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diff --git a/44105-0.txt b/44105-0.txt index 6bded06..a4a6163 100644 --- a/44105-0.txt +++ b/44105-0.txt @@ -1,40 +1,4 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Arabian Nights, Volume III (of 4), by Anonymous - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Arabian Nights, Volume III (of 4) - -Author: Anonymous - -Illustrator: Richard Westall - -Release Date: November 5, 2013 [EBook #44105] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARABIAN NIGHTS, VOL III *** - - - - -Produced by Delphine Lettau, Stephen Hutcheson and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - - - - - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44105 *** THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. @@ -10004,360 +9968,4 @@ made capable of pursuing their pleasures. 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Westall</title> @@ -153,45 +153,7 @@ p.t15,div.t15,.t15 { margin-left:19em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-b <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover-v3.jpg" /> </head> <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's The Arabian Nights, Volume III (of 4), by Anonymous - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Arabian Nights, Volume III (of 4) - -Author: Anonymous - -Illustrator: Richard Westall - -Release Date: November 5, 2013 [EBook #44105] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARABIAN NIGHTS, VOL III *** - - - - -Produced by Delphine Lettau, Stephen Hutcheson and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - - - - - -</pre> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44105 ***</div> <div class="img" id="cover"> <img id="coverpage" src="images/cover-v3.jpg" alt="ARABIAN NIGHTS. VOL. III." width="500" height="670" /> @@ -12915,380 +12877,6 @@ pleasures.</p> <ul><li>Silently corrected several palpable typos.</li> </ul> - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Arabian Nights, Volume III (of 4), by Anonymous - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARABIAN NIGHTS, VOL III *** - -***** This file should be named 44105-h.htm or 44105-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/1/0/44105/ - -Produced by Delphine Lettau, Stephen Hutcheson and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - -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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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - -</pre> - +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44105 ***</div> </body> </html> diff --git a/44105.txt b/44105.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 9911793..0000000 --- a/44105.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10363 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Arabian Nights, Volume III (of 4), by Anonymous - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Arabian Nights, Volume III (of 4) - -Author: Anonymous - -Illustrator: Richard Westall - -Release Date: November 5, 2013 [EBook #44105] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARABIAN NIGHTS, VOL III *** - - - - -Produced by Delphine Lettau, Stephen Hutcheson and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - - - - - - - - - - THE - ARABIAN NIGHTS. - - - ILLUSTRATED - WITH ENGRAVINGS, - FROM DESIGNS - BY R. WESTALL, R.A. - - - IN FOUR VOLUMES. - VOL. III. - - - LONDON; - Printed for Rodwell & Martin; and the other Proprietors. - 1819. - - PRINTED FOR C. AND J. RIVINGTON; J. BOOKER; LONGMAN, HURST, REES, - ORME, AND CO.; BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY; RODWELL AND MARTIN; - G. B. WHITTAKER; SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL; AND HURST, ROBINSON, AND CO. - - 1825. - - PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVIDSON, WHITEFRIARS. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - VOL. III. - - - PAGE - The Story of Noureddin and the Fair Persian 1 - The Story of Beder, prince of Persia, and Giahaure, princess of - Samarcand 70 - The Story of Ganem, son to Abou Ayoub, and known by the surname - of Love's Slave 155 - The Story of Prince Zeyn Alasnam, and the king of the Genii 212 - The Story of Codadad and his Brothers 233 - The Story of the princess of Deryabar 243 - The Story of the Sleeper awakened 269 - - - - - ARABIAN NIGHTS' - ENTERTAINMENTS. - - - - - THE STORY OF - NOUREDDIN AND THE FAIR PERSIAN. - - -Balsora was for many years the capital of a kingdom tributary to the -caliphs of Arabia. The king who governed it in the days of caliph Haroun -Alraschid was named Zinchi. They were both cousins, the sons of two -brothers. Zinchi not thinking it proper to commit the administration of -his affairs to one single vizier, made choice of two, Khacan and Saouy. - -Khacan was of a sweet, generous, and affable temper, and took a wonderful -pride in obliging those with whom he had any concern, to the utmost of -his power, without the least hinderance or prejudice to justice, whenever -it was demanded of him; so that he was universally respected both at -court, in the city, and throughout the whole kingdom; and every body's -mouth was full of the praises he so highly deserved. - -Saouy was of a quite different character: he was always sullen and -morose, and treated every body after a disrespectful manner, without any -regard to their rank or quality; instead of making himself beloved and -admired for his riches, he was so perfect a miser, as to deny himself the -necessaries of life. In short, nobody could endure him; and if ever any -thing was said of him, to be sure it was something of ill. But what -increased the people's hatred against him the more was his implacable -aversion for Khacan; always interpreting in the worst sense the actions -of that worthy minister, and endeavouring to do him all the ill offices -imaginable with the king. - -One day, after council, the king of Balsora diverted himself with his two -viziers, and some other members of the council: they fell into discourse -about the women slaves, that with us are daily bought and sold, and are -almost reckoned in the same rank with our wives. Some were of opinion, -that it was enough if the slave that one bought was beautiful and well -shaped, to make us amends for the wives, which, very often, upon the -account of alliance or interest in families, we are forced to marry, who -are not always the greatest beauties, nor mistresses of any perfection, -either of mind or body. Others maintained, and amongst the rest Khacan, -that neither beauty, nor a thousand other charming perfections of the -body, were the only things to be coveted in a mistress; but they ought to -be accompanied with a great deal of wit, prudence, modesty, and -agreeableness; and, if possible, abundance of sense and penetration. The -reason they gave for it was, that nothing in the world could be more -agreeable to persons on whom the management of important affairs depend, -than, after having spent the day in that fatiguing employment, to have a -companion in their retirement whose conversation is not only agreeable, -but useful and diverting; for, in short, continued they, there is but -little difference between brutes and those men who keep a mistress only -to look upon her, and gratify a passion that we have in common with them. - -The king was entirely of their opinion who spoke last, and he quickly -gave some demonstration of it, by ordering Khacan to buy him a slave, one -that was a perfect beauty, mistress of all those qualifications they had -just mentioned, and especially very ingenious. - -Saouy, jealous of the honour the king had done Khacan, and vexed at his -being of a contrary opinion, Sir, says he, it will be very difficult to -find a slave so accomplished as to answer your majesty's demand; and, -should they light upon such a one, (as I scarce believe they will,) she -will be a cheap bargain at ten thousand pieces of gold. Saouy, replied -the king, I perceive plainly you think it too great a sum: it may be so -for you, though not for me. Then turning to the chief treasurer, he -ordered him to send the ten thousand pieces of gold to the vizier's -house. - -Khacan, as soon as he came home, sent for all the courtiers who used to -deal in women slaves, and strictly charged them, that, if ever they met -with a slave that answered the description he gave them, they should come -and acquaint him with it. The courtiers, partly to oblige the vizier, and -partly for their own interest, promised to use their utmost endeavours to -find out one to his liking. Accordingly there was scarce a day past but -they brought him one, yet he always found some fault or other with them. - -One day as Khacan was getting on horseback very early in the morning to -go to court, a courtier came to him, and, with a great deal of eagerness, -catching hold of the stirrup, told him there was a Persian merchant -arrived very late the day before, who had a slave to sell so surprisingly -beautiful, that she excelled all women that his eyes ever beheld; and, as -for her parts and learning, the merchant engaged she could cope with the -finest wits and the most knowing persons of the age. - -Khacan, overjoyed at this news, which made him hope for a favourable -reception at court, ordered him to bring the slave to his palace against -his coming back, and so continued his journey. - -The courtier failed not of being at the vizier's at the appointed hour; -and Khacan, finding the lovely slave so much beyond his expectation, -immediately gave her the name of the Fair Persian. As she had an infinite -deal of wit and learning, he soon perceived by her conversation that it -was in vain to search any farther for a slave that surpassed her in any -of those qualifications required by the king, and therefore he asked the -courtier at what rate the Persian merchant valued her. - -Sir, replied the courtier, he is a man of few words in bargaining, and he -tells me, that the very lowest rate he can part with her at, is ten -thousand pieces of gold: he has also sworn to me, that without reckoning -his pains and trouble from the time of his first taking care of her, he -has laid out pretty near the sum upon her education, on masters to -instruct and teach her, besides clothes and maintenance; and, as he -always thought her fit for a king, so from her very infancy, in which he -bought her, he has not been sparing in any thing that might contribute -towards advancing her to that high honour. She plays on all sorts of -instruments to perfection, she dances, sings, writes better than the most -celebrated authors, understands poetry; and, in short, there is scarce -any book but what she has read; so that there never was a slave of so -vast a capacity heard of before. - -The vizier Khacan, who understood the merit of the Fair Persian better -than the courtier, that only reported what he had heard from the -merchant, was unwilling to drive off the bargain to another time; and -therefore he sent one of his servants to look after the merchant, where -the courtier told him he was to be found. - -As soon as the Persian merchant came, It is not for myself, but the king, -says the vizier Khacan, that I buy your slave; but, however, you must let -him have her at a more reasonable price than what you have already set -upon her. - -Sir, replied the merchant, I should do myself an unspeakable honour in -offering her as a present to his majesty, were I able to make him one of -so inestimable a value. I barely ask no more than what her education and -breeding up has cost me; and all I have to say is, that I believe his -majesty will be extremely pleased with the purchase. - -The vizier Khacan would stand no longer bargaining with the merchant, but -paid him the money down immediately. Sir, says he to the vizier, upon -taking his leave of him, since the slave is designed for the king's use, -give me leave to tell you, that being extremely fatigued with our long -journey together, you see her at a great disadvantage; and though she has -not her equal in the world for beauty, yet if you please to keep her at -your own house but for a fortnight, and strive a little to please and -humour her, she will appear quite another creature: after that, you may -present her to the king with abundance of honour and credit; for which, I -doubt not but you will think yourself much obliged to me. The sun, you -see, has a little tarnished her complexion; but after two or three times -bathing, and when you have dressed her according to the fashion of your -country, she will appear to your eyes infinitely more charming than now. - -Khacan was mightily pleased with the advice the merchant gave him, and -was resolved to follow it. Accordingly the Fair Persian was lodged in a -particular apartment near his lady's, whom he desired to invite her to an -entertainment, and henceforth to treat her as a mistress designed for the -king: he also entreated his lady to get the richest clothes for her that -possibly could be had, and especially those that became her best. Before -he took his leave of the Fair Persian, he says, Your happiness, madam, -cannot be greater than what I am about to procure for you, since it is -for the king himself I have bought you; and I hope he will be better -pleased with the enjoyment of you, than I am in discharging the trust his -majesty has laid upon me: however, I think it my duty to warn you of my -son, who, though he has a tolerable share of wit, yet is a young, wanton, -forward youth; and therefore have a care how you suffer him to come near -you. The Fair Persian thanked him for his good advice; and after she had -given him an assurance of her intention to follow it, he withdrew. - -Noureddin, for so the vizier's son was named, had all the liberty -imaginable in his mother's apartment, with whom he usually ate: he was -very genteel, young, agreeable, and bold; and being master of abundance -of wit and readiness of expression, he had the art of persuading people -to whatever he pleased. He saw the Fair Persian; and from their first -interview, though he knew his father had bought her purposely for the -king, and he himself had declared the same, yet he never used the least -endeavour to put a stop to the violence of his passion. In short, he -resigned himself wholly to the power of her charms, by which his heart -was at first conquered: and being ravished with her conversation, he was -resolved to employ his utmost endeavours to get her from the king. - -On the other hand, the Fair Persian had no dislike to Noureddin. The -vizier, says she to herself, has done me a particular honour in buying me -for the king of Balsora; but I should have thought myself very happy if -he had designed me only for his son. - -Noureddin was not backward in making use of the advantage of seeing, -entertaining, and conversing with a beauty he was so passionately in love -with; for he would never leave her until his mother forced him to do it. -My son, she would say, it is not proper for a young man, as you are, to -be always amongst the ladies; go mind your studies, that in time you may -be worthy to succeed your father in his high posts and honours. - -It being a great while since the Fair Persian had bathed, on account of -her late fatiguing journey, the vizier's lady, five or six days after she -was bought, ordered a private bath in her own house to be got ready -purposely for her. She had a great many women slaves to wait upon her, -who were charged by the vizier's lady, to be as careful of her as of her -own person, and, after bathing, to put on her a very rich suit of clothes -that she had provided for her; and all this pains and care was taken -purely to ingratiate herself the more into her husband's affection, by -letting him see how much she concerned herself in every thing that -contributed to his pleasure. - -As soon as she came out of the bath, the Fair Persian, a thousand times -more beautiful than ever she appeared to Khacan when he bought her, went -to make a visit to his lady, who at first sight hardly knew her. After -having saluted her in a very graceful manner, Madam, says she, I know not -how you like me in this dress you have been pleased to order for me; but -your women, who tell me it becomes me so extremely well they should -scarce know me, are such gross flatterers, that it is from you alone I -expect to hear the truth: but, however, if what they say be really so, it -is to you entirely, madam, that I owe the advantage it has given me. - -Oh! my daughter, cries the vizier's lady, quite transported with joy, you -have no reason in the world to believe my women have flattered you: I am -better skilled in beauty than they are; and, setting aside your dress, -which becomes you admirably well, you appear so much handsomer than you -did before your bathing, that I hardly knew you myself: if I thought the -bath was yet hot enough, I would willingly take my turn, for I am now of -an age that requires frequent use of it. Madam, replies the Fair Persian, -I have nothing to say to the undeserved civilities you have been pleased -to show me; but, as for the bath, it is wonderfully fine; and if you -design to go in, you must be quick, for there is no time to be lost, as -your women can inform you as well as I. - -The vizier's lady, considering that she had not bathed for some days -past, was willing to make use of that opportunity; and accordingly she -acquainted her women with her intention, who immediately prepared all -things necessary on such an occasion. The Fair Persian withdrew to her -apartment; and the vizier's lady, before she went to bathe, ordered two -little slaves to stay with her, with a strict charge, that if Noureddin -came they should not give him admittance. - -While the vizier's lady was bathing, and the fair slave alone in her -apartment, in came Noureddin, and not finding his mother in her chamber, -went directly to the Fair Persian's, where he found the two little slaves -in the antechamber: he asked them where his mother was. They told him, in -the bath. Where is the Fair Persian, then? replied Noureddin. In her -chamber, answered the slaves; but we have positive orders from your -mother not to let you go in. - -The entrance into the Fair Persian's chamber being only covered with a -piece of tapestry, Noureddin went to lift it up in order to go in, but -was opposed by the two slaves, who clapped themselves just before it on -purpose to stop his passage: he presently caught hold of both their arms, -and thrusting them out of the antechamber, locked the door upon them. -Away they immediately ran with a great outcry to the bath, and with -weeping eyes told their lady that Noureddin, having driven them away by -force, had got into the Fair Persian's chamber. - -The vizier's lady received the astonishing news of her son's presumption -with the greatest concern that could be: she immediately left off -bathing, and dressing herself with all possible speed, came directly to -the Fair Persian's chamber; but before she could get thither, Noureddin -was fairly marched off. - -The Fair Persian was extremely surprised to see the vizier's lady enter -her chamber all in tears, and in the utmost confusion imaginable: Madam, -says she to her, may I presume to ask you the occasion of your concern; -and what accident has happened in the bath, that makes you leave it so -soon? - -What! cries the vizier's lady, can you so calmly ask that question, after -your entertaining my son Noureddin alone in your chamber? or can there -happen a greater misfortune either to him or me? - -I beseech you, madam, says the fair slave, what injury can this action of -Noureddin's do either to you or him? - -How! replied the vizier's lady, did not my husband tell you that you were -designed for the king, and sufficiently caution you to have a care of -Noureddin? - -I have not forgot it, madam, replied the Fair Persian; but your son came -to tell me the vizier his father had changed his mind, and, instead of -reserving me for the king, as he first designed, has made him a present -of my person. I easily believed him, madam; for oh! think how a slave as -I am, accustomed from my infant years to the bonds of servitude, could -have the heart and power to resist him! I must own I did it with the less -unwillingness on account of a violent passion for him, which the freedom -of conversation, and seeing one another daily, has raised in my soul. I -could freely lose the hopes of ever being the king's, and think myself -the happiest of creatures in spending my whole life with Noureddin. - -At this discourse of the Fair Persian's, Would to God, cries the vizier's -lady, that what you say were true! for then I should have no reason to be -concerned: but, believe me, Noureddin is an impostor, and you are -deceived; for it is impossible his father should ever make him the -present you spoke of. Ah! wretched youth, how miserable hast thou made -me, but more thy father, by the dismal consequences we must all expect to -share with him! Neither my prayers nor tears will be able to prevail, or -obtain a pardon for him; but, as soon as his father hears of his violence -to you, he will inevitably sacrifice him to his just resentment. At the -end of these words she fell a-weeping bitterly; and the slaves, who had -as tender a regard for Noureddin as herself, bore her company. - -A little after this, in came the vizier Khacan; and being mightily -surprised to find his lady and her slaves all in tears, and the Fair -Persian very melancholy, asked the reason of it; but they, instead of -answering him, kept on weeping and making hideous lamentations. He was -more astonished at this than he was before; at last, addressing himself -to his wife, I command you, says he, to let me know the occasion of your -tears, and to tell me the whole truth of the matter. - -The poor disconsolate lady being forced to satisfy her husband, Sir, says -she, you shall first promise not to use me unkindly upon the discovery of -what you are desirous to know, since I tell you beforehand that what has -happened has not been occasioned by any fault of mine. While I was -bathing with my women, continued she, your son, laying hold of that fatal -opportunity to ruin us both, came hither, and made the Fair Persian -believe that, instead of reserving her for the king, as you once -designed, you had given her to him as a present: I do not say he has done -this out of any ill design, but shall leave you to judge of it yourself. -It is upon your account, and his, for whom I want confidence to implore -your pardon, that I am so extremely concerned. - -It is impossible to express the vizier Khacan's distraction upon the -hearing of the insolence of his son Noureddin: Ah! cried he, beating his -breast, and tearing his beard, Miserable son! unworthy of life! hast thou -at last thrown thy father from the highest pinnacle of happiness into a -misfortune that must inevitably involve thee also in its ruin? Neither -will the king be satisfied with thy blood nor mine, but will revenge -himself after a more severe manner for the affront offered to his royal -person. - -His lady used her utmost endeavours to comfort and assuage his sorrow. -Concern yourself no more about the matter, my dear, said she; I will sell -part of my jewels for ten thousand pieces of gold, with which you may buy -another slave, handsomer, and more agreeable to the king's fancy than -this. - -Ah! replied the vizier, could you think me of so mean a spirit, as to be -so extremely afflicted at the losing ten thousand pieces of gold? It is -not that, nor the loss of all my goods, which I can easily part with; but -the forfeiting of my honour, more precious than all the riches in the -world, that torments and touches me so nearly. However, methinks, replied -the lady, this can be no very considerable damage, since it is in the -power of money to repair it. - -How! cried the vizier, you know Saouy is my mortal enemy; and as soon as -this affair comes to his knowledge, do you think he will not insult over -me, and mock my misfortunes before the king? Your majesty, he will say to -him, is always talking of Khacan's zeal and affection for your service: -but see what a proof he has lately given of his being worthy the respect -you have hitherto shown him. He has received ten thousand pieces of gold -to buy a slave with; and, to do him justice, he has honourably performed -that commission, in buying the most beautiful that ever eyes beheld; but, -instead of bringing her to your majesty, he has thought it better to make -a present of her to his son: Here, my son, said he, take this slave, -since thou art more worthy of her than the king. Then, with his usual -malice, will he go on: His son has her now entirely in his possession, -and every day revels in her arms, without the least disturbance: this, -sir, is the whole truth of the matter, that I have done myself the honour -of acquainting you with; and if your majesty questions the truth of it, -you may easily satisfy yourself. Do you not plainly see, my dear, -continued the vizier, how, upon such a malicious insinuation as this, I -am every moment liable to have my house forced open by the king's guards, -and the Fair Persian taken from me, besides a thousand other misfortunes -that will unavoidably follow? Sir, said the vizier's lady to her husband, -after he had finished his discourse, I am sensible the malice of Saouy is -very great, and that, if he has had but the least intimation of this -affair, he will certainly give it a turn very disadvantageous to your -interest: but how is it possible that he or any body else should come to -the knowledge of what has been privately transacted in your family? -Suppose it comes to the king's ear, and he should ask you about it, -cannot you say, that upon strict examination, you did not think the slave -so fit for his majesty's use as you did at the first view; that the -merchant has cheated you; that, indeed, she has a great deal of beauty, -but is nothing near so witty or agreeable as she was reported to be? The -king will certainly believe what you say, and Saouy be vexed to the soul -to see all his malicious designs of ruining you eternally disappointed. -Take courage, then, and, if you will follow my advice, send for all the -courtiers, tell them you do not like the Fair Persian, and order them to -be as expeditious as possible in getting another slave. - -The vizier Khacan, highly approving of this advice, was resolved to make -use of it; and though his passion began to cool a little, yet his -indignation against his son Noureddin was not in the least abated. - -Noureddin came not in sight all that day; and, not daring to hide himself -among his companions, lest his father should search their houses for him, -he went a little way out of town, and took sanctuary in a garden where he -had never been before, and where his person was utterly unknown. It was -very late when he came back, being willing to stay till his father was -a-bed, and then his mother's women opening the door very softly, let him -in without any manner of noise. The next morning he went out before his -father was stirring; and thus for a whole month was he put to his shifts, -which was a terrible mortification to him. Indeed the women never -flattered him, but told him plainly his father's anger was as great as -ever, and if he came in his sight he would certainly kill him. - -Though the vizier's lady was informed by her women of Noureddin's lying -every night in the house, yet she durst not presume to entreat her -husband to pardon him. At last, one day, says she to him; I have hitherto -been silent, not daring to take the liberty of talking to you about your -son; but now give me leave to ask you what you design to do with him. -Indeed it is impossible for a son to be more criminal towards a father -than Noureddin has been towards you; he has robbed you of the honour and -satisfaction of presenting the king with a slave so accomplished as the -Fair Persian: but, after all, are you absolutely resolved to destroy him; -and, instead of a light evil, draw upon yourself a far greater than -perhaps you imagine at present? Are you not afraid that the world, which -spitefully inquires after the reason of your son's absconding, should -find out the true cause which you are so desirous of keeping secret? and -if that should happen, you would justly fall into a misfortune which it -is so much your interest to avoid. - -Madam, said the vizier, there is abundance of sound reasoning in what you -have urged: however, I cannot think of pardoning Noureddin till I have -humbled him a little more. He shall be sufficiently mortified, replied -the lady, if you will put in execution what is just come into my mind. -You must know, then, your son comes hither every night after you are -a-bed; he lies here, and steals out every morning before you are -stirring: you shall wait for his coming in to-night; make as if you -designed to kill him; upon which I will run to his assistance, and when -he finds his life entirely owing to my prayers and entreaties, you may -oblige him to take the Fair Persian on what condition soever you please. -He loves her, and I am sensible the fair slave has no aversion for him. - -Khacan was very willing to make use of this stratagem: so, when Noureddin -came at the usual hour, before the door was opened, he placed himself -behind it: as soon as ever he entered, he rushed suddenly upon him, and -got him down under his feet. Noureddin, lifting up his head, saw his -father with a dagger in his hand, ready prepared to stab him. - -At that very instant, in came his mother, and, catching hold of the -vizier's arm, Sir, cried she, what are you a-doing? Let me alone, replied -the vizier, that I may kill this base unworthy son. You shall kill me -first, cried the mother; nor will I suffer you to imbrue your hands in -your own blood: speak to him, Noureddin, speak to him, and improve this -tender moment. My father, cried he, with tears in his eyes, I implore -your clemency and compassion; nor must you deny me pardon, since I ask it -in His name before whom we must all appear at the last day. - -Khacan suffered the poniard to be taken out of his hand; and as soon as -Noureddin was released, he threw himself at his father's feet, and kissed -them, to show how sincerely he repented of his having ever offended him. -Noureddin, said he, return your mother thanks, since it is purely for her -sake I pardon you. I design also to give you the Fair Persian, on -condition that you will oblige yourself by an oath not to look upon her -any longer as a slave, but as your wife, that you will not sell her, nor -ever be divorced from her; for, having abundance of wit and prudence, -besides much better conduct than you, I am persuaded she will be able to -moderate those rash sallies of youth which are enough to ruin you. - -Noureddin, who little expected to be treated after so kind and indulgent -a manner, returned his father a thousand thanks, with all the gratitude -and sincerity imaginable; and, in the conclusion, the vizier, the Fair -Persian, and he, were well pleased and satisfied with the match. - -The vizier Khacan would not stay in expectation of the king's asking him -about the order he had given him, but took particular care to mention it -often, in representing to his majesty the many difficulties he met with -in that affair, and how fearful he was of not acquitting himself to his -majesty's satisfaction. In short, he managed the business with so much -cunning and address, that the king insensibly forgot it; and, though -Saouy had got some small information of the matter, yet Khacan was so -much in the king's favour, that he was afraid to speak of it. - -It was now above a year that this nice affair had been kept with greater -secrecy than at first the vizier expected; when, being one day in the -bath, and some important business obliging him to leave it all in a -sweat, the air, which was then a little moist, struck a damp to his -breast, caused a defluxion of rheum to fall upon his lungs, which threw -him into a violent fever, and confined him to his bed. His illness -growing every day worse, and perceiving he had but a few moments to live, -he thus addressed himself to his son Noureddin, who never stirred from -him during his whole sickness: My son, I know not whether I have made a -good use of the riches Heaven has blessed me with, but you see they are -not able to save me from the hands of death: the last thing I desire of -you, with my dying breath, is, that you would be mindful of the promise -you made concerning the Fair Persian; and, with a certainty of that, I -shall die pleased and well contented. - -These were the vizier's last words; who, dying a few moments after, left -his family, the court, and the whole city in great affliction for his -death. The king lamented him, as having lost a wise, zealous, and -faithful minister; and the whole city wept for him as their protector and -benefactor. Never was there a funeral at Balsora solemnized with greater -pomp and magnificence; the viziers and emirs, and, in general, all the -grandees of the court, strove for the honour of bearing his coffin, one -after another, upon their shoulders to the place of burial; and both rich -and poor accompanied him thither with tears. - -Noureddin gave all the demonstration of a sorrow equal to the loss he had -lately sustained, and lived a great while without ever seeing any -company. At last, he admitted of a visit from an intimate friend of his. -His friend endeavoured to comfort him all he could; and, finding him a -little inclinable to hear reason, he told him, that, having paid what was -due to the memory of his father, and fully satisfied all that custom and -decency required of him, it was now high time to appear again in the -world to converse with his friends, and maintain a character suitable to -his birth and merit: For, continued he, we should sin both against the -laws of nature and civility, and be thought insensible, if, upon the -death of our fathers, we neglected to pay them what filial love and -tenderness require at our hands; but having once performed that duty, and -put it out of the power of any man to reproach us upon that account, we -are obliged to return to our usual method of living. Dry up your tears -then, and re-assume that wonted air of gaiety which always inspires with -joy those that have the honour of your conversation. - -This advice seeming very reasonable to Noureddin, he was easily persuaded -to follow it; and, if he had been ruled by his friend in every thing, he -would certainly have avoided all the misfortunes that afterwards befell -him. He treated him very nobly; and, when he took his leave, Noureddin -desired him to come the next day, and bring three or four friends of -their acquaintance. By this means he insensibly fell into the society of -about ten young gentlemen, pretty near his own age, with whom he spent -his time in continual feasting and entertainments; and scarce a day came -over his head but he made every one of them some considerable present. - -Sometimes, to oblige his friends after a more particular manner, -Noureddin would send for the Fair Persian to entertain them; who, -notwithstanding her obedience to his command, never approved of his -extravagant way of living, and often took the liberty of speaking her -mind freely. Sir, said she, I question not but your father has left you -abundance of riches; but, how great soever they are, be not angry with -your slave for telling you that, at this rate of living, you will quickly -see an end of them. We may indeed sometimes afford to treat our friends, -and be merry with them; but, to make a daily practice of it, is certainly -the high road to ruin and destruction. Therefore, for your own honour and -reputation, you would do much better to follow the footsteps of your -deceased father, that, in time, you may rise to that dignity by which he -acquired so much glory and renown. - -Noureddin hearkened to the fair Persian's discourse with a smiling -countenance; and, when she had done, My charmer, said he, with the same -air of mirth, say no more of that; let us talk of nothing but mirth and -pleasure. In my father's lifetime I was always under restraint, and I am -now resolved to enjoy the liberty I so much sighed for before his death. -It is time enough for me to think of leading a sober regular life; and a -man of my age ought to taste the pleasures of youth. - -What contributed very much towards ruining Noureddin's fortune, was his -unwillingness to reckon with his steward; for, whenever he brought in his -accounts, he still sent him away without examining them. Go, go, said he, -I trust wholly to your honesty; therefore only take care to let me have -wherewith to make merry. - -You are the master, sir, replied he, and I but the steward; however, you -would do well to think upon the proverb, He that spends much and has but -little, must at last insensibly be reduced to poverty. You are not -contented with keeping an extravagant table, but you must lavish away -your estate with both hands: and were your coffers as large as mountains, -they would not be sufficient to maintain you. Begone, replied Noureddin; -your grave lessons are needless; only take care to provide good eating -and drinking, and trouble your head no farther about the rest. - -In the mean time Noureddin's friends were constant guests at his table, -and never failed making some advantage of the easiness of his temper. -They praised and flattered him, extolling his most indifferent actions to -the very skies. But, above all, they took particular care to commend -whatever belonged to him and his; and this, they found, turned to some -account. Sir, says one of them, I came the other day by your estate that -lies in such a place: certainly there is nothing so magnificent, or so -handsomely furnished, as your house; and the garden belonging to it is a -paradise upon earth. I am very glad it pleases you, says Noureddin. Here, -bring me pen, ink, and paper: but, without more words, it is at your -service, and I make you a present of it. No sooner had others commended -his house, baths, and some public buildings erected for the use of -strangers, the yearly revenue of which was very considerable, than he -immediately gave them away. The Fair Persian could not forbear letting -him know how much injury he did himself; but, instead of taking any -notice of it, he continued his extravagances, and, upon the first -opportunity, squandered away the little he had left. - -In short, Noureddin did nothing for a whole year together, but feasted -and made himself merry, wasting and consuming, after a prodigal manner, -the riches that his predecessors, and the good vizier his father, had, -with so much pains and care, heaped together and preserved. - -The year was but just expired, when somebody one day knocked at the hall -door, where he and his friends were at dinner together by themselves, -having sent away their slaves, that they might enjoy a greater liberty -and freedom of conversation. - -One of his friends offered to rise, but Noureddin stepped before him, and -opened the door himself. It seems it was the steward; and Noureddin going -a little out of the hall to know his business, left the door half open. - -The friend that offered to rise from his seat, seeing it was the steward, -and being somewhat curious to know what he had to say to Noureddin, -placed himself between the hangings and the door, where he plainly -overheard the steward's discourse to his master. Sir, said the steward, I -ask a thousand pardons for my coming to disturb you in the height of your -joys; but this affair is of such importance, that I thought myself bound -in duty to acquaint you with it. I come, sir, to make up my last -accounts, and to tell you that what I all along foresaw, and have often -warned you of, is at last come to pass. Behold, sir, says he, (showing -him a small piece of money,) the remainder of all the sums I have -received from you during my stewardship; the other funds you were pleased -to assign me are all exhausted. The farmers, and those that owe you rent, -have made it so plainly appear to me that you have assigned over to -others whatever remains in their hands due to you, that it is impossible -for me to get any more from them upon your account. Here are my books; if -you please, examine them: and if you think fit to continue me in the -place I am now in, order me some other funds, or else give me leave to -quit your service. Noureddin was so astonished at this discourse, that he -gave him no manner of answer. - -The friend who had been listening all this while, and had heard every -syllable of what the steward said, immediately came in and told the -company what he had lately overheard. It is your business, gentlemen, -says he, to make use of this caution; for my part, I declare it openly to -you, this is the last visit I design to make Noureddin. Nay, replied -they, if matters go thus, we have as little business here as you; and, -for the future, shall take care not to trouble him with our company. - -Noureddin returned presently after; yet, notwithstanding his carrying it -pleasantly to his guests, by putting them into a merry humour again, he -could not so handsomely dissemble the matter but they plainly perceived -the truth of what they had been informed of. He was scarce sat down in -his place, when one of his friends rose up, saying, Sir, I am sorry I -cannot have the honour of your company any longer; and, therefore, I hope -you will excuse my rudeness of leaving you so soon. What urgent affair -have you, replied Noureddin, that obliges you to be going? My wife, sir, -said he, was brought to bed to-day, and upon such an occasion, you know a -husband's company is very acceptable; so, making a very low bow, away he -went. A minute afterwards, a second took his leave upon another sham -excuse; and so one after another, till at last not one of those ten -friends that had hitherto kept Noureddin company, was left in the room. - -As soon as they were gone, Noureddin, little suspecting the resolution -they had made of never visiting him, went directly to the Fair Persian's -apartment, to whom, in private, he related all the steward had told him, -and seemed extremely concerned at the ill posture of his affairs. Sir, -said the Fair Persian to him, you would never take my advice, but always -managed your concerns after your own way, and now you see the fatal -consequences of it. I find I was not mistaken, when I presaged to what a -miserable condition you would bring yourself at last; but what afflicts -me the more, is, that at present you do not see the worst of your -misfortunes. Whenever I presumed freely to impart my thoughts to you, Let -us be merry, said you, and in pleasures improve the time that fortune has -kindly given us; perhaps she will not always be so prodigal of her -favours. But was I now to blame in telling you that we are the makers or -undoers of our own fortunes, by a prudent or foolish management of them? -You indeed would never hearken to me; so, at last, much against my will, -I was forced to desist, and let you alone. - -I must own, replied Noureddin, I was extremely in the wrong in not -following the advice that you, out of your abundance of prudence and -discretion, was pleased to give me. It is true I have spent my estate; -but do you not consider it is among friends of a long acquaintance, who, -I am persuaded, have more generosity and gratitude in them than to -abandon and forsake me in distress? Sir, replied the Fair Persian, if you -have nothing but the gratitude of your friends to depend on, you are in a -desperate condition; for, believe me, that hope is vain and ill-grounded, -and you will tell me so yourself in a very little time. - -To this Noureddin replied, Charming Persian, I have a much better opinion -of my friends' generosity than you. To-morrow I design to make a visit to -them all, before the usual time of their coming hither, and you shall see -me return with a vast sum, that they will raise among them to support me. -I am resolved to change my way of living, and, with the money they lend -me, set up for a merchant. - -The next morning, Noureddin failed not to visit his ten friends, who -lived in the very same street. He knocked at the first door he came at, -where one of the richest of them lived. A slave came to the door; but, -before he would open it, he asked who was there? Go to your master, says -he to the slave, and tell him it is Noureddin, the late vizier's son. -Upon this the slave opens the door, and shows him into a hall, where he -left him to go and tell his master, who was in an inner room, that -Noureddin was come to wait on him. Noureddin! cried he, in a disdainful -tone, loud enough for Noureddin to hear it with surprise. Go, tell him I -am not at home; and whenever he comes hither, be sure you give him the -same answer. The slave came back, and told Noureddin he thought his -master was within, but he was mistaken. - -Noureddin came away in the greatest confusion in the world. Ah! base, -ungrateful wretch! said he to himself, to treat me so basely to-day, -after the vows and protestations of love and friendship that you made me -yesterday! From thence he went to another door, but that friend ordered -his slaves also to say he was gone out. He had the same answer at the -third; and, in short, all the rest denied themselves, though every one of -them was at home at the same time. - -It was now that Noureddin began in earnest to reflect with himself, and -be convinced of the folly of his too credulous temper, in relying so much -upon the vows and protestations of amity, that his false friends in the -time of his prosperity had solemnly made him. It is very true, said he to -himself, that a fortunate man, as I was, may be compared to a tree laden -with fruit, which, as long as there is any remaining on its boughs, -people will be crowding round; but, as soon as it is stripped of all, -they immediately leave it, and go to another. He smothered his passions -as much as possible while he was abroad; but, no sooner was he got home, -than he gave loose to his sorrow, and resigned himself wholly to it. - -The Fair Persian, seeing him so extremely concerned, fancied he had not -found his friends so ready to assist him as he expected. Well, sir, said -she, are you now convinced of the truth of what I told you? Ah! cried he, -my dear, thou hast been too true a prophetess; for not one of them would -so much as know me, see me, or speak to me. Oh! who could ever have -believed that persons so highly obliged to me as they are, and on whom I -have spent my estate, could ever have used me so barbarously? I am -distracted, and I fear committing some dishonourable action, below -myself, in the deplorable condition I am reduced to, without the aid and -assistance of your prudent advice. Sir, replied the Fair Persian, I see -no other way of supporting yourself in your misfortunes, but selling off -your slaves and moveables, and living upon the money, till Heaven shall -find out some other means to deliver you from your present misery. - -Noureddin was very loath to make use of this expedient; but what could he -do in the necessitous circumstance he was in? He first sold off his -slaves; those unprofitable mouths, which were a greater expense to him -than what his present condition could bear. He lived on the money for -some time; and when all of it was spent, he ordered his goods to be -carried into the market-place, where they were sold for half their worth; -among which were several valuable things that cost immense sums. Upon -this he lived for a considerable time: but that supply failing at last, -he had nothing at all left by which he could raise any more money; of -which he complained to the Fair Persian in the most tender expressions -that sorrow could inspire. - -Noureddin only waited to hear what answer this prudent creature would -make. Sir, said she, at last, I am your slave, and you know that the late -vizier your father gave ten thousand pieces of gold for me: perhaps I am -a little sunk in value since that time, but I believe I shall sell for -pretty near that sum yet. Let me entreat you then instantly to carry me -to the market, and expose me to sale; and with the money that you get for -me, which will be very considerable, you may turn merchant in some city -where you are unknown, and by that means find a way of living, if not in -splendour, yet with happiness and content. - - - THE STORY OF NOUREDDIN AND THE FAIR PERSIAN CONTINUED. - -Ah! lovely and adorable Persian, cried Noureddin, is it possible you can -entertain such a thought of me? Have I given you such slender proofs of -my love, that you should think me capable of so base an action? But -suppose me so vile a wretch, could I do it without being guilty of -perjury, after the oath I have taken never to sell you? No, I could -sooner die than part with you, whom I love infinitely beyond myself; -though by the unreasonable proposition you have made me, it is plain your -love is not so tender as mine. - -Sir, replied the Fair Persian, I am sufficiently convinced that your -passion for me is as violent as you say it is; and Heaven, who knows with -what reluctance I have made this proposition that you dislike, is my -witness, that mine is as great as yours; but, to silence reason at once, -I need only bid you remember that necessity has no law. I love you to -that degree, it is impossible for you to love me more: and be assured, -that to what master soever I shall belong, my passion shall always -continue the same: and if you are ever able to redeem me, as I hope you -may, it will be the greatest pleasure in the world to be in your -possession again. Alas! to what a fatal and cruel necessity are we -driven! But I see no other way of freeing ourselves from the misery that -involves us both. - -Noureddin, who very well knew the truth of what the Fair Persian had -spoken, and that there was no other way of avoiding a shameful poverty, -was in the end forced to yield to her first request. Accordingly he led -her to the market, where the women-slaves are exposed to sale, with a -regret that cannot be easily expressed. He applied himself to a courtier -named Hagi Hassan: Hagi Hassan, said he, here is a slave that I have a -mind to sell; I pray thee to see what they will give for her. Hagi Hassan -desired Noureddin and the Fair Persian to walk into a room; and when she -had pulled off the veil that covered her face, Sir, said Hagi Hassan to -Noureddin, in a great surprise, if I am not mistaken, this is the slave -your father, the late vizier, gave ten thousand pieces of gold for? -Noureddin assured him it was the same; and Hagi Hassan gave him some -hopes of selling her at a good rate, and promised to use all his art and -cunning to raise her price as high as it would bear. - -Hagi Hassan and Noureddin went out of the room, and locked the Fair -Persian in; after which Hagi Hassan went to look after the merchants; but -they being busy in buying slaves that came from different countries, he -was forced to stay till the market was done. When their sale was over, -and the greatest part of them got together, My masters, said he to them, -with an air of gaiety in his looks and actions, every thing that is round -is not a nut; every thing that is long is not a fig; all that is red is -not flesh; and all eggs are not fresh. It is true you have seen and -bought a great many slaves in your lives, but you never yet saw one -comparable to her I am going to tell you of; in short, she is the very -pearl of slaves. Come, follow me, and you shall see her yourselves, and -by that judge at what rate I shall cry her. - -The merchants followed Hagi Hassan into the chamber where the Fair -Persian was; and, as soon as they beheld her, they were so surprised at -her beauty, that at the first word they unanimously agreed that four -thousand pieces of gold was the very lowest price that they could set -upon her. The merchants then left the room, and Hagi Hassan, who came out -with them, without going any farther, proclaimed with a loud voice, Four -thousand pieces of gold for the Persian slave. - -None of the merchants had yet offered any thing, and they were but just -consulting together about what they might afford to give for her, when -the vizier Saouy, perceiving Noureddin in the market, appeared. Said he -to himself, Noureddin has certainly made some more money of his goods, -(for he knew of his exposing them to sale,) and is come hither to buy a -slave with it. Upon this he advanced forward just as Hagi Hassan began to -proclaim a second time, Four thousand pieces of gold for the Persian -slave. - -The vizier Saouy, concluding by the extravagance of the price, that she -must be some extraordinary piece of beauty, had a longing desire to see -her; so spurring his horse forward, he rode directly up to Hagi Hassan, -who was in the very middle of the merchants. Open the door, said he, and -let me see this slave. It was never the custom to show their slaves to -any particular person, till after the merchants had seen her, and had the -refusal: but Saouy being a person of so great authority, none of them -durst dispute their right with him; and Hagi Hassan being forced to open -the door, beckoned the fair slave to come forward, that Saouy might have -a sight of her without the trouble of alighting from his horse. - -The vizier was astonished at the sight of so beautiful a slave; and -knowing the courtier's name, (having formerly dealt with him,) Hagi -Hassan, said he, is it not at four thousand pieces of gold that you cry -her? Yes, sir, answered he, it is but a moment since I cried her at that -price, and the merchants you see gathered together here are come to bid -money for her; and I question not but they will give a great deal more -than that. - -If nobody offers any higher, I will give that sum, replied Saouy, looking -upon the merchants at the same time with a countenance that forbade them -to advance any more. In short, he was so universally dreaded, that nobody -durst speak a word, not so much as to complain of his encroaching upon -their privilege. - -The vizier Saouy having staid some time, and finding none of the -merchants outbid him, What do you stay for? said he to Hagi Hassan: go, -look after the seller, and strike a bargain with him at four thousand -pieces of gold, or more if he demands it; not knowing yet the slave -belonged to Noureddin. - -Hagi Hassan having locked the chamber-door, went to confer notes with -Noureddin: Sir, said he to him, I am very sorry to bring you the ill news -of your slave's being just going to be sold for nothing. How so? replied -Noureddin. Why sir, said Hagi Hassan, you must know that the business at -first went on rarely; for, as soon as the merchants had seen your slave, -they ordered me to cry her at four thousand pieces of gold. Accordingly I -cried her at the price; upon which the vizier Saouy came, and his -presence has stopped the mouths of all the merchants, who seemed -inclinable to raise her, at least to the same price your deceased father -gave for her. Saouy will give no more than four thousand pieces, and it -is much against my inclination that I am come to tell you the despicable -price he offers. The slave indeed is your own; but I will not advise you -to part with her upon those terms, since you and every body else are -sensible of her being worth infinitely more: besides, he is base enough -to contrive a way to trick you out of the money. - -Hagi Hassan, replied Noureddin, I am highly obliged to thee for thy -advice; but do not think I will ever sell my slave to an enemy of our -family. My necessities indeed are at present very great, but I would -sooner die in the most shameful poverty, than ever consent to the -delivering her up to his arms. I have only one thing to beg of thee, who -art skilful in all the turns and shifts of life, that thou wouldst put me -in a way to prevent the sale of her. - -Sir, said Hagi Hassan, there is nothing more easy: you must pretend, -that, being in a violent passion with your slave, you swore to expose her -in the market, and for the sake of your oath you have now brought her -hither, without any manner of intention of selling her. This will satisfy -every body, and Saouy will have nothing to say against it. Come along -with me then; and just as I am presenting her to Saouy, as if it were by -your own consent, pull her to you, give her two or three blows, and send -her home. I thank thee for thy counsel, said Noureddin, and thou shalt -see I will make use of it. - -Hagi Hassan went back to the chamber, and having in two words acquainted -the Fair Persian with their design, that she might not be surprised at -it, he took her by the hand, and led her to the vizier Saouy, who was -still, on horseback at the door: Sir, said he, here is the slave: she is -yours; pray take her. - -These words were scarce out of Hagi Hassan's mouth, when Noureddin, -catching hold of the Fair Persian, pulled her to him, and giving her a -box on the ear, Come hither, impertinence, said he, and get you home -again; for though your ill humour obliged me to swear I would bring you -hither, yet I never intended to sell you; I have business for you to do -yet, and it will be time enough to part with you when I have nothing else -left. - -This action of Noureddin's put the vizier Saouy into a violent passion. -Miserable debauchee, cried he, wouldst thou have me believe thou hast any -thing else left to make money of but thy slave? And at the same instant, -spurring his horse directly against him, endeavoured to have carried off -the Fair Persian. Noureddin, nettled to the quick at the affront the -vizier had put upon him, quits the Fair Persian, and, laying hold of his -horse's bridle, made him run two or three paces backwards. Vile dotard, -said he to the vizier, I would tear thy soul out of thy body this very -moment, were it not for the crowd of people here present. - -The vizier Saouy being loved by nobody, but, on the contrary, hated by -all, there was not one among them but was now pleased to see Noureddin -mortifying him a little; and, by shrewd signs, they let him understand he -might revenge himself upon him as much as he pleased, for nobody would -meddle with their quarrel. - -Saouy endeavoured all he could to make Noureddin quit the bridle; but he -being a lusty vigorous man, and encouraged by those that stood by, pulled -him off his horse, in the middle of a brook, gave him a thousand blows, -and dashed his head against the stones till it was all of a gore of -blood. The slaves that waited upon the vizier would fain have drawn their -scimitars and fallen upon Noureddin, but the merchants interposing -prevented them from doing it. What do you mean? said they to them; do not -you see the one is a vizier, and the other a vizier's son? Let them -dispute their quarrel themselves; perhaps they will be reconciled one -time or other; whereas, if you had killed Noureddin, your master, with -all his greatness, could not have been able to protect you against the -law. - -Noureddin having given over beating the vizier Saouy, left him in the -middle of the brook, and taking the Fair Persian, marched home with her, -being attended by the people with shouts and acclamations for the action -he had performed. - -The vizier Saouy, cruelly bruised with the strokes he had received, by -the assistance of his slaves made shift to get up, and had the -mortification to see himself besmeared all over with blood and dirt. He -leaned upon the shoulders of two slaves, and in that condition went -straight to the palace, in the sight of all the people, with so much -greater confusion because nobody pitied him. As soon as he reached the -king's apartment, he began to cry out, and call for justice, after a -lamentable manner. The king ordered him to be admitted; and as soon as he -came, he asked him who it was that had abused and put him into that -miserable pickle. Sir, cried Saouy, your majesty ought to afford me a -large share of your favour, and to take into your royal consideration my -late abuse, since it was chiefly upon your account that I have been so -barbarously treated. Say no more of that, replied the king, but let me -hear the whole story, simply as it is, and who the offender is; and if he -is in the wrong, you may depend upon it he shall be severely punished. - -Sir, said Saouy then, telling the whole matter to his own advantage, -having an occasion for a cook-maid, I went to the market of women-slaves -to buy me one. When I came thither, there was a slave just cried at four -thousand pieces of gold: I ordered them to bring the slave before me, and -I think my eyes never did, nor ever will, behold a more glorious creature -than she is. I had not time to examine her beauty thoroughly: but, -however, I immediately asked to whom she belonged; and upon inquiry I -found that Noureddin, son to the late vizier Khacan, had the disposing of -her. - -Sir, you may remember that, about two or three years ago, you gave that -vizier ten thousand pieces of gold, strictly charging him to buy you a -slave with it. The money indeed was laid out upon this very slave; but -instead of bringing her to your majesty, thinking his son deserved her -better, he made him a present of her. Noureddin, since his father's -death, having wasted his whole fortune in riot and feasting, has nothing -left but this slave, which he intended to part with, and therefore she -was to be sold in his name. I sent for him, and without mentioning any -thing of his father's baseness, or rather treachery, to your majesty, I -very civilly said to him, Noureddin, the merchants, I perceive, have put -your slave up at four thousand pieces of gold; and I question not but, in -emulation of each other, they will raise the price considerably: let me -have her for the four thousand pieces; I am going to buy her for the -king, our lord and master: this will be a handsome opportunity of making -your court to him, and his favour will be worth a great deal more than -the merchants can propose to give you. - -Instead of returning me a civil answer, as in good manners he ought to -have done, the insolent wretch beholding me with an air of fierceness, -Decrepit villain, said he, I would rather sell my slave to a Jew for -nothing than to thee for money. Noureddin, replied I, without any manner -of passion, though I had some reason to be a little warm, you do not -consider that in talking at this rate you affront the king, who has -raised your father and me to the honours we have enjoyed. - -This admonition, instead of moving him to a compliance, provoked him to a -higher degree; so that, falling upon me like a madman, he pulled me off -my horse, beat me as long as he could stand over me, and has put me into -this miserable plight your majesty sees me in; and therefore I beseech -you, sir, to consider me, since it is upon your account I have been so -openly affronted. At the end of these words, he bowed his head, and -turning about, wept a plentiful shower of tears. - -The abused king, highly incensed against Noureddin by this relation, full -of malice and artifice, discovered by his countenance the violence of his -anger; and, turning to the captain of his guards that stood near him, -Take forty of your soldiers, said he, and immediately go plunder -Noureddin's house; and, having ordered it to be razed to the ground, -bring him and his slave along with you. - -The captain of the guards was not gone out of the king's presence, when a -gentleman-usher belonging to the court, who overheard the order that had -been given, got before him. His name was Sangiar, and he had been -formerly the vizier Khacan's slave, by whose favour he was brought into -the court service, where by degrees he was advanced higher. - -Sangiar, full of gratitude to his old master, and affection for -Noureddin, with whom in his infancy he had often played, and being no -stranger to Saouy's hatred to Khacan's family, could not hear the orders -without concern and trembling. May be, said he to himself, this action of -Noureddin's is not altogether so black as Saouy has represented it; but, -however, the king is prejudiced against him, and will certainly put him -to death without allowing him time to justify himself. - -Sangiar made so much haste to Noureddin's house, as to get thither time -enough to acquaint him with what had passed at court, and to desire him -to provide for his own and the Fair Persian's safety. He knocked so -violently loud at the door, that Noureddin, who had been a great while -without any servant, ran immediately to open it: My dear lord, said -Sangiar, here is no more staying for you in Balsora: if you design to -save yourself, you must lose no time, but depart hence this very moment. - -Why so? replied Noureddin; what is the reason I must be gone so soon? Ah! -sir, said Sangiar, make haste away, and take your slave with you; for, in -short, Saouy has been just now acquainting the king, after his own way of -telling it, all that happened between you and him; and the captain of the -guards will be here in an instant, with forty soldiers, and seize you and -the Fair Persian. Here, sir, take these forty pieces of gold; it is all I -have about me, to assist you in finding out some other place of safety. -Excuse my not staying any longer with you: I leave you with a great deal -of unwillingness; but I do it for the good of us both. I have so much -interest with the captain of the guards, that he will take no notice of -me. Sangiar gave Noureddin but just time to thank him, and away he went. - -Noureddin presently acquainted the Fair Persian with the absolute -necessity of their going that moment. She only staid to put on her veil, -and then they both stole out of the house together, and were so very -lucky, as not only to get clear of the city, without the least notice -being taken of their escape, but also safely to arrive at the mouth of -the Euphrates, where they embarked in a vessel that lay ready to weigh -anchor. - -They were no sooner on ship-board than the captain came upon deck amongst -his passengers: My children, said he to them, are you all here? have any -of you any more business to do in the city? or have you left any thing -behind you? They answered him they were all there, and ready prepared; so -that he might set sail as soon as he pleased. When Noureddin came aboard, -the first question he asked was, whither the ship was bound? and being -told for Bagdad, he greatly rejoiced at it. And now the captain having -weighed anchor, set sail, and the vessel with a very favourable wind lost -sight of Balsora. - -But now let us see how matters went at Balsora, in the mean time, while -Noureddin and the Fair Persian made their escape from the fury of the -enraged king. - -The captain of the guards came to Noureddin's house and knocked at the -door, but nobody coming to open it, he ordered his soldiers to break it -down, who immediately obeyed him, and in they rushed in a full body. They -searched every hole and corner of the house, but neither he nor the Fair -Persian were to be found. The captain of the guards made them inquire of -the neighbours, and he asked himself if they had seen them lately: it was -all in vain; for, though they had seen him go out of his house, so -universally beloved was Noureddin, that not one of them would have said -the least word that might be injurious to him. As soon as they had rifled -the house and levelled it to the ground, they went to acquaint the king -with the news. Look for them, said he, in some other places, for I am -resolved to have them found. - -The captain of the guards made a second search after them; and the king -dismissed the vizier Saouy with a great deal of honour. Go home, said he -to him; trouble yourself no farther with Noureddin's punishment; for with -my own hand I will revenge the insolence he has offered your person. - -Without any farther delay, the king ordered the public criers to proclaim -throughout the whole city a reward of a thousand pieces of gold for any -person that should apprehend Noureddin and the Fair Persian, with a -severe punishment upon whomsoever should conceal them. But after all this -pains and trouble, there was no news to be heard of them; and the vizier -Saouy had only the comfort of seeing the king espouse his quarrel. - -In the mean time, Noureddin and the Fair Persian, after a prosperous -voyage, landed safe at Bagdad. As soon as the captain came within sight -of that city, pleased that his voyage was at an end, Children, cried he -to the passengers, cheer up, and be merry! look, yonder is that great and -wonderful city, where there is perpetual concourse of people from all -parts of the world: there you shall meet with innumerable crowds every -day, and never feel the extremity of cold in winter, nor the excess of -heat in summer; but enjoy an eternal spring, always crowned with flowers, -and the delicious fruits of autumn. - -When the vessel came to anchor a little below the city, the passengers -got ashore, and every body went to the place they designed to lie at that -night. Noureddin gave the captain five pieces of gold for his passage, -and went ashore also with the Fair Persian; but being a perfect stranger -in Bagdad, he was at a loss for a lodging. They rambled a considerable -time about the gardens that bordered on the Tigris; and, keeping close to -one of them that was enclosed with a very high wall, at the end of it -they turned into a street finely paved, where they perceived a garden -door, and a charming fountain near it. - -The door, which was very magnificent, happened to be shut, but the porch -was open, in which there stood a sofa on each side. This is a very -convenient place for us, said Noureddin to the Fair Persian: night comes -on apace; and though we have eaten nothing since our landing, yet I -believe we must even lie here to-night, and to-morrow we shall have time -enough to get a lodging; what say ye to it, my dear? Sir, replied the -Fair Persian, you know very well I am never against what you propose; -therefore let us go no farther, since you are willing to stay here. Each -of them having drunk a draught of water at the fountain, they laid -themselves down upon one of the sofas; and, after a little chat, being -invited by the agreeable murmur of the water, they fell fast asleep. - -The garden, it seems, belonged to the caliph; and in the middle of it -there was a pavilion, called the Pavilion of Pictures, because its chief -ornament was pictures, after the Persian manner, drawn by the most -celebrated limners in Persia, whom the caliph sent for on purpose. The -stately hall beneath this pavilion was adorned with fourscore windows, -and in every window a branched candlestick. The candles were never -lighted but when the caliph came thither to spend the evening, which was -never but when the weather was so very calm that not a breath of air was -stirring. Then, indeed, they made a glorious illumination, and could be -plainly discerned at a vast distance in the country on that side, and by -the greatest part of the city. - -There was but one person that had the charge of this fine garden, and the -place was at this time enjoyed by a very ancient officer, named Scheich -Ibrahim, whom the caliph himself, for some important service, put into -that employment, with a strict charge not to let all sorts of people in, -but especially to suffer nobody either to sit or lie down on the sofas -that stood at the outward door, that they might always be clean and -handsome; and whenever he found any body there, to punish them severely. - -Some business had obliged this officer to go abroad, and he was not as -yet returned. When he came back, there was just daylight enough for him -to discern two persons asleep upon one of the sofas, with both their -heads under a piece of linen cloth, to secure them from the gnats. Very -well, said Scheich Ibrahim to himself, here are brave people, to disobey -the caliph's orders; but I shall take care to pay them handsomely what -they deserve. Upon this, he opens the door very softly, and a moment -after returns with a swinging cane in his hand, and his sleeve tucked up -to the elbow. He was just going to lay on them with all his force; but, -withholding his arm, he began to reason with himself after this manner: -Thou wast going to strike, without any consideration that these perhaps -are strangers, destitute of a lodging, and utterly ignorant of the -caliph's order; for that reason, it would be advisable in thee to know -first who they are. Upon this, he gently lifts up the linen that covered -their heads, and being wonderfully astonished to see two persons so -mightily beautiful and well-shaped, waked Noureddin, with pulling him -softly by the feet. - -[Illustration p45: Drawn by R. Westall R.A. Engraved by Chad Heath.] - -Noureddin presently lifting up his head, and seeing an old man with a -long white beard standing at his feet, got up, and throwing himself upon -his knees, Good father, said he, Heaven preserve you! What do you want, -my son? replied Scheich Ibrahim: who are you, and from whence came you? -We are strangers newly arrived, answered Noureddin, and we would fain -tarry here till to-morrow. This is not a proper place for you, said -Scheich Ibrahim: but come in with me, and I will find one fitter for you -to sleep in than this; and I fancy the sight of the garden, which is very -fine, will please you, when you see it to-morrow by daylight. Is this -garden your own? said Noureddin. Yes, replied Scheich Ibrahim; it is an -inheritance left me by my father: pray walk in, for I am sure you will -not repent your seeing it. - -Noureddin rose up to thank Scheich Ibrahim for the civility he had shown -them, and afterwards the Fair Persian and he went into the garden. -Scheich Ibrahim locked the door, and going before, led them to an -eminence, from whence at one look they might almost take a view of the -grandeur, order, and beauty of the whole garden. - -Noureddin had seen very fine gardens in Balsora, but never any comparable -to this. Having satisfied his curiosity in looking upon every thing worth -taking notice of, as he was walking in one of the alleys, he turned about -to the officer that was with him, and asked what his name was. As soon as -he told him it was Scheich Ibrahim; Scheich Ibrahim, said he to him, I -must confess this is a charming garden indeed. Heaven send you long to -enjoy the pleasures of it; and we cannot sufficiently thank you for the -favour of showing us a place so worthy our seeing. However, it is but -just that we should make you some amends for your kindness: therefore, -here are two pieces of gold; take them, and get us something to eat, that -we may be merry together before we part. - -At the sight of the two pieces of gold, Scheich Ibrahim, who was a great -admirer of that metal, laughed in his sleeve: he took them, and leaving -Noureddin and the Fair Persian by themselves, went to provide what he was -sent about. As soon as he was alone, said he to himself with abundance of -joy, These are generous people; I should highly have injured myself, if, -through imprudence or rashness, I had abused or driven them hence: the -tenth part of the money will treat them like princes, and the rest I will -keep for my pains and trouble. - -While Scheich Ibrahim was gone to fetch something for his own supper, as -well as for his guests, Noureddin and the Fair Persian took a walk in the -garden, sometimes in one place and sometimes in another, till at last -they came to the pavilion of pictures that was in the middle of it. They -stood a pretty while to admire its wonderful structure, beauty, and -loftiness; and, after taking a full view of it on every side, they went -up a great many steps of fine white marble, to the hall door, which they -found locked. - -They were but just got to the bottom of the steps as Scheich Ibrahim -returned, loaded with provisions. Scheich Ibrahim, said Noureddin in a -great surprise, did you not tell us that this was your garden? I did, -replied Scheich Ibrahim, and do so still. And does this magnificent -pavilion also belong to you? said Noureddin. Scheich Ibrahim was put to a -nonplus, and would not hearken to any more questions: For, said he to -himself, if I should say it is none of mine, he will presently ask me how -I can be the master of the garden and not the pavilion? So, being willing -to make them believe the garden was his, he said the same of the -pavilion. My son, said he, the pavilion is not distinct from the garden, -but they both belong to me. If so, said Noureddin, since you are willing -to let us be your guests to-night, do us the favour to show us the inside -of it; for, if we may judge by the outward appearance, it must certainly -be very splendid and magnificent. - -It would have been a great piece of incivility in Scheich Ibrahim to have -refused Noureddin that favour, after the returns he had made him: -moreover, he considered that the caliph not having given any notice, -according to the usual custom, it was likely he would not be there that -night, and therefore resolved to treat his guests, and sup with them in -that room. He laid the provisions upon the first step, while he went to -his chamber to fetch the key. He soon returned with a light, and opened -the door. - -Noureddin and the Fair Persian entered the hall; and finding it so -extravagantly surprising, could not forbear admiring the beauty and -richness of the place. Indeed, without saying anything of the pictures, -which were admirably well drawn, the sofas were very noble and costly; -and, besides the branched candlesticks that were fixed to every window, -there was a silver spring between each cross bar, with a wax candle in -it. Noureddin could not behold those glorious objects, which put him in -mind of his former greatness, without sighing. - -In the mean time, Scheich Ibrahim was getting supper ready; and the cloth -being laid upon a sofa, and every thing in order, Noureddin and the Fair -Persian and he sat down and ate together. When supper was done, and they -had washed their hands, Noureddin opened the casement, and calling the -Fair Persian to him, Come hither, my dear, said he, and with me admire -the charming prospect and beauty of the garden by moonlight; for -certainly nothing can be more agreeable. She came to him, and they both -together diverted themselves with that lovely object, while Scheich -Ibrahim was busy in taking away the cloth. - -When Scheich Ibrahim came to his guests again, Noureddin asked him -whether he had any good liquor in his lodgings to treat them with. What -liquor would you have? replied Scheich Ibrahim. Sherbet, I have the best -in the world; but sherbet, you know, my son, is never drunk after supper. - -I know that very well, said Noureddin; it is not sherbet, but another -sort of liquor that we ask you for; and I am surprised at your not -understanding me. It is wine that I perceive you speak of, said Scheich -Ibrahim. You have hit right, replied Noureddin; and if you have any, pray -let us have a bottle: you know a bottle after supper is a very proper -companion to spend the hours with till bed-time. - -Heaven defend me from keeping wine in my house, cried Scheich Ibrahim, -and from ever coming to a place where any is to be sold! A man as I am, -who has been a pilgrimage four times to Mecca, has renounced wine for -ever. - -However, said Noureddin, you would do us a singular kindness in getting -us a little for our own drinking: and if it be not too much trouble, I -will put you in a way how you may do it, without ever going into the inn, -or so much as laying your hand upon the vessel that contains it. Upon -that condition, I will do it, replied Scheich Ibrahim; therefore pray let -me know how I am to manage it. - -Why then, said Noureddin to him, we just now saw an ass tied at the -entrance of the garden, which certainly must be yours, and which you may -make use of in this extremity. Here are two pieces of gold more; take -them, and lead your ass with the panniers towards the next inn: you may -stand at as great a distance as you please; only give something to the -next passenger that comes by, and desire him to go with your ass to the -inn, there load him with two pitchers of wine, one in one pannier and -another in another, which he must pay for out of the money we have given -you; and so let him bring the ass back to you: you will have nothing to -do but drive the beast hither before you; for we will take the wine out -of the panniers; and by this means you will act nothing but what you may -do without any scruple at all. - -The two last pieces of gold that Scheich Ibrahim was going to receive, -wrought wonderfully upon his temper. Ah! my son, cried he, after -Noureddin had done speaking, you have contrived the matter rarely; and -had it not been for your invention, I should never have found out a way -of getting you some wine, without a little scruple of conscience. Away he -went to execute the orders he had received; and upon his return, which -was in a little time, Noureddin went down stairs, and taking the wine out -of the panniers, carried it into the hall. - -Scheich Ibrahim having led the ass back to the place from whence he took -him, came back again. Scheich Ibrahim, said Noureddin to him, we cannot -enough thank you for the trouble we have already given you; but, my -friend, we want something yet. What is that? replied Scheich Ibrahim; is -it anything that I can be farther serviceable to you in? Why, said -Noureddin, we have no cups to drink out of; and a little choice fruit, if -you have any, would be very acceptable to us. Do but say what you have a -mind to, replied Scheich Ibrahim, and you shall have every thing to your -heart's content. - -Down went Scheich Ibrahim, and in a short time spread a table for them -with porcelain dishes, full of all sorts of delicious fruits, besides a -great number of gold and silver cups to drink out of; and having asked -them if they wanted any thing else, he withdrew, though they pressed him -earnestly to stay. - -Noureddin and the Fair Persian sat down again, and after a cup a-piece, -they were mightily pleased with the wine. Well, my dear, said Noureddin -to the Fair Persian, are we not the most fortunate persons in the world, -after so many dangers, to meet with so charming and agreeable a place? -come, let us be merry, and think no more on the hardships of our voyage. -Can my happiness be greater in this world, than to have you on one side -of me, and my bottle on the other? They took off their cups pretty -heartily, and diverted themselves very agreeably, in singing each of them -a song. - -Both of them having very fine voices, but especially the Fair Persian, -Scheich Ibrahim, who had stood hearkening a great while on the steps -without discovering himself, was perfectly charmed with their songs. He -could contain himself no longer; but, thrusting his head in at the door, -Courage, sir, said he to Noureddin, whom he took to be quite drunk; I am -overjoyed to see you so merry. - -Ah! Scheich Ibrahim, cried Noureddin, turning to him, you are a glorious -man, and we are extremely obliged to you. We dare not ask you to drink a -cup; but pray walk in, and let us have the honour at least of your -company. Excuse me, sir, said Scheich Ibrahim; the pleasure of hearing -your songs is sufficient for me. Upon this, he immediately retired. - -The Fair Persian perceiving Scheich Ibrahim, through one of the windows, -standing upon the steps without the door, told Noureddin of it. Sir, said -she, you see what an aversion he has for wine; yet I question not in the -least to make him drink some, if you would do as I would have you. -Noureddin asked her what it was. Do but say the word, replied he, and I -am ready to do what you please. Prevail with him, then, only to come in -and bear us company: some time after, fill up a bumper, and give it him; -if he refuses it, drink it off, feign yourself to be asleep, and leave -the rest to me. - -Noureddin quickly finding out the drift of the Fair Persian's design, -called to Scheich Ibrahim, who came again to the door: Scheich Ibrahim, -said he, we are your guests; you have entertained us after the most -obliging manner in the world; and will you now refuse us the honour of -bearing us company? We do not ask you to drink, but only the favour of -seeing you. - -Scheich Ibrahim being at last prevailed upon, came into the hall, and sat -down upon the edge of a sofa that stood the nearest to the door. You do -not sit well there, said Noureddin; besides, you are too far off for us -to converse with you: pray come nearer, and sit down by the lady, since -she will have it so. I will obey you, replied Scheich Ibrahim; so, coming -forward with a simpering countenance, to think he should be seated near -so beautiful a creature, he placed himself at some distance from the Fair -Persian. Noureddin desired a song of her, upon the account of the honour -that Scheich Ibrahim had done them; and she sang one that charmed him to -an ecstasy. - -When the Fair Persian had ended her song, Noureddin poured out a cup of -wine, and presented it to Scheich Ibrahim; Scheich Ibrahim, said he, -here, drink this to our healths. Sir, replied he, starting back, as if -the very sight of the wine had put him into a horror and confusion, I -beseech you to excuse me; I have already told you, that I have forsworn -the use of wine these many years. Then positively you will not drink our -healths, said Noureddin; however, give me leave to drink yours. - -While Noureddin was drinking, the Fair Persian cut a piece of apple, and -presented it to Scheich Ibrahim. Though you refused drinking, said she, -yet I believe you will not refuse eating this piece of apple, since it is -a very good one. Scheich Ibrahim had no power to refuse it from so fair a -hand; but taking it with a very low bow, kissed it, and put it in his -mouth. She said a great many amorous things upon that occasion; and -Noureddin tumbling back upon a sofa, pretended to fall fast asleep. The -Fair Persian presently advanced towards Scheich Ibrahim; and speaking in -a very low voice, See, said she, the sleepy sot! thus, in all our merry -bouts, he constantly serves me; and no sooner has he drunk a cup or two, -than he falls asleep, and leaves me alone; but I hope you will have the -goodness to keep me company till he awakes. - -At this, the Fair Persian took a cup, and filling it to the brim with -wine, offered it to Scheich Ibrahim: Here, said she, drink off this to my -health: I am going to pledge you. Scheich Ibrahim made a great many -difficulties of the matter at first, and begged her to excuse him from -drinking; but, at last, overcome by her charms and entreaties, he took -the cup, and drank every drop of the wine off. - -The good old man loved a cheruping cup to his heart, but was ashamed to -drink among strangers. He often went to the tavern in private, as -abundance of people do; and now his hand being once in, without any more -ceremony, or round-about ways, as Noureddin had instructed him, he goes -directly to the next inn, where he was very well known, and fetches some -more wine (the night serving him instead of a cloak) with the money that -Noureddin had ordered him to give the messenger that went for the first. - -As soon as Scheich Ibrahim had taken off his cup, and made an end of the -piece of apple, the Fair Persian filled him out another, which he -received with less difficulty than the former, but made none at all at -the third. In short, he drank four times before ever Noureddin discovered -his pretended sleeping; but then bursting out into a violent fit of -laughter, he rose up, and looking upon him, Ha! ha! said he, Scheich -Ibrahim, are you caught at last? did you not tell me you had forsworn -wine? and now you have drank it all up from me. - -Scheich Ibrahim, not expecting to be surprised after that manner, blushed -a little: however, that did not spoil his draught: but when he had done, -Sir, said he to Noureddin, laughing, if there is any crime in what I have -done, it lies at this fair lady's door, not mine; for who could possibly -resist so many charms? - -The Fair Persian, who knew well enough what Noureddin would be at, took -Scheich Ibrahim's part: Let him talk, said she; Scheich Ibrahim, take no -notice of him; but let us drink on, and be merry. A while after, -Noureddin fills out a cup for himself and the Fair Persian; but when -Scheich Ibrahim saw that Noureddin had forgot him in his turn, he took -his cup, and presenting it to the Fair Persian, Madam, said he, do I -pretend I cannot drink now? - -At these words of Scheich Ibrahim's, Noureddin and the Fair Persian were -ready to split their sides with laughing. Noureddin poured him out some -wine; and there they sat laughing, chatting, and drinking, till pretty -near midnight. About that hour, the Fair Persian began to take notice of -there being but one candle upon the table. Scheich Ibrahim, said she to -the good old officer, methinks you might have afforded us another candle, -since there are so many wax-lights yonder: pray do us the favour to light -some of them, that we may see a little better what we are doing here. - -Scheich Ibrahim making use of the liberty that wine gives a man, when it -gets up into the crown-office, and not caring to be interrupted in his -discourse with Noureddin, bid the Fair Persian light them herself: It is -fitter for you to do it than me, said he: but, hark ye, be sure not to -light above five or six; for this is enough. Up rose the Fair Persian -immediately, and taking a wax-candle in her hand, lights it with that -which stood upon the table; and, without any regard to Scheich Ibrahim's -orders, set fire to the whole fourscore. - -By and by, while Scheich Ibrahim was entertaining the Fair Persian with -some other discourse, Noureddin took his turn to desire him to light up -some of the candles in the branched candlesticks, not taking notice that -all the wax-lights were already in a blaze: Certainly, replied Scheich -Ibrahim, you are lazier, or less vigorous, than I am, that you are not -able to light them yourself: get you gone; but be sure you light no more -than three. To work he went; but, instead of that number, he lighted them -all, and opened the shutters of the fourscore windows, before Scheich -Ibrahim, who was deeply engaged with the Fair Persian, knew any thing of -the matter. - -The caliph Haroun Alraschid being not yet gone to bed, was in a parlour -at his palace by the river Tigris, from whence he could take a side-view -both of the garden and pavilion. By chance, he opened the casement, and -seeing the pavilion was illuminated, was mightily surprised at it; and at -first, by the greatness of the light, thought the city was on fire. The -grand vizier Giafar was still with him, who only waited for his going to -rest, and then designed to go home too. The caliph, in a great rage, -called the vizier to him: Careless vizier, said he, come hither, look -upon the pavilion of pictures, and tell me the reason of its being -illuminated, now I am not there. - -The grand vizier Giafar, upon this news, fell into a violent trembling, -fearing something else was the matter; but, when he came nearer, and with -his own eyes saw the truth of what the caliph had told him, he was more -astonished than before. However, being obliged to make some excuse to -appease the caliph's anger, he said, Commander of the true believers, all -that I can say to your majesty about this matter is, that about five or -six days ago, Scheich Ibrahim came to acquaint me, that he had a design -to call an assembly of the ministers of his mosque, to assist at a -ceremony he was ambitious of performing in your majesty's auspicious -reign. I asked him if I could be any way serviceable to him in this -affair; upon which he entreated me to get leave of your majesty to -perform the ceremony in the pavilion. When he left me, I told him he -might do it, and I would take care to acquaint your majesty with it; but -indeed I had quite forgot it, and I heartily ask pardon. Scheich Ibrahim, -continued he, has certainly made choice of this day for the ceremony; -and, after treating the ministers of his mosque, he was willing to divert -them with the sight of this illumination. - -Giafar, said the caliph, with a tone that plainly showed his anger was a -little mollified, according to thy own words, thou hast committed three -faults that are unpardonable: the first, in giving Scheich Ibrahim leave -to perform his ceremony in my pavilion; for a person in so mean an office -as his, is not worthy of so great an honour: the second, in not -acquainting me with it: and the third, in not diving into the bottom of -the good old man's intention. For my part, I am persuaded he only did it -to try if he could get any money towards bearing the charge of it; but -perhaps that never came into thy head: and sure I shall not wrong him, in -forgiving him the expense of the night's illumination, which will be some -amends for thy presenting him with nothing. - -The grand vizier Giafar, overjoyed to hear the caliph put the matter upon -that foot, very willingly owned the faults he reproached him with, and -freely confessed he was to blame in not giving Scheich Ibrahim a few -pieces of gold. Since the case is so, added the caliph, it is just that -thou shouldst be punished for thy mistakes; but thy punishment shall be -light: thou shalt spend the remainder of the night as I do, with these -honest souls, whose company I am very well pleased with; and while I am -putting on a citizen's habit, go thou and disguise thyself, with Mesrour, -and come both of you along with me. The vizier Giafar told him it was -late, and that all the company would be gone before he could get thither; -but the caliph said he would positively go. The vizier, who knew that not -a syllable of what he said before was true, began to be in great -consternation; but there was no reply to be made, and go he must. - -The caliph then, disguised like a citizen, with the grand vizier Giafar, -and Mesrour, chief of the eunuchs, stole out of the palace together. They -rambled through the streets of Bagdad, till at last they came to the -garden: the door, through the carelessness of Scheich Ibrahim, was open, -having forgot to shut it when he came back from buying the wine. The -caliph was very angry at it: Giafar, said he to the grand vizier, what -excuse have you for the door's being open at this unseasonable hour? Is -it possible that Scheich Ibrahim makes a custom of leaving it thus all -night? No; I rather believe the hurry of the feast has been the occasion -of this neglect. - -The caliph went into the garden; and when he came to the pavilion, -resolving not to go into the hall till he knew what they were doing -there, he consulted with the grand vizier, whether it was not his best -way to climb up into one of the trees that was near it, to make a -discovery. The grand vizier at last casting his eye upon the door, -perceived it stood half open, and told the caliph of it. It seems Scheich -Ibrahim had left it so, when he was prevailed upon to come in and bear -Noureddin and the Fair Persian company. - -The caliph laying aside his first design, stole softly up to the -hall-door, which standing half-open, he had the conveniency of seeing all -the company that were within, without being discovered himself. - -Never was any person so surprised as he, when he saw a lady of an -incomparable beauty, and a young, handsome, fine-shaped man, sitting at -the table, with Scheich Ibrahim by them. Scheich Ibrahim had just then -got a cup in his hand: My dear creature, said he to the Fair Persian, a -right toper never drinks without singing a brisk tune first. If you -please to hear, I will give you one of my best songs. - -Scheich Ibrahim sang; and the caliph wondered at it more, because till -that very moment he never knew any thing of his drinking wine, but always -took him for a grave solid man, as he seemed to be to outward appearance. -The caliph retired from the door with the same caution as he made his -approach to it; and coming to the grand vizier Giafar, who was standing -upon the steps a little lower, Come up, said he to him, and see if those -within yonder are the ministers of the mosque, as you would fain have me -believe. - -By the tone of the voice in which the caliph spoke these last words, the -vizier understood that things went ill on his side: however, he went up -the steps; but when he had peeped in at the door, and saw them all three -sitting, and in that condition, he fell a-trembling for fear of his life. -He went back to the caliph, but in so great a confusion, that he had not -a word to say to him. What riotous doings are here? said the caliph to -him: who are those people that have presumed to take the liberty of -diverting themselves in my garden and pavilion? and how durst Scheich -Ibrahim give them admittance, and partake of the diversion with them? -However, I must confess, I never saw two persons more beautiful, or -better paired, in my life; and therefore, before I discover my anger, I -will inform myself a little better, and inquire who they are, and the -reason of their being here. He went to the door again, to observe them -more narrowly; and the vizier who followed, stood behind him, and fixed -his eyes upon them. They both of them plainly heard every word that -Scheich Ibrahim spoke to the Fair Persian. Is there any thing, my -charming lady, wanting to render the pleasures of this night complete? -Nothing but a lute, replied the Fair Persian; and methinks, if you could -get me one, all things would be very well. Can you play upon it? said -Scheich Ibrahim. Fetch me one, replied the Fair Persian, and you shall -hear whether I can or not. - -Scheich Ibrahim, without stirring very far from his place, pulled a lute -out of a cupboard, and presented it to the Fair Persian, who began to put -it in tune. The caliph, in the mean time, turning to the grand vizier; -Giafar, said he, the young lady is going to play upon the lute; and if -she performs well, I will forgive her, and the young man for her sake; -but, as for thee, thou mayest go hang thyself. Commander of the true -believers, replied the grand vizier, if that is your intention I wish she -may play ill. Why so? said the caliph. Because, replied the grand vizier, -the longer we live in this world, the more time we shall have to comfort -ourselves with the hopes of dying in good social company. The caliph, who -loved a jest dearly, began to laugh at this repartee; and putting his ear -to the open side of the door, he listened to hear the Fair Persian play. - -The Fair Persian made such artful flourishes upon the lute, that from the -first moment of her touching it, the caliph perceived that she did it -with a masterly hand. Afterwards, she began to sing; and suiting her -voice, which was admirably fine, to the lute, she sang and played with so -much skill and sweetness, that the caliph was quite ravished to hear her. - -As soon as the Fair Persian had finished her song, the caliph went down -the steps, and the vizier Giafar after him. When he came to the bottom, -By my soul, said he to the vizier, I never heard a more charming voice, -or a lute better touched in my life. Isaac[1], that hitherto I thought -the most skilful player in the world, does not come up to her. In short, -I am so charmed with her music, that I must hear her play before me; and -therefore contrive some way how to bring it about. - -Commander of the true believers, said the grand vizier, if you should go -in, and Scheich Ibrahim chance to know you, he would infallibly die with -the fright. I should be extremely concerned at that, replied the caliph, -and should be loath to be the occasion of his death, after so many years' -service. But there is a thought just come into my head, how to compass my -design: stay here with Mesrour, and wait for me in the next alley till I -come. - -The neighbourhood of the Tigris had given the caliph the conveniency of -turning a sufficient quantity of water under a stately bridge, well -terraced, into his garden, to make a fine canal, whither the choicest -fish of the whole river used to retire. The fishermen knew it very well, -and would have given the world to fish there; but the caliph had -expressly charged Scheich Ibrahim not to suffer any of them to come near -it. However, that very night, a fisherman passing by the garden door, -which the caliph had left open as he found it, made use of this -opportunity, and going in, went directly to the canal. - -The fisherman immediately fell to work with his casting-nets, and was -just ready to draw them, when the caliph, fearing what would be the -effect of Scheich Ibrahim's negligence, but willing to make use of it, to -bring his design about, came to the same place. The fisherman, in spite -of his disguise, knew him, and throwing himself at his feet, humbly -implored his pardon, and excused himself upon account of his poverty. -Rise, saith the caliph, and be not afraid; only draw your nets, that I -may see what fish you have got. - -The fisherman, recovered of his fright, quickly obeyed the caliph's -orders. He drew out five or six very large fishes; and the caliph, -choosing the two largest, tied them together by the head with a sprig of -a tree. After this, said he to the fisherman, Give me thy clothes, and -here take mine. The exchange was soon made; and the caliph being dressed -like a fisherman, even to his boots and turban, Take thy nets, said he to -the fisherman, and get thee about thy business. - -When the fisherman, very well pleased with his good fortune, was gone, -the caliph, taking the two fishes in his hand, went to look after the -grand vizier Giafar and Mesrour. He made a full stop at the grand vizier, -who, not knowing him, asked him what he wanted, and bade him go about his -business. Upon this, the caliph fell a-laughing; by which the vizier -finding it to be him, Commander of the true believers, said he, is it -possible it can be you? I knew you not; and I ask a thousand pardons for -my rudeness: you are so strangely disguised now, that without any fear of -being discovered by Scheich Ibrahim, you may venture into the hall. Stay -you here with Mesrour, said the caliph, while I go yonder and play my -part. - -The caliph went up to the hall, and knocked at the door. Noureddin -hearing him first, told Scheich Ibrahim of it, who asked who was there. -The caliph opened the door, and stepping a little way into the hall to -show himself, Scheich Ibrahim, said he, I am the fisherman Kerim, who -being informed of your design to treat some of your friends, have brought -two very large fishes, fresh caught, to see if you have any occasion for -them. - -Noureddin and the Fair Persian, mightily pleased to hear him name fish, -Pray, said she to Scheich Ibrahim, let him come in, that we may look upon -them. Scheich Ibrahim, by this time, was incapable of asking this -counterfeit fisherman how or what way he came thither; but his whole -design being only to oblige the Fair Persian, with much ado he turns his -head towards the door, being quite drunk, and in a stammering tone, -calling to the caliph, whom he took to be a fisherman, Come hither, thou -nightly thief, said he, and let us see what thou hast got. - -The caliph went forwards, and counterfeiting all the humours and actions -of a fisherman to a nicety, presented them with the two fishes. These are -very fine ones indeed, said the Fair Persian; and if they were well -ordered, and delicately dressed, I should be glad to eat some of them. -The lady is in the right, answered Scheich Ibrahim; but what the plague -can we do with your fish, unless it was dressed? Go, dress it thyself, -and bring it to us; thou wilt find every thing necessary for thee in my -kitchen. - -The caliph went back to the grand vizier: Giafar, said he, I have been -very well received; but they want the fish to be dressed. I will take -care to dress it myself, said the grand vizier, and they shall have it in -a moment. Nay, replied the caliph, so eager am I to accomplish my design, -that I will take abundance of pains about it too; for since I have -personated the fisherman so well, sure I can play the cook for once: -besides, in my younger days, I dealt a little in cookery, and always came -off with flying colours. In saying these words, he went directly towards -Scheich Ibrahim's lodgings, and the grand vizier and Mesrour followed -him. - -All three of them presently fell to work, and though Scheich Ibrahim's -kitchen was not very large, yet there was every thing in it that they -wanted. The fish was quickly cooked, and the caliph served it up, putting -to every one's plate a lemon to squeeze, if they thought it proper, into -the sauce. They all ate very heartily, but especially Noureddin and the -Fair Persian; and the caliph sat down with them at the lower end of the -table. - -As soon as the repast was over, Noureddin looking upon the caliph, -Fisherman, said he, never were better fish eaten, and you have done us -the greatest favour in the world. At the same time putting his hand into -his bosom, and pulling out a purse of thirty pieces of gold, the -remainder of the forty that Sangiar, gentleman-usher to the king of -Balsora, had given him just upon his departure; Here, said he to him, -take that, and if I had any more, thou shouldst have it: had I known thee -in my prosperity, I would have taken care of securing thee from ever -wanting: do not refuse the small present I make thee, but accept of it as -kindly as if it was much greater. - -The caliph took the purse, and perceiving by the weightiness that it was -all gold, Sir, said he, I cannot enough thank you for your liberality, -and I think myself very fortunate in having to do with a person of your -generosity; but before I take my leave, I have a favour to ask, which I -beg you not to deny me. Yonder is a lute, which makes me believe that the -lady understands playing upon it; and if you can prevail with her to play -but one tune, I shall go away the best satisfied in the world: a lute, -sir, is an instrument I greatly admire. - -Fair Persian, said Noureddin, immediately addressing himself to her, I -ask that favour of you, and I hope you will not refuse me. She took up -the lute without more entreaties, and putting it presently in tune, -played and sang with such an air as charmed the very soul of the caliph -with its harmony. Afterwards she played upon the lute without singing, -but with so much skill and softness that it transported him into an -ecstasy of joy. - -When the Fair Persian had given over playing, the caliph cried out, What -a voice! What a hand! What skill is here! Was there ever finer singing, -or better playing upon the lute? Never was there any heard or seen like -it. - -Noureddin, who was a person of breeding, and always returned the -compliment that was made him; Fisherman, said he, I find thou hast some -taste for music, since thou art delighted with her performance; and if -thou likest her she is thine; I make thee a present of her. At the same -time he rose up, and taking his robe, which he had laid by, was for going -away and leaving the pretended fisherman in possession of the Fair -Persian. - -The Fair Persian was extremely surprised at Noureddin's liberality; she -took hold of him, and looking very wishfully at him, Whither, sir, are -you going? said she; sit down in your place, I entreat you, and hearken -to the song I am going to sing and play. He did as she desired him, and -then the Fair Persian touching her lute, and looking upon him with tears, -sang some verses that she had made _extempore_ to reproach him with his -indifference, and the easiness as well as cruelty of resigning her to -Kerim. She only hinted, without explaining herself any farther to the -fisherman, for she was ignorant of his being the caliph, as well as -Noureddin. When she had done playing, she put the lute down by her, and -clapped a handkerchief to her face to hide the tears she could not help -shedding. - -Noureddin made no answer to all these reproaches, but by his silence -seemed to declare he did not repent of what he had done. The caliph -surprised at what he had newly heard, Sir, said he, as far as I see, this -beautiful lady, that so generously you have made me a present of just -now, is your slave, and you are her master. It is very true, Kerim, -replied Noureddin, and thou wouldst be more surprised than thou art now, -should I tell thee all the misfortunes that have happened to me on her -account. Ah! I beseech you, sir, replied the caliph, still behaving -himself like a fisherman, oblige me so far as to let me hear part of your -story. - -Noureddin, who had already obliged him in several things of a higher -nature than this, was so complaisant as to relate the whole story to him. -He began with his father's buying the Fair Persian for the king of -Balsora, and omitted nothing of what he had done, or what had happened to -him, from that time to their arrival at Bagdad, and since, to that very -moment he was talking to him. - -When Noureddin had ended his story, Whither are you going now? said the -caliph. Even where Heaven shall direct me, answered Noureddin. Believe -me, replied the caliph, you shall go no farther, but on the contrary, -return to Balsora: I will go and write a short letter, which you shall -give the king in my name; and you shall see upon the reading of it, he -will give you a very handsome reception, and nobody will dare to speak -against you. - -Kerim, said Noureddin, what thou hast told me is very unaccountable and -singular: didst thou ever hear that a poor fisherman, as thou art, had -any correspondence with a king? Be not astonished at that, replied the -caliph; you must know then, that we both studied together under the same -masters, and were always the best friends in the world. It is true, -fortune has not been equally favourable to us both; she has made him a -king, and me but a fisherman. However, this inequality has not at all -lessened our friendship: he has often expressed a readiness and desire to -advance my fortune, but I always refused it; and am better pleased with -the satisfaction of knowing that he never will deny me whatever I ask for -the service and advantage of my friends. Let me do it then, and you shall -see the success. - -Noureddin consented to what the caliph had proposed; and there being -every thing necessary for writing in the hall, the caliph wrote a letter -to the king of Balsora; at the top of which, pretty near the edge of the -paper, he placed this set form, in three small characters: 'In the name -of the most merciful God,' to show he would be absolutely obeyed. - - - THE LETTER OF CALIPH HAROUN ALRASCHID TO THE KING OF BALSORA - -'Haroun Alraschid, son of Mandi, sends this letter to Mohammed Zinchi, -his cousin, greeting. As soon as Noureddin, son to the late vizier -Khacan, the bearer, has delivered you this letter and you have read it, -pull off the royal mantle, put it on his shoulders, and place him in thy -seat: fail not. So farewell.' - - -The caliph folded up the letter, and sealed it, and giving it to -Noureddin, without saying any thing of what was in it, Go, said he, and -embark immediately in a vessel that is ready to go off, (as there did -constantly every day at the same hour), and you may sleep when you are -aboard. - -Noureddin took the letter, and away he went with the little money he had -about him when Sangiar gave him his purse; and the Fair Persian, -distracted with grief at his departure, retired by herself to one of the -sofas, and fell a-weeping bitterly. - -Noureddin was scarce gone out of the hall, when Scheich Ibrahim, who had -been silent during the transaction of this affair, looking steadfastly -upon the caliph, whom he still believed to be a fisherman: Hark you, said -he, Kerim, thou hast brought us two fishes that are worth twenty pieces -of leather or more, and thou hast got a purse and a slave: but dost thou -think to have it all for thyself? I here declare that I will go halves -with thee in the slave; and as for the purse, show me what is in the -inside: if it is silver, thou shalt have one piece for thyself; but if it -is gold, I will have it all, and in exchange, give thee some pieces of -leather I have in my pocket. - -(For the better understanding of what follows, said Scheherazade, -interrupting herself here, we must observe to you, that the caliph, -before his serving up the fish, had despatched the grand vizier Giafar to -his palace, with orders to get four slaves with a rich habit, and to wait -on the other side of the pavilion till he gave a signal with his finger -against the window. The grand vizier receiving his commission, he, -Mesrour, and the four slaves, waited at the appointed place, expecting -the sign). - -The caliph, still personating the fisherman, answered Scheich Ibrahim -very boldly, I know not what there is in the purse, gold or silver: -whatever it is, you shall freely go my halves; but, as to the slave, I -will have her all to myself; and if you will not accept of these -conditions, you shall have nothing at all. - -Scheich Ibrahim, enraged to the last degree at this insolence, -considering him only as a fisherman, snatched up one of the china dishes, -and flung it at the caliph's head. The caliph easily avoided the blow, -being thrown by a person in drink; but the dish striking against the -wall, was dashed into a thousand pieces. Scheich Ibrahim having missed -his aim, grew more enraged, and catching up the candle that stood upon -the table, rose from his seat, and staggering along, went down a back -pair of stairs to look for a cane. - -The caliph made use of this opportunity, and striking his hands against -the window, the grand vizier, Mesrour, and the four slaves were with him -in a trice, who quickly pulled off the fisherman's clothes, and put on -him the habit they had brought. They had not quite dressed the caliph, -(who had seated himself upon the throne that was in the hall), but they -were very busy about him, when Scheich Ibrahim, spurred on by interest, -came back, with a swinging cane in his hand, with which he designed to -pay the pretended fisherman soundly; but, instead of finding him, he saw -his clothes in the middle of the hall, and the caliph upon his throne, -with the grand vizier and Mesrour on each side of him. He stood a while -gazing upon this unexpected sight, doubting whether he was awake or -asleep. The caliph fell a-laughing at his astonishment; and, calling to -him, Scheich Ibrahim, said he, what dost thou want? whom dost thou look -after? - -Scheich Ibrahim, no longer doubting that it was the caliph, immediately -threw himself at his feet, with his face to the ground: Commander of the -true believers, cried he, your vile slave has offended you; but he -implores your clemency, and asks a thousand pardons for his offence. As -soon as the slaves had made an end of dressing him, he came down from his -throne, and advancing towards him, Rise, said he; I forgive thee. - -Afterwards the caliph addressed himself to the Fair Persian, who had -suspended her sorrow, as soon as she understood that the garden and -pavilion belonged to that prince, and not to Scheich Ibrahim, as he had -all along made her believe, and that it was he himself disguised in the -fisherman's clothes. Fair Persian, said he, rise and follow me: by what -you have lately seen, you ought to know who I am, and to believe that I -am above taking any advantage of Noureddin's humour, who, with a -generosity not to be paralleled, has made me a present of your person. I -have sent him to Balsora to be king there; and when I have despatched -some business necessary for his establishment, you shall also go thither -and be a queen. In the mean time, I am going to order an apartment for -you in my palace, where you shall be treated according to your desert. - -This discourse put the Fair Persian in heart again, and comforted her -after a very sensible manner. The joy of Noureddin's advancement, whom -she passionately loved, to so high an honour, made her sufficient amends -for her affliction. The caliph kept his promise, and recommended her to -the care of his lady Zobeide, whom he acquainted with the esteem he had -lately entertained for Noureddin. - -Noureddin's return to Balsora was more fortunate and speedier by some -days than he could have expected. Upon his arrival, without visiting any -of his friends or relations, he went directly to the palace, where the -king at that time was giving public audience. He pressed through the -crowd with the letter held up in his hand, who presently made way for him -to come forward and deliver it. The king took and opened it; and his -colour changed in reading it: he kissed it thrice, and was just about to -obey the caliph's orders, when he bethought himself of showing it to the -vizier Saouy, Noureddin's irreconcileable enemy. - -Saouy, who had discovered Noureddin, and began to think with himself, -with a great deal of uneasiness, what might be the design of his coming, -was no less surprised than the king, at the order contained in the -letter; and being as much concerned in it, he thought upon a way that -very moment how to evade it. He pretended not to have read the letter -quite through, and therefore desired a second view of it; he turned -himself a little on one side, as if he wanted a better sight, and without -being perceived by any body, dexterously tore off the set form that -showed the caliph would be absolutely obeyed, from the top of it, and -putting it into his mouth, swallowed it down. - -After this notorious piece of villany, Saouy turned to the king, and -giving him the letter, Sir, said he to him, in a low voice, what does -your majesty intend to do? What the caliph has commanded me, replied the -king. Have a care, sir, said the wicked vizier, what you do: it is true, -this is the caliph's hand; but the set form is not to it. The king had -observed that very well, but in the confusion he was in, he thought his -eyes deceived him, when he saw it was gone. - -Sir, continued the vizier, we have no reason to doubt, but that the -caliph upon the complaints he has made against your majesty and me, has -granted him this letter purely to get rid of him, not with any intention -of having the order contained in it executed. Besides, we must consider, -he has sent no express with a patent: and without that, the order is of -no force: and since a king of your majesty's grandeur was never deposed -without that formality, let who will bring such a letter as this, it -ought not to be put in execution. Your majesty may depend upon what I -have said; and how dangerous soever the consequence of disobeying this -order may be, I will take it all upon myself. - -King Zinchi, easily persuaded by this pernicious counsel, left Noureddin -entirely to the discretion of the vizier Saouy, who led him to his house -after a very insulting manner; where, after causing him to be bastinadoed -till he was almost dead, he ordered him to a prison, where he commanded -him to be put in the darkest dungeon, with a strict charge to the gaoler -to give him nothing but bread and water. - -When Noureddin, sadly bruised with the strokes, came to himself, and -found what a nasty dungeon he was in, he bewailed his misfortunes after -the most pathetic manner imaginable. Ah! fisherman, cried he, how hast -thou cheated me; and how easy have I been in believing thee! Could I, -after the civility I showed thee, expect so inhuman and barbarous usage! -However, may Heaven reward thee: for I cannot persuade myself, that thy -intention was so base, and I will with patience wait the end of my -afflictions. - -The poor disconsolate Noureddin remained six whole days in this miserable -condition, and Saouy did not forget that he had confined him there, but -being resolved to put him to a shameful death, and not daring to do it by -his own authority, to accomplish his villanous design, he ordered some of -his slaves to prepare some very rich presents, which he, at the head of -them, went and presented to the king, saying, Behold, sir, what the new -king hath sent you upon his accession to the crown, and begs your majesty -to accept of it. - -The king taking the matter just as Saouy intended it, What! replied he, -is the wretch still living? I thought you had put him to death already. -Sir, I have no power, answered the vizier, to take any person's life -away; that only belongs to your majesty. Go, said the king, behead him -instantly; I give you full authority. Sir, replied the vizier Saouy, I am -infinitely obliged to your majesty for the justice you do me; but, since -Noureddin has publicly affronted me, I humbly beg the favour that his -execution may be performed before the palace, and, that the criers may -publish it in every quarter of the city, that every body may be satisfied -that he has made sufficient reparation for the affront. The king granted -the request, and the criers, in performing their office, diffused a -universal sorrow through the whole city. The memory of his father's -virtues being yet fresh among them, there was no one could hear of the -ignominious death the son was going to suffer, through the villany and -instigation of the vizier Saouy, without horror and indignation. - -Saouy went in person to the prison, accompanied with twenty slaves, his -ministers of cruelty, who took Noureddin out of his dungeon, and put him -on a shabby horse without a saddle. When Noureddin saw himself in the -hands of his enemy, Thou triumphest now, said he, but thou abusest thy -power. Yet, I have still some confidence in the truth of what is written -in one of our books: 'You judge unjustly, and in a little time you shall -be judged yourself.' The vizier Saouy, who really triumphed in his heart, -What! insolent, said he, darest thou insult me yet? but go, I pardon -thee, and care not whatever happens to me, so I have the pleasure of -seeing thee lose thy head in the public view of all Balsora. Thou -oughtest also to remember what another of our books says: 'What signifies -dying the next day the death of his enemy?' - -The vizier, still implacable and full of malice, surrounded by one part -of his slaves in arms, ordered Noureddin to be conducted by the other -towards the palace. The people were ready to fall upon him as they went -along; and, if any body had set them the example, they would certainly -have stoned him to death. When he had brought him to the place of -suffering, which was in sight of the king's apartment, he left him in the -executioner's hands, and went straight to the king, who was in his closet -ready to glut his eyes with the bloody spectacle he had prepared. - -The king's guard and the vizier's slaves, who made a circle round -Noureddin, had much ado to withstand the people, who made all the efforts -possible, but in vain, to break through them and carry him off by force. -The executioner coming up to him, Sir, said he, I hope you will forgive -me; I am but a slave, and cannot help doing my duty. If you have no -occasion for any thing, I beseech you prepare yourself, for the king is -just going to give me orders to strike the blow. - -The poor unfortunate Noureddin, at that cruel moment, looked round upon -the people: Will no charitable body, cried he, bring me a little water to -quench my thirst? which immediately they did, and handed it up to him -upon the scaffold. The vizier Saouy, perceiving this delay, called out to -the executioner from the king's closet window, where he had planted -himself, Strike, what dost thou stay for? At these barbarous and inhuman -words the whole palace echoed with loud imprecations against him; and the -king, jealous of his authority, made it appear, by ordering him to stay a -while, that he was angry at his presumption. But there was another -reason; for the king that very moment casting his eyes up into a large -street that faced him and joined to the place of execution, saw about the -middle of it a troop of horsemen coming with full speed towards the -palace. Vizier, said the king immediately, look yonder, what is the -meaning of those horsemen? Saouy, who knew not what it might be, -earnestly pressed the king to give the executioner the sign. No, replied -the king, I will first see who these horsemen are. It was the vizier -Giafar and his train, who came in person from Bagdad by the caliph's -order. - -To make the occasion of this minister's coming to Balsora a little -plainer, we must observe, that after Noureddin's departure with the -caliph's letter, the caliph the next day, nor several days after, ever -thought of sending the patent that he mentioned to the Fair Persian. He -happened one day to be in the inner palace, which was the women's, and -passing by the apartment, he heard the sound of a fine voice: he listened -to it, and he had no sooner heard the words of one complaining for the -absence of somebody, than he asked the officer of his eunuchs that -attended him, who that woman was that belonged to that apartment. The -officer told him that it was the young stranger's slave, whom he had sent -to Balsora to be king in the room of Mohammed Zinchi. - -Ah! poor Noureddin, cried the caliph presently, I had forgot thee; but -haste, said he to the officer, and bid Giafar come to me. The vizier was -with him in an instant. As soon as he came, Giafar, said he, I have -hitherto neglected sending the patent to Noureddin, which was to confirm -him king of Balsora; but we have no time now to draw up one, therefore -immediately take post-horses, and, with some of your servants, make what -haste you can to Balsora. If Noureddin is dead, and put to death by them, -order the vizier Saouy to be hanged; but, if he be living, bring him to -me with the king and the vizier. - -The grand vizier staid no longer than just the time of getting on -horseback, and being attended by a great train of officers belonging to -his house, he set forward for Balsora, where he arrived after the manner, -and at the time above mentioned. As soon as he came to the palace-yard -the people cleared the way for him, crying out, A pardon for Noureddin! -and with his whole train he rode into the palace, even to the very -stairs, where he alighted. - -The king of Balsora knowing him to be the caliph's chief minister, went -to meet him, and received him at the entrance of his apartment. The first -question the vizier asked was, if Noureddin was living; and, if he was, -that he might be sent for. The king made answer, He was alive, and gave -orders to have him brought in. Accordingly he soon made his appearance as -he was, tied, and bound with cords. The grand vizier Giafar caused him to -be untied, and setting him at liberty, ordered the vizier Saouy to be -seized, and bound with the same cords. - -The grand vizier Giafar lay but one night in Balsora. The next day he set -out again for Bagdad; and, according to the order he had received, -carried Saouy, the king of Balsora, and Noureddin along with him. As soon -as he came to Bagdad, he presented them all to the caliph; and after he -had given him an account of his journey, and particularly of the -miserable condition he found Noureddin in, and that all his ill usage was -purely by the advice and malice of Saouy, the caliph desired Noureddin to -behead the vizier himself. Commander of the true believers, said -Noureddin, notwithstanding the injury this wicked man has done me, and -the mischief he endeavoured to do my deceased father, I should think -myself the basest of mankind if I had stained my hands with his blood. -The caliph was extremely pleased with his generosity, and ordered justice -to be done by the executioner's hand. - -The caliph would fain have sent Noureddin back to Balsora to have been -king there; but Noureddin humbly begged to be excused from accepting the -offer, saying, Commander of the true believers, the city of Balsora, -after the misfortunes that have happened to me there, is so much my -aversion, and will always continue to be so, that I beseech your majesty -to give me leave to keep the oath I have made of never returning thither -again: and I shall think it my greatest glory to do you some services -near your royal person, if you are pleased to do me the honour. The -caliph consented to it; and placing him among the number of those -courtiers who were his greatest favourites, restored the Fair Persian to -him again. To all these favours he added a plentiful fortune; and he and -the Fair Persian lived together to their dying day, with all the -satisfaction they could both desire. - -As for the king of Balsora, the caliph contented himself with only -letting him see how careful he ought to be in the choice of his viziers, -and so sent him back into his kingdom. - - - - - THE STORY OF - BEDER, PRINCE OF PERSIA, AND GIAHAURE, PRINCESS OF SAMARCAND. - - -Persia is a country of so vast extent, that their ancient monarchs have, -not without some colour of reason, assumed the haughty title of king of -kings. For, not to mention those nations subdued by their arms, there are -whole kingdoms and provinces whose kings are not only tributary, but also -in as great subjection to them as petty governors in other nations are to -kings. - -Some ages ago one of these kings, who, in the beginning of his reign, had -signalized himself by many glorious and successful conquests, enjoyed so -profound and lasting a peace and tranquillity as rendered him the -happiest of monarchs. The only thing in which he could be termed -unfortunate was, that amongst all his mistresses not one of them ever -brought him a son; and being now far advanced in years, he was desirous -of an heir to succeed him after his death. However, he had above a -hundred ladies all lodged in separate apartments, after a magnificent -manner, with women slaves and eunuchs to wait upon and take care of them. -Yet, notwithstanding all his endeavours to please and humour them in -every thing, there was not one that answered his expectation. He had -women very often brought him from the most remote countries, and if they -pleased him, he not only gave the merchants their full price at the first -word, but treated them with all respect and civility imaginable, and by -considerable presents obliged them still to bring others, flattering -himself, that at last he might be so happy as to meet with one by whom he -might have a son. There was scarce any act of charity but what he -performed, fancying by that means to prevail with Heaven. He gave immense -sums to the poor, besides large donatives to the religious of his own -persuasion, building for their use many noble colleges richly endowed, in -hopes of obtaining by their prayers what he earnestly desired. - -One day, according to the custom of his royal predecessors, during their -residence in the capital city, he gave his mistresses a ball, at which -all the ambassadors and strangers of quality about the court were -present; and where they not only entertained one another with talking of -news and politics, but also of learning, history, poetry, and whatever -else was capable of diverting the understanding after the most agreeable -manner. It was upon that day that an eunuch came to acquaint him with the -arrival of a certain merchant from a far country, who, having brought a -slave along with him, desired leave to show her to his majesty. Give him -admittance instantly, says the king, and after the ball is done I will -talk with him: the merchant was introduced, and seated in a convenient -place, from whence he might easily have a full view of the king, and hear -him talk with abundance of familiarity to those that stood near his -person. The king was extremely civil in his conversation with strangers, -with a design, that by degrees they might grow acquainted with him; so -that when they saw with what freedom and civility he addressed himself to -the whole assembly, they took courage and began to discourse with him -also, without being the least surprised at the dazzling pomp and -splendour of his appearance, which was enough to deprive those of their -power of speech that were not used to such glorious sights. He treated -the ambassadors also after the same manner: first he ate with them, and -during the repast, he asked them several questions concerning their -health, of their voyage, and the affairs of their country; and, after -they had been encouraged by his generous entertainment, he gave them -audience. - -When the ball was over, all the company retired; the merchant, who was -the only person left, fell prostrate before the king's throne with his -face to the earth, wishing his majesty an accomplishment of all his -desires. As soon as he rose up, the king asked him if the news of his -having brought a slave for him was true, and whether she was handsome. - -Sir, replied the merchant, I doubt not in the least but your majesty has -very beautiful women, since you search every corner of the earth for -them; but I may boldly affirm, without overvaluing my merchandise, that -you never saw a woman that could stand in competition with her for shape -and beauty, besides a thousand other agreeable qualifications that she is -mistress of. Where is she? says the king; bring her to me instantly. Sir, -replied the merchant, I have delivered her into the hands of one of your -chief eunuchs, and your majesty may send for her at your pleasure. - -The fair slave was immediately brought in, and no sooner had the king -cast his eyes on her, than the genteelness of her mien and shape charmed -him. He went presently into his closet, whither the merchant, with a few -eunuchs, followed him. The slave wore a red satin veil, striped with -gold, over her face; and when the merchant had taken it off, the king of -Persia beheld a lady that surpassed in beauty, not only his present -mistresses, but even all that ever he had before; in short, he -immediately fell passionately in love with her, and bade the merchant -name his price. - -Sir, said he, I gave a thousand pieces of gold to the persons of whom I -bought her, and in my three years' journey to your court, I have spent as -much: but I shall forbear setting any price to so great a monarch; and, -therefore, if your majesty likes her, I humbly beg you would accept of -her as a present. I am highly obliged to you, replied the king; but it is -never my custom to treat merchants, who come hither purely for my -pleasure, after so ungenerous a manner. I am going to order thee ten -thousand pieces of gold; therefore speak, whether thou art pleased with -that sum or not. Sir, answered the merchant, though I should have -esteemed myself very happy in your majesty's acceptance of her for -nothing, yet I dare not refuse so generous an offer. I shall take care to -publish it, not only in my own country, but also in every place through -which I pass. The money was presently paid him; and, before he stirred -out of his presence, the king made him put on a rich suit of cloth of -gold. - -The king caused the fair slave to be lodged in the finest apartment next -his own, and gave particular orders to the matrons and to the women -slaves appointed to attend her, that after bathing they should dress her -in the richest clothes the kingdom afforded. He also commanded them to -carry her some pearl-necklaces, with abundance of diamonds, and other -precious stones, that she might have the liberty of choosing those she -liked best. - -The officious matrons, whose only care it was to please the king, were -astonished with admiration at her beauty; and being well skilled in that -affair, they told his majesty, that, if he would allow them but three -days, they would engage to make her so much handsomer than she was at -present, that he should scarce know her again. The king at first was very -loath to defer the pleasure of enjoyment so long; but at last he -consented, upon condition they would be as good as their word. - -The king of Persia's capital was situated in an island, and his palace, -which was very magnificent, was built upon the sea-shore: his apartment -looked upon that element; and the fair slave's, which was pretty near it, -had also the same prospect; and it was the more agreeable upon the -account of the sea beating almost against the foot of the wall. - -At the three days' end, the fair slave, gloriously dressed and set off, -was alone in her chamber, sitting upon a sofa, and leaning against one of -the windows that faced the sea, when the king, being informed that he -might visit her, came in. The slave hearing somebody walk in the room, -with an air quite different from that of the women slaves who had -hitherto attended her, immediately turned her head about to see who it -was. She knew him to be the king; but without discovering the least -surprise, or so much as rising from her seat to salute or receive him, as -if he had been the meanest person in the world, she put herself in the -same posture again. - -The king of Persia was extremely surprised to see a slave of so beauteous -a form so ignorant of the world. He attributed this piece of ill breeding -to the narrowness of her education, and the little care that was taken of -instructing her at first in the rules of civility and good manners. He -went to her at the window, where, notwithstanding the coldness and -indifferency with which she had just now received him, she suffered -herself to be admired, caressed, and embraced, as much as he pleased. - -In the midst of these amorous embraces and tender endearments, this -monarch paused a while to gaze upon, or rather to devour her with his -eyes: My goddess! my angel! my charmer! cried the king; whence came you? -and where do those happy parents live that brought into the world so -surprising a masterpiece of nature as you are? Ah! how I adore you! and -my passion shall continue the same. Never did I feel for a woman what I -now suffer for you: and though I have seen, and do see every day, a vast -number of beauties, yet never did my eyes behold so many charms in one -single person, which have so transported me out of myself, that I am no -longer at my own, but entirely at your disposal. My dearest life, -continued he, you neither answer me, nor by any visible token give me the -least reason to believe that you are sensible of the many demonstrations -I have given you of the violence of my passion; neither will you turn -your eyes on me, to afford mine the pleasure of meeting them with an -amorous glance, and to convince you that it is impossible to love more -than I do you. Why will you still keep this obstinate silence, which -freezes me to death? and whence proceeds the seriousness, or rather -sorrow, that torments me to the soul? Do you mourn for your country, your -friends, or your relations? Alas! is not the king of Persia, who loves -and adores you, capable of comforting and making you amends for the loss -of every thing in the world? - -What protestations of love soever the king of Persia made the fair slave -to oblige her to speak to him, she continued her astonishing -reservedness, and keeping her eyes still fixed on the ground, would not -so much as open her lips. - -The king of Persia, charmed with the purchase he had made of a slave that -pleased him so well, pressed her no farther, in hopes that, by treating -her civilly, he might prevail upon her to change her mind. He presently -gave the usual sign to the women that waited in an outward room; and as -soon as they entered, he commanded them to bring in supper. When it was -on the table, My dear, said he to the slave, come hither and sup with me. -She rose up from her seat, and being placed over against the king, his -majesty helped her before he began eating himself; and so he did of every -dish during the whole supper. The slave ate with downcast eyes, and -without speaking one word, though he often asked her how she liked the -entertainment, and whether it was dressed to her taste. - -The king, willing to change the discourse, asked her what her name was, -how she liked the clothes and the jewels she had on, what she thought of -her apartment and the rich furniture, and whether the prospect of the sea -was not very agreeable and charming. But to all these questions she -answered not a word; so that the king was at a loss what to think of her -silence. He imagined at first, that perhaps she might be dumb: But then, -said he to himself, can it be possible that Heaven should form a creature -so beautiful, so perfect, and so accomplished, and yet at the same time -with so great an imperfection? However, I cannot love with less passion -than I do. - -When the king of Persia rose from the table, he washed his hands on one -side, while the fair slave washed hers on the other. He took that time to -ask the women that held the basin and the towel, if ever they had heard -her speak. One of them presently made answer, Sir, we have neither seen -her open her lips, nor heard her speak, any more than your majesty has -just now: we have taken care of her in the bath, we have combed and -dressed her head, put on her clothes, and waited upon her in her chamber; -but she has never opened her lips, so much as to say, That is well, or, I -like this. We have often asked her, Madam, do you want any thing? let us -know what you would have; do but ask, and we are ready to get it for you: -but we have never been able to draw a word from her; so that we cannot -tell whether her silence proceeds from pride, sorrow, stupidity, or -dumbness; and this is all we can inform your majesty. - -The king of Persia was more astonished at hearing this than he was -before: however, believing the slave might have some reason for her -sorrow, he was willing to endeavour to divert it, and make her merry. -Accordingly, he made a very splendid ball, to which all the fine ladies -of the court came, and those who were skilful in playing upon musical -instruments showed their parts, while others sang or danced, or did both -together: in short, they played at a great many sorts of games, which -mightily diverted the king. The fair slave was the only person that took -no pleasure in those diversions: she never stirred out of her place, but -with her eyes still fixed on the ground, without taking any notice of the -entertainment, behaved herself with so much indifferency that all the -ladies were no less surprised at it than the king. After the ball was -done, every one retired to her apartment; and the king, who was left -alone with the fair slave, lay with her that night. - -The next morning, the king of Persia arose more pleased than he had been -with all the women he had ever seen, and more enamoured with the fair -slave than he was before. Indeed, he soon made it appear, by resolving -henceforth to keep constant to her; and he performed his resolution. On -the very same day he dismissed all his other women, giving every one of -them their jewels and other valuable things, besides a considerable -fortune, with free leave to marry whom they thought fit, and only kept -the matrons, and a few other old women, to wait upon and attend the fair -slave. However, for a whole year together, she never afforded him the -pleasure of one single word; yet the king took abundance of pains to -please her, and, with all complaisance imaginable, to give her the most -signal proofs of his violent passion. - -The year was now expired, when the king, sitting one day by his mistress, -protested to her that his love, instead of being diminished, grew every -day more violent: My queen, said he, I cannot conceive what your thoughts -are; but, however, nothing is more true, and I swear to you the same, -that in having the happiness of possessing you, there remains nothing for -me to desire: I esteem my kingdom, great as it is, less than an atom, -when I have the pleasure of beholding your eyes, and of telling you a -thousand times how I adore you. You see I have given you some other -proofs of my affection than bare words; and therefore surely you can -never doubt of it, after the vast number of women I have sacrificed to -your beauty. You may remember, it is about a year since I sent them away -from my court; and I repent of it as little even now I am talking with -you, as I did the first moment of their departure, and I believe I never -shall. Nothing would be wanting to complete my happiness, and crown my -joys for ever, would you speak but one single word to me, by which I -might be assured that you thought yourself in some measure obliged to me. -But how can you speak to me if you are dumb? and alas! how fearful I am -lest it should be true! yet what reason have I to doubt of it, since you -still torment me with silence, after a whole year's entreating you every -hour to speak to me! However, if it is impossible for me to obtain that -consolation, may Heaven, at least, grant me the blessing of a son by you -to succeed me after my death. I find myself growing old every day, and I -begin to want one to assist me in bearing the weight of a crown. But -still I cannot refrain from the desire I have of hearing you speak; for -methinks something within me tells me you are not dumb; and, therefore, -dear madam, I beseech, I conjure you, to break through this obstinate -humour, and speak but one word to me; and after that, I care not how soon -I die. - -At this discourse, the fair slave, who, according to her usual custom, -had hearkened to the king with downcast eyes, and had given him cause to -believe, not only that she was dumb, but that she never had laughed in -her life, began to look up and smile a little. The king of Persia -perceived it with a surprise that made him break forth into an -exclamation of joy; and no longer doubting but that she was going to -speak, he waited for that happy moment with an eagerness and attention -that cannot be easily expressed. - -At last, the fair slave, breaking her long silence, thus addressed -herself to the king: Sir, said she, I have so many things to say to your -majesty, that, having once broke silence, I know not where to begin. -However, in the first place, I think myself obliged in duty to thank your -majesty for all the favours and honours you have been pleased to confer -upon me, and to implore the gods to bless and prosper you, to prevent the -wicked designs and intentions of your enemies, and that they would not -suffer you to die after hearing me speak, but grant you a long and happy -reign. After this, sir, I cannot give you a greater satisfaction than -acquainting you with my being with child; and I wish, as you do, it may -be a son. Had it never been my fortune to have been breeding, I was -resolved (I beg your majesty to pardon the sincerity of my intention) -never to have loved you, as well as to have kept an eternal silence; but -now I love and respect you as I ought to do. - -The king of Persia, ravished to hear the fair slave not only speak, but -at the same time tell him news in which he was so nearly concerned, -embraced her tenderly: Shining light of my eyes, said he, it is -impossible for me to receive a greater joy than what you have now given -me: you have spoken to me, and declared your being with child; so that I -am fully satisfied in myself, that after these two signal occasions of -joy, I ought to expect no other. - -The king of Persia, in the transport of joy he was in, said no more to -the fair slave. He left her; but after such a manner as made her perceive -his intention was speedily to return; and being willing that the occasion -of his joy should be made public, he declared it to his officers, and -sent in all haste for the grand vizier. As soon as he came, he ordered -him to distribute a thousand pieces of gold among the holy men of his -religion, who had made vows of poverty; as also among the hospitals and -the poor, by way of returning thanks to Heaven; and his will was obeyed, -by the direction of that minister. - -After the king of Persia had given this order, he came to the fair slave -again: Madam, said he, pardon me for leaving you so abruptly, since you -have been the occasion of it; but I hope you will entertain me some other -time, since I am desirous to know of you several things of a much greater -consequence. However, in the mean time, tell me, I beseech you, my -dearest charmer, what were the powerful reasons that induced you to -persist in that obstinate silence for a whole year together, though every -day you saw me, heard me talk to you, ate and drank with me, and every -night lay with me? I shall pass by your not speaking; but how you could -carry yourself after such an indifferent manner, that I could never -discover whether you were sensible of what I said to you, or no, I must -confess it surpasses my understanding: and I cannot yet comprehend, how -you could contain yourself so long: therefore I must conclude the -occasion of it to be very extraordinary. - -To satisfy the king of Persia's curiosity, this fair person replied, -Think whether or no to be a slave, far from my own country, without any -hopes of ever seeing it again, to have a heart torn with grief, for being -separated from my mother, my brother, my friends, and my acquaintance, -are not sufficient reasons for my keeping a silence your majesty has -thought so strange and unaccountable. The love of our native country is -as natural to us as that of our parents; and the loss of liberty is -unsupportable to every one, who is not wholly destitute of sense and -reason, and knows how to set a value on it. The body indeed may be -enslaved, and under the subjection of a master who has the power and -authority in his hands; but the will can never be conquered or domineered -over, but still remains free and unconfined, depending on itself alone, -and your majesty has found an example of it in me; and it is a wonder -that I have not followed the example of abundance of unfortunate -wretches, whom the loss of liberty has reduced to the mournful resolution -of procuring their own deaths a thousand ways, rather than survive it, -and wear out a wretched life in shameful slavery. - -Madam, replied the king, I am now convinced of the truth of what you say; -but till this moment I was of opinion, that a person beautiful, -well-shaped, with a great deal of wit and good sense, such as yourself, -whom her rigorous stars had destined to be a slave, ought to think -herself very happy in meeting with a king for her master. - -Sir, replied the fair slave, whatever the slave is, supposing her to be -such as I have already mentioned to your majesty, there is no king on -earth can tyrannize over her will. But, however, when you speak of a -slave, mistress of charms enough to captivate a monarch, and make him -adore her, provided she is of a rank infinitely below him, I am of your -opinion she ought to think herself happy in her misfortune; but what -happiness can it be when she considers herself only as a slave, torn from -her parents' arms, and perhaps a lover's, for whom she has a passion that -death only can extinguish? But when this very slave is nothing inferior -to the king that bought her, your majesty shall then judge yourself of -the rigour of her destiny, of her misery, and of her sorrow, and to what -desperate attempts the anguish of despair may drive her. - -The king of Persia, astonished at this discourse, said, Madam, can it be -possible that you are of royal blood, as by your words you seem to -intimate? Explain the whole secret to me, I beseech you, and no longer -augment my impatience. Ah! let me instantly know who are the happy -parents of so great a prodigy of beauty, who are your brothers, your -sisters, and your relations; but above all, what your name is. - -Sir, said the fair slave, my name is Gulnare of the sea; and my father, -who is now dead, was one of the most potent monarchs of the ocean. When -he died, he left his kingdom to a brother of mine, named Saleh, and to -the queen my mother, who is also a princess, the daughter of another -puissant monarch of the sea. We enjoyed a profound peace and tranquillity -through the whole kingdom, till a neighbouring prince, an enemy to our -repose, invaded our dominions with a mighty army; and, penetrating as far -as our capital, made himself master of it: and we had but just time -enough to save ourselves in a steep inaccessible place, with a few trusty -officers, who were so generous as not to forsake us in our distress. - -In this retreat, my brother was not negligent in contriving all manner of -ways to drive the unjust invader from our dominions. While this affair -was in agitation, one day taking me into his closet, Sister, said he, the -events of the least undertakings in this world are always dubious. As, -for my own part, I am willing to die in the attempt I design to make to -re-establish myself in my kingdom; and I shall be less concerned for my -own disgrace, than for what may possibly happen to you; and therefore to -prevent it, and to secure you from whatever accident may befall you, I -would fain see you married first. But in the miserable condition that our -affairs are at present, I see no probability of matching you to any of -the princes of the sea; and therefore I should be very glad if you would -resolve to be of my opinion, and think of marrying to some of the princes -of the earth. I am ready to contribute all that lies in my power towards -it, and I am certain there is not one of them, considering the beauty you -are mistress of, but would be proud of your accepting of their crown. - -At this discourse of my brother's, I fell into a violent passion. -Brother, said I, you know that I am descended, as well as you, by both -father and mother's sides, from the kings and queens of the sea, without -any mixture of alliance with those of the earth; therefore I do not -design to marry below myself, any more than they did: and I took an oath -of it, as soon as I had understanding to inquire into the nobleness and -antiquity of our family. The condition to which we are reduced shall -never oblige me to alter my resolution; and if you perish in the -execution of your design, I am prepared to fall with you, rather than -follow the advice I so little expected from you. - -My brother, who was still earnest for the marriage, endeavoured to make -me believe that there were kings of the earth who were no ways inferior -to those of the sea. This put me again into a violent passion, which -occasioned him to speak several bitter reflecting things that nettled me -to the quick. At last he left me, as much dissatisfied with myself as he -could possibly be; and in this peevish mood, I gave a spring from the -bottom of the sea, directly up to the island of the moon. - -Notwithstanding the violent discontent that made me cast myself upon that -island, I lived pretty easy in a by-corner of it, where I retired for -conveniency and safety. But, alas! this happiness lasted not long; for, -in spite of all my endeavours to lie concealed in my beloved obscurity, a -certain person of distinction and figure, attended by his servants, -surprised me sleeping, and carried me to his own house. He made violent -love to me, and omitted nothing which he thought might reasonably induce -me to make a return to his passion. When he saw that fair means would -prevail nothing upon me, he attempted to make use of force; but I soon -made him repent of his insolence. So at last, finding that there was -nothing to be done with me, he resolved to part with me, which he did to -that very merchant who brought me hither and sold me to your majesty. He -was a very prudent, courteous, obliging person; and during the whole -journey, which was somewhat tedious, he never gave me the least reason to -complain of his usage. - -As for your majesty, sir, continued the princess Gulnare, if you had not -shown me all the respect you have hitherto paid (for which I am extremely -obliged to your goodness) and given me such undeniable marks of your -affection, that I could no longer doubt of it; if you had not immediately -sent away your women; give me leave to tell you plainly, sir, that I was -positively resolved not to have lived with you: I would have thrown -myself into the sea, out of this very window, where your majesty first -saw me when you came into this apartment; and I would have gone in search -after my mother, my brother, and the rest of my relations. I still -persisted in that design, and I would infallibly have put it in -execution, if, after a certain time, I had found myself deceived in the -hopes of being with child: but now, in the condition I am in, I shall -take care what I do. Should I tell my mother or my brother that I have -been a slave, even to a king as mighty as you are, they would never -believe it, but would for ever upbraid me with the crime I have committed -against my honour, since it was a voluntary act of my own. However, sir, -be it a prince or a princess that I bring into the world, it will be a -pledge to engage me never to be parted from your majesty; and therefore I -hope you will no longer look upon me as a slave, but as a princess worthy -of your alliance. - -It was after this manner that the princess Gulnare finished her story she -had been telling the king of Persia. My charming and adorable princess, -cried he, what wonders have I heard! and what an ample subject have you -afforded my curiosity, of asking a thousand questions concerning those -strange and unheard-of things which you have related to me! But, in the -first place, I ought to thank you for your goodness and patience in -making a trial of the truth and constancy of my passion. I must confess, -I thought it impossible for me to love you more than I did; but since I -know you to be so great a princess, I love you a thousand times more. -What! did I say princess? Madam, you are no longer so; but you are my -queen, the queen of Persia; and by that title you shall soon be -proclaimed throughout the whole kingdom. Tomorrow the ceremony shall be -performed in my capital, with a pomp and magnificence that was never yet -beheld; which will plainly show, that you are both my queen and lawful -wife. This should have been done long ago, had you sooner convinced me of -my error; for, from the first moment of my seeing you, I have been of the -same opinion as now, to love you for ever, and never to place my -affection on any other. - -However, I am pleased with myself for having, in the mean time, paid you -all the respect and civility I ought, that is due to your merit; and -therefore, madam, I beseech you to inform me in a more particular manner, -of the kingdoms and people of the sea, which are altogether unknown to -me. I have heard much talk indeed of the inhabitants of the sea; but I -always looked upon it as nothing but a pleasant tale or fable: however, -by what you have told me, I am convinced there is nothing more true; and -I have a very good proof of it in your own person, who are one of them, -and are pleased to condescend to be my wife; which is an honour no other -inhabitant on the earth can boast of besides myself. There is one thing -yet, madam, which puzzles me a little, therefore I must beg the favour of -you to explain it; that is, I cannot comprehend how it is possible for -you to move, breathe, and walk up and down in the water, without being -drowned. There are but few amongst us who have the art of staying under -water; but they would surely perish there, if after a certain space of -time, which is according to their skill, and constitution of their -bodies, they did not come up again. - -Sir, replied the queen Gulnare, I shall take a great deal of pleasure in -satisfying the king of Persia in any thing that lies in my power. You -must know, then, that we can walk at the bottom of the sea with as much -ease as you can upon the dry land; and can breathe in the water as well -as you do in the air; so that instead of suffocating us, as it does you, -it is absolutely necessary for the preservation of our lives. What is yet -more remarkable is, that it never wets our clothes: so that when we have -a mind to visit your upper world, we have no occasion of drying them. Our -vulgar language is the same in which the writing upon the seal of the -great prophet Solomon, the son of David, was engraven. - -I must not forget to tell you, that the water does not in the least -hinder us from seeing in the sea; for we can open and shut our eyes when -we please, without any manner of inconveniency; and as we have generally -a very quick, piercing sight, so we can discern any object as clearly in -the deepest part of the sea, as upon land. We have also a succession -there of day and night; the moon affords us her light, and even the -planets and the stars appear very visible to us. I have already spoken of -their kingdoms; but as the sea is a great deal larger than the earth, so -there are a greater number of them, and of vaster extent. They are -divided into provinces, and in every province there are several great -cities, well peopled; and, in short, there are an infinite number of -nations, differing in manners and customs, as well as upon the earth. - -The palaces of the kings and princes are very sumptuous and magnificent. -There are some of them of marble of various colours; others of -rock-crystal, mother-of-pearl, coral, and of other materials more -valuable; gold, silver, and all sorts of precious stones, are more -plentiful there than with you. I say nothing of the pearls, since the -largest that ever was seen upon the earth would not be valuable amongst -us; and none but the very lowest rank of citizens would wear them. - -As we have a marvellous and almost incredible agility of transporting -ourselves whither we please in the twinkling of an eye, so we have no -occasion for any coaches or horses: not but that every king has his -stables, and his breed of sea-horses; but they seldom make use of them, -but upon public feasts and rejoicing days. After they have been well -managed, they set riders upon their backs, who show their skill and -dexterity in the art of riding: others are put to chariots of -mother-of-pearl, adorned with an infinite number of shells of all sorts, -of the liveliest colours in the world. These chariots are open; and in -the middle there is a throne on which the king sits, and exposes himself -to the public view of his subjects. The horses are trained up to draw by -themselves, so that there is no occasion for a coachman to guide them. I -pass over a thousand other particulars relating to these sea-countries, -full of wonder and curiosity, which would be very entertaining to your -majesty; but I believe, sir, you will be pleased I should defer it, to -speak of something of much greater consequence; which is, that the method -of delivering, and the way of managing the women of the sea in their -lying-in, is quite different from those of the women of the earth; and I -am afraid to trust myself in the hands of the midwives of this country. -Therefore, sir, since my safe delivery is a thing which equally concerns -us both, with your majesty's permission, I think it proper to send for my -mother and my cousins to assist at my labour; at the same time to desire -my brother's company, to whom I have a great desire to be reconciled. -They will be very glad to see me again, after I have related my story to -them, and when they understand that I am wife to the mighty king of -Persia. I beseech your majesty to give me leave to send for them: I am -sure they will be proud to pay their respects to you; and I dare say you -will be extremely pleased to see them. - -Madam, said the king of Persia, you are mistress, and so do whatever you -please; I will endeavour to receive them with all the honours they -deserve. But I would fain know how you would acquaint them with what you -desire, and when they will arrive; that I may make some preparation for -their reception, and go myself in person to meet them. - -Sir, replied the queen Gulnare, there is no need of any of these -ceremonies; they will be here in a moment: and if your majesty will be -pleased but to step into the closet and look through the lattice, you -shall see the manner of their arrival. - -As soon as the king of Persia was gone into the closet, the queen Gulnare -ordered one of her women to bring her a perfuming-pan, with a little fire -in it. After that, she bade her retire, and shut the door. When she was -alone, she took a little piece of aloes out of a box, and put it into the -perfuming-pan. As soon as she saw the smoke arise, she repeated some -mystical words, utterly unknown to the king of Persia, who observed with -great attention what she was doing. She had no sooner ended her charm, -than the sea began to be disturbed. The closet that the king was in was -so contrived, that looking through the lattice, on the same side with the -windows that faced the sea, he could plainly perceive it. - -In short, the sea opened at some distance; presently there appeared a -tall handsome young man, with whiskers of a sea-green colour; a little -behind him, a lady well in years, but of a stately majestic air, attended -by five young ladies, nothing inferior in beauty to queen Gulnare. - -The queen Gulnare immediately came to one of the windows, and saw the -king her brother, the queen her mother, and the rest of her relations, -who at the same time perceived her also. The company came forward, not -walking, but carried, as it were, upon the surface of the waves. When -they came to the brink of the sea, they nimbly, one after another, leaped -in at the window, from whence the queen Gulnare was retired, to make room -for them. The king Saleh, the queen her mother, and the rest of her -relations, embraced her tenderly, with tears in their eyes, upon their -first entrance. - -After the queen Gulnare had received them with all the honour imaginable, -and placed them upon a sofa, the queen her mother addressed herself to -her after a very tender manner. Daughter, said she, I am overjoyed to see -you again, after so long an absence; and I am confident that your brother -and your relations are no less so than I. Your leaving us, without -acquainting any body with it, put us into an inexpressible concern; and -it is impossible to tell you how many tears we have shed upon that -account. We know of no other reason that could induce you to take such a -surprising resolution, but the discourse that passed between your brother -and you, of which he afterwards informed me. The advice he gave you -seemed very advantageous to him at that time, for settling you handsomely -in the world; and was then very suitable to the posture of our affairs. -However, if you had not approved of his proposals, you ought not to have -been so much alarmed; and give me leave to tell you, you took the thing -quite otherwise than you ought to have done. But no more of this -discourse, which serves only to renew the occasion of our sorrows and -complaints, that we and you ought to bury for ever in oblivion. Give us -now a relation of all that has happened to you since you left us, and -also an account of the present circumstances you are in; but especially -let us know if you are pleased and contented. - -The queen Gulnare immediately threw herself at her mother's feet, and -after rising up and kissing her hand, said, Madam, I own I have been -guilty of a very great crime, and I shall be indebted to your goodness -for the pardon which I hope you will be pleased to grant me. What I am -going to say, in obedience to your commands, will soon convince you, that -it is very often in vain for us to have an aversion for some certain -things: I have experienced it myself; and the only thing I had an -abhorrence to, either justly, or by the malice of my stars, has happened -to me here. She began to relate the whole story of what had befallen her -since her quitting the sea, in a violent passion, for the earth. As soon -as she had made an end, and had acquainted them with her having been sold -to the king of Persia, in whose palace she was at present; Sister, cried -the king her brother, you have been mightily wronged in having so many -affronts offered you; but you can blame nobody but yourself: you have it -in your power now to free yourself; and I cannot but admire your -patience, that you could endure so long a slavery. Rise, and return with -us into my kingdom, that I have reconquered, and taken from the proud -usurper that was once master of it. - -The king of Persia, who heard these killing words from the closet where -he stood, was in the utmost confusion imaginable. Ah! said he to himself, -I am ruined and undone; and if my queen, my angel, leaves me, I shall -surely die, for it is impossible for me to live without her: and will -they be so barbarous as to deprive me of her? But the queen Gulnare soon -put him out of his fears, and eased the sorrow of his heart. - -Brother, said she, and smiled, what I have just now heard, gives me a -greater proof than ever I had of the sincerity of your friendship for me; -but as heretofore I could not brook your proposing a match between me and -a prince of the earth, so now I can scarce forbear being angry with you, -for advising me to break the engagement I have made with the most -puissant and most renowned monarch in the world. I do not speak here of -an engagement between a slave and her master; if that were all, it would -be easy to return the ten thousand pieces of gold that I cost him; but I -speak now of a contract between a woman and her husband, who has never -given her the least reason to complain or be discontented: besides, he is -a king, wise, temperate, religious, and just, and has given me the most -essential demonstrations of his love that possibly he could. What can be -a greater instance of the violence of his passion, than sending away all -his women (of which he had a great number) immediately upon my arrival, -and confining himself only to me? I am now his wife, and he has lately -declared me queen of Persia; and I am to sit with him in the council: -besides, I am breeding; and if Heaven shall be pleased to favour me with -a son, that shall be another motive to engage my affections to him the -more. So, brother, continued the queen Gulnare, instead of following your -advice, you see I have all the reason in the world, not only to love the -king of Persia as passionately as I do, but also to live and die with -him, more out of gratitude than duty. I hope, then, neither my mother, -nor you, nor any of my cousins, will disapprove of the resolution and -alliance I have made, which will be an equal honour to the kings of both -the sea and earth. I ask a thousand pardons for giving you the trouble of -coming hither from the bottom of the deep to partake of it; and I return -you thanks for the pleasure of seeing you after so long a separation. - -Sister, replied king Saleh, the proposition I made you of going back with -us into my kingdom, upon the recital of your adventures, (which I could -not hear without concern,) was to let you see what a particular love and -honour I had for you, and that nothing in the world was so dear to me as -your welfare and happiness. Upon the same account, then, for my own part, -I cannot condemn a resolution so reasonable, and so worthy of yourself, -after what you have told me of the king of Persia your husband, and the -many obligations you have to him; and I am persuaded that the queen our -mother will be of the same opinion. - -The queen confirmed what her son had just spoken, and addressing herself -immediately to her daughter, said, My dear, I am very glad to hear you -are pleased; and I have nothing else to add to what your brother has -already said to you. I should have been the first that would have -condemned you, if you had not expressed all the gratitude you were -capable of for a monarch that loves you so passionately, and has done -such mighty things to oblige you. - -As the king of Persia, who was still in the closet, had been extremely -concerned for fear of losing his beloved queen, so now he was transported -with joy at her resolution never to forsake him; and having no room to -doubt of her love, after so open a declaration, he began to love her more -than ever, and was resolved within himself to give her all the outward -proofs of it, after the most sensible manner he possibly could. - -While the king was entertaining himself with a pleasure that cannot -easily be imagined, the queen Gulnare clapped her hands aloud, and -presently in came some of her slaves, whom she had ordered to bring in a -collation. As soon as it was served up, she invited the queen her mother, -the king her brother, and her cousins, to sit down and take part of it. -They began to consider, that, without ever asking leave, they were got -into the palace of a mighty king, who had never seen or heard of them, -and were all of the same opinion, that it would be a great piece of -rudeness and incivility to eat at his table without him. This reflection -raised a blush in their faces, and their eyes glowing with the concern -they were in, they breathed nothing but flames at their mouths and -nostrils. - -This unexpected sight put the king of Persia, who was perfectly ignorant -of the cause of it, into a most dreadful consternation. The queen Gulnare -fancying that his majesty might be a little surprised at it, and finding -her relations desirous of the honour of seeing him, rose from her seat, -and told them she would be back in a moment. She went directly to the -closet, and by her presence recovered the king of Persia from his -surprise: Sir, said she, I doubt not but that your majesty is well -pleased with the acknowledgment I have lately made of the many favours -that I am still indebted to your goodness for. It was wholly in my power -to have complied with my relations, who would fain have persuaded me to -have forsaken you, and gone back with them into their dominions; but -alas! I am not capable of being guilty of such ingratitude as I should -have condemned in another. Ah! my queen, cried the king of Persia, speak -no more of your obligations to me, for indeed you have none; it is I that -am your debtor so much, that I am afraid I shall never be able to repay, -or return you thanks equal to the favour you have done me; for I never -thought it possible you could have loved me so tenderly as you do, and as -you have made it appear to me, after the most signal manner in the world. -Ah! sir, replied the queen Gulnare, could I do less than I have done? I -rather fear I have not done enough, considering all the honours and -favours that your majesty has heaped upon me; and it is impossible for me -to remain insensible of your passion, after so many convincing proofs as -you have given me. But let us drop this, and give me leave to assure you -of the sincere friendship that the queen my mother, and the king my -brother, are pleased to honour you with; they earnestly desire to see -you, and tell you themselves. I intended to have discoursed with them a -little before I introduced them to your majesty, and accordingly I have -ordered a banquet for them; but they are very impatient to pay their -respects to you, and therefore I desire your majesty would be pleased to -walk in, and honour them with your presence. - -Madam, said the king of Persia, I should be very glad to salute persons -that have the honour to be so nearly related to you; but I am afraid of -the flames that they breathe at their mouths and nostrils. Sir, replied -the queen, laughing, you need not in the least be afraid of those flames, -which are nothing but a sign of their unwillingness to eat in your palace -without your honouring them with your presence, and eating with them. - -The king of Persia taking heart at these words, went into his chamber -with his queen Gulnare. She presented him to the queen her mother, to the -king her brother, and to her other relations, who instantly threw -themselves at his feet, with their faces to the ground. The king of -Persia ran to them, and lifting them up, embraced them one after another -after a very tender manner. After they were all seated, king Saleh began -his speech: Sir, said he to the king of Persia, we are at a loss for -words to express our joy, to think that the queen my sister, after all -her hardships and affronts, should have the happiness of falling under -the protection of so powerful a monarch as your majesty. We can assure -you, sir, she is not unworthy of the high honour that you have been -pleased to raise her to; and we have always had so much love and -tenderness for her, that we could never think of parting with her, even -to the most puissant princes of the sea, who have often demanded her in -marriage before she came of age: but Heaven has reserved her for you, -sir; and we have no better way of returning thanks for the favour it has -done her, than beseeching it to grant your majesty a long and happy life -with her, and to crown your days with content and satisfaction. - -Certainly, replied the king of Persia, Heaven reserved her purely for me, -as you were pleased to observe; and I love her with so tender and violent -a passion, that it is plain I never loved any woman till I saw her. Oh! -how I am blessed and transported with her charms! and I cannot -sufficiently thank either the queen her mother, or you, prince, or your -whole family, for the matchless generosity with which you have consented -to receive me into so glorious an alliance as yours. At the end of these -words, he invited them to take part of the collation, and he and his -queen sat down at his table with them. After the collation was over, the -king of Persia entertained them with discourse till it was very late; and -when they thought it convenient to retire, he waited upon them himself to -the several apartments he had ordered to be prepared for them. - -The king of Persia treated his illustrious guests for a great many days -together; during which time, he omitted nothing that might show his court -in its greatest splendour and magnificence, and insensibly prevailed with -them to stay there till the queen was brought to bed. When the time of -her lying-in drew near, he gave particular orders to get every thing in -readiness that was necessary upon such an occasion. At last there was a -son born, to the great joy of the queen his mother, who, as soon as he -was dressed in swaddling-clothes, which were very rich and costly, went -and presented him to the king. - -The king of Persia received the present with a joy easier to be imagined -than expressed. The young prince being of a beautiful countenance, and -all over charms, he thought no name so proper for him as that of Beder, -which, in the Arabian language, signifies the Full Moon. By way of thanks -to Heaven, he was very liberal in his alms to the poor, and caused the -prison-doors to be set open, and gave all the prisoners of both sexes -their liberty. He distributed vast sums among the priests and the holy -men of his religion. He also gave large donatives to his courtiers, -besides a great deal that was thrown amongst the people; and, by a -proclamation, ordered several rejoicing days to be kept publicly through -the whole city. - -One day after the queen's up-sitting, as the king of Persia, queen -Gulnare herself, the queen her mother, king Saleh her brother, and the -princesses their relations, were discoursing together in her majesty's -bed-chamber, the nurse chanced to come in with the young prince Beder in -her arms. King Saleh no sooner saw him, than he ran to embrace him, and -taking him in his arms, fell a kissing and caressing him after a mighty -rate. He took several turns with him about the room, dancing and dandling -him about, when all of a sudden, through a transport of joy, the window -being open, he leaped out, and plunged with him into the sea. - -The king of Persia, who expected no such sight, set up a hideous cry, -verily believing he should either see the dear prince his son no more, or -that he should see him drowned; nay, he was like to give up the ghost -amidst his so great grief and affliction. Sir, quoth queen Gulnare, with -a quiet and undisturbed countenance, (the better to comfort him,) let -your majesty fear nothing; the young prince is my son as well as yours, -and I do not love him less than you do. You see I am not alarmed at the -loss of him; neither in truth ought I to be so. In short, he runs no -risk, and you will soon see the king his uncle appear with him again, who -will return him to you safe and sound. Although he be born of your blood -as well as mine, he will not fail to have the same advantage his uncle -and I have, of living equally in the sea and upon the land. The queen his -mother, and the princesses his relations, confirmed the same thing: yet -all was no great consolation to the king; he could not possibly recover -from his fright till he saw prince Beder appear again as before. - -The sea at length became troubled, when immediately king Saleh arose, -with the young prince in his arms, and dancing and dandling him about, -re-entered at the same window he went out at. The king of Persia, -overjoyed to see prince Beder again, became as calm as before he lost -sight of him. Then king Saleh said, Sir, was not your majesty in a great -fright, when you first saw me plunge into the sea with the prince my -nephew? Alas! prince, answered the king of Persia, I cannot express my -concern: I thought him lost from that very moment, and you now restore -life to me by bringing him again. I thought as much, replied king Saleh, -though you had not the least reason to apprehend any danger; for before I -plunged into the sea with him, I pronounced certain mysterious words over -him, which were engraven on the seal of the great Solomon the Son of -David. We practise the like in relation to all those children that are -born in the regions at the bottom of the sea, by virtue whereof they -receive the same privileges that we have over those people who inhabit -the earth. Now, from what your majesty has observed, you may easily see -what advantage your son prince Beder has acquired on the part of his -mother queen Gulnare my sister; for as long as he lives, and as often as -he pleases, it shall be free for him to plunge into the sea, and traverse -the vast empires it contains at its bottom. - -Having so spoken, king Saleh, who had restored prince Beder to his -nurse's arms, opened a box he had fetched from his palace in that little -time he had disappeared, which was filled with three hundred diamonds, as -large as pigeons' eggs; a like number of rubies, of extraordinary size; -as many emerald wands, of half a foot long; and with thirty strings of -necklaces of pearl, consisting each of ten pieces. Sir, said he to the -king of Persia, presenting him with this box, when I was first summoned -by the queen my sister, I knew not what part of the earth she was in, or -that she had the honour to be married to so great a monarch as I now -find; wherefore I came empty-handed: but now I understand how much we -have been both obliged to your majesty, I beg you therefore to accept of -this small token of gratitude, in acknowledgment of the many particular -favours you have been pleased to do us, and whereof I am not less -sensible than she. - -It cannot be imagined how greatly the king of Persia was surprised at the -sight of so much riches enclosed in so little compass. What! prince, -cried he, do you call so inestimable a present a small token of your -gratitude, when you never have been indebted to me? I declare you have -never been in the least obliged to me, neither you nor the queen your -mother; I esteem myself but too happy in the consent you have been -pleased to give to the alliance I have contracted with you. Madam, -continued he, turning to Gulnare, the king your brother has put me into -the greatest confusion in the world; and I would beg of him to retain his -present, were it not that I fear to disoblige him. Do you therefore -endeavour to obtain his leave, that I may be dispensed with on this -occasion. - -Sir, replied king Saleh, I am not at all surprised that your majesty -thinks this present so extraordinary: I know you are not accustomed upon -earth to see such and so many fine stones; but if you knew, as I do, the -mines from whence these jewels were taken, and that it is in my power to -heap up a treasure, much larger than those, of all the things of the -earth, you would, it may be, wonder I should have the boldness to make -you a present of so small a value. I beseech you therefore not to regard -it in that respect, but on account of the sincere friendship I am obliged -to offer to you, which I hope you will not give me the mortification to -refuse. These engaging expressions obliged the king of Persia to accept -the present, for which he returned many thanks, both to king Saleh and -the queen his mother. - -A few days after, king Saleh gave the king of Persia to understand that -the queen his mother, the princesses his relations, and himself could -have no greater pleasure than to spend their whole lives at his court; -but that having been absent from their own kingdom for some time, where -their presence was absolutely necessary, they begged of him not to take -it ill, if they took leave of him and queen Gulnare. The king of Persia -assured them he was very sorry that it was not in his power to come and -visit them in their dominions; but added, As I am verily persuaded you -will not forget queen Gulnare, but come and see her now and then, I hope -I shall have the honour to kiss your hands again many times before I die. - -Many tears were shed on both sides upon their separation. King Saleh -departed first; but the queen his mother, and the princesses his -relations, were fain to force themselves, in a manner, from the embraces -of queen Gulnare, who could not prevail with herself to let them go. This -royal company were no sooner out of sight, than the king of Persia said -to queen Gulnare, Madam, I should have looked upon that person as one who -would have imposed on my credulity in the grossest manner, that had -pretended to palm those wonders upon me for true, which I myself have -been an eye-witness of from the time I have been honoured with your -illustrious family at my court: but I cannot escape conviction of this -kind; and shall remember it as long as I live, and be always ready to -bless Heaven for directing you to me, rather than to any other prince. - -Young prince Beder was brought up and educated in the palace, under the -care of the king and queen of Persia, who both saw him grow and increase -in beauty, to their great satisfaction. He gave them yet greater pleasure -as he advanced in years, by his continued sprightliness, by his agreeable -ways in whatever he did, and by the justness and vivacity of his wit in -whatever he said; and they were the more sensible of this satisfaction, -by reason king Saleh his uncle, the queen his grandmother, and the -princesses his relations, came from time to time to take part of it. - -He was easily taught to read and write, and was instructed with the same -facility in all the sciences that became a prince of his rank. - -When he arrived at fifteen, he acquitted himself of all his exercises -with infinitely better address, and good grace, than any of his masters. -He was withal very wise and prudent. The king, who had almost from his -cradle discovered in him virtues so necessary for a monarch, and who -moreover began to perceive the infirmities of old age coming upon -himself, would not stay till death gave him the possession of his throne, -but purposed to resign it to him immediately. He had no great difficulty -to make his council consent to it; and the people heard this resolution -with so much the more joy, as they conceived prince Beder worthy to -govern them. In a word, as the king had not for a long time appeared in -public, they had all the opportunity in the world to observe he had not -that disdainful, proud, and crabbed air, which most princes, who look -upon all below them with scorn and contempt, have. They saw, on the -contrary, he treated all mankind with that goodness which invited them to -approach him, that he heard favourably all who had any thing to say to -him; that he answered every body with a goodness that was peculiar to -him; and that he refused nobody any thing that had the least appearance -of reasonableness. - -The day for the ceremony was appointed, when in the midst of the whole -assembly, which was then more numerous than ordinary, the king of Persia, -then sitting on his throne, came down from it, took the crown off his -head, put it on that of prince Beder; and having seated him in his place, -kissed his hand, as a token that he resigned his authority to him: after -which, he ranged himself among the crowd of viziers and emirs. - -Hereupon the viziers, emirs, and other principal officers, came -immediately and threw themselves at the new king's feet, taking each the -oath of fidelity, according to their degrees. Then the grand vizier made -a report of divers important matters; on which the young king gave -judgment with that admirable prudence and sagacity that surprised all the -council. He next turned out divers governors convicted of -mal-administration, and put others in their room; which he did with that -wonderful and just discernment as excited the acclamations of every body, -which were so much the more honourable, as flattery had no share in them. -He at length left the council, accompanied by the late king his father, -and went to wait on his mother queen Gulnare, at her apartment. The queen -no sooner saw him coming with the crown upon his head, than she ran to -embrace him with a great deal of tenderness, wishing him a long and -prosperous reign. - -The first year of his reign, king Beder acquitted himself of all his -royal functions with great assiduity. Above all, he took care to instruct -himself in affairs of state, and all that might any way contribute -towards the happiness of his people. Next year, having left the -administration to his council, under the direction of the old king his -father, he went out of his capital city, under pretence of diverting -himself with hunting; but his real intention was to visit all the -provinces of his kingdom, that he might reform all abuses there, -establish good order and discipline every where, and deprive all -ill-minded princes, his neighbours, of any opportunities of attempting -any thing against the security and tranquillity of his subjects, by -appearing and showing himself seasonably on his frontiers. - -No less than a whole year sufficed this young king to put in practice a -purpose so worthy of him. Soon after his return, the old king his father -fell so dangerously ill, that he knew at first he should never recover. -He waited for his last moment with great tranquillity, and his only care -was to recommend to the ministers and other lords of his son's court to -persist in the fidelity they had sworn to him; insomuch that there was -not one but willingly renewed his oath as freely as at first. He died at -length, to the great grief of king Beder and queen Gulnare, who caused -his corpse to be carried to a stately mausoleum, worthy of his rank and -dignity. - -When the funeral obsequies were ended, king Beder found no difficulty to -comply with that ancient custom in Persia to mourn for the dead a whole -month, and not to be seen by any body during all that time. He had -mourned the death of his father his whole life, had he hearkened to his -excessive affliction, and had it been permitted to so great a prince as -he was to amuse himself after that manner. During this interval, the -queen, mother to queen Gulnare, and king Saleh, together with the -princesses their relations, arrived at the Persian court, and shared in -great part of their affliction, before they proposed any consolation. - -Though the month was expired, the king could not prevail on himself to -give admittance to the grand vizier and the other lords of his court, who -all besought him to lay aside his mourning habit, to show himself to his -subjects, and take upon him the administration of affairs as before. - -He showed so great unwillingness to their request, that the grand vizier -took upon him to speak in the following manner: Sir, it would be needless -to represent to your majesty that it belongs only to women to persist in -perpetual mourning. We doubt not but you are sufficiently convinced of -that, and that it is not your intention to follow their example. Neither -our tears nor yours are capable of restoring life to the good king your -father, though we should lament all our days. He has undergone the common -fate of all men, which nobody can resist. Yet we cannot say absolutely -that he is dead, since we see him reviving in the person of your sacred -majesty. He did not himself doubt, when he was dying, but he should -revive in you, and to your majesty it belongs to show that he was not -deceived. - -King Beder could no longer oppose such pressing instances. He laid aside -his mourning habit that very moment; and after he had resumed the royal -ornaments, he began to provide for the necessities of his subjects with -the same assiduity as before his father's death. He acquitted himself -with universal approbation; and, as he was exact in maintaining his -predecessor's ordinances, the people perceived no alteration in their -sovereign. - -King Saleh, who was returned to his dominions in the sea, with the queen -his mother and the princesses, no sooner saw that king Beder had resumed -the government, than he came alone to visit him; and king Beder and queen -Gulnare were overjoyed to see him. One day, as they rose from table, they -fell to discoursing of several matters. King Saleh fell insensibly on the -praises of the king his nephew, and the queen his sister, how glad he was -to see him govern so prudently, which had acquired him so great -reputation, not only among his neighbours, but more remote princes. King -Beder, who could not bear to hear himself so well spoken of, and not -being willing to interrupt the king his uncle, through good manners -turned on one side, and seemed to be asleep, leaning his head against a -cushion that was behind him. - -From these commendations, which regarded only the wonderful conduct and -surprising wit of king Beder, king Saleh came to speak of the perfections -of his body, which he extolled after a mighty rate, as having nothing -equal to them, either upon the earth, or the kingdoms under the waters, -which he was well acquainted with. - -Sister, said he in an ecstasy, so beautiful as he is, and of such -excellent endowments, I wonder you have not thought of marrying him ere -this: if I mistake not, he is at present in his twentieth year, and at -that age no prince ought to be suffered to be without a wife. I will -think of a match for him myself, since you will not, and marry him to -some princess of our lower world, that may be worthy of him. - -Brother, replied queen Gulnare, you call to my remembrance a thing, I -must own, I have never thought of to this very moment. As he never -discovered any inclination for marriage, I never thought of mentioning it -to him; and I am glad you have now spoken of it to me. I like your -proposing one of your princesses; and I desire you to name one who may be -beautiful and well accomplished, that the king my son may be obliged to -love her. - -I know one that will be proper, replied king Saleh, softly; but before I -will tell you who she is, let us see if the king my nephew sleeps or not, -and I will tell you afterwards why it is necessary we should take that -precaution. Queen Gulnare then looked upon her son, and thought she had -no reason to doubt but he was profoundly asleep, (king Beder -nevertheless, very far from sleeping, redoubled his attention, as being -unwilling to lose any thing the king his uncle said upon that subject.) -There is no necessity for your speaking so low, said the queen to the -king her brother; you may speak out with all freedom, without fear of -being heard. - -It is by no means proper, replied king Saleh, that the king my nephew -should as yet have any knowledge of what I am going to say. Love, you -know, sometimes enters the ear; and it is not necessary he should love -this lady I am about to name, after that sort: in short, I see many -difficulties to surmount in this case, not on the lady's part, as I hope, -but on that of her father. I need only mention to you the princess -Giahaure[2], and the king of Samarcand. - -How, brother, replied queen Gulnare, is not the princess Giahaure yet -married? I remember to have seen her a little before I left your palace; -she was then about eighteen months old, and surprisingly beautiful, and -must needs be the wonder of the world, if her charms have increased equal -with her years. The few years she is older than the king my son, ought -not to hinder our doing our utmost to bring the match about. Let me know -but the difficulties that are to be surmounted, and I will warrant we -will do well enough. - -Sister, replied king Saleh, the greatest difficulty is, that the king of -Samarcand is insupportably vain, looking upon all others as his -inferiors: it is not likely we shall easily get him to enter into this -alliance. For my part, I will go to him in person, and demand the -princess his daughter of him; and in case he refuses her, will address -ourselves elsewhere, where we shall be like to be more favourably heard. -For this reason, as you may perceive, added he, it is not proper for the -king my nephew to know any thing of our design, lest he should fall in -love with the princess Giahaure, and we afterwards not be able to obtain -her for him. They discoursed a little longer upon this point, and before -they parted, agreed that king Saleh should forthwith return to his own -dominions, and demand the princess Giahaure of the king of Samarcand, her -father, for the king of Persia, his nephew. - -This done, queen Gulnare and king Saleh, who verily believed king Beder -asleep, agreed to wake him; and he dissembled the matter so well, that he -seemed to wake from a profound sleep. He had nevertheless heard every -word they said; and the character they gave of the princess Giahaure had -inflamed his heart with an unknown passion. He had conceived so bright an -idea of her beauty, that he could not sleep a wink all night, but -remained under continual inquietudes. - -Next day king Saleh would needs take leave of queen Gulnare and the king -his nephew. The young king, who knew the king his uncle would not have -departed so soon, but to go and promote his happiness, blushed when he -heard him mention his departure. His passion was become so violent, it -would not suffer him to wait so long for the sight of his mistress as -would suffice to accomplish the marriage. He more than once resolved to -desire his uncle to bring her away with him; but as he did not care to -let the queen his mother understand he knew any thing of what had passed, -he desired him only to stay with him a day or two, that they might hunt -together, intending to make use of that occasion to discover his mind to -him. - -The day for hunting was set, and king Beder had many opportunities to -declare his mind to his uncle; but he had not the courage so much as once -to open his mouth to acquaint him with what he designed. - -In the midst of the chase, when not only king Saleh but all his -attendants had left him, he alighted near a spring; and, having tied his -horse to a tree that afforded a very plentiful shade, as did several -others along the banks of the rivulet, he laid himself down on the grass, -and gave a free course to his tears, which issued forth in great -abundance, accompanied with many sobs and sighs. He remained in this -condition, overwhelmed with thought, and not speaking so much as one -word. King Saleh, in the mean time, missing the king his nephew, and not -meeting with any one who could tell tidings of him, began to be much -concerned to know what was become of him. He therefore left his company -to go in search of him, and at length perceived him at a distance. He had -observed the day before, and even more evidently that day, that he was -not so merry as he used to be, that he was more pensive than ordinary, -and that if he was asked a question, he either answered not at all, or -nothing to the purpose: but he never so much as in the least suspected -the cause of all this alteration, till he saw him lying in that -disconsolate posture; when he immediately guessed he had not only heard -what passed between him and the queen Gulnare, but was become -passionately in love. He hereupon alighted, at some distance from him, -and having tied his horse to a tree, took a compass, and came upon him so -softly, that he heard him pronounce the following words: - -Adorable princess of the kingdom of Samarcand, cried he out, I have no -doubt had but an imperfect sketch of your incomparable beauty; yet I hold -you to be preferable to all the princesses in the world in charms, and to -excel them as much as the sun does the moon and stars. I would this -moment go and offer you my heart, if I but knew where to find you: it -belongs to you, dear princess, and nobody shall be the possessor of it -but you. - -King Saleh would hear no more: he advanced immediately, and discovered -himself to king Beder. From what I have understood, nephew, said he, you -heard that which the queen your mother and I discoursed the other day of -the princess Giahaure. It was not our intention you should have known any -thing, and we verily thought you were asleep. My dear uncle, replied king -Beder, I heard every word you said, and have sufficiently experienced the -effect you foretold; which it was not in your power to prevent. I -detained you on purpose to acquaint you with my love before your -departure; but the confusion I had to let you know my weakness, if it be -any to love so worthy a princess as this seems to be, altogether sealed -my mouth. I beseech you then, by the friendship you profess for a prince -that has the honour to be so nearly allied to you, that you would pity -me, and not delay to procure me the consent of the king of Samarcand, -that I may marry his daughter, the adorable Giahaure, with all speed, -unless you have a mind to see me die with love before I have the sight of -her. - -These words of the king of Persia troubled king Saleh very much: he gave -him to understand how difficult it was to give him the satisfaction he -desired, and that he could not well do it without carrying him along with -him; which might be of dangerous consequences, since his presence was so -absolutely necessary in his kingdom, that the least absence might -occasion his subjects to revolt. He conjured him, therefore, to moderate -his passion till such time as he had put things into a better posture; -assuring him he would use his utmost diligence to content him, and, when -he had brought matters to bear, he would come to acquaint him. But these -reasons were not sufficient to satisfy the king of Persia. Cruel uncle, -said he, I find you do not love me so much as you pretended, and that you -had rather see me die than grant the first request that ever I made you. - -I am ready to convince your majesty, replied king Saleh, that I would do -any thing to serve you in reason; but as for carrying you along with me, -I cannot do that till I have spoken to the queen your mother. What would -she say if I should do this? If she consents, I am ready to do all you -would have me. You cannot be ignorant, replied the king of Persia, that -the queen my mother would never willingly part with me; and therefore -this excuse of yours does but yet farther convince me of the hardness of -your heart. If you do really love me, as you would have me to believe you -do, you must return to your kingdom immediately, and carry me along with -you. - -King Saleh, finding himself in a manner obliged to yield to his nephew's -importunity, drew a ring off his finger, which was engraved with the same -mysterious names of God that were upon Solomon's seal, that had wrought -so many wonders by their virtue. Here, take this ring, said he, put it -upon your finger, and fear neither the waters of the sea, nor their -depth. The king of Persia took the ring, and when he had put it on his -finger, king Saleh said unto him, Follow me; when, at the same time, they -both mounted leisurely up into the air, and made towards the sea, which -was not far off, whereinto they jointly plunged. - -The sea-king was not long in going to his palace with the king of Persia, -whom he immediately carried to the queen's apartment, and presented him -to her. The king of Persia kissed the queen his grandmother's hands, and -she embraced him with great demonstrations of joy. I do not ask you how -you do, said she to him, I see you are well enough, and I am rejoiced at -it; but I desire to know how my daughter and your mother queen Gulnare -does. The king of Persia took great care not to let her know he came -without her consent; and therefore told her the queen his mother was in -perfect health, and had enjoined him to pay her duty to her. Then the -queen presented him to the princesses; and while he was in conversation -with them, she left him, and went with king Saleh into a closet. He there -told her how the king of Persia was fallen in love with the princess -Giahaure, upon the bare relation of her beauty; and, contrary to his -intention, that he had brought him along with him, without being able to -hinder it, and that he was going to concert measures to procure the -princess for him in marriage. - -Although king Saleh was, to do him justice, perfectly innocent of the -king of Persia's passion, yet the queen could hardly forgive his -indiscretion, in mentioning the princess Giahaure before him. Your -imprudence is beyond parallel, said she to him: can you think that the -king of Samarcand, whose character is so well known, will have greater -consideration for you than the many other kings he has refused his -daughter to with scorn and contempt? Would you have him send you away -with the same confusion he has done them? - -Madam, replied king Saleh, I have told you it was contrary to my -intention that the king my nephew heard what I related of the beauty of -the princess Giahaure to the queen my sister. The fault, if it be one, is -already committed; and we must consider what a violent passion he has for -this princess, and that he will die with grief and affliction if we do -not speedily obtain her for him, with whatever trouble we are to do it. -For my part, I shall omit nothing that may contribute to it, since I was, -though innocently, the cause of the malady: I will therefore do all that -I can to remedy it. I hope, madam, you will approve of my resolution, to -go and wait upon the king of Samarcand, with a rich present of precious -stones, and demand the princess his daughter of him for the king of -Persia, your grandson and my nephew. I have some reason to believe he -will not refuse me, nor neglect to ally himself with one of the greatest -potentates of the earth. - -It were to have been wished, replied the queen, that we had not been -under a necessity of making this demand, since the success of our attempt -is not so certain as we could desire; but since my grandson's quiet and -content totally depend upon it, I freely give my consent to it. But, -above all, I charge you, since you sufficiently know the humour of the -king of Samarcand, that you take care to show him due respect, and not in -any wise offend him by too presuming a behaviour. - -The queen prepared the present herself, composing it of diamonds, rubies, -emeralds, and strings of pearl; all which she put into a box, very neat -and very rich. Next morning, king Saleh took his leave of her majesty and -the king of Persia, and departed with a chosen but small troop of -officers and other attendants. He soon arrived at the capital and palace -of the king of Samarcand, who did not scruple to afford him audience -immediately upon his arrival. He rose from his throne as soon as he -perceived king Saleh; who, being willing to forget his character for some -moments, knowing whom he had to deal with, prostrated himself at his -feet, wishing him an accomplishment of whatever he desired. The king of -Samarcand immediately stooped to take him up; and, after he had placed -him by him on his left-hand, he told him he was welcome, and asked him if -there was any thing he could do to serve him. - -Sir, answered king Saleh, though I should have no other motive than that -of rendering my respects to the most potent and most prudent prince in -the world, yet would I endeavour to convince your majesty, though poorly, -how much I honour and adore you. Were it possible you could penetrate -into my inmost soul, you would soon be convinced of the great veneration -I have had for you, and the ardent desire I entertain to pay you my most -humble acknowledgments. Having spoken these words, he took the box of -jewels from one of his servants, and having opened it, presented it to -the king, imploring him to accept of it for his sake. - -Prince, replied the king of Samarcand, I hope you do not make me this -present without requiring a proportional benefit from me. If there be any -thing within the compass of my capacity, you may freely command it, and -will do me signal honour in accepting it. Speak, and tell me frankly -wherein I can serve you. - -I must own ingenuously, replied king Saleh, I have a boon to ask of your -majesty; but I shall take care to ask nothing but what is within your -power to grant. The thing depends so absolutely on yourself, that it -would be to no purpose to require it of any other. I ask it then with all -possible earnestness, and I beg of you not to refuse it me. If it be so, -replied the king of Samarcand, you have nothing to do but to acquaint me -what it is, and you shall see after what manner I can oblige people of -desert. - -Sir, then said king Saleh, after the confidence your majesty has been -pleased to think I have put in your good-will, I will not dissemble any -longer, that I came to beg of you to honour our house with your alliance -by marriage, and by that means to fortify the good understanding that has -always hitherto been between our two crowns. - -At these words, the king of Samarcand began to laugh heartily, falling -back in his throne against a cushion that supported him; and soon after -said, with an injurious and scornful air, to king Saleh; King Saleh, I -have always hitherto thought you were a prince of great sense and wisdom; -but now I find you just the contrary. Tell me, I beseech you, where was -your wit or discretion, when you formed to yourself so great a chimera as -you have just now proposed to me? Could you conceive a thought only of -aspiring in marriage to so great a princess as my daughter? You ought to -have considered better the great distance between us, and not to run the -risk of losing in a moment the esteem I always had for your person. - -King Saleh was extremely nettled at this affronting answer, and had much -ado to restrain his just resentment: however he replied, with greater -moderation than could be expected, God reward your majesty according as -you deserve. I beg the honour to inform you, I do not demand the princess -in marriage for myself: had I done so, your majesty, or the princess, -ought to have been so far from being offended, that you might rather have -taken it for an honour done to both. Your majesty knows well I am a king -of the sea as well as yourself; that the kings my ancestors have no -reason to yield in antiquity to any other royal families; and that the -kingdom I inherit from them is no less potent and flourishing than it has -ever been. If your majesty had not interrupted me, you had soon -understood, that the favour I asked of you was not for myself, but for -the young king of Persia, my nephew, whose power and grandeur, no less -than his personal good qualities, cannot be unknown to you. Every body -acknowledges the princess Giahaure to be one of the finest ladies under -the heavens; but it is at the same time acknowledged by all, that the -young king of Persia, my nephew, is as accomplished as any prince, either -upon land or under the water. Thus the favour that is asked being likely -to redound both to the honour of your majesty and the princess your -daughter, you ought not to delay your consent to an alliance so equal, -and which no doubt will be approved by the generality of people. The -princess is worthy of the king of Persia, and the king of Persia is no -less worthy of her. No king or prince in the world can deny me this. - -The king of Samarcand had not let king Saleh go on so long after this -rate, had not the rage he put him in deprived him of all power of speech. -He was moreover some time longer before he could find his tongue, so much -was he transported with passion. At length, however, he broke out into -outrageous and injurious expressions, unworthy of a king. Dog, says he -aloud, dare you talk to me after this manner, and so much as once to -mention my daughter's name in my presence? Can you think the son of your -sister Gulnare worthy to come in competition with my daughter? Who are -you? who was your father? who is your sister? and who your nephew? Was -not his father a dog, and a son of a dog, like thee? Guards, seize the -insolent wretch, and immediately cut off his head. - -The few officers that were about the king of Samarcand were immediately -going to obey his orders, when king Saleh, who was in the flower of his -age, nimble and vigorous, got from them before they could draw their -sabres; and, having reached the palace gate, he there found a thousand -men of his relations and friends, well armed and equipped, who were but -just arrived. The queen his mother having considered the small number of -attendants he took with him, and moreover foreseeing the bad reception he -would probably have from the king of Samarcand, had sent these troops to -protect and defend him, in case of danger. Those of his relations who -were at the head of this troop immediately saw how seasonably they were -arrived, when they beheld him and his companions come running in great -disorder, and a small number of officers at their heels in pursuit of -them. My lord, cried out his friends, at the moment he joined them, what -is the matter? We are ready to revenge you; you need only command us. - -King Saleh related his case to them in as few words as he could; and -afterwards putting himself at the head of a large troop, he, whilst some -seized on the gates, re-entered the palace as before. The few officers -and guards who had pursued him being soon dispersed, he re-entered the -king of Samarcand's apartment, who, being abandoned by his attendants, -was soon seized. King Saleh left sufficient guards to secure his person, -and then went from apartment to apartment, to search after the princess -Giahaure. But that princess, on the first noise of this alarm, had, -together with her women, flung herself on the surface of the sea, and -escaped to a desert island. - -As matters passed thus in the palace of the king of Samarcand, those of -king Saleh's attendants, who had fled at the first menaces of the king, -put the queen his mother into a terrible consternation, upon relating the -danger her son was in. King Beder, who was by at that time, was the more -concerned, in that he looked upon himself as the principal author of all -the mischief that might ensue: therefore, not caring to abide the queen's -presence any longer, he, whilst she was giving the necessary orders at -that conjuncture, darted himself upwards from the bottom of the sea; and -not knowing how to find his way to the kingdom of Persia, he happened to -light on the same island where the princess Giahaure had saved herself. - -The prince, not a little disturbed in his mind, went and seated himself -under the shade of a large tree, surrounded with divers others. Whilst he -was endeavouring to recover his temper, he heard one that talked, but was -too far off to understand what was said. He arose, and advanced softly -towards the place whence the sound came, where, among the branches, he -perceived a beauty that dazzled him. Doubtless, said he within himself, -stopping, and considering her with great attention, this must be the -princess Giahaure, whom fear has obliged to abandon her father's palace; -or, if it be not, she is, at least, one that no less deserves my love and -admiration. This said, he moved forward, and discovering himself, -approached the princess with a profound reverence. Madam, said he, I can -never sufficiently thank Heaven for the favour it has done me, in -regaling my eyes this day with so glorious a sight. A greater blessing -could not be conferred on me than this opportunity to offer you my most -humble services. I beseech you, therefore, madam, to accept them, it -being impossible that a lady, under such solitary circumstances, should -not want assistance. - -True, my lord, replied Giahaure, very sorrowfully, it is not a little -extraordinary for a lady of my quality to be found in this condition. I -am a princess, daughter of the king of Samarcand, and my name is -Giahaure. As I was at ease in my father's palace, and in my apartment, I -all of a sudden heard a dreadful noise: news was immediately brought me, -that king Saleh, I know not for what reason, had fired the palace, seized -upon the king my father, and murdered all the guards that made any -resistance. I had only time to save myself, and escape hither from his -violence. - -At these words of the princess, king Beder began to be concerned that he -had quitted his grandmother so hastily, without staying to hear from her -the news that had been brought her; but he was, on the other hand, -overjoyed to find that the king his uncle had rendered himself master of -the king of Samarcand's person, not doubting but he would consent to give -up the princess for his liberty. Adorable princess, continued he, your -concern is most just; but it is easy to put an end both to that and your -father's captivity. You will agree with me, when I shall tell you that I -am Beder, king of Persia, and king Saleh is my uncle. I assure you, -madam, he has no design to seize upon the king your father's dominions: -his only intent is, to obtain of him that I may have the honour to be -received for his son-in-law. I had already given my heart to you, upon -the bare relation of your charming beauty; and now, very far from -repenting of what I have done, I beg of you to accept it, and to be -assured that I will love you as long as I live. I dare flatter myself you -will not refuse this favour, but be ready to acknowledge, that a king -that quitted his dominions purely on your account deserves some favour. -Permit then, beauteous princess, that I may have the honour to go and -present you to the king my uncle; and the king your father shall no -sooner have consented to our marriage, than king Saleh will leave him -sovereign of his dominions as before. - -This declaration of king Beder had not all the success he could have -desired. It is true the princess no sooner saw his person, and the good -mien wherewith he accosted her, than she had some kindness for him; but -when she came to understand from his own mouth that he had been the -occasion of all the ill treatment her father had undergone, of the grief -and fright she had endured, and especially the necessity she was reduced -to in flying her country to save her life, she looked upon him with that -horror, that she considered him rather as an enemy than a friend, with -whom she resolved to have no manner of converse. Moreover, whatever -inclination she might by any means be thought to have in regard to this -marriage, she determined never to yield to it, in consideration that one -of the reasons her father might have against this match might be, that -king Beder was son of a king of the earth; and therefore she proposed to -obey her father, especially in that particular. - -She nevertheless resolved to let king Beder know nothing of her -resentment, and only sought an occasion to deliver herself dexterously -out of his hands, seeming, in the mean time, to have a great kindness for -him. Are you then, said she, with all possible civility, son of the queen -Gulnare, so famous for her wit and beauty? I am highly glad of it, and -moreover rejoice that you are the son of so worthy a mother. The king my -father was much in the wrong for so strongly opposing our conjunction: he -could no sooner have seen you but he must have consented to have made us -both happy. Saying these words, she reached forth her hand to him as a -token of friendship. - -King Beder, believing himself arrived at the very pinnacle of happiness -held forth his hand, and was stooping to take that of the princess to -kiss it, when she, pushing him back, and spitting at him, said, Wretch, -quit that form of a man, and take one of a white bird, with a red bill -and feet. Upon her pronouncing these words, king Beder was immediately -changed into a bird of that sort, to his great surprise and astonishment. -Take him now, said she to one of her women, and carry him to the Desert -Island. This island was only one frightful rock, where there was not a -drop of water to be had. - -The waiting-woman took the bird; and, in executing the princess's orders, -had compassion on king Beder's destiny. It would be great pity, said she -to herself, to let a prince, so worthy to live, die of hunger and thirst. -The princess will, it may be, repent of what she has ordered, when she -comes again to herself: it were better that I carried him to a place -where he may die a natural death. She then carried him to a -well-frequented island, and left him on a charming plain, planted with -all sorts of fruit-trees, and watered by divers rivulets. - -Let us now return to king Saleh, who, after he had sought a good while -for the princess Giahaure, and ordered others to seek for her, to no -purpose, caused the king of Samarcand to be shut up in his palace, under -a good guard; and, having given the necessary orders for governing the -kingdom in his absence, he returned to give the queen his mother an -account of what he had done. The first thing he asked, upon his arrival, -was, Where was the king his nephew? and he was answered, to his great -surprise and astonishment, that he disappeared soon after he left him. -News being brought me, said the queen, of the danger you was in at the -palace of the king of Samarcand, while I was giving orders to send troops -for you to revenge yourself, he disappeared. He must necessarily have -been frightened at the hearing of your being in so great danger, and did -not think himself in sufficient security with us. - -This news exceedingly afflicted king Saleh, who now repented of his being -so easily wrought upon by king Beder, as to carry him away with him -without his mother's consent. He sent every where after him; but whatever -diligence was used, he could hear no news of him; and instead of the joy -he conceived at having carried on the marriage so far, which he looked -upon as his own work, he felt a grief for this accident that was -mortifying to him. While he was under suspense about his nephew, he left -his kingdom to the administration of his mother, and went and governed -that of the king of Samarcand, whom he continued to keep with great -vigilance, though with all due respect to his character. - -The same day that king Saleh returned to the kingdom of Samarcand, queen -Gulnare, mother to king Beder, arrived at the court of the queen her -mother. The princess was not at all surprised to find her son did not -return the same day he set out; because it was common for him to go -farther than he proposed, in the heat of the chase: but when she saw he -neither returned the next day nor the day after that, she began to be -alarmed, as may easily be imagined, from the kindness she professed for -him. This alarm was considerably augmented, when the officers who had -accompanied the king, and were retired, after they had for a long time -sought in vain both for him and his uncle, came and told her majesty they -must of necessity have come to some harm, since, whatever diligence they -had used, they had heard no tidings of them. Their horses, indeed, they -had found; but, as for their persons, they knew not where to look for -them. The queen, hearing this, dissembled and concealed her affliction, -bidding the officers go and search once more with their utmost diligence; -but in the mean time, saying nothing to any body, she went and plunged -into the sea, to satisfy herself in the suspicion she had that king Saleh -must have carried away his nephew along with him. - -This great queen would have been the more affectionately received by the -queen her mother, had she not, upon first sight of her, guessed the -occasion of her coming. Daughter, said she, I plainly perceive you are -not come hither to visit me; you come only to inquire after the king your -son; and I can only tell you such news of him as will augment both your -grief and mine. I must confess, I no sooner saw him arrive in our -territories, than I greatly rejoiced: yet, when I came to understand he -had come away without your knowledge, I began to partake with you in the -concern you must needs have at it. Then she related to her with what zeal -king Saleh went to demand the princess Giahaure in marriage for king -Beder, and what happened upon it, till such time as her son disappeared. -I have sent diligently after him, added she; and the king my son, who is -just gone to govern the kingdom of Samarcand, has done all that lay in -his power on his part. All our endeavours have hitherto proved -unsuccessful; but we hope nevertheless to see him again, perhaps when we -least expect it. - -Comfortless queen Gulnare was not satisfied with this hope: she looked -upon the king her dear son as lost; and she lamented him grievously, -laying all the blame upon the king his uncle. The queen her mother made -her to consider the necessity there was of her not yielding too much to -her grief. The king your brother, said she, ought not, it is true, to -have talked to you so inconsiderately about that marriage, nor ever have -consented to carry away the king your son without your privacy: yet, -since it is not certain that the king of Persia is absolutely lost, you -ought to neglect nothing to preserve his kingdom for him. Lose then no -more time; but return to your capital: your presence there will be -necessary; and it will not be hard for you to preserve the public peace, -by causing it to be published that the king of Persia was gone to visit -his grandmother. - -This reason was sufficient to oblige queen Gulnare to submit to it. She -took leave of the queen her mother, and was got back to the palace of her -capital of Persia before she had been missed. She despatched immediately -persons to recall the officers she had sent after the king, and to tell -them she knew where his majesty was, and that they should soon see him -again. She also caused the same report to be spread throughout the city, -and governed, in concert with the prime minister and council, with the -same tranquillity as if the king had been present. - -To return to king Beder, whom the princess Giahaure's waiting-woman had -carried and left in the island before mentioned. That monarch was not a -little surprised when he found himself alone, and under the form of a -bird. He esteemed himself more unhappy, in that he knew not where he was, -nor in what part of the world the kingdom of Persia lay. But if he had -known, and sufficiently knew the force of his wings to traverse so vast -watery regions, what could he have gained by it, but the mortification to -continue still in the same ill plight, not to be accounted so much as a -man, in the lieu of being acknowledged for king of Persia? He was then in -a manner constrained to remain where he was, and live upon such -nourishment as birds of his kind were wont to have. - -A few days after, a peasant, who was skilled in taking birds with nets, -chanced to come to the place where he was; when, perceiving this fine -bird, the like of which he had never seen, though he had used that sport -for a long while, he began greatly to rejoice. He employed all his art to -become master of him; and at length used such proper methods, that he -took him. Overjoyed at so great a prize, which he looked upon to be of -more worth than all the other birds he commonly took, by reason of its -being so great a rarity, he shut it up in a cage, and carried it to the -city. As soon as he was come into the market, a citizen stopped him, and -asked him how much he would have for that bird. - -Instead of answering, the peasant demanded of the citizen what he would -do with him in case he should buy him. What wouldst thou have me do with -him, answered the citizen, but roast and eat him? Very well, replied the -peasant; and so, I suppose, you would think me very well paid if you -should give me the smallest piece of money for him: but know, I set a -much greater value upon him; and you should not have him for a large -piece of gold. Although I am pretty well advanced in years, I never saw -such a bird in my life. I intend to make a present to the king of him; -and I am sure he will know the worth of him better than you. - -Without staying any longer in the market, the peasant went directly to -the court, and placed himself exactly before the king's apartment. His -majesty being at a window where he could see all that passed in the -base-court, at length cast his eyes on this beautiful bird; and, being -charmed with the sight of it, he immediately sent the commander of his -eunuchs to buy it for him. The officer, going to the peasant, demanded of -him how much he would have for that bird. If it be for his majesty, -answered the peasant, I humbly beg of him to accept it of me as a -present, and I desire you to carry it to him. Hereupon the officer took -the bird, and brought it to the king, who found it so great a rarity, -that he ordered the same officer to take ten pieces of gold and carry -them to the peasant, who departed very well satisfied with the market he -had made. The king ordered the bird to be put into a magnificent cage, -and gave it corn and water in rich vessels. - -His majesty being then ready to mount on horseback, had not time to -consider the bird, therefore had it brought to him as soon as he came -back. The officer brought the cage; and the king, that he might better -view the bird, took it out himself, and perched it upon his hand. Looking -earnestly upon it, he demanded of the officer if he had seen it eat. Sir, -replied the officer, your majesty may observe his eating: the drawer is -still full; and I believe he has hardly touched any of his meat; at least -I did not see him. Then the king ordered him meat of divers sorts, that -he might take what he liked best. - -The table being spread, (for dinner happened to be served up just as the -king had given these orders), and the plates being placed, the bird -leaped off the king's hand, and, clapping his wings, flew upon the table, -where he began to peck the bread and victuals after an extraordinary -rate. The king seeing this, was so surprised at it, that he immediately -sent for the queen to come and see this miracle. The person that was sent -related the matter to her majesty, and she came forthwith; but she no -sooner saw the bird, than she covered her face with her veil, and would -have retired. The king, admiring her proceedings, in that there were none -but the eunuchs of the chamber and the women that waited on her, asked -the reason of it. - -Sir, answered the queen, your majesty will no longer admire at my -proceeding, when you come to know that this bird, which you take to be -such, is no bird, but a man. Madam, said the king, more astonished than -before, you are pleased to banter me, I suppose; but you shall never -persuade me that a bird can be a man. Sir, replied the queen, far be it -from me to banter your majesty; yet nothing is more certain than what I -have had the honour to tell you. - -I can assure your majesty it is the king of Persia, named Beder, son of -the celebrated Gulnare, princess of one of the largest kingdoms of the -sea, nephew of Saleh, king of that kingdom, and grand-child of queen -Farasche, mother of Gulnare and Saleh; and it was the princess Giahaure, -daughter of the king of Samarcand, who thus metamorphosed him into a -bird. Moreover, that the king might no longer doubt of what she affirmed, -she told him the whole story, as how, and for what reason, the princess -Giahaure had thus revenged herself for the ill treatment which king Saleh -had used towards the king of Samarcand, her father. - -The king had the less difficulty to believe this assertion of the -queen's, in that he knew her to be a skilful sorceress, perhaps one of -the greatest in the world; and as she knew every thing which passed in -it, he was always timely informed of the designs of the kings his -neighbours against him, and so prevented them. His majesty had compassion -on the king of Persia, and therefore earnestly besought his queen to -break the enchantment, that he might return to his own form. - -The queen consented to it with great willingness. Sir, said she to the -king, be pleased to take the bird into your closet, and I will show you a -thing worthy of the consideration you have for him. The bird, which had -never minded eating, by reason of his attentiveness to what the king and -queen said, would not give his majesty the trouble to take him, but -hopped into the closet before him; and the queen came in soon after, with -a pot full of water in her hand. She mumbled over the pot some words, -unknown to the king, till such time as the water began to boil; when she -took some of it in her hand, and sprinkling a little upon the bird, said, -By virtue of these holy and mysterious words I am going to pronounce, and -in the name of the Creator both of heaven and earth, who raises the dead, -and maintains the universe in its distinct state, quit that form of a -bird, and reassume that form which thou receivedst from thy Creator. - -The words were scarce out of the queen's mouth, when, instead of a bird, -the king saw a young prince of good shape, air, and mien. King Beder -immediately fell on his knees, and thanked God for the mercy that had -been bestowed upon him. Then he took the king's hand, who helped him up, -and kissed it as a token of his acknowledgment; but the king embraced him -with a great deal of joy, and testified to him the great satisfaction he -had to see him. He would then have paid his acknowledgments to the queen, -but she was already retired to her apartment. The king made him sit at -the table with him, and after supper was over, he prayed him to relate to -him how the princess Giahaure had had the inhumanity to transform him -into a bird, so agreeable and amiable a prince as he was; and the king of -Persia immediately applied himself to satisfy him. When he had done, the -king, disdaining the proceeding of the princess, could not help blaming -her. It was commendable, said he, in the princess of Samarcand, not to be -insensible of the king her father's ill treatment; but to carry her -vengeance so far, and especially against one that was not culpable, was -by no means to be excused, and she will never be able to justify herself. -But let us have done with this discourse, and tell me, I beseech you, in -what I can farther serve you. - -Sir, answered king Beder, my obligation to your majesty has been so -great, that I ought to remain with you all my life-time to testify my -acknowledgments; but since your majesty has set no limits to your -generosity, I humbly entreat you to grant me one of your ships to -transport me to Persia, where I fear my absence, which has been but too -long, may have occasioned some disorder; and moreover, that the queen my -mother, from whom I concealed my departure, may be dead of grief, under -the uncertainty she must needs be of my life or of my death. - -The king granted what he desired with all the good will imaginable, and -immediately gave orders for equipping one of his largest ships and best -sailers in all his numerous fleet. The ship was soon furnished with all -its complement of men, provisions, and ammunition; and as soon as the -wind became fair, king Beder embarked, after having taken leave of the -king, and thanked him for all his favours. - -The ship sailed before the wind for ten days together, which made it -advance considerably. The eleventh day the wind changed, and becoming -very violent, there followed a furious tempest. The ship was not only -driven out of its course, but so grievously agitated, that all its masts -were thrown overboard; and driving along at the pleasure of the wind, it -at length struck against a rock and bulged. - -The greatest part of the people were drowned, though some few were saved -by swimming, and others by getting on pieces of the wreck. King Beder was -one of the last; when, after having been tossed about for some time under -great uncertainty of his fate, he at length perceived himself near the -shore, and not far from a city that seemed large. He used his utmost -endeavours to reach the land, and was at length so fortunate to come so -near as to be able to touch the ground with his feet. He then immediately -abandoned his piece of wood, which had been of so great service to him; -but when he came pretty near the shore, he was greatly surprised to see -horses, camels, mules, asses, oxen, cows, bulls, and other animals, -crowding towards the shore, and putting themselves in a posture to oppose -his landing. He had all the difficulty in the world to conquer their -obstinacy, and force his way; but at length he did it, which when done, -he sheltered himself among the rocks till such time as he had recovered -his breath, and dried his clothes in the sun. - -When the prince advanced to enter the city, he met with the same -opposition from these animals, who seemed to intend to make him forego -his design, and give him to understand it was dangerous to proceed. - -King Beder, however, got into the city soon after, and saw many fair and -spacious streets, but was surprised to find never a man there. This made -him think it was not without a cause that so many animals had opposed his -passage. Going forward, nevertheless, he observed divers shops open, -which gave him reason to believe the place was not destitute of -inhabitants, as he imagined. He approached one of these shops, where -several sorts of fruits were exposed to sale, and saluted very -courteously an old man that was sitting there. - -The old man, who was busy about something, suddenly lifted up his head, -and seeing a youth that showed some grandeur in his air, started, and -asked him whence he came, and what business had brought him hither. King -Beder satisfied him in a few words; and the old man farther asked him, if -he had met any body on the road. You are the first person I have seen, -answered the king; and I cannot comprehend how so fine and large a city -comes to be without inhabitants. Come in, sir, stay no longer on the -threshold, replied the old man, or peradventure some misfortune may -happen to you. I will satisfy your curiosity at leisure, and give you a -reason why it is necessary you should take this precaution. - -King Beder would not be bid twice. He entered the shop, and sat himself -down by the old man. The old man, who had learned from him an account of -his misfortunes, knew he must needs want nourishment, therefore -immediately presented him with what was necessary to recover his spirits; -and, although king Beder was very earnest to know why he gave him that -precaution before he entered the shop, he would nevertheless not be -prevailed upon to tell him any thing till he had done eating, for fear -the sad things he had to relate might balk his appetite. In a word, when -he found he ate no longer, he said to him, You have great reason to thank -God you got hither without any ill accident. Alas! why? replied king -Beder, very much surprised and alarmed. - -Because, answered he, this city is the city of enchantments, and governed -not by a king, but a queen, who is not only one of the finest women of -her sex, but likewise a dangerous sorceress. You will be convinced of -this, added he, when you come to know that these horses, mules, and other -animals that you have seen, are so many men like you and me, whom she has -transformed by her diabolical art: and for young men like you only, that -come to enter into the city, she has hired servants to stop and bring -them, either by good will or force, before her. She receives them with -all the seeming civility in the world: she caresses them, she treats and -lodges them magnificently, and gives them so many reasons to believe that -she loves them, that they think they cannot be mistaken. But she does not -suffer them to enjoy long their happiness. Not one of them but she has -transformed into some animal or bird, within the space of forty days. You -told me those animals presented themselves to oppose your landing, and -hinder your entering the city; and I must now tell you they were your -friends, and what they did was to make you comprehend the danger you were -going to expose yourself to. - -This account afflicted exceedingly the young king of Persia. Alas! cried -he out aloud, to what extremities has my ill fortune reduced me! I am -hardly freed from one enchantment, which I look back upon with horror, -but I incur another much more terrible to me. This gave him occasion to -relate his story to the old man much more at length, and to acquaint him -of his birth and quality, his passion for the princess of Samarcand, and -her cruelty in changing him into a bird, the very moment he came to see -and declare his love to her. - -When the prince came to that passage where he spoke of his good fortune -in finding a queen that broke the enchantment, the old man said to him, -Notwithstanding all I have told you of the magic queen being true, yet -that ought not to give you the least disquiet, since I am generally -beloved throughout the city, and am not even unknown to the queen -herself, who has no small respect for me; therefore it was your peculiar -happiness to address yourself to me rather than elsewhere. You are secure -in my house, where I advise you to continue, if you think fit; and, -provided, you do not stray from hence, I dare assure you, you will have -no just cause to complain of my breach of faith; so that you are under no -sort of constraint whatsoever. - -King Beder thanked the old man for his kind reception of him, and the -protection he was pleased to afford him. Then he sat down at the entrance -into the shop, where he no sooner appeared, than his youth and good mien -drew the eyes of all that passed that way on him. Many stopped and -complimented the old man on his having so fine a slave, as they imagined -the king to be; and they could not comprehend how so beautiful a youth -could escape the queen's knowledge. Believe not, said the old man, this -is a slave: you all know I am not rich enough to have one of this -consequence: he is my nephew, son of a brother of mine that is dead; and -as I had no children of my own, I sent for him to keep me company. They -all congratulated his good fortune, in having so fine a young man for his -relation; but withal told him, they feared the queen would take him from -him. You know her well, said they to him; and you cannot be ignorant of -the danger you expose yourself and nephew to, after all the examples you -have seen of the kind. How grieved would you be, if she should serve you -as she has done so many others! - -I am obliged to you, gentlemen, replied the old man, for your good will -towards me, and I thank you for the care you seem to take of my interest; -but I shall never entertain the least thought that the queen will do me -any injury, after all the kindness she has professed for me. In case she -happens to hear of this young man, and speaks to me about him, I doubt -not but she will be contented to excuse him, as soon as she comes to know -he is my nephew. - -The old man was exceedingly glad to hear the commendations they bestowed -on the young king of Persia. He was as much affected with them as if he -had been his own son; and he conceived such a kindness for him, as -augmented every day during the stay he made with him. They lived about a -month together, when king Beder, sitting at the shop-door after his -ordinary manner, queen Labe (so was this magic queen's name) happened to -come by with great pomp. The young king no sooner perceived the guards -coming, who marched before her, than he arose, and going into the shop, -asked the old man what all that show meant. The queen is coming by, -answered he; but stand you still, and fear nothing. - -The queen's guards, clothed in purple, and well armed and mounted, -marched in four files, with their sabres drawn, to the number of a -thousand, and not one of their officers but, as they passed by the shop, -saluted the old man. Then followed a like number of eunuchs habited in -brocade silk, and better mounted, whose officers did the old man the like -honours. Next came as many young ladies on foot, equally beautiful, -richly dressed, and set off with precious stones. They marched gravely, -with half pikes in their hands; and in the midst of them appeared queen -Labe, on a horse all glittering with diamonds, with a golden saddle, and -a housing of inestimable price. All the young ladies saluted the old man -as they passed by him; and the queen, moved with the good mien of king -Beder, stopped as soon as she came over-against the shop. Abdallah, (so -was the old man's name,) said she to him, tell me, I beseech thee, does -that beautiful and charming slave belong to thee, and is it long that -thou hast been in possession of him? - -Abdallah, before he answered the queen, threw himself on the ground, and -rising again, said, Madam, he is my nephew, son of a brother I had, who -has been dead for some time. Having no children, I look upon him as my -son, and sent for him to come and comfort me, intending to leave him what -I have when I die. - -Queen Labe, who had never yet seen any one that pleased her so well as -king Beder, and who began to conceive a mighty passion for him, thought -immediately of getting the old man to abandon him to her. Father, quoth -she, will not you oblige me so far as to make me a present of this young -man? Do not refuse me, I conjure you; and I swear by the fire and the -light, I will make him as great and powerful as ever private man was in -the world. Although my design be to do evil to all mankind, yet he shall -be the sole exception. I trust you will grant me what I desire, more on -account of the friendship you have for me, than the esteem you know I -have always had, and shall ever have, for your person. - -Madam, replied the good Abdallah, I am infinitely obliged to your majesty -for all the kindness you have for me, and the honours you propose to do -my nephew. He is not worthy to approach so great a queen, and I humbly -beseech your majesty to excuse him. - -Abdallah, replied the queen, I all along flattered myself you loved me, -and I could never have thought you would have given me so evident a token -of your slighting my request: but I swear once more by the fire and -light, and even by whatsoever is most sacred in my religion, that I will -pass on no farther until I have conquered thy obstinacy. I understand -very well what raises fears in thee; but I here promise, thou shalt never -have any occasion to repent thy having trusted me. - -Old Abdallah was exceedingly grieved, in relation to king Beder and -himself, for being in a manner forced to obey the queen. Madam, -therefore, replied he, I would not willingly have your majesty have an -ill opinion of the sincere respect I have for you, but would always -contribute whatever I can to oblige you: I put an entire confidence in -your royal word, and I do not in the least doubt but you will keep it: I -only beg of your majesty to delay doing this great honour to my nephew -till you shall again pass by this way. That shall be to-morrow, quoth the -queen; and so saying, she inclined her head, as a token of her being -pleased, and so went forward towards her palace. - -When queen Labe and all her attendants were out of sight, the good -Abdallah said to king Beder, Son, (for so he was wont to call him, for -fear of some time or other betraying himself in public,) it has not been -in my power, as you may have observed, to refuse the queen what she -demanded of me with so great earnestness, to the end I might not force -her to an extremity of employing her magic both against you and myself. -But I have some reason to believe she will use you well, as she promised, -on account of that particular esteem she professes for me. This you may -have seen, by the respect both she and all her court paid me. She would -be a cursed creature indeed, if she should deceive me; but in case she -should, she shall not deceive me unrevenged, for I know how to be even -with her. - -All these assurances, which appeared very doubtful, were not sufficient -to support king Beder's spirits. After all you have told me of this -queen's wickedness, replied he, you cannot wonder if I am somewhat -fearful to approach her. I should, it may be, slight all you could tell -me of her, and suffer myself to be dazzled by the lustre of grandeur that -surrounds her, if I had not already been at the mercy of a sorceress. The -condition I was in, through the enchantment of the princess Giahaure, and -from whence I was delivered only to enter anew into another, has made me -look upon such a fate with horror. His tears hindered him from going on -any farther, and sufficiently showed with what repugnance he held himself -in a manner under a fatal necessity of being delivered to queen Labe. - -Son, replied old Abdallah, do not afflict yourself; for though I must own -there is no great stress to be laid upon the oaths and promises of so -perfidious a queen, yet I must withal acquaint you, her power extends no -farther than I am pleased to permit it: she knows it full well herself; -and that is the reason, and no other, that she pays me so great respect. -I can quickly hinder her from doing you the least harm, though she should -be perfidious enough to attempt it. You may entirely depend upon me; and, -provided you follow exactly the advice I shall give you before I abandon -you to her, she shall have no more power over you than she has over me. - -The magic queen did not fail to pass by the old man's shop the next day, -with the same pomp she had done the day before; and Abdallah waited for -her with great respect. Father, cried she, stopping just against him, you -may judge of my impatience to have your nephew with me, by my punctual -coming to put you in mind of your promise: I know you are a man of your -word, and I cannot think you will break it with me. - -Abdallah, who fell on his knees as soon as he saw the queen approaching, -rose up when she had done speaking; and as he would have nobody hear what -he had a mind to say to her, he advanced with great respect as far as her -horse's head, and then said softly, Puissant queen! I am persuaded your -majesty will not be offended at my seeming unwillingness to trust my -nephew with you yesterday, since you cannot be ignorant of the reasons I -had for it; but I conjure you to lay aside the secrets of that art which -you possess in so wonderful a degree. I respect my nephew as my own son; -and your majesty would reduce me to the utmost despair, if you should -think fit to deal with him as you have done with others. - -I promise you once more I will not, replied the queen; and I once more -repeat the oath I made yesterday, that neither you nor your nephew shall -have any cause to be offended at me. I see plainly, added she, you are -not yet well enough acquainted with me: you never saw me yet but through -a veil; but as I find your nephew worthy of my friendship, I will show -you I am not any wise unworthy of his. With that she threw off her veil, -and discovered to king Beder, who came near her with Abdallah, an -incomparable face: but king Beder was little charmed. It is not enough, -said he within himself, to be beautiful; one's actions ought to -correspond in regularity with one's features. - -While king Beder was making these reflections, with his eyes fixed on -queen Labe, the old man turned towards him, and, taking him by the arm, -presented him to her majesty, saying, Here he is, madam; and I beg of -your majesty once more to remember he is my nephew, and to let him come -and see me sometimes. The queen promised he should; and, to give a -farther assurance of her acknowledgment, she caused a bag of a thousand -pieces of gold to be given him. He excused himself at first from -receiving them; but she insisted absolutely upon it, and he could not -refuse her. She had caused a horse to be brought, as richly harnessed and -set out as her own, for the king of Persia. While he was mounting him, I -forgot, said the queen to Abdallah, to ask you your nephew's name; pray -how is he called? He answered, his name was Beder, (The Full Moon); and -her majesty replied, Sure his ancestors were mistaken; they ought to have -given him the name of Shems, (The Sun). - -When king Beder was mounted, he would have taken his post behind the -queen; but she would not suffer him, and made him to ride on her left -hand. She looked upon Abdallah; and, after having made him an inclination -with her head, she set forward on her march. - -Instead of observing a satisfaction in the people's faces at the sight of -their sovereign, king Beder took notice that they rather despised and -cursed her. The sorceress, said some, has got a new subject to exercise -her wickedness upon: will Heaven never deliver the world from her -tyranny? Poor stranger, cried out others, thou art much deceived if thou -thinkest thy happiness will last long: it is to render thy fall more -terrible, that she has raised thee so high. This talk gave king Beder to -understand Abdallah had told him nothing but the truth of queen Labe; but -as he no longer depended on him, he had recourse to divine Providence to -free him from the danger he was got into. - -The magic queen arrived at her palace, whither she was no sooner come, -than she alighted, and, giving her hand to king Beder, entered with him, -accompanied by her women and the officers of her eunuchs. She herself -showed him all her apartments, where there was nothing to be seen but -massy gold, precious stones, and furniture of wonderful magnificence. -When she had carried him into her closet, she led him out into a balcony, -from whence he observed a garden of surprising beauty. King Beder -commended all he saw, with a great deal of wit, but nevertheless in such -a manner that he might not be discovered to be any other than old -Abdallah's nephew. They discoursed of divers indifferent matters, till -such time as news was brought the queen that dinner was upon the table. - -The queen and king Beder arose, and went to place themselves at table, -which was of pure massy gold, and the plates of the same. They began to -eat, but did not drink till almost the dessert came, when the queen -caused a cup to be filled with excellent wine: she took it, and drank to -king Beder's health; and then causing it to be filled again, presented it -to him. King Beder received it with profound respect, and, by a very low -bow, signified to her majesty that he likewise drank to her health. - -Soon after, ten of queen Labe's women entered with musical instruments, -with which, accompanied with their voices, they made an agreeable concert -during the whole drinking, which continued till late at night. At length -they began to be so heated with wine, that king Beder insensibly forgot -he had to do with a magic queen, and looked upon her only as the finest -woman he ever saw. As soon as the queen perceived she had wrought him to -the pitch she desired, she made a sign to her eunuchs and women to -retire. They obeyed; and king Beder and she went and lay together all -night. - -Next morning the queen and king Beder went to the bagnio; and as soon as -they came out, the women who had served the king there, presented him -with fine linen and a magnificent habit. The queen likewise, who was more -splendidly dressed than the day before, came to receive him, and they -went together to her apartment, where they had a good repast brought -before them, and spent the remainder of the day in walking and other -amusements. - -Queen Labe treated king Beder after this manner for forty days, as she -had been accustomed to do all her lovers. The fortieth night, as they -were lying together, she, believing he was really asleep, arose without -making any noise; but he was awake, and perceiving she had some design -upon him, watched all her motions. Being up, she opened a chest, from -whence she took a little box, full of a certain yellow powder. Taking -some of the powder, she laid a train of it across the chamber, and -immediately flowed in a rivulet of water, to the great astonishment of -king Beder. He trembled with fear, but still pretended to sleep, that he -might not discover to the sorceress he was awake. - -Queen Labe next took up some of the water in a pot, and poured it into a -basin where there was flour, with which she made paste, and kneaded it -for a long time: then she mixed certain drugs with it, which she took -from different boxes, and made a cake, and put it into a covered -baking-pan. As she had taken care at first to make a good fire, she took -some of the coals, and set the pan upon them; and as the cake was baking, -she put up her pot and boxes again; and at the pronouncing of certain -words, dismissed the rivulet, which appeared no more. When the cake was -baked, she took it off the coals, and carried it into her closet, and -afterwards returned to bed again to king Beder, who dissembled the matter -so well with her, that she had not the least suspicion that he knew any -thing of what she had done. - -King Beder, whom the pleasures and delights of a court had made to forget -his good host Abdallah, began now to think of him again, and believed he -had more than ordinary occasion for his advice at this juncture, since he -saw all the queen had done that night. As soon as he was up, therefore, -he expressed a great desire to go and see his uncle, and begged of her -majesty to permit him. Alas! my dear Beder, cried the queen, are you then -already tired, I will not say with the pleasures of so superfine a palace -as mine is, but with the company of a queen who loves you so passionately -as I do? - -Great queen, answered king Beder, how can I be tired with so many favours -and graces as your majesty perpetually heaps upon me? Very far from that, -I desire this permission, madam, purely to go and give my uncle an -account of the mighty obligations I have to your majesty. I must own -likewise it is partly in this respect, that my uncle loving me so -tenderly, as it is very well known he does, and I having been from him -now forty days, without so much as once seeing him, he will surely take -it very unkindly if I cannot afford him one visit. Go, said the queen, I -consent to it; but you will not be long before you return, if you -consider I cannot possibly live without you. This said, she ordered him a -fine horse richly caparisoned, and so he departed. - -Old Abdallah was overjoyed to see his dear adopted son again; insomuch -that, without regard to his quality, he embraced him heartily, and king -Beder returned the like, that nobody might doubt but that he was his -nephew. As soon as they were sat down, Well, said Abdallah to the king, -how do you do, sir? and how have you passed your time with that infidel -sorceress? - -Hitherto, answered king Beder, I must needs own she has been -extraordinary kind to me, and has done all she could to persuade me that -she loves me entirely; but I observed something last night, which gives -me just reason to suspect that all her kindness hitherto is but -dissimulation. Whilst she thought me asleep, although I was really awake, -she stole from me with a great deal of precaution, which made me suspect -her intention, and therefore I resolved to watch her. Going on with his -discourse, he related to Abdallah how, and after what manner, he had seen -her make the cake; and then added, Hitherto, said he, I must needs -confess I had almost forgot, not only you, but all the advice you gave me -concerning the wickedness of this queen: but this last action of hers -gives me reason to fear she neither intends to observe any of her oaths -nor promises. I thought of you immediately, and esteem myself happy in -that I have obtained permission to come to you. - -You are not deceived in this wicked queen, replied old Abdallah with a -smile, to show he did not himself believe she would observe one word she -spoke, nor oath she made; nothing is capable of obliging a perfidious -woman to mend her morals. But fear nothing; I have a way to make the -mischief she intends you fall upon herself. You are become jealous in -time; and you could not have done better than this, to have recourse to -me. It is her ordinary practice to keep her lovers only forty days; and -after that time, instead of sending them home, to turn them into animals -to stock her forests and parks; but I thought of measures yesterday to -prevent her doing any harm. The earth has borne this monster long enough, -and it is now high time she should be served as she deserves. - -So saying, Abdallah put two cakes into king Beder's hands, bidding him -keep them to make use of as he should direct. You told me, continued he, -the sorceress made a cake last night: it was for you to eat of, depend -upon it, but take great care you do not touch it. Nevertheless, do not -refuse to receive it when she offers it you; but, instead of tasting it, -break off part of one of the two that I gave you, unobserved, and eat -that. As soon as she thinks you have swallowed it, she will not fail to -attempt transforming you into some animal, but she shall not succeed; -which when she sees, she will immediately turn the thing to pleasantry, -as if what she had done was only to frighten you; but she will conceal a -mortal aversion in her heart, and think her having failed proceeded only -from the want of something in the composition of her cake. As for the -cake she made, and which she will not know to be her own, you shall make -a present of it to her, and press her to eat it; which she will not -refuse to do, if it were only to convince you she does not mistrust you, -though she has given you so much reason to mistrust her. When she has -quite eaten it, take a little water in the hollow of your hand, and, -throwing it in her face, say, Quit that form you now wear, and take that -of such or such an animal, as you shall think fit; which done, come to me -with the animal, and I will tell you what you shall do afterwards. - -King Beder made all possible acknowledgments to old Abdallah, for the -great obligations he had to him, for defending him from the wiles of a -pestilent sorceress who sought to ruin him; and after some little -discourse, he took his leave of him and returned to the palace. Upon his -arrival, he understood that the queen waited for him with great -impatience in the garden. He went to pay his respects to her, and she no -sooner perceived him, than she came in great haste to meet him. My dear -Beder! said she, it is said, with a great deal of reason, that nothing -moves more the force and excess of love than absence from the object -beloved. I have had no quiet since I saw you, and the minutes I have been -separated from you have seemed so many ages; nay, if you had staid ever -so little longer, I was preparing to come and fetch you once more to my -arms. - -Madam, replied king Beder, I can assure your majesty that I have not been -under less disquiets on your account; but I could not refuse to stay a -little longer than ordinary with an uncle who loves me so dearly, and had -not seen me for so long a while. He would have kept me still longer, but -I tore myself away from him to come and pay my vows where they are so -much due. Of all the collations he prepared for me, I have only brought -away this cake, which I desire your majesty to accept. King Beder had -wrapped up one of the two cakes in a handkerchief very neatly, took it -out, and presented it to the queen, saying, I beg your majesty to accept -of it, though it be so inconsiderable a present. - -I do accept of it with all my heart, replied the queen, receiving it, and -will eat it cheerfully for yours and your good uncle's sake: but before I -taste of it, I desire you will eat a piece of mine, which I have made for -you during your absence. Fair queen, answered king Beder, receiving it -with great respect, such hands as your majesty's can never make any thing -but what is excellent; and the favour hereby done me will exact an -eternal acknowledgment. - -King Beder then substituted, in the place of the queen's cake, the other -which old Abdallah had given him, and having broken off a piece, he put -it to his mouth, and cried, while he was eating, Ah! queen, I never -tasted any thing so charming in my life. They being near a cascade, the -sorceress seeing him swallow one bit of the cake, and ready to eat -another, she took a little water in the palm of her hand, and throwing it -on the king's face, said, Wretch! quit that form of a man thou bearest, -and take that of a vile horse, lame and blind. - -These words not having the desired effect, the sorceress was strangely -surprised to find king Beder still in the same form, and that he only -started, being a little frightened. Blushes came suddenly into her -cheeks; and as she saw that she had missed her aim, Dear Beder, cries -she, this is nothing, recover thyself; I did not intend thee any harm; -what I did, was only to see what thou wouldst say. I should be the most -miserable and execrable of women, should I attempt aught against thy -tranquillity; I do not only say, after all the oaths I made to the -contrary, but even after so many testimonies of love as I have given -thee. - -Puissant queen, replied king Beder, however well satisfied I were, that -what your majesty did was only to divert yourself, yet I could not help -being a little frightened with the surprise. Also, what could hinder me -from being a little moved at the pronouncing of such terrible words, as -are capable of making so strange a transformation? But, madam, continued -he, let us set aside this discourse; and since I have ate of your cake, I -desire you would do me the like favour by tasting of mine. - -Queen Labe, who could no better justify herself than by putting this -confidence in the king of Persia, broke off a piece of his cake and ate -it; which she had no sooner done, than she appeared much troubled, and -remained, as it were, motionless. King Beder, seeing his time, took water -out of the same basin she had done, and, throwing it in her face, cried, -Abominable sorceress! quit that form of a woman, and be turned instantly -into a mare. - -The same instant queen Labe was transformed into a very beautiful mare; -and she was so concerned to find herself in that condition, that she shed -tears in great abundance, which perhaps no mare before had been ever -known to do. She bowed her head with great obeisance to king Beder, -thinking to move him to compassion; but, though he could have been so -moved, it was absolutely out of his power to repair the damage he had -done her. He led her then into the stable belonging to the palace, and -put her into the hands of a groom, to bridle and saddle; but of all the -bridles he tried upon her, not one would fit her. This made him cause two -horses to be saddled, one for the groom and the other for himself; and -the groom led the mare after him to old Abdallah's. - -Abdallah, seeing king Beder coming with the mare at a distance, doubted -not but he had done what he advised him. Cursed sorceress! said he -immediately to himself very joyfully. Heaven has at length punished thee -as thou deservest. King Beder alighted at Abdallah's door, and entered -with him into the shop embracing and thanking him for all the signal -services he had done him. He related to him the whole matter, with all -its circumstances; and moreover told him, he could find no bridle fit for -the mare. Abdallah found one that fitted exactly; and as soon as king -Beder had sent back the groom, he said to him, My lord, you have no -reason to stay any longer in this city; take the mare, mount her, and -return to your kingdom. I have but one thing more to recommend to you; -and that is, if ever you should happen to part with the mare, be sure to -deliver her bridle. King Beder promised to observe all his commands, and -this especially; and so, having taken leave of the good old man, he -departed. - -The young king of Persia no sooner got out of the city, than he began to -reflect on the deliverance he had had, and to rejoice he had the -sorceress in his power, who had given him so much cause to tremble. Three -days after, he arrived at a great city, where, entering the suburbs, he -met a venerable old man, walking on foot towards a pleasure-house he had -hard by: Sir, said the old man to him, stopping, may I presume to ask -from what part of the world you come? The king stopped to satisfy him; -and, as they were discoursing together, an old woman chanced to come by, -who, stopping likewise, wept and sighed bitterly at the sight of the -mare. - -King Beder and the old man left off discoursing, to look on the old -woman, whom the king asked, whom she had to lament so much. Alas! sir, -replied she, It is because your mare resembles so perfectly one my son -had, and which I still mourn the loss of on this account, and should -think yours were the same, did I not know she was dead. Sell her to me, -sir, I beseech you, and I will give you even more than she is worth, for -the sake of the person that once owned her likeness. - -Good woman, replied king Beder, I am heartily sorry I cannot comply with -your request; my mare is not to be sold. Alas! sir, continued the old -woman, do not refuse me this favour, for the love of God. I conjure you -to do it out of pure charity, since my son and I shall certainly die with -grief if you do not grant it. Good mother, replied the king, I would -grant it with all my heart, if I was disposed to part with so good a -beast; but if I were so disposed, I believe you would hardly give a -thousand pieces of gold for her, which is the lowest price I shall ever -put upon her. Why should I not give so much? replied the old woman: if -that be the lowest price, you need only say you will take it, and I will -fetch you the money. - -King Beder, seeing the old woman so poorly dressed, could not imagine she -could find the money; therefore, to try her, he said, not thinking to -part with his mare for all that, Go fetch me the money, and the mare is -yours. The old woman immediately unloosed a purse she had fastened to her -girdle, and desiring him to alight, bade him tell over the money: and, in -case he found it came short of the sum demanded, her house was not far -off, and she could quickly fetch the rest. - -The surprise king Beder was in at the sight of this purse was not small. -Good woman, said he, do you not perceive I have bantered you all this -while? I will assure you my mare is not to be sold. - -The old man, who had been witness to all that was said, now began to -speak: Son, quoth he to king Beder, it is necessary you should know one -thing, which I find you are ignorant of; and that is, that in this city -it is not permitted any one to lie, on any account whatsoever, and that -on pain of death: now, you having made this bargain with this old woman, -you must not refuse her money, and delivering your mare according to the -agreement; and this you had better do without any noise, than expose -yourself to what may ensue. - -King Beder, sorely afflicted to find himself thus trapped by his rash -proffer, was nevertheless forced to alight and perform his agreement. The -old woman stood ready to seize the bridle; which when she had done, she -immediately unbridled the mare, and taking some water in her hand from a -spring that ran in the middle of the street, she threw it in the mare's -face, uttering these words: Daughter, quit that bestial form, and -reassume thy own. The transformation was effected in a moment; and king -Beder, who swooned as soon as he saw queen Labe appear, would have fallen -to the ground, if the old man had not hindered him. - -The old woman, who was mother to queen Labe, and who had instructed her -in all her magic, had no sooner embraced her daughter, than in an -instant, she, by whistling, caused a genie to rise, of a gigantic form -and stature: this genie immediately took king Beder on one shoulder, and -the old woman with the magic queen on the other, and transported them in -a few minutes to the palace of queen Labe, in the city of enchantments. - -The magic queen immediately fell upon king Beder, reproaching him -grievously, in the following manner: Is it thus, ungrateful wretch, that -thy unworthy uncle and thou make me amends for all the kindnesses I have -done for you? I shall soon be able to make you both feel what you so well -deserve. She said no more, but, taking water in her hand, threw it in his -face, with these words, Come out of that form, and take that of a vile -owl. These words were soon followed by the effect; and immediately she -commanded one of her women to shut up the owl in a cage, and give him -neither meat nor drink. - -The woman took the cage, and, without regarding what the queen ordered, -gave him both meat and drink; and being old Abdallah's friend, she sent -him word privately how the queen had treated his nephew, and what design -she had taken to destroy him and king Beder, in case he did not take -timely measures to prevent it. - -Abdallah knew no common measures would do with queen Labe; he therefore -did but whistle after a certain manner, and there immediately rose a vast -giant, with four wings, who presented himself before him, and asked what -he would have with him. Lightning, said Abdallah to him, (for so was the -genie's name,) I command you to preserve the life of king Beder, son of -the queen Gulnare. Go to the palace of the magic queen, and transport -immediately to the capital of Persia the compassionate woman who has the -cage in custody, that she may inform queen Gulnare of the danger the king -her son is in, and the occasion he has of her assistance. Take care not -to fright her when you come before her, and acquaint her from me what she -ought to do. - -Lightning immediately disappeared, and got in an instant to the palace of -the magic queen. He instructed the woman, lifted her up into the air, and -transported her to the capital of Persia, where he placed her on the -terrace of the apartment where queen Gulnare was. She went down stairs to -the apartment, and she there found queen Gulnare and queen Farasche, -lamenting their mutual misfortunes. She made them a profound reverence, -and, by the relation she gave them, they soon came to understand the -great necessity king Beder was in of their assistance. - -Queen Gulnare was so overjoyed at the news, that, rising from her seat, -she went and embraced the good woman, telling her how much she was -obliged to her for the service she had done her. - -Then going immediately out, she commanded the trumpets to sound and the -drums to beat, to acquaint the city, that the king of Persia would -suddenly return safe to his kingdom. She then went again, and found king -Saleh her brother, whom Farasche had caused to come speedily thither, by -a certain fumigation. Brother, said she to him, the king your nephew, and -my dear son, is in the city of enchantments, under the power of queen -Labe. Both you and I must see what we can do to deliver him, for there is -no time to be lost. - -King Saleh forthwith assembled a puissant body of sea-troops, and even -called to his assistance the genies his allies, who appeared with a much -more numerous army. As soon as the two armies were joined, he put himself -at the head of them, together with queen Farasche, queen Gulnare, and the -princesses, who would all have their share in this glorious action. They -then lifted themselves up into the air, and soon poured down on the -palace and city of enchantments, where the magic queen, her mother, and -all the other adorers of fire, were destroyed in an instant. - -Queen Gulnare had ordered the woman who brought her the news of queen -Labe's transforming and imprisoning her son, to follow her close, and -bade her, in her hurly-burly, to take no other care than to go and seize -the cage, and bring it to her. She did as she was ordered, and queen -Gulnare was no sooner in the possession of the cage, than she opened it, -and took the owl out, saying, after she had sprinkled a little water upon -him, My dear son, quit that foreign form which has been given thee, and -resume thy natural one of a man. In a moment queen Gulnare no more saw -the hideous owl, but king Beder her son instead of him. She immediately -embraced him with that excess of joy which is better expressed by actions -than words. She could not find in her heart to let him go; and, if he had -not been in a manner torn from her by queen Farasche, who had a mind to -embrace him in her turn, for aught I know, they might not have parted -till now, so great queen Gulnare's affection was for him. After the queen -his grandmother had done with him, he was likewise embraced by the king -his uncle, and the princesses his relations. - -The next care queen Gulnare had, was to look out for old Abdallah, to -whom she had been obliged for the recovery of the king of Persia; and -who, being brought to her, she said to him, My obligations to you, sir, -have been so great, that there is nothing within my power but I will -freely do for you as a token of my acknowledgment. Do but satisfy me in -what I can serve you; and you shall see I will immediately set about it. -Great queen, replied Abdallah, if the lady next to your majesty will but -consent to the marriage I offer her, and the king of Persia will give me -leave to reside at his court, I will spend the remainder of my days in -his service. The queen turned towards the lady; and, finding by her -modesty that she was not against the match proposed, she caused them to -join hands, and the king of Persia and she took care of their fortune. - -This marriage occasioned the king of Persia to speak thus, addressing -himself to the queen: Madam, I am heartily glad of this match which your -majesty has just now made: there remains one more, which I desire you to -think of. Queen Gulnare did not at first comprehend what marriage he -meant; but, after a little considering, she said, Of yours do you mean, -son? I consent to it with all my heart. Then, turning about, and looking -on her brother's sea-attendants, and the genies, who were still present, -she said, Go you, and traverse both the sea and land, to find out the -most lovely and amiable princess, worthy of the king my son, and come and -bring us word. - -Madam, replied king Beder, it is to no purpose for them to take all that -pains. You have, no doubt, heard that I have already given my heart to -the princess of Samarcand, upon the bare relation of her beauty. I have -seen her, and do not repent of the present I then made her. In a word, -neither earth nor sea, in my opinion, can furnish a princess any thing -like her. It is true, upon declaring my love to her, she used me after a -rate that would have extinguished any flame less fierce than mine: but I -hold her excused; for, after a rigorous treatment, and imprisoning the -king her father, which I was in some measure the cause of, how could she -use me more civilly? But, it may be, the king of Samarcand may have -changed his resolution; and his daughter, the princess, may consent to -love me, when she sees her father has agreed to it. - -Son, replied queen Gulnare, if only the princess Giahaure can make you -happy in this world, I shall not make it my business to oppose you. The -king your uncle need only have the king of Samarcand brought, and we -shall see whether he be still of the same untractable temper. - -How strictly soever the king of Samarcand had been kept during his -captivity, by king Saleh's orders, yet he always had great respect shown -him, and was become very familiar with the officers that guarded him. In -order to bring him, king Saleh caused a chafing dish of coals to be -brought, into which he threw a certain composition, uttering at the same -time some mysterious words. As soon as the smoke began to arise, the -palace shook, and immediately the king of Samarcand, with king Saleh's -officers, appeared. The king of Persia cast himself at the king of -Samarcand's feet; and then, rising upon one knee, he said, It is no -longer king Saleh that demands of your majesty the honour of your -alliance for the king of Persia: it is the king of Persia himself that -humbly begs that boon; and I persuade myself your majesty will never -persist in being the cause of the death of a king, who can no longer live -than he is in the possession of the adorable princess Giahaure. - -The king of Samarcand did not long suffer the king of Persia to remain on -his knee; he took him up, and embracing him, said, I should be very sorry -to have contributed in the least towards the death of a monarch who is so -worthy to live. If it be true that so precious a life cannot be -preserved, without being in possession of my daughter, live, sir, and -live happy; she is yours. She has always hitherto been obedient to my -will, and I cannot think she will now oppose it. Speaking these words, he -ordered one of the officers that king Saleh had assigned him, to go and -look for the princess Giahaure, and bring her to him immediately. - -The princess continued all this while where the king of Persia had left -her. The officer brought her with her women to attend her. The king of -Samarcand embraced her, and said, Daughter, I have provided a husband for -you: it is the king of Persia you see there, the most accomplished -monarch at this juncture in the universe. The preference he has given you -to all other princesses obliges us both to make him suitable -acknowledgments. - -Sir, replied the princess Giahaure, your majesty well knows I have never -presumed to disobey your will in any thing: I shall be always ready to -obey you; and I hope the king of Persia will please to forget the ill -treatment I gave him, and consider it was duty, not inclination, that -forced me to it. - -The nuptials were celebrated in the palace of the city of enchantments, -with so much the greater solemnity, as all the lovers of the magic queen, -who resumed their pristine forms as soon as ever that queen ceased to -live, assisted at them, and came to pay their acknowledgments to the king -of Persia, queen Gulnare, and king Saleh. They were all either sons of -kings, or princes of extraordinary merit. - -King Saleh at length conducted the king of Samarcand to his dominions, -and put him once again in possession of them. The king of Persia, having -what he most desired, returned to his capital with queen Giahaure, queen -Gulnare, queen Farasche, and the princesses; and queen Farasche and the -princesses continued there, till such time as king Saleh came to -re-conduct them to his kingdom under the waves of the sea. - - - - - THE STORY OF - GANEM, SON TO ABOU AYOUB, AND KNOWN BY THE SURNAME OF LOVE'S SLAVE. - - -There was formerly a merchant at Damascus, who had, by care and industry, -acquired great wealth, on which he lived in a very honourable manner. His -name was Abou Ayoub, and he had one son and a daughter. The son was at -first called Ganem, but afterwards had the surname of Love's Slave. He -was graceful as to his person, and the excellent natural qualities of his -mind had been improved by able masters his father had taken care to -provide him. The daughter's name was Alcolomb, signifying ravisher of -hearts, because her beauty was so accomplished, that whosoever saw her -could not but love her. - -Abou Ayoub died, and left immense riches: an hundred loads of brocades, -and other silks that lay in his warehouse, were the least part of it. The -loads were ready made up, and on every bale was written, in large -characters, "For Bagdad." - -Mohammed, the son of Soliman, surnamed Zinebi, reigned at that time in -Damascus, the capital of Syria. His kinsman Haroun Alraschid, whose -residence was at Bagdad, had bestowed this kingdom on him as tributary to -him. - -Soon after the death of Abou Ayoub, Ganem, discoursing with his mother -about their private affairs, among the rest, concerning the bales of -merchandise that lay in the warehouse, asked her the meaning of what was -written upon each bale. My son, answered his mother, your father used to -travel sometimes into one province and sometimes into another, and it was -customary with him, before he set out, to write the name of the city he -designed to repair to on every bale. He had provided all things to take a -journey to Bagdad, and was upon the point of setting forwards, when -death----She had not the power to proceed any farther; the lively -remembrance of the loss of her husband would not permit her to say any -more, and drew from her a shower of tears. - -Ganem could not see his mother so sensibly affected without relenting. -Thus they continued some time in silence; but at length he recovered -himself; and, as soon as he found his mother calm enough to listen to -him, he directed his discourse to her, and said: Since my father designed -these goods for Bagdad, and is no longer in being to put his design in -execution, I will prepare myself to perform that journey; and I am of -opinion, it will be proper for me to expedite my departure, for fear -those commodities should perish, or, at least, that we lose the -opportunity of selling them to the best advantage. - -Abou Ayoub's widow, who tenderly loved her son, was much surprised at -this resolution; and replied, My dear child, I cannot but commend you for -designing to follow your father's example; but consider that you are too -young, inexperienced, and altogether a stranger to the toils of -travelling. Besides, can you think of leaving me, and by that means add -to that sorrow with which I am already oppressed? Is it not better to -sell those goods to the merchants of Damascus, and to take up with a -moderate profit, than to expose yourself to the danger of perishing? - -It was in vain for her to oppose Ganem's resolution by the strongest -arguments, for they had no weight with him. An inclination to travel, and -to accomplish himself by a thorough knowledge of the affairs of the -world, urged him on to set out, and prevailed above all his mother's -remonstrances, her entreaties, and even her tears. He went away to the -market where the slaves are sold, and bought such as were able of body, -hired one hundred camels, and, having furnished all other necessaries, he -entered upon his journey, with five or six merchants of Damascus, who -were going to trade at Bagdad. - -Those merchants, attended by all their slaves, and accompanied by several -other travellers, made up such a considerable caravan, that they had no -occasion to fear the Bedouins, that is, the Arabs who make it their only -profession to range the country, and to attack and plunder the caravans -which are not strong enough to repulse them. Thus they had no other -difficulty to encounter than the usual fatigues of a long journey, which -were easily forgot when they saw the city of Bagdad, where they arrived -in safety. - -They went to alight at the most magnificent and most resorted khan in the -city; but Ganem, who had a mind to be lodged conveniently, and by -himself, took no apartment there. He only left his goods in a warehouse -for their greater security, and hired a very fine house in the -neighbourhood, richly furnished; having a garden, which was very -delightful, on account of the many water-works and shady groves that were -in it. - -Some days after this young merchant had been settled in his house, and -perfectly recovered of the fatigue of his journey, he dressed himself -genteelly, and repaired to the public place where the merchants meet to -buy and sell their commodities, with a slave following him, carrying a -parcel of fine stuffs and silks. - -The merchants received Ganem very courteously, and their syndic, or -chief, to whom he first made application, bought all his parcel at the -price set down in the ticket annexed to every piece of stuff. Ganem -continued his trade so successfully, that he daily sold all the goods he -exposed. - -He had no more left than one bale, which he had caused to be carried from -the warehouse to his own house, and then went to the public rendezvous, -where he found all the shops shut. This seemed somewhat extraordinary to -him; and, having asked the cause of it, was told, that one of the prime -merchants, whom he knew, was dead, and that all his brother traders were -gone to his funeral. - -Ganem inquired after the mosque where the ceremony was to be performed, -and whence the body was to be conducted to the grave; and having been -told it, sent back his slaves with the goods, and walked towards the -mosque. He got thither before the prayers were ended, which were said in -a hall hung with black satin. The corpse was taken up and followed by the -kindred, the merchants, and Ganem, to the place of burial, which was at a -great distance without the city. It was a stone structure, like a dome, -purposely built to receive the bodies of all the family of the deceased, -and, being very small, they had pitched tents all about it, that all the -company might be sheltered during the ceremony. The monument was opened, -and the corpse laid into it, after which it was shut up again. Then the -iman, and other ministers of the mosque, sat down in a ring on carpets, -in the largest tent, and said the rest of the prayers. They also read the -chapters of the Alcoran appointed for the burial of the dead. The kindred -and merchants sat round in the same manner behind the ministers. - -It was near night before the whole was ended. Ganem, who had not expected -such a long ceremony, began to be uneasy; and was the more so, when he -saw meat served up in memory of the deceased, according to the custom of -Bagdad. He was also told that the tents had been set up, not only against -the heat of the sun, but also against the evening dew, because they -should not return to the city before the next morning. These words -perplexed Ganem: I am a stranger, said he to himself, and have the -reputation of being a rich merchant: thieves may take this opportunity of -my absence, and go rob my house: my very slaves may be tempted to make -their advantage of so convenient a time; they may run away with all the -gold I have received for my goods; and whither shall I look for them? His -head being full of these thoughts, he ate a few mouthfuls hastily, and -dexterously slipped away from the company. - -He made all possible haste to gain time; but, as it often happens, the -more a man puts on, the less he advances: he mistook his way, and went -astray in the dark; so that it was near midnight when he came to the -city-gate; and, to add to this misfortune, that was shut. That -disappointment was a fresh affliction to him; and he was obliged to think -of finding some convenient place to pass the rest of the night in, and -wait till the gate was opened. He went into a burial-place, so very -spacious, that it reached from the city to the very place he was come -from. He advanced to a parcel of pretty high walls, which enclosed a -small field, being the peculiar burying-place of a family, and in which -there was a palm-tree. There was an infinite number of other particular -burial-places, the doors whereof they did not take much care to shut -fast. Ganem, finding that this burial-place was open, went into it, and -put to the door after him. He lay down on the grass, and did all he could -to sleep; but the uneasiness he was under, for being absent from home, -would not permit him. He got up; and, after having passed by the door -several times, as he walked forwards and backwards, he opened it, without -knowing why he did so, and immediately perceived a light at a distance, -which seemed to come towards him. He was startled at that sight, put to -the door, which had nothing to make it fast but a latch, and got up as -fast as he could to the top of the palm-tree, looking upon that as the -safest retreat under his present apprehensions. No sooner was he got up, -than, by the help of the light which had frightened him, he plainly -perceived three men, whom, by their habit, he knew to be slaves, come -into the burial-place. One of them went foremost with a lantern, and the -two others followed him, being loaded with a chest, between five and six -feet long, which they carried on their shoulders. They laid it down, and -then one of the three slaves said to his comrades, Brothers, if you will -be advised by me, we will leave the chest here, and return to the city. -No, no, replied another, that is not the way of doing what we were -ordered by our mistress; we may have cause to repent our not doing as we -were commanded: let us bury the chest, since we are so enjoined to do. -The two other slaves complied with him; so they began to break ground -with the tools they had brought for that purpose. When they had made a -deep trench, they put the chest into it, and covered it with the earth -they had taken out; then departed, and returned home. - -Ganem, who, from the top of the palm-tree, had heard every word the -slaves had spoken, could not tell what to think of that adventure. He -concluded that chest must needs contain something of value, and that the -person to whom it belonged had some particular reasons for causing it to -be buried in that church-yard. He resolved immediately to satisfy his -curiosity, came down from the palm-tree, his fear being gone with the -slaves, and fell to work upon the pit, plying his hands and feet so well, -that in a short time he discovered the chest, but found it secured with a -great padlock. This new obstacle to the satisfying of his curiosity was -no small mortification to him: yet he would not be discouraged; but the -day beginning then to appear, he saw several great pebbles about the -burial-place: he picked out one, with which he easily knocked off the -padlock, and then, with much impatience, opened the chest. Ganem was -strangely surprised, when, instead of finding money in it, he discovered -a young lady of incomparable beauty. Her fresh and rosy complexion, and -her gentle regular breathing, satisfied him that she was alive; but he -could not conceive, why, if she were only asleep, she had not awaked at -the noise he made in forcing off the padlock. Her habit was so costly, -with bracelets and pendants of diamonds, and a necklace of true pearl, -and so large, that he made not the least doubt of her being one of the -prime ladies about the court. At the sight of so beautiful an object, not -only natural inclination to relieve persons in danger, but also something -more powerful, which Ganem could not then give an account of, prevailed -on him to afford that young beauty all the assistance he was able. - -[Illustration p170: Drawn by R. Westall R.A. Engraved by Chas. Heath.] - -He first shut the gate of the burial-place, which the slaves had left -open, then returning, took the lady in his arms out of the chest, and -laid her on the soft earth he had thrown off the chest. As soon as the -lady was laid down, and had the benefit of the open air, she sneezed; and -having made a motion in turning her head there came from her mouth a -liquor, which seemed to have been offensive to her stomach; then opening -and rubbing her eyes, she, with such a voice as charmed Ganem, whom she -did not see, cried out, Zohorob Bostan, Schragrom Matglon, Cassabos -Soucear, Nouron Nihar, Nagmatos Sobi, Nour Hatos Zoman, why do you not -answer? where are you? Those were the names of six female slaves that -used to wait on her, and signified, Flower of the Garden, Branch of -Coral, Sugar Cane, Light of the Day, Morning Star, and Delight of the -Season. She called them, and wondered that nobody answered; but at length -looking about, and perceiving she was in a burial-place, she was in a -mighty fright. How now, cried she, much louder than before, is this the -resurrection of the dead? Is the day of judgment come? What a wonderful -change is this from night to morning! - -Ganem did not think fit to leave the lady any longer in that confusion, -but immediately appeared before her with all possible respect; and, in -the most courteous manner, said, Madam, I am scarce able to express my -joy, for having happened to be here to do you the service I have done, -and for being present to offer you all the assistance you shall stand in -need of, under your present circumstances. - -In order to persuade the lady to repose all her confidence in him, he, in -the first place, told her who he was, and what accident it was that had -brought him into that place. Next, he acquainted her with the coming of -the three slaves, and how they had buried the chest. The lady, who had -covered her face with her veil as soon as Ganem appeared, was -extraordinarily sensible of the obligations she owed him. I return thanks -to God, said she, for having sent so worthy a person as you are to -deliver me from death; but, since you have begun so charitable a work, I -conjure you not to leave it imperfect. Let me beg of you to go into the -city, and provide a muleteer to come with his mule, and carry me to your -house in the chest; for, should I go in with you on foot, my dress being -different from that of the city-ladies, some one might happen to take -notice of it, and follow me, which it highly concerns me to prevent. When -I shall be in your house, I will give you an account of myself; and, in -the mean time, be assured that you have not obliged an ungrateful person. - -Before the young merchant left the lady, he drew the chest out of the -pit, which he filled up with the earth, laid her again in the chest, and -shut it in such a manner, that it did not look as if the padlock had been -forced off; but, for fear of stifling her, he put it not quite close, -leaving room for the air to get in. Going out of the burial-place, he -drew the door after him; and the city-gate being then open, soon found -what he sought for. He returned with speed to the burial-place, and -helped the muleteer to lay the chest across his mule; telling him, to -remove all causes of suspicion, that he came to that place the night -before, with another muleteer, who, being in haste to return home, had -laid down the chest in the burial-place. - -Ganem, who had minded nothing but his business since his arrival at -Bagdad, was still unacquainted with the power of love, and now felt the -first sallies of it. It had not been in his power to look upon the young -lady without being disturbed; and the uneasiness he felt, following the -muleteer at a distance, and the fear lest any accident might happen by -the way that should deprive him of his conquest, taught him to unravel -his intricate thoughts. It was an extraordinary satisfaction to him, -when, being arrived safe at home, he saw the chest unloaded. He dismissed -the muleteer; and having caused a slave to shut the doors of his house, -he opened the chest, helped the lady out, gave her his hand, and -conducted her to his apartment, lamenting how much she must have endured -in that close confinement. If I have suffered, said she, I have -satisfaction enough in what you have done me, and in the pleasure of -seeing myself out of danger. - -Though Ganem's apartment was very richly furnished, the lady did not so -much regard that, as she did the handsome presence and engaging mien of -her deliverer, whose politeness and obliging behaviour highly heightened -her gratitude. She sat down on a sofa; and, to begin to give the merchant -to understand how sensible she was of the service done her, she took off -her veil. Ganem, on his part, was sensible of the favour so lovely a lady -did in uncovering herself, or rather felt he had already a most violent -passion for her. Whatsoever obligations she owed him, he thought himself -more than requited by so singular a favour. - -The lady dived into Ganem's thoughts, yet was not at all surprised, -because he appeared very full of respect. He, judging she might have -occasion to eat, and not willing to trust any but himself with the care -of entertaining so charming a guest, went out with a slave to an -eating-house to give directions for a treat. From thence he went to a -fruit-seller, where he chose the finest and most excellent fruit; buying -also the choicest wine, and some of the same bread that was eaten at the -caliph's table. - -As soon as he returned home, he, with his own hands, made a pyramid of -the fruit he had bought, and served it up himself to the lady, in a large -dish of the finest china ware, saying, Madam, be pleased to make choice -of some of this fruit, while a more solid entertainment, and more worthy -yourself, is made ready. He would fain have continued standing before -her; but she declared she would not touch any thing, unless he sat down -and ate with her. He obeyed; and when they had eaten some small matter, -Ganem observing that the lady's veil, which she had laid down by her on a -sofa, was embroidered along the edge with golden letters, begged leave of -her to look upon that embroidery. The lady immediately took up the veil, -and delivered it to him, asking him whether he could read. Madam, replied -he, with a modest air, a merchant would be able to manage his business -very ill, if he could not at least read and write. Well then, said she, -read the words which are embroidered on that veil, which gives me an -opportunity of telling you my story. - -Ganem took the veil, and read these words, 'I am yours, and you are mine, -thou descendant from the prophet's uncle.' That descendant from the -prophet's uncle was the caliph Haroun Alraschid, who then reigned, and -was descended from Abbas, Mahomet's uncle. - -When Ganem perceived the sense of these words, Alas! madam, said he, in a -melancholy tone, I have just saved your life, and this embroidery is my -death! I do not comprehend all the mystery; but it makes me too sensible -that I am the most unfortunate of men. Pardon the liberty I take, madam, -of telling you so much. It was impossible for me to see you without -giving you up my heart. You are not ignorant yourself, that it was not in -my power to refuse it to you; and that makes my presumption excusable. I -proposed to myself to move yours by my respect, my diligence, my -complaisance, my assiduity, my submission, and my constancy; and no -sooner had I flattered myself with that design, than I am robbed of all -my hopes. But be that as it will, I shall have the satisfaction of dying -entirely yours. Proceed, madam, I conjure you, to give me a full -information of my unhappy state. - -He could not deliver those words without letting fall some tears. The -lady was moved, but was so far from being displeased at the declaration -he made, that she felt an inward joy, for her heart began to yield. -However, she concealed it; and, as if she had not regarded what Ganem -said, I would have been very cautious, answered she, of showing you my -veil, had I thought it would have made you so uneasy; and I do not -perceive that what I have to say to you can make your condition so -deplorable as you imagine. - -You must understand, proceeded she, in order to acquaint you with my -story, that my name is Fetnah, (which signifies a storm or tempest) which -was given me at my birth, because it was judged that the sight of me -would occasion many calamities. You cannot be a stranger to it, since -nobody in Bagdad but knows that the caliph Haroun Alraschid, my sovereign -lord and yours, has a favourite so called. - -I was carried into his palace in my very tender years, and I have been -brought up there with all the care that is usually taken with such -persons of my sex as are designed to reside there. I made no ill advances -in all they took the pains to teach me; and that, with some share of -beauty, gained me the caliph's affection, who gave me a particular -apartment adjoining to his own. That prince was not satisfied with such a -mark of distinction: he appointed twenty women to wait on me, and as many -eunuchs; and, ever since, he has made me such considerable presents, that -I was once richer than any queen in the world. You may reasonably judge, -by what I have said, that Zobeide, the caliph's wife and kinswoman, could -not but be jealous of my happiness. Though Haroun has all the regard -imaginable for her, she has used all her endeavours to ruin me. - -Hitherto, I had secured myself against all her snares; but, at length, I -fell under the last effort of her jealousy; and, were it not for you, I -had now been exposed to inevitable death. I do not question but that she -had corrupted one of my slaves, who, last night, in some lemonade, gave -me a drug, which causes such a deep sleep, that it is easy to dispose of -those who have taken it; and that sleep is so profound, that nothing can -dispel it for the space of seven or eight hours. I have the more reason -to judge so, because naturally I am very light of sleep, and apt to wake -at the least noise. - -Zobeide, the better to put her design in execution, has laid hold of the -opportunity of the absence of the caliph, who has been gone lately to put -himself at the head of his troops, to chastise some neighbouring kings, -who have presumed to join in league to make war on him. Were it not for -this opportunity, my rival, courageous as she is, durst not have presumed -to attempt any thing against my life. I know not what she will do to -conceal this action from the caliph; but you see it highly concerns me -that you should keep my secret. My life depends on it. I shall be safe in -your house as long as the caliph is from Bagdad. It behoves you to keep -my adventure private; for, should Zobeide know the obligation I owe you, -she would punish you for having saved me. - -When the caliph returns, I shall not need to be so much upon my guard. I -shall find means to acquaint him with all that has happened, and I am -fully persuaded he will be more earnest than myself to requite a service -which restores me to his love. - -As soon as Haroun Alraschid's beautiful favourite had done speaking, -Ganem began, and said, Madam, I return you a thousand thanks for having -given me the information I took the liberty to desire of you; and I beg -of you to believe that you are here in safety; the sentiments you have -inspired in me are a pledge of my secrecy. - -As for my slaves, I own there is cause to suspect them; they may perhaps -fail of the fidelity they owe me, should they know by what accident, and -in what place I had the good fortune to find you; but it is impossible -they should guess at that. Nay, I dare assure you that they will not have -the curiosity to inquire after it. It is so natural for young men to -purchase beautiful slaves, that it will be no way surprising to them to -see you here, as believing you to be one, and that I have bought you. -They will also believe that I had some particular reasons for bringing -you home as I did. Set your heart therefore at rest as to that point, and -remain satisfied that you shall be served with all the respect that is -due to the favourite of so great a monarch as ours is. But how great -soever he is, give me leave, madam, to declare, that nothing will be able -to make me recall the present I have made you of my heart. I know, and -shall never forget, that what belongs to the master is forbidden to the -slave; but I loved you before you told me that you were engaged to the -caliph: it is not in my power to overcome a passion, which, though now in -its infancy, has all the force of a love strengthened by a perfect -correspondence. I wish your august and most fortunate lover may revenge -you against the malice of Zobeide, by calling you back to him; and, when -you shall be restored to his wishes, that you may remember the -unfortunate Ganem, who is no less your conquest than the caliph. As -powerful as that prince is, I flatter myself he will not be able to blot -me out of your memory. If love be your predominant passion, he cannot -love you more passionately than I do; and I shall never cease to burn in -your flames, whatsoever part of the world I go into to expire, after -having lost you. - -Fetnah perceived that Ganem was under the greatest of afflictions, and it -moved her; but, considering the uneasiness she was likely to bring upon -herself by prosecuting the discourse upon that subject, which might -insensibly lead her to discover the inclination she felt in herself for -him, she said, I perceive that this sort of conversation gives you too -much trouble; let us change the discourse, and talk of the infinite -obligations I owe you. I can never sufficiently express my satisfaction, -when I consider that, without your assistance, I had not beheld the light -of the sun. - -It was happy for them both that somebody just then knocked at the door: -Ganem went to see who it was, and found it was one of his slaves to -acquaint him that the entertainment was ready. Ganem, who, by way of -precaution, would have none of his slaves to come into the room where -Fetnah was, took what was brought, and served it up himself to his -beautiful guest, whose soul was ravished to behold with what diligence -and respect he attended her. - -When they had eaten, Ganem took away, as he covered the table; and having -delivered all things at the chamber-door to his slaves, he said to -Fetnah, Madam, you may now perhaps desire to take some rest; I will leave -you, and when you have reposed yourself you shall find me ready to -receive your commands. - -Having spoken these words, he left her, and went to buy two women-slaves. -He also bought two parcels, the one of linen, and the other of all such -things as were proper to make up a toilet fit for the caliph's favourite. -Having conducted home the two women-slaves, he presented them to Fetnah, -saying, Madam, a person of your quality cannot be without two maids, at -least, to serve you; be pleased to allow me to give you these. - -Fetnah, admiring Ganem's forecast, My lord, said she, I perceive you are -not one that will do things by halves: you add by your courtesy to the -obligations I owe you already; but I hope I shall not die ungrateful, and -that Heaven will soon put me in a condition to make acknowledgments for -all your acts of generosity. - -When the women-slaves were withdrawn into a chamber adjoining, which the -young merchant showed them, he sat down on the sofa where Fetnah was; -but, at some distance from her, in token of the greater respect. He then -began again to discourse of his passion, and spoke very moving things -relating to the invincible obstacles which robbed him of all his hopes. I -dare not so much as hope, said he, by my passion, to excite the least -sensibility in a heart like yours, destined for the greatest prince in -the world. Alas! it would be a comfort to me, if I could flatter myself -that you have not looked upon the excess of my love with indifferency. My -lord, answered Fetnah--Alas! madam, said Ganem, interrupting her at the -word lord, this is a second time you have done me the honour to call me -lord; the presence of the women-slaves hindered me the first time from -taking notice of it to you: in the name of God, madam, do not give me -that title of honour; it does not belong to me: treat me, I beseech you, -as your slave: I am, and shall never cease to be so. - -No, no, replied Fetnah, interrupting him in her turn, I shall be cautious -how I treat a man to whom I owe my life, after that manner. I should be -ungrateful could I say or do any thing that did not become you. Leave me -therefore to follow the dictates of my gratitude, and do not require it -of me that I misbehave myself towards you, in return for the benefits I -have received. I shall never be guilty of it; I am too sensible of your -respectful behaviour, to abuse it; and I will not stick to own, that I do -not look upon all your care with indifferency. You know the reason that -condemns me to silence. - -Ganem was ravished at that declaration: he wept for joy; and not being -able to find expressions significant enough, in his own conceit, to -return Fetnah thanks, was satisfied with telling her, that, as she knew -what she owed to the caliph, he, on his part, was not ignorant, 'that -what belongs to the master is forbidden to the servant.' - -Night drawing on, he went out to fetch some light, which he brought in -himself, as also some collation, as is the custom in the city of Bagdad; -where, having made a good meal at noon, they, at night, are satisfied -with eating some fruit, and drinking a glass of wine; so diverting the -time till they go to bed. - -They both sat down at table, and at first complimented each other, -presenting the fruit reciprocally. The excellency of the wine insensibly -drew them both on to drink; and having drunk two or three glasses, they -agreed that neither should take another glass without singing some air -first. Ganem sang verses he composed _extempore_, and which expressed the -vehemency of his passion; and Fetnah, encouraged by his example, composed -and sang verses relating to her adventure, and always containing -something which Ganem might take in a sense that was favourable to him; -bating, that she nicely observed the fidelity due to the caliph. The -collation held till very late, and the night was far advanced, before -they thought of parting. Ganem then withdrew to another apartment, -leaving Fetnah where she was, and the women-slaves he had bought coming -in to wait upon her. - -They lived together after this manner for several days. The young -merchant went not abroad, unless upon business of the utmost consequence; -and, even for that, took the time when his lady was at her rest; for he -could not prevail upon himself to let slip a moment that might be spent -in her company. All his thoughts were taken up with his dear Fetnah, who, -on her side, giving way to her inclination, confessed she had no less -affection for him than he had for her. However, as fond as they were of -each other, their respect for the caliph kept them within those bounds -that were due to him, which still heightened their passion. - -While Fetnah, thus snatched from the jaws of death, passed her time so -agreeably with Ganem, Zobeide was not without some apprehensions in -Haroun Alraschid's palace. - -As soon as the three slaves intrusted with the execution of her revenge, -had carried away the chest, without knowing what was in it, or so much as -the least curiosity to inquire into it, as being used to pay a blind -obedience to her commands, she was seized with a tormenting uneasiness: a -thousand perplexing thoughts disturbed her rest; sleep fled from her -eyes, and she spent the night in contriving how to conceal her crime. My -consort, said she, loves Fetnah more than ever he did any of his -favourites. What shall I say to him at his return, when he inquires of me -after her? Many contrivances occurred to her, but none were satisfactory: -she still met with difficulties, and knew not where to fix. There lived -with her an ancient lady, who had bred her up from her infancy: as soon -as it was day, she sent for her, and having intrusted her with the -secret, said, Dear mother, you have always been assisting to me with your -advice; if ever I stood in need of it, it is now; when the business -before you is to still my thoughts, distracted by a mortal concern, and -to show me some way to satisfy the caliph. - -Dear madam, replied the old lady, it had been much better not to have run -yourself into the difficulties you labour under; but since the thing is -done, the best way is to say no more of it: all that must now be thought -of, is how to deceive the chief of believers; and I am of opinion that -you must immediately cause a wooden image to be carved resembling a dead -body; we will shroud it up in old linen; and, when shut up in a coffin, -it shall be buried in some part of the palace; then shall you immediately -cause a marble monument to be built, after the manner of a dome, over the -burial-place; and erect a figure which shall be covered with black cloth, -and set about with great candlesticks and large wax tapers. There is -another thing, added the old lady, which ought not to be forgot: you must -put on mourning, and cause the same to be done by all your own and -Fetnah's women, your eunuchs, and all that belong to the palace. When the -caliph returns, and sees you and all the palace in mourning, he will be -sure to ask the occasion of it; then will you have an opportunity of -insinuating yourself into his favour, saying, it was in respect to him, -that you paid the last honours to Fetnah, snatched away by sudden death. -You may also tell him you have caused a mausoleum to be built; and, in -short, that you have paid all the dues to his favourite which he would -have done himself had he been present. His passion for her being -extraordinary, he will certainly go and shed some tears upon her grave; -and, perhaps, added the old woman, he will not believe she is really -dead; and suspect you have turned her out of the palace through jealousy, -and look upon all the mourning as an artifice to deceive him, and prevent -his making search after her. It is likely he will cause the coffin to be -taken up and opened, and it is certain he will be convinced of her death -as soon as he shall see the figure of a dead body buried. He will be -pleased with all you shall have done, and express his gratitude. As for -the wooden image, I will undertake to have it cut myself by a carver in -the city, who shall not know what use it is to be put to. As for your -part, madam, order Fetnah's woman, who yesterday gave her the lemonade, -to give out that she had just found her mistress dead in her bed; and, -that they may only think of lamenting, without offering to go into her -chamber, let her add, she has already acquainted you with it, and that -you have ordered Mesrour to cause her to be laid out and buried. - -As soon as the old lady had spoken these words, Zobeide took a rich -diamond ring out of her casket, and putting it on her finger, and -embracing her in a perfect transport of joy, said, How infinitely am I -beholden to you, my dear mother! I should never have thought of so -ingenious a contrivance. It cannot fail of success, and I perceive my -peace of mind begins to be restored to me. I leave the care of the wooden -figure to you, and I will go myself to order the rest. - -The wooden image was got ready with as much expedition as Zobeide could -have wished, and then conveyed by the lady herself into Fetnah's -bed-chamber, where she dressed it like a dead body, and put it into a -coffin. Then Mesrour, who was much deceived by it, caused the coffin, and -the representation of Fetnah, to be carried away; and buried it with the -usual ceremonies, in the place appointed by Zobeide, the favourite's -women weeping and lamenting, and she who had given her the lemonade -setting them an example by her cries and howlings. - -That very day, Zobeide sent for the architect of the palace, and of the -caliph's other houses; and, according to the orders he received from her, -the mausoleum was finished in a very short time. Such potent princesses, -as was this consort of a monarch, whose power extended from east to west, -are always punctually obeyed in whatsoever they command, by all the -court; so that the news of Fetnah's death was soon spread all over the -town. - -Ganem was one of the last who had heard of it; for, as I have before -observed, he scarce went abroad. Being at length informed of it, Madam, -said he to the caliph's fair favourite, you are thought to be dead in -Bagdad, and I do not question but that Zobeide herself believes it; I -bless Heaven that I am the cause, and the happy witness of your being -alive; and would to God, that, taking the advantage of this false report, -you would share my fortune, and go far from hence to reign in my heart! -But whither does this pleasing notion carry me? I do not consider that -you are born to make the greatest prince in the world happy, and that -only Haroun Alraschid is worthy of you. Supposing you could resolve to -give him up for me, and that you would follow me, ought I to consent to -it? No, it is my part always to remember, that what belongs to the master -is forbidden to the slave. - -The lovely Fetnah, though moved by the tenderness of the passion he -expressed, yet prevailed with herself not to comply with it. My lord, -said she to him, we cannot obstruct Zobeide's triumphing. I am not at all -surprised at the artifice she makes use of to conceal her guilt: but let -her proceed; I flatter myself that sorrow will soon follow her triumph: -the caliph will return, and we shall find means privately to inform him -of all that has happened. In the mean time, let us be more cautious than -ever, that she may not know I am alive. I have already told you the -consequences. - -Three months after, the caliph returned to Bagdad with honour, having -vanquished all his enemies: he entered the palace with impatience to see -Fetnah, and to lay all his laurels at her feet; but was amazed to see all -the servants he had left behind him in mourning. It struck him, without -knowing the cause; and his concern was double, when, coming into the -apartment of Zobeide, he spied that princess coming to meet him with all -her women in mourning. He immediately asked her the cause of it, with -much concern. Chief of the believers, answered Zobeide, I am in mourning -for your slave Fetnah, who died so suddenly, that it was impossible to -apply any medicine to her distemper. She would have proceeded, but the -caliph did not give her time, being so surprised at the news, that he -cried out, and then fell into a swoon in the arms of Giafar, his grand -vizier, who attended him. Coming soon after to himself, he, with a weak -voice, which sufficiently expressed his concern, asked where his dear -Fetnah had been buried? Sir, said Zobeide, I took care myself of her -funeral, and spared for no cost to make it magnificent. I have caused a -marble mausoleum to be built over her grave, and will attend you thither, -if you desire it. - -The caliph would not permit Zobeide to take that trouble, but was -satisfied to have Mesrour to conduct him. He went thither just as he was, -that is, in the camp dress. When he saw the figure covered with a black -cloth, the lighted candles all about it, and the magnificence of the -mausoleum, he was amazed that Zobeide should have performed the obsequies -of her rival with so much magnificence; and, being naturally of a jealous -temper, he suspected his wife's generosity, and fancied his mistress -might perhaps be yet alive; that Zobeide, taking the advantage of his -long absence, might have turned her out of the palace, ordering those she -had intrusted with it to convey her so far-off, that she might never more -be heard of. This was all he suspected; for he did not think Zobeide -wicked enough to have murdered his favourite. - -The better to discover the truth himself, that prince ordered the figure -to be removed, and caused the grave and the coffin to be opened in his -presence: but when he saw the linen which wrapped up the wooden image, he -durst not proceed any farther. That religious caliph thought it would be -an irreligious act to suffer the body of the dead lady to be touched; and -this scruple prevailed above his love and curiosity. He caused the coffin -to be shut up again, the grave to be filled, and the figure to be placed -as it was before. - -The caliph, thinking himself obliged to pay some respect to the tomb of -his favourite, sent for the ministers of his religion, the officers of -the palace, and the readers of the Alcoran; and, whilst they were calling -together, he remained in the mausoleum, moistening the earth that covered -the phantom of his love with his tears. When all the persons he had sent -for were come, he stood before the figure, and they about it recited long -prayers; after which the readers of the Alcoran read several chapters. - -The same ceremony was performed every day during the whole month, morning -and evening, the caliph being always present, with Giafar the grand -vizier, and the prime officers of the court, all of them in mourning, as -well as the caliph himself, who all that while failed not to honour the -memory of Fetnah with tears, and would not talk the least of any -business. - -The last day of the month, the prayers and reading of the Alcoran lasted -from that morning till break of day the next morning; and at length, when -all was done, every man returned home. Haroun Alraschid, being tired with -sitting up all that time, went to take some rest in his apartment, and -fell asleep on a sofa between two of the court ladies, one of them -sitting at the bed's head, and the other at the feet, who, whilst he -slept, were working some embroidery, and observed a profound silence. - -She who sat at the bed's head, and whose name was Nouron-Nihar, that is, -Dawn of the Day, perceiving the caliph was asleep, whispered to the -other, called Nagmatos-Sobi, signifying Morning-Star, There is great -news! The chief of the believers, our master, will be overjoyed when he -awakes and hears what I have to say to him: Fetnah is not dead; she is in -perfect health. O Heavens! cried Morning-Star, in a transport of joy, is -it possible that the beautiful, the charming, the incomparable Fetnah -should be still among the living? Morning-Star uttered these words with -such a sprightly air, and so loud, that the caliph awaked. He asked why -they had disturbed his rest. Alas! my sovereign lord, answered -Morning-Star, pardon me this indiscretion, I could not contain myself. -What then is become of her, said the caliph, if she is not dead? Chief of -the believers, replied Dawn of the Day, I this evening received a note, -not signed, from a person unknown, but written with Fetnah's own hand, -which gives me an account of her melancholy adventures, and orders me to -acquaint you with it. I thought fit, before I fulfilled my commission, to -let you take some few moments' rest, believing you must stand in need of -it after your fatigue. Give me that note, said the caliph, interrupting -her in a disorderly manner; you were in the wrong in deferring to deliver -it to me. - -Dawn of the Day immediately delivered him the note, which he opened with -much impatience; and in it Fetnah gave a brief account of all that had -befallen her, but enlarged a little too much on the care Ganem took of -her. The caliph, who was naturally jealous, instead of being provoked at -the inhumanity of Zobeide, was only concerned for the infidelity he -fancied Fetnah had been guilty of towards him. Is it so? said he, after -reading the note; the perfidious wretch has been four months with a young -merchant, and has the impudence to boast of the respect he pays her. -Thirty days are passed since my return to Bagdad, and she now bethinks -herself of sending me this news. Ungrateful creature! while I spend the -days in bewailing her, she passes them away in betraying me. Go to, let -us take revenge of the false woman, and that bold youth who affronts me. -Having spoken these words, that prince got up, and went into a great -hall, where he used to appear in public, and to give audience to the -great men of his court. The first gate was opened, and immediately all -the courtiers, who expected him, that moment entered. The grand vizier -came in, and prostrated himself before the throne the caliph sat on. Then -rising, he stood before his master, who, in a tone which denoted he would -be instantly obeyed, said to him, Giafar, your presence is requisite for -putting in execution an important affair I am about to commit to you. -Take four hundred men out of my guards along with you, and first inquire -where a merchant of Damascus lives, whose name is Ganem, the son of Abou -Ayoub. When you have learned that, repair to his house, and cause it to -be razed down to the foundation; but first secure Ganem, and bring him -hither, with my slave Fetnah, who has lived with him these four months. I -will punish her, and make an example of that insolent man, who has -presumed to fail in respect to me. - -The grand vizier having received this positive command, made a low bow to -the caliph, having his hand on his own head, as a token that he would -rather lose it than disobey him, and departed. The first thing he did, -was to send to the syndic, or head of the merchants, for some foreign -stuffs and fine silks, of the new ones brought by Ganem; with strict -orders, above all things, to inquire after the street and house he lived -in. The officer he sent with these orders brought him back word, that he -had scarce been seen for some months, and no man knew what could keep him -at home, if he was there. The same officer told Giafar where Ganem lived, -and the name of the widow who had let him the house. - -Upon this information, which could not fail, that minister, without -losing any time, marched with the soldiers the caliph had ordered him to -take, went to the mayor of the city, whom he also caused to bear him -company; and being attended by a great number of carpenters and masons, -with the necessary tools for razing of a house, came to that in which -Ganem lived; and finding it stood alone, without being confined any way, -he posted his soldiers quite round it, to prevent the young merchant -making his escape. - -Fetnah and Ganem had just then dined: the lady was sitting at a window -next the street; and hearing a noise, she looked out through the lattice, -when, seeing the grand vizier draw near with all his attendants, she -concluded his design was upon her as well as Ganem. She perceived her -note had been received, but had not expected such an answer, having hoped -that the caliph would have taken that business quite otherwise. She knew -not how long that prince had been come home; and though she was -acquainted with his jealous temper, yet she apprehended nothing on that -account. However, the sight of the grand vizier and the soldiers made her -quake in reality, not for herself, but for Ganem: she did not question -clearing herself, provided the caliph would but hear her. As for Ganem, -whom she was kind to rather out of gratitude than affection, she plainly -foresaw that his rival, being incensed, would see, and might be apt to -condemn him, upon account of his youth and mien. Being full of that -thought, she turned to the young merchant, and said, Alas! Ganem, we are -undone; it is you and I that are sought after. He presently looked -through the lattice, and was seized with dread when he beheld the -caliph's guards with their naked scimitars, and the grand vizier with the -civil magistrate at the head of them. At that sight he stood motionless, -and had not power to utter one word. Ganem, said the favourite, there is -no losing of time: if you love me, put on the habit of one of your slaves -immediately, and daub your face and arms with soot; then lay some of -these dishes on your head: you may be taken for a servant belonging to -the eating-house, and they will let you pass. If they happen to ask you -where the master of the house is, answer, without any hesitation, that he -is within. Alas! madam, answered Ganem, less concerned for himself than -for Fetnah, you only take care of me; what will become of you? Let not -that trouble you, replied Fetnah, it is my part to look to that. As for -what you leave in this house, I will take care of it; and I hope it will -be one day justly restored to you, when the caliph's anger is over: but -do you avoid his fury; for the orders he gives in heat of passion are -always fatal. The young merchant's affliction was so great, that he knew -not what course to fix upon, and would certainly have suffered himself to -have been seized by the caliph's soldiers, had not Fetnah pressed him to -disguise himself. He was prevailed upon by her persuasions, to put on the -habit of a slave, and daub himself with soot; and it was high time, for -they were knocking at the door; and all they could do was to embrace each -other lovingly: they were both so overwhelmed with sorrow that they could -not utter one word; and it was thus they parted. Ganem went out with some -dishes on his head: he was taken for the servant of an eating-house, and -nobody offered to stop him. On the contrary, the grand vizier, who was -the first that met him, gave him way to let him pass, being far from any -thought that he was the man he looked for. Those who were behind the -grand vizier made way as he had done, and thus favoured his escape. He -got speedily to one of the city gates, and so got clear away. - -While he was making the best of his way from the grand vizier Giafar, -that minister came into the room where Fetnah was sitting on a sofa, and -where there were many chests full of Ganem's equipage, and of the money -he had made of his goods. - -As soon as Fetnah saw the grand vizier come into the room, she fell flat -on her face, and continued in that posture, as it were, ready to receive -her death. My lord, said she, I am ready to undergo the sentence passed -against me by the chief of the believers; you need only make it known to -me. Madam, answered Giafar, falling also down till she had raised -herself, God forbid any man should presume to lay his profane hands on -you. I do not design to offer you the least wrong. I have no farther -orders than to entreat you will be pleased to go with me to the palace, -and to conduct you thither with the merchant that lives in this house. My -lord, replied the favourite, let us go; I am ready to follow you. As for -the young merchant, to whom I am indebted for my life, he is not here; he -has been gone about a month since to Damascus, whither his business -called him, and he has left these chests you see under my care till he -returns. I conjure you to cause them to be secured, that I may perform -the promise I made to take all possible care of them. - -You shall be obeyed, said Giafar, and immediately sent for porters, whom -he commanded to take up the chests, and carry them to Mesrour. - -As soon as the porters were gone, he whispered the civil magistrate, -committing to him the care of seeing the house razed; but first to cause -diligent search to be made for Ganem, who, he suspected, might be hid, -whatever Fetnah had told of him. Then he went out, taking the young lady -with him attended by the two slaves that waited on her. As for Ganem's -slaves, they were not regarded; they ran in among the crowd, and it was -not known what became of them. - -No sooner was Giafar out of the house, than the masons and carpenters -began to raze it; and did it so effectually, that in a few hours none of -it remained. But the civil magistrate, not finding Ganem, after the -strictest search, sent to acquaint the grand vizier with it, before that -minister reached the palace. Well, said Haroun Alraschid, seeing him come -into his closet, have you executed my orders? Yes, sir, answered Giafar, -the house Ganem lived in is levelled with the ground, and I have brought -you your favourite Fetnah; she is at your closet-door, and I will call -her in if you command me. As for the young merchant, we could not find -him, though all places have been searched; and Fetnah affirms that he has -been gone this month to Damascus. - -Never was any man in such a passion as the caliph, when he heard that -Ganem had made his escape. As for his favourite, being possessed that she -had been false to him, he would neither see nor speak to her. Mesrour, -said he to the chief of the eunuchs, who was there present, take the -ungrateful, the perfidious Fetnah, and go shut her up in the dark tower. -That tower was within the enclosure of the palace, and commonly served as -a prison for the favourites who any way disgusted the caliph. - -Mesrour, being used to execute his sovereign's orders, though ever so -unjust, without making any objection, obeyed this with some reluctancy. -He signified his concern to Fetnah, who was the more grieved at it, -because she had reckoned that the caliph would not refuse to speak to -her. There was no remedy but to submit to her hard fate, and to follow -Mesrour, who conducted her to the dark tower, and there left her. - -In the mean time the caliph, being incensed, and only consulting his -passion, wrote the following letter, with his own hand, to the king of -Syria, his cousin and tributary, who resided at Damascus. - - - THE LETTER FROM THE CALIPH HAROUN ALRASCHID TO MOHAMMED ZINEBI, KING - OF SYRIA. - -'Cousin, this is to inform you, that a merchant of Damascus, whose name -is Ganem, the son of Abou Ayoub, has seduced the most amiable of my women -slaves, called Fetnah, and is fled. It is my will, that, when you have -read my letter, you cause search to be made for Ganem, and secure him. -When he is in your power, you shall cause him to be loaded with irons, -and for three days successively he shall receive fifty strokes with a -bull's pizzle. Then let him be led through all parts of the city, with a -crier, crying, This is the smallest punishment the chief of the believers -inflicts on him that offends his lord, and debauches one of his slaves. -After that, you shall send him to me under a strong guard. It is my will -that you cause his house to be plundered; and when it shall be razed, -order the materials to be carried out of the city into the middle of the -plain. Besides, if he has father, mother, sister, wives, daughters, or -other kindred, cause them to be stripped; and when they are naked, expose -them as a spectacle during three days to the whole city, forbidding any -one, on pain of death, to afford them any shelter. I expect you will no -way delay what I enjoin. - - Haroun Alraschid.' - - -The caliph having written this letter, sent it away by an express, -ordering him to make all possible speed, and to take pigeons along with -him, that he might the sooner hear what had been done by Mohammed Zinebi. - -The pigeons of Bagdad have this particular quality, that, though they be -carried ever so far, they return to Bagdad as soon as they are turned -loose, especially when they have young ones. A letter rolled up is made -fast under their wing; and by that means, they have speedy advice from -such places as they desire. - -The caliph's express travelling night and day, as his master's impatience -required, and being come to Damascus, went directly to king Zinebi's -palace, who sat upon his throne to receive the caliph's letter. The -express having delivered it, Mohammed looking upon it, and knowing the -hand, stood up to show his respect, kissed the letter, and laid it on his -head, to denote he was ready submissively to obey the orders contained in -it. He opened it, and having read it, immediately descended from his -throne, and, without losing time, mounted on horseback, with the prime -officers of his household. He also sent for the civil magistrate, who -came to him; and then he went directly to Ganem's house, attended by all -his guards. - -That young merchant's mother had never heard or received any letter from -him since he left Damascus, but the other merchants with whom he went to -Bagdad were returned, and all of them told her they had left her son in -perfect health. However, as he did not return himself, and neglected to -write, the tender mother could not be persuaded but that he was dead, and -was so fully convinced of it in her imagination, that she went into -mourning. She bewailed Ganem as if she had seen him die, and had herself -closed his eyes: never mother expressed greater sorrow; and so far was -she from seeking any comfort, that she delighted in indulging her sorrow. -She caused a dome to be built in the middle of the court belonging to her -house, in which she placed a figure representing her son, and covered it -with black cloth. She spent the greatest part of the days and nights in -weeping under that dome, in the same manner as if her son had been buried -there. The beautiful Alcolomb, or Ravisher of Hearts, her daughter, bore -her company, and mixed her tears with hers. - -It was now some time since they had thus devoted themselves to sorrow, -and since the neighbourhood, hearing their cries and lamentations, pitied -such loving relations, when king Mohammed Zinebi came to the door, which, -being opened by a slave belonging to the family, he went into the house, -inquiring for Ganem, the son of Abou Ayoub. - -Though the slave had never seen king Zinebi, she easily guessed, by his -retinue, that this must be one of the prime men of Damascus. My lord, -said she, that Ganem you inquire for is dead: my mistress, his mother, is -in that monument you see there, actually lamenting the loss of him. The -king, not regarding what was said by the slave, caused all the house to -be diligently searched by his guards for Ganem. Then he advanced towards -the monument, where he saw the mother and daughter sitting on nothing but -a mat, by the figure which represented Ganem, and their faces appeared to -him bathed in tears. Those poor women immediately veiled themselves, as -soon as they beheld a man at the door of the dome; but the mother, -knowing the king of Damascus, got up, and ran to cast herself at his -feet. My good lady, said he, I was looking for your son Ganem; is he -here? Alas, sir! cried the mother, it is a long time since he has ceased -to be: would to God I had at least put him into his shroud with my own -hands, and had the comfort of having his bones in this monument! O, my -son, my dear son! She would have said more, but was oppressed with so -violent sorrow that she was not able. - -Zinebi was moved; for he was a prince of a mild nature, and had much -compassion for the sufferings of the unfortunate. If Ganem alone is -guilty, thought he to himself, why should the mother and the daughters, -who are innocent, be punished? Ah! cruel Haroun Alraschid, what a -mortification do you put upon me, in making me the executioner of your -vengeance, obliging me to persecute those persons who have not offended -you! - -The guards that the king ordered to search for Ganem, came and told him -they had lost their labour. He was fully convinced: the tears of these -two women would not leave him any room to doubt. It distracted him to be -obliged to execute the caliph's order. My good lady, said he to Ganem's -mother, come out of this monument with your daughter; it is no place of -safety for you. They went out; and he, to secure them against any insult, -took off his own robe, which was very large, and covered them both with -it, bidding them be sure to keep close to him. Then he ordered the -multitude to be admitted to plunder, which was performed with the utmost -rapaciousness, and many shouts, which terrified Ganem's mother and sister -the more, because they knew not the reason of it. The rabble carried off -the richest goods, chests full of wealth, fine Persian and Indian -carpets, cushions made of cloth of gold and silver, fine china ware. In -short, all was taken away; nothing was left but the hard walls of the -house: and it was certainly a dismal spectacle for the unhappy ladies, to -see all their goods plundered, without knowing why they were so cruelly -treated. - -When the house was plundered, Mohammed ordered the civil magistrates to -raze the house and monument; and, whilst that was doing, he carried away -Alcolomb and her mother to his palace. There it was he redoubled their -affliction, acquainting them with the caliph's will. He commands me, said -he to them, to cause you to be stripped, and expose you naked for three -days to the view of the people. It is with the utmost reluctance that I -execute that cruel and ignominious sentence. The king delivered these -words with such an air, as plainly made it appear his heart was really -pierced with grief and compassion. Though the fear of being dethroned -obstructed his following the dictates of his pity, yet he in some measure -moderated the rigour of Haroun Alraschid's orders, causing coarse sacks, -like smocks with sleeves, to be made of horse-hair, for Ganem's mother, -and his sister Alcolomb, or Ravisher of Hearts. - -The next day, these two victims of the caliph's rage were stripped of -their clothes, and their horse-hair smocks put upon them; their -head-dress was also taken away, so that their dishevelled hair hung upon -their backs. Alcolomb had the finest hair in the world; and it hung down -to the ground. In that condition, they were exposed to the people. The -civil magistrate, attended by his officers, went along with them; and -they were conducted throughout all the city. A crier went before them, -who, every now and then, cried, This is the punishment due to those who -have drawn on themselves the indignation of the chief of the believers. - -When they walked in this manner along the streets of Damascus, with their -arms and feet naked, clad in such a strange garment, and endeavouring to -hide their shame under their hair, with which they covered their faces, -all the people were dissolved in tears; more especially the ladies, -looking on them as innocent persons, through their lattice-windows, and -being particularly moved by Alcolomb's youth and beauty, made the air -ring with their dreadful shrieks, as they passed before their houses. The -very children, frightened at those shrieks, and at the spectacle that -occasioned them, mixed their cries with that general lamentation, and -added new horror to it. In short, had an enemy been at Damascus, and then -putting all to fire and sword, the consternation could not have been -greater. - -It was near night when that dismal scene concluded. The mother and -daughter were both conducted back to king Mohammed's palace. Not being -used to walk barefoot, they were so spent, that they lay a long time in a -swoon. The queen of Damascus, highly afflicted at their misfortunes, -notwithstanding the caliph's prohibition to relieve them, sent some of -her women to comfort them with all sorts of refreshments, and wine to -raise their spirits. - -The queen's women found them still in a swoon, and almost past receiving -any benefit by what they offered them. However, with much difficulty, -they were brought to themselves. Ganem's mother immediately returned them -thanks for their courtesy. My good lady, said one of the queen's ladies -to her, we are highly concerned at your affliction; and the queen of -Syria, our mistress, has done us a favour in employing us to assist you. -We can assure you, that princess is much afflicted at your misfortunes, -as well as the king her consort. Ganem's mother entreated the queen's -women to return her majesty a thousand thanks from her and her daughter -Alcolomb; and then, directing her discourse to the lady that spoke to -her, she said, Madam, the king has not told me why the chief of the -believers inflicts so many outrages on us; pray be pleased to tell us -what crimes we have been guilty of. My good lady, answered the other, the -origin of your misfortune proceeds from your son Ganem. He is not dead, -as you imagine. He is accused of having stolen the beautiful Fetnah, the -best beloved of all the king's favourites; and he having, by timely -flight, withdrawn himself from that prince's indignation, the punishment -is fallen on you. All mankind condemns the caliph's resentment; but all -mankind fears him: and you see king Zinebi himself dares not contradict -his orders, for fear of incurring his displeasure. So that all we can do -is to pity and exhort you to have patience. - -I know my son, answered Ganem's mother; I have educated him very -carefully, and in that respect which is due to the commander of the -believers. He has not committed the crime he is accused of; I dare answer -for his innocency. But I will give over muttering and complaining, since -it is for him that I suffer, and he is not dead. O Ganem! added she, in a -transport of love and joy, my dear son Ganem, is it possible that you are -still alive? I no longer am concerned for the loss of my goods; and how -extravagant soever the caliph's orders may be, I forgive him all the -severity of them, provided Heaven has saved my son. I am only concerned -for my daughter; her sufferings only afflict me; yet I believe her to be -so good a sister as to follow my example. - -At the hearing of these words, Alcolomb, who till then had appeared -insensible, turned to her mother, and, clasping her arms about her neck, -Yes, dear mother, said she, I will always follow your example, whatever -extremity the love of my brother brings you to. - -The mother and daughter, thus interchanging their sighs and tears, -continued a considerable time in such moving embraces. In the mean time, -the queen's women, who were much moved at that spectacle, omitted no -persuasions to prevail with Ganem's mother to take some sustenance. She -ate a morsel out of complaisance, and Alcolomb did the like. - -The caliph having ordered that Ganem's kindred should be exposed three -days successively to the sight of the people, in the condition as has -been said, Alcolomb and her mother afforded the same spectacle the second -time next day, from morning till night. But that day and the following, -things were not done after the same manner: the streets, which at first -had been full of people, were left quite empty. All the traders, incensed -at the ill usage of Abou Ayoub's widow and daughter, shut up their shops, -and kept themselves close within their houses. The ladies, instead of -looking through their lattice-windows, withdrew into the back parts of -their houses. There was not one soul to be seen in the public places -those unfortunate women were carried through. It looked as if all the -inhabitants of Damascus had abandoned their city. - -On the fourth day, king Mohammed Zinebi, who was resolved punctually to -obey the caliph's orders, though he did not approve of them, sent criers -into all quarters of the city to make proclamation, strictly forbidding -all the inhabitants of Damascus, and strangers, of what condition soever, -upon pain of death, and having their bodies cast to the dogs to be -devoured, to receive Ganem's mother and sister into their houses, or to -give them a morsel of bread or a drop of water; and, in a word, to afford -them the least support, or hold the least correspondence with them. - -When the criers had performed what the king had enjoined them, that -prince ordered the mother and the daughter to be turned out of the -palace, and left to their choice to go where they thought fit. As soon as -ever they appeared, all persons fled from them, so great an impression -had the late prohibition made upon them all. They easily perceived that -every body shunned them; but not knowing the reason of it, they were much -surprised; and their amazement was the greater, when, coming into any -street, or among several persons, they knew some of their best friends, -who presently vanished with as much haste as the rest. What is the -meaning of this? said Ganem's mother: do we carry the plague about us? -Must the unjust and barbarous usage we have received render us odious to -our fellow-citizens? Come, my child, added she, let us depart from -Damascus with all speed; let us not stay any longer in a city where we -are become frightful to our very friends. - -The two wretched ladies, discoursing after this manner, came to one of -the ends of the city, and retired to a ruined house, to pass the night. -Thither some Mussulmen, or believers, out of charity and compassion, -resorted to them after the day was shut in. They carried them provisions, -but durst not stay to comfort them, for fear of being discovered, and -punished for disobeying the caliph's orders. - -In the mean time, king Zinebi had let fly a pigeon, to give Haroun -Alraschid an account of his exact obedience. He informed him of all that -had been done, and conjured him to direct what he would have done with -Ganem's mother and sister. He soon received the caliph's answer the same -way, which was, that he banished them from Damascus for ever. Immediately -the king of Syria sent men to the old house, with orders to take the -mother and the daughter, and to conduct them three days' journey from -Damascus, and there to leave them, forbidding them ever to return to the -city. - -Zinebi's men executed their commission; but being less precise than their -master, in the strict performance of every tittle of Haroun Alraschid's -orders, they in pity gave Alcolomb and her mother some small pieces of -money to buy them some subsistence, and each of them a bag, which they -hung about their necks, to carry their provisions. - -In this miserable condition, they came to the first village. The peasants -flocked about them; and as it appeared through their disguise that they -were people of some fashion, they asked them what was the occasion of -their travelling after that manner, in a habit that did not seem properly -to belong to them. Instead of answering the question put to them, they -fell a-weeping, which only served to heighten the curiosity of the -peasants, and to move them to compassion. Ganem's mother told them what -she and her daughter had endured; at which the good countrywomen were -sensibly afflicted, and endeavoured to comfort them. They treated them as -well as their poverty would permit; they took off their horse-hair -smocks, which were very uneasy, and put on others they gave them, with -shoes, and something to cover their heads, and save their hair. - -Having expressed their gratitude to those charitable women, Alcolomb and -her mother departed that village, taking short journeys towards Aleppo. -They used at night to lie near the mosques, or in them, upon the mat, if -there was any, or else on the bare pavement; and sometimes put up in the -places appointed for the use of travellers. As for sustenance, they did -not want; for they often came to places where bread, boiled rice, and -other provisions, are distributed to all travellers who desire it. - -At length they came to Aleppo, but would not stay there, and holding on -their journey towards the Euphrates, crossed that river, and entered into -Mesopotamia, which they traversed as far as Moussoul. Thence, -notwithstanding all they had endured, they proceeded to Bagdad. That was -the place they had fixed their thoughts upon, hoping to find Ganem there, -though they ought not to have fancied that he was in a city where the -caliph resided: but they hoped, because they wished it; their affection -rather increasing than diminishing, in spite of all their misfortunes. -Their discourse was generally about him, and they inquired for him of all -they met. But let us leave Alcolomb and her mother, to return to Fetnah. - -She was still confined close in the dark tower, ever since the day that -had been so fatal to Ganem and her. However, disagreeable as her prison -was to her, it was much less grievous than the thoughts of Ganem's -misfortune, the uncertainty of whose fate was a killing affliction to -her. There was scarce a moment in which she did not lament him. - -One night when the caliph was walking by himself within the enclosure of -his palace, as he frequently did; for he was the most prying prince in -the world, and sometimes, by means of those night-walks, he came to the -knowledge of things that happened in his palace, which would otherwise -never have come to his ear: one of these nights, in his walk, he happened -to pass by the dark tower, and fancying he heard somebody talk, he -stopped, and drew near the door to listen, and distinctly heard these -words, which Fetnah, whose thoughts were always on Ganem, uttered with a -loud voice: O Ganem! too unfortunate Ganem! where are you at this time? -whither has thy cruel fate led thee? Alas! it is I that have made you -miserable! Why did you not let me perish unhappily, rather than afford me -your generous relief? What a dismal reward have you received for your -care and respect! The commander of the faithful, who ought to have -requited, persecutes you; and in return for having always looked upon me -as a person reserved for his bed, you lose all your goods, and are -obliged to seek for safety in flight. O caliph! barbarous caliph! what -will you say for yourself when you shall appear with Ganem before the -tribunal of the Supreme Judge, and the angels shall testify the truth -before your face! All the power you are now invested with, and which -makes the best part of the world quake, will not prevent your being -condemned and punished for your violent and unjust proceedings. Here -Fetnah ceased her complaint, her sighs and tears putting a stop to her -tongue. - -This was enough to bring the caliph to himself. He plainly perceived, -that if what he had heard was true, his favourite must be innocent, and -that he had been too rash in giving orders against Ganem and his family. -Being resolved to be rightly informed in an affair which so nearly -concerned him, in point of equity, on which he valued himself, he -immediately returned to his apartment, and that moment ordered Mesrour to -repair to the dark tower and bring Fetnah to him. - -By this command, and much more by the caliph's way of delivery, the chief -of the eunuchs guessed that his master designed to pardon his favourite, -and take her to him again. He was overjoyed at it, for he loved Fetnah, -and had been much concerned at her disgrace; and therefore flying to the -tower, Madam, said he to the favourite, with such an air as expressed his -satisfaction, be pleased to follow me: I hope you will never more return -to this vile dark tower: the commander of the faithful has a mind to -speak with you, and I have reason to hope for a happy issue. - -Fetnah followed Mesrour, who conducted her into the caliph's closet. She -prostrated herself before that prince, and so continued, letting fall a -shower of tears. Fetnah, said the caliph, without bidding her rise, I -think you charge me with violence and injustice. Who is he, who, -notwithstanding the regard and respect he had for me, is in a miserable -condition? Speak freely; you know how good-natured I am, and that I love -to do justice. - -By these words the favourite conceived that the caliph had heard what she -had said; and laying hold on so favourable an opportunity to clear her -dear Ganem, she said, Commander of the true believers, if I have let fall -any word that is not agreeable to your majesty, I most humbly beseech you -to forgive me; but he whose innocence and misfortune you desire to be -acquainted with, is Ganem, the unhappy son of Abou Ayoub, merchant in -Damascus. He is the man that saved my life, and afforded me a safe -sanctuary in his house. I must own, that, from the first moment he saw -me, he perhaps designed to devote himself to me, and conceived hopes of -engaging me to admit of his service. I guessed at this, by the eagerness -he showed in entertaining, and giving me all the attendance which was -requisite under the circumstances I was then in; but as soon as he heard -that I had the honour to belong to you, Alas, madam, said he, 'That which -belongs to the master is forbidden to the slave.' From that moment, I owe -this justice to his virtue, his behaviour was always suitable to his -words. However, you well know with what rigour you have treated him, and -you will answer for it before the tribunal of God. - -The caliph was not displeased with Fetnah for the freedom of those words. -But may I, answered he, rely on the assurances you give me of Ganem's -virtue? Yes, replied Fetnah, you may; I would not for the world conceal -the truth from you: and to make out to you that I am sincere, I must own -one thing to you, which perhaps may displease you; but I beg pardon of -your majesty beforehand. Speak, child, said Haroun Alraschid; I forgive -all, provided you conceal nothing from me. Well then, replied Fetnah, let -me inform you, that Ganem's respectful behaviour, together with all the -good offices he did me, gained him my esteem. I went farther yet: you -know the tyranny of love; I felt some tender inclination growing in my -breast. He perceived it, but was still far from taking an advantage of my -frailty: and notwithstanding the flame which consumed him, he still -remained steady in his duty; and all his passion could force from him, -were those words I have already told your majesty, 'That which belongs to -the master is forbidden to the slave.' - -This ingenuous confession might have provoked any other man than the -caliph; but it was the very thing which quite appeased that prince. He -commanded her to rise, and making her sit by him, Tell me your story, -said he, from the beginning to the end. She did so with much art and wit, -slightly passing over what regarded Zobeide, and dilating on the -obligations she owed Ganem, the expense he had been at for her; and, -above all, she highly extolled his discretion, endeavouring by that means -to make the caliph sensible that she had been under the necessity of -lying concealed in Ganem's house, to deceive Zobeide. She concluded with -the young merchant's escape, which she plainly told the caliph she had -compelled him to, that he might avoid his indignation. - -When she had done speaking, the caliph said to her, I believe all you -have told me; but why was it so long before you let me hear from you? Was -there any need of staying a whole month after my return, before you sent -me word where you were? Commander of the true believers, answered Fetnah, -Ganem went abroad so very seldom, that you need not wonder that we were -none of the first that heard of your return. Besides that, Ganem, who -took upon him to deliver the letter I wrote to Nouron Nihar, was a long -time before he could find an opportunity of putting it into her own -hands. - -It is enough, Fetnah, replied the caliph; I own my fault, and would -willingly make amends for it by heaping favours on that young merchant of -Damascus; therefore consider what I can do for him: ask what you think -fit, and I will grant it. Hereupon the favourite fell down at the -caliph's feet, with her face flat on the ground; and then rising again, -said, Commander of the true believers, after returning your majesty -thanks for Ganem, I most humbly entreat you to cause it to be published -throughout all your dominions, that you pardon the son of Abou Ayoub, and -that he may safely come to you. I will do more, rejoined that prince, in -requital for having saved your life, and the respect he has bore to me, -and to make amends for the loss of his goods; and, in short, to repair -the wrong I have done to his family, I give him to you for a husband. -Fetnah had not words expressive enough to thank the caliph for his -generosity. She then withdrew into the apartment she had before her -dismal adventure. The same furniture was still in it; nothing had been -removed; but that which pleased her most, was, to find there Ganem's -chests and packs, which Mesrour had taken care to convey thither. - -The next day Haroun Alraschid ordered the grand vizier to cause -proclamation to be made throughout all his dominions, that he pardoned -the son of Abou Ayoub; but this proved of no effect, for a long time -elapsed without any news of that young merchant. Fetnah concluded for -certain, that he had not been able to survive the pain of losing her. A -dreadful uneasiness seized her; but as hope is the last thing which -forsakes lovers, she entreated the caliph to give her leave to seek for -Ganem herself; which being granted, she took a purse with a thousand -pieces of gold out of her basket, and one morning went out of the palace, -mounted on a mule she had out of the caliph's stables, very richly -accoutred. Black eunuchs attended her, with their hands on each side upon -the mule's buttocks. - -Thus she went from mosque to mosque, bestowing her alms among the -devotees of the Mahometan religion, desiring their prayers for obtaining -the accomplishment of an affair on which the happiness of two persons, as -she told them, depended. She spent the whole day and the thousand pieces -of gold, in giving alms at the mosques, and returned to the palace in the -evening. - -The next day she took another purse of the same value, and, in the like -equipage as the day before, went to the place where all the jewellers' -shops were; and stopping at the door without alighting, sent one of her -black eunuchs for the syndic, or chief of them. That syndic, who was an -extraordinary charitable man, and spent above two-thirds of his income in -relieving poor strangers, whether they happened to be sick or in -distress, made not Fetnah stay, knowing by her dress that she was a lady -belonging to the palace. I apply myself to you, said she, putting the -purse into his hands, as a person whose piety is cried up throughout the -city. I desire you to distribute that gold among the poor strangers you -relieve, for I know you make it your business to assist poor strangers -who have recourse to your charity. I am also satisfied that you prevent -their wants, and that nothing is more agreeable to you than to have an -opportunity of easing their misery. Madam, answered the syndic, I shall -obey your commands with pleasure; but if you desire to exercise your -charity in person, and will be pleased to step to my house, you will -there see two women worthy of your compassion: I met them yesterday as -they were coming into the city; they were in a deplorable condition, and -it moved me the more, because I thought they were persons of some -quality. Through all the rags that covered them, and notwithstanding the -impression the sun has made on their faces, I discovered a noble air, not -to be commonly found in those poor people I relieve. I carried them both -to my house, and delivered them to my wife, who was of the same opinion -with me. She caused her slaves to provide them good beds, whilst she -herself washed their faces, and gave them clean linen. We know not as yet -who they are, because we will let them take some rest before we trouble -them with our questions. - -Fetnah, without being able to give any reason for it, had a curiosity to -see them. The syndic would have conducted her to his house, but she would -not give him the trouble, and was satisfied that a slave of his should go -and show her the way. She alighted at the door, and followed the syndic's -slave, who was gone on before to give notice to his mistress, she being -then in the chamber with Alcolomb and her mother, for they were the -persons the syndic had been talking of to Fetnah. - -The syndic's wife, being informed by the slave that a court-lady was in -her house, was going out of the room to meet her; but Fetnah, who had -followed close to the slave's heels, did not give her so much time, and -coming into the chamber, the syndic's wife fell down before her, to -express the respect she had for all that belonged to the caliph. Fetnah -took her up, and said, My good lady, I desire you would let me speak with -those two strangers that arrived at Bagdad last night. Madam, answered -the syndic's wife, they lie in those two little beds you see close by -each other. The favourite immediately drew near the mother's, and viewing -her carefully, Good woman, said she, I come to offer you my assistance: I -have a considerable interest in this city, and may be assisting to you -and your companion. Madam, answered Ganem's mother, I perceive by your -obliging offers that Heaven has not quite forsaken us, though we have -cause to believe it, after so many misfortunes as have befallen us. -Having uttered these words, she wept so bitterly that Fetnah and the -syndic's wife could not forbear letting fall some tears. - -The caliph's favourite, having dried up hers, said to Ganem's mother, Be -so kind as to tell us your misfortunes, and recount your story. You -cannot give the relation to any persons better disposed than we are to -use all possible means to comfort you. Madam, replied Abou Ayoub's -disconsolate widow, a favourite of the commander of the true believers, a -lady whose name is Fetnah, is the occasion of all our misfortunes. These -words were like a thunderbolt to the favourite: but suppressing her -concern and uneasiness, she suffered Ganem's mother to proceed, who did -it after this manner: I am the widow of Abou Ayoub, a merchant of -Damascus; I had a son, called Ganem, who, coming to trade at Bagdad, has -been accused of having debauched that Fetnah. The caliph has caused -search to be made for him every where, to put him to death; and not -finding him, wrote to the king of Damascus, to cause our house to be -plundered and razed, and to expose my daughter and me three days -successively, stark naked, to be seen by the people, and then to banish -us out of Syria for ever. - -But how unworthy soever our usage has been, I should still be comforted, -were my son alive, and I could meet with him. What a pleasure would it be -for his sister and me to see him again! Embracing him, we should forget -the loss of our goods, and all the evils we have suffered for him. Alas! -I am fully persuaded he is the innocent cause of them; and that he is no -more guilty towards the caliph, than his sister and I. - -No doubt of it, said Fetnah, interrupting her there; he is no more guilty -than you are; I can assure you of his innocence, for I am that very -Fetnah you so much complain of, who, through some fatality in my stars, -have occasioned so many misfortunes. To me you must impute the loss of -your son, if he is no more; but if I have occasioned your misfortune, I -can in some measure relieve it. I have already cleared Ganem to the -caliph, who has caused it to be proclaimed throughout his dominions, that -he pardons the son of Abou Ayoub; and I do not question but that he will -do you as much good as he has done you harm. You are no longer his -enemies: he expects Ganem to requite the service he has done me by -uniting our fortunes: he gives me to him for his consort; therefore look -on me as your daughter, and permit me to vow an eternal friendship to -you. Having so said, she bowed down on Ganem's mother, who was so -astonished that she could return no answer. Fetnah held her a long time -in her arms, and only left her to run to the other bed to Alcolomb, who, -sitting up, held out her arms to receive her. - -When the caliph's charming favourite had given the mother and daughter -all the tokens of affection they could expect from Ganem's wife, she said -to them, Cease both of you to afflict yourselves: the wealth Ganem had in -this city is not lost; it is in my apartment in the palace; but I know -all the treasure in the world cannot comfort you without Ganem: I judge -so of his mother and sister, if I may judge of them by myself; blood is -no less powerful than love in great minds. But why should we despair of -seeing him again? We shall find him: the good fortune of meeting with you -makes me conceive fresh hopes: and perhaps this is the last day of your -sufferings, and the beginning of a greater felicity than you enjoyed in -Damascus when Ganem was with you. - -Fetnah would have gone on, when the syndic of the jewellers came in, -saying, Madam, I am come from seeing a very moving object; it is a young -man, a camel-driver, who was carrying to the hospital of Bagdad: he was -bound with cords on a camel, because he had not strength enough to sit -him. They had already unbound, and were carrying him into the hospital, -when I happened to be passing by. I went close up to the young man, -viewed him carefully, and fancied his countenance was not altogether -unknown to me. I asked him some questions concerning his family and his -country; but all the answer I could get, consisted only in sighs and -tears. I took pity on him, and perceiving, by being so much used to sick -people, that he had great need to have particular care taken of him, I -would not permit him to be put into the hospital; for I am too well -acquainted with their way of looking to the sick, and am sensible of the -incapacity of the physicians. I have caused him to be brought home to my -house by my slaves; and they are now, by my orders, putting on some of my -own linen, and serving him as they would do me, in a chamber for that -purpose. - -Fetnah's heart leaped at these words of the jeweller, and she felt a -sudden emotion, for which she could not account. Show me, said she to the -syndic, into that sick man's room; I would gladly see him. The syndic -conducted her, and whilst she was going thither, Ganem's mother said to -Alcolomb, Alas! daughter, as wretched as that sick stranger is, your -brother, if he be living, is not perhaps in a more happy condition. - -The caliph's favourite, coming into the chamber where the sick man was, -drew near the bed, into which the syndic's slaves had already laid him. -She saw a young man whose eyes were closed, his countenance pale, -disfigured, and bathed in tears. She gazed earnestly on him, her heart -beat, and she fancied she beheld Ganem; but yet she would not believe her -eyes. Though she found something of Ganem in the object she beheld, yet, -in other respects, he appeared so different, that she durst not imagine -it was he that lay before her. However, not being able to withstand the -earnest desire of being satisfied, Ganem, said she, with a quivering -voice, is it you I behold? Having spoken these words, she stopped to give -the young man time to answer; but observing that he seemed insensible, -Alas! Ganem, added she, it is not you that I talk to! My imagination -being overcharged with your image, has given this stranger a deceitful -resemblance: the son of Abou Ayoub, though ever so sick, would know the -voice of Fetnah. At the name of Fetnah, Ganem (for it was really he) -opened his eyes, and turned his face towards the person that spoke to -him, and knowing the caliph's favourite, Ah! madam, said he, what -miracle?----He could say no more; such a sudden transport of joy seized -him that he fell into a swoon. Fetnah and the syndic did all they could -to bring him to himself; but as soon as they perceived he began to -revive, the syndic desired the lady to withdraw, for fear lest the sight -of her should heighten Ganem's distemper. - -The young man, having recovered his senses, looked all about, and not -seeing what he looked for, cried out, What is become of you, charming -Fetnah? did you really appear before mine eyes, or was it only an -illusion? No, sir, said the syndic, it was no illusion. It was I that -caused that lady to withdraw, but you shall see her again as soon as you -are in a condition to bear her sight. You now stand in need of rest, and -nothing ought to obstruct your taking it. The posture of your affairs is -altered, since you are, as I suppose, that Ganem, in favour of whom the -commander of the true believers has caused a proclamation to be made in -Bagdad, declaring that he forgives him what is past. Be satisfied for the -present, with knowing so much; the lady who just now spoke to you will -acquaint you with the rest; therefore think of nothing but recovering -your health: I will contribute all that shall be in my power towards it. -Having spoken these words, he left Ganem to take his rest, and went -himself to provide all such medicines for him as were proper to recover -his strength, quite spent by want and toil. - -During that time Fetnah was in the room with Alcolomb and her mother, -where almost the same scene was acted over again; for when Ganem's mother -understood that the sick man the syndic had then newly brought into his -house was Ganem himself, she was so overjoyed, that she also swooned -away; and when, with the assistance of Fetnah and the syndic's wife, she -was again come to herself, she would have got up to see her son: but the -syndic coming in then, hindered her, giving her to understand that Ganem -was so weak and feeble that it would endanger his life, to excite in him -those commotions which must be the consequence of the unexpected sight of -a beloved mother and sister. There was no occasion for the syndic's -making any long discourses to persuade Ganem's mother: as soon as she was -told that she could not discourse to her son without hazarding his life, -she ceased insisting to go and see him. Then Fetnah, turning the -discourse, said, Let us bless Heaven for having brought us all together -into one place. I will return to the palace to give the caliph an account -of all these adventures, and to-morrow morning I will return to you: this -said, she embraced the mother and the daughter, and went away. As soon as -she came to the palace, she sent Mesrour to desire to be admitted to the -caliph in private, which was immediately granted; and being brought into -that prince's closet, where he was alone, she prostrated herself at his -feet, with her face on the ground, according to custom. He commanded her -to rise, and having made her sit down, asked whether she had heard any -news of Ganem. Commander of the true believers, said she, I have been so -successful, that I have found him, as also his mother and sister. The -caliph was curious to know how she could find them in so short a time, -and she satisfied his curiosity, saying so many things in commendation of -Ganem's mother and sister, that he desired to see them, as well as the -young merchant. - -Though Haroun Alraschid was passionate, and in his heat sometimes guilty -of cruel actions; yet, to make amends, he was just, and the most generous -prince in the world, as soon as his anger was over, and he was made -sensible of the wrong he had done. Therefore, having no longer cause to -doubt but that he had unjustly persecuted Ganem and his family, and -having publicly wronged them, he resolved to make them public -satisfaction. I am overjoyed, said he to Fetnah, that your search has -proved so successful; it is a mighty satisfaction to me, not so much for -your sake as for my own. I will keep the promise I have made you. You -shall marry Ganem, and I here declare you are no longer my slave. Go back -to that young merchant; and, as soon as he has recovered his health, you -shall bring him to me, with his mother and sister. - -The next morning early, Fetnah repaired to the syndic of the jewellers, -being impatient to hear of Ganem's health, and to tell the mother and -daughter the good news she had for them. The first person she met was the -syndic, who told her that Ganem had rested very well that night; and that -his distemper altogether proceeded from melancholy, and the cause being -removed, he would soon recover his health. - -Accordingly the son of Abou Ayoub was much mended. Rest, and the good -medicines applied to him, but, above all, the easiness of his mind, had -wrought so good an effect, that the syndic thought he might without -danger see his mother, his sister, and his mistress, provided he was -prepared to receive them; because there was ground to fear that, not -knowing his mother and sister were at Bagdad, the sight of them might -occasion too great joy and surprise. It was therefore resolved, that -Fetnah should first go alone into Ganem's chamber, and then make a sign -to the two other ladies to appear, when she thought fit. - -Affairs being so ordered, the sick man was acquainted with Fetnah's -coming, by the syndic, which was so ravishing a sight to him, that he was -again near falling into a swoon. Well, Ganem, said she, drawing near to -his bed, you have again found your Fetnah, whom you thought you had lost -for ever. Ah! madam, said he, interrupting her, what miracle has restored -you to my sight? I thought you were in the caliph's palace: that prince -has doubtless given ear to you. You have dispelled his jealousy, and he -has restored you to his favour. Yes, my dear Ganem, answered Fetnah, I -have cleared myself before the commander of the true believers, who, to -make amends for the wrong he has done you, bestows me on you for a wife. -These last words occasioned such an excess of joy in Ganem, that he knew -not for a while how to express himself, otherwise than by that passionate -silence so well known to lovers. At length he broke out with these words: -Ah, beautiful Fetnah, may I give credit to what you tell me? May I -believe that the caliph really resigns you to Abou Ayoub's son? Nothing -is more certain, answered the lady. That prince, who before caused search -to be made for you to take away your life, and who in his fury caused -your mother and your sister to suffer a thousand indignities, desires now -to see you, that he may reward the respect you had for him; and there is -no question to be made, but that he will be profuse in his favours to -your family. - -Ganem asked what the caliph had done to his mother and sister, which -Fetnah told him; and he could not forbear letting fall some tears at that -relation, notwithstanding his thoughts were so full of the news he had -heard of being married to his mistress. But when Fetnah informed him that -they were actually in Bagdad, and in the same house with him, he appeared -so impatient to see them, that the favourite could no longer defer giving -him that satisfaction; and accordingly called them in. They were then at -the door, only waiting that moment. They came in, made up to Ganem, and -embracing him in their turns, gave him a thousand kisses. How many tears -were shed amidst those embraces! Ganem's face was bathed with them, as -well as his mother's and sister's; and Fetnah let fall in abundance. The -syndic himself, and his wife, being moved at the spectacle, could not -forbear weeping, nor sufficiently admire the secret workings of -Providence, which brought together into their house four persons whom -fortune had so cruelly parted. - -When they had all dried up their tears, Ganem drew a fresh supply, by the -recital of all he had suffered from the day he left Fetnah, till the -moment the syndic brought him to his house. He told them, that having -reached a small village, he there fell sick; that some charitable -peasants had taken care of him, but finding he did not recover, a -camel-driver had undertaken to carry him to the hospital at Bagdad. -Fetnah, also, told them all the uneasiness of her imprisonment; how the -caliph, having heard her talk in the tower, had sent for her into his -closet, and how she had cleared herself. In the conclusion, when they had -all related what accidents had befallen them, Fetnah said, Let us bless -Heaven, which has brought us all together again, and let us think of -nothing but the happiness that attends us. As soon as Ganem has recovered -his health, he must appear before the caliph with his mother and sister; -but because they are not in a condition to be seen, I will go and make -some provision for them; so I desire you to stay a moment for me. - -This said, she went away to the palace, and soon returned to the -syndic's, with a purse containing a thousand pieces of gold, which she -delivered to the syndic, desiring him to buy clothes for the mother and -daughter. The syndic, who was a man of a good fancy, chose such as were -extraordinary fine, and had them made up with all speed. They were -finished in three days, and Ganem, finding himself strong enough to go -abroad, prepared for it; but on the day he had appointed to go and pay -his respects to the caliph, when he was making ready with his mother and -sister, the grand vizier Giafar came to the syndic's house. - -That minister came on horseback, attended by a great number of officers. -Sir, said he to Ganem, as soon as he came in, I am come from the -commander of the true believers, my master and yours; the orders I have, -differ very much from those which I do not care to revive in your memory. -I am to bear you company, and to present you to the caliph, who is -desirous to see you. Ganem returned no other answer to the vizier's -compliments than by profoundly bowing his head, and then mounted a horse -brought from the caliph's stables, which he managed very gracefully. The -mother and daughter were mounted on mules belonging to the palace; and -whilst Fetnah led them a by-way to the prince's court, Giafar conducted -Ganem another way, and brought him into the presence-chamber. The caliph -was there sitting on his throne, encompassed with emirs, viziers, and -other attendants and courtiers, Arabs, Persians, Egyptians, Africans, and -Syrians, of his own dominions, not to mention strangers. - -When the vizier had conducted Ganem to the foot of the throne, that young -merchant paid his obeisance, prostrating himself with his face on the -ground; and then rising, made his compliment in verse, which, though -_extempore_, met with the approbation of the whole court. - -After his compliment, the caliph caused him to draw near, and said to -him, I am glad to see you, and desire to hear from your own mouth where -you found my favourite, and all that you did for her. Ganem obeyed, and -appeared so sincere, that the caliph was convinced of the reality of what -he said. That prince ordered a very rich vest to be given him, according -to the custom observed with those who are admitted to audience. After -which, he said to him, Ganem, I will have you live in my court. Commander -of the true believers, answered the young merchant, a slave has no will -but his master's, on whom his life and fortune depend. The caliph was -highly pleased with Ganem's answer, and assigned him a considerable -pension. Then that prince came down from his throne, and causing only -Ganem and the grand vizier to follow him, went into his own apartment. -Not questioning but Fetnah was there, with Abou Ayoub's widow and -daughter, he caused them to be called in. They fell down before him: he -made them rise, and was so taken with Alcolomb's beauty, that, after -viewing her very attentively, he said, I am so sorry for having treated -your charms so unworthily, that I owe them such a satisfaction as may -surpass the injury I have done them: I take you to wife; and by that -means shall punish Zobeide, who shall become the first cause of your good -fortune, as she was of your past sufferings. This is not all, added he, -turning towards Ganem's mother; you are still young; I believe you will -not disdain to be allied to my grand vizier: I give you to Giafar. Let a -cadi and witnesses be called, and the three contracts be drawn up and -signed immediately. Ganem would have represented to the caliph, that it -would be honour enough for his sister to be one of his favourites; but -that prince was resolved to marry her. - -He thought this such an extraordinary story, that he ordered a famous -historian to commit it to writing, with all its circumstances. It was -afterwards laid up in his library; and many copies being transcribed from -that original, it became public. - - - - - THE STORY OF - PRINCE ZEYN ALASNAM, AND THE KING OF THE GENII. - - -A king of Balsora, who possessed great wealth and was well beloved by his -subjects, had no children, which was a great affliction to him; and -therefore he made presents to all the holy persons in his dominions to -engage them to beg a son for him of Heaven: and their prayers being -effectual, the queen proved with child, and was happily delivered of a -prince who was named Zeyn Alasnam, which signifies Ornament of the -Statues. - -The king caused all the astrologers in his kingdom to be assembled, and -ordered them to calculate the infant's nativity. They found by their -observations, that he would live long and be very brave; but that all his -courage would be little enough to bear him through the misfortunes that -would threaten him. The king was not daunted at the prediction. My son, -said he, is not to be pitied, since he will be brave: it is fit that -princes should have a taste of misfortunes; for adversity tries virtue, -and they are the fitter to reign. - -He rewarded the astrologers, and dismissed them; and caused Zeyn to be -educated with the greatest care imaginable; appointing him able masters -as soon as he was of age to receive their instructions. In short, he -proposed to make him an accomplished prince; when, on a sudden, that good -king fell sick of a distemper which all the skill of his physicians could -not cure. Perceiving his disease was mortal, he sent for his son, and -among other things advised him rather to endeavour to be beloved than to -be feared by his people; not to give ear to flatterers; to be as slow in -rewarding as in punishing; because it often happens that monarchs, misled -by false appearances, load wicked men with favours, and oppress the -innocent. - -As soon as king Zeyn was dead, prince Zeyn went into mourning, which he -wore seven days, and the eighth he ascended the throne, taking his -father's seal off the royal treasure, and putting on his own. He began -thus to taste the sweets of ruling, the pleasure of seeing all his -courtiers bow down before him, and make it their whole business to show -their zeal and obedience. In a word, the sovereign power was too -agreeable to him. He only regarded what his subjects owed to him, without -considering what his duty was towards them, and consequently took little -care to govern them well. He wallowed in all sorts of debauchery among -the voluptuous youth, on whom he conferred the prime employments in the -kingdom; so that there was nothing regular. Being naturally prodigal, he -set no bounds to his grants, so that his women and his favourites -insensibly drained his treasure. - -The queen his mother was still living, a discreet wise princess. She had -several times unsuccessfully tried to give some check to her son's -prodigality and debauchery; giving him to understand, that if he did not -soon take another course, he would not only squander his wealth, but -would also alienate the minds of his people, and occasion some -revolution, which perhaps might cost him his crown and his life. What she -had foretold was very near falling out; the people began to mutter -against the government, and their muttering had certainly been followed -by a general revolt, had not the queen by her dexterity prevented it. But -that princess, being informed of the ill posture of affairs, gave notice -to the king, who at last suffered himself to be prevailed upon. He -committed the government to discreet ancient men, who knew how to keep -the people within the bounds of duty. - -Zeyn, seeing all his wealth consumed, repented that he had made no better -use of it. He fell into a dismal melancholy, and nothing could comfort -him. One night he saw in a dream, a venerable old man, who came towards -him, and with a smiling countenance said, Know, Zeyn, that there is no -sorrow but what is followed by mirth, no misfortune but what in the end -brings some happiness. If you desire to see the end of your affliction, -get up, set out for Egypt, go to Grand Cairo: a greater fortune attends -you there. - -The prince, when he awaked in the morning, reflected on his dream, and -talked of it very seriously to his mother, who only laughed at it. My -son, said she to him, would you now go into Egypt upon belief of that -fine dream? Why not, madam? answered Zeyn: do you imagine all dreams are -chimerical? No, no, some of them are mysterious. My masters have told me -a thousand stories, which will not permit me to doubt of it. Besides, -though I were not otherwise convinced, I could not forbear giving some -credit to it. The old man that appeared to me had something supernatural. -He was not one of those men whom nothing but age makes venerable; there -appeared a sort of divine air about his person. In short, he was such a -one as our great prophet is represented; and if you will have me tell you -what I think, I believe it was he, who, pitying my affliction, designs to -ease it: I rely on the confidence he has inspired me with. I am full of -his promises, and have resolved to follow his advice. The queen -endeavoured to dissuade him; but it was in vain. The prince committed to -her the government of the kingdom, set out one night very privately from -his palace, and took the road to Cairo, without suffering any person to -attend him. - -After much trouble and fatigue, he arrived at that famous city, like -which there are few in the world either for extent or beauty. He alighted -at the gate of a mosque, where, being spent with weariness, he lay down. -No sooner was he fallen asleep, than he saw the same old man, who said to -him, I am pleased with you, my son; you have given credit to my words. -You are come hither, without being deterred by the length or the -difficulties of the way: but take notice, that I have not put you upon -undertaking such a long journey upon any other design than to make trial -of you. I find you have courage and resolution. You deserve I should make -you the greatest and richest prince in the world. Return to Balsora, and -you shall find immense wealth in your palace. No king ever possessed so -much as is there. - -The prince was not pleased with that dream.--Alas! thought he to himself, -when he awaked, how much was I mistaken! That old man, whom I took for -our prophet, is no other than the product of my disturbed imagination. My -fancy was so full of him, that it is no wonder I have seen him again. I -had best return to Balsora; what should I do here any longer? It is very -happy that I told none but my mother the occasion of my journey: I should -become a jest to my people if they knew it. - -Accordingly he set out again for his kingdom; and as soon as he arrived -there, the queen asked him, whether he returned well pleased. He told her -all that had happened; and he was so much concerned for having been so -credulous, that the queen, instead of adding to his vexation by reproving -or laughing at him, comforted him. Forbear afflicting yourself, my son, -said she; if God has appointed you riches, you will have them without any -trouble. Be easy: all that I recommend to you is, to be virtuous. -Renounce the delight of dancing, music, and high-coloured wine: shun all -pleasures; they have already almost ruined you: apply yourself to the -making of your subjects happy; and, securing their happiness, you will -fix your own. - -Prince Zeyn swore he would for the future follow his mother's advice, and -be directed by the wise viziers she had made choice of to assist him in -supporting the weight of the government. But the very first night after -he returned to his palace, he the third time saw in a dream the old man, -who said to him, Brave Zeyn, the time of your prosperity is come. -To-morrow morning, as soon as you are up, take a little pick-axe, and go -dig in your father's closet; you will there find a mighty treasure. - -As soon as the prince awaked, he got up, ran to the queen's apartment, -and with much earnestness told her the new dream of that night. Really, -my son, said his mother, that is a very positive man: he is not satisfied -with having deceived you twice; have you a mind to believe him again? No, -madam, answered Zeyn, I give no credit to what he has said; but I will, -for my own satisfaction, search my father's closet. I really fancied so, -cried the queen, laughing very heartily: go, my son, please yourself; my -comfort is, that work is not so toilsome as the journey to Egypt. - -Well, madam, answered the king, I must own that this third dream has -restored my belief, for it agrees with the two others; and, in short, let -us examine the old man's words. He first directed me to go into Egypt; -there he told me, he had put me upon taking that journey only to try me. -Return to Balsora, said he; that is the place where you are to find -treasures: this night he has exactly pointed out the place where they -are. These three dreams, in my opinion, are connected. After all, they -may be chimerical; but I would rather search in vain, than blame myself -as long as I live for having perhaps missed of great riches, by being -unseasonably too hard of belief. - -Having spoken these words, he left the queen's apartment, caused a -pick-axe to be brought him, and went alone into the late king's closet. -He fell to breaking up the ground, and took up above half the square -stones it was paved with; and yet found not the least appearance of what -he sought after. He ceased working to take a little rest, thinking within -himself, I am much afraid my mother had cause enough to laugh at me. -However, he took heart, and went on with his labour: nor had he cause to -repent; for, on a sudden, he discovered a white stone, which he took up, -and under it found a door made fast with a steel padlock, which he broke -with the pick-axe, and opened the door, which covered a staircase of -white marble. He immediately lighted a candle, and went down those stairs -into a room, the floor whereof was laid with tiles of china-ware, and the -roofs and walls were of crystal; but he particularly fixed his eyes on -four places a little raised above the rest of the floor, on each of which -there were ten urns of porphyry stone. He fancied they were full of wine: -Well, said he, that wine must needs be very old; I do not question but it -is excellent. He went up to one of the urns, took off the cover, and, -with no less joy than surprise, perceived it was full of pieces of gold. -He searched all the forty, one after another, and found them full of the -same coin, took out a handful, and carried it to the queen. - -That princess was as much amazed as can be imagined, when the king gave -her an account of what he had seen. Oh! my son, said she, take heed that -you do not lavish away all that treasure foolishly, as you have already -done the royal treasure: let not your enemies have so much occasion to -rejoice. No, madam, answered Zeyn, I will from henceforward live after -such a manner as shall be pleasing to you. - -The queen desired the king her son to conduct her to that wonderful -subterraneous place, which the late king her husband had made with such -secrecy, that she had never heard the least account of it. Zeyn led her -to the closet, down the marble stairs, and into the chamber where the -urns were. She observed every thing with singular curiosity, and in a -corner spied a little urn of the same sort of stone as the others. The -prince had not before taken notice of it, but opening, found in it a -golden key. My son, said the queen, the key certainly belongs to some -other treasure; let us look all about; perhaps we may discover the use it -is designed for. - -They viewed all the chamber with the utmost exactness, and at length -found a key-hole in one of the pannels of the wall, and guessed it to be -that the key belonged to. The king immediately tried, and as readily -opened the door, which led into a chamber, in the midst of which were -nine pedestals of massy gold, on eight of which stood as many statues, -each of them made of one single diamond, and from them came such a -brightness that the whole room was perfectly light. - -O Heavens! cried Zeyn, in a wonderful surprise, where could my father -find such rarities? The ninth pedestal redoubled their amazement, for it -was covered with a piece of white satin, on which were written these -words: 'Dear son, it cost me much toil to get these statues: but though -they are extraordinary beautiful, you must understand that there is a -ninth in the world which surpasses them all: that alone is worth more -than a thousand such as these. If you desire to be master of it, go to -the city of Cairo in Egypt: one of my old slaves, whose name is Morabec, -lives there; you will easily find him; the first person you shall meet -will show you his house: go seek, and tell him all that has befallen you. -He will know you to be my son, and he will conduct you to the place where -that wonderful statue is, which you will get with safety.' - -The prince, having read those words, said to the queen, I will not be -without that ninth statue; it must certainly be a very rare piece, since -all these here are not of so great value together. I will set out -speedily for Grand Cairo; nor do I believe, madam, that you will oppose -my design. No, my son, answered the queen, I am not against it: you are -certainly under the special protection of our great prophet; he will not -suffer you to perish in this journey. Set out when you think fit; your -viziers and I will take care of the government during your absence. The -prince made ready his equipage, but would take only a small number of -slaves with him. - -Nothing remarkable befell him by the way; but arriving at Cairo, he -inquired for Morabec. The people told him he was one of the wealthiest -inhabitants of the city; that he lived like a great lord, and that he -kept open house, especially for strangers. Zeyn was conducted thither, -knocked at the gate, which a slave opened, and said, What is your want? -and who are you? I am a stranger, answered the prince; and, having heard -much of lord Morabec's generosity, am come to take up my lodging with -him. The slave desired Zeyn to stay a while, and went to acquaint his -master, who ordered him to desire the stranger to walk in. The slave -returned to the gate, and told the prince he was welcome. - -Zeyn went in, crossed a large court, and entered into a hall -magnificently furnished, where Morabec expected him, and received him -very courteously, returning thanks for the honour he did him in accepting -of a lodging in his house. The prince, having answered his compliments, -said to Morabec, I am son to the late king of Balsora, and my name is -Zeyn Alasnam. The king, said Morabec, was formerly my master; but, my -lord, I never knew of any children he had. What age are you of? I am -twenty years old, answered the prince. How long is it since you left my -father's court? Almost two and twenty years, replied Morabec. But how can -you convince me that you are his son? My father, replied Zeyn, had a -subterraneous place under his closet, in which I have found forty -porphyry urns full of gold. And what more is there? said Morabec. There -are, answered the prince, nine pedestals of massy gold, on eight whereof -are eight diamond statues, and on the ninth is a piece of white satin, on -which my father has written what I am to do to get another statue, more -valuable than all those together. You know where the statue is; for it -mentioned on the satin that you will conduct me to it. - -As soon as he had spoken these words, Morabec fell down at his feet, and -kissing one of his hands several times, said, I bless God for having -brought you hither: I know you to be the king of Balsora's son. If you -will go to the palace where the wonderful statue is, I will conduct you; -but you must first rest here a few days. This day I treat the great men -of the court: we were at table when word was brought me of your being at -the door. Will you vouchsafe to come and be merry with us? I shall be -very glad, replied Zeyn, to be admitted to your feast. Morabec -immediately led him into a dome where the company was, seated him at -table, and served him on his knee. The great men of Cairo were surprised, -and whispered to one another, Who is this stranger to whom Morabec pays -so much respect? - -When they had dined, Morabec, directing his discourse to the company, -said, Great men of Cairo, do not think much to see me serve this young -stranger after this manner: be it known to you, that he is the son of the -king of Balsora, my master. His father purchased me with his money, and -died without making me free; so that I am still a slave, and consequently -all I have of right belongs to this young prince, his sole heir. Here -Zeyn interrupted him, saying, Morabec, I declare before all these lords, -that I make you free from this moment, and that I renounce all right to -your person, and all you possess. Consider what you would have me do more -for you. Morabec then kissed the ground, and returned the prince most -hearty thanks. Wine was then brought in, which they drank all the day, -and towards evening presents were distributed among the guests, who then -went away. - -The next day, Zeyn said to Morabec, I have taken rest enough: I came not -to Cairo to take my pleasure; my design is to get the ninth statue: it is -time for us to set out in search of it. Sir, said Morabec, I am ready to -comply with your desires; but you know not what dangers you must -encounter to gain the precious conquest. Whatsoever the danger may be, -answered the prince, I am resolved to undertake it; I will either perish -or succeed. All that happens in this world is by God's direction: do you -but bear me company, and let your resolution be equal to mine. - -Morabec finding him resolved to set out, called his servants, and ordered -them to make ready his equipage. Then the prince and he performed the -ablution, or washing, and the prayer enjoined, which is called Farz; and, -that done, they set out. By the way they took notice of abundance of -strange and wonderful things, and travelled many days; at the end -whereof, being come to a delicious place, they alighted from their -horses. Then Morabec said to all the servants that attended them, Do you -stay in this place, and take care of our equipage till we return. Next, -he said to Zeyn, Now, sir, let us two go on by ourselves: we are near the -dreadful place where the ninth statue is kept. You will stand in need of -all your courage. - -They soon came to a lake; and Morabec sat down on the brink of it, saying -to the prince, We must cross this sea. How can we cross it, answered -Zeyn, when we have no boat? You will see one appear in a moment, replied -Morabec: the enchanted boat of the king of the genii will come for us. -But do not forget what I am going to say to you: you must observe a -profound silence; do not speak to the waterman, though his figure seem -ever so strange to you: whatsoever you observe, say nothing: for I tell -you beforehand, that if you utter the least word when you are embarked, -the boat will sink down. I shall take care to hold my peace, said the -prince: you need only tell me what I am to do, and I will strictly -observe it. - -Whilst they were talking, he spied on a sudden a boat in the lake, and it -was made of red sanders. It had a mast of fine amber, and a blue satin -flag. There was only one waterman in it, whose head was like an -elephant's, and his body like a tiger's. When the boat was come up to the -prince and Morabec, the monstrous waterman took them up one after another -with his trunk, and put them into the boat, and then carried them over -the lake in a moment. He then again took them up with his trunk, set them -ashore, and immediately vanished with his boat. - -Now we may talk, said Morabec: the island we are on belongs to the king -of the genii; there are no more such throughout the world. Look all about -you, prince; can there be a more delightful place? It is certainly a -lively representation of the charming place God has appointed for the -faithful observers of our law. Behold the fields, adorned with all sorts -of flowers and odoriferous plants: admire those fine trees, whose -delicious fruit makes the branches hang down to the ground: enjoy the -delight of those harmonious songs formed in the air by a thousand birds, -of as many various sorts, unknown in other countries. Zeyn could never -sufficiently admire the beauty of those things that were about him, and -still found something new as he advanced farther into the island. - -At length they came before a palace all of fine emeralds, encompassed -with a ditch, on the banks whereof, at certain distances, were planted -such tall trees that they shaded the whole palace. Before the gate, which -was of massy gold, was a bridge made of one single shell of a fish, -though it was at least six fathoms long and three in breadth. At the head -of the bridge stood a company of genii, of a prodigious height, who -guarded the entrance into the castle with great clubs of china steel. - -Let us go no farther, said Morabec; these genii will beat our brains out; -and if we would prevent their coming to us, we must perform a magical -ceremony. He then drew out of a purse he had under his garment four long -stripes of yellow taffety; one he put about his middle, and laid the -other on his back, giving the other two to the prince, who did the like. -Then Morabec laid on the ground two large table-cloths, on the edges -whereof he scattered some precious stones, musk, and amber. Then he sat -down on one of those cloths, and Zeyn on the other; and Morabec said to -the prince, I will now, sir, conjure the king of the genii, who lives in -the palace that is before us, that he may come peaceably to us. I confess -I am somewhat uneasy about the reception he is like to give us. If our -coming into this island is displeasing to him, he will appear in the -shape of a dreadful monster; but if he approves of our design, he will -come in the shape of a handsome man. As soon as he appears before us, you -must rise and salute him, without going off your cloth; for you would -certainly perish, should you stir off it. You may say to him, Sovereign -lord of the genii, my father, who was your servant, has been taken away -by the angel of death; I wish your majesty may protect me, as you always -protected my father. If the king of the genii ask you what favour you -desire of him, you must answer, Sir, I most humbly beg of you to give me -the ninth statue. - -Morabec having thus instructed prince Zeyn, began his conjuration. -Immediately their eyes were dazzled with a long flash of lightning, which -was followed by a clap of thunder. The whole island was covered with a -hideous darkness, a furious storm of wind blew, a dreadful cry was heard, -the island felt a shock, and there was such an earthquake as that which -Asrasyel is to cause on the day of judgment. - -Zeyn was somewhat startled, and began to look upon that noise as a very -ill omen, when Morabec, who knew better than he what to think of it, -began to smile, and said, Be not dismayed, my prince, all goes well. In -short, that very moment the king of the genii appeared in the shape of a -very handsome man; yet there was something of sternness in his air. - -As soon as prince Zeyn had made him the compliment he had been taught by -Morabec, the king of the genii, smiling, answered, My son, I loved your -father; and every time he came to pay me his respects, I presented him -with a statue, which he carried away with him. I have no less kindness -for you. I obliged your father, some days before he died, to write that -which you read on the piece of white satin. I promised him to receive you -under my protection, and to give you the ninth statue, which in beauty -surpasses those you have already. I have begun to perform my promise to -him. It was I whom you saw in a dream in the shape of an old man: I -caused you to open the subterraneous place where the urns and the statues -are: I have a great share in all that has befallen you, or rather am the -occasion of it. I know the motive that brought you hither; and you shall -obtain what you desire. Though I had not promised your father to give it, -I would willingly grant it you; but you must first swear to me by all -that is sacred, that you will return to this island, and that you will -bring a maid that is in her fifteenth year, and who has never known man, -nor desired to know any. She must also be perfectly beautiful, and you so -much master of yourself, as not even to desire to enjoy her, as you are -conducting her hither. - -Zeyn took the rash oath that was required of him. But, sir, said he, then -suppose I should be so fortunate as to meet with such a maid as you -require, how shall I know that I have found her? I own, answered the king -of the genii smiling, that you might be mistaken in her mien: that -knowledge is above the sons of Adam, and therefore I do not intend to -depend upon your judgment in that particular; I will give you a -looking-glass, which will be surer than your conjectures. When you shall -have seen a maid fifteen years of age, perfectly beautiful, you shall -only need to look into the glass, in which you shall see the maiden's -representation. If she be chaste, the glass will remain clear and -unsullied; but if, on the contrary, it sullies, that will be a certain -sign that she has not been always undefiled, or at least that she has -desired to cease being so. Do not forget the oath you have taken; be sure -to keep it, as becomes a man of honour, otherwise I will take away your -life, as much kindness as I have for you. Prince Zeyn Alasnam protested -over again that he would faithfully keep his word. - -Then the king of the genii delivered to him a looking-glass, saying, My -son, you may return when you please: there is the glass you are to make -use of. Zeyn and Morabec took leave of the king of the genii, and went -towards the lake. The waterman with the elephant's head brought his boat, -and carried them over the lake as he had done before. They joined their -servants, and returned with them again to Cairo. - -Prince Alasnam rested a few days at Morabec's house, and then said to -him, Let us go to Bagdad, to seek a maiden for the king of the genii. -Why, are we not at Grand Cairo? said Morabec: shall we not there find -beautiful maidens enough? You are in the right, answered the prince; but -how shall we do to find where they are? Do not trouble yourself about -that, sir, answered Morabec; I know a very cunning old woman, whom I will -intrust with that affair, and she will acquit herself well of it. - -Accordingly the old woman found means to show the prince a considerable -number of beautiful maidens of fifteen years of age; but when he had -viewed them, and came to consult his looking-glass, the fatal touchstone -of their virtue, the glass always appeared sullied. All the maidens in -the court and city, that were in their fifteenth year, underwent the -trial one after another, and the glass never remained bright and clear. - -When they saw there were no chaste maids to be found in Cairo, they went -away to Bagdad, where they hired a magnificent palace in one of the chief -corners of the city, and began to live splendidly. They kept open house; -and, after all people had eaten in the palace, the fragments were carried -to the dervises, who, by that means, had convenient subsistence. - -There lived in that quarter an iman, whose name was Boubekir Mouesm, a -vain, haughty, and envious person: he hated the rich, only because he was -poor, his misery incensing him against his neighbour's prosperity. He -heard talk of Zeyn Alasnam, and of the plenty his house afforded. This -was enough for him to take an aversion to that prince; and it proceeded -so far, that one day, after the evening prayer, in the mosque, he said to -the people, Brethren, I have been told a stranger is come to live in our -ward, who is at a prodigious expense every day. How can we tell but that -this unknown person is some villain, who has committed a great robbery in -his own country, and comes hither to make much of himself? Let us take -heed, brethren; if the caliph should happen to be informed that such a -man is in our ward, it is to be feared that he will punish us for not -acquainting him with it: I declare, for my part, I wash my hands of it; -and if any thing should happen amiss, it shall not lie at my door. The -multitude, who were easily led away, unanimously cried to Boubekir, It is -your business, doctor; do you acquaint the council with it. The iman went -home well pleased, and drew up a memorial, resolving to present it to the -caliph the next day. - -But Morabec, who had been at prayers, and heard all that was said by the -doctor as well as the rest of the company, put five hundred pieces of -gold into a handkerchief, made up with a parcel of several silks, and -went away to Boubekir's house. The doctor asked him in a harsh tone what -he wanted. Doctor, answered Morabec, with an obliging air, and at the -same time putting into his hand the gold and the silk, I am your -neighbour and your servant; I come from prince Zeyn, who lives in this -ward. He has heard of your worth, and has ordered me to come and tell -you, that he desires to be acquainted with you; and, in the mean time, -desires you to accept of this small present. Boubekir was transported -with joy, and answered Morabec thus: Be pleased, sir, to beg the prince's -pardon for me: I am ashamed I have not yet been to see him, but I will -atone for my fault, and wait on him to-morrow. - -Accordingly the next day, after morning prayer, he said to the people, -You must understand, brethren, that no man is without some enemies. Envy -pursues those chiefly who are very rich. The stranger I spoke to you -about yesterday in the evening is no ill man, as some ill-designing -persons would have persuaded me: he is a young prince, endued with all -manner of virtues. It behoves us to take care how we go about to give any -ill account of him to the caliph. - -Boubekir, having thus wiped off the ill impression he had the day before -given the people concerning Zeyn, returned home, put on his best apparel, -and went to visit that young prince, who gave him a courteous reception. -After several compliments had passed on both sides, Boubekir said to the -prince, Sir, do you design to stay long at Bagdad? I shall stay, answered -Zeyn, till I can find a maid fifteen years of age, perfectly beautiful, -and so chaste, that she has not only never known a man, but even never -desired to know one. You seek after a rarity, replied the iman; and I -should be apt to fear your search would prove unsuccessful, did I not -know where there is a maid of that character. Her father was formerly -vizier; but he has left the court, and lived a long time in a house out -of the way, where he applies himself only to the education of his -daughter. If you please, I will go ask her of him for you: I do not -question but he will be overjoyed to have a son-in-law of your quality. -Not so fast, said the prince; I shall not marry that maid before I know -whether I like her. As for her beauty, I can depend on you: but what -assurance can you give me in relation to her virtue? What assurance do -you require? said Boubekir. I must see her face, answered Zeyn; that is -enough for me to come to a resolution. You are skilful, then, in -physiognomy? replied the iman, smiling. Well, come along with me to her -father's: I will desire him to let you see her one moment in his -presence. - -Mouesm conducted the prince to the vizier's, who, as soon as he was -acquainted with the prince's birth and design, called his daughter, and -made her take off her veil. Never had the young king of Balsora beheld -such a perfect and powerful beauty. He stood amazed; and, since he could -then try whether the maid was as chaste as fair, he pulled out his glass, -which remained bright and unsullied. - -When he perceived he had at length found such a person as he desired, he -entreated the vizier to grant her to him. Immediately the lady was sent -for, and came; the contract was signed, and the marriage-prayer said. -After which ceremony, Zeyn carried the vizier to his house, where he -treated him magnificently, and gave him considerable presents. Next, he -sent a prodigious quantity of jewels to the bride by Morabec, who brought -her to his house, where the wedding was kept with all the pomp that -became Zeyn's quality. When all the company was dismissed, Morabec said -to his master, Let us be gone, sir; let us not stay any longer at Bagdad, -but return to Cairo: remember the promise you made the king of the genii. -Let us go, answered the prince; I must take care to perform it exactly: -yet I must confess, my dear Morabec, that, if I obey the king of the -genii, it is not without reluctancy. The person I have married is -charming, and I am tempted to carry her to Balsora, and place her on the -throne. Alas! sir, answered Morabec, take heed how you give way to your -inclination. Make yourself master of your passions; and, whatsoever it -costs you, be as good as your word to the king of the genii. Well then, -Morabec, said the prince, do you take care to conceal that lovely maid -from me: let her never appear in my sight. Perhaps I have already seen -too much of her. - -Morabec having made all ready for their departure, they returned to -Cairo, and thence set out for the island of the king of the genii. When -they were there, the maid, who had performed the journey in a -horse-litter, and whom the prince had never seen since his wedding-day, -said to Morabec, Where are we? shall we be soon in the dominions of the -prince my husband? Madam, answered Morabec, it is time to undeceive you. -Prince Zeyn married you, only in order to get you from your father; he -did not engage his faith to you to make you sovereign of Balsora, but to -deliver you to the king of the genii, who has asked of him a virgin of -your character. Hearing these words, she wept bitterly, which moved the -prince and Morabec. Take pity on me, said she; I am a stranger: you will -be accountable to God for your treachery towards me. - -Her tears and complaints were of no effect, for she was presented to the -king of the genii, who, having gazed on her very earnestly, said to Zeyn, -Prince, I am satisfied with your behaviour; the virgin you have brought -me is beautiful and chaste, and I am pleased with the force you have put -upon yourself to be as good as your word to me. Return to your dominions, -and when you shall enter the subterraneous room where the eight statues -are, you shall find the ninth which I promised you. I will go and make my -genii carry it thither. Zeyn thanked the king, and returned to Cairo with -Morabec, but did not stay long there; his impatience to see the ninth -statue made him hasten his journey. However, he could not but often think -of the young virgin he married; and, blaming himself for having deceived -her, he looked upon himself as the cause and instrument of her -misfortune. Alas! said he to himself, I have taken her from a tender -father to sacrifice her to a genie. O incomparable beauty! you deserve a -better fate. - -Prince Zeyn, disturbed with these thoughts, at length reached Balsora, -where his subjects made extraordinary rejoicings for his return. He went -directly to give his mother an account of his journey, who was in a -rapture to hear he had obtained the ninth statue. Let us go, my son, said -she, let us go and see it; for it is certainly in the chamber under -ground, since the king of the genii told you you should find it there. -The young king and his mother, being both impatient to see that wonderful -statue, went down into the subterraneous place, and into the room of the -statues: but how great was their surprise, when, instead of a statue of -diamonds, they spied on the ninth pedestal a most beautiful virgin, whom -the prince knew to be the same he had conducted into the island of the -genii! Prince, said the young maid, you are amazed to see me here: you -expected to have found something more precious than I; and I question not -but that you now repent having taken so much trouble: you expected a -better reward. Madam, answered Zeyn, Heaven is my witness, that I more -than once thought to have broke my word with the king of the genii, to -keep you to myself. Whatsoever the value of a diamond statue may be, is -it worth the satisfaction of enjoying you? I love you above all the -diamonds and wealth in the world. - -Just as he had done speaking these words, a clap of thunder was heard, -which made that subterraneous place shake. Zeyn's mother was frightened; -but the king of the genii, immediately appearing, dispelled her dread. -Madam, said he to her, I protect and love your son: I had a mind to try -whether, at his age, he could subdue his passions. I know the charms of -this young lady have wrought on him, and that he did not punctually keep -the promise he had made me, not to desire to enjoy her; but I am too well -acquainted with the frailty of the human race. This is the ninth statue I -designed for him; it is more rare and precious than the others. Live, -said he, (directing his discourse to the young prince,) live happy, Zeyn, -with this young lady, who is your wife; and, if you would have her true -and constant to you, love her always, and love her alone. Give her no -rival, and I will answer for her fidelity. Having spoken these words, the -king of the genii vanished; and Zeyn, ravished with that young lady, -consummated the marriage the same day, and caused her to be proclaimed -queen of Balsora. Those two ever faithful and loving consorts lived -together many years. - - - - - THE STORY OF - CODADAD AND HIS BROTHERS. - - -Those who have written the history of the kingdom of Diarbekir inform us, -that there formerly reigned a most magnificent king in the city of -Harran, who loved his subjects, and was equally beloved by them. He was -endued with all virtues, and wanted nothing to complete his happiness but -an heir. Though he had the finest women in the world in his seraglio, yet -he was destitute of children. He continually prayed to Heaven for them; -and one night, in his sleep, a comely person, or rather a prophet, -appeared to him, and said, Your prayers are heard; you have obtained what -you desired: rise as soon as you awake, go to your prayers, and make two -genuflections: then walk into the garden of your palace, call your -gardener, and bid him bring you a pomegranate; eat as many of the seeds -as you think fit, and your wishes shall be accomplished. - -The king, calling to mind his dream when he awaked, returned thanks to -Heaven, got up, and fell to his prayers, made two genuflections, and then -went down into his garden, where he took fifty pomegranate-seeds, which -he counted, and ate them. He had fifty wives who shared in his bed; they -all proved with child; but there was one called Pirouze, who did not -appear to be big-bellied. He took an aversion to that lady, and would -have her put to death. Her barrenness, said he, is a certain token that -Heaven does not judge Pirouze worthy to bear a prince; it is my duty to -deliver the world from an object that is odious to the Lord. He had taken -this cruel resolution, but his vizier diverted him from putting it in -execution; representing to him, that all women were not of the same -constitution, and that it was not impossible but that Pirouze might be -with child, though it did not appear. Well, answered the king, let her -live; but let her depart my court, for I cannot endure her. Your majesty, -replied the vizier, may send her to prince Samer, your cousin. The king -approved of his advice: he sent Pirouze to Samaria with a letter, in -which he ordered his cousin to treat her well; and, in case she proved -with child, to give him notice of her being brought to bed. - -No sooner was Pirouze arrived in that country, than it appeared that she -was with child; and at length she was delivered of a most beautiful -prince. The prince of Samaria wrote immediately to the king of Harran, to -acquaint him with the birth of that son, and to congratulate him on that -occasion. The king was much rejoiced at it, and answered prince Samer as -follows: 'Cousin, all my other wives have also been delivered of each a -prince; so that we have a great number of children here. I desire you to -breed up that of Pirouze, to give him the name of Codadad, and to send -him to me when I shall give you notice.' - -The prince of Samaria spared nothing that might improve the education of -his nephew. He taught him to ride, shoot with a bow, and all the other -things becoming the son of a king; so that Codadad, at eighteen years of -age, was looked upon as a prodigy. This young prince, being inspired with -a courage worthy his birth, said one day to his mother, Madam, I begin to -grow weary of Samaria: I find myself inclined to gain renown; give me -leave to go seek it amidst the perils of war. My father, the king of -Harran, has many enemies. Some neighbouring princes make it their -business to disturb him. Why does he not call me to his assistance? Why -does he leave me here so long, like an infant? Must I spend my life here -in sloth, when all my brothers have the good fortune to be fighting by -his side? My son, answered Pirouze, I am no less impatient to have your -name become famous; I could wish you had already signalized yourself -against your father's enemies; but we must wait till he requires it. No, -madam, replied Codadad, I have already waited but too long. I long to see -the king, and am tempted to go to offer him my service as a young -gentleman unknown. No doubt but he will accept of it, and I will not -discover myself till I have performed a thousand glorious actions: I -design to merit his esteem before he knows who I am. Pirouze approved of -his generous resolution; and Codadad one day departed from Samaria, as if -he had been going a-hunting, without acquainting prince Samer, for fear -he should thwart his design. - -He was mounted on a white horse, who had a gold bit and shoes; his -housing was of blue satin, embroidered with pearls; the hilt of his -scimitar was of one entire diamond; and the scabbard of sandal-wood, all -adorned with emeralds and rubies; and on his shoulder hung his bow and -quiver. In this equipage, which added much to his good mien, he arrived -at the city of Harran, and soon found means to offer his service to the -king; who, being charmed with his beauty and lovely presence, and perhaps -inspired by natural sympathy, gave him a favourable reception, and asked -his name and quality. Sir, answered Codadad, I am son to an emir of Grand -Cairo: an inclination to travel has made me quit my country; and, -understanding, in my passage through your dominions, that you were -engaged in war with some of your neighbours, I am come to your court to -offer your majesty my service. The king showed him extraordinary -kindness, and employed him in his troops. - -That young prince soon signalized his bravery. He gained the esteem of -the officers, and was admired by the soldiers; and, having no less wit -than courage, he so far advanced himself in the king's affection as to -become his favourite. All the ministers and other courtiers daily -resorted to Codadad, and were so eager to purchase his friendship that -they neglected the king's other sons. Those princes could not but resent -it; and, imputing it to the stranger, they all conceived an implacable -hatred against him; but the king's affection daily increasing, he was -never weary of giving him fresh testimonies of it. He always desired he -should be near him: he admired his discourse, ever full of wit and -discretion; and, to show how much he was satisfied with his wisdom, he -gave him the tuition of the other princes, though he was of the same age -as they. Thus Codadad was made governor of his brothers; which only -served to heighten their hatred. Is it come to this, said they, that the -king, not satisfied with loving a stranger more than us, will have him to -be our tutor, and not allow us to do any thing without his leave? This is -not to be endured: we must rid ourselves of this stranger. Let us go -together, said one of them, and dispatch him. No, no, answered another; -we had better be cautious how we sacrifice ourselves: his death would -render us odious to the king, who, in return would declare us all unfit -to reign. Let us destroy the stranger artfully. We will ask leave to go -a-hunting; and, when far from the palace, we will proceed to some other -city, and stay there some time. The king will wonder at our absence; and, -perceiving we do not return, he may perhaps put the stranger to death, or -at least will turn him out of the court, for suffering us to leave the -palace. - -All the princes applauded this artifice, went together to Codadad, and -desired him to give them leave to go and take the diversion of hunting, -promising to return the same day. Pirouze's son was taken in the snare, -and granted the leave his brothers desired. They went, but returned not. -They had been three days absent, when the king asked Codadad where the -princes were, for it was long since he had seen them. Sir, answered -Codadad, they have been gone a-hunting these three days; but they -promised me they would return sooner. The king grew uneasy, and much more -when he perceived the princes did not return the next day. This provoked -his passion: Indiscreet stranger, said he to Codadad, why did you let my -sons go without bearing them company? Is it thus you discharge the trust -I have reposed in you? Go seek them immediately, or you are a dead man. - -These words pierced Pirouze's unfortunate son to the heart. He armed -himself, went out of the city, and, like a shepherd who had lost his -flock, searched all the country for his brothers, inquiring at every -village whether they had been seen; and, hearing no news of them, was -grieved to the heart. Alas! my brothers, said he, what is become of you? -Are you perhaps fallen into the hands of our enemies? Am I come to the -court of Harran to be the occasion of giving the king so much trouble? He -was altogether comfortless for having given the princes leave to go -a-hunting, or for not having borne them company. - -After some days spent in a fruitless search, he arrived in a plain of -prodigious extent, in the midst whereof was a palace all of black marble. -He drew near, and at one of the windows spied a most beautiful lady, but -set off with no other ornament than her own beauty; for her hair was -dishevelled, her garments ragged, and on her countenance appeared all the -tokens of the greatest affliction. As soon as she saw Codadad, and judged -he might hear her, she directed her discourse to him, saying, Alas! young -man, get away from this fatal place, or else you will soon fall into the -hands of the monster that inhabits it. A black who feeds only on human -blood, resides in this palace. He seizes all persons whom their ill fate -conducts to this plain, and shuts them up in his dark dungeons, whence -they are never released but to be devoured by him. - -Madam, answered Codadad, tell me who you are, and be not concerned for -any more. I am a maid of quality, of Grand Cairo, replied the lady: I was -passing by this castle yesterday, in my way to Bagdad, and met with the -black, who killed all my servants, and brought me hither. I wish I had -nothing but death to fear; but, to add to my calamity, this monster would -persuade me to love him; and, in case I do not yield to-morrow to his -brutality, I must expect the utmost violence. I tell you once more, added -she, make your escape: the black will soon return: he is gone out to -pursue some travellers he spied at a distance on the plain. Lose no time; -nay, I know not whether a speedy flight will deliver you from him. - -She had scarce done speaking these words before the black appeared. He -was a man of a monstrous bulk, and of a dreadful aspect, mounted on a -mighty Tartar horse, and wore such a large and heavy scimitar, that none -but he could make use of it. The prince, seeing him, was amazed at his -monstrous mien, directed his prayers to Heaven to assist him, then drew -his scimitar, and stood still to expect the black; who, despising so -inconsiderable an enemy, called to him to yield himself with engaging -words; but Codadad, by his behaviour, gave him to understand that he was -resolved to defend his life; for he drew near, and gave him a great cut -on the knee. The black, feeling himself wounded, gave such a dreadful -shriek as made all the plain resound. He grew enraged, foamed at the -mouth, and raising himself on his stirrups, made at Codadad with his -dreadful scimitar. The stroke was so violent, that no more would have -been required to put an end to the prince, had not he, by a sudden spring -he made his horse take, avoided it. The scimitar made a mighty hissing in -the air; but, before the black could have leisure to second the blow, -Codadad let fall one on his right arm with such fury, that he cut it off. -The dreadful scimitar fell, with the hand that held it; and the black, -yielding under the violence of the stroke, lost his stirrups, and made -the earth quake with his mighty fall. The prince alighted at the same -time, and chopped off his enemy's head. Just then the lady, who had been -a spectator of the combat, and was still offering up her vows to Heaven -for that young hero whom she admired, gave a shriek for joy, and said to -Codadad, Prince, (for the mighty victory you have obtained convinces me -that you are of no ordinary extraction,) finish the work you have begun: -the black has the keys of this castle: take them, and deliver me out of -prison. The prince searched the wretch's pockets, as he lay stretched out -on the ground, and found several keys. - -He opened the first door, and went into a court, where he met the lady -coming to meet him. She would have cast herself at his feet, in token of -her gratitude; but he would not permit her. She commended his valour, and -extolled him above all the heroes in the world. He returned her -compliments; and she appearing still more lovely to him near at hand than -at a distance, I know not whether she was more joyful to be delivered -from the desperate danger she had been in, than he for having done so -considerable a service to so beautiful a person. - -Their discourse was interrupted by dismal cries and groans. What is this -I hear? said Codadad: whence come those miserable cries which pierce our -ears? Sir, said the lady to him, pointing to a little door there was in -the court, they come from thence. There are I know not how many wretched -persons, whom fate has made to fall into the hands of the black. They are -all chained; and that monster drew out one every day to be devoured. - -It is an addition to my joy, answered the young prince, to understand -that my victory will save the lives of those unfortunate persons. Come -along with me, madam, to partake in the satisfaction of giving them their -liberty. You may guess by yourself how welcome we shall be to them. -Having so said, they advanced towards the door of the dungeon; and the -nearer they drew, the more distinctly they heard the complaints of the -prisoners. Codadad pitying them, and impatient to put an end to their -sufferings, put one of the keys into the key-hole, which proved not to be -the right one at first, and therefore he took another; at which noise all -those unfortunate creatures, concluding it was the black, who came, -according to custom, to bring them some meat, and at the same time to -seize one of them to eat himself, redoubled their cries and groans. -Lamentable voices were heard, which sounded as if they had come from the -centre of the earth. - -In the mean time, the prince had opened the door, and went down a very -steep stair-case into a large and deep vault, which received some small -light from a little window, and in which there were above a hundred -persons bound to stakes, and their hands tied. Unfortunate travellers, -said he to them, wretched victims, who only expected the moment of an -approaching cruel death, give thanks to Heaven, which has this day -delivered you by my means. I have slain the black by whom you were to be -devoured, and am come to knock off your irons. The prisoners hearing -these words, all together gave a shout, occasioned by joy and surprise. -Codadad and the lady began to unbind them; and, as soon as any of them -were loose, they helped to take off the fetters from the rest; so that in -a short time they were all at liberty. - -They then kneeled down, and, having returned thanks to Codadad for what -he had done for them, went out of the dungeon; and when they were come -into the court, how surprising it was for the prince to see among the -prisoners those he was in search of, and almost out of hopes to find! -Princes, cried he, am I not deceived? is it not you I behold? May I -flatter myself that it will be in my power to restore you to the king -your father, who is inconsolable for the loss of you? But will he not -have some one to lament? Are you all here alive? Alas! the death of one -of you will suffice to damp all the joy I conceive for having delivered -you. - -The forty-nine princes all made themselves known to Codadad, who embraced -them one after another, and told them how uneasy their father was on -account of their absence. They gave their deliverer all the commendations -he deserved, as did the other prisoners, who could not find words -expressive enough to declare the gratitude they were sensible of. Next, -Codadad, with them, took a view of the whole castle, where there was -immense wealth; curious silks, gold brocades, Persian carpets, China -satins, and an infinite quantity of other goods, which the black had -taken from the caravans he had plundered, a considerable part whereof -belonged to the prisoners Codadad had then set free. Every man knew and -reclaimed what belonged to him. The prince restored them their own, and -divided the rest of the merchandise among them. Then he said to them, How -will you do to carry away your goods? we are here in a desert place, and -there is no likelihood of getting your horses. Sir, answered one of the -prisoners, the black robbed us of our camels as well as our goods, and -perhaps they may be in the stables of this castle. That is not unlikely, -replied Codadad; let us see after it. Accordingly they went to the -stables, where they not only found the camels, but also the horses -belonging to the king of Harran's sons. There were some black slaves in -the stables; who, seeing all the prisoners released, and guessing thereby -that their master had been killed, fled through by-ways well known to -them. Nobody minded to pursue them. All the merchants, overjoyed that -they had recovered their goods and camels, together with their liberty, -thought of nothing but prosecuting their journey; but first repeated -their thanks to their deliverer. - -When they were gone, Codadad, directing his discourse to the lady, said, -To what place, madam, do you desire to go? whither did you design when -you were seized by the black? I intend to bear you company to the place -you shall appoint, and I do not question but that all these princes will -do the same. The king of Harran's sons protested to the lady they would -not leave her till she was restored to her friends. - -Princes, said she, I am of a country too remote from hence: and, besides -that it would be an imposition on your generosity to oblige you to travel -so far, I must own to you that I am come from my native country for ever. -I told you a while ago that I was a lady of Grand Cairo; but since you -have shown me so much favour, and I am so highly obliged to you, added -she, looking upon Codadad, I should be much in the wrong in concealing -the truth from you. I am a king's daughter; an usurper has possessed -himself of my father's throne after having murdered him, and I have been -forced to fly to save my life. - -Then Codadad and his brothers desired the princess to tell them her -story, assuring her they were highly concerned at her misfortunes, and -fully disposed to spare for nothing that might contribute towards -rendering her more happy. After thanks returned for their fresh -protestations of readiness to serve her, she could not refuse satisfying -their curiosity, and began the recital of her adventures in the following -manner. - - - - - STORY OF THE PRINCESS OF DERYABAR. - - -There is, in a certain island, a great city called Deryabar. It has been -long governed by a potent, magnificent, and virtuous king. That prince -had no children, which was the only thing wanting to make him happy. He -continually addressed his prayers to Heaven; but Heaven granted his -requests by halves; for the queen his wife, after a long expectation, -brought forth a daughter. - -I am the unfortunate princess. My father was rather troubled than pleased -at my birth; but he submitted to the will of God, and caused me to be -educated with all possible care, being resolved, since he had no son, to -teach me the art of ruling, that I might supply his place after his -death. - -One day, when he was taking the diversion of hunting, he spied a wild -ass, which he chased, lost his company, and was carried away so far in -that heat, as to ride on till night, without reflecting that he was quite -out of the way. He then alighted, and sat down at the edge of a wood, -into which he had observed the ass had taken. No sooner was the day shut -in, than he discovered a light among the trees, which made him conclude -that he was not far from some village: he rejoiced at it, hoping that he -might pass the night there, and find some person to send to his followers -to acquaint them where he was; and accordingly he got up and walked -towards the light, which served to guide him. - -He soon found he had been deceived, that light being no other than a fire -lighted in a hut: however, he drew near, and with amazement beheld a -great black, or rather a dreadful giant, sitting on a sofa. Before the -monster was a great pitcher of wine, and he was roasting a bullock he had -newly killed. Sometimes he drank out of the pitcher, and then cut slices -off the bullock and ate them. But that which most drew the king my -father's attention was a beautiful woman he saw in the hut. She seemed to -be overwhelmed with grief; her hands were bound, and at her feet was a -small child, about two or three years old, who, as if he was sensible of -his mother's misfortunes, continually wept, and rent the air with cries. - -My father being moved with that object of pity, thought at first to have -gone into the hut and attack the giant; but considering it would be an -unequal combat, he stopped, and resolved, since he had not strength -enough to prevail by open force, to use art. - -In the mean time the giant, having emptied the pitcher and devoured above -half the bullock, turned to the woman, and said, Beautiful princess, why -do you oblige me by your obstinacy to treat you with severity? It is in -your own power to be happy. You need only to resolve to love and be true -to me, and I shall express my affection to you. Thou hideous satyr, -answered the lady, never expect that time should wear away the aversion I -have for you. Thou wilt ever be a monster in my eyes. To these words she -added so many reproaches, that the giant grew enraged. This is too much, -cried he, in a furious tone; my love undervalued is turned into rage. -Your hatred has at last caused mine; I find it prevails above my desires, -and that I now wish your death rather than enjoyment. Having spoken these -words, he took that wretched lady by the hair, held her up with one hand -in the air, and drawing his scimitar with the other, was just going to -strike off her head, when the king my father let fly an arrow, which -pierced the giant's breast, so that he staggered and dropped down dead. - -My father entered the hut, unbound the lady's hands, asked her who she -was, and how she came thither. Sir, said she, there are some families of -Saracens along the sea-coast, who live under a prince who is my husband; -this giant you have killed was one of his principal officers. The wretch -fell desperately in love with me, but took special care to conceal it, -till he could put in execution the designs he had laid of stealing me -away. Fortune oftener favours wicked designs than the virtuous. The giant -one day surprised me and my child in a by-place. He seized us both; and, -to disappoint the search he well knew my husband would cause to be made -on account of this rape, he removed far from the country inhabited by -those Saracens, and brought us into this wood, where he has kept me some -days. As deplorable as my condition is, it is still a great satisfaction -to me to think that the giant, though so brutal and amorous, never used -force to obtain that which I always refused to his entreaties: not but -that he has threatened me a hundred times that he would have recourse to -the worst of extremities, in case he could not otherwise prevail upon me; -and, I must confess to you, that a while ago, when I provoked his anger -by my words, I was less concerned for my life than for my honour. - -This, sir, said the prince of the Saracens' wife, is the faithful account -of my misfortunes, and I do not question but that you will think me -worthy enough of your compassion, not to repent your having so generously -relieved me. Madam, answered my father, be assured your troubles have -moved me, and I will do all that shall be in my power to make you happy -again. To-morrow, as soon as the day appears, we will go out of this -wood, and endeavour to fall into the road which leads to the great city -of Deryabar, of which I am sovereign; and, if you think fit, you shall be -entertained in my palace, till the prince your husband shall come to -reclaim you. - -The Saracen lady accepted the offer, and the next day followed the king -my father, who found all his retinue upon the skirts of the wood, they -having spent the night in searching after, and being very uneasy for that -they could not find him. They were no less joyful to meet their king, -than amazed to see him with a lady whose beauty surprised them. He told -them how he had found her, and the danger he had run in drawing near to -the hut, where he must certainly have lost his life had the giant espied -him. One of his servants took up the lady behind him, and another carried -the child. - -Thus they arrived at the king my father's palace, who assigned the -beautiful Saracen lady an apartment, and caused the child to be carefully -educated. The lady was sensible of the king's goodness to her, and -expressed as much gratitude as he could desire. She had at first appeared -very uneasy and impatient, on account that her husband did not reclaim -her; but by degrees she shook off that uneasiness: the respect my father -paid her dispelled her impatience; and I am of opinion she would at last -have blamed fortune more for restoring her to her kindred than she did -for removing her from them. - -In the mean time, the lady's son grew up; he was very handsome; and not -wanting wit, found the way to please the king my father, who had a great -kindness for him. All the courtiers perceived it, and guessed that young -man might in the end be my husband. Upon this conceit, and looking on him -already as heir to the crown, they made their court to him, and every man -endeavoured to gain his favour. He soon saw into their designs, grew -conceited of himself, and, forgetting the distance there was between our -conditions, flattered himself with the hopes that my father was fond -enough of him to prefer him before all the princes in the world. Nay, he -went farther; for the king not answering his expectation, in offering me -to him as soon as he could have wished, he had the boldness to ask me of -him. Whatsoever punishment his insolence deserved, my father was -satisfied with telling him that he had other thoughts in relation to me, -and showed him no farther dislike. The youth was incensed at this -refusal; the vain fellow resented the contempt, as if he had asked some -maid of indifferent extraction, or as if his birth had been equal to -mine. Nor was he so satisfied; but resolved to be revenged on the king; -and, with unparalleled ingratitude, conspired against him. In short, he -murdered him, and caused himself to be proclaimed king of Deryabar, by a -great number of malcontents whom he supported. The first thing he did, -after ridding himself of my father, was to come into my apartment with a -great train of the conspirators. His design was, either to take my life -or oblige me to marry him. While he was busy murdering my father, the -grand vizier, who had been always loyal to his master, came to carry me -away from the palace, and secured me in a friend's house, till a vessel -he had provided was ready to sail. I then left the island, attended only -by a governess and that generous minister, who chose rather to follow his -master's daughter, and to partake of her misfortunes, than to submit to a -tyrant. - -The grand vizier designed to carry me to the courts of the neighbouring -kings, to implore their assistance, and excite them to revenge my -father's death; but Heaven did not give me a blessing to that resolution -we thought so just. When we had been but a few days at sea, there arose -such a furious storm, that, in spite of all the mariners' art, our -vessel, carried away by the violence of the winds and waves, was dashed -in pieces against a rock. I will not spend time in describing our -shipwreck. I can but faintly represent to you how my governess, the grand -vizier, and all that attended me, were swallowed up by the sea. The dread -I was seized with did not permit me to observe the horror of our -condition. In fine, I lost my senses; and whether I was thrown upon the -coast upon any part of the wreck of our ship, or whether Heaven, which -reserved me for other misfortunes, wrought a miracle in my deliverance, I -found myself on shore when my senses returned to me. - -Misfortunes very often make us forget our duty: instead of returning -thanks to God for so singular a mercy shown me, I only lifted up my eyes -to heaven, to complain because I had been saved. I was so far from -bewailing the vizier and my governess, that I envied their fate; and, my -dreadful imaginations by degrees prevailing above my reason, I resolved -to cast myself into the sea. I was upon the point of doing so, when I -heard behind me a great noise of men and horses. I looked about to see -what it might be, and spied several armed horsemen, among whom was one -mounted on an Arabian horse. He had on a garment embroidered with silver, -a girdle set with precious stones, and a crown of gold on his head. -Though his habit had not convinced me that he was the chief of the -company, I should have judged it by the air of grandeur which appeared in -his person. He was a young man extraordinarily finely shaped, and -perfectly beautiful. Being surprised to see a young lady alone in that -place, he sent some of his officers to ask who I was. All my answer was -weeping. The shore being covered with the wreck of our ship, they -concluded some vessel had been cast away there, and that I was certainly -some person that had saved my life. This conjecture, and my inconsolable -condition, excited the curiosity of those officers, who began to ask me a -thousand questions, with assurances that their king was a generous -prince, and that I should receive all comfort in his court. - -The king, impatient to know who I was, grew weary of expecting the return -of his officers, and drew near to me. He gazed on me very earnestly, and, -observing that I did not give over weeping and afflicting myself, without -being able to return an answer to their questions, he forbade them -troubling me any more; and, directing his discourse to me, said, Madam, I -conjure you to moderate your excessive affliction. Though Heaven in its -wrath has laid this calamity upon you, yet it does not behove you to -despair. I beseech you, show more courage: fortune, which has hitherto -persecuted you, is inconstant, and may soon change. I dare assure you, -that, if your misfortunes are capable of receiving any comfort, you shall -find it in my dominions. My palace is at your service: you shall live -with the queen my mother, who will endeavour by her kindness to ease your -affliction. I know not as yet who you are; but I find I am already -concerned for you. - -I thanked the young king for his great goodness towards me, accepted of -the obliging offers he made me; and, to convince him that I was not -unworthy of him, told him my condition. I described to him the insolence -of the young Saracen, and found it needless to do any more than barely to -recount my misfortunes, to excite compassion in him, and all his officers -who heard me. When I had done speaking, the prince began again, assuring -me that he was highly concerned at my misfortune. Then he conducted me to -his palace, and presented me to the queen his mother, to whom I was -obliged again to repeat my misfortunes, and to renew my tears. The queen -seemed very sensible of my troubles, and took an extraordinary liking to -me. On the other hand the king her son fell desperately in love with me, -and soon offered me his person and his crown. I was still so entirely -taken up with the thoughts of my calamities, that the prince, though so -lovely a person, did not make so great an impression on me as he might -have done at another time. However, gratitude prevailing on me, I did not -refuse to make him happy; and our wedding was kept with all imaginable -grandeur. - -At the time when all the people were taken up with the celebration of -their sovereign's nuptials, a neighbouring prince, who was his enemy, -made a descent by night on the island with a great number of troops. That -formidable enemy was the king Zanguebar: he surprised those people, and -cut to pieces all the king my husband's subjects. We two escaped very -narrowly, for he had already entered the palace with some of his -followers; but we found means to slip away, and got to the sea-coast, -where we entered a fishing-boat we had the good fortune to meet with. Two -days we were driven about by the winds, without knowing what would become -of us. The third day, we spied a vessel making towards us with all her -sails aboard. We rejoiced at first, believing it had been a merchant-ship -which might take us aboard; but were more astonished than I can express, -when, as it drew near, we saw ten or twelve armed pirates appear on the -deck. Being come up to us, five or six of them leaped into our boat, -seized us, bound the prince, and conveyed us into their ship, where they -immediately took off my veil. Instead of casting lots, every one of them -claimed the preference, and me as his right. The controversy grew hot, -and they came to blows about me, and fought like so many madmen. The deck -was soon covered with dead bodies; and, in short, they were all killed -but one, who, being left sole possessor of me, said, You are mine; I will -carry you to Grand Cairo, to deliver you to a friend of mine, to whom I -have promised a beautiful slave. But who, added he, looking upon the king -my husband, is that man? What relation is he to you? Are you allied by -blood or love? Sir, answered I, he is my husband. If so, replied the -pirate, in pity I must rid myself of him; it would be too great an -affliction to him to see you in my friend's arms. Having spoken these -words, he took up the unhappy prince, who was bound, and threw him into -the sea, notwithstanding all my endeavours to hinder him. - -I shrieked in a dreadful manner at the sight of that cruel action, and -had certainly cast myself headlong into the sea, had not the pirate held -me. He plainly saw that was my design, and therefore bound me fast to the -main-mast, and then hoisting sail, made towards the land, and there got -ashore. He unbound and led me to a little town, where he bought camels, -tents, and slaves, and then set out for Grand Cairo; designing, as he -still said, to present me to his friend, according to his promise. - -We had been several days upon the road, when, as we were crossing this -plain yesterday, we spied the black who inhabited this castle. At a -distance, we took him for a tower; and, when near us, could scarce -believe him to be a man. He drew his vast scimitar, and summoned the -pirate to yield himself up a prisoner, with all his slaves, and the lady -he was conducting. The pirate was daring; and, being seconded by all his -slaves, who promised to stand by him, he attacked the black. The fight -lasted a considerable time; but at length the pirate fell under the -enemy's deadly blows, as did all his slaves, who chose rather to die than -forsake him. The black then conducted me to the castle, whither he also -brought the pirate's body, which he did eat that night for his supper. -After that inhuman meal, perceiving that I ceased not weeping, he said to -me, Young lady, prepare to satisfy my desires, rather than continue thus -to afflict yourself. Make a virtue of necessity, and comply: I give you -till to-morrow to consider. Let me then find you comforted for all your -misfortunes, and overjoyed for having been reserved for my bed. Having -spoken these words, he conducted me to a chamber, and went to bed in his -own, after locking up all the castle-doors. He opened them this morning, -and presently locked them again, to pursue some travellers he perceived -at a distance; but it is likely they made their escape, since he was -coming alone, and without any booty, when you attacked him. - -As soon as the princess had put an end to the recital of her adventures, -Codadad declared to her that he was highly concerned at her misfortunes. -But, madam, added he, it shall be your own fault if you do not live at -ease for the future: the king of Harran's sons offer you a safe retreat -in the court of the king their father; be pleased to accept of it. You -will be there cherished by that prince, and respected by all other -persons; and, if you do not disdain the person of your deliverer, permit -me to make you a present of it, and to marry you before all these -princes: let them be witnesses to our contract. The princess consented to -it, and the marriage was concluded that very day in the castle, where -they found all sorts of provisions. The kitchens were full of flesh and -other eatables, which the black used to feed on when he was weary of -feeding on human bodies. There was also a variety of fruits, very -excellent in their kinds, and, to complete their satisfaction, abundance -of delicious wine and other liquors. - -They all sat down to table; and, after having eaten and drunk -plentifully, they took along with them the rest of the provisions, and -set out for the king of Harran's court. They travelled several days, -encamping in the pleasantest places they could find; and they were within -one day's journey of Harran, when, having halted, and drunk all their -wine, as being under no longer concern to make it hold out, Codadad -directed his discourse to all his company thus: Princes, I have too long -concealed from you who I am. Behold your brother Codadad! I have received -my being, as well as you, of the king of Harran. The prince of Samaria -has bred me, and the princess Pirouze is my mother. Madam, added he, -applying himself to the princess of Deryabar, do you also forgive me, for -having concealed my birth from you. Perhaps, by discovering it sooner, I -might have prevented some disagreeable reflections which may have been -occasioned by a match you may have thought unequal. No, sir, answered the -princess; the opinion I at first conceived of you heightened every -moment, and you did not stand in need of the extraction you now discover, -to make me happy. - -The princes congratulated Codadad on his birth, and expressed much -satisfaction at the knowledge of it: but, in reality, instead of -rejoicing, their hatred for so amiable a brother was redoubled. They met -together at night in a by-place, whilst Codadad and the princess his wife -lay fast asleep in their tent. Those ungrateful, envious brothers, -forgetting that, had it not been for the brave son of Pirouze, they must -have been devoured by the black, agreed among themselves to murder him. -We have no other course to choose, said one of those wicked brethren; for -the moment our father shall come to understand that this stranger he is -already so fond of is our brother, and that he alone has been able to -destroy a giant whom we could not all of us together conquer, he will -bestow all his favour and a thousand praises on him, and declare him his -heir, in spite of all his brothers, who will be obliged to obey and fall -down before him. Besides these, he added many other words, which made -such an impression on their jealous minds, that they immediately repaired -to Codadad, then fast asleep, stabbed him in a thousand places, and -leaving him for dead in the arms of the princess of Deryabar, proceeded -on their journey for the city of Harran, where they arrived the next day. - -The king their father conceived the greater joy at their return, because -he had despaired of ever seeing them. He asked what had been the occasion -of their stay; but they took care not to acquaint him with it, making no -mention either of the black or of Codadad; and only said, that, being -curious to see the country, they had spent some time in the neighbouring -cities. - -In the mean time Codadad lay in his tent, drowned in his own blood, and -little differing from a dead man, with the princess his wife, who seemed -to be in no much better condition than he. She rent the air with her -dismal shrieks, tore her hair, and, bathing her husband's body with her -tears, Alas! Codadad, my dear Codadad, cried she, is it you whom I behold -just departing this life? What cruel hands have put you into this -condition? May I believe these are your brothers who have treated you so -unmercifully? No, they are rather devils, who have taken those shapes to -murder you. O barbarous wretches! whosoever you are, how could you make -so ungrateful a return for the service he has done you? But why should I -complain of your brothers, unfortunate Codadad! I alone am to blame for -your death. You would tack your fate upon mine; and all the ill fortune -that attends me since I left my father's palace has fallen upon you. O -Heaven! which has condemned me to lead a wandering life and full of -calamities, if you will not permit me to have a consort, why do you -permit me to find any? Behold, you have now robbed me of two, just as I -began to be endeared to them. - -By these, and other moving expressions, the unhappy princess of Deryabar -vented her sorrow, fixing her eyes on the deplorable Codadad, who could -not hear her. But Codadad was not dead; and his consort, observing that -he still breathed, ran to a large open town she spied in the plain, to -inquire for a surgeon. She was showed one, who went immediately with her: -but when they came to the tent, they could not find Codadad, which made -them conclude he had been dragged away by some wild beast to devour him. -The princess renewed her complaints and lamentations in a most dismal -manner. The surgeon took compassion; and, being unwilling to leave her in -that miserable condition, proposed to her to return to the town, offering -her his house and service. - -She suffered herself to be prevailed on. The surgeon conducted her to his -house, and, without knowing as yet who she was, treated her with all -imaginable courtesy and respect. He used all his rhetoric to comfort her; -but it was in vain to think of removing her sorrow, which was rather -heightened than diminished. Madam, said he to her one day, be pleased to -recount to me your misfortunes; tell your country and your condition: -perhaps I may give you some advice, when I am acquainted with all the -circumstances of your calamity. You do nothing but afflict yourself, -without considering that remedies may be found for the most desperate -diseases. - -The surgeon's words were so efficacious, that they wrought on the -princess, who recounted to him all her adventures; and when she had done, -the surgeon directed his discourse to her, saying, Madam, since this is -the posture of affairs, give me leave to tell you, that you ought not -thus to give way to your sorrow; you ought rather to arm yourself with -resolution, and to perform what the name and the duty of a wife require -of you. You are obliged to revenge your husband: if you please I will -wait on you as your squire: let us go to the king of Harran's court; he -is a good and just prince: you need only represent to him, in a lively -manner, how prince Codadad has been treated by his brothers: I am fully -persuaded he will do you justice. I submit to your reasons, answered the -princess: it is my duty to endeavour to revenge Codadad; and since you -are so obliging and generous as to offer to bear me company, I am ready -to set out. No sooner had she fixed this resolution, than the surgeon -ordered two camels to be made ready, on which the princess and he -mounted, and repaired to Harran. - -They alighted at the first caravansary they found; and inquiring of the -host what news at court, It is, said he, in very great confusion. The -king had a son, who lived a long time with him as a stranger, and none -can tell what is become of that young prince. One of the king's wives, -called Pirouze, is his mother; she has made all possible inquiry, but to -no purpose. All men are concerned at the loss of that prince, because he -was very deserving. The king has forty-nine other sons, all of them born -of several mothers; but not one of them has worth enough to comfort the -king for the death of Codadad: I say his death, because it is impossible -he should be alive, since no news have been heard of him, notwithstanding -so much search has been made after him. - -The surgeon, having heard this account from the host, concluded that the -best course the princess of Deryabar could take, was to wait upon -Pirouze: but that method was not without some danger, and required much -precaution; for it was to be feared, that if the king of Harran's sons -should happen to hear of the arrival of their sister-in-law, and her -design, they might cause her to be conveyed away before she could speak -to Codadad's mother. The surgeon weighed all these particulars, and -considered what risk he might run himself; and therefore, that he might -manage the affair with discretion, he desired the princess to stay in the -caravansary, whilst he went to the palace to observe which might be the -safest way to conduct her to Pirouze. - -He went accordingly into the city, and was walking towards the palace, -like one led only by curiosity to see the court, when he spied a lady -mounted on a mule richly accoutred. She was followed by several ladies -mounted on mules, with a great number of guards and black slaves. All the -people made a lane to see her pass along, and saluted her, prostrating -themselves on the ground. The surgeon paid her the same respect, and then -asked a calendar, who happened to stand by him, whether that lady was one -of the king's wives. Yes, brother, answered the calendar, she is one of -the king's wives, and the most honoured and beloved by the people, -because she is mother to prince Codadad, of whom I suppose you have -heard. - -The surgeon asked no more questions, but followed Pirouze to a mosque, -into which she went to distribute alms, and assist at the public prayers -the king had ordered to be made for the safe return of Codadad. The -people, who were highly concerned for that young prince, ran in crowds to -join their vows to the prayers of the priests, so that the mosque was -quite full. The surgeon broke through the throng, and advanced as far as -Pirouze's guards. He staid out the prayers; and when that princess went -out, he stepped up to one of her slaves, and whispered him in his ear, -saying, Brother, I have a secret of moment to impart to the princess -Pirouze; may not I, by your means, be brought into her apartment? If that -secret, answered the slave, be relating to prince Codadad, I dare promise -you shall have audience of her this very day; but if it concerns not him, -it is needless for you to endeavour to be introduced to her; for her -thoughts are all upon her son, and she will not hear talk of any other -subject. It is only about that dear son, replied the surgeon, that I -would discourse to her. If so, said the slave, you need only follow us to -the palace, and you shall soon speak to her. - -Accordingly, as soon as Pirouze was returned to her apartment, that slave -acquainted her that a person unknown had some important affair to -communicate to her, and that it related to prince Codadad. No sooner had -he uttered these words, than Pirouze expressed her impatience to see that -stranger. The slave immediately conducted him into the princess's closet, -who ordered all her women to withdraw, except two, from whom she -concealed nothing. As soon as she saw the surgeon, she asked him abruptly -what news he had to tell her of Codadad. Madam, answered the surgeon, -after having prostrated himself on the ground, I have a long account to -give you, and such as will be very surprising. Then he told her all the -particulars of what had passed between Codadad and his brothers, which -she listened to with an eager attention; but when he came to speak of the -murder, that tender mother swooned away on her sofa, as if she had been -herself stabbed like her son. Her two women used proper means, and soon -brought her to herself. The surgeon continued his relation; and when he -had ended it, Pirouze said to him, Go back to the princess of Deryabar, -and assure her from me that the king shall soon own her for his -daughter-in-law; and as for yourself, be assured that your service shall -be well rewarded. - -When the surgeon was gone, Pirouze remained on the sofa in such a state -of affliction as is not easy to imagine; and, relenting at the thoughts -of Codadad, O! my son, said she, I must never then expect to see you -more! Alas! when I gave you leave to depart from Samaria, and you took -leave of me, I did not imagine that so unfortunate a death had awaited -you at such a distance from me. Unfortunate Codadad! why did you leave -me? It is true, you would not have acquired so much renown; but you had -been still alive, and had not cost your mother so many tears. Whilst she -uttered these words, she wept bitterly, and her two confidants, moved by -her sorrow, mixed their tears with hers. - -Whilst they were all three in that affliction, the king came into the -closet, and seeing them in that condition, asked Pirouze whether she had -received any bad news concerning Codadad. Alas! sir, said she, all is -over; my son has lost his life; and, to add to my sorrow, I cannot pay -him the funeral rites; for, in all appearance, the wild beasts have -devoured him. Then she told him all that she had heard from the surgeon, -and did not fail to express herself fully at the inhuman manner in which -Codadad had been murdered by his brothers. - -The king did not give Pirouze time to finish her relation; but, being -transported with anger, and giving way to his passion, Madam, said he to -the princess, those perfidious wretches who cause you to shed these -tears, and are the occasion of the mortal grief which oppresses their -father, shall soon feel the punishment due to their guilt. The king -having spoken these words, with indignation appearing in his countenance, -went directly to the presence-chamber, where all his courtiers attended, -and such of the people as had any petitions to present to him. They were -all astonished to see him in that passion, and thought his anger had been -kindled against his people. - -Their hearts failed them for fear. He ascended the throne, and causing -the grand vizier to draw near, said, Hassan, I have some orders for you: -go immediately, take a thousand of my guards, and seize all the princes -my sons; shut them up in the tower appointed for a prison for murderers; -and let this be done in a moment. All that were present quaked at the -hearing of this surprising command; and the grand vizier, without -answering one word, laid his hand on his head, to express his obedience, -and went out of the presence to execute his orders, which were very -surprising to him. In the mean time, the king dismissed those who -attended to desire audience, and declared he would not despatch any -business for a month to come. He was still in the presence-chamber, when -the vizier returned. Are all my sons, said that prince, in the tower? -They are, sir, answered the vizier; I have obeyed your orders. This is -not all, replied the king, I have farther commands for you; and so -saying, he went out of the presence-chamber, and returned to Pirouze's -apartment, with the vizier following him. He asked that princess where -Codadad's widow had taken up her lodging. Pirouze's women told him; for -the surgeon had not forgot that in his relation. Then the king, turning -to his minister, Go, said he, to that caravansary, and bring a young -princess, who lodges there; but treat her with all the respect due to her -quality. - -The vizier was not backward in performing what he was ordered. He mounted -on horseback, with all the emirs and courtiers, and repaired to the -caravansary where the princess of Deryabar was, whom he acquainted with -his orders, and presented her, from the king, a fine white mule, whose -saddle and bridle were adorned with gold, rubies, and diamonds. She -mounted it, and went to the palace, attended by all those great men. The -surgeon bore her company, mounted on a sprightly Tartar horse which the -vizier had provided for him. All the people were at their windows, or in -the streets, to see that noble cavalcade; and it being given out that the -princess, whom they conducted in such state to court, was Codadad's wife, -the city resounded with acclamations, the air rang with shouts of joy, -which would certainly have been turned into lamentations, had that -prince's fatal adventure been known; so much was he beloved by all men. - -The princess of Deryabar found the king at the palace gate, waiting to -receive her. He took her by the hand, and led her to Pirouze's apartment, -where a very moving scene was acted among them. Codadad's wife found her -affliction redouble upon her at the sight of her husband's father and -mother; as, on the other side, those parents could not look on their -son's wife without being much concerned. She cast herself at the king's -feet, and having bathed them with tears, was so overcome with grief, that -she was not able to speak one word. Pirouze was in no better condition; -she seemed to be stunned with her sorrows; and the king, moved by those -dismal objects, gave way to his passion: those three persons, mixing -their tears and sighs, for some time observed a silence, which appeared -extraordinary moving and pitiful. At length the princess of Deryabar, -being somewhat recovered, recounted the adventure of the castle and -Codadad's disaster. Then she required justice for the treachery of the -princes. Yes, madam, said the king to her, those ungrateful wretches -shall perish, but Codadad's death must first be made public, that the -punishment of his brothers may not cause my subjects to rebel; and, -though we have not my son's body, we will not omit paying him the last -duties. This said, he directed his discourse to the vizier, and ordered -him to build a dome of white marble in a delightful plain, in the midst -of which the city of Harran stands; then he appointed the princess of -Deryabar a fine apartment in his palace, acknowledging her for his -daughter-in-law. - -Hassan caused the work to be carried on with such diligence, and employed -so many workmen, that the dome was soon finished. Within it was erected a -monument, and on it was placed a figure representing Codadad. As soon as -all was perfected, the king ordered prayers to be said, and appointed a -day for the obsequies of his son. - -On that day, all the inhabitants of the city went out upon the plain to -see that ceremony performed; which was after this manner. The king, -attended by his vizier and the prime persons of the court, proceeded -towards the dome; and being come to it, went in, and sat down with them -on carpets laid on the ground, made of black satin, with gold flowers. A -great body of horse guards, hanging their heads, and looking down, drew -up close about the dome, and marched round it twice, observing a profound -silence; but at the third round, they halted before the door, and all of -them with a loud voice pronounced these words: 'O prince, son to the -king, could we by dint of sword and human valour any way retrieve your -misfortune, we would bring you back to life; but the King of kings has -commanded, and the angel of death has obeyed.' Having uttered these -words, they drew off, to make way for a hundred old men, all of them -mounted on black mules, and wearing long gray beards. - -These were anchorites, who lived all their days concealed in caves. They -never appeared in the sight of the world, but when they were to assist at -the obsequies of the kings of Harran, and of the princes of their family. -Each of these venerable persons carried a book on his head, which he held -with one hand. They took three turns round the dome without uttering one -word; then stopping before the door, one of them said, 'O prince, what -can we do for you? If you could be restored to life by prayers or -learning, we would rub our gray beards at thy feet, and recite prayers; -but the King of the universe has taken you away for ever.' - -This said, the old men removed at a distance from the dome, and -immediately fifty young beautiful maids drew near to it: each of them was -mounted on a little white horse: they wore no veils, and carried gold -baskets full of all sorts of precious stones. Thus they did also ride -thrice round the dome; and, halting at the same place as the others had -done, the youngest of them spoke in the name of all as follows: 'O -prince, once so beautiful, what relief can you expect from us? If we -could restore you to life by our charms, we would become your slaves. But -you are no longer sensible to beauty, and have no more occasion for us.' - -When the young maids were withdrawn, the king and his courtiers arose, -and, having walked thrice round the figure representing Codadad, the king -spoke as follows: 'O my dear son, light of my eyes, I have then lost thee -for ever.' These words were attended with sighs, and he watered the tomb -with his tears, his courtiers weeping with him. Then the gate of the dome -was shut, and all the people returned to the city. The next day, there -were public prayers in all the mosques; and the same was continued for -eight days successively. On the ninth, the king resolved to cause the -princes his sons to be beheaded. All the people, being incensed at their -cruelty towards Codadad, impatiently expected to see them executed. The -scaffolds were erecting; but the execution was respited, on account that, -on a sudden, news was brought, that the neighbouring princes, who had -before made war on the king of Harran, were advancing with more numerous -forces than the first time, and were not then far from the city. It had -been long known that they were preparing for war, but no great notice had -been taken of it. This advice occasioned a general consternation, and -gave new cause to lament the loss of Codadad, by reason that prince had -signalized himself in the former war against those enemies. Alas! said -they, were the brave Codadad alive, we should little value those princes -who are coming to surprise us. The king, nothing dismayed, raised men -with all possible speed, formed a considerable army, and, being too brave -to expect the enemy to come and attack him within his walls, marched out -to meet them. They, on their side, being informed by their advanced -parties that the king of Harran was marching to engage them, halted in -the plain, and formed their army. - -As soon as the king discovered them, he also drew up his forces, and -ranged them in order of battle. The signal was given, and he attacked -them with extraordinary vigour. Nor was the opposition inferior: much -blood was shed on both sides, and the victory remained long dubious; but -at length it seemed to incline to the king of Harran's enemies, who, -being more numerous, were about hemming him in, when a good body of horse -appeared on the plain, and drew near the two armies in good order. The -sight of that fresh party daunted both sides, as not knowing what to -think of them. But their doubts were soon cleared; for those horsemen -fell upon the flank of the king of Harran's enemies, giving such a -furious charge, that they soon broke and put them to the rout; and, not -so satisfied, they pursued them, and cut most of them in pieces. - -The king of Harran, who had nicely observed all the action, admired the -bravery of those horsemen, whose unexpected arrival had given the victory -to his side. But, above all, he was charmed with their chief, whom he had -seen fighting with a more than ordinary valour. He longed to know the -name of that generous hero. Being impatient to see and thank him, he -advanced towards him, but perceived he was coming to prevent him. The two -princes drew near, and the king of Harran finding Codadad in that brave -warrior who had just then succoured him, or rather defeated his enemies, -became motionless with joy and surprise. Sir, said Codadad to him, you -have sufficient cause to be astonished, seeing a man appear on a sudden -before your majesty whom perhaps you concluded to be dead. I should have -been so, had not Heaven preserved me still against your enemies. O my -son! cried the king, is it possible that you are restored to me? Alas! I -despaired of seeing you any more. Having so said, he stretched out his -arms to the young prince, who flew to his loving embraces. - -I know all, my son, said the king again, after having long held him in -his arms; I know what return my sons have made you for the service you -did in delivering them out of the hands of the black; but you shall be -revenged to-morrow. Let us now go to the palace; your mother, who has -wept sufficiently for you, expects me, to rejoice with us for the defeat -of our enemies. What a joy will it be to her to be informed that my -victory is your handy-work! Sir, said Codadad, give me leave to ask you, -how could you come to know the adventure of the castle? Has any of my -brothers, repenting, owned the thing to you? No, answered the king, the -princess of Deryabar has given us an account of all things; for she is in -my palace, and came thither to demand justice against your brothers. -Codadad was in a transport of joy to understand that the princess his -wife was at the court. Let us go, sir, cried he to his father in a -rapture, let us go to see my mother, who waits for us. I have an ardent -desire to dry up her tears, as well as those of the princess of Deryabar. - -The king immediately returned to the city, with his army, which he -dismissed; entering his palace victorious, amidst the acclamations of his -people, who followed him in crowds, praying to Heaven to prolong his -life, and extolling Codadad to the skies. These two princes found Pirouze -and her daughter-in-law waiting for the king to congratulate him; but -there is no expressing the transport of joy they felt when they saw the -young prince come with him: they dissolved in embraces, mixed with tears, -but of a different sort from those they had before shed for him. When -these four persons had performed all that the ties of blood and love -demanded of them, the question was asked of Pirouze's son, by what -miracle he came to be still alive. He answered, that a peasant, mounted -on a mule, happening accidentally to come into the tent where he lay -senseless, and perceiving him alone, and stabbed in several places, had -made him fast on his mule, and carried him to his house, where he applied -to his wounds certain herbs chewed, which had recovered him in a few -days. When I found myself well, added he, I returned thanks to the -peasant, and gave him all the diamonds I had. Then I drew near the city -of Harran; but being informed by the way that some neighbouring princes -had gathered forces, and were coming to fall upon the king's subjects, I -made myself known unto the villagers, and stirred up those people to -stand upon their guard. I armed a good number of young men; and heading -them, happened to come in at that time when the two armies were engaged. - -When he had done speaking, the king said, Let us return thanks to God for -having preserved Codadad; but it is requisite that the traitors, who -would have destroyed him, should perish this day. Sir, answered the -generous son of Pirouze, though they are wicked and ungrateful, consider -they are your own flesh and blood: they are my brothers; I forgive them -the offence, and beg pardon of you for them. This generosity drew tears -from the king, who caused the people to be assembled, and declared -Codadad his heir. Then he ordered the princes, who were prisoners, to be -brought, loaded with irons. Pirouze's son knocked off their chains, and -embraced them all successively, with as much sincerity as he had done in -the court of the black's castle. The people were charmed with Codadad's -good nature, and highly applauded him. Next he nobly rewarded the -surgeon, to requite the service he had done the princess of Deryabar. - -The sultaness Scheherazade, having told the story of Ganem with so much -address, and in so agreeable a manner, that the sultan of the Indies -could not forbear showing the pleasure that relation gave him, said to -that monarch, I doubt not but your majesty is very well satisfied to find -the caliph Haroun Alraschid change his sentiments in favour of Ganem, his -mother, and sister; and I believe you may be sensibly affected with their -misfortunes, and the ill treatment they received; but am persuaded, if -your majesty would hear the story of the Sleeper Awakened, it would, -instead of exciting all those emotions of indignation and compassion in -your breast, on the contrary, afford you all the mirth and diversion -imaginable. The sultan, who promised himself some new adventures from the -title of that story, would have heard it that morning; but perceiving day -approached, deferred it till next, when Dinarzade called upon her sister, -who began her story as follows. - - - - - THE STORY OF - THE SLEEPER AWAKENED. - - -In the reign of caliph Haroun Alraschid, there lived at Bagdad a very -rich merchant, who, having married a woman pretty well in years, had but -one son, whom he named Abon Hassan, and educated with great restraint. -When this son was thirty years old, the merchant died, and left him his -sole heir, and master of great riches, which his father had amassed -together by his industry, frugality, and great application to business. - -Abon Hassan, whose views and inclinations were very much different from -those of his father, was resolved to make another use of his wealth; for, -as his father had never allowed him any money but what was just necessary -for subsistence, and he had always envied those young persons of his age -who wanted none, and who debarred themselves from none of those pleasures -to which youth are too much addicted, he resolved, in his turn, to -signalize himself by extravagances proportionable to his fortune. To this -end, he divided his riches in two parts; with one half he bought houses -in town and land in the country, with a promise to himself never to touch -the income of his estate, which was considerable enough to live upon very -handsomely, but lay it all by; with the other half, which he kept by him -in ready money, he designed to make himself amends for the time he had -lost in the severe restraint with which his father had always kept him. - -With this intent, Abon Hassan associated himself in a few days with -people of his age and condition, and thought of nothing more than how to -spend their time agreeably. Every day he gave them splendid -entertainments, at which the most exquisite and delicate wines flowed in -plenty, while concerts of the best vocal and instrumental music -heightened their pleasures; and then this young band of debauchees, with -glasses in their hands, sang and joined with the music; and these feasts -generally ended with balls at night, to which the best dancers in Bagdad, -of both sexes, were invited. These entertainments, renewed every day, -were so expensive to Abon Hassan, that he could not support the -extravagance above one year; and, in short, the great sum which he had -consecrated to this prodigality and the year ended together. As soon as -he left off keeping this table, his friends forsook him: whenever they -saw him, they avoided him; and if by chance he met any of them, and would -stop them, they always excused themselves on some pretence or other. - -Abon Hassan, touched more to the quick at this strange behaviour of his -friends, who had forsaken him so basely and ungratefully, after all the -protestations of friendship they had made him, and their inviolable -attachment to his service, than all the money he had foolishly squandered -away, went, melancholy and thoughtful, into his mother's apartment, and -sat down on a sofa a good distance from her. What is the matter with you, -son? said his mother, reading his grief in his countenance: why are you -so altered, so dejected, and so much different from yourself? You could -not certainly be more concerned if you had lost all you had in the world. -I know you have lived very profusely, and believe all your money is -spent; yet you have a good estate; and the reason I did not so very much -oppose your irregular way of living, was, I knew the wise precaution you -had taken to preserve half your substance; therefore I do not see why you -should plunge yourself into this deep melancholy. - -At these words, Abon Hassan melted into tears, and in the midst of his -sighs cried out, Ah! mother, I see at last, by sad experience, how -insupportable poverty is: I am sensible that it deprives us of joy, as -much as the setting sun does of light. In poverty, we have no -commendations and fine things said unto us: we endeavour to conceal all -our actions, and spend our nights in tears and sorrow. In short, a poor -man is looked upon, both by friends and relations, as a stranger. You -know, mother, how I have used my friends for this year past: I have -entertained them with all imaginable generosity, till I have spent all my -money; and now they have left me, when I can treat them no longer. For my -estate, I thank Heaven for having given me the grace to keep the oath I -have made not to enter upon that; and now I shall know how to make a good -use of it. But first, I will try the gratitude of friends, who deserve -not that I should call them so: I will go to them one after another, and -when I have represented to them what I have done for their sakes, I will -ask them to make me up a sum of money among them, to relieve me out of -the miserable condition I am reduced to: these are the steps I intend to -take to try their gratitude. - -I do not pretend, son, said Abon Hassan's mother, to dissuade you from -executing your design; but I can tell you before-hand, that you have no -ground for any hope: believe me, you will find no relief, but from the -estate you have reserved. I see you do not, but will soon know those -people, whom we generally call friends; and I wish to Heaven you may, in -the manner I desire; that is to say, for your own good. Mother, replied -Abon Hassan, I am persuaded of the truth of what you say; but shall be -certain of a fact which concerns me so nearly, when I shall inform myself -better of their baseness. Upon this, Abon Hassan went immediately to his -friends, whom he found at home, represented to them the great need he was -in, and begged of them to loose their purse-strings to assist him. He -promised to give every one bonds to pay them the money they lent him, as -soon as his affairs were made up; giving them to understand, at the same -time, that it was, in a great measure, upon their accounts that he was -undone; and forgetting not to allure them with the hopes of being once -again entertained in the same manner as before. - -Not one of his bottle companions was affected with the arguments which -the afflicted Abon Hassan made use of to persuade them; and he had the -mortification to find, that many of them told him plainly they scarce -knew him. - -He returned home again full of grief and rage; and, going into his -mother's apartment, said, Ah! madam, you was in the right of it; instead -of friends, I have found none but ungrateful, perfidious wretches, who -deserve not my friendship; whom I renounce, and promise never to see them -more. He resolved to be as good as his word; and, to that end, took all -possible precautions to avoid falling into the same inconvenience, taking -an oath never to give an inhabitant of Bagdad any entertainment again. -Afterwards he opened a strong chest, in which he had put the rents he had -received from his estate, and resolved to take every day a sum that was -sufficient to defray the expense of a single person to sup with him; who, -according to the oath he had taken, must be a stranger that came into -Bagdad the same day, and must take his leave of him the next morning. - -According to this project, Abon Hassan took care every morning to provide -whatever he designed for night, and towards the close of the evening went -and sat on Bagdad bridge; and, as soon as ever he saw a stranger, of -whatever condition he was, he accosted him civilly, and invited him to -sup and lodge with him that night; and, after having informed him of the -law he had imposed upon himself, took him home with him. The repast with -which Abon Hassan regaled his guests was not costly, but always plain and -neat, with plenty of good wine, and generally lasted till the night was -pretty well advanced; when, instead of entertaining his guest with the -affairs of state, his family or business, as is too frequent, he affected -to talk of indifferent subjects, and was naturally of so gay and pleasant -a temper, that he could give the most agreeable turns in conversation, -and make the most reserved and melancholy persons merry. When he saw his -guest again the next morning, he always said to him, God preserve you -from all sorrow wherever you go: when I invited you yesterday to come and -sup with me, I informed you of the law I have made; therefore do not take -it ill if I tell you that we must never see one another again, nor drink -together, for reasons best known to myself: so God conduct you. - -Abon Hassan was very exact in the observation of this oath, and never -looked upon, or spoke to, any stranger he had once entertained, wherever -he met them; and had lived for a long time after this manner, when one -afternoon, a little before sunset, as he was sitting upon the bridge, -according to custom, the caliph Haroun Alraschid came by so disguised -that nobody could know him: for that monarch, though his chief ministers -and officers of justice acquitted themselves of their duty very -punctually, yet would take notice of every thing himself; and, to that -purpose, often disguised himself, and walked through the city and suburbs -of Bagdad; and that day was dressed like a merchant of Moussel, who had -but just disembarked, and was followed by a slave. - -As the caliph had in his disguise a grave and awful air, Abon Hassan, who -thought him to be a Moussel merchant, went directly to him; and, after -having saluted him with a smiling countenance, and kissed his hand, said, -Sir, I congratulate you on your happy arrival, and beg of you to do me -the honour to go and sup with me, and repose yourself at my home this -night, after the fatigue of your voyage; and, to oblige him not to deny -him that favour, he told him his custom of entertaining the first -stranger he met with. The caliph found something so odd and singular in -Abon Hassan's taste, that he was very desirous to know the bottom, -without quitting the character of a merchant; and told him, that he could -not better answer that great civility, which he did not expect at his -arrival at Bagdad, than by accepting the obliging offer that he made him. - -Abon Hassan, who knew not that the guest which fortune presented to him -was so very much above him, treated him as his equal, carried him home, -and led him into a room very neatly furnished, where he set him on a -sofa, at the upper end of a table that was ready laid for supper, which -was soon after sent up by Abon Hassan's mother, who took upon herself the -care of the kitchen, and consisted of three dishes. The first was a capon -and four large pullets, which were set in the middle; and the second and -third, placed on each side, were a fat roasted goose and boiled pigeons, -all dressed very neatly, and with proper sauces. - -Abon Hassan sat down over against his guest, and he and the caliph began -to eat heartily of what they liked best, without speaking or drinking, -according to the custom of the country. When they had done eating, the -caliph's slave brought them water to wash their hands; and, in the mean -time, Abon Hassan's mother sent up a dessert of all sorts of dried -sweetmeats, and all the fruits then in season, as grapes, peaches, -apples, pears, &c. As soon as it grew dark, wax-candles were lighted, and -Abon Hassan, after charging his mother to take care of the caliph's -slave, brought bottles and glasses. - -Then Abon Hassan, sitting down with the pretended Moussel merchant again, -filled out a glass of wine, before he touched the dessert; and holding it -out in his hand, said to the caliph, You know, sir, that the cock never -drinks before he calls to his hens to come and drink with him; so I -invite you to follow my example. I do not know what you may think; for my -part, I cannot reckon him a wise man who does not love wine: come, let us -leave those sort of people to their dull melancholy humours, and seek for -mirth, which is only to be found in a brimmer. - -While Abon Hassan was drinking, the caliph, taking the glass that was set -by him, said, Now I like you, you are an honest fellow; I am mightily -taken with your pleasant temper, and expect you should fill me as much. -Abon Hassan, as soon as he had drunk, filled the caliph's glass, and -giving it to him, Here, sir, said he, taste this wine; I will warrant it -good. I am very well persuaded, replied the caliph, laughing, that you -know how to make choice of the best. O, replied Abon Hassan, while the -caliph was taking off his glass, one may easily find that you know what -good living is, and have seen the world. Alas! how happy is my house in -your presence, and how overjoyed am I for meeting with a man of so much -merit. - -The caliph, who was naturally a merry man, was mightily diverted with -these sallies of Abon Hassan, and took great pleasure in promoting -drinking, often asking for wine, thinking that when that began to work, -he might penetrate so far into his discourse as to satisfy his curiosity. -Therefore, to enter into conversation, he asked him his name, his -business, and how he spent his life. My name, sir, replied he, is Abon -Hassan: my father, whom I buried, was a merchant of Bagdad; and though he -was not the richest, yet he lived very well. When he died, he left me -enough in my station to live free from ambition; but as he always kept a -very strict hand over me in his life-time, I was willing, when he was -gone, to make up the time I thought I had lost. - -But notwithstanding, continued Abon Hassan, in this I was more prudent -than most young people are, who give themselves unto debauchery without -any thought, and who reduce themselves to the utmost poverty, and are -forced to do penance all the rest of their lives after. Now I, to avoid -this misfortune, divided what I had left me in two parts, and with one -bought an estate, with a resolution not to finger my rents at that time; -and kept the other in ready money to pursue my extravagances with. I -associated myself with young people of my age, and with my ready money, -which I spent profusely, treated them every day; and, in short, spared -for no sort of pleasure. But these feastings did not last long; for by -that time the year was out, I had got to the bottom of my cash, and then -all my friends vanished. I made a visit to every one of them, and -represented to them the miserable condition I was in, but none of them -would relieve me. Upon this, I renounced their friendship, and retrenched -so far as to live within the compass of my income, and obliged myself to -keep company with none but the first stranger I could meet with, coming -that day into Bagdad, and to entertain him but one night. I have told you -the rest before; and I thank my good fortune this day for meeting with a -stranger of so much worth. - -The caliph was very well satisfied with this information, and said to -Abon Hassan, I cannot enough commend the measures you have taken, and the -prudence with which you have acted, by forsaking your debauchery; a -conduct rarely to be met with in young persons; and I esteem you the more -for being so just to yourself as you have been. It was a slippery path -you trode in; and I cannot enough admire, how, after having seen the end -of your ready money, you had so great a command over yourself not to -enter upon your estate. In short, I must own I envy your happiness: you -are the only happy man in the world, to enjoy every day the company of -some one honest man, with whom you can discourse freely and agreeably, -and to whom you give an opportunity to declare, wherever he goes, how -handsomely he was received by you. But we talk too long without drinking; -come drink, and pour out to me. - -In this manner the caliph and Abon Hassan entertained each other, -drinking and talking of indifferent matters till the night was pretty far -advanced; when the caliph, pretending to be fatigued after his voyage, -told his host he stood in need of a little rest; but, added he, that I -may not deprive you of yours, before we part, because to-morrow I may be -gone before you are stirring, I would be glad to show you how sensible I -am of your civility, and the kind and obliging hospitality you have shown -me. The only thing that troubles me is, that I know not which way to pay -my acknowledgment; therefore I beg of you to let me understand how I may, -and you shall see I will not be ungrateful; for certainly you must have -some business in which you may be served, or must want something which -you could wish for. Speak freely, and declare your mind; for, though I am -but a merchant, it may be in mine or some friend's power to oblige you. - -To these offers of the caliph, Abon Hassan, taking him still for a -Moussel merchant, replied, I am very well persuaded, good sir, that it is -not out of a compliment that you make me these generous tenders; but, -upon the word of an honest man, I have nothing that troubles me, no -business nor desires, and want not any thing. I have not the least -ambition, as I told you before, but am very well satisfied with my -condition. Therefore, I can only thank you for your obliging proffers, -and the honour you have done me to come and take a slight repast with me. -Yet I must tell you, pursued Abon Hassan, there is one thing gives me -great uneasiness. You know the town of Bagdad is divided into several -parts and divisions, to each of which there belongs a mosque, and an iman -to read prayers at certain hours. The iman of the division I live in is -an old man, of an austere countenance, and the greatest hypocrite in the -world. This man, and four old men of this neighbourhood, who are people -of the same stamp, meet every day at the iman's house; there they vent -their slander, calumny, and malice against me and the whole division, to -the disturbance of the public peace of the neighbourhood, and the -promotion of dissension. Some they threaten, others they rail against; -and, in short, would be lords paramount, and have every one govern -himself according to their caprice; and, at the same time, know not how -to govern themselves. Indeed, I would have them meddle with nothing but -their Alcoran, and let the world live quietly. - -Well, I suppose, said the caliph, you would willingly put a stop to this -disorder. You have guessed it, answered Abon Hassan; and the only thing I -should desire, would be to be caliph only for one day, in the stead of -our sovereign lord and master Haroun Alraschid, the commander of the -faithful. What would you do if you were? said the caliph. I would make -them examples, answered Abon Hassan, to the satisfaction of all honest -men. I would punish the four old men with each a hundred bastinadoes on -the soles of their feet, and the iman with four hundred, to learn them -not to disturb and abuse their neighbours any more. - -The caliph was extremely well pleased with this thought of Abon Hassan's; -and, as he was a prince who loved adventures, he fancied to make this a -very singular one. Indeed, said he, I approve very much of your wish, -which I see proceeds from an upright mind, that cannot bear to see the -malice of wicked people go unpunished. I could like to see it take -effect, and that is not so impossible a thing as you imagine. I am -persuaded that the caliph would willingly put his authority for -twenty-four hours into your hands, if he knew your good intentions, and -the just use you would make of it. I see, said Abon Hassan, you laugh at -my foolish fancy; and the caliph himself would laugh at my extravagance -too if he knew it; but yet it would be a means of informing him of the -iman's and his companions' behaviour, and he might chastise them. - -Heaven forbid, replied the caliph, that I, who have been so handsomely -entertained by you, should laugh at you; neither do I believe, as much a -stranger as I am, that the caliph would be displeased. But let us lay -this discourse aside; it is almost midnight, and time to go to bed. With -all my heart, said Abon Hassan, I would not be any hindrance to your -going to rest; but there is still some wine in the bottle, and, if you -please, we will drink it off first. The only thing that I have to -recommend to you is, that, when you go out in the morning, if I am not -up, you will give yourself the trouble of shutting the door after you, -which the caliph promised; and while Abon Hassan was talking, took the -bottle and two glasses, and filled his own first, saying, Here is a cup -of thanks to you; and then filling the other, put artfully a little -powder, which he had about him, into it, and giving it to Abon Hassan, -said, you have taken the pains to fill for me all this night, and it is -the least I can do to save you the trouble once; come, drink to our good -repose. - -Abon Hassan took the glass, and, to show his guest with how much pleasure -he received the honour he did him, whipped it off at once; but had -scarcely set the glass upon the table before the powder began to work, -and he fell into so sound a sleep, that his head knocked against his -knees. The caliph ordered the slave that he had brought along with him, -and who came again into the room as soon as he had supped, to take him -upon his back, and follow him; but to be sure to observe the house, that -he might know it again when he should bring him back; and in this manner -the caliph, followed by the slave with Abon Hassan on his back, went out -of the house, but without shutting the door after him, as Abon Hassan -desired, and went directly to his palace, and, by a backdoor, into his -own apartment, where all the officers of his apartment were waiting for -him, whom he ordered to undress him, and put him in his bed, which they -immediately performed. - -Then the caliph sent for all the officers and ladies of the palace, and -said to them, I would have all those whose business it is to attend my -levee wait to-morrow morning upon this man who lies in my bed, and pay -the same respect to him as to myself, and obey him in whatever he -commands; let him be refused in nothing that he asks for, and be spoken -to and answered in every thing he says or does, as if he was the -commander of the faithful. In short, I expect you to look upon him as the -true caliph, and neglect not the least circumstance. - -The officers and ladies presently understood that the caliph had a mind -to divert himself, and made low bows to show their obedience, and then -withdrew, every one full of the part they were to act. - -Then he sent for the grand vizier: Giafar, said he, I have sent for you -to instruct you, and to prevent your being surprised to-morrow when you -come to an audience, to see this man, that is laid here in my bed, seated -on my throne in my royal robes: accost him with the same reverence and -respect you pay to myself; observe, and punctually execute, whatever he -bids you do, the same as if I commanded you, even if his liberality -should extend so far as to empty all the coffers in my treasury; and -remember to acquaint all my emirs and huissirs, all the officers without -the palace, to pay him the same honour at audience as the commander of -the believers himself; and to carry on the matter so well, that he might -not perceive the least thing that may interrupt this joke which I am -diverting myself with. - -Afterwards the grand vizier retired, and the caliph went to bed in -another apartment; and ordered Mesrour, the chief of his eunuchs, to take -care to manage things so well, that he might see how Abon Hassan would -use the power and authority of the caliph for the time he desired to have -it; and, above all, charged him to awake him at the usual hour, before he -awakened Abon Hassan, because he had a mind to be present when he rose. - -Mesrour failed not to do as the caliph had commanded; and, as soon as the -caliph went into the room where Abon Hassan lay, he placed himself in a -little closet, from whence he could see all that passed. All the officers -and ladies who were to attend Abon Hassan's levee, took their posts -according to their rank, with great silence, and discharged themselves as -punctually of their offices as if the caliph had been to rise. - -As it was just day-break, and time to rise to morning prayer before -sun-rise, the officer that stood nearest to the head of the bed, put a -sponge steeped in vinegar to Abon Hassan's nose; who, presently turning -his head about without opening his eyes, sneezed heartily, which was -generally the effect of the caliph's powder, and which lasted longer or -shorter in proportion to the dose. Then opening his eyes, he found -himself, by the small light that appeared, in a stately room -magnificently furnished, the ceiling of which was finely painted, and the -floor covered with a rich silk tapestry, and surrounded by a great many -young and handsome ladies, with all sorts of instruments of music in -their hands, and black eunuchs richly clothed, all standing with great -modesty and respect. After casting his eyes on the quilt of the bed, he -perceived it was cloth of gold, richly embossed with pearls and diamonds; -and that there was laid by the bed a habit of the same stuff and -trimmings, with a caliph's turban. - -At the sight of these glittering objects, Abon Hassan was in the most -inexpressible confusion and amazement, and looked upon all he saw as a -dream. So, said he to himself, I am caliph; but, added he a little after, -it is only a dream, the effect of the wish I entertained my guest with -last night; and then he turned himself about to sleep again. At the same -time, the eunuch said very respectfully, Commander of the Faithful, it is -time for your majesty to rise to prayers; the morning begins to advance. - -These words very much surprised Abon Hassan. Am I awake, or do I sleep? -said he to himself. Ah! certainly I am asleep! continued he, keeping his -eyes shut; there is no reason to doubt of it. - -Immediately the eunuch, who saw he had no inclination to get up, and that -he gave him no answer, said again, Your majesty, I hope, will not be -angry, if I tell you once more that it is time to rise to morning prayer, -which you never neglect, and the sun is just upon rising. I am mistaken, -said Abon Hassan presently; I am not asleep, but awake: for those that -sleep do not hear, and I hear very distinctly. Then opening his eyes, he -saw plainly by broad daylight, what appeared but uncertain before, and -rising upon his breech, with a smiling countenance, like a man overjoyed -at a sudden promotion, pleased the caliph, who penetrated into the bottom -of his thoughts. - -Then the ladies of the palace prostrated themselves with their faces to -the ground before Abon Hassan, and those who had the instruments of music -in their hands, wished him a good-morrow, by a concert of soft flutes, -hautboys, theorboes, and other harmonious instruments, with which he was -ravished, and was in such an ecstasy, that he knew not himself, nor where -he was; but, recovering at last his first idea, he doubted whether what -he saw was a dream or matter of fact. He clapped his hands before his -eyes, and lowering his head, said to himself, What means all this? where -am I? and whom does this palace belong to? What can these eunuchs, -officers, beautiful ladies, and musicians signify? How is it possible for -me to distinguish whether I am in my right senses or in a dream? When he -took his hands from his eyes, the sun shone full in at the -chamber-window; and at that instant, Mesrour, the chief of the eunuchs, -came in, prostrated himself before Abon Hassan, and said, Commander of -the Faithful, your majesty will excuse me for representing to you, that -you used not to lie so long, and that the time of prayer is over; I am -afraid your majesty has had an ill night, and has been indisposed, and -may not be able to ascend your throne in council as usual: all your -generals, governors, and other officers of state, wait your presence in -the council-hall. - -At this discourse of Mesrour's, Abon Hassan was verily persuaded that he -was neither asleep nor in a dream; but, at the same time, was very much -embarrassed and confused. At last, looking earnestly at Mesrour, he said -to him in a serious tone, Who is it you speak to, and call the commander -of the faithful? For my part, I do not know you, and you mistake me for -somebody else. - -Any person but Mesrour would have been dashed at these questions of Abon -Hassan's; but he had been so well instructed by the caliph, that he -played his part to a wonder. My worthy lord and master, said he, your -majesty only speaks thus to try me: is not your majesty the commander of -the faithful, monarch of the world, and the prophet's vicar on earth? -Mesrour, your slave, has not forgot you, after so many years that he has -had the honour and happiness to serve and pay his respects to your -majesty; and should think himself the most unhappy of all men if he has -incurred your displeasure, and begs of you most humbly to remove his -fears; but is apt to believe that you have been disturbed by some -troublesome dream last night. - -Abon Hassan burst out a-laughing at these words of Mesrour's, and fell -backwards upon the bolster, which pleased the caliph so much, that he -would have laughed as loud himself, if he had not been afraid of putting -a stop to the pleasant scene he promised himself. - -Abon Hassan, when he had tired himself with laughing, sat up again on his -breech, and, speaking to a little black eunuch that stood by him, said, -Hark ye, tell me who I am. Sir, answered the little boy modestly, your -majesty is the commander of the believers, and God's vicar on earth. You -are a liar, sooty face, said Abon Hassan. Then he called the lady that -stood the nearest to him: Come hither, fair one, said he, holding out his -hand, bite the end of my finger, that I may feel whether I am asleep or -awake. - -The lady, who knew the caliph saw all that passed, was overjoyed to show -how capable she was of diverting him, and went with a grave countenance, -and putting his finger between her teeth, she bit so hard that he cried -out; and, snatching his hand quickly back again, said, I find I am awake, -and not asleep. But by what miracle am I become caliph in a night's time? -This is certainly the most strange and surprising thing in the world! -Then addressing himself to the same lady, he said, I conjure you, for -Heaven's sake, not to hide the truth from me; am I really the commander -of the faithful? It is so true, answered the lady, that we, who are your -slaves, are amazed to find that you will not believe yourself to be so. -Ah! you are a deceiver, replied Abon Hassan; I know very well who I am. - -As the chief of the eunuchs perceived that Abon Hassan had a mind to -rise, he lent him his hand, and helped him to get out of bed. No sooner -were his feet set on the floor, than the chamber rang again with repeated -acclamations of the officers and ladies, who cried out, God preserve your -majesty, and give you a good day. O Heaven! cried Abon Hassan, what a -strange thing is this! Last night I was Abon Hassan, and this morning I -am the commander of the believers! I cannot comprehend this sudden and -surprising change. Presently some of the officers began to dress him; and -when they had done, Mesrour led him through all the eunuchs and ladies, -who were ranged on both sides quite to the council-chamber door, which -was opened by one of the huissirs. Mesrour walked before him to the foot -of the throne, where he stopped, and putting one hand under one arm, -while another officer did the same by the other, they helped him to -ascend the throne. - -The caliph, in the mean time, came out of the closet where he was hid, -and went into another which looked into the council-hall, from whence he -could hear all that passed, and see Abon Hassan, who filled his throne -with all the gravity imaginable. - -As soon as Abon Hassan had seated himself, the grand vizier Giafar -prostrated himself at the foot of the throne, and addressing himself to -him, said, God shower down blessings on your majesty in this life, -receive you into his paradise in the other world, and confound your -enemies! - -Abon Hassan, after all that had happened that morning, and these words of -the grand vizier, never doubted but he was caliph, as he wished to be; -and so, without examining any farther, how, or by what adventure or -sudden change of fortune, he immediately began to exercise his power, and -looking very gravely upon the vizier, asked him what he had to say. -Commander of the Faithful, replied the grand vizier, the emirs, viziers, -and other officers who are of your majesty's council, wait at the door, -until your majesty give them leave to come in, and pay their usual -respects to you. Abon Hassan presently bade that the door be opened, and -the grand vizier gave the sign to the huissir that waited for it. - -When the door was opened, the viziers, emirs, and principal officers of -the court, all dressed magnificently in their habits of ceremony, went in -their order to the foot of the throne, and paid their respects to Abon -Hassan; and bowing their heads down to the carpet, kneeling on one knee, -saluted him with the title of Commander of the Faithful, according to the -instruction of the grand vizier, and afterwards took their seats. - -When this ceremony was over, the grand vizier, standing before the -throne, began with papers in his hand to make his report of affairs, -which at that time were of very little consequence. Nevertheless, Abon -Hassan acquitted himself in his great post without the least -embarrassment; and gave judgment so well in all matters, that the caliph -could not help wondering at his address. But before the grand vizier had -finished his report, Abon Hassan called the judge of the police, whom he -knew by sight, as he sat in his place: Hold, said he to the grand vizier, -I have something to order the judge of the police. The judge of the -police perceiving that Abon Hassan looked at him, and hearing his name -mentioned, arose from his seat, and went gravely to the foot of the -throne, where he prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Judge of -the police, said Abon Hassan, go immediately to such a division, and -seize the iman of the mosque, and four old men, (whom he described,) and -give each of the old men a hundred bastinadoes with a bull's pizzle, and -the iman four hundred: after that, mount them all five on camels, with -their faces to the tails; and lead them through the whole city, with a -crier before them, who shall proclaim, This is the punishment of all -those who trouble their heads with other people's affairs, and make it -their business to create disturbances and misunderstandings in families -in their neighbourhood. My intention is also, that you enjoin them to -leave that division, and never to set a foot more in it; and while your -lieutenant is conducting them through the town, return, and give me an -account of the execution of my orders. The judge of the police laid his -hand upon his head, to show his obedience, and, prostrating himself a -second time, went away. - -The caliph was extremely well pleased at this order; and perceived by -Abon Hassan's strictness and expedition, that he was resolved not to lose -the opportunity of punishing the iman and the other four old hypocrites. -In the mean time, the grand vizier went on with his report, and had just -done when the judge of the police came back from executing his -commission. He went to the throne with the usual ceremony, and said, -Commander of the Faithful, I found the iman and his four companions; and -for a proof that I have punctually obeyed your commands, I have brought -an instrument signed by the principal inhabitants of that division: at -the same time, he pulled out a paper, and presented it to the pretended -caliph. - -Abon Hassan took the paper, and reading over the names of the witnesses, -who were all people that he knew very well, said to the judge of the -police, It is very well; return to your seat. These old hypocrites, said -he to himself, with a great deal of satisfaction in his looks, who must -be censuring my actions, and finding fault with my entertaining honest -people, deserved this punishment. The caliph all the time penetrated into -his thoughts, and conceived a sensible joy in this expedition. - -Then Abon Hassan, addressing himself afterwards to the grand vizier, -said, Go to the high treasurer for a purse of a thousand pieces of gold, -and carry it to the mother of Abon Hassan, who is known by the name of -the Debauchee; she lives in the same division into which I sent the judge -of the police: return immediately. - -The grand vizier, after laying his hand upon his head, and prostrating -himself before the throne, went to the high treasurer, who gave him the -money, which he ordered a slave to take, and follow him to Abon Hassan's -mother, to whom he gave it, saying only, The caliph makes you this -present. She received it with the greatest surprise imaginable, and could -not tell what to think of this liberality of the caliph. - -During the grand vizier's absence, the judge of the police acted for him, -in making the report, which lasted till the vizier returned. As soon as -he came into the council-chamber, and had assured Abon Hassan he had done -as he had bade him, Mesrour, the chief of the eunuchs, who returned to -the palace after he had conducted Abon Hassan to the council, came again, -and made a sign to the viziers, emirs, and other officers, that the -council was done, and that they might all retire; which they all did, by -making the same reverence and obedience as when they entered. - -Abon Hassan sat not long after them, but came down from the throne, -supported in the same manner as he went up to it, by Mesrour and another -eunuch, who attended him back again to the apartment from whence he came, -preceded all the way by the grand vizier: but before he reached the -apartment, he was taken with a pressing occasion; upon which they showed -him into a convenient closet, paved with white marble; and while Abon -Hassan was there, the grand vizier went to acquaint the caliph with what -had passed, though he had been an eye-witness all the time. - -When Abon Hassan came out of the closet, Mesrour went before him, to show -him the way into an inner apartment, where there was a table spread. -Several eunuchs ran before, to tell the musicians that the sham caliph -was coming, who immediately began a concert of vocal and instrumental -music, with which Abon Hassan was so charmed and transported, that he -could not tell what to think at all he saw and heard. If this is a dream, -said he, it is a long one: but certainly, continued he, it is no dream; -for I can see and feel, walk, hear, and argue reasonably. Whatever it is, -I trust in God: yet I cannot believe but I am the commander of the -faithful; for no other person could live in this splendour. The honour -and respect that is given me, and the obedience paid to my commands, are -sufficient proofs. - -In short, Abon Hassan took it for granted that he was caliph, and the -commander of the faithful; and was fully convinced of it, when he entered -that magnificent and spacious hall, which was finely painted. Seven bands -of musicians were placed round the hall, and as many gold branches hung -down from the ceiling, which was painted with blue and gold. In the -middle of the hall there was spread a table, which was served up with all -manner of rarities, in massy gold plates and dishes; and seven young -beautiful ladies, dressed in the richest habits, of the most lively -colours, stood round this table, each with a fan in her hand, to fan Abon -Hassan when at dinner. - -If ever mortal was charmed, Abon Hassan was: at every step he took in -that stately hall, he could not help stopping to contemplate on all the -wonders that regaled his eyes, and turned his head first on one side and -then again on the other, which made the caliph almost split his sides -with laughing. At last he went and sat down at the table, and presently -all the ladies that stood about it began to fan him. He looked first at -one and then at another, and admired the grace with which they acquitted -themselves; and told them, with a smile, that he believed one fan was -enough to cool him, and would have six of the ladies sit at table with -him, three on his right hand and three on his left; that, as the table -was round, which way soever he turned, his eyes might be saluted with -agreeable objects. - -The six ladies obeyed; and Abon Hassan taking notice that, out of -respect, they did not eat, helped them himself, and invited them to eat -in the most pressing and obliging terms. Afterwards, he asked their -names; which they told him were, White neck, Coral Lips, Fair Face, Sun -Shine, Heart's Delight, Sweet Looks, and she who fanned him was Sugar -Cane. The many soft things he said upon their names, showed him to be a -man of a sprightly wit, and very much increased the esteem which the -caliph (who saw every thing) had for him. - -When the ladies saw that Abon Hassan had done eating, one of them said to -the eunuch who waited, the commander of the faithful will go into the -next hall to the desert: bring some water. Upon which they all rose from -the table, and taking from the eunuchs, one a gold basin, another an -ewer, and a third a towel, kneeled down before Abon Hassan, and presented -them to him to wash his hands; who, as soon as he had done, got up, and -after an eunuch had opened the door, went, preceded by Mesrour, who never -left him, into another hall, as large as the former, adorned with the -best paintings, gold vessels, silk tapestry, and other rich furniture. -There seven other bands of music began a new concert, as soon as Abon -Hassan appeared. In this hall there were seven gold branches, and a table -full of dried sweetmeats, and the most choice and exquisite fruits, -raised in pyramids, in seven gold basins, and seven ladies, more -beautiful than the others, standing round it, with fans in their hands. - -These new objects put Abon Hassan into a greater admiration than ever; -who, after he had made a full stop, and given the most sensible marks of -his surprise and astonishment, went directly to the table; where, sitting -down, he gazed a considerable time at the seven ladies, with an -embarrassment that plainly showed he knew not which to give the -preference to. At last he ordered them all to sit and eat with him, -telling them that it was not so hot but he could spare them that trouble. - -When the ladies were all placed about him, the first thing he did was to -ask their names, which were different from the other seven, and expressed -some perfection of either mind or body, which distinguished them from one -another; and upon which he took an opportunity, when he presented them -with fruit, &c. to say somewhat that was handsome. Take this fig, said he -to Chain of Hearts, who sat on his right hand, and render the fetters -with which you loaded me at first sight more supportable; and so went on -to the rest. By these ways, Abon Hassan pleased and diverted the caliph -more and more, who was resolved to carry on this scene which entertained -him so agreeably. - -After Abon Hassan had tasted of all the fruits, &c. he got up and -followed Mesrour into a third hall, much more magnificently furnished -than the other two; where he was received by the same number of musicians -and ladies, who stood about a table covered over with all manner of -sweetmeats. After he had looked about him with new admiration, he -advanced to the table, the music playing all the time, which ceased when -he sat down. The seven ladies sat down with him, by his order, and helped -themselves, as he desired them, to what they liked best; and afterwards -he informed himself of their names, which pleased him as much as the -others had done. - -By this time the day began to close, and Abon Hassan was conducted into -the fourth hall, much more stately and magnificently furnished, lighted -with wax-candles, in seven gold branches and sconces, which were placed -all around it, all which made a glorious light. Abon Hassan found the -same number of musicians here as he had done in the other halls, and saw -also as many ladies standing round a table, furnished with such things as -were proper to promote drinking. There he saw a beaufet, which he had not -observed in any of the other halls, which was set out with seven large -silver flagons full of the choicest wines, and seven crystal glasses by -them. - -All the day long, Abon Hassan had drunk nothing but water, according to a -custom observed at Bagdad, from the highest to the lowest; who never -drink wine till the evening, it being accounted the most scandalous thing -in the world to be seen drunk in the streets in the day-time. - -As soon as Abon Hassan entered the fourth hall, he went directly to the -table and sat down, and was a long time in a kind of ecstasy at the sight -of those seven ladies, who were much more beautiful than all he beheld in -the other halls. He was very desirous to know all their names; but the -music playing then so very loud that he could not hear them speak, he -made a sign for them to leave off playing: then taking one of the ladies -who sat next to him by the hand, he made her sit down by him, and -presenting her with some of those relishing viands before him, asked her -name. Commander of the Faithful, said the lady, I am called Cluster of -Pearls. No name, replied Abon Hassan, could have more properly expressed -your worth; and indeed your teeth exceed the finest pearls. Cluster of -Pearls, added he, since that is your name, oblige me with a glass of wine -from your fair hand. The lady went presently to the beaufet, and brought -him a glass with a pleasant air. Abon Hassan took the glass with a smile, -and looking passionately upon her; said, Cluster of Pearls, your health; -I desire you to fill out as much for yourself, and pledge me. Accordingly -she went to the beaufet, and returned with a glass in her hand; but -before she drank, she sang a song, and by the sweetness of her voice -ravished his senses. - -After Abon Hassan had drunk, he made another lady sit, and presenting her -with some of the viands, asked her name, which she told him was Morning -Star. Your bright eyes, said he, shine with greater lustre than that star -you bear the name of. Do me the pleasure to bring me some wine; which she -did, with an extraordinary grace. Then turning to the third lady, whose -name was Daylight, he ordered her to do the same; and so on to the -seventh, to the extreme satisfaction of the caliph. - -When they had all filled him round, Cluster of Pearls went to the -beaufet, poured out a glass of wine, and putting in a pinch of the same -powder the caliph had used the night before, presented it to Abon Hassan. -Commander of the Faithful, said she, I beg of your majesty to take this -glass of wine; and, before you drink it off, do me the favour to hear a -song I have made to-day, and which may not displease you. With all my -heart, said Abon Hassan, taking the glass; and, as commander of the -faithful, I command you to sing it: for I am persuaded that so beautiful -a lady as yourself must abound with wit and humour. The lady took a lute, -and tuning it to her voice, sang with so much justness and grace, and -with such delicate turns of thought and expression, that Abon Hassan was -in perfect ecstasy all the time, and was so much delighted, that he -ordered her to sing it again. - -When the lady had done, Abon Hassan drank off his glass, and, turning his -head towards her, to give her those praises which he thought due to her, -fell fast asleep with his mouth open gaping, and his eyes close shut, -just in the same condition as when the caliph brought him from home; who -took a greater satisfaction in this scene, than he could have promised -himself. One of the ladies stood ready to catch the glass, which fell out -of his hand; and then the caliph, who was all along a spectator of what -had passed, came into the hall to them, and ordered Abon Hassan to be -dressed again in his own clothes, and to be carried back again to his own -house by the same slave that brought him, charging him to lay him on a -sofa in the same room, and to leave the door open. - -The slave took Abon Hassan upon his shoulders, and carried him home by a -back-door of the palace, and returned with speed to acquaint the caliph -he had executed his commands. Well, said the caliph, Abon Hassan wished -only to be caliph for one day, to punish the iman of the mosque, and the -four scheiks or old men of his division, who had displeased him: I have -procured him the means, and he ought to be content. - -In the mean time, Abon Hassan, who was laid upon a sofa by the slave, -slept very late the next morning. When the powder was worked off, Abon -Hassan opened his eyes, and finding himself at home, was in the utmost -surprise. Cluster of Pearls! Morning Star! Coral Lips! Fair Face! cried -he, calling the ladies of the palace by their names, as he remembered -them: Where are you? Come hither. - -Abon Hassan called so loud, that his mother, who was in her own -apartment, heard, and running to him upon the noise he made, said, What -do you mean, son? What is the matter? At these words, Abon Hassan lifted -up his head, and looking haughtily at his mother, said, Good woman, who -is it you call son? Why, you, answered his mother, very calmly; are not -you Abon Hassan, my son? It is a strange thing that you have forgot -yourself. I your son, old trull! replied Abon Hassan; thou art mad, and -knowest not what thou sayest: I am not Abon Hassan, I tell you, but the -commander of the faithful. - -Hold your tongue, son, answered the mother; one would think you were a -fool, to hear you talk thus. You are an old fool yourself, replied Abon -Hassan: I tell you once more, I am the commander of the faithful, and -God's vicar on earth. Ah! child, cried the mother, is it possible that I -should hear you utter such words, that show you are distracted? What evil -genius possesses you, to make you talk at this rate? God bless you, and -preserve you from the power of Satan. You are my son Abon Hassan, and I -am your mother. - -After she had made use of all the arguments she could think of to bring -him to himself, and to show how great an error he was in, she said, Do -not you see that the room you are now in is your own, and is not like a -chamber fit for the commander of the believers? Think seriously of what I -have said to you, and do not fancy things that are not, nor ever can be. - -Abon Hassan heard all these remonstrances of his mother very patiently, -holding down his eyes, and clapping his hands before his face, like one -who was looking into himself to examine the truth of what he saw and -heard. At last, said he to his mother, just as if he was come out of a -deep sleep, and with his hands in the same posture, Methinks I am Abon -Hassan, you are my mother, and I am in my own room. Then looking about -him again, he added, I am Abon Hassan, there is no doubt of it; and I -cannot comprehend how this fancy came into my head. - -The mother really believed that her son was cured of that disorder of -mind, and began to laugh, and ask him questions about his dream; when, -all on a sudden, he started up on his breech, and looking crossly at his -mother, said, Old sorceress, thou knowest not what thou sayest. I am not -thy son, nor thou my mother, but the commander of the faithful; and thou -shalt never persuade me to the contrary. For heaven's sake, son, said the -mother, let us leave off this discourse, and talk of something else, for -fear some misfortune should happen to us. I will tell you what fell out -yesterday in our division to the iman of the mosque, and the four scheiks -our neighbours: the judge of the police came and seized them, and gave -each of them I do not know how many strokes with a bull's pizzle; and -afterwards led them through all the streets, with a crier before them, -who proclaimed, that that was the punishment of all those who troubled -themselves about other folks' business, and set their neighbours at -variance; and ordered them never to come into our division again. Abon -Hassan's mother could not imagine that her son had any share in this -adventure, and therefore turned the discourse this way to put him out of -the conceit of being the commander of the faithful; but instead of -effacing that idea, she rather strengthened it. - -Abon Hassan no sooner heard this relation, than he cried out, I am -neither thy son, nor Abon Hassan, but certainly the commander of the -believers: I cannot doubt of it, after what you have told me. Know then, -that it was by my order that the iman and the four scheiks were punished; -and I tell you, I am certainly the commander of the faithful; therefore -do not tell me any more of its being a dream. I was not asleep, but as -much awake as I am now. You do me a pleasure to confirm what the judge of -the police told me he had executed according to my order; and I am -overjoyed that the iman and the four scheiks, those great hypocrites, -were so chastised, and would be glad to know how I came here. God be -praised for all things! I am certainly commander of the faithful, and all -thy arguments shall not convince me to the contrary. - -The mother, who could not divine or imagine why her son supported and -maintained himself so strenuously to be caliph, never disputed but that -he had lost his senses, when she found he insisted so much upon a thing -that was so incredible; and in this thought said, I pray God to have -mercy upon you, son! pray do not talk so madly. Beseech God to forgive -you, and give you grace to talk more reasonably. What would the world say -to hear you rave in this manner? Do not you know, they say walls have -ears? - -These remonstrances only enraged Abon Hassan the more; and he was so -provoked at his mother, that he said, Old woman, I have bid you once -already hold your tongue; if you do not, I shall rise and give you cause -to repent it all your life-time. I am the caliph, and the commander of -the believers; and you ought to believe me when I say so. - -Then the good woman perceiving that he was more lunatic than ever, -abandoned herself to tears; and beating her face and breast, expressed -the utmost grief and astonishment to see her son in that distraction. -Abon Hassan, instead of appeasing and being moved by his mother's tears, -on the contrary, lost all the respect due from a son to his mother; and -getting up hastily, and laying hold of a cane, ran to his mother in great -fury, and in a threatening manner said, Tell me presently, wicked woman, -who I am. I do not believe, son, replied she, looking at him tenderly, -and void of fear, that you are so abandoned by God as not to know your -mother, who brought you into the world. Indeed you are my son Abon -Hassan; and are very much in the wrong to arrogate to yourself the title -of our sovereign lord the caliph Haroun Alraschid, after the noble and -generous present that monarch made us yesterday. In short, I forgot to -tell you, that the grand vizier Giafar came to me yesterday, and putting -a purse of a thousand pieces of gold into my hands, bade me pray for the -commander of the faithful, who made me that present. - -At these words, Abon Hassan grew quite mad. The circumstance of the -caliph's liberality his mother told him of, persuaded him more than ever -that he was caliph, remembering how he had sent the vizier. Well, old -hag, cried he, will you be convinced when I tell you that I sent you -those thousand pieces of gold by my grand vizier Giafar, who obeyed my -commands, as I was commander of the faithful? But, instead of believing -me, thou endeavourest to distract me by thy contradictions, and -maintainest with obstinacy that I am thy son; but thou shalt not go long -unpunished. After these words, he was so unnatural, in the height of his -frenzy, as to beat her cruelly with his cane. - -The poor mother, who could not have thought that her son would have come -so soon from words to blows, called out for help so loud, that the -neighbours ran in to her assistance. But in the mean time, Abon Hassan, -at every stroke, asked her if he was the commander of the faithful. To -which she always answered tenderly, that he was her son. - -By the time the neighbours came in, Abon Hassan's rage began to abate. -The first who entered the room got between him and his mother; and taking -the cane out of his hand, said to him, What are you doing, Abon Hassan? -Have you no fear of God, nor reason? Did ever a son, so well brought up -as you, ever dare to strike his mother? Are you not ashamed to treat -yours so, who loves you so tenderly? Abon Hassan looked at him that -spoke, without returning an answer; and then staring on all that followed -him, said, Who is that Abon Hassan you speak of? Is it me you call by -that name? - -This question put the neighbours a little to a stand. How! said he that -spoke first, do not you know your mother, who brought you up, and with -whom you have always lived? Be gone, you are impertinent people, replied -Abon Hassan; I neither know her nor you, and will not know you; I am not -Abon Hassan; but will make you know, to your cost, I am the commander of -the faithful. - -At this discourse, the neighbours no longer doubted but that he was mad; -and to prevent his being guilty of the like actions, seized him, -notwithstanding his resistance, and bound him hand and foot, while one in -the mean time ran for the keeper of the hospital for mad folks, who came -presently with a bull's pizzle, chains, and handcuffs, and a great many -attendants. When they entered the room, Abon Hassan, who little expected -such treatment, endeavoured all he could to unloose himself; but after -the keeper had given him two or three smart strokes upon his shoulders -with the bull's pizzle, he lay so quiet, that the keeper and his people -might do what they would with him; who as soon as they had bound and -manacled him, took him with them to the hospital; where, before the -keeper put him into a room, he regaled him with fifty strokes of the -bull's pizzle on his shoulders, which he repeated every day without pity -for three weeks, bidding him to remember that he was not the commander of -the faithful. - -Abon Hassan's mother went every day to see her son, and could not forbear -crying to see him fall away daily, and to hear him sigh and complain at -the hardships he endured. In short, his shoulders, back, and sides were -so black and blue and bruized, that he could not turn himself. His mother -would willingly have talked with him, to comfort him, and to sound him -whether he still retained the notion of being caliph; but whenever she -opened her mouth, he rebuked her with so much fury, that she was forced -to leave him, and return home disconsolate at his obstinacy. - -At last those strong and lively ideas which Abon Hassan entertained of -being clothed in the caliph's habit, and having used all his authority, -and being obeyed very punctually, and treated like the true caliph, and -which persuaded him when he waked that he was so, all began to be -insensibly effaced. Sometimes he would say to himself, If I was the -caliph, and commander of the believers, how came I home dressed in my own -apparel? Why should I not have been attended by eunuchs and ladies? Why -should my grand Vizier Giafar, and all those emirs and governors of -provinces, who prostrated themselves at my feet, forsake me? Undoubtedly -if I had any authority over them, they would have delivered me all this -time out of this miserable condition I am in: certainly I ought to look -upon all this as a dream. It is true, I commanded the judge of the police -to punish the iman and four old men his companions: I ordered Giafar the -grand vizier to carry my mother a thousand pieces of gold: and all my -commands were executed. All these things are obstacles to my believing it -a dream; but yet there are so many things that I cannot comprehend, nor -ever shall, that I will put my trust in God, who knows all things. - -Abon Hassan was taken up with these thoughts and sentiments, when his -mother came to see him, who found him so much altered and changed from -what he had been, that she let fall a torrent of tears; in the midst of -which she saluted him as she used to do, and he returned her salute, -which he had never done before while he had been in the hospital. This -civility she looked upon to be a good sign. Well, son, said she, how do -you do, and how do you find yourself? Have you renounced all those whims -and fancies which some cursed demon had put into your head? Indeed, -mother, replied Abon Hassan, very rationally and calmly, I acknowledge my -error, and beg of you to forgive the execrable crime which I have been -guilty of towards you, and which I detest. I ask pardon also of my -neighbours whom I have abused. I have been deceived by a dream; but by so -extraordinary a one, and so like to truth, that any other person, to whom -such a thing might have happened, would have been guilty of as great -extravagances: and I am at this instant so much perplexed about it, that -I can hardly persuade myself but that it was matter of fact. But whatever -it was, I do and always will look upon it as a dream and illusion. I am -convinced that I am not that shadow of a caliph and commander of the -faithful, but Abon Hassan, your son; and shall never forget that fatal -day which covered me with shame and confusion; but honour and respect you -all my life as I ought. - -At these sensible words, the mother of Abon Hassan changed the tears of -her sorrow and affliction into those of joy, to find her son so well -recovered. My dear child, said she, transported with pleasure, my -satisfaction and comfort is inexpressible, to hear you talk so -reasonably, and gives me as much joy as if I had brought you into the -world a second time. But I must observe one thing in this adventure, -which you may not have taken notice of: the stranger that you brought -home one night to sup with you, went away without shutting the -chamber-door after him as you desired him; which I believe gave some -demon an opportunity to enter, and put you into that horrible illusion -you were in: and therefore, my son, you ought to return God thanks for -your deliverance, and beseech him to keep you out of the snares of the -evil spirit. - -You have found out the source of my misfortunes, answered Abon Hassan; it -was that very night I had this dream, which turned my brain. I bade the -merchant expressly to shut the door after him; and now I find he did not -do it. I am persuaded, as well as you, some devil came in, and filled my -head full of these fancies. For they at Moussel are not so well convinced -that the devil is the cause of troublesome dreams, as we are at Bagdad. -But since, mother, you see I am so well recovered, for God's sake get me -out of this hellish place. The mother, glad to find her son so well cured -of his foolish imagination of being caliph, went immediately to the -keeper, and assuring him that he was very sensible and well, he came and -examined him, and afterwards gave him his liberty. - -When Abon Hassan came home, he staid within doors some days, to comfort -himself by better food and nourishment than what he had at the hospital. -But when he had recovered his strength, and refreshed himself after his -harsh treatment, he began to be weary with spending his evenings alone, -and so entered again upon the same way of living as before; which was to -provide enough every day to regale a stranger at night. - -The day on which Abon Hassan renewed this custom, happened to be the -first day of the month, which was the day that the caliph always sets -apart to go disguised through the town, to observe what irregularities -were committed in the government of the city. Towards the evening he went -to the bridge, and set himself on a bench which was fixed to the parapet; -where, looking about him, he perceived the caliph disguised again like a -Moussel merchant, and followed by the same slave: and, persuaded that all -his misfortunes were owing to the caliph's leaving his door open, whom he -took for a merchant, he swooned at the sight of him. God preserve me, -said he to himself; if I am not deceived, there is the magician again -that enchanted me! and thereupon got up, and looked over the parapet into -the river, that he might not see him. - -The caliph, who had a mind to carry on his joke farther, had taken a -great deal of care to inform himself of all that had happened when Abon -Hassan waked at home, and conceived a great pleasure at the relation -given him, especially at his being sent to a mad-house. But that monarch -was both just and generous, and had taken a great liking to Abon Hassan: -he designed, after he had carried on this scene, to take him into his -palace; and to pursue this project, he had dressed himself again like a -merchant of Moussel. He perceived Abon Hassan at the same time that he -saw him, and presently guessed by his actions that he was angry with him, -and wanted to shun him. This made him walk close to the parapet Abon -Hassan leaned over; and when he came nigh him, he put his head over to -look him in the face. Ah, brother Abon Hassan, said he, is it you? give -me leave to embrace you. Not I, replied Abon Hassan roughly, without -looking at the pretended Moussel merchant: I will not embrace you; I have -nothing to say to you; go along. - -What! answered the caliph, do you not know me? Do you not remember the -evening we spent together at your house this day month, where you did me -the honour to treat me very generously? No, replied Abon Hassan, I do not -know you, nor what you talk about: go, I say again, about your business. - -The caliph was not to be dashed with this rude behaviour of Abon Hassan. -He knew very well the law he had imposed on himself, never to have any -commerce again with a stranger he had once entertained; but though Abon -Hassan had declared so much to him, he pretended to be ignorant of it. I -cannot believe, said he, but you must know me again; it is not possible -that you should have forgot me in so short a time. Certainly some -misfortune has befallen you, which gives you this aversion. However, you -ought to remember that I show my acknowledgment by my good wishes; and -that I have offered you my interest, which is not despicable, in an -affair which you had very much at heart. - -I do not know, replied Abon Hassan, what your interest may be, and I have -no desire to make use of it; but I am sensible the utmost of your wishes -was to make me mad. In God's name, I say once more, go your way, and -trouble me no more. - -Ah! brother Abon Hassan, replied the caliph, embracing him, I do not -intend to part with you in this manner, since I have had the good fortune -to meet with you a second time: you must exercise the same hospitality -towards me again that you showed me a month ago, when I had the honour to -drink with you. - -I have protested against it, said Abon Hassan, and have so much power -over myself as not to receive such a man as you. You know the proverb, -Take up your drum and be gone: make the application to yourself. God be -with you; you have been the cause of my misfortune, and I will not -venture myself with you again. My good friend Abon Hassan, said the -caliph, embracing him again, I beg of you not to treat me after this -injurious manner, but be better persuaded of my friendship. Do me the -favour to tell me what has happened to you; for I assure you, I wish you -well, and would be glad of an opportunity to make you amends for the -trouble I have caused you, if it has been actually my fault. Abon Hassan -yielded to the pressing instances of the caliph, and bade him sit down by -him. Your incredulity and importunity have tired my patience; and what I -am going to tell you, will show you that I do not accuse you wrongfully. - -The caliph sat down by Abon Hassan, while he told him all that happened -to him, from his waking in the palace to his waking again in his own -house, all as a mere dream, with all the circumstances, which the caliph -knew as well as himself, and which renewed his pleasure. He exaggerated -afterwards upon the impression that dream of being caliph made upon him, -which, he said, threw him into such extravagances, that he was carried to -the mad-house, and used very barbarously. But, said he, what will -surprise you, and what you little think of, is, that it was altogether -your fault that these things fell out: for, if you remember, I desired -you to shut the door after you, which you neglected; and some devil -finding it open, put this dream into my head, which, though it was very -agreeable, was the cause of the misfortune I complain of; therefore you, -for your negligence, are answerable for the horrid and detestable crime I -was guilty of, in lifting my hand against my mother, whom I might have -killed, and committed parricide, because she said I was her son, and she -would not acknowledge me for the commander of the faithful: besides, I -blush when I think of it, and that all my neighbours were witnesses of my -folly. In short, Abon Hassan complained of his misfortunes with great -heat and vehemence, and did not forget the least circumstance; which -pleased the caliph to find he had succeeded so well, who could not help -bursting out a-laughing at the simplicity wherewith he related them. - -Abon Hassan, who thought that his story should rather move compassion, -and that every one ought to be as much concerned at it as himself, very -much resented the pretended Moussel merchant's laughter. What! said he, -do you make a jest of me, to laugh in my face, or do you believe that I -do not speak seriously? If you want proofs of what I advance, look and -see whether or no I tell you the truth: with that, stooping down, and -baring his shoulders, he showed the caliph the strokes and weals the -bull's pizzle had made. - -The caliph could not behold these objects of horror without pitying poor -Abon Hassan, and being sorry for carrying the jest so far. Come, rise, -dear brother, said he, hugging Abon Hassan friendly in his arms; let me -go and enjoy the happiness of being merry with you to-night; and -to-morrow, if it please God, all things will go well. - -Abon Hassan, notwithstanding his resolution and oath, could not resist -the caliph's caresses. I will consent, said he to the pretended merchant, -if you will swear to shut my door after you, that no demon may come in to -distract my brain again. The caliph promised that he would; upon which -they both got up, and, followed by the caliph's slave, reached Abon -Hassan's house by the time it was dark. - -As soon as Abon Hassan entered the doors, he called for candles, and -desired his guest to sit down upon a sofa, and then placed himself by -him. A little time after, supper was brought up, and they both fell to -without ceremony: afterwards there came up a small dessert of fruit, -wine, and glasses. Abon Hassan first filled out his glass, and then the -caliph's; and after they had drunk some time, and talked of indifferent -matters, the caliph perceiving that his host grew warm with liquor, began -to talk of love, and asked him if he had never been sensible of that -passion. - -Brother, replied Abon Hassan familiarly, I never looked upon love or -marriage but as bondage or slavery, to which I was always unwilling to -submit; and must own to you that I never loved any thing but good cheer -and good wine; in short, to divert and entertain myself agreeably with my -friends. But yet I do not tell you that I am so indifferent for marriage, -or incapable of an inclination, if I could meet with a woman of such -beauty and sweetness of temper as those I saw in my dream that fatal -night I first saw you, and received you into my house, and you, to my -misfortune, left my door open, who would pass the whole night with me, -drinking, and singing, and playing on some instrument, and who would -study to please and divert me: I believe, on the contrary, I should -change all my indifference to a perfect attachment to such a person, and -I believe should live very happily with her. But where is such a woman to -be found, but in the caliph's palace, or in those of the grand vizier, or -some other great lords of the court, who want no money? I choose rather -to stick close to my bottle, which is a pleasure much cheaper, and which -I can enjoy as well as they. In saying, these words, he filled out his -own and the caliph's glass, and said, Come, take your glass, and let us -pursue this charming pleasure. - -When they had drunk off their wine, It is a great pity, said the caliph, -that so gallant a man as you, who owns himself not insensible of love, -should lead so solitary a life. I prefer the easy quiet life I live, -replied Abon Hassan, before the company of a wife, whose beauty might not -please, and who, besides, might create me a great deal of trouble by her -imperfections, and perhaps ill humour. This subject lasted a long time; -and the caliph, seeing Abon Hassan had drunk up to the pitch he wanted to -have him, said, Let me alone; since you have so good a taste, I warrant -you I will find you one that shall please you: and then taking Abon -Hassan's glass, and putting a pinch of the same powder into it again, -filled him up a bumper, and presenting it to him, said, Come, let us -drink first the fair lady's health who is to make you happy. - -Abon Hassan took the glass laughing, and shaking his head, said, Come, I -will drink the lady's health you promised me, though I am very well -contented as I am, and do not rely on your promise; but cannot be guilty -of so great a piece of incivility, as to disoblige a guest of so much -merit, in such a trifling matter. But as soon as he had drunk off his -liquor, he was seized with as deep a sleep as before; and the caliph -ordered the same slave to take him and carry him to the palace, and in -the mean time shut the door after him, as he had promised, and followed -him. - -When they arrived at the palace, the caliph ordered Abon Hassan to be -laid on a sofa, in the fourth hall, from whence he was carried home: but -first he bade them put him in the same habit which he acted the caliph -in. After that, he charged all the eunuchs; officers, ladies, and -musicians, who were in the hall when he drank the last glass of wine, to -be there by daybreak, and to take care to act their parts well; and then -went to bed, charging Mesrour to wake him before they went into the hall, -that he might hide himself in the closet as before. - -Mesrour wakened the caliph at the hour appointed; who immediately rose, -and went to the hall where Abon Hassan was laid fast asleep; and when he -had placed himself in his closet, Mesrour and the other officers and -ladies placed themselves about the sofa, so that the caliph might see -what passed. - -Things being thus disposed, and the caliph's powder having had its -effect, Abon Hassan began to stir, and the music to play a very agreeable -concert. Abon Hassan was in a great surprise to hear that charming -harmony; but when he opened his eyes, and saw the ladies and officers -about him, and which he thought he knew again, his amazement was -redoubled. The hall that he was in seemed to be the same he dreamed of; -and he observed the same branches, and the same furniture and ornaments. - -When the concert was ended, he bit his finger and cried loud enough for -the caliph to hear him, Alas! I am fallen again into the same dream and -illusion that happened to me a month ago, and must expect again the -bull's pizzle and mad-house. Almighty God, added he, I commit myself into -the hands of thy divine providence. He was a wicked man that I -entertained at my house last night, who has been the cause of this -illusion, and the miserable hardships I must undergo. The base wretch -swore to shut the door after him, and he did not do it; and the devil -came in, and filled my head full of this wicked dream of being commander -of the faithful, and other phantoms, which bewitch my eyes. May thou be -confounded, Satan, and crushed under some mountain! - -After these words, Abon Hassan closed his eyes, and remained some time -thoughtful, and very much perplexed; then opening them again, and looking -about him, cried out a second time, Great God! I commit myself into the -hands of thy providence; preserve me from the temptation of Satan. Then -shutting them again, he said, All that I know is, I will go and sleep -till Satan leaves me, and returns as he came; when one of the ladies -approached, and sitting down on a sofa by him, said to him, Commander of -the Faithful, I beg of your majesty to forgive me for taking the liberty -to tell you not to go to sleep; day appears, and it is time to rise. Be -gone, Satan! answered Abon Hassan, raising his voice: but looking upon -the lady, he said, Is it I you call the commander of the faithful? -Certainly you take me for somebody else. It is to your majesty I give -that title, replied the lady, to whom it belongs, as you are sovereign of -the world and the Mussulmans, and I am your most humble slave. -Undoubtedly your majesty, added she, pretends to have forgot yourself, or -this is the effect of some troublesome dream; but if you would but open -your eyes, the mists which may disturb your imagination will soon be -dispelled, and you will find yourself in your own palace, surrounded by -your officers and slaves, who all wait your commands: and that your -majesty may not be surprised to find yourself in this hall, and not in -bed, I beg leave to tell you, that you fell so suddenly asleep last -night, that we were unwilling to wake you, to conduct you to your own -chamber, but laid you carefully upon this sofa. In short, she urged so -many things to him that were so very probable, that at last he sat upon -his breech, and knew all the ladies again. Then she who spoke first, -assuming the discourse, said, Commander of the Faithful, and the -prophet's vicar on earth, be not displeased if I acquaint your majesty -once more, that it is time to rise, for day appears. - -You are very troublesome and importunate, replied Abon Hassan, rubbing -his eyes: I am not the commander of the faithful, but Abon Hassan; and -you shall not persuade me otherwise. We do not know that Abon Hassan your -majesty speaks of, answered the lady; but know you to be the commander of -the believers. - -Abon Hassan looking about, and finding himself in the same hall, -attributed all he saw and heard to be such a dream as he had before, and -feared very much the dreadful consequences. Heaven have mercy on me! said -he, lifting up his hands and eyes, like a man who knew not where he was; -after what I have seen, there is no dispute but that devil who came into -my chamber possesses me, and fills my imagination full of all these -visions. - -The caliph, who saw him all the time, and heard these exclamations, -almost killed himself with laughing; and had much ado to forbear bursting -out into so loud a laughter, that the false caliph must have heard him. - -Afterwards Abon Hassan laid himself down again, and shutting his eyes, -the same lady said again, Since your majesty does not rise, after we -have, according to our duty, told you it was day, and the dispatch of -business requires your presence, we shall use the liberty you give us in -such like cases. Then taking him by one arm, and calling to one of the -other ladies to do the same by the other, they lifted him up, and carried -him into the middle of the hall, where they set him on his breech, and -all taking hands, danced round him while the music played. - -Abon Hassan was in an inexpressible perplexity of mind, and said, What! -am I indeed caliph, and commander of the faithful? and in the uncertainty -he was in, would have said something more, but the music was so loud that -he could not be heard. At last he made a sign to two of the ladies who -were dancing, that he wanted to speak with them; upon which they forbore, -and went to him. Do not lie, now, said he, but tell me truly who I am. - -Commander of the Faithful, replied one of the ladies, your majesty would -either surprise us by asking this question, or else you must have had -some very extraordinary dream to-night; which may very well be, -considering that your majesty has slept longer to-night than ordinary: -however, if you will give me leave, I will refresh your memory with what -passed yesterday. Then she told him how he went to the council, punished -the iman and the four old men, and sent a present by his grand vizier, of -a thousand pieces of gold, to the mother of one Abon Hassan: after that, -continued she, your majesty dined in the three halls, and, in the fourth, -did us the honour to make us sit down by you, to hear our songs, and -receive wine from our hands, till your majesty fell so fast asleep, that -you never awaked, contrary to custom, before day. All your slaves and -officers can confirm what I say; and it is now time you should go to -prayers. - -Very well, replied Abon Hassan, shaking his head, you would have me -believe all this but I can tell you, you are all fools or mad; and that -is a great pity, for you are very handsome: for I can tell you, that -since I saw you, I have been at home, where I used my mother so ill, that -they sent me to a mad-house, and kept me three weeks, and beat me every -day with a bull's pizzle; and yet you would make me believe all this to -be a dream. Commander of the Faithful answered the lady, we are all ready -to swear by what your majesty holds most dear, that all you tell is a -dream; for you never stirred out of this hall since yesterday, but slept -here all night long. - -The confidence with which the lady assured Abon Hassan that all she said -was truth, and that he had never been out of the hall since that time, -made him not to know what to believe, but bewildered his senses. O -Heaven! said he to himself, am I Abon Hassan, or the commander of the -faithful? Almighty God, enlighten my understanding, and inform me of the -truth. Then he bared his shoulders, and showed the ladies the livid -weals. Look, and judge, said he, whether these strokes could come to me -in a dream, or when I was asleep. For my part, I can affirm that they -were real blows; for I feel the smart of them yet, and that is a -testimonial there is no room to doubt of. Now, if I received these -strokes in my sleep, it is the most surprising and extraordinary thing in -the world, and what I cannot understand. - -In this uncertainty, Abon Hassan called to one of the officers that stood -round him: Come hither, said he, and bite the tip of my ear, that I may -know whether I am asleep or awake. The officer obeyed him, and bit so -hard that he made him cry out horridly: the music struck up at the same -time, and the officers and ladies all began to dance, and skip about Abon -Hassan, and made such a noise, that he was in a perfect enthusiasm, and -played a thousand merry tricks. He tore off his caliph's habit, threw off -his turban, and jumped up in his shirt and drawers, and taking hold of -two of the ladies' hands, fell a-dancing and singing, and jumping and -cutting capers, that the caliph could not contain himself, but burst into -so violent a laughter at this sudden pleasantry of Abon Hassan's, that he -fell backwards, and made a greater noise than the musicians and all of -them together, and lay in that condition for some time. At last he got up -again, and putting out his head, cried out, Abon Hassan, Abon Hassan, -what! have you a mind to kill me with laughing? - -As soon as the caliph's voice was heard, every body was silent, and Abon -Hassan among the rest; who, turning his head to see from whence the voice -came, knew the caliph and the Moussel merchant, but was not in the least -dashed; but, on the contrary, found that he was awake, and all that had -happened to him was matter of fact, and not a dream. He entered into the -caliph's pleasantry and intentions: Ha! ha! said he, looking at him with -a good assurance, you are a merchant of Moussel, and complain that I -would kill you, who have been the occasion of my using my mother so ill, -and being sent to a mad-house. It was you who treated the iman and the -four scheiks in the manner they were used, and not I; I wash my hands of -it. It was you who have been the cause of all my disorders: in short, you -are the aggressor, and I the injured person. - -Indeed you are in the right of it, Abon Hassan, answered the caliph, -laughing all the while; but to comfort thee, and make thee amends for all -thy troubles, I call Heaven to witness, I am ready and willing to make -thee what reparation thou pleasest to ask. After these words, he came out -of the closet into the hall, and ordered one of his most magnificent -habits to be brought, and commanded the ladies to dress Abon Hassan in -it; and when they had done so, he said, embracing him, Thou art my -brother; ask what thou wilt, and thou shalt have it. - -Commander of the Faithful, replied Abon Hassan, I beg of your majesty to -do me the favour to tell me what you did to disturb my brain in that -manner, and what was your design; for that is a thing of the greatest -importance for me to know, that I may perfectly recover my senses. - -The caliph promised to give him that satisfaction, and said, First you -ought to know, that I often disguise myself, and particularly at night, -to observe what irregularities are committed in Bagdad; besides, I set -apart the first day of every month to make a tour about it, sometimes on -one side and sometimes on another, but always return by the bridge. That -evening that you invited me to supper, I had been taking my rounds; and -in our discourse you told me, that the only thing you wished for was to -be caliph for four and twenty hours, to punish the iman of your mosque -and his four counsellors. I fancied that this desire of thine would -afford me a great deal of diversion, and thought immediately how I might -procure thee that satisfaction. I had about me a certain powder, which -throws immediately the person that takes it into a sound sleep for such a -time. I put a dose of it, without being perceived by thee, into the last -glass I presented to thee; upon which you fell fast asleep, and I ordered -my slave to carry you to my palace, and came away without shutting the -door. I have no occasion to repeat what happened at my palace when you -waked: but after you had been regaled all day, one of the slaves, by my -order, put another dose of the same powder at night into a glass she gave -you; you fell asleep as before, and the same slave carried you home, and -left the door open. You told me all that happened to you afterwards. I -never imagined that you could have suffered so much as you have done. But -as I have a great regard for you, I will make you amends; and that you -may have no cause to remember your ill treatment, think of what would -please you, and ask me boldly for it. - -Commander of the Faithful, replied Abon Hassan, how great soever my -tortures may have been, they were all blotted out of my remembrance, as -soon as I understood my sovereign lord had any share in them, and doubt -not in the least of your majesty's bounty; but as interest had never any -sway over me, and I have the liberty to ask a favour, I beg that it may -be that of having access to your person, to have the happiness of -admiring, all my life-time, your grandeur. - -This last proof of Abon Hassan's generosity completed the esteem the -caliph had entertained for him. I am mightily pleased with thy request, -said the caliph, and grant thee free access to my person at all times and -all hours. In short, he assigned him an apartment in the palace; and, in -regard to his pension, told him, that he would not have him to have any -thing to do with his treasurer, but to come always to him for an order -upon him. Abon Hassan made a low bow, and the caliph left him to go to -council. - -Abon Hassan made use of this time to go and inform his mother of his good -fortune, and what had happened, which, he told her, was not a dream; for -that he had actually been caliph, and had acted as such, and received all -the honours; and that she had no reason to doubt of it, since he had it -confirmed, by the caliph himself. - -It was not long before this new story of Abon Hassan was spread all about -Bagdad, and was carried into all the provinces both far and near, and not -one single circumstance scarce omitted. - -The new favourite Abon Hassan was always with the caliph; for as he was a -man of a pleasant temper, and created mirth by all his words and actions, -the caliph could not live without him, and often carried him along with -him to see his spouse Zobeide, to whom he told his story, and who was -mightily pleased with him, and observed that every time he came with the -caliph he had his eyes always fixed upon one of her slaves, called -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, (which is to say, Renewed Pleasure,) and resolved to -tell the caliph of it. Commander of the Faithful, said that princess one -day, you do not observe so well as I, that every time Abon Hassan attends -you in your visits to me, he never keeps his eyes off -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, and makes her blush, which is almost a certain sign -that she entertains no aversion for him. If you approve of it, we will -make a match between them. - -Madam, replied the caliph, you put me in mind of a thing which I ought to -have done before now. I know Abon Hassan's taste of marriage from -himself, and have always promised him a wife that should please him. I am -glad you mentioned it, for I know not how I came to forget it. But it is -better that Abon Hassan has followed his own inclination, and chose for -himself; and if Nouz-hatoul-aonadat is not averse to it, we ought not to -hesitate upon their marriage; and since they are both present, let them -declare that they give consent. - -Abon Hassan threw himself at the caliph's and Zobeide's feet, to show the -sense he had of their bounty; and, rising up, said, I cannot receive a -wife from better hands, but dare not hope that Nouz-hatoul-aonadat will -give me hers. After these words, he looked upon the princess's slave, who -showed, by her respectful silence, and the sudden blush that rose in her -cheeks, that she was disposed to obey the caliph and her mistress -Zobeide. - -The marriage was solemnized, and the nuptials celebrated in the palace, -with great rejoicings, which lasted several days. Zobeide, in respect to -the caliph, made her slave considerable presents, and the caliph did the -same to Abon Hassan. The bride was conducted to the apartment the caliph -had assigned Abon Hassan, who waited for her with all the impatience of a -bridegroom, and received her with the sounding of trumpets and all sorts -of instruments, which played in concert, and made the air echo again -their sweet and harmonious notes. - -After these feasts and rejoicings, which lasted several days, the -new-married couple were left to pursue their loves peaceably. Abon Hassan -and his spouse were charmed with each other, and lived together in -perfect union, and seldom were asunder, but when either he paid his -respects to the caliph, or she to Zobeide. Indeed Nouz-hatoul-aonadat was -endued with all the qualifications capable of gaining Abon Hassan's love -and attachment, and was just such a wife as he desired; therefore they -could want nothing to render their lives agreeable. They always ate the -nicest and choicest rarities in season, and had the best meats tossed up -in fricasees and ragouts, &c. by an excellent cook, who took upon him to -provide every thing. Their beaufet was always stored with exquisite -wines. At dinner they enjoyed themselves in this manner, and afterwards -entertained each other with some pleasantry or other: and in the -evenings, which they consecrated to mirth, they had generally some slight -repast of dried sweetmeats, choice fruits, and other light meats, and -invited each other by songs and catches to drink, and sometimes played to -their voices on a lute, or other instruments which they could touch. - -Abon Hassan and Nouz-hatoul-aonadat lived a long time in this manner, -when the caterer, who disbursed the money for these expenses, put them in -mind that he had gone his length, and parted with all his money; which -they found, but too late, to be so considerable a sum, that all the -presents that the caliph and the princess Zobeide had given them at their -marriage, were but just enough to pay him. This made them reflect on what -was past, and which at that time they could not remedy. However, they -agreed to pay the cook; and sent for him, and paid him all they owed him, -without showing the least trouble. - -The caterer went away very well pleased to receive so large a sum of -money, though Abon Hassan and his wife were not so over-well satisfied -with seeing the bottom of their purse, but remained a long time silent -and very much embarrassed, to find themselves reduced to that condition -the first year of their marriage. Abon Hassan remembered very well that -the caliph, when he took him into the palace, promised never to let him -want any thing. But when he considered how prodigal he had been of his -money in so short a time, he was unwilling to expose himself to the shame -of telling the caliph the ill use he had made of what he had given him, -and that he wanted more. Besides, he had made over his patrimony to his -mother, as soon as the caliph had received him nigh his person; and was -afraid to go to her, lest she should find that he had returned to the -same extravagance he had been guilty of after his father's death. His -wife, on the other hand, looked upon Zobeide's generosity, and the -liberty she had given her to marry, as more than a sufficient recompense -for her service, and thought she could not ask any more. - -Abon Hassan at last broke silence, and looking upon his wife, said, I see -you are in the same embarrassment as myself, and am thinking what we must -do in this unhappy juncture. I do not know what your sentiments may be; -but mine are, let what will happen, not to retrench our expenses in the -least; and, I believe you will come into my opinion: the point is, how to -support them without asking the caliph or Zobeide; and I fancy I have -thought on the means: but we must both assist each other. - -This discourse of Abon Hassan's very much pleased his wife, and gave her -great hopes. I was thinking so as well as you, said she; but durst not -explain my thoughts, because I did not know how to help ourselves; and -must confess, that what you tell me gives me a great deal of pleasure. -But since you say you have found out a way, and my assistance is -necessary, you need but to tell me, and I will do all that lies in my -power. - -I believe, replied Abon Hassan, that you will not fail in this affair, -which concerns us both; and therefore I must tell you this want of money -has made me think of a trick we will put upon the caliph and Zobeide, and -at which, I am sure, they will both be pleased, and be diverted with the -cheat; which is, you and I will both die. Not I indeed, interrupted -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat; you may die by yourself, if you will. I am not so -weary of this life; and whether you are pleased or not, will not die so -soon. If you have nothing else to propose than that, you may do it by -yourself; for I shall not meddle with it. - -You are so quick and hasty, replied Abon Hassan, that you will not give -me time to explain my meaning: have but a little patience, and you shall -find that you will be ready enough; for sure you did not think I meant a -real death. Well, said his wife, if it is but sham death you design, I am -at your service, and you may depend on my zeal: but I must tell you -truly, I am very unwilling to die as I apprehended you meant at first. - -Be but easy a little, said Abon Hassan, and I will tell you what I -propose. I will feign myself dead, and you shall lay me out on a white -sheet, in the middle of my chamber, with my feet towards Mecca, and my -turban upon my face, just ready to be buried. When you have done so, you -must cry and take on, as is usual in such cases, and tear your clothes, -and with your hair loose about your ears, go to Zobeide. The princess -will ask you the cause of your grief; and when you have told her, with -words intermixed with sighs, she will pity you, and give you some money -to defray the expense of my funeral, and a piece of gold brocade, to -cover my body with, that my interment may be the more magnificent, and to -make you a habit in the room of that you had torn; and as soon as you -return with the money and the brocade, I will get up and lay you in my -place, and go and act the same part with the caliph as you have done with -Zobeide; and I dare say the caliph will be as generous to me as Zobeide -will be to you. - -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat liked this project very well, and said to Abon -Hassan, Come, lose no time; strip to your shirt and breeches, while I -prepare a sheet. Abon Hassan did as his wife bade him, and laid himself -all along on his back, with his feet towards Mecca, on the sheet which -his wife spread on the carpet, just in the middle of the room. As soon as -he had crossed his arms, his wife wrapped him up, and put a fine piece of -muslin and his turban upon his face. After this, she pulled her hair over -her face, and with a dismal crying and lamentation, ran across the court -of Zobeide's apartment; who, hearing the voice of a person crying very -loud, commanded some of her women to see who it was, who returned, and -told her that it was Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, who was coming in a deplorable -condition. - -The princess, impatient to know what had happened to her, rose up -immediately, and went to meet her at the door of the antechamber. -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat played her part excellently well. As soon as she saw -Zobeide, she redoubled her cries, tore her hair off by handfuls, beat her -face and breast, and threw herself at her feet, bathing them with her -tears. - -Zobeide, amazed to see her slave in so extraordinary an affliction, asked -her, what misfortune had happened to her. But, instead of answering, she -continued sighing and sobbing; and at last, feigning to strive to check -herself, said, with words intermixed with sighs, Alas! my most honoured -lady and mistress, what greater misfortune could have befallen me than -this, which obliges me to throw myself at your highness's feet? May God -prolong your days, my most respectable princess, in perfect health, and -grant you many happy years. Abon Hassan! poor Abon Hassan! whom you -honoured with your esteem, and gave me for a husband, is no more! - -Then Nouz-hatoul-aonadat redoubled her tears and sighs, and threw herself -again at the princess's feet. Zobeide was extremely surprised at this -news. Abon Hassan dead! cried she, that agreeable pleasant man! indeed I -did not in the least expect his death so soon; he seemed to promise a -long life, and well deserved one. Then she burst out also into tears, as -did all her women, who had been often witnesses of Abon Hassan's -pleasantries, when the caliph brought him to see the princess Zobeide, -and continued a long time bewailing the loss of him. At last Zobeide -broke silence, and ordered one of her slaves to go to her treasure, and -fetch a hundred pieces of gold, and a piece of rich brocade. - -The slave returned soon with a purse and piece of brocade, which, by -Zobeide's order, she put into Nouz-hatoul-aonadat's hand; who threw -herself again at the princess's feet, and thanked her with a great deal -of satisfaction, to think she had succeeded so well. Go, said Zobeide, -make use of that brocade to cover the corpse of thy husband, and with -that money bury him handsomely, and as he ought to be. Moderate the -transports of thy affliction: I will take care of thee. - -As soon as Nouz-hatoul-aonadat got out of the princess's presence, she -dried up her tears, and returned with joy to Abon Hassan, to give him an -account of her good success. When she came into her own apartment, and -saw her husband still stretched out in the middle of the floor, she ran -to him laughing, and bade him rise, and see the fruits of his project. -Upon which he arose, and rejoiced with his wife at the sight of the purse -and brocade, who, for her part, could, not contain herself. Come, -husband, said she laughing, let me act the dead part, and see if you can -manage the caliph as well as I have done Zobeide. - -This is the temper of all women, replied Abon Hassan, who, we may well -say, have always the vanity to believe they can do things better than -men, though, at the same time, what they do is by their advice. It would -be odd indeed, if I, who laid this plot myself, could not carry it on -likewise. But let us lose no time in idle discourse: lie down in my -place, and see if I do not come off with as much applause. - -Abon Hassan wrapped up his wife as she had done him; and with his turban -undone, and set awry on his head, and like a man in the greatest -affliction imaginable, he ran to the caliph, who was holding a private -council with the grand vizier Giafar and some other viziers, and he -having free access wheresoever he was, went with his handkerchief before -his eyes, to hide the feigned tears which trickled down his cheeks, and -striking his breast with the other, expressed an extraordinary grief. - -The caliph, who was ever used to see Abon Hassan gay and merry, was very -much surprised to behold him in that sorrowful state, and asked him the -cause of his grief. Commander of the Faithful, answered Abon Hassan, with -repeated sighings and sobbings, may God preserve your majesty on the -throne, which you fill so gloriously! Alas! Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, whom you -in your bounty gave me for a wife, is ----. At this exclamation, Abon -Hassan pretended to have his heart so full that he could not utter one -syllable more, but poured forth a flood of tears. - -The caliph, who presently understood that Abon Hassan came to tell him of -the death of his wife, seemed very much concerned, and said to him, God -comfort thee; she was a good slave, and we gave her to thee with an -intention to make thee happy: she deserved a longer life. Then the tears -ran down his face, so that he was obliged to pull out his handkerchief to -wipe them off. In short, Abon Hassan dissembled so well, that the caliph, -who did not in the least doubt of his sincerity, ordered his treasurer, -who was then present, to give Abon Hassan a purse of a hundred pieces of -gold, and a piece of brocade. Abon Hassan immediately cast himself at the -caliph's feet, and thanked him for his present. Follow the treasurer, -said that monarch; throw the brocade over the corpse, and with the money -show the last testimony of thy love for thy wife. - -Abon Hassan made no reply to these obliging words of the caliph, but -retired with a low bow, and followed the treasurer; and as soon as he had -got the purse and piece of brocade, went home, very well pleased with -having found out so quick and ready a way of supplying his necessity, -which had given him some trouble. - -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, weary with lying so long in that posture, never -waited till Abon Hassan bade her rise; but as soon as she heard the door -open, got up and ran to her husband, and asked him if he had cheated the -caliph as well as she did Zobeide? You see, said he, showing her the -stuff, and shaking the purse, that I can act a sorrowful husband as well -as you can an afflicted wife. But for fear this trick of theirs should be -attended with some ill consequences, he thought it would not be amiss to -instruct his wife with what might happen, that they might act in concert. -For, added he, the better we succeed in embarrassing the caliph and -Zobeide, the more they will be pleased at last, and perhaps may show -their satisfaction by a greater liberality. And this last consideration -induced them to carry on this scene further. - -The caliph, though he had a great deal of business to transact in -council, was nevertheless so impatient to go and condole with the -princess upon the death of her slave, that he rose up as soon as Abon -Hassan was gone, and put off the council to another day. Follow me, said -he to Mesrour, who always attended him wherever he went, and let us go -and share with the princess the grief which the death of her slave -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat causes her. - -Accordingly, they went to Zobeide's apartment, whom the caliph found -seated on a sofa, very much afflicted, and all in tears. Madam, said the -caliph, going up to her, it is necessary to tell you how much I partake -with you in your affliction; since you are not insensible that what gives -you pleasure or trouble, has the same effect on me. But we are all -mortals, and must surrender up to God that life he gives us, when he -requires it. Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, your faithful slave, was endued with -qualifications that deserved all your esteem, and I do not disapprove -your expressing it after her death; but consider, all your grief will not -bring her to life again. Therefore, madam, if you love me, and would take -my advice, be comforted for this loss, and take care of a life which you -know is precious to me. - -If the princess was charmed with these tender sentiments which the caliph -expressed in his compliments, she was much more amazed to hear of -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat's death. This news put her into so great a surprise, -that she was not able to return an answer for some time. At last, -recovering, she said, Commander of the Faithful, I am very sensible of -all your tender sentiments; but cannot comprehend the news you tell me of -the death of my slave, who is in perfect health. My affliction is for the -death of Abon Hassan, her husband, your favourite, whom you was so kind -to let me know, who often diverted me very agreeably, and for whom I have -as great a value as you yourself. But, sir, the little concern you show -for his death, and your so soon forgetting a man in whom you have often -told me you took a great deal of pleasure, amazes and surprises me very -much; and this insensibility seems the greater, by your changing his -death for that of my slave. - -The caliph, who thought that he was perfectly well informed of the death -of the slave, and had just reason to believe so, because he had both seen -and heard Abon Hassan, fell a-laughing and shrugging up his shoulders, to -hear Zobeide talk after this manner. Mesrour, said he, turning himself -about to that eunuch, what dost thou think of the princess's discourse? -Do not women sometimes lose their senses? for, in short, thou hast heard -and seen all as well as myself. Then turning about to Zobeide, Madam, -said he, do not shed any more tears for Abon Hassan, for I can assure you -he is well; but rather bewail the death of your dear slave. It is not -many moments since her husband came all in tears, and the most -inexpressible affliction, to tell me of the death of his wife. I gave him -a purse of a hundred pieces of gold, and a piece of brocade, to comfort -him, and bury her with; and Mesrour here, who was by, can tell you the -same. - -The princess took this discourse of the caliph to be all a jest, and that -he had a mind to impose upon her credulity. Commander of the Faithful, -replied she, though you are used to banter, I must tell you this is not a -proper time. What I tell you is very serious: I do not talk of my slave's -death, but of Abon Hassan her husband's, whose fate I bewail, and so -ought you too. Madam, said the caliph, putting on a grave countenance, I -tell you, without raillery, that you are deceived; Nouz-hatoul-aonadat is -dead, and Abon Hassan is alive, and in perfect health. - -Zobeide was very much piqued at this answer of the caliph. Commander of -the Faithful, replied she smartly, surely you would make me think that -you were mad; give me leave to repeat to you once more that it is Abon -Hassan who is dead, and that my slave Nouz-hatoul-aonadat is living; it -is not an hour ago since she went from hence; she came here in so -disconsolate a state, that the sight of her was enough to have drawn -tears from my eyes, if she had not told me her affliction. All my women, -who cried with me, can bear me witness, and tell you also, that I made -her a present of a hundred pieces of gold, and a piece of brocade; and -the grief which you found me in was upon the death of her husband; and -just that instant that you came in, I was going to send you a compliment -of condolence. - -At these words of Zobeide, the caliph cried out, in a fit of laughter, -This, madam, is a strange piece of obstinacy; but, continued he -seriously, you may depend upon Nouz-hatoul-aonadat's being dead. I tell -you not, sir, replied Zobeide instantly; it is Abon Hassan that is dead, -and you shall never make me believe otherwise. - -Upon this the caliph began to be angry, and set himself upon a sofa, some -distance from the princess, and, speaking to Mesrour, said, Go -immediately, and see which it is, and bring me word; for though I am -certain that it is Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, I would rather take this way, -than be any longer obstinately positive. For my part, replied Zobeide, I -know very well that I am in the right, and you will find it to be Abon -Hassan. And for mine, replied the caliph, I am so sure that it is -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, that I will lay you what wager you will that Abon -Hassan is well. - -Do not think to come off there, said Zobeide: I accept of your wager, and -I am so well persuaded of his death, that I would willingly lay the -dearest thing in the world to me. You know what I have in my disposal, -and what I value most; propose the bet, and I will stand to it. - -Since it is come to that, said the caliph, I will lay my garden of -pleasures against your palace of paintings, though the one is worth much -more than the other. It is no matter for that, replied Zobeide; if your -garden is more valuable, you have made choice of what you thought fit, -and what belonged to me, as an equivalent against what you lay; and I say -done to the wager, and will not turn back. The caliph said the same, and -both waited until Mesrour returned. - -While the caliph and Zobeide were disputing so earnestly, and with so -much heat, Abon Hassan, who foresaw their difference, was very attentive -to whatever might happen. As soon as he perceived Mesrour through a -window, over against which he sat, talking with his wife, and observed -that he was coming directly to their apartment, he presently guessed what -he was coming about, and bade his wife make haste to act the dead part -once more, as they had agreed on; and, in short, they were so pinched for -time, that Abon Hassan had much ado to wrap up his wife, and lay the -piece of brocade upon her, before Mesrour came. As soon as he had done -that, he opened the door of his apartment, and with a melancholy dejected -countenance, and his handkerchief before his eyes, went and sat down at -the head of the pretended deceased. - -By that time he was seated Mesrour came into the room. The dismal sight -that saluted his eyes gave him a secret joy, on account of the errand the -caliph sent him on. As soon as Abon Hassan perceived him, he rose up to -meet him, and kissing his hand out of respect, said, sighing and -groaning, You see me, sir, in the greatest affliction that ever could -befall me; the death of my wife Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, whom you honoured -with your favours. - -Mesrour, softened by this discourse, could not refuse some tears to the -memory of the deceased. He lifted up the pall a little at the head, which -was uncovered, and peeping under it, let it down again, and said, with a -deep sigh, There is no other god but God; we must all submit to his will, -and return to him. Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, my good sister, added he, thy -days have been very few: God have mercy on thee. Then turning to Abon -Hassan, who was all the time in tears, We may well say, said he, that -women sometimes have whims, and lose their senses; for Zobeide will -maintain to the caliph, that you are dead, and not your wife; and -whatever the caliph can say to the contrary, he cannot persuade her -otherwise. He called me to witness the truth of what he affirms; for you -know I was by when you came and told him the sorrowful news: but all -signifies nothing; they are both positive; and the caliph, to convince -Zobeide, has sent me to know the truth; but I fear I shall not be -believed; for when women once take a thing, they are not to be beat out -of it. - -God keep the commander of the faithful in the right use of his senses, -replied Abon Hassan, still sighing and crying; you see how it is, and -that I have not imposed upon his majesty; and I wish to heaven, continued -he, to dissemble the better, that I had no occasion to tell him the -melancholy and afflicting news. Alas! I cannot enough express my -irreparable loss. That is true, replied Mesrour; and I can assure you, I -have a great share in your affliction; but you must comfort, and not -abandon yourself to your grief. I leave you against my will, to return to -the caliph; but I beg the favour of you not to bury the corpse until I -come again, for I will assist at the interment. - -Abon Hassan waited on him to the door, and told him that he did not -deserve the honour that he did him; and for fear Mesrour should return to -say something else to him, he followed him with his eyes for some time, -and then returned to his wife, and unloosed her. This is already, said -he, a new scene of mirth; but I fancy it will not be the last; for -certainly the princess Zobeide will not believe Mesrour, but laugh at -him, since she has too substantial a reason to the contrary; therefore we -must expect some new event. Whilst Abon Hassan and Nouz-hatoul-aonadat -were talking thus, she had time enough to put on her clothes again; and -both went and sat down on a sofa, opposite to the window, where they -could see all that passed. - -In the mean time, Mesrour reached Zobeide's apartment, and going into her -closet laughing, clapped his hands, like one who had something very -agreeable to tell. - -The caliph, who was naturally impatient, would presently be informed of -the truth of the matter; for he was piqued a little at the princess's -diffidence: therefore, as soon as he saw Mesrour, Vile slave, said he, is -this a time to laugh? Why do you not tell me which is dead, the wife or -the husband? - -Commander of the Faithful, answered Mesrour, putting on a serious -countenance, it is Nouz-hatoul-aonadat who is dead; for the loss of whom -Abon Hassan is as much afflicted as when he appeared before your majesty. -The caliph, not giving him time to pursue his story, interrupted him, and -cried out, laughing heartily, Good news; Zobeide was a moment ago -mistress of the palace of paintings, which she staked against my garden -of pleasures, since you went, and now it is mine; therefore thou couldst -not have done me a greater pleasure: but give me a true account of what -thou sawest. - -Commander of the Faithful, said Mesrour, when I came to Abon Hassan's -apartments, I found the door open, and he bewailing the death of his wife -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat. He was seated at the head of the deceased, who was -laid out in the middle of the room, with her feet towards Mecca, and was -covered with that piece of brocade which your majesty made a present of -to Abon Hassan. After I had expressed the share I had in his grief, I -went and lifted up the pall at the head, and knew Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, -though her face was very much swelled. I exhorted Abon Hassan the best I -could to comfort himself; and when I came away, I told him I would attend -at his wife's funeral, and desired him not to stir the corpse till I -came. This is all I can tell your majesty. I ask no more, said the -caliph, laughing heartily; and I am very well satisfied with thy -exactness. Then addressing himself to Zobeide, Well, madam, said he, have -you yet any thing to say against so certain a truth? Will you always -believe that Nouz-hatoul-aonadat is alive, and that Abon Hassan is dead? -And will you not own that you have lost your wager? - -How, sir, replied Zobeide, who would not believe one word Mesrour said, -do you think that I regard that impertinent slave, who knows not what he -says? I am not so blind or mad. With these eyes I saw Nouz-hatoul-aonadat -in the greatest affliction: I spoke to her myself, and she told me that -her husband was dead. - -Madam, replied Mesrour, I swear to you by your own life, and that of the -commander of the faithful, which are both dear to me, that -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat is dead, and Abon Hassan is living. - -Thou art a base despicable slave, said Zobeide, in a rage, and I will -confound thee immediately; and thereupon she called her women, by -clapping her hands together, who all came in. Come hither, said the -princess to them, and speak the truth: Who was that who came and spoke -with me a little before the caliph came here? The women all answered, -that it was poor afflicted Nouz-hatoul-aonadat. And what, added she, -addressing herself to her that was treasurer, did I order you to give -her? Madam, answered the treasurer, I gave Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, by your -orders, a purse of a hundred pieces of gold, and a piece of brocade, -which she carried along with her. Well then, sorry slave, said Zobeide to -Mesrour, in a great passion, what hast thou to say to all this? What dost -thou think now, that I ought to believe thee, or my treasurer, my other -women, or myself? - -Mesrour did not want for arguments to contradict the princess; but, as he -was afraid of provoking her too much, he chose rather to be silent, -though he was satisfied within himself that the wife was dead, and not -the husband. - -All the time of this dispute between Zobeide and Mesrour, the caliph, who -heard what was said on both sides, and was against the princess, because -he had seen and spoke to Abon Hassan himself, laughed heartily to see -Zobeide so exasperated against Mesrour. Madam, said he to Zobeide, I know -not indeed who was the author of that saying, That women sometimes lose -their wits; but I am sure you make it good. Mesrour came just now from -Abon Hassan's, and tells you that he saw Nouz-hatoul-aonadat lying dead -in the middle of the room, Abon Hassan alive, and sitting by her; and yet -you will not believe this evidence, which nobody can reasonably refuse: I -think it is very strange. - -Zobeide would not hear what the caliph represented. Pardon me, Commander -of the Faithful, replied she, if I suspect you: I see very well that you -have contrived with Mesrour to chagrin me, and try my patience. And as I -perceive that this report was concerted between you, I beg leave to send -a person to Abon Hassan's, to know whether or no I am in the wrong. - -The caliph consented, and the princess charged an old nurse, who had -lived a long time with her, with that important commission. Hark ye, -nurse, said she, you see the dispute between the caliph and me; therefore -go to Abon Hassan's, or rather Nouz-hatoul-aonadat's, for he is dead, and -clear up this matter. If thou bringest me good news, a handsome present -is thy reward. Make haste and return quickly. - -The caliph was overjoyed to see Zobeide in this embarrassment; but -Mesrour, extremely mortified to find the princess so angry with him, did -all he could to appease her, insomuch that she and the caliph were both -satisfied with him. He was overjoyed when Zobeide sent the nurse; because -he was persuaded that the report she would make would agree with his, and -would justify him, and restore him to her favour. - -In the mean time, Abon Hassan, who watched the window, perceived the -nurse at a distance, and guessing that she was sent by Zobeide, called -his wife, and told her that the princess's nurse was coming to know the -truth; therefore, said he, make haste and lay me out. Accordingly -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat did so, and covered him with the piece of brocade -Zobeide had given her, and put his turban upon his face. The nurse, eager -to acquit herself of her commission, came a good round pace, and entering -the room, perceived Nouz-hatoul-aonadat all in tears, her hair -dishevelled, and seated at the head of her husband, beating her breast, -and expressing a violent grief. - -The good old nurse went directly to the false widow. My dear -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, said she, with a sorrowful face, I come not to -interrupt your grief and tears for a husband who loved you so tenderly. -Ah! good mother, replied the counterfeit widow, you see my misfortune, -and how unhappy I am by the loss of my beloved Abon Hassan. Abon Hassan, -my dear husband! cried she, what have I done that you should leave me so -soon? Have I not always rather obeyed your will than my own? Alas! what -will become of poor Nouz-hatoul-aonadat? - -The nurse was in a great surprise to see every thing quite the reverse of -what the chief of the eunuchs had told the caliph. This black-faced -Mesrour, said she, lifting up her hands, deserves to be impaled for -having made so great a difference between my good mistress and the -commander of the faithful, by the notorious lie he told them. I will tell -you daughter, said she, the wickedness of that villain Mesrour, who has -asserted, with an inconceivable impudence, before my mistress's face, -that you were dead, and Abon Hassan was alive. - -Alas! my good mother, cried Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, I wish to heaven that it -was true! I should not be in this sorrowful state, nor bewail a husband -so dear to me. At these words she burst out into tears, and feigned a -most desperate trouble. - -The nurse was so much concerned for her tears, that she sat down by her, -and cried too: then gently lifting up the turban and cloth, looked on the -face of the corpse. Ah! poor Abon Hassan, cried she, covering the face -again, God have mercy upon thee. Adieu, child, said she to -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat; if I could stay longer with you, I would, with all -my heart: but I am obliged to return immediately, to free my mistress -from the uneasiness that black villain has given her by his impudent lie, -assuring her with an oath that you was dead. - -As soon as the nurse was gone, and had pulled the door after her, and -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat thought she would not come back again, she wiped her -eyes, and went and unloosed Abon Hassan, and then both went and sat down -on a sofa against the window, expecting what would be the end of this -cheat, and to be ready to act according as things should offer. - -The nurse, in the mean time, made all the haste she could to Zobeide. The -pleasure of carrying the princess good news, and hopes of a good reward, -added wings to her feet; and running into the princess's closet, quite -out of breath, there gave her a true account of all she had seen. Zobeide -hearkened to the old woman's relation with a most sensible pleasure; and -when she had done, she said, Repeat it once more before the caliph, who -looked upon us all to be fools, and would make us believe we have no -sense of religion, nor fear of God; and tell your story to that wicked -black slave, who had the insolence to assert a falsity, and which I know -to be one. - -Mesrour, who expected the nurse's report would prove favourable on his -side, was very much mortified to find it so much the contrary. He was so -vexed at the rage Zobeide expressed against him, for a thing he believed -to be very true, that he was glad of having an opportunity of speaking -his mind freely to the nurse, which he durst not do to the princess. Old -toothless, said he to the nurse, thou tellest lies, and there is no truth -in what thou sayest; for I saw Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, with these eyes, laid -out in the midst of the room. - -Thou art a notorious liar thyself, replied the nurse, with an insulting -air, to dare to maintain before my face so great a falsity, since I saw -Abon Hassan dead, and laid out, and left his wife alive. Thou art an -impostor, replied Mesrour, and endeavourest to put us all into confusion. - -There is impudence for you, said the nurse, to dare to tell me I lie, in -the presence of their majesties, when I saw just now, with my own eyes, -what I have had the honour to tell them. Indeed, nurse, answered Mesrour -again, you had better hold your tongue, for you certainly dote. - -Zobeide, who could not support this want of respect in Mesrour, who, -without any regard to her, treated her nurse injuriously, without giving -the nurse time to reply to so gross an affront, said to the caliph, -Commander of the Faithful, I demand justice for this insolence in our -presence; and could say no more, she was so enraged, and burst out into -tears. - -The caliph, who had heard all this dispute, thought it very intricate, -and mused some time, and could not tell what to think of so many -contradictions. The princess, for her part, as well as Mesrour, the -nurse, and all the women slaves who were present, were as much puzzled, -and remained silent. At last the caliph taking up the cudgels, and -addressing himself to Zobeide, said, I see very well we are all liars; -myself first, and then you, Mesrour, and your nurse; or at least it seems -not one can be believed before the other: therefore, let us go ourselves -to know the truth; for I can see no other way to clear up these doubts. - -After these words the caliph got up, the princess followed him, and -Mesrour went before to open the doors. Commander of the Faithful, said -he, I am overjoyed that your majesty has taken this course, and much -more, when I shall make it plainly appear that the nurse dotes, though -the expression is displeasing to my good mistress. - -The nurse, who wanted not to reply, said, Hold thy tongue, black face; -thou dotest thyself. - -Zobeide, who was very much provoked at Mesrour, could not bear to hear -him attack her nurse again without taking her part. Vile slave, said she, -say what thou wilt, I maintain my nurse is in the right, and look upon -thee as a liar. Madam, replied Mesrour, if the nurse is so very certain -that Nouz-hatoul-aonadat is alive, and Abon Hassan is dead, I will lay -her what she dare of it. The nurse was as ready as he; and, in short, -they laid a piece of gold and silver stuff. - -The apartment the caliph and Zobeide came out of, though it was a great -way from Abon Hassan's, was nevertheless just over against it, and Abon -Hassan could perceive them coming, and told his wife, that the caliph and -Zobeide, preceded by Mesrour, and followed by a great number of women, -were coming to do them the honour of a visit. At this news she seemed -frightened, and cried out, What shall we do? we are ruined! Fear nothing, -replied Abon Hassan: What! have you forgot what we agreed on? We will -both be dead, and you shall see all will go well. At the slow rate they -come, we shall be ready before that time they get to the door. -Accordingly Abon Hassan and his wife wrapped up and covered themselves -with the piece of brocade, and waited patiently for their visitors. - -Mesrour, who came first, opened the door, and the caliph and Zobeide, -followed by their attendants, entered the room; but were extremely -surprised, and stood motionless, at the dismal sight which saluted their -eyes. At last, Zobeide breaking silence, said to the caliph, Alas! they -are both dead! You have done finely, continued she, looking at the caliph -and Mesrour, to endeavour to make me believe that my slave was dead; and -I find it true at last: it is dangerous jesting with edge-tools: the -grief of losing her husband has certainly killed her. Say rather, madam, -answered the caliph, prepossessed to the contrary, that -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat died first, and the afflicted Abon Hassan could not -survive his dear wife: therefore you ought to agree that you have lost -your wager, and your palace of paintings is mine. - -Hold there, answered Zobeide, animated with the same spirit of -contradiction; I will maintain it, you have lost your garden of pleasures -to me. Abon Hassan died first; since my nurse told you, as well as me, -that she saw her alive, and crying for the death of her husband. - -The dispute of the caliph and Zobeide brought on another between Mesrour -and the nurse, who had wagered as well as they; and each pretended to -win, and came at last to abuse each other very grossly. - -After all, the caliph reflecting on what had passed, began to think that -Zobeide had as much reason as himself to maintain that she had won. In -the embarrassment he was, of not being able to find out the truth, he -advanced towards the two corpses, and sat himself down at the head, -searching after something that might gain him the victory over Zobeide. -Well, cried he, presently after, I swear, by the holy name of God, that I -will give a thousand pieces of gold to him that can tell me which of -these two died first. - -No sooner were these words out of the caliph's mouth, but he heard a -voice under Abon Hassan's pall, say, Commander of the Faithful, I died -first, give me the thousand pieces of gold. At the same time he saw Abon -Hassan throw off the piece of brocade, and come and prostrate himself at -his feet, while his wife did the same to Zobeide, keeping on her pall of -brocade, out of decency. The princess at first shrieked out, and -frightened all about her; but recovering herself at last, expressed a -great joy to see her slave rise again alive. Ah! wicked -Nouz-hatoul-aonadat, cried she, what affliction have I been in for thy -sake! However, I forgive thee from my heart, and am glad to see thee -well. - -The caliph, for his part, was not so much surprised when he heard Abon -Hassan's voice; but thought he should have died away with laughing at -this unravelling of the mystery, and to hear Abon Hassan ask so seriously -for the thousand pieces of gold. What, Abon Hassan, said he, hast thou -conspired against my life, to kill me a second time with laughing? How -came this thought into your head, to surprise Zobeide and me thus, when -we least thought on such a trick? - -Commander of the Faithful, replied Abon Hassan, I will declare to your -majesty the whole truth, without the least reserve. Your majesty knows -very well, that I always loved to eat and drink well; and the wife you -gave me rather increased than restrained that inclination. With these -dispositions, your majesty may easily suppose we might spend a good -estate; and, to make short of my story, we were not the least sparing of -what your majesty so generously gave us. This morning, accounting with -our caterer, who took care to provide every thing for us, and paying what -we owed him, we found we had nothing left. Then reflections of what was -past, and resolutions to manage better for the future, crowded into our -thoughts apace, and after them a thousand projects, all which we refused. -At last, the shame of being reduced to so low a condition, and not daring -to tell your majesty, made us contrive this trick to relieve our -necessities, and to divert your majesty, hoping that you would be pleased -to pardon us. - -The caliph and Zobeide were very well satisfied with Abon Hassan's -sincerity; and then Zobeide, who had all along been very serious, began -to laugh, and could not help thinking of Abon Hassan's scheme; when the -caliph, who had laughed his sides sore at the singularity of this -adventure, rising up, said, Follow me both of you, and I will give you -the thousand pieces of gold I promised you. Zobeide desired him to let -her make her slave a present of that sum. By this means Abon Hassan and -his dear wife Nouz-hatoul-aonadat preserved the favour of the caliph -Haroun Alraschid and the princess Zobeide; and by their liberalities were -made capable of pursuing their pleasures. - - - - - Footnotes - - -[1]A famous player on the lute, that lived at Bagdad at that time. - -[2]Giauhara, in Arabic, signifies a Precious Stone. - - - END OF THE THIRD VOLUME. - - LONDON: - PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVISON, WHITEFRIARS. - - - - - Transcriber's notes - - ---Silently corrected several palpable typos. - - - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Arabian Nights, Volume III (of 4), by Anonymous - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARABIAN NIGHTS, VOL III *** - -***** This file should be named 44105.txt or 44105.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/1/0/44105/ - -Produced by Delphine Lettau, Stephen Hutcheson and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - -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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