done to deserve so
+hard a fate?"
+
+So saying he stamped upon the ground like one beside himself with misery
+and despair. Just at this moment a servant came out of the palace, and
+taking him by the arm said, "Come with me, the noble Sindbad, my master,
+wishes to speak to you."
+
+Hindbad was not a little surprised at this summons, and feared that his
+unguarded words might have drawn upon him the displeasure of Sindbad, so
+he tried to excuse himself upon the pretext that he could not leave the
+burden which had been intrusted to him in the street. However the lackey
+promised him that it should be taken care of, and urged him to obey the
+call so pressingly that at last the porter was obliged to yield.
+
+He followed the servant into a vast room, where a great company was
+seated round a table covered with all sorts of delicacies. In the place
+of honor sat a tall, grave man, whose long white beard gave him a
+venerable air. Behind his chair stood a crowd of attendants eager to
+minister to his wants. This was the famous Sindbad himself. The porter,
+more than ever alarmed at the sight of so much magnificence, tremblingly
+saluted the noble company. Sindbad, making a sign to him to approach,
+caused him to be seated at his right hand, and himself heaped choice
+morsels upon his plate, and poured out for him a draught of excellent
+wine, and presently, when the banquet drew to a close, spoke to him
+familiarly, asking his name and occupation.
+
+"My lord," replied the porter, "I am called Hindbad."
+
+"I am glad to see you here," continued Sindbad. "And I will answer for
+the rest of the company that they are equally pleased, but I wish you to
+tell me what it was that you said just now in the street." For Sindbad,
+passing by the open window before the feast began, had heard his
+complaint and therefore had sent for him.
+
+At this question Hindbad was covered with confusion, and hanging down
+his head, replied, "My lord, I confess that, overcome by weariness and
+ill-humor, I uttered indiscreet words, which I pray you to pardon me."
+
+"Oh!" replied Sindbad, "do not imagine that I am so unjust as to blame
+you. On the contrary, I understand your situation and can pity you. Only
+you appear to be mistaken about me, and I wish to set you right. You
+doubtless imagine that I have acquired all the wealth and luxury that
+you see me enjoy without difficulty or danger, but this is far indeed
+from being the case. I have only reached this happy state after having
+for years suffered every possible kind of toil and danger.
+
+"Yes, my noble friends," he continued, addressing the company, "I assure
+you that my adventures have been strange enough to deter even the most
+avaricious men from seeking wealth by traversing the seas. Since you
+have, perhaps, heard but confused accounts of my Seven Voyages, and the
+dangers and wonders that I have met with by sea and land, I will now
+give you a full and true account of them, which I think you will be well
+pleased to hear."
+
+As Sindbad was relating his adventures chiefly on account of the porter,
+he ordered, before beginning his tale, that the burden which had been
+left in the street should be carried by some of his own servants to the
+place for which Hindbad had set out at first, while he remained to
+listen to the story.
+
+
+
+
+FIRST VOYAGE
+
+I had inherited considerable wealth from my parents, and being young and
+foolish I at first squandered it recklessly upon every kind of pleasure,
+but presently, finding that riches speedily take to themselves wings if
+managed as badly as I was managing mine, and remembering also that to be
+old and poor is misery indeed, I began to bethink me of how I could make
+the best of what still remained to me. I sold all my household goods by
+public auction, and joined a company of merchants who traded by sea,
+embarking with them at Balsora in a ship which we had fitted out between
+us.
+
+We set sail and took our course towards the East Indies by the Persian
+Gulf, having the coast of Persia upon our left hand and upon our right
+the shores of Arabia Felix. I was at first much troubled by the uneasy
+motion of the vessel, but speedily recovered my health, and since that
+hour have been no more plagued by sea-sickness.
+
+From time to time we landed at various islands, where we sold or
+exchanged our merchandise, and one day, when the wind dropped suddenly,
+we found ourselves becalmed close to a small island like a green meadow,
+which only rose slightly above the surface of the water. Our sails were
+furled, and the captain gave permission to all who wished to land for a
+while and amuse themselves. I was among the number, but when after
+strolling about for some time we lighted a fire and sat down to enjoy
+the repast which we had brought with us, we were startled by a sudden
+and violent trembling of the island, while at the same moment those left
+upon the ship set up an outcry bidding us come on board for our lives,
+since what we had taken for an island was nothing but the back of a
+sleeping whale. Those who were nearest to the boat threw themselves into
+it, others sprang into the sea, but before I could save myself the whale
+plunged suddenly into the depths of the ocean, leaving me clinging to a
+piece of the wood which we had brought to make our fire. Meanwhile a
+breeze had sprung up, and in the confusion that ensued on board our
+vessel in hoisting the sails and taking up those who were in the boat
+and clinging to its sides, no one missed me and I was left at the mercy
+of the waves. All that day I floated up and down, now beaten this way,
+now that, and when night fell I despaired for my life; but, weary and
+spent as I was, I clung to my frail support, and great was my joy when
+the morning light showed me that I had drifted against an island.
+
+The cliffs were high and steep, but luckily for me some tree-roots
+protruded in places, and by their aid I climbed up at last, and
+stretched myself upon the turf at the top, where I lay, more dead than
+alive, till the sun was high in the heavens. By that time I was very
+hungry, but after some searching I came upon some eatable herbs, and a
+spring of clear water, and much refreshed I set out to explore the
+island. Presently I reached a great plain where a grazing horse was
+tethered, and as I stood looking at it I heard voices talking apparently
+underground, and in a moment a man appeared who asked me how I came upon
+the island. I told him my adventures, and heard in return that he was
+one of the grooms of Mihrage, the King of the island, and that each year
+they came to feed their master's horses in this plain. He took me to a
+cave where his companions were assembled, and when I had eaten of the
+food they set before me, they bade me think myself fortunate to have
+come upon them when I did, since they were going back to their master on
+the morrow, and without their aid I could certainly never have found my
+way to the inhabited part of the island.
+
+Early the next morning we accordingly set out, and when we reached the
+capital I was graciously received by the King, to whom I related my
+adventures, upon which he ordered that I should be well cared for and
+provided with such things as I needed. Being a merchant I sought out men
+of my own profession, and particularly those who came from foreign
+countries, as I hoped in this way to hear news from Bagdad, and find out
+some means of returning thither, for the capital was situated upon the
+sea-shore, and visited by vessels from all parts of the world. In the
+meantime I heard many curious things, and answered many questions
+concerning my own country, for I talked willingly with all who came to
+me. Also to while away the time of waiting I explored a little island
+named Cassel, which belonged to King Mihrage, and which was supposed to
+be inhabited by a spirit named Deggial. Indeed, the sailors assured me
+that often at night the playing of timbals could be heard upon it.
+However, I saw nothing strange upon my voyage, saving some fish that
+were full two hundred cubits long, but were fortunately more in dread of
+us than even we were of them, and fled from us if we did but strike upon
+a board to frighten them. Other fishes there were only a cubit long
+which had heads like owls.
+
+One day after my return, as I went down to the quay, I saw a ship which
+had just cast anchor, and was discharging her cargo, while the merchants
+to whom it belonged were busily directing the removal of it to their
+warehouses. Drawing nearer I presently noticed that my own name was
+marked upon some of the packages, and after having carefully examined
+them, I felt sure that they were indeed those which I had put on board
+our ship at Balsora. I then recognized the captain of the vessel, but as
+I was certain that he believed me to be dead, I went up to him and asked
+who owned the packages that I was looking at.
+
+"There was on board my ship," he replied, "a merchant of Bagdad named
+Sindbad. One day he and several of my other passengers landed upon what
+we supposed to be an island, but which was really an enormous whale
+floating asleep upon the waves. No sooner did it feel upon its back the
+heat of the fire which had been kindled, than it plunged into the depths
+of the sea. Several of the people who were upon it perished in the
+waters, and among others this unlucky Sindbad. This merchandise is his,
+but I have resolved to dispose of it for the benefit of his family if I
+should ever chance to meet with them."
+
+"Captain," said I, "I am that Sindbad whom you believe to be dead, and
+these are my possessions!"
+
+When the captain heard these words he cried out in amazement, "Lackaday!
+and what is the world coming to? In these days there is not an honest
+man to be met with. Did I not with my own eyes see Sindbad drown, and
+now you have the audacity to tell me that you are he! I should have
+taken you to be a just man, and yet for the sake of obtaining that which
+does not belong to you, you are ready to invent this horrible
+falsehood."
+
+"Have patience, and do me the favor to hear my story," said I.
+
+"Speak then," replied the captain, "I am all attention."
+
+So I told him of my escape and of my fortunate meeting with the king's
+grooms, and how kindly I had been received at the palace. Very soon I
+began to see that I had made some impression upon him, and after the
+arrival of some of the other merchants, who showed great joy at once
+more seeing me alive, he declared that he also recognized me.
+
+Throwing himself upon my neck he exclaimed, "Heaven be praised that you
+have escaped from so great a danger. As to your goods, I pray you take
+them, and dispose of them as you please." I thanked him, and praised his
+honesty, begging him to accept several bales of merchandise in token of
+my gratitude, but he would take nothing. Of the choicest of my goods I
+prepared a present for King Mihrage, who was at first amazed, having
+known that I had lost my all. However, when I had explained to him how
+my bales had been miraculously restored to me, he graciously accepted my
+gifts, and in return gave me many valuable things. I then took leave of
+him, and exchanging my merchandise for sandal and aloes-wood, camphor,
+nutmegs, cloves, pepper, and ginger, I embarked upon the same vessel and
+traded so successfully upon our homeward voyage that I arrived in
+Balsora with about one hundred thousand sequins. My family received me
+with as much joy as I felt upon seeing them once more. I bought land and
+slaves, and built a great house in which I resolved to live happily, and
+in the enjoyment of all the pleasures of life to forget my past
+sufferings.
+
+Here Sindbad paused, and commanded the musicians to play again, while
+the feasting continued until evening. When the time came for the porter
+to depart, Sindbad gave him a purse containing one hundred sequins,
+saying, "Take this, Hindbad, and go home, but to-morrow come again and
+you shall hear more of my adventures."
+
+The porter retired quite overcome by so much generosity, and you may
+imagine that he was well received at home, where his wife and children
+thanked their lucky stars that he had found such a benefactor.
+
+The next day Hindbad, dressed in his best, returned to the voyager's
+house, and was received with open arms. As soon as all the guests had
+arrived the banquet began as before, and when they had feasted long and
+merrily, Sindbad addressed them thus:--
+
+"My friends, I beg that you will give me your attention while I relate
+the adventures of my second voyage, which you will find even more
+astonishing than the first."
+
+
+
+
+SECOND VOYAGE
+
+I had resolved, as you know, on my return from my first voyage, to spend
+the rest of my days quietly in Bagdad, but very soon I grew tired of
+such an idle life and longed once more to find myself upon the sea.
+
+I procured, therefore, such goods as were suitable for the places I
+intended to visit, and embarked for the second time in a good ship with
+other merchants whom I knew to be honorable men. We went from island to
+island, often making excellent bargains, until one day we landed at a
+spot which, though covered with fruit-trees and abounding in springs of
+excellent water, appeared to possess neither houses nor people. While my
+companions wandered here and there gathering flowers and fruit I sat
+down in a shady place, and, having heartily enjoyed the provisions and
+the wine I had brought with me, I fell asleep, lulled by the murmur of a
+clear brook which flowed close by.
+
+How long I slept I know not, but when I opened my eyes and started to my
+feet I perceived with horror that I was alone and that the ship was
+gone. I rushed to and fro like one distracted, uttering cries of
+despair, and when from the shore I saw the vessel under full sail just
+disappearing upon the horizon, I wished bitterly enough that I had been
+content to stay at home in safety. But since wishes could do me no good,
+I presently took courage and looked about me for a means of escape. When
+I had climbed a tall tree I first of all directed my anxious glances
+towards the sea; but, finding nothing hopeful there, I turned landward,
+and my curiosity was excited by a huge dazzling white object, so far off
+that I could not make out what it might be.
+
+Descending from the tree I hastily collected what remained of my
+provisions and set off as fast as I could go towards it. As I drew near
+it seemed to me to be a white ball of immense size and height, and when
+I could touch it, I found it marvellously smooth and soft. As it was
+impossible to climb it--for it presented no foothold--I walked round
+about it seeking some opening, but there was none. I counted, however,
+that it was at least fifty paces round. By this time the sun was near
+setting, but quite suddenly it fell dark, something like a huge black
+cloud came swiftly over me, and I saw with amazement that it was a bird
+of extraordinary size which was hovering near. Then I remembered that I
+had often heard the sailors speak of a wonderful bird called a roc, and
+it occurred to me that the white object which had so puzzled me must be
+its egg.
+
+Sure enough the bird settled slowly down upon it, covering it with its
+wings to keep it warm, and I cowered close beside the egg in such a
+position that one of the bird's feet, which was as large as the trunk of
+a tree, was just in front of me. Taking off my turban I bound myself
+securely to it with the linen in the hope that the roc, when it took
+flight next morning, would bear me away with it from the desolate
+island. And this was precisely what did happen. As soon as the dawn
+appeared the bird rose into the air carrying me up and up till I could
+no longer see the earth, and then suddenly it descended so swiftly that
+I almost lost consciousness. When I became aware that the roc had
+settled and that I was once again upon solid ground, I hastily unbound
+my turban from its foot and freed myself, and that not a moment too
+soon; for the bird, pouncing upon a huge snake, killed it with a few
+blows from its powerful beak, and seizing it rose up into the air once
+more and soon disappeared from my view. When I had looked about me I
+began to doubt if I had gained anything by quitting the desolate island.
+
+The valley in which I found myself was deep and narrow, and surrounded
+by mountains which towered into the clouds, and were so steep and rocky
+that there was no way of climbing up their sides. As I wandered about,
+seeking anxiously for some means of escaping from this trap, I observed
+that the ground was strewed with diamonds, some of them of an
+astonishing size. This sight gave me great pleasure, but my delight was
+speedily dampened when I saw also numbers of horrible snakes so long and
+so large that the smallest of them could have swallowed an elephant with
+ease. Fortunately for me they seemed to hide in caverns of the rocks by
+day, and only came out by night, probably because of their enemy the
+roc.
+
+All day long I wandered up and down the valley, and when it grew dusk I
+crept into a little cave, and having blocked up the entrance to it with
+a stone, I ate part of my little store of food and lay down to sleep,
+but all through the night the serpents crawled to and fro, hissing
+horribly, so that I could scarcely close my eyes for terror. I was
+thankful when the morning light appeared, and when I judged by the
+silence that the serpents had retreated to their dens I came tremblingly
+out of my cave and wandered up and down the valley once more, kicking
+the diamonds contemptuously out of my path, for I felt that they were
+indeed vain things to a man in my situation. At last, overcome with
+weariness, I sat down upon a rock, but I had hardly closed my eyes when
+I was startled by something which fell to the ground with a thud close
+beside me.
+
+It was a huge piece of fresh meat, and as I stared at it several more
+pieces rolled over the cliffs in different places. I had always thought
+that the stories the sailors told of the famous valley of diamonds, and
+of the cunning way which some merchants had devised for getting at the
+precious stones, were mere travellers' tales invented to give pleasure
+to the hearers, but now I perceived that they were surely true. These
+merchants came to the valley at the time when the eagles, which keep
+their eyries in the rocks, had hatched their young. The merchants then
+threw great lumps of meat into the valley. These, falling with so much
+force upon the diamonds, were sure to take up some of the precious
+stones with them, when the eagles pounced upon the meat and carried it
+off to their nests to feed their hungry broods. Then the merchants,
+scaring away the parent birds with shouts and outcries, would secure
+their treasures. Until this moment I had looked upon the valley as my
+grave, for I had seen no possibility of getting out of it alive, but now
+I took courage and began to devise a means of escape. I began by picking
+up all the largest diamonds I could find and storing them carefully in
+the leathern wallet which had held my provisions; this I tied securely
+to my belt. I then chose the piece of meat which seemed most suited to
+my purpose, and with the aid of my turban bound it firmly to my back;
+this done I laid down upon my face and awaited the coming of the eagles.
+I soon heard the flapping of their mighty wings above me, and had the
+satisfaction of feeling one of them seize upon my piece of meat, and me
+with it, and rise slowly towards his nest, into which he presently
+dropped me. Luckily for me the merchants were on the watch, and setting
+up their usual outcries, they rushed to the nest, scaring away the
+eagle. Their amazement was great when they discovered me, and also their
+disappointment, and with one accord they fell to abusing me for having
+robbed them of their usual profit. Addressing myself to the one who
+seemed most aggrieved, I said:--
+
+"I am sure, if you knew all that I have suffered, you would show more
+kindness towards me, and as for diamonds, I have enough here of the very
+best for you and me and all your company." So saying I showed them to
+him. The others all crowded around me, wondering at my adventures and
+admiring the device by which I had escaped from the valley, and when
+they had led me to their camp and examined my diamonds, they assured me
+that in all the years that they had carried on their trade they had seen
+no stones to be compared with them for size and beauty.
+
+I found that each merchant chose a particular nest, and took his chance
+of what he might find in it. So I begged the one who owned the nest to
+which I had been carried to take as much as he would of my treasure, but
+he contented himself with one stone, and that by no means the largest,
+assuring me that with such a gem his fortune was made, and he need toil
+no more. I stayed with the merchants several days, and then as they were
+journeying homewards I gladly accompanied them. Our way lay across high
+mountains infested with frightful serpents, but we had the good luck to
+escape them and came at last to the seashore. Thence we sailed to the
+isle of Roha, where the camphor-trees grow to such a size that a hundred
+men could shelter under one of them with ease. The sap flows from an
+incision made high up in the tree into a vessel hung there to receive
+it, and soon hardens into the substance called camphor, but the tree
+itself withers up and dies when it has been so treated.
+
+In this same island we saw the rhinoceros, an animal which is smaller
+than the elephant and larger than the buffalo. It has one horn about a
+cubit long which is solid, but has a furrow from the base to the tip.
+Upon it is traced in white lines the figure of a man. The rhinoceros
+fights with the elephant, and transfixing him with his horn carries him
+off upon his head, but becoming blinded with the blood of his enemy, he
+falls helpless to the ground, and then comes the roc, and clutches them
+both up in his talons and takes them to feed his young. This doubtless
+astonishes you, but if you do not believe my tale go to Roha and see for
+yourself. For fear of wearying you I pass over in silence many other
+wonderful things which we saw in this island. Before we left I exchanged
+one of my diamonds for much goodly merchandise by which I profited
+greatly on our homeward way. At last we reached Balsora, whence I
+hastened to Bagdad, where my first action was to bestow large sums of
+money upon the poor, after which I settled down to enjoy tranquilly the
+riches I had gained with so much toil and pain.
+
+Having thus related the adventures of his second voyage, Sindbad again
+bestowed a hundred sequins upon Hindbad, inviting him to come again on
+the following day and hear how he fared upon his third voyage. The other
+guests also departed to their homes, but all returned at the same hour
+next day, including the porter, whose former life of hard work and
+poverty had already begun to seem to him like a bad dream. Again after
+the feast was over did Sindbad claim the attention of his guests and
+began the account of his third voyage.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD VOYAGE
+
+After a very short time the pleasant easy life I led made me quite
+forget the perils of my two voyages. Moreover, as I was still in the
+prime of life, it pleased me better to be up and doing. So once more
+providing myself with the rarest and choicest merchandise of Bagdad, I
+conveyed it to Balsora, and set sail with other merchants of my
+acquaintance for distant lands. We had touched at many ports and made
+much profit, when one day upon the open sea we were caught by a terrible
+wind which blew us completely out of our reckoning, and lasting for
+several days finally drove us into harbor on a strange island.
+
+"I would rather have come to anchor anywhere than here," quoth our
+captain. "This island and all adjoining it are inhabited by hairy
+savages, who are certain to attack us, and whatever these dwarfs may do
+we dare not resist, since they swarm like locusts, and if one of them is
+killed the rest will fall upon us, and speedily make an end of us."
+
+These words caused great consternation among all the ship's company, and
+only too soon we were to find out that the captain spoke truly. There
+appeared a vast multitude of hideous savages, not more than two feet
+high and covered with reddish fur. Throwing themselves into the waves
+they surrounded our vessel. Chattering meanwhile in a language we could
+not understand, and clutching at ropes and gangways, they swarmed up the
+ship's side with such speed and agility that they almost seemed to fly.
+
+You may imagine the rage and terror that seized us as we watched them,
+neither daring to hinder them nor able to speak a word to deter them
+from their purpose, whatever it might be. Of this we were not left long
+in doubt. Hoisting the sails, and cutting the cable of the anchor, they
+sailed our vessel to an island which lay a little further off, where
+they drove us ashore; then taking possession of her, they made off to
+the place from which they had come, leaving us helpless upon a shore
+avoided with horror by all mariners for a reason which you will soon
+learn.
+
+Turning away from the sea we wandered miserably inland, finding as we
+went various herbs and fruits which we ate, feeling that we might as
+well live as long as possible though we had no hope of escape. Presently
+we saw in the far distance what seemed to us to be a splendid palace,
+towards which we turned our weary steps, but when we reached it we saw
+that it was a castle, lofty, and strongly built. Pushing back the heavy
+ebony doors we entered the courtyard, but upon the threshold of the
+great hall beyond it we paused, frozen with horror, at the sight which
+greeted us. On one side lay a huge pile of bones--human bones; and on
+the other numberless spits for roasting! Overcome with despair we sank
+trembling to the ground, and lay there without speech or motion. The sun
+was setting when a loud noise aroused us, the door of the hall was
+violently burst open and a horrible giant entered. He was as tall as a
+palm tree, and perfectly black, and had one eye, which flamed like a
+burning coal in the middle of his forehead. His teeth were long and
+sharp and grinned horribly, while his lower lip hung down upon his
+chest, and he had ears like elephant's ears, which covered his
+shoulders, and nails like the claws of some fierce bird.
+
+At this terrible sight our senses left us and we lay like dead men. When
+at last we came to ourselves the giant sat examining us attentively with
+his fearful eye. Presently when he had looked at us enough he came
+towards us, and stretching out his hand took me by the back of the neck,
+turning me this way and that, but feeling that I was mere skin and bone
+he set me down again and went on to the next, whom he treated in the
+same fashion; at last he came to the captain, and finding him the
+fattest of us all, he took him up in one hand and stuck him upon a spit
+and proceeded to kindle a huge fire at which he presently roasted him.
+After the giant had supped he lay down to sleep, snoring like the
+loudest thunder, while we lay shivering with horror the whole night
+through, and when day broke he awoke and went out, leaving us in the
+castle.
+
+When we believed him to be really gone we started up bemoaning our
+horrible fate, until the hall echoed with our despairing cries. Though
+we were many and our enemy was alone it did not occur to us to kill him,
+and indeed we should have found that a hard task, even if we had thought
+of it, and no plan could we devise to deliver ourselves. So at last,
+submitting to our sad fate, we spent the day in wandering up and down
+the island eating such fruits as we could find, and when night came we
+returned to the castle, having sought in vain for any other place of
+shelter. At sunset the giant returned, supped upon one of our unhappy
+comrades, slept and snored till dawn, and then left us as before. Our
+condition seemed to us so frightful that several of my companions
+thought it would be better to leap from the cliffs and perish in the
+waves at once, rather than await so miserable an end; but I had a plan
+of escape which I now unfolded to them, and which they at once agreed to
+attempt.
+
+"Listen, my brothers," I added. "You know that plenty of driftwood lies
+along the shore. Let us make several rafts, and carry them to a suitable
+place. If our plot succeeds, we can wait patiently for the chance of
+some passing ship which would rescue us from this fatal island. If it
+fails, we must quickly take to our rafts; frail as they are, we have
+more chance of saving our lives with them than we have if we remain
+here."
+
+All agreed with me, and we spent the day in building rafts, each capable
+of carrying three persons. At nightfall we returned to the castle, and
+very soon in came the giant, and one more of our number was sacrificed.
+But the time of our vengeance was at hand! As soon as he had finished
+his horrible repast he lay down to sleep as before, and when we heard
+him begin to snore I, and nine of the boldest of my comrades, rose
+softly, and took each a spit, which we made red-hot in the fire, and
+then at a given signal we plunged it with one accord into the giant's
+eye, completely blinding him. Uttering a terrible cry, he sprang to his
+feet clutching in all directions to try to seize one of us, but we had
+all fled different ways as soon as the deed was done, and thrown
+ourselves flat upon the ground in corners where he was not likely to
+touch us with his feet.
+
+After a vain search he fumbled about till he found the door, and fled
+out of it howling frightfully. As for us, when he was gone we made haste
+to leave the fatal castle, and, stationing ourselves beside our rafts,
+we waited to see what would happen. Our idea was that if, when the sun
+rose, we saw nothing of the giant, and no longer heard his howls, which
+still came faintly through the darkness, growing more and more distant,
+we should conclude that he was dead, and that we might safely stay upon
+the island and need not risk our lives upon the frail rafts. But alas!
+morning light showed us our enemy approaching us, supported on either
+hand by two giants nearly as large and fearful as himself, while a crowd
+of others followed close upon their heels. Hesitating no longer we
+clambered upon our rafts and rowed with all our might out to sea. The
+giants, seeing their prey escaping them, seized up huge pieces of rock,
+and wading into the water hurled them after us with such good aim that
+all the rafts except the one I was upon were swamped, and their luckless
+crews drowned, without our being able to do anything to help them.
+Indeed I and my two companions had all we could do to keep our own raft
+beyond the reach of the giants, but by dint of hard rowing we at last
+gained the open sea. Here we were at the mercy of the winds and waves,
+which tossed us to and fro all that day and night, but the next morning
+we found ourselves near an island, upon which we gladly landed.
+
+There we found delicious fruits, and having satisfied our hunger we
+presently lay down to rest upon the shore. Suddenly we were aroused by a
+loud rustling noise, and starting up, saw that it was caused by an
+immense snake which was gliding towards us over the sand. So swiftly it
+came that it had seized one of my comrades before he had time to fly,
+and in spite of his cries and struggles speedily crushed the life out of
+him in its mighty coils and proceeded to swallow him. By this time my
+other companion and I were running for our lives to some place where we
+might hope to be safe from this new horror, and seeing a tall tree we
+climbed up into it, having first provided ourselves with a store of
+fruit off the surrounding bushes. When night came I fell asleep, but
+only to be awakened once more by the terrible snake, which after hissing
+horribly round the tree at last reared itself up against it, and finding
+my sleeping comrade who was perched just below me, it swallowed him
+also, and crawled away leaving me half dead with terror.
+
+When the sun rose I crept down from the tree with hardly a hope of
+escaping the dreadful fate which had overtaken my comrades; but life is
+sweet, and I determined to do all I could to save myself. All day long I
+toiled with frantic haste and collected quantities of dry brushwood,
+reeds and thorns, which I bound with fagots, and making a circle of them
+under my tree I piled them firmly one upon another until I had a kind of
+tent in which I crouched like a mouse in a hole when she sees the cat
+coming. You may imagine what a fearful night I passed, for the snake
+returned eager to devour me, and glided round and round my frail shelter
+seeking an entrance. Every moment I feared that it would succeed in
+pushing aside some of the fagots, but happily for me they held together,
+and when it grew light my enemy retired, baffled and hungry, to his den.
+As for me I was more dead than alive! Shaking with fright and half
+suffocated by the poisonous breath of the monster, I came out of my tent
+and crawled down to the sea, feeling that it would be better to plunge
+from the cliffs and end my life at once than pass such another night of
+horror. But to my joy and relief I saw a ship sailing by, and by
+shouting wildly and waving my turban I managed to attract the attention
+of her crew.
+
+A boat was sent to rescue me, and very soon I found myself on board
+surrounded by a wondering crowd of sailors and merchants eager to know
+by what chance I found myself in that desolate island. After I had told
+my story they regaled me with the choicest food the ship afforded, and
+the captain, seeing that I was in rags, generously bestowed upon me one
+of his own coats. After sailing about for some time and touching at many
+ports we came at last to the island of Salahat, where sandal-wood grows
+in great abundance. Here we anchored, and as I stood watching the
+merchants disembarking their goods and preparing to sell or exchange
+them, the captain came up to me and said:--
+
+"I have here, brother, some merchandise belonging to a passenger of mine
+who is dead. Will you do me the favor to trade with it, and when I meet
+with his heirs I shall be able to give them the money, though it will be
+only just that you shall have a portion for your trouble."
+
+I consented gladly, for I did not like standing by idle. Whereupon he
+pointed the bales out to me, and sent for the person whose duty it was
+to keep a list of the goods that were upon the ship. When this man came
+he asked in what name the merchandise was to be registered.
+
+"In the name of Sindbad the Sailor," replied the captain.
+
+At this I was greatly surprised, but looking carefully at him I
+recognized him to be the captain of the ship upon which I had made my
+second voyage, though he had altered much since that time. As for him,
+believing me to be dead it was no wonder that he had not recognized me.
+
+"So, captain," said I, "the merchant who owned those bales was called
+Sindbad?"
+
+"Yes," he replied. "He was so named. He belonged to Bagdad, and joined
+my ship at Balsora, but by mischance he was left behind upon a desert
+island where we had landed to fill up our water-casks, and it was not
+until four hours later that he was missed. By that time the wind had
+freshened, and it was impossible to put back for him."
+
+"You suppose him to have perished then?" said I.
+
+"Alas! yes," he answered.
+
+"Why, captain!" I cried, "look well at me. I am that Sindbad who fell
+asleep upon the island and awoke to find himself abandoned!"
+
+The captain stared at me in amazement, but was presently convinced that
+I was indeed speaking the truth, and rejoiced greatly at my escape.
+
+"I am glad to have that piece of carelessness off my conscience at any
+rate," said he. "Now take your goods, and the profit I have made for you
+upon them, and may you prosper in future."
+
+I took them gratefully, and as we went from one island to another I laid
+in stores of cloves, cinnamon, and other spices. In one place I saw a
+tortoise which was twenty cubits long and as many broad, also a fish
+that was like a cow and had skin so thick that it was used to make
+shields. Another I saw that was like a camel in shape and color. So by
+degrees we came back to Balsora, and I returned to Bagdad with so much
+money that I could not myself count it, besides treasures without end. I
+gave largely to the poor, and bought much land to add to what I already
+possessed, and thus ended my third voyage.
+
+When Sindbad had finished his story he gave another hundred sequins to
+Hindbad, who then departed with the other guests, but next day when they
+had all reassembled, and the banquet was ended, their host continued his
+adventures.
+
+
+
+
+FOURTH VOYAGE
+
+Rich and happy as I was after my third voyage, I could not make up my
+mind to stay at home altogether. My love of trading, and the pleasure I
+took in anything that was new and strange, made me set my affairs in
+order, and begin my journey through some of the Persian provinces,
+having first sent off stores of goods to await my coming in the
+different places I intended to visit. I took ship at a distant seaport,
+and for some time all went well, but at last, being caught in a violent
+hurricane, our vessel became a total wreck in spite of all our worthy
+captain could do to save her, and many of our company perished in the
+waves. I, with a few others, had the good fortune to be washed ashore
+clinging to pieces of the wreck, for the storm had driven us near an
+island, and scrambling up beyond the reach of the waves we threw
+ourselves down quite exhausted, to wait for morning.
+
+At daylight we wandered inland, and soon saw some huts, to which we
+directed our steps. As we drew near their black inhabitants swarmed out
+in great numbers and surrounded us, and we were led to their houses, and
+as it were divided among our captors. I with five others was taken into
+a hut, where we were made to sit upon the ground, and certain herbs were
+given to us, which the blacks made signs to us to eat. Observing that
+they themselves did not touch them, I was careful only to pretend to
+taste my portion; but my companions, being very hungry, rashly ate up
+all that was set before them, and very soon I had the horror of seeing
+them become perfectly mad. Though they chattered incessantly I could not
+understand a word they said, nor did they heed when I spoke to them. The
+savages now produced large bowls full of rice prepared with cocoanut
+oil, of which my crazy comrades ate eagerly, but I only tasted a few
+grains, understanding clearly that the object of our captors was to
+fatten us speedily for their own eating, and this was exactly what
+happened. My unlucky companions having lost their reason, felt neither
+anxiety nor fear, and ate greedily all that was offered them. So they
+were soon fat and there was an end of them, but I grew leaner day by
+day, for I ate but little, and even that little did me no good by reason
+of my fear of what lay before me. However, as I was so far from being a
+tempting morsel, I was allowed to wander about freely, and one day, when
+all the blacks had gone off upon some expedition leaving only an old man
+to guard me, I managed to escape from him and plunged into the forest,
+running faster the more he cried to me to come back, until I had
+completely distanced him.
+
+For seven days I hurried on, resting only when the darkness stopped me,
+and living chiefly upon cocoanuts, which afforded me both meat and
+drink, and on the eighth day I reached the sea-shore and saw a party of
+white men gathering pepper, which grew abundantly all about. Reassured
+by the nature of their occupation, I advanced towards them and they
+greeted me in Arabic, asking who I was and whence I came. My delight was
+great on hearing this familiar speech, and I willingly satisfied their
+curiosity, telling them how I had been shipwrecked, and captured by the
+blacks. "But these savages devour men!" said they. "How did you escape?"
+I repeated to them what I have just told you, at which they were
+mightily astonished. I stayed with them until they had collected as much
+pepper as they wished, and then they took me back to their own country
+and presented me to their King, by whom I was hospitably received. To
+him also I had to relate my adventures, which surprised him much, and
+when I had finished he ordered that I should be supplied with food and
+raiment and treated with consideration.
+
+The island on which I found myself was full of people, and abounded in
+all sorts of desirable things, and a great deal of traffic went on in
+the capital, where I soon began to feel at home and contented. Moreover,
+the King treated me with special favor, and in consequence of this
+everyone, whether at the court or in the town, sought to make life
+pleasant to me. One thing I remarked which I thought very strange; this
+was that, from the greatest to the least, all men rode their horses
+without bridle or stirrups. I one day presumed to ask his Majesty why he
+did not use them, to which he replied, "You speak to me of things of
+which I have never before heard!" This gave me an idea. I found a clever
+workman and made him cut out under my direction the foundation of a
+saddle, which I wadded and covered with choice leather, adorning it with
+rich gold embroidery. I then got a locksmith to make me a bit and a pair
+of spurs after a pattern that I drew for him, and when all these things
+were completed I presented them to the King and showed him how to use
+them. When I had saddled one of his horses he mounted it and rode about
+quite delighted with the novelty, and to show his gratitude he rewarded
+me with large gifts. After this I had to make saddles for all the
+principal officers of the King's household, and as they all gave me rich
+presents I soon became very wealthy and quite an important person in the
+city.
+
+One day the King sent for me and said, "Sindbad, I am going to ask a
+favor of you. Both I and my subjects esteem you, and wish you to end
+your days amongst us. Therefore I desire that you will marry a rich and
+beautiful lady whom I will find for you, and think no more of your own
+country."
+
+As the King's will was law I accepted the charming bride he presented to
+me, and lived happily with her. Nevertheless I had every intention of
+escaping at the first opportunity, and going back to Bagdad. Things were
+thus going prosperously with me when it happened that the wife of one of
+my neighbors, with whom I had struck up quite a friendship, fell ill,
+and presently died. I went to his house to offer my consolations, and
+found him in the depths of woe.
+
+"Heaven preserve you," said I, "and send you a long life!"
+
+"Alas!" he replied, "what is the good of saying that when I have but an
+hour left to live!"
+
+"Come, come!" said I, "surely it is not so bad as all that. I trust that
+you may be spared to me for many years."
+
+"I hope," answered he, "that your life may be long, but as for me, all
+is finished. I have set my house in order, and to-day I shall be buried
+with my wife. This has been the law upon our island from the earliest
+ages--the living husband goes to the grave with his dead wife, the
+living wife with her dead husband. So did our fathers, and so must we
+do. The law changes not, and all must submit to it!"
+
+As he spoke the friends and relations of the unhappy pair began to
+assemble. The body, decked in rich robes and sparkling with jewels, was
+laid upon an open bier, and the procession started, taking its way to a
+high mountain at some distance from the city, the wretched husband,
+clothed from head to foot in a black mantle, following mournfully.
+
+When the place of interment was reached the corpse was lowered, just as
+it was, into a deep pit. Then the husband, bidding farewell to all his
+friends, stretched himself upon another bier, upon which were laid seven
+little loaves of bread and a pitcher of water, and he also was let
+down-down-down to the depths of the horrible cavern, and then a stone
+was laid over the opening, and the melancholy company wended its way
+back to the city.
+
+You may imagine that I was no unmoved spectator of these proceedings; to
+all the others it was a thing to which they had been accustomed from
+their youth up; but I was so horrified that I could not help telling the
+King how it struck me.
+
+"Sire," I said, "I am more astonished than I can express to you at the
+strange custom which exists in your dominions of burying the living with
+the dead. In all my travels I have never before met with so cruel and
+horrible a law."
+
+"What would you have, Sindbad?" he replied. "It is the law for
+everybody. I myself should be buried with the Queen if she were the
+first to die."
+
+"But, your Majesty," said I, "dare I ask if this law applies to
+foreigners also?"
+
+"Why, yes," replied the king smiling, in what I could but consider a
+very heartless manner: "they are no exception to the rule if they have
+married in the country."
+
+When I heard this I went home much cast down, and from that time forward
+my mind was never easy. If only my wife's little finger ached I fancied
+she was going to die, and sure enough before very long she fell really
+ill and in a few days breathed her last. My dismay was great, for it
+seemed to me that to be buried alive was even a worse fate than to be
+devoured by cannibals, nevertheless there was no escape. The body of my
+wife, arrayed in her richest robes and decked with all her jewels, was
+laid upon the bier. I followed it, and after me came a great procession,
+headed by the king and all his nobles, and in this order we reached the
+fatal mountain, which was one of a lofty chain bordering the sea.
+
+Here I made one more frantic effort to excite the pity of the King and
+those who stood by, hoping to save myself even at this last moment, but
+it was of no avail. No one spoke to me, they even appeared to hasten
+over their dreadful task, and I speedily found myself descending into
+the gloomy pit, with my seven loaves and pitcher of water beside me.
+Almost before I reached the bottom the stone was rolled into its place
+above my head, and I was left to my fate. A feeble ray of light shone
+into the cavern through some chink, and when I had the courage to look
+about me I could see that I was in a vast vault, bestrewn with bones and
+bodies of the dead. I even fancied that I heard the expiring sighs of
+those who, like myself, had come into this dismal place alive. All in
+vain did I shriek aloud with rage and despair, reproaching myself for
+the love of gain and adventure which had brought me to such a pass, but
+at length, growing calmer, I took up my bread and water, and wrapping my
+face in my mantle I groped my way towards the end of the cavern, where
+the air was fresher.
+
+Here I lived in darkness and misery until my provisions were exhausted,
+but just as I was nearly dead from starvation the rock was rolled away
+overhead and I saw that a bier was being lowered into the cavern, and
+that the corpse upon it was a man. In a moment my mind was made up, the
+woman who followed had nothing to expect but a lingering death; I should
+be doing her a service if I shortened her misery. Therefore when she
+descended, already insensible from terror, I was ready armed with a huge
+bone, one blow from which left her dead, and I secured the bread and
+water which gave me a hope of life. Several times did I have recourse to
+this desperate expedient, and I know not how long I had been a prisoner
+when one day I fancied that I heard something near me, which breathed
+loudly. Turning to the place from which the sound came I dimly saw a
+shadowy form which fled at my movement, squeezing itself through a
+cranny in the wall. I pursued it as fast as I could, and found myself in
+a narrow crack among the rocks, along which I was just able to force my
+way. I followed it for what seemed to me many miles, and at last saw
+before me a glimmer of light which grew clearer every moment until I
+emerged upon the sea-shore with a joy which I cannot describe. When I
+was sure that I was not dreaming, I realized that it was doubtless some
+little animal which had found its way into the cavern from the sea, and
+when disturbed had fled, showing me a means of escape which I could
+never have discovered for myself. I hastily surveyed my surroundings,
+and saw that I was safe from all pursuit from the town.
+
+The mountains sloped sheer down to the sea, and there was no road across
+them. Being assured of this I returned to the cavern, and amassed a rich
+treasure of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and jewels of all kinds, which
+strewed the ground. These I made up into bales, and stored them into a
+safe place upon the beach, and then waited hopefully for the passing of
+a ship. I had looked out for two days, however, before a single sail
+appeared, so it was with much delight that I at last saw a vessel not
+very far from the shore, and by waving my arms and uttering loud cries
+succeeded in attracting the attention of her crew. A boat was sent off
+to me, and in answer to the questions of the sailors as to how I came to
+be in such a plight, I replied that I had been shipwrecked two days
+before, but had managed to scramble ashore with the bales which I
+pointed out to them. Luckily for me they believed my story, and without
+even looking at the place where they found me, took up my bundles, and
+rowed me back to the ship. Once on board, I soon saw that the captain
+was too much occupied with the difficulties of navigation to pay much
+heed to me, though he generously made me welcome, and would not even
+accept the jewels with which I offered to pay my passage. Our voyage was
+prosperous, and after visiting many lands, and collecting in each place
+great store of goodly merchandise, I found myself at last in Bagdad once
+more with unheard-of riches of every description. Again I gave large
+sums of money to the poor, and enriched all the mosques in the city,
+after which I gave myself up to my friends and relations, with whom I
+passed my time in feasting and merriment.
+
+Here Sindbad paused, and all his hearers declared that the adventures of
+his fourth voyage had pleased them better than anything they had heard
+before. They then took their leave, followed by Hindbad, who had once
+more received a hundred sequins, and with the rest had been bidden to
+return next day for the story of the fifth voyage.
+
+When the time came all were in their places, and when they had eaten and
+drunk of all that was set before them Sindbad began his tale.
+
+
+
+
+FIFTH VOYAGE
+
+Not even all that I had gone through could make me contented with a
+quiet life. I soon wearied of its pleasures, and longed for change and
+adventure. Therefore I set out once more, but this time in a ship of my
+own, which I built and fitted out at the nearest seaport. I wished to be
+able to call at whatever port I chose, taking my own time; but as I did
+not intend carrying enough goods for a full cargo, I invited several
+merchants of different nations to join me. We set sail with the first
+favorable wind, and after a long voyage upon the open seas we landed
+upon an unknown island which proved to be uninhabited. We determined,
+however, to explore it, but had not gone far when we found a roc's egg,
+as large as the one I had seen before and evidently very nearly hatched,
+for the beak of the young bird had already pierced the shell. In spite
+of all I could say to deter them, the merchants who were with me fell
+upon it with their hatchets, breaking the shell, and killing the young
+roc. Then lighting a fire upon the ground they hacked morsels from the
+bird, and proceeded to roast them while I stood by aghast.
+
+Scarcely had they finished their ill-omened repast, when the air above
+us was darkened by two mighty shadows. The captain of my ship, knowing
+by experience what this meant, cried out to us that the parent birds
+were coming, and urged us to get on board with all speed. This we did,
+and the sails were hoisted, but before we had made any way the rocs
+reached their despoiled nest and hovered about it, uttering frightful
+cries when they discovered the mangled remains of their young one. For a
+moment we lost sight of them, and were flattering ourselves that we had
+escaped, when they reappeared and soared into the air directly over our
+vessel, and we saw that each held in its claws an immense rock ready to
+crush us. There was a moment of breathless suspense, then one bird
+loosed its hold and the huge block of stone hurtled through the air, but
+thanks to the presence of mind of the helmsman, who turned our ship
+violently in another direction, it fell into the sea close beside us,
+cleaving it asunder till we could nearly see the bottom. We had hardly
+time to draw a breath of relief before the other rock fell with a mighty
+crash right in the midst of our luckless vessel, smashing it into a
+thousand fragments, and crushing, or hurling into the sea, passengers
+and crew. I myself went down with the rest, but had the good fortune to
+rise unhurt, and by holding on to a piece of driftwood with one hand and
+swimming with the other I kept myself afloat and was presently washed up
+by the tide on to an island. Its shores were steep and rocky, but I
+scrambled up safely and threw myself down to rest upon the green turf.
+
+When I had somewhat recovered I began to examine the spot in which I
+found myself, and truly it seemed to me that I had reached a garden of
+delights. There were trees everywhere, and they were laden with flowers
+and fruit, while a crystal stream wandered in and out under their
+shadow. When night came I slept sweetly in a cosey nook, though the
+remembrance that I was alone in a strange land made me sometimes start
+up and look around me in alarm, and then I wished heartily that I had
+stayed at home at ease. However, the morning sunlight restored my
+courage, and I once more wandered among the trees, but always with some
+anxiety as to what I might see next. I had penetrated some distance into
+the island when I saw an old man bent and feeble sitting upon the river
+bank, and at first I took him to be some shipwrecked mariner like
+myself. Going up to him I greeted him in a friendly way, but he only
+nodded his head at me in reply. I then asked what he did there, and he
+made signs to me that he wished to get across the river to gather some
+fruit, and seemed to beg me to carry him on my back. Pitying his age and
+feebleness, I took him up, and wading across the stream I bent down that
+he might more easily reach the bank, and bade him get down. But instead
+of allowing himself to be set upon his feet (even now it makes me laugh
+to think of it!), this creature who had seemed to me so decrepit leaped
+nimbly upon my shoulders, and hooking his legs round my neck gripped me
+so tightly that I was well-nigh choked, and so overcome with terror that
+I fell insensible to the ground. When I recovered my enemy was still in
+his place, though he had released his hold enough to allow me breathing
+space, and seeing me revive he prodded me adroitly first with one foot
+and then with the other, until I was forced to get up and stagger about
+with him under the trees while he gathered and ate the choicest fruits.
+This went on all day, and even at night, when I threw myself down half
+dead with weariness, the terrible old man held on tight to my neck, nor
+did he fail to greet the first glimmer of morning light by drumming upon
+me with his heels, until I perforce awoke and resumed my dreary march
+with rage and bitterness in my heart.
+
+It happened one day that I passed a tree under which lay several dry
+gourds, and catching one up I amused myself with scooping out its
+contents and pressing into it the juice of several bunches of grapes
+which hung from every bush. When it was full I left it propped in the
+fork of a tree, and a few days later, carrying the hateful old man that
+way, I snatched at my gourd as I passed it and had the satisfaction of a
+draught of excellent wine so good and refreshing that I even forgot my
+detestable burden, and began to sing and caper.
+
+The old monster was not slow to perceive the effect which my draught had
+produced and that I carried him more lightly than usual, so he stretched
+out his skinny hand and seizing the gourd first tasted its contents
+cautiously, then drained them to the very last drop. The wine was strong
+and the gourd capacious, so he also began to sing after a fashion, and
+soon I had the delight of feeling the iron grip of his goblin legs
+unclasp, and with one vigorous effort I threw him to the ground, from
+which he never moved again. I was so rejoiced to have at last got rid of
+this uncanny old man that I ran leaping and bounding down to the
+sea-shore, where, by the greatest good luck, I met with some mariners
+who had anchored off the island to enjoy the delicious fruits, and to
+renew their supply of water.
+
+They heard the story of my escape with amazement, saying, "You fell into
+the hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and it is a mercy that he did not
+strangle you as he has everyone else upon whose shoulders he has managed
+to perch himself. This island is well-known as the scene of his evil
+deeds, and no merchant or sailor who lands upon it cares to stray far
+away from his comrades." After we had talked for awhile they took me
+back with them on board their ship, where the captain received me
+kindly, and we soon set sail, and after several days reached a large and
+prosperous-looking town where all the houses were built of stone. Here
+we anchored, and one of the merchants, who had been very friendly to me
+on the way, took me ashore with him and showed me a lodging set apart
+for strange merchants. He then provided me with a large sack, and
+pointed out to me a party of others equipped in like manner.
+
+"Go with them," said he, "and do as they do, but beware of losing sight
+of them, for if you strayed your life would be in danger."
+
+With that he supplied me with provisions, and bade me farewell, and I
+set out with my new companions. I soon learnt that the object of our
+expedition was to fill our sacks with cocoa-nuts, but when at length I
+saw the trees and noted their immense height and the slippery smoothness
+of their slender trunks, I did not at all understand how we were to do
+it. The crowns of the cocoa-palms were all alive with monkeys, big and
+little, which skipped from one to the other with surprising agility,
+seeming to be curious about us and disturbed at our appearance, and I
+was at first surprised when my companions after collecting stones began
+to throw them at the lively creatures, which seemed to me quite
+harmless. But very soon I saw the reason of it and joined them heartily,
+for the monkeys, annoyed and wishing to pay us back in our own coin,
+began to tear the nuts from the trees and cast them at us with angry and
+spiteful gestures, so that after very little labor our sacks were filled
+with the fruit which we could not otherwise have obtained.
+
+As soon as we had as many as we could carry we went back to the town,
+where my friend bought my share and advised me to continue the same
+occupation until I had earned money enough to carry me to my own
+country. This I did, and before long had amassed a considerable sum.
+Just then I heard that there was a trading ship ready to sail, and
+taking leave of my friend I went on board, carrying with me a goodly
+store of cocoanuts; and we sailed first to the islands where pepper
+grows, then to Comari where the best aloes-wood is found, and where men
+drink no wine by an unalterable law. Here I exchanged my nuts for pepper
+and good aloes-wood, and went a-fishing for pearls with some of the
+other merchants, and my divers were so lucky that very soon I had an
+immense number, and those very large and perfect. With all these
+treasures I came joyfully back to Bagdad, where I disposed of them for
+large sums of money, of which I did not fail as before to give the tenth
+part to the poor, and after that I rested from my labors and comforted
+myself with all the pleasures that my riches could give me.
+
+Having thus ended his story, Sindbad ordered that one hundred sequins
+should be given to Hindbad, and the guests then withdrew; but after the
+next day's feast he began the account of his sixth voyage as follows.
+
+
+
+
+SIXTH VOYAGE
+
+It must be a marvel to you how, after having five times met with
+shipwreck and unheard-of perils, I could again tempt fortune and risk
+fresh trouble. I am even surprised myself when I look back, but
+evidently it was my fate to rove, and after a year of repose I prepared
+to make a sixth voyage, regardless of the entreaties of my friends and
+relations, who did all they could to keep me at home. Instead of going
+by the Persian Gulf, I travelled a considerable way overland, and
+finally embarked from a distant Indian port with a captain who meant to
+make a long voyage. And truly he did so, for we fell in with stormy
+weather which drove us completely out of our course, so that for many
+days neither captain nor pilot knew where we were, nor where we were
+going. When they did at last discover our position we had small ground
+for rejoicing, for the captain, casting his turban upon the deck and
+tearing his beard, declared that we were in the most dangerous spot upon
+the whole wide sea, and had been caught by a current which was at that
+moment sweeping us to destruction. It was too true! In spite of all the
+sailors could do we were driven with frightful rapidity towards the foot
+of a mountain, which rose sheer out of the sea, and our vessel was
+dashed to pieces upon the rocks at its base, not, however, until we had
+managed to scramble on shore, carrying with us the most precious of our
+possessions. When we had done this the captain said to us:--
+
+"Now we are here we may as well begin to dig our graves at once, since
+from this fatal spot no shipwrecked mariner has ever returned."
+
+This speech discouraged us much, and we began to lament over our sad
+fate.
+
+The mountain formed the seaward boundary of a large island, and the
+narrow strip of rocky shore upon which we stood was strewn with the
+wreckage of a thousand gallant ships, while the bones of the luckless
+mariners shone white in the sunshine, and we shuddered to think how soon
+our own would be added to the heap. All around, too, lay vast quantities
+of the costliest merchandise, and treasures were heaped in every cranny
+of the rocks, but all these things only added to the desolation of the
+scene. It struck me as a very strange thing that a river of clear fresh
+water, which gushed out from the mountain not far from where we stood,
+instead of flowing into the sea as rivers generally do, turned off
+sharply, and flowed out of sight under a natural archway of rock, and
+when I went to examine it more closely I found that inside the cave the
+walls were thick with diamonds, rubies, and masses of crystal, and the
+floor was strewn with ambergris. Here, then, upon this desolate shore we
+abandoned ourselves to our fate, for there was no possibility of scaling
+the mountain, and if a ship had appeared it could only have shared our
+doom. The first thing our captain did was to divide equally amongst us
+all the food we possessed, and then the length of each man's life
+depended on the time he could make his portion last. I myself could live
+upon very little.
+
+Nevertheless, by the time I had buried the last of my companions my
+stock of provisions was so small that I hardly thought I should live
+long enough to dig my own grave, which I set about doing, while I
+regretted bitterly the roving disposition which was always bringing me
+into such straits, and thought longingly of all the comfort and luxury
+that I had left. But luckily for me the fancy took me to stand once more
+beside the river where it plunged out of sight in the depths of the
+cavern, and as I did so an idea struck me. This river which hid itself
+underground doubtless emerged again at some distant spot. Why should I
+not build a raft and trust myself to its swiftly flowing waters? If I
+perished before I could reach the light of day once more I should be no
+worse off than I was now, for death stared me in the face, while there
+was always the possibility that, as I was born under a lucky star, I
+might find myself safe and sound in some desirable land. I decided at
+any rate to risk it, and speedily built myself a stout raft of
+drift-wood with strong cords, of which enough and to spare lay strewn
+upon the beach. I then made up many packages of rubies, emeralds, rock
+crystal, ambergris, and precious stuffs, and bound them upon my raft,
+being careful to preserve the balance, and then I seated myself upon it,
+having two small oars that I had fashioned laid ready to my hand, and
+loosed the cord which held it to the bank. Once out in the current my
+raft flew swiftly under the gloomy archway, and I found myself in total
+darkness, carried smoothly forward by the rapid river. On I went as it
+seemed to me for many nights and days. Once the channel became so small
+that I had a narrow escape of being crushed against the rocky roof, and
+after that I took the precaution of lying flat upon my precious bales.
+Though I only ate what was absolutely necessary to keep myself alive,
+the inevitable moment came when, after swallowing my last morsel of
+food, I began to wonder if I must after all die of hunger. Then, worn
+out with anxiety and fatigue, I fell into a deep sleep, and when I again
+opened my eyes I was once more in the light of day; a beautiful country
+lay before me, and my raft, which was tied to the river bank, was
+surrounded by friendly looking black men. I rose and saluted them, and
+they spoke to me in return, but I could not understand a word of their
+language. Feeling perfectly bewildered by my sudden return to life and
+light, I murmured to myself in Arabic, "Close thine eyes, and while thou
+sleepest Heaven will change thy fortune from evil to good."
+
+One of the natives, who understood this tongue, then came forward
+saying:--
+
+"My brother, be not surprised to see us; this is our land, and as we
+came to get water from the river we noticed your raft floating down it,
+and one of us swam out and brought you to the shore. We have waited for
+your awakening; tell us now whence you come and where you were going by
+that dangerous way?"
+
+I replied that nothing would please me better than to tell them, but
+that I was starving, and would fain eat something first. I was soon
+supplied with all I needed, and having satisfied my hunger I told them
+faithfully all that had befallen me. They were lost in wonder at my tale
+when it was interpreted to them, and said that adventures so surprising
+must be related to their King only by the man to whom they had happened.
+So, procuring a horse, they mounted me upon it, and we set out, followed
+by several strong men carrying my raft just as it was upon their
+shoulders. In this order we marched into the city of Serendib, where the
+natives presented me to their King, whom I saluted in the Indian
+fashion, prostrating myself at his feet and kissing the ground; but the
+monarch bade me rise and sit beside him, asking first what was my name.
+
+"I am Sindbad," I replied, "whom men call 'the Sailor,' for I have
+voyaged much upon many seas."
+
+"And how came you here?" asked the King.
+
+I told my story, concealing nothing, and his surprise and delight were
+so great that he ordered my adventures to be written in letters of gold
+and laid up in the archives of his kingdom.
+
+Presently my raft was brought in and the bales opened in his presence,
+and the king declared that in all his treasury there were no such rubies
+and emeralds as those which lay in great heaps before him. Seeing that
+he looked at them with interest, I ventured to say that I myself and all
+that I had were at his disposal, but he answered me smiling:--
+
+"Nay, Sindbad. Heaven forbid that I should covet your riches; I will
+rather add to them, for I desire that you shall not leave my kingdom
+without some tokens of my good-will." He then commanded his officers to
+provide me with a suitable lodging at his expense, and sent slaves to
+wait upon me and carry my raft and my bales to my new dwelling-place.
+You may imagine that I praised his generosity and gave him grateful
+thanks, nor did I fail to present myself daily in his audience-chamber,
+and for the rest of my time I amused myself in seeing all that was most
+worthy of attention in the city. The island of Serendib being situated
+on the equinoctial line, the days and nights there are of equal length.
+The chief city is placed at the end of a beautiful valley, formed by the
+highest mountain in the world, which is in the middle of the island. I
+had the curiosity to ascend to its very summit, for this was the place
+to which Adam was banished out of Paradise. Here are found rubies and
+many precious things, and rare plants grow abundantly, with cedar-trees
+and cocoa-palms. On the sea-shore and at the mouths of the rivers the
+divers seek for pearls, and in some valleys diamonds are plentiful.
+After many days I petitioned the King that I might return to my own
+country, to which he graciously consented. Moreover, he loaded me with
+rich gifts, and when I went to take leave of him he intrusted me with a
+royal present and a letter to the Commander of the Faithful, our
+sovereign lord, saying, "I pray you give these to the Caliph
+Harun-al-Rashid, and assure him of my friendship."
+
+I accepted the charge respectfully, and soon embarked upon the vessel
+which the King himself had chosen for me. The King's letter was written
+in blue characters upon a rare and precious skin of yellowish color, and
+these were the words of it: "The King of the Indies, before whom walk a
+thousand elephants, who lives in a palace, of which the roof blazes with
+a hundred thousand rubies, and whose treasure-house contains twenty
+thousand diamond crowns, to the Caliph Harun-al-Rashid sends greeting.
+Though the offering we present to you is unworthy of your notice, we
+pray you to accept it as a mark of the esteem and friendship which we
+cherish for you, and of which we gladly send you this token, and we ask
+of you a like regard if you deem us worthy of it. Adieu, brother."
+
+The present consisted of a vase carved from a single ruby, six inches
+high and as thick as my finger; this was filled with the choicest
+pearls, large, and of perfect shape and lustre; secondly, a huge
+snake-skin, with scales as large as a sequin, which would preserve from
+sickness those who slept upon it. Then quantities of aloes-wood,
+camphor, and pistachio-nuts; and lastly, a beautiful slave-girl, whose
+robes glittered with precious stones.
+
+After a long and prosperous voyage we landed at Balsora, and I made
+haste to reach Bagdad, and taking the King's letter I presented myself
+at the palace gate, followed by the beautiful slave, and various members
+of my own family, bearing the treasure.
+
+As soon as I had declared my errand I was conducted into the presence of
+the Caliph, to whom, after I had made my obeisance, I gave the letter
+and the King's gift, and when he had examined them he demanded of me
+whether the Prince of Serendib was really as rich and powerful as he
+claimed to be.
+
+"Commander of the Faithful," I replied, again bowing humbly before him,
+"I can assure your Majesty that he has in no way exaggerated his wealth
+and grandeur. Nothing can equal the magnificence of his palace. When he
+goes abroad his throne is prepared upon the back of an elephant, and on
+either side of him ride his ministers, his favorites, and courtiers. On
+his elephant's neck sits an officer, his golden lance in his hand, and
+behind him stands another bearing a pillar of gold, at the top of which
+is an emerald as long as my hand. A thousand men in cloth of gold,
+mounted upon richly caparisoned elephants, go before him, and as the
+procession moves onward the officer who guides his elephant cries aloud,
+'Behold the mighty monarch, the powerful and valiant Sultan of the
+Indies, whose palace is covered with a hundred thousand rubies, who
+possesses twenty thousand diamond crowns. Behold a monarch greater than
+Solomon and Mihrage in all their glory!'
+
+"Then the one who stands behind the throne answers: 'This king, so great
+and powerful, must die, must die, must die!'
+
+"And the first takes up the chant again, 'All praise to Him who lives
+for evermore.'
+
+"Further, my lord, in Serendib no judge is needed, for to the King
+himself his people come for justice."
+
+The Caliph was well satisfied with my report.
+
+"From the King's letter," said he, "I judged that he was a wise man. It
+seems that he is worthy of his people, and his people of him."
+
+So saying he dismissed me with rich presents, and I returned in peace to
+my own house.
+
+When Sindbad had done speaking his guests withdrew, Hindbad having first
+received a hundred sequins, but all returned next day to hear the story
+of the seventh voyage.
+
+
+
+
+SEVENTH AND LAST VOYAGE
+
+After my sixth voyage I was quite determined that I would go to sea no
+more. I was now of an age to appreciate a quiet life, and I had run
+risks enough. I only wished to end my days in peace. One day, however,
+when I was entertaining a number of my friends, I was told that an
+officer of the Caliph wished to speak to me, and when he was admitted he
+bade me to follow him into the presence of Harun-al-Rashid, which I
+accordingly did. After I had saluted him, the Caliph said:--
+
+"I have sent for you, Sindbad, because I need your services. I have
+chosen you to bear a letter and a gift to the King of Serendib in return
+for his message of friendship."
+
+The Caliph's commandment fell upon me like a thunderbolt.
+
+"Commander of the Faithful," I answered, "I am ready to do all that your
+Majesty commands, but I humbly pray you to remember that I am utterly
+disheartened by the unheard-of sufferings I have undergone. Indeed, I
+have made a vow never again to leave Bagdad."
+
+With this I gave him a long account of some of my strangest adventures,
+to which he listened patiently.
+
+"I admit," said he, "that you have indeed had some extraordinary
+experiences, but I do not see why they should hinder you from doing as I
+wish. You have only to go straight to Serendib and give my message, then
+you are free to come back and do as you will. But go you must; my honor
+and dignity demand it."
+
+Seeing that there was no help for it, I declared myself willing to obey;
+and the Caliph, delighted at having got his own way, gave me a thousand
+sequins for the expenses of the voyage. I was soon ready to start, and
+taking the letter and the present I embarked at Balsora, and sailed
+quickly and safely to Serendib. Here, when I had disclosed my errand, I
+was well received, and brought into the presence of the king, who
+greeted me with joy.
+
+"Welcome, Sindbad," he cried. "I have thought of you often, and rejoice
+to see you once more."
+
+After thanking him for the honor that he did me, I displayed the
+Caliph's gifts. First a bed with complete hangings all cloth of gold,
+which cost a thousand sequins, and another like to it of crimson stuff.
+Fifty robes of rich embroidery, a hundred of the finest white linen from
+Cairo, Suez, Cufa, and Alexandria. Then more beds of different fashion,
+and an agate vase carved with the figure of a man aiming an arrow at a
+lion, and finally a costly table, which had once belonged to King
+Solomon. The King of Serendib received with satisfaction the assurance
+of the Caliph's friendliness towards him, and now my task being
+accomplished I was anxious to depart, but it was some time before the
+king would think of letting me go. At last, however, he dismissed me
+with many presents, and I lost no time in going on board a ship, which
+sailed at once, and for four days all went well. On the fifth day we had
+the misfortune to fall in with pirates, who seized our vessel, killing
+all who resisted, and making prisoners of those who were prudent enough
+to submit at once, of whom I was one. When they had despoiled us of all
+we possessed, they forced us to put on vile raiment, and sailing to a
+distant island there sold us for slaves. I fell into the hands of a rich
+merchant, who took me home with him, and clothed and fed me well, and
+after some days sent for me and questioned me as to what I could do.
+
+I answered that I was a rich merchant who had been captured by pirates,
+and therefore I knew no trade.
+
+"Tell me," said he, "can you shoot with a bow?"
+
+I replied that this had been one of the pastimes of my youth, and that
+doubtless with practice my skill would come back to me.
+
+Upon this he provided me with a bow and arrows, and mounting me with him
+upon his own elephant took the way to a vast forest which lay far from
+the town. When we had reached the wildest part of it we stopped, and my
+master said to me: "This forest swarms with elephants. Hide yourself in
+this great tree, and shoot at all that pass you. When you have succeeded
+in killing one come and tell me."
+
+So saying he gave me a supply of food, and returned to the town, and I
+perched myself high up in the tree and kept watch. That night I saw
+nothing, but just after sunrise the next morning a large herd of
+elephants came crashing and trampling by. I lost no time in letting fly
+several arrows, and at last one of the great animals fell to the ground
+dead, and the others retreated, leaving me free to come down from my
+hiding-place and run back to tell my master of my success, for which I
+was praised and regaled with good things. Then we went back to the
+forest together and dug a mighty trench in which we buried the elephant
+I had killed, in order that when it became a skeleton my master might
+return and secure its tusks.
+
+For two months I hunted thus, and no day passed without my securing an
+elephant. Of course I did not always station myself in the same tree,
+but sometimes in one place, sometimes in another. One morning as I
+watched the coming of the elephants I was surprised to see that, instead
+of passing the tree I was in, as they usually did, they paused, and
+completely surrounded it, trumpeting horribly, and shaking the very
+ground with their heavy tread, and when I saw that their eyes were fixed
+upon me I was terrified, and my arrows dropped from my trembling hand. I
+had indeed good reason for my terror when, an instant later, the largest
+of the animals wound his trunk round the stem of my tree, and with one
+mighty effort tore it up by the roots, bringing me to the ground
+entangled in its branches. I thought now that my last hour was surely
+come, but the huge creature, picking me up gently enough, set me upon
+its back, where I clung more dead than alive, and followed by the whole
+herd turned and crashed off into the dense forest. It seemed to me a
+long time before I was once more set upon my feet by the elephant, and I
+stood as if in a dream watching the herd, which turned and trampled off
+in another direction, and were soon hidden in the dense underwood. Then,
+recovering myself, I looked about me, and found that I was standing upon
+the side of a great hill, strewn as far as I could see on either hand
+with bones and tusks of elephants. "This then must be the elephants'
+burying-place," I said to myself, "and they must have brought me here
+that I might cease to persecute them, seeing that I want nothing but
+their tusks, and here lie more than I could carry away in a lifetime."
+
+Whereupon I turned and made for the city as fast as I could go, not
+seeing a single elephant by the way, which convinced me that they had
+retired deeper into the forest to leave the way open to the Ivory Hill,
+and I did not know how sufficiently to admire their sagacity. After a
+day and a night I reached my master's house, and was received by him
+with joyful surprise.
+
+"Ah! poor Sindbad," he cried, "I was wondering what could have become of
+you. When I went to the forest I found the tree newly uprooted, and the
+arrows lying beside it, and I feared I should never see you again. Pray
+tell me how you escaped death."
+
+I soon satisfied his curiosity, and the next day we went together to the
+Ivory Hill, and he was overjoyed to find that I had told him nothing but
+the truth. When we had loaded our elephant with as many tusks as it
+could carry and were on our way back to the city, he said:--
+
+"My brother--since I can no longer treat as a slave one who has enriched
+me thus--take your liberty, and may Heaven prosper you. I will no longer
+conceal from you that these wild elephants have killed numbers of our
+slaves every year. No matter what good advice we gave them, they were
+caught sooner or later. You alone have escaped the wiles of these
+animals, therefore you must be under the special protection of Heaven.
+Now through you the whole town will be enriched without further loss of
+life, therefore you shall not only receive your liberty, but I will also
+bestow a fortune upon you."
+
+To which I replied, "Master, I thank you, and wish you all prosperity.
+For myself I only ask liberty to return to my own country."
+
+"It is well," he answered, "the monsoon will soon bring the ivory ships
+hither, then I will send you on your way with somewhat to pay your
+passage."
+
+So I stayed with him till the time of the monsoon, and every day we
+added to our store of ivory till all his warehouses were overflowing
+with it. By this time the other merchants knew the secret, but there was
+enough and to spare for all. When the ships at last arrived my master
+himself chose the one in which I was to sail, and put on board for me a
+great store of choice provisions, also ivory in abundance, and all the
+costliest curiosities of the country, for which I could not thank him
+enough, and so we parted. I left the ship at the first port we came to,
+not feeling at ease upon the sea after all that had happened to me by
+reason of it, and having disposed of my ivory for much gold, and bought
+many rare and costly presents, I loaded my pack animals, and joined a
+caravan of merchants. Our journey was long and tedious, but I bore it
+patiently, reflecting that at least I had not to fear tempests, nor
+pirates, nor serpents, nor any of the other perils from which I had
+suffered before, and at length we reached Bagdad. My first care was to
+present myself before the Caliph, and give him an account of my embassy.
+He assured me that my long absence had disquieted him much, but he had
+nevertheless hoped for the best. As to my adventure among the elephants
+he heard it with amazement, declaring that he could not have believed it
+had not my truthfulness been well-known to him.
+
+By his orders this story and the others I had told him were written by
+his scribes in letters of gold, and laid up among his treasures. I took
+my leave of him, well satisfied with the honors and rewards he bestowed
+upon me; and since that time I have rested from my labors, and given
+myself up wholly to my family and my friends.
+
+Thus Sindbad ended the story of his seventh and last voyage, and turning
+to Hindbad he added:--
+
+"Well, my friend, and what do you think now? Have you ever heard of
+anyone who has suffered more, or had more narrow escapes than I have? Is
+it not just that I should now enjoy a life of ease and tranquillity?"
+
+Hindbad drew near, and kissing his hand respectfully, replied, "Sir, you
+have indeed known fearful perils; my troubles have been nothing compared
+to yours. Moreover, the generous use you make of your wealth proves that
+you deserve it. May you live long and happily in the enjoyment of it."
+
+Sindbad then gave him a hundred sequins, and henceforward counted him
+among his friends; also he caused him to give up his profession as a
+porter, and to eat daily at his table that he might all his life
+remember Sindbad the Sailor.
+
+
+
+
+ALADDIN'S WONDERFUL LAMP
+
+There once lived a poor tailor, who had a son called Aladdin, a
+careless, idle boy, who would do nothing but play all day long in the
+streets with little idle boys like himself. This so grieved the father
+that he died; yet, in spite of his mother's tears and prayers, Aladdin
+did not mend his ways. One day, when he was playing in the streets as
+usual, a stranger asked him his age, and if he were not the son of
+Mustapha the tailor.
+
+"I am, sir," replied Aladdin; "but he died a long while ago."
+
+On this the stranger, who was a famous African magician, fell on his
+neck and kissed him, saying: "I am your uncle, and knew you from your
+likeness to my brother. Go to your mother and tell her I am coming."
+
+Aladdin ran home, and told his mother of his newly-found uncle.
+
+"Indeed, child," she said, "your father had a brother, but I always
+thought he was dead."
+
+However, she prepared supper, and bade Aladdin seek his uncle, who came
+laden with wine and fruit. He presently fell down and kissed the place
+where Mustapha used to sit, bidding Aladdin's mother not to be surprised
+at not having seen him before, as he had been forty years out of the
+country. He then turned to Aladdin and asked him his trade, at which the
+boy hung his head, while his mother burst into tears. On learning that
+Aladdin was idle and would learn no trade, he offered to take a shop for
+him and stock it with merchandise. Next day he bought Aladdin a fine
+suit of clothes, and took him all over the city, showing him the sights,
+and brought him home at nightfall to his mother, who was overjoyed to
+see her son so fine.
+
+Next day the magician led Aladdin into some beautiful gardens a long way
+outside the city gates. They sat down by a fountain, and the magician
+pulled a cake from his girdle, which he divided between them. They then
+journeyed onwards till they almost reached the mountains. Aladdin was so
+tired that he begged to go back, but the magician beguiled him with
+pleasant stories, and led him on in spite of himself.
+
+At last they came to two mountains divided by a narrow valley.
+
+"We will go no farther," said the false uncle. "I will show you
+something wonderful; only do you gather up sticks while I kindle a
+fire."
+
+When it was lit the magician threw on it a powder he had about him, at
+the same time saying some magical words. The earth trembled a little and
+opened in front of them, disclosing a square flat stone with a brass
+ring in the middle to raise it by. Aladdin tried to run away, but the
+magician caught him and gave him a blow that knocked him down.
+
+"What have I done, uncle?" he said piteously; whereupon the magician
+said more kindly: "Fear nothing, but obey me. Beneath this stone lies a
+treasure which is to be yours, and no one else may touch it, so you must
+do exactly as I tell you."
+
+At the word treasure, Aladdin forgot his fears, and grasped the ring as
+he was told, saying the names of his father and grandfather. The stone
+came up quite easily and some steps appeared.
+
+"Go down," said the magician; "at the foot of those steps you will find
+an open door leading into three large halls. Tuck up your gown and go
+through them without touching anything, or you will die instantly. These
+halls lead into a garden of fine fruit-trees. Walk on till you come to a
+niche in a terrace where stands a lighted lamp. Pour out the oil it
+contains and bring it to me."
+
+He drew a ring from his finger and gave it to Aladdin, bidding him
+prosper.
+
+Aladdin found everything as the magician had said, gathered some fruit
+off the trees, and, having got the lamp, arrived at the mouth of the
+cave. The magician cried out in a great hurry:--
+
+"Make haste and give me the lamp." This Aladdin refused to do until he
+was out of the cave. The magician flew into a terrible passion, and
+throwing some more powder on the fire, he said something, and the stone
+rolled back into its place.
+
+The magician left Persia forever, which plainly showed that he was no
+uncle of Aladdin's, but a cunning magician who had read in his magic
+books of a wonderful lamp, which would make him the most powerful man in
+the world. Though he alone knew where to find it, he could only receive
+it from the hand of another. He had picked out the foolish Aladdin for
+this purpose, intending to get the lamp and kill him afterwards.
+
+For two days Aladdin remained in the dark, crying and lamenting. At last
+he clasped his hands in prayer, and in so doing rubbed the ring, which
+the magician had forgotten to take from him. Immediately an enormous and
+frightful genie rose out of the earth, saying:--
+
+"What wouldst thou with me? I am the Slave of the Ring, and will obey
+thee in all things."
+
+Aladdin fearlessly replied: "Deliver me from this place!" whereupon the
+earth opened, and he found himself outside. As soon as his eyes could
+bear the light he went home, but fainted on the threshold. When he came
+to himself he told his mother what had passed, and showed her the lamp
+and the fruits he had gathered in the garden, which were in reality
+precious stones. He then asked for some food.
+
+"Alas! child," she said, "I have nothing in the house, but I have spun a
+little cotton and will go and sell it."
+
+Aladdin bade her keep her cotton, for he would sell the lamp instead. As
+it was very dirty she began to rub it, that it might fetch a higher
+price. Instantly a hideous genie appeared, and asked what she would
+have. She fainted away, but Aladdin, snatching the lamp, said boldly:--
+
+"Fetch me something to eat!"
+
+The genie returned with a silver bowl, twelve silver plates containing
+rich meats, two silver cups, and two bottles of wine. Aladdin's mother,
+when she came to herself, said:--
+
+"Whence comes this splendid feast?"
+
+"Ask not, but eat," replied Aladdin.
+
+So they sat at breakfast till it was dinner-time, and Aladdin told his
+mother about the lamp. She begged him to sell it, and have nothing to do
+with devils.
+
+"No," said Aladdin, "since chance has made us aware of its virtues, we
+will use it and the ring likewise, which I shall always wear on my
+finger." When they had eaten all the genie had brought, Aladdin sold one
+of the silver plates, and so on till none was left. He then had recourse
+to the genie, who gave him another set of plates, and thus they lived
+for many years.
+
+One day Aladdin heard an order from the Sultan proclaimed that everyone
+was to stay at home and close his shutters while the princess, his
+daughter, went to and from the bath. Aladdin was seized by a desire to
+see her face, which was very difficult, as she always went veiled. He
+hid himself behind the door of the bath, and peeped through a chink. The
+princess lifted her veil as she went in, and looked so beautiful that
+Aladdin fell in love with her at first sight. He went home so changed
+that his mother was frightened. He told her he loved the princess so
+deeply that he could not live without her, and meant to ask her in
+marriage of her father. His mother, on hearing this, burst out laughing,
+but Aladdin at last prevailed upon her to go before the Sultan and carry
+his request. She fetched a napkin and laid in it the magic fruits from
+the enchanted garden, which sparkled and shone like the most beautiful
+jewels. She took these with her to please the Sultan, and set out,
+trusting in the lamp. The grand-vizir and the lords of council had just
+gone in as she entered the hall and placed herself in front of the
+Sultan. He, however, took no notice of her. She went every day for a
+week, and stood in the same place.
+
+When the council broke up on the sixth day the Sultan said to his vizir:
+"I see a certain woman in the audience-chamber every day carrying
+something in a napkin. Call her next time, that I may find out what she
+wants."
+
+Next day, at a sign from the vizir, she went up to the foot of the
+throne, and remained kneeling till the Sultan said to her: "Rise, good
+woman, and tell me what you want."
+
+She hesitated, so the Sultan sent away all but the vizir, and bade her
+speak freely, promising to forgive her beforehand for anything she might
+say. She then told him of her son's violent love for the princess.
+
+"I prayed him to forget her," she said, "but in vain; he threatened to
+do some desperate deed if I refused to go and ask your Majesty for the
+hand of the princess. Now I pray you to forgive not me alone, but my son
+Aladdin."
+
+The Sultan asked her kindly what she had in the napkin, whereupon she
+unfolded the jewels and presented them.
+
+He was thunderstruck, and turning to the vizir said: "What sayest thou?
+Ought I not to bestow the princess on one who values her at such a
+price?"
+
+The vizir, who wanted her for his own son, begged the Sultan to withhold
+her for three months, in the course of which he hoped his son would
+contrive to make him a richer present. The Sultan granted this, and told
+Aladdin's mother that, though he consented to the marriage, she must not
+appear before him again for three months.
+
+Aladdin waited patiently for nearly three months, but after two had
+elapsed his mother, going into the city to buy oil, found everyone
+rejoicing, and asked what was going on.
+
+"Do you not know," was the answer, "that the son of the grand-vizir is
+to marry the Sultan's daughter to-night?"
+
+Breathless, she ran and told Aladdin, who was overwhelmed at first, but
+presently bethought him of the lamp. He rubbed it, and the genie
+appeared, saying: "What is thy will?"
+
+Aladdin replied: "The Sultan, as thou knowest, has broken his promise to
+me, and the vizir's son is to have the princess. My command is that
+to-night you bring hither the bride and bridegroom."
+
+"Master, I obey," said the genie.
+
+Aladdin then went to his chamber, where, sure enough at midnight the
+genie transported the bed containing the vizir's son and the princess.
+
+"Take this new-married man," he said, "and put him outside in the cold,
+and return at daybreak."
+
+Whereupon the genie took the vizir's son out of bed, leaving Aladdin
+with the princess.
+
+"Fear nothing," Aladdin said to her; "you are my wife, promised to me by
+your unjust father, and no harm shall come to you."
+
+The princess was too frightened to speak, and passed the most miserable
+night of her life, while Aladdin lay down beside her and slept soundly.
+At the appointed hour the genie fetched in the shivering bridegroom,
+laid him in his place, and transported the bed back to the palace.
+
+Presently the Sultan came to wish his daughter good-morning. The unhappy
+vizir's son jumped up and hid himself, while the princess would not say
+a word, and was very sorrowful.
+
+The Sultan sent her mother to her, who said: "How comes it, child, that
+you will not speak to your father? What has happened?"
+
+The princess sighed deeply, and at last told her mother how, during the
+night, the bed had been carried into some strange house, and what had
+passed there. Her mother did not believe her in the least, but bade her
+rise and consider it an idle dream.
+
+The following night exactly the same thing happened, and next morning,
+on the princess's refusing to speak, the Sultan threatened to cut off
+her head. She then confessed all, bidding him ask the vizir's son if it
+were not so. The Sultan told the vizir to ask his son, who owned the
+truth, adding that, dearly as he loved the princess, he had rather die
+than go through another such fearful night, and wished to be separated
+from her. His wish was granted, and there was an end of feasting and
+rejoicing.
+
+When the three months were over, Aladdin sent his mother to remind the
+Sultan of his promise. She stood in the same place as before, and the
+Sultan, who had forgotten Aladdin, at once remembered him, and sent for
+her. On seeing her poverty the Sultan felt less inclined than ever to
+keep his word, and asked the vizir's advice, who counselled him to set
+so high a value on the princess that no man living could come up to it.
+
+The Sultan then turned to Aladdin's mother, saying: "Good woman, a
+Sultan must remember his promises, and I will remember mine, but your
+son must first send me forty basins of gold brimful of jewels, carried
+by forty black slaves, led by as many white ones, splendidly dressed.
+Tell him that I await his answer." The mother of Aladdin bowed low and
+went home, thinking all was lost.
+
+She gave Aladdin the message, adding: "He may wait long enough for your
+answer!"
+
+"Not so long, mother, as you think," her son replied. "I would do a
+great deal more than that for the princess." He summoned the genie, and
+in a few moments the eighty slaves arrived, and filled up the small
+house and garden.
+
+Aladdin made them set out to the palace, two and two, followed by his
+mother. They were so richly dressed, with such splendid jewels in their
+girdles, that everyone crowded to see them and the basins of gold they
+carried on their heads.
+
+They entered the palace, and, after kneeling before the Sultan, stood in
+a half-circle round the throne with their arms crossed, while Aladdin's
+mother presented them to the Sultan.
+
+He hesitated no longer, but said: "Good woman, return and tell your son
+that I wait for him with open arms."
+
+She lost no time in telling Aladdin, bidding him make haste. But Aladdin
+first called the genie.
+
+"I want a scented bath," he said, "a richly embroidered habit, a horse
+surpassing the Sultan's, and twenty slaves to attend me. Besides this,
+six slaves, beautifully dressed, to wait on my mother; and lastly, ten
+thousand pieces of gold in ten purses."
+
+No sooner said than done. Aladdin mounted his horse and passed through
+the streets, the slaves strewing gold as they went. Those who had played
+with him in his childhood knew him not, he had grown so handsome.
+
+When the Sultan saw him he came down from his throne, embraced him, and
+led him into a hall where a feast was spread, intending to marry him to
+the princess that very day.
+
+But Aladdin refused, saying, "I must build a palace fit for her," and
+took his leave.
+
+Once home he said to the genie: "Build me a palace of the finest marble,
+set with jasper, agate, and other precious stones. In the middle you
+shall build me a large hall with a dome, its four walls of massy gold
+and silver, each side having six windows, whose lattices, all except
+one, which is to be left unfinished, must be set with diamonds and
+rubies. There must be stables and horses and grooms and slaves; go and
+see about it!"
+
+The palace was finished by next day, and the genie carried him there and
+showed him all his orders faithfully carried out, even to the laying of
+a velvet carpet from Aladdin's palace to the Sultan's. Aladdin's mother
+then dressed herself carefully, and walked to the palace with her
+slaves, while he followed her on horseback. The Sultan sent musicians
+with trumpets and cymbals to meet them, so that the air resounded with
+music and cheers. She was taken to the princess, who saluted her and
+treated her with great honor. At night the princess said good-by to her
+father, and set out on the carpet for Aladdin's palace, with his mother
+at her side, and followed by the hundred slaves. She was charmed at the
+sight of Aladdin, who ran to receive her.
+
+"Princess," he said, "blame your beauty for my boldness if I have
+displeased you."
+
+She told him that, having seen him, she willingly obeyed her father in
+this matter. After the wedding had taken place Aladdin led her into the
+hall, where a feast was spread, and she supped with him, after which
+they danced till midnight.
+
+Next day Aladdin invited the Sultan to see the palace. On entering the
+hall with the four-and-twenty windows, with their rubies, diamonds, and
+emeralds, he cried:--
+
+"It is a world's wonder! There is only one thing that surprises me. Was
+it by accident that one window was left unfinished?"
+
+"No, sir, by design," returned Aladdin. "I wished your Majesty to have
+the glory of finishing this palace."
+
+The Sultan was pleased, and sent for the best jewellers in the city. He
+showed them the unfinished window, and bade them fit it up like the
+others.
+
+"Sir," replied their spokesman, "we cannot find jewels enough."
+
+The Sultan had his own fetched, which they soon used, but to no purpose,
+for in a month's time the work was not half done. Aladdin, knowing that
+their task was vain, bade them undo their work and carry the jewels
+back, and the genie finished the window at his command. The Sultan was
+surprised to receive his jewels again and visited Aladdin, who showed
+him the window finished. The Sultan embraced him, the envious vizir
+meanwhile hinting that it was the work of enchantment.
+
+Aladdin had won the hearts of the people by his gentle bearing. He was
+made captain of the Sultan's armies, and won several battles for him,
+but remained modest and courteous as before, and lived thus in peace and
+content for several years.
+
+But far away in Africa the magician remembered Aladdin, and by his magic
+arts discovered that Aladdin, instead of perishing miserably in the
+cave, had escaped, and had married a princess, with whom he was living
+in great honor and wealth. He knew that the poor tailor's son could only
+have accomplished this by means of the lamp, and travelled night and day
+till he reached the capital of China, bent on Aladdin's ruin. As he
+passed through the town he heard people talking everywhere about a
+marvellous palace.
+
+"Forgive my ignorance," he asked, "what is this palace you speak of?"
+
+"Have you not heard of Prince Aladdin's palace," was the reply, "the
+greatest wonder of the world? I will direct you if you have a mind to
+see it."
+
+The magician thanked him who spoke, and having seen the palace knew that
+it had been raised by the genie of the lamp, and became half mad with
+rage. He determined to get hold of the lamp, and again plunge Aladdin
+into the deepest poverty.
+
+Unluckily, Aladdin had gone a-hunting for eight days, which gave the
+magician plenty of time. He bought a dozen copper lamps, put them into a
+basket, and went to the palace, crying: "New lamps for old!" followed by
+a jeering crowd.
+
+The princess, sitting in the hall of four-and-twenty windows, sent a
+slave to find out what the noise was about, who came back laughing, so
+that the princess scolded her.
+
+"Madam," replied the slave, "who can help laughing to see an old fool
+offering to exchange fine new lamps for old ones?"
+
+Another slave, hearing this, said: "There is an old one on the cornice
+there which he can have."
+
+Now this was the magic lamp, which Aladdin had left there, as he could
+not take it out hunting with him. The princess, not knowing its value,
+laughingly bade the slave take it and make the exchange.
+
+She went and said to the magician: "Give me a new lamp for this."
+
+He snatched it and bade the slave take her choice, amid the jeers of the
+crowd. Little he cared, but left off crying his lamps, and went out of
+the city gates to a lonely place, where he remained till nightfall, when
+he pulled out the lamp and rubbed it. The genie appeared, and at the
+magician's command carried him, together with the palace and the
+princess in it, to a lonely place in Africa.
+
+Next morning the Sultan looked out of the window towards Aladdin's
+palace and rubbed his eyes, for it was gone. He sent for the vizir, and
+asked what had become of the palace. The vizir looked out too, and was
+lost in astonishment. He again put it down to enchantment, and this time
+the Sultan believed him, and sent thirty men on horseback to fetch
+Aladdin in chains. They met him riding home, bound him, and forced him
+to go with them on foot. The people, however, who loved him, followed,
+armed, to see that he came to no harm. He was carried before the Sultan,
+who ordered the executioner to cut off his head. The executioner made
+Aladdin kneel down, bandaged his eyes, and raised his scimitar to
+strike. At that instant the vizir, who saw that the crowd had forced
+their way into the courtyard and were scaling the walls to rescue
+Aladdin, called to the executioner to stay his hand. The people, indeed,
+looked so threatening that the Sultan gave way and ordered Aladdin to be
+unbound, and pardoned him in the sight of the crowd.
+
+Aladdin now begged to know what he had done.
+
+"False wretch!" said the Sultan, "come hither," and showed him from the
+window the place where his palace had stood.
+
+Aladdin was so amazed that he could not say a word.
+
+"Where is my palace and my daughter?" demanded the Sultan. "For the
+first I am not so deeply concerned, but my daughter I must have, and you
+must find her or lose your head."
+
+Aladdin begged for forty days in which to find her, promising if he
+failed, to return and suffer death at the Sultan's pleasure. His prayer
+was granted, and he went forth sadly from the Sultan's presence. For
+three days he wandered about like a madman, asking everyone what had
+become of his palace, but they only laughed and pitied him. He came to
+the banks of a river, and knelt down to say his prayers before throwing
+himself in. In so doing he rubbed the magic ring he still wore.
+
+The genie he had seen in the cave appeared, and asked his will.
+
+"Save my life, genie," said Aladdin, "and bring my palace back."
+
+"That is not in my power," said the genie; "I am only the Slave of the
+Ring; you must ask the Slave of the Lamp."
+
+"Even so," said Aladdin, "but thou canst take me to the palace, and set
+me down under my dear wife's window." He at once found himself in
+Africa, under the window of the princess, and fell asleep out of sheer
+weariness.
+
+He was awakened by the singing of the birds, and his heart was lighter.
+He saw plainly that all his misfortunes were owing to the loss of the
+lamp, and vainly wondered who had robbed him of it.
+
+That morning the princess rose earlier than she had done since she had
+been carried into Africa by the magician, whose company she was forced
+to endure once a day. She, however, treated him so harshly that he dared
+not live there altogether. As she was dressing, one of her women looked
+out and saw Aladdin. The princess ran and opened the window, and at the
+noise she made Aladdin looked up. She called to him to come to her, and
+great was the joy of these lovers at seeing each other again.
+
+After he had kissed her Aladdin said: "I beg of you, Princess, in God's
+name, before we speak of anything else, for your own sake and mine, tell
+me what has become of an old lamp I left on the cornice in the hall of
+four-and-twenty windows, when I went a-hunting."
+
+"Alas!" she said, "I am the innocent cause of our sorrows," and told him
+of the exchange of the lamp.
+
+"Now I know," cried Aladdin, "that we have to thank the African magician
+for this! Where is the lamp?"
+
+"He carries it about with him," said the princess, "I know, for he
+pulled it out of his breast to show me. He wishes me to break my faith
+with you and marry him, saying that you were beheaded by my father's
+command. He is forever speaking ill of you, but I only reply by my
+tears. If I persist, I doubt not that he will use violence."
+
+Aladdin comforted her, and left her for awhile. He changed clothes with
+the first person he met in the town, and having bought a certain powder
+returned to the princess, who let him in by a little side door.
+
+"Put on your most beautiful dress," he said to her, "and receive the
+magician with smiles, leading him to believe that you have forgotten me.
+Invite him to sup with you, and say you wish to taste the wine of his
+country. He will go for some, and while he is gone I will tell you what
+to do."
+
+She listened carefully to Aladdin, and when he left her arrayed herself
+gayly for the first time since she left China. She put on a girdle and
+head-dress of diamonds, and seeing in a glass that she looked more
+beautiful than ever, received the magician, saying to his great
+amazement: "I have made up my mind that Aladdin is dead, and that all my
+tears will not bring him back to me, so I am resolved to mourn no more,
+and have therefore invited you to sup with me; but I am tired of the
+wines of China, and would fain taste those of Africa."
+
+The magician flew to his cellar, and the princess put the powder Aladdin
+had given her in her cup. When he returned she asked him to drink her
+health in the wine of Africa, handing him her cup in exchange for his as
+a sign she was reconciled to him.
+
+Before drinking the magician made her a speech in praise of her beauty,
+but the princess cut him short, saying:--
+
+"Let me drink first, and you shall say what you will afterwards." She
+set her cup to her lips and kept it there, while the magician drained
+his to the dregs and fell back lifeless.
+
+The princess then opened the door to Aladdin, and flung her arms round
+his neck, but Aladdin put her away, bidding her to leave him, as he had
+more to do. He then went to the dead magician, took the lamp out of his
+vest, and bade the genie carry the palace and all in it back to China.
+This was done, and the princess in her chamber only felt two little
+shocks, and little thought she was at home again.
+
+The Sultan, who was sitting in his closet, mourning for his lost
+daughter, happened to look up, and rubbed his eyes, for there stood the
+palace as before! He hastened thither, and Aladdin received him in the
+hall of the four-and-twenty windows, with the princess at his side.
+Aladdin told him what had happened, and showed him the dead body of the
+magician, that he might believe. A ten days' feast was proclaimed, and
+it seemed as if Aladdin might now live the rest of his life in peace;
+but it was not to be.
+
+The African magician had a younger brother, who was, if possible, more
+wicked and more cunning than himself. He travelled to China to avenge
+his brother's death, and went to visit a pious woman called Fatima,
+thinking she might be of use to him. He entered her cell and clapped a
+dagger to her breast, telling her to rise and do his bidding on pain of
+death. He changed clothes with her, colored his face like hers, put on
+her veil and murdered her, so that she might tell no tales. Then he went
+towards the palace of Aladdin, and all the people thinking he was the
+holy woman, gathered round him, kissing his hands and begging his
+blessing. When he got to the palace there was such a noise going on
+round him that the princess bade her slave look out of the window and
+ask what was the matter. The slave said it was the holy woman, curing
+people by her touch of their ailments, whereupon the princess, who had
+long desired to see Fatima, sent for her. On coming to the princess the
+magician offered up a prayer for her health and prosperity. When he had
+done the princess made him sit by her, and begged him to stay with her
+always. The false Fatima, who wished for nothing better, consented, but
+kept his veil down for fear of discovery. The princess showed him the
+hall, and asked him what he thought of it.
+
+"It is truly beautiful," said the false Fatima. "In my mind it wants but
+one thing."
+
+"And what is that?" said the princess.
+
+"If only a roc's egg," replied he, "were hung up from the middle of this
+dome, it would be the wonder of the world."
+
+After this the princess could think of nothing but a roc's egg, and when
+Aladdin returned from hunting he found her in a very ill humor. He
+begged to know what was amiss, and she told him that all her pleasure in
+the hall was spoilt for the want of a roc's egg hanging from the dome.
+
+"If that is all," replied Aladdin, "you shall soon be happy."
+
+He left her and rubbed the lamp, and when the genie appeared commanded
+him to bring a roc's egg. The genie gave such a loud and terrible shriek
+that the hall shook.
+
+"Wretch!" he said, "is it not enough that I have done everything for
+you, but you must command me to bring my master and hang him up in the
+midst of this dome? You and your wife and your palace deserve to be
+burnt to ashes; but this request does not come from you, but from the
+brother of the African magician whom you destroyed. He is now in your
+palace disguised as the holy woman--whom he murdered. He it was who put
+that wish into your wife's head. Take care of yourself, for he means to
+kill you." So saying the genie disappeared.
+
+Aladdin went back to the princess, saying his head ached, and requesting
+that the holy Fatima should be fetched to lay her hands on it. But when
+the magician came near, Aladdin, seizing his dagger, pierced him to the
+heart.
+
+"What have you done?" cried the princess. "You have killed the holy
+woman!"
+
+"Not so," replied Aladdin, "but a wicked magician," and told her of how
+she had been deceived.
+
+After this Aladdin and his wife lived in peace. He succeeded the Sultan
+when he died, and reigned for many years, leaving behind him a long line
+of kings.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Oriental Literature, by Anonymous
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORIENTAL LITERATURE ***
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