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diff --git a/old/12370-8.txt b/old/12370-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6c2e2b9 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12370-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9574 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bagh O Bahar, Or Tales of the Four Darweshes +by Mir Amman of Dihli + +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: Bagh O Bahar, Or Tales of the Four Darweshes + +Author: Mir Amman of Dihli + +Release Date: May 17, 2004 [EBook #12370] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAGH O BAHAR *** + + + + +Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and Distributed Proofreaders +From scans of the Million Book Project + + + + +BAGH O BAHAR; OR TALES OF THE FOUR DARWESHES. + +Translated from the Hindustani of Mir Amman of Dihli + +By Duncan Forbes, LL.D., + +_Professor of Oriental Languages in King's College, London; Member +of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, author of +several works on the Hindustani and Persian Languages._ + +1874. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +The _Bagh O Bahar_, or "Garden and Spring," has, for the last half +century, been held as a classical work throughout our Indian empire. It +highly deserves this distinguished fate, as it contains various modes +of expression in correct language; and displays a great variety of +Eastern manners and modes of thinking. It is an excellent introduction +not only to the colloquial style of the _Hindustani_ language, but +also to a knowledge of its various idioms and popular phrases. + +The tale itself is interesting, if we bear in mind the fact, that no +Asiatic writer of romance or history has ever been consistent, or free +from fabulous credulity. The cautious march of undeviating truth, and +a careful regard to _vraisemblance_, have never entered into their +plan. Wildness of imagination, fabulous machinery, and unnatural +scenes ever pervade the compositions of Oriental authors,--even in +most serious works on history and ethics. Be it remembered, that +_jinns_, demons, fairies, and angels, form a part of the _Muhammadan_ +creed. The people to this day believe in the existence of such beings +on the faith of the _Kur,an_; and as they are fully as much attached +to their own religion as we are to ours, we ought not to be surprised +at their credulity. + +I have rendered the translation as literal as possible, consistent +with the comprehension of the author's meaning. This may be considered +by some a slavish and dull compliance; but in my humble opinion we +ought, in this case, to display the author's own thoughts and ideas; +all we are permitted to do, is to change their garb. This course has +one superior advantage which may compensate for its seeming dulness; we +acquire an insight into the modes of thinking and action of the people, +whose works we peruse through the medium of a literal translation, +and thence many instructive and interesting conclusions may be drawn. + +To the present edition numerous notes are appended; some, with a +view to illustrate certain peculiarities of the author's style, and +such grammatical forms of the language as might appear difficult to a +beginner; others, which mainly relate to the manners and customs of the +people of the East, may appear superfluous to the Oriental scholar who +has been in India; but in this case, I think it better to be redundant, +than risk the chance of being deficient. Moreover, as the book may +be perused by the curious in Europe, many of of whom know nothing of +India, except that it occupies a certain space in the map of the world, +these notes were absolutely necessary to understand the work. Finally, +as I am no poet, and have a most thorough contempt for the maker of +mere doggerel rhymes, I have translated the pieces of poetry, which +are interspersed in the original, into plain and humble prose. + +D. FORBES + +58, BURTON CRESCENT, +_July_, 1857. + + + + +THE PETITION OF MIR AMMAN, OF DILLI. + +_Which was Presented to the Gentlemen Managers of the College [of +Fort William]._ + +May God preserve the gentlemen of great dignity, and the appreciators +of respectable men. This exile from his country, on hearing the command +[issued by] proclamation, [1] hath composed, with a thousand labours +and efforts, the "Tale of the Four Darweshes," [entitled] the _Bagh +O Bahar_ [2] [i.e. Garden and Spring,] in the _Urdu, e Mu'alla_ +[3] tongue. By the grace of God it has become refreshed from the +perusal of all the gentlemen [4] [of the college]. I now hope I may +reap some fruit from it; then the bud of my heart will expand like a +flower, according to the word of _Hakim Firdausi_, [5] who has said +[of himself] in the _Shahnama_, + + + "Many sorrows I have borne for these thirty years; + But I have revived Persia by this Persian [History.] [6] + I having in like manner polished the _Urdu_ tongue, + Have metamorphosed _Bengal_ into _Hindustan_." [7] + + +You gentlemen are yourselves appreciators of merit. There is no need +of representation [on my part]. O God! may the star of your prosperity +ever shine! + + + +MIR AMMAN'S PREFACE. + +"_The Name of God, Most Merciful and Gracious_." + +The pure God! what an [excellent] Artificer he is! He who, out of a +handful of dust, hath created such a variety of faces and figures +of earth. Notwithstanding the two colours [of men], one white and +one black, yet the same nose and ears, the same hands and feet, +He has given to all. But such variety of features has He formed, +that the form and shape of one [individual] does not agree with the +personal appearance of another. Among millions of created beings, +you may recognise whomsoever you wish. The sky is a bubble in the +ocean of his [eternal] unity; and the earth is as a drop of water +in it; but this is wonderful, that the sea beats its thousands of +billows against it, and yet cannot do it any injury. The tongue of +man is impotent to sound the praise and eulogy of Him who has such +power and might! If it utter any thing, what can it say? It is best +to be silent on a subject concerning which nothing can be said. + +VERSE. + + + "From earth to heaven, He whose work this is, + If I wish to write his praise, then what power have I; + When the prophet himself has said, 'I do not comprehend Him.' + After this, if any one pretends to it, he is a great fool. + Day and night the sun and moon wander through their course, and behold + his works-- + Yea, the form of every individual being is a sight of surprise: + He, whose second or equal is not, and never will be; + No such a unique Being, Godhead is every way fit. + But so much I know, that He is the Creator and Nourisher. + In every way his favour and beneficence are upon me." + + +And blessings on his friend, for whose sake He created the earth and +heavens, and on whom He bestowed the dignity of prophet. + +VERSE. + + + "The pure body of _Mustafa_ is an emanation of Divine light, + For which reason, it is well known that his body threw no shadow. [8] + Where is my capacity, that I should sufficiently speak his praise; + Only with men of eloquence this is an established rule." [9] + + +And blessings and salvation be on his posterity, who are the twelve +_Imams_. [10] + +VERSE. + + + "The praise of God and the eulogy of the prophet having here ended; + Now I begin that which is requisite to be done. + O God! for the sake of the posterity of thy prophet, [11] + Render this my story acceptable to the hearts of high and low." + + +The reasons for compiling this work are these, that in the year of the +_Hijra_, 1215, A.D. 1801, corresponding to the [12] _Fasli_ year 1207, +in the time of his Excellency the noble of nobles, Marquis Wellesley, +Lord Mornington, Governor-general, (in whose praise the judgment is at +a loss, and the understanding perplexed, and in whom God has centred +all the excellent qualities that great men ought to possess. In short, +it was the good fortune of this country that such a chief came here, +from whose happy presence multitudes enjoy ease and happiness. No one +can now dare to injure or wrong another; and the tiger and the goat +drink at the same _ghat_; [13] and all the poor bless him and live,) +[14] the pursuit of learning came into vogue, and the gentlemen of +dignity perceived that by acquiring the _Urdu_ tongue, they might +hold converse with the people of India, and transact with perfect +accuracy the affairs of the country; for this reason many books were +compiled during this same year, according to orders. + +To those gentlemen who are learned, and speak the language of +_Hindustan,_ [15] I address myself, and say, that this "Tale of the +Four Darwesh" was originally composed by _Amir Khusru,_ [16] of _Dihli_ +[17] on the following occasion; the holy _Nizamu-d-Din Auliya_, +surnamed _Zari-Zar-bakhsh_, [18] who was his spiritual preceptor, +(and whose holy residence was near _Dilli_, three _Kos_ [19] from the +fort, beyond the red gate, and outside the _Matiya_ gate, near the red +house), fell ill; and to amuse his preceptor's mind, _Amir Khusru_ used +to repeat this tale to him, and attend him during his sickness. God, +in the course of time, removed his illness; then he pronounced +this benediction on the day he performed the ablution of cure: [20] +"That whoever will hear this tale, will, with the blessing of God, +remain in health:" since which time this tale, composed in Persian, +has been extensively read. + +Now, the excellent and liberal gentleman, the judge of respectable +men, Mr. John Gilchrist, (may his good fortune ever increase as +long as the _Jamuna_ and _Ganges_ flow!) with kindness said to me, +"Translate this tale into the pure _Hindustani_ tongue, which the +_Urdu_ people, both _Hindus_ and _Musalmans_, high and low, men, +women and children, use to each other." In accordance with his +honour's desire, I commenced translating it into this same dialect, +just such as any one uses in common conversation. + +But first this guilty being, _Mir Amman_, of _Dilli_, begs to relate +his own story: "That my forefathers, from the time of King _Humayun_, +served every king, in regular descent, with zeal and fidelity; and they +[21] also (i.e. the kings), with the eye of protection, ever justly +appreciated and rewarded our services. _Jagirs_, titles and rewards, +were plentifully bestowed on us; and we were called hereditary [22] +vassals, and old servants; so that these epithets were enrolled +in the royal archives. [23] When such a family (owing to which all +other families were prosperous) dwindled to such a point! which is too +well [24] known to require mention, then _Suraj Mal_, the _Jat_, [25] +confiscated our _Jagir_, and _Ahmad Shah_ the _Durrani_, [26] pillaged +our home. Having sustained such various misfortunes, I abandoned that +city, which was my native land, and the place of my birth. Such a +vessel, whose pilot was such a king, was wrecked; and I began to sink +in the sea of destitution! a drowning person catches at a straw, +and I sustained life for some years in the city of _'Azim-abad_, +[27] experiencing both good and bad fortune there. At length I left +it also--the times were not propitious; leaving my family there, +I embarked alone in a boat, and came in quest of a livelihood [28] +to Calcutta, the chief of cities. I remained unemployed for some time, +when it happened that _Nawwab Dilawar Jang_ sent for me, and appointed +me tutor to his younger brother, _Mir Muhammad Kazim Khan_. I stayed +with him nearly two years; but saw not my advantage [in remaining there +any longer.] Then, through the assistance of _Mir Bahadur 'Ali Munshi_, +I was introduced to Mr. John Gilchrist (may his dignity be lasting.) At +last, by the aid of good fortune, I have acquired the protection of +so liberal a person, that I hope better days; if not, even, this is +so much gain, that I have bread to eat, and having stretched my feet, +I repose in quiet; and that ten persons in my family, old and young, +are fed; and bless that patron. May God accept [their prayers!] + +"The account of the _Urdu_ tongue I have thus heard from my +ancestors;--that the city of _Dilli_, according to the opinion of +the _Hindus_, was founded in the earliest times, [29] and that their +_Rajas_ and subjects lived there from the remotest antiquity, and +spoke their own peculiar _Bhakha_. [30] For a thousand years past, +the _Musalmans_ have been masters there. _Mahmud_ of _Ghazni_ [31] came +[there first]; then the _Ghori_ and _Lodi_ [32] became kings; owing to +this intercourse, the languages of the _Hindus_ and _Musalmans_ were +partially blended together. At last _Amir Taimur_ [33] (in whose family +the name and empire remain to this day), conquered _Hindustan_. From +his coming and stay, the _bazar_ of his camp was settled in the city; +for which reason the _bazar_ of the city was called _Urdu_. [34] Then +King _Humayun_, annoyed by the _Pathans_, went abroad [to Persia]; and +at last, returning from thence, he punished the surviving [_Pathans_], +and no rebel remained to raise strife or disturbance. + +When King _Akbar_ ascended the throne, then all tribes of people, from +all the surrounding countries, hearing of the goodness and liberality +of this unequalled family, flocked to his court, but the speech and +dialect of each was different. Yet, by being assembled together, +they used to traffic and do business, and converse with each other, +whence resulted the common _Urdu_ language. When his majesty _Shahjahan +Sahib Kiran_ [35] built the auspicious fort, and the great mosque, [36] +and caused the walls of the city to be built; and inlaid the peacock +throne [37] with precious stones, and erected his tent, made of gold +and silver brocade; and _Nawwab' Ali Mardan Khan_ cut the canal [38] +[to _Dilli_]; then the king, being pleased, made great rejoicings, and +constituted the city his capital. Since that time it has been called +_Shajahan-abad_, (although the city of _Dilli_ is distinct from it, +the latter being called the old city, and the former the new,) and +to the bazar of it was given the title of _Urdu-e Mu'alla_. [39] + +From the time of _Amir Taimur_ until the reign of _Muhammad Shah_, +and even to the time of _Ahmad Shah_, and _Alamgir_ the Second, the +throne descended lineally from generation to generation. In the end, +the _Urdu_ language, receiving repeated polish, was so refined, that +the language of no city is to be compared to it; but an impartial +judge is necessary to examine it. Such a one God has at last, after +a long period, created in the learned, acute and profound Mr. John +Gilchrist, who from his own judgment, genius, labour and research, +has composed books of rules [for the acquisition of it]. From this +cause, the language of _Hindustan_ has become general throughout the +provinces, and has been polished anew; otherwise no one conceives +his own turban, language and behaviour, to be improper. If you ask +a countryman, he censures the citizen's idiom, and considers his own +the best; "well, the learned only know [what is correct]." [40] + +When _Ahmad Shah Abdali_, came from _Kabul_ and pillaged the city of +_Dilli, Shah 'Alam_ was in the east. [41] No master or protector of the +country remained, and [42] the city became without a head. True it is, +that the city only flourished from the prosperity of the throne. All at +once it was overwhelmed with calamity: its principal inhabitants were +scattered, and fled wherever they could. To whatever country they went, +their own tongue was adulterated by mixing with the people there; and +there were many who, after an absence of ten to five years, from some +cause or other, returned to _Dilli_, and stayed there. How can they +speak the pure language of _Dilli_? somewhere or other they will slip; +but the person who bore all misfortunes, and remained fixed at _Dilli_ +and whose five or ten anterior generations lived in that city, and who +mixed in the company of the great, and the assemblies and processions +of the people, who strolled in its streets for a length of time, +and even after quitting it, kept his language pure from corruption, +his style of speaking will certainly be correct. This humble being +[viz. _Mir Amman_], wandering through many cities, and viewing their +sights, has at last arrived at this place. + + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + +I now commence my tale; pay attention to it, and be just to its +merits. In the "Adventures of the Four Darwesh, [43]" it is thus +written, and the narrator has related, that formerly in the Empire of +_Rum_ [44] there reigned a great king, in whom were innate justice +equal to that of _Naushirwan_, [45] and generosity like that of +_Hatim_. [46] His name was _Azad-Bakht_, and his imperial residence +was at Constantinople, [47] (which they call Istambol.) In his reign +the peasant was happy, the treasury full, the army satisied, and the +poor at ease. They lived in such peace and plenty, that in their +homes the day was a festival, and the night was a _shabi barat_ +[48]. Thieves, robbers, pickpockets, swindlers, and all such as +were vicious and dishonest, he utterly exterminated, and no vestige +of them allowed he to remain in his kingdom. [49] The doors of the +houses were unshut all night, and the shops of the _bazar_ remained +open. The travellers and wayfarers chinked gold as they went along, +over plains and through woods; and no one asked them, "How many teeth +have you in your mouth," [50] or "Where are you going?" + +There were thousands of cities in that king's dominions, and many +princes paid him tribute. Though he was so great a king, he never for +a moment neglected his duties or his prayers to God. He possessed +all the necessary comforts of this world; but male issue, which is +the fruit of life, was not in the garden of his destiny, for which +reason he was often pensive and sorrowful, and after the five [51] +regulated periods of prayer, he used to address himself to his Creator +and say, "O God! thou hast, through thy infinite goodness blest thy +weak creature with every comfort, but thou hast given no light to +this dark abode. [52] This desire alone is unaccomplished, that I +have no one to transmit my name and support my old age. [53] Thou hast +everything in thy hidden treasury; give me a living and thriving son, +that my name and the vestiges of this kingdom may remain." + +In this hope the king reached his fortieth year; when one day he had +finished his prayers in the Mirror Saloon, [54] and while telling his +beads, he happened to cast his eyes towards one of the mirrors, and +perceived a white hair in his whiskers, which glittered like a silver +wire; on seeing it, the king's eyes filled with tears, and he heaved a +deep sigh, and then said to himself, "Alas! thou hast wasted thy years +to no purpose, and for earthly advantages thou hast overturned the +world. And all the countries thou hast conquered, what advantage are +they to thee? Some other race will in the end squander these riches. + +Death hath already sent thee a messenger; [55] and even if thou +livest a few years, the strength of thy body will be less. Hence, +it appears clearly from this circumstance, that it is not my destiny +to have an heir to my canopy and throne. I must one day die, and +leave everything behind me; so it is better for me to quit them now, +and dedicate the rest of my days to the adoration of my Maker." + +Having in his heart made this resolve, he descended to his lower +garden. [56] Having dismissed his courtiers, he ordered that no one +should approach him in future, but that all should attend the Public +Hall of Audience, [57] and continue occupied in their respective +duties. After this speech the king retired to a private apartment, +spread the carpet of prayer, [58] and began to occupy himself in +devotion: he did nothing but weep and sigh. Thus the king, _Azud +Bakhht_ passed many days; in the evening he broke his fast with a +date and three mouthfuls of water, and lay all day and night on the +carpet of prayer. Those circumstances became public, and by degrees +the intelligence spread over the whole empire, that the king having +withdrawn his hand from public affairs, had become a recluse. In every +quarter enemies and rebels raised their heads, and stepped beyond the +bounds [of obedience]; whoever wished it, encroached on the kingdom, +and rebelled; wherever there were governors, in their jurisdictions +great disturbance took place; and complaints of mal-administration +arrived at court from every province. All the courtiers and nobles +assembled, and began to confer and consult. + +At last it was agreed, "that as his Highness the _Wazir_ is wise and +intelligent, and in the king's intimacy and confidence, and is first in +dignity, we ought to go before him, and hear what he thinks proper to +say on the occasion," All the nobles went to his Highness the _Wazir_, +and said: "Such is the state of the king and such the condition of the +kingdom, that if more delay takes place, this empire, which has been +acquired with such trouble, will be lost for nothing, and will not be +easily regained." The _Wazir_ was an old, faithful servant, and wise; +his name was _Khiradmand,_ a name self-significant. [59] He replied, +"Though the king has forbidden us to come into his presence, yet go +you: I will also go--may it please God that the king be inclined to +call me to his presence." After saying this, the _Wazir_ brought +them all along with him as far as the Public Hall of Audience, +and leaving them there, he went into the Private Hall of Audience, +[60] and sent word by the eunuch [61] to the royal presence, saying, +"this old slave is in waiting, and for many days has not beheld the +royal countenance; he is in hopes that, after one look, he may kiss +the royal feet, then his mind will be at ease." The king heard this +request of his _Wazir_, and inasmuch as his majesty knew his length +of services, his zeal, his talents, and his devotedness, and had +often followed his advice, after some consideration, he said, "call +in _Khiradmand_." As soon as permission was obtained, the _Wazir_ +appeared in the royal presence, made his obeisance, and stood with +crossed arms. [62] He saw the king's strange and altered appearance, +that from extreme weeping and emaciation his eyes were sunk in their +sockets, [63] and his visage was pale. + +_Khiradmand_ could no longer restrain himself, but without choice, +ran and threw himself at [the king's] feet. His majesty lifted up +the _Wazir's_ head with his hands, and said, "There, thou hast at +last seen me; art thou satisfied? Now go away, and do not disturb +me more--do thou govern the empire." _Khiradmand_, on hearing this, +gnashing his teeth, wept said, "This slave, by your favour and welfare, +can always possess a kingdom; but ruin is spread over the empire from +your majesty's such sudden seclusion, and the end of it will not be +prosperous. What strange fancy has possessed the royal mind! If to this +hereditary vassal your majesty will condescend to explain yourself, it +will be for the best--that I may unfold whatever occurs to my imperfect +judgment on the occasion. If you have bestowed honours on your slaves, +it is for this exigency, that your majesty may enjoy yourself at your +ease, and your slaves regulate the affairs of the state; for if your +imperial highness is to bear this trouble, which God forbid! of what +utility are the servants of the state?" The king replied, "Thou sayest +true; but the sorrow which preys on my mind is beyond cure. + +"Hear, O _Khiradmand!_ my whole age has been passed in this vexatious +career of conquest, and I am now arrived at these years; there is +only death before me; I have even received a message from him, for my +hairs are turned white. There is a saying; 'We have slept all night, +and shall we not awake in the morning?' Until now I have not had a +son, that I might be easy in mind; for which reason my heart is very +sorrowful, and I have utterly abandoned everything. Whoever wishes, +may take the country and my riches. I have no use for them. Moreover, +I intend some day or other, to quit everything, retire to the woods and +mountains, and not show my face to any one. In this manner I will pass +this life of [at best but] a few days' duration. If some spot pleases +me, I shall sit down on it; and by devoting my time in prayers to God, +perhaps my future state will be happy; this world I have seen well, +and have found no felicity in it." After pronouncing these words, +the king heaved a deep sigh, and became silent. + +_Khiradmand_ had been the _Wazir_ of his majesty's father, and when +the king was heir-apparent he had loved him; moreover, he was wise +and zealous. He said (to _Azad Bakht_,) "It is ever wrong to despair +of God's grace; He who has created the eighteen thousand species +of living beings [64] by one fiat, can give you children without +any difficulty. Mighty sire, banish these fanciful notions from +your mind, or else all your subjects will be thrown into confusion, +and this empire,--with what trouble and pains your royal forefathers +and yourself have erected it!--will be lost in a moment, and, from +want of care, the whole country will be ruined; God forbid that you +should incur evil fame! Moreover, you will have to answer to God, +in the day of judgment, when he will say, 'Having made thee a king, +I placed my creatures under thy care; but thou hadst no faith in my +beneficence, and thou hast afflicted thy subjects [by abandoning thy +charge.'] What answer will you make to this accusation? Then even your +devotion and prayers will not avail you, for the heart of man is the +abode of God, and kings will have to answer only for the justice [65] +of their conduct. Pardon your slave's want of respect, but to leave +their homes, and wander from forest to forest, is the occupation of +hermits, [66] but not that of kings. You ought to act according to +your allotted station: the remembering of God, and devotion to him, +are not limited to woods or mountains: your majesty has undoubtedly +heard this verse, 'God is near him, and he seeks him in the wilderness; +the child is in his arms, and there is a proclamation [of its being +lost] throughout the city.' + +"If you will be pleased to act impartially, and follow this slave's +advice, in that case the best thing is, that your Majesty should +keep God in mind every moment, and offer up to him your prayers. No +one has yet returned hopeless from his threshold. In the day, arrange +the affairs of state, and administer justice to the poor and injured; +then the creatures of God will repose in peace and comfort under the +skirt of your prosperity. Pray at night; and after beseeching blessings +for the pure spirit of the Prophet, solicit assistance from recluse +_Darweshes_ and holy men, [who are abstracted from worldly objects +and cares;] bestow daily food on orphans, prisoners, poor parents +of numerous children, and helpless widows. From the blessings of +these good works and benevolent intentions, if God please, it is to +be fervently hoped that the objects and desires of your heart will +all be fulfilled, and the circumstances for which the royal mind is +afflicted, will likewise be accomplished, and your noble heart will +rejoice! Look towards the favour of God, for he can in a moment do +what he wishes." At length, from such various representations on the +part of _Khiradmand_ the _Wazir, Azad Bakht's_ heart took courage, +and he said, "Well, what you say is true; let us see to this also; +and hereafter, the will of God be done." + +When the king's mind was comforted, he asked the _Wazir_ what the other +nobles and ministers were doing, and how they were. He replied, that +"all the pillars of state are praying for the life and prosperity +of your majesty; and from grief for your situation, they are all +in confusion and dejected. Show the royal countenance to them, that +they may be easy in their minds. Accordingly, they are now waiting +in the _Diwani Amm_." On hearing this, the king said, "If God please, +I will hold a court to-morrow: tell them all to attend." _Khiradmand_ +was quite rejoiced on hearing this promise, and lifting up his hands, +blessed the king, saying, "As long as this earth and heaven exist, +may your majesty's crown and throne remain. Then taking leave [of the +king,] he retired with infinite joy, and communicated these pleasing +tidings to the nobles. All the nobles returned to their homes with +smiles and gladness of heart. The whole city rejoiced, and the subjects +became boundless [in their transports at the idea] that the king would +hold a general court the next day. In the morning, all the servants of +state, noble and menial, and the pillars of state, small and great, +came to the court, and stood each according to his respective place +and degree, and waited with anxiety to behold the royal splendour. + +When one _pahar_ [67] of the day had elapsed, all at once the +curtain drew up, and the king, having ascended, seated himself on the +auspicious throne. The sounds of joy struck up in the _Naubat-Khana_, +[68] and all the assembly offered the _nazars_ [69] of congratulation, +and made their obeisance in the hall of audience. Each was rewarded +according to his respective degree and rank, and the hearts of all +became joyful and easy. At midday [70] his majesty arose and retired +to the interior of the palace; and after enjoying the royal repast, +retired to rest. From that day the king made this an established rule, +viz., to hold his court every morning, and pass the afternoons in +reading and in the offices of devotion; and after expressing penitence, +and beseeching forgiveness from God, to pray for the accomplishment +of his desires. + +One day, the king saw it written in a book, that if any one is so +oppressed with grief and care as not to be relieved by [any human] +contrivance, he ought to commit [his sorrows] to Providence, visit +the tombs of the dead, and pray for the blessing of God on them, [71] +through the mediation of the Prophet; and conceiving himself nothing, +keep his heart free from the thoughtlessness of mankind; weep as a +warning to others, and behold [with awe] the power of God, saying, +"Anterior to me, what mighty possessors of kingdoms and wealth have +been born on earth! but the sky, involving them all in its revolving +circle, has mixed them with the dust." It is a bye-word, that, "on +beholding the moving handmill, _Kabira_, [72] weeping, exclaimed, +'Alas! nothing has yet survived the pressure of the two millstones.'" + +"Now, if you look [for those heroes], not one vestige of them +remains, except a heap of dust. All of them, leaving their riches +and possessions, their homes and offsprings, their friends and +dependants, their horses and elephants, are lying alone! All these +[worldly advantages] have been of no use to them; moreover, no one by +this time, knows even their names, or who they were; and their state +within the grave cannot be discovered; (for worms, insects, ants, and +snakes have eaten them up;) or [who knows] what has happened to them, +or how they have settled their accounts with God? After meditating on +these words in his mind, he should look on the whole of this world +as a perfect farce; then the flower of his heart will ever bloom, +and it will not wither in any circumstance." When the king read this +admonition in the book, he recollected the advice of _Khiradmand_ +the _Wazir_, and found that they coincided. He became anxious in his +mind to put this in execution; "but to mount on horseback, [said his +majesty to himself,] and take a retinue with me, and go like a king, +is not becoming; it is better to change my dress, and go at night +and alone to visit the graves of the dead, or some godly recluse, +and keep awake all night; perhaps by the mediation of these holy men, +the desires of this world and salvation in the next, may be obtained." + +Having formed this resolution, the king one night put on coarse and +soiled clothes, and taking some money with him, he stole silently out +of the fort, and bent his way over the plain; proceeding onwards, +he arrived at a cemetery, and was repeating his prayers with a +sincere heart. At that time, a fierce wind continued blowing, +and might be called a storm. Suddenly the king saw a flame at a +distance which shone like the morning star; he said to himself, +"In this storm and darkness this light cannot shine without art, +or it may be a talisman; for if nitre and sulphur be sprinkled in +the lamp, around the wick, then let the wind be ever so strong, +the flame will not be extinguished--or may it not be the lamp of +some holy man which burns? Let it be what it may, I ought to go and +examine it; perhaps by the light of this lamp, the lamp of my house +also may be lighted, [73] and the wish of my heart fulfilled." Having +formed this resolution, the king advanced in that direction; when +he drew near, he saw four erratic _fakirs_, [74] with _kafnis_ [75] +on their bodies, and their head reclined on their knees; sitting in +profound silence, and senselessly abstracted. Their state was such as +that of a traveller, who, separated from his country and his sect, +friendless and alone, and overwhelmed with grief, is desponding and +at a loss. In the same manner sat these four _Fakirs_, like statues, +[76] and a lamp placed on a stone burnt brightly; the wind touched it +not, as if the sky itself had been its shade, [77] so that it burnt +without danger [of being extinguished.] + +On seeing this sight, _Azad Bakht_ was convinced [and said to himself] +that "assuredly thy desires will be fulfilled, by the blessing +[resulting from] the footsteps of these men of God; and the withered +tree of thy hopes shall revive by their looks, and yield fruit. Go into +their company, and tell thy story, and join their society; perhaps +they may feel pity for thee, and offer up for thee such a prayer as +may be accepted by the Almighty." Having formed this determination, +he was about to step forward, when his judgment told him, O fool, +do not be hasty! Look a little [before thee.] What dost thou know +as to who they are, from whence they have come, and where they are +going? How can we know but they may be _Devs_ [78] or _Ghuls_ [79] +of the wilderness, who, assuming the appearance of men, are sitting +together? In every way, to be in haste, and go amongst them and +disturb them, is improper. At present, hide thyself in some corner, +and learn the story of these _Darweshes_." At last the king did so, +and hid himself in a corner with such silence, that no one heard +the sound of his approach; he directed his attention towards them to +hear what they were saying amongst themselves. By chance one of the +_Fakirs_ sneezed, and said, "God be praised." [80] The other three +_Kalandars_, [81] awakened by the noise he made, trimmed the lamp; +the flame was burning bright, and each of them sitting on his mattrass, +lighted their _hukkas_, [82] and began to smoke. One of these _Azads_ +[83] said, "O friends in mutual pain, and faithful wanderers over +the world! we four persons, by the revolution of the heavens, and +changes of day and night, with dust on our heads, have wandered for +some time, from door to door. God be praised, that by the aid of our +good fortune, and the decree of fate, we have to-day met each other +on this spot. The events of to-morrow are not in the least known, +nor what will happen; whether we remain together, or become totally +separated; the night is a heavy load, [84] and to retire to sleep so +early is not salutary. It is far better that we relate, each on his +own part, the events which have passed over our heads in this world, +without admitting a particle of untruth [in our narrations;] then +the night will pass away in words, and when little of it remains, +let us retire to rest." They all replied, "O leader, we agree to +whatever you command. First you begin your own history, and relate +what you have seen; then shall we be edified." + + + +ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST DARWESH + +The first _Darwesh_, sitting at his ease, [85] began thus to relate +the events of his travels: + + + "Beloved of God, turn towards me, and hear this helpless one's + narrative. + Hear what has passed over my head with attentive ears, + Hear how Providence has raised and depressed me. + I am going to relate whatever misfortunes I have suffered; hear + the whole narrative." + + +O my friends, the place of my birth, and the country of my +forefathers, is the land of Yaman; [86] the father of this wretch was +_Maliku-t-Tujjar_, [87] a great merchant, named _Khwaja Ahmad_. At +that time no merchant or banker was equal to him. In most cities +he had established factories and agents, for the purchase and sale +(of goods); and in his warehouses were _lakhs_ of _rupis_ in cash, +and merchandise of different countries. He had two children born to +him; one was this pilgrim, who, clad in the _kafni_ [88] and _saili_, +[89] is now in your presence, and addressing you, holy guides; the +other was a sister, whom my father, during his life time, had married +to a merchant's son of another city; she lived in the family of her +father-in-law. In short, what bounds could be set to the fondness +of a father, who had an only son, and was so exceedingly rich! This +wanderer received his education with great tenderness under the shadow +of his father and mother; and began to learn reading and writing, +and the science and practice of the military profession; and likewise +the art of commerce, and the keeping of accounts. Up to [the age of] +fourteen years, my life passed away in extreme delight and freedom +from anxiety; no care of the world entered my heart. All at once, +even in one year, both my father and mother died by the decree of God. + +I was overwhelmed with such extreme grief, that I cannot express [its +anguish.] At once I became an orphan! No elder [of the family] remained +to watch over me. From this unexpected misfortune I wept night and day; +food and drink were utterly disregarded. In this sad state I passed +forty days: on the fortieth day, [90] [after the death of my parents,] +my relations and strangers of every degree assembled [to perform the +rites of mourning.] When the _Fatiha_ [91] for the dead was finished, +they tied on this pilgrim's head the turban of his father; [92] +they made me understand, that, "In this world the parents of all have +died, and you yourself must one day follow the same path. Therefore, +have patience, and look after your establishment; you are now become +its master in the room of your father; be vigilant in your affairs +and transactions." After consoling me [in this friendly manner,] +they took their leave. All the agents, factors and employés [of my +late father] came and waited on me; they presented their _nazars_, +and said, "Be pleased to behold with your own auspicious eye the cash +in the coffers, and the merchandise in the warehouses." When all at +once my sight fell on this boundless wealth, my eyes expanded. I gave +orders for the fitting up of a _diwan-khana_; [93] the _farrashes_ +[94] spread the carpets, and hung up the _pardas_ [95] and magnificent +_chicks_. [96] I took handsome servants into my service; and caused +them to be clothed in rich dresses out of my treasury. This mendicant +had no sooner reposed himself in [the vacant] seat [of his father] +than he was surrounded by fops, coxcombs, "thiggars [97] and sornars," +liars and flatterers, who became his favourites and friends. I began +to have them constantly in my company. They amused me with the gossip +of every place, and every idle, lying tittle tattle; they continued +urging me thus. "In this season of youth, you ought to drink [98] of +the choicest wines, and send for beautiful mistresses to participate +in the pleasures thereof, and enjoy yourself in their company." + +In short, the evil genius of man is man: my disposition changed from +listening constantly [to their pernicious advice.] Wine, dancing, +and gaming occupied my time. At last matters came to such a pitch, +that, forgetting my commercial concerns, a mania for debauchery +and gambling came over me. My servants and companions, when they +perceived my careless habits, secreted all they could lay hand on; +one might say a systematic plunder took place. No account was kept of +the money which was squandered; from whence it came, or where it went: + + + "When the wealth comes gratuitously, the heart has no mercy on + it." [99] + + +Had I possessed even the treasures of _Karun_, [100] they would +not have been sufficient to supply this vast expenditure. In the +course of a few years such became all at once my condition, that, +a bare skull cap for my head, and a rag about my loins, were all that +remained. Those friends who used to share my board, and [who so often +swore] [101] to shed their blood by the spoonful for my advantage, +disappeared; yea, even if I met them by chance on the highway, they +used to withdraw their looks and turn aside their faces from me; +moreover, my servants, of every description, left me, and went away; +no one remained to enquire after me, and say, "what state is this +you are reduced to?" I had no companion left but my grief and regret. + +I now had not a half-farthing's worth of parched grain [to grind +between my jaws,] and give a relish to the water I drank: I endured +two or three severe fasts, but could no longer bear [the cravings +of] hunger. From necessity, covering my face with the mask of +shamelessness, I formed the resolution of going to my sister; but +this shame continued to come into my mind, that, since the death of +my father, I had kept up no friendly intercourse with her, or even +written her a single line; nay, further, she had written me two or +three letters of condolence and affection, to which I had not deigned +to make any reply in my inebriated moments of prosperity. From this +sense of shame my heart felt no inclination [to go to my sister,] +but except her house, I had no other [to which I could resort.] In +the best way I could, on foot, empty-handed, with much fatigue and +a thousand toils, having traversed the few [intervening] stages, I +arrived at the city where my sister lived, and reached her house. My +sister, seeing my wretched state, invoked a blessing upon me, embraced +me with affection, and wept bitterly; she distributed [the customary +offerings to the poor] on the occasion of my safe arrival, such as +oil, vegetables, and small coins, [102] and said to me, "Though my +heart is greatly rejoiced at this meeting, yet, brother, in what sad +plight do I see you?" I could make her no reply, but shedding tears, +I remained silent. My sister sent me quickly to the bath, after +having ordered a splendid dress to be sewn for me. I having bathed +and washed, put on these clothes. She fixed on an elegant apartment, +near her own, for my residence. I had in the morning _sharbat_, [103] +and various kinds of sweetmeats for my breakfast; in the afternoon, +fresh and dried fruits for my luncheon; and at dinner and supper she +having procured for me _pulaos_, [104] _kababs_, [105] and bread of the +most exquisite flavour and delicious cookery; she saw me eat them in +her own presence; and in every manner she took care of me. I offered +thousands upon thousands of thanksgivings to God for enjoying such +comfort, after such affliction [as I had suffered.] Several months +passed in this tranquillity, during which I never put my foot out of +my apartment. + +One day, my sister, who treated me like a mother, said to me, "O +brother, you are the delight of my eyes, and the living emblem of the +dead dust of our parents; by your arrival the longing of my heart is +satisfied; whenever I see you, I am infinitely rejoiced; you have made +me completely happy; but God has created men to work for their living, +and they ought not to sit idle at home. If a man becomes idle and stays +at home, the people of the world cast unfavourable reflections on him; +more especially the people of this city, both great and little, though +it concerns them not, will say, on your remaining [with me and doing +nothing,] 'That having lavished and spent his father's worldly wealth, +he is now living on the scraps from his brother-in-law's board.' This +is an excessive want of proper pride, and will be our ridicule, and +the subject of shame to the memory of our parents; otherwise I would +keep you near my heart, and make you shoes of my own skin, and have +you wear them. Now, my advice is that you should make an effort at +travelling; please God the times will change, and in place of your +present embarrassment and destitution, gladness and prosperity may be +the result." On hearing this speech my pride was roused; I approved +of her advice, and replied, very well, you are now in the place of +my mother, and I will do whatever you say. Having thus received my +consent, she went into the interior of her house, and brought out, by +the assistance of her female slaves and servants, fifty _toras_ [106] +of gold and laid them before me, saying, "A caravan of merchants is on +the point of setting out for Damascus. [107] Do you purchase with this +money some articles of merchandise. Having put them under the care +of a merchant of probity, take from him a proper receipt for them: +and do you also proceed to Damascus. When you arrive there in safety, +receive the amount sales of your goods, and the profit which may accrue +[from your merchant,] or sell them yourself [as may be most convenient +or advantageous."] I took the money and went to the _bazar_; [108] +and having bought articles of merchandise, I delivered them over in +charge to an eminent merchant, and set my mind at ease on receiving a +satisfactory receipt from him. The merchant embarked with the goods +on board a vessel, and set off by sea, [109] and I prepared to go +by land. When I took leave of my excellent sister, she gave me a +rich dress and a superb horse with jewelled harness; she put some +sweetmeats in a leather bag and hung it to the pummel of my saddle, +and she suspended a flask of water from the crupper; she tied a sacred +rupee on my arm, [110] and having marked my forehead with _tika_, [111] +"Proceed," said she, suppressing her tears, "I have put thee under the +protection of God; thou showest thy back in going, in the same happy +state show me soon your face." I also said, after repeating the prayer +of welfare, "God be your protector also. I obey your commands." Coming +out from thence, I mounted my horse, and having placed my reliance +on the protection of the Almighty, I set forward, and throwing two +stages into one, I soon reached the neighbourhood of Damascus. + +In short, when I arrived at the city gate, the night was far advanced, +and the door-keepers and guards had shut them. I made much entreaty, +and added, "I am a traveller, who has come a long journey, at a great +rate; if you would kindly open the gates, I could get into the city +and procure some refreshment for myself and my horse." They rudely +replied from within, "There is no order to open the gates at this +hour; why have you come so late in the night?" When I heard this +plain answer of theirs, I alighted from my horse under the walls of +the city, and spreading my housing, I sat down; but to keep awake, +I often rose up and walked about. When it was exactly midnight, [112] +there was a dead silence. What do I see but a chest descending slowly +from the walls of the fortress! When I beheld this [strange sight], I +was filled with surprise, thinking what talisman is this! perhaps God, +taking pity on my perplexity and my misfortunes, has sent me here some +bounty from his hidden treasure. When the chest rested on the ground, I +approached it with much fear, and perceived it was of wood. Instigated +by curiosity, I opened it; I beheld in it a beautiful lovely woman (at +the sight of whom the senses would vanish), wounded and weltering in +her blood, with her eyes closed, and in extreme agonies. By degrees +her lips moved, and these sounds issued slowly from her mouth, "O +faithless wretch! O barbarous tyrant! Is this deed which thou hast +done, the return I merited for all my affection and kindness! Well, +well! give me another blow [and complete thy cruelty]: I entrust to God +the executing of justice between myself and thee." After pronouncing +these words, even in that insensible state, she drew the end of her +_dopatta_ [113] over her face; she did not look towards me. + +Gazing on her, and hearing her exclamations, I became torpid. It +occurred to me, what savage tyrant could wound so beautiful a +lady! what [demon] possessed his heart, and how could he lift +his hand against her! she still loves him, [114] and even in this +agony of death, she recollects him! I was muttering this to myself; +the sound reached her ear; drawing at once her veil from her face, +she looked at me. The moment her looks met mine, I nearly fainted, +and my heart throbbed with difficulty; I supported myself by a strong +effort, and taking courage, I asked her, "tell me true, who art you, +and what sad occurrence is this I see; if you will explain it, then it +will give ease to my heart." On hearing these words, though she had +scarce strength to speak, yet she slowly uttered, "I thank you! how +can I speak? my condition, owing to my wounds, is what you see; I +am your guest for a few moments only; when my spirit shall depart, +then, for God's sake, act like a man, and bury unfortunate me in some +place, in this chest; then I shall be freed from the tongue of the +good and bad, and you will earn for yourself a future reward." After +pronouncing these words, she became silent. + +In the night I could apply no remedy; I brought the chest near me, and +began to count the _gharis_ [115] of the remaining night. I determined, +when the morning came, to go into the city and do all in my power +for the cure [of this beautiful woman]. The short, remaining night +became so heavy [116] a load, that my heart was quite restless. At +last, after suffering much uneasiness, the morning approached--the +cock crowed, and the voices of men were heard. After performing +the morning prayer, I inclosed the chest in a coarse canvas sack, +and just as the gates opened, I entered the city. I began to inquire +of every man and shop-keeper where I could find a mansion for hire; +and after much search, I found a convenient, handsome house, which I +rented. The first thing I did, was to take that beautiful woman out +of the chest, and lay her on a soft bed made up of flocks of cotton, +which I had removed to a corner. I then placed a trusty person near +her, and went in search of a surgeon. I wandered about, asking of +every one I met who was the cleverest surgeon in the city, and where +he lived. One person said, "There is a certain barber who is unique +in the practice of surgery, and the science of physic; and in these +arts is quite perfect. If you carry a dead person to him, by the help +of God, he will apply such remedies as will bring him to life. He +dwells in this quarter [of the city,] and his name is _'Isa_." [117] + +On hearing this agreeable intelligence, I went in search of him, and +after several inquiries, I found out his abode from the directions +I had received. I saw a man with a white beard sitting under the +portico of his door, and several men were grinding materials for +plasters beside him. For the sake of complimenting him, I made him +a respectful _salam_, [118] and said,--"having heard of your name +and excellent qualities, I am come [to solicit your assistance.] The +case is this: I set out from my country for the purpose of trade, +and took my wife with me, from the great affection I had for her; +when I arrived near this city, I halted at a little distance, as the +evening had set in. I did not think it safe to travel at night in an +unseen country; I therefore rested under a tree on the plains. At the +last quarter of the night, I was attacked by robbers; they plundered +me of all the money and the property they could find, and wounded my +wife, from avidity for her jewels. I could make no resistance, and +passed the remainder of the night as well as I could. Early in the +morning I came into this city, and rented a house; leaving her there, +I am come to you with all speed. God has given you this perfection +in your profession; favour this [unfortunate] traveller, and come to +his humble dwelling; see my wife, and if her life should be saved, +then you will acquire great fame, and I will be your slave as long +as I live." _'Isa_, the surgeon, was very humane and devout; he took +pity on my misfortune, and accompanied me to my house. On examining +the wounds, he gave me hopes, and said, "By the blessing of God, this +lady's wounds will be cured in forty days; and I will then cause to +be administered to her the ablution of cure." + +In short, the good man having thoroughly washed all the wounds with the +decoction of _nim_, [119] he cleansed them; those that he found fit for +stitching, he sewed up; and on the others he laid lint and plasters, +which he took out of his box, and tied them up with bandages, and +said with much kindness, "I will continue to call morning and evening; +be thou careful that she remain perfectly quiet, so that the stitches +may not give way; let her food be chicken broth administered in small +quantities at a time, and give her often the spirit of _Bed-Mushk_, +[120] with rose water, so that her strength may be supported." After +giving these directions, he took his leave. I thanked him much with +joined hands, [121] and added, "From the consolation you have bestowed, +my life also has been restored; otherwise, I saw nothing but death +before me; God keep you safe." And after giving him _'Itr_ [122] +and _betel_, I took leave of him. Night and day I attended on that +beautiful lady with the utmost solicitude; rest to myself I renounced +as impious, and in the threshold of God I daily prayed for her cure. + +It came to pass that the merchant [who had charge of my merchandise,] +arrived, and delivered over to me the goods I had entrusted to +his care. I sold them as occasion required, and began to spend the +amount in medicines and remedies. The good surgeon was regular in his +attendance, and in a short time all the wounds filled up, and began +to heal; a few days after she performed the ablution of cure. Joy of +a wonderful nature arose [in my heart]! A rich _khil'at_, [123] and +[a purse of] gold pieces I laid before _'Isa_, the surgeon. I ordered +elegant carpets to be spread for that fair one [124], and caused her +to sit upon the _masnad_. [125] I distributed large sums to the poor +[on the joyous occasion,] and that day I was as happy as if I had +gained possession of the sovereignty of the seven climes. [126] On +that beautiful lady's cure, such rosy, pure colour appeared in her +complexion, that her face shone like the sun, and sparkled with the +lustre of the purest gold. I could not gaze on her without being +dazzled with her beauty. [127] I devoted myself entirely to her +services, and zealously performed whatever she commanded. In the +full pride of beauty and consciousness of high rank, if ever she +condescended to cast a look on me, she used to say, "Take care, if +my good opinion is desirable to you, then never breathe a syllable in +my affairs; whatever I order, perform without objection; never utter +a breath in my concerns, otherwise you will repent." It appeared, +however, from her manners, that the return due to me for my services +and obedience, was fully impressed on her mind. I also did nothing +without her consent, and executed her commands with implicit obedience. + +A certain space of time passed away in this mystery and submission--I +instantly procured for her whatever she desired. I spent all the money +I had from the sale of my goods, both principal and interest. In +a foreign country [where I was unknown], who would trust me? that +by borrowing, affairs might go on. At last, I was distressed for +money, even for our daily expenses, and thence my heart became much +embarrassed. With this anxious solicitude I pined daily, and the +colour fled from my face; but to whom could I speak [for aid]? What +my heart suffered, that it must suffer. "The grief of the poor man +[preys] on his own soul." [128] One day the beautiful lady, from +her own penetration, perceived [my distressed state] and said, "O +youth! my obligations [to you] for the services [you have rendered] +me are engraven on my heart as indelible as on stone; but their return +I am unable to make at present. If there be any thing required for +necessary expenses, do not be distressed on that account, but bring me +a slip of paper, pen, and ink." I was then convinced that this fair +lady must be a princess of some country, or else she would not have +addressed me with such boldness and haughtiness. I instantly brought +her the writing materials, [129] and placed them before her--she having +written a note in a fair hand, delivered it to me, and said, "There +is a _Tirpauliya_ [130] near the fort; in the adjoining street is a +large mansion, and the master of that house is called _Sidi Bahar_; +[131] go and deliver this note to him." + +I went according to her commands, and by the name and address she had +given me, I soon found out the house; by the porter I sent word of +the circumstance [of my having brought] a letter. The moment he heard +[my message,] a handsome young negro, with a flashy turban on his +head, came out to me; though his colour was dark, his countenance was +full of animation. He took the note from my hand, but said nothing, +asked no questions, and at the same pace [without a pause] entered +the house. In a short time he came out, accompanied by slaves, who +carried on their heads eleven sealed trays covered with brocade. He +told the slaves, "Go with this young man, and deliver these trays." I, +having made my salutation, took my leave of him, and brought [the +slaves with their burdens] to our house. I dismissed the men from +the door, and carried in the trays entrusted to me to the presence +of the fair lady. On seeing them she said, "Take these eleven bags +of gold pieces and appropriate the money to necessary expenses; +God is most bountiful." I took the gold, and began to lay it out in +immediate necessaries. Although I became more easy in my mind, yet +this perplexity continued in my heart. "O God, [said I to myself,] +what a strange circumstance is this! that a stranger, whose person +is unknown to me, should, on the mere sight of a bit of paper, have +delivered over to me so much money without question or inquiry. I +cannot ask the fair lady to explain the mystery, as she has beforehand +forbidden me." Through fear, I was unable to breathe a syllable. + +Eight days after this occurrence, the beloved fair one thus addressed +me:--"God has bestowed on man the robe of humanity which may not be +torn or soiled; and although tattered clothes are no disparagement to +his manhood, yet in public, in the eyes of the world he has no respect +paid to him [if shabbily clothed]. So take two bags of gold with thee, +and go to the _chauk_, [132] to the shop of _Yusuf_ the merchant, +and buy there some sets of jewels of high value, and two rich suits +of clothes, and bring them with thee." I instantly mounted my horse, +and went to the shop described. I saw there a handsome young man, +clothed in a saffron-coloured dress, seated on a cushion; his beauty +[133] was such, that a whole multitude stopped in the street from +his shop as far as the _bazar_ to gaze at him. I approached him with +perfect pleasure, having made my "_salam 'alaika_." I sat down, and +mentioned the articles required. My pronunciation was not like that +of the inhabitants of that city. The young merchant replied with great +kindness, "Whatever you require is ready, but tell me, sir, from what +country are you come, and what are the motives of your stay in this +foreign city? If you will condescend to inform me on these points, +it will not be remote from kindness." It was not agreeable to me to +divulge my circumstances, so I made up some story, took the jewels +and the clothes, paid their price, and begged to take my leave. The +young man seemed displeased and said, "O sir, if you wished to be so +reserved, it was not necessary to show such warmth of friendly greeting +in your first approach. Amongst well-bred people these [134] amicable +greetings are of much consideration." He pronounced this speech with +such elegance and propriety, that it quite delighted my heart, and I +did not think it courteous to be unkind and leave [135] him so hastily; +therefore, to please him, I sat down again and said, I agree to your +request with all my heart, [136] and am ready [to obey your commands.] + +He was greatly pleased with my compliance, and smiling he said, +"If you will honour my poor mansion [with your company] to-day, then +having a party of pleasure, we shall regale our hearts for some hours +[in good cheer and hilarity."] I had never left the fair lady alone +[since we first met,] and recollecting her solitary situation, +I made many excuses, but that young man would not accept any; at +last, having extorted from me a promise to return as soon as I had +carried home the articles I had purchased, and having made me swear +[to that effect,] he gave me leave to depart. I, having left the +shop, carried the jewels and the clothes to the presence of the fair +lady. She asked the price of the different articles, and what passed +at the merchant's. I related all the particulars of the purchase, +and the teasing invitation I had received from him. She replied, "It +is incumbent on man to fulfil whatever promise he may make; leave me +under the protection of God, and fulfil your engagement; the law of +the prophet requires we should accept the offers of hospitality." I +said, "My heart does not wish to go and leave you alone, but such are +your orders, and I am forced to go; until I return, my heart will be +attached to this very spot." Saying this, I went to the merchant's: +he, seated on a chair, was waiting for me. On seeing me, he said, +"Come, good sir, you have made me wait long." [137] + +He instantly arose, seized my hand, and moved on; proceeding along, +he conducted me to a garden; it was a garden of great beauty; in +the basons and canals fountains were playing; fruits of various +kinds were in full bloom, and the branches of the trees were bent +down with their weight; [138] birds of various species were perched +on the boughs, and sung their merry notes, and elegant carpets were +spread in every apartment [of the grand pavilion which stood in the +centre of the garden]. There on the border of the canal, we sat down +in an elegant saloon; he got up a moment after and went out, and +then returned richly dressed. On seeing him, I exclaimed, "Praised +be the Lord, may the evil eye be averted!" [139] On hearing this, +exclamation, he smiled, and said, "It is fit you, too, should change +your dress." To please him, I also put on other clothes. The young +merchant, with much sumptuousness, prepared an elegant entertainment, +and provided every article of pleasure that could be desired; he was +warm in his expressions of attachment to me, and his conversation was +quite enchanting. At this moment a cupbearer appeared with a flask +[of wine] and a crystal cup, and delicious meats of various kinds were +served up. The salt-cellars were set in order, and the sparkling cup +began to circulate. When it had performed three or four revolutions, +four young dancing boys, very beautiful, with loose, flowing tresses, +entered the assembly, and began to sing and play. Such was the +scene, and such the melody, that had _Tan-Sen_ [140] been present +at that hour, he would have forgot his strains; and _Baiju-Ba,ora_ +[141] would have gone mad. In the midst of this festivity, the young +merchant's eyes filled suddenly with tears, and involuntarily two or +three drops trickled down [his cheeks]; he turned round and said to me, +"Now between us a friendship for life is formed; to hide the secrets of +our hearts is approved by no religion. I am going to impart a secret +to you, in the confidence of friendship and without reserve. If you +will give me leave I will send for my mistress into our company, +and exhilarate my heart [with her presence]; for in her absence, +I cannot enjoy any pleasure." + +He pronounced these words with such eager desire, that though I had +not seen her, yet my heart longed for her. I replied, your happiness +is essential to me, what can be better [than what you propose]; send +for her without delay; nothing, it is true, is agreeable without the +presence of the beloved one. The young merchant made a sign towards +the _chick_ and shortly a black woman, as ugly as an ogress, on seeing +whom one would die without [the intervention of] fate, approached the +young man and sat down. I was frightened at her sight, and said within +myself, is it possible this she-demon can be beloved by so beautiful +a young man, and is this the creature he praised [142] so highly, +and spoke of with such affection! I muttered the form of exorcism, +[143] and became silent. In this same condition, the festive scene +of wine and music continued for three days and nights; on the fourth +night, intoxication and sleep gained the victory; I, in the sleep +of forgetfulness, involuntarily slumbered; next morning the young +merchant wakened me, and made me drink some cups of a cooling and +sedative nature. He said to his mistress, "To trouble our guest any +longer would be improper." + +He then took hold of both my hands, and we stood up. I begged leave to +depart; well pleased [with my complaisance], he gave me permission [to +return home]. I then quickly put on my former clothes, and bent my way +homewards, waited on the angelic lady. But it had never before occurred +in my case, to leave her by herself and remain out all night. I was +quite ashamed of myself for being absent three days [and nights], and +I made her many apologies, and related the whole circumstances of the +entertainment, and his not permitting me [to come home sooner]. She +was well acquainted with the manners of the world, and smiling said, +"What does it signify, if you had to remain to oblige your friend; +I cheerfully pardon you, where is the blame on your part; when a man +goes on occasions of this sort to any person's house, he returns when +the other pleases to let him. But you having eaten and drunk at his +entertainments for nothing, will you remain silent, or give him a +feast in return? Now I think it proper you should go to the young +merchant, and bring him with you, and feast him two-fold greater +than he did you. Give yourself no concern about the materials [for +such an entertainment]; by the favour of God, all the requisites will +soon be ready, and in an excellent style, the hospitable party will +obtain splendour." According to her desire, I went to the jeweller, +and said to him, "I have complied with your request most cheerfully, +now do you also in the way of friendship, grant my request." He said, +"I will obey you with heart and soul." + +Then I said, "If you will honour your humble servant's house with a +visit, it will be the essence of condescension. That young man made +many excuses and evasions, but I would not give up the point. When [at +length] he consented, I brought him with me to my house; but on the way +I could not avoid making the reflection, that "if I had had the means, +I could receive my guest in a style which would be highly gratifying +to him. Now I am taking him with me, let us see what will be the +result." Absorbed in these apprehensions, I drew near my house. Then +how was I surprised to see a great crowd and bustle at the door; the +street had been swept and watered; silver mace and club bearers [144] +were in waiting. I wondered greatly [at what I saw], but knowing it +to be mine own house, I entered, and perceived that elegant carpets +befitting every apartment, were spread in all directions, and rich +_masnads_ were laid out. _Betel_ boxes, _gulab-pashes, 'itr-dans, +pik-duns_ [145] flower pots, narcissus-pots, were all arranged in +order. In the recesses of the walls, various kinds of oranges and +confectionery of various colours were placed. On one side variegated +screens of _talk_, with lights behind them were displayed, and on +the other side tall branches of lamps in the shape of cypresses +and lotuses, were lighted up. In the hall and alcove camphorated +candles were placed in golden candlesticks, and rich glass shades were +placed over thorn; every attendant waited at his respective post. In +the kitchen the pots continued jingling; and in the _abdar-khana_ +[146] there was a corresponding preparation; jars of water, quite +new, stood on silver stands, with percolators attached, and covered +with lids. Further on, on a platform, were placed spoons and cups, +with salvers and covers; _kulfis_ [147] of ice were arranged, and +the goglets [148] were being agitated in saltpetre. + +In short, every requisite becoming a prince was displayed. Dancing +girls and boys, singers, musicians and buffoons, in rich apparel, +were in waiting, and singing in concert. I led the young merchant in, +and seated him on the _masnad_; [149] I was all amazement [and said +to myself] "O God, in so short a time how have such preparations been +made?" I was staring around and walking about in every direction, +but I could nowhere perceive a trace of the beautiful lady; searching +for her, I went into the kitchen, and I saw her there, with an upper +garment on her neck, slippers on her feet, and a white handkerchief +thrown over her head, plain and simply dressed, and without any jewels. + + + "She on whom God hath bestowed beauty has no need of ornaments; + Behold how beautiful appears the moon, without decorations." + + +She was busily employed in the superintendence of the feast, and was +giving directions for the eatables, saying, "have a care that [this +dish] may be savoury, and that its moisture, its seasoning and its +fragrance, may be quite correct." In this toil that rose-like person +was all over perspiration. + +I approached her with reverence, and having expressed my admiration of +her good sense, and the propriety of her conduct, I invoked blessings +upon her. On hearing my compliments, she was displeased, and said, +"various deeds are done on the part of human beings which it is not +the power of angels [to perform]: what have I done that thou art so +much astonished? Enough, I dislike much talk; but say, what manners is +this to leave your guest alone, and amuse yourself by staring about; +what will he think of your behaviour? return quickly to the company, +and attend to your guest, and send for his mistress, and make her sit +by him." I instantly returned to the young merchant, and shewed him +every friendly attention. Soon after, two handsome slaves entered +with bottles of delicious wine, and cups set with precious stones, +and served us the liquor. In the meantime, I then observed to the +young merchant, I am in every way your friend and servant; it were +well that your handsome mistress, to whom your heart is attached, +should honour us with her presence; it will be perfectly agreeable to +me, and if you please, I will send a person to call her. On hearing +this, he was extremely pleased, and said, "Very well, my dear friend, +yon have [by your kind offer] spoken the wish of my heart." I sent a +eunuch [to bring her]. When half the night was past, that foul hag, +mounted on an elegant _chaudol,_ [150] arrived like an unexpected evil. + +To please my guest I was compelled to advance, and receive her with +the utmost kindness, and place her near the young man. On seeing her, +he became as rejoiced as if he had received all the delights of the +world. That hag also clung round the neck of that angelic youth. The +[ludicrous] sight appeared, in plain truth, such as when over the +moon of the fourteenth night, an eclipse comes. As many people as +were in the assembly began to put their fore-fingers between their +teeth, [151] saying [to themselves] "How could such a hag subdue the +affections of this young man!" The eyes of all were turned in that +direction. Disregarding the amusements of the entertainment, they +began to attend only to this strange spectacle. Some apart observed, "O +friends, there is an antagonism between love and reason! what judgment +cannot conceive, this cursed love will show. You must behold _Laili_ +with the eyes of _Majnun._ [152] All present exclaimed, "Very true, +that is the fact." + +According to the directions of the lady, I devoted myself to +attending on my guests; and although the young merchant pressed me +to eat and drink equally with himself, yet I refrained from fear of +the fair [one's displeasure], and did not give myself up to eating +and drinking, or the pleasures of the entertainment. I pleaded the +duties of hospitality as my excuse for not joining him [in the good +cheer]. In this scene of festivity three nights and days passed +away. On the fourth night, [153] the young merchant said to me with +extreme fondness, "I now beg to take my leave; for your good sake I +have utterly neglected my affairs these three days, and have attended +you. Pray do you also sit near me for a moment, and rejoice my heart," +I in my own heart imagined that "if I do not comply with his request +at this moment, then he will be grieved; and it is necessary I should +please my new friend and guest;" on which account I replied, "it is +a pleasure to me to obey the command of your honour;" for "a command +is paramount to ceremony" [154]. On hearing this, the young merchant +presented me a cup of wine, and I drank it off; then the cup moved in +such quick successive rounds, that in a short time all the guests in +the assembly became inebriated and stupefied; I also became senseless. + +When the morning came, and the sun had risen the height of two spears, +[155] my eyes opened, but I saw nothing of the preparations, the +assembly, or the beautiful lady--only the empty house remained--but +in a corner [of the hall] something lay folded up in a blanket; +I unfolded it, and saw the corpses of the young merchant and of his +[black] woman, with their heads severed from their bodies. On seeing +this sight, my senses forsook me, and my judgment was of no avail [in +explaining to me] what this was and what had happened. I was staring +about me, in every direction with amazement, when I perceived a eunuch +(whom I had seen in the preparations of the entertainment). I was +somewhat comforted on seeing him, and asked him an explanation of +these strange events. He replied briefly, "What good will it do thee +to hear an explanation of what has happened, that thou askest it?" + +I also reflected in my mind, that what he said was true; however, +after a short pause, I said to the eunuch, well, do not tell it to +me; but inform me in what apartment is the beloved lady. He answered, +"Certainly; whatever I know I will relate to thee; but [I am surprised] +that a man like thee, possessed of understanding, should, without her +ladyship's permission, and without fear or ceremony, have indulged +in a wine-drinking party after an intimacy of only a few days. [156] +What does all this mean?" + +I became much ashamed of my folly [and felt the justice] of the +eunuch's reprobation. I could make no other reply than to say, +"indeed I have been guilty, pardon me." At last the eunuch, becoming +gracious, pointed out the beloved lady's abode, and took his leave; +he himself went to bury the two beheaded bodies. I was free from any +participation in that crime, and was anxious to meet the beautiful +lady. After a painful and difficult search, I arrived at eventide +in that street, [where she then was] according to (the eunuch's) +direction; and in a corner near the door I passed the whole night +in a state of agitation. I did not hear the sound of any person's +footsteps, nor did any bne ask me about my affairs. In this forlorn +state the morning came; when the sun rose, the lovely fair one looked +at me from a window in the balcony of the house. My heart only knows +the state of joy I felt at that moment. I praised the goodness of God. + +In the meanwhile, an eunuch came up to me, and said, "Go and +stay in this [adjoining] mosque; perhaps your wishes may, in that +place, be accomplished, and you may yet gain the desires of your +heart." According to his advice I got up from the place [where +I had passed the night], and went to the mosque; but my eyes +remained fixed in the direction of the door of the house, to see +what might appear from behind the curtain of futurity. 1 waited for +the arrival of evening with the anxiety of a person who keeps the +fast [of _Ramazan_]. [157] At last the evening came, and the heavy +day was removed from my heart. All at once the same eunuch who had +given me the directions to find out the lady's house, came to the +mosque. After finishing the evening prayer, having come up to me, +that obliging person, who was in all my secrets, gave me much comfort, +and taking me by the hand, led me along with him, proceeding onwards +at last having made me sit down in a small garden, he said: "Stay here +until your desire [of seeing your mistress] be accomplished." Then he +himself having taken his leave, went, perhaps, to impart my wishes to +the beautiful lady. I amused myself with admiring the beauty of the +flowers of the garden, and the brightness of the full moon, and the +play of the fountains in the canals and rivulets, a display like that +of the mouths of _Sawan_ and _Bhadon_; but when I beheld the roses, +I thought of the beautiful rose-like angel, and when I gazed on the +bright moon, I recollected her moon-like face. All these delightful +scenes without her were so many thorns in my eyes. + +At last God made her heart favourable to me. After a little while +that lovely fair one entered from the [garden] door adorned like the +full moon, wearing a rich dress, enriched with pearls, and covered +from head to feet with an embroidered veil; she stepped along the +garden walk, and stood [at a little distance from me]. By her coming, +the beauties of that garden, and the joy of my heart revived. After +strolling for a few minutes about the garden, she sat down in the +alcove on a richly-embroidered _masnad_. I ran, and like the moth +that flutters around the candle, offered my life as a sacrifice to +her, and like a slave stood before her with folded arms. At this +moment the eunuch appeared, and began to plead for my pardon and +restoration to her favour. Addressing myself to him, I said, I am +guilty, and culpable; whatever punishment is fixed on me, let it be +executed. The lady, though she was displeased, said with _hauteur_, +"The best thing that can be done for him now is that he should receive +a hundred bags of gold pieces, and having got his property all right, +let him return to his native country." + +On hearing these words, I became a block of withered wood; if any +one had cut my body, not a drop of blood would have issued; all the +world began to appear dark before my sight; a sigh of despair burst +involuntarily from my heart, and the tears flowed from my eyes. I had +at that time no hope from any one except God; driven to utter despair, +I ventured to say, "Well, [cruel fair,] reflect a moment, that if to +this unfortunate wretch there had been a desire for worldly wealth, +he would not have devoted his life and property to you. Are the +acknowledgments due to my services, and my having devoted my life +to you, flown all of a sudden from this world, that you have shown +such disfavour to a wretch like me? It is all well; to me life is +no longer of any use; to the helpless, half-dead lover there is no +resource against the faithlessness of the beloved one." + +On hearing these words, she was greatly offended, and frowning with +anger, she exclaimed, "Very fine indeed! What, thou art my lover! Has +the frog then caught cold? [158] O fool, for one in thy situation to +talk thus is an idle fancy; little mouths should not utter big words: +no more--be silent--repeat not such presumptuous language; if any other +had dared to behave so improperly, I vow to God, I would have ordered +his body to be cut in pieces, and given to the kites [of the air]; +but what can I do?--Your services ever come to my recollection. Thou +hadst best now take the road [to thy home;] thy fate had decreed +thee food and drink only until now in my house!" I then weeping, +said, if it has been written in my destiny that I am not to attain +the desires of my heart, but to wander miserably through woods and +over mountains, then I have no remedy left. On hearing these words, +she became vexed and said, "These hints and this flattering nonsense +are not agreeable to me; go and repeat them to those who are fit to +hear them." Then getting up in the same angry mood, she returned to +her house. I beseeched her to hear me, but she disregarded what I +said. Having no resource, I likewise left the place, sad and hopeless. + +In short, for forty days this same state of things continued. When I +was tired of pacing the lanes of the city, I wandered into the woods, +and when I became restless there, I returned to the lanes of the +city like a lunatic. I thought not of nourishment during the day, +or sleep at night; like a washerman's dog, that belongs neither to +the house nor the _ghat_ [159] The existence of man depends on eating +and drinking; he is the worm of the grain. Not the least strength +remained in my body. Becoming feeble, I went and lay down under the +wall of the same mosque; when one day the eunuch aforementioned came +there to say his Friday prayers, and passed near me; I was repeating +at the time, slow from weakness, this verse: + + + "Give me strength of mind to bear these pangs of the heart, or + give me death; + Whatever may have been written in my destiny, O God! let it come + soon." + + +Though in appearance my looks were greatly altered, and my face was +such that whoever had seen me formerly would not have recognised me +to be the same person; yet the eunuch, hearing the sounds of grief, +looked at me, and regarding me with attention, pitied me, and with +much kindness addressed me, saying, "At last to this State thou hast +brought thyself." I replied, what was to occur has now happened; +I devoted my property to her welfare, and I have sacrificed my life +likewise; such has been her pleasure; then what shall I do? + +On hearing this, he left a servant with me, and went into the mosque; +when he finished his prayers, and [heard] the _Khutba_, [160] he +returned to me, and putting me into a _miyana_ [161] had me carried +along to the house of that indifferent fair, and placed me outside the +_chik_ [of her apartment]. Though no trace of my former self remained, +yet as I had been for a long while constantly with the lovely fair one, +[she must have recognised me]; however, though knowing me perfectly, +she acted as a stranger, and asked the eunuch who I was. That excellent +man replied, "This is that unfortunate, ill-fated wretch who has fallen +under the displeasure and reprehension of your highness; for this +reason his appearance is such; he is burning with the fire of love; how +much soever he endeavours to quench the flame with the water of tears, +yet it burns with double force. Nothing is of the least avail; moreover +he is dying with the shame of his fault." The fair lady jocosely +said, "Why dost thou tell lies? I received from my intelligencers, +[162] many days ago, the news of his arrival in his own country; +God knows who this is of whom you speak." Then the eunuch, putting +his hands together, said, "If security be granted to my life, [163] +then I will be so bold as to address your highness." She answered, +"Speak; your life is secure." The eunuch said, "Your highness is +by nature a judge of merit; for God's sake lift up the screen from +between you, and recognise him, and take pity on his lamentable +condition. Ingratitude is not proper. Now whatever compassion you +may feel for his present condition is amiable and meritorious--to +say more would be [to outstep] the bounds of respect; whatever your +highness ordains, that assuredly is best." + +On hearing this speech [of the eunuch], she smiled and said, "Well, +let him be who he will, keep him in the hospital; when he gets well, +then his situation shall be inquired into." The eunuch answered, +"If you will condescend to sprinkle rose-water on him with your own +royal hands, and say a kind word to him, then there may be hopes +of his living; despair is a bad thing; the world exists through +hope." Even on this, the fair one said nothing [to console me]. Hearing +this dialogue, I also continued becoming more and more tired of +existence. I fearlessly said, "I do not wish to live any longer on +these terms; my feet are hanging in the grave, and I must soon die; +my remedy is in the power of your highness; whether you may apply +it or not, that you only know." At last the Almighty [164] softened +the heart of that stony-hearted one; she became gracious and said, +"Send immediately for the royal physicians." In a short time they came +and assembled [around me]; they felt my pulse and examined my urine +with much deliberation; at last it was settled in their prægnosis, +that "this person is in love with some one; except the being united +with the beloved object, there is no other cure; whenever he possesses +her he will be well." When from the declaration of the physicians my +complaint was thus confirmed, the fair lady said, "Carry this young +man to the warm bath, and after bathing him and dressing him in fine +clothes, bring him to me." They instantly carried me out, and after +bathing me and clothing me well, they led me before the lovely angel; +then that beautiful creature said with kindness, "Thou hast constantly, +and for nothing, got me censured and dishonoured; now what more dost +thou wish? Whatever is in thy heart, speak it out quite plainly?" + +O, _Darweshes!_ [165] at that moment my emotions were such that +[I thought] I should have died with joy, and- swelled so greatly +with pleasure, that my _jama_ [166] could hardly contain me, +and my countenance and appearance became changed; I praised God, +and said to her, this moment all the art of physic is centered in +you, who have restored a corpse like me to life with a single word; +behold, from that time to this, what a change has taken place in my +circumstances [by the kindness you have shewn]." After saying this, +I went round her three times, [167] and standing before her, I said, +"your commands are that I should speak whatever I have in my heart; +this boon is more precious to your slave than the empire of the seven +climes; then be generous and accept this wretch! keep me at your feet +and elevate me," On hearing this ejaculation, she became thoughtful +for a moment; then regarding me askance, she said, "Sit down; your +services and fidelity have been such that whatever you say becomes you; +they are also engraven on my heart. Well; I comply with your request." + +The same day, in a happy hour, and under a propitious star the _kazi_ +[168] quite privately performed the marriage rites. After so much +trouble and afflictions, God shewed me this happy day, when I gained +the desires of my heart; but in the same degree that my heart wished +to possess this angelic lady, it felt equally anxious and uneasy to +know the explication of those strange events [which had occurred]; +for, up to that day I knew nothing about who she was; or who was +that brown, handsome negro, who on seeing a bit of paper, delivered +to me so many bags of gold; and how that princely entertainment was +prepared in the space of one _pahar_; and why those two innocent +persons were put to death after the entertainment; and the cause +of the anger and ingratitude she showed me after all my services +and kindnesses; and then all at once to elevate this wretch [to +the height of happiness.]. In short, I was so anxious to develop +these strange circumstances and doubts, that for eight days after +the marriage ceremonies, notwithstanding my great affection for her, +I did not attempt to consummate the rites of wedlock. I merely slept +with her at night, and got up in the morning "re non effectâ." + +One morning I desired an attendant to prepare some warm water in order +that I might bathe. [169] The princess smiling, said, "Where is the +necessity for the hot water?" I remained silent; but she was perplexed +[to account] for my conduct; moreover, in her looks the signs of anger +were visible; so much so, that she one day said to me, "Thou art indeed +a strange man; at one time so warm before, and now so cold! what do +people call this [conduct]? If you had not manly vigour, then why did +you form so foolish a wish? I then having become fearless, replied, +"O, my darling, justice is a positive duty; no person ought to deviate +from the rules of justice. She replied, "What further justice remains +[to be done]? whatever was to happen has taken place." I answered, +in truth, that which was my most earnest wish and desire I have +gained; but, my heart is uneasy with doubts, and the man whose mind +is filled with suspicions is ever perplexed; he can do nothing, and +becomes different from other human creatures. I had determined within +myself that after this marriage, which is my soul's entire delight, +I would question your highness respecting sundry circumstances which +I do not comprehend, and which I cannot unravel; that from your own +blessed lips I might hear their explanation; then my heart would be at +ease." The lovely lady frowning, said, "How pretty! you have already +forgotten [what I told you]; recollect, many times I have desired you +not to search into my concerns, or to oppose what I say; and is it +proper in you to take, contrary to custom, such liberties?" I laughing +replied, as you have pardoned me much greater liberties, forgive this +also. That angelic fair, changing her looks and getting warm, became a +whirlwind of fire, and said; "You presume too much; go and mind your +own affairs; what advantage can you derive from [the explanation of) +these circumstances?" I answered, "the greatest shame in this world +is the exposure of our person; but we are conversant with one another +[in that respect], hence as you have thought it right to lay aside +this repugnance with me, then why conceal any other secrets from me?" + +Her good sense made her comprehend my hint, and she said, "This is +true; but I am very apprehensive if I, wretched, should divulge +my secrets; it may be the cause of great trouble." I answered, +what strange apprehensions you form! do not conceive in your heart +such an idea of me, and relate without restraint all the events of +your life; never, never, shall they pass from my breast to my lips; +what possibility, then, of their reaching the ear of another?" When +she perceived that, without satisfying my curiosity she should have +no rest, being without resource, she said, "Many evils attend the +explanation of these matters, but you are obstinately bent upon +it. Well, I must please you; for which reason I am going to relate +the events of my past life--take care; it is equally necessary for you +to conceal them [from the world]; my information is on this condition." + +In short, after many injunctions, she began the relation [of her life] +as follows:--"The unfortunate wretch before you is the daughter of the +King of Damascus; he is a great sovereign among sultans; he never had +any child except me. From the day I was born I was brought up with +great delicacy and tenderness, in joy and happiness under the eye +of my father and mother. As I grew up I became attached to handsome +and beautiful women; so that I kept near my person the most lovely +young girls of noble families, and of my own age; and handsome female +servants of the like age, in my service. I ever enjoyed the amusements +of dancing and singing, and never had a care about the good or evil +of the world. Contemplating my own condition thus free from care, +except the praises of God, nothing else occupied my thoughts. + +"It so happened that my disposition became suddenly of itself so +changed, that I lost all relish for the company of others, nor did the +gay assembly afford me any pleasure; my temper became melancholic, +and my heart sad and confused; no one's presence was agreeable to +me, nor did my heart feel inclined for conversation. Seeing this sad +condition of mine, all the female servants were overwhelmed with sorrow +and fell at my feet [begging to know the cause of my gloom]. This +faithful eunuch, who has long been in my secrets, and from whom no +action of my life is concealed, seeing my melancholy, said, 'If the +princess would drink a little of the exhilarating lemonade, [170] +it is most probable that her cheerful disposition would be restored; +and gladness return to her heart.' On hearing him say so, I had a +desire [to taste it], and ordered some to be prepared immediately. + +"The eunuch went out [to make it up], and returned, accompanied by a +young boy, who brought a goblet of the lemonade, carefully prepared and +cooled in ice. I drank it, and perceived it produced the good effect +ascribed to it; for this piece of service I bestowed on the eunuch +a rich _khil'at_, [171] and desired him to bring me a goblet of the +same every day at the same hour. From that day it became a regular +duty, that the eunuch came, accompanied by the boy who brought the +lemonade, and I drank it. When its inebriating quality took effect, +I used in the elevation of my spirits to jest and laugh with the boy, +and beguile my time. When his timidity wore off, he began to utter very +agreeable speeches, and related many pleasant anecdotes; moreover, +he began to heave sighs and sobs. His face was handsome and worth +seeing; I began to like him beyond control. I, from the affections +of my heart, and the relish I felt for his playful humour, every +day gave him rewards and gratuities; but the wretch always appeared +before me in the same clothes that he had been accustomed to wear, +and they even were dirty and soiled. + +"One day I said to him, you have received a good deal [of money] from +the treasury, but your appearance is as wretched as ever; what is the +cause of it? have you spent the money, or do you amass it?" When the +boy heard these encouraging words, and found that I enquired into +his condition, he said with tears in his eyes, 'Whatever you have +bestowed on this slave, my preceptor has taken from me; he did not +give me one _paisa_ [172] for myself; with what shall I make up other +clothes, and appear better dressed before you? it is not my fault, +and I cannot help it.' At this humble statement of his, I felt pity +for him; I instantly ordered the eunuch to take charge of the boy from +that day, to educate him under his own eye, and give him good clothes, +and not to allow him to play and skip about with other boys; moreover, +that my wish was, he should be taught a respectful mode of behaviour, +to fit him for my own princely service, and to wait on me. The eunuch +obeyed my orders, and perceiving how my inclinations leaned, he took +the utmost care of him. In a little time, from ease and good living, +his colour and sleekness changed greatly, like a snake's throwing +off its slough; I restrained my inclinations as much as I could, but +the [handsome] form of that rogue [173] was so engraven on my heart, +that I fondly wished to keep him clasped to my bosom, and never take +my eyes off him for a moment. + +"At last, I made him enter into my companionship, and dressing him in +a variety of rich clothes and all kinds of jewels, I used to gaze at +him. In short, by being always with me, my longing eyes were satisfied +and my heart comforted; I every moment complied with his wants and +wishes; at last, my condition was such, that if on any urgent occasion +he was absent for a moment from my sight, I became quite uneasy. In a +few years he became a youth, and the down appeared on his cheeks; his +body and limbs were well formed! then there began to be a talk about +him out of doors among the courtiers. The guards of all descriptions +began to forbid him from coming and going within the palace. At length, +his entrance into it was quite stopped, and without him I had no rest; +a moment [of absence on his part,] was an age [of pain on mine]. When +I heard these tidings of despair, I was as distracted as if the +day of judgment had burst over me; and such was my condition that I +could not speak a word [to express my wishes]: nor yet could I live +separated from him. I had no means of relief; O God, what could I do; +a strange kind of uneasiness came over me, and in consequence of my +distraction I addressed myself to the same eunuch [who was in all my +secrets], and said to him, 'I wish to take care of this youth. In +fact, the best plan is for you to give him a thousand gold pieces, +to set him up in a jeweller's shop in the _chauk_, that he may from +the profit of his trade live comfortably; and to build him a handsome +house near my residence; to buy him slaves, and hire him servants and +fix their pay, that he may in every way live at his ease.' The eunuch +furnished him with a house, and set up a jeweller's shop for him to +carry on the traffic, and prepared everything that was requisite. In a +short time, his shop became so brilliant and showy, that whatever rich +_khil'ats_ or superb jewels were required for the king and his nobles, +could only be procured there; and by degrees his shop so flourished, +that all the rarities of every country were to be found there; and +the daily traffic of all other jewellers became languid in comparison +with his. In short, no one was able to compete with him in the city, +nor was his equal [to be found] in any other country. + +"He made a great deal of money [174] by his business; but [grief +for his] absence daily preyed on my mind, and injured my health; +no expedient could be hit upon by which I might see him, and console +my heart. At last, for the purpose of consultation, I sent for the +same experienced eunuch, and said to him, 'I can devise no plan by +which I may see the youth for a moment, and inspire my heart with +patience. There remains only this method, which is to dig a mine from +his house and join the same to the palace.' I had no sooner expressed +my wish, than such a mine was dug in a few days, so that on the +approach of evening the eunuch used to conduct the young man through +that same passage, in silence and secrecy [to my apartment]. We used +to pass the whole night in eating and drinking, and every enjoyment; +I was delighted to meet him, and he was rejoiced to see me. When the +morning star appeared, and the _muwazzin_ [175] gave notice [of the +time for morning prayers], the eunuch used to lead the youth by the +same way to his house. No fourth person had any knowledge of these +circumstances; [it was known] only to the eunuch and two nurses who +had given me milk, and brought me up. + +"A long period passed in this manner; but it happened one day that when +the eunuch went to call him, according to custom, then he perceived +that the youth was sitting sorrowful and silent. The eunuch asked him, +'Is all well to-day? why are you so sad? Come to the princess; she has +sent for you.' The youth made no reply whatever, nor did he move his +tongue. The eunuch returned alone with a similar face, and mentioned +to me the young man's condition. As the devil was about to ruin me, +even after this conduct I could not banish him from my heart; if I +had known that my love and affection for such an ungrateful wretch +would have at last rendered me infamous and degraded, and would have +destroyed my fame and honour; then I should have at that moment +shrunk back from such a proceeding, and should have done penance; +I never again should have pronounced his name, neither should I have +devoted my heart to the shameless [fellow]. But it was to happen so; +for this reason I took no heed of his improper conduct, and his not +coming I imagined to be the affectation and airs of those [who are +conscious of being] beloved; its consequences I have sadly rued, and +thou art now also informed of these events without hearing or seeing +them; or else where were you, and where was I? Well, what has happened +is past. Bestowing not a thought on the conceited airs of that ass, +I again sent him word by the eunuch, saying, 'if thou wilt not come +to me now, by some means or other I will come to thee; but there is +much impropriety in my coming there;--if this secret is discovered, +thou wilt have cause to rue it; so do not act in a manner that will +have no other result than disgrace; it is best that thou comest quickly +[to me], otherwise imagine me arrived [near thee]. When he received +this message, and perceived that my love for him was unbounded, +he came with disagreeable looks and affected airs. + +"When he sat down by me, I asked him, 'what is the cause of your +coolness and anger to-day; you never showed so much insolence +and disrespect before, you always used to come without making any +excuses.' To this he replied, 'I am a poor nameless wretch; by your +favour, and owing to you, I am arrived to such power, and with much +ease and affluence I pass my days. I ever pray for your life and +prosperity; I have committed this fault in full reliance on your +highness's forgiveness, and I hope for pardon. As I loved him from +my soul and heart, I accepted his well-turned apology, and not only +overlooked his knavery, but even asked him again with affection, +what great difficulty has occurred that you are so thoughtful? +mention it, and it shall be instantly removed.' + +"In short, in his humble way, he replied, 'Everything is difficult to +me; before your highness, all is easy,' At last, from the purport of +his discourse and conversation, it appeared that an elegant garden, +with a grand house in it, together with reservoirs, tanks and wells, +of finished masonry, was for sale, situated in the centre of the +city and near his house; and that with the garden a female slave was +to be sold, who sung admirably and understood music perfectly. But +they were to be sold together, and not the garden alone, 'like the +cat tied to the camel's neck;' [176] and that whoever purchased +the garden must also buy the slave; the best of it was, the price +of the garden was five thousand rupees, and the price of the slave +five hundred thousand. [He concluded saying], 'Your devoted slave +cannot at present raise so large a sum.' I perceived that his heart +was greatly bent on buying them, and that for this reason he was +thoughtful, and embarrassed in mind; although he was seated near me, +yet his looks were pensive and his heart sad: as his happiness every +hour and moment was dear to me, I that instant ordered the eunuch to +go in the morning and settle the price of the garden and the slave, +get their bills of sale drawn up, and deliver them to this person, +and pay the price to their owner from the royal treasury. + +"On hearing this order, the young man thanked me, tears of joy +came upon his face; and we passed the night as usual in laughing +and delight; in the morning he took leave. The eunuch, agreeably +to my orders, bought and delivered over to him the garden and the +slave. The youth continued his visits at night, according to custom +[and retired in the morning]. One day in the season of spring, when +the whole place was indeed charming, the clouds were gathering low, +and the rain drizzling fell, the lightning also continued to flash +[through the murky clouds], and the breeze played gently [through +the trees]--in short, it was a delightful scene. When in the _taks_ +[177] the liquors of various colours, arranged in elegant phials, +fell upon my sight; my heart longed to take a draught. After I +had drank two or three cupfulls, instantly the idea of the newly +purchased garden struck me. An irrepressible desire arose within me, +when in that state, that for a short time I should enjoy a walk in that +[garden]. When the stream of misfortune flows against us, we struggle +in vain against the tide. [178] I involuntarily took a female servant +with me, and went to the young man's house by the way of the mine; +from thence I proceeded to the garden, and saw that the delightful +place was in truth equal to the Elysian fields. As the raindrops fell +on the fresh green leaves of the trees, one might say they were like +pearls set in pieces of emerald, and the carnation of the flowers, +in that cloudy day, appeared as beautiful as the ruddy crepuscle +after the setting sun; the basons and canals, full of water, seemed +like sheets of mirrors, over which the small waves undulated. + +"In short, I was strolling about in every direction in that garden, +when the day vanished and the darkness of night became conspicuous. At +that moment, the young man appeared on a walk [in the garden]; and on +seeing me, he approached with respect and great warmth of affection, +and taking my hand in his, led me to the pavilion. [179] On entering +it, the splendour of the scene made me entirely forget all the beauty +of the garden. The illuminations within were magnificent; on every +side, gerandoles, in the shape of cypresses, and various kinds of +lights in variegated lamps were lighted up; even the _shabi barat_, +with all its moonlight and its illuminations, would appear dark +[in comparison to the brightness which shone in the pavilion]; on +one side, fire-works [180] of every description were displayed. + +"In the meantime, the clouds dispersed, and the bright moon appeared +like a lovely mistress clothed in a lilac-coloured robe, who suddenly +strikes our sight. It was a scene of great beauty; as the moon burst +forth, the young man said, 'Let us now go and sit in the balcony which +overlooks the garden.' I had become so infatuated, that whatever the +wretch proposed I implicitly obeyed; now he led me such a dance, that +he dragged me up [to the balcony.] That building was so high, that all +the houses of the city and the lights of the _bazar_, appeared as if +they were at the foot of it. I was seated in a state of delight, with +my arms round the youth's neck; meanwhile, a woman, quite ugly, without +form or shape, entered as it were from the chimney, with a bottle of +wine in her hand; I was at that time greatly displeased at her sudden +entrance, and on seeing her looks, my heart became alarmed. Then, +in confusion, I asked the young man, 'who is this precious hag; +from whence have you grubbed her up?' Joining his hands together, he +replied, 'This is the slave who was bought with the garden through your +generous assistance.' I had perceived that the simpleton had bought +her with much eager desire, and perhaps his heart was fixed on her; +for this reason, I, suppressing my inward vexation, remained silent; +but my heart from that moment was disturbed and displeasure affected +my temper; moreover, the wretch had the impudence to make this harlot +our cup-bearer. At that moment I was drinking my own blood with rage, +and was as uneasy as a parrot shut up in the same cage with a crow: +I had no opportunity of going away, and did not wish to stay. To +shorten the story, the wine was of the strongest description, so +that on drinking it a man would become a beast. She plied the young +man with two or three cups in succession of that fiery liquor, and +I also bitterly swallowed half a cupfull at the importunity of the +youth; at last, the shameless harlot likewise got beastly drunk, +and took very unbecoming liberties with that vile youth; and the +mean wretch also, in his intoxication, having become regardless, +began to be disrespectful, and behave indecently. + +"I was so much ashamed, that had the earth opened at the moment I +would have willingly jumped into it; but in consequence of my passion +for him, I, infatuated, even after all these circumstances, remained +silent. However, he was completely a vile wretch, and did not feel the +value of my forbearance. In the fervour of intoxication, he drank off +two cups more, so that his little remaining sense vanished, and he +completely drove from his heart all respect for me. Without shame, +and in the rage of lust, the barefaced villain consummated before +me his career of infamous indecency with his hideous mistress, who, +in that posture, began to play off all the blandishments of love, and +kissing and embracing took place between the two. In that faithless +man no sense of honour remained; neither did modesty exist in that +shameless woman; 'As the soul is, so are the angels.' [181] My state +[of mind] at the time was like that of a songstress who having [lost +the musical time,] sings out of tune. I was invoking curses on myself +for having come there, saying that I was properly punished for my +folly. At last, how could I bear it? I was on fire from head to foot, +and began to roll on live coals. In my rage and wrath I recollected +the proverb, that 'It is not the bullock that leaps, but the sack; +[182] whoever has seen a sight like this?' in saying this to myself, +I came away thence. + +"That drunkard in the depravity of his heart thought, if I was +offended now, what then would be his treatment the next day, and +what a commotion I should raise. So he imagined it best to finish +my existence [whilst he had me in his power.] Having formed this +resolution in his mind with the advice of the hag, he put his _patka_ +[183] round his neck and fell at my feet, and taking off his turban +from his head, began to supplicate [my forgiveness] in the humblest +manner. My heart was infatuated towards him; whithersoever he turned +I turned; and like the handmill I was entirely under his control. I +implicitly complied with all he desired; some way or other he pacified +me, and persuaded me to retake my seat. He again took two or three +cupfulls of the fiery liquor, and he induced me to drink some also. I, +in the first place, was already inflamed with rage, and secondly, +after drinking such strong liquor I soon became quite senseless--no +recollection remained. Then that unfeeling, ungrateful, cruel wretch +wounded me with his sword; yea, further, he thought he had completely +killed me. At that moment, my eyes opened, and I uttered these words, +'Well, as I have acted, so I have been rewarded; but do thou screen +thyself from the consequences of shedding unjustly my blood. Let it +not so happen that some tyrant should seize thee; do thou wash off +my blood from thy garment; what has happened is past.' + +"Do not divulge this secret to any one; I have not been wanting to +thee even with loss of life. Then placing him under the protection +of God's mercy, I fainted [from the loss of blood], and knew nothing +of what afterwards happened. Perhaps, that butcher, conceiving me +dead, put me into the chest, and let me down over the walls of the +fortress, the same as you yourself saw, I wished no one ill; but these +misfortunes were written in my destiny, and the lines of fate cannot +be effaced. My eyes have been the cause of all these calamities: if +I had not had a strong desire to behold beautiful persons, then that +wretch would not have been my bane. [184] God so ordained that He made +thee arrive there; and, He made thee the means of saving my life. After +undergoing these disgraces, I am ashamed to reflect that I should yet +live and show my face to any one. But what can I do? the choice of +death is not in our hands; God, after killing me, hath restored me to +life; let us see what is written in my future fate. In all appearance, +your exertions and zeal have been of use, so that I have been cured +of such wounds. Thou hast been ready to promote my wishes with thy +life and property, and whatever were thy means, thou hast offered +[them cheerfully]. In those days, seeing thee without money and sad, +I wrote the note to _Sidi Bahar_, who is my cashier. In that note, I +mentioned that I was in health and safety in such a place, and I said, +"convey the intelligence of me unfortunate to my excellent mother." + +"The _Sidi_ sent by thee those trays of gold for my expenses; and +when I sent thee to the shop of _Yusuf_ the merchant, to purchase +_khil'ats_ and jewels, I felt confident that the weakminded wretch, who +soon becomes friends with every one, conceiving you a stranger, would +certainly form an intimacy with you, and indulging his conceit, invite +you to a feast and entertainment. This stratagem of mine turned out +right, and he did exactly what I had imagined in my heart. Then, when +you promised him to return, and came to me and related the particulars +of his insisting upon it, I was heartily pleased with the circumstance; +for I knew that if you went to his house, and there ate and drank, +you would invite him in return, and that he would eagerly come; for +this reason, I sent thee back quickly to him. After three days, when +you returned from the entertainment, and, quite abashed, made me many +apologies for staying away so long, to make you easy in your mind, +I replied, 'it is of no consequence; when he gave you leave then you +came away; but to be without delicacy is not proper, and we should not +bear another's debt of gratitude without an idea of paying it; now do +you go and invite him also, and bring him along with you.' When you +went away to his house, I saw that no preparations could be got ready +for the entertainment at our house, and if he should all at once come, +what could I do? but it fortunately happened that from time immemorial, +the custom of this country has been for the kings to remain out for +eight months in the year, to settle the affairs of the provinces, and +collect the revenues, and for four months, during the rains, to stay +[in the city] in their auspicious palaces. In those days, the king, +this unfortunate wretch's father, had gone into the provinces some +two or four months previously to arrange the affairs of the kingdom. + +"Whilst you were gone to bring the young merchant [to the +entertainment], _Sidi Bahar_ imparted the particulars of my present +situation to the queen (who is the mother of me impure). Again I, +ashamed of my guilty conduct, went to the queen and related to her +all that happened to me. Although she, from motherly affection and +good sense, had used every means to conceal the circumstance of +my disappearance, saying, 'God knows what may be the end of it;' +she conceived it wrong to make public my disgrace for the present, +and for my sake she had concealed my errors in her maternal breast; +but she had all along been in search of me. + +"When she saw me in this condition, and heard all the circumstances +[of my misfortune], her eyes filled with tears, and she said, +'O unfortunate wretch! thou hast knowingly destroyed the honour and +glory of the throne; a thousand pities that thou hadst not perished +also; if instead of thee I had been brought to bed of a stone, I +should have been patient; even now [it is not too late to] repent; +whatever was in thy unfortunate fate has happened; what wilt thou do +next? Wilt thou live or die?' I replied, with excessive shame, that +in this worthless wretch's fate it was so written, that I should live +in such disgrace and distress after escaping such various dangers; it +would have been better to have perished; though the mark of infamy is +stamped on my forehead, yet I have not been guilty of such an action +as can disgrace my parents. + +"The great pain I now feel is, that those base wretches should escape +my vengeance, and enjoy their crime in each other's company, whilst +I have suffered such affliction from their hands: it is a pity that +I can do nothing [in order to punish them]. I hope one favour [from +your majesty], that you would order your steward to prepare all the +necessary articles for an entertainment at my house, that I may, under +the pretence of an entertainment, send for those two wretches, and +punish them for their deeds and also inflict vengeance for myself. In +the same manner that he lifted his hand upon me and wounded me, may +I be enabled to cut them to pieces; then my heart will be soothed; +otherwise I must continue glowing in this fire of resentment, and +ultimately I must be burnt to cinders. On hearing this speech, my +excellent mother became kind from maternal fondness, and concealed +my guilt in her own breast, and sent all the necessaries for the +entertainment by the same eunuch who is in my secrets. Every necessary +attendant came also, and each was ready in his own appropriate +occupation. In the time of evening, you brought the [base villain +who is now dead]; I wished the harlot should likewise come. + +"For this reason I earnestly desired you to send for her; when she +also came and the guests were assembled, they all became thoroughly +intoxicated and senseless by drinking largely of wine; you also got +drunk along with them, and lay like a corpse. I ordered a _Kilmakini_ +[185] to cut off both their heads with a sword; she instantly drew +her sword and cut off both their heads, and dyed their bodies with +their blood. The cause of my anger towards thee was this, that I +had given thee permission for the entertainment, but not to become an +associate in wine-drinking, with people thou hadst only known for a few +days. Assuredly this folly on thy part was anything but pleasing to +me; for when you drank till you became senseless, then what hopes of +aid from you remained? But the claims of thy services so cling around +my neck, that, notwithstanding such conduct, I forgive thee. And now, +behold, I have related to thee all my adventures from the beginning to +the end; do you yet desire in your heart any other [explanations]? In +the same manner that I have, in compliance with your wishes, granted +all you requested, do you also in like manner perform what I desire; +my advice on this occasion is, that it is no longer proper either +for you or me to remain in this city. Henceforward you are master." + +O devoted to God! [186] the princess having spoken thus far, remained +silent. I, who with heart and soul considered her wishes paramount to +everything, and was entangled in the net of her affections, replied, +"whatever you advise, that is best, and I will without hesitation carry +the same into effect." When the princess found me obedient, and her +servant, she ordered two swift and high-mettled horses (which might +vie with the wind in speed), to be brought from the royal stables, +and kept in readiness. I went and picked out just such beautiful and +high spirited horses as she required, and had them saddled and brought +[to our house]. When a few hours of the night remained, the princess +put on men's clothes, and arming herself with the five weapons, [187] +mounted on one of the horses; I got on the other, completely armed, +and we set out in the same direction. + +When night was over, and the dawn began to appear, we arrived on the +banks of a certain lake; alighting from our horses, we washed our +hands and faces; having breakfasted in great haste, we mounted again +and set off. Now and then the princess spoke, and said, "I have for +your sake left fame, honour, wealth, country and parents all behind me; +now, may it not so happen, that you also should behave to me like that +faithless savage." Sometimes I talked of different matters to beguile +the journey, and sometimes replied to her questions and doubts, saying +"O princess, all men are not alike; there must have been some defect +in that base villain's parentage, that by him such a deed was done; +but I have sacrificed my wealth and devoted my life to you, and you +have dignified me in every way. I am now your slave without purchase, +and if you should make shoes of my skin and wear them, I will not +complain." Such conversation passed between us, and day and night +to travel onward was our business. If through fatigue we sometimes +dismounted somewhere, we then used to hunt down the beasts and birds of +the woods, and having lawfully slain them, and applied salt from the +salt-cellar, and having struck fire with steel [188] (from a flint), +we used to broil and eat them. The horses we let loose [to graze], +and they generally found sufficient to satisfy their hunger from the +grass and leaves. + +One day we reached a large even plain, where there was no trace of +any habitation, and where no human face could be seen; even in this +[solitary and dreary scene], owing to the princess's company, the day +appeared festive and the nights joyful. Proceeding on our journey, +we came suddenly to a large river, the sight of which would appal +the firmest heart. [189] As we stood on its banks, as far as the eye +could reach, nothing was to be seen but water; no means of crossing +was to be found. O God [cried I], how shall we pass this sea! we stood +reflecting on this sad obstacle for a few moments, when the thought +came into my mind to leave the princess there, and to go in search +of a boat; and that until I could find some means to pass over, the +princess would have time to rest. Having formed this plan, I said, +"O princess, if you will allow me, I will go and look out for a ferry +or ford." She replied, "I am greatly tired, and likewise hungry and +thirsty; I will rest here a little, whilst thou findest out some +means to pass over [the river]." + +On that spot was a large _pipal_ [190] tree, forming a canopy [of +such extent], that if a thousand horsemen sheltered themselves under +its wide-spread branches, they would be protected from the sun and +rain. Leaving there the princess, I set out, and was looking all around +to find somewhere or other on the ground, or the river, some trace of +a human being. I searched much, but found the same nowhere. At last, +I returned hopeless, but did not find the princess under the tree; how +can I describe the state of my mind at that moment! my senses forsook +me, and I became quite distracted. Sometimes I mounted the tree, +and looked for her in every individual leaf and branch; sometimes, +letting go my hold, I fell on the ground, and went round the roots +of the tree as one who performs the _tasadduk_ [191]. Sometimes I +wept and shrieked at my miserable condition; now I ran from west +to east, then from north to south. In short, I searched everywhere, +[192] but could not find any trace of the rare jewel [I had lost]; +when, at last, I found I could do nothing, then weeping and throwing +dust over my head, I looked for her everywhere. + +This idea came into my mind, that perhaps some of the _jinns_ had +carried her away, and had inflicted on me this wound; or else that +some one had followed her from her country, and finding her alone, had +persuaded her to return to Damascus. Distracted with these fancies, +I threw off and cast away my clothes, and becoming a naked _fakir_, +I wandered about in the kingdom of Syria from morn until eve, and +at night lay down to rest in any place [I could find]. I wandered +over the whole region, but could find no trace of my princess, nor +hear any thing of her from any one, nor could I ascertain the cause +of her disappearance. Then this idea came into my mind, that since +I could find no trace of that beloved one, even life itself was a +weariness. I perceived a mountain in some wilderness; I ascended it, +and formed the design of throwing myself headlong [from its summit], +that I might end my wretched existence in a moment, by dashing my +head to pieces against the stones, then would my soul be freed from +a state of affliction. + +Having formed this resolution within myself, I was on the point of +precipitating myself [from the mountain], and had even lifted up my +foot, when some one laid hold of my arm. In the meanwhile, I regained +my senses, and looking round, I saw a horseman clothed in green, +with a veil thrown over his face, who said to me, "Why dost thou +attempt to destroy thy life; it is impious to despair of God's mercy; +whilst there is breath, so long there is hope. Three _Darweshes_ +will meet thee a few days hence, in the empire of _Rum_, who are +equally afflicted with thyself, entangled in the same difficulties, +and who have met with adventures similar to thine; the name of the +king of that country is _Azad Bakht_; he is also in great trouble; +when he meets you and the other three _Darweshes_, then the wishes +and desires of the heart of each of you will be completely fulfilled." + +I instantly laid hold of the stirrup [of this guardian angel,] +and kissed it, and exclaimed, "O messenger of God, the few words +you have pronounced have consoled my afflicted heart; but tell me, +for God's sake, who you are, and what is your name." He replied, +"My name is _Murtaza 'Ali_, [193] and my office is this, that to +whomsoever there occurs a danger or difficulty, I am at hand to afford +relief." Having said this much, he vanished from my sight. In short, +having set my heart at ease from the happy tidings I received from +my spiritual guide _[Murtaza 'Ali_], "the remover of difficulties," +I formed the design of [proceeding to] Constantinople. On the road I +suffered all those misfortunes which were decreed me by fate; with +the hopes of meeting the princess. Through the assistance of God, +I am come here, and by good fortune I have become honoured by your +presence. The promised meeting has taken place between us, and we have +enjoyed each other's society and conversation; now it only remains +for us to be known to, and acquainted with, the king _Azad Bakht_. + +Assuredly after this, we five shall attain the desires of our +hearts. Do you also beseech the blessings of God, and say amen. O +ye holy guides! such have been the adventures which have befallen +this bewildered wanderer, which have been faithfully related in your +presence; now let us look forward [to the time] when my trouble and +sorrows will be changed into joy and gladness by the recovery of the +princess. _Azad Bakht_, concealed in silence in his corner, having +heard with attention the story of the first _Darwesh_, was greatly +pleased; then he betook himself to listen to the adventures of the +next _Darwesh_. + + + +ADVENTURES OF THE SECOND DARWESH + +When it came to the turn of the second _Darwesh_ to speak, he placed +himself at his ease, [194] and said-- + + + "O friends, to this _fakir's_ story listen a little;-- + I will tell it to you,--from first to the last, listen; + Whose cure no physician can perform; + My pain is far beyond remedy,--listen." + + +O ye clothed in the _dalk!_ [195] this wretch is the prince of the +kingdom of Persia; men skilled in every science are born there, for +which reason the [Persian] proverb "_Isfahan nisfi Jahan_," [196] or +"_Ispahan_ is half the world," has become well known. In the seven +climes, there is no kingdom equal to that ancient kingdom; the star +of that country is the sun, and of all the seven constellations it +is the greatest. [197] The climate of that region is delightful, +and the inhabitants are of enlightened minds, and refined in their +manners. My father (who was the king of that country), in order to +teach me the rules and lessons of government, made choice of very +wise tutors in every art and science, and placed them over me for my +instruction from my infancy. So, having received complete instruction +in every kind [of knowledge], I am now learned. With the favour of God, +in my fourteenth year I had learned every science, polite conversation, +and polished manners; and I had acquired all that is fit and requisite +for kings to know; moreover, my inclinations night and day, led me to +associate with the learned, and hear the histories of every country, +and of ambitious princes and men of renown. + +One day, a learned companion, who was well versed in history, and +had seen [a great deal of] the world, said to me, "That though there +is no reliance on the life of man, yet such excellent qualities are +often found in him, that owing to them, the name of some men will be +handed down with praise on people's tongues to the day of judgment." I +begged of him to relate circumstantially a few instances on that score, +that I might hear them, and endeavour to act accordingly. Then that +person began to relate as follows, some of the adventures of _Hatim +Ta'i_. "That there lived in the time of _Hatim_, a king of Arabia, +named _Naufal_, who bore great enmity towards _Hatim_, on account of +his renown, and having assembled many troops, he went up to give him +battle. _Hatim_ was a God-fearing and good man; he thus conceived, +that, "If I likewise prepare for battle, then the creatures of God +will be slaughtered, and there will be much bloodshed; the punishment +of heaven for which will be recorded against my name." Reflecting on +this, he quite alone, taking merely his life with him, fled and hid +himself in a cave in the mountains. When the news of _Hatim's_ flight +reached _Naufal_, he confiscated all the property and dwellings of +_Hatim_, and proclaimed publicly, that whoever would look out for him +and seize him, should receive from the king's treasury five hundred +pieces of gold. On hearing this [proclamation], all became eager, +and began to make diligent search for _Hatim_. + +"One day, an old man and his wife, taking two or three of their young +children with them, for the purpose of picking up wood, strayed near +the cave where _Hatim_ was concealed; and began to gather fuel in +that same forest. The old woman remarked, 'If our days had been at all +fortunate, we should have seen and found _Hatim_ somewhere or other, +and seizing him, we should have carried him to _Naufal_; then he would +give us five hundred pieces of gold, and we should live comfortably, +and be released from this toil and care,' The old woodman said, +'What art thou prating about? it was decreed in our fate, that we +should pick up wood every day, place it on our heads, and sell it in +the _bazar_, and [with its produce] procure bread and salt; or one +day the tiger of the woods will carry us off: peace, mind thy work; +why should _Hatim_ fall into our hands, and the king give us so much +money?' The old woman heaved a cold sigh, and remained silent. + +"_Hatim_ had heard the words of the two [old people], and conceived it +unmanly and ungenerous to conceal himself to save his life, and not +to conduct those helpless ones to the object of their desire. True +it is, that a man without pity is not a human being, and he in whose +heart there is no feeling is a butcher. + + + 'Man was created to exercise compassion, + Otherwise, angels were not wanting for devotion.' + + +In short, _Hatim's_ manly mind would not allow him to remain concealed, +after what he had with his own ears heard [from the woodman]; he +instantly came out, and said to the old man, 'O friend, I myself +am _Hatim_, lead me to _Naufal_; on seeing me, he will give thee +whatever amount of money he has promised.' [198] The old woodman +replied, 'It is true that my welfare and advantage certainly consist +in doing so, but who knows how he will treat thee; if he should put +thee to death, then what shall I do? This, on my part, can never +be done--that I should deliver over thee to thine enemy for the +sake of my own avarice. In a few days I shall spend the [promised] +wealth, and how long shall I live? I must die at last; then what +answer shall I give to God?' _Hatim_ implored him greatly, and said, +'Take me along with thee--I say so of my own pleasure; I have ever +desired that, should my wealth and life be of use to some one or other +[of my fellow creatures], then so much the better.' But the old man +could not in any way be persuaded to carry _Hatim_ along with him, and +receive the [proclaimed reward. At last, becoming hopeless, _Hatim_ +said, 'If you do not carry me in the way I wish, then I will go of +myself to the king, and say, this old man concealed me in a cave +in the mountains,' The old man smiled and said, 'If I am to receive +evil for good, then hard will be my fate.' During this conversation, +other men arrived, and a crowd assembled [around them]; perceiving the +person they saw to be _Hatim_, they instantly seized him and carried +him along; the old man also, a little in the rear, followed them in +silent grief. When they brought _Hatim_ before _Naufal_, he asked, +'Who has seized and brought him here?' A worthless, hard-hearted +[boaster] answered, 'Who could have performed such a deed except +myself? This achievement belongs to my name, and I have planted the +standard [of glory] in the sky.' Another vaunting fellow clamoured, +'I searched for him many days in the woods, and caught him at last, +and have brought him here; have some consideration for my labour, +and give me what has been promised.' In this manner, from avidity +for the [promised] pieces of gold, every one said he had done the +deed. The old man, in silence, sat apart in a corner, and heard all +their boastings, and wept for _Hatim_. When each had recounted his +act of bravery and enterprise, then _Hatim_ said to the king, 'If you +ask for the truth, then it is this; that old man, who stands aloof +from all, has brought me here; if you can judge from appearances, +then ascertain the fact, and give him for my seizure what you have +promised; for in the whole body the tongue [199] is a most sacred +[member]. It is incumbent upon a man to perform what he has promised; +for in other respects God has given tongues to brutes likewise; then +what would have been the difference between a man and other animals?' + +"_Naufal_ called the old wood-cutter near him, and said, 'Tell the +truth; what is the real state of the matter; who has seized and +brought _Hatim_ here?' The honest fellow related truly all that had +occurred from beginning to end, and added, '_Hatim_ is come here of +his own accord for my sake.' _Naufal_, on hearing this manly act of +_Hatim's_, was greatly astonished, and exclaimed, 'How surprising +is thy liberality! even thy life thou hast not feared to risk [for +the good of others]!' With regard to all those who laid false claims +to having seized _Hatim_, the king ordered them to have their hands +tied behind their backs, and instead of five hundred pieces of gold, +to receive each five hundred strokes of a slipper on their heads, +so that their lives might perish [under the punishment]. Instantly, +the strokes of the slippers began to be laid on in such a style, that +in a short time their heads became quite bald. True it is, that to tell +an untruth is such a guilt, that no other guilt equals it; may God keep +every one free from this calamity, and not give him a propensity for +telling lies; many people persevere in uttering falsehoods, but at +the moment of detection they meet with their dessert. + +"In short, _Naufal_ having rewarded all of them according to their +desserts, thought it contrary to gentlemanly conduct and manliness +of character to harbour enmity and strife towards a man like _Hatim_, +from whom multitudes received happiness, and who, for the sake of the +necessitous, did not even spare his own life, and was entirely devoted +to the ways of God. He instantly seized _Hatim's_ hand with great +cordiality and friendship, and said to him, 'Why should it not be the +case? [200] such a man as you are can perform such an action.' Then +the king, with great respect and attention, made _Hatim_ sit down +near him, and he instantly restored to him the lands and property, +and the wealth and moveables, he had confiscated; and bestowed on him +anew the chieftainship of the tribe of _Ta,i_, and ordered the five +hundred pieces of gold to be given to the old man from the treasury, +who, blessing [the king], went away." + +When I had heard the whole of this adventure of _Hatim's_, a spirit +of rivalry came into my mind; and this idea occurred to me, viz., +"_Hatim_ was the only chief of his own tribe [of Arabs]. He, by +one act of liberality has gained such renown, that to this day it +is celebrated; whilst I am, by the decree of God, the king of all +_Iran_; and it would be a pity if I were to remain excluded from this +good fortune. It is certain that in this world no quality is greater +than generosity and liberality; for whatever a man bestows in this +world, he receives its return in the next. If any one sows a single +seed, then how much does he reap from its produce! With these ideas +impressed upon my mind, I called for the lord of the buildings, and +ordered him to erect, as speedily as possible, a grand palace without +the city, with forty high and wide gates. [201] In a short time, even +such a grand palace as my heart wished for, was built and got ready, +and in that place every day at all times, from morning till night, +I used to bestow pieces of silver and gold on the poor and helpless; +whoever asked for anything in charity, I granted it to the utmost of +his desire. + +In short, the necessitous entered [daily] through the forty gates, +and received whatever they wanted. It happened one day that a _fakir_ +came in from the front gate and begged some alms. I gave him a gold +piece; then the same person entered through the next gate, and asked +two pieces of gold; though I recollected him [to be the same _fakir_], +I passed over [the circumstance] and gave them. In this manner he came +in through each gate, and increased a piece of gold in his demand +each time; and I knowingly appeared ignorant [of the circumstance], +and continued supplying him according to his demand. At last he +entered by the fortieth gate, and asked forty pieces of gold--this +sum I likewise ordered to be given him. After receiving so much, +the _fakir_ re-entered from the first gate and again begged alms: +his conduct appeared to me highly impudent, and I said, hear, O +avaricious man, what kind of a _fakir_ art thou, that dost not even +know the meaning of the three letters which compose the word [Arabic: +faqr] _fakr_ (poverty); a _fakir_ ought to act up to them. He replied, +"Well, generous soul, explain them yourself." I answered, "[Arabic: +f] _fe_ means _faka_ (fasting); [Arabic: q] _kaf_ signifies _kina'at_ +(contentment); and [Arabic: r] _re_ means _riyazat_ (devotion); [202] +whoever has not these three qualities, is not a _fakir_. All this +which you have received, eat and drink with it, and when it is done, +return to me, and receive whatever thou requirest. This charity is +bestowed on thee to relieve immediate wants and not for the purpose +of accumulation. O avidious! from the forty gates thou hast received +from one piece of gold up to forty; add up the amount, and see by the +rule of arithmetical progression how many pieces of gold it comes to; +and even after all this, thy avarice hath brought thee back again +through the first gate. What wilt thou do after having accumulated so +much money? A [real] _fakir_ ought only to think [of the wants] of the +passing day; the following day the great Provider [of necessaries] +will afford thee a new pittance. Now evince some shame and modesty; +have patience, and be content; what sort of mendicity is this that +thy spiritual guide hath taught thee?" + +On hearing these reproaches of mine, he became displeased and angry, +and threw down on the ground all [the money] he had received from me, +and said, "Enough, sir, do not be so warm; take back your gifts and +keep them, and do not again pronounce the word generosity. It is very +difficult to be generous; you are not able to support the weight of +generosity, when will you attain to that station? [203] you are as +yet very far from it. The word [Arabic: sakhy] _Sakhi_ (generous), +is also composed of three letters; first act up to the meaning of +those three letters, then you will be called generous." On hearing +this I became uneasy, and said to the _fakir_, well, holy pilgrim, +explain to me the meaning of those three letters. He replied, "from +[Arabic: s] _sin_ is derived _sama,i_ (endurance); from [Arabic: kh] +_khe_ comes _khaufi Ilahi_ (fear of God); and from [Arabic: y]_ye_ +proceeds _yad_ (remembrance of one's birth and death). Until one +is possessed of these three qualities, he should not mention the +name of generosity; and the generous man has also this happiness, +that although he acts amiss [in other points], yet he is dear to +his Maker [on account of his generosity]. I have travelled through +many countries, but except the princess of _Basra_, I have not seen a +[person really] generous. The robe of generosity God hath shaped out on +[the person] of that woman; all others desire the name, but do not act +up to it." On hearing this, I made much entreaty, and conjured him +[by all that was sacred] to forgive my rebuke, and take whatever he +required. He would not, on any account, accept my proffered gifts, +but went away repeating these words, "Now if thou wert to give all +thy kingdom, I would not spit upon it, nor would I even **." [204] +The pilgrim went away, but having heard such praises of the princess +of _Basra_, my heart became quite restless, and no way could I be +easy. Now this desire arose within me, that by some means or other +I must go to _Basra_ and take a look at her. + +In the meantime, the king, my father, died, and I ascended the +throne. I got the empire, but the idea [I had formed of going to +_Basra]_] did not leave me. I held a consultation with the _wazir_ +and nobles, who were the support of the throne, and the pillars of +the empire, saying, I wish to make a journey to _Basra_. Do ye remain +steady in your respective stations; if I live, then the duration of +the journey will be short; I will soon be back. No one seemed pleased +at the idea of my going; in my helplessness, my heart continued to +become more and more sorrowful. One day, without consulting any one, +I privately sent for the resourceful _wazir_, and made him regent +and plenipotentiary [during my absence], and placed him at the head +of the affairs of the empire. I then put on the ochre-coloured habit +[of a pilgrim], and, assuming the appearance of a _fakir_, I took the +road to _Basra_ alone. In a few days, I reached its boundaries, and +[constantly] began to witness this scene; wherever I halted for the +night, the servants of the princess advanced to receive me, and made me +halt at some elegant house, and they used to provide me in perfection +with all the requisites of a banquet, and to remain in attendance on +me all night with the utmost respect. The following day, at the next +stage, I experienced the same reception. In this comfort I journeyed +onwards for months; at last I entered [the city of] _Basra_. I had +no sooner entered it, than a good-looking young man, well dressed, +and well-behaved, who carried wisdom in his looks, came up to me, and +said with extreme sweetness of address, "I am the servant of pilgrims; +I am always on the look out to conduct to my house all travellers, +whether pilgrims or men of the world, who come to this city; except +my house alone, there is no other place here for a stranger to put +up at; pray, holy sir, come with me, bestow honour on my abode, +and render me exalted. + +I asked him, "what is the noble name of your honour?" He replied, +"they call the name of this nameless one _Bedar Bakht_." Seeing his +good qualities and affable manners, I went along with him and came to +his house. I saw a grand mansion fitted up in a princely style--he +led me to a grand apartment, and made me sit down; and sending for +warm water, he caused [the attendants] to wash my hands and feet; +and having caused the _dastar-khwan_ [205] to be spread, the steward +placed before me alone a great variety of trays and dishes, and large +quantities of fruit and confectionery. [206] On seeing such a grand +treat, my very soul was satiated, and taking a mouthful from each dish, +my stomach was filled; I then drew back my hand from eating. [207] + +The young man became very pressing, and said, "Sir, what have you +eaten? all the dinner remains as it were for a deposit; [208] eat +some more without ceremony." I replied, there is no shame in eating; +God prosper your house, I have eaten as much as my stomach can +contain, and I cannot sufficiently praise the relish of your feast, +and even now my tongue smacks with their flavour, and every belch +[209] I make is absolutely perfumed, now pray take them away. "When +the _dastar-khwan_ was removed, they spread a carpet of _kashani_ +velvet, and brought to me ewers and basins of gold, with scented soap +and warm water, wherewithal I might wash my hands; then _betel_ was +introduced, in a box set with precious stones, and spices of various +kinds; whenever I called for water to drink, the servants brought +it cooled in ice. When the evening came, camphorated candles were +lighted up in the glass shades; and that friendly young man sat down +near me and entertained me with his conversation. When one watch of +the night had elapsed, he said to me, "be pleased to sleep in this +bed, in front of which are curtains and screens." I said, O, Sir, +for us pilgrims a mat or a deer-skin is sufficient; this [luxury] +God has ordained for you men of the world. + +He replied, "All these things are for pilgrims; they do not in the +least belong to me." On his pressing me so urgently, I went and lay +down on the bed which was softer than even a bed of flowers. Pots +of roses and baskets of flowers were placed on both sides of the +bedstead, and aloes and other perfumes were burning; to whichever +side I turned, my senses were intoxicated with fragrance; in this +state I slept. When the morning came, [the attendants] placed before +me for breakfast, almonds, pistachio nuts, grapes, figs, pears, +pomegranates, currants, dates, and _sharbat_ made of fruit. In this +festive manner I passed three days and nights. On the fourth day I +requested leave to depart. The young man said, with joined hands, +"Perhaps I have been deficient in my attentions to you, for which +reason you are displeased." I replied with astonishment, for God's +sake, what a speech is this? the rules of hospitality [require one +to stay] three days--these have I fulfilled; to remain longer would +be improper; and besides this, I have set out to travel, and if I +remain merely at one place, then it will not suit; for which reason +I beg leave to depart; in other respects, your kindness is such that +my heart does not wish to be separated from you. + +He then said, "Do as you please; but wait a moment, that I may go to +the princess and in her presence mention [the circumstance]; and as you +wish to depart [be it known to you], that all the wearing apparel and +bedding, also the vessels of silver and gold, and the jewelled vessels +in this guest's apartment, are your property; whatever directions +you may give for the purpose of taking them away, an arrangement [to +that effect] shall be made." I answered, "cease [210] to talk in this +manner; I am a pilgrim, and not a strolling bard; if such avarice had +a place in my heart, then why should I have turned pilgrim; and where +would be the evil of [my leading] a worldly life?" That kind young +man replied, "If the princess should hear of this circumstance [of +your refusal], she will discharge me from my employment, and God knows +what other punishment I shall receive; if you are so indifferent [to +possess them], then lock up all these articles in a room, and put your +seal on the door, and you may hereafter dispose of them as you please." + +I would not accept [his offer], and he would not submit [to me]. At +last, this plan was adopted, I locked them all up in a room, and +put my seal on the door, and waited [with impatience] for leave +of departing. In the meantime a confidential eunuch, having on his +head an aigrette, and a short robe round his loins, and a golden mace +studded with gems in his hand, accompanied by several other respectable +attendants, filling [various] offices, came near me with this splendour +and pomp. He addressed me with such kindness and complaisance that +I cannot express it, and added, "O, sir, if shewing kindness and +benevolence, you do me the favour to dignify my humble dwelling with +your presence, then it will not be far from courtesy and condescension. + +Perhaps the princess will hear that a traveller had been here, and no +one had received him with courtesy and politeness; and that he had +gone away as he came; for this reason God knows what punishment she +will inflict on me, or how far her displeasure will be raised; yea +more, it is a matter affecting my life," I refused to listen to his +request, but through dint of solicitations he overcame my resistance, +and conducted me to another house, which was better than the first +Like the former host, he entertained me twice a day for three days and +nights, with the same kind of meals, and in the morning and afternoon +sherbet, and fruits for passing away the time, and he told me that I +was the master of all the rich gold and silver dishes, carpets, &c, +and that I might do with them whatever I pleased. + +On hearing these strange proposals, I was quite confounded, and +wished that I might by some means take my leave and escape from this +place. On perceiving my [embarassed] countenance, the eunuch said, +"O creature of God, whatever your wants or wishes may be, impart them +to me, that I may lay them before the princess." I replied, "in the +garb of a pilgrim, how can I desire the riches of this world, which +you offer me unasked, and which I refuse?" He then said, "The desire +of worldly goods forsakes the heart of no one, for which reason some +poet has composed these verses:-- + + + "I have seen [ascetics] with nails unpared; + I have seen [others] with hair thickly matted; + I have seen _jogis_ [211] with their ears split, + Having their bodies covered with ashes; + I have seen the _maunis_ [212] who never speak; + I have seen the _sevras_ [213] with heads shaved; + I have seen [the people] sporting, + In the forest of _Ban-khandi_; + I have seen the brave, I have seen heroes; + I have seen the wise and the foolish, all; + I have seen those filled with delusion, + Continuing in forgetfulness amidst their wealth; + I have seen those [who were] happy from first to last. + I have seen those [who were] afflicted from their birth; + But never have I seen those [men] + In whose minds avarice did not exist." + + +On hearing these [lines], I replied, what you say is true, but I +want nothing; if you will permit, I will write out a note and send it +which will express my wish, and which you will convey to the presence +of the princess, it will be [doing me] a great favour, as if I had +received all the riches in the world. The eunuch said, "I will do it +with pleasure, there is no difficulty in it." I immediately wrote a +note to the following purport:--first, I began with the praise of +God; I then related my circumstances and situation, saying, "that +this creature of God had, some days since, arrived in the city, +and from the munificence of her government, had been taken care +of in every way; that I had heard such accounts of her highness's +generosity and munificence, as had raised in me an ardent desire +to see her, and that I had found those qualities four-fold greater +than they had been represented. Your nobles now tell me to set forth +before you whatever wants or wishes I may have; for this reason I +beg to represent to you without ceremony the wishes of my heart. I +am not in want of the riches of this world. I am also the king of +my own country; my sole reason for coming so far and undergoing such +fatigues, was the ardent desire I had to see you, which motive only +has conducted me here in this manner quite alone. I now hope through +your benevolence to attain the wishes of my heart; I shall then be +satisfied. Any further favours will rest with your pleasure; but if the +request of this wretch is not granted, then he will wander about in +this same manner, encountering hardships, and sacrifice his restless +life to the passion he feels for you. Like _Majnun_ and _Farhad_, +[214] he will end his life in some forest or mountain." + +Having written my wishes, I gave the note to the eunuch; he carried +it to the princess. After a short while, he returned and called me, +and conducted me to the door of the seraglio. On arriving there, +I saw an elderly and respectable woman dressed in jewels, sitting on +a golden stool, and many eunuchs and other servants richly clothed, +were standing before her with arms across. I imagining her to be the +superintendent of affairs, and regarding her as a venerable [person], +made her my obeisance; the old lady returned my salute with much +civility, and said, "Come and sit down, you are welcome; it is you +who wrote an affectionate note to the princess." I feeling ashamed, +hung down my head and remained sitting silent. + +After a short pause, she said, "O, young man, the princess has sent +you her _salam_, [215] and said thus, 'There is nothing wrong in my +taking a husband; you have solicited me [in marriage]; but to speak +of your kingdom, and to conceive yourself a king in this mendicant +state, and to be proud of it, is quite out of place; for this reason, +that all men among each other are certainly equal; although superior +consideration ought to be due to those who are of the religion of +_Muhammad_. I also have wished for a long while to marry, and as you +are indifferent to worldly riches, to me likewise God has given such +wealth as cannot be counted. But there is one condition, that first +of all you procure my marriage portion.' [216] The marriage-gift of +the princess," added the old lady, "is a certain task to perform, +if yon can fulfil it." I replied, "I am ready in every way, and I +shall not be sparing of my wealth or life; tell me what the task is, +that I may hear it. The old woman then said, "Remain here to-day, +and tomorrow I will tell it to you." I accepted [her proposal] with +pleasure, and taking my leave, I came out. + +The day had in the meantime passed away, and when the evening came, a +eunuch called upon me, and conducted me to the seraglio. On entering, +I saw that the nobles, the learned, the virtuous, and the sages of +the divine law were present. I likewise joined the assembly and sat +down. In the meantime the cloth for the repast was spread, and eatables +of every variety, both sweet and salt, were laid out. They all began +to eat, and with courtesy solicited me to join them. When dinner was +over, a female servant came out from the interior [of the seraglio] +and asked, "Where is _Bahrawar_? call him." The servants in waiting +brought him immediately; his appearance was very respectable, and many +keys of silver and gold were suspended from his waist. After saluting +me, he sat down by me. The same female servant said, "O, _Bahrawar_, +whatever thou hast seen, relate it fully [to this stranger]." + +_Bahrawar_, addressing himself to me, began the following +narration:--"O, friend! our princess possesses thousands of slaves, +who are established in trade; among them I am one of the humblest of +her hereditary servants. She sends them to different countries with +goods and merchandise, worth _lakhs_ of rupees, of which they have +the charge; when these return [from the respective countries to which +they were sent to trade], then the princess, in her own presence, +inquires of them the state and manners of such country, and hears +[their different accounts]. Once it so happened that this meanest +[of her slaves] went to the country and city of _Nimroz_ [217] to +trade, and perceiving that all the inhabitants were dressed in black, +and that they sighed and wept every moment, and it appeared to me +that some sad calamity had befallen them. From whomsoever I asked +the reason [of these strange circumstances], no one would answer my +inquiry. One day, the moment the morning appeared, all the inhabitants +of the city, little and great, young and old, poor and rich, issued +forth. They went out and assembled on a plain; the king of the country +went there also mounted on horseback, and surrounded by his nobles; +then they all formed a regular line, and stood still. + +"I also stood among them to see the strange sight, for it clearly +appeared that they were waiting for [the arrival of] some one. In an +hour's time a beautiful young man, of an angelic form, about fifteen or +sixteen years of age, uttering a loud noise, and foaming at the mouth, +and mounted on a dun bull, holding something in one hand, approached +from a distance, and came up in front of the people; he descended from +the bull, and sat down [oriental fashion] on the ground, holding the +halter of the animal in one hand, and a naked sword in the other; +a rosy-coloured, beautiful [attendant] was with him; the young man +gave him that which he held in his hand; the slave took it, and went +along showing it to all of them from one end of the line to the other; +but such was the nature [of the object], that whoever saw it, the same +involuntarily wept aloud and bitterly [at the strange sight]. In this +way he continued to show it to every one, and made every one weep; then +passing along the front of the line, he returned to his master again. + +"The moment he came near him, the young man rose up, and with the +sword severed the attendant's head [from his body], and having again +mounted his bull, galloped off towards the quarter from whence he had +come. All [present] stood looking on. When he disappeared from their +sight, the inhabitants returned to the city. I was anxiously asking +every one I met the real meaning of this strange occurrence; yea, I +even held out the inducement of money and beseeched and flattered them +to get an explanation, who the young man was, and why he committed +the deed [I had seen], and from whence he came, and where he went, +but no one would give me the slightest information on the subject, +nor could I comprehend it. When I returned here, I related to the +princess the astonishing circumstance I had seen. Since then, the +princess herself has been amazed [at the strange event], and anxious +to ascertain its real cause. For which reason she has been fixed +on this very point as her marriage portion, that whatever man will +bring her a true and particular account of that strange circumstance, +she will accept him [in marriage]; and he shall be the master of all +her wealth, her country, and herself." + +[_Bahrawar_ concluded by saying], "You have now heard every +circumstance; reflect within yourself if you can bring the intelligence +[which is required] respecting the young man, then undertake the +journey towards the country of _Nimroz_, and depart soon, or else +refuse [the conditions and the attempt], and return to your home." I +answered, "If God please, I will soon ascertain all the circumstances +[relating to the strange event], and return to the princess with +success; or if my fate be unlucky, then there is no remedy; but the +princess must give me her solemn promise she will not swerve from what +she engages [to perform]. And now an uneasy apprehension arises in +my heart; if the princess will have the benevolence to call me before +her, and allow me to sit down outside the _parda_, and hear with her +own ears the request I have made, and favour me with an answer from +her own lips; then my heart will be at ease, and every thing will be +possible for me." These my requests the female servant related to the +fairy-formed princess. At last, by way of condescension, she ordered +me to be called before her. + +The same female returned, and conducted me to the apartment where the +princess was; what [a display of beauty] I saw! Handsome female slaves +and servants, and armed damsels, from _Kilmak, Turkistan, Abyssinia, +Uzbak Tartary and Kashmir_, were drawn up in two lines, dressed in +rich jewels, with their arms folded across, and each standing in her +appropriate station. Shall I call this the court of Indra? or is it +a descent on the part of the fairies? an involuntary sigh of rapture +escaped [from my breast], and my heart began to palpitate; but I +forcibly restrained myself. Regarding them all around, I advanced on; +but my feet became each as heavy as a hundred _mans_. [218] Whenever I +gazed on one of those lovely women, my heart was unwilling to proceed +farther. On one side [of the saloon] a screen was suspended, and a +stool set with precious stones was placed near it, as well as a chair +of sandal-wood; the female servant made me a sign to sit down on the +[jewelled] stool; I sat down upon it, and she seated herself on the +[sandal-wood chair]; she said, "Now, whatever you have to say, speak +it fully and from the heart." + +I first extolled the princess's excellent qualities, also her justice +and liberality; I then added, that "ever since I have entered the +limits of this country, I saw at every stage accommodations for +travellers and lofty buildings; and found everywhere servants of all +grades appointed to attend upon travellers and necessitous persons. I +have likewise spent three days at every halting place, and the fourth +day, when I wished to take my leave, no one said with good will, "You +may depart;" and whatever articles and furniture had been [applied to +my use] at those places, such as chequered carpets, [219] &c., &c., +I was told that they were all mine, and that I might either take +them away or lock them up in a room, and put my seal on it; that, +should it be my pleasure, whenever I came back I might take them +away. I have done so; but the wonder is, that if a lonely pilgrim +like me has met with such a [princely] reception, then there must +be thousands of such pilgrims who will resort to your dominions; and +if every one is hospitably received in the same manner [as myself], +sums incalculable must be spent. Now, whence comes the great wealth +of which there is such an expenditure, and of what nature is it? The +treasures of _Karun_ would not be equal to it; and if we look at the +princess's territories, it would appear that their revenues would +hardly suffice to defray the kitchen charges, setting the other +expenses aside. If the princess would condescend to explain this +[seeming wonder] with her own lips, then, my mind being set at ease, +I shall set out for the country of _Nimroz_; and reaching it by some +means or other, after having learned all the particulars [of the +strange circumstance], I will return, if God should spare my life, +to the presence of the princess, and attain the desires of my heart." + +On hearing these words, the princess herself said, "O youth, if you +have a strong desire to know the exact nature of these circumstances, +then stay here to-day also. I will send for you in the evening, +and the account of my vast riches shall be unfolded to you without +any reservation." After this assurance, I retired to my place of +residence, and waited anxiously, (saying,) "when will the evening +arrive, that my curiosity may be gratified?" In the meantime a eunuch +brought some covered trays on the heads of porters, and laid them +before me, and said, "The princess has sent you a dinner [220] from +her own table; partake of it." When he uncovered the trays before +me, the rich fragrance [of the meats] intoxicated my brains, and my +soul became satiated. I ate as much as I could, and sent away the +rest, and returned my grateful thanks [to the princess.] At last, +when the sun, the traveller of the whole day, wearied and fatigued, +reached his home, and the moon advanced from her palace, attended by +her companions, then the female servant came to me and said, "Come, +the princess has sent for you." + +I went along with her; she led me to the private apartment; the +effect of the lights was such that the _shabi kadr_ [221] was nothing +to it. A _masnad_, covered with gold, was placed on rich carpets, +with a pillow studded with jewels; over it an awning of brocade was +stretched, with a fringe of pearls on [silver] poles studded with +precious stones; and in front of the _masnad_ artificial trees formed +of various jewels, with flowers and leaves attached, (one would say +they were nature's own production,) were erected in beds of gold; and +on the right and left, beautiful slaves and servants were in waiting +with folded arms and down-cast eyes, in respectful attitude. Dancing +women and female singers, with ready-tuned instruments, attended to +begin their performances. On seeing such a scene and such splendid +preparations, my senses were bewildered. I asked the female servant +[who came with me] "there is here such gay splendour in the scene +of the day, and such magnificence in that of the night, that the +day may very justly be called _'Id_, and the night _shabi barat_; +moreover, a king who possessed the whole world could not exhibit +greater splendour and magnificence. Is it always so at the princess's +court? The servant replied, "The princess's court ever displays the +same magnificence you see now; there is no abatement [or difference], +except that it is sometimes greater: sit you here; the princess is +in another apartment,--I will go and inform her of your arrival." + +Saying this, the nurse went away and quickly returned; he desired +me to come to the princess. The moment I entered her apartment I was +struck with amazement. I could not tell where the door was, or where +the walls, for they were covered with Aleppo mirrors, of the height +of a man, all around, the frames of which were studded with diamonds +and pearls. The reflection of one fell on the other, and it appeared +as if the whole room was inlaid with jewels. At one end a _parda_ +was hung, behind which the princess sat. The female servant seated +herself close to the _parda_, and desired me to sit down also; +then she began the following narrative, according to the princess's +commands--"Hear, O intelligent youth! The sultan of this country was +a potent king; he had seven daughters born in his house. One day, the +king held a festival, and these seven daughters were standing before +him [superbly dressed], with each sixteen jewels, twelve ornaments, +and in every hair an elephant pearl. Something came into the king's +mind, and he looked towards his daughters and said, 'If your father +had not been a king, and you had been born in the house of some poor +man, then who would have called you princesses? Praise God that you +are called princesses; all your good fortune depends on my life.' + +"Six of his daughters being of one mind, replied, 'Whatever your +majesty says, is true, and our happiness depends on your welfare +alone.' But the princess now present, though she was younger [than +all her sisters], yet even in sense and judgment, even at that age, +she was superior to them, all. She stood silent, and did not join her +sisters in the reply they made; for this reason, that to say so was +impious. The king looked towards her with anger, and said, 'Well, my +lady, you say nothing; what is the cause of this?' Then the princess, +tying both her hands with a handkerchief, humbly replied, 'If your +majesty will grant me safety [of my life], and pardon my presumption, +then this humble slave will unfold the dictates of her heart.' The +king said, 'Speak what thou hast to say.' Then the princess said, +'Mighty king, you must have heard, that the voice of truth is bitter; +for which reason, disregarding life at this moment, I presume to +address your majesty; whatever the great Writer has written in +[the book of] my destiny, no one can efface, and in no way can it +be evaded. "Whether you bruise your feet [by depending on your own +exertions], or lay your head on the carpet [in prayer], your fate +[written] on the forehead, whatever it be, shall come to pass." + +"'That Almighty Ruler, who has made you a king, He indeed also has +made me a princess. In the arsenal of his omnipotence, no one has +power. You are my sovereign and benefactor, and if I should apply the +dust which lies under your auspicious feet, as a colyrium [for my +eyes], then it would become me; but the destinies of every one are +with every one.' The king, on hearing this [speech], became angry; +the reply displeased him highly, and he said with wrath, 'What great +words issue from a little mouth! Now let this be her punishment, that +you strip off whatever jewels she has on her hands and feet, and let +her be placed in a sedan-chair, and set down in such a wilderness, +where no human traces can be found; then we shall see what is written +in her destinies.' + +"According to the king's commands, at that midnight hour, when it +was the very essence of darkness, the princess (who had been reared +with such delicacy and tenderness), and had seen no other place +except her own apartments, was carried by the porters in a litter, +and set down in a place where not even a bird ever flapped its wing, +much less did human creatures there exist; they left her there and +returned. The princess's heart was all at once in such a state [as +cannot be conceived]; reduced to what she was, from what she had +been! Then in the threshold of God, she offered up her prayers, and +said, "Thou art so mighty [O Lord], that what thou hast wished, Thou +hast done; and whatever Thou willest, Thou dost; and whatever Thou +mayest wish, that Thou wilt do: whilst life remains in my nostrils, +I shall not be hopeless of [thy protection']. Impressed with these +thoughts, she fell asleep. When the morn appeared, the eyes of the +princess opened; she called for water to perform her ablutions. Then, +all at once, the occurrences of last night came to her recollection; +she said to herself, 'Where art thou, and where this speech?' [222] +Saying this to herself, she got up, and performed the _tayammum_, +[223] said her prayers, and poured forth the praises of her Maker! O +youth, the heart is torn with anguish to reflect on the princess's +sad condition at that time. Ask that innocent and inexperienced heart +what it felt. + +"In short, she sat in the litter, and putting her trust in God, +she repeated to herself at that moment these verses:-- + + + "When I had no teeth, then thou gavest milk; + When thou hast given teeth, wilt thou not grant food! + He who takes care of the fowls of the air, + And of all the animals of the earth, + He will also take care of thee. + Why art thou sad, simple-minded one! + By being sorrowful thou'lt get nothing; + He who provides for the fool, for the wise, and for the whole world, + Will likewise provide for thee.' + + +"It is true, that when no resource remains, then God is remembered, +or else every one in his own plans, thinks himself a _Lukman_, and a +_Bu' Ali Sina_. [224] Now listen to the surprising ways of God. In +this manner three days clear passed away, during which a grain of +food did not enter the princess's mouth; her flower-like frame became +quite withered as a [dry] thorn; and her colour, which hitherto +shone like gold, became yellow as turmeric; her mouth became rigid, +and her eyes were petrified, but still a faint respiration remained +passing and re-passing. Whilst there is life, there is hope. In the +morning of the fourth day, a hermit appeared of bright countenance, +in appearance like _Khizr_, [225] and of an enlightened heart. Seeing +the princess in that state, he said, 'O daughter, though your father +is a king, yet these [sorrows] were decreed in thy destiny. Now, +conceive this old hermit your servant, and think day and night of +your Maker. God will do what is right.' And whatever morsels the +hermit had in his wallet, he laid them before the princess; then +he went in search of water; he saw a well, but where were the wheel +and bucket by means of which he might draw the water? He pulled off +some leaves from a tree, and made a cup, and taking off his sash, +he fastened the cup to it, and drew up some water, and gave it to the +princess. At last she regained her senses. The holy man, seeing her +helpless and solitary state, gave her every consolation, and cheered +her heart; and he himself began to weep. When the princess saw his +sympathetic grief, and [heard] his kind assurances, she became easy in +her mind. From that day, the old man made this an established rule, +that in the morning he went to the city to beg, and brought to the +princess whatever scraps or morsels he received. + +"In this way a few days passed. One day the princess designed to put +some oil in her hair, and comb it; just as she opened the plaits of her +hair a pearl round and brilliant dropped out. The princess gave it to +the hermit, and desired him to sell it in the city, and bring her the +amount. He sold that pearl, and brought back the money received for +it to the princess. Then the princess desired that a habitation fit +for her residence might be erected on that spot. The hermit replied, +'O daughter, do you dig the foundation for the walls, and collect some +earth; I will, some of these days, bring some water, knead the clay +[for the bricks], and erect a room for you.' The princess, on his +advice, began to dig the ground; when she had dug a yard in depth, +behold, under the soil a door appeared. The princess cleared away the +earth [which lay before it]; a large room filled with jewels and gold +pieces appeared: she took four or five handfuls of gold and closed +the door, and having filled up the place with earth, made level its +surface. In the meantime the hermit returned. The princess said to him, +"bring good masons and builders, and workmen of every kind, expert +and masters in their craft, so that a grand palace may be erected on +this spot equal to the palace of _Kasra_, [226] and superior to the +palace of _Ni'man_; [227] and that the fortifications of the city, +a fort, a garden, a well, and an unrivalled caravanserai [be built +as soon as possible]; but first of all, draw out the plans on paper +and bring them to me for approval." + +"The hermit brought clever, skilful, intelligent workmen, and had +them ready. The erection of the different buildings was soon begun +according to the princess's directions, and clever and trusty servants +for every office were chosen and entertained. The news of the erection +of such princely buildings by degrees reached the king, the shadow of +Omnipotence, who was the princess's father. On hearing it, he became +greatly surprised, and asked every one, 'Who is this person who has +begun to erect such edifices?' No one knew anything of the matter to +be able to give a reply. All put their hands on their ears and said, +'No one of your slaves knows who is the builder of them.' Then the king +sent one of his nobles with this message, 'I wish to come and see those +buildings, and to know also of what country you are the princess, and +of what family; for I wish much to ascertain all these circumstances.' + +"When the princess received this agreeable intelligence, she was +greatly pleased in her mind, and wrote the [following letter]: 'To +the protector of the world, prosperity! On hearing the intelligence of +your majesty's visit, to my humble mansion, I am infinitely rejoiced; +and it has been the cause of respect and dignity to me, the meanest +[of your slaves]. How happy is the fate of that place where your +majesty's footsteps are impressed, and on the inhabitants of which +the shadow of the skirt of your prosperity is cast; may they both be +dignified with the look of favour! This slave hopes that to-morrow, +being Thursday, is a propitious day, and to me, it is more welcome than +the day of _Nau Roz_, [228] your majesty's person resembles the sun; +by condescending to come here, be pleased to bestow, with your light, +value and dignity on this worthless atom, and partake of whatever +his humble slave can provide; this will be the essence of benevolence +and courtesy, on the part of your majesty: to say more would exceed +the bounds of respect.' To the nobleman who brought the message she +made some presents, and dismissed him [with the above reply.] + +"The king read the letter, and sent word, saying, 'We have accepted +your invitation, and will certainly come.' The princess ordered the +servants and all the attendants to get ready the necessary preparations +for an entertainment, with such propriety and elegance, that the king, +on seeing [the banquet] and eating thereof, might be highly pleased; +and that all who came with the king, great and little, should be well +entertained and return content. From the princess's strict directions, +the dishes, of every kind, both salt and sweet, were so deliciously +prepared, that if the daughter of a _Brahman_ [229] had tasted them, +she would have become a _Musalman_. [230] When the evening came, the +king went to the princess's palace, seated on an uncovered throne; the +princess, with her ladies in waiting, advanced to receive him; when +she cast her eyes on the king's throne, she made the royal obeisance +with such proper respect, that on seeing it, the king was still more +surprised; with the same profound respect she accompanied the king +to the throne, set with jewels, which she had erected for him. The +princess had prepared a platform of 125,000 pieces of silver; [231] a +hundred and one trays of jewels and of gold pieces, and woollen shiffs, +shawls, muslins, silk and brocades; two elephants and ten horses, of +_'Irak_ and _Yaman_, with caparisons set with precious stones, were +likewise prepared [for the royal acceptance]. She presented these to +his majesty, and stood before him herself with folded arms. The king +asked with great complacency, 'Of what country are you a princess, +and for what reasons are you come here?' + +"The princess, after making her obeisance, replied, 'This slave is +that offender who in consequence of the royal anger was sent to this +wilderness, and all these things which your majesty sees are the +wonderful works of God.' On hearing these words, the king's blood +glowed (with paternal warmth), and rising up, he pressed the princess +fondly to his bosom, and seizing her hand, he ordered her to be seated +on a chair that he had placed near the throne; but still the king was +astonished and surprised [at all he saw], and ordered that the queen, +along with the princesses, should come thither with all speed. When +they arrived, the mother and sisters recognised [the princess], and, +embracing her with fondness, wept over her, and praised God. The +princess presented her mother and sisters with such heaps of gold +and jewels, that the treasures of the world could not equal them in +the balance. Then the king, having made them all sit in his company, +partook of the feast [which had been prepared]. + +"As long as the king lived, the time passed in this manner; sometimes +the king came [to visit the princess], and sometimes carried the +princess with him to his own palaces. When the king died, the +government of the kingdom descended to this princess; for, except +herself, no other person [of her family] was fit for this office. O, +youth, the history [of the princess] is what you have heard. Finally, +heaven-bestowed wealth never fails, but the intentions of the possessor +must [at the same time] be just; moreover, how much soever is spent +[out of this providential wealth] so much also is the increase: to be +astonished at the power of God, is not right in any religion." The +female servant, after finishing this narrative, said, "Now if you +still intend to proceed to the country of _Nimroz_, and if you are +determined in your mind to bring the requisite intelligence, then +depart soon." I replied, I am going this moment, and if God pleases +I shall be back very soon. At last, taking leave [of the princess] +and relying on the protection of God, I set out for that quarter. + +In about a year's time, after encountering many difficulties, I +arrived at the city of _Nimroz_. All the inhabitants of that place +that I saw, noble or common, were dressed in black, and whatever +I had heard, that I fully perceived. After some days the evening +[232] of the new moon occurred. On the first day of the month, all +the inhabitants of the city, little and great, children, nobles, +prince, women and men, assembled on a large plain. I also, bewildered +and distracted in my condition, went along with the vast concourse; +separated from my country and possessions, in the garb of a pilgrim, +I was standing to behold the strange sight, and to see what might +result from the mysterious scene. In the meantime, a young man +advanced from the woods, mounted on a bull, foaming at the mouth, +and roaring and shouting [in a frightful manner]. I, miserable, who +had undergone such labour, and overcome so many dangers, and had come +there to ascertain the circumstances, yet on seeing the young man I was +quite confounded and stood silent with astonishment. The young man, +according to his usual custom, did what he used to do, and returned +[to the woods]; and the concourse of people from the city likewise +returned thither. When I had collected my senses, I then repented +[saying to myself], "What is this you have done? Now it is your lot to +wait anxiously for another whole month." Having no remedy, I returned +with the rest; and I passed that month like the month of _Ramazan_, +[233] counting one day after another. At last the new moon appeared, +and was hailed by me as _'Id_. [234] On the first of the month, the +king and the inhabitants again assembled on that same plain; then I +determined, that this time, let what will happen, I would be resolute, +and propound this mysterious circumstance. + +Suddenly the young man appeared, mounted, according to custom, on a +yellow bull, and, dismounting, sat down [on the ground]; in one hand +he held a naked sword, and in the other the bull's halter; he gave +the vase to his attendant, who, as usual, showed it to every one, +and carried it back [to his master]. The crowd, on seeing the vase, +began to weep; the young man broke the vase, and struck such a blow on +the slave's neck as to sever his head from his body, and, he himself +remounting the bull, returned [towards the woods]. I began to run +after him, with all speed, but the inhabitants laid hold of my hand, +and exclaimed, "What is this you are going to do? why, knowingly, art +thou about to perish? If thou art so tired of life, there are a great +many ways of dying, by which thou mayest end thy existence." How much +soever I beseeched them [to let me go], and even had recourse to main +force, in order that by some means I might escape from their hands, +yet I could not release myself. Three or four men clung fast to me, +and having seized me, led me towards the city. I again suffered for +another whole month in a strange state of disquietude. + +When that month passed also, and the last day of it had elapsed, all +the inhabitants assembled on the plain on the following morning in +the same manner. I, apart from all, arose at the hour of [morning] +prayer. I went before all the others [were astir] into the woods, +and there lay concealed, exactly on the road by which the young man +was to pass; for no one could there restrain me [from executing my +project]. The young man came in the usual manner, performed the same +acts [already described], re-mounted, and was returning. I followed +him, and eagerly running up, I joined him. The young man, from the +noise of my steps, perceived that some body was coming after him. All +at once, turning round the halter of his bull, he gave a loud shout, +and threatened me; then drawing his sword, he advanced towards me, +and was about to strike. I bent down with the utmost respect, and +made him my _salam_, and joining both my hands together, I stood in +silence. That person being a judge of respectful behaviour [restraining +his blow], said to me. "O pilgrim, thou wouldest have been killed for +nothing, but thou hast escaped--thy life is prolonged; get away. Where +art thou going?" He then drew a jewelled dagger, having a tassel set +with pearls, from his waist, and threw it towards me, and added, "At +this moment I have no money about me to give thee; carry this [dagger] +to the king, and thou wilt get whatever thou askest." To such a degree +did my fear and dread of him prevail, that I had not power to speak +or ability to move; my voice was choked, and my feet became heavy. + +After saying this, the brave young man, roaring aloud, went on. I said +to myself, "let what will happen, to remain behind now is, in thy case, +folly thou wilt never again get such an opportunity [to execute thy +project]. Regardless, therefore, of my life, [235] I also went on. He +again turned round and forbade me in great wrath [to follow him], +and seemed determined to put me to death. I stretched forth my neck, +and conjuring him [by all that was sacred], I said, "_O Rustam_ [236] +of these days, strike such a blow that I may be cut clean in two; +let not a fibre remain together, and let me be released from this +wandering and wretched state; I pardon you my blood." He replied, +"O demon-faced! why dost thou for nothing bring thy blood on my head, +and makest me criminal; go thy own way; what! is thy life become a +burden to thee?" I did not mind what he said, but advanced; then he +knowingly appeared not to regard me, and I followed him. Proceeding +on about two _kos_, we passed the wood, and came to a square building; +the young man went up to the door and gave a frightful scream; the door +opened of itself; he entered, and I remained altogether outside. O God, +[said I] what shall I now do? I was perplexed; at last, after a short +delay, a slave came out and brought a message, saying, "Come in, he +has called you to his presence; perhaps the angel of death hovers +over your head; what evil fortune has befallen you?" I replied, +"Verily it is good fortune;" and without fear, I entered along with +him into the garden. + +At last, he led me to a place where [the young man was sitting]; on +seeing him, I made him a very low [237] _salam_; he beckoned me to sit +down; I sat down with respect. What do I see but the young man sitting +alone on a _masnad_, with the tools of a goldsmith lying before him; +and he had just finished a branch of emeralds. When the time came for +him to rise up, all the slaves that were around the place concealed +themselves in [different] rooms; I also from fear hid myself in a +small closet. The young man rose up, and having fastened the chains +of all the apartments, he went towards the corner of the garden, and +began to beat the bull he usually rode. The noise of the animal's +roaring reached my ear, and my heart quaked [with fear]; but as I +had ran all these risks to develop this mystery, I forced the door, +though trembling with fear, and under the screen of the trunk [238] +of a tree, I stood and saw [what was going on]. The young man threw +down the club with which he was beating [the bull], and unlocked +a room and entered it. Then, instantly coming out, he stroked the +bull's back with his hand, and kissed its mouth; and having given +it some grain and grass, he came towards me. On perceiving this, +I ran off quickly, and hid myself in the room. + +The young man unfastened the chains of all the rooms, and the whole +of the slaves came out, bringing with them a small carpet, a wash-hand +basin, and a water pot. After washing his hands and face, he stood up +to pray; when he had finished his prayers, he called out, "Where is the +pilgrim?" On hearing myself called, I ran out and stood before him; +he desired me to sit down; after making him a _salam_, I sat down; +the dinner was served; he partook of it, and gave me some, which I +also ate. When the dishes were removed, and we had washed our hands, +he dismissed his slaves and told them to go to rest. When no one +[except ourselves] remained in the apartment, he then spoke to me, +and asked, "O friend, what great misfortune has befallen thee that +thou goest about seeking thy death?" I related in full detail all the +adventures of my life, from beginning to end, and added, that, "from +your goodness, I have hopes of obtaining my wishes." On hearing this, +he heaving a deep sigh, went raving mad, and began to say, "O God! who +except thee is acquainted with the tortures of love! He whose chilblain +has not yet broken out, how can he know the pains of others? he only +knows the degree of this pain who has felt the pangs of love! + + + 'The anguish of love, you must ask of the lover, + Not of him who feigns, but of the true lover.'" + + +A moment after, coming to himself, he heaved a heart-burning sigh; +the room resounded with it; then I perceived that he was likewise +tortured with the pangs of love, and was suffering from the same +malady [as myself]. On this discovery, I plucked up courage and said, +"I have related to you all my own adventures; now do me the favour to +impart to me the past events [of your life]; I will then first of all +assist you as far as I can, and by exerting myself obtain for you the +desires of your heart." In short, that true lover, conceiving me his +companion and fellow-sufferer, began the relation of his adventures +in the following manner. "Hear, O friend! I whose heart is tortured +with anguish, am the prince of this country of _Nimroz_; the king, +that is to say, my father, at my birth, collected together all the +fortune tellers, astrologers and learned men, and ordered them to cast +and examine my horoscope, to fix my nativity, and to state in full +to his majesty whatever was to befall me every individual moment, and +hour, and _pahar_, and day, and month, and year, [of my life]. They all +assembled according to the king's order, and consulting together, they, +from their mystical science, ascertained my future fate, and said, +'By the blessing of God, the prince has been begotten and born under +such a propitious planet, and in such a lucky moment, that he ought +to be equal to Alexander in extent of dominion, and in justice equal +to _Naushirwan_. He will be, moreover, proficient in every science, +and every [branch of] learning, and towards whatever subject his +heart is inclined, he will accomplish it with perfection. He will +in generosity and bravery acquire such renown, that mankind will no +longer remember _Hatim_ and _Rustam_; but until [he attains] the age +of fourteen, he is exposed to great danger if he sees the sun or moon; +yea, it is to be feared he may become a mad demoniac, and shed the +blood of many; and restless [of living in society], he will fly to +the woods, and associate with beasts and birds; great and strict +pains must be taken that he should never behold the sun by day or +the moon by night, or cast a look even towards the heavens. If this +period [of fourteen years] pass away without danger and in safety, +then for the rest of his life he will reign in peace and prosperity.' + +"On hearing this [prognostication], the king ordered this garden to +be laid out, and caused to be built in it many apartments of various +kinds. He gave an order for me to be brought up in a vault, lined +[on the inside] with felt, so that not a single ray of light from the +sun or moon might penetrate [into my apartment]. I had a wet nurse and +all other kinds of female servants and attendants attached to me, and +was brought up in this grand palace with this [imagined] security. A +learned tutor, who was skilled in public affairs, was appointed to +[superintend] my education; so that I might acquire every science +and art, and the practice of the seven varieties of penmanship; and +my father always looked after me; the occurrences of every day and +every moment were told to the king. I considered that same place as +the whole world, and amused myself with toys and flowers; and I had +procured for me every delicacy the world [could produce] for my food; +whatever I desired I had. By the age of ten years, I had acquired +every species of learning, and every useful accomplishment. + +"One day, beneath that dome, an astonishing flower appeared from +the sky-light, which increased in size as I gazed upon it; I wished +to seize it with my hands, but as I stretched them towards it, it +ascended [and eluded my grasp]. I, having become astonished, was +looking steadfastly at it, when the sound of a loud laugh reached my +ear; I raised my head to look [towards the dome from which the noise +proceeded]. Then I saw that a face, resplendent as the full moon, +having rent the felt, continued issuing forth. On beholding it, my +reason and senses vanished. On coming to myself, I looked up, and +saw a throne of jewels raised on the shoulders of fairies; a person +was seated on it, with a crown of precious stones on her head, and +clothed in a superb dress; she held in her hand a cup made of ruby, +and seated, was drinking wine. The throne descended by slow degrees +from its height, and rested on [the floor of] the dome. Then the +fairy called me, and placed me beside her [on the throne]; she began +to make use of expressions of endearment, and having pressed her +lips to mine, she made me drink a cup of rosy wine, and said, 'The +human race is faithless, but my heart loves thee.' The expressions +she uttered were so endearing and so fascinating, that in a moment +my heart was enraptured, and I felt such pleasure as if I had tasted +the supreme joys of life, and thus I conceived that I had only on +that day entered the world [of enjoyment]. + +"The result is my present state! but no one [on earth] hath ever seen, +or heard such ecstatic pleasure! In that zest, with our hearts at +ease, we both were seated, when all at once our joys were dashed to +pieces! Now listen to the unlooked-for circumstance [which produced +this sudden change]. At the moment, four fairies descended from +the heavens, and whispered something in that beloved one's ear. On +hearing it, her colour changed, and she said to me, 'O my beloved, +I fondly wished to pass some moments with you, and regale my heart, +and to repeat my visits in the same manner, or to take thee with +me. But fate will not permit two persons [like us] to remain in one +place in peace and felicity; farewell, my beloved! may God protect +you!' On hearing these [dreadful words], my senses vanished, and my +bliss fled from my grasp. [239] I cried, 'O my charmer, when shall +we meet again? what dreadful words of wrath are these which you have +made me hear? If you will return quickly, then you will find me alive, +otherwise you will regret the delay; or else tell me your name and +place of residence, that I may from those directions, by diligent +search, conduct myself to you.' On hearing this she said, 'God forbid +[you should do so]; may the ears of Satan be deaf; may your age amount +to a hundred and twenty years; [240] if we live we shall meet again; +I am the daughter of the king of the _Jinns_, and I dwell in the +mountain of _Kaf_. [241] On saying this, she caused the throne to +ascend, [242] and it ascended in the same manner as it had descended. + +"Whilst the throne was in sight, our eyes were fixed on each other; +when it disappeared from my eyes, my state became such as if the +shadow of a fairy had fallen on me; a strange sort of gloom was +spread over my heart, and my understanding and consciousness left +me; the world appeared dark under my eyes; distracted and confused, +I wept bitterly, and scattered dust over my head, and tore my clothes; +I became regardless of food and drink, nor cared for good or evil. + + + 'What various evils result from this same love! + In the heart are produced sadness and impatience.' [243] + + +"My misfortune was soon known to my nurse and preceptor; with fear +and trembling they went before the king, and said, 'Such is the +state of the prince of the people of the world; we do not know how +this disaster has suddenly and of itself fallen upon him, so that +rest, food, and drink have all [on his part] been abandoned.' [On +hearing these sad tidings] the king immediately came to the garden +[where I resided], accompanied by the _wazir_, intelligent nobles, +wise physicians, true astrologers, learned _mullas_, holy devotees, +and men abstracted from worldly affairs. On seeing my distracted, +sighing, weeping condition, his mind became also distracted; he wept, +and with fond affection clasped me to his breast, and gave orders for +my proper treatment. The physicians wrote out their prescriptions, in +order to strengthen my heart and cure my brain, and the holy priests +wrote out charms [244] and amulets, some to be swallowed, and others to +be worn on my person, and having each repeated prayers [of exorcism], +they began to blow upon me; the astrologers said this misfortune had +happened owing to the revolution of the stars [for the averting] of +it, give pious donations. In short, every one advised according to his +science; but what was passing within me, my heart alone experienced; +no one's assistance or remedy was of avail to my evil destiny; day +after day my lunacy increased, and my body became emaciated from the +want of nourishment. There remained for me only to shriek and moan, +day and night. Three years passed away in this state. In the fourth +year, a merchant, who was on his travels, arrived, and brought with +him into the royal presence rare and valuable articles of different +countries; he met with a gracious reception. + +"The king favoured him greatly, and after inquiries respecting +his health, he said to him, 'You have seen many countries; have you +anywhere seen a truly learned physician, or have heard of such from any +one?' The merchant replied, 'Mighty sire, this slave has travelled a +great deal; in the middle of the [Ganges] river in _Hindustan_ there +is a small mountain; there a _Jata-dhari Gusa,in_ [245] has built a +large temple to _Mahadev_, [246] together with a place of worship, +and a garden of great beauty, and in that [mountain-island] he lives; +and his custom is this, that once a year on the day of _Shevrat_, +[247] he comes out of his dwelling, swims in the river, and enjoys +himself. After washing himself, when he is returning to his abode, then +the sick and afflicted of various countries and regions, who come there +from afar, assemble near his door. Of these a numerous crowd is formed. + +"'The holy _Gusa,in_ (who ought to be called the Plato [248] of these +days), moves along examining the urine, and feeling the pulse of each, +and giving each a recipe. God has given him such healing power, +that, on taking his medicines, their effects are instantaneous, +and the disease utterly vanishes. These circumstances I have seen +with my own eyes, and adored the power of God which has created such +beings! If your majesty orders it, I will conduct the prince of the +people of the world to that [wonderful man], and show the prince +to him; I firmly hope he will soon be completely cured; moreover, +this scheme is externally beneficial, for from inhaling the air of +various places, and from the diet and drink of different countries +[through which we shall pass], the prince's mind will be restored +to cheerfulness.' The merchant's advice seemed very proper to the +king, and being pleased, he said, 'Very well; perhaps the holy man's +treatment may prove efficacious, and this melancholy may be removed +from my son's mind.' The king appointed a confidential nobleman, +who had seen the world, and had been tried on [various] occasions, +together with the merchant, to attend me, and he furnished us with the +requisite equipment. Having seen us embark on boats of every variety, +together with our baggage, he dismissed us. Proceeding onwards, +stage after stage, we arrived at the place [where the holy _Gusa,in_ +lived]. From change of air, and from living on a different diet, +my mind became somewhat composed; but there still remained the same +state of silence; and I wept incessantly. The recollection of the +lovely fairy was not for a moment effaced from my mind; if I spoke +sometimes, it was only to repeat these lines:-- + + + 'I know not what fairy-faced one has glanced over me, + But my heart was sound and tranquil not long ago.' + + +At last, when two or three months had passed away, nearly four +thousand sick had assembled on the rock, and all said, 'If God please, +the _Gusa,in_ will shortly come out of his abode, and bestow on us +his advice, and we shall be perfectly cured.' In short, when that +day arrived, the _Gusa,in_ appeared in the morning, like the sun, +and bathed and swam in the river; he crossed over it and returned, +and rubbed ashes of cow-dung over his body, and hid his fair form +like a live coal under the ashes. He made a mark with sandal wood on +his forehead, girded on his _langoti_, [249] threw a towel over his +shoulders, tied his long hair up in a knot, twisted his mustachios, +and put on his shoes. It appeared, from his looks, that the whole +world possessed no value to him. Having put a small writing desk set +with gems under his arm, and looking at each [patient] in turn, he +gave them his recipes, and came to me. When our looks met, he stood +still, paused for a moment, and then said to me, 'Come with me.' I +went along with him. + +"When he had done with all the rest, he led me into the garden, and +into a neat and richly-ornamented private apartment, and he said +to me, 'Do you make your residence here,' and went himself to his +abode. When forty days had elapsed, he came to me, and found me better +comparatively with [what I had been] before. He then, smiling, said, +'Amuse yourself by walking about in this garden, and eat whatever +fruits you like.' He gave me a china pot filled with _ma'jun_, [250] +and added, 'Take without fail six _mashas_ [251] from this pot every +morning, fasting.' Saying this, he went away, and I followed strictly +his prescription. My body perceptibly gained strength daily, and my +mind composure, but mighty love was still triumphant; that fairy's +form ever wandered before my eyes. + +"One day I perceived a book [252] in a recess in the wall; I took it +down, and saw that all the sciences relating to the future and the +present world were comprised in it, as if the ocean had been compressed +into a vase. I used to read it at all times; I acquired great skill +in the science of physic, and the mystical art of philters. A year +passed away in the meantime, and again that same day of joy returned; +the _Gusa,in_, having arisen from his devotional posture, came out +[of his abode]; I made him my _salam_; he gave me the writing case, and +said, 'Accompany me.' I [accordingly] went along with him. When he came +out of the gate a vast crowd showered blessings on him. The nobleman +and the merchant, seeing me with the _Gusa,in_, fell at his feet, and +began to pour forth their blessings on him, saying, "by the favour of +your holiness, this much at least has been effected." The _Gusa,in_ +went to the _ghat_ of the river, according to custom, and performed +his ablutions and devotions, as he was wont to do every year; returning +[from thence], he was proceeding along the line and examining the sick. + +"It happened, that in the group of lunatics, a handsome young man, +who had scarce strength to stand up, attracted the _Gusa,in's_ +attention. He said to me, 'Bring him with you.' After delivering his +prescriptions of cure to all, he went into his private apartment and +opened a little of the young lunatic's skull; he attempted to seize +with his forceps the centipede which was curled on his brain. An idea +struck me, and I spoke out, saying, 'If you will heat the forceps +in the fire, and then apply it to the centipede's back, it will be +better, as it will then come out of its own accord; but if you thus +attempt to pull it off, it will not quit its grasp on the brain, and +[the patient's] life will be endangered.' [253] On hearing this, the +_Gusa,in_ looked towards me; silently he rose up, and, without saying +a word, he went to the corner of the garden, and seizing a tree in his +grasp, he formed his long hair into a noose, and hanged himself. I went +to the spot, and saw, alas! alas! that he was dead. I became quite +afflicted at the strange and astonishing sight; but being helpless, +I thought it best to bury him. The moment I began to take him down +from the tree, two keys dropt from his locks; I took them up, and +interred that treasure of excellence in the earth. Having taken with +me the two keys, I began to apply them to all the locks. By chance +I opened the locks of two rooms with these keys, and perceived that +they were filled from the floor to the roof with precious stones; +in one place I saw a chest covered with velvet, with clasps of gold, +and locked. When I opened it, then I saw in it a book, in which was +written the "Most awful of Names," [254] and the mode of invoking the +genii, and the fairies, and the holding of intercourse with spirits, +and how to subdue them, also the mode of charming the sun. + +"I became quite delighted at the idea of having acquired such a +treasure, and began to put those [charms] in practice. I opened the +garden door, and said to the nobleman, and to those who had come +with me, 'Send for the vessels [which had brought us, and embark in +them all these jewels, specie, merchandise, and books,' and having +embarked myself in a small vessel, I proceeded from thence to the +main ocean. When sailing along, I approached my own country. The +intelligence reached my father. He mounted his horse, and advanced to +meet us; with anxious affection he clasped me to his bosom; I kissed +his feet, and said, 'May this humble being be allowed to live in the +former garden?' + +"The king replied, 'O my son, that garden appears to me calamitous, +and I have therefore forbidden its being kept up; that spot is not +at present fit for the abode of man; reside in any other abode which +your heart may desire. You had best choose some place in the fort, and +live under my eyes; and having there formed such a garden as you wish, +continue to walk about and to amuse yourself.' I strenuously resisted +and caused the former garden to be repaired once more, and having +embellished it like a perfect paradise, I went to reside in it. There, +at my ease, I fasted forty days for the purpose of subduing the _jinns_ +to my will; and having abandoned living creatures, I began to practise +[my spells] on the world of spirits. + +"When the forty days were completed, such a terrible storm arose at +midnight, that the very strongest buildings fell down, and trees +were uprooted and scattered in all directions; an army of fairies +appeared. A throne descended from the air, on which a person of +dignified appearance was seated, richly dressed, with a crown of +pearls on his head. On seeing him, I saluted him with great respect; +he returned my salutation, and said, 'O friend, why hast thou raised +this commotion for nothing? what dost thou want with me?' I replied, +'This wretch has been long in love with your daughter, and for her +I have every where wandered about wretched, distracted, and am dead, +though alive; I am now sick of existence, and have staked my life on +this deed which I have done. All my hopes now rest on your benevolence, +that you will exalt this unfortunate wanderer with your favour, and +that you will bestow on me life and happiness, by allowing me to behold +[your fair daughter]; it will be an act of great merit.' [255] + +"On hearing my wishes he said, 'Man is made of earth, and we are formed +of fire; connection between two such [classes] is very difficult.' I +swore an oath, saying, 'I only desire to see her, and have no other +purpose.' Again the king [of the fairies] replied, 'Man does not +adhere to his promises; in time of need he promises everything, but +he does not keep it in recollection. I say this for thy good; for if +ever thou formest other wishes, then she and thou wilt be ruined and +undone; moreover, it will endanger your lives.' I repeated my oaths, +and added, that whatever could injure both of us, I would never do, and +that all I desired was to see her sometimes. These words were passing +[between us], when suddenly, the fairy (of whom we were talking) +appeared before us, with much splendour, and completely adorned; +and the throne of the king [of the fairies] remounted thence. I then +embraced the fairy with fond eagerness, and repeated this verse:-- + + + 'Why should not she of the arched eyebrows come [to my house], + She for whose sake I have fasted for forty days.' + + +In that state of felicity we resided together in the garden. I +dreaded through fear to think of other joys; I only tasted the +superficial pleasure [of her roseate lips], and constantly gazed +upon her charms. The lovely fairy, seeing me so true to my oath, was +surprised within herself, and used sometimes to say, 'O my beloved, +you are indeed strictly faithful to your promise; but I will give you, +by the way of friendship, a piece of advice; take care of your mystical +book; for the _jinns_, seeing you off your guard, will purloin it +some day or other.' I replied, 'I guard this book as I would my life.' + +"It so happened, that one night Satan led me astray; in a fit of +overpowering passion, I said to myself, 'Let happen what will, how long +can I restrain myself?' I clasped the [lovely fairy] to my bosom, and +attempted to revel in ecstatic joys. Instantly, a voice came forth, +saying, 'Give me the book, for the great name of God is written in +it; do not profane it.' In that fervour of passion, I was insensible +[to every other consideration]; I took the book from my bosom and +delivered it, without knowing to whom I gave it, and plunged myself +into the fervid joys of love. The beautiful fairy, seeing my foolish +conduct, said, 'Alas! selfish man, thou hast at last transgressed, +and forgotten my admonition.' + +"On saying this, she became senseless, and I perceived a _jinn_ +standing at the head of the bed, who held the magical book in his +hand; I attempted to seize him, and beat him severely, and snatch +away the book, when in the meantime another appeared, took the book +from his hand, and ran off. I began to repeat the incantations I had +learnt. The _jinn_, who was still standing near me, became a bull; but, +alas! the lovely fairy had not in the least recovered her senses, and +that same state of stupor continued. Then my mind became distracted, +and all my joys were turned into bitterness. From that day, man became +my aversion. I live in a corner of this garden; and for the sake of +agreeably occupying my mind, I made this emerald vase, ornamented +with flowers, and every month I go to the plain, mounted on that same +bull, break the vase, and kill a slave, with the hope that every one +may see my sad state and pity me; perhaps some creature of God may +so far favour me and pray for me, that I even may regain the desire +[of my heart]. O faithful friend, such as I have related to thee is +the sad tale of my madness and lunacy." + +I wept at hearing it, and said, "O prince, you have truly suffered +greatly from love; but I swear here by God, that I will abandon my own +wishes, and will now roam among woods and mountains for your good, +and do all I can [to find out your beloved fairy]. Having made this +promise, I took leave of the prince, and for five years wandered +through the desert, sifting the dust, like a mad man, but found no +trace [of the fairy]. At last, desponding of success, I ascended a +mountain, and wished to throw myself down [from its summit], so that +neither bone nor rib [in my frame] might remain entire. The same veiled +horseman, [who saved you from destruction], came up to me and said, +"Do not throw away thy life; in a few days thou wilt be in possession +of the desires of thy heart." O holy _Darweshes_! I have at last seen +you. I have now hopes that joy and happiness will be our lot, and +all of us, now affected as we are, may attain our wished-for objects. + + + +TALE OF AZAD BAKHT. + +When the second _Darwesh_ had likewise finished telling the relation +of his adventures, the night ended, and the time of morning was just +beginning. The king, _Azad Bakht_, silently proceeded towards his own +kingly abode. On arriving at his palace, he said his prayers. Then, +having gone to the bathing-house, and dressed himself superbly, +he proceeded to the _Diwani 'Amm_ and mounted his throne; and he +issued an order, saying, "Let a messenger go and bring along with him, +with respect, to our presence, four _Darweshes_ who have [recently] +arrived at such a place." The messenger went there according to orders, +and perceived that the four _Darweshes_, after performing the necessary +calls, and washed their hands and faces, were on the point of setting +out on [their peregrinations], and take their different roads. The +messenger said to them, "Reverend sirs, the king has called you +four personages; come along with me." The four _Darweshes_ began +to stare at each other, and said to the messenger, "Son, we are the +monarchs of our own hearts; what have we to do with a king of this +world?" The messenger answered, "Holy sirs, there is no harm in it, +and it is better you should go." + +The four _Darweshes_ then recollected that what _Maula Murtaza_ +[256] had said to them, that same had now come to pass; they were +pleased at the recollection], and went along with the messenger. When +they reached the fort and went before the king, the four _Kalandars_ +gave a benediction, saying, "Son, may it be well with thee." The king +then retired to the _Diwani khass_, and having called two or three +of his confidential nobles near him, he ordered the four _Darweshes_ +to be brought in. When they went there [before his majesty], he +commanded them to sit down, and asked them their adventures, saying, +"From whence come you, where do you intend to go, and where is the +residence of your worships?" + +"They replied, "May the king's age and wealth be always on the +increase! we are _Darweshes_, and have in this very manner for +a long while wandered and roamed about; we bear our homes on our +shoulders. There is a saying, that 'a pilgrim's home is where the +evening overtakes him;' and all we have seen in this versatile world +is too long a tale to relate." + +_Azad Bakht_ gave them every confidence and encouragement, and +having sent for refreshment, he made them breakfast before him. When +they finished [their meal] the king said to them, "Relate all your +adventures to me, without the least reserve; whatever services I can +render you, I will not fail to do." The _Darweshes_ replied that, +"whatever has happened to us, we have not the strength to relate, +nor will any pleasure result to the king from hearing it; therefore +pardon us." The king then smiled, and said, "Where you were sitting +on your couches last night and relating each his own adventures, +there I was likewise present; moreover, I have heard the adventures +of two of you; I now wish that the two who remain would also relate +theirs; and stay with me a few days in perfect confidence, for 'the +footsteps of the _Darwesh_ scare away evil.'" [257] On hearing these +words from the king, they began to tremble in consequence of their +fear; and having hung down their heads, they remained silent--they +had not the power to speak. + +When _Azad Bakht_ perceived that now through fear their senses no +longer remained with them, so as to enable them to tell anything, +he said [to revive their spirits] "There is no person in this world +to whom rare and strange incidents have not occurred; although I am +a king, yet I have even seen strange scenes, which I will first of +all relate to you [to inspire you with confidence and remove your +fears]; do you listen to it with your minds at ease," The _Darweshes_ +replied, "O king, peace be on thee! such are your kindnesses towards +us darweshes, condescend to relate them." + +_Azad Bakht_ began his adventures, and said, + + + "Hear, O pilgrims, the adventures of the king. + Whatever I have heard or seen, O hear! + I will relate to ye every thing, from end to end. + My story with heartfelt attention hear." + + +When my father died, and I ascended the throne, it was in the +very season of youth, and all this kingdom of _Rum_ was under my +dominion. It happened one year, that some merchant from the country +of _Badakhshan_ [258] came [to my capital] and brought a good deal +of merchandise. The reporters of intelligence [259] sent notice to +me to this effect, that so considerable a merchant had never visited +our city before: I sent for him. + +"He came, and brought with him the rarities of every country, which +were worthy of being offered to me, as presents. Indeed, every article +appeared to be of inestimable value; above all, there was a ruby +in a box, of an exceedingly fine colour, very brilliant, perfect in +shape and size, and in weight [amounting to] five _miskals_. [260] +Though I was a king, I had never seen such a precious stone, nor had +I heard of such from any other person. I accepted it, and bestowed +upon the merchant many presents and honours; I gave him passports +for the roads, that throughout my empire no one should ask him any +duties; that they should treat him with kindness wherever he went; +that he should be waited on, and have guards for his protection, +and that they should consider any loss he might experience as their +own. The merchant attended at the time of audience, and was well +versed in the forms of respect due to royalty; his conversation and +eloquence were worth hearing. I used to send for the ruby daily from +the jewel office, and look at it at the time of public audience. + +One day I was seated in the _diwani 'amm,_ and the nobles and +officers of state were in waiting in their respective places, and the +ambassadors of different sovereigns, who had come to congratulate me +[on my accession to the throne], were likewise present. I then sent for +the ruby, according to custom; the officer of the jewel office brought +it; I took it in my hand and began to praise it, and gave it to the +ambassador of the Franks [to look at it]. On seeing it, he smiled, +and praised it by way of flattery; in the same manner it passed from +hand to hand, and every one looked at it, and all said together, +"The preponderance of your majesty's good fortune has procured you +this; for otherwise, even unto this day, no monarch has ever acquired +so inestimable a jewel." At that moment my father's _wazir_, who +was wise, and held the same station under me, and was standing in +his place, made his obeisance and said, "I wish to impart something +[to the royal ear], if my life be granted." + +I ordered him to speak; he said, "Mighty sire, you are king, and it +is very unbecoming in kings to laud so highly a stone; though it is +unique in colour, in quality, and in weight, yet it is but a stone; +and at this moment the ambassadors of all countries are present in +the court; when they return to their respective countries, they will +assuredly relate this anecdote, saying, 'What a strange king he is, +who has got a ruby from somewhere, and makes such a rarity of it, +that he sends for it every day, and praising it himself the first, +shows it to every one present.' Then whatever king or _raja_ [261] +hears this anecdote, the same will certainly laugh at it in his own +court. Great sire, there is an insignificant merchant in _Naishapur_, +[262] who has twelve rubies, each weighing seven _miskals_, [263] +which he has sewed on a collar, and put it round his dog's neck." On +hearing this, I became greatly displeased, and said with anger, +put this _wazir_ to death. + +The executioners immediately seized hold of his hands, and were +going to lead him out [to execution]. The ambassador of the king +of the Franks, joining his hands [in humble supplication] stood +before me. I asked him what he wanted; he replied, "I hope I may +become informed of the _wazir's_ fault," I answered, what can be +a greater fault than to lie, especially before kings. He replied, +"His falsehood has not yet been confirmed; perhaps what he has said +may be true; now, to put an innocent person to death is not right." I +said to him in reply, "It is not at all consistent with reason, that +a merchant, who, for the sake of gain, wanders disconsolate from city +to city and from country to country, and hoards up every farthing +[he can save], should sew twelve rubies, which weigh seven _miskals_ +each, on the collar of a dog." The ambassador in answer said, +"Nothing is surprising before the power of God; perhaps it may be +the case; such rarities often fall into the hands of merchants and +pilgrims. For these two [classes of people] go into every country, +and they bring away with them whatever they find rare in [their +travels]. It is most advisable for your majesty to order the _wazir_ +to be imprisoned, if he is as guilty [as you suppose]; for _wazirs_ +are the intelligencers of kings, and such conduct as this appears +unhandsome in the latter, that in a case, the truth and falsehood +of which is as yet unascertained, to order them to be put to death, +and that the services and fidelity of a whole life should be forgotten. + +"Mighty sire, former kings have erected prisons for this very reason, +that when the kings or chiefs may be in wrath towards any one, then +they might confine him. In a few days their anger will have entirely +subsided, and [the suspected one's] innocence will become manifest, +and the king will be exempt from the stain of shedding innocent blood, +and not have to answer for it on the day of judgment." Though I wished +ever so much to refute him, yet the ambassador of the Franks [264] +gave such just replies, that he reduced me to silence. Then I said, +well, I agree to what you say, and I pardon him his life. But he shall +remain imprisoned; if in the space of a year his words are proved to +be true, that such rubies are round the neck of a dog, then he shall +be released; otherwise, he shall be put to death with many torments. I +accordingly ordered the _wazir_ to be carried to prison. On hearing +this order, the ambassador made me his humble obeisance, [265] and +performed his parting salute. + +When this news reached the _wazir's_ family, weeping and lamentations +took place, and it became a house of mourning. The _wazir_ had a +daughter of the age of fourteen or fifteen years, very handsome +and accomplished, perfect in writing and reading. The _wazir_ loved +her greatly, and was extremely fond of her; so much so, that he had +erected an elegant apartment for her behind his own _diwan khana;_ +and had procured for her the daughters of noblemen as her companions, +and handsome female servants waited on her; with these she passed +her time in laughter and joy, and playing and romping about. + +It happened that on the day the _wazir_ was sent to prison, the girl +was sitting with her young companions, and was celebrating with +[infantile] pleasure the marriage of her doll; and with a small +drum and timbrel she was making preparation for the night vigils; +and having put on the frying pan, she was busy making up sweetmeats, +when her mother suddenly ran into her apartment, lamenting and beating +[her breasts], with dishevelled tresses and naked feet. She struck +a blow on her daughter's head, and said, "Would that God had given +me a blind son instead of thee; then my heart would have been at +ease, and he would have been the friend of his father." The _wazir's_ +daughter asked, "What use would a blind son have been to you? whatever +he could do, I can do likewise." The mother replied, "Dust be on thy +head! such a calamity hath fallen on thy father, that he is confined +in the prison for having used some improper expressions before the +king." The daughter asked, "What were the expressions? let me hear +them." Then her mother answered, "Your father said that there is +a merchant in _Nishapur_, who has fixed twelve inestimable rubies +on his dog's collar: the king would not believe him, but conceived +him a liar, and has imprisoned him. If he had had to-day a son, he +would have exerted himself by every means to ascertain the truth of +the circumstance; he would have assisted his father, besought the +king's forgiveness, and have got my husband released from prison." + +The _wazir's_ daughter said [in reply], "O mother, we cannot combat +against fate; man under sudden calamity ought to be patient, and place +his hopes in the bounty of God. He is merciful, and does not hold any +one's difficulties to be irremovables; weeping and lamentations are +improper. God forbid that our enemies should misrepresent [the motive +of our tears] to the king, and the teller of tales calumniate us, for +that would be the cause of farther displeasure. On the contrary, let +us offer up our prayers for the king's welfare; we are his born slaves, +and he is our master; even as he is wroth, so will he be gracious." The +girl, from her good sense, thus made her mother comprehend these +things, so that she became somewhat patient and tranquil, and returned +in silence to her palace. When the night arrived, the _wazir-zadi_ +[266] sent for her foster father, [or nurse's husband], and fell at +his feet and beseeched him greatly, and weeping, said, "I have formed +a resolution to wipe off the reproach my mother has cast on me, so +that my father may regain his freedom. If you will be my companion, +then I will set out for _Niashapur_, and having seen the merchant +[who has such rubies round his dog's neck], I will do all in my power +[to the end that] I may release my father." + +The man indeed made some excuses at first; at length after much +discussion, he agreed [to her request]. Then the _wazir-zadi_ said, +"Make the preparations for the Journey in secrecy and silence, and buy +some articles of trade fit to be presented as offerings to kings, and +procure as many slaves and servants as may be required; but do not let +this circumstance be revealed to any one." The foster father agreed +[to the project], and set about [the necessary] preparations. When +all the materials were got ready, he loaded the camels and mules, +and set out; the _wazir's_ daughter also put on the dress of a man, +and joined him. No one in the house knew anything whatever [of the +departure]. When the morning came, it was mentioned in the _wazir's_ +family, that the _wazir-zadi_, had disappeared, and that it was +uncertain where she was gone. + +At last, the mother, from fear of scandal, concealed the circumstance +of her daughter's disappearance; and there [on the journey] the +_wazir-zadi_ gave herself out as a "young merchant." Travelling onwards +stage by stage, they arrived at _Naishapur_; and with great pleasure +they went and put up at the _caravan-serai_ and unloaded all their +merchandise. The _wazir-zadi_ I remained there that night; in the +morning she went to the bath; and put on a rich dress, according to the +costume of the inhabitants of _Rum_, and went out to ramble through the +city. Proceeding along, she reached the _chauk,_ and stood where the +four great streets crossed each other; and a jeweller's shop appeared +on one side, where a great deal of jewels were exposed [for sale], +and slaves wearing rich dresses were in waiting, with crossed arms; +and a man, who was their chief, of about fifty years [267] of age, +dressed like rich persons in a short-sleeved jacket, was seated there, +with many elegant companions near him, seated likewise on stools, +and conversing among themselves. + +The _wazir-zadi_ (who had represented herself as a merchant's +son, [268]) was greatly surprised at seeing the jeweller; and, +on reflection, she became pleased in her own heart, saying, +"God grant this be no delusion! it is most probable that this +is the very merchant, the anecdote of whom my father mentioned to +the king. O, great God, enlighten me as to his circumstances." It +happened, that on looking around her, she saw a shop, in which two +iron cages were suspended, and two men were confined in them. They +looked like _majnun_ in appearance, only skin and bones remained; +the hair of their heads and their nails were quite overgrown, +and they sat with their heads reclined on their breasts; two +ugly negroes, completely armed, were standing on each side [of the +cages]. The young merchant was struck with amazement, and exclaimed, +"God bless us." When she looked round the other way, she saw another +shop, where carpets were spread, on which an ivory stool was placed, +with a velvet cushion, and a dog sat thereon, with a collar set with +precious stones around his neck, and chained by a chain of gold; +and two young handsome servants waited on the dog. One was shaking +[over him] a _morchhal_ [269] with a golden handle, set with precious +stones, and the other held an embroidered handkerchief in his hand, +with which he [from time to time] wiped the dog's mouth and feet. +The young merchant, having looked at the animal with great attention, +perceived on its collar the twelve large rubies, as she had heard +[them described]. She praised God, and began to consider thus: "By +what means can I carry those rubies to the king, and show them to +him, and get my father released?" She was plunged in these perplexing +reflections; meanwhile, all the people in the square and on the road, +seeing her beauty and comeliness, were struck with astonishment, +and remained utterly confounded. All the people said one to another, +"Even unto this day, we have never seen a human being of this form +and beauty." The _khwaja_ [270] also perceived her, and sent a slave, +saying, "Go thou and entreat that young merchant to come to me." + +The slave went up to her and delivered his master's message, and +said, "If you will have the kindness, then my master is desirous of +[seeing] your honour; pray come and have an interview with him." The +young merchant indeed wished this very thing, and said in reply, +"Very well." [271] The moment she came near the _khwaja_, and he had +a full view of her, the dart of attachment pierced his breast; he rose +up to receive her respectfully, but his senses were utterly bewildered. +The young merchant perceived that "now he is entangled in the net" [of +my charms]. They mutually embraced one another; the _khwaja_ kissed the +young merchant's forehead, and made him sit down near him; and asked +with much kindness, "inform me of your name and lineage? whence have +you come, and where do you intend to go?" The young merchant replied, +"This humble servant's country is _Rum_, and Constantinople has been +for ages the birth-place [of my ancestors.] My father is a merchant; +and as he is now from old age unable to travel [from country to country +on his mercantile concerns] on this account he has sent me abroad to +learn the affairs of commerce. Until now I had not put my foot out of +our door; this is the very first journey that has occurred to me. I had +not courage [272] to come here by sea, I therefore travelled by land; +but your excellence and good name is so renowned in this country of +_'Ajam_ [273] that to have the pleasure only of meeting you I have +come so far. At last, by the favour of God, I have had the honour of +[sitting in] your noble presence, and have found your good qualities +exceed your renown; the wish of my heart is accomplished; God preserve +you in safety, I will now set out from hence." + +On hearing these [last words], the _khwaja's_ mind and senses were +quite discomposed, and he exclaimed, "O, my son, do not speak to me of +such a thing;" stay some days with me in my humble abode; pray tell me +where are your goods, and your servants?" The young merchant replied, +"The traveller's abode is the _sara,e_; [274] leaving them there, I +came to see you." The _khwaja_ said, "It is unbecoming [a person of +your consideration] to dwell in the _sara,e_ I have some reputation +in this city, and much celebrity; send quickly for your baggage, &c.; +I will prepare a house for your goods; let me see whatever commodities +you have brought; I will so manage it, that you will get here great +profit on them. At the same time, you will be at your ease, and saved +the danger and fatigue [of travelling any farther for a market], and +by staying with me a few days you will greatly oblige me." The young +merchant pretended [275] to make some excuses, but the _khwaja_ would +not accept them, and ordered one of his agents, saying, "Send quickly +some burden-bearers, and bring the goods, &c., from the _caravanserai_ +and lodge them in such a place." + +The young merchant likewise sent a slave of his own with [the agent] +to bring the property and merchandise; and he himself remained with +the _khwaja_ until the evening. When the time of [the afternoon] +market had elapsed, and the shop was shut, the _khwaja_ went towards +his house. Then one of the two slaves took the dog up under his arm, +and the other took up the stool and carpet; and the two negro slaves +placed the two cages on the heads of porters, and they themselves, +accoutred with the five weapons, [276] went alongside of them. The +_khwaja_ took hold of the young merchant's hand, and conversing with +him, reached his house. + +The young merchant saw that the house was grand, and fit for kings or +nobles [to reside in]. Carpets were spread on the border of a rivulet, +and before the _masnad_ the different articles for the entertainment +were laid out. The dog's stool was placed there also, and the _khwaja_ +and young merchant took their seats; he presented to him some wine +without ceremony; they both began to drink. When they got merry, the +_khwaja_ called for dinner; the _dastar-khwan_ [277] was spread, and +the good things of the world were laid out. First they put some meat +in a dish, and having covered it with a cover of gold, they carried +it to the dog, and having spread an embroidered _dastar-khwan_, they +laid the dish before him. The dog descended from his stool, ate as +much as he liked, and drank some water out of a golden bowl, then +returned and sat on his stool. The slaves wiped his mouth and feet +with a napkin, and then carried the dish and bowl to the two cages, +and having asked for the keys from the _khwaja_, they opened the locks. + +They took out the two men [who were confined in the cages], gave +them many blows with a great stick, and made them eat the leavings +of the dog and drink the same water; they again fastened the doors +[of the cages] and returned the keys to their master. When all this +was over, the _khwaja_ began to eat himself. The young merchant was +not pleased at these circumstances, and did not touch the victuals +from disgust. How much soever the _khwaja_ pressed him, yet he flatly +refused. Then the _khwaja_ asked the reason of this, saying, "Why +do you not eat?" The young merchant replied, "This conduct of yours +appears disgusting to me, for this reason that man is the noblest +of God's creatures, and the dog is decidedly impure. So to make two +of God's own creatures eat the leavings of a dog, in what religion +or creed is it lawful? Do not you think it sufficient that they are +your prisoners? otherwise they and you are equal. Now, I doubt if you +are a _Musulman_; who knows what you are? Perhaps you worship the dog; +it is disgusting to me to eat your dinner, until this doubt is removed +from my mind." + +The _khwaja_ answered, "O, son, I comprehend perfectly all that you +say, and am generally censured for these reasons; for the inhabitants +of this city have fixed upon me the name of dog-worshipper, and call +me so, and have published it [everywhere]; but may the curse of God +alight on the impious and the infidel!" The _khwaja_ then repeated the +_kalima_, [278] and set the young merchant's mind at ease. Then the +young merchant asked, thus, "If you are really a _Musalman_ in your +heart, then what is the reason of this? By so acting, get yourself +generally censured?" The _khwaja_ said in reply, "O, son, my name is +reprobated, and I pay double taxes in the city, that no one may know +this secret [motive of my conduct]. It is a strange circumstance, +which, whoever hears, will get nothing by the recital but grief and +indignation. You must likewise pardon me [from relating it]; for I +shall not have strength of mind to recount it, nor will you have the +composure of mind to listen to it." The young merchant thought within +himself, "I have only to mind my own business; why should I to no +purpose press him further on the subject?" She accordingly replied +to the _khwaja_, "Very well; if it is not proper to be related, do +not mention it." He then began to partake of the dinner, and having +lifted a morsel, began to eat. The space of about two months [279] +the young merchant passed with the _khwaja_, with such prudence and +circumspection, that no one found out by any chance that he was a +woman [in disguise]. All thought that this [individual] was a male, +and the _khwaja's_ affection for him increased daily, so that he +could not allow him to be a moment absent from his sight. + +One day, in the midst of a drinking feat, the young merchant began +to weep. On seeing it, the _khwaja_ comforted her, and began to +wipe away his tears with his handkerchief, and asked him the cause +of his weeping. He answered, "O, father, what shall I say? would to +God that I had never attained access to your presence, and that your +worship had never shown me that kindness which you are shewing. I +am now distressed between two difficulties; I have no heart to be +separated from your presence, nor is there a possibility of my staying +here. Now, it is necessary for me to go; but in separating from you, +I do not perceive hopes of life." + +On hearing these words, the _khwaja_ involuntarily wept so loudly, +that he was nearly choked, and exclaimed, "O, light of my eyes! are +you so soon tired of your old friend, that you think of going away +and leaving him in such affliction? banish from your heart the idea +of departing; as long as I have to live, remain here; I shall not +live a day in your absence, and must [in such case] die before my +appointed hour. The climate of this kingdom of Persia is very fine +and congenial [to your health], you had best despatch a confidential +servant, and send for your parents and property here; I will furnish +whatever equipages and conveyances you require; when your parents and +all their household come here, you can pursue your commercial concerns +at your ease. I also have in my life gone through many hardships, and +have wandered many countries. I am now old and have no issue; I love +you dearer than a son, and make you my heir and head manager. Be you, +on the other hand, careful and attentive to my concerns. Give me a +bit of bread to eat whilst I live; when I die, be pleased to bury me, +and then take [possession of] all my wealth and effects." + +To this the young merchant replied, "It is true, you have, more than a +father, shewn to me kindness and affection, so that I have forgotten my +parents; but this humble culprit's father only allowed a year's leave; +if I exceed it, then he in his extreme old age will weep himself to +death; finally, a father's approbation is meritorious before God, and +if mine should be displeased with me, then I fear he may curse me, and +I shall be an outcast from God's grace in this world and the next. Now +such is your worship's kindness, that you will give me leave to obey my +father's commands, and fulfil the duties [of a son] towards a parent; +I shall, while life lasts, bear on my neck the gratitude I owe for your +kindness. If I am ever [so fortunate as] to reach my native country, +I will still ever think of your goodness with my heart and soul. God is +the Causer of causes; perhaps some such cause may again occur, that I +may have occasion to pay you my respects. In short, the young merchant +urged such persuasive and feeling arguments to the _khwaja_, that he, +poor man, being helpless, yielded to their force. [280] Inasmuch as +he was now completely fascinated, he began to say in reply, "Well, +if you will not stay here, I will myself go with you. I consider you +equivalent to my own life: hence, if my life goes with you, of what +use is a lifeless body? If you are determined to go, then proceed, +and take me with you." Saying this to the young merchant, he began +his preparations likewise for the journey, and gave orders to his +agents to get ready quickly the necessary conveyances. + +When the news of the _khwaja's_ departure became public, the merchants +of that city on hearing it, began likewise their preparations to +set out with him. The dog-worshipping _khwaja_ took with him specie +and jewels to a great amount, servants and slaves without number, +and rich rarities and property worthy of a king, and having pitched +his tents of various sorts outside of the city, he went to them. All +the other merchants took articles of merchandise with them according +to their means, and joined the _khwaja_; they became for themselves a +[regular] army. + +One day, having fixed on a lucky moment for departure, they set +out thence on their journey. Having laden thousands of camels with +canvas sacks filled with goods, and the jewels and specie on mules, +five hundred slaves from the steppes of _Kapchak_, from _Zang_, and +from _Rum_, [281] completely armed, men used to the sword, mounted +on horses of Arabia, of Tartary, and of _Irak_, accompanied [the +caravan]. In the rear of all came the _khwaja_ and the young merchant, +richly dressed, and mounted on sedans; a rich litter was lashed on the +back of a camel, in which the dog reposed on a cushion, and the cages +of the two prisoners were slung one on each side of another, across +a camel, and thus they marched onwards. At every stage they came to, +all the merchants waited on the _khwaja_ and on his _dastar-khwan_ +they ate of his food and drank of his wine. The _khwaja_ offered up +his grateful thanks to the Almighty for the happiness of having the +young merchant with him, and proceeded on, stage by stage. At last, +they reached the environs of Constantinople in perfect safety, and +encamped without the city. The young merchant said [to the _khwaja_], +"O, father, if you grant me permission, I will go and see my parents, +and prepare a house for you, and when it is agreeable to you, you +will be pleased to enter the city." + +The _khwaja_ replied, "I am come so far for your sake, well, go +quickly and see [your parents], and return to me, and give me a place +to live in near your own." The young merchant having taken leave [of +the _khwaja_], came to his own house. All the people of the household +of the _wazir_ were surprised, and exclaimed, "What man has entered +[the house]!" The young merchant, that is, the _wazir's_ daughter, ran +and threw herself at her mother's feet, and wept and said, "I am your +child." On hearing this, the _wazir's_ wife began to reproach her, +by saying, "O, wanton girl, thou hast greatly dishonoured thyself; +thou hast blackened thine own face, and brought shame on thy family; +we had imagined thee lost, and, after weeping for thee, had with +resignation given thee up; be gone hence." + +Then the _wazir-zadi_ threw the turban off her head and said, "O, dear +mother, I did not go to an improper place, and have done nothing wrong; +I have contrived the whole of this scheme according to your wishes to +release my father from prison. God be praised, that through the good +effect of your prayers, and through His grace, I, having accomplished +the entire object, am now returned; I have brought that merchant with +me from _Naishapur_, along with the dog (around whose neck are those +rubies), and have returned with the innocence you bestowed [282] on +me. I assumed the appearance of a man for the journey; now one day's +work remains; having done that, I will get my father released from +prison, and return to my home; if you give me leave, I will go back +again, and remain abroad another day, and then return to you." When the +mother thoroughly comprehended that her daughter had acted the part of +a man, and had preserved herself in all respects pure and virtuous, +she offered up her grateful acknowledgments to God, and, rejoicing +[at the event], clasped her daughter to her bosom and kissed her lips; +she prayed for her and blessed her, and gave her leave to go, saying, +"Do what thou thinkest best, I have full confidence in thee." + +The _wazir-zadi_ having again assumed the appearance of a man, +returned to the dog-worshipping _khwaja_. He had been in the meantime +so much distressed at her absence, that through impatience he had +left his encampment. It so happened, that as the young merchant was +going out in the vicinity of the city, the _khwaja_ was coming from +the opposite direction; they met each other in the middle of the +road. On seeing him, the _khwaja_ exclaimed, "O, my child! leaving +this old man by himself, where wast thou gone?" The young merchant +answered, "I went to my house with your permission, but the desire +I had to see you again would not allow me to remain [at home], and I +am returned to you." They perceived a shady garden close to the gate +of the city on the sea shore; they pitched their tents and alighted +there. The _khwaja_ and the young merchant sat down together, and +began to eat their _kababs_, and drink their wine. When the time of +evening arrived, they left their tents, and sat out on high seats to +view the country. It happened that a royal chasseur passed that way; +he was astonished at seeing their manners and their encampment, and +said to himself, "Perhaps the ambassador of some king is arrived;" +he stood [and amused himself by] looking on. + +One of the _khwaja's_ messengers called him forward, and asked him who +he was. He replied, "I am the king's head chasseur." The messenger +mentioned him to the _khwaja_, who ordered a negro slave, saying, +"Go and tell the chasseur that we are travellers, and if he feels +inclined to come and sit down, the coffee and pipe are ready." [283] +When the chasseur heard the name of merchant, he was still more +astonished, and came with the slave to the _khwaja's_ presence; +he saw [on all sides] the air of propriety and magnificence, and +soldiers and slaves. To the _khwaja_ and the young merchant he made +his salutations, and on seeing the dog's state and treatment, his +senses were confounded, and he stood like one amazed. The _khwaja_ +asked him to sit down, and presented him coffee; the chasseur asked the +_khwaja's_ name and designation. When he requested leave to depart, the +_khwaja_ having presented him with some pieces [of cloth] and sundry +rarities, dismissed him. In the morning, when the chasseur attended +the king's audience, he related to those present the circumstances +of the _khwaja_; by degrees it came to my knowledge; I called the +chasseur before me, and asked about the merchant. + +He related whatever he had seen. On hearing of the dog's exalted state, +and the two men's confinement in the cage, I was quite indignant, and +exclaimed, that reprobate of a merchant deserves death! I ordered some +of my executioners, saying, "Go immediately, and cut off and bring me +the heretic's head." By chance, the same ambassador of the Franks was +present at the audience; he smiled, and I became still more angry, +and said, "O, disrespectful; to display one's teeth [284] without +cause in the presence of kings, is remote from good manners; it is +better to weep than laugh out of season." The ambassador replied, +"Mighty sire, several ideas came across my mind, for which reason I +smiled; the first was, that the _wazir_ had spoken truth, and would +now be released from prison; secondly, that your majesty will be +unstained with the innocent blood of the _wazir_; and the third was, +that the asylum of the universe, without cause or crime, ordered +the merchant to be put to death. At all these circumstances I was +surprised, that without any inquiry your majesty should, on the tale +of an idle fellow, order people to be put to death. God in reality +knows what is the merchant's real case; call him before the royal +presence and inquire into his antecedents; if he should be found +guilty, then your majesty is master; whatever treatment you please, +that you can administer to him. + +When the ambassador thus explained [the matter to me], I also +recollected what the _wazir_ had said, and ordered the merchant, +together with his son, the dog, and the cages, to be brought in my +presence immediately. The messengers set off quickly [on the errand], +and in a short time brought them all. I summoned them before me. First +came the _khwaja_ and his son [the young merchant], both richly +dressed. All present were astonished and bewildered on beholding the +young merchant's extreme beauty; he brought in his hand a golden +tray, loaded with precious stones, (the brilliancy of every one +of which illuminated the room,) and laid it before my throne, made +his obeisance and stood [in respectful silence]. The _khwaja_ also +kissed the ground, and offered up his prayers [for my prosperity]; +he spoke with such sweet modulation, as if he were the nightingale +of a thousand melodies. I greatly admired his elegant and decorous +speech; but, assuming a face of anger, I exclaimed, "O, you Satan +in human form! what net is this that thou hast spread, and in thine +own path what pit hast thou dug? What is thy religion, and what rite +is this I see? Of what prophet's sect are thou a follower? If thou +wast an infidel, even then what sense is there in thy conduct? what +is thy name, that thou actest thus? + +The _khwaja_ calmly replied, "May your majesty's years and prosperity +ever increase; this slave's religious creed is this, that God is one: +he has no equal, and I repeat the confession of faith of _Muhammad_ +the pure (the mercy of God be shown to him and his posterity; may he +be safe!) After him, I consider the twelve _Imams_ as my guides; and +my rite is this, that I say the five regulated prayers and I observe +fasts, and I have likewise performed the pilgrimage, and from my +wealth, I give the fifth in alms, and I am called a _Musalman_. But +there is a reason, which I cannot disclose, that I appear to possess +all those bad qualities which have raised your majesty's indignation, +and for which I am condemned by every one of God's creatures. Though I +am [ever so much] called a dog-worshipper, and pay double taxes, all +this I submit to; but the secrets of my heart I have not divulged to +any one." On hearing this excuse, my anger became greater, and I said, +thou art beguiling me with words; I will not believe them until thou +explainest clearly the reasons which have made thee deviate from the +right path, that my mind may be convinced of their truth; then thy life +will be saved; or else, as a retribution [for what thou hast done], I +will order thy belly to be ripped up, that the exemplary punishment may +deter others in future from transgressing the religion of _Muhammad_. + +The _khwaja_ replied, "O king, do not spill the blood of this +unfortunate wretch, but confiscate all the wealth I have, which +is beyond counting or reckoning, and having made me and my son a +votive offering to your throne, release us, and spare us our lives." I +smiled, and said, O fool! dost thou exhibit to me the temptation of thy +wealth? Thou canst not be released, except thou speakest the truth. On +hearing these words, the tears streamed profusely from the _khwaja's_ +eyes; he looked towards his son and heaved a deep sigh, and said +[to him] "I am criminal in the king's eyes; I shall be put to death; +what shall I do now? to whom shall I entrust thee?" I threatened +him, and said, O dissembler! cease; thou hast made too many excuses +[already]; what thou hast to say, say it [quickly]. + +Then, indeed, that man having advanced forward, came near the throne +and kissed the foot of it, and poured forth my praise and eulogy, +and said, "O king of kings, if the order for execution had not been +issued in my case, I would have borne every torture, and would not +have disclosed my story; but life is dear above every [consideration]; +no one of his own accord jumps into a well; to preserve life, then, is +right; and the abandoning of what is right is contrary to the mandates +of God. Well, if such is the royal pleasure, then be pleased to hear +the past events of this feeble old man. First, order the two cages, +in which the two men are confined, to be brought and placed before +your majesty. I am going to relate my adventures; if I falsify any +circumstance, then ask them to convict me, and let justice be done." I +approved of his proposal and sent for the cages, took them both out, +and made them stand near the _khwaja_. + +The _khwaja_ said, "O king! this man, who stands on the right hand of +your slave is my eldest brother, and he who stands on my left is my +second [285] brother. I am younger than they; my father was a merchant +in the kingdom of Persia, and when I was fourteen years of age, he +died. After the burial ceremony was over, and the flowers had been +removed [from the corpse on the _Siyum_], [286] my two brothers said +to me one day, 'Let us now divide our father's wealth, whatever there +is, and let each do [with his share] what he pleases.' On hearing +[this proposal], I said, O brothers! what words are these! I am +your slave, and do not claim the rights of a brother. Our father, +on the one hand, is dead, but you both are alive and in the place +of that father. I only want a dry loaf [daily] to pass through life, +and to remain alert in your service. What have I to do with shares or +divisions? I will fill my belly with your leavings, and remain near +you. I am a boy, and have not learnt even to read or write? what am +I able to do? At present do you confer instruction upon me. + +"On hearing this, they replied, 'Thou wishest to ruin and beggar us +also along with thyself.' I was silent, and retired to a corner and +wept; then I reasoned with myself and said, my brothers, after all, +are my elders; they are reproving [me for my good, and] with a view to +my education, that I may learn some [profession]. In these reflections +I fell asleep. In the morning, a messenger from the _kazi_ came and +conducted me to the court of justice; I saw that both my brothers were +there in waiting. The _kazi_ asked me, 'Why dost not thou accept thy +share of thy father's property?' I repeated to him what I had at home +said [to my brothers]. The latter said, 'If he speaks this sentiment +from his heart, then let him give us a deed of release, saying he has +no claims on our father's wealth and property.' Even then I thought, +that as they both were my elders, they advised for my good; that if I +got my share of my father's property I might improperly spend it. So, +according to their desire, I gave them a deed of release, with the +_kazi's_ seal. They were satisfied, and I returned home. + +"The second day after this, they said to me, 'O brother, we require +the apartment in which you live; do you hire another place for your +residence, and go and stay there.' 'Twas then I perceived that they +were not pleased that I should even remain in my father's house; I had +no remedy, and determined to leave it. O protector of the world! when +my father was alive, whenever he returned from his travels, he used to +bring the rarities of different countries, and give them to me by way +of presents; for this reason, that every one loves most the youngest +child. I from time to time sold these [presents], and raised a small +capital of my own; with this [sum] I carried on some traffic. Once, +my father brought for me a female slave from Tartary, and he once +brought thence some horses, from which he gave me also a promising +young colt; and I used to feed it from my own little property. + +"At last, seeing the inhumanity of my brothers, I bought a house, and +went and resided there; this dog also went along with me. I purchased +the requisite articles for housekeeping, and bought two slaves for +attendance; with the remainder of my capital I opened a shop as a cloth +merchant, and placing my confidence in God, I sat down quietly [in +it], and felt contented with my fate. Though my brothers had behaved +unkindly to me, yet, since God was gracious, my shop in three years' +time increased so greatly, that I became a man of credit. Whatever +rarities [in the way of clothes or dresses] were required in every +great family, went from my shop only. I thereby earned large sums +of money, and began to live in affluent circumstances. Every hour +I offered up my prayers to the pure God, and lived at my ease; and +often used to repeat these verses on my [prosperous] circumstances:-- + + + 'Why should not the prince be displeased? + I have nothing to do with him. + Except thyself, O, mighty Prince, [287] + What other [sovereign] can I praise? + Why should not my brother be displeased? + Nothing can he do [to harm me]; + Thou alone art my help; + Then to whom else should I go? + Why should not the friend or foe be displeas'd, + During the whole [eight] watches, + Let me fix my affections on thy feet only. + Let the world be wrathful [with me], + But thou dost far transcend [the world]; + All others may kiss my thumb, + Only it is my wish that thou be not displeased.' + + +"It happened, that on a Friday I was sitting at home, when a slave +of mine had gone to the _bazar_ for necessaries; after a short time, +he returned in tears. I asked him the reason, and what happened to +him. He replied with anger, 'What business is it to you? do you enjoy +yourself; but what answer will you give on the day of judgment?' I +said, O, you Abyssinian, what demon has possessed thee? He answered, +'This is the calamity, that the arms of your two elder brothers have +been tied behind their backs in the _chauk_ by a Jew; he is beating +them with a whip, and laughs and says, 'If you do not pay my money, +I will beat you even unto the death [and if I lose my money by the +act], it will be at least a meritorious deed on my part.' Such is your +brother's treatment, and you are indifferent; is this right? and what +will the world say?' On hearing these circumstances from the slave, +my blood glowed [288] [with fraternal warmth]; I ran towards the +_chauk_ with naked feet, and told my slaves to hasten with money. The +instant I arrived there, I saw that all that the slave had said was +true; blows continued to fall on my brothers. I exclaimed to the +magistrate's guards, for God's sake forbear awhile; let me ask the +Jew what great fault [my brothers] have committed, in retaliation +for which, he so severely punishes them. + +"On saying this, I went up to the Jew and said, to-day is the +sabbath day; [289] why dost thou continue to inflict stripes on +them? The Jew replied, 'If you wish to take their part, do it fully, +and pay me the money in their stead; or else take the road to your +house.' I said, 'what is the amount? produce the bond, and I will +count thee out the money.' He replied, 'that he had just given the +bond to the magistrate.' At this moment, my slaves brought two bags +of money. I gave a thousand pieces of silver to the Jew, and released +my brothers. Such was their condition, naked, hungry, and thirsty, +I brought them with me to my own house, and caused them instantly to +be bathed in the bath, and dressed in new clothes, and gave them a +hearty meal. I never asked them what they had done with our father's +great wealth, lest they might feel ashamed. + +"O king, they are both present; ask them if I tell truth, or falsify +any of the circumstances. Well, after some space of time, when they had +recovered from the bruises of the beating [they had suffered], I said +to them one day, 'O brothers, you have now lost your credit in this +city, and it is better you should travel for some days.' On hearing +this, they were both silent; but I perceived they were satisfied +[with my proposal]. I began to make preparations for their journey, +and having procured tents and all necessary conveyance, I purchased +for them merchandise to the amount of 20,000 rupees. A _kafila_ [290] +of merchants was going to _Bukhara_; [291] I sent them along with it. + +"After a year, that caravan returned, but I heard no tidings of my +brothers; at last, putting a friend on his oath, I asked him [what +had become of them]. He replied, 'When they went to _Bukhara_, one +of them lost all his property at the gambling house, and is now a +sweeper at the same house, and keeps clean and plastered the place +of gambling, and waits on the gamblers who assemble there; they, +by way of charity, give him something, and he remains there as a +scullion. The other brother became enamoured of a _boza-vendor's_ +[292] daughter, and squandered all his property [on her], and now he +is one of the waiters at the _boze-khana_. [293] The people of the +_kafila_ do not mention these circumstances to you for this reason, +that you would become ashamed [at hearing them]. + +"On hearing these circumstances from that person, I was in a strange +state; hunger and sleep vanished through anxiety; taking some money for +[the expenses of] the road, I set out instantly for _Bukhara_. When +I arrived there, I searched for them both, and I brought them to the +house [I had taken]. I had them bathed and clothed in new dresses, +and, from fear of their being abashed with shame, I said not a word +to them [of what had happened]. I again purchased some goods for +merchandise for them, and returned with them home. When we arrived +near _Naishapur_, I left them in a village with all the goods and +chattels, and came [secretly] to my house, for this reason, that +no one might be informed of my return. After two days, I gave out +publicly that my brothers were returned from their journey, and that +I would go out tomorrow to meet them. In the morning, as I wished to +set out, a peasant of that village came to me, and began to make loud +complaints; on hearing his voice I came out, and seeing him crying, +I asked, why dost thou make a lamentation? He answered, 'Our houses +have been plundered, owing to your brothers; would to God that you +had not left them there!' + +"I asked, what misfortune has occurred? He replied, 'A gang of robbers +came at night and plundered their property and goods, and they at +the same time robbed our houses.' I pitied him, and asked, where are +these two now? He answered, 'They are sitting without the city, stark +naked and utterly distressed.' I instantly took two suits of clothes +with me and went [to them], and having clothed them, brought them to +my house. The people [of the city], hearing [the circumstances of the +robbery], continued coming to see them, but they did not go out through +shame. Three months passed in this same manner; at last I reflected +within myself, 'how long will they thus remain squatted in a corner? If +it can be brought about, I will take them with me on some voyage.' + +"I proposed it to my brothers, and added, 'if you please, I will go +with you.' They were silent. I again made the necessary preparations +for the voyage, purchased some goods for the trade, and set out and +took them with me. After I had distributed the customary alms [for a +prosperous voyage], and loaded the merchandise on the ship, we weighed +anchor, and the vessel set sail. This dog was sleeping on the banks +[of the river]; when he awoke, and saw the ship in the middle of the +stream, he was surprised, and having barked and jumped into the river, +he began to swim [after us]. I sent a skiff for him, at last having +seized [the faithful animal], they conveyed him into the ship. One +month passed in safety on the river; somehow, my second brother became +enamoured of my slave girl. One day, he thus spoke to our eldest +brother, that, 'to bear the load of our younger brother's favours is +very shameful; what remedy shall we apply to this [evil]?' The eldest +answered, 'I have formed a plan in my mind; if it can be executed, it +will be a great thing.' Both at last consulted together, and settled +it between them to destroy me, and seize all my property and goods. + +"One day, I was asleep in the cabin, and the female slave was +_shampooing_ [294] me, when my second brother came in hastily and +awaked me. I started up in a hurry, and came forth [on deck]. This +dog also followed me. I saw my eldest brother leaning on his hands +against the vessel's side, and intensely looking at the wonders +of the river, and calling out to me. I went up to him and said, +'is all well?' He answered, 'Behold this strange sight; mermen are +dancing in the stream, with pearl, oysters, and branches of coral in +their hands.' If any other had related this circumstance so contrary +to reason, I should not, indeed, have believed it. I imagined what +my brother said to be true, and bent down my head to look at it. How +much soever I looked, I perceived nothing, and he kept saying, 'Do +you now see it?' Now, had there been anything, I should have seen +it. Perceiving me [by this trick] off my guard, my second brother came +behind me, unperceived, and gave me such a push that, without choice, +I tumbled into the water, and they began to scream and cry aloud, +'Run, run, our brother has fallen into the river.' + +"In the meantime the ship went on, and the waves carried me away from +it; I was plunging in the water, and drifting amidst the waves. I +became at last quite exhausted; I invoked the aid of God, but nought +was of any avail. All of a sudden my hand touched something; I looked +at it, and saw this dog. Perhaps, when they pushed me into the river, +he also jumped after me, and kept swimming close by my side. I took +hold of his tail, and God made him the cause of my salvation. Seven +days and nights passed in this manner; the eighth day we reached +the shore. I had no strength whatever left, but throwing myself on +my back, I rolled along as well as I could, and threw myself on the +land. I remained senseless for one whole day; the second day the dog's +barking reached my ears; I came to myself, and I thanked God [for my +salvation], I began looking around me, and perceived at a distance the +environs of a city; but where had I strength, that I should attempt +to reach it? Having no other resource, I continued crawling along +about two paces, and then rested; in this way I had finished a _kos_ +[295] of the road by the evening. + +"Half way [to the city] I reached a mountain, and lay there all night; +the next morning I reached the city; when I came to the _bazar_ and saw +the shops of the bakers and confectioners, my heart began to palpitate, +for I had not money to buy, nor did I feel inclined to beg. In this +way, I went along, saying to myself, I will ask something in the next +shop. At last, strength had failed me, and my stomach [296] yearned +with extreme hunger; life was nearly quitting my body. By chance, +I saw two young men dressed like Persians, walking along hand in +hand. On seeing them, my spirits revived, as they seemed [by their +dress] to be my countrymen--perhaps some of my acquaintance--to whom, +therefore, I might relate my circumstances. When they drew near, +[I perceived] they were of a verity, my brothers; and on perceiving +this, I was extremely rejoiced, and praised God, saying, 'God has +preserved my reputation; and I have not stretched forth my hands to +strangers [for subsistence].' I went up to them and saluted them, +and kissed my eldest brother's hand. Immediately on seeing me, they +made a great noise, and my second brother struck me so forcibly that +I staggered and fell down. I seized my eldest brother's robe, thinking +that he would perhaps take my part; but he gave me a violent kick. + +"In short, they both thoroughly pounded me, and behaved to me as +Joseph's brothers [did to him]. Though I besought them in God's name +[to desist] and implored mercy, yet they felt no pity. A crowd +assembled [round us]; and every one asked, 'What is this man's +crime?' Then my brothers replied, 'This rascal was our brother's +servant and pushed him over into the sea, and seized all his treasure +and property. We have been long in search of him, and to-day he has +appeared [to us] in this guise.' They then continued questioning me, +saying, 'O villain! what [infernal idea] entered thy mind, that thou +murderedst our brother? What injury had he done to thee? Had he +behaved ill to thee, that he had made thee superintendent [of his +affairs]?' They both then tore their own clothes, and wept loudly +with sham grief for their brother, and continued to beat and kick me. + +"In the meantime, the soldiers of the governor arrived, and having +spoken to them threateningly, said, 'Why do you beat him?' And taking +hold of my hand, they carried me to the magistrate. These two [297] +also went with us, and repeated to the magistrate the same [tale which +they had told the crowd], and having given him something by way of +bribe, they demanded justice, and insisted on blood for blood. The +magistrate asked me [what I had to say for myself]. Such was my +condition from hunger and the blows [I had received], that I had +not strength to speak; hanging down my head, I remained standing +[in silence]; no answer issued from my mouth. The magistrate also +became convinced that I was assuredly a murderer; he ordered me to +be led to the plain, and placed on the stake. [298] O, protector of +the world, [299] I had paid money, and got these [two here] released +from the Jew's bondage; in return for which, they having given money, +endeavoured to take away my life. They are both present; ask them +if [in all I have related] I have varied a hair's breadth [from the +truth]. Well, they led me out [to the plain]; when I saw the stake, +I washed my hands of life. + +"Except this dog, I had no one else to weep for me; his state was +such that he rolled on every one's feet and barked. Some beat him +with sticks, and others with stones, but he would not stir from +that place. I stood with my face towards the _kibla_, [300] and +addressing myself to God, I said, 'At this moment I have no one except +Thee to intervene and save the innocent! Now, if Thou savest, I am +saved.' After this address, I repeated the prayer of _shahadat_, [301] +staggered, and then fell. By the dispensation of God, it so happened, +that the king of that country was attacked with the cholic; the nobles +and physicians assembled; whatever remedies they applied, produced no +good. One holy man said, 'The best of all remedies is, that alms be +given to the destitute, and that all prisoners should be released; +for in prayer there is greater efficacy than in physic.' Instantly +the royal messengers went off running towards the prisons. + +"By chance, some one came to that plain [where I was], and seeing +a crowd, he ascertained [from a bystander] that they were placing +some person on the stake. Immediately on hearing this, he galloped +up to the stake, and cut the ropes with his sword. He threatened +and chastised the magistrate's soldiers, and said, "At such a time, +when the king is in such a state, are you going to put a creature of +God to death?' and he got me released. Upon which, these two brothers +went again to the magistrate, and urged him to put me to death. As +this official had already taken a bribe from them, he [readily] +acquiesced to do whatever they dictated. + +"The magistrate said to them, 'Rest satisfied; I will now confine him +in such a way, that he will of himself, from want of food and drink, +die of sheer exhaustion, and no one will know anything about it.' They +re-seized me, and kept me In a corner. About a _kos_ without the city +was a mountain, in which, in the time of Solomon, the _divs_ had dug +a deep and narrow well; it was called Solomon's prison. Whoever fell +greatly under the king's wrath, was confined in that well, where he +perished of himself [from hunger and thirst]. To shorten my story, +these two brothers and the magistrate's soldiers carried me at night, +in silence, to the mountain, and having cast me into that pit, and +thus set their own minds at ease, they returned. O king, this dog +went with me, and when they put me into the well, he remained lying +on its brink. I lay some time senseless in the inside, and then a +little consciousness returned to me; I conceived myself to be dead, +and that place my grave At this time I heard the sounds of two men's +voices, who were saying something to each other; I concluded that +these were _Nakir_ and _Munkir_, [302] who were come to question me; +and I likewise heard the rustling of a rope, as if some one had let it +down there. I was wondering, and began to feel about me on the ground, +when some bones came into my gripe. + +"After a moment, a noise like that made by the mouth when some one +is masticating, struck my ears. I exclaimed, 'O creatures of God, +who are ye; tell me for God's sake?' They laughed, and said, 'This +is the great Solomon's prison, and we are prisoners.' I asked them, +'Am I really alive?' They again laughed heartily, and replied, +'You are as yet alive, but will soon die.' I said, 'You are eating; +what would it be if you were to give me some?' They then got angry, +and gave me a dry answer, but nothing else. After eating and drinking, +they fell asleep. I through faintness and weakness, fell into a swoon, +and wept and dreamed of God. Mighty sire, I had been seven days in +the sea, and so many days since without food, owing to my brothers' +false accusation; yea, instead of food, I had got a beating, and +was now ingulfed in such a prison, that not the least appearance of +release came even into my imagination. + +"At last, life was leaving me; sometimes it came, and sometimes it +left me. From time to time some person used to come at midnight, and +let down by a rope some bread tied up in a handkerchief, and a jar +of water, and used to call out. Those two men who were confined near +me used to seize it and eat and drink. The dog constantly witnessing +this circumstance, exerted his intelligence, thus, 'In the way in which +this person lets down water and bread into the pit, do thou also make +some contrivance whereby some food may reach this destitute one, who +is thy master, then may his life be saved.' Thus having reflected, +he went to the city, [and saw that] round cakes of bread piled up +on the counter at a baker's shop; leaping up, he seized a cake in +his mouth, and ran off with it; the people pursued him, and pelted +him with clods, but he would not quit the cake; they became tired +[of pursuing him], and returned; the dogs of the city ran after him; +he fought arid struggled with them, and having saved the cake, he +came to the well, and threw in the bread. There was sufficient light +for me to see the cake lying near me, and I heard, moreover, the dog +bark. I took up the cake; and the dog, after throwing down the bread, +went to look for water. + +"On the outskirts of a certain village, there was an old woman's hut; +jars and pots filled with water stood [at the door], and the old woman +was spinning. The dog went up to the pot, and attempted to seize it; +the old woman made a threatening noise, and the pot slipped from the +dog's mouth and fell upon an earthenware jar which was broken; the rest +of the vessels were upset and the water spilt. The old woman seized +a stick, and rose up to beat [the animal]; the dog seized the skirt +of her clothes, and began to rub his mouth on her feet, and wag his +tail; then he ran towards the mountain; again having returned to her, +he sometimes seized a rope, and sometimes having taken up a bucket +in his mouth, he shewed it [to her]; and he rubbed his face against +her feet, and seizing the hem of her garment, he continued pulling +her. The Almighty inspired the old woman's heart with compassion, +so that she took up the rope and bucket and went along with him. He +keeping hold of the end of her clothes, after coming out of the hut, +kept going on before her. + +"At last, he guided her to the very mountain; the old woman imagined, +from the dog's conduct, that his master was confined in the well, +and that he, perhaps, wanted water for him. In short, conducting the +old woman, he came to the mouth of the well. The old woman filled the +bucket with water and let it down by a rope. I seized the vessel and +ate a morsel of the cake. I drank two or three gulps of the water, +and satisfied my hunger and thirst. [303] I thanked God [for this +timely supply], and retired to a corner, and waited with patience +for the interference of the Almighty, saying, "Now let us see what +is to come about." In this manner, this dumb animal used to bring +me bread, and by means of the old woman, he used to supply me with +water to drink. When the bakers perceived that the dog always carried +off bread [in this way], they took compassion on him, and made it a +rule to throw him a cake whenever they saw him; and if the old woman +neglected to carry the water, he used to break her pots; so that she, +being helpless, used to let down a bucket of water every day. This +faithful companion removed all my apprehensions for bread and water, +and he himself always lay at the mouth of the prison. Six months +passed in this manner; but what must be the condition of the man +who was confined so long in such a prison, where the air of heaven +could never reach him? Only my skin and bones remained; life became +a torment to me, and I used to say in my heart, 'O God, it would be +better if my life became extinct!' + +"One night, the two prisoners were asleep; my heart overflowed +[with sorrow], and I began to weep bitterly, and supplicate [304] +the Almighty [to end my woes]. At the last quarter [of the night], +what do I see! that, by the dispensation of God, a rope was hanging +down in the well, and I heard [some one] in a low voice saying, 'O, +unfortunate wretch! tie the end of the rope tightly to thy hands, +and escape from this place.' On hearing these words, I in my heart +imagined that my brothers had at last felt compassion for me, and, +from the ties of blood, had come in person to take me out. With much +joy I tied the rope tightly to my waist; some one pulled me up. The +night was so dark, that I could not recognise the person who had +hauled me up. When I was out, he said, 'Come, be quick; this is no +place to tarry.' I had no strength whatever left; but from fear I +rolled down the hill as well as I could. Then I saw at the bottom two +horses standing, ready saddled; that person mounted me one of them, +and he mounted the other himself, and took the lead. Proceeding on, +we reached the banks of a river. + +"The morning appeared, and we had gone forth ten or twelve _kos_ from +the city. I then saw the young man [very clearly]; he was completely +armed, having on a coat of mail, together with back, front, and +sidepieces [of burnished steel], [305] and with iron armour on his +horse; he was looking at me with great rage, and biting his lips, +he drew his sword from the scabbard, and springing his horse towards +mine, he made a cut at me. I threw myself off my horse [on the ground], +and called out for mercy, and said, 'I am faultless; why are you about +to kill me? O, kind sir, from such a prison you have taken me out, +and now wherefore this unkindness?' He replied, 'Tell me the truth, +who art thou.' I answered, I am a traveller, and have been involved +in unmerited calamity; by your humane assistance, I have at last come +out alive. And I addressed to him many other flattering expressions. + +"God inspired his heart with pity. He sheathed his sword, and said, +'Well, what God wills, he does; go, I spare thee thy life; remount +quickly; this is no place to delay.' We put our horses to their speed, +and went forward; on the road he continued to sigh and show signs of +regret. By the time of mid-day, [306] we reached an island. There the +young man got off his horse, and made me also dismount; he took off +the saddles and pads from the horses' backs, and let them loose to +graze; he also took off his arms from his own person, and sat clown +and said to me, 'O you of evil destiny, relate now your story, that +I may know who you are,' I told him my name and place of residence, +and whatever various misfortunes had befallen me, I related to the end. + +"When the young man had heard all my history, he wept, and addressing +himself to me, he said, 'O youth, hear now my story. I am the daughter +of the _raja_ of the land of _Zerbad_, [307] and that young man who is +confined in the prison of Solomon, his name is _Bahramand_; he is the +son of my father's prime minister. One day the _Maharaj_ [my father] +ordered that all the _rajas_ and _kunwars_ [308] should assemble on the +plain, which lay under the lattices [of the seraglio] to shoot arrows, +and play at _chaugan_, [309] so that the horsemanship and dexterity of +every individual might be displayed. I was seated near the _rani_ [310] +my mother, behind one of the lattices of the highest story, and the +female servants and slaves were in waiting around; there I was looking +at the sport. The minister's son was the handsomest [man] among them; +and having caracoled his horse, he performed his exercises with much +address. He appeared very agreeable [in my eyes], and my heart became +enamoured of him. I kept this circumstance concealed for a long while. + +"'At last, when I became quite restless, I mentioned it to my +hand-maid, and gave her many presents [to gain her assistance]. She +contrived, by some means or other, to introduce the youth in secrecy +into my apartment; he then began to love me likewise. Many days passed +in these love interviews. In short, the sentinels saw him one midnight +going armed into my apartment, and seized him, and informed the _raja_ +of the circumstance. The _raja_ ordered him to be put to death; through +the solicitations of all the officers of state, his life was pardoned, +but he was ordered to be thrown into the prison of Solomon; and the +other young man, who is a fellow-prisoner with him, is his brother, and +was with him the night [he was seized]. Both were put into the well, +and it is now three years since they were confined, but no one has yet +found out why the youth entered the _raja's_ palace. God has preserved +my character [from public exposure], and in return for his goodness, +I conceived it my duty to continue to supply the two prisoners with +bread and water. Since their confinement I go there every eight days, +and let them down eight days' provisions at once. + +"'Last night, I saw in a dream that somebody advised me, saying, "arise +quickly and take a horse, a dress, a rope-ladder, and some money for +expenses, and go to that pit, and deliver from thence the unfortunate +prisoners." On hearing this, I started up [from my sleep], and being +greatly rejoiced, I dressed myself like a man, filled a casket with +jewels and gold pieces, and taking this horse and some clothes with +me, I went to the prison to draw them out with the rope-ladder. It was +in your fate to be delivered from such a confinement in this manner; +no one knows what I have done; perhaps he was some protecting angel +who sent me to enlarge you. Well, whatever was in my destiny, the same +has come to pass.' After finishing this relation, she took out some +cakes fried in butter, some wheaten bread, some pulse, and meat curry +from her handkerchief; but first, she dissolved some sugar in a cup of +water, and put some spirit of _bed-mushk_ in it, and gave it to me. I +took it from her hand and drank it, and then ate some breakfast. After +a short while, she made me wrap a piece of cloth round my waist, and +led me to the river, and with scissors she cut my hair and nails and +bathing me, dressed me in the clothes [she had brought], and made a +new man of me. I, having turned my face to the _kibla_ offered up a +prayer of thanksgiving; the beautiful girl regarded what I was doing. + +"When I had finished from praying, she asked me, 'What hast thou been +thus doing?' I answered, 'I have been worshipping the Almighty God who +has created the whole world, and who has effected my relief through a +being lovely as thou art, and who has inclined thy heart to kindness +towards me, and caused me to be released from such a prison. His person +is without an equal, [311] to Him I have performed my devotions, +and obeisance, and rendered my thanks.' On hearing these words she +said, 'You are a _Musalman_.' I replied, 'Thanks be to God, I am,' +'My heart,' said she, 'is delighted with your pious expressions; +instruct me also, and teach me to recite your _kalima_.' I said +in my own heart, 'God be praised that she is inclined to embrace +our faith.' In short, I recited [our creed], viz., 'There is no God +but God, and _Muhammad_ is the apostle of God,' and made her repeat +it. Then mounting our horses, we two set out from thence. When we +halted at night, she talked of [nothing else but] our religion and +faith; and she listened and felt delighted [with my words]. In this +way we journeyed on incessantly day and night, for two months. + +"At last, we arrived in a country which lay between the boundaries +of the kingdoms of _Zerbad_ and _Sarandip_; [312] a city appeared, +which was more populous than Constantinople, and the climate very +fine and agreeable. On finding that the king of that country was more +renowned for his justice than _Naushirwan_ [313], and also for being +the protector of his subjects; my heart was greatly rejoiced. Having +there bought a house, we took up our residence. After some days, +when we had got over the fatigues of the journey, I purchased some +necessary articles, and married the young lady according to the +law of _Muhammad_, and lived with her. In the space of three years, +I having freely associated with the great and small of that place, +established my credit, and entered into an extensive trade. At last, +I surpassed all the merchants of that place. One day, I went for the +purpose of paying my respects to the first _wazir_, and saw a great +crowd of people assembled on a plain. I asked some one, 'Why is there +such a crowd here?' I learnt that two persons had been caught in the +act of adultery and theft; and perhaps they had even committed murder; +they were brought here to be stoned [to death]. + +"On hearing this [circumstance], I recollected my own case; that once +upon a time I had likewise been led in the same manner to be empaled, +and that God preserved me. 'Who can these be,' [I said to myself], +'that they should have become involved in such calamity? I do not +even know if they are justly [punished], or, like me, the victims +of a false accusation.' Pressing through the crowd, I reached [the +spot where the culprits stood], and perceived they were my brothers, +who were led along with their hands tied behind their backs, and with +bare heads and feet. On seeing their sad state, my blood boiled, and +my liver was on fire. I gave the guards a handful of gold pieces, and +besought them to delay [the execution] for a moment; and from thence, +having put my horse to his utmost speed, I went to the governor's +house. I presented to him, as a _nazar_, a ruby of inestimable value, +and made intercession for them. He replied, 'A person has a plaint +against them, and their crimes have been fully proved; the king's +mandate has been issued, and I have no alternative.' + +"At last, after much entreaty and supplication [on my part], the +governor sent for the complainant, and made him consent that for +five thousand pieces of silver he should withdraw his charge of +murder. I counted out the money, and got his written engagement +[not to prosecute them again], and had them released from their +dire calamity. O protector of the world! ask them if I tell truth +or falsehood." Here the two brothers stood in silence, and hung down +their heads like those who are ashamed. "Well, [to proceed], I got them +released, and brought them to my house, had them bathed and dressed, +and gave them apartments for their residence in the _diwan-khana_. I +did not at that time introduce my wife to them; I myself attended +to all their wants, and ate [and drank] with them, and at the hour +of sleep returned to my apartment. For the space of three years [the +time] thus passed in my kind treatment of them, and on their part, no +evil action took place, so as to be the cause of my displeasure. When +I used to go out riding any where, they remained at home. + +"It happened, that my good wife went one day to the bath; when she +came to the _diwan-khana,_ seeing no male person there, she took off +her veil; perhaps my second brother was lying down there awake, and +immediately on seeing her, he became enamoured of her. He imparted [the +circumstance] to our eldest brother, and they formed a plan together +for murdering me. I had no knowledge whatever of this circumstance; +on the contrary, I used to say to myself, 'God be praised, that this +time, as yet, they have done nothing such [as they formerly did]; +their conduct is now correct; perhaps they have felt the effects of +shame.' One day, after dinner, my eldest brother began to weep, and +to praise our native country, and to describe the delights of _Iran._ +[314] On hearing this, the other brother began to sigh. I said, 'If +you wish to return to] our native land; then it is well; I am devoted +to your pleasure, and it is also my own wish. Now, if it please God, +I will go along with you.' I mentioned the circumstance of my brothers' +afflictions to my wife, and also my own intentions. That sensible woman +replied, 'You may think so; but they again design to perpetrate some +villany [towards you]; they are the enemies of your life; you have +fostered [a brace of] serpents in your sleeve, and you still place +reliance on their regard. Act as you please, but beware of those +who are noxious.' At all events, the preparations for the journey +were completed in a short time, and the tents pitched on the plain. A +great _kafila_ assembled, and they agreed to confer on me the rank of +leader and _kafila-bashi._ [315] A propitious hour being ascertained, +[the _kafila_] set out; but on my part, I was on my guard against +my brothers, though in every way I obeyed their commands, and made +everything agreeable to them. + +"One day [when we arrived] at our stage, my second brother said that, +'one _farsakh_ [316] from this place is a running fountain like +_salsabil_ [317] and in the [circumjacent] plain, for miles around, +lilies, and tulips, and narcissuses, and roses, grow spontaneously. In +truth, it is a delightful spot to walk in; if we had our will, we +would go there to-morrow, and enliven our hearts [with the sight], +and recover from our fatigues.' I said, 'you are masters here; if +you command it, we will halt to-morrow, and having gone to that spot, +we will stroll about [and amuse ourselves].' They replied, 'what can +we do better?' I gave orders, saying, 'advertise the whole _kafila_ +that to-morrow there will be a halt,' and I told my cook to prepare +breakfast, of every variety [of dishes] for next day, as we should +go on an excursion [of pleasure]. When the morning came, these two +brothers put on their clothes, and having armed themselves, they +reminded me to make haste, that we might arrive there in the cool +[of the morning] and enjoy our walk. I ordered my horse, but they +observed thus, 'The pleasure which results by viewing [the place] +on foot, can the same be felt in riding? [318] Give orders to the +grooms that they may lead the horses after us.' + +Two slaves carried the _kaliyan_ [319] and coffee-pot, and went +along with us. On the road, as we proceeded, we amused ourselves +by shooting arrows, and when we had gone some distance from the +_kafila_, they sent one of the slaves on some errand. Advancing a +little farther, they sent the other slave also to call back [the +former]. My unfortunate fate would have it [that I remained silent] +as if some one had put a seal on my lips, and they did what they +wished, and having occupied my attention in talk, they continued to +lead me on; this dog, however, remained with me. When we had advanced +a considerable distance, I saw neither fountains nor gardens, but a +plain covered with thorns. There I had a call for making water, and sat +me down to perform it. I saw behind me a flash like that of a sword; +and, on looking back, my second brother struck me such a sword-cut, +that my skull was cleft in twain. [320] Before I could call out, O +savage! why dost thou murder me; my eldest brother gave me [a blow] +on the shoulder. Both wounds were severe, and I staggered and fell; +then these two pitiless ones mutilated me at their ease, and left me +weltering in my blood. This dog, on seeing my condition, flew at them, +and they wounded him likewise. After this, they gave themselves some +slight wounds, and ran back to the encampment with naked feet and +heads, and gave out, that 'some robbers have murdered our brother on +that plain, and we ourselves also in a close encounter with them, +have been wounded. Move off quickly, or else they will immediately +fall on the caravan, and utterly plunder us all.' When the people +of the _kafila_ heard the name of robbers, they immediately became +alarmed, and marched off and made their escape. + +"My wife had [already] heard of the [former] conduct and precious +qualities of these [brothers of mine,] and of all the treachery they +had practised towards me; hearing now from these liars the events +[that had occurred], she instantly stabbed herself to death with +her dagger, and restored her soul to her Maker." O _darweshes!_ +[321] when the dog-worshipping _khwaja_ had thus far told us of the +adventures and misfortunes, I wept involuntarily on hearing them. The +merchant having perceived [my grief,] said, "Lord of the world! if +it were not a want of respect, I would strip myself naked, and show +the whole of my body." Even on this, to [prove] the truth [of what he +had related,] he tore his dress off his shoulders, and showed to us +[his person]. In truth, there was not the space of four fingers on it +free from wounds; and he took off his turban before me from his head, +and there was such a great dint in his skull, that a whole pomegranate +might be put into it. All the officers of state who were present shut +their eyes, they had not the power of beholding [the shocking sight]. + +The _khwaja_ then continued his narrative, saying, "O blessed +majesty! when these brothers, as they thought, had finished their work +and went away; on the one side, I lay wounded, and on the other side, +this dog lay wounded near me. I lost so much blood from my body, +that I had not the least strength or sensation left, and I cannot +conceive how life remained. The spot where I lay was on the boundary +of the kingdom of _Sarandip_, and a very populous city was situated +near the place; in that city there was a great pagoda, and the king +of that country had a daughter extremely well-favoured and beautiful. + +"Many kings and princes were desperately in love with her. There, +the custom of [wearing] the veil was unknown; for which reason the +princess used to roam about, hunting all day with her companions. Near +[the spot where I lay] was a royal garden; she had on that day got +leave from her father, and had come to that same garden. Walking +about by way of recreation, she chanced to pass over that plain; some +female attendants also accompanied her on horseback. They came to the +spot where I lay, hearing my groans, they stopped near me. Seeing me +in this condition, they rode off to the princess, and said, that 'a +miserable man and a dog are lying weltering in their blood.' On hearing +this from them, the princess herself came near me, and, afflicted +[at the sight,] she said, 'See if any life still remains.' Two or +three of the attendants dismounted and having examined me, replied, +'He still breathes.' The princess instantly ordered them to lay me +carefully on a carpet and carry me to the garden. + +"When they brought me there, [the princess] having sent for the royal +surgeon, gave him many injunctions respecting the cure both of myself +and of my dog, and gave him hopes of a reward and a gratuity. The +surgeon having thoroughly wiped my whole body, cleaned it from dust and +blood, and having washed the wounds with spirits, he stitched them and +put on plasters; and he ordered the extract of the musk-willow [322] +to be dropped down my throat in lieu of water. The princess herself +used to sit at the head [of my bed], and see that I was attended to; +and two or four times during the day and night she made me swallow, +from her own hands, some broth or _sharbat_. At last, when I came to +myself, I heard the princess say with sorrow, 'What bloody tyrant hath +used thee so cruelly? did he not fear even the great idol?' [323] +After ten days, with the efficacy of the spirit of _bed-mushk_, +and _sharbats_, and electuaries, I opened my eyes; and saw as if the +whole court of _Indra_ were standing around me, and the princess at +the head of my bed. I heaved a sigh and wished to move myself, but had +not sufficient strength. The princess said with kindness, 'O Persian, +be of good cheer, and do not grieve; though some cruel oppressor hath +used thee thus; yet the great idol has made me favourable towards thee, +and thou wilt now recover.' + +"I swear by that God who is one, and without a partner, that on +beholding her I again became senseless; the princess also perceived +it, and sprinkled me with rose water out of a phial held by her +own fair hand. In twenty days my wounds filled up and granulated; +the princess used to come [regularly] at night when all were asleep, +and she then supplied me with food and drink. In short, after forty +days, I performed the ablution [of perfect recovery]; [324] the +princess was extremely rejoiced, and rewarded the surgeon largely, +and clothed me richly. By the grace of God, and the care and attentions +of the princess, I became quite stout and healthy, and my constitution +became sound; the dog also grew fat. She made me drink wine every day, +listened to my conversation, and was pleased. I used also to amuse +her by relating some agreeable stories and brief narratives. + +"One day she asked to me, 'pray relate thy adventures, and tell me +who you are, and how this accident has happened to you,' I related to +her my whole history from beginning to end. On hearing this, she wept +and said, 'I will now behave to thee in such a manner that thou wilt +forget all thy [past] misfortunes,' I replied, 'God preserve you; you +have bestowed on me a second existence, and I am now wholly yours; for +God's sake, be pleased ever to regard me in this favourable manner.' In +short, she used to sit all night with me alone; sometimes the nurse +likewise stayed with her and heard my stories, and related [others +herself.] When the princess used to go away and I remained alone, +I used to perform my ablutions, and concealing myself in a corner, +I used to say my prayers. + +"Once it so happened, that the princess had gone to her father, and I +was repeating my prayers in perfect security, after having performed +my ablutions, when suddenly the princess, conversing with her nurse, +entered, saying, 'Let us see what the Persian is now doing; whether +he be asleep or awake!' But seeing that I was not in my place, she was +greatly surprised, and exclaimed, 'Hey day! where is he gone? I hope he +has not formed an attachment with some one else.' She began to examine +every hole and corner in search of me, and at last came to where I was +saying my prayers. She had never seen any one perform his prayers; +[325] she stood in silence, and looked on. When I had finished my +prayers, and lifted up my arms to bless God, and prostrated myself, +she laughed loudly, and said, 'What! is this man become mad? what +various postures does he assume?' + +"On hearing the sound of her laughter, I became alarmed. The princess +advanced, and asked me, 'O Persian, what wast thou doing?' I could make +no reply, on which the nurse said, 'May I take [the responsibility of] +thy evils, and become thy sacrifice, it appears to me that this man is +a _Musalman_, and the enemy of _Lat_ and _Manat_; [326] he worships an +unseen God. The princess immediately on hearing this struck her hands +together, and said in great wrath, 'I did not know he was a Turk, +[327] and an unbeliever in our gods, for which reason he had fallen +under the wrath of our idol. I have erroneously saved him and kept +him in my house,' Saying this she went away. On hearing [her words] +I became disturbed, [and alarmed to know] how she would now behave +to me. Through fear, sleep was driven from me, and until morning I +continued to weep, and to bathe my face with tears. + +"I passed three days and nights, weeping in this fear and hope. I never +shut an eye [during this time.] The third night, the princess came to +my apartment flushed with the intoxication of wine, and the nurse along +with her. She was full of anger; and with a bow and arrows in her hand, +she sat down outside of the room, on the border of the _chaman_; +[328] she asked the nurse for a cup of wine, and after drinking +it off, she said, 'O nurse! is that Persian who is involved in our +great idol's wrath, dead, or does he yet live?' The nurse answered, +'May I bear your evils! some life still remains,' The princess said, +'He has now fallen in my estimation; but tell him to come out.' The +nurse called me; I ran forth and perceived that the princess's face +glowed through anger, and had become quite red. My soul remained not in +my body; I saluted her, and having joined both my hands together, stood +before her [in silent respect.] Giving me a look of anger, she said to +the nurse, 'If I kill this enemy of our faith with an arrow, will the +great idol pardon my guilt or not? I have already committed a great +crime by having kept him in my house, and by supplying [his wants.]' + +"The nurse answered, 'What is the princess's guilt? you did not in the +least know him to be an enemy when you kept him [in your house;] you +took compassion upon him, and you will receive good for the good you +have done; and this man will receive from the great idol the reward of +the evil which he has done.' On hearing these words, the princess said, +'Nurse, tell him to sit down.' The nurse made me a sign to sit down; +I accordingly sat down. The princess drank another cup of wine, and +said to the nurse, 'Give this wretch also a cup, then he will take +his killing with more ease.' The nurse presented me a cup of wine; +I drank it without hesitation, and made my _salam_ [to the princess;] +she never looked at me directly, but continued all along to give me +furtive side glances. When I became elevated [with the effects of +the wine,] I began to repeat some pieces of poetry; among others, +I recited the following couplet: + + + 'I am in thy power, and if alive yet, what then? + Under the dagger, if one breathes awhile, what then?' + + +On hearing this verse, she smiled, and turning towards the nurse, +she said, 'What art thou sleepy?' The nurse, guessing her motive, +replied, 'Yes, sleep over-comes me.' She then took her leave, and +went away. [329] After a short pause, the princess asked me for a cup +of wine; I quickly filled it, and presented it to her; she took it +gracefully from my hand and drank it off; I then fell at her feet; she +passed her hand kindly over me, and said, 'O ignorant man! what hast +thou seen bad in our great idol that thou hast betaken thyself to the +worship of an unseen God?' I answered, 'Pray, be just, and reflect a +little, whether that God [and He only,] is worthy of adoration, who, +out of a drop of water, hath created a lovely creature like thee, +and hath given such beauty and perfection, that in one instant thou +canst drive into distraction the hearts of thousands of men. What a +[contemptible] thing is an idol that any one should worship it? The +stone-cutters have shaped a block of stone into a figure, and have +spread it as a net to entangle fools. Those whom the devil beguiles, +confound the Creator with the created; and they prostrate themselves +before that which their own hands have formed. We are _Musalmans_, and +we worship him who hath created us. For those [misguided idolaters], He +hath created hell; for us [true believers], He hath destined paradise; +if you will place your faith in God, you will experience the delights +[of heaven], and distinguish truth from error, and you will find that +your [present] devotion is false.' + +"At length, on hearing these pious admonitions, the heart of that +stony-hearted one became softened, and through the favour and mercy of +God she began to weep, and said, 'Well, teach me thy faith,' I taught +her the _kalima_, which she repeated with sincerity of heart, and +having expressed penitence, and prayed for pardon, she became a [true] +_Musalman_. I then threw myself at her feet [and thanked her]. Until +the morning she continued reciting the _kalima_, and praying for +pardon. Again she said, 'Well, I have embraced your faith, but my +parents are idolators; what remedy is there for them?' I replied, 'what +is that to thee? as any one acts, so will he be treated.' She said, +'They have betrothed me to my uncle's son, and he is an idolator; if I +should be married to him tomorrow, which God forbid, he, an idolator, +would cohabit with me, and I should bear issue, which would be a +dreadful misfortune. We ought immediately to think of some remedy for +this, so that I may be freed from such a calamity,' I replied, 'what +you say is indeed reasonable; do whatever you think proper.' She said, +'I will remain here no longer, but go forth somewhere else.' I asked, +'by what means can you escape, and where will you go?' She answered, +'In the first place, do you leave me here, and go and abide with +the _Musalmans_ in the _sarai_, so that every one may hear of it, +and not suspect you. You will there continue on the look out for +[the departure of] vessels, and if any vessel sails for Persia, let +me know; for which reason I will send the nurse to you frequently, +and when you send me word [that all is ready,] I will come to you, +and having embarked in the vessel, I will effect my escape and obtain +my release from the hands of these ill-fated heathens,' I replied, +'I will devote myself as a sacrifice for your life and safety, +but what will you do with the nurse?' She answered, 'Her case can +be easily settled; I will give her a cup of strong poison. [330] The +plan was fixed upon, and when the day appeared, I went to the _sarai_, +and hired a private apartment and went and resided therein. During +this absence, I only lived in the hopes of meeting again. Two months +[331] [after this event,] when the merchants of _Rum_, of Syria, and of +_Isfahan_ were assembled together, they formed the project of returning +by water, and began to embark their merchandise on vessels. From +residing together I had formed acquaintances with most of them, and +they said to me, 'Well, sir, will you not also come [along with us]; +how long will you stay in this country of infidels?' I answered, +'what have I wherewith I can return to my country? I have as my +property this only, a female slave, a chest, and a dog; if you could +give me a little room to stay in and fix its price, I shall then be +at ease in my mind, and embark likewise.' + +"The merchants allotted me a cabin, and I paid the money for the hire +of it. Having set my heart at ease, I went to the nurse's house under +some pretext, and said, 'O mother, I am come to take leave of thee, +and am now returning to my country; if I could through your kindness +see the princess for a moment, it would be a great satisfaction to +me.' At last, the nurse complied [with my request]. I said, 'I will +return at night, and wait in such a place;' she replied, 'Very well,' +Having settled [this point], I returned to the _sarai_, and carried my +chest and bedding on board the vessel and delivered them in charge to +the master, and added, 'I will bring my female slave on board to-morrow +morning.' The master said, 'Come speedily, as we shall weigh anchor +to-morrow early,' I answered, 'Very well.' When the night came, I +went to the place I had fixed upon with the nurse, and waited. After +a watch of the night had passed, the gate of the seraglio opened, +and the princess came out dressed in soiled and dirty clothes, with +a casket of jewels in her hand; she delivered the casket to me, and +went along with me. As soon as it was morning, we reached the seaside, +and embarking on a skiff we went on board the vessel; this faithful +dog also went with me. When it was broad daylight, we weighed anchor +and set sail. We were sailing along in perfect security, when the +report of a cannon was heard from one of the ports. All [on board] +were surprised and alarmed; the ship was anchored, and a consultation +was held among us [to know] if the governor of the port intended some +foul play, and what could be the cause of the firing of cannon. + +"It happened, that all the merchants had some handsome female slaves +[on board], and for fear lest the governor of the port might seize +them, they locked them up in chests. I did so likewise, and having +shut up my princess in my chest, I locked it. In the meanwhile, +the governor and his suite appeared on board a swift sailing vessel, +and constantly nearing us, he came and boarded our ship. Perhaps the +cause of his coming to us was this: that when the news of the nurse's +death and the princess's disappearance became known to the king, in +consequence of his being ashamed to mention the [princess's] name, +he sent orders to the governor of the port, saying, 'I have heard +that the Persian merchants have very handsome slaves with them, and +as I wish to buy some for the princess, you will stop them, and send +all the slaves that may be in the vessel to the royal presence. On +seeing them, I will pay the full value for such as may be approved of, +and the remainder shall be returned.' + +"According to the king's orders, the governor of the port came himself +on board our vessel for this purpose. Near my cabin was [the berth of] +another person; he also had a handsome female slave locked up in his +chest. The governor sat down on that chest, and began to collect all +the female slaves [that could be found]; I praised God, and said, +'Well, no mention has been made of the princess.' In short, the +governor's people put into their own vessel all the female slaves that +were to be found; and the governor, laughing, asked the owner of the +chest on which he was sitting, 'Thou hadst also a female slave?' The +blockhead was frightened, and answered, 'I swear by your Honour's feet, +I alone have not acted in this manner; all of us from fear of you have +concealed our [handsome] female slaves in our chests.' The governor, +on hearing this confession, began to search all the chests. He opened +my chest also, and having taken out the princess, he carried her away +with the rest. I fell into a strange state of despair, and said to +myself, 'such a [dreadful] circumstance has occurred that thy life is +gone for nothing; and now we must see how he will treat the princess.' + +"In my anxiety for her, I forgot all fear for my own life; the whole +day and night I spent in prayers to God [for her safety]. When the +next early morn arrived, they brought back all the female slaves in +their own vessel. The merchants were well pleased, and each took +back his own. All returned, but the princess alone was not among +them. I asked, 'What is the reason that my slave is not come back +[with the rest]?' They answered, 'We do not know; perhaps the king +may have chosen her.' All the merchants began to console and comfort +me, and said, 'Well, what has happened is past; do not afflict +yourself; we will all subscribe and make up her price, and give +it to you.' My senses were utterly confounded; I said, 'I will not +now go to Persia.' Then I addressed myself saying to the boatmen, +'O friends, take me with you, and land me on the shore.' They agreed, +and I left the vessel and stepped into the boat; this dog likewise +came along with me. + +"When I reached the port, I kept to myself only the casket of jewels +which the princess had brought with her; all my other property I +gave to the governor's servants. I wandered everywhere in the way of +search, that perhaps I might get some intelligence of the princess; +but I could find no trace of her, nor could I get the smallest hint +respecting that affair. One night I entered the king's seraglio +by a trick, and searched for her, but got no intelligence. For +nearly the space of a month I sifted every lane and house in the +city; and through sorrow I reduced myself almost to death's door, +and began to wander about like a lunatic. At last, I fancied that +'my princess must, in all probability, be in the governor's house, +and nowhere else.' I went round and inspected the governor's house, +to the intent that should I discover any passage I might enter it. + +"I perceived a sewer high enough to allow a man to go in and out, +but there was an iron grating at its mouth; I formed the resolution +to enter [the house] by the way of this sewer; I took off my clothes, +and descended into that filthy channel. After a thousand toils, I +broke the grating, and entered the _chor-mahall_ [332] through the +sewer. Then, having put on the dress of a woman, I began to search +and examine all around me. From one of the apartments a sound reached +my ear, as if some one was praying fervently. Advancing towards +the place, I saw it was the princess, who was weeping bitterly and +was prostrating herself before her Maker, and praying to him thus, +'For the sake of thy prophet and his pure offspring, [333] deliver me +from this country of infidels; and restore me once more in safety to +the person who taught me the faith of _Islam_.' On seeing her, I ran +and threw myself at her feet; the princess clasped me to her bosom, +and upon us both a state of insensibility fell. When our senses +were restored, I asked her what had happened to her; she answered, +'When the governor of the port carried all the female slaves on shore, +I was offering up this prayer to God that my secret might not any how +be known, and that I might not be recognised, and that your life might +not be endangered. He is so great a concealer [of our shame], that +no one knew I was the princess. The governor was examining every one +with a view to purchase [some for himself]; when it came to my turn, +he chose me, sent me secretly to his house; the rest he forwarded to +the king. + +"'When my father did not see me among those [slaves], he sent them +all back. The whole of this artifice was had recourse to on my +account. He now gives out, that the princess is very ill, and if I +do not soon appear, then in a few days the news of my death will +fly through the whole country; then the king's shame will not be +[divulged]. But I am now greatly distressed, as the governor has +other designs upon me, and always urges me to cohabit with him; +I do not agree [to his desires]. Inasmuch as he [really] loves me, +he has as yet waited for my acquiescence, and therefore he remains +silent and quiet. But I dread [to think] how long matters can go on +in this way; for which reason I have determined within myself, that +when he attempts anything further, I will put myself to death. But +now that I have met thee, another thought has arisen in my mind; +if God is willing, except this mode, I see no other for escape.' + +"I replied, 'Let me hear it; what sort of scheme is it?' She said, +'If you assist and exert yourself, it can be accomplished.' I said, +'I am ready to obey your commands; if you order me, I will leap +into the burning flames, and if I could find a ladder, I would for +your sake ascend to the sky; [in short], I will perform whatever you +command.' The princess said, 'Go, then, to the temple of the great +idol; and in the place where [the people take off [334] their shoes, +there lies a piece of black canvas. The custom of this country is, +that whoever becomes poor and destitute, he having wrapt himself up +in that piece of canvas, sits down in that spot. The people of this +country who go there to worship, give him something, each according +to his means. + +"'In three or four days, when he collects some money, the head priests +give him a _khil'at_ on the part of the great idol, and dismiss him; +having thus become rich, he goes away, and no one knows who he was. Go +thou also, and sit under that canvas, and hide well thy hands and face, +and speak to no one. After three days, when the priests and idolaters +shall have given thee a _khil'at_, and [wish greatly to] dismiss thee; +do not thou on any account get up from thence. When they entreat thee +greatly, then tell them, "I do not want money nor am I avaricious +of riches. I am an injured person, and am come to complain; if the +mother of the _Brahmans_ does me justice, it is well; otherwise the +great idol will do me justice; and this same great idol will attend +to my complaint against my oppressor." As long as the mother of the +_Brahmans_ does not come herself to thee, let any one entreat thee +ever so much, consent thou not. At last, being compelled to it, she +will come to thee herself; she is very old, for she is two hundred and +forty years of age, and six and thirty sons, that have been born of +her, are the chief priests of the temple; and she is highly respected +by the great idol. For this reason she possesses such vast power that +all the little and great of this country deem her command [a matter +of] felicity; whatever she orders, that they perform with all their +heart and soul. Lay hold of the skirt of her garment, and say to her, +"O mother, if you do not exact justice from the oppressor to this +injured traveller, I will dash my head on the ground before the great +idol; he will at last pity me, and intercede for me with you." + +"'When, after this, she asks thee all the particulars of thy complaint, +tell her, "I am an inhabitant of Persia; I am come here from a great +distance, both to perform a pilgrimage to the great idol, and in +consequence of having heard of your justice. For some days I lived +here in peace; my wife also came with me; she is young, her form and +figure are excellent, and her features perfect. I do not know how the +governor of the port saw her, but he forcibly took her away from me, +and shut her up in his house. With us _Musalmans_ it is a rule, that if +a stranger sees one of our wives, or takes her away, it is right that +the stranger be put to death by whatever means it may be accomplished, +and the wife be taken back; and otherwise, we must abandon food and +drink; for whilst the stranger lives, that wife is forbidden to the +husband. Now, having no other resource, I am come hither; let us see +what justice you do to me."' When the princess had fully instructed +me in all these circumstances, I took my leave, and came out by the +same sewer, and once more replaced the iron grating. + +"As soon as the morning came, I went to the temple, and, having +covered myself with the black canvas, I sat down. In three days' +time so many pieces of gold, and silver, and articles of apparel were +heaped up near me, that it appeared a regular store. On the fourth +day, the priests, performing their devotion, and singing and playing, +came to me with a _khil'at_, and wished to dismiss me. I would not +agree to it, and called on the great idol for protection, and said, +'I am not come to beg, but to get justice from the great idol and the +mother of the _Brahmans_; and until I get justice I shall not stir from +hence.' On hearing this [determination], they went to the presence +of the old woman, and related what I had said; after which a _Brahman_ +came to me and said, 'Come, the mother calls you.' I instantly wrapped +myself up in the black canvas from head to foot, and went to the +threshold [of her apartment]. I saw that the great idol was placed +on a jewelled throne in which were set rubies, diamonds, pearls and +coral; and a rich covering was spread on a golden chair, on which was +seated, with great pomp and dignity, an old woman dressed in black, +with cushions and pillows [around her], and near her stood two boys, +ten or twelve years old, one on her right and one on her left. She +called me before her; I advanced towards her with profound respect, +and kissed the foot of the throne, and then took hold of the skirt +[of her garments]. She asked me my story; I related it exactly as +the princess had instructed mo to do. + +"On hearing it, she said, 'Do _Musalmans_ keep their wives +concealed?' I replied, 'Yes, may it fare well with your children; it +is an ancient custom of ours.' She said, 'Thine is a good religion; +I will instantly give orders that the governor of the port, together +with your wife, shall appear here, and I shall punish that ass in +such a manner that he will not act so another time, and all shall +prick up their ears and tremble.' She asked her attendants, 'Who is +the governor of the port? How dares he take away by force the wife of +another man?' They answered, 'He is such a one.' On hearing his name, +she told the two boys who were standing near her, 'Take this man along +with you instantly, and go to the king, and say, "That the mother +declares, that this is the command of the great idol, that whereas +the governor of the port commits excessive violence on the people; +for instance, he has carried off [by force] this poor man's wife, +and his guilt is proved to be great; therefore let an inventory be +quickly taken of the delinquent's effects and property, and let them be +delivered to this Turk, whom I esteem, otherwise you will be destroyed +to-night, and you will fall under our wrath.' The two boys rose up, +came out of the place, and mounted their horses; all the priests, +blowing their shells, and singing hymns, went in their retinue. + +"In short, the great and little of that country having conceived the +dust of the spot where the feet of those boys trod as holy, used to +take it up and put it to their eyes. In this manner, they went to the +palace of the king. He heard of it, and came forth with naked feet for +the purpose of their reception, and having conducted them with great +respect, he placed them on the throne near himself, and asked them, +'What has given me the honour of your visit to-day?' The two young +_Brahmans_ repeated on the part what they had heard from the mother, +and threatened him with the great idol's anger. + +"On hearing it the king said, 'Very well,' and issued an order to +his attendants, saying, 'Let some officers of justice go, and let +them immediately bring the governor of the port, along with that +woman into our presence, then shall I, having investigated his crime, +inflict upon him deserved punishment.' On hearing [this order], I was +greatly alarmed in my own heart, [and said to myself], 'This affair +indeed is not quite so well; for if they bring the princess with the +governor of the port, the matter will be discovered; what then will +be my situation?' Being extremely fear-stricken in my mind, I looked +up to God, but my countenance was overcast with anxiety, and my body +began to tremble. The boys seeing my colour change, perhaps observed +that this order was not agreeable to my wish; they instantly rose with +vexation and anger, and said harshly to the king, 'O wretch, art thou +become mad, that thou steppest aside from the great idol's obedience, +and conceivest what we said to be untrue, that thou wishest to send +for them both and verify [the circumstance]? Now, take care, thou hast +fallen under the great idol's wrath; we have delivered our orders, +now do thou look [to it], or the great idol will look [to thee].' + +"On hearing these words, the king was so greatly alarmed, that, +joining both his hands together, he stood [before the boys] and +trembled from head to foot. Having made humble supplication, he +endeavoured to appease them; but they would not sit down, and they +remained standing. In the meantime, all the nobles who were present, +began with one voice to speak ill of the governor, saying, 'He is +indeed such a wicked man, and so tyrannical, and commits such offences, +that we cannot relate the same before the royal presence. Whatever +the mother of the _Brahmans_ has sent word of, is all true; inasmuch +as it is the great idol's decision; how can it be false?' When the +king heard the very same story from all, he was much ashamed and +regretful of what he had said. He instantly gave me a rich _khil'at_; +and having written an order with his own hand, and sealed [335] with +his sign manual, he consigned it to me; he also wrote a note to the +mother of the _Brahmans_, and having laid trays of gold and jewels +before the boys as presents, he dismissed them. I returned to the +temple highly pleased, and went to the old woman. + +"The contents of the king's letter which had arrived were as +follows. After the usual compliments and tenders of service and +devotion, [the king] had written, 'That according to the orders of your +highness, the situation of governor of the fort has been conferred upon +this _Musalman_, and a _khil'at_ [336] has been bestowed on him. He +is now at liberty to put the former governor to death; and all his +effects and money now belong to this _Musalman_; he may do with him +what he pleases. I hope my fault will be forgiven.' The mother of the +_Brahmans_ was pleased with the letter, and said, 'Let the music strike +up in the _naubat-khana_ of the _pagoda_.' Then she sent with me five +hundred well-armed soldiers, who were good marksmen [337] with the +musket, to go with me, and gave them orders to go to the port, seize +its governor, and deliver him up to this _Musalman_, in order that he +may put him to death with what torture he pleases. Also let them take +care that, except this honoured [_Musalman_], no one be permitted to +enter the [governor's] seraglio, and let them deliver over his money +and effects [untouched to the new governor]. When he sends them back +with his own accord, let them get a letter of approbation from him, +and return to me.' She then gave me a complete dress from the wardrobe +of the great idol, and having caused me to mount, she dismissed me. + +"When I reached the port, one of my men proceeded before me, and +informed the governor [of my arrival]. He was sitting like one in +great perplexity, when I arrived my heart was already filled with +rage; on seeing the harbour-master, I drew my sword, and struck +him such a blow on the neck, that his head flew off like a stalk +of Indian corn. Then having ordered the agents, the treasurers, +the superintendants and other officials to be seized, I took full +possession of the records; and then I entered the seraglio. There +I met the princess; we embraced each other most tenderly, and wept, +and praised the goodness of God; we wiped each other's tears; I then +came out and sat on the _masnad_, and gave _khil'ats_ to the officers +[of the port], and re-established them in their respective situations; +to the servants and slaves I gave promotion. To those people who had +come as an escort from the temple, I gave presents and gratuities, +and having bestowed dresses on their officers, I dismissed them. Then +having taken with me jewels of great value, and pieces of fine cloth, +and shawls, and brocaded stuffs and goods, and rarities of every +region, and a large sum of money as a _nazar_ [338] for the king, +and for the nobles, according to their respective ranks, and for the +priests and priestesses, to be divided among them, after one week I +went to the idol-temple and laid the presents before the old woman. + +"She gave me another _khil'at_ of dignity, and a title. I then went to +the audience of the king, and presented my _pesh-kash_. I addressed his +majesty [on the best means] to remove the evil consequences of whatever +acts of tyranny and injustice the [former] governor of the port had +committed. For this reason, the king, the nobles, and the merchants +were all well pleased with me, and the king showered many favours on +me, and having given me a _khil'at_ and a horse, he bestowed on me a +title and a _ja-gir_, [339] with other dignities and honours. When I +came out from the royal presence, I gave the servants and attendants +so much, that they all began to pray [for my welfare]. In short, +I became very happy in my condition; and I passed my days in that +country in extreme ease and felicity, after marrying the princess; +and I offered up thanks to God [for the happiness I enjoyed]. The +inhabitants were quite happy through the equity of my administration; +and once a month I used to go to the temple and the king's levee; +his majesty, from time to time, conferred on me additional promotion. + +"At last, he enrolled me as one of his privy counsellors, and did +nothing without my advice; my life began to pass in extreme delight; +but God only knows that I often thought on these two brothers [and was +anxious to know] where they were and how they were. After the space +of two years, a _kafila_ of merchants arrived at the port from the +country of _Zerbad_, and they were all bound for Persia; they wished +to return to their own country by sea. It was the rule at that port, +that whenever a _karavan_ arrived there, the chiefs of the _karavan_ +used to present to me as a _nazar_ some rare presents and curiosities +of different countries. On the day following, I used to go to [the +chief's] place of residence, and to levy ten per cent. on the value +of his goods by way of duty; after which, I gave him permission to +depart. In the same manner, those merchants from _Zerbad_ likewise +came to wait on me, and brought with them presents beyond value; the +second day I went to their tents. There I perceived two men dressed in +tattered old clothes, who bore packages and bundles on their heads, +right into my presence. After I had examined [the packages], they +carried them back; they laboured hard, and attended constantly. + +"I looked at them with great attention, and perceived they were, +indeed, my two brothers. At that time, shame and pride would not allow +me to see them in such servitude. When I returned home, I desired my +servants to bring those two men to me; when they brought them, I had +clothes made up for them, and kept them near me. But these incorrigible +villains again laid a plan to murder me. One day at midnight, [340] +finding all off their guard, they came like thieves to the head of +my bed. I had maintained a guard at my door from apprehensions for +my life, and this faithful dog was asleep at the side of my bed; +but the moment they drew their swords from the scabbard, the dog +first barked, then flew at them; the noise he made awaked all; I, +also alarmed, started up. The guards seized them, and I knew them to +be themselves all over. Every one began to execrate them, [and said] +'notwithstanding all this kindness, how infamously they have behaved!' + +"O king, peace be upon you, I also became at last alarmed [for my +life]. There is a common saying, 'That the first and second fault +may be pardoned, but the third punished.' [341] I determined then, +in my own heart, to confine them; but if I had put them in the prison, +who would have taken care of them? They might have perished from want +of food and drink, or they might have contrived more mischief. For +this reason, I have confined them in a cage, that they may be always +under my own eye, then my mind will be at rest; lest being absent +from my sight, they may hatch further wickedness. The honour and +esteem which I evince towards this dog, are on account of his loyalty +and fidelity. O, great God, a man without gratitude is worse than a +faithful brute! These were the past events of my life, which I have +related to your majesty, now, either order me to be put to death, +or grant me my life; to the king command belongs." + +On hearing this narrative, [342] I praised that man of honour, +and said, your kindness has been uninterrupted, and there has been +no limits to these fellows' shameless and villainous conduct; so +true is it, "That if you bury a dog's tail for twelve years, it +will still remain crooked as ever." [343] After this, I asked the +_khwaja_ the history of those twelve rubies which were in the dog's +collar? He replied, "May the age of your majesty be a hundred and +twenty years! After I had been three or four years governor of that +port, I was sitting one day on the top of my house, which was high, +for the purpose of viewing and enjoying the sea and plain beneath. I +was looking in all directions, when suddenly, I perceived two human +figures, who were coming along from one side of the wood, where there +was no high road. Having seized a telescope, I looked at them, and saw +they were of a strange appearance: I speedily sent some mace-bearers +to call them [to my presence.] + +"When they came, I perceived they were a man and a woman. I sent the +woman into the seraglio to the princess, and called the man before +me; I saw he was a youth of twenty or twenty-two years of age, whose +beard and mustaches had commenced [growing;] but the colour of his +face had become black as that of the _tawa_. [344] The hair of his +head, and the nails of his fingers owing to the heat of the sun were +greatly grown, and he looked like a man of the woods. He held on his +shoulder a boy of about three or four years old, and two sleeves of a +garment, filled [with something], were suspended like a collar round +his neck; he cut a strange appearance, and was oddly dressed, I was +greatly surprised, and asked him, 'O, friend, who art thou, and of +what country art thou the inhabitant, and in what a strange condition +do I see thee?' The young man began to weep bitterly, and taking off +the two filled sleeves from around his neck, he laid them before me, +and cried out, 'Hunger, hunger! for God's sake give me something to +eat; I have subsisted for a long while on roots and herbs, and there +is not a particle of strength remaining in me.' I instantly ordered +him some bread, meat, and wine; he began to devour them. + +"In the meantime, the eunuch brought from my haram several other bags +which he found on [the stranger's wife.] I ordered them all to be +opened, and saw that they contained precious jewels of every kind, each +of which was equal in value to the amount of the king's revenue; each +one was more valuable than another in weight, shape and brilliancy; +and the whole apartment was illuminated with variegated colours, from +the reflection of their different coloured rays. When the young man +had eaten something, and drank a cup of wine, his senses returned; +I then asked him, 'where did you get these stones?' He answered, +'My native country is _Azurbaijan_; [345] Having separated from my +home and parents in my infancy, I have undergone many hardships; +I was for a long while buried alive, and have often escaped from the +claws of the angel of death.' I said, 'pray, young man, give me the +details that I may fully comprehend [your story].' Then he began +to relate his adventures as follows:--'My father was a merchant, +and he used to travel constantly to _Hindustan_, China, _Khata, +Rum,_ and Europe. When I was ten years of age, my father set out for +_Hindustan_, and wished to take me with him. Although my mother and +various aunts remarked that I was yet a child, and not old enough to +travel; my father did not mind them, and said, "I am now old; if he +is not instructed under my own eye, I will carry the regret with me +to my grave; he is the son of a man, and if he does not learn now, +when will he learn?" + +"'Saying this, he took me with him, in spite of their entreaties, +and we set out. The journey was performed in health and safety, and +when we arrived in _Hindustan_, we sold some of our goods there, +and taking some rarities with us from thence, we set out for the +country of _Zerbad_. This journey was likewise performed in safety; +there also we sold and bought goods, and embarked on board a ship, +to return the quicker to our country. One day, about a month after, +we were overtaken by a storm and hurricane, and the rain began to fall +in torrents; the whole earth and sky became dark as a mass of smoke, +and the rudder broke; the pilot and master began to beat their heads; +for ten days the winds and waves carried us where they pleased; the +eleventh day the ship having struck against a rock, went to pieces. I +did not know what became of my father, our servants and our goods. + +"'I found myself on a plank, which floated for three days and nights +beyond any control [of mine]. On the fourth day it reached the shore. I +had just life enough remaining. I got off the plank, crawled along on +my knees. I some how or other reached the dry land. I saw some fields +at a distance, and many people were assembled there; but they were all +black, and as naked as the day they were born; they said something +to me; but I did not understand their language in the least. It was +a field of the _chana_ [346] pulse; the men, having lighted a large +fire were parching the ears [of _chana_] and eating them; and some +houses also appeared [near the spot]. Perhaps this was their usual +food, and that they lived in those houses; they made signs to me +also that I should eat. I plucked up some of the _graum_, roasted it, +and began to toss it into my mouth; and having drank a little water, +I laid down to sleep in a corner of the field. + +"'After some time, when I awoke, a man, from among them came to me, +and began to show me [by signs] the road; I plucked up some more of the +_graum_, and followed the road [he pointed out]. A great level plain +appeared before me, vast as the plain of the day of judgment. [347] I +proceeded, eating the _graum_ as I went; after four days, I perceived +a fort; when I went near it, then I saw it was a very high fort, +all built of stone, and each side of which was two _kos_ in length, +and the door was cut out of a single stone, and had a large lock +attached; but I could see no trace of any human being. I proceeded on +from thence and saw a hillock, the earth of which was in colour black +as _surma_; [348] when I passed over the hillock, I saw a large city, +surrounded with a rampart with bastions at regular intervals; and a +river of great width flowed on one side of the city. Proceeding on, I +reached a gate, and invoking God, I entered it. I saw a person who was +dressed in the garment of the people of Europe, and seated on a chair; +the moment he saw I was a foreign traveller, and heard me invoke God, +he desired me to advance. I went up to him, and made him a _salam_; +he returned my salutation with great kindness, and laid on the table +instantly some bread and butter, and a roast fowl and wine, and said, +"Eat thy belly full." I ate a little, and drank [some of the wine], +and fell sound asleep. When the night came, I opened my eyes, and +washed my hands and face; he gave me again something to eat, and said, +"O son, relate thy story." I told him all that had happened to me. He +then said, "Why art thou come here?" I became vexed, and replied, +"Perhaps thou art mad; after hardships of long duration, I have at +last seen the appearance of [human] dwellings. God has conducted me +so far, and thou askest me why I am come here." He answered, "Go and +rest thyself now; I will tomorrow tell thee what I have to say." + +"'When the morning came he said to me, "There are in this room a +spade, a sieve, and a leather bag; bring them out." I said to myself, +God knows what labour he will make me undergo because he has made me +eat of his bread; having no help for it, I took up those articles and +brought them to him. He then ordered me to go to the black hillock [I +had passed] and dig a hole a yard deep, and "whatever you find in it +pass it through this sieve; whatever cannot pass through, put it in the +leather bag, and bring it to me." I took all those implements and went +there, and having dug as much [as I was ordered], I passed it through +the sieve, and put what remained into the bag, [as directed]; I then +saw they were all precious stones of different colours, and my eyes +were dazzled with their brilliancy. In this manner I filled the bag up +to the mouth, and carried it to that person; on seeing it, he said, +"Whatever is in the bag take it for thyself, and go away from hence; +for thy stay in this city will not do thee good." I gave for answer, +"Your worship has, on your part, done me a great favour by giving +me these stones and pebbles; but of what use are they to me? When I +become hungry, I shall not be able to eat them nor to fill my belly; +and if you give me more of them, what use will they be to me?? That +person smiled, and said, "I pity thee, for thou, like me, art an +inhabitant of the kingdom of Persia; for this reason I advise thee +[against remaining here], otherwise it rests with thee. If thou +art determined, at all hazards, to enter this city, then take my +ring with thee; when thou reachest the centre of the market place, +thou wilt find sitting there a man with a white beard--his face and +general appearance are very like mine--he is my eldest brother--give +him this ring--he will then take care of thee; act conformably to what +he says, otherwise thou wilt lose thy life for nothing; my authority +only extends as far as this; I have no entrance into the city." + +"'I took the ring from him, and, saluting him, took my leave. I +entered the city, and saw it was a very elegant place; the streets +and market-places were clean and the men and women without concealment +were buying and selling among themselves, and were all well dressed. I +continued advancing on, and viewing sights. When I reached the four +cross roads of the market place, such a crowd there was, that if you +threw a brass plate, it would have skimmed over the heads of the +people. The multitude were so close to each other, that one could +with difficulty make his way through. When the concourse became less, +I, pushing and jostling, advanced forward. I saw at last the person +[described], seated on a chair, and a _chummak_ [349] set with precious +stones lay before him. I approached him, made him my _salam_, and +gave him the ring; he looked at me with a look of anger, and said, +"Why hast thou come here, and plunged thyself in calamity? Did not +my foolish brother forbid thee?" + +"'I replied, "he did forbid me, but I did not mind him." I then +related to him all my adventures from beginning to end. That person +got up, and taking me with him, he went towards his own house; his +residence appeared like the abode of a king, and he had many servants +and attendants. When he had retired to his private apartment and sat +down, he said with mildness, "O son! what folly hast thou committed, +that on thine own feet thou hast walked to thy grave? What unfortunate +blockhead ever comes to this enchanted city?" I answered, I have +already fully related to you my history; now indeed fate has brought +me here; but do me the kindness to enlighten me on the customs and +ways of this place, then shall I know for what reasons you and your +brother have dissuaded me from staying here." The good man answered, +"The king and all the nobles of this city have been excommunicated; +strange are their manners and religion! In an idol temple here there is +an idol, from whose belly the devil tells the name, sect, and faith of +every individual; so, whatever poor traveller arrives here, the king +has information of it; and he conveys the stranger to the pagoda, +and makes him prostrate himself before the idol. If he prostrates +himself, it is well; otherwise, they cause the poor wretch to be +immersed in the river; and if he attempts to escape from the river, +his private parts [350] become elongated to such a degree that he has +to drag them along the ground. Such enchantment [has God] ordained in +this city. I feel pity for thee on account of thy youth; but for thy +sake I am going to execute a scheme I have formed that thou mayest +be able to live at least a few days, and be saved from this calamity." + +"'I asked, "What is the nature of the project [you have formed]? impart +it to me." He replied, "I mean to have thee married; and to get thee +the _wazir's_ daughter for thy wife." I gave for answer, "How can +the _wazir_ give his daughter to a wretch so poor and destitute as +myself? Will it be when I embrace his faith? This is what I never can +do." He replied, "The custom of this city is, that whoever prostrates +himself before the idol, if he be a beggar and demand the king's +daughter, the king must deliver her up to him in order to gratify +his wish, and that they may not grieve him. Now I am in the king's +confidence, and he esteems me, for which reason all the nobles and +officers of state of this place respect me. In the course of every +week, they go twice to the pagoda on a pilgrimage, and there they +perform their worship; so they will all assemble there to-morrow, +and I will carry thee with me." Saying this, he gave me something +to eat and drink, and sent me away to sleep. When the morning came, +he took me with him to the pagoda; when we arrived there, I saw that +people were going to and fro, and performing their devotions. + +"'The king and nobles in front of the idol, near the priests, with +heads uncovered, were respectfully seated; also unmarried girls +and handsome boys, like _Hur_ and _Ghilman_ [351] were drawn up +in lines on the four sides. The good old man spoke to me and said, +"Now do whatever I say." I agreed, and said, "Whatever you command, +that I will perform." He said, "First, kiss the king's hands and feet, +then, lay hold of the _wazir's_ dress." I did so. The king asked, "Who +is this, and what has he to say?" The man replied, "This young man is +my relation, and he is come from far to have the honour to kiss your +majesty's feet, and with this expectation, that the _wazir_ will exalt +him by [admitting him] into his service, if the order of the great +idol and your majesty's approbation be [to that effect]." The king +said, "If he will embrace our faith and sect, and adopt our customs, +then it will be auspicious [for him]." Immediately, [the drums of] +the _nakkar-khana_ [352] of the pagoda struck up; and I was invested +with a rich _khil'at_; they then put a black rope round my neck, and +dragged me before the seat of the idol, and having made me prostrate +myself before it, they lifted me up. + +"'A voice issued from the idol, saying, "O respected youth, thou hast +done well to enter into my service; rely on my mercy and favour." On +hearing these words, all the people prostrated themselves, and began to +roll on the ground, and exclaimed, "Long may you prosper! why should +it not be!" When the evening came, the king and the _wazir_ mounted, +and went to the _wazir's_ house, and they made over to me the _wazir's_ +daughter according to their rites and ceremonies; they gave a great +dowry and presents with her, and expressed themselves highly obliged, +saying, that according to the commands of the great idol, they had +given her to me. They settled us both in one house; when I saw that +beauty, then [I perceived that] in truth her beauty was equal to +that of a fairy, perfect from top to toe. All the beauties we have +heard of, as peculiar to _Padmini_ [353] females, were centred in +her. I cohabited with her without ceremony, and experienced great +delight. In the morning, after having bathed, I waited on the king; +he bestowed on me the _khil'at_ of marriage, and ordered that I should +always attend his levee; at last, after some days, I became one of +his majesty's counsellors. + +"'The king used to be much pleased with my society, and often gave +me presents and rich _khil'ats_, although I was rich in worldly +treasures, for my wife possessed so much gold property and precious +stones, that they exceeded all bounds and limits. Two years passed in +extreme delight and ease. It happened that [my wife] the _wazir's_ +daughter, became pregnant; when the seventh and eighth months had +passed, and she entered her full time, the pains came on; the nurse +and midwife came, and a dead child was brought forth; its poison +infected the mother, and she also died. I became frantic with grief, +and exclaimed, what a dreadful calamity has burst upon me! I was +seated at the head of the bed, and weeping; all at once the noise +of lamentations spread through the whole house, and women began to +pour in [upon me] from all sides. Each as she entered, struck one +or two blows with her hands on my head, and stood before my face, +and began to weep. So many women were assembled [round me], that I +was perfectly hidden among them, and nearly expiring. + +"'In the mean time, some one from behind seized me by the collar, +and dragged me along; I looked up, and saw it was the same man of +Persia who had married me [to the _wazir's_ daughter]. He exclaimed, +"O blockhead! for what art thou weeping?" I replied, "O cruel! what +a question thou askest! I have lost my empire, and the repose of my +house is utterly gone, and thou demandest why I weep!" He said, with +a smile, "Now weep on account of thy own death; I told thee at first, +that perhaps thine evil fate had led thee here [to perish]; so it +has turned out; now, except death, thou hast no release." At last, +the people seized me, and led me to the pagoda; I saw that the king, +the nobles, and thirty-six tribes of his subjects were assembled +there; the wealth and property of my wife were all collected there; +whatever article any one's heart desired, he took; and put down its +price in cash. + +"'In short, all her property was converted into specie; with this +specie precious stones were purchased, and locked up in a small +box; they then filled a chest with bread, sweetmeats, roast meat, +dried and green fruits, and other eatables; and they put the corpse +of my wife into another chest, and slung both the chests across a +camel; they mounted me on it, and put the box of precious stones in +my lap. All the _Brahmans_ went before me singing hymns and blowing +their shells, and a crowd for the purpose of wishing me joy came on +behind. In this manner I was conducted out of the city, through the +same gate by which I entered the first day. The moment when the same +keeper of the gate saw me, he began to weep, and said, "O unfortunate, +death-seized [wretch]! thou wouldst not listen to me, but by entering +this city thou hast lost thy life for nothing! It is not my fault; +I did dissuade thee." He said this to me; but I was so confounded, +that I could not use my tongue to reply to him; nor were my senses +in their right place, to foresee what would become of me at last. + +"'They conducted me at last to the same fort, the door of which I +had seen shut the first day [I entered this country]. The lock was +opened with the assistance of many people united, and they carried in +the corpse and the chest of food. A priest came up to me, and began +to console me, saying, "Man is born one day, and one day dies; such +is the [mode of] transmigration in this world; now these, thy wife, +thy son, thy wealth, and forty days' food are placed here; take them, +and remain here until the great idol is favourable to thee." In my +wrath I wished to curse the idol, the inhabitants of that place, +and their manners and customs, and to inflict blows and buffets on +that priest. That same man of Persia in his own tongue, forbade me, +and said, "Take care, do not on any account utter a word; if you +should say anything whatever, they will burn you immediately. Well, +whatever was in your destiny, that has taken place: rely now on the +mercy of God; perhaps He will deliver you alive from this place." + +"'In short, all of them, having left me by myself, went out of that +fortress, and shut the door. At that moment I wept bitterly at my +solitary and helpless state, and began to kick the corpse of that +woman, saying, "O cursed corpse, if thou wast to perish in child-birth, +why didst thou marry and become pregnant?" After thoroughly beating +her, I again sat silent. In the meantime, the day advanced, and the +sun became very hot; my brains began to boil, and I was dying by reason +of the stench. On whatever side I looked, I saw the bones of the dead, +and boxes of precious stones in heaps. I then, having gathered some old +chests together, placed them over each other, so that there might be a +shed against the heat of the day, and the dews of the night. I began +to search for water, and on one side I saw something like a cascade, +which was cut out of stone in the wall of the inclosure, and had a +mouth like a pot. In short, my life was [sustained] for some time on +the food [they had left with me], and the water [I had found.] + +"'At last, the victuals were exhausted, and I became alarmed and +complained to God. He is so beneficent that the door of the inclosure +opened and another corpse was brought in; an old man accompanied +it. When, having left him also, they went away, it came into my head to +kill the old man, and take possession of his chest of provisions. So, +having taken up the leg of an old chest, I went up to him; he was, +poor wretch, sorely perplexed, seated with his head resting on his +knees. I came behind him, and struck him such a blow, that his skull +was fractured and his brains came out, and he instantly resigned his +soul to God. I seized his stock of provisions, I began to live on +it. For a long while this was my way, that whatever living beings +came in with the dead, I used to kill the former, and having taken +their provisions, I fared plentifully. + +"'After some time, a young girl once came with a corpse; she was very +handsome, and I had not the hard heart to kill her [as had hitherto +been my practice]. She espied me, and swooned away through fear. I +took up her stock of provisions, and carried it to where I lived; but +I did not eat it alone; when I was hungry, I used to carry her some +victuals, and we ate together. When the young girl perceived that +I did not molest her, her timidity lessened daily and she became +more familiar, and used to come to my shed. One day I asked her +her story, and who she was; she replied, "I am the daughter of the +king's _wakili mutlak_, [354] and had been betrothed to my uncle's +son. On the day of the marriage night he was attacked with a colic, +and was in such agonies from the pain, that he expired in an instant; +[355] they brought me here with his corpse and have left me." She then +asked to hear my story; I also related the whole to her, and said, +"God hath sent thee here for my sake." She smiled and remained silent. + +"'In this way mutual affection increased between us in a short time; +I taught her the principles of the _Musalman_ faith, and made her +repeat our _kalima_. I then performed the marriage ceremony, and +cohabited with her; she also became pregnant and brought forth a +son. Nearly three years passed in this manner. When she weaned the +child, I said to my wife, "How long shall we remain here, and how +shall we get out from hence?" She replied, "If God takes us out, +then we shall get out; otherwise we shall some day die here." I wept +bitterly at what she said, and at our confinement, and continuing +to weep, I fell asleep. I saw a person in my dream, who said to me, +"There is an outlet through the drain; go thou forth." I started up +with joy, and said to my wife, "Collect and bring with you all the +old nails and bolts which belonged to the rotten chests, that I may +[with their help] widen [the mouth of the drain]." In short, I having +applied a large nail to the mouth of that drain, used to strike it with +a stone until I became quite tired; however, after a year's labour, +I widened the opening so much that a man could get through it. + +"'I then put the very finest of the precious stones into the sleeves +of the habits of the dead, and taking them with us, we three got out +through the opening [I had made]. I offered up thanks to God [for +our deliverance], and placed the boy on my shoulders. It is a month +since we quitted the high road from fear, and have travelled through +bye-paths of the woods and mountains; when hunger attacked us, we fed +on grass and leaves. I have not strength left to say a word more; +these are my adventures which you have just heard,' O mighty king, +[356] I took pity on his condition, and having sent him to the bath, +I had him well dressed, and made him my deputy. In my own house I +had had several children by the princess, but they died one after +another, when young; one son lived to five years of age, and then +died; from grief for him my wife died also. I was greatly afflicted, +and that country became disagreeable to me after her loss; my heart +became quite sad, and I determined to return to Persia. I solicited +the king's leave to depart, and got the situation of the governor +of the port transferred to the young man [whose story I have just +related]. In the meantime the king died also; I took this faithful +dog and all my jewels and money with me, and came to _Naishapur_, in +order that no one should know the story of my brothers. I have become +well-known as the dog-worshipper; and owing to this evil fame, I to +this day pay double taxes into the exchequer of the king of Persia. + +"It so happened that this young merchant went to _Naishapur_, and +owing to him I have had the honour to kiss your majesty's feet." I +asked [357] the _khwaja_ Is not this [young merchant] your son? He +answered, "Mighty sire, he is not my son; he is one of your majesty's +own subjects; but he is now my master or heir, or whatever you +choose to call him." On hearing this, I asked the young merchant, +"what merchant's son art thou, and where do thy parents reside?" The +youth kissed the ground, and beseeching pardon for his life, replied, +"This slave is the daughter of your majesty's _wazir_; my father came +under the royal anger on account of this very _khwaja's_ rubies, and +your majesty's orders were, that if in one year my father's words +should not be verified, he should be put to death. On hearing [the +royal mandate], I assumed this disguise and went to _Naishapur_; +God has conducted the _khwaja_, together with the dog and rubies, +before your majesty, and you have heard all the circumstances; I now +am hopeful that my aged father may be released." + +On hearing these circumstances from the _wazirzadi_, the _khwaja_ gave +a groan, and helplessly fell down. When rose water was sprinkled over +his face, he recovered his senses, and exclaimed, "O, dire mishap! that +I should have come from such a distance, with such toil and sorrows, in +the hope that, having adopted the young merchant for my son, I should +make over to him by a deed of gift, all my wealth and property, that +my name might not perish, and every one should call him _khwaja-zada_; +[358] but now my imaginations have proved vain, and the affair has +turned out quite the contrary. He, by becoming a woman, has ruined the +old man. I fell into female snares, and now the saying may be applied +to me, 'Thou remainedst at home, and didst not go to pilgrimage; +yet thy head was shaved, and thou art scoffed by all.'" [359] + +To shorten my story, I took pity on agitation, and groans and +lamentations, and called him near me, and whispered in his ear some +glad tidings, and added, "do not grieve; I will marry thee to her, and, +if God pleaseth, thou shalt have children from her, and she shall [now] +be thy master." On hearing these welcome words, he became altogether +comforted. I then ordered them to conduct the _wazirzadi_ to the +seraglio, and to take the _wazir_ out of prison, bathe him in the bath, +dress him in the _khil'at_ of restoration to favour, [360] and bring +him quickly before me. When the _wazir_ arrived, I went to the end +of the _farsh_ [361] to receive him, and conceiving him my superior, +I embraced him, and bestowed on him anew the writing case of the +_wazirship_. [362] I conferred also titles _jagirs_ on the _khwaja_, +and fixing on a happy hour, I married him to the _wazir's_ daughter. + +In a few years, he had two sons and a daughter born to him. In short, +the eldest son is now _Malikut-Tujjar_, and the youngest, the chief +manager of my household. O _Darweshes_, I have related these adventures +to you for this reason, that last night, I heard the adventures of two +of your number; now you two who remain, fancy to yourselves that I am +still where I was last night, and think me your servant, and my house +your _takiya_; [363] relate your adventures without fear and stay +some days with me. When the _Darweshes_ perceived that the king was +very kind to them, they said, "Well, as your majesty condescends to +form amity with _Darweshes_, we both will also relate our adventures: +be pleased to hear them." + + + +ADVENTURES OF THE THIRD DARWESH. + +The third _Darwesh_, having sat down at his ease, [364] began thus +to relate the events of his travels. + + + "O friends, the story of this pilgrim hear; + That's to say, hear the tale of what has happened to me; + How the king of love hath behaved to me, + I am going to relate it in full detail, O, hear." + + +This humble being is the prince of Persia; my father was king of that +country, and had no children except myself. In the season of my youth, +I used to play with my companions at _chaupar_ [365] cards, chess, +and backgammon; or mounting my horse, I used to enjoy the pleasures of +the chase. It happened one day, that I ordered my hunting party, and +taking all my friends and companions with me, we sallied forth over +the plains. Letting loose the hawks [of various sorts] on ducks and +partridges, we followed [them] to a great distance. A very beautiful +piece of land appeared in sight; as far as the view extended, for +miles around, what with the verdure and the red flowers, the plain +seemed like a ruby. Beholding this delightful scene, we dropped the +bridles of our horses and moved on at a slow pace [admiring the +charming prospect]. Suddenly, we saw a black deer on the plain, +covered with brocade, and a collar set with precious stones, and +a bell inlaid with gold attached to its neck; fearless it grazed, +and moved about the plain, where man never entered, and where bird +had never flapped a wing. Hearing the sound of our horses' hoofs, it +started, and lifting up its head, looked at us, and moved slowly away. + +On perceiving it, such became my eagerness that I said to my +companions, remain where you are, I will catch it alive, take care +you do not advance a step, and do not follow me. I was mounted on +such a swift horse, that I had often gallopped him after deer, +and confounding their bounds, had seized them one after another +with my hand. I pushed after it; on seeing me, it began to bound, +and swiftly fled away; my horse also kept pace with the wind, but +could not overtake the very dust it raised. The horse streamed with +sweat, and my tongue also began to crack from thirst; but there was +no alternative. The evening was approaching, and I did not know how +far I had come, or where I was. Having no other chance [of getting +the animal], I employed stratagem towards it, and having taken out +an arrow from the quiver, I adjusted my bow, drew the arrow to its +full length, aimed it at its thigh, and pronouncing the name of God, +I let it fly. The very first arrow entered its leg, and, limping away, +it went towards the foot of the mountain. I dismounted from my horse, +and followed it on foot; it took to the mountain, and I at the same +time gave it chase. After many ascents and descents, a dome appeared; +when I got near it, I perceived a garden and a fountain; but the deer +disappeared from my sight. I was greatly fatigued, and began to wash +my hands and feet [in the fountain]. + +All at once the noise of weeping struck my ears, as issuing from the +dome, and as if some one was exclaiming, "O, child, may the arrow of +my grief stick in the heart of him who hath struck thee; may he derive +no fruit from his youth, and may God make him a mourner like me." On +hearing these words, I went to the dome, and saw a respectable old +man, with a white beard, and well dressed, seated on a _masnad_, and +the deer lying before him; he was drawing the arrow from its thigh, +and uttering imprecations [on the shooter]. I made him my _salam_, and +joining my hands together, I said, "Respectable sir, I have unknowingly +committed this fault; I did not know it [was your deer]; for God's +sake pardon me." He answered, "You have hurt a dumb animal; if you +have committed this cruel act through ignorance, God will forgive +you." I sat down near him, and assisted him in extracting the arrow; +we pulled it out with great difficulty; and having put some balsam to +the wound, we let [the deer] go. We then washed our hands, and the old +man gave me some food to eat, which was then ready; after satisfying +my hunger and thirst, I stretched myself out on a four-footed bedstead. + +After having fed well, I slept soundly through fatigue. In that sleep, +the noise of weeping and lamentation struck my ears; rubbing my eyes, +when I looked round, then neither the old man nor any one else was +in that apartment. I lay alone on the bed, and the room was quite +empty. I began to look with alarm in all directions, and perceived a +_parda_ in a corner which was down; going to it, I lifted it up, and +saw that a throne was placed there, on which was seated an angelic +woman of about fourteen years of age; her face was like the moon, +and her ringlets on both sides [of her head] hung loose; she had a +smiling countenance; and she was dressed like a European, and with +a most charming air; she was seated [on the throne] and looking +forward. The venerable old man lay prostrate before her, with his +head on her feet, and he was weeping bitterly, and he seemed to have +lost his senses. On seeing the old man's condition, and the woman's +beauty and perfection, I was quite lost, and having become lifeless, +I fell down like a corpse; the old man seeing my senseless state, +brought a bottle of rose water, and began to sprinkle it over my +face; when I recovered, I got up, and went up to the angelic woman +and saluted her; she did not in the least return my salute, nor did +she open her lips. I said, "O lovely angel, in what religion is it +right to be so proud, and not to return a salute. + + + "'Although to speak little is becoming, yet not so much so; + If the lover is dying, even then she would not open her lips.' + + +For the sake of Him who hath created thee, pray give me an answer; +I am come here by chance, and the pleasing of a guest is a requisite +duty." I talked much to her, but it was of no use; she heard me, and +sat silent like a statue. I then advanced, and laid my hand on her +feet; when I touched them, they felt quite hard; at last, I perceived +that this beautiful object was formed of stone, and that _Azur_ [366] +had formed this statue. I then said to the idol-worshipping old man, +"I struck an arrow in thy deer's leg, but thou hast with the dart of +love pierced my heart through and through; your curse has taken place; +now tell me the full particulars of these [strange circumstances]; why +hast thou made this talisman, and why, having left [human] habitations, +dost thou dwell in woods and mountains? Tell me all that has happened +to thee." + +When I pressed him greatly, he said, "This affair has indeed ruined +me; dost thou also wish to perish by hearing it?" I exclaimed, "Hold, +thou hast already made too many evasions; answer to the purpose, +or else I will kill thee." Seeing me very urgent, he said, "O youth, +may God the Almighty keep every person safe from the scorching flame +of love; see what calamities this love hath produced; for love, the +woman burns herself with her husband, and sacrifices her life; [367] +and all know the story of _Farhad_ and _Majnun_; what wilt thou gain +by hearing my story? Wilt thou leave thy home, fortune and country, +and wander for nothing?" I gave for answer, "Cease, keep thy friendship +to thyself; conceive me now thy enemy, and if life is dear to thee, +tell me plainly [thy story]." Perceiving there was no alternative, +his eyes filled with tears, and he began to say, "The following +is this miserable wretch's story:--This humble servant's name is +_Ni'man Saiyah_. I was a great merchant; arrived to these years, +I have traversed all parts of the world for the purpose of trade, +and have been admitted to the presence of all kings. + +"Once the fancy came into my mind that I had wandered over the +regions of the four corners [of the world], but never went to the +Island of the Franks, [368] and never saw its king, citizens and +soldiers--I knew nothing of its manners and customs--so that I ought +to go there also for once. I took the advice of my acquaintances and +friends, and resolved [on the voyage]; I took with me some rarities +and presents from various places, such as were fit for that country, +and collecting a _kafila_ of merchants, we embarked on board a ship +and set sail. Having favourable winds, we reached the island in +a few months and put up in the city. I saw a magnificent city, to +which no city could be compared for beauty. In all the _bazars_ and +streets the roads were paved and watered; such was the cleanliness +that a bit of straw could not be seen; why then make mention of +dirt? The buildings were of every variety, and at night the streets +were lighted, at intervals, by two rows of lamps; without the city +were delightful gardens, in which rare flowers and shrubs and fruits +were seen [in rich profusion], such as no where else could be [seen] +except in Paradise. In short, whatever I may say in praise of this +[magnificent city] would not exceed [the truth]. + +"The arrival of our merchants was much talked of. A confidential eunuch +[369] mounted on horseback, and attended by many servants, came to +our _kafila_, and asked the merchants, "Who is your chief?" They all +pointed to me; the eunuch came to my place; I rose up to receive +him with respect, and we saluted each other; I seated him on the +_masnad_, and offered him the pillow; after which I asked him to tell +me what was the occasion which afforded me the honour of his visit; +he replied, 'The princess has heard that some merchants are arrived, +and have brought much merchandise, for which reason she has desired +me to bring them to her presence; so come, and take along with you +whatever merchandise may be fit for the courts of kings, and gain +the happiness of kissing her threshold.' + +"I gave for answer, 'To-day, indeed, I am greatly fatigued; to-morrow +I will attend her with my life and property; whatever I have by me, +I will present as a _nazar_ [to the princess], and whatever pleases +her, the same is her majesty's property.' Having made this promise, +I gave him rosewater and _betel_, and dismissed him. I called all +the merchants near me, and whatever rarities each had, we collected +together, and those of my own I took also, and went in the morning +to the door of the royal seraglio. The door-keeper sent word of my +arrival, and orders came to bring me to the presence; the same eunuch +came out, and taking my hand in his, he led me along, whilst we talked +in friendly converse. Having passed the apartments of the female +attendants of the princess, he conducted me into a noble apartment. O +friend, you will not believe it, but so beautiful was the scene, that +you might say the fairies had been let loose there with their wings +shorn. On whatever side I looked, there my sight became transfixed, +and my limbs were torn away [from under me]; I supported myself +with difficulty, and reached the royal presence. The moment I cast +my eyes upon the princess, I was ready to faint, and my hands and +feet trembled. + +"I contrived, with some difficulty, to make my salutation. Beautiful +women were standing in rows to the right and left, with their arms +folded. I laid before the princess the various kinds of jewels, +fine clothes, and other rich rarities that I had brought with me; +from these she selected some, (inasmuch as they were all worthy +of choice). She was greatly pleased, and delivered them to her +head-servant, and he said to me, that their prices should be paid +the next day, according to the invoice. I made my obeisance, and +was pleased within myself that under this pretext I should have to +come again the next day. When I took my leave and came out, I was +speaking and uttering words like those of a maniac. In this state +I came to the _serai_, but my senses were not right; all my friends +began to ask what was the matter with me; I replied, that from going +and returning so far, the heat had affected my brain. + +"In short, I passed that night in tossing and tumbling [about in my +bed]. In the morning, I went again and presented myself [to wait on +the princess], and entered the seraglio along with the confidential +servant, and saw the same scene I had seen the day before. The princess +received me kindly, and sent every one [present] away, each to his own +occupation. When there became a dispersion of them, she retired to a +private apartment, and called me to her. When I entered, she desired +me to sit down; I made her my obeisance, and sat down. She said, +'As you have come here, and have brought these goods with you, how +much profit do you expect on them?' I replied, 'I had an ardent desire +to see your highness, which God hath granted, and now I have got all +I wished; I have acquired the prosperity of both worlds. Whatever +prices are marked in the invoice, half is the prime cost, and half +profit.' She replied, 'No, whatever price you have marked down shall +be paid; moreover, you shall receive presents besides, on condition +that you will do one thing, which I am about to order you.' + +"I replied, 'This slave's life and property are at your service, +and I shall think as the happiness of my destinies if they can +be of any use to your highness; I will perform [what you desire] +with my life and soul.' On hearing these words, she called for a +_kalam-dan_, wrote a note, put it into a small purse made of pearls, +wrapped the purse in a fine muslin handkerchief, and gave it to me; +she gave me likewise a ring which she took from off her finger, as +a mark [by which I might make myself known]; she then said to me, +'On the opposite side [of the city] is a large garden, its name is +_Dil-kusha_, or "Delight of the Heart." Go you there. A person named +_Kaikhusru_ is the superintendent [of the garden]; deliver into his +hands the ring, and bless him for me, and ask a reply to this note, +but return quick, as if you ate your dinner there and drank your +wine here; [370] you will see what a reward I shall give you for this +service.' I took my leave, and went along inquiring my way. When I had +gone about two _/kos_, I saw the garden. When I reached it, an armed +man seized me, and led me into the garden gate. I saw there a young +man with the looks of a lion; he was seated on a stool of gold, with +an air of state and dignity, having on an armour [forged] by _Da,ud_, +[371] with breast plates, and a steel helmet. Five hundred young men, +holding each in his hands a shield and sword, and equipped with bows +and arrows, were drawn up in a line, and ready [to execute his orders]. + +"I made him my _salam_, and he called me to him; I delivered him the +ring, and, paying him many compliments, I showed him the handkerchief, +and mentioned also the circumstance of having brought him a note. The +moment he heard me, he bit his finger with his teeth, and slapping his +head, he said, 'Perhaps your evil destiny hath brought you here. Well, +enter the garden; an iron cage hangs on a cypress tree, in which +a young man is confined; give him this note, receive his answer, +and return quickly.' I immediately entered the garden; what a garden +it was! you might say that I had entered alive into Paradise. Every +individual parterre bloomed with variegated flowers; the fountains +were playing, and the birds were warbling [on the trees]. I went +straight on, and saw the cage suspended from the tree, in which I +perceived a very handsome young man. I bent my head with respect, +and saluted him, and gave him the sealed and enveloped note through +the bars of the cage. That young man opened the note and read it, +and inquired of me about the princess with great affection. + +"We had not yet done speaking, when an army of negroes appeared, +and fell on me on all sides, and began to attack me without delay +with their swords and spears; what could one single unarmed man +do? In a moment they covered me with wounds; I had no sensation or +recollection of myself. When I recovered my senses, I found myself on +a bed, which two soldiers were carrying along [on their shoulders]; +they were speaking to each other; one said, 'Let us throw the corpse +of this dead man on the plain; the dogs and crows will soon eat +it up.' The other replied, 'If the king should make investigation, +and learn this circumstance, he will bury us alive, and grind our +children to paste; what! are our lives become a burthen to us, that +we should act so rashly?' + +"On hearing this conversation, I said to the two [ruffians] Gog and +Magog, 'for God's sake take some pity on me, I have still a spark of +life left; when I die, do with me what you please; the dead are in +the hands of the living; [372] but tell me what has happened to me; +why have I been wounded, and who are you? pray explain thus much to +me.' They then having taken pity on me, said, 'The young man who is +confined in the cage is the nephew of the king of this country; and +his father was previously on the throne. At the time of his death he +gave this injunction to his brother: 'My son, who is heir to my throne, +is as yet young and inexperienced; do you continue to guide the affairs +of state with zeal and prudence; when he is of age, marry your daughter +to him, and make him master of the whole empire and treasury.' + +"After saying this his majesty died, and the younger brother became +king; he did not attend to the [late king's] last injunctions; on +the contrary, he gave it out that [his nephew was] mad and insane, +and put him into a cage, and has placed such strict guards on the four +sides of the garden that no bird can there flap its wing; and many a +time he has administered to [his nephew] the poison called _halahal_; +[373] but his life is stronger and the poison has had no effect. Now +the princess and this prince are lover and mistress; she is distracted +at home, and he in the cage; she sent him a love-letter by your hands; +the spies instantly conveyed intelligence [of this circumstance] +to the king; a body of Abyssinians were ordered out and treated you +thus. The king has consulted his _wazir_ on the means of putting to +death this imprisoned prince, and that ungrateful wretch has persuaded +the princess to kill the innocent prince with her own hands in the +king's presence.' + +"I said, 'Let us go, that I may see this scene even in my dying +moments.' They at last agreed [to my request], and the two soldiers +and myself, though wounded, went to the scene and stood in silence in +a retired corner. We saw the king seated on his throne; the princess +held in her hand a naked sword; the prince was taken out of the iron +cage, and made to stand before [the king]; the princess, becoming an +executioner, advanced with the naked sword to kill her lover. When +she drew near the prince, she threw away the sword and embraced +him. Then that lover said to her, 'I am willing to die thus; here, +indeed, I desire thee,--there, also, I shall wish for thee.' [374] The +princess said, 'I have come, under this pretext to behold thee.' The +king, on seeing this scene, became greatly enraged, and reproached the +_wazir_, and said, 'Hast thou brought me here to see this sight?' The +[princess's] confidential servant separated the princess from the +prince, and conducted her to the seraglio. The _wazir_ took up the +sword, and flew with rage at the prince to end with one blow his +unfortunate existence. As he lifted up his arm to strike, an arrow +from an unknown hand pierced his forehead, so that [his head] was +cleft in twain, and he fell down. + +"The king, seeing this mysterious event, retired into his palace; +and they put the young prince again into the cage, and carried him +to the garden; I likewise came out from where I was. On the road, +a man called me and conducted me to the princess; seeing me severely +wounded, she sent for a surgeon, and enjoined him very strictly, 'cure +this young man quickly, and perform the ablution of recovery. Your +welfare depends on it; as much care and attention as you bestow on +him, so many presents and favours you will receive from me.' In short, +the surgeon used his skill and assiduity according to the princess's +injunctions, and at the end of forty days, having caused me to be +bathed and washed, he presented me to the princess. She asked me, +'Is there now anything else left to be done.' I replied, that through +her humanity I was quite recovered. The princess then gave me a +rich _khil'at_ and a large sum of money, as she had promised; yea, +she even gave me as much more, and then dismissed me. + +"I took all my friends and servants with me, and set out from that +country [to return home]. When I reached this spot, I desired all of +them to return to their native country, and I erected on this hill +this building, and got a statue made of the princess. I took up my +residence here, and having rewarded my servants and slaves according +to their respective merits, I dismissed them, saying, whilst I live, +I leave it to you to provide me with food; beyond this act, you are +your own masters. They supply me with subsistence from gratitude, +and I, with heart at ease, worship this statue; whilst I live, +this will be my sole [care and] employment; these are my adventures +which you have just heard." O, _Darweshes_! on hearing his story, I, +having thrown the _kafni_ over my shoulders, and having put on the +habit of a pilgrim, set out with extreme desire to see the country +of the Franks. After long wandering over mountains and through woods, +I began to resemble _Majnun Farhad_. + +At last, my strong desire carried me to the same [European] city +[where the old statue-worshipper had been]; I wandered through +its streets and lanes like a lunatic, and I often remained near +the seraglio of the princess; but I could get no opportunity to +have an introduction to her. I was greatly vexed that I should not +obtain the object for which I had undergone such misery and toil, +and come so far. On day, I was standing in the _bazar_ when all at +once the people began to run away, and the shopkeepers having shut +up their shops, also fled. What crowds there were [a moment before], +and how desert the place became [all of a sudden]! I soon perceived +a young man rushing forward from a side street; he was like _Rustam_ +in appearance, and roared like a lion; he flourished a naked sword in +each hand; he was in armour, with a pair of pistols in his girdle, +and kept muttering something to himself like an inebriated maniac; +two slaves followed him, clothed in woollen, and bearing on their +heads a bier covered with velvet of _Kashan_. + +On seeing this sight, I determined to proceed with it; those I met +dissuaded me from it, but I would not hear them. Pushing forward, +the young man went towards a grand mansion; I also went along with +him. He looked back, and perceiving me, he wished to give me a blow +and cut me in two; I swore to him that this was the very thing I +wished, saying, "I forgive you my blood; relieve me by some means or +other from the misery of life, for I am grievously afflicted; I have +knowingly and voluntarily put myself in your way; do not delay [my +execution]." Setting me determined to die, God infused compassion into +his heart, and his anger cooled, and he asked me with much kindness +and gentleness, "Who art thou and why art thou tired of life?" + +I replied, "Sit down awhile that I may tell you; my story is very +long and tedious. I am caught in the claws of love, for which reason +I am desperate." On hearing this, he unfastened his waist band, and +having washed his hands and face, he took some food and gave me some +likewise. When he finished his meal, he said, "Say what has befallen +thee?" I related all the adventures of the old man and the princess, +and the cause of my going there, [i. e. to Europe]. On hearing them he +wept at first, and then said, "What numbers of homes this unfortunate +[princess] has ruined! Well, thy cure is in my hands; it is probable +that through the means of this guilty being thou wilt attain thy +wishes; do not give way to anxiety; be confident." He then ordered +the barber to shave me, and to apply to me the bath; [375] his slave +brought me a suit of clothes and dressed me: then the young man said +to me, "This bier which thou seest is that of the late young prince, +who was confined in the iron cage; another _wazir_ murdered him at last +through treachery; he indeed has obtained release though he has been +wrongfully slain. I am his foster brother; I put that _wazir_ to death +with a blow of my sword, and made the attempt to kill the king; but +he entreated mercy, and swore that he was innocent; I having spurned +him as a coward, allowed him to escape. Since then, my occupation has +been this, to carry the bier, in this manner, through the city, on the +first Thursday of every moon, and to mourn for the [murdered prince]." + +On hearing these circumstances, from his mouth, I attained some +consolation, saying, "If he should wish it, then my desires will be +accomplished; God has favoured me greatly, since he has made such +a mad man well inclined towards me; so true is it, that if God is +favourable, all goes well." When the evening came, and the sun set, +the young man took up the bier, and instead of one of the slaves, +he put it on my head and took me along with him. He said, "I am +going to the princess, and will plead for thee as much as I am able; +do not thou open thy lips, but remain silent and listen." I replied, +"Whatever you advise, I will strictly do; God preserve you, for you +feel pity on my case." That young man proceeded towards the royal +garden, and when we entered it, I perceived a marble platform of eight +sides, in an open space of the garden, on which was spread an awning +of silver tissue with pearl fringe, and erected on poles set with +diamonds; a rich brocade _masnad_, with pillows, was spread under +the awning. The bier was placed there, and we were both ordered to +go and sit under a tree [which he pointed out]. + +In a short time, the lights of flambeaux appeared, and the princess +herself arrived, accompanied by some female attendants before and +behind her; melancholy and anger were visible in her looks; she mounted +the platform and sat down [on the _masnad_]. The foster-brother +stood before her with folded arms, then sat down at a respectable +distance on a corner of the _farsh_. The prayer for the dead was read; +then the foster-brother said something; I having applied my ear, was +listening with attention. At last, he said, "O princess of the world, +peace be upon you! The prince of the kingdom of Persia, hearing, in +your absence, of your beauty and excellence, has abandoned his throne, +and becoming a pilgrim like _Ibrahim Adham_; [376] he is arrived here, +after overcoming many difficulties and undergoing great fatigue. The +pilgrim hath quitted _Balkh_ [377] for thee; he hath wandered for +some time through this city in distress and misery; at last, forming +the resolution to die, he joined me; I attempted to alarm him with my +sword; he presented his neck, and conjured me to strike without delay, +adding, that was his wish. In short, he is firmly in love with you; +I have proved him well, and have found him perfect in every way. For +this reason I have mentioned him to you; if you take pity on his case +and be kind to him, as he is a stranger, it would not be doing too much +[on the part] of one who fears God and loves justice." + +On hearing this speech, the princess said, "Where is he? if he +is really a prince, then it does not signify, let him come before +us." The foster-brother got up and came [to where I was] and took me +with him. I, on seeing the princess, became exceedingly overjoyed, +but my reason and my senses departed. I became dumb; I had not power +to speak. The princess shortly after returned [to her palace], and the +foster-brother came to his own residence. When we reached his house, +he said, "I have related all the circumstances [you mentioned] to the +princess from beginning to end, and have likewise interceded for you; +now do you go there every night without fail and indulge in pleasure +and joy." I fell at his feet; [he lifted me up and] clasped me to his +bosom. All the day, I continued counting the hours until the evening +came, that I might go and see the princess. When the night arrived, +I took leave of that young man, and went to the princess's lower +garden; I sat down on the marble platform, reclining on my pillow. + +A hour after, the princess came slowly, attended by one female servant +only, and sat down on the _masnad;_ it was through my happy destinies +that I lived to see this day! I kissed her feet; she lifted up my head, +and embraced me, and said, "Conceive this opportunity as fortunate; +mind my advice; take me from hence, and go to some other country." I +replied, "Come along." After having thus spoken, we both got out of +the garden, but we were so confused, through wonder and joy, that we +could not use our hands and feet, and we lost our road; we went along, +in another direction, but found not a place of rest. The princess +got angry, and said, "I am now tired, where is your house? hasten to +get there; otherwise what do you mean to do? My feet are blistered; +I shall [be obliged to] sit down somewhere on the road." + +I replied, "My slave's house is near; we have now reached it; be easy +in your mind, and march on." I indeed told a falsehood, but I was +at a loss where to take her. A locked door appeared on the road; I +quickly broke the lock, and we entered the place; it was a fine house, +laid out with carpets, and flasks full of wine were arranged in the +recesses, and bread and roast meat were ready in the kitchen. We were +greatly fatigued, and drank each of us, a glass of Portugal wine with +our meat, and passed the whole night together in mutual bliss. In this +scene of felicity when the morning dawned, an uproar was raised in the +town that the princess had disappeared. Proclamations were issued in +every district and street; and bawds and messengers were despatched +with orders, that wherever she was to be found, she might be seized +[and brought to the king]; and guards of royal slaves were posted at +all the gates of the city. Those guards received orders not to let +an ant pass without the royal permission; and that whoever would +bring any intelligence of the princess should receive a _khil'at_ +and a thousand pieces of gold as a present. The bawds roamed through +the whole city and entered every house. + +I, who was ill fated, did not shut the door. An old hag, the aunt +of Satan (may God make her face black), with a string of beads in +her hand, and covered with a mantle, finding the door open, entered +without fear, and standing before the princess, lifted up her hands +and blessed her, saying, "I pray to God that he may long preserve you a +married woman, and that thy husband's turban may be permanent! I am a +poor beggar woman, and I have a daughter who is in her full time and +perishing in the pains of child-birth; I have not the means to get +a little oil which I may burn in our lamp; food and drink, indeed, +are out of the question. If she should die, how shall I bury her? and +if she is brought to bed, what shall I give the midwife and nurse, +or how procure remedies for the lying-in woman? it is now two days +since she has lain hungry and thirsty. O, noble lady! give her, out +of your bounty, a morsel of bread that she may eat the same along +with a drink of water." + +The princess took pity on her, and called her near her, and gave +her four loaves, some roast meat, and a ring from her little finger, +saying, "having sold this, make jewels [for your daughter] and live +comfortably; and come occasionally to see me, the house is yours." The +old hag having completely gained the object she came in search of, +poured heartfelt blessings on the princess, saluted her and trotted +off. She threw away the loaves and meat at the door, but kept the +ring snug, saying to herself, "the clue to trace the princess is now +in my possession." As God wished to preserve us from this calamity, +just then the master of the house arrived; he was a brave soldier, +mounted on an Arab horse, with a spear in his hand, and a deer hanging +by the side of his saddle. Finding the door of his house open, the +lock broken, and the old hag coming out of it, he was enraged, and +seized her by the hair and dragged her to the house. He tied both +her feet with a rope, and hung her on the branch of a true with her +head down and her feet uppermost; so that in a short time the old +devil died in agonies. The moment I saw the soldier's looks, I was +overcome with such fear that I turned quite pale, and my heart began +to tremble with dread. That brave man seeing us both alarmed, gave +us assurances of safety, and added, "You have acted very imprudently; +you have done the deed and left the door open." + +The princess, smiling, said, "The prince said it was the house +of his slave, and brought me here under a deception." The soldier +observed, "The prince said truly, for all the people are the slaves +and servants of princes; all are reared and fed from their favour +and protection. This slave is yours without purchase; but to conceal +secrets is consonant to good sense. O, prince, you and the princess's +coming to this humble roof, and honouring me with your presence, +will be a source of happiness to me in both worlds; and you have thus +dignified your slave. I am ready to sacrifice my life for you; in no +way will I withhold either it or my property [from your service]; +you may repose here in confidence; there is now no danger. If this +vile bawd had gone away in safety, she would have brought calamity +[upon you]; remain here now as long as you please, and let this +servant know whatever you require; he will procure it. What is +the king! angels themselves shall have no tidings of your being +here." The brave fellow spoke such words of comfort, and gave such +confidence, that we became more easy in our mind. Then I spoke, +"Well said, you are a brave fellow; when I am able, I will show +you the return for this kindness; what is your name?" He answered, +"This slave's name is _Bihzad Khan_. In short, for the space of six +months, he performed from his heart and soul all the duty required, +and we passed our time very comfortably. + +One day, my country and my parents recurred to my recollection, +which made me pensive and melancholy. Seeing my thoughtful looks, +_Bihzad Khan_ joined his hands together, and stood before me, [378] and +began to say, "If on the part of this slave any failure has occurred +in performing his duty, then let the same be stated." I said, "For +God's sake, why mention this? you have behaved to us in such a manner, +that we have lived in this city as comfortably as any one does in his +mother's womb; for I had committed such an act that every individual +straw had become my enemy. Who was such a friend to us, that we could +have tarried here a moment? May God preserve you in happiness! You are +a brave man." _Bihzad Khan_ then said, "If you are tired of this place, +I will conduct you in safety wherever you wish to go." I then said, +"If I could reach my own country, I should see my parents; I am in +this state; Lord knows what may have been their condition. I have +attained the object for which I quitted my country; and it is proper +I should now return [to my relations]; they have no tidings of me, +whether I am dead or alive; [God knows] what sorrow they may feel in +their hearts." That brave man replied, "It is very proper,--let us +go." Saying this, he brought a Turkish horse for me, which could travel +a hundred _kos_ a-day, and a swift quiet mare of unclipped wings [379] +for the princess, and made us both mount; then putting on his cuirass +and arming himself completely, he mounted on his horse and said, +"I will go before, do you follow me with full confidence." + +When we came to the city gate, he gave a loud cry, and with his mace +broke the bolt, and frightened the guards; he vociferated to them, "Ye +rascals, go and tell your master that _Bihzad Khan_ is carrying off the +princess _Mihrnigar_, and the prince _Kamgar,_ who is his son-in-law; +if he has any spark of manhood, then let him come out and rescue her; +do not you be saying that I carried her off in silence and by stealth, +otherwise let him stay in the fort and enjoy his repose." This news +soon reached the king; he ordered the _wazir_ and general to seize the +three rebellious ones, and bring them tied neck and heels to the royal +presence, and cut off their heads and lay them before the throne. After +a short time, a numerous body of troops appeared, and the heavens and +earth were darkened by a whirlwind of dust. _Bihzad Khan_ placed the +princess and me on the abutment of an arch of the bridge which, like +the bridge of _Jaunpur_, consisted of twelve arches, and he himself +turned about, and pushed his horse towards the troops; he rushed in +among them like a growling lion; the whole body was dispersed like a +flock of sheep, [380] and he penetrated to the two chiefs and cut off +both their heads. When the chiefs were killed, the troops dispersed, +as the saying is, that "All depends on the head; when it is gone, +all is lost." The king came immediately to their assistance, with a +body of armed troops; _Bihzad Khan_ completely defeated them also. + +The king fled; so true it is that "God alone gives victory;" +but _Bihzad Khan_ behaved so bravely, that perhaps even _Rustam_ +himself could not have equalled his valour. When he saw that the +field of battle was cleared, and that no one remained to pursue him, +and that there was nothing to apprehend, he came confidentially to +the place where we were, and taking the princess and me along with +him, he pushed forward. The duration of the journey is rendered +short; we reached the boundaries of my country in a short time. I +despatched a letter to the king, (who was my father), mentioning my +safe arrival; he was quite rejoiced on reading it, and thanked God +[for His goodness]. As the withered plant revives by water, so the +joyful tidings renovated his drooping spirits; he took all his _amirs_ +with him, and advanced for the purpose of receiving me as far as the +banks of a large river, and an order for boats [to cross us over] +was issued to the superintendent of rivers. I saw the royal train +from the opposite bank; from eagerness to kiss my father's feet, +I plunged my horse into the river, and swimming over, I rode up to +the king; he clasped me with eager fondness to his [paternal] bosom. + +At this moment, another unforeseen calamity overwhelmed us. The horse +on which I was mounted was perhaps the colt of the mare on which the +princess rode, or they had been perhaps always together, for seeing +my horse plunge into the river, the mare became restive, followed +my horse, and likewise plunged into the river with the princess, +and began to swim. The princess being alarmed, pulled the bridle; +the mare was tender mouthed and turned over; the princess struggled, +and sank with the mare, so that not a trace of either was ever seen +again. On seeing this circumstance, _Bihzad Khan_ dashed into the +river on horseback to afford assistance to the princess; he got into +a whirlpool and could not extricate himself; all his efforts with +his hands and feet were vain, and he also sank. The king seeing these +sad circumstances, sent for nets and had them thrown into the river, +and ordered the boatmen and divers [to look for the bodies]; they +swept the whole river, but could find nothing. [381] O _Darweshes!_ +this dreadful occurrence affected me so much that I became mad and +frantic; I became a pilgrim, and wandered about, ever repeating these +words,--"Such has been the fate of these three; that you have seen, now +view the other side." If the princess had vanished or died anywhere, +I should then have some kind of consolation for my heart, for I would +have gone in search of her, or have borne the loss with patience; +but when she perished before my eyes [in this dreadful manner], I +could not support [the shock]. At last, I determined to perish with +her in the stream, that I might perhaps meet my beloved one in death. + +I according plunged into that same river one night in order to drown +myself, and went up to the neck in the water; I was on the point of +stepping forward and diving down, when the same veiled horseman who +saved you two, [382] came up and seized my arm; he consoled me, and +said to me, "Be comforted; the princess and _Bihzad Khan_ are alive; +why do you uselessly throw away your life? such events do occur in +the world. Do not despair of the help of God; if you live, you will +some day or other meet the two persons [for whom you are going to +sacrifice your life]. Proceed now to the empire of _Rum_; two other +unfortunate _Darweshes_ are gone there already; when you meet them, +you will attain your wishes." O _Darweshes!_ I am come here to you, +according to the advice of my heavenly Mentor; I firmly hope that +each of us will gain the desires of his heart. These have been this +pilgrim's adventures, which he hath related to you fully and entirely. + + + +ADVENTURES OF THE FOURTH DARWESH. + +The fourth _Darwesh_ began with tears the relation of his adventures +in the following manner:-- + + + "The sad tale of my misfortunes now hear, + Pay some attention, and my whole story hear; + From what causes I distressed have come thus far, + I will relate it all,--do you the reason hear." + + +O, guides [to the path] of God, [383] bestow a little attention. This +pilgrim, who is reduced to this wretched state, is the son of the king +of China; I was brought up with tenderness and delicacy, and well +educated. I was utterly unacquainted with the good and evil of this +world, and imagined [my life] would ever pass in the same manner. In +the midst of this extreme thoughtlessness this sad event took place; +the king, who was the father of this orphan, departed [this life]. In +his last moments, he sent for his younger brother, who was my uncle, +and said to him, "I now leave my kingdom and wealth behind me, and +am going to depart; but do you perform my last wishes, and act the +part of an elder. Until the prince, who is the heir to my throne, +has become of age, and has sense to govern his kingdom; do you act as +regent, and do not permit the army and the husbandmen to be injured +or oppressed. When the prince has arrived at the years of maturity, +give him advice, and deliver over to him the government; and having +married him to your daughter, _Roshan Akhtar,_ retire yourself from +the throne. By this conduct, the sovereignty will remain in my family, +and no harm will accrue to it." + +After this speech, [the king] himself expired; my uncle became ruler, +and began to regulate the affairs of government. He ordered me to +remain in the seraglio, and that I should not come out of it until I +reached [the years of] manhood. Until my fourteenth year I was brought +up among the princesses and female attendants, and used to play and +frisk about. Having heard of [my intended] marriage with my uncle's +daughter, I was quite happy, and on this hope I became thoughtless, +and said to myself, that I shall now in a short time ascend the +throne and be married; "the world is established on hope." [384] I +used often to go and sit with _Mubarak_, a negro slave, who had been +brought up in my late father's service, and in whom much confidence was +[placed], as he was sensible and faithful. He also had a great regard +for me, and seeing me advancing to the years of manhood, he was much +pleased, and used to say, "God be praised, O prince, you are now a +young man, and, God willing, your uncle, the shadow of Omnipotence, +will shortly fulfil the injunctions [of your late father], and give +you his daughter, and your father's throne." + +One day, it happened that a common female slave gave me, without cause, +such a slap, that the marks of her five fingers remained on my cheek. I +went, weeping, to _Mubarak_; he clasped me to his bosom, and wiped away +my tears with his sleeve, and said, "Come, I will conduct you to-day to +the king; he will perhaps be kind to you on seeing yon, and, conceiving +you qualified [in years], he may give up to you your rights." He led me +immediately to my uncle's presence; my uncle showed me great affection +before the court, and asked me, "why are you so sad, and wherefore +are you come here to-day?" _Mubarak_ replied, "He is come here to say +something [to your majesty]." On hearing this, he said of himself, +"I will shortly marry the young prince." _Mubarak_ answered, "It will +be a most joyful event." The king immediately sent for the astrologers +and diviners into his presence, and with feigned interest asked them, +"In this year what month, what day, and what hour is auspicious, that I +may order the preparations for the prince's marriage?" They perceiving +what were [the king's real wishes], made their calculations, and said, +"Mighty sire, the whole of this year is unpropitious; no day in any +of the lunar months appears happy; if this whole year pass in safety, +then the next is most propitious for a happy marriage." + +The king looked towards _Mubarak_, and said, "Reconduct the prince to +the seraglio, if God willing, after this year is over, I will deliver +up my trust to him; let him make himself perfectly easy, and attend to +his studies," _Mubarak_ made his _salam_, and taking me along with him, +reconducted me to the seraglio. Two or three days after this, I went +to _Mubarak_; on seeing me, he began to weep; I was surprised, and +asked him, saying, "My father, is all well? what is the cause of your +weeping?" Then, that well wisher, (who loved me with heart and soul), +said, "I conducted you the other day to that tyrant; if I had known it, +I would not have carried you there," I was alarmed, and asked him, +"What harm has occurred from my going? pray tell me truly," He then +said, "All the nobles, ministers, and officers of state, small and +great, of your father's time, were greatly rejoiced on seeing you, +and began to offer up thanks to God, saying, 'Now, our prince is of +age, and fit to reign. Now, in a short time, the right will devolve +upon the rightful [heir]; then he will do justice to our merits, +and appreciate the length of our services.' This news reached the +ears of that faithless wretch, [385] and entered his breast like a +serpent. He sent for me in private, and said, 'O _Mubarak_, act now +in such a manner, that by some stratagem or other the prince may be +destroyed; and remove the dread of his [existence] from my heart, +that I may feel secure.' Since then I am quite confounded, for your +uncle is become the enemy of your life." When I heard this dreadful +news from _Mubarak,_ I was dead without being murdered, and fell at +his feet from fear of my life, and said, "For God's sake, I relinquish +my throne; by any means, let my life be saved." That faithful slave +lifted up my head, clasped me to his breast, and said, "There is no +danger, a thought has struck me; if it turns out well, then there +is nothing to fear; whilst we have life, we have everything. "It is +probable that, by this scheme [of mine] your life will be preserved, +and you will attain your wishes." + +Giving me these hopes, he took me with him, and went to the apartment +where the deceased king, my father, used to sit and sleep; and gave +me every confidence. There a stool was placed; he told me to lay +hold of one of its legs, and taking hold of the other himself, we +removed the stool, and he lifted up the carpet that was beneath it, +and began to dig the floor. A window appeared suddenly, to which were +attached a chain and lock. He called me near him; I apprehended within +myself that he wished to butcher me, and bury me in the place he had +dug. Death appeared [in all its horrors] before my eyes; but having +no other alternative, I advanced slowly and in silence towards him, +repeating within myself my prayers to God. I then saw a building +with four rooms inside of that window, and in every room ten large +vases of gold were suspended by chains; on the mouth of each vase was +placed a brick of gold, on which was set the figure of a monkey inlaid +with precious stones. I counted thirty-nine vases of this kind in the +four rooms, and saw one vase filled with pieces of gold, on the mouth +of which there was neither the brick, nor the figure of the monkey, +and I also saw a vat filled to the brim with precious stones. I asked +_Mubarak,_ "O my father, what talisman is this? whose place is this, +and for what use are those figures?" He replied, "The following is +the story of those figures of monkeys which you see:--Your father +from his youth formed a friendship and kept up an intercourse with +_Maliki Sadik_, who is the king of the _jinns_. + +"Accordingly, once every year, [his late majesty] used to visit _Maliki +Sadik_ and stay near a month with him, having carried thither with +him many kinds of essences, [386] and the rarities of this country, +[as a present]. When he took his leave, _Maliki Sadik_ used to give +him the figure of a monkey made of emerald, and our king used to +bring it and place it in these lower rooms; no one but myself knew +the circumstance. Once I observed to your father, O mighty king, you +carry with you thousands of rupees'-worth of rarities, and you bring +back from thence the figure of a lifeless monkey in stone; what is +the advantage of this [exchange] in the end? In answer to my question, +he smiling, said, 'Beware, and do not, in any way divulge this secret; +the information [you receive] is on this condition. Each one of these +lifeless monkeys which thou seest has a thousand powerful demons [387] +at his command, ready to obey his orders; but until I have the number +of forty monkeys complete, so long are all these of no use, and will +be of no service to me.' So one monkey was wanting [to complete the +efficient number] in that very year, when the king died. + +"All this toil then has been of no avail, nor has the advantage of it +been displayed. O prince, I recollected this circumstance on seeing +your forlorn situation, and determined within myself to conduct you +by some means or other to _Maliki Sadik_, and mention to him your +uncle's tyranny. It is most likely that he, recollecting your father's +friendship for him, may give you the one monkey which is wanting [to +complete the number]; then, with their aid, you may get your empire, +and reign peaceably over China and _Machin,_ [388] and your life, at +least, will be secured by this proceeding, if nothing else can be done; +I see no other way to escape from the hands of this tyrant, except +the plan I propose." On hearing all these consoling circumstances +from _Mubarak_, I said to him, "O friend, you are now the disposer +of my life; do whatever is best with regard to me." Giving me every +confidence, he went to the _bazar_ to buy some _'itr_ and _bukhur_, +[389] and whatever he deemed fit to be carried [as a present for +_Maliki Sadik_]. + +The next day, he went to my impious uncle, who was a second +_Abu-Jahal_, [390] and said, "Protector of the world, I have formed +a plan in my heart for destroying the prince, and if you order me, +I will relate it." That wretch was quite pleased, and said, "What +is the plan?" Then _Mubarak_ said, "By putting him to death [here], +your majesty will be highly censured in every way; but I will take +him out to the woods, finish him, bury him, and return; no one will +be conversant [of the fact]." On hearing this plan of _Mubarak's_, the +king said, "It is an excellent [plan]; I desire this, that he may not +live in safety; I am greatly afraid of him in my heart, and if thou +relievest me from this anxiety, then in return for that service thou +shalt obtain much; take him where thou wilt, and make away with him, +and bring me the welcome tidings." + +Being in this manner at ease with regard to the king, _Mubarak_ took +me with him, and having also taken the presents, he set out from +the city at midnight, and proceeded towards the north. For a whole +month he went on without stopping; one night we were trudging along, +when _Mubarak_ observed, "God be praised, we are now arrived at the +end of our journey." On hearing this exclamation, I said, "O friend, +what dost thou say?" He replied, "O prince, do not you see the army +of the _jinns_?" I answered, "I see nothing except you." _Mubarak_ +then took out a box containing _surma_, and with a needle applied +to both my eyes the _surma_ of _Sulaiman_. I instantly began to see +the host of the _jinns_ and the tents and encampments of their army; +they were all handsome, and well dressed. Recognising _Mubarak_, +they all embraced him, and spake to him facetiously. + +Proceeding onwards, we at length reached the royal tents, and entered +the court. I saw they were well lighted, and stools of various kinds +were arranged in double rows, on which were seated men of learning, +philosophers, _darweshes_, nobles, and the officers of state; servants +of various grades with their arms across were in waiting, and in the +centre was placed a throne set with precious stones, on which was +seated with an air of dignity, the king, _Maliki Sadik_, with a crown +of his head, and clothed in a tunic set with pearls. I approached +him and made my salutation; he desired me with kindness to sit down, +and then ordered dinner; after having finished [our repast], the +_dastar-khwan_ was removed, and he having looked towards _Mubarak_, +asked my story. _Mubarak_ replied, "This prince's uncle now reigns +in the room of his father, and is become the enemy of his life, for +which reason I have run off with him from thence, and have conducted +him to your majesty; he is an orphan, and the throne is his due; +but no one can do anything without a protector; with your majesty's +assistance, this injured [youth] may get his rights; recollect the +return due for his father's services, afford him your assistance, +and give him the fortieth monkey, that the number may be completed, +and the prince, having gained his rights [with their aid], [391] +will pray for your majesty's long life and prosperity; he has no +other visible resource except your majesty's protection." + +On hearing all these circumstances, _Maliki Sadik_, after a pause, +said, "In truth, the return for the deceased king's services, +and his friendship for me, are great; and, considering that this +helpless prince is overwhelmed with misfortunes, that he has quitted +his lineal throne to save his life, and is come as far as this, and +has taken shelter under the shadow of our protection, I shall in no +way be wanting [to afford him my assistance] as far as I am able, +nor will I pass him over; but I have an affair in hand; if he can do +it and does not deceive me--if he executes it properly, and acquits +himself fully in the trial, I then promise that I will be a greater +friend to him than I was to the late king, his father, and that I +will grant him whatever he asks." I joined my hands, and replied, +"This servant will most cheerfully perform as far as he is able, +whatever services your majesty may require; he will execute them with +prudence and vigilance, and without deceit, and think it a happiness to +him in both worlds." The king of the _jinns_ observed, "You are as yet +a mere boy, for which reason I warn you so repeatedly, that you may +not deceive me, and plunge yourself in calamity." I answered, "God, +through the good fortune of your majesty, will make it easy to me, +and I will, as far as in me lies, exert myself to your satisfaction." + +_Maliki Sadik_, on hearing [these assurances], called me near him, +and taking out a paper from his pocket book, showed it to me, and said, +"Search where you think proper for the person whose portrait this is; +find her out and bring her to me; when you find out her name and +place, go before her, and express great affection to her from me; +if you perform this service, then whatever expectations you may have +from me, I will exceed them in the performance; otherwise you will +be treated as you deserve." When I looked on that paper, I perceived +such a beautiful portrait in it, that a faintness came over me; I +supported myself with difficulty through fear, and answered, "Very +well, I take my leave; if God favours me, I shall execute what your +majesty commands." Saying this, I took _Mubarak_ with me, and bent my +course towards the woods. I began to wander from city to city, from +town to town, from village to village, and from country to country, +and to inquire of every one [I met] the name and place [of the fair +one whose portrait I had]; but no one said "Yes, I know her," or +"I have heard of her from some one." I passed seven years in this +wandering state, and suffered every misery and perplexity; at last, +I reached a city which was populous, and contained many grand edifices; +but every living creature there was repeating the great name, [392] +and worshipping God. + +I saw a blind beggar of _Hindustan_ begging alms, but no one gave him +a _kauri_, or a mouthful; I wondered at it, and pitied him; I took +out a piece of gold from my pocket, and gave it to him; he took it, +and said, "O donor! God prosper you; you are perhaps a traveller, +and not an inhabitant of this city." I replied, "In truth, I have +wandered distractedly for seven years; I cannot find the smallest +trace of the object for which I set out, and have this day reached this +city. The old man poured blessings on me, and went on; I followed him; +a grand building appeared without the city; he entered it, and I also +followed, and saw that here and there the building had fallen down, +and was out of repair. + +I said to myself, "This edifice is fit for princes; what an agreeable +place it will be when in repair? and now, through desolation, what +an appearance it has! but I cannot conceive why it is fallen into +ruin, and why this blind man lives in it." The blind man was going +on feeling his way with his stick, when I heard a voice, as if some +one was saying, "O father, I hope all is well; why have you returned +so early to-day?" The old man, on hearing this question, replied, +"Daughter, God made a youthful traveller have pity on my condition; he +gave me a piece of gold; it is many a-day since I have had a bellyful +of good food. So I have purchased meat, spices, butter, oil, flour, and +salt; and I have also procured such clothes for you as were necessary; +cut them out, sew them and wear them; and cook the dinner, that we +may partake of it, and then offer up our prayers for the generous man +[who has been kind to us]; although I do not know the desires of his +heart, yet God knows and sees all; and will grant the prayers of us +destitute ones." When I heard the circumstance of his severe fasting, +I wished much to give him twenty pieces of gold more; but looking +towards the quarter from whence the sounds came, I saw a woman who +resembled exactly the portrait I had. I drew it out and compared +it, and perceived that there was not a hairbreadth of difference. A +deep sigh escaped from my bosom, and I became senseless. _Mubarak_ +took me in his arms and sat down, and began to fan me; I recovered +a little sensation, and was gazing at her, when _Mubarak_ asked, +"What is the matter with you?" I had not yet answered him, when the +beautiful female said, "O young man, fear God, and do not look at a +strange female; [393] shame and modesty are necessary to every one." + +She spoke with such propriety that I became enchanted with her beauty +and manners. _Mubarak_ comforted me greatly, but he did not know +the state of my heart; having no alternative, I called out and said, +"O you creatures of God, and inhabitants of this place! I am a poor +traveller; if you call me near you, and give me some place to put +up in, it will be an important matter [for me]." The old man called +me to him, and recognising my voice, he embraced me, and conducted +me to where the lovely woman was seated; she went and hid herself +in a corner. The old man asked me thus: "Tell thy story; why hast +thou left thy home, and wandered about alone, and of whom are you +in search?" I did not mention _Maliki Sadik's_ name, nor did I say +anything about him; but thus told [my supposed tale]. "This wretch +is the prince of China and _Machin_; so that my father is still king; +he purchased from a merchant this picture for four _lakhs_ of rupees; +from the moment when I beheld it, my peace of mind fled, and I put +on the dress of a pilgrim; I have searched the whole world, and have +now found the object here; the same is in your power." + +On hearing these words, the old man heaved a heavy sigh, and said, +"O friend, my daughter is entangled in great misfortunes; no man +can presume to marry her and enjoy her." I replied, "I am in hopes +you will explain more fully." Then that strange man related thus his +story;--"Hear, O prince! I am a chief and grandee of this unfortunate +city; my forefathers were celebrated, and of a great family; God the +Most High bestowed on me this daughter; when she became a woman, her +beauty and gracefulness and elegance of manners were celebrated; and +over the whole country it was said, that in such a person's house is a +daughter, before whose beauty even angels and fairies are abashed; how +can a human creature, therefore, be compared to her! The prince of this +city heard these praises, and became enamoured of her by report without +seeing her; he quitted food and drink, and became quite restless. + +"At last, the king heard of this circumstance, and called me at night +in private and mentioned to me how matters stood; he coaxed me so +with fine speeches, that at last he got my consent to an alliance +[by marriage] with him. I likewise [naturally] reflected that as a +daughter was born to me, she must be married to some one or other; +then what can be better, than to marry her to the prince? this the +king also entreats. I accepted the proposal, and took my leave. From +that day the preparations for the marriage were begun by both +parties; and on an auspicious hour, all the _kazis_ and _muftis_, +[394] the learned men and the nobles were convened, and the marriage +rites were performed; the bride was carried away with great _eclat_, +and all the ceremonies were finished. At night, when the bridegroom +wished to consummate the nuptial rites, such a noise and uproar +arose in the palace, that the people without who mounted guard were +surprised. They wished that having opened the door of the room, +they might see what was the matter; but it was so fastened from +the inside, that they could not open it. A moment after, the noise +of lamentation became less; they then broke open the door from its +hinges, and saw the bridegroom with his head severed from his [body], +and [his limbs] still quivering; and the bride foamed at the mouth, +and rolled senseless in the dust mingled with [her husband's] blood. + +"On seeing this horrible sight, the senses of all present forsook them; +that such grief should succeed such felicity! The dreadful intelligence +was conveyed to the king; he flew [to the spot], beating his head; all +the officers of state were soon assembled there, but no one's judgment +was of any use in ascertaining the [cause of] this [mysterious] affair; +at length the king, in his distracted state, ordered the ill-fated, +luckless bride's head to be cut off likewise. The moment this order +was issued from the king's lips, the same clamour arose; the king was +alarmed, and from fear of his life, he ran off, and ordered the bride +to be turned out of the palace. The female attendants conveyed this +[unfortunate] girl to my house. The account of this strange event soon +spread over the whole kingdom, and whoever heard it was amazed; and +owing to the prince's murder, the king himself and all the inhabitants +of the city became bitter enemies of my life. + +"When the public mourning was over, and the fortieth day completed, +the king asked counsel of the officers of state, saying, 'What is next +to be done?' They all said, 'Nothing else can be done; but in order to +console your majesty's mind, and inspire it with patience, to put the +girl and her father to death, and confiscate their property.' When +this punishment of me and mine was determined on, the magistrate +received orders [to put it in execution]; he came and surrounded my +house [with guards] on all sides and sounded a trumpet at the gate, +and was about to enter in order to execute the king's orders. From +some hidden quarter, such showers of stones and bricks were poured +on them that the whole band could not stand against it, and covering +their faces, they were dispersed hither and thither; and these dreadful +sounds issued, which even the king himself heard in his palace; 'What +misfortune impels thee! what demon possesses thee! if thou desirest +thy welfare, molest not that fair one, or else the fate that thy son +met with by marrying her, thou shalt experience the like doom by being +her foe; if thou now molestest her, thou wilt rue its consequences.' + +"The king fell into a fever through fear, and instantly ordered that +'No one should molest these evil-fated persons; to say nothing to them, +to hear nothing from them, but to let them remain in their house, +and that no one should injure or oppress them.' From that day, the +magicians, conceiving this mysterious event to be witchcraft, have +used all their exorcising arts and spells to destroy its effects; +and all the inhabitants of this city read [prayers] from the glorious +_Kur,an_, and pronounced the great name of God. It is a long while +since this awful scene took place, but to this day the mysterious +secret has not been developed, nor do I know anything about it; I +once asked the girl what she had seen with her own eyes; she replied, +I know nothing more than that when my husband wished to consummate +our marriage, I saw the roof instantly open, and a throne set with +precious stones descended through the aperture, on which was seated +a handsome young man dressed in princely robes, and many persons +in attendance upon him, came into that apartment; and were ready +to put the prince to death. That young man came up to me and said, +"Well, my love, where to will you now escape from me?" They had the +appearance of men, but with feet like goats; my heart palpitated, +and I fainted through fear; I do not know what afterwards happened.' + +"From that period we have both thus lived in this ruined place; and +from the fear of offending the king, all our friends have forsaken us; +when I go out to beg, no one gives me a _kauri_; moreover, it is not +allowed me even to stand before their shops; this unfortunate girl has +not a rag to cover her nakedness, nor sufficient food to satisfy her +hunger. From God I only pray for this, that our deaths should ensue, +or that the earth may open out and swallow this ill-fated girl: +death is better than such existence; God has perhaps sent thee here +for our good; so that thou tookest pity on us, and gave us a piece +of gold, which has enabled us to have good food and clothes for my +daughter. God be praised, and blessed be thou; if she was not under +the influence of some _jinn_ or fairy, then I would give her for thy +service like a slave, and think myself happy. This is my wretched +story; do not think of her, but abandon all thoughts on that head." + +After hearing this sad narrative, I entreated the old man to accept me +as his son-in-law, and if evil be my future doom, then let it come; but +the old man would on no account agree to my request. When the evening +came, I took my leave of him, and went to the _sarai_. _Mubarak_ said, +"Well, prince, rejoice, God has favoured you, and your labours are not +thrown away." I answered, "I have to-day used many fair speeches, but +that infidel old man will not consent; God knows if he will give her +to me or not." My mind was in such a state that I passed the night in +great restlessness, and wished the morning was come that I might return +[and see her]; I sometimes fancied, that if the father should be kind +and agree to my wishes, _Mubarak_ would carry her away for _Maliki +Sadik_. I then said to myself, "Well, let us once get possession of +her; I will then get over _Mubarak_, and enjoy her." Again my heart +was filled with apprehensions, that even if _Mubarak_ should likewise +agree to my project, the _jinns_ would serve me as they had served +the prince; moreover the king of this city will never consent, that +after the murder of his son, another should enjoy [his bride]. + +I passed the whole night without sleep, agitated by this project. When +the day appeared, I issued forth, and went to the _chauk_, and +purchased some pieces of fine cloth and lace, and fresh and dried +fruits; and carried them to the old man. He was greatly pleased, and +said, "That to every one nothing is dearer than life, but even if my +life could be of any use to thee, I would not grieve to sacrifice +it, and give thee now my daughter; but I fear that by doing so, I +might endanger thy life, and the stain of this reproach would remain +upon me to the day of judgment." I answered, "I am now in this city, +helpless, it is true, and you are my father in every respect, temporal +and spiritual, but [consider] what pains, fatigues and miseries I +have undergone, and what buffetings I have for a long while suffered +to attain the object of my wishes, before I arrived here. God has +likewise made you kind towards me, since you consent to marry her to +me, and only hesitate on account of my safety; be just for a moment, +and reflect that to save our heads from the sword of love, and screen +our lives from its danger, is not commendable in any religion; let +what will happen, I have lost myself in every way; and to possess +the object of my love, I consider as my existence. I do not care if +I live or perish; moreover, despair will finish my days without the +assistance of fate, and I will stand forth as your accuser on the +day of judgment." + +In short, in such altercations, in hesitations between refusal +and acquiescence, a tedious month passed heavily over my head, +accompanied with future hopes and fears; I used every day to devote +my services to the old man, and every day, with flattering speeches, +I entreated him [to grant my boon]. It came to pass, that the old +man fell sick; I attended him during his illness; I used always to +relate his case to the physician, and whatever medicine he ordered, +I used to get them, and administer them to him; I used to dress with +my own hand his rice and pulse and other light diet, and gave it to +him to eat. One day he was [uncommonly] kind, and said, "O young man, +thou art very obstinate; I have repeatedly told thee of all the evils +which will ensue if thou persistest in thy object, and have often +warned thee not to think of it. Whilst we have life, we have every +thing, but thou art determined to jump into the abyss; well, I will +to-day mention thee to my daughter; let us hear what she says." O +holy _Darweshes_, on hearing these enchanting words, I swelled so +with joy, that my clothes could scarce contain me; I fell at the old +man's feet, and exclaimed, "You have now laid the foundation of my +[future happiness and] existence." I then took my leave and returned +to my abode, I passed the whole night in talking of this circumstance +with _Mubarak_; where was sleep, and where was hunger! Early in the +morning I again went and saluted the old man; he said, "Well, I give +you my daughter--God bless you with her--I have put you both under his +protection--whilst I have life, stay with me; when my eyes are closed, +then do what you wish; you will then be master of your own actions." + +A few days after [this conversation], the old man died; we mourned +for him and buried him. After the _tija_, [395] _Mubarak_ brought this +beautiful daughter to the _serai_ in a _doli_, [396] and said to me, +"She belongs, [pure and untouched], to _Maliki Sadik_; beware you do +not play false, and lose the fruits of your labour." + +I replied, "O friend, what has _Maliki Sadik_ to do here? my heart +will not mind me, and how can I have patience? let what will happen, +whether I live or perish, let me now enjoy her." _Mubarak_, having +lost all patience, replied, with anger, "Do not act like a boy; now, +in an instant, matters will change dreadfully; do you think _Maliki +Sadik_ far off, that you disregard his injunctions? He explained +every circumstance to you on taking leave, and warned you of the +consequences; if you act according to his directions, and convey +her safe and sound to him, he has a royal mind, and may regard the +toils you have undergone with a favourable eye, and give her to you; +how different will the case be then! you will preserve his unbounded +friendship, and gain the sincere affection [of your mistress]." + +At last, [from the force of his] threats and admonitions, I remained +silent; I bought two camels, and mounting on _kajawas_, [397] we +set out for the country of _Maliki Sadik_. We pursued our journey, +and at last reached a plain, where loud noises were heard. _Mubarak_ +exclaimed, "God be praised, our labours have turned out well, for +lo! the army of _jinns_ is here arrived." He met them at last, and +asked them where they intended to go. They replied, "The king has +sent us forward for the purpose of receiving you, and we are now under +your orders; if you command us, we will convey you in a moment to the +presence [of the king]." _Mubarak_, turning to me, said, "See how, +after all our toils and dangers, God has favoured us before the face +of the king; what is the need of haste now? if some misconduct should +occur, which God forbid, then the fruits of our labours would be lost, +and we should fall under the king's displeasure." They all answered, +"You are the sole master in this; proceed as you please." Although we +were comfortable in every way, yet we made it our business to march +day and night. + +When we approached [the place where the king was], I, seeing _Mubarak_ +asleep, fell at that beautiful woman's feet, and bewailing to her +the restless state of my heart, and my helpless condition, owing +to the threats of _Maliki Sadik_, and that from the day I had seen +her picture, I had forsworn sleep and food and repose; and now that +God had shewn to me this day, I still remained an utter stranger +to her. She replied, "My heart is also inclined towards you, for +what toils and dangers have you undergone for my sake, and with +what labour and difficulty have you brought me away; remember God, +and do not forget me; let us see what may be revealed from behind +the curtain of mystery." On saying this, she wept so loud that she +was nearly suffocated. Such was my state, and such was hers! In the +meantime, _Mubarak's_ slumbers were broken, and seeing us both in +tears, he was greatly affected, and said, "Be comforted; I have an +ointment which I will rub over the body of this fair one; from the +smell of it the heart of _Maliki Sadik_ will be disgusted, and he +will perhaps abandon her to you." + +On hearing this plan of _Mubarak's_, my heart was greatly revived; +and, embracing him fondly, I said, "O friend, you are now in the place +of a father to me; owing to you my life was saved, now also act so +that I may still live on, otherwise I must perish in this grief." He +gave me every friendly assurance. When the day appeared, we heard the +noise of the _jinns_, and saw that many personal attendants of _Maliki +Sadik_ were arrived, and had brought two rich _khil'ats_ for us, and +a covered litter with a network of pearls accompanied them. _Mubarak_ +rubbed the ointment over my beloved's body; and having caused her to be +richly dressed, he conveyed her to _Maliki Sadik_. On beholding her, +the king rewarded me greatly, and having honoured and dignified me, +he made me sit down [near himself], and said, "I will behave to thee +such as no one has as yet done to any one; the kingdom of thy father +awaits thee, besides which thou art in the place of a son to me." He +was talking to me in this gracious manner, when the beautiful woman +appeared before him, and suddenly at the smell of that ointment, +his brain became confused, and his mind distracted; he could not +endure that smell; having got up, he went out and called _Mubarak_ +and me; he addressed himself to _Mubarak_, and said, "Well, sir, +you have truly performed the injunctions [I gave]. + +"I had warned you, that if you deceived me, you would incur my +displeasure; what smell is this? now see how I will treat you." He +was very angry; _Mubarak_, from fear, opened his trowsers, and showed +his condition, [398] and said, "Mighty king, when I undertook this +business, according to your commands, I then cut off my privities, +and put them in a box, sealed it, and delivered it over in charge +to your treasurer, and putting some ointment of Solomon on the +mutilated parts, I set out on the errand." On hearing this reply from +_Mubarak_, the king of the _jinns_ looked sternly at me, and said, +"Then, this is thy doing;" and getting into a rage, he began to abuse +me. I immediately perceived from his words that he would put me to +death. When I felt convinced of this from his looks, despairing of +life, I became desperate, and snatching the dagger from _Mubarak's_ +waist, I plunged it into the king's belly; on receiving the stab, he +bent down and staggered; I wondered, for I thought he must assuredly +have perished; I then perceived that the wound was not so effective as +I imagined, and could not account for it; I was staring [with surprise] +when he rolled on the ground, and assuming the appearance of a tennis +ball, he flew up to the sky. He ascended so high, that at last he +disappeared; a moment after, flashing like lightning, and vociferating +some meaningless words in his rage, he descended, and gave me such +a kick, that I swooned away, and fell flat on my back, and became as +one lifeless. God knows how long I remained ere I came to my senses; +but when I opened my eyes I saw that I was lying in such a wilderness, +where, except thorns and briars, nothing else was to be seen; at that +moment my understanding was of no avail to fix on what I should do, +or where I should go. In this state of despondence, I gave a sigh, +and followed the first path that offered; if I met any one any where, +I inquired after the name of _Maliki Sadik_; he, thinking me mad, +answered that he had not even heard his name. + +One day, having ascended a mountain, I likewise determined to throw +myself [off its summit], and end my existence; just as I was ready to +jump off, the same veiled horseman, the possessor of _Zu-l-fakar_, +[399] appeared and said, "Why do you throw away your life; man is +exposed to every pain and misery; your unhappy days are now over, and +your propitious ones are coming; go quickly to _Rum_--three afflicted +persons like thee are gone there before thee--meet them, and see +the king of that country; the wishes of all five will be fulfilled +in the same place." This is my story which I have just related; +at last, from the happy tidings of our difficulty-solving guardian, +[400] I am come into the presence of your worships, and have also +been kindly received by the king, who is the shadow of Omnipotence; +we ought all now to be comforted." + +This conversation was passing between the king _Azad Bakht_ and the +four _Darweshes_, when a eunuch came running from the royal seraglio +and with respectful salutation, wished his majesty joy, and added, +"This moment a prince is born, before whose refulgent beauty the sun +and moon are abashed." The king was surprised, and asked, "No one +was pregnant [401] in appearance; who has brought forth a son?" The +eunuch replied, "_Mahru_, the female slave, who for some time hath +lain under your majesty's displeasure, and lived like an outcast in +a corner [of the seraglio], and no one from fear ever went near her +or asked after her state; on her the grace of God hath been such, +that she hath borne a son like the moon." + +The king was so rejoiced, that he nearly expired from excessive joy; +the four _Darweshes_ also blessed him, and said, "May thy house be +ever happy, and may thy son prosper; and may he grow up under thy +shadow." The king replied, "This is owing to your propitious arrival, +for otherwise I had no idea of such an event; if you give me leave, +I will go and see him." The _Darweshes_ answered, "In the name of God, +go." The king went to the seraglio, and took the young prince in his +lap, and thanked God; his mind became easy; pressing the infant to +his bosom, he brought it and laid it at the _Darweshes'_ feet; they +blessed it, and exorcised all evil spirits from approaching it. The +king commanded the preparations of a festival to be made [on the +happy occasion], and the royal music struck up, and the door of the +treasury was opened; with princely donations he made the poor [402] +rich; on all the officers of state he bestowed a two-fold increase +of lands and higher titles, and to the army he gave five years' pay +as a present; to the learned and holy he gave pensions and lands; +and the wallets of the beggars were filled with pieces of gold and +silver; and the _ryots_ [403] were excused from paying any revenue +for three years, and that whatever they cultivated during this period, +they should keep for themselves. + +Throughout the whole city, in the houses of the high and the low, +wherever one looked, there were merry dances; in their joy, every +one, small and great, felt himself a prince. In the midst of these +rejoicings, the sounds of lamentation and weeping issued suddenly +from the seraglio; the female servants, of all descriptions, and +the eunuchs, ran out, scattering dust upon their heads, and said to +the king, "When we had washed and bathed the prince, and delivered +him to the bosom of the nurse, a cloud descended from the sky and +enveloped the nurse; a moment after, we saw the nurse prostrate and +senseless, and the little prince gone; what a dreadful calamity has +occurred!" The king was thunderstruck on hearing this wonderful +occurrence; and the whole country mourned [for the sad event]; +for two days no one dressed any victuals, but fed on their grief, +and drank their own blood, for the prince's loss. + +In short, they began to despair of their lives, living in this manner; +on the third day the same cloud appeared, and a cradle studded with +jewels, and with a covering of pearls, descended from it into the area +of the seraglio; the cloud then disappeared, and the servants found +the little prince in the cradle sucking his thumb; the royal mother +immediately invoking blessings upon him, took him up in her arms, +and pressed him fondly to her bosom; she saw that he was dressed in +a jacket of fine muslin embroidered with pearls, and had a child's +bib of brocade, and many ornaments set with jewels on his hands and +feet, and a necklace with nine gems on his neck, and there was a +child's rattle with golden balls placed by his side. Through joy all +[the female attendants] were transported; and they began to offer +up prayers, saying, "May all thy mother's wishes be gratified, and +mayest thou attain a period of mature old age." + +The king ordered a new grand palace to be built and furnished with +carpets, and kept the four _Darweshes_ in it; when he was disengaged +from the affairs of state, he used to go there, sit with them, and +to provide everything for them and wait on them; but on the first +Thursday night of every month the same cloud descended, and took +away the prince, and after keeping him two days, it used to bring +him back, with such rich toys and rarities of every country, and of +every description, in his cradle, that on beholding them, the minds +of the spectators were confounded with astonishment. In this manner, +the prince reached in safety his seventh year; on the birthday the +king _Azad Bakht_ said to the _Darweshes_, "O holy men, I cannot +conceive who carries the prince away and brings him back; it is very +wonderful; let us see what will be the end of it." The _Darweshes_ +said, "Do one thing; write a friendly note to this purport, and put +it into the prince's cradle, viz.:--'Having seen your friendship and +kindness [to my son], my heart wishes most anxiously to meet you, +and if by way of amity you favour me with your tidings, my heart will +be highly gratified, and my wonder will cease.'" The king, according +to the _Darweshes'_ advice, wrote a note to this purport on paper +sprinkled with gold, and put it in the golden cradle. + +The prince, according to custom, disappeared; and in the evening _Azad +Bakht_ was sitting with the _Darweshes_ and conversing with them, +when a folded paper fell near the king; he opened it and read it, +and found that it was an answer to his note; these two lines were +written in it: "Conceive me likewise anxious to see you; a throne +goes for you; it is best that you should come now, that we may meet; +all the preparations of enjoyment are ready; your majesty's place +alone is empty." The king _Azad Bakht_ took the _Darweshes_ with him, +and ascended the celestial throne; it was like the throne of Solomon, +and mounted into the air; proceeding on, it descended in a place where +grand edifices and sumptuous preparations appeared; but it could not +be perceived if any one was there or not. In the meantime some one +rubbed the eyes of all five with the _surma_ of _Sulaiman_; two drops +of tears fell from the eyes of each, and they saw an assembly of the +fairies, who were waiting to receive them, dressed in rich habits of +various colours, with vials of rose-water in their hands. + +_Azad Bakht_ advanced amidst two rows consisting of thousands of +fairy-born creatures, standing in respectful order, and in the +centre was placed an elevated throne inlaid with emeralds, on which +was seated leaning on pillows, with an air of great dignity, _Malik +Shah Bal_, the son of _Shah-rukh;_ a beautiful little girl of the +fairy race was seated before him, and was playing with the young +prince _Bakhtiyar_. Chairs and seats were arranged in rows on both +sides of the throne, on which the nobles of the fairy race were +seated. _Malik Shah Bal_ stood up on seeing the king _Azad Bakht_ +and descended from his throne and embraced him, and taking him by +the hand, he seated him on the throne by the side of himself, and +they began to converse together with much cordiality; the whole day +passed in feasting and hilarity, and music and dancing. The second day, +when the two kings met, _Shah Bal_ asked _Azad Bakht_ the reason for +bringing the _Darweshes_ with him. + +_Azad Bakht_ related fully their adventures as he had previously +learned, and interceded for them, and asked [the king's] assistance, +saying, "These have undergone many hardships, and suffered great +misfortunes; and if now, through your favour, they attain their wishes, +it will be an act of great merit, and I also will be grateful for +it through life; by your kind assistance they will all reach the +summit of their desires." _Malik Shah Bal_, after hearing [these +adventures, replied, "Most willingly; I will not fail to obey your +commands." Saying this, he looked sternly at the _divs_ and fairies +[who were present], and he wrote letters to the great _jinns_, who +were chiefs in different places, and ordered them, that on receiving +his commands, they must repair speedily to the presence, and if any one +should delay in coming, he should be punished, and brought as captive; +and that whoever possessed any persons of the human species, male or +female, he must bring them along with him; that if [a _jinn_] having +concealed any one, should detain the same, and it be known hereafter, +the concealer and his wife and family shall be exterminated, and no +vestige of them will remain. + +Receiving these written orders, the _divs_ were dispatched in all +directions. A great warmth of friendship arose between the two kings, +and they passed their time in amicable conversation, amidst which +_Malik Shah Bal_, turning round to the _Darweshes_, said, "I had a +great wish to have children, and had resolved, if God gave me a son +or a daughter, to marry it to the offspring of some king of the human +race. After this resolve, I learned that my wife was pregnant; at last, +after counting with anxiety each day and hour, the full period arrived, +and this girl was born. According to my determination, I ordered the +_jinns_ to search the four corners of the world, and that whatever king +had a prince born to him, to bring the child quickly to me with care; +agreeably to my orders, the _jinns_ flew instantly to the four corners +of the earth, and after some delay, brought this young prince to me. + +"I thanked God, and took the child in my lap, and loved it dearer than +my own daughter; I could not bring myself to separate him from my sight +for a moment, but used to send him back for this reason, that if his +parents did not see him, they would be greatly afflicted. For this +reason I sent for him once every month, and after keeping him with me +a few days, I sent him back. If it please God the Most High, now that +we have met, I will marry them to each other; all are liable to death, +then let us, whilst we are alive, see their marriage performed." + +The king _Azad Bakht_, on hearing this proposal of _Shah Bal's_, +and seeing his amiable qualities, was greatly pleased and said, +"At first the prince's disappearance and re-appearance raised +very strange aprehensions in my breast, but I am now, from your +conversation, easy in my mind, and perfectly satisfied; this son is +now yours; do with him whatever you please." In short, the intercourse +between the two kings was like that of sugar and milk, and they fully +enjoyed themselves. In the space of less than ten days, mighty kings +of the race of the _jinns_, from the rose garden of _Iram_, [404] +and from mountains and islands, (to call whom the fairies had been +dispatched) all arrived at the court [of _Shah Bal_]. In the first +place, _Maliki Sadik_ was ordered to produce the human creature +he had in his possession; he was much vexed at it, and sad, but +having no remedy, he produced the rosy-cheeked fair one [the blind +man's daughter]. Next, he demanded of the king of _'Umman_ [405] +the daughter of one of the _jinns_ for whom the prince of _Nimroz_, +the bull rider, went mad; he likewise made many excuses, but produced +her at last. When the daughter of the king of the Franks and _Bihzad +Khan_ were demanded, all present denied having any knowledge of them, +and swore by Solomon [to that effect]. + +At last, when the king of the sea of _Kulzum_ was asked if he knew +anything of them, he hung down his head, and remained silent. _Malik +Shah Bal_ had a deference for him, and entreated him to give them up, +and gave him hopes of future favour and even threatened him. Then +he also joined his hands together, and said, "Please your majesty, +the particulars of that circumstance are as follows:--When the king +[of Persia] came to the river _Kulzum_ to meet his son, and the +prince from eagerness plunged his horse into the flood, it chanced +that I had gone out that day to roam about and to hunt. I passed by +the place, and the cavalcade stopped to behold the scene. When the +princess's mare carried her also into the stream, my looks met hers, +and I was enchanted, and gave instant orders to the fairy race to +bring her to me, together with the mare. _Bihzad Khan_ plunged in +also after her on horseback; I admired his bravery and gallantry, +and had him seized likewise; I took him with me, and returned home; +so they are both safe, and with me." + +Saying this, he sent for them both before _Malik Shah Bal_. Great +search had been made for the daughter of the king of Syria, and strict +inquiries were put to all present, but no one acknowledged having her, +or knowing anything about her. _Malik Shah Bal_ then asked if any king +or chief was absent, and if all were arrived; the _jinns_ answered, +"Mighty sire, all are present except one named _Musalsal Jadu_, who +has erected a fort on the mountain _Kaf_ by the means of magic; he, +from haughtiness, is not come, and we, your majesty's slaves, are not +able to bring him by force; the place is strong, and he himself also +is a great devil." + +On hearing this, _Malik Shah Bal_ was very angry, and an army of +_jinns, 'afrits_ and fairies were sent with orders, that if he came +of his own accord, and brought the princess with him, well and good, +but otherwise subdue him, and bring him tied by the neck and heels, +and raze his fort to the ground, and drive the plough, drawn by an ass, +over it. Immediately, on the orders being given, such numbers of troops +flew to the place, that in a day or two the rebellious haughty chief +was brought in irons to the presence. _Malik Shah Bal_ repeatedly asked +about the princess, but the haughty rebel gave no reply. The king at +length got angry, and ordered him to be cut to pieces, and his skin +stretched and filled with chaff; [406] a body of fairies were ordered +to go to the mountain of _Kaf_, and search for the princess; they went +and found her, and brought her to _Malik Shah Bal_. All these prisoners +and the four _Darweshes_, seeing the strict orders and justice of +the king _Shah Bal_, were greatly rejoiced, and admired him highly; +the king _Azad Bakht_ was also much pleased. _Malik Shah Bal_ then +ordered the men to the palace, and the women to the royal seraglio; +the city was ordered to be illuminated, and the preparations for the +marriages to be quickly completed; [all was instantly made ready], +as if the order alone was wanted to be given. + +One day, a happy hour being fixed upon, the prince _Bakhtiyar_ +was married to the princess _Roshan Akhtar_; and the young merchant +of _Yaman_ [407] was married to the princess of _Dimashk_; and the +prince of Persia [408] was married to the princess of _Basra_; and the +prince of _'Ajam_ [409] was married to the princess of the Franks; +_Bihzad Khan_ was married to the daughter of the king of _Nimroz_; +and the prince of _Nimroz_ was married to the _jinn's_ daughter; +and the prince of China [410] was married to the daughter of the +old blind man of _Hindustan_; she who had been in the possession of +_Maliki Sadik_. Through the favour of _Malik Shah Bal_, every hopeless +person gained his desires, and obtained his wishes; afterwards, +they all enjoyed themselves for forty days, and passed their time, +night and day, in pleasures and festivity. + +At last, _Malik Shah Bal_ gave to each prince rich and rare presents, +and dismissed them to their different countries. All were pleased and +satisfied, and set out and reached their homes in safety, and began +their reigns; but _Bihzad Khan_, and the merchant's son of _Yaman_, +of their own accord, remained with the king _Azad Bakht_, and in the +end the young merchant of _Yaman_ was made head steward to his majesty, +and _Bihzad Khan_ generalissimo of the army of the fortunate prince +_Bakhtiyar_; whilst they lived, they enjoyed every felicity. O God! as +these four _Darweshes_ and the king _Azad Bakht_ attained their wishes, +in like manner grant to all hopeless beings the wishes of their hearts, +through thy power and goodness, and by the medium of the five pure +bodies, [411] the twelve _Imams_, and the fourteen innocents, [412] +on all of whom be the blessing of God! Amen, O God of the universe. + +When this book was finished, through the favour of God, I took it into +my mind to give it such a name, that the date should be thereby found +out. [413] When I made the calculation, I found that I had begun to +compose this work in the end of the year of the _Hijra_ 1215, and +owing to want of leisure, it was not finished until the beginning +of the year 1217; I was reflecting on this circumstance, when it +occurred to me that the words _Bagh O Bahar_ formed a proper title, +as it answered to the date of the year when the work was finished; +so I gave it this name. Whoever shall read it, he will stroll as it +were through a garden; moreover, the garden is exposed to the blasts +of winter, but this book is not; it will ever be in verdure. + +When this _Bagh O Bahar_ was finished, the year was 1217; do you +now stroll through it night and day, as its name and date is _Bagh +O Bahar_; the blasts of winter can do it no injury; for this _Bahar_ +[414] is ever green and fresh; it hath been nourished with the blood of +my heart, and its (the heart's) pieces are its leaves and fruits;--all +will forget me after death;--but this book will remain as a _souvenir_; +whoever reads it, let him remember me. This is my agreement with +the readers; if there is an error, excuse it; for amidst flowers lie +concealed the thorns; man is liable to faults and errors, and he will +fail, let him be ever so careful. I have no other wish except this, +and it is my earnest prayer. O my Creator, that I may ever remain +in remembrance of Thee, and thus pass my nights and days! That I +may not be questioned with severity on the night of death, and the +day of reckoning! O God, in both worlds shower thy favours on me, +through the mediation of the great prophet! + + +SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE + +It must be allowed, that the author has displayed great adroitness in +the "denouement" of his tale. In the course of a few pages all the +principal characters, male and female, are suddenly produced, safe +and unscathed, before the reader. To be sure, this is done by the aid +of a little "diablerie," but then it is done very neatly,--much more +so than in some of the clumsy fictions of the late Ettrick Shepherd, +to say nothing of the edifying legends about the Romish saints which +the good people of southern Europe are taught to swallow as gospel. +Finally, be it remembered, that Oriental story-tellers have never +subscribed to Horace's precept,-- + + + "Nec deus interait, nisi digens vindice nodus + Inciderit" + + +On the contrary, their rule is, when, by a free use of the +supernatural, you have got the whole of your characters into a regular +_fix_, it is but fair that you should get them off by the same means. + +THE END. + + + + +NOTES + +[1] The proclamation of the Marquis Wellesley, after the formation +of the college of Fort William; encouraging the pursuit of Oriental +literature among the natives by original compositions and translations +from the Persian, &c, into _Hindustani_. + +[2] "The _Bagh O Bahar_," i.e. "The Garden and Spring;" which may be +better called, "The Garden of Spring," or the "Garden of Beauty." The +less appropriate title of "_Bagh O Bahar_" was chosen merely in +order that the Persian letters composing these words, might, by their +numerical powers, amount to 1217, the year of the Hijra in which the +book was finished.--Vide Hind. Gram., page 20. + +[3] _Mir Amman_ himself explains the origin and derivation of these +words in his preface, and we cannot appeal to a better authority. + +[4] Literally, "in consequence of its being traversed or walked over." + +[5] _Hakim Firdausi_, the Homer of Persia, who wrote the history +of that country, in his celebrated epic entitled the "_Shah-nama,"_ +or Book of Kings. + +[6] I have translated into plain prose all the verses occurring in the +original. I have not the vanity to think myself a poet; and I have a +horror of seeing mere doggrel rhymes--such as the following-- + + + "Mighty toil I've borne for years thirty, + I have revived Persia by this _Pursi_." + + +These elegant effusions are of the "Non hominies, non Dî, +&c." description. + +[7] That is to say, he has introduced the elegance and correctness of +the _Urdu_ language, or that of the Upper Provinces, into _Bengal_. In +fact, the _Bengalis_ who speak a wretched jargon of what they are +pleased to call _Hindustani_, (in addition to their native tongue,) +would scarcely be understood at _Agra_ or _Dilli_; and those two +cities are the best sites to acquire the real _Urdu_ in perfection; +there the inhabitants speak it not only correctly but elegantly. + +[8] The Muhammadans believe that the body of their prophet cast +no shadow. _Mustafa_ means "The Chosen," "The Elected," one of +Muhammad's titles. + +[9] As a general rule, all Muhammadan books begin with a few sentences +devoted to the praise of God and the eulogy of the prophet Muhammad; +to which some add a blessing on the twelve _Imams_. + +[10] The twelve _Imams_ are the descendants of the prophet, by his +daughter _Fatima_, who was married to her cousin-german _'Ali,_ who is +considered as the first _Imam_; the other eleven were the following, +viz., _Hasan_, the son of _'Ali; Husain_, the son of _'Ali_; _'Ali_, +surnamed _Zainu-l-'Abidin,_ son of _Husain; Muhammad_, son of the +last mentioned; _Ja'far Sadik_, son of _Muhammad; Musa-l-Kazim,_ son +of _Ja'far; 'Al-i Raza_, son of _Musa; Muhammad_, son of _'Ali Raza; +'Ali 'Askari_, son of _Muhammad; Hasan 'Askari_: and lastly _Muhammad +Mahdi_. With regard to this last and twelfth _Imam_, some say, very +erroneously, that he is yet to appear. Now the fact is, the twelfth +_Imam_ has appeared. He lived and died like the rest of the sainthood; +otherwise what would be the use of praying for him? The Muhammadans +offer up prayers for the dead, but I never heard of their praying +for the unborn. + +[11] + +[12] Much nonsense has been written about this _Fasli_ aera. We are +told that "it dates from the Christian year 592 3/4"! but the fact is +that it was established no further back than the reign of Akbar. It +was engrafted on the Hijri aera in the first year of that monarch's +reign, with this proviso, that the _Fasli_ years should thenceforth +go on increasing by _solar_ calculation, and not by lunar; hence, +every century the Hijri aera gains three years on the _Fasli_, and +in Mir Amman's time the difference had amounted to nearly eight years. + +[13] A _ghat_ is a long flight of steps, of stone or brick, leading +to a river for the purpose of bathing, drawing water, embarking or +disembarking. It is a high object of ambition in India, among the +wealthier classes of natives, to construct these _ghats_, and this +species of useful ostentation has produced some magnificent structures +of the kind on the rivers _Ganges_, and _Jumna_, which are of great +public utility. + +[14] The reader will do well in the first place to pass over this +very clumsy parenthesis in the original; and return to it after he +has finished the rest of the paragraph. + +[15] The Honourable Company's European servants, civil, military, +and medical. + +[16] A celebrated Persian poet of _Dilli_; his odes are very elegant, +and have great poetical genius; he was, as a Persian poet, inferior +to none: he is the original author of this "Tale of the Four Darwesh." + +[17] The author seems to use _Dilli_ or _Dihli_ indifferently for +the northern metropolis of India, vulgarly called _Delhi_. + +[18] _Zari Zar-bakhsh_ means the bestower of gold; _Nizamu-d-Din +Auliya_ was a famous holy personage of Upper India, and holds the +first rank in the list of the saints of _Hindustan_. His shrine is at +_Dilli_, and resorted to by thousands of devotees, and many tales are +told of his inspired wisdom, his superior beneficence, his contempt +of the good things of this world, and his uncommon philanthropy. + +[19] The _Kos_ is a measure of distance nearly equal to two English +miles, but varying in different provinces. + +[20] The _Muhammadans_, after being cured of sickness or wounds, +also their women, after recovery from child-bed, always bathe in +luke-warm water; which is called the ablution of cure. + +[21] A mere novice in the language would say that _Mir Amman_ writes +"bad grammar" here! He uses the singular pronoun "_wuh_" instead of +"_we_." Now _Mir Amman_ distinctly tells us that he gives us the +language _as it is_. He did not make it--and, furthermore, nothing +is more common among _Hindustani_ writers than to use the singular +for the plural, and "vice versâ."--Vide Grammar, page 114. + +[22] Mr. Ferdinand Smith adds the following note: "How proud the +slave seems of his chains!--but such is the nature of Asiatic minds, +under the baneful influence of Asiatic despotism." Now, this criticism +is absurd enough. Have not we in England the titles of "Ladies in +waiting," "Grooms," &c., innumerable, which honours are borne by our +nobility and gentry? + +[23] The family of _Taimur_, or Tamerlane; a pageant of which royal +race still sits on the throne of _Dilli_, under the protection of +the British government. He is happier, and has more comforts of life, +than his family have had for the last century. + +[24] Literally, "why explain that which is self evident" a Persian +saying. + +[25] The founder of the _Jut_ principality; they were once very +powerful in _Upper-Hindustan. Ranjit Sing, Raja_ of _Bhartpur_ at the +commencement of the present century, who so gallantly defended that +place against our arms, was a son of _Suraj Mal_, who was killed while +reconnoitring the _Mughal_ army. The _Jats_ are the best agriculturists +in India, and good soldiers in self defence; for since the spirit +which _Suraj Mal_ infused, evaporated, they have always preferred +peace to war. They built some of the strongest places in India. + +[26] _Ahmad Khan_, the _Durrani_ or _Afghan_, became king of _Kabul_ +after the death of _Nadir Shah_. He was the father of _Taimur Shah_, +who kept _Upper Hindustan_ in alarm for many years with threats of +invasion. _Shuja'u-l-Mulk_, whom we seated on the throne of _Kabul_ +some fifteen years ago, was descended from him. + +[27] _'Azim-abid_ is the _Muhammadan_ name of _Patna_. On the +_Muhammadan_ conquest, many of the _Hindu_ names of cities were changed +for _Muhammadan_ names, such as _Jahangir-abad_ or _Jahangir-nagar_ +for _Dacca, Akbar-abad_ for _Agra, Shahjahan-abad_ for _Dilli_, &c. + +[28] Literally, "water and grain." + +[29] Literally, "has existed during the four _jugas_," or fabulous +ages of the _Hindus_, i.e., since the creation of the world. + +[30] The _Bhakha_, or _Bhasha_, par excellence, is the _Hindu_ dialect +spoken in the neighbourhood of _Agra, Mathura_, &c. in the _Braj_ +district; it is a very soft language, and much admired in _Upper +Hindustan_, and is well adapted for light poetry. Dr. Gilchrist has +given some examples of it in his grammar of the _Hindustani_ language, +and numerous specimens of it are to be found in the _Prem Sagar_, +and other works published more recently. + +[31] _Mahmud_, the first monarch of the dynasty of _Ghazni_, was the +son of the famous _Sabaktagin_. Ha invaded _Hindustan_ in A.H. 392, +or A.D. 1002. The dynasty was called _Ghaznawi_, from its capital +_Ghazna_, or as now commonly written _Ghazni_. + +[32] Two dynasties of kings who reigned in _Upper Hindustan_ before +the race of _Taimur_. + +[33] _Timur_, (or _Taimur_ as it is pronounced in India) invaded +_Hindustan_ A.D. 1398. + +[34] The _bazar_, that part of a city where there are most shops; +but the word is applied to various parts of a city, where various +articles are sold, as the cloth _bazar_, the jewel _bazar_, &c. + +[35] _Shahjahan_ was the most magnificent king of _Dilli_, of the race +of _Taimur, Sahib Kiran_ was one of his titles, and means, Prince of +the Happy Conjunction; i.e. the conjunction of two or more auspicious +planets in one of the signs of the Zodiac at the hour of birth. Such +was the case at the birth of _Taimur_, who was the first we read of as +_Sahib-Kiran_. As a contradistinction, _Shahjahan_ is generally called +_Sahib Kirani Sani_, or the second _Sahib Kiran_. It never waw applied, +as Ferdinand Smith states, to _all_ the emperors of _Dilli_. It may +be mentioned, that a very extraordinary conjunction of the planets +in the sign Libra took place in A.D. 1185, just about the period of +_Jangis Khan's_ appearance as a conqueror; but I am not aware that he +was thence called a _Sahib Kiran_, as he did not happen to be _born_ +under the said conjunction. + +[36] The fort, or rather fortified place, of _Dilli_, and the great +mosque, called the _Juma' Masjid_. + +[37] The famous _Takhti Ta,us_, or peacock throne, made by the +magnificent _Shahjahan_, the richest throne in the world; it was +valued at seven millions sterling. Tavernier, the French jeweller +and traveller, saw it and describes it in his work. It was carried +away by _Nadir Shah_ when he plundered _Dilli_ in 1739. + +[38] The expensive and useless canal which brought fresh water +to _Dilli_, whilst the limpid and salutary stream of the _Jumna_ +flowed under its walls. The advantages of irrigation to the country, +through which it passed, were nothing compared to the expense of +its construction. + +[39] Literally, "the supreme camp or market." + +[40] A Persian expression. + +[41] _Shah 'Alam_ the emperor of _Dilli_, was then towards _Patna_ +a tool in the hands of _Shuja'u-d-Daula, the Nawwab_ of _Lakhnau, +and Kasim 'Ala Khan, the Nawwab_ of _Murshid-abad._ + +[42] Alluding to the confusion which reigned in _Upper Hindustan_ +after the assassination of _'Alamgir_ the Second, and the flight +of _Shah 'Alam. Upper Hindustan_ was then in a sad plight, ravaged +alternately by the _Abdalis_, the _Marhattas_, and the _Jats_--the +king a pageant, the nobles rebellious, the subjects plundered and +oppressed, and the country open to every invader--though this was +near 100 years ago, and although they had some government, justice, +and security from 1782 to 1802, yet the country had not even then +recovered from the severe shock. + +[43] The word is used in the singular, both by _Mir Amman_ and the +original author, _Amir Khusru_ according to a well-known rule in +Persian syntax, viz., "a substantive accompanied by a numerical +adjective dispenses with the plural termination," as "_haft roz_," +"seven days," not "_haft rozha_. The Persian term _darwesh_, in +a general sense, denotes a person who has adopted what by extreme +courtesy is called a religious life, closely akin to the "mendicant +friar" of the middle ages; i.e., a lazy, dirty, hypocrital vagabond, +living upon the credulous public. The corresponding term in Arabic +is _Fakir_; and in _Hindi_, _Jogi_. + +[44] The word _Rum_ means that empire of which Constantinople is +the capital, and sometimes called, in modern times, Romania. It was +originally applied to the Eastern Roman Empire, and, at present, +it denotes Turkey in Europe and Asia. + +[45] _Naushirwan_ was a king of Persia, who died in A.D. 578. He is +celebrated in oriental history for his wisdom and justice. During his +reign _Muhammad_ the prophet was born. The Persian writings are full +of anecdotes of _Naushirwan's_ justice and wisdom. + +[46] _Hatim_ or rather _Hatim Tai_, is the name of an Arab chief, +who is celebrated for his generosity and his mad adventures, in +an elegant Persian work called _Kissae Hatim Tai_. This work was +translated into English for the Asiatic Translation Fund in 1830. + +[47] Called also _Kustuntuniya_ by the Persians, and _Istambol_, +also _Islambol_, by the Turks. + +[48] The _shabi barat_ is a Mahometan festival which happens on the +full moon of the month of _Sha'ban_; illuminations are made at night, +and fire-works displayed; prayers are said for the repose of the dead, +and offerings of sweetmeats and viands made to their manes. A luminous +night-scene is therefore compared to the _shabi barat_. + +[49] I warrant you there were no "tickets of leave" granted in those +blessed days. + +[50] This means an impertinent, or rather a _chaffing_, question, +like our own classic interrogation, "Does your mother know you'ra out?" + +[51] It is incumbent on every good _Musalman_ to pray five times in +the twenty-four hours. The stated periods are rather capriciously +settled:--1st. The morning prayer is to be repeated between daybreak +and sunrise; 2nd. The prayer of noon, when the sun shows a sensible +declination from the meridian; 3rd. The afternoon prayer, when the sun +is near the horizon that the shadow of a perpendicular object is twice +it's length; 4th. The evening prayer, between sunset and close of +twilight; 5th. The prayer of night, any time during the darkness. The +inhabitants of Iceland and Greenland would find themselves sadly +embarrassed in complying with these pious precepts, bequeathed by +_Muhammad_ to the _true believers_, as they call themselves. + +[52] The Asiatics consider _male_ children as the light or splendour +of their house. In the original there is a play upon the word "_diya_" +which, as a substantive signifies "a lamp;" and as a verbal participle +it denotes "given," or "bestowed." + +[53] The literal meaning is--"There is no one as the bearer of his +name, and the giver of water." + +[54] The Mirror Saloon, called by the Persians, and from them by the +_Hindustanis, Shish Mahall_, is a grand apartment in all oriental +palaces, the walls of which are generally inlaid with small mirrors, +and their borders richly gilded. Those of _Dilli_ and _Agra_ are the +finest in _Hinduistan_. + +[55] "The messenger was the white hair in his majesty's whiskers. + +[56] Called in the original, _Pain Bagh_. Most royal Asiatic gardens +have a _Pain Bagh_ or lower terrace adorned with flowers, to which +princes descend when they wish to relax with their courtiers. + +[57] The _Diwani' Amm_, or Public Hall of Audience in eastern palaces, +is a grand saloon where Asiatic princes hold a more promiscuous court +than in the _Diwani Khass_, or the Private Hall of Audience. + +[58] The _Musalla_, is generally in Persia a small carpet, but +frequently a fine mat in _Hindustan_, which is spread for the +performance of prayer. The devotee kneels and prostrates himself +upon it in his act of devotion. It is superfluous to remark that the +_Muhammadans_ pray with their face turned towards _Mecca_, as far as +they can guess its direction. Jerusalem was the original point, but +the prophet, (it is said,) in a fit of anger, changed it to _Mecca_. + +[59] _Khiradmand_ means wise; as a man's name it corresponds to our +"Mr. Wiseman," or as the French have it "Monsieur le Sage." It does +not necessarily follow, however, that every Mr. Wiseman is a sage. + +[60] The _Diwani Khass_, or Private Hall of Audience, is a grand +saloon, where only the king's privy councillors or select officers +of state are admitted to an audience. + +[61] As Asiatic princes in general pass the most part of their time +in the _haram_ or in seclusion, eunuchs are the usual carriers of +messages, &c. + +[62] The posture of respect, as to stand motionless like a statue, +the eyes fixed on the ground, and the arms crossed over the waist. + +[63] Literally, "rings or circles had formed round his eyes, and +his visage had turned yellow." The term "yellow" is used among the +dark-complexioned people of the East in the same sense as our word +"pale," or the Latin "pallidus," to indicate fear, grief, &c. + +[64] The Asiatics reckon the animal species at 18,000; a number which +even the fertile genius of Buffon has not attained. Yet the probability +is, that the orientals arc nearer the true mark; and the wonder is, +how they acquired such correct ideas on the subject. + +[65] There is a well-known Eastern saying, that, "On the part of a +king, one hour's administration of justice will be of more avail to +him on the day of judgment than twenty years of prayer." + +[66] Literally, "_Fakirs_ and _Jogis_;" either term denotes "hermit" +the former being applied to a _Musalman_, the latter to a _Hindu_. + +[67] In India, the day was formerly divided into four equal portions, +called _pahars_ or watches, of which the second terminated at noon; +hence, _do-pahar-din_, mid-day. In like manner was the night divided; +hence, _do-pahar-rat_, midnight. The first _pahar_ of the day began at +sunrise, and of the night at sunset; and since the time from sunrise +to noon made exactly two _pahars_, it follows that in the north +of India the _pahar_ must have varied from three and a-half hours +about the summer solstice, to two and a-half in winter, the _pahars_ +of the night varying inversely. A shallow commentator has said that +"the _pahar_ or watch is three hours, and that the day commences at +six a.m.," which is altogether incorrect. + +[68] The _Naubat-khana_, or the royal orchestra, is, in general, +a large room over the outer gate of the palace for the martial music. + +[69] _Nazars_, presents made to kings, governors, and masters, &c., +on joyful occasions, and on public festivals, generally in silver +and gold. + +[70] Literally, "when two _pahars_ had elapsed."--V. note on _pahar_, +supra. + +[71] "On them," i.e., for the souls of the dead. + +[72] A celebrated _Hindu_ poet of Upper _Hindustan_; his poetry is +of a sombre hue, but natural and sympathetic; the simile here is, +that no creature has yet survived the pressure of the heavens and the +earth; the heavens, being in motion, representing the upper millstone, +and the earth (supposed to be at rest), the lower millstone. + +[73] A figurative expression, denoting, "I may yet have a son and +heir." + +[74] _Fakirs_ are holy mendicants, who devote themselves to the +expected joys of the next world, and abstract themselves from those +of this silly transitory scene; they are generally fanatics and +enthusiasts--sometimes mad, and often hypocrites. They are much +venerated by the superstitious Asiatics, and are allowed uncommon +privileges, which they naturally often abuse. + +[75] The _kafni_ is a kind of short shirt without sleeves, of the +colour of brick dust, which _Fakirs_ wear. + +[76] Literally, "paintings on a wall." + +[77] The _fanus_ is a large glass shade open at the top, placed over +a lamp or candle as a protection from wind, or bats, &c., when the +windows are all open, as is generally the case in hot weather. + +[78] The _Dev_ is a malignant spirit, one of the class called _jinn_ +by the Arabs, vide Lane's "Arabian Nights," vol. i. p. 30. The _jinn_ +or genii, however, occasionally behave very handsomely towards the +human race, more especially towards those of the _Muhammadan_ faith. + +[79] The _Ghul_ is a foul and intensely wicked spirit, of an order +inferior to the _jinn_. It is said to appear in the form of any living +animal it chooses, as well as in any other monstrous and terrific +shape. It haunts desert places, especially burying grounds, and is +said to feed on dead human bodies. + +[80] This is a general exclamation when Asiatics sneeze, and with them, +as with the ancients, it is an ominous sign. + +[81] _Kalandars_ are a more fanatic set of _Fakirs_. Their vow is to +desert wife, children, and all worldly connexions and human sympathies, +and to wander about with shaven heads. + +[82] The introduction of the _hukka_ is an improvement of _Mir +Amman's_; as that luxury was unknown in Europe and Asia at the time +of _Amir Khusru_. + +[83] The term _Azad_, "free, or independent," is applied to a class +of Darweshes who shave the beard, eyelashes and eyebrows. They vow +chastity and a holy life, but consider themselves exempt from all +ceremonial observances of the _Muhammadan_ religion. + +[84] Literally, "is an immense mountain." + +[85] The phrase _do zanu ho baithna_ denotes a mode of sitting +peculiar, more especially, to the Persians. It consists in kneeling +down and sitting back on one's heels, a posture the very reverse of +_easy_, at least, so it appears to us good Christians, accustomed to +the use of chairs &c. + +[86] Arabia Felix, the south-west province of the peninsula. + +[87] _Maliku-t-Tujjar_ means the chief of merchants; it is a Persian +or Arab title. The first title the East India Company received from +the court of _Dilli_ was _'Umdatu-t-Tujjar_, or the noble merchants. +_Haji Khalil_, the ambassador from Persia to the Bengal government, who +was killed at Bombay, was _Maliku-t-Tujjar_; and after him _Muhammad +Nabi Khan_, who likewise was ambassador from the Persian court, +and came to Bengal; he has since experienced the sad uncertainty +of Asiatic despotism; being despoiled of his property, blinded, +and turned into the streets of _Shiraz_ to beg. + +[88] The peculiar dress worn by _fakirs_. V. "_Qanooni Islam"_ + +[89] The _seli_, or _saili_, is a necklace of thread worn as a badge +of distinction by a certain class of _fakirs_. + +[90] The fortieth day is an important period in _Muhammadan_ rites; +it is the great day of rejoicing after birth, and of mourning after +death. To dignify this number still more, sick and wounded persons are +supposed, by oriental novelists, to recover and perform the ablution +of cure on the fortieth day. The number "forty" figures much in the +Sacred Scriptures, for example, "The flood was forty days upon +the earth." The Israelites forty years in the wilderness, &c., &c. + +[91] The _Fatiha_ is the opening chapter of the _Kur,an_, which, +being much read and repeated, denotes a short prayer or benediction +in general. + +[92] This is the general mode of investiture in _Hindustan_ to offices, +places, &c.; to which a _khil'at_, or honorary dress, is added. + +[93] That part of a dwelling where male company are received. + +[94] _Farrashes_ are servants whose duty it is to spread carpets, +sweep them and the walls; place the _masnads_, and hang up the _pardas_ +and _chicks_, pitch tents, &c. + +[95] _Pardas_ are quilted curtains, which hang before doors, &c. + +[96] _Chicks_ are curtains, or hanging screens, made of fine slips +of _bamboos_, and painted and hung up before doors and windows, to +prevent the persons inside from being seen, and to keep out insects; +but they do not exclude the air, or the light from without. If there +is no light in a room, a person may sit close to the _chick_, and not +be seen by one who is without.--However, no description can convey +an adequate idea of _pardas_ and _chicks_ to the mere European. + +[97] I hope the reader will pardon me for the use of this old-fashioned +Scottish expression which conveys the exact meaning of the original, +viz., "_muft par khane-pine-wale"_, i.e, "gentlemen who eat and drink +at another's cost." The English terms, "parasites," or "diners out," +do not fully express the meaning, though very near it. + +[98] Literally, "quaff the wine of the _Ketaki_, and pluck the flower +of the rose." The _Ketaki_, a highly odoriferous flower, was used in +giving fragrance to the wine. + +[99] A Persian proverb, like our own "Lightly come, lightly go." + +[100] A personage famed for his wealth, like the Croesus of the Greeks. + +[101] The reader will observe, in the original, that the terms +_rah-bat_, a "highway," and _bhent-mulakat_, "a meeting," consist +each of two nouns denoting precisely the same thing, only one of them +is of _Musalman_ usage, and the other _Hindu_. Such expressions are +very common in the language. + +[102] Literally, "black _takas_," or copper coins, in opposition to +"white" or silver; an expression similar to what we, in the vernacular +call "browns." + +[103] _Sharbat_ is a well-known oriental beverage, made in general +with vegetable acids, sugar and water; sometimes of sugar and rose +water only; to which ingredients some good _Musalmans_, on the sly, +add a _leettle_ rum or brandy. + +[104] _Pulao_, (properly "_pilav_," as pronounced by the Persians and +Turks,) is a common dish in the East. It consists of boiled rice well +dried and mixed with eggs, cloves and other spices, heaped up on a +plate, and inside of this savoury heap is buried a well-roasted fowl, +or pieces of tender meat, such as mutton, &c.; in short, any good +meat that may be procurable. + +[105] _Kabab_ is meat roasted or fried with spices; sometimes in +small pieces, sometimes minced, sometimes on skewers, but never in +joints as with us, though they make _kababs_ of a whole lamb or kid. + +[106] The _tora_ is a bag containing a thousand pieces (gold or +silver). It is used in a collective sense, like the term _kisa_, or +"purse," among the Persians and Turks; only the _kisa_ consists of +five hundred dollars, a sum very nearly equal to 1000 _rupis_. + +[107] The word in the original is _Damishk_, an Indian corruption +of the Arabic _Dimashk_, which latter mode of pronunciation I have +followed in my printed edition. + +[108] The grand street where all the large shops are. In oriental +towns of considerable size, there is generally a distinct _bazar_ +for each species of goods, such as "the cloth _bazar_," "the jewellery +_bazar_," &c. + +[109] The merchant would have rather a puzzling voyage of it, if he +went by sea from Yaman to Damascus. + +[110] The sacred rupee, or piece of silver, is a coin which is +dedicated to the _Imam Zamin,_ or "the guardian _Imam_, (a personage +nearly allied to the guardian saint of a good Catholic), to avert evils +from those who wear them tied on the arm, or suspended from the neck. + +[111] To mark the forehead with _tika_, or curdled milk, is a +superstitious ceremony in _Hindustan_, as a propitious omen, on +beginning a voyage or journey. It is probable that the _Musulmans_ of +India borrowed this ceremony, among several others, from the _Hindus_. + +[112] Literally, "when half the night was on this side, and half +on that." + +[113] The _dopatta_ is a large piece of cloth worn by women, which +covers the head and goes round the body; the act of drawing her +_dopatta_ over her face is mentioned as a proof of her modesty. Men +likewise wear the _dopatta_ flung over the shoulders, or wrapped +round the waist. It is often of gauze and muslin. + +[114] This is _Mir Amman's_ plain expression. Ferdinand Smith's +translation savours somewhat of the Hibernian, viz., "She still loves +him who has murdered her." + +[115] "The _ghari_ is the 60th part of 24 hours, or 24 of our +minutes. It may be observed that the _ghari_ was a fixed quantity, +not subject to variation, like the _pahar_, which last, in the north +of India, was made to vary from seven to nine _gharies_, according to +the season of the year, or as it referred to the day or night in the +same season. Since the introduction of European watches and clocks, +the term _ghari_ is applied to the Christian hour of sixty minutes. + +[116] Literally, "became such a mountain." + +[117] _'Isa_ is the name of Jesus among the _Muhammadans_; who all +believe, (from the New Testament, transfused into the _Kuran_,) +in the resurrection of Lazarus, and the numerous cures wrought +by our Saviour. This, perhaps, induced _Mir Amman_ to call the +wonder-performing barber and surgeon _'Isa_. + +[118] The Arabic expression is _salam 'alaikum_ or _'alaika_, +i.e. "Peace be on you" or "on thee." This mode of greeting is used +only towards _Musulmans_; and when it has passed between them, it is +understood to be a pledge of friendly confidence and sincere good will. + +[119] The _nim_ is a large and common tree in India, the leaves of +which are very bitter, and used as a decoction to reduce contusions +and inflammations; also to cleanse wounds. + +[120] The spirit drawn from the leaves of an aromatic tree which +grows in _Kashmir_, called _Bed-Mushk_; it is a tonic and exhilarating. + +[121] A humble deportment when addressing superiors in India; and +through complaisance, used sometimes to equals. + +[122] An act of ceremony ever observed amongst the well-bred in India, +when a visitor takes leave. _'Itr_ is the essence of any flower, +more especially of the rose (by us corruptly called "otto of roses"); +and _betel_ is a preparation of the aromatic leaf so generally used +in the East, more especially in India. The moment they are introduced, +it is a hint to the visitor to take leave. + +[123] The _khil'at_ is a dress of honour, in general a rich one, +presented by superiors to inferiors. In the zenith of the _Mughal_ +empire these _khil'ats_ were expensive honours, as the receivers +were obliged to make rich presents to the emperor for the _khil'ats_ +they received. The _khil'at_ is not necessarily restricted to a rich +dress; sometimes, a fine horse, or splendid armour, &c., may form an +item of it. + +[124] The word _pari_, "a fairy," is frequently used figuratively to +denote a beautiful woman. + +[125] _Masnad_ means literally a sort of counterpane, made of silk, +cloth, or brocade, which is spread on the carpet, where the master of +the house sits and receives company; it has a large pillow behind to +lean the back against, and generally two small ones on each side. It +also, metaphorically, implies the seat on which kings, _nawwabs_, and +governors sit the day they are invested with their royalty, &c. So +that to say that _Shah-'Alam_ sat on the _masnad_ on such a day, +means that he was on that day invested with royalty. + +[126] Asiatics divide the world into seven climes; so to reign over +the seven climes means, metaphorically, to reign over the whole world; +king of the seven climes was one of the titles of the Mogul emperors. + +[127] Literally, "it was not in the power of eyesight to dwell upon +her splendour." + +[128] A Persian proverb, somewhat illustrative of a story told of a +West India "nigger," whom his master used to over-flog. "Ah, massa," +said Sambo, "poor man dare not vex--him damned sorry though." + +[129] The _Kalam-dan,_ literally "the pen-holder," means here the +small tray containing pens, inkstand, a knife, &c. + +[130] _Tirpauliya_ means three arched gates; there are many such +which divide grand streets in Indian cities, and may be compared to +our Temple Bar in London, only much more splendid. + +[131] Ethiopian, or Abyssinian slaves, are commonly called +_Sidis_. They are held in great repute for honesty and attachment. + +[132] The _chauk_ is in general a large square in Asiatic cities, where +are situated the richest shops; it is sometimes a large wide street. + +[133] In the original there is a play on the word _'alam_ which +signifies "beauty," "the world," also "a multitude of people," or +what the French call "tout le monde." + +[134] Literally, "the observance of the [form of greeting] "_sahib +salamat_," or "_salam 'alaika_," by which he had been at first accosted +by his customer.--Vide note on this subject, page 41. + +[135] The verb _uthna_ like the Persian _bar-khastan_ is used +idiomatically in the sense of "to go away," to "vanish." + +[136] Literally, "your command is on my head and eyes," a phrase +imitated from the Persian "_ba sar o chashm_." + +[137] The phrase "_rah dekhna_," literally to look at the road," +(by which a person is expected to come;) hence, very naturally and +idiomatically it signifies "to be anxiously waiting for one." Again, +_rah dikhana_ is the causal form, signifying "to make one wait," of +"keep one waiting." + +[138] The word _janwar_ means "an animal," in general; but it is +frequently used in the more restricted sense of "a bird". + +[139] The "evil eye" is a supersitious motion entertained by the +ignorant in _all_ countries even until this day. The Asiatics +suppose that uncommon qualities of beauty, fortune or health, raise +an ominous admiration admiration, which injures the possessor. To tell +parents that their children are stout and healthy, is a _mal-à-propos_ +compliment; also to congratulate women on their healthy appearance is +often unwelcome; the same ridiculous and supersitious accompany all +admiration of beauty, fortune, &c. For this reason the visitor, in this +case, do not compliment his host on the beauty of his person or the +splendour of his dress; but instead make use of the above exclamation. + +[140] A celebrated musical performer in upper _Hindustan_, and +considered as the first in his art. He lived in the reign of _Akbar_, +somo 300 years ago. + +[141] A celebrated singer in upper _Hindustan_, who lived about +600 years ago. _Tan-Sen_ and _Ba,ora_ are still held in the highest +reverence by singers and musical performers. In the original, there +is a play on the words to _tan_ and _ba,ora_ which scarcely needs to +be pointed out. + +[142] The original is, "_jis Ki itni ta'rif aur ishtiyak zahir kiya_," +where the word _kiya_ agrees with _ishtiyak_ only, being the noun +nearest. A shallow critic would be apt to say that this is bad grammar. + +[143] "_La haul parhna_," to repeat or recite the "_La haul_," or more +fully, "_La haul wa la kuwwat illa b-Illahi;_" meaning, "there is no +power nor strength but in God." An exclamation used by _Musalmans_ +in cases of sudden surprise, misfortune, &c. + +[144] The insignia of state among the grandees of India. + +[145] The _gulab-pash_ is a silver or gold utensil, like a French +bottle, to sprinkle rose water on the company; the _'itr-dan_ one +to hold essences, and _pik-duns_ are of brass or silver to spit in, +called by the French _crachoirs_. + +[146] The _abdar-khana_ a room appropriated to the cooling of water +in ice or saltpetre, by the servant called the _abdar_. + +[147] Small leaden mugs with covers for the congelation of ice. + +[148] To cool the water which they contain; they are made of pewter. + +[149] The _masnad_ and its large back pillow are criterions of Asiatic +etiquette. To an inferior or dependant, the master of the house +gives the corner of the _masnad_ to sit on; to an equal or intimate +friend, he gives part of the large pillow to lean on; to a superior, +he abandons the whole pillow, and betakes himself to the corner of +the _masnad_. + +[150] A kind of _palki_ or sedan, for the conveyance of the women of +people of rank in India. + +[151] A sign of afflicting surprise. + +[152] _Majnun_, a lover famed in eastern romance, who long pined +in unprofitable love for _Laili_, an ugly hard-hearted mistress. The +loves of _Yusuf_ and _Zulaikh@a, Khusru_ and _Shirin_, also of _Laili_ +and _Majnun_, are the fertile themes of Persian romance. + +[153] The _Muhammadans_ reckon their day from sunset. + +[154] By sitting and drinking with the young merchant, when he ought +to wait on his guests, and attend to their entertainment. + +[155] A figurative and highly poetic expression as old as Homer. In +this instance it is said to signify that the sun had been two _gharis_ +above the horizon. + +[156] Literally, "a friendship of two days," where the number two is +employed indefinitely to denote "few." + +[157] The month of _Ramazan_ consisting of thirty days, is the Lent +of the _Muhammadans_. During tgat whole period, a good _Musalman_ or +"true believer," is not allowed either to eat, or drink, or smoke from +sunrise to sunset. This naturally explains the anxiety they must feel +for the arrival of evening; more especially in high latitudes, should +the _Ramazan_ happen in the middle of summer. As a mere religions +observance this same fast, enjoined by _Muhammad_, is the most absurd, +the most demoralizing, and the most hurtful to health that ever was +invented by priestcraft. The people are forced to starve themselves +during the whole day, and consequently they overeat themselves during +the whole night, when they ought to be asleep in their beds, as nature +intended. Hence they fall by thousands an easy prey to cholera, +as happened in Turkey a few years ago. The fast of Lent among tho +followers of the Pope of Rome is, though in a less degree, liable to +the same censure. Why, instead of these unwholesome observances, do +not the priests, whether of Mecca or of Rome, preach unto the people +temperance and regularity of living? Ah, I forgot, the priests both of +Mecca and of Rome can always grant _dispensations_ and _indulgences_ +to such good people as can adduce _weighty_ reasons to that effect. + +[158] As frogs live in wet, they are not supposed to be extremely +subject to catch cold; the simile is introduced to ridicule the +extravagant idea of a merchant's son presuming to be in love with a +princess. The simile is a proverb. + +[159] Washermen in India, in general, wash their linen at the _ghats_, +and their dogs of course wander thither from home after them, and +back again. This is one of their proverbs, and answers to ours of +"Kicked from piller to post." + +[160] The _Khutba_ is a brief oration delivered after divine service +every Friday (the _Musalman_ Sabbath,) in which the officiating priest +blesses _Muhammad_, his successors, and the reigning sovereign. + +[161] A kind of sedan chair, or _palki_. + +[162] The _Khabar-dars_ are a species of spies stationed in various +parts of oriental kingdoms in order to forward intelligence to head +quarters. + +[163] A mode of humble address, when the inferior presumes to state +something contrary to what the superior maintains or desires; and +as human life in India was, in olden times, not only precarious, +but considered as insignificant, the oriental slave acts prudently +by begging his life before he presumes to be candid. + +[164] Literally, "He who is the changer of hearts." + +[165] Here the first _Darwesh_ addresses himself directly to the +other three, who were his patient listeners. + +[166] The _jama_ is an Asiatic dress, something like a modern female +gown, only much more full in the skirts. It is made of white cloth +or muslin. + +[167] A superstitious custom in India; it implies that the person who +goes round, sacrifices his life at the shrine of the love, prosperity +and health of the beloved object. + +[168] The _kazi_ is the judge and magistrate in Asiatic cities; he +performs the rites of marriage, settles disputes, and decides civil +and criminal causes. As the _Muhammadan_ laws are derived from their +religious code, the _Kuran_, the _kazi_ possesses both secular and +ecclesiastical powers. + +[169] All good _Musalmans_ bathe after performing the rites of Venus, +hence the purport of the princess's _simple question_ is obvious +enough. + +[170] Called _warku-l-khiyal_; it is made from the leaves of the +_charas_, a species of hemp; it is a common inebriating beverage in +India; the different preparations of it is called _ganja, bhang_, &c. + +[171] Literally a "weighty _khil'at_," owing to the quantity of +embroidery on it. The perfection of these oriental dresses is, to be +so stiff as to stand on the floor unsupported. + +[172] The _paisa_ is the current copper coin of India; it is the +64th part of a rupee, and is in value as nearly as possible 3/4 of +our halfpenny, or a farthing and a-half. + +[173] The word _kafir_ denotes literally, "infidel," or "heathen." It +is here used as a term of endearment, just as we sometimes use the word +"wicked rogue." + +[174] Literally, "_lakhs_ of rupees." In India money accounts are +reckoned by hundreds, thousands, _lakhs_ and _crores_, instead of +hundreds, thousands, and millions, as with us. A hundred thousands +make a _lakh_, and a hundred _lakhs_, a _crore_. As the Indian +mode of reckoning, though simple enough, is apt to perplex the +beginner, let us take for example the number 123456789, which we +thus point off,--123,456,789; but in India it would be pointed as +follows:--12,34,56,789, and read 12 _crores_, 34 _lakhs_, fifty-six +thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine. + +[175] The _muwazzin_ is a public crier, who ascends the turret or +minaret of a mosque and calls out to the inhabitants the five periods +of prayers; more especially the morning, noon and evening prayers. + +[176] This is a proverb, founded on a short story, viz.: "A certain +Arab lost his camel; he vowed, if he found it, to sell it for a dinar, +merely as a charitable deed. The camel was found, and the Arab sorely +repented him of his vow. He then tied a cat on the camel's neck, and +went through the city of _Baghdad,_ exclaiming, 'O, true believers, +here is a camel to be sold for a _dinar_, and a cat for a thousand +_dinars_; but they cannot be sold the one without the other.'" + +[177] _Taks_ are small recesses in the walls of apartments in Asia, +for holding flower-pots, phials of wine, fruits, &c. + +[178] In the original it is a proverb, "When evil comes, the dog will +bite even the man that is mounted on a camel," said of a person who +is extremely unfortunate. + +[179] The term _barah-dari_ is applied either to a temporary pavilion, +or a permanent summer-house; it is so called from the circumstance +of its having "twelve doors," in honour of the twelve _Imams_.--Vide +note, page 4. + +[180] The various kinds of fire-works here enumerated admit not of +translation.--Vide vocabulary. + +[181] A proverb meaning that people or things are well matched; as +the soul, at the hour of death, is committed to the charge of good +or evil angels, according to its dessert. + +[182] A proverb applied to those who act in a manner utterly at +variance with their condition. + +[183] The _patka_ is a long and narrow piece of cloth or silk, +which is wrapped round the waist; among the rich a _shawl_ is the +general _patka_. The act of throwing one's _patka_ round the neck +and prostrating one's self at another's feet, is a most abject mark +of submission. + +[184] Literally, "a collar or yoke, round my neck." + +[185] The _Mughal_ princes in the days of their splendour had guards +of _Kalmuc_, or _Kilmak_, women for their seraglios; they were chosen +for their size and courage, and were armed; other Tartar women were +likewise taken, but they all went by the general name of _Kilmakini_. + +[186] Here the first _Darwesh_ resumes his address to his three +companions. + +[187] In a note to my edition of Mr. F. Smith's translation of the +_Baghobahar_, 1851, I inserted the following "petition." "May I request +some friend in India, for auld lang syne, to ask any intelligent +_munshi_ the exact meaning of _panchon hathiyar bandhna_, showing him +at the same time the original where the expression occurs." To this +request I received, a few months ago, a very kind and satisfactory +reply from Lieut. J.C. Bayley, 36th Regt., M.N.I., which I have the +pleasure here to insert; and at the same time, I beg to return my +best thanks to that gentleman. "The _five weapons_ are, 1st, the +_talwar_ or sword; 2nd, the _pesh-kabz_ or dagger; 3rd, the _tabar_ +or battle-axe; 4th, the _barchhi_ or lance; 5th, the _tir o kaman_ +or the bow and arrows. The phrase, _panchon hathiyar bandhna_ is very +nearly equivalent to our expression, 'to be armed cap à pié.'" I +may add to Lieut. B.'s obliging account that in more recent times, +the "bow and arrows" are very naturally superseded by "a pair of +pistols." Still the meaning of the phrase is the same in either case. + +[188] The word _chikmak_ or _chikmak_, is wrongly called "a flint" +in the dictionaries. It merely denotes the piece of steel used in +striking a fire. The flint is called _chikmak ka pathar_. + +[189] Literally, "at the seeing of which the liver would be turned +into water." + +[190] The _pipal_ or "ficus religiosa," is a large tree venerated by +the _Hindus_; it affords a most agreeable shade, as its leaves are +large, in the shape of a heart. Many writers confound it with the +"_ficus Indicus_" or "_baniyan_ tree," or rather, they devise an +imaginary tree compounded of the two species, investing it with the +heart-shaped leaves of the former, and the dropping and multiplying +stems of the latter. + +[191] Respecting the ceremony called the _tasadduk_, vide note 3, +p. 66. + +[192] Literally, "much dust did I sift the dust." + +[193] _Murtaza 'Ali_, the son-in-law of the prophet; one of his +surnames is _Mushkil-kusha,_ or " the remover of difficulties." The +_Saiyids_, who pretend to be descended from _'Ali_, wear green dresses, +which is a sacred colour among the _Muhammadans_. + +[194] The phrase _char-zanu ho-baithna_, signifies "to sit down with +the legs crossed in front as our tailors do when at work." It is the +ordnary mode of sitting among the Turks. + +[195] The _dalk_, or _dilk_, is a garment made of patches and shreds +worn by _darweshes_; the epithet _dolk-posh_, "a _dalk_ wearer," +denotes a "darwesh," or "mendicant." + +[196] _Ispahan_ was once a fine city. In the time of the Chevalier +Chardin, nearly two centuries ago, it was pronounced by that traveller +to be the largest in the world. It is now about the size of Brighton; +yet a few weeks ago, we saw in the "Illustrated London News," an +account of it by a _Frenchman_ (a fire-side traveller), who declares +it to be, still, "the largest city in the world!" + +[197] The _Muhammadans_ divide the world into seven climes, and +suppose that a constellation presides over the destiny of each clime. + +[198] The Arabic phrase _lantarani_, a corruption of _la-an-tarani_, +literally signifies "egad, if you saw me [do so and so];" hence +_lantarani-wala_ is equivalent to our terms, "an egregious egotist," +or "great boaster." + +[199] A novice in the language would say, "Here a distinction seems to +be drawn between the words _zaban_ and _jibh_. Both signify 'tongue,' +but the former applies to men and the latter to animals." To this +profound bit of criticism I should reply--Not so fast, Mr. Novice; a +distinction there is, but that is not it. The word _zaban_ in Persian +and _Hindustani_ means both the fleshy member of the body, called the +tongue, and also language or speech, just like our word "tongue," which +has both significations. In the former sense it applies alike to man +and beast; in the latter it is mere truism to say that it applies to +man only. _Jibh_, in _Hindi_ and _Hindustani_, means the tongue only +in the sense of the member of the body, never in the sense of speech; +hence it is equally applicable to man or brute. Ask any physician +who has practised in India the _Hindustani_ for "show the tongue," +he will tell you _jibh dikla,o_, or _zaban dikla,o_; and if he was a +man of discernment, he would use _jibh_ with a _Hindu_, and _zaban_ +with a _Musalman_; but I believe he would be perfectly understood, +whichever word he used to either party. + +[200] The case is _Hatim's_ philanthropy in respect to the old woodman, +which on the part of any other than _Hatim_ might seem super-human. + +[201] It is related by grave historians, that _Hatim_ actually built +an alms-house of this description. On _Hatim_'s death, his younger +brother, who succeeded him, endeavoured to act the generous in the +above manner. His mother dissuaded him, saying, "Think not, my son, +of imitating _Hatim_: it is an effort thou canst not accomplish;" +and in order to prove what she said, the mother assumed the garb of +a _fakir_, and acted as above related. When she came to the first +door the second time, and received her son's lecture on the sin of +avarice; she suddenly threw off her disguise, and said, "I told thee, +my son, not to think of imitating _Hatim_. By _him_ I have been served +three times running, in this very manner, without ever a question +being asked." + +[202] This and the following _jeu de mots_ cannot be easily explained +to a person who does not understand a little Arabic or Persian. + +[203] The original is, "as yet _Dilli_ is a long way off," a proverb +like that of the Campbells--"It is a far cry to Loch Awe." + +[204] The expression in the original is so _plain_ as to need no +translation. + +[205] Some would-be knowing critics inform us that "_Dastar-khwan_" +literally signifies the "turband of the table"!!! How they manage +to make such a meaning out of it is beyond ordinary research; +and when done, it makes nonsense. They forget that the Orientals +never made use of tables in the good old times. The _dastar-khwan_ +is, in reality, both table and table-cloth in one. It is a round +piece of cloth or leather spread out on the floor. The food is then +arranged thereon, and the company squat round the edge of it, and, +after saying _Bism-Illah_, fall to, with what appetite they may; +hence the phrase _dastar-khwan par baithna_, to sit on, (not _at_,) +the table. The wise critics seem to be thinking of our modern mahogany, +which is a very different affair. + +[206] In the original, an infinite variety of dishes is enumerated, +which are necessarily passed over in the translation, simply, because +we have no corresponding terms to express them in any Christian +tongue. They would puzzle the immortal Ude himself, or the no less +celebrated Soyer, the present autocrat of the culinary kingdom. But +my chief reason for passing them over so lightly is the following, +viz.: I have fully ascertained from officers home on furlough, +that these passages are never read in India, nor is the student +ever examined in them. They can interest only such little minds as +are of the most contemptibly frivolous description. A man may be a +first-rate English or French scholar, yea, an accomplished statesman, +without being conversant with the infinite variety of dishes, &c., +set down on the _carte_ of a first-rate Parisian restaurateur. + +[207] The Asiatics eat with the right hand, and use no knives or forks; +so to draw back the hand from eating is to leave off eating. Of course, +spoons are used for broths, &c, which cannot be eaten by the hand. + +[208] As it were intended to be stored up and not eaten. + +[209] This exceedingly plain expression is, so far from seeming gross +or indelicate, considered as a very high compliment among Orientals. + +[210] Literally, "recite the _la haul_," &c, vide note 2, p. 5. + +[211] _Jogis_ are _Hindu_ ascetics, or fanatics; some of them let +the nails grow +through the palm of their hands by keeping their fists shut, &c. + +[212] The _maunis_ are _Hindu_ ascetics who vow everlasting silence. + +[213] The _sevras_ are mendicants of the _Jain_ sects. + +[214] _Majnun_ is a mad lover of eastern romance, who pined in vain +for the cruel _Laili_. _Farhad_ is equally celebrated as an unhappy +_amant_ who perished for _Shirin_. + +[215] The word _salam_, "salutation," is used idiomatically in the +sense of our terms "compliments" or "respects," &c. And in that sense +it has now become, in India, adopted into the English language. + +[216] The marriage portion here alluded to is not to be taken in the +vague sense we attach to the term. The word _mahar_ denotes a present +made to, or a portion settled on, the wife at or before marriage. + +[217] _Nimroz_ is that part of Persia which comprehends the provinces +of _Sijistan_ and _Mikran_, towards the south-east. + +[218] The _man_, commonly called "maund," a measure of weight, about +eighty pounds avoirdupois. + +[219] It is needless here to enumerate the stores of various articles +detailed in the original, as they will all be found in the vocabulary. + +[220] Literally, "her own leavings." In the East it considered a very +high compliment on the part of a person of rank to present his guest +with the remnants of his own dish. + +[221] Literally, "night of power or grandeur," would in that place +be "without grandeur." The _shabi kadr_, or as the Arabs have it, +_lailatu-l-kadri_, is a sacred festival held on the 27th of _Ramazan_, +being, according to the _Musalmans_, the night on which the _Kur,an_ +was sent down from heaven. + +[222] Meaning that, under present circumstances, her commands were +altogether out of place. + +[223] It is incumbent on good Mussulmans to wash the hands and face +before prayers. Where water is not to be had, this ceremony, called +_tayammum_ is performed by using sand instead. + +[224] _Lukman_ is supposed to be the Greek slave Æsop, the author +of the Fables. _Bu 'Ali Sina_ is the famous Arab physician and +philosopher, by mediæval writers erroneously called Avicenna. + +[225] _Khizr_ or _Khwaja Khizr_ is the name of a saint or prophet, +of great notoriety among the _Muhammadans_. The legends respecting +his origin and life are as numerous as they are absurd and +contradictory. Some say he was grand _Vizir_ to Solomon, others to +Alexander the Great. They all agree, however, that he discovered the +water of immortality, and that in consequence of having drunk thereof, +he still lives and wanders about on the earth. + +[226] _Kasra_ is the title of the King of Persia, hence the Greek forms +Cyrus and Chosroes, and most probably the more modern forms Caesar, +Kaisar, and Czar. The form _Kisra_ used in the text is generally +applied to _Naushirwan_.--Vide note 3, page 13. + +[227] _Ni'man_, also _Nu'man_, the name of an ancient king of _Hirat_, +in Arabia. + +[228] The first day of the new year, which is celebrated with great +splendour and rejoicings. + +[229] The _Brahmans_, erroneously called Bramins, do not eat meat. + +[230] Literally, "she would have repeated the _Kalima_," or "Confession +of Faith" of the followers of _Muhammad_, which is as follows:--"There +is no God but God, and _Muhammad_ is his prophet." Some profane wags +have parodied this creed into a Jewish one, viz.--"There ish no God +but the monish, and shent per shent (cent. per cent.) ish hish prophet" +(profit.) + +[231] The common mode to present large sums in specie to princely +visitors, is to form a platform with the money, spread the _masnad_ +on it, and place the visitor on the rich seat. Mr. Smith states that +he had himself seen _Asafu-d-Daula_, the then _Nawwab_ of Lucknow, +receive a lack of rupees in this way from _Almas_, one of his eunuchs. + +[232] _Chand-rat_, is applied to the night on which the new moon is +first visible, which night, together with the following day till +sunset, constitutes the _pahli tarikh_, or _ghurra_, that is the +first of the lunar month. + +[233] _Ramazan_ is the ninth _Muhammadan_ month, during which they +keep Lent. Vide note, p. 59. + +[234] The _'Id_ is the grand festival after the Lent of _Ramazan_ is +over. There is another _'Id_, called _Al-Kurban_, in commemoration of +Abraham's meditated sacrifice of his son Isaac, or as the _Muhammadans_ +believe of his son Ishmael. + +[235] Literally, "having washed my hands of my life." + +[236] _Rustam_, a brave and famous hero of Persia, whose Herculean +achievements are celebrated in the _Shah-Nama_. + +[237] Literally, "a _salam_ as low as the carpet;" or as we say, +"a bow to the ground." + +[238] The various editions of the text read _tunna_, "a particular +kind of tree." In one of my MSS., however, the reading is _tane_, the +inflected form of _tana_, the "trunk of a tree," which is better sense. + +[239] Literally, "the parrot of my hand flew away." + +[240] The _Muhammadans_ reckon a hundred and twenty years as the +_'umri tabi'i_, or the natural period of man's life. + +[241] The mountain of _Kaf_, is the celebrated abode of the _jinns_, +_paris_, and _divs_, and all the fabulous beings of oriental +romance. The _Muhammadans_, as of yore all good Christians, +believe that the earth is a flat circular plane; and on the confines +of this circle is a ring of lofty mountains extending all round, +serving at once to keep folks from falling off, as well as forming a +convenient habitation for the _jinns_, &c., aforesaid. The mountain, +(I am not certain on whose trigonometrical authority) is said to be +500 _farasangs_ or 2000 English miles in height. + +[242] With regard to the plain, simple sentence, "_yih kahkar takht +uthaya_," we have somewhere seen the following erudite criticism, +viz.:--"With deference to _Mir Amman_, this is bad grammar. The +nominative to _kahkar_ and _uthaya_ ought to be the same!!!" Now, it is +a great pity that the critic did not favour us here with his notions +of _good_ grammar. Just observe, O reader, how the expression stands +in the text: "_yih kahkar takht uthaya_," and you will naturally +ask, "where is the fault in the grammar?" The nominative, or rather +the agent, is _pari ne_, hence the translation, "the fairy, having +thus spoken, took up the throne." The poor critic seems to confound +"_uthaya_" with "_utha_." + +[243] One of the would-be poets of our day has translated the above +most elegantly and literally, as follows:-- + + + "What mischiefs through this love arise! + What broken hearts and miseries!" + + +[244] The _Muhammadans_ have great confidence in charms which +are written on slips of paper, along with numerous astrological +characters. They consist chiefly of quotations from the _Kuran_, +and are often diluted in water, and drank as medicine in various +distempers. As the Indian ink and paper can do no harm, and often +act as an emetic, they are probably more innocent than the physic +administered by eastern physicians, who are the most ignorant of their +profession. The fact is, that the soi disant "teachers" of mankind, +in all ages and countries--the African fetish, the American Indian +sachem, the _Hindu jogi_, the _Musalman mulla_, and the Romish +priest and miracle-monger--have all agreed on one point, viz., to +impose on their silly victims a multitude of unmeaning ceremonies, +and absurd mummeries, in order to conceal their own contemptible +vacuity of intellect. + +[245] The _Jata-dhari Gusa,in_ is a sect of fanatic _Hindu_ mendicants, +who let their hair grow and matted, and go almost naked. + +[246] _Mahadev_ is a _Hindu_ idol; the emblem of the creative power, +and generally and naturally represented by the Lingum. + +[247] _Shevrat_ is a _Hindu_ festival, which corresponds nearly with +the Mahometan _shabi barat_. + +[248] Plato is supposed by the _Muhammadans_ to have been not only +a profound philosopher, but a wise physician. In short, it is too +general an idea with them, that a clever man must be a good doctor. + +[249] The _langot_ or _langoti_ is a piece of cloth wrapped or fastened +round the loins, and tucked in between the feet. It barely conceals +what civilization requires should be hid from the public view. + +[250] _Ma'jun_ is the extract from the intoxicating plant called +_charas_ or _bhang_, a species of hemp; it is mixed with sugar and +spices to render it palatable. The inebriation it produces fills the +imagination with agreeable visions, and the effects are different +from those of wine or spirits. + +[251] Six _mashas_ amount to nearly a quarter of an ounce; a sicca +rupee weighs eleven _mashas_. + +[252] Literally, "a volume of a book." + +[253] This exceedingly absurd story is of Rabbinical origin. I have +a strong impression on my mind of having read something very like it +long ago in the works of Philo Judaeus, the contemporary of Josephus. + +[254] The _Ismi A'zam_, or the "Most Mighty Name" [of God] is a +magic spell or incantation which the acquirer can apply to wonderful +purposes. God hath, among the _Muhammadans_, ninety-nine names or +epithets; the _Ismi A'zam_ is one of the number, but it is only the +initiated few who can say which of the ninety-nine it is. + +[255] The word _sawab_ strictly means, "the reward received in the +next world for virtuous actions performed in the present state of +existence." + +[256] The veiled horseman who rescued the first and second _Darweshes_ +from self-destruction. + +[257] A Persian proverb. + +[258] _Badakhshan_ is a part of the grand province of _Khurasan_, +and the city of _Balkh_ is its metropolis, to the eastward of which +is a chain of mountains celebrated for producing fine rubies. + +[259] All Asiatic princes, like others nearer home, have spies, called +"reporters of intelligence," who inform themselves of what passes +in public. They are, as a matter of course, the pest of society, +and generally corrupt. + +[260] A _miskal_ is four and a half _mashas_; our ounce contains +twenty-four _mashas_. So the ruby weighed more than half an ounce. + +[261] The word _raja_ is the _Hindu_ term for a prince or sovereign. In +more recent times it has become a mere empty title, conferred upon +rich _Hindus_ by the Emperor of _Delhi_. + +[262] _Naishapur_ was once the richest and grandest city in the +province of _Khurasan_. It was utterly destroyed by _Tuli_, the son +of _Jenghis Khan_ (or more correctly, _Changis Ka,an_), in A.D. 1221. + +[263] Seven _miskals_ are more than an ounce and a quarter. + +[264] The term Farang, vulgarly Frank, was formerly applied to +Christian Europe in general, with the exclusion of Russia. + +[265] Literally, "kissed the ground of obeisance," a Persian phrase, +expressive of profound respect. + +[266] "The minister's daughter," afterwards called "the young +merchant." + +[267] The phrase _pachas ek_ means "about fifty." It is strange +that a certain critic on this work, (who has a prodigiously high +opinion of himself,) should have rendered the above passage, "whose +age was about forty or fifty years!" Most assuredly, the merest tyro +in _Hindustani_ can tell him that it cannot have such a latitude as +to mean "about forty or fifty." He might just as correctly have said +"about fifty or sixty." The phrase _pachas ek_, as I have stated, +means simply "about fifty," i.e., it may be _one_ year more or less. + +[268] In the text, the _wazir-zadi_ is henceforth called +_saudagar-bacha_ or the young merchant, being the character under +which she, for some time, figures. + +[269] _morchhals_, vulgarly called _chowrees_, are fly-flaps, to drive +away those troublesome companions; the best kind is made of the fine +white long tail of the mountain cow; the others of the long feathers +from, the peacock's tail, or the odoriferous roots of a species of +grass called _Khas_. They are likewise a part of the paraphernalia +of state in India. + +[270] The title _khwaja _ means "chief," or "master;" it is generally +applied to rich merchants, &c., such as we would call "men of +respectability." The idiomatic London English for it is "governor," +or (as it is pronounced) "guv'ner". + +[271] Literally, "What difficulty" (is there in so doing). + +[272] The city of _Naishapur_ being some 270 miles inland, it would +not be easy for the young merchant to reach it by sea. Asiatic +story-tellers are not at all particular in regard to matters of +geography. + +[273] _'Ajam_ means, in general, Persia; the Arabs use it in the +same sense as the Greeks did the word "barbarian;" and all who are +not Arabs they call _'Ajami_; more especially the Persians. + +[274] _Sara,e, sera,i_ or _caravanserai_, are buildings for the +accommodation of travellers, merchants, &c., in cities, and on the +great roads in Asia. Those in Upper _Hindustan_, built by the emperors +of _Dilli_, are grand and costly; they are either of stone or burnt +bricks. In Persia, they are mostly of bricks dried in the sun. In +Upper _Hindustan_ they are commonly sixteen to twenty miles distant +from each other, which is a _manzil_ or stage. They are generally +built of a square or quadrangular form with a large open court in +the centre, and contain numerous rooms for goods, men, and beasts. + +[275] Literally, made excuses from the surface of his heart," i.e., +not serious excuses. + +[276] That is, "completely armed." Vide note 2, page 87. + +[277] On the exact meaning of _dastar-khwan,_ see note, page 104. + +[278] The _Musalman_ confession of faith, see note 3, page 156. + +[279] The idiom "_do mahine ek_," about two months, similar to the +phrase, "_pachas ek baras_," _v._ note 1, page 161. + +[280] Literally, "began to smack his lips;" denoting his satisfaction. + +[281] Tartar, African, and Turkish slaves. + +[282] Literally, "I have not proved false in what you have entrusted +to me." + +[283] The coffee and pipe are always presented to visitors in Turkey, +Arabia, and Persia, and they are considered as indispensable in +good manners. + +[284] "_dant kholne_" is fully explained in my Grammar, page 129. It +appears to have sadly puzzled a learned critic, to whom I have +occasionally alluded. + +[285] Literally, "middle brother;" as there were three in number, +of course the "second" and "middle" are identical. + +[286] The _Siyum_ are the rites performed for the dead on the third +day after demise; it is called the _tija_ in _Hinduwi_. + +[287] Alluding to God. + +[288] Or it may mean, "my blood boiled" [with resentment]. + +[289] The _Muhammadan_ sabbath is Friday. + +[290] A _kafila_ means a company of merchants who assemble and travel +together for mutual protection. It is synonymous with caravan. + +[291] _Bukhara_ is a celebrated city in Tartary; it was formerly the +capital of the province called _Mawaralnahr_, or _Transoxiana_, before +the Tartar conquerors fixed on _Samarkand_. It lies to the northward +of the river _Oxus_ or _Gihun_, which divides Tartary from Persia, +or as the Persian geographers term it, _Iran_, from _Turan_. _Bukhara_ +is celebrated by Persian poets for its climate, its fruits, and its +beautiful women. + +[292] The _boza_ is an intoxicating drink made of spirits, the leaves +of the _charas_ plant, _tari_, and opium. _Tari_, erroneously called +_todee_, is the juice of the palm tree. + +[293] Literally, ale-house, or tippling-house. One is strongly led +to believe that this is the origin of our cant word _boozing-ken_, +imported from the East by the gipsies some four or five centuries ago. + +[294] A grateful and luxurious operation in the warm climate of India, +more especially after the fatigue of travelling. _Shampooing_ is a word +of uncertain etymology; the French have a better term, _masser_. The +natives say it has a physical advantage, as it quickens their languid +circulation; perhaps they are right. + +[295] A _kos_ is nearly two English miles, being about fifteen +furlongs. + +[296] Literally, "the fire was kindled in my stomach." + +[297] Pointing to his two brothers who were present, and heard +his tale. + +[298] The stake was a common mode of punishment in India in +former days, and, until recently, was practised among the _Sikhs_, +_Marhattas_, and other Asiatic princes, who were independent of +our government. + +[299] Addressing himself to the king _Azad Bakht_. + +[300] The term _kibla_ signifies the "point of adoration," and is +generally applied to the _Ka'ba_, or holy edifice, situated in the +sacred inclosure of Mecca. To this point all _Muhammadans_ must turn +when they pray. + +[301] The prayer of martyrdom among the _Musalmans._ It is often +repeated when they go into action against Christians and Pagans + +[302] According to the _Muhammadan_ belief, _Nakir_ and _Munkir_ +are two angels who attend at the moment of death, and call to an +account the spirit of the deceased. + +[303] Literally, "satiated the dog of my stomach." + +[304] Literally, to perform the act of "rubbing the nose on the earth," +expressive of extreme humility. + +[305] Literally, "having fastened [on his person] the four mirrors." + +[306] The term _zuhr_ strictly denotes the period devoted to the +mid-day prayer, which is offered up after the sun has perceptibly +declined from the meridian. Vide note 4, in page 14. + +[307] The name of the countries which lie, as the people of _Hindustan_ +term it, below Bengal, i.e., to the south-east of it; the name includes +the kingdoms of Ava and Pegu. + +[308] _Kunwar_ is the _Hindu_ name for the son of a _raja_. + +[309] The _chaugan_ is a Persian sport performed on horseback, with a +large ball like a foot-ball, which is knocked about with a long stick +like a shepherd's crook; it is precisely the game called in Scotland +"shintey," and in England "hockey," only that the players are mounted. + +[310] _Rani_ is the _Hindu_ name of a _raja's_ wife. + +[311] Literally, "without a partner." The _Musalmans_ consider our +doctrine of the Trinity as a deadly error. + +[312] _Sarandip_ is the name for the island of Ceylon among the Arabs +and Persians, as well as the _Musalmans_ of India. The ancient _Hindu_ +name was _Lanka_, applied both to the island and its capital. + +[313] The term _kisra_ is evidently applied here to _Naushirwan_, +not to Cyrus, as is stated in some books. + +[314] _Iran_ is the ancient name of Persia in its more extended sense, +that is, the Persian Empire. _Fars_ is sometimes used in the same +sense. Strictly speaking, it denotes Persia proper, which is only a +province of _Iran_. + +[315] The _kafila-bashi_ is the head man of the _kafila_, or company +of merchants, who travel in a body for mutual safety, and compose what +is commonly called a caravan, properly a _karwan_; the richest and +most respectable merchant of the party is generally elected _bashi_; +all the rest obey his orders, and he directs the movements, &c., +of the whole company, and moreover, acts, in all cases of dispute, +as judge and magistrate. + +[316] The _farsakh_, or _farsang_, or _parsang_, is a measure +of distance in Persia, and contains at the present day about 3 3/4 +English miles. Herodotus reckoned the _[Greek: pasasaggaes]_; in his +time at 30 Grecian stadia. + +[317] _Salsabil_ is the name of a fountain of Paradise, according to +_Muhammadan_ belief. + +[318] The student is of course aware that in most languages a question +is frequently equivalent to a negative, as in this sentence. A +sapient critic, to whom I have more than once alluded, was pleased +to honour me with the following profound remark on the reading given +in the original, viz.--"There is a slip here in Forbes's edition, +as well as the Calcutta one. The word _nahin_, 'not,' is omitted, +which destroys the whole sense!!!" + +[319] The _kaliyan_ (or as the moderns say, _kaliyun_) is the Persian +_hukka_. + +[320] This is, as the vulgate hath it, "coming it a little too +strong;" but be it remembered that Oriental story-tellers do not mar +the interest of their narrative by a slavish adherence to probability. + +[321] Here the king _Azad Bakht_ speaks in his own person, and +addresses himself to the four _darweshes_. + +[322] With regard to the essence of _bed-mushk_ vide note 2, page 42. + +[323] The image of the Divine power in that country of Pagans. + +[324] Vide note 3, page 30, respecting the _chilla_, or "period +of forty." + +[325] That is to say, she had never seen a _Muhammadan_ at his prayers. + +[326] _Lat_ and _Manat_ were the two great idols of _Hindu_ worship +in former times. + +[327] In the languages of southern India, _Turk_ is the general +appellation for a _Musalman_. + +[328] The _chaman_ is a small garden or _parterre_, which is laid out +before the sitting room in the interior of the women's apartments; +it means in general, _parterres_ of flowers. + +[329] The original uses a much stronger expression. + +[330] Literally, the poison of the _halahal_, as expression used +to denote poison of the strongest kind. The _halahal_ is a fabulous +poison, said to have been produced from the ocean on the churning of +it by the gods and _daityas._ Our critic says, on this word, that it +means "deadly!!!" will he favour us with some authority on that point, +better than his own? + +[331] On the phrase, _do mahine men_, our critic comes out in great +force. He says, "Mir Amman here sins against grammar; it should be, +_do mahinon men!!!_" The critic is not aware, that when a noun follows +a numeral it never requires the inflection plural en, except when it +is to be rendered more definite? In reality, Mir Amman would be wrong +if he had employed the reading recommended by the sapient critic; +_do mahine men_ means "in two months;" _do mahinon men_ "in _the_ +two months" (previously determined upon). + +[332] The _chor-mahall_ is a private seraglio. + +[333] The twelve _Imams_.--Vide note 3, page 4. + +[334] The threshold of a pagoda or mosque. The oriental people uncover +their feet, as we do our heads, on entering a place of worship. + +[335] Asiatics do not sign their names, but put their seals to letters, +bonds, paper, &c.; on the seal is engraven their names, titles, &c.; +which absurd practice has frequently given rise to much roguery, and +even bloodshed, as it is so easy, by bribes, to get a seal-cutter to +forge almost any seal, a notorious instance of which appeared some +twenty years ago in the case of the _Raja_ of _Sattara_. Though the +_Muhammadan_ laws punish with severe penalties such transgressions, +yet seal-cutters are not more invulnerable to the powers of gold +than other men. Kings, princes, _nawwabs_ &c., have a private mark, +as well as a public seal, to official papers; and a private seal and +mark for private or confidential papers. + +[336] A _khil'at_ or honorary dress is generally bestowed on a person +when he is appointed to a new situation. + +[337] Literally, "who could hit a _kauri_ suspended by a hair." The +_kauri_ is a small round shell used to denote the minutest denomination +of money. In Bengal it is about the hundredth part of a _paisa_. + +[338] The _nazar_ or _pesh-kash_ is a sum of money, &c., which, +all oriental officials pay to the prince of the country, or to his +favourites, &c., when appointed to their situations. Some people +say that such things are done nearer home, with this difference, +that among us it is a private transaction; whereas, in the East, +it is an open one. + +[339] _ja-girs_ are donations of lands, or, rather, of the revenues +arising from a certain portion of land; strictly speaking, such +a grant is a reward for military service, though it is sometimes +bestowed without that condition. + +[340] As the _Musalmans_ reckon their day from sun-set, this is +no _bull_. + +[341] Literally, "the third fault is that of the mother." + +[342] The king here resumes his address to the four darweshes. + +[343] A proverb synonymous to ours, of "What is bred in the bone, +will never come out of the flesh." + +[344] The _tawa_ is a circular plate of malleable or cast iron, +used for baking cakes or bannocks. It is slightly convex, like a +watch-glass, on the upper side, where the bread is laid on; the under +or concave side being, of course perfectly black. In Scotland, and in +the northern counties of England, this domestic implement is called +"the girdle," and is still in common use in places remote from towns. + +[345] Till recently a province of Persia; the northern part of ancient +Media. It is now, alas! fallen into the deadly grasp of the unholy +Muscovite. + +[346] A kind of pea common in India; it is the ordinary food of horses, +oxen, camels, &c., likewise of the native. By Europeans it is generally +called _grum_ or "_graum_." + +[347] The _Muhammadans_ believe that on the day of judgment all who +have died will assemble on a vast plain, to hear their sentences from +the mouth of God; so the reader may naturally conceive the size of +the plain. + +[348] The _surma_ is a black powder made of antimony, which the Asiatic +women use on their eyelids, to give a superior lustre to their black or +hazel eyes; when applied with taste, it certainly has that effect. It +is likewise used for sore eyes, but I cannot say with what success. + +[349] _Chummak_ is the Turkish name for a kind of _baton_ set with +precious stones, and used by some of the officers of the palace as +an insignia of state, like our rods, wands, &c. + +[350] This ludicrous idea is to be found in the veracious "Voiage and +Travaile" of Sir John Maundevile, Kt. Speaking of the "Yles abouten +Ynde," he says, "men fynden there an Ile that is clept Crues," where +"for the grete distresse of the hete, mennes ballokkes hangen down +to their knees, for the grete dissolucioun of the body." + +[351] The _Hur_ are celestial females, and the _Ghilman_ beautiful +youths, who are to attend upon all good Mahometans in Paradise. + +[352] The _nakkar-khana_ is the place at the portico of a temple or +palace where drums are beaten at stated intervals. It is somewhat akin +to the "belfry," of a Romish church, the childish and everlasting noise +of which is supposed to constitute an important part of Christianity. + +[353] _Padmini_, the highest and most excellent of the four classes +of women among the _Hindus_. + +[354] The prime minister, or first officers of state, under the +_Mughal_ emperors. + +[355] Literally, "instant of an instant." With regard to this idiomatic +use of the genitive case, vide "Grammar," page 96, paragraph _b_. + +[356] Here the _khwaja_ resumes his own story to _Azad Bakht_. + +[357] The king, _Azad Bakht_, speaks in his own person. + +[358] The son of a _khwaja_ or merchant of the highest grade. + +[359] When _Musalmans_ go on pilgrimage to _Mecca_, they shave their +heads on their arrival there; the ridicule is, to have incurred the +shaving without the merit of the pilgrimage. + +[360] Called the _khil'at sarafrazi_, i.e. of exaltation. + +[361] The _farsh_ is the carpet or cloth which is spread in the room, +where company is received, or the king's audience is held; for the king +to advance to the end of the _farsh_ to receive the _wazir_, is a mark +of respect, which Asiatic princes seldom pay, even to their equals. + +[362] The insignia of the _wazir's_ office in India and Persia, +is the _kalumdan._ + +[363] The abode of a _fakir_ is called a _takiya_. + +[364] The phrase _kot bundh baithna_ signifies to squat down as a +person does when easing nature, the two hands being clasped together +round the legs a little below the knees. + +[365] _Chaupar_ is a very ancient Indian game of the nature of +backgammon, played by four people, each having four men or pieces. A +full description of it is given in the Ayeeni Akbary, London, 1800, +vol. 1st, page 253. + +[366] _Azur_, the father of Abraham, was a famous statuary and +idol-worshipper, according to the ideas of _Muhammadans_. + +[367] Alluding to the _Hindu_ custom of the wife's burning herself +with the corpse of her husband; in these cases, perhaps, fear of the +priesthood, &c., is a stronger motive than love for the defunct. + +[368] By the Island of the Franks, it is most probable that the +author means Britain. The description of the capital is more adapted +to London sixty years ago than to any other European city. This, +_Mir Amman_ might have learned from some of the resident Europeans, +while he filled up the rest from his own luxuriant imagination. + +[369] The "eunuch" is of course out of place in a Christian city; +at least he does not hold the same rank as in the East. + +[370] In the original it is water; the meaning is obvious enough. + +[371] Most probably the name of some famous armourer. + +[372] A Persian proverb. + +[373] That is poison of the strongest kind.--Vide note on this word +in page 213. + +[374] Meaning in this world and the next. + +[375] Barbers in Asia not only shave but wash persons in the private +and public baths. + +[376] A prince of _Khurasan_, who quitted a throne in order to lead +a life of piety. + +[377] A celebrated city of _Khurasan_, famous in former times for +its riches. + +[378] The attitude of respect, common in the East, when a servant +has a request to make of his master; or a very inferior person of +one who is greatly his superior. + +[379] Meaning, "of surpassing speed." + +[380] In the original, the word is _kai_, or the green scum that +floats on stagnant water. "_Bihzad Khan_, dispersed the enemy as _kai_ +is dispersed when a stone is thrown into the water," is nearly the +original simile. + +[381] Literally, "merely continued bringing up the soil from the +bottom." + +[382] The first and second _Darweshes_. + +[383] One of the many epithets applied to _Darweshes_ in the East. + +[384] A Persian proverb. + +[385] The regent; the fourth _Darwesh's_ uncle. + +[386] According to the fabulous system of _jinns, divs, paris, &c.,_ +in Asia, it is supposed that the _jinns_ and _paris_ live on essences, +&c. The _divs_ are malignant spirits or beings, and live on less +delicate food. + +[387] _Divs_ or demons; the malignant race of _jinns_. + +[388] _Chin_ and _Machin,_ is the general name of China among the +Persians. + +[389] _Bukhur_ is a kind of frankincense. + +[390] _Abu-Jahal_, or "the father of obstinacy," or "of brutality," +was the name of an Arab. He was uncle to the prophet _Muhammad_, +and an inveterate opposer of the latter's new religion. + +[391] The forty figures of monkeys would give the possessor a power +over the _divs_ and _jinns_, and having them at his command, he could +easily overset the usurper, _alias_ his uncle. + +[392] The _Ismi A'zam_, or great name of God.--See note 2, p. 145. + +[393] Alluding to the Asiatic custom of the women being concealed +from the view of all, except their husbands or very near relations. + +[394] The _kazis_ and _muftis_ are the judges in Turkey, Arabia, +Persia and _Hindustan_, of all civil and religious causes; they +likewise marry, divorce, &c. + +[395] The _tija_ is the same as the _siyum_.--See note 2, page 187. + +[396] A kind of litter for the conveyance of women and the sick. + +[397] A kind of litter for travelling in Persia and Arabia; two +of them are slung across a camel or a mule; those for camels carry +four persons. + +[398] Viz., his state of castration. + +[399] _Zu-l-fakar_, the name of a famous sword that _'Ali_ used +to wear. + +[400] The veiled horseman, _'Ali Mushkil-Kusha_. + +[401] In the original there is a play on the words _haml_ and _hamal_. + +[402] Literally, "he made the man in want of a _kauri_ the master of +a _lakh_ [of rupees]. + +[403] _Ryots_ (a corruption of the word _ra'iyat_) are the husbandmen +in India; the tillers of the soil who rent small parcels of land +from the government, through the medium of the _zamin-dar_, who +is a servant of government and not the proprietor of the land, as +some have erroneously supposed. The word means keeper of the land, +and not the proprietor. In fact, he is like the Irish middleman, +in every sense of the word. + +[404] A famous garden in Arabia Felix; it is also applied to the garden +in Paradise, in which all good Mahometans, according to their belief, +are to revel after death. + +[405] _'Umman_ is the name of the southern part of _Yaman_ or Arabia +Felix; the country which lies between the mouth of the Persian Gulf +and the mouth of the Red Sea; the sea which washes this coast is +called the sea of _'Umman_ in Persia and Arabia, as the Red Sea is +called the sea of _Kulzum_. + +[406] A mode of punishment used in former times in Persia, India, and +Arabia, against great enemies or atrocious delinquents. Such treatment +the poor emperor Valerian experienced from the haughty _Shapur_ +or _Shabar_ (the Sapores of the Greeks), king of Persia or Parthia. + +[407] The first _darwesh_. + +[408] The second _darwesh_. + +[409] The third _darwesh_. + +[410] The fourth _darwesh_. + +[411] The five pure bodies are _Muhammad_, the prophet; _Fatima_, his +daughter; _Ali_, her husband; and _Hazan_ and _Husain_, their chidren. + +[412] The fourteen innocents are the children of _Hazan_ and _Husain_. + +[413] By an arithmetical operation called in Persian _Abjad_; as +Persian letters have arithmetical powers, the letters which compose +the words _Bagh O Bahar_ added up, produce the sum 1217. From the +inscription on most _Muhammadan_ tombs, and those on the gates of +mosques, the dates of demise and erection can be ascertained. We had +the same barbarous custom in Europe about the thirteenth and fourteenth +centuries; see the Spectator (No. 60,) on this ridiculous subject, +which was considered as a proof of great ingenuity. + +[414] A pun on the word _Bahar_, which means spring, when flowers are +in full bloom; but the French word _printemps_ conveys more exactly +the compound signification; for _Bahar_ not only means spring, but an +agreeable spring. The Persians are as fond of these _double entendres_ +as any other people; their poetry is strewed with them, and so is their +prose. It is not, however, to be considered as a model of pure taste. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bagh O Bahar, Or Tales of the Four +Darweshes, by Mir Amman of Dihli + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAGH O BAHAR *** + +***** This file should be named 12370-8.txt or 12370-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/3/7/12370/ + +Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and Distributed Proofreaders From scans +of the Million Book Project + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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