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THE

THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS,

OR THE

rabian 1tiggts'

ENTERT AINMENTS.

A NEW EDITION.

II.LUSTRATED WITH NU)IEROUS WOOD EXGRAVINOS.
FRO)I ORIGI
AL DESIGNS.

. .

f. MU1t þ
"I t
EU TON: oJ
CROSBY A
D NICHOLS.
117 W SH ,[; V
.,. STREET. Y .
. . ft

NEW Y 0 R K : : 0 T. lYE R S. F E L T
1
Ü -! .---.... i-- ..;-
" k fJ,.t..\f

CONTENTS.

.6.0..
Bcbahriar and Schahzenan.. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 1
The Ox, the Ass, and the Farmer.. . .. .. . . . . . .. . . .. . .. . . . . . .. 10
The Merchant and the Genie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Old Man and the Hind. .. . . . . . . . . . . . __. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. __ 15
Story of the Old Man and the two Black Dogs. . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0 . . . 16
Storoy of the Fisherman. . . . . . .. . . . . . . 0 0 0 . . . . . . 0 . . . 0 0 . . . . . 17
Story of the Grecian King and the Physician Douban... . o. . . . . 19
Hi3tory of the King of the Black Isles 0 . . . . 0 . 0 . . 0 . . 0 0 . . . . 0 . . . 25
Story of the Three Calendars, Sons of Kings, and of the Five
Ladies of Bagdad 0 . . . 0 0 0 . . . 0 .. . . . . . . . . . 0 . _ . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . .. 30
History of the fir6.t Calendar. . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . .. .. ........ 35
History of the second Calendar. 0 . 0 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 . . . . . . . . . . 37
Story of the Envious Man, and of him that he envied 0 . . . .. . . . . 41
History of the third Calendar. . 0 0 . 0 . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 4íj
History of Zobeide . . 0 . . . . . 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 . 0 . 0 0 0 . . . . . . . 0 0 . . . . . . . . . . 53
History of A mine 0 0 . 0 . . . . 0 0 . 0 . . . . 0 0 0 . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . 56
The Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor. 0 . . . . 0 0 . . 0 . . . . . . . . . 59
Sindband's First Voyage 0 . . . . _ . . . . . . . . 0 0 . . . . . . 0 0 . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Sindbad's Second Voyage 0 . 0 . . . . . . . .0 . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 0 . o. . . . . 61
Sindbad's Third Voyage.. 0 . . . . . .. .. . .. . o. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . n 64
Sindbad's Fourth Voyage. o. . . . . . . . . . . . o. ................. 68
Sindhad's Fifth Voyage 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. ........... 72
Sindbad's Sixth Voyage............................... < ... 75
Sind bad's Seventh Voyage 0 . . . . . .. 0....................... 78
History of the Three Apples 0 0 . . 0 0 . . 0 0 . . . 0 . _ . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . 80
Story ól N oureddin Ali and Bedreddin Hassan. . . . . . . . . . . . . _ _ _ 84
Story of Aladdin, or the 'V onderful Lamp .0........... .. . .. . 98
Story of Little Hunchback... . . o. . 0 . . . . . . . . . .. . .......0. . . . 1
2
The Story told by the Christian Merchant 0 . . .. .............. 125
The Story told by the Purveyor.. 0 . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 129
The Story told by the Jewish Physician 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

6

CONTE
TS.

PA.GE.
The Story told by the Tailor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . " . ...... 139
.Story of the Barber .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Story of the Barber's Eldest Brother. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Story of the Barber's Second Brother. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Story of the Barber's Thh'd Brother. . . . .. _ --. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Story of the Barber's Fourth Brother.. . . . . . .. ............... 150
Story of the Barber's Fifth Brother. .................... _ _... 151
Story of the Barber's Sixth Brother. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 155
History of Aboulhassen Ali Eben Becar, and Schemselnihar, favor-
ite of the caliph IIaroun Alraschid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ib8
11.1Story of Camaralzaman, Prince of Khaledan, and Badoura, Pl'in-
èeBB of China.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Story of the Princess Badoura, aftcr her separation from Prince
Carnaralzaman.. . . ... .. . ... .. . ... .. . ... .. . ... . ... . .. . . ... 181
Story of the Princes Amgrad and Assad.. . . .. .............,.. 187
Story of N oureddin and the Fair Persian. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Story of ßeder, Prince of Persia, and Giahaure, Princess of Saman-
dal. . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
History of Ganem, son to Abon Ayoub, surnamed Love's Slave.. 232
History of Prince Zeyn Alasnam, and the King of the Genii. . . . . . 242
History of Codadad and his Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . , . .. . . .. .... 251
History of the Princess of Deryabar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 255
Story of the Sleeper awakened, or the Dead alive.. .. . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Adventures of the caliph Hnroun Alraschid. . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . . 284:
Story of the Blind Man, Baba Abdallah.. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Story of Sidi N onman . . . . . . _ . .. ........................... 2:-<9
Story of Cogia Hassan Alhabdal .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Sto:'y of Ali Baba, and the Forty Thieves. . . . . .. . .. . ... . ... . . .. 3ù2
Story of Ali Cogia, Merchant of Bagdad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ _.. 312
History of the Enchanted Horse. . .. . ... . . .. . ... . . . .. .. .. . .. 316
Story of Prince Ahmed aud the Fairy'Paribanon .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Story of Habib and Dorathil-goase, or the Arabian Knight. .. . . . . 312
Story of Illabousatrous, of King Schal-Goase, and of Camaralza-
man. . . . . . . .. ...................... ...........'....... 354
St01'Y of the Lady of the B
autiful Tresscs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 408
Story of the PrinccS8 Parizade, 0(' the Talking Bird, the Singing
'free, lmd the YeHow 'Vater.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4;)7
Conclusion. . . .. .......................................... 4GB

"

A x
bi an IrJ iDll1
'

'
t1.\'l1!3.J1JJv,

'f<</

-.. ..

N the death of Schemseddin ,Mohammed, king of
'fl ft: =-'
" Persia, Schahriar, his eldest son, succeeded to the
f',t].
f' throne. This prince, though hasty and violent ill
l.
'-{? ...1 '!"I 1:1':" his temper, had many viI'tues. He had the trupst

!
1s
. affection for his youngest brother, Schahzenan; and
j}

on receiving the empire, instead of suffering him to languitih
f2l

4
in obEcurity, he gave his beloved brother the powerful king-

\ð dom of great Tartary; and sent him to take possession of it,
, with a splendor suitable to the dignity of a mighty and inde-
pendent prince.
After an absence of ten years, the royal brothers had a great
desire to see each other; and the king of Tartary, at the ef\ruest
request of Schahriar, resolved to pay him a VIsit. He accordingly
began his journey with a suitable equipage; but as the arranging
so large a retinue prevented his advancing far the first day, he 1'0-
turned privately in the p,Tcning, to his palace, to take another fare-
woll of his queen, whom he passionately loved. On entering her
apartment suddenly, with the hope of giving her an agr('eable RUl"-
pl'ise, he was shocked to find her sleeping in the arms of a slave.
Overcome with ra
e, the king drew his sabre, and deprived them
both of lif0. lIe then returned to his pavilion; an(l though op-
pressed with the keenest Borrow, he determined to pursue his
journey.
"\Vhcn Schahzenan arrived at the capital of Persia, the sultan rp...
eeived him with open arnlS. But a deep melnncholy had seized tho

8

ARABIAN
"IGnTS'

unfortunate lo.l1g of Tartary, which all the efforts of his brother
could not overcome. III vain did the court of Persia exhibit all its
splendor. Schabzenal1 remained gloomy and insensible. On a
suùden, without any apparent cause, this sadness disappeared, and
he became again, all at once, the same sprightly companion and
affectionate brother, whom Schahriar had so t
nderly loved before
their separation.
The sultan of Persia rejoiced exceedingly at this alteration; but
he was also much surprised at it. K 0 cause appeared for the SOl'-
row which had bowed down his brother; no reason could be COll-
jectured why it should so suddenly leave him. As soon, therefore,
as Schahriar found that the king was effectually recovered, he be-
came importunate for an explanation of the mystery. Schahzenan
made no difficulty of acquainting his brother with the infidelity of
his queen, but entreated hÌlu to cease inquiring why he had shaken
off the sorrow which her baseness had occasioned. The sultan be-
came alarmed; and judging by the reluctance of his brother that
he was somehow interested in the affair, he adjured the king of
Tartary to hide nothing from him.
Schahzenan was obliged to comply. He requested the sultan
would indulge him only till the next day, and would order the court
to prepare for a grand hunting-match to take place then. Schah.
riah complied; and, as further instructed by his brother, he left
his train, and returned privately to the king of Tartary's apart-
ments, where there was a closet which overlooked the gardens of
the sultaness. Schahzenan had from thence accidentally observed
several interviews between that lady and a favored gallant; and
from thence the sultan also became a witness of his own dishonor,
and of his wife's incontinence. " It was this unhappy secret,"
'1.id
Schahzenan, "which removed my despondency; as so amia'ble a
man as my brother conld not secure to himself the possession of a
woman, it convincf'd me that the whole sex were contaminated, and
that it would be idle in me any longer to bewail so common a mis.
fortune."
The sultan instantly sacrificed his guilty wife and her paramour;
and being o
erwhelmed with affliction, proposeù to his brother that
they should renounce the world, retire to some obscure hermitage,
and finish their lives, without being further exposed to the treachery
of women.
Schahzenan did not think it prudeút to oppose the first transporbJ

EXTEf:TAIX)(ENTS.

!)

of his brother's rage and grid
he gave into his proposal with great
apparent readiness; but exacted a promise from him, that he would
return to his capital, and re-:1ssume his throne, whenever they
should meet with any oue more unfortunate in female connections
than themseLves.
The princes haying disguised themselves, left the city secretly,
and travelled till evening, when they arrived at the sea-side. At
daybreak they were alarmed by a frightf'Ulnoise from the sea, and
had scarce time to climb up into a tree, when they perceived a
large column arise in the midst of the water, and advance toward
the shore
They presently found that it was one of those malignant
genii, who are enemies to mankind, and always doing them mischief.
He was black, terrific, and appeared like a giant of prodigious
stature; he carried on his head It great glass box, which shut with
fl)ur locks. Having laid his box down, he seated himself by it, and
opened it; when there came out n beautiful lady, magnificently
dressed. She sat down by the monster, who said to her in a voice
of tenderness, "1\ly charming mistress, whonl I stole on your wed.
ding day, and have loved with so much constancy ever since, let
me repose awhile by you; I came hither on purpose to take rest."
Having spoke thus, he laid down his huge head on the lady's knees
",nd fell asleep.
When the genie's mistress perceived that he was so, she raised
his head from her lap, and laid it on the earth. She then got up
and went to the glass chest, and taking out a large string of rings,
she counted them over, and examined them with much attention,
then turning toward the genie, who was still asleep, she exclaimed
aloud, "Fool, to think that jealousy and restraint can preserve a
mistress: notwithstanding thy vigilance, I find by these rings, every
one of which I have received from a different gallant, that I have
had fourscore and eighteen lovers since I have been in thy power!H
The princes continued in the tree till the genie awoke, who hav-
ing replaced the lady in the chest, and locked it up, took it again
on his head, and returned into the sea. vYh('n he had been gone a
considerable time they descended; and the sultan being convinced
that the genie was more unfortunate than himself, yielded to the
persuasions of his brother, returned to his capltal, and resumed his
government. After some time the king of Tartary choosing to re.
turn home, the sultan dismissed him with every mark of fraternal
love aud on rus depnture said to him, " I have at length fallen UPOQ
lilt

10

ARABIAN NIc
HTS'

a method to preserve the chaðtity of a. wife: I will not now," added
he, " explain myself; you will, no doubt, shortly hear of it; and J
question no
but you will follow my example."
Soon after the departure of Schahzenan, the sultan chose the
daughter of one of his nobles for his Lride: the nuptial ceremony
was performed ,; the lady passed her night witb her royal bride-
groom: and in the morning the grand vizier received her from his
hands, with orders to put her to death immediately. Every night
now saw a new bride conducted to the sultan's hed, and every morn-
ing beheld her a victinl to his jealousy: the consternation was uni-
versal; there was no parent who had a young and })eautiful daugh-
ter, hat trembled for her life; aud the sultan, instead of receiving,
as before, the blessings of rus people, becanle the object of their
execrations.
The implicit obedience which good J\Iussulmans owe to the com-
mander of the Faithful, had as yet restrained the inhabitants of
Bagdad from rel)ellion, nor had they taken any measure to preserve
their children from so new a calamity; when the beauteous and
accomplished Scheherazade, daughtcr of the grand vizier, under-
took to deliver them from it, l)y l)('coming the destined hride. Her
father was astonished when she declared her design. lIe used
every argument and entreaty to persuade her from it; and agree-
ably to the custom of the East, he endeavored to enforce his rea-
soning by the following apologue :

THE OX, THE A
8, AND THE FARMER.
There lived in a certain country a very wealthy farmer, whose
lands were cultivated with the greatest care, and abounded with all
sorts of cattle and poultry. It 80 ha-ppened that he had an oppor-
tunity to render essential service to a v{'ry pow{'rful genie, who, in
return, at the farmer's rpqnest, endowed him with the faculty of un-
derstanding the language of all animals, hut on tms express condi-
tion, that he should neyer interprct it to anyone, on pain of death.
Some time after this PH'nt, dIP farmpr was walking leisurrly in
his yard, 'when he heard tbp foIIowing conn'rsation bctwPf'll an ox
and an ass: "S\prightly," said the ox
" how much do J enyy your
condition! Yon have no lalJOr, pxc('pt now and tlWll to Cfi1'l'Y our
master little journeys; in return for which you are well fpd with
the best corn, carefully clpaned, and lodg:pd in fre
h stra,v eyery
night: while J, who work from daylight till dark, and am urged by

ENTEHT AIX )IE
TS.

11

the blows of the l,loughman to toil almost beyond my strength, when
n...y hard task is performed, am scantily supplied with coarse fuod,
and pass the night on tho cOlllmon."
" Tho:se," replied the ass, " "ho call you a fooli
h beast, are not
much mistaken. 'Vhy do you not, with all that strength, oxert a
little courage, and r('si8t such ill treatment? If thpy gh-e you bad
corn,8mcll at it and leaye it! anù w}wn they are about to fasten you
to the plough, bellow aloull,
talllp with your foot, and eyen strike
thelll ,,,ith your horns. Be assured a little resolution will soon pro-
cure you hetter treatment."
The farmcr, haYÏng heard this con'Ter
ation, was not long in com-
ing to a resolution. The next morning the lahoreI' found the ox
restive when he attempted to yoke him.: on 'whièh, by his master 7 s
orders, ho left him, and putting the collar-on the ass, he fixed him to
the plough, and with many blows compelled him to perform the
work the ox should IHwe done. K or was this all; for ,,-hen he re-
turned at night, more dead than alive, he found 110 straw to lie on;
and instead of a I)lentiful supply of the l)est oats, there was nothing
in his manger but a handful of coarsc lJeans, ill-cleansed, which even
his extreme hunger could scarcely In-cvail with him to eat.
The ox, who had rested the whole day, and been fed with the prov-
ender usually gin
n to his companion,receh-ed hin10n his return
with many compliments, and ayowals of o
igation. To thesc cere-
monies the ass had no relish; ,,-ithout an
wering a word he threw
himself on the ground, aud, in thought, began to uphraid his own
folly. " "
as eyer such imprudence as mine?" said he within him-
self. " How has a silly officiou8ne
s undone me! 1Yhat had I to
wish for thht I did not ('njoy? when did sorrow e,er approach me?
All this happiness I have deseryedly lost, by meddling with that
which did not Concprn me."
The grand yizier applied the obvious moral to Scheherazade. nut
finding she persi:-.;ted, he hec:l1lle angry. " If you will continue thus
ohstinate," s..Úd he," JOu will ohlige me to treat you in the same
manner the f..'1,rmer did his wife in the sequel of the story."
The farmer, hearing that the ass was in bad plight, .was curious
te know v.- hat would pm s between him and the ox. Accordingly,
after supper, he took a walk with hi!';; wife into the yard, wh(')) he
heard the sufferer say tf) his companion: "Comrade, ,,-hat do you
int('nd to do to-morrow, ,,"hen the laborer brings your IDPat 1"
" Do, my best friend! " rf'plied the ox; ",,"hy, I will carefully at-

1

AUABL\N 1';1(;I1'1':::ì'

t('nd to your instructions; if my corn is not of the very best quality,
I 'will not deign to touch it; and if he presumes to lay a halter on
me, I will not fail to knock him down."
" I fancy';' replied the as
, " you 'will think it prudent to alter that
l'esolution, when 1 relatc to you what I heard our master say to the
laborer just now." The ass haying .thus excited the attention and
fcar of the ox, told him yery gravely, that the farmer had ordered
his servant, if the ox continucd rcsth-e, to knock him on the head
the day following, aud distribute his fle::;h among the }100r. The
ox, alarmed at this story, bellowed aloud for fear, and vowed suh-
lllis
i(Jn to the laborer; which resolution the ass was forward to
comnH'nd.
The farmer was so pleased with the cunning of the ass, and the
terrors of the ox, that he burst into an immoderate fit of laughter.
Ilis wife, 'who saw no reason for this extraordinary mirth, was curi-
ous to know the cause of it. He tried to evade her question; but
the more he sought to divert her attention, the more earnest she
became in her inquiry. At l('ngth, tired with her importunity, he
told her that the cause of his laughing must continue a secret.
"You will not, I suppose," added he," urge me any further, v,hcn
I acquaint you that my revcaling it would certainly cost me my
life."
This assertion, 'which she affected not to believe, made the wife
. .
redouble her importunities; the farmer, however, continued re80-
lute, and suffered her to pass the night in tears without much concern.
But when he found next day that the same obstinate desire of the fa

tal information continued, he was exceedingly distrEssed. lIe called in
the assistance of his neighbors and relations, who in vain rf'presentrd
to her the unreasonableness of her request. She persisted; and the
unhappy farmer was on the point of gratifying her, at the rxp('nse
of his life, when an incidrnt determined hin1 to alter his intention.
Going out of his door, he heard his faithful dog relating witl]
concern the story of his emlJarrassment to a cock, who heard it
,vith much contempt. " A pretty fello'w, truly," replied the cock,
"is this master of ours, who cannot manage olIe wife, when I govern
fifty! Let him take a good crab-stick, and use it properly, I will
engage she will soon dismiss h('r impertinent curiosity." The hon-
est farmer took the hint; his wife returned to her duty; and you,
my daughter, if treat('d in the same mannrr, would no doubt be as
conformable to my desires, and forego so desperate an eXpt;riment.

F:'\TE1:T.\1
:\IE'\TS.

1

utwith.4:lwling thi
alHI eH'ry othpl" mcthO(I ta]{,pn to !:ihake her
det(,'rlllinatioJl 7
dH'hermm,de coutinucd ullll1oycd, amI the grmld
viÚer was oLligcd to anllnl1lll'{' to his s(),"ert"'ign the :lml,itioll of his
daughter. The sultan heard him with RnqH'i
e; after pansing for
a few moments, he
aid to him, ,...ith all air of
eYerity: ,. r gi\"e
you op
ortunity to rc
all thi8 ra:-;h off('J" ; if JOu l'Pr
ist in it, I will
receiye Schehermmde ns my wif(', hut prcHullH' not to hope that I
will violate my YOW in her fa\'or. On the contrary, Jour own lifc.',
as well as hers, shall be forfeiteù, if you he
itate for a moment to
execute my usual orderlS." Even this menace had no effeet on tho
young lady; and the unhappy father was compelled tò lead his
d:\rlin
child to the arms of his sovereign, with a full assurance
of l)eing oLliged to deprive her of life with his own ha.nd the fol-
lowing morning.
When Scheherazade was introduced to the sultan, he "as struck
with her Leauty and modest sen
ihility. Perceiving her in t{'a}'
.
he for a moment forgot his barùarous resolntit"\n, and endeavored
to comfort her. The 10,Tely sultaness, ple3.sed to see she had Ill[ulo
an impression on his sanl
e heart; seizetl that moment to reque.,:,t
that her si
ter, Dinarzade, might be admitted to her next morning,
an hour before day, to take her last farewell. The sultan readily
complied; and notice heing 8P11t to her sister accordingly, the
charming Schehermmde Bufl'ered herself to be conducted to too fa-
tal couch, anù became the devoted bride to the cruel Schahriar.
At the appointed hour, Dinarzade was admitted to the.nuptial
uhamber; when she made the strange rpqucst, that in the little
time which remained, before they were to part foreyer, the sultan-
e
F; would relate to her one of those many entertaining stories she
had read, The sultan, wondering at so singular a request, con-
sented, at the desire of his bride, and O\'en expres
ed a wish to
hear stories which must be singular, indeed, to be asked for at such
a moment. Scheherazade, pncourag('(l IJY this ".i
h, began thus:

THE l\IER('Hi\
T AND THE GENIE.
Sir, there wa.
formerly a merchant whose exll'n
i\Te traffic
obliged him to travel to many places; ill olle of whieh journeys,
finding himself much incommoded IJY the heat of the day, ho
alighted from his horse, and f'at down in a shady groyc; when
taking
Ollle d:ttes out of h i
purtmanteau. he ato tIH'm, throw in

the shells on e:.teh
ide of him. ,rhpn he had done eatilJg, l,eing

1-1

A IC\BL\N NIQIl'l'S'

a good mussulman, he washed his hands and feet at aa adjoining
rivulet, aud said his pra.yers. "rhile he was yet on his knees, a
monstrous genic, an whit.e with age, advanced toward him with
a scimitar in his hand; and uttering a frightful cry, excl.timed,
"Rise up that I may kill thee, as thou lut8t killed my son." The
mm.chant, terrified as much at his appearance, as at his threats,
prote5ted his innocence. "How," exclaimed the genie, ,( did you
not, even now, throw about the shells of your dates? my son was
}):1ssing by, and you threw onc of them into his eye, which kined
him; therefore I must kill thee." Saying which, he took the
)nerchant by the arIll, threw him on the ground, and lifted up the
scimitar to cut off his head.
In this imminent danger, the merchant earnest1y entreated per-
mission to return home, and settle hi
affairs, and take leave of hili
family. "What time do you require 1" said the genie. "I ask
a year," replied the merchant; "I swear by Allah, that this day
twelYemonth I will return under these trees, to put myself into
,
your hands." Upon this the genie di:;appeared.
The mercha.nt returned home disconsolate. He. employed the
allotted time in prorerly regulating his affairs, arid when it ,vas
near expired, he took a. sorrowful leave of his family, and arrived
at the place where IlC had promised to meet the genie. While he
was waiting for his dreaded approach he saw two old men coming
towurd him from different qnarters, the flrst leading a hind, the
second t.wo black dogs.
They approached the trees where the unfortunate merchant was
sitting, when one of them said to him, " Brother, why do you stay
in this place? Do you not know that a number of evil spirits re-
sort to ft. and that it is by no means safe to continue here 1"
" Alas!" :;aid the merchant, " I know that but too well." He then
related hi::;
tory to the old men, who hayin
heard it, agreed to
continue with him until the genie should appear.
III a. little time they percci "ell a thick vapor advancing toward
them, which vanishing all at onc
, di
covered the genie. 'Yithout
noticing the old men, he took the merchant by the arm, saying,
,. Rise, that I lllay kill thce, as thou elitIst kill my sun." The mer-
chant fillûd the air with hi
t;ries' and the old men P rostrutillO'
, ö
them::;el,-es ou the groulHl; cntreated t<n' him. 1'he gcnie, with
E;(\mf} <lifiìenlt)", was pprsuatled to listC'u to their expostulations,
and at lC'ugth to agree, that if their ::;cYßral adventures \Yere more

E
TEnTA_IX
lE
T::;.

15

surp1"l
iug than that of the merchant, he w(Juld relcnt, anù set
him at liLerty.
Day advancing, the sultan aro
e. and the "iÚer, ill much afflic-
tion, entered. into his presence ill full expectation of recciving the
usual fata.l orders; but the sultall was so much ta,kCll with the
Leauty and accollll'li
hmeut8 of his lady, and his curiosity was so
LUuch excited by the interesting story she had begun, that he be-
came irresolute respecting his vow; and talking to his tremlJling
"\ izier on other affairs, he left him ill su:spensc all:5o as to the fate
of hi5< beloved daughter.
The next morning Scheherazade resumed her m..rrative with the
history of

THE OLD l\1A
AND TilE HIKD.
"I married," began the first olù man, "in my early life, my
cousin with whom I lived more than twenty years in much happi-
ness. The only thing that aLated it was, that we had no children.
The desire of posterity induced me to buy a slaTe, Ly "T\'hom I
shortly had a 80ll. I still lived in great harmony with my wife,
who always treated the 8laye kindly, and appeareù to be very fond
of my boy. SOI,11e years after his Lirth, I was obliged to go a long
iourney, and 011 my return, my wife told me that my son and my
slave were both dead. I lamented. their loss very much; tut the
feast of Bairam approaching, I thought it my duty to overcome
my 80rrO\T', and prepare for the holy festival.
"Accordingly I gave orders to my farmer to bring up one of
the fattest co Wi, to sacrifice at the commencemcnt of the
olcmnity.
He obeyed; but when the cow was brought to me she bellowed
piteously, and I could perceive tears run down frolll her eyes.
Struck with so singular a spectacle, and moved, I knew 110t how,
I was about to send the cow back and order another, when my
wife opposed any exchange with great vehemcnce. I suffered my-
s('If to Le prevailed on; and though I could. not kill her myself,
I ordered my farmer to do so, who obeyed me. "Vhpn she was
slain, it was found, notwithstanding her plump appearance, that
she was mere skin and bone; and wholly unfit for the intended
sacrifice.
"I immediately sent for another fat beast; when the farmer
orought a calf, whose behavior wvs still more extraordinary. He
broke the cord, ran to DIe, and fell at my feet. I determined to

16

ABAlllAN NiGHT:::)'

listen to the impulse I felt in f
tyor of this calf, and accordingly
ordered him to he b..kClt back; although my wife interfered with
stiìl greater eagOl'UCSR, and iusisted that he :shuuld be slaugh teredo
" The ùay fullowing, my fal'lnor desired to speak with me alone.
lIe took me to hi:-; own habitation. and intrùduced me to his daugh-
ter, by her I was informed that during IllY journey, my wife
had learned the lJlack art; anù by that means had transformed my
slave illto the co'\-" we haù ullfi.)rtunately slaughtered the ùay be-
fore; and my t-:on into the calf which h
ld so ll3.rrowly escaped
" I leave JOu to judge, powerful genic, how lUuch I was distress-
ed at this account. I
ut not doubting my informer was able to
restore my son, as she had the
kill to di8con
r his situation: I very
earnestly besought her assi8ta.nce. 'On two conditions,' replied
Ehe, ' I will rC'store him. }
ir
t, that JOu give him me for a hus-
lJand; and secondly, that you permit me to punish as she deserves,
the wicked enchantress who has transformed him.' I consellted;
she thrn pronounced cC'rtain worù
, and spriukling my son with
water, he rm;umed his shape. lIe joyfully married his fair bene-
factress, Vì ho changed my wicked wife into the hind you see here."

THE STORY OF THE OJ,D MAN WITH THE TWO BI.ACK DOGS.
" Prince of genii," said tlw second old man," these dogs and
mssC'lf are brothers. Oll tllC dE'ath of Our father we didded his
substance among u!', and each received a thou
and sequin
. One
of my brothers rpsolyed to travel, laid out his money in goods
l3uited to the coulltry he inteudC'd to visit, and departed.
" Aftcr a year's alJ8ence he returned in grea.t distre
s, having
lost all his eflcctR. l\IeantimC', }JY industry, I had acquired an ad-
ditional thou
and sequins, which I readily gave him. ,l\Iyother
brother, llOt disheartened by the ill success of the first, pursued
the same measures; very shortly he also returned entirely ruined.
'fo him al
o I ga\-e anothC'r thousand sequius; we then agreed to
remain at h0111(', a.nd rursue our business carefully, without seek..
ing further alhentu1'C's.
"Some years afterward, both my brothers besougllt me to join
with th(,111 in a trading yoyage. 1'heir importuuity prevailed. r
di
posC'd of my 8to('k, ,dtich now produced six thousand Requim:,
Imlf of whith I lmried in a COrlH'r ()f the house, and gave {'<teh of
my brotlwl's a tllOnmnd of thc remainder. 1Ve arrivc,} f'afply at
our dcstined port, where ,ye sold onI" aùyentures to good profit.

EX rEIn AnDIE
TS.

17

" When we were nearly ready to return, I met on tbe banks of
the sea a lady, handsome, but poorly clad, who very earnestly per-
suaded me to marry her. I cOllsented, aud having taken her on
board the Yes
el, we set sail. 1\ly wife proved to be possessed of
tiO many good qualities that I became every day more fond of her.
1\'1y unworthy brothers, envJing lilY superior good fortune, seized
us both while asleep, and threw us into the sea.
:, But little did these bad men imagine the puni8hment that awaited
their cruelty and ingratitude. l\Iy witè was a fairy; she conveyed
me home, and conducted the vessel which had my goods on board,
safe into port. Before I knew of its arrival, two black dogs came
crouching to me in the most submissive manner. 'These,' said the
fairy, ' are your brothers. Thus is their wickedness requited; and
it is one part of their punishment, that in this degraded state they
must look for support and protection to the brother they so lJasely
betrayed.' "
The genie thought these adventures so I'ingular, that he rcmitted
the puni::;hment of the l1lérchant, and disappeared; aud the mer-
chant, after suitably thanking his bpnefactors, returned home again
with joy to his family.
The sultan was delighted with these stories. lIe requcsted Sche-
hern-zade to proceed next night to another; and going into the
divan, the ,-izicr, hiR family, the court, and the people in general,
were overjoyed to finù that he gave no orders to put the beautiful
sultaness to death.

THE STORY OF THE FISHER!lIAN.
There was a fisherman who, when young, had indiscreetly vowed
not to cast his net abmre four times a dëty. This YOW he religiously
obòerved; though when he came to have a numerous family, he had
i)ften occasion to regret his having m,ade it.
One morning, having thrown his net three times without the least
success, he was almost ,dId with grief. Anothpr cast only re-
mained, which he L1ctcrmined to take with particular attpntion.
IIa,-iug thrown it: in
tcad of a fi:..;h he ùrew up only a small yessel
of copper with a leaden seal to it. This seal he eagerly removcd,
in hopps of finding something valuable; but to his great mortifica-
tion, the ca
ket was empty. IIe threw it on thIJ ground, and con-
tinucrl to eye it in a kind of de:-:pair, when he perceiyed a thick
fllloke to come out of it, ,yhicb mounted to tho cloud::5, and extl
ud

18

ARAnIÅ

IGHT5'

ing itself along the sea and shore: formed a great mist. \Yhcn the
f:llloke was all out of the vessel, it connected itself into one body
which formed an eUOl'lllom
genie,
At the sight of so terriLle a figure, the fisherman would h:ne
fled, but" as too much terrified. "Solomon, Solomon, the gre'lt
prophet!" exclaimed the genie, "pardon, pardon, pardon; I HCYCr
more will oppose your will!" The fisherman hearing thi8 tuuk
courage, and said, "Thou prouù sþirit, what is it thou talkest uf?
it is eighteen hunch'ed years ago since the prophet Solomon died!
'l'cllllle your history, and how you came to be shut up in that
yessel. "
The genic turuing to his deliverer, with a fierce look saiù,
"Thou art very bold to call me a prouù spirit. Speak to me more
ch'illy before I kill thee. ,: \Yhat," replied the fisherman, " would
fOU kill me for setting you at liLcrty 1 Is that the way you re-
ward the service I have done you 1" " I cannot treat you other-
wise," replied the genie; "and that .rou may be convinced of it,
listen to my story: I am one of those rehellious spirits 'W ho op-
posed themselves to the will of Heaven. The oth('r genii owned
Solomon the gl'f.at prophet., and suhmitted to him. :::;acar alJd I
only re
;Ìsted. That potent monarch caused me to be seized and
brought by force before his throne! when, a8 I daringly lJp.rsi
ted
in my disobedience, he shut me up in this copper vessel; and that
I might not eðcape, he himself stamped his seal, with the great
llame of God engrê.1\'ell on it, upon this leadeu coyer, and ordered it
to he cast into the midtìt of the sea.
During the first century of my imprÏE;onment, I swore that if
anyone would deliyer me I would make him immensely rich.
Durin
the second, I yowed that I "ould open all the treàtiUreS of
the earth to anyone who should set me free. Iu the third, I prom-
ised to make my ddiyerer a mighty prince, and to be ah\"aylS hi

attendant spirit. .:\Iany ceuturies passed over, and I continually
increased my promises to him who should render me so e::;selltial a
ser\'Ïce; but all in vain; no Olle was so lucky as to find the coffer,
and l)y o})el1ing it, to obtain the rewards I had bound myself to
bestow. At last, euraged and tired with so lonD' a confiuelllent I

ð,
vowed that if allY oue should set me at liberty, I would kill him
without mercy; therefore, as you have this da.y deli\Tered me, pre-
rare yourself to die.'"
This discùurse terrified the pOG,t' fisherman beyond measure; hut

EKTERTAI
OfEXT.

1

as neceRsity is the parent of ingenuity, he nddres
ed the genie
thus: "If it lllu
t be so, I submit; 1 ut before I die, I conjure you
by the great name which was engrayell on the seal of the prolJhet
Solomon, that you grant me one reque
t, in return fur the servico
] have done you, which you have obliged yourself to repay so
hardly." The genie. trembled at the. aùjuration, and answereù
hastily, " Ask what thou wilt, but quickly."
,( I cannot believe,'J said the fhihernIan, "that you were really

onfined in that yessel; it will not hold oue of your feet. I adjure
you, therefore, by the oath you have taken, to enter into it again,
that I may be convinced, and acquit you, before I die, of ingrati-
tude aud lllurder."
The body of the genie instantly dissoh.ed, and changing into a
mist, extended itself as before. At last it began to enter the ves-
sel, which it confinued to do, by a slow and eqnal motion, till
nothing was left out; and immediately a voice came forth, which
said, " 'VeIl, incredulous fellow, I am in the vessel now; are you
Httisfied 1"
The fisherman installtIy shut down the cover; "X ow, genie, it is
thy turn to entreat in vain. I will return thee to the sea whence
I took thee, and w ill erect a monument to caution other fishermen
if they chance to meet with thee, that they may be aware of such
a wicked genie as thou art.who has sworn to kill thy deliverer!" The
genie endeavored with his utmost f0rce to get out of the ve
sel
again; but the seal of Solomon restrained him. Dissembling,
therefore, his anger, he addressed the fisherman in a more pleasant
tone; bep:ged him once more to remove the cm.er, and promised
to reward him to his full satisfaction. ., Thou art a traitor," re-
plied the fisherman," and I should deserve to lose my life, if I
was so foolish
s to trust thee. K 0 doubt you would use me as
the Grecian king did his physician Douban. 'T is a story I have a
mind to tell thee, before I return thee to the faithless element in
which I found thee."

THC STORY OF THE GRLCIAN KING AND THE PHYSICIAN DOUBAN.
There was a king of Greece who was sorely afJìicted with a
grievous lepro!ô'Y. His physicians had exerted all their art in nl.in ;
his case was declared hopeless, and he expected every day to f'ink
lmder the loathsome (iisease which oppressed him. At this time
there came to his court a strange physician, named DouLan, who,

20

ARABIAN
IGins'

after exammmg the patient, asserted that 80 far from the king
beiug incuraùle, he would undertake to restore his health without
either inward potionf-\ or outward applications. This extraordinary
proposal was readily accevted. The physician prepared a racket
and besought the king to play at tennis with it. "I have lodged:'}
said he, "certain drugs in the handle, which is hollow, when these
arc heated they will pelletrate your majestis whole frame; leave
off then; bathe, and retire to rest, and to-morrow you will find
yourself perfectly cured."
The king followed the direction of Douban, and rose the next
DlOrning entirely free from his malady. The physician was in-
vested with the most distinguished honors; the king loaded him
also with riches, and the courtiers with caresses; he became the
declared favorite; and everyone who had a suit to prefer to the
king, solicited the interest of the physician.
But amid all hi
prosperity lurked the most fatal destruction.
The Grecian king was a very weak prince, easily irritated, and
tyrannical in his disposition. I1is former favorites envied Douban,
and seized every opportunity to excite distrust of him in the royal
breast. "He is become," said they, " next in dignity and power to
yourself; as he cured you in a manner so simple, way he not also,
l)y methods as unsuspected, cut off your majesty; who alone stands
between him and the throne."
For a long time the Grecian king repelled these insinuations.
"tV ere I to listen to you," said he to his courtiers, " I should 11e like
a certain man who had a faithful parrot, who reported to hIm the
incontinence of his wife during his absence. The 'wife, enraged at
the tell-tale, contrived u method of destroyin b the credit of the hird,
and being revenged at the same time. Accordingly, when hel"
husband went another journey, she caused a slave to scatter water'
on
r the cage all night, in the manner of rain, while others pro-
duced the appearance of thunder and lightning. The next dë'lY,
whpn the llU
l)and rPlurned, the parrot complailled of haying beeu
exposcd nll night to the fury of a continual
torlll. As the 1l1:.t!"ter
knpw tlIP weather had becn exc('(>dingly fine, he hastily conclurl"d
that hi
}Iirù waR false, anù in re!-;pntmeut put it to death; but the
future ill conduct of h;s" ifc too soon proved to him his parrot'H
truth :tlld his own ra
hnm5:ì."
" Sir," l'Pplied hiR vizier, " it iR my duty to IJe particularly attpn.
tirfj to your safety, nor must I Buffer you to be led bJ' specious al"-

ENTEUT_\I
l\IE
TS.

21

peRra-nces, mto real danger. The yizier of a neighhoring king "as
intrm
ted with the care of his master's only son, and so ill did he
perform that duty, that he suffered the young prince to scparate
from his train, in the eagerneHs of the cha
e, till he was left aloIle,
and had lost his way; while he rode about, be came up to a hand-
some lady, who appeared to be in great ùi
tress. The prince was
naturally cOlllpa
::;ionate; he heard her tale, and at her request,
tcok her upon his horse, w bich he guided by her direction. They
came at length to the ruins of a castle in a londy place, where the
lady desired him to alight; he obeyed. The lady eutered the ruius,
and while he was securing his horse he beard her say softly, "Be
glad, my children; I haye brought you a handsome young man,
very fat." Other yoices immediately answered, "l\Iaml1la, where
is he? let us eat him presently, for we al'e very hungry':'
The prince heard enough to cOllvince him of his danger. He
perceived that the supposed distressed lady was really an ogress,
wife to oue of those savage demons, called ogres; who frequeut
remote places, and use a thousand wiles to suqJrise and devour
l,assell
ers. He began to Ulitie his hm.se again with all diligence,
putting up all the while prayers to Heaven for his deliverance.
The ogress, returning to the door, never douhted but he was still
employed ill fastening his horse, and hearing him utter prayers, she
also pretenùed to put up ejaculations; but the prince" as not to be
deceived by this hypocrisy. Haying loosened the rein, he leaped
upon the saddle, and was soon out of the monster's power. But
although he escaped unhurt, his royal father was so much enraged
at the danger he had bep-n in, that he very justly caused his care
less vizier to be put to death. I should deserve the same punish-
Inent, if I did not protest against the conduct of Douban, who though
as specious as the ogress, may be equally dangerous.
rl'he credulous Grecian king began at length to listen to these
insinuations; which the vizier observing, so inflamed his passions,
that he caused his benefactor to be seized, and brought into his
pre::;ence to be put to death. Douban, astonished at so fatal a de-
nunciation, solicited earnestly for llIercy, but in vain.
" You see," said the fisherman to the geuie, " how the king treat-
ed his henofactor. So have you also behaved to me."
\\Yhen Douhan found himself in the hands of the executioner, he
once more apIJ1ied himsPlf to the hing, requesting he would, a

least: alhw him tCJ live till the next day. " I have," said he to the

22

ARABIAN NIGHT,':)'

crnel priuce, " mnong my books, one well worthy of your ma.jesty's
acceptance: if, when my head i:::; struck off, you will open the book
at the sixth leat; and read the third line, mJ heaù will answer allY
question you shall ask." '!'he king, though insensiLle to lJity or
to gratitude, was moved by a frivolous curiosity to defer the execu-
tion.
The following day, when Douhau was brought into the royal
11l'cscllce, he renewed his supplication for life; reminded tbe king
of his sen ices, and in the most earnest manner l)rotested his in-
nocence. The unworthy prince told him l)laillly, that all he could
say was in vain: " 'Yere it only," continued he," to hear your head
speak after it is cut off, it is my pleasure you should be put to
death." The physician, seeing his fate inevitaLle, submitted. He
presented a large folio to the king: "Place. my head," said he,
" for a moment on the cover of this book, and I shall be in a con-
dition to amnver your questions." The executioner performed his
office; and the head being placed as directed, the blood stanched,
tlw eyes opened, and it called upon the king to opcn 'he book.
1'he king obeyed, but finding the leaves stick together, he put
his finger to his mouth and wetted it to separate them. \Vhen he
came to the sixth leaf, he said, " Physician, there is nothing written
here!" "Turn over leaf by leaf," said the head, " till you come to
the writing.", The king continued to turn over the lea,-es, putting
his finger continually to his mouth, till the poison with which each
leaf was impregnated took effect. The head, perceiving that the
king had but few moments to lh-e, exclaimed, "Tyrant, you are
justly punished!" Having said this, its eyes closed, and it re-
mained without life. The king also, in a short tillIe, fell dO\,yn and
expired.
" You find, genie,"
nid the fisherman, " that though the physician
could not preserve his life, 110 contrived to punish his ungratefhl
murderer. I am more forttmate in being now out of your power,
and having you in mine. I am now about to return you to the
('a."
" l\1y good friend," replied the genie, "remember, revenge i
for-
l.idden; do not treat me as Imama did Atteca." " IT ow was that ?"
asked the fisherman. " lIo !" replied the genie, "do you think I
can tell stories in this confinement? Let me out, and I will tpIl
you as måny as you please." " No," said the fisherman, " I ,viII
not let you out; on the ccntrar:v, I will this monwnt cast you back
into tÞe sea." "Hear me, I charge thee, " exclaimed the genie,

ENTERT AI:X'IE
TS.

.J

t. if thou wilt deliver m
, I swear; in the most
mlenm mannpr, that
I will not hurt thee: on the contrary, I will teach thee how to be.
come as rich as thou desirest to be."
Overcome by this }1l'tHnisE', tho fisherman once more opE'npd the
vessel; and the gpnie, resuming his form, instantly kicked it into
the Rea. The fi:sherman was alarmed at this action, but the genie
af':8ured him he was safp. lIe thel1 led him up a mountain, from
whence they dpscendpd to a groat pond, tllat lay between four hills.
"Ca
t ill thy nets here," said the gE'nie," and carry the fish thou
shalt take to the sultan, who will lil)('rally }.eward tbee; only h:)-
ware not to throw in thy nets more than once a day, or thou wilt
}'epent it." Having; said thiR, tIle genie di
:lpppar"d.
The fisherman immediatc1y threw in his nets; hut though the
pond seemed to abound with fish, he caught only four. lIe ,,,"as
much pleased to find them nllwmally beautiful, and each of a dit:.
ferent color; oue being white, one red, one blue, and one yenow.
Having much admired them, he set off for the }Jalace, to present
them to the sultan. The singular ùeauty of the fish made them
\ery accE'ptalJle; the liberal prince rewardpcI the fisherman with
four huudred piecE's of gold, and ordered them to be served as a
part of the entertainment of the llay.
Eut an amazing prodigy disappointed the sultan. As the cook
was frying the fish, on turning them, the wall of the kitchen opened,
Rnd a bpautiful young lady entered, holding a rod of myrtle in her
hand! and adyancing to the pan, she struck one of the fish, saying,
" Fish, fish, are ye in your duty 1" when the four fish lifting up their
hrads together, said, " Yes, yes, if you reckon, we reckon; if you
fly, we oycrcome, and are conteut." As soon as they had thus
spoken, the lady overtul'ncd the frying-}Jan, and passed again
through the wall, which dosl'd imll1pdiately, aud became as 11e10re.
The cook was cxceedingly tcrrified; but recm-ering herself, and
picking IIp thp fh::h, I"he had the mi:-:fortulle to find that they were
1urnt to a cinder, and utterly unfit to be seryed at the royal tahle.
She was under the necessity of J>elatiug the phell
nlf'nOn to the
vizier. That minister Ï1lYented an excuse, which sati
fied the sul-
tan; hut being very desirous of seeing 80 strange a sccne, he or-
dered the fi
herman to provide him four other fish, of the same
f;ort, 3S soon as po
sihle.
The day following the fisherman obeyed the vizier's order
and
to his gJ"P'fI t joy received another four hundred pieceR !>f gold. fhe

21

A HAUl \N r\IUJlT:S'

vizier s]mt himself up ,,-ith the cook, who I,Ia-ced the fhdl on tIle
fire: anò on turning them, when fried on one side, the wall again
opened, the lady appeared, the !ô':lme dialogue paRRed between h(,1"
and the fish; wheu, having m'erturned the pall, she retireø, and
the wall closed as on the preceding day.
The vizier, aston il':illPd beyond measure at so great a prodigy,
failed not to relate the matter to the sultan. That prince was
eq ually surprised, and in)IHÜient to see so strange a scene himselt:
The fisherman provided four more fish on the following day, and
again received a sum which was to him quite a treasure. The sul-
tan, attended by 11Ïs vizier, l"etired into his closet; the fish were
I,lacpd on the fire, and on turning them the wall opened; but in-
t:;tead of the young lady, there came out a gigantic black, in the
- habit of a slave: who ad,'anced with an air of anger to the pan, and
touching one of the fish, said, in a terrihle voice, " Fish, are ye in
your duty?" At these words, the fish ruil5ed up their head
, and
answered, " Yes, yes, we are; if you reckon, we reckon; if you
l)ay your debts, we pay ours; if you fly, we overcome. and are
content." The black then threw the pan into the middle of tlH'
closet, and the fish were reduced to coal. Having done this, he
l'etired fiercely, and tl
e wall shut, and remained as before.
'Yhen the sultan recm'ered Trom his astonishment, lIe sent for
the fisherman, to know where he caught these extraordina.ry fish:
and finding it was near the city, he ordered his usual retinue, and
set off immediately. On ascending the mountain, the pond and an
immense plain beyond it presented themselves, which no one re-
membered to have seen be<<>re. The sultan ordered his court to
pncamp J,y the side of the pond, and retired to his pavilion with
Iris vizier. To him the sultan declared his resolution of exploring,
alone, this new-discovered plain, in hopes of finding out the cause
of so many wonderful events. lIe commanded the viÚer to detain
llis attendants on that spot, and to excuse to them his not appearing,
under the pretence of his being indisposed.
At the dawn of the morning, the sultan set <<)rward, and by SUll-
rise, he saw before him a great building, which proyed to be a
tnagnificent palace of black marble. As the gates were opened,
the prince entered, but met not any lidng creature. lIe wandered
through many spacious apartments, all furnished in the most splea-
dirl manner, and kept in the most exact order. lIe caned out
aloud, hut no one answered. After walking alJout n long time, ho

I::\TE HT.\ I
:\[ EYfS.

2l\

grew weary; and 8itting dQWIl, was },eginning to reflect on the
wonders which had happened, when he \nl
interrupted by the
voice of one complaining. lIe listened atteutiycly; and following
the sound he came to a magnificent hall, at the upper end of which,
on :;t throne of burnished gold, ::;at a handsome young man, richly
habited in regal attire, but oppressed with the deepest melancholy.
As the sultan drew near, he saluted him. The young prince re-
turned the salute, by bowing lIis head. " I ought to rise, sir," said
he to the sultan, " to receive you; but alas! I can but too well
apologize for continuing in this posture." Saying this, he drew
"aside his I'obe, and discovered to the sultan that he was only a n
'1n
from the head to the girdle, an
that the other part of his body was
black marLle.
" \Vhat you show me," said the sultan, "fills me with grief and
horror. I conjure you, most unfortunate prince, to reJa.te to me by
what accident you have been reduced to your present situation. I
am persuaded your story is somehow connected with certain extra-
ordinary eyellts which haye occulTed to me lately. Perhaps for-
tune has led me hither to be of service to you."
"Alas !" replied the young man. " I have no hope of relief; yet,
though I must ].enew my grief by repeating my story, your ap-
peárance, as well as your offers of assistance, entitle you to com-
pliance."

THE HISTORY OF THE KING OF THE BLACK ISLES.
" I succeeded my father to the throne of the Black TRIes a few
years ago, and inyited to share it \vith me a young lady whom 1
had loypd from my earliest infancy. She was my cousin; we were
bred up together; and I had eyery reason to RUl'pose I was equally
dear to her. After a short time I found a visi1Jle coolness in the
queeJ?'s behavior, which afflicted me the more, as it seemed to in-
crease dflily, and I could no way account for it.
" It chanced, as I was reposing on a sofa, two of her attendants
came into the room, and supposing me asleep, one of them said to
the other, 'Is not the queen lUuch to blame to treat this amiahle
I :ince so ill? I wondpl' he does not discover hpr enormities.' 'You
l\ ; not know, then,' replied the other, 'that e,rery evening t:;he mixes
in his drink the juice of a certain herb, which causes him to sleep,
till by applying another herb to his nose she awakens him. 'Tis
hy thi:,:; nle
ws she escapps detection.'
2

26

AUABIAN NIlarrS'

" Though 1 was nmch alarmed at th is discourse, I still a ppear('d
to sleep. In the evening I supped with the queen; but \yhe
l sLe
presented me, before we retired, with a cup, I only pretrnded to
drink, and holding it to my mouth some time, I returned it to ht'l'
untasted. '\Ve withdrew to our chamber: where, as soon a.
I by
down on the hed, I pretended to fall into a deep sleep. The quecn
immediately arose, dre
sed herself, anù having said to me, ' Sl('(\l',
and may you neyer awake again!' went out of the chamher.
" I was ready to follow her in an instant. She went to a little
groye adjoining the garden, where a man 'was wait.ing'for her.. I
reached t.he grove unobserved, and concealed myself behind a tree;
I listened to their conversation, and found that she seemed to layifih
her fondness on one who hearù her very coolly. Enraged that she
should treat me 150 unworthily, I resoh'ed to he revenged on her
minion. Accordingly, when they had pa8sed me, I gave him a vio.
lent blow on the neck with my scimitar, which brought him to the
ground. I'snpp08ed he ,,'as slain; anc1 not caring to come to ex-
tremities with the qU('Cll, J retired in haste, without discovering
myself, and r('turnod imnH'(liately to my chambor. In the morning
I found my wife lyin
by me as llsnal, hut she either was, or pre-
tended to 1m, in a profound sleep, so that I a.rose and went to coun-
cil without havinp;
poken to her.
e, At dinner time
hc prcHellted herself to me, clad in mourning,
and expres
ed the utmost affiiction. ',Ala!5, sir,' said she, 'I am
oppressed with the most cruel misfortunes. I have just heard of
the death of my royal mother; and that the king, my father, has
IORt a lJattlc; in which he and one of my hrothers have fallen. Suf.
fer me to retire f()1. a twehclllonth to the Palace of Tears; that I
may pay a proper tribute to their nWlllory.'
"I was not sorry she thm::l di8
uif3ed the true cause of her grief;
and readily gave her the permIssion Hhe de
;ired. She withdrew
accordingly to that palace: ancl thit.hm' I filund out
he cOI1Ycyed
her galla.nt. The wound I hall givpn hilll Víould have been mortal,
had she not 11r('
('rvpd him Ly a chink, which she pl't'pared and
adminbtcrcII to him hersl'lf, c\T('ry day. TIut though she was nl)le
by this mean'
to keep him alh'e, yrt she could neither' cure him,
nor re
tore his facnlties : he lh"es, ind('('(1, hut he can ncìthl'l' walk,
1110ve, nor
peak; his eyes alone giro fìigIl
of exi
tence, }mt Bot of
wm:ihility.
,,] hoped that time would hayr, remoypd the (pwon's sorrow I

EXTEHTAIXJIENT3.

27

Bufl'e:;:ed hcr 1 therefore, to continue this course without interrul tion;
but when, at the end of two yenrs, I found that her" criminal afflic-
tion was still cherished, I fatally ref<oh.cd to Jet her know I was
Dot unacquainted with the real source of it. I conceal('d myself
behind the tomb which she had erected for her galla,nt, and became
a witness of her ungovernablo folly. The fonduess she lavished on
him was excf'ssive; nor would it have been excusalJle had he l,cen
in perfect health. For this adored lover, this miniou, thus doated
on, was a black Indian; and: as I was well informed, as diHgusting
in his manners as in his person. ' Alas!' exclaimed she, "tis now
two years since you have spoken to me; you return no answer to
the many proofs of love I give you. Is it from the effeet of your bar-
barous wound, or from coutempt, that you lue thus silent? 0 tomh,
have you swallowed up the affection he had for me?' Enraged at
these lamentations, I discovered myself all at once, and reproacheJ
her with the utmost severity. She heard me at tir
t ill silcnce and
confusion; but \'I'hen I not only dechtr('d myself the pm1Ï:::dlCr of hel
gallant, but drew my scimitar to take away the remains of his
life, her shame turned to rage; she instantly lJCgan to rcpeat en-
chantments,
nd pronouncing certain words I did not understand,
I became as you see me, half marlJle, half Ulan.
" Nor did I alone fall a sacrifice to the reyenge of this wicked
woman. By the force of her incantations, she transformed my
whole territory. The four islands whieh I reigned o\'er, are be.
come the four hills you passcd; my capital city is changed to a
pond; and my people are turned into fh;hes, of various colors: the
l\lussulmans being 'white; the Persians, who adore fire, red; the
Christians, blue; and the Jews, yellow. This I learned from her
rage and roprnaclws; for she is not satisfied with tho evils I now
suffer, but every d..ty 8he comes here, and gratifies her malice by
invectives, and even hy l)lowf', which I have no power to resist."
. The young king haying finisheß, his story, Lec3.me o\'erpowered
with grief. The sultan did hif; utmost to cOllRole him. In amswer
to the further inquiries of his visiter, the king informed him that
the Palace of Tears was adjoining to the hall they were in; that
the enchantress vibited the palace every morning at break of day,
when she first exercised hcr cruelty on him. and then attended hßr
gallant, with the drink which preserved him frOlll dying, and be.
wailed over him his helpless condition. -
The sultan having revolyed these matters in his mind, took leavo

28

ARABIAN 1\IGllTS'

of the unhappy king, when he foulld he was a little composed,
without acquainting him with his intention, lest ,a disappointment
.should aggravate his n.ffiiction. lIe found out the Palace of Tears,
and a,s soon as he came to the bed where the black lay, he put
him to death, and dragging his body into the court of the palace,
threw it into a well! lIe then laid asiùe his upper garment, and
having blackened his hanùs, face, and neck, and taken his scimitar
with him, he lay down on the bed in the same posture in which he
had found the hlack.
IJ
passed the llight 'without sleeping, his whole thoughts being
occupied with the affair he was engaged in. At day-break the
loud lamenta.tions of the unfortunate king, and the severe blows
he heard inflictrd on him, gave him notice that the wicked en-
chantre8s was at hand. The poor prince filled the palace with his
outcries, and in vain bpsought }1('r, ill the most affecting manner, to
have pity on him. Having gratified her cruelty, she left him; and
en,tering the Palace of Tears began, in her turn, to use the language
of affiiction. " Ala.s!" exclaimed she, as she approached the bed
on which her supposed lover lay; can I ever sufficiently revenge
the miseries I suffer 1 To who
e jealousy and cruelty do I owe
the wrctched situation of my adored lover 1 Alas! my life, my
love," continued 8hc, aùùres
illg herself, as she supposed, to the
black, " will you never be delivered from this state of insensibility
and silence 1 "'ViII you no more he ahle to tell me how much you
love me 1"
The sultan affected to awaken slowly, as from a deep sleep.
At last, heaving a sigh, and imitating the accent of the blacks,
he said, " There is no force; ('II" power, but in God alone, who is
almighty.:' The enchantres
, on hearing these words, gave an ex-
cessive shout for joy; when the sultan, turning toward her, said,
" U nhapry queen! if thou wouldst ha.ye my recovery complete,
tc:;tore thy husband, and cease to treat him with indignity." The
fond enchantress flew to the hall, find taking n. Clip of Wttter. pro-
nounced certain ,yords over it, which caused it to boil, then throw-
ing it on the young king, she sai.d, " If thou art in thy present
stale by the force of my enchantments, rel-'ume thy natural
powers." On her uttering these \vol'ds, the prince instantly found
himself ref;tored; the joy he felt was scarcely fillayed by the in
801ence of his enem v , who rlirected him in the hauO'htiest manner
J , b ,
to leave the palace immediately, and be seen there no 1110re on
pain of death.

EKTERTA IX.MEXTS.

2D

'The enchantress returned with impatience to lIer supposed
lover, anù was delighted to finù him appear much hetter. As sho
wa.s hastening toward him; the sultan cried out, " Stop: wretched
laùy; if thou approachest Ilearor to lUe, I shall relapse into my
former stato of insensibility; my recovery ca11not be perfect until
thou hast reversed all thy enchantments, which base produced
such fatal consequences to thy husband's subjects and territory."
The enchantress, elated with joy and hope, immediately with-
drew, and in a few minutes dissolved all her spells, and reEtored

n
rythillg to its former condition. The fbhes became men; the
houses and shops were again filled with their inhabitants; amI tho
sultan's retinue were astonished to find themselves in the middle
of a large and populous city.
1'110 wicked magician hastened back to the Palace of Tears, and
was transported to see her supposed 10v(,1" sitting on the lJed.
Fearing, however; to app)'oach him too hastily, she restrained her-
self, and said, " I have in all things oLeyed you; I have restored
to its first state everything that I had transformed." " iTis well,"
replied the sultan, rising up, and going toward her; "come now,
and receive the reward thou hast deserved." As she flew to meet
him, he, with oue blow of his scimitar, put an end to hsr life, at
once pUllishing bel' pa!::t crimes, and preventing her repeating
them.
The joy of rhe king and people of the Black Isles, on their de-
Ih-erance, 'Was extrBme. The sultan heartily congratulated the
king
inviting him at the same time to pass a few days in his capi
tal. which they might reach in a few hours' ride, But the kin
01
the isles unclecci \'ed him. c'Though':' said he." you came hither
in that tim(', yet now the enchantment i
ended, you will find it
several mOlJths' journey to the confines of your dominions. I
will, however, readily attend you, and evpr acknowledge my o'Lli-
gations to you to the last mOUlent of my life."
Accordingly, after a few days' repot\e, the young king arlded a
hUllIired camel!':.,.larlen ,'"ith illestimahle riclw
, to the retinue of
the Rultan; and joining the
m,me with ma,ny of his nobleR, he
cor.dnetNl that prince to his capital, whore they were received by
the faithful inhnllitailt-.:. with the loudest acclamations.
X or wa
th
fislwrman forgot. .As he was the cause of the dis-
covery. the snltan gave him a plentiful e:statc, which ahundalltly .
1!;nÜificd his utmost wishes.

30

AUA JUAN NIGllTS'

THE STORY OF THE THREE CALENDAR?, SONS OF KIKGS, AND 0'
THE FIVE LADIES OF BAGDAD.
In the reign of Caliph IIaroun .Alraschid, there was at Bagdnil a
porter, who was remarkable for his wit and good humor. O?e
day, as he was waiting for employment, a young and handsome
lady called to him. The porter was so struck with her appear-
ft.l1ce and affability, that he followed her with joy, and exclaimed,
"0 happy day! a day of good luck !"
The lady knocked at a gate, and .a Christian, of venerable ap.
IJearance, opened it. She put money into his hand, without speak.
iug a word; 'when he, knowing what she wanted, brought. her a
large bottle of .wine, which the porter put into his basket. FrOla
thence they proceeded to the different dealers in provisions, fruits,
and perfumes, till the basket was quite full. :l\Ieantime, the por-
ter, by his ready wit and cheerful obedience, ingratiated himself
very much into the lady's fa\Tor. Having finished their marketing,
they arrived at a handsome house, where tbe lady, whose name
was Amine, caused the porter to take the provisions from his bas-
ket, for the inspection of her si:5ters: Zobeiùe and Safie.
rrhe porter having deli,-ered" his load was handsomely paid, lJut
instead of retiring, as he ought to havo done) he continued linger-
ing in the presence of the ladies. Z.1beide, suppoliing him not
satisfied with his pay, offered to gi'Te him more. :, I am oycrpaid
already, madam," replied he," and am sensible I ought not to
have stayed here so long. But, permit me to say, I am surprised to
see no man in company with such beautiful ladies ; you know the
company of women without men is as dull as the company of men
without women. Besides, the Bagdad proverb is allowed to ùe a
good one, which says: · One is never well at table, except there be
four in company.' "
The ladies laughed heartily at this discourse of the porter, who,
encouraged by their good humor, pressed his suit in such sprightly
terms, that convinced them that hiB education had been aboye his
condition. K otwithstanding which, Zobeide, re;overing her se-
rious air, was about to reprimand his presumption, when Amine
interfered, and besought her sistet"s to let him stay and share their

ntertaillmcnt. The porter could not restrain his joy on their
.oDsenting; he would ha\e relStored the money he had received,
but the grave Zoheide ordered him to keep it. " That which we
have once given," sa.id she, "to reward those who have sen-ed us.
we never take aga.in."

E
TEHT .\.L")IE
'"TS.

31

Thpy sat down to their repast together. .After they hað. eater.
a little, Amine took a cup, filled out wiue, and drank first herself,
according to the custom of the Arabians; she theu filled the cup
for her sisters, and last for the porter, who, as he receiveù it,
kissed her hand, and, before .he dra.nk, snng a song to this pur..
pose: "That as the wind brings along with it the sweet sceut of
the perfumed places through which it passet!, so the wine he wa.s
going to drink, coming from her fa.ir hand, received a more exquis
ite taste than what it had of itself." This song pleased the ladies
highly, and the time they were at diuner passed away very pleas
antly: after which, Safie reminded the porter that it was time for
him to depart. He received this hint with visiLle reluctance, ål1d
Amine once luore became his advocate wjth her
isters; who, to
oblige her, readily agl'eed he should continue till evening.
Zobeide, having signified their consent, turned to the porter and
said, "One conditioD you D1USt carefully observe; that whatsoever
we do in your prm
ence, you take heed not to inquire the reason of,
nor presume to dive into the motive of our actions. That you
may perceive this is an invariable rule with us, rise up) and read
what is written over our gate, and then you may stay." The por-
ter, having read there. this sentence in golden letters," HE WHO
SPEAKS OF THINGS THAT DO NOT COXCERN IIDI, SHALl.. HEAR OF
THINGS THAT WILL NOT PLEA
E HDI," replied, ,,; I give you my
oath, ladies
that you shall never hear me speak of anything
which does not concern me, or wherein you have any concern."
During supper they sang, and repeated verses. The ladies took
pleasure in fuddling the porter, while they invited him to drink
their healths; mirth and good humor abounded, when they were
interrupted by a loud knocking at the gate.
Safie withdrew to inquire the cause, and presently returning, ac..
quainted her sisters that three calend
rs were at the gate, who
earnestly solicited to be received into the hou
e, or even admitted
within the porch, for one night, beillg all strangers, just arrived
at Bagdad; Safie added that they were young, hanùsome, and of
good address; though each of them was deprh'ed uf his right eye.
Z:;beide and Amine, finding Safie was desirous they should be
entertained, desired her to iutroduce them; but to be very explicit
in telling them the terms on which they were admitted.
Safie accordingly led them in, after having shown them the
writing over ",he ga.te, and la.id the same injunctions on them ihat

32

ATIABIAK NIGHTS'

the porter hn,d recehred: to which they each promised exnct, 01)0
dience, lÜwillg paid their respects to the ladies, one of t
cm cal';t
hi8 eye upon the porter, who was da<.l much like those calendars
who neither sha.ye their beards nor eycLrows, and exclaimed,
" See, we have got one of our revolted AraLian Lrèthren."
'The porter, who was half asleep, and warm with wille, was af-
frol1ted at these words; and with a fierce look, answereù, " Sit you
down: and do not meddle \vith what does not concern you; haye
you not read the inscription over the gate? do not pretend to
make })eople live after your fashion, but follow ours." The calen-,
dar apologized to the captious porter, and the ladies interposing,
pa1jified him. Aft
r the strangers had received suit{]ble refresh-
ment, various instruments of nlUsio wcrc introduced; the ladics
each took one, the calendars did the same, and began a concert of
music, which was interrupted Ly another loud knocking.
'The caliph lIaroun Alraschiù was accustomed to walk abroad
in disguise very often by night, accompanied oy Giafar, his grand
vizier, and .:\Iesrour, chief of the eunuchs, to inspect into the order
of the city, 'Uld see that the duty of the magistra.tes was properly
executed. Passing by the palace of the ladies, he heard the sound
of music and jollity; and chose to inquire into the rea80n of it.
The vizier repre8en
ed to him that it was not yet an unlawful hour,
and that by distu.rbing their mirth, in that disguise, he would prob-
ably expose himself to insult; but the impatient caliph put an
end to his remonstrances, by ordering him to knock loudly at tbe
gate. Ou Safie appearing, Giafa,r represented to her that they
were ,Maussol mercha.nts, strangers in Bagda.d, who having rambled

t. cunsideralJ!e way from their khan (or illn) were at a loss to find
it; they therefore besought from their hospitality the favor of pass-
ing the night under their protection.
The ladies, having already admitted the calendars, made no
I esitation to receive also these pretended merchants. The custo-
mary caution of the family was gi\'en to them, which they prom-
ised to observe: the diverðions ";'ere resumed: the calendar!::! arose
and danced after their manuel', nnd every oue elldcayored to COll-
tributt' to the ple:umre of the COlUp!J ny.
After some time; Zobeide arose and taking
\llline Ly th(' hanù,
said., \,:
t.h a sigh, .: Si
ter, it grows latC'; it is time for us to proceed
to \vhat ,ye are wout to do. The company are lJroperly cautioned,
;he
'ef(Yt'e their presence ueed not delay a lJusiness whIch mn:st DOt.
be di
pellscd ,,:ith."

EXTERT AI
:\IENTS.

33

Amine withdrew, and returned Immediatcly, leading two black
bitches, which appeared to have been severely beaten. She deliv-
ered the chain of one to the porter, and led the other into the
middle of the room. Zobcide a.ppeared much distressed; but re..
ceh-ing the bitch from her sister, she said," Alas! we mUðt per-
form our duty!" The bitch at the same time began to cry, and
holding up her head, in an entreating manner, to supplicate com-
passion. Zobeide, notwithstanding, having received rods, disre-
garded her cries, and whipped her for a long time, with great
I5cverity; after which she flung away the rods with indignation,
rniscd up the streaming animal by the paws, wept over her, and
having wiped the tears from the eyes of the bitch, she kissed her
and delivered her to Aminc, who led her away. She then received
the other bitch from the porter, and treated her in the same man
1101'; discovered the same relucta,nce, the same severity, the same
t:iJmpathy, and dismissed her with equal nlarks of affection.
As soon as Zoheide had recovered from her fatigue, Amine took
a lute and played a pb,inti,-e tune, which she accol1lpan:ed with
her voice. Having played and sung for sometime, she became
transported with her own melody, anù her powers failing her, she
fainteù away. Zobcide and Safic flew to her assistance, and eu-
deavored to recover her. TIut the fit not yielding to common
methods, they were obliged, for air, to lay bare her bosom, which
appeared bruised, and so full of scars as to shock the beholders.
\Vhen the caliph was first introduced he was struck with the
lJeauty and elegant manners of the ladies; the singular appeür-
ance of the calendars, all young men of polite address, and all
blind of the right eye, had exceedingly engaged his attention. lIe
was astonished at the conduct of Zobeide, in so severely whi}Jping
the two bitches, and afterward crying with them; wiping àway
their tears, and kissing them, though such animals are considered
by the l\Iussulman religion as unclean; and the sight of Amine's
bosom ex.cited his highet;t indignation against the person who had
80 cruelly abuðed her. Yet he still suffered himself to be re.
strained by the conditions imposed On him and his companions.
,\'Thile he "yas meditating on these extraordinary events, he over-
hoarà the calendars expressing to each other their wonder also.
The caliph had not douhted before hut the calendars were part
of the family; but when he founù that they were :strangerM, and
were equally astonished at what had passed, he entered into COD
"2*

3-i

AHABIAN NIGJITS'

versation with them. Zoheiùe and Safie still continuing eu
aged
in the care of Amine, the caliph beckoned the porter, expecting to
receive information from him; as he was also unacquainted with
the:se matters, the prince proposed that they should all throw aside
the law which had been imposcd upon them, and jointly reqnest
the ladies to explain these mysteries. The calendars assented to
the proposal, but each declined to ask the que8tion. At last they
nIl agreed in requiring the porter to do it. vVhile they ,vere con-
'TCl.sing on this 8ubjpct, Amine recovered; aud ZoLeide, who ha.d
heard them speak with much earnestness, drew near and ilHluired
the cause of theit' di8pute; to which the porter lJluntly aU:-5wered,
" l\Iadam, these gentlemen de
ire you will acquaint them why you
wept oyer Jour two bitches, aft er you had whipped them; aud
Luw that lady's Losom, who fainted lately, became so full of
Bcars."
Zobcide, turning to the caliph aud the rest of the compan)
, with
an air of indignation asked if they had ordered the porter to make
that request. On their acknowledging that they had} she &'1id,
" Before we gave you the protectioll of our house, you were each
separately cautioned, not to .speak of things which did not concern
you, lest you should hear of that 'whiclt
(mnld not please you J. take
therefore the just punishment of your impertinence and ingrati-
tude." As she spoke, she gave three hard knocks with her foot,
and clapping her hands as often, cried, "Come quick.
' A door
immediately flew open, and seven strong slaves with scimitars in
their hands, rushed in. Everyone seized a man, threw him on the
ground, and prepared to c.ut off his head. The frightened porter
exclaimed aloud," For lIeayen's sake do not punish me for the
crimes of others! I am innocent; they are to ùlame; alas!" con-
tinued he, crying, " bow happy were we before these bl illd caleu-
dars came; they are the cause of this misfortune; there is 110
town in the world but falls to ruiu, wherever these inau'3piciouB
fJl10ws come !"
The caliph, alarmed at his situation, was about to discover him-
self, when Zobeide, who, notwithstanding her anger, coulù scarce
tefrain from laughing aloud at the lamentation of the porter, thus
addressed herself to them all: " Your unv{orthy c0nduct con vÏuces
me tbat you are common fellows of no credit in your own coun-
tries. If, however, you have anything to say before you pay the
penalty of your folly, we will hear yon:' At the
e WOl'ÙS, one of

ENTEHTA18MExrs.

3;'}

the calendars lifteù up his head, and dC'cIarc<.1 that he anù biB
brother calendars were princes; and had passed through such
wonderful adventures, that, wpre they told, would recommend
them to her pity and forgiYelle:-;
,
Zohcide, having consulted with her sisters, said, "RC'l.ÜC', then,
those eYellt
'which JOu speak of: if they are indeed singular, thC'y
may perhaps I::;OftOll our resC'ntment." The slaves then suffere,i
them to ri:.;e, and the ealpn<br who had thus fm' prevailed with the
affronted bcly to suspend their resentment, began his story.

HISTORY OF THE FIRST CALEKDAR.
")Iy grandfather reigned ovcr two adjoining kingdoms; one of
which he bequeathed at his death to Iny father: and the other to
his younger son. As the utmost cordiality 8uh
isted between the
two hrothers, when I grew np and had completed my exercises, I
used to pass a month every year in my uncle's court, in company.
with his "'on, who was alJout my age, and with whom I had con-
tracted an intimate friplld:.;hip.
"The last visit I paid him, my uncle "'as :Lhsent on a progref:B
through his distant provinces. :\Iy cOll:-ìill recchoed me with un-
usual ardor of affection. After a few day:;' repose, he told me that
I could render him an important service; but before he could ex-
plain himself, he must exact n. solemn oath, that I would never
di
coYer wbat he should employ me to do, nor any measure he
should ta.ke in consequence of that service. I had the greatest
affection for my cousin, and douhted not but his whole conduct was
regulated by virtue and honor. I made no scruple, therefore, to
take the oath he required; on which he requC'sted me to go in the
evening to the gardens which were set apart for the women of the
seraglio, 'If JOU are seen,' said he, 'no one will yenture to ques-
tion you; and whell a lady joins you, all I desire of you iR, to con-
duct bel' as she shall direct you, and to keep my f:ccrct.'
"I obeyed his commands; the lady met me, and at her desire, I
conducted her to a cemetery adjoining to the city, wllC're, at a new
tomh, we found the prince waiting to receive us; he had with him
a pitcher with ,'rater, a hatchet, and a little bag of plaster. 1Vith
the hatchet he broke down the sepulchre in the midst of the tomh;
he tlH'll lifted np a trap-door, which discovered a stairc.
se: 'Thi
,
madam.' Râi<l }H',' is the way.' The lady immediately d.eRcended
the suirt:, and the r,rillce prppared to follow her Turniug to me,

86

AUABI.\N NIGHTS'

he thanked me for my senices; but in answer to my eager in.
quiries, said only, ' Adieu, my dear cousin! remember your oath.
Then letting down the trap-door, he disappeared.
"I returned to the palace uno bserved. After some days, the
prince not appearing, the ministers of my uncle were greatly dis-
tressed to know what was become of him. I did not venture to re-
veal to them what I knew; and indeed, when for my own satisfac-
tion, J sought the tomb where I had left hiln, there were so many
alike, that I found it impossible to distinguish it.
" As the king continued his tour, I determined to return to my
fh.ther's court; on my arrival, I was immediately surrounded by the

uards, and taken prisoner. The king, my father, was dead; and
his treacherous vizier taking advantage of my absence, had cor-
rupted the soldiery, and seized the throne. This usurper had a
personal hatred of me. 'Vhen I ,,,as a boy, I v{as shooting at a
bird with across-bow, the ball unfortunately hit the vizier and put
· out one of his eyes. I made every apology in my power, yet he
never forgaye me; and now, when I was brought into his presence,
he ran at me in a rage, and pulled out my right eye. But not
daring to put me to death in the capital, lest he should excite an
insurrection among the people, he sent me to a distant part of the
country, under the care of his most trusty adherents, who had orders
to destroy me.
"From these assassins I found means to escape, and with much
difficulty I arrived at the dôminions of my uncle, who recehoed me
with the greatest friendship. After having condoled me, he told
me with much sorrow of the absence of the prince, his son. Ilis
excessive grief overcame me; and notwithstanding my oath, I told
him all that had passed between me and my cousin.
"The king listened to me with great attention. 1Vhen I had
finished mynarrati\'e, he proposed we should go privately in search
of the tomh. "\Ve went accordingly; and I knew it immediately,
though I had so often sought for it before in vain. We removed
UJe trap-door with much exertion, as the prince had seeured it on
the inside with the mortar he took with him. Ou descending, we
found fin elegant suite of rooms, in one of which was a hed with the
curtains close ilrawn; these the king opened, and we found the
})l'ince and the lady in the bed, burnt to a coal.
"While I viewed this spectacle with horror, I was surprised that
my unclo, instead of testifyiflg grief at the fate of his son. spat in his

ENTERT.\ nOIEXTS.

37

face, and exclaimed, 'This is the punishment of this world, but that
of the other will last to eternity!' The king perceived my astonish.
ment, and explained his conduct by acquainting me, that a criminal
passion had arisen between the prince and that lady, who was. hi8
sister; that he had in vain exerted the authority of a father and of
a sovereign, to restrain these unworthy children; tha.t before he
began his late tour, he had given an absolute order, that the prince
should not be permitted to approach the women's apartment. 'The I
wretch,' continued the unhappy father, 'has rendered vain all nlY
precautions. It is plain he built these subterraneous apartmcnts
for a retreat, and made use of your friendl:5hip to obtain the miser.
able partner of his iniquity; but God, who would not suffer such an
abomiuation, has justly punished them both.'
"'Vhen we were recovered from the hopror of this scene
we
agreed to retire as privately as we came; to cover up tbe trap-door
with earth, and to hide, if possible forever, so shocking an instance
of human depravity in our relations. ,,- e returned to the palaco
in the deepest affliction; but our attention was Boon called to other
object
. The vizier, who had usurped my crown, was an able gen
eral; not doubting but that my uncle would endeavor to punish bil3
crimes, and to revenge me, he determined to be beforchand vdth
him; he led the flower of his troops into the field, and by skilfuJ
conduct and rapid marches, he contrived to surprise the capital.
At the instant of our return, we found that the enemy had entered
the gates. 'Ve flew to put ourselves at the head of the guru-ds,
aud made a vigorous resit:ïtance, but the fortune of the usurper pre.
vailed. :My uncle fell gallantly fighting; all opposition became
fruitless; I had no hope of mei'cy. I contrived therefore to escape;
and, in this ha.hit, I passed unknown through my unc]e's dominions.
I arrived this day at Rn,gdad, intending to throw myself at the
feet of the glorious cali ph Haroull Alraschid, and to implore his
protection.;'

HISTORY OF THE SECOND CAJ.F.
DAR.
,L I also, madam," began the second calelHlar, "am the son of"
a king. I pass over the C\yellts of my early life, anù come to that
whieh introduced me to so nlauy mi::;fortunes.
"
Iy father having occasion to send an embassy to the sultan of
the Indies, thought the journey, and tlle survey of a. foreign court,
would be exceedingly useful to me. By his command I joined the

3B

AH.\BI.\X :KIGI1T8'

carayan; we tr:tvclled for a month with safety and pleaRure; wh
lJ
we were suddenly beset by a numerous troop of robber8, who
plundered our haggage, killed many of onr party, and dispersed
th e .res t.
" I had the good fortune to cscape unhurt; hut I was alone and
wholly unacquainted with the country. I journeJed on for many
weeks, and at last arriyed at a. large city, in a most deplorable sit-
uation; my body sun-burnt, my clothes worn out, and \vithout the
means of obtaining others. On my entering the town, I applied
to a tailor, to mend my tattcrcd garments; while h(' was rendering
me this service, he entered into conversation with 11W, and inquired
who I was and whence I came. I made no hesitation to acquaint
him with my situàtion. 'Take especiëtl care,' replied the tailor,
, how you rcyeal to anyone else who ) ou are; the prince of this
country is the mortal enemy of your father; the laws of ho
pita.lity,
or C\'en humar,ity, are little regarded hy him; judge, then, how
necC'ssary it is for you to hc concealed.' The instant I heard the
llame of the city where 1 waR, I knew the necessity of this cautioll.
;, The friendly tailor was of the utmm;t scrvice.to me. lIe took
me into his house, and gave me such refre:-3hments as Lis poverty
could furnish. Some days after, wben I was pretty well recovered
from my fatigue, my hO:::3t, knowing that most princes of our re-
ligion apply themselves to some art or calling, inquired of me
which I had learncd. Unfortunately I had neglected that useful
cu
tom. 'You must then,' Raid he, ' submit to harder labor, for it
will not be
afe for you to continue uuemployed in thi8 city: join
those poor pC'ople 'who cut fupl for the use of the to,,'n, in the
neighboring forests; I will supply you with a proper hahit,
wû
with implements; you may then remain in safety with me, till an
opportunity offers of returning to your father's dominions.'
" I followed thi8 prudent addce, and for a year went daily tü
the fbrest. One day, as I wa.s pulling up the root of a tree, I es-
pied an iron ring, fastened to a trap-door; on lifting it, I saw some
8tairR, which I descended, and found they led to several Rtately
rooms, in one of which I discovered a lovely lady, of noble carriage,
and extraordinary beanty. S he expressed the greatest snrprise at
seeing mB: 'I have lin
d; Ffiid she, · twenty-fi\Te years here, and
nor P}' f.aw nl1Y man lJéfore! hy what adventure are you come
hit}:('r r
h I wa.
a
lI[lmed to he cOlwiderC'd, llY so lovely a woman, as an

F.u.
'.rEl{TAI

l.E
rs.

39

humble wood-cutter; 1 therefore readily told her who I was; and
requested to know by wbat acciùent she had been so long secluded
from the world. 'Alae! prince,' said she,' I am abo of royaJ
birth; my f.l.the1', king of the isle ùf Ebene, gave me in marriage
to a prince; but on my weddiag-night, before I was introduced to
my spouse, a genie took me away.
" 'I was a long time inconsolaLle; but time and necessity have
accustomed me to receive the hateful genie. lIe visits me every
tenth day. If I wish to see him at any other time, I touch the
talisman you sce there, and he presently appears. He will not he
here these five days; if you choose to pass them" ith me, I will
endeavor to entertain you accorùing to your quality amI merit.' I
embraced her proposal with the greatest joy.
,. The next day Bhe introlluced at dinner a bottle of excellent old
,"tine; my head grew affected hy it. 'Princess,' said I, , you have
too long been thus buried 3live; you shall not continue to be en-
slaveù by this tyrant, Let him come; I swettI' I will extirpate all
the genii in the world, and him first; and for this talisman, I will
break it.' The princess entreated ruo not to touch the talisman.
I know,' said she, ' what Lelollgs to genii better tlmn you.' But
in yain; the fmllcB of the wine did Dot suffer me to hearken to her.
I g
we the talisman a violeut kick 'with my foot, and broke it n.1l
to pieces.
;, Immediately the palace lJegan to shake: thullder, lightning,
and darkness, appalled us. rrhis tel'ri11e appearance ill an instant
dispelled my drunkenness. I perceived at once my folly and the
danger we were in.
"The princess, anxious only for me, urged me to escape ill1.me-
diately. I obeyed her in so mUèh haste, that I left my hn.tchet alìd
cords behind me. I had scarce ascended up the stairs, when I saw
the palace open, and the genie rushing in, the earth closed.
" I returned to the city in great distress, grieved at my own mis
conduct, and in despair for the poor princess. )Yhen I got home,
I paid little attention to the joy expressed by my friendly tailor
for my safe return; but retired to my chamber, and gave myself up
to the most tormenting reflections.
"From these I was soon roused by my hoet; who came to tell
me that an old man had brought home my hatchet and cords,
which he would not deliyer to anybody hut myself, I turned palo
:Lt this intelligence; but before I had time to l'eoover myself, the

'0

A t:.\ln -\'i
lG ll'rs.

old man followed him: 'Do not thesc thing
belong to you 1" said
he. 8ternh-. This ahrupt question. his terrible a8pect, and my own
fear8, made me unable to Rnswer him. While I continued thus
torpid from terror, be 8eÏzed me, dragged -me out of the house.
aud mounting into the air, carried me along with ineredihle swift-
ness
then descending. he 8Iruck tbe earth with his foot, which
opened, and we found oUl"8eh"e
in the palace of the prince
s of
ELene. But alas! what. a. spectacle! The poor priLce
;) was lying
on the ground, fainting. naked., and bleeding.
'" Perfidious wretch!" said the genie to her, C is not this thy gal-
lant l' She, casting up her languishing eyes at me s
1id,' I do not
kuo" him. nor mer saw him before.' , '\
hat !' said the genie, Is
he not the cause of thy being in the condition thou art
o justl)- in!
and Jet darest thou say thou dost not know him?" 'I do not know
him,' replied the princes
. 'If 80' said the genie pre
('ntin
a
H'imÏtar to her, C cut oft' his head.' '...-\.l
!' replit>d the princes...", 'I
Hill not ahle to ol)p
- your l)
lrb:1rolls coml
}and, eyen if I were will-
ing.' The. genie. turning from her. with indignation said to me,
, \nd tbou-Gol"t n0t thou know her l'

. I should ha\c })('en the base:;;t of sla.,es. had I been less faithful
to her than the lninc"

was to me. I ther('fore answered firmly,' I
knt)w her not, nor ha.ye e,er seen her l)efore.' C Take then the
("im-
itar,'
aid the genie, 'and cut off her head! I shall then be con\ in-
ced of your innocence, and will bet you at liberty.' C "ïth all my
heart,' rel)liNI I.
" The unhappy princess c
st up to me 3. look e
-pressi\e of her
readiness to die fi)r my 8
fet
.: hut nothing' could be furth('l' from
Dl
. intention than to perpetrate sueh n crime. Checking, therefore,
my seeming readine::,s, I p
Hlsed a moment, ani thell E'aid to the ge-
n:(', ' I cannot bring m,
('lf to ta.ke awa
. tllP life of an unharpy Indy,
who h:1 th done me no "rong. I f h
. 1U1.H"dt'r only I cn 11 esea pe your
unjust resentment, I lUn in your power, and you must do with me as

-ou please.'
,., I f:('e;
nld the
enie, , that you both l)ut me at ddh1nc('.' ITa",.
in
f:aid this.}1(' took up the f:cimitar. unci put:m end to her lift'.
Thpn tl.lrnin
to me, ,', a
I I"ur(',' Ea.id }w, ' that
he had put a greater
affront 011 me dum in cOIl\ersiug' with the(', thou nh.o shouldst die;
hut I "ill bf' contf'ut with tran
f()rmill
thee into 11. dog, ap(', lion or
1,ird: take th
. choice.' '0
('nip; said I. ' it i" more noble to l)ar.
d\.llJ than to punish; if you" ill generously di::'1l1iss me, I
hall e\er

EXTEHT AI
)IEXTS.

41

gratefully remember your clemency. and :you will act like the illus.
trious
nltan lIa&'all _\.Ii, whose f Jrbefirance was the cause of all
his good fm.tuUl\. 'I will ba'\"c patience till
on tdlme that story.'
r
plit:'d tbe geniè, . but think not to e
cõ.1pe unpunished.' JJ

THE STORY OI' THE E);'
lOrS :'>I.A
, .A.XD OF HBI THAT HE E,XVIED.
lIti8
an
\.li was rC8pected by all his neighbors, except b
one
man: "ho, eIH'"3-ing hig great reputa.tion, conceiyed a ,iolent hatred
to him. IIa
san endt."'a,-ored in ,ain, b.r repeated good (\ffice
, to
OH'rcome this di
like; but finding his neighbor.s ill-will uncon-
querable, he detel.n1Ìnetl to remo\ e to another town, rather than
li,-c at enmit\..
lIe removed accordingly, put on tbe Ilal\it of ß. del"' is, and pa...s.
eel his time in retirement. The
:\llctity of his manners. mid the
l.(\ue,olence of his heart acquired him general esteem. He wa:;;
raised to the head of a convent of del"\-i

, and his reputatjon
f.pread abroad, till it reached the town he had left, and rencw-
ed tIle ill-will of his unworthy neighbor. This man, becoming
more Ì1n-eternte than e,er agaim:t Ha
san, determined to \ i
it him
sit his conn'ut, with intent to de
troy him. II

an recei,ed him
kindly, and readily ","eut with him into the garden of the conyent t
to hear the busineS8 he pretended to have with him.
It was night, and the envious man was well acquainted with the
garden. lIe prolonged the conversation till they came to the edge
of a deep well t wh{'n 8l1dd.enly turning, he pusbed lIa8san into it.
lIe then l{'ft the COD\"ent hastily, and returned home, rejoicing tbat
he had gratified bis malice and d{,8troyed the good derv181.
It chan('ed t.hat the well was inhabited by filiries and genii, "ho
recei,{'d IIa-8:,an and pres,er,ed him.
"hile he was reflecting on these e,ent!;, he heard a voice rela-
ting hi8 stOl'
'. and after highly pra.ising him, go on to declare, that
the sultan int{'nded tû nsit him the next day to recommènd his
d:1u
hter to his prayer5l.
Änother voice asked, "'Yhat need had the princess of the der-
,i!"8 prßyer
r: '1'0 which the fir
answered." She i
p<,s
e

(\d
II). a genip, hut the cure is easy: there is in the convent a black
cat, with a wbite
pot at the {'
d of her tail: let 8e,en of these
white hai
l
e burned in presence of the princes
, and the genie
willlpa,e her, and ne,er dare to return." The der,is took care to
remember this conversation. In the morning he got out of the

42

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

\yell without diffinulty: when he entered tl1e convent, his l at com.
ing as usual to play about him, he pulled out seven hairs from the
white spot on the tail, and put them safely by.
Shortly afterward, the sultan arrived with his attendants. lIas-
san receiyed him with suitable respect, and immediately, Lefore the
tmltan had explained the cause of his coming, he caused tire to
be IJrought in; and })urning the hairs, the genie gave a great cry,
and left the princcss, who inst..'tntly appeared to be perfectly recov-
ered. The sultan rejoiced beyond measure at this event: having
the highest opinion of the good dervis, be gave him his daughter
for a wife, and dying soon after, Hassan succeeded to his throne.
"'\\'hen he made his puhlic entry into his capital, great crowds
flocked from all parts to see their new b1:>vereign. Among the
rest, camB the envious man, who little expected to find hi
old
neighbor alive, and become his prince. Tbe good IIassan, seping
him in the throng, commanded him to be brought before him.
The envious man came into his presence trembling, and expecting
the punishment he deserved; but the sultan ordered him valuable
presents, and dismissed bim with this I'emark: "I freely forgive
thy past malice, and consider thee as entitled to reward, haying
been the cause of my good fortune; but aB the e\'ÏI thou didst in-
tend me has been most serviceable to me, so the good I now do
thee will bec,)me evil if thou dost not shake off thy malignity."
" You see, genie, said I, how nobly Ilassan Ali behaved to his
enemy. Let me el1treat you to follow bis examl)le. Instead of.
attending to my request, the genie threw some earth in my face,
. and vanished. I found myself all at once removed from the palace
to the ridge of a mountain; and transformed into an ape.
"J was ovcn;yhelmed with sorrow at this metamorphosIs. I de..
terrcined, without knowing why, to. leave the mountain and to to
the sea-coast, which I saw at a great distance. 'Vhen I came
there, I found a vessel at anchor near the shore; I broke off tho
arm of a tree, and getting on it, guided it with two small sticka,
which servüd me for oars, till I came close to the ve
8el, when I
seized a rope, and jumped on board. The passengers had seen my
dexterity with mueh pleasure; but when I lea.ped. on board, their
superstition took alarm; everyone pursued me with hanrlspikes or
arrows, and I should cert.."tinly have been slain, if I had not thrown
myself at the feet of the captain, and, by my tears and expres8ive
gestures, obtained his protection.

L
TERTAIXJIEXTS.

43

II A few days aftm we made the port of a ca})ital town. Un our
arrival, some officers came 011 board and desired a::; nUl,ny as chose,
to write in a paper they produced. The reason of this request
was, the vizier of the country was lately dead; who, besidés pos

J3esbing other great talents, was a very fine writer; and the sultan
had determined not to give his place but to one who would write
as well. Eyerybody, on hearing this story, was eager to write.
1Yheu they had done, I made signs that I could write. The offi-
cens paid no regard to me, but the captain stood once more my
friend. At his request a pen was given to me, and I wrote six
Borts of hands used among the AraLians; each specimen being a
dif5tich in compliment to the sultan. As soon as that prince saw
my writing, he ordered his officers to conduct the writer to covzt
in grcat pomp, and to declare him vizier. The officers could pot
re:::;train their laughter on receiving tbis order, but immediatAly
apologized to their sovereign by acquainting him that the writer
was not a man, but an ape. The sultan was amazed
and express.
ed great desire to see me. On my bcing introduccd, I directly
paid my l'espects to him, in thè usual manner, to the surprise of
the spectators; who wondered how an ape should distinguish the
prince and behave to him so properly.
" The sultan retiring to dine, made a sign for me to attend him.
After dinner a chess-board was brought in, and on his pointing to
It, I made him understand that I could play the game. "r e sat
down; the sultan won the first game, but I won the second and
third. Secing him disconcerted, I immediately wrote a compli-
mentary distich which restored his good humor.
"The sultan had a daughter who was justly called the Lady of
Deauty, of whom he was exceeding fond. 1'hinking the sight of so
wonderful an ape would entertain her, he sent for her; on her
entering the room she let fall her veil, though there was only the
customary attendants present.
[he sultan inquired the cause of
this novelty : ' Sir,' l'eplied the princess, , the ape that you have by
you is a youn
prince, transformed by enchantment. I have learned
the seventy rules of magic, whence I know, at first sight, all per
sons who are enchanted, and how they became so.' 'Have you
power, also,' said the sultan, , to dispel the charm l' 'I have,' re.
plied the princess. 'Do so thcn immediately, I entreat you,' said
the sultan; 'I interest myself excepdingly in this prince's fortune;
if you can restore him, I will make him my vizier, and he shaH
marry you.'

44

ARAnIA
KIGHTS'

,. 'The Lady of Beauty retired, and presently returning, brought
a knife 'which had. some HeLrew words engraved on the blade. She
conducted the sultan and myself, attended by the master of the
eunuchs and a little slaye, into a prinlte court of the palace; and
placing us in the gallery, she drew a circle within which she wrote
Eeveral words in AralJian characters, some of them ancient, others
of the character of Cleopatra.
" 'Vhen she had finished the circle she placed herself in the centre
of it, where she Legan adjurations, alId repeated yerses out of the
AlcOl.an. The air insensibly grew dark; all at once the genic ap-
pe.ared in the shape of a lion of a frightful size.
,. , "
retch,' said. the princess to him, 'darest thou present thy-
self in that shnpe, thinking to frighten me 7' 'And thou,' replied
the lion, 'art thou not afraid to In'eak the treaty which was so
solclUnly made between us 1 but thou shalt quickly have thy rC'-
ward. At these ,,-ords be opened his terrible jaws and ran at ber
to devour her; but she leaped backward, pulled out one of her
hairs, and by pronouncing threo or four word!:!, changed herself into
a sharp sword, and cut the lion in two.
" The lion vani!:ihed, and a scorpion apI;eared in his roolll. The
princess became a sC'rpcnt, and fought the scorpion, who, finding
himself worsted, took the shape of all cagle, aud flew away. The
serpent also took the same shape and pursued him, so that we lost
sight of them both. Some time after the ground ()pe.aed, and there
came forth a cat, with her hair standing upright, and makiug a.
fearful mewing ; a black wolf followed her clos

and
ave her no
time to rest. The cat thus ha.rd beset, changed herbelf iuto a worm
and a pomegranate lying by the side of the canal. the worm pierced
it in an instant and hid itself; but the pomegranate immediately
swelled as big as a gourd, and presently burst into several pieces.
The wolf became a cock, and picked up the seeds of the pomegra-
nate; when he could find no more, he came toward us: as if he
would ask us whether he had left any. 'There was one lyin
at tho
brink of the canal, which we perceiving, pointed it out to tno
cock, which ran spf'edily toward it; just as he was going to pick
it up, the seed rolled into the river, and became a little fish. The
cock jnmped into the rh-er, and was turned into a pike, which pur-
, sued the small fish. They continued both under water about two
hours, and we began to wonder what had become of them,
when, on a sudùen, we heard such terrible crics as made us

Ly.rERTADOIENTS.

4.\

tremble, and presently we saw the princess and the genie all in
flames. They threw flashes of fire at each other so fiercely, that
we apprehended tha.t the palace would be consumed; but we soon
had more reason to be alarmed, for the genie, haying got loose from
the princess, came to the gallery and blew flames on us. 'The
princess flew to our relief and beat away the genie; but in that
Dll'lllellta.ry atta.ck the sultan's face was dreadfully scorched, the
eunuch was stifled, and a spark entering my right eye it became
blind. 'Ve expected nothing but dea.th, when we heard a cry of
, Yictory! victory !'-the princess appeared in her natural shape,
but the genie was reduced to a heap of ashes.
" The princess hastily caught up some water in the hollow of her
hand, and uttering certain worù.
, she threw it over me, and I be.
came a man as hefore, one eye only excepted. As I wafi about to
return thanks to my deliyerer, she prevented me by addressing her
father thus: 'Sir, I have got the yictory over the genie; but it is a
victory that costs me dear, as I haye but a few moments to live.
This would not have been had I perceiyed the last of the pomegr-a.
nate seeds, and swallowed it as I did the others. That oversight
obliged me to have recourse to fire, and to fight with those mighty
arms, as I did, between heayen and earth, in your presence. I
hare conquered and reduced the genie to ashes; but the tire pierced
me also during the terrible combat, and I :find I cannot escape
death.'
" 1Ve were thunderstruck at this declaration, and had scarce re-
covered the power of expressing our sorrow, when the princesb
cried out: 'Oh, I burn!' She continued some time crying out, tiU
at last tbe effect of the fire was so violent, that she also, as the
genie, was reduced to a heap of ashes.
"I was inexpressibly grieved for this fc"ttal misfortune. The
tmltan fainted away; and when he revh-ed, he continued several
days so ill that his life was deRpaired of. 1Yhen he was a little rc-
covered he sent for me: 'Prince,' saiù he, 'listen to the orders I
llOW give you; it will cost you your life if you do not obey thenl
I have constantly lived ill felicity till you arrived in my dominions,
I need not remind you of the sad reverse I now experience, or of
the los
of my daughter. You are the cause of all. Depart from
_ hence in peace, without delay; I am persuaded your presence IJrings
mischief along with it; depart, and take care of ever appearing
again in my dominions; there is no consideration that shall hinder

-4'1

AU.\.mAN :JS!<}llT::;'

IllY making you repent of it if you do.' 1 was going t<. reply but
he prevented me, and drove me from his presence with words full
of auger. Rejected, hwished, thrown off' lJY all the worlel, I
(
aused my beard and eyebrows to be shaved and set ofl' for Ba:.;-
dad; lamenting more for the two unfurtunate princesses than fur
my own wretchedness. I arrived here this evening, and hope to get
admission t{) the commander of the faithful, anù, by reciting my
flrange adventures, to obtain his princely compas:;ion."

HISTORY OF THE THIRD CALENDAR.
" l\Iy name is Agib. I am the son of a king, at whose death I
took possession of an extensive and flourishing kingdom. 'Vhün [
was settled on the throne I resolved to visit the distant provinces
of my empire, particularly several valuable islands. )V- e had an
exceeding pleasaut voyage there, but on our return a furious storm
arost', and drove us so far out of onr course that the pi10t knpw
not ill -what direction to steer. WhiJe we were in this uncertainty
a sailor from the mast-head gave notice that he saw something
which had the appearance of land, but looked uncommonly black.
"The pilot on this report expressed the utmost consternation.
t )Ye are lost,' said he, ' the tempest has driven us within the influ.
ence of the black mountain, which is a rock of adamant, and at
this time its attraction draws us toward it; to-morrow we shall
approach s,o near that the iron and nails win be drawn out of the

hip, which of course must fall to pieces, and as the mountain is
entirely inaccessible, we must all peri:-;h.'
"This account was too true. The next day, ag we drew near
the mountain the iron all flew out of it, the ship fell to pieces, and
the whole crew perished in my sight. I had the good fortune to
f'f'cure a plank which bore me up, and the tide gently drove me to
the foot of the mountain; when I approached it, I found it was
entirely perpendicular for a great hcight; I continued thrrcfore
upon my plank coasting it, and was almost reduced to d
}spair,
when I discoverf'd a flight of steps that wpnt up to the top. rrhese
] gained with great difficulty; there was no ground on either side;
and when I landed I found the steps so narrow, rugged, and diffi-
cult, tha.t the least wind must ha'\e blown me into the sea. I got
up, notwithstanding, to the top without accident, and gave God
, hanks for my deliverance.
, On the summit of the mountain I found a dome of fine brass,

E::\TUU' \IX:\IE
TS.

47

upon the top of which stood t.he fi
nl'e of a man on horseback, of
tho same metal. Being lUuch fatigued, I lay down under the dome,
and soon fell ar;leep; whell 1 dreamt that the old man canle to me,
and said: 'Hearken, Agio !-a
soon as thou art awake, dig up the
ground under thy feet, and thou shalt find a bow of Lrass and three
arrOVtS of lead; shoot the arrows at the statue, and the rider wirl
fall into the sea, lmt the horse will f
\'ll down by thee, which thou
must bury in the smne place whcnce thou t<tkest the bow anù
arrows. This being done, tho mountain ,\'ill gradually sink down
into the sea; and thou wilt have the glory of delivering mankind
from the many calamities it occasions. 'Y hen it has sUlik to tho
surface of the water, thou shalt see a boat with one man ill it; this
man is also of metal. Step on board the Loat, and let him con.
duct thee; in ten days' time he will hring thee to lallJ, whenc<"
thou wilt find easy passage to thy OW11 country. But Le partieu.
larly carefulll.ot to mention the name of God while thou cÙlltinuest
in this hoat.'
"'\Vhen I awoke I was much comforted by the vision, which I
prepared to olJey. I dug up the arrows, and shot the1l1 at the
1õJtatue; every event foretold ill my dream followed precirsely; and
,,-hen I got into the boat of metal, I found a quantity of all kinds
of refreshments, which were very acceptable. For nine days the
man of metal continued to row day and night without ceasing. I
wa..c;; so mindful of the caution I had received, tbat I did not speak
at all; but arriving then near Rome islands, my joy maJe me for.
get myself, and I exclaimed, ' God's name be blest!' Immediately
the man and boat sunk, and I was left in the water.
" I got safe on shore, and presently saw a vessel drawing nigh
the island; not knowing what sort of people might be ill it, I
climbed a thick tree whellce I could see them undiscovered.
Presently a numher of slaves landed, and began to dig near the
tree where I had taken refuge. Soon after a venerahle old gen.
tleman came on shore, leading a handsome youth, attended by
several slaves who carried provisions. They came together to the
place where the slaves had opened the ground; after a short stay

they all returned to the vessel, except the young man, and Bailed
away.
" vYhen I perceived they were at such a distance that they could
not see me, I descenJed from the tl'ee, and p-asily removing the
looso flfirth: came to a flight of steps; these I descended, and found

4.8

A RABUN NIGHTS'

a r00m hand:::;omely furniRhed, and the YOlmg man sittll1 b upon 11
couch. He started at the sight of me, yet rose to recei\Te me wIth
a good grace. I presently removed his fears, by offering to deliver
11Ìm from his confinement, on which he requested me with a smile
to sit down by him, while he related the cause of his heing lcft in
that place.
'" l\Iy father, sir/ said he, C had grown old in successful traffic,
and had gained immcnse wealth, before it had pleasöd Providence
to grant him a child to inherit it. He had begun to despair of the
blessing, when I was born. The joy he felt at my birth was pre:;-
ently clouded over; for, in his anxiety tor my welfare, he con-
sulted astrologers, as to what my future lot would Le. 1'hey told
him I should reach fifteen in perfect he
llth, and if I
urvived that
birthday, I should attain a good old age, in prosperity; but that
about that time, Prince Agib would throw down the statue of brass
from the mountain of adamant, and within fifty days after would
put an end to my life. _
,,' My father was exceedingly afflicted at this prediction, and
prepared this haLitation to conceal me in at the destined period.
As the time slid on, his uneasiness in some degree subsided; Lut
he le.arned yesterday, that ten days ago the statue was overturned
by the prince they had mentioned; and I want just forty days to
complete my fifteenth
year. 1'hese circumstances have awakened
all his terrors; he hastened to place me in this asylum, to which I
came very cheerfully; for surely Prince Agib will never seek me
in a place under ground, in the midst of a desert island.'
" 'Yhile the young man was relating this story, I was surprised
to find myself so much interested in it. I des}lised those a
trolo-
gel's, who had foretold that I should take away the life of 3 youth
for whom I already began to feel affection. I encouraged him in
the hopes that he was out of all danger; I offered to continue
with him as a companion during his confinement, but took care not
to let him know that I was the Agib whom he dreaded. lIe
received my offcr ,,,ith joy; and we passed thirty-nine days very
pleasantly.
"The fortieth day came, and in the morning the young man
rejoiced that the threatened danger was over; he preparcd him-
self by bathing to receive his father, and being fatigued; he lay
down on a couch to repose. After a while he requested me to
give hill1 some melon. I 100kGd out the best which rer:tmined, hut

KXTEHT.\ IXJI E:'\TS.

49

wq,s at a. 10s
f()r u kuife to cut it. 'Thcl'
is one','
;tid lIe, ' on the
cC"1;"nice o,er my hea.d.' I saw it, and nUl.tie R() 1ll1H.h haste to reach
Ït._ that when I ha.d taJwn it in my hand, my f<wt heing entangled
iu the covering of the couch, I fell mo!':t unharpily on the young
IDi\n, and rnn the knife into h is heart.
" It is impoR
ible to express the ttnguish I felt at this fatal acci-
dP' J 1t. I cried out, beat my hreast, and threw mY
,elf on the grounò.
,Vhen these transports ha.d a little sulJsided, it fortunately occurred
to me dr.'},t my situation was very dangerous; that the old lUau
a'1d. his slaves would prolJ;,tbly arrh'e soon, and finding me in the
ctwern and his son slain, I had everything to dread fr0m hi
resent-
ment. These considerations werc very scasona.ùle, for ou ll'lY
hastening out of the apa.rtment, I percei n'd that the vCiSsel had
arrived, and the old m
n with his slaves were landing. I had just
time to climb the tree 'which beforo concealed me, when they came
to the subterraneous dwelling.
" I could Oh8Crye that they camc forward with confidence, which
abated greatly when they found the ground open. Some of the
slaves hastily descended, and soon returned, hearing the dccefiHed
youth, with the knife sticking in his body, for I had not had power
to take it out. At thiFl piteous sight the old man fell down in a
swoon; the slayes lamented; and, though unseen by them, I joined
in their grief yery heartily. After a time, when they had with
difficulty recovered the old man, they., by his direction, made a
gra.ve and buried the poor youth; the unhappy father, over.
whelmed with sorrow, threw thl) first eot rth on him; the slaves
sreedily filled up the grave, and then carrying their afflicted patron
on board the vesRcl, they depai.ted.
" I harl hoped to be cou\'cycd to the continent hy means of this
ship; but l)eing thus fatally disappointed, I was ohligc<l to con-
tinue and ram'hle ahout the iRland for It month longer, liviRg on
the wild fruit!:) it pl'oduced; at length I discovered a part where
t
e channel was not very wide; I cf>ntriveù to pa!':s oyer here,
without much difficulty. 'Yhen I landed, I set off with spirit, and
prpsently thought I saw at a di
tance a great fire j I TPjoieed much
at the sign of inhabitants, but when I drew ne:1.1", I found what I
had supposed a fire, was the reflections of the sunbeams on a cas-
tle of copper.
" It was evening he-foro I rc-ach3d this building, where I WR8
very hr.
ritably recci\'eJ by ten handsome young men who were
3

.

ði)

AR\BL\N
IGHT8'

all blind of the right eye. They introduced me into the c:lstIe,
allotted me an apartmel1t, and inyited me to f;UP with them; :lft{'J
which, at their request, J related what had befallen me. 'V' 6
continucil vcry merry, till it grew late, when oue of the company
romiI
dcd the rest tbat it was time for them to pcrfurm their duty.
Tmmcdi:ltC'ly, upon a signal giycn, ten basins were hrou
ht in.
nJ
one
et lJefC're o:1,ch of the gC'utlemen. rrhey uncovered the basins
w'hich c(\nhtinec1 ashe
, coal-dust, and lamp-black; with these they
l)eù;lUlw(l their face
, beating their breasts, weeping an! CXChtiIll-
ing,
rrhlH is the fi.u it of our i(!lelJess and debauchery.' This exer-
cise continued a lo!.g time, after which, water being brought in,
they washed, awl each withdrew in silence to his own apartment.
" I was conducted n.lso to my bed-chamher; but though Dltigucd,
I was t00 much astonished to sleep. In the morning I very oarn-
estly rerplCRted tbe g<.>utlrnwn to tell me the meaning of what I
had Been, and also how it chanced they were all blind of the right
eye. They positin'ly refÌ1fo'eù to gi,-e me this satisfhction, decbring
t.hat I 80ught to divulge a curiosity that I should repent of as long
as I Uvea. ThuR f;ilrnccd, I pafl.Red thc day with them at their OY.n
request, and the evening was closed with a repetition of their
di
gusting pemtl1l'o.
., The day following I renewed my inquiries in 80 earnpst a man-
ner, th:1.t one of them, in hehalf of the rest, said, 'It is out of
friendship to you, prince, that we haNe withheld from you the
information you "ish; but if you continue to dema!
d it, we are
not at libert.y to refu
e you. Know, however, that you will lose
your right eye by gratifying your dangerous curiosity; and that
when that misfortune hath befallen you, you cannot remain with
us, as onr number is complete, and nO addition can be made to it.'
,
As I still persiRh'd, the gentlemen killpd a sheep and Rkinnec1 it.
They present('r{ me ,,'ith a knife, n.nr{ sewpd me up in the skin, tell.
iug me; '\Ve must now leave yon; hut prC'Rcntly a roc will comc

and taking you for a
h('Pl', will flyaway with you. Be no'
alarnwd; hut when he alights, cut open the skin and throw it oft;
when he will flyaway. Yon ",ill then sep a. large 1m-lace whi{'h
you wiU cuter. . "
e have all hpC'n there, l)ut may not tell you wha'
bf'fell 118, or explain O11I'RP,lves any furt hcl'.'
"'1'he gentlemen tlH'n I(
ft IlW, unci pl'pspnt1y tbc roc cmne and
c3.-rried me away. The roc is a white bird of enormous size find
or

t('h
trength, that it takes clC'ph:mts from the plain" to tha

EXl EHTAIX l\U

TS.

,

51

tops of the mountains, where he feeds on tl: em. On his alighting,
I tlu'ewoff the skin as I was directed, and the l' JC flew away.
" I walked forward to the palace i whieh Waf! lUo.".e splendid than
jmagination can concei,"e; and when I entered it I was l'eceived
by forty ladies of exquisite beauty, most sumptuously apparelled.
'They conducted me into a spacious hall, the doors of which were
of burni
hed gold set with diamonùs and rubies, aud everything
within it of equal magnificence. Here, notwithstanding my oppo-
sition, they placed me 011 a
eat exalted above their8, saying, ' Yon
are at present, our lord; and we are )'our slaves ready to olJf:'Y
your commands.'
" :Nothing could exceed the desire of these 1eautifulladies to do
mn l3ervice. 'rhey brought in a handsome collation and d
licious
"w'iaes; after which they entertained me with a conc('rt and
dancing. The day following was spent in the same manner, musie,
dancing, feastin12:, and wantonness, marked the moments as they
flew; and the whole year passed away while I thus indulged in
every species of 'Toluptuousnc
s.
" At the end of the year I was surprised to see the ladies enter
my apartment
; all in great o'ffiiction. They embraced me with
much tenderness, and badp, me adient I conjured them to explain
to me the cause of their grief, and of their })cing alJout to leaye
me ; when one of them told me that thcy 'Were obliged to be absent
. forty days, upon illdi8pell
alJle duties \vhich they were not permit-
ted to reveal; and that their sorrow arose from the :l11prehension
that they should sre me again no more. 'This,' continued she,
'will wholly depend upon yourself; here are the keys of a hun-
dred doors which you will find in the adjoining courtR. These we
are obliged to leave with you. You will find abundance of curious
things within ninety-nine of these door8 to gratify and nmus
you,
'Which you may enjoy in safety; but if you open the golden door,
we 81m
I never see you agnin. And it is this fear lest you shouhl
be oY{
rcome by an indiscreet curiosity, that giyes us so much dis-
tm>l)ance.
" I embraced the ladieR all around, and gave th01n my best thanl{s
for a sorrow so very flattering to me. I assured them: in the most
earnest manuel', that nothing should induce me to forfeit their
society, by breaking their injunction. I received the hundred
1u'ys, and having exchanged may farewells they departed, and I
was left a
one.

.

52

ALL\13IAN KIGHT':;'

":\Iy time had Leen passed in such a perpetual round of pleM
ure, that I had Hot before had the least ùesire to examine thiR
inimitable palace. As I was now at leisure, and had permission to
open ninety-nine of the door
) I began with much eagerlless to
gratify my curiosity. It woulù be tedious if it were possible, to
describe what I found within these ùoors :-all that is b:
antiful in
nature, or elegant in art waH there, in the highest perfection aud
almndance. The viealth, as well in jewels as in gold, was increèi.hle.
This immense display of everything valuable and curious was so
extensive, that nine-anel-thirty da,ys were passed by the time I had
explored the ninety-niue apartments I was allowed to yisit.
" The sight of such profusion of wealth which I considered as
my own, elated me ùeyond measure; aud the near return of my
aùmirahle princesses dissolved me in tenderness. One ùay only
remained, and one door, the fatal ùoor, alone was unopened. :My
weak curiosity was ungovCl'nahle. I yielded to the temptation. I
opened that door. A smell that was pleasant enough, though too
powerful for me, OVel'Càllle me, and I f..tÍlltcù away. 1Vhen I re-
('overed, instead of taking warning and 'witbdrawing
I went in. The

cent remained, but no longer affected me. Among many objects
that enga.gpd my attplltion, 1 saw a fine horse, superLlycaparisoned;
I took him by the bridle and led him forth into the court; I got upon
his lJack and would have rode him, but he not stirring, I whipped
him. lIe no sooner felt the stroke than he began to neigh in an.
unusual and horrible manner; and extending wings which I had
not ohserved, he flew up with me into the air. I had presence of
mind to Bit fil,st. After awhile he flew down again toward the
earth, and lighting upon the terrace of a castle, without giving me
time to dismount, he I'hook me out of the saddle, and having; with
the end of his tail struck out my right eye, he flew again out of my
8ight. -
" I got up mnch trouì)led with the misfortune I had brought uI)()n
myself; I found the castle was the same from which the roc had car-
ried nw, and presently met the ten gelltleIlH\n, who ,yore not at all
surprised to see me, as everyone of them bad passed through tho
EaIlle a(henture. .1\ fter c01ll1oling \vith Ill(', and lamellting that it
was not permittcd thcm to add me to their Humber, they ùirected
me to seck the court of Bagdad, \yhere I would meet him that
would decide my destiny. Accordingly I put on this dre
s, and
d.rriyt'd h('re this evening."

EXTERT.UX':'lENT.."

.13

The third calendar having fini8hell his history, a dead silence
pervaèed the company. At length Zoùeide addressing the calcn-
dars said, " your adventures, prince::;, are indeed as t5ingular as they
are diõtre!:ising; anù I am very sorry it i::; impossible, after w11atha8
happened, that we should permit you to remain any longer within
our walls; but we have also reason
for our conduct. Depart in
peace; and in proof of our respcct, take with you, in safety, these
men your companions in indiscretion; who, but for Jour sakos,
should have learnt that we are not to Le insulted with impunity."
At these words the three ladies withdrew, without permitting
any answer; and the slaves conducting the caliph and his com-
panions, the calendars, and the porter, to the gate, civilly dismissed
them. Haroun felt esteem and pity for the unfortunate princes.
\Vithout discovering himself, he offered hi
service::; to aCCOlllmo-
date them fOl' the rest of the night, which being thankfully ac-
cepted, he committed them to the care of ,Mofrour, and retul'ned
with Giafar to his palace.
In the morning the calendars were introduced to the caliph, and
G iafar was dil'patched to acquaint the ladies that the commander
of the faithful desired to see, thenl immediately. They accord-
ingly attended him; and found the caliph seated on his throne, and
the three calendars placed on his right hand. The ladies haying
paid th'Jir Lomage to the caliph, that prince addrel'sed them with
groat benignity, and told them he had been one of their guests the
preceding night. The ladies were cm'ered with confusion; but
the caliph praif'ed their moderation, after the incivility they had
received. "1 was then," said he, "a merchant of
Iaussol, :md
deserved your re15eutment; Lut I trust JOu will not refuse to the
caliph the satisfaction you at. that time S0 properly withheld. Be
plca
ed, thCl'efore, to relate the reason of your whipping, and after-
warù weel,ing oycr the two bitches; and why one of you has her
brea
ts so disfigured."
Zobeide obpyed the caliph thus :-

THE HISTORY OF ZOBEIDE.
Commander of the faithful, my fath0r was a merchant of tIm',
city, who, dying some ycars ago, left his f()rtnne t i ) be divided
hetween his fixe daughters, of whom myself and the tWO -Litchmf'
!Lre hy one mother, and these ladiC's hy another.
Amine and Safie, being yet children, continued with their moth...

54

AHABI.AN
IGIIT8'

cr. l\Iy two elder sisters and I lh-e
l together in great h
ul1h 'ny.
After some time they both married; being left alone, I em..
ployed myself for amusement in rearing silk..worm8, and became
t;O successful in my management of them, that I found them no\
only entertaining, but exceedingly profitable.
In less than a year's time, each of my sis tel'S l'eturned to me in
great distress; their husbands having squandered away all their
substance, had left them to Rhift for themselves. I received thClll
with kinùuess, and cheerfully sha
ed with them the money I ha.d
gained by my silk. As I had experienced the advantage of traffic,
I projected a voyage; I bought a ship at Balsora, and freighted
it; my sil:!ters chose to go with me, anci we set sail with a fair
wind.
Some weeks after, we cast anchor in a harbor that presented
itself, with intent to water the ship. As I was tired with having
been so long on board, I landed with the first boat, and walked np
into tbe country. I soon came iu sight of a great town. 'Yhen I
arrived ther(', I was much surprised to see vast numbers of peol'le
in different posture8, but all immovahle. The merchants were in
their shops, the soldiery on guard; every oue seemed engaged in
his proper avocation, yet all were become as stone. At the royal
palace I found many people richly drcssed, in various apartmcnts ;
it was easy to distinguish the king and queen by the splendor of
their jewels, and their crowns of gold. But the same fate had
overtaken them which had befallen the common people; the king,
the queen, and their train of courtiers, being all petrified.
Kight drawing on, I lay down on a couch. Early in the morn-
ing, I hcard the voice of a man reading the Alcoran, in tbe same
tone it is read in our mosques. I arose immediately, and follow-
ing the voice, I fonnd it came from an oratory, 'which had, as usual,
a niche, that showed where we must turn to say our praycrs. A
comely young man was sitting on a carpet reading the AlcOl'au
with great devotion. Being curious to know why he was the only
living creature in the town, I entered the oratory, and stunding
upright before the niche, praised God aloud for having favorcd us
with so happy a. voyage.
The young man closed his Al
oran, and coming to me, deRired
to know whence I came. I acquainted him; on which he proceed..
ed to tell me that the city was the metropolis of a kingdom gov.
erned l-Jy his father; that the king and all his subjects were magi,

E
TERTAIX)IE
TS.

5.)

worshippers of fire, and of K ardoun, the ancient king ..)f the
giants. who rebelled against God: "Though I was born," continued
he, "of idolatrous parents
it was my good fortune to have a
woman-governess, who was a strict observer of the l\Iohammedan
religion. She taught me Arabic from the AlcOl'an; by her I was
instructed in the true religion, which I would never a.fterward re-
nounce.
"
\bout three year
ago, a thunderil1g voice was beard distinctly
through the whole city, sa.ying, 'Inhabitant:'\, abanùnll the worship
of Nardoun and of fire, and worship the only God who showeth
mercy!' This voice was heard three years succpssively, but no
one regarded it. .At the end of the last year, all the inhabitants
'Were in an instant changed into stone, everyone in the posture he
happened to be tben in. I alone was preserved; and I flatter my-
self, madam, that you are sent bere to deliver me from a solitary
life, which I must o,,,,n is very irksome to me."
I readily agreed to take him to Bagdad. I even ventured to
promise him nn introduction to your majesty, the great vicegerent
of the prophet, whose disciple he was. I conducted him to the
vessel, which we loaded deeply with gold, jewels, and money; and
It .tving recruited our water, we set sail homeward.
The young prince proved the most amiable and agreeable of
men.. He solicited me very earnestly to become hif! wife, which I
l)TQrnised on our arrival here. But my Risters had each become
enamored with him: this declaration of his l'educed them to de-
Bpair. Envy and jealousy took possession of their breasts, and in
the night they threw us both overboard.
The prince was drowned: I had the good fortlme to escape, and
by morning was driyen on shore on an uninhabited island. I dricd
my clothes, and went in scarch of some fruits to support me, when
I saw a winged serpent, which waR scized by a larger serpent;
who endcavored to dm-our it. ,l\Ioved by compassion, I had the
courage to take up a stone and fling it at the great serpent, which
I hit on the head and killed; the other, finding itself at liberty,
took wing and flew away.
In a short time after, a black woman, of good figure, came to-
ward me leading two Litches. " I am/, said she, "the serpent,
'Thorn you so lately delivered from my mortal enemy; in return
for that seryice
with the assi::;tance of other fairiefì, my companions,
I have already conveyed the valuable lading of your vcssel to

56

ARABIAI\
IGIITS'

your storehouses in Bagdad; aud to puni
h the cruelt) J,nd in
p;ratitude of your sisters, I have transformed them into these two
bitches." Haying said this, she took them under one arm and
me under the other, and in an instant set llS down in my house.
Before shc left me, she said: "If JOu would not share the fate
of your vácked sisters, I command you in the name of bim who
governs the sea, that you every night give each of them a hun-
dreù lashes with a rod." I am oLliged to obey this severe order,
but my resentment having long Bince subsided, your lllajesty saw
with what reluctance I comply with it. ,
Zobeiùe having finished her story, Amine rose to satisfy the in-
quiries of the Caliph.

HISTOR Y OF AMINE.
Commander of the faithful, said Amine, my life, till lately,
.lontained no extraordinary event. I married early; and on the
death of my husband, which happened very soon after, I found
myself 'Very wealthy, and determined to continue independent.
But one day, 3S I ,\"as engaged in my affairs, a venerable lady,
whom I had noticed at the public 1)aths, came to my house to re-
quest a favor of me. "My daughter," said she, " is to be married
to-day. The family of the bridegroom is numerous and respect-
ahl
; but alas! we are strangers ill Bagdad. V ouchsafe, then,
d('ar lady, to be present at the wedding. The ladies of your city
will not despise us when they see one of your quality do us so
much honor."
I readily consented, and she conducted mc to a handsome house,
where I was received by a young lady, whom I fmpp0sed to be
the bride. After a few complimentR, she saia: "y ou
.re invited
lwre, madam, to assist at a wedding; but I hope you wi
l he more
nearly concerncd in one. :\ly brother
who i<õ: rich, 110nora,1)le, and
hanch;ome, has falLen in love with the fame of your beauty, and
will he miserahle if yon do not take pity on him!" After saying
this, Rhe clapped her hands, and a young man entered, whose
graceftll c:t.,rriage and good figure strongly recommended him. K ot
to be tNliouR to your majesty, I suff('red my
elf to he oyerc(Jme by
tlwir ('ntr('aties, and IJCcallle myself a lJridc, where I thought of
beir,g nuly a gn('
t,.
l\Iy uew hnsband exa('ted a promise from me that .I WGuB not
8peak co or lJC seen hy auy man hut himself. Soon aftm. our mar-

ENT ERT .AIN
lE
TS.

157

riage, I had occasion for some stufis; and hat-ing asketi my hus-
band's leave, I took the old lady I spoke of (who had been his
nurse) and t.wo slaves to the 8hops to buy some. The old lady
recommended me to a merchant, at whose shop we chose what 'Wo
wanted. I had kept my veil close, and now <1esired the 01<1 wo.
mnn to ask the price of them. The nwrchant told her he would
not sell thenl for money, but if I would permit him to kiss my
cheek, he would present me with them. I directed the nurse to
leprehend him for his audacity; but instea<.l of obeying me, she
remonstrated in his favor. As I was much pleased with t.be stuffs,
which the merchant would not let me have on any other terms, I
foolishly consented.
The old woman and the slaves stooù up, that no one should see
it; I put by my veil; but instead of a kiss, the merchant bit - me
tin the blood came.
The pain and the surprise were so great that I swooned away.
The merchant took that opportunity to abscond; and when I re-
covered, my servants with difficulty got me home. In the eye-
ning my husband came to me, and seeing the wound in my cbeek,
asked me the cause of it. I was confounded; yet not willing to
own ihe truth, I
aid, a porter, carrying a load, came so ne.ar me
that one of his sticks cu
my cheeks. l\Iy husband was in a rage.
" To-morrow," said he, " I will give orders to the lieutenant of the
police to seize all those brutes of porters and hang them." Fright-
ened at this, I declared they WCl'e innocent. "How then came
your cheek wounded 1" replied he sternly. ".A broom-seller," said
I, "rode against me and pushed me down." "Indeed," replied the
husband, " then to-morrow; the grand vizier shall have an account
of this insolence, and shall cause all the broom-sellers to be put to
death," "Ah!" said I, " they are not guilty." "How, madam;" rc-
plied he, "what is all this 1 I insist on knowing the truth im-
mediately." "Sir," said I, " I was taken with a giddiness and fell
down, and that is the whole matter."
" I have too long listened to your lies," exclaimed he; then clap
pi1lg his hand!::!, three sla,yeR entered, whom he ordered to put me
to death. As the slaves were in no hurry to execute his cruel or.
del's, I had recour
e to entreaties and prayers, and the nurse joined.
her supplications in my favor. At last he said to her, "For your
sake I will spare her life; ùut think
ot she shaH escape '\vith im.
tlnnity." At these worfls he ordered two of his slaycs to hold m4?J
3*

59

ARABIAN r\IGHTS

while the thirù gave me so many blows on my sidtò and breabt
wíth a little cane, that he fetched away the skill and flesh. I faint-
cli under this severc di
cilJlille. "\Yhile I continued senseless, he
caUlsed me to be conveyed to a poor habitation, where a strange
shwe attended mc till I recovereù, and then left me.
\Vhen I was able to walk, I resolved to go to my own house,
but I found my husband, in his wrath, had cu,used it to be pulled
dO'Wll. I determilH
d, therefore, to seek the protection of my 8is-
tel' Zobeiùe, who received me with kindnebs, and with whom I
ha-re lived contentedly ever since.

'Vhen Amine had finished her narrative, the calil->h atiked Zo:.e-
íde if she had allY metho(l of cOllul1unication ".ith the fairy. "I
ha,-re, sir, a locket of hair," replied she, " vvhich the fairy left" ith
me, telling me I should one day want her l'resence, and if I burn-
ed that hair, she would not fail to atten<.lme, though she were be-
yond the mount Caucasus." At the request of the caliph, Zobeide
burned the hair; immediately the palace began to shake, and in a
short time the fairy appeared before the caliph, in the shape of a
lady richly drl:ssed.
" Handsome fairy," said the prince to her, " I have wished to see
you, to entreat you will release the two bitches from their present
situatiùn. I must also beg you ,,,ill discover to me if you can, who
was that Larbarous fellow who hath treated this lad,y with so much
cruelty and injustice. I only wonder how such da.ring acts could
be committed in defiance of my authority, and remain unknown
to me."
The fairy readily consented; and the two bitches being proehl-
('ed, she took a glass of watm., and pronouncing certain word
, she
threw a part of it upon them, and the rest upon Amine. Immcdi-
ately they became two beautiful women; and the scars in ,Amine's
lJoAom soon disappeared. The fairy theu said, ,; Commander of the
fa.ithful, the ullknown husband of this la.dy is Prince .Amin, your
elde
t son. She had been imprudent; and her excuses tClHit'd
l'nther to excite Euspicions of her having been yet more faulty;
he is not therefore without excuse. But now he has accidentally
heard the whole truth, he will no doubt receive her again to his
heart." At these words, the fairy saluted the caliph and dis-
appeared.
Prince .Amill came forward, and joyfnlly accepted Amine frùIll

KXTERT A IN1\lENTS.

5f>

the hands of his fatlJer. After which, the caliph invited Zoboiùe
to 61w.re the throne of Persia with him, and bestowed her other
three si8ters on the three calendars, whom he admitted to his coun-
sels. and promoted to the l,ighcst dignities of his empire.

THE SEVEN YO\'" ,,\GES OF 8INDBAD THE SAILOR.

1'11ere liyeù formerly at Bagdad a poor porter called IIiudbad.
One day when the w2ntlw1' wa
excessively hot, he was employed
LO carry a very heuyy },m deu: he weut through a street where
the pavement WëlS
prinkled with rosewater, and there being a
pleasant breeze, he laid down his burden by the side of a great
house, to rest hirns('lf. lIe eujoJcd the agreeable sIllell of the per-
fume
, he heard the sounù of mallY instruments playing in concert,
and saw a grand feast about to be served up. As he seldom passed
that way he ,knew not whose house it wa.!;; but asking, was told
that it belonged to Sindbad the Bailor.
1Yhile IIiudJmd thought thi!; handsome huilding belonged to
some pr illce, he wa.s not disturbed; lJut hearing it was the property
of a. person ,\"hom he
upl'o!::;ed had heen of his own degree, envy
took possession of his br('aDt. He retul'Jled sullenly to his load,
and murmurcd against Providence, who ha.d given to the happy
bindbad. 3, life of ease and luxury, while to him was allotted fatigue'
and poverty, \Yhilc he was expresF'ing reflections like these aloud,
two of the servants camc to him and de8Ïred hiln to follow them, as
their master, Sindhad, wanted to speak with him.
IIindbad diel not very ,villingly obey them; lmt as resistance
was in vain, he suffered himself to be led by them into a great hall,
where there wa
a numerous company at dinner. At the upper
end of the table therc sat a comely, veneraJJle gentleman, with a
long white bearù: this grt"we gentleman was Sindbad. The porter
being introduced to him, Sindbad caused him to sit down at his
l'ight hand, and served him him
elf with excell('nt wine and the
lhoicest dainties.
\\TIH'1l dinner was over, Sillùband began to COllverse with the porter;
and c
lJing him brother, after the manner of tbe Arabians, 'wheu
they are familiar with One another, he asked him what it was he
had Faid awhile ago in the sh'eet 1-for Sindbad had chanced to
,werhear his murmurings. The porter, surprised at the question,
hung down his head, and replierl, " I confef\8, sir, my wearincRs put
me ont of humor, and T ntter('d some indi
creet word;;:, which J

GO

ARABIAN XI(aITS'

humbly reque8t you to pardon." "I did not !5cnd for JOu," replil
<.1
Sindband, "in anger; but as I find you murmur at my having obi
tained the affluence I enjoy, that you may not continue to offend
Goù by envy and discontent, I will relate to you the adve'!ÜureH
which have ,gained me all this wealth, and I am inclined to think
you would rather continue in your safe and easy poverty, than be
exposed to the dangers I have gone through, though they have 80
greatly enriched me."

SINDBAD's FIRST VOYAGE.
l\ly fi.tther left me a decent fortune, which I, like many incon-
siderate young men, greatly diminished. Recollecting myself in
time
I engaged in traffic; and joining with several other merchants,
we freighted a vessel, and set out on a trading voyage. One day,
while we were under sail, we were. becalmed close to a little island,
almost even with the surfitce of the 'water, which resembled a green
meadow. The captain ordered the sails to be furled, and permitted
those who chose it, to go on shore; of whom I was one.
"\Ve had not long landed, when, on a sudden, the island trem-
bled, and shook us terribly. The people on board saw our situa-
tion, aud called out to us to re-embark directly, as what we had
taken for an island, was only the back of a prodigious fish. The
nimblest of us got into the sloop, others jumped into the sea, and
swam toward the vessel. For my part, I was still on the back of
the flsp when it dived into the sea. I got hold of a piece of tim-
ber which we had brought to make a fire with, and by this assist-
a nce was preserved from sinking, but found it impossible to recover
the ship.
I continued in this situation till the next day, when I made land,
much fatigued. As I advanced from the shore, I saw a vcry fine
mare feeding; I went toward her, when sundry voices called out
to me, which seemed to come from under the ground. Looking
around, I saw a hollow sunk in the earth; in which were several
men, who received me with great kindness, and gave me every
necessary refreshment. They were grooms to King; l\Iihrage.
Every year at that season they brought thither thc king's mares,
and fastened them one by one to a stake, till they were coyereù
by a horse that came out of the sea, and who, after having done so,
endeavored to destroy the mare, but was prevented and driven
nway by the shouting of the grooms. The foals, 80 procured,
proving ycry excellent, were preserved for the king's use onl)"

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E
TEl{TAIN)l.EXTS.

61

Had I veen a day later, I must have perit;hed; for the islal'\d
was very barren, and they had 80 nearly finished their business
for that yea.r, that they set out on their return the next morning.
On our arriva
they pre
ented me to the king, who, haying hèard
my story, ordered mc to be supplied with eyerythillg I stood in
need of.
There belongs tn this king an island named Cassel; they assured
me that every night a noise of drums was heard there; whence
the mariners fancy it is the residence of Degial.* I had a desire
to see this wonderful place, and in my way thither, saw fishes of
a hundred and two hundred cubit3 long; far from heing dan-
gerous, they fly from the least noise. I sa.w also other fishes about
a cubit long, which had heads like owls.
As I was one day at the port, after my return, I cast my e.ye on
some bales that were unloaded from a ve
sel newly arrived, and
presently I knew them to be mine. I sought the captain whom I
instantly remembered; but it wa.s some time before I could per-
suade him that I was Sindbad, so confident was he that he had seen
me perish. 'Vhen be was convinced, he reEtored me my cargo,
which, through the favor of the king, I sold to very great advan-
tage. I loaded my Pal't of the vessel with the best produce of the
country; and had a safe and speedy passage home, where I dis-
posed of my merchandise to the value of ten thousand sequins.t
I then bought slaves of both séxes, built me a fine house, resolving
to forget the misel'Íes I had suffered, and enjoy myself.
Silldbad stopped here} and ordered the musicians to renew the
concert. In the evening he gave the porter a purse of a hundred
sequins, and bid him come t.he next day to hear more of his adyen-
hIres. HindLad returned home to his family blessing God for
w hat he had receh-ed at the hands of SindLad.

SI:ND:BAD'S SECOND VO\:. AG E.
I had no intention of venturing t.he sea again; but I
oon grew
weary, and ashamed of an inactive life. I embarked therefore with

"" Deg:al, with the )lohammedalls, is the
ame <1,-': Antichrist with us. They hay",
a trd.dition that he will appear about the end of the world, and conquEor all the
earth. Ctcept Mecca,
ledina, Tar
us. and Jerusalem, which are to be pre!>ened bI
ang\ols. whom he s1ull het round them.
t Tbe TUl"ki
h sequin iRabout two dollars,

ô2

A nABIAN :
an-llTS'

some other n1t-
rchaut
, and having been at spa,
ome time, VI e catn

to an uninhabited island; we lau(led and dined very heartily.
Finding myself di:5posed to sleep, I withdrew from the company
and la.id myself down in a charming grove. How long 1 slept I
know not; but when I awoke I pm.ceived the ship under sail, at
such a distance that I soon lost sight of her.
1\Iy surprise and grief were inexpressible: l)ut rememberiI\g it
was of 110 use to afflict one's seif when an evil is unavoidable, I
resoh-cd to suppress my unavailing sorrow. I climbed up to the
top of a great tree, that hy an extcIlsh-e prospect I might better
judge of my Hituation. I saw at no great dititallce a large whitrl
body; when I approached it, I f(mnù it so very slllouth, that it was
impossible to climb it. It was fifty paces round, and of a pro-
digious height. '\Vhile I was examining this phenomenon, the I'3ky
on a sudden became ditrk, and looking up I saw a bird of a mon-
strous size preparing to settle. 1 now knew that the bird wa::5 a
roc, and the smooth white sulJstancc ,'\'as its egg.
The bird alighted, and sat oyer the egg to hatch it. As I per-
ceived her coming, I crevt dose to the egg, tiO that I bad before
me one of the legs of the lJird, which was as hi
as the trunk of
a tree. I tied myself strongly to it with the cloth that went round
my turban
iil hopes that ,,'he'll the roc* flew away, she would carry
me to some place whcre I Hhouhl finO. illimbitants. Accordingly,
the next lllÜl'uing, when she took wing, she raised me with her, .
and when she alighted, I quickly untied the knot, which I had
scarce done, when she flew away again, taking in her hill a ser-
l-lel1t of monstrous length.
The place whpre I was left was a deep yalley, surrounded on all
sides with precipices 80 stepp tbat it was illlpo
sihie to climb tlH'lll.
I soon füund that I was no way henpfÎted by the exchange. ,.::\,:i
I walked along, I ppl'ceiyed the grounù wad strewed with dia-
monds; I examincd thcm with lUuch pleasure, hut pre::;ently sa;w
objects which at once put an end to all my agreeable ideas, and terri-
ficd me exceedingly. These were a. number of serpents, each ca}Jable
of swallowing an elephant. They had now retired to their dens,
to avoid their cnemy the roc; hut I had no doubt I should hu\e
t9yerything to fear from them at uight.

.
1:Lrk Paul, in his Tr:wels, and Father 1\1artlDl in his Histor) of China. "pe;tk
of this I:ird: auù ,.ay it will tal{c "p an cl"'phdnt or a l'hir:oct.'ros.

E
TEHT A IN:\lE::\TS.

68

I immediately sought a secure retreat, and waR so lucky as to
bn({ one. In the- evening. as I expected, all the serpents left their
Jells: and came hissing about my }'etreat. Though they could
not. hurt me, they put n
e into such extreme fear tlw,t I coulll Hot
bleep. \Yhen the ùa.y came, the serpents retired, and I came out
Hf my cave trembling; and I can truly Bay that, I walked a long
limo upon dialllolld
, without ha\ iug the least inclination to touch
them; at la::!t, spent with fatigue and want of rest, I was obligeù to
lay down to sleep; but ha,d scarco shut my eyes when I 'was
n.wakened by a great piece of fresh meat falling c1o
e to me; a.t
the H:une time I saw others fall from the rocks in different places.
This circumstance gave me immediate hope of escape. I had
alwa,yd considered as fabulous the stOl'ies told of the valley of
diamonds, anù of ..he 8tratagems used by merchants to get jewehj
thelice; but now I found them true. This valley, from tue height,
aHd from the rocks which bound it, being utterly inacce8silJle to
man, the ad, enturers come as near as may be at the ti ne eagles
batch their young, and Ly the help of machine
, throw very large
f)ier-es of raw flesh high into the air; these falling upon the ùia-
monds, their sharp points enter the flc
h, and they stick to it; the
eagles v.hich are larger here tha.n in allY other country, convey
thc
e pieces of meat to their llel:its, to feed their young; 'Lut the
merchants frighten
"ay the old birù, till they have examined the
prey, and take a.way the diamond
which may chance to stick to it.
I now no longer doubted the truth of this account. I began
therefore very deliberately to select the largest and clearest dia-
monds I could find; and hasing fined my provision bag with them,
and secured it to my girdle, I took a rJiece of meat and tying it to
my Lack, I laid down with my face to the ground. In a short
time one of the eagles seized me and conveyed rue to hi
nest.
As Boon as the eagle had dep08ited me, the merchants as usual,
drove him away. Every merchant had his distinct nest wlúch was
considereù as his peculiar property. 1Yhen the owner of the nest
,yh('re I was ascended to it and saw me; he was at first much
frightened; but recovering himself, he begHn to upbraid me with
his disappointment; he helped me, notwithstanding, to descend,
anù introduced me to the other merchants, who heard my story
with amaz
ment. -
'Vhen the season for throwing the meat was over, we all pre.
pared to return to our several countries. Before we parted, I

64

AR_UU.\N :KIGHT:;'

took aside the merchant in who
e llest I was found; and silcwe

him the bag of diamonds I had selected in the valley. I told him
I cònsidered him as my deliverer, and fran
ly offered to share
them with him. He was astonished at their size and beauty; but
I could only prevail with him to accept of one, and that one of
the smallest, which he said would raise him as great a fortune as
he wished for. 'Ve parted perfectly sath;fìed with each other, and
1 returned by the first ship to Bagda,d.
1Ve touched at the isle of Hoha, where the trees grow that yiela
camphor. These trees are so large, that a hundred men may
easily sit under the shade of one of them. They bore a hole in
the upper part of the tree, whence issues a juice which, being re-
ceiyed into a ,,-essel, acquir.es a consistency, and becomes what we
ca.ll camphor; after which the tree ,vithers and dies.
There is in this island the rhinoceros, a creature less than the
elephant, but greater than the buffalo. It has a horn upon its
nose about a cubit long; wh
ch is solid.
nd cleft in the middle;
there are upon it draughts representing the figures of nlen. The
rhinoceros fights with the elephant, runs his horn into his belly,
and carrie
him ofl' upon his head; but the blood and fat of the
elephant run into his eyes; and make him blind. He falls to the
ground, and what is very astonishing, the roc carries them both
away in her claws, to be meat for her youn
ones.
On my arrinLI at Bagdad, I gave large sums to the poor, alHl
lh-ed honorably on the yast riches I had acquired with so much
danger and fatigue.
Silldhad gave the porter another purse of a hundred sequins, and
invited him to return the next day.

SINDBAD'S THIRD VOYAGE.
I soon forgot the risk I had run in my two former ,yoyages, and
hating idleness, projected a third. I embarked accordingly, and
after some days' favorable weather, we were overtaken by a tem-
pest, which drove us quite out of our course. Our vcssel being
much sbattm'ed, we were glad to make the first port to repair our
damages.
"\Ve ha.d scarce begun this necessary business, when we w
re
beset in a very extraordinary manner. An iñnumerab1e multi-
tude of little frightful savages covered all over with r
d bail',
c:nne swimming ahuut us. They were not wore thfin two ff'ct

EXTERT A ÐOIEXTS.

65

high, but f:.cemed uncommonly strong and niml}le. Their 1m.
m.ense number and horrible appearallce so terrified us, that we
suffered them to board and take POf:.spssion of the vessel without
resistance. Th is was a lucky circumstance for us; for there was
no hope of escaping, and we learned afterward, that if we had
killed one of them they would have put us all to death.
Having taken p08se
sion of
he vessel, they set us on shore,
and made sign8 that we might go where we ple
sed. After which
they returned on board, and sailed to another island to which
they belonged. 'Ve marched together into the country, and had
not advanced far, when we came to a great pile of builùings
which we entered. ',e found the door:5 and rooms uncommonly
lufty; but OlIr attention was soon engaged by an appear an co
crlually shocking and alarming. On entering a vast apartment,
we found various fragments of buman Lodies, and a parcel of spits
on which they had evidently been roasted. Though we wel'e
much t
ttigued, we were about to retire hastily from a habitation
which threatened us so dreadfully, when all power of escape was
taken from us, by the presence of the owner of the mansioll.
He was a tremendous black giant, as high as a tall palm-tree,
with only one eye in the middle of his forehead, which looked as
red as a burning coal; his teeth and nails were long and sharp,
and his mouth resembled that of a horse. The sight of so fright-
ful a figure rendered U8 immovable with horror. .After sun-eying
us for some time, he took me up by the nape of the neck, and felt
my body as a butcl}cr would his Rheep. Finding lll
very thin, he
set me down allù took up another; at last, la.ying hands on our
captain, who was fat, he thrust a long spit through him, and
kindling a fire; be roasted and ate him. After which he retired
to an adjoining room, where he slept, and snored all night like
thunder. In the morning he got up, went out, and left us in his
dwelling.
Our distreðs may ea
ily be imagined. For some time we aban-
doned oursehes to despair. Rut finding we were not confined, we
divided ourselves into slllall parties, and sought various hiding-
places, where ,ye yainly hopeù to continue in safety. In the eY

ning, the giant found out all our retreats, and collecting us to-
gether, drove us before him into his ha.bitation, where another of
our companions fell a sacrifice to his voracious appetite; after
which he retired, and slept as before.

66

ARA
IAN NIGH'l'S'

Tho npxt day we renewed our lamentations, and !Some of the
compa.ny began tr talk of throwing themselves into the sea, rath-
er t.han die so strange a death. I reminded them that we were
for
)idden to destroy ourselves. That as there was a great deal of
timber floating on the coast, we might make small floats to carry
us to sea; and though the risk would be great, yet our present
situation was still more desperate. 'Ve set about them imme-
diately; but just as they were finished, the night approachea.
The giant again conducted us to his cayern, and repeated his
cruelty.
1Yhile we were busy in preparing our floats, I proposed a scheme
to my companions to revenge ourselves of this monster, in case
we were obliged, as I feared we should be, to pass another night
in his power. Accordingly, when we heard him sHore, ten of the
boldest of us took each a spit, and making the points red hot in
the embers of the fire where he had roasted our friends, we thrust
them all at once into his eye; and blinded him. He awoke in
great agonies, and making a frightful outcry, he felt about, in
hopes of sacrificing us to his fury: but we took care to be out of
his reach; and finding he sought for us in yain, he groped for the
gate, and went out howling dreadfully.
We hastened to the sea-side, and got our floats into the water;
but as it was yet night, we agreed not to put to S63. till daybreak.
'Ve were not without hope that our enemy, whose howling we stH\
heard, might die; ill which case we need not risk our lives upon
the floats, but. stay till a better conveyance might be made. Day
bad scarcely appeared, when we found it necessary to put to sea
with all possible haste; for we saw the blinded giant coming to-
ward us, led by two others of his own species, as large and tel"l.ible
as himself.
1Ve rowed off immediately; and having got a little wJ,y from
shore began to congratulate each other on our escape. But we
were deceived; for as soon as the giants saw us, they ran to the
adjacent rocks, and tearing away huge masses of stone, they threw
them after us, and destroyed every float, except the one on which
I was with two others. )Ye were so f
rtunate as to get out of
their reach, and we thought ourselves more so, when. the next
day, we made an island, abounding with excellent fruit, which
greatly refreshed us.
But alas! another danger awaited us, no less fatal and horrid

E
TERr AIX.MENTS.

67

than that which we had fled from. As night approached, we took
refuge in a cavern we had discovered, and fell asleep; but were
soon awakened by the approach of a prodigious serpent, who seiz-
ing one of my companions, notwithstanding his utmost efforts,
crush\3d his bones to pieces and swallowed him up before us : after
which the monster retired, leaving us unhurt, but terrified be-
yond expression.
The day following we passed in fruitless endeavors to escape
from this new distress. But the tide having driven our float among
some concealed rocks, we had not strength to disengage it.; and
were obliged, by the approach of night, to Reek shelte:p on land.
To avoid the sel pent, we sought out a very high tree, 'which we
climbed almost to the top. In a short time the tremendous mon-
ster appeared, hissing hOl'ribly. He came immediately to our tree,
and winding himself round the trunk, he uscended with much
ease till he reached my companion, who fell an unresisting sacrifice
to his voracity.
I remained for this time in safety, the serpent retiring when he
had devoured my comrade. In the morning I descended from the
tree, and passed the day in a state of stupefying horror. 1'oward
evening I began to recollect my situation. I gathered together a
large quantity of drp fagot-wood, with which I formed a circle
round the tree. The serpent came at the usual hour, but was pre.
vented by the rampart I had made from approaching me. He con.
tinued attempting to force his way till day appeared, when he
retired.
Though I had reason to be satisfied with my escape, yet the to,r-
ror of my situation, and even teyond tha.t, the poisonous breath
of the serpent, had made the night inexprestlibly terrible. Rather
than pass such another, I determined if I could not remove the
float, to tear off a single pla.nk and put to sea upon it. I went
down to the shore to execute this purpose; when I saw a ship at a
considerable distance. I presently loosed my turban, and disp]ay-
ing the linen, made signal of distress. Fortunately the captain
verceived me, and sending a boat for 11le brought me safely on
Loard.

ly joy at this deliverance could on],.y be equalled by the benev-
olence of the captain and merchants, who heard my story with
wonder, and relieved my necessities with great liberality. The
abip was of Balsora, but first bound on a trading voyage to Sal

68

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

bat; I had reason, therefore, to hope I should soon reach my
native country, thuugh not with my usual increase of furtune. In
this last expectation I was agreeably disappointed; for on opening
the cargo when we arrived at.Salabat, the captain, who was IJecome
much attached to me, proposed that I should .uudertake the man-
agement of a part of the cargo which had belonged to a merchant
who had sailed on board, but was dead. On receiving the bales
into my possession I found they were entered in my own name,
and that I was actually on board the same vessel in which I had
Bailed on my second voyage.
The captain soon remembered me, and restored very reaùily all
my goods, which he had greatly improved. Thus I became uncx-
pectedly enricheù by this voyage. I ùistributedlal'gely of my gainfl
to my fl'Íelldti and the poor, and had euough to buy anuther con-
siderable estate. TO-lllorrow (continued Sind Lad, presenting the
porter with another purse) come and hear IllY next a.ùventure.

SINDBAD's FOURTH VOYAGE.
Industry was now become habitua.l to me; I soon fitted out
another vessel, and again set sail. After several weeks of fine
weather, a furious tempest drove our vessel on a strange shore.
The cargo and most of the crew were lm.;t, and those who escaped
were in the utmost distress.
N ext morning the natives of the country, who were blacks, came
down upon us in a body, and seizing us, ùrove U5 before them a long
way up the country. 9n our arriving at their town, they gave us
an herb, which they made signs for us to eat. ,My companions,
pressed by hunger, readily oLeyed; but I, perceiving they them-
selves ate none of it, fLn!l expecting no good from such inhospitable
hands, concealed what they gave me, and only pretended to pat it.
They now Bet us at liberty, and gave us plenty of rice and other
provisions, of which they themselves also partook. "\Vhile I was
at a loss to account for their behavior, I found, on addressing my-
self to my companions, tlut everyone of them had lost his under-
standing; 80 baneful was the effect of the herb they hall first
eaten.
Our masters perceived nO"difference between me and my COIn.
rades. Thev gave us great abundance of food, of which my un.
fortunate shipmates
e greedily, and soon became fa.t. Then \Va.s
the mystery ?f our fate made plain. The blacks were caulliLals ,

ENTERT AI
:\lE:KT5.

69

and having first deprived us all, as they supposed, of ocr rl
aS\)D,
they fatted us up as delicacies for their inhuman feasts. ,1\1y com-
panions soon fell victims to their cruelty. But for me, partly from
the horrol" of my :situation, and partly from my own care in ea.ting
no more than was nece8sary to preserve life, I grew every day
leaner. The blacks, therefore, put off my destiny to a future
time.
The barbarians, not doubting but I was ùert"ft of understanding,
allowed me a great deal of liberty; one day" on some particula,r
occasion, all the inhabitants went out of town -4ogether, except a
.few feeble old people of whom I was in no fear. I instantly seized
the lucky moment to escape, and disregarding the outcries of those
who rmuained in the town, I set off with all possible speed, and
gained some neighboring woods, which afforded me fooù alid
shelter.
I travelled many days, avoiding with great care any place which
seemed to be iuhabited. At length I came near to the sea, and saw
some white people gathering pepper, which I took for a good
omen. I weut among them without scruple, and was overjoyed to
hear them speak Arabic.
These people received me kindly, and when they had laden their
ships with pepper, they took me with them to their own country
,
and introduced me to their king. 1 was so well treated by my new
protectors, that I soon recovered my health and spirits. I became
a favorite with the king, and a trivial matter greatly increased my
influence with him. I observed that the prince and all his courtiers
rode their horses without saddle, bridle, or
tirrups. I fóund work.
men, and giving them proper models, I caused all those articles to
be made, and presented them to the king, who was highly pleased
with them. I made others for all the principal courtiers, and in-
troduced several other mechanical arts which were familiar to me,
but entirely unknown in that country.
By these means I conciliated the favor both of the prince a,nd
the people. The king not only made me very considerable pres-
ents, but being desirous that I should settle in his country, he
gM'e me for a wife one of the richest and most beautiful ladies of
his court. I durst not oppose the royal pleasure; I received the
lady, therefore, with seeming joy, and lived with her in much har..
mony. But I could not forget my native country, nor suppress

wish to make mJ escape and return thither.

70

ARABIAN NIGHTS

"\Vhile these thoughts took up mueh of my attention, the wife f)f
a neighLor with whom I had become intimate, died. I went to
comfort my friend, aud saluting him iu the usual maImer, I wished
Lim a long life. "Alas!" said he, " I lutYe not an hour to live; I
must be buried prcsently with my wife. Do ye,n not knows" cun-
tinued he, " that it is the la.w of this couutry, a law on no account
eyer violated, that the living husband is iuterred with the dead
wife; and the living wife with the dead husband 1"
)\-hile he was talking thus with me, his kindred, friends, and
neighbors, came to.,assist at the funeral. They ùreb8ed the deceased
in her ga.re6t apparel, and ornamented her with all her jewels, and
lla'\ing; placed her in an opcn coffin they began their march to the
l)1ace uf burial, the husband walking at the he:1d of the company'
They went up a high mountain, and near the summit of it they
came to a large stone which covered the nlOuth of a very deep pit.
Having raised the stone, they let down the corpse j the husband
theu el1lvloyed his friends, and suffered himself to Le placed in an-
other open coffin, with a l)itcher of water a.nd Be
Ten little loavef',
and was let down in the Barne manner. The ceremony being over,
they covered the hole with a stone, and returned to the city.
Though I was struck with terror and astonishment at this bar-
barous transaction, the rest of the company were entirely unmoyed.
Accustomed to it from their earliest infancy, they regarded it as a
matter of course. I thought the law 80 absurd as well as cruel,
that I ventured to t5petLk my sentiments on it to the king; hut I
found his majcsty immovably prejudiced in its favor. "It is a
usage hcl'(
," said he," as uniyer8al as it is ancient; we have no
b"ace how early it began, nor a single instance of an exception frol11
it, from the sovereign to the meanest peasant." " Strangcl's) I
hope," replied I, "are not subject to this barbarous law." " T H.
de cd they are," sa.id the king, smiling, "if they marry in tl1Í8
I}ountry. "
From that hour I became the prey of continual apprehension.
Every little indisposition of my wife, however trifling, alarmed me.
I renewed with redoubled earne
tness my endeavors to cscape;
but, as if my conversation with the king had exciteù his suspicion::;,
I founù it impossible to elude the spies which every'where Bur-
founded me. In a E!hort time all these apprehensions were real-
Jz('(1. ]\[y wife fell sick, and in a very few days died.
Judge of my feelings on this dismal occasion. Flight or resist-

1\.'1'1<:1>"1'.\ I
:\I
y,.
.

7\

nPI
(' were alike imprnctica1Jle. The body was illul\cdiat('ly 1>1"e-
pared for lJ
terJ?ent; the cavalcade began, and. I 'was obligf'd to
lead the proces:5ion. On our arrival at the fatal pit, I begged
leave to addref;s the king amI his C()urt, who, in honor to me,
attended the funeral. It was granted, but to no purpose. In vain I
threw myself at the mOImrch;s feet, pleading my past services. In
vain I harangued the people on the cruelty and injustice of subject.
ing a stranger to so barbarous a law. In vain I urged that I had
another wife and children ill my own country; whi
h plea, as
good
Iussulllla1l8, who allow polygamy, they ought to r(
pect.
Iustcad of bcing moved by my I)leas and eutreaties, they only
made the more haste to inter the corpse; and notwithstanding my
exclamation and outcries, they forced me into the coffin, and having
lowcred me down, they shut the mouth of the pit.
'Yhell I reached the bottom, I threw myself on the ground in a
transport 0f grief. How nlany hours I passed in this state I can-
not tell; but fiS nature willllot support continual anguish, I be-
cmne at length by degrees more composed, I then surveyed my
situation, and found, from a little light which here and there
broke through the cavities of the rock, that I was in a. cave of
great length. Innumera.ble dry bones were scattered 011 the
ground, interspersed with jewels and trinkets of immense value,
which had been buried with the differcnt bodies; but to my great sur-
prise, there was no stench, which I was then at a loss to account for.
K otwithstanding my hopeless situation, and the misery I felt
in contemplating it, something, I know not what, pres.crved me
from absolute despair. I determined to husband my hread and
water with the utmost care.: and actua,lly managed it so that
it supported me for many days; at length it was quite ex-
hau.
ted, and I was just resigning myself to death, when I per-
ceived the stone at the mouth of the pit to 1)e removed. I had
no doubt but another funeral was taking place. Instantly snatch-
ing l!P a large bone, I concealed mY8elf in the corner of the cavern.
I waited till the second coffin was let down, and the & pit covered,
when finding a woman had been buried with her deceased hus

band, I gave the unfortunate wretch several blows, which speedily
di
patched her; and seizing on her bread and water, I ÙeCitlHO
p"l(õ:(õ;es.<;:eù of the means of preserving my life a little longer.
A few flays after, when this store, 80 dreadfully obtain('d, was
nearly gone, as I was sitting on my coffin, I heard something walk-

71,

AHAIUAl"I NIHl[l

ing aILd panhn
a8 It approached from the lI1terÎc ' r J'H,Cl!:i (It the
cavern; which being entirely dark, I had not attempt('d to expl()re.
On this occasion, my f:Jituation was too desperate to admit of fear;
and I detei'mined to meet it. As I advanced, I fouuù the noise .1
retreat from me. I continued to follow it, till at lengtb I found to
my inexpressible joy, that it led me to a hole in the rock lJig enough
for me to escape through.
'Vhen I arrived in open day, I threw myself on my knees and
l'eturned thanks to Heaycn for my deliverance. I found I was on
the sea-coast, with the immense mountain in which I had be('n
buried, between me and the town. I perceived also that the crea-
ture I had followed was a sea. monster, who bad no doubt come into
the cavern to feeù on the dead bodies; and thence I could account for
the air of that dismal place Leing so little noxious. lla,ying refresh-
ed nlyself plentifully with the fruits I found on the mountain; I had
the cour3ge to penetrate tbe cavern again, and bring away part of
the jewels and other treasures it contained. I did 80 repeatedly
for some days, and made up several bales of them with the apparel
I found in the cavern.
Soon after I was so lucky as to discover a ship. :1\ly signals
were seen on board, and a boat sent to my relief, which conveyed
me and my bales to the vessel. As neither the captain nor crew
were very inquisitive, they were satisfied with a loose account I
gave them, of my having been shipwrecked where they found me.
''Ve had a short and agreeable passagC', and arrived safely at Bag-
dad.' I handsomely rewarded my deliverers, nor did I forget to
distribute part of my wealth among my friends and the necessitous.
Sindbad having nnished his relation, gave the porter another
purse, and another invitation to hear his further a.d rentures.

RIND.BAD'S FIFTH YOYAGI';.
By this time my namo became celebrated as a bold navigator,
and fortunate merchant.
Iy vanity was so highly gratified Ly
these distinctions, that I determined to support 111Y claim to 'them
by undertaking another voyage.
Accorrlingly, I fitted out and loaded a stant ship, of larger 1Jnrden
than any I had sailed in Lefore. 'Ve had Leen several weeks at
Jea bnfore ,ve made land, and at last touchEd at a desert island,
where we found an eg
of a r0C. There was a young roc iL it
u,lmost hatched, as the bill hegHn to appear..

}O
NTEHT.\JX
IE
TS.

73

As we lUl.d been for some time confined to salt prodsiollS, the

ailors detp.l.mined to have a feast. Accordingly, thl'Y broke the
egg with batí:llets, and cutting away lal'ge pieces of the young roc,
they roastod them and regaled themsel \ eSt I earnestly persuaded
them in vain from this rash measure; however, when they had
gratified their desires, they lilStened to my adyice; which \Yas j to
hasten on board, and sail directly awny before the old roc should
return. 'Ve embarked, and got under way with all diligence; but
we scarce had weighed anchor, when we saw the lllale and female
rocs appear at a distance, like two large clouds. '\
hen they ap-
proached their egg and found it broken, the noise they made was
tremendous.
They rose again immediately into the air, ltnd flew away, so that
we lost sight of them, and began to think we had nothing to appre-
hend. These hopes were 800n at an end' in a vcry little time wo
saw them approaching us slo" ly; when they drew near we disco\r-
ered too plainly the cause of this delay; they carried between their
talons, stones or rather rocks of a prodigious size. 'Vhen they camA
directly over our ship, they hovered, and one of them let fall the
E:tone she held, which, by the dexterity of the steersman, we evaded.
But the other roc was more successful. His stone fell in the mid-
clle of the ship, v
rhich it split into a thousand l)iece
.
All the crew were either killed by the fall of the stone, or Bunk
ycry deep into the sea. 1'he latter wa
my fitte; I continued so
long nnder water that I was almost spent, but on regaining the
surface I found a piece of the 'wreck near me. I immedia.tely got
upon it, and committing myself tù the mercy of the waves, I had
the good fortune next day to get on shore on an island, the most
beautiful and fertile I had ever seen.
The whole country appeared a delicious garden, abounding with
the choicest fruit-trees. I refreshed myself plentifully, and after-
ward resigned myself to sleep. The next day I awoke, fully re- ...
covered from my fatigue, but llluch grieved for the loss of my com-
panions.
As the country was so pleasant, I resolveù to penetrate further
into it in search of inhabitants. I had not advanced fh,r when

coming to the bank of a stream, I Raw a little old man, who seemed
to be very weak and feeble. I saluted him, which he returned by
l)\)wing his head, and maldng signs for me to take him on my back
tlnd carry him (lyeI' the brook. I thought he wanted a8siøtance, and
4

';'4

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

readily complieç1, and wben on the other side, I stooped that he
might get off with the greater ease; but instead of doing
o, be
clasped his legs nimbly about my neck. His skin appeared as im-
penetrahle as iron: he sat astride on my Ehoulders, and held me
o
close that I thought he would have strangled me.
The surprise and terror of DIY situation oyercame me. I filinted
and fell down; notwithstanding which, the old man continued on
my shoulders. 1Yhen he found I had recovered, he struek me so
:aeverely with his feet, that I was obliged to rise, and carry him
where he pointed. At night he made signs to me to lie down, he
continuing his hold about my neck; and in the morning, when he
wished to rise, he struck me with his feet, as a signal to get up,
with him on my shoulders.
In this manner I continued for a considerable time, burdened
with the execrable old fellow, who never left me for a single mo-
ment. One day I found in my way some dry oalabashes; I took
a large one, and having cleaned it, I filled it with the juice of grapes
and set it in a cOllyeniellt place. Some time after, I returned thither,
and found my wine very good. I drank heartily of it, which raised
my spirits, and I hegan to sing and dance as I walked along.
The old man, perceiving what effect the wine bad upon me, made
signs for me to give him some. I gave him the calabash, and he
was so pleased with the liquor that he drank it all. 1'he fu
es of
it presently got into his head, he became drunk, and Bat with his
legs much looser about me than usual. I seized the oI>portunity,
and suddenly threw him off. lIe fell to the ground in a state of
insensibility, and with a large stone I crushed his head to pieces.
I rejoiced exceedingly at my deliverance, and regaining the sea-
coast, I met with the crew of a ship, who had cast anchor to take in
water. From them I learned that my late situation had been more
dangerous than I had thought it. "Y ou fell':' said they, ,. iuto the
hands of the Old j)lan of the Sea, and are the only one that evc..n.
escaped strangling by him; as he never left any he had OlJce mãS'
tered till their strcngth was exhausted, when he failed not to destroy
them."
The captain of the vessr! received me very kindly, and readily
gave me a pa
sage to the port he was bound to. :My good fortune
did not forsake me. 1Vhen we landed I wa.s P ermittrd throucrh
, '0
the ÍntereRt of the captain, to join a body of adventurers of a singu-
lar kind. I had a large bag giycn me, al1d was ad\"Ïf3ed to foJlI)
v

E
TER1'_\IX:!\IENT8:

75

the example of my companionf', and by no means to separate from
them, as I valued my life.
'Ve went together to a neighboring forest, the tree.;; of which were
very straight and tall, ànd so smooth it was impossible for any man
to climb them. As we drew near, we saw a great number of apes,
who fled from us and climbed the trees for safety. 'Ve pelted the
apes with stones, who in return threw at us cocoa-nuts, which the
trees bore in great plenty; and thus, through the indignation of the
animals, we were supplied with those valuable fruits, which our
utmost industry could not otherwise have ohtained.
By diligently following this avocation, I soon got together a very
considerable cargo of cocoa-nuts. I sailed with these to another
port, where I exchanged them for pepper and aloes, anù after some
time arrived at Balsora, Tcry considerahly enriched.
To-morrow (continued bindbad, giving the porter his customary
present) I will relate to you IllY next adventure.

SI:r;DBAD'S SIXTH VOYAGE.
Some time after my arrival, a few merchants, IUY very particular
friends, agreed on a voyage; and they neyer ceased importuning
me till I consented to go with them.
For 80me time we had pleasant weather. 'Ye sailed many days
without seeing land, but having a perfect reliance on our captain,
we were without uneasiness. At length the ship was forced along
by a strong current. The moment the captain perceived it, he ex-
claimed, " Weare all lost !', IIe immediately ordered all the sails
to be set a contrary way, but in vain; the ropes broke to pieces.
The ship, in spite of our utmost efforts, continued to be forced on by
the current, till we came to the foot of a lllountaill, where she ran
ashore, and was presently beat to pieces.
l\Iost of the crew perished; the captain, two seamen, and myself
only escaped; and all hut me were much bruised. T11e captain
told us that all hope of escape from that place was vain, a
the
current set in so strongly to the shore, that no vessel could possibly
sail against it. This discourse of his afflicted us exceedingly; and
indeed, what we saw too strongly confirmed it. The whole shore
was covered with wrecks of vesse}s, and with the bones of men, who
had evidently perished there. The iucredible quantity of riches
with which the strand was covered, only served to aggravato Gar
sorrOWB. '\Vhether it was from this melancholy prospect, or ft"'!>>

76

A.H.
\.lllAN 1-iIGll'1'
'

the bruises they had received, I know not; hut the next day the
two sailors died, and the da,y following the captain also expired, so
that I was left alone in this terrible situation.
But I had been too much used to misfurtunes to despair. I began,
therefore, to survey the shore, and to cast about in IllY min.d for a.
l)ossibility of relief. On exa.mining the mountain, I t!oon found that
all hope of clilllLin
was in vain, for it was not only stupendou81y
high, but in ll1allY parts absolutely perpelidicular. Thc account of
the current setting in every'" here to the shore, I DJund also to be
true. I had almo!'3t given up every hope, when I discovered a riv-
ulet of fresh water, which, instead of running into the sea, penetra-
ted the bottom of the mountain. To this place I with much labor
brought pieces of the wreck, alid formed a large and strong float.
Having secul'ed this properly, I went in search of provisions. I
found sbell-fish in great abundance; I conveyed a large quantity of
these on board my float,resohing to trust myself on it, and take the
chance whither the current might convey file. Before I emharked,
I collected great quantities of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and am-
bergris; these I formed into bales, and fastened strongly on board
my vessel, and cutting the cable, COlllluitted myself to fortune.
The stream conveyed me into a hollow passage, under the moun-
tain, which was cutireIY.dark. I sailed many days in this situation,
husbanding my shell-fish with great care. My food was at la,!;t ex-
hausted; I grew faint, and iUHensiLly fell into a deep sleep. How
long it continued I know not, but when I awoke, I found my float
drawn on shore, and myself surrounded by a. great number of ne-
groes. I arose, and saluted them; they spoke to me, but I could
not understand them; yet I was 80 transported with joy that I re-
peated aloud in Arabic, "CaD upon the Almighty, and he will help
thee; thou needest not perplex thJself in trouble, for Gud call
change thy bad furtune iuto good."
Happily one of the negroes understood Arabic; from him I
leal'ned, that my float baving been discovered ill the river, they had
dr3. w n it on shore; but finding me fast asleep, they had waited till
i. aWùke. lIe then requested that I would tell them by what acci-
dent I came into snch a situation. I related my story, which the
'black interpreted to them. 1V11en I had finished, they de!3ireù I
would Buffer them to conduct me to the kin g that I lllip'ht relate 80
, 0
extraordinary an adventure to him myself. I cheerfully consented,
on which they furnished me with a horse, and while some of them

.EKTEET AI
JIENTS.

77

attended me,other8 contrived to convey my float and cargo after mo.
I was very favorably received by the king, and thankfully ac-
cepted his inyitatiun of reposing some time in his court to recover
from my í:.ttigue. During this time, I made a pilgrimage to the
place where Adam was confined after his bauishment fro111 paradiso.
The i::;la.nd wûs called Serendib; it is exceedingly pleasant and
fertile. The p
op]e were hospita1le, and so just that lawsuits are
unknown among them. The magnificence of the palace, and the
8plendor of their prince, when he appears in public, are truly ad-
miraLle. On this occasion, the king bas a throne fixed on the back
of an elephant; before him an officer carries a golden lance in his
hand, and behind the throne there is another who supports a column
of guld; the guard amount to a thousand men, all clad in silk and
cloth of gold. \\Thile the king is on his march, the officer who car-
ries the lance, cries out occasionally, " Behold the great nlOnarch;
the potent and redoubtable sultan of the Indies; whose palace is
covered with au hundred thousand rubies, and who possesses twenty
thousand crO\Yns, enriched with diamonds; behold the crowned
monarch; greater than the greatest of princes!" After which the
officer who is behind, cries out, "This monarch, so great, so power-
ful, must di.e, must die, must die !" The officer who is before re-
plies, " Prai
e be to him who liveth forever!"
After I had continued some time in the capital, I requested the
king'a permission to return to my own country, which he imme-
dia,tely granted, in the most obliging and most honorable manner.
lIe forced me to accept a very rich preseht; and at the same time
intrusted to my care, one of immense value, which he directed me
to present with a lettcr,* in his name, to our sovereign, the caliph
Haroun Alraschid.
Our voyage was short and pleasant. I had the honor to deliver
the letter and present of the king of Serendib to the commander
of the faithful; after which I retired to my own dwelling, rejoicing

· The contents of the king of Serendib's letter were: "The king of the IndI
s,
'before whom m:1rch an hundred elephant;j, who live!'; in a pahcts that I5hines
with an hundred thotlsahd rubies, and who has in his treasury twenty thousand
crowns enriched with diamonds; to the caliph llarouD Alraschld.
"Though the present we send you ùe inconside. abl
. r
c{'ive it, however. as a
'brother and a friend, in consideration 01" the h. arty f i, nd",hip whi('h we b('ar
you, and of which we are willing to give you pronf. WE' desire tbe Ramc palt
in YOur friend"hip, cOllsidering that we bdie,-e it to be our merit, being of the
salue digui'!y with yoursdf. We conjQ!6 JOU th15 in quality of a brot
r Adieu.

7

ARABIAN KIGHîS

with my friends, to whom and to the poor I was bountiful, and reo
solving to pass the rest of my days among them.
Sindbad presented the porter as before with a hundred sequins,
und desired him to attend the da.y following, to hear an accoullt of
his last voyage.

SINDBAD'S SEVENTH VOYAGE.

I had now determined to go no more to sea. l\Iy wealth was
unbounde<l, my reputation established, my curiosity amply gratified,
and my years began to require rest; so that I thought only of en-
joying the fruit of my former toils and dangers. But the caliph
sending for me, told me he had resolved to allswer the letter of tho
king of Serendib, and to return him a present of equal value to
that which I had brought him, and that he had fixed on me to be
the bearer of it.
I wished much to be excused, and for that purpose related to the
caliph the many perils I had been in. The commander of tIle
fitithful expressed his surprise and satisfaction at my narratiye;
but persiöting in his desire; I cheerfully prepared to obey hi
com-
mands.
As soon as the caliph's letter* ind presüntwere ready, I set sail,
and after a safe and pleasant voyage I arrived at tho isla.nd of
Serendib, and discharg;ed my commiösion. The king received me
in the most distinguished manner, and expressed himself much
pleased with the caliph's friendship. I stayed a short time at the
palace, and then re-embarked for Balsora, but had not the good
fortune to arrive there as I hoped. Providence ordered it othe1"\\ il:ie.
'Vithin three days of Ollr departure, we fell in with a corsair,
who took us captives, and carrying us .into port, sold us all for
Mlavcs. I was bought by a wealthy merchant, who treated mc ycry
kindly. lIe inquired if I understood the use of the bow, and seemed
nllwh pleased, when I told him it had been one of the excrci
cs of
my youth, and that I had always delighted in it. lIe gave mc a

... The caliph's letter was as follows: "Greeting, in the name of the So\-ereign
Guide of the right way, to the potent and happy sultan, from Abdallah lIal'oun
Alraschid. wLom God Lath set in the place of 'honor, aftH hi
ancestors of happy
memory.
"'Ve reechoed your letter with joy, aud send you this from the council of ou"
port, tho
arden of superior wit,;:. w
hope when you look upon it, JOu will fi:ld
our good intention, and be pleased with it, Adieu."

ENTERTAIKl\lE
TS.

79

bow and arrow, and carried me to a vast forest. " Clim b up," said
he, "one of these trees. This foret:;t abounds with elephants; as
they come within Lowshot, shoot at them; and if anyone falls,
come and give me notice."
I continued ill the tree all night. In the morning I saw many
elephants, and shot at them.; at last one dropped. I hastened to
acquaint my patron with my success, who cOllllllenJed my dexterity,
and cares!Sed me very much. 'Ve returned to the forest, aud buried
tbe elephant in the earth; my patron intending to take away the
teeth, when the body was decayed, to trade with.
For two months I continued to kill an elephant every day, some-
times from one tree, sometirues froDl another. One morning, while
I was looking out for them, I perceived they did not cross the forest
as usual, but came in great numbers directly to,\yard the tree
where I was. Their approach alarmed me so much that my bow
and arrows fell out of my hand; and my terror greatly increased,
when one of the largest of them wound his trunk round the budy
of the tree in which I was, and pulled so strong that he soon tore
it up by the root8, and threw it on the ground. As I was falling
with the tree, I gave myself up for 101St; but the elephant, wbell
I reached the earth, took me up gently, and placed me on his back.
lIe then went at the head of his companions into the beart of the
forest, when stopping !Suddenly, be took hold of me with bis trunk,
and set me down on the ground. Immediately he aJ.ld nIl his com-
panions retired and left me.
I had been 130 extremely agitated during these transactions, that
it was a considerable time before I recovered the use of my facul-
ties. 'Vhen I became composed enough to look about me, I found
I was upon a long and broad hill: covered all o\-er with the bones
and teeth of elephants. I could not but admire the wonderful in-
stinct of tbese sagacious alJimuls. They had perceived, no doubt,
that we buried l:5uch of their companions as we killed, and afte\"-
ward opened the earth, and took a'way their teeth; I cOllcludeJ,
therefore, that they had couducted me to their burial-place, tbat
we mi
ht obtain our desires without persecuting them.
I returned to the city, and found my patron in great trouble
about me. I I'elated to him my advelltm'e, which he would hardly
believe. "
e set out next morning for tbe hill, where he l:3oon
found everything I had told him was true. Vf e took away with us
ivory h: a great ,-alue; and on our return to the citJ, my patron

80

ARABIAN l\IG HTS'

embraced me, and said," Brother, God gi,'e J'ou all bapllÏness; I
declare before him that I will give you your liberty. 1 will not
hold ill b()ndage a moment lOll gel' the man who hath so greatly
enriched me.
" Know now," continued he, "the perilous service you haye
been engaged in. 'Ve buy slaves here solely for the purpoôe of
In'ocuring us iyory; and llotwithstauding all our care, the 91ephallts
every year kill a great lllany of them. You luwe been prc:::;erycd
most marvellously from their fury. Think not that by restoring
you to freedom, I I:mppose you sufficiently rewarded: when 1})ro-1
cure you a vessel to convey .rou bome, JOu will filld me more 1SuL-
t5tantiall.r grateful."
Agreeably to this promise, my patron was diligent in providing
me with a ship, and having met with one, he freighted it 'with i\'ol'Y,
and gave me both the ves8e! and cargo, we pa,rted with mutual
expresEiolls of regard, and in a short time I returned home, with
another great addition to my fortune. On my arrival at Bagdad,
I waited on the caliph, and related my adventure to him, which he
heard with much pleasure. lIe dismissed rue very graciously, and
I have since devoted my time wholl)- to my family, kindred, and
friend
.
Sindbad haYing finished the relation of his voyages, addressed
himself to lIindbad thus: "You now know by what means I have
acquired the opulellce you envied me. Say, haye I not gained it
through dangers more than equal to its value; and ought I not
to enjoy myself?" Tbe porter modestly owned the truth of Siud-
bad's reasoni.ug, adding due praÏt3es to his generosity, and prayers
for his future welfhre. Siudbad repeated his present of a hundred
sequins. lIis liberality bad raised lIiudbad from his penury, and
finding bim worthy of esteem, the generous sailor received him
among the number of his'intimate acquaintances.

THE HISTORY OF THE THREE APPLES.
In one of those evening excursions, which the caliph IIaroun
Alraschid frequently made about his capital in disguise, he saw
a man with some nets over his shoulder, walking slowly along.
Something disconsolate ill his air attracted the attention of tho
caliph, who asked him familiarly why he was 80 sad. "I am a
fisherman," replied he, "3nd am just landed from a day's 8eyerO
811d fruitless toil. :My sorrow arises from ID.r disappoiutIneut) Imv:

ENTK.RTAnìl\1E
TS.

HI

ing a large family, who depend upon my labor, which to-day hath
been thrown away." "If you are not too much fati
ued," replied
the caliph, "and will ca
t your nets once more, I will give you a
hundred sequins for the haul, whether successful or not." The
fi
hel'man heard the offer of so large a reward with equal joy and
surprise; and readily returned to the Tigris, accompanied by the
caliph, Giafar, and l\Iesrour.
The fisherman threw in his nets, anù brought up a trunk, close
shut, and very heavy. The caliph ordered the vizier to pay him
the hundred sequill
, and directed
lesrour to convey the trunk to
the palace, whither he also retired, impatient to examine the con-
tents of it; which, to his amazemcnt, he found to be the body of a
beautiful young lady, divided into quarters.
The wonder of the caliph soon chauged into fury against his
vizier. "'V retch," said he, "is it thus you watch over the police
of my capital, intrusted to your peculiar care 1 Are such impious
murders committed with impul1ity, almost in our presence? Bring
to justice within three daJs," continued the enraged caliph," the
murderers of this woman, or thou and forty of thy kindred shall
die by the hand of the executioner."
The consternation of the vizier was extreme. lIe knew the vio-
lent temper of l1Ïs master too" ell to e
pect any good from expos-
tulation. He set aLout the inquiry, therefore, with the utmost
diligence; be took the aSÐstance of all the officers of justice ill
Bagdad. The search was rigid and universal, but entirely inef-
fectual; not the least information being 0 btained, which tended to
a discoyery.
On the third day the unfortunate vizier was summoned to a r
pear at the foot of the throne; and being unable to produce the
otl'ender, the enraged caliph ordered him, and forty of the noLle
family of the Bermicides, his kindred, to be hanged up at the gate
of the palace. A public crier proclaimed through the whole city
tht! caliph's harsh decree, the cause of it, and that it would inuue-
diately be put in execution. Gibbets were erected without delay;
and the vizier, with bis relations, were led out to suffer, amidst the
tears of the people, to whom theip virtues had endeared them.
.At the instant the execution was about to take place, a young
man ()f good address pushed forward and calling out to the offi-
cers c f justice, said, " I alone am the criminal. It is I," said he,

'" \','ho committed the murder, and I ollly ought to suffer."
4*

82

ARABIAN KIGIlT8'

"\V'hile he was yet speaking, au old mall cried out to the yizier

" 0 illustrious Giafar, believe not that rash young man. I am the
'wretch who lIaye brought you and your friends il1to so much dan-
ger." The vizier, though rejoiced at his own escape, pitied these
unfortunate men, 'who each persisted in declaring his own hui1t,
and exculpatIng the other. The judge criminal conducted his prilS-
oners and the two men before the caliph; who, having heard his re-
port, sulleuly dismissed the Bermicides, ordering Giafar to resume
his office, and commanded Loth the men to be hanged. The vizier,
not'with
ÜLlldjng his past sufferings, humanly interposed, and rea-
t10Iled with his master, that they both could not be guilty. '!'he
young man hearing this, cried out, " I swear by the grcat God who
raised the heavens so high, that I am the man who killed the
Lady, cut her into quarters, and thre'w hm' into the Tigris: I re-
nounce my part of happiness among; the just, at the day of judg.
ment, if what I say be not truth." 'fhis solemn oath, and the
f!ilence of the old man, convinced the cali ph. " '\Y retch," said he,
U what could induce you to commit so horrid a crime? """hat
madness impels you to rush upon your fate, by thus audaciously
fi yowing it 1" "AlaR!" replied the young man, "I do not wish to
live; yet I trust if your majesty will deign to hear me, I shall be
found more unfortunate than crimina!." 1'he curiosity of the
caliph was excited: he ordered the young man to relate his story,
which he did, in these words:
" Commander of the faithful, the murdered lady was my wife,
and daughter of tbis old man, who is my uncle. "... e passed seve-
ral happy years together. I have three children by her, and our
affection for each other was unbounded.
"A few weeks ago my wife became sick: in this situation she
expressed a great desire for 80me apples. I immediately endeay-
ored to procure some; but though I offered a sequin apiece
I
could not find one in Bagdad. On the contrary, I learned that
there were none to be had at this season, in any place, but in your
majesty's
arden at .Balsora.
" .Being very desirous to gratify my wife, I disregarded the dis-
tance, and set out thither. I purchased thr
e apples, at a great
price, which was all the gardener could spare me; and returned
in fifteen days to Eagdad, much pleased with my success. But
when I came home, my wife's desire for t11em had passed away.
She accepted them, notwithstanding, very kindly. and though sh

contiJ ued sick, she di.d not cease to be affectionate

.
EXTERT AIN:\IE'XTS.

83

"Some days after, as I was sitting in my I'hop; an ugly, tall,
olack slave came into it, 'with ..n apple in his hand. ,My heart
sunk when I saw it, HR I was conYÏnceù there was not one in the
city but those I had brought from Balsora. I asked him hastily
how he came by it. "TiH a present,' replied he, smiling,' from
my mistress: I haye just been to visit her, and on taking leave,
she gaye me this apple, which is one of three which her kind hus-
Land has been as far as Balsora to ohtain for her.'
'
I calJllOt e:xrre
s what I felt at this discourse. I hastened
home immediately, and going to my wife's chamber, I saw there
were ouly hvo apples left. I demanded wlitre the other wa
.
)Iy wife answered me coldly, ' I know not what has become of it,'
Transported with rage
UJd jealousy, I drew my dagger, and in-
stantly staL1Jed her.
"".hen I founù she was dead, my fury gave place to fear.
Though I did not regret having slain her, I dreaded the conse-
quelJces of the act. I diyided the body therefore into quarters,
and packed them up in a trunk, 'which, as soon as it was dark, I
threw iuto the river. 'Vhpn I returned }lOJ1W, I found the eldest
of my children sitting !1t my gate, crying; on my ft,skin
the rea-
son, ' Father,' said he, 'I took aVíay this morning, UnkllO\Vn to my
mother, cne of the apples you brought-her: as I was playing with
it, a tall, blaek slaye, who was going by, snatchpd it from me; and
though I told him how far you had been to fetch it to my mother,
he would not restore it. Do not, my dear father, tell my mother
of it, lest she should grieve and become worse.'
":\Iy son's discourse overwhelmed me with the most insupport-
able anguish. I found I had been betrayed by the fhtallie of a
vile slave into an enormous crime. At this juncture, my uncle
arrived to pay.a visit to me and his daughter I concealed nothing
from him; and the good old man, instead of loading me with re-
proaches, admitted my apology, and joined with me in lamenting
the loss we had both sustained, through my rashness and the vil-
lany of the rascally black. 'Ve were yet mingling our tearEl, when
we heard that the body was found, and that your mnjesty's dis-
pleaE'ure was raised against your faithful vizier, because the mur.
derer WfiS undiscovered. I resolvpd, therefore, to submit myself
to your royal justice, the decree of which however severe, I shall
uot presume to murmur at."
The story of the unfortunate young man excited the pity of

81.

AHABlAN NIGHTS'

the ca1iph; and his indignation was turned against the 8Ian', who
had been the cause of so great a calamity. 1\01' was he yet l'ec-
onciled to the conduct of the yizier. Dismissing, therefore, the
:voung man, he turned to Giafar, and said, "Since by your negli-
gence such an enormity passed unnoticed, till accident revcnled it,
I command you to find out this wicked slave within t3:-!'e (h
Y8, or
I will mo
t severely punish you." Giafhr withdrew from the
caliph's presence, overcome with sorrow. " IIow is it pOEsiblei'
complained he," to find out this slave in a city where th(,1'e are
such a number of blacks 1 I will not attempt such so fruitless an
inquiry, but will resign myself to my fate."
Accordingly, instead of seeking for the slave, he passed the firRt
two days in mourning with his family; on the third, he prerared to
present himself before the caliph. IIa.ving taken leave of his friend8,
the nurses brought to him his favorite daughtpr, a child of alJout
five years of age. 1'he afflicted vizier took her in his arms to
salute her, when perceiving something bulky in her bosom, asked
her what it was 1 "!\Iy dear father," said she, "it is an apple,
which I have just 'bought of our slave Rahan, for two sequins."
At the words apple, slave, the vizier shouted out with surprise
and joy. He caused the slave to be immediately seized, and carried
before the caliph; to whom he related the manner in which he
made the difcovery. 1'he caliph was much pleased at it, and em-
bracing Giafar, declared his anger toward him was at an end.
"But this fellow," said he, turning to the slave, "shall suffer ex-
emplary punishment." The black, prostrating himself, besought
mercy; and the vizier, finding the caliph in some measure appeased,
ventured to intercede for him. "I remember,]) said he, "a story
fully as extraordinary as this." " Relate it then," said the caliph,
"and if it is so, I will gh"e to your slave the pardon you solicit for
him."

THE STORY OF NOUREDDIN AI.! AND BEDREDDIN HASSAN.
1'here was a sultan of Egypt, who having been bred up with tIle
sons of IÜs father's vizier, determined, on the death of the old min-
ister, to confer his office on thPIn jointly. 1'he eldest was called
Schemspddin Ali, the younger, N oureddin Ali. They were both
men of abilities; but the younger had most virtue and good nature.
he was also remarkably handsome.
They conducted the public business very ably; and R8 the suI.

EXTERl'A INMENTS.

85

tan was very fond of the chase, they used to attend him in turn on
his hunting parties which often lasted several weeks.
One evening, as they were talking after supper, Schemseddin
proposed that they should marry two sisters, of their acquaintance,
N ouredqin agreed; and the conversation was continued, in pleas-
antry, as to what might arise from their nuptials. "If I should
have a daughter and you a SOll," said Schemseddin," we will give
them in marriage to each other.". "Agreed," replied N oureddin ;

" it will cement our union, and continue it to our posterity."
The discourse was carried on with much good humor, till the
eldest brother asked the younger, what jointure he proposed to
offer? Noureddin replied, la,ughing, "Are we not brothers, and
equals in rank 1 you ought to think of a dowry for your daughter;
you know the male is nobler than the female." "How!" replied
Schemseddin, haughtily; "a mischief on your son! do you prefer
him to my daughter 1 I wonder you dare think hÏ1n worthy of
her, Do you forget I am your elder brother? Sinc
you behave
so ill, I will not give my daughter to your son on any terms what-
soever." Altercation, however trifling the subject, often excites ill-
will. This idle quarrel between the viziers a.bout the marriage of
their children, before they were born, was carried so high! that
SchemfSeddin left his brother in a rage, vowing reyenge fur the in.
suit he supposed he had received.
N ouredùin acted still more imprudently. The day follùwing.
the elder vizier was to attend the sultan, on a hunt; for a month.
As soon as the court departed, Noureddin; stung with the unkind
behavior cf his brother, determined to abandon him, hi!:! office ahd
his country. He took his best mule, and bidding adieu to Cairo,
he arrived some weeks after at Ba.lsora.
Accirlent introduced him to the grand vizier of that country.
His virtues, abilities, and good R(ldress, merited and obtain{'d for
him general esteem. lIe soon became son-in-law, and afterward
the successor of the vizier. He had an ouly son 'whom he named
Bcdreddin Hassan,
. ho was remarka1Jle for his singular affection
f')r his father.
It
o feU out, that ahout the time N oureddin marrÍ<'cl the daugh.
tel' of the grand dzier of BalF;ora, his brother ScbeJllf3Cdden also
married: aud that his wife was delivered of a daughter on the same
day that Bedreddin was born.
Bedreddin had ju
t reached mtmhood, VT ben N oureddin Wast

86

AHABIAN :r\IGHTS'

seized with a fatal disease. On his death-bed, he related to his son
toO cause of his leaving Egypt, and hó. villg given him his pocket-
book; wherein all things respecting his 'whole life ,,::1S circumstan:
tia.lly recorded, he died as became a good 1\1 ussulman.
Bedreddin was so afflicted at the death of his father" that he
shut himself up in his house, and for a long time indulged himself
in sorrow. But by carrying his filial pity to such excess, he drew
on himself a series of calamities. As be wholly confined himself
at home, and was not seen for many months at the court of the
sultan, the haughty and pas:sionate prince was offended, and ordered
his effects to be seized, and himself brought a prisoner to the
:r
lace.
A faithful slave, who had heard the orders repeated to the
officers of justice: ha
tened before them to his master, and gave
him notice of his danger. Thus alarmed, he fled from his house
immediately, without stopping, to take the least supply of mOHe)' or
other necessaries. lIe detf'rl1lined to pass the llight in his father':;
tomb, which was a large dome, built without the city. As he
drew near it) he met a rich Jew, 'who was amerchal:lt of reputation.
Id<.tfic congratulated him on l
is coming abroa.d, and agreed with
him for the cargo of a ship which was daily expected, depositing a
thousand sequins to bind the bargain. Bedreddin rejoiced at re-
ceiving a supply as unexpected as it was necessary. Night draw-
ing on, he eHtered his father's tomb; where, overcome with fatigue
and sorrow, he fell asleep,
It happened that a genie had retired to tbis tomb in the day,
and was preparing, according to his custom, to range about the
world during night. Being much pleased with the gracefulness
and beauty of Bedreddin, be continued some time in the tomb ad.
miring him; he had :-;carce began his flight through the air when
lw met a fairy of his acquaintance. He invited her with him to
the t0l11h, where they agreed in admiring the beauty of the s]eep-
iug Bedreddin.
After viewing him for some time," Genie," said the fairy, u this
young man is indeed remarkably handsome; but I am just como
from Cairo, where there is a young lady still more beautiful. She
is at thil'; time in very great distress; and it has occurred to me,

hat you and I may very properly relieve her. I will, therefore,
"elate to you the particulars of her situation.
" .This paragon of beauty i
the daughtpr of SchemsBddin, ,.izier

:ENTEUTAIN l\lEXTS.

87

to the sultan of Egypt. Her accomplislullcllts are so rare that the
Bultan, who la
ly saw her by acciùent at her fa.ther's h( luse, de-
clared, "ithout hesitation, his determiuation to marry hel.; but
the viÚer; instead of receiving the honor of his master's alliance
with joy, begged leaxe to decline it. The haughty sultan, in re-
vcnge, has sought out the meanest and most deformed of his slaves,
and compclled the vizier to give hil:ì loyely daughter to him in mar-
riage. The nuptial ceremonies are now celebrating; and the'
most perfect beauty ill the world, will, this night,
devoted to a
base groom, hump-backed, crooked, and ugly Leyond imagiuation,
unless we interpose, and put this young man ill his .111ace.
" Agreed," replied the genie; "1 will convey this youth to Cairo,
and conduct him through the business of the cvening; my power
will then cease, and I mu:st leave you to finish the advcnture."
Accordingly, the genie lifted uþ Bedridden gently, and with in-
conceivable swiftness can'ied him through the air, and set him
down at the door of the bagnio, ""hence IIunchhack was to corne
with a train of slaves. Bedreddin awakened at that moment; and
seeing such a variety of strange ohjects around him, waB about to
cry out, i-hen the gënie touched l1Ïm on the sh0ulder and forbade
him to 8}.>cak. Astouishlllent now tied up his tongue. The genie,
unseen, related to him in a few words for what purpose he was
brought thither; and putting a torch in his hand, 'Join," said he,
"the bridal train, place yourself at the right hand of the bride-
groom, anù when you enter the hall, distribute the tsequi118 you
have in your bosom very liberally among the musicians and dancers,
but still more bountiful to the female slaves that are about the
bride'; nor fear the money will fail, for you will find your purse
continue full. Preserye a perfect pret::\ellcc of milld; carry
everything with an air of authority; and leave the rest to a greater
power who will assist you."
Bedreddin obeyed very exactly the directions of his invisible
patron. He joined the throng, entered the hall, and took the place
of the bridegroom. His fine figure attracted every eye, and his
generosity gained him the good opinion of every attelldant. The
bride was no less t;truck with his appearance; and when, accord-
ing to the custom of the Arabians, she canle to present herself to
h('r husband seven times, in as many -different splendid habits,
ho
passed by unnoticed the hateful Hunchback, and approached the
agreeable stranger as her brideg-room.

88

AIL\.ßl.AX
IGBTS'

The usual ceremonies being over, the bride withdrew to her
chamber, attended by her women. The company and attendants
also retired; Bedreddin only remained in the room with Hunch-
back. Ignorant and stupid as this wretched n
llow was, he could
Dot but observe that Bcdreddin had received the distinctions due
to the husband of the Beautiful Lady; and finding him stay when
everyone else had withdrawn, he cried out, in an angry and
peremptory tone, for him to be gone.
BedredJin hM.d uo pretence to loiter any longer; he the
efore
withdrew. Bnt before he reached the porch, another unseen in-
structor stopped him. This was the fairy; who bade him return
to the hall, ,; w hf'l'e," continued she, "you will no more find Hunch-
back, but the Lridemaids come to conduct the bridegroom to his
bride. Present yourselves to them in that character; and when
they have led you to the lady, boldly assure her that the
ultan
never intended to sacrifice so Dluch beauty and merit to that base
slave, 1mt meant ouly to punish the vizier by the apprehension of
such disgrace. Avow yourself the bridegroom intended for her;
she will gia.dly listen to you, and receive you accordingly."
Bedreddin pursued these instructions. lIe found the :t3eautiful
Laùy overcome with fear find grief, eXI,ecting with abhorrence the
frightful groom. Her joy, therefore, was immoderate when she
saw the handsome stranger approach and declare himself her llU
-
band. They retired to the bedroom, where Bedreddin pulled oft'
his turban and other clothes, and went to bed in his shirt and
drawers.
In the interntl, the genie had disposed of Hunchback. "\Yhile
he wm
waiting the return of the briùesmaiùs, the gpnie came to
him in the shape of a great cat, fearfully m
wing; the fellow
clapped his hands at her to drIve her away, but she stared at
him with fierce and sparkling eyes, nlCwing still more, and in-
creasing in size, till 8he became as big as a jackass, and then chan-
ging iuto a buffalo, exclaimed: "Thou hunchback villain, how hast
thou dared to marry my mistress 1" Hunchback, ter rifled heyond
measure: 1::,Og:l11 to mutter some excuse, when the genie took him
l)y the legs, aud setting him against the wall with his head down-
ward, enjoined him not to speak n. word, or move from that pos-
ture till sunrisc: as he valued l1Ís life.
In the morning, at daybreak, the fairy took up Bedreddin, and
cOll\eyed him, in his Ehirt and drav. er8, to the gates of Damascus,

E
TERT AINJ-IENTS.

89

where she laid him down, still asleep. Soon flft
r, the p!ople be.
gan to gather about him; all admired the beauty of his person,
while some with scoffs, and others with concern, expressed their
wonder at finding him lying almost naked on the ground.
Tbeir noise awakened him
and on hi::! sta.rting up, he was sur-
prised to find himself surrouuded by a crowd, at the gate of a city.
He inquired where he wa
, and was astonished when told he "as
at the gates of Damascus. " ::;ure, you mock me," exclaimed he :
"when I lay down to Bleep; I was at Cairo." The by::-tandera
laughing still more, he increased their vociferous ridicule by de-
claring he had passed the preceding day at Balsora.
1'he8e .apparent absurdities lU.1de the people suppose him mad.
A great concourse gathered round him, and followed him into the
city; some sneering at him, others pitying. At length, one of the
crowd took him into his protection. This man had formerly been
captain of a banditti. but was now become a pastt'y-cook in Damas-
cus; where, though he behayed well, everybody stood in awe of
him. He dispersed the crowd, and taking Bedreddin home, he
furnished him with clothes and refreshments.
To this kind protector the unfortunate young man repeated his
story in prin1te, requesting afterward his addce. '
There are,"
repiied the pastry cook, " some things so incredible in your narra-
tiye, that, though my good opinion of you inclines me to belieye it,
few ot.hers will. At any rate, you cannot safely return either to
Balsora or Cairo. Be content, therefore, for a time, to forget
your birth, and take refuge in my
ouse. I will adopt you for my
son; no oue then will d"are to insult you; and you may continue
with me in perfect security, till some fortunate event shall re:;tore
you to your dignity." Beùreddin reluctantly consented. He 'Tas
legally adopted by the pa!)try-cook. who taught him his trade, and
at his death left him his heir.
rhe son of the vizier, for some
years, earned a scanty maintenance by pursuing this humble em-
ploy meLt.
At Cairo, all these events produced very serious embarrassments.
'Vhen the ðaughter of Schemseddin awoke in the morning. and
missed her hUtSband, she supposed he had risen softly, for fear of
,disturbing her. She arose, also, and presently her father came to
viÚt her. SchemEeddin expected to find his daughter in the deer
e8t sorrow; but as t:;he received him in a manner expressive 01
gat hfaction, he co
ld not restrain himself from reproaching heI.

90

ARA.BIAN NIGHTS'

" Is it thus you receiye me, wretched girl," exclaimed he," after
haying been prostituted to the embraces of a vile groom 1" "How,
my father," replied she," are you yet in ignorance respecting my
mn.rriage 1 The sultan was too just to sacrifice me to the horrid
Hunchback; he sent a most amiable youth for my husband, who
cannot be far off, as his clothes are here."
The vizier withdrew in haste, to seek his unknown son-in-la,v.
The first object he saw was Hunchback, remaining in the posture
he was placed in by the genie. He spoke to him, but received no
answer; he therefore put down his legs and rail:5ed him up. As
soon as the groom fdt his feet, he ran to the palace, without thank-
ing his delivm'er, determined to complain to the sultan of the
mortifications be had reüeived.
The vizier inquired in vain for the bridegroom; he returned,
therefore. to his daughter's hed-chamber, and examining the cluthes
and turban of his son-in-law wit,h much attention, he found the
pocket-book wbich N oureddin Ali had given to his son on his
death-bed. Schemseddin illstantly knew his brother's handwriting;
and seeing the super8cription of the book, " For my son, Bedreddin
Hassan," he gave a. shout, anà swooned away.
On his recovery, he said, " Daughter, be not alarmed at this ac-
cident; your bridegroom is your cousin, the son of my brother,
:N oureddin .Ali, the cause of whose leaving Cairo you have often
heard me deplore; a wonderful providence has now united you to
his son/' In the book, all the circumstances of their disagreement
.
were related by 1\ oureddin; the purse also, with the J ow's memo-
randum in it, wa
found, relating the bargain he had made with
.Bedreddin at the time he paid him that money; so that there re-
mained no possibility of doubt that the husband of the Beautiful
Lady was really her father's nephew.
Schemseddin took the pocket-book and purse, and requested an
audience of his master. The affronted prince still retained nls anger
against his vizier; and Hunchback being about to relate what had
befallen him, the sultan ordered his minister admission, with an iu-
tent to mortify him. When the groom had finished his account,
the prince demanded, with an air of indignation, an explanation of
this llew insult, Schemseddin besought his nmster's patient hear
ing; he then related his conversation and quarrel with Noureddin,
and producing the purse and the pocket-book, showed that the con-
tract made by him and his brother had been completed.

EXTERTADr)1E
"'Te.

91

The first transports of the sultan's fury had subsided; he was now
Iùore calm. lIe examined the vouchers, and heard tho account of
Hunchback as well as the vizier; he then began to think there must
be some supernatural interposition in the affair, which it did not be-
come him to oppose. lIe dismissed the groom, and became recon-
ciled to his minister; and haying in vain caused a most diligent
search to be made for Bedreddin, he caused a relation of the adven-
ture to be registered among the archives of his kingdom.
Niue months after these events, the Beautiful Lady was delivered
of a son, to whom the vizier gave the name of Agib, or wonderful.
,\Yhen little Agib became of a proper age to receive instruction,
the vizier sent him to a school where the sons of the prinoipal peo-
ple were educated. Agib inherited the beauty of his pal'enb:!!, and
thence, as well as out of respect to his grandfather, was treated with
great indulgence. II is faults were suffered to pass unnoticed; even
his whims were gratified. This absurd complaisance of course
spoiled the boy; he became i1.180lent and overbearing; he hardly
behaved with decency to his master; but his schoolmates, every
one in turn, "ere treated with contempt or outrage, as occasion
arose to offend him, till at length he became heartily hated by then1
all.
The master saw this behavior with concern, and determined to
humble him. By his instruction, when the scholars were all to-
gether at þlay, one of them cried out, " Before we choose our sport,
let us agree that everyone shall tell the nan1es of his father and
mother, and whoever cannot do that,
hall be considered as a bas-
tard and not. suffered to play with us." All agreed to this, and
Agib among the rest. The others auswered readily to the proposer
who examined them; and when he came to Agib, he replied, "My
mother is called the Lady of Beauty, and my father is Schemseddin,
'Vizier to the sultan."
" Not so," replied the examiner; "Schemseddin is not your fa-
ther, but your grandfather." "How," cried Agib, in a rage, "dare
you say thttt Schemseddin is not my father?" "N OJ no," said they
all, laughing, "he is not your father: and till you can tell us who
he is,
e will not let you play with us." They then left him, with
scoffing and derision. Agib hastened to the master with complaints,
l)ut was still more mortified when he confirmed the sarcasm of his
fichoolfellows, and advised him, on that account, to behave to them
with less haughtiness for the future.

92

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The saucy
pÎ1'it of the proud boy could not bròok this. He fled
home to his mother, and for a time was unable to speak to her from
pas
on. 'Vhell he had eX1>lained to her the cau
e of his agitatif\n,
she mingled her tears 'with his, overcome with affliction for the loss
of his father. At this juncture, the vizier chanced to l)ay his daugh-
ter a visit, and being told the cause of their grief, he shared it with
them. :K or was this sorrow, thus acèidentally revi yed, váthout ma-
terial effect. The vizier determined to go himself to TIalsora, in
search of bis nephew; and having obtained the sultan's permission
he set out with a splendid retinue, accompanied by the Beautiful
Lady and his grandson.
After a journey of twenty days, they dre,,, near Damascus. The
face of the country being very beautiful, Schemseddin determined
to rest there two or three clays. To ayoid the fatigue and ceremony
of visiting the governor, he caused his tents to be pitched at a short
distance from the city. 'Ybile the yizier reposed, his attendants
went, a few at a time, to view Damascus. Their reports excited
the curiosity of Agib, which Schemseddin permitted him to indulge,
under the care of Schaban, chief of the black eunuchs.
The handsome features and graceful demeanor of the boy drew
everyone's attention; and before he had proceeded far in the city,
80 many people followed to admire him, that the crowd became
troublesome. At this instant they came to the shop where Bedred-
din carried on the humLle occupation of a pastry-cook; his atten-
tion being excited by the crowd, he went to the door, when the
Bight of Agib affected him unaccounta.bly. '1'he force of nature im-
pelled this tender father, unknown to himself; he entreated the
child, with tears in his eyes, and uncommon earnestness, to enter hi

Bhop, and accept of some of his pastry. Little Agib was moved
,,,,'itb his behavior, and f'ignified his desire to comply. '1'he eunuch
at first opposed this, as an unbecoming condescension; but the en-
treaties of Bedreddin, and the anIloyance of the crowd, induced him
at last to consent.
Bedreddin received them with great joy; and taking a cream-
tart out of the oven, he strewed it with pomegranate kernels anå
Bugar, and set it before them. Agib and the eunuch ate of thE tart,
and praised it exceedingly. 'Yhile Bedreddin gazed on the child
w
th inexpressible tenderness, a thought arose, that possibly he
nnglrt be the father of such a child, by the charming wife from
whom he was
o cruelly separated. 1'his idea increased hi8 con-

ENTEllTAIKME
TS.

93

cern; he could not restrain his tears: and began to ask tbe child a
variety of questions, with so much emotion that the eunuch became
alarmed at his behavior. As soon as Agib had done eating, and
t,he crowd were dispersed, Sclmban led him away, and returned im-
mediately to the tents.
Bedreddin, lil:5telling to the impulse within him, followed them.
"\Vhen they drew near the camp, Schaban, turning round, saw him,
and became exceedingly frightened, lest the vizier should know he
had permitted Agib to enter a common shop. He mentioned these
apprehensions to the child, who, giving way to his usual insolence,
caught up a stone, which he threw at Bedreddin, and hurt him se-
verely. The unfortunate pastry-cook, wounded by a child he felt
so much fondness for, and threatened by the eunuch, gave up a
pursuit which he had no deci
ive purpose in beginning, and re.
turned to his habitation, afflicted and disconsolate.
The day following, Schemseddin proceeded on his journey to Ba].
eora. He soon found out the widow of N oureddin AU, but his in.
Cjuiries after Bedreddin Ali were unsuccessful; the vizier, therefore,
a.ftar a short stay, gave up all hope, and prepared to return to Qairo.
As a mutual esteem had taken place between the Lady of Beauty
and the widow of K oureddin Ali, the vizier prevailed with her to
accompany them. "\Vhen they reached Damascus. the whole reti-
nue pitched their tents as before, to enjoy a few days' rest, before
they continued their journey.
'Vhile they remained there, Agib recollected the pastry-cook
whom he had used so roughly, and requested Schaban to go into
the city with him, to see him again. They found him still employed
ill making tarts; and Bedreddin, notwithstanding the ill treatment
he had received, felt the same emotions of tenderne
s for Agib. lIe
ran to him, and would have embraced him, but the Loy pushed him
aside; yet Bedreddin pressed him to enter his shop. Agib replied,
" There is an excess in the kindness you express; unless you will
promise not to follow me when we go from hence, I will not enter
your house; but if you I1}ake and observe this promise, I will visit
you again to-morrow." Bedreddin consented, and Agib with Scba.
ban went in: and were plentifully supplied with cream-tart, which
they ate with much satisfaction.
Evening drawing on, Agib and hie governor took leave of their
friendly pastry-cook, and returned to the tents. The widow of
Nouredlin, who had become pas&ionately fond of her gl.andson,

!:II

AR\lHAN NIGHT
'

received him with great affection; and as it was supper-time, sho
took him into her tent, and set before him a. cream-tart: which she
had just been inaking. Agib tasted it, but as he haù eaten so lately
be left it almost whole; on which his grandmother saiù to biw,
"Does my child despise the work of my hauds? know," continued
she, "there is no one in the world can make such a crpam-tart, Le-
sides myself and your father Bedreddin Hassan, whom I mys(,Jf
taught to make them." "Excuse me: 11ladam," replied Agib,
,
There is a pastry-cook in Dama
cus who makes much beth:)1'; we
have just come from eating some of his, which are inimitable."
The'lady hearing this, became incensed against Schaban for pre-
suming to suffer her grandchild to eat in a pastry-cook's shop like
a beg
ar. She reported the matter immediately to Schemsedd in,
who, still more enraged: sent for the eunuch, and demanded how
he dared be guilty of so heinous an offence 1 Schaban stiffly de-
nied the charge; but the child averring it to be true, the \'izier
ordered the eunuch to eat the tart, which Agib had refused; this
he pretended to do readily, but was obliged to leave off, when he
had swallowed a mouthful or two. The vizier convinced of his
guilt; ordered him the bastinado, when he confessed the t1'uth, and
addcd, that the tart was much better than that made by the lady.
'1'he widow of N oureddin Ali felt herself piqued. She sent im-
mediately for one of those tarts, which, when she had tasted, she
cried out, " It must be my son, my dear Bedreddin, who made this
tart. I make them in a peculiar manner, which I never taught to
anyone but him; and as this is so made, I have no douht but he
was the maker of it."
Schemseddin received this account- with the highest satisfaction;
yet fearful of a disappointment, he requested the ladies to restrain
their impatience, and leave the management of the affair to him.
"I \
ill contrive to bring this pastry-cook hither," continued he,
" and you will, no doubt, recognize him, if it is really Bedr
ddin ';
but even if it is so, I will by no means introduce him to you, till
we arrive at Cairo." The ladies at first demurred but the vizier
. ,
assuring them he had good reason for this l'esolution, they acqui-
esced.
Ea
ly in the morning, Schemseddin applied to the governor of
the city for leave to carry his scheme into execution, acquainting
him at the same time with the motjveB of his conduct,
tl1e gov-.
ernor readily agreed; when Schemseddin detached fifty of hi

EXTERT A IX:\IEXTS.

ff5

attendant
, properly instructed, to the shop of his Bon-in.law. As
Boon as these men arrived there, they began to break in pieces the
}11ates, tables, aud pans, with the utIllOst violence. The astonished
Bedreddin cried out to know the reason of such ill treatment.
"1Yas it 110t yon," said one of them, "who sold us a cream-tart
last night 1" "Yes," rcplied the pastry-cook," and I am sure 110
one could ha.ve sold you a better." .At these words, the men re-
newed their outrages, and having destroyed everything til
Y could
find, seized Bedredùin, bound him, and led him away prisoner.
His neighbors would have interposed in his beb. Lut at the in-
stant, Bome of the governor's officers arrived, and disperse.d them;
so that the unfortunate pastry-cook, notwithstanding his cries and
tearE, was carried off.
1Vhen they returned to the tents, they produced their prisoner
to the vizier, who, àtfecting mnch anger, said, "1Vretch, was it not
you who made the cream-tart which was brought me last night 1"
" I own I am the man," replied nedreddin. "It shall cost you
y(mr life, then," said the vizier, " for daring to send me RO bad a
tart" " Alas !" replied the prisoner," boW long has it been a
capital offence to make indifferent pastry? yet I am sure the t3,rt
was as good as could be made."
During this discourse, the ladies who were concealed, had a full
,dew of Bedredùin, and instantly knew him, notwithstanding his
long absence. They were so transported with joy, that it was
with difficulty thoy could restrain themselves from, running into
the tent and embracing him; Lut their promise to the vizier ob-
li
ed them to subdue tho
e tender emotions of lo\'e and of nature.
Schemseddin haying so unexpectedly succeeded in his interest-
ing inquiry, set out without delay for Cairo, carrying Bedreddin
with him as a prisoner. 'Vhen he arrived at his palace, he caused
his nephew to be brought before him, and gave orders to a car-
penter, in his presence, to prepare a stake to nail him to. "Alas!
sir," exclaimed the prisoner, :, whrrt have I done to deserve so se.
"ere a punishment 1" "Yillain," replied the vizier, "did you not
send me a cream-tart without any pepper in it 1" "Is that the
r('
sûn/' exclaimed Bedreddin," that I have been treated so se-
verely; håve my goods been destroyed, myself made a prisone-r,
and led away many days' journey from my h.ome, am I now to b"
be put to a cl'uel death; and all this for not putting pepper into a
cream-tarS? Are thesE:' the actions of Mussulmans, of per
on8

96

A I
ABIAN NIGHTS'

professing probity and justice? N ever was man useù so barba.-
rously; cursed be all cream-tarts, and the hour in which IlearneJ
to make them." "It is now night," said the vizier; "btke him
away, I will not put him to death till to-morrow; when I will
make him an example to all base pastry-cooks." Sayin
this, he
made signs to his attendants, who led the prisoner away to an
apartment provided for him.
At the time of his daughter's marriage, after the bridegroom
had been so marvel10usly taken away, Schemseddin had not only
secured the c les of his Bon-in-Iaw, but had taken an account of
the situation of C\Terything in the bridal apartments. To this he
now referred, and caused them to be fitted up exactly as they were
on that night. The bridal throne was erected, the numerous wax
lights lit up, and Bedreddin's clothes, turban, and purse of sequins,
were disposed as he had then placed them. These matters being
adjusted, the vizier instructed his daughter in what manner he
would have her receive her husband, when he entered her cham-
ber; and then dismissed her to retire thither.
Bedreddin, though overwhelmed with grief, being exceedingly
fatigued, had undressed himself and gone to bed; where he soon
fell into a sound sleep. In this state the vizier's servants convey-
ed him to the bridal hall, where they Bet him down and withdrew,
except one, who continued shaking him till he was awakened,
when he also retired suddenly, Bedreddin looked about him with
astonishment. lIè remembered distinctly the hall. He approached
the chamber, and saw his clothes as he had left them on the w,ed-
ding night. He rubbed his eyes and exclaimed, " Good heavens!
am I awake or not 1"
At this instant the Lady of Beauty, who had observed his em-
barrassment, openpd the curtains and said," l\Iy dear lord, will
you not return to bed again 1 'Vhy do you stay at the door 1"
Bedreddin on this entered the chamber, and perceiyed the lady
who spoke to him was the same charming woman who l.ad ac-
cepted him for her husband. His heart leaped for joy at the diR-
covery; yet recollecting all that had befallen him during the laRt
ten years, he was silent. After pausing awhile, he exam:ned his
clothes and purse, which he knew immediately; his astoni
hmer.t
redoubled. At last, going up to the lady, "
Iadam," said he,
"llOw long is it since I left yon !" "Did you not rise from me just
1" I . d h
now. rep Ie B e, "surely your thoughts are very bURY!" "
Iy
thoughts," said Bedrcddin, "are not 'Very em;y. I rempmber: in

E
TERT \1

1E
T
.

C þ '!'
,1,

deed, to han
Ù'.
en marrierl to you; JllIt ::-:illeû tlwn I hfl\-e lived
ten years at Damascus: 1 fonnd my
('] f a.lm()
t uaked at the gate
of that city, and being immlted by the moh
I H('(] to a, pastr:.
-
cook; who adoptcd me. taup;ht me his trade, and made me his h('ir.
I have passed through a variety of arln'ntnr('s, anù have re(nnl
ll
here in good time, as they Wf'l'e jw;t going to hail ml; to a stake." .
"Ala.s! for what enormous crime/' replieù th0 1 <',':ly, "was you
to be treated 80 be\"erely 1" "For no crimp, " s
l,id Ueùreddin; "I
had my goods destroyed, myself taken rri
oJJ.o':'-, and was at Im;t
threatened with this terrible death, for selling a bad tart." " Y Oll
luve, indeed, .awoke in good tifile," said the Beantiful Lady;
" they surely did you great illjustiee; but return to your bed, and
try if you cannot drearn more ploa
alltly."
Though Bedreddin rcjoiced cxceedingly at finding again his
lovely briùe, yet he could not compose himl:'clf to 1'e::;t. The recol-
lection of what he had passed throngh for so many years, was too
strong to be overcome by the idea of its having been a dream.
On the other hand, as oftcn as he withdrew the curtains, and looked
ahout the room, he was convinced tbat he was ill the bridal cham-
her. lIe had not yet recovered his perplexity, when the morning
appeared; and t'hortly after Schemseddin entered thl) apartment,
and hade him and the Lady of Beauty good-morrow. At the
ight
of a man whom he lately beheld with 80 much terror, Bedreddin
was much moved, aud it convinced him that his adventures had not
existed in imagination only. " .Ah !" exclaimed 11(' to Schel11seddin,
"it was you who condemned me so unjustly to a death I yet shud-
der to think of, for making a cream-tart without pepper."
The vizier ran to him and embraced him, laugh ing; he then re
lated to him those circumstances with which Bedredclen was ac
luainted; he intr
duced him to the widow of N onreddin Ali, and
.ittle Agih, who no longer fled from the caresscs of his father. The
joy Bedreddin rel t in finding himself surrounded by so many persons t
lcscrvcdly dear to him, made him ample amends for hi!:; past suf.

ering, and ill their 1elovcd society he passed pleaFiantly the 1'e-
llilinder of his life.
'l'he caliph IIaroun Alra
chid was so well pleased with this sin.

lar story, that he l,ardoned the indiscreet slave of Giafarj and to
:,Omf01.t ti e unfortunate young man who had so raslùy murdered
he 1::u1y, he gav:) him one of his slaves to wife, and received him
:lto his servic...

5

Ð

AR.\DI.\N 1'\lGHT-;'

THE STORY OF AI.\DDIN, OR THE WONDERFL'I. LA '\IP.
In the capital of China there liyed a tailor named
In
t(lpl:a.

w!\O with difficulty earned a maintenance for himsdf, his wife, arid
f0n, wnose name was ...\!aùdin.
'.the DOY, though of a sprightly turn L.ll
l b.}Ol1 natural unda.-
f'tftllJing, was earcleös and idle. As Le grpw .l
his laÛne
:, in-
(;reased. lIe was continually loitering am-ong hlackgual'lhi in the
street j nor could .:\lustapha by any means prC\-ail with him to
apply hilU!:ielf to 80me ell1{JJoymel1t IIY which he BlIght leaI'll to get
hi
bread.
Thi8 idle dispol:iition of the hoy d
stroyed the Üüher. :Jlustapha,
finding him incorrigil)le, was 80 much affiitJ...ed, that his grief
1)rought on a fit of sickness which cost him J: IS life.
Ahuhlin, being no longer restrained by bis father, indulged his
indolence to the utmost. lIe \Va
llot ashamed, though fifteen years
old, to he
npl'lIrted hy his mother's labor, yet ceased to pay
l1er the respect anù duty of a S011.
One day a::; he wa..") alllu
ing himself with his companions, a
stranger, who '.\"as an African magician, passing by, stopped to
observe Lim. After l'Joking at the youth for SOllie time yery
earnestly, he inquired among his playmates who he was, and pres-
ently learced hi8 little history. The wily African then went up to
him and asked Lim if his father was not called :\lustapha the
tailor? "lIe was so," replied the boy, "but he has been dead for
"orne time." l'he magician pretended to hurst into tears at this
account, lIe embraced Aladdin, and told him he was the brother
to his fath{'l' j then inquiring where his mother lived, he gave the lad
a handful of slllalllUoucy, and bade him tell her he would come
t:J1d sup with her.
Aladdin ran home to hili mothf'T, and rclated to her all the par-
t:cu.lars. The old woman told him that she ne\ er heard his father
talk of a brot11
r j hut as the f(tranger had trea.;.
d him 80 kindly,
and given him money enough to provide a supper, she would make
ready to receive }1Ím. ]n the e\"cuing the new rel
_ttioll came, aw]
embraeing the widow of )llI
tarha, shed many l.)arf!, lamelJtilJf
that he Laù not arrived sooncr that he might have <::een his l)rotù
r
He then produced k;ome fine fruitt5 and wine
, allJ thC'y sat dowll t(
t:l1pl'e:r.
Du,áng their meal the magician pretended to admire _I\.h:d,Jjl
much. "lIe must be very like what his father was nt l.is age/

EXTERTÅJ
:\IE
T;::;.

9

said be; "for though it is forty years since I left my nath"e
country, my love for my Lrother kept his features in my mind, and
1 recollectrd thenl the instant I saw him':' Then turning to Alad-
din, he a
ked him what trade he had chosen 1 .Aladdill, w ho wa

m.hamed (If his not being able to fin6wcr
uch a qucstion, hung
down his head and Llu
hed; but h is mother replied that he "as au
idle fellow, who would dl) nothing but loHer ill the strects; alld
went on
iving him the character he de
ern'(l.
Aladdin was covered with confusion at his mother's report of
hipl; and the magician adùed to hi
coueern hy hlaming him
se\""erely. lIe recolllmended to the young man that he should apply
himself to traffic. "I;' said he, "can in<;;trnct you how to Luy your
goods. I will take a shop, and furni,h it for you with stuff8 anù
lillf'ns. These I will give you to b<>gin \\ ith, if you will prmnise
to be diligent." Aladdin did not W:lut sense tbough he hated
work; he knew that the keepers of such shOI)S were re:-;pected ; he
accepted therefore his new uncle's offer with great thankfulness.
1'h(' day following the magician ca.lled upou tl1CIU again early.
lIe took _\.laddin out"'" ith him, and gave him Imnd::;ome clothes,
8uitahle to the station of a ruerchallt; he put
ome IHoney also in his
pocket, and made a treat for some principal merchants, on purpose
to introduce his lwetellùcd nephew to them. ..Aladùin and his
mother were by these means completely deceÌ\"cd. They never
doubted but the man who heaped 80 lllauy favors upon them" as
really their near relation, ånd blessed Providence fur their good
furtune ill being found out 11Y him.
The magician contiuued caressing them till he had obtained full
p08session of their confidenee. One evening at supp('r, he said to
his pretended sisfer-in-Iaw. Ie I am thinking, as to-morrow "ill be
:Friùay, to take Aladdin and show him the gardens out of town
"here the gentry walk; and a:::; he has neyer been there, and })rolJ-
ably win like to see them all, I will take some refreshments" ith us,
and we ,,..ill !ft)t return till night." To this IH"opùsal Aladdin a!lí}
his nlOther consented with great l)lea
ure.
In the morning, the }-OUllg man, drc:3sed in all his new finery, at-
tended the magician accordingly. He took him to thc gardens
belonging to the iumptuous palaces of the nobility, which were

itunted out of the city. Aladdin, hadng never seen al1Jthing 80
e1egant, ",as highly delighted. His fabe uncle drew him by de-
grees beyond them, into tbe champaign that led to the mountain

-

100

AHAlllAN NIGHTS

amusing him all thc way 'with pleasant stories, intermixed witb
advicc to drop his boyi
h acquaintaucc, and couverse y;ith men.
Aladdin, though well plcascd with this discourse, Legan to tire, which
the magician pcrcei\"ing, propo
ed that they !Should sit down and
rcst. lIe then Pl'Odll
èd a parcel of cakes alid sweetIll'3ats, and
gave thc lad as ;nany a,s he chose, aftor whieh they purr-ucd their
walk.
At length they C
1rnl} to n, ,-alley which separated two mounbLÏns
of considerable height.. The magician told Aladdin he would show
him some things vcry extraordinary. He directed him to g'lther a
rarcel of dry sticks aud kindle a fire; whieh being dOllc, the
..I.\.frican cast a perfulllc in it, and pronounced certain magic31
words; immedia, tcly a grc-at smoke arose, after which the earth
trcmblcd a little, amI opening, discovered a stone about half a yard
84. uare . Aladdin was so frightened at what he saw, that he would
have run away; but the magician catching hold of him, gave hin1
so violcnt a blow that it knocked him down.
The youth arose, and with tearR in his eyes, asked bis E'upposed
uncle what he bad done to mcrit sùch severity. The African's
.Úew was to make the hoy stand in awe of him, that he might
without hesitation obey his orders, and execute what hc had for
lIÏm to do. He chid him therefore for his want of resolution and
confidence in him, whom he ought to consider as his second father.
He then began to talk to him with his usual affability. "There is
hidden," said he, "under that stone an immense trefiSure, which you
may possess if you carefully observe my instructions. Aladdin
IH'omit:\ed the most exact obedience. l'he magician embraced him,
and putting a ring on his finger, bade him pronounc3 the name of
his father and grandfather, and raise up the stone. Aladdin did as
he was directed; and notwithstanding its immense size, he 1.e1l10ved
UIO stone with great ease, and discovered a hole several feet deep,
and steps to descend lo\\'er.
t, Observe," saiù the African, "what I am O"oinO' 1!b sa j T to Y ou.
N b b
ot only the possession of the treasure, but your life itself will
depend on your punctual attention. Though I hay,=, opened this
ca.ve, I am forbidden to ('uter it; that honor is permitted only to you.
Go down holdly then. You will find at the bottom of these
tC{)S,
th t h II . >-
rec grea a s, III each of which you will see a Iãrge numher
of coffers full of gold and silver. Be sure you do not meddle wíth
thcm; nor must you suffer your very clothes to touch the walls

E
TERTADDIEXT:3.

101

If JOu do, you will instantly perish. \Vhcn you are through thef,o
hnlls, you will come to a garden. Here you will 1e perfectly
safe, and may handle anything you scc. .At the further end of i

you will find a lamp, burning in a. niche. Ta.ke that lamp dowL,
throwaway the wick, pour out the liquor, anù put the lamp in
your bosom to bring to me."
A.la.ddin obeyed exactly his supposed uncle. lIe \Veut through
tbe halls with as much precaution ê.
s the fear of death could inspire.
He crosHed the garden, secured the lamp ill his LÙI;OIn, and then
began to look about with ea.se and compo::;ure. He found the
trees were loaded with fruits of many colon;'{. Transparent, white,
red, green, Llue, I'urple, aHd yellow. The transparent were dia-
mouds; the white, pearls; the I'ed, rubies; the green, emeraldH;
the blue, turquoises; the pur}Jle, tlmcthYbts; and the. yellow, sap-
phires. ..\11 the
e fruits were large, and ullcommolily 1Jeautiful.
Aladdill, though he knew nothing of tlwir value, \'fa::; Jet much
plealSed with them; and a:3 he had Leen told he might safèly
nlCddle "ith anything in the garden, he filleù his pockets with
some of each sort, and even crammed as lllany as he could into
his bosom. lIe then returned through the halls with the same
precaution as before; and having ascended the steps, he called out
to hi
uncle to assibt him with his hand, and pull him out of the
cave.
Nothing could be further from the intention of the magician than
to deliver A.laddin from the cave. lIe had found by his books
that there was
uch a lamp concealed in a subtcrrallcuus ahode i',
China. which would render the possessor 1110re powerful than any
prince in the world; but as he was not permitted to enter the
place himself, h'1 TPsolved thprrfore to scduce :;;ome friendlcs
boy
to fetch him the wondcrful talisman, and having gaiupd it, to shut
up thE' ca,ye, and lea,'e him to hi
fate. '\
heu .A.laddin thcrefore
called out for his a
si8tance, he called as loudly for the lamp. The
young man would have readily given it to him, if he bad not buried
it in hiB bosom by the quantity of jewcls he had put over it; and
being ashamed to own that, he entreated his supposed ullcle to help
him out, and he would deìivel' it to hin) immediately,
The dil5pute had la;:;ted a short time. aHd ncither of them were
disposed to give way, when the magieian turned his head
u
rl saw
fSon.:.e of the inhabitants of the city were entering the valley.
'ear
ùf being di:.-covcred by them, and rage at the obstinacy of the young

102

AUABIAN :KIG HTS'

man, overcame every other consideration, He pronouncod twc
magical words which replaced the stone, and closed the earth. By
this means he lost all hope of obtaining the lamp, since it was for
ever out of his power to open the cave again, or to teach other8
how to do it. But he gratified his l'evenge on the author of his
disappointment, by delivering up .Aladdin, as he supposed, to cer
tain death. He set off immediately for his own country, taking
care not to return to the city, lest he should ùe que
tioneJ resvect-
rug his I'reteuded nephew.
Aladdin was exceedingly terrified to find himt:-;elf thus buried
alive. lIe cried out, and called to his uncle, offering to give him
the lamp i -nmediately; but it was too late. As the cave was en-
tirely dark, he thought of returning through the halls into the gar.
den, which was light: but here also he was disappointed. The
door, which had Leen opened by enchantment, being now shut.
In this state he continued two days; when in an agony of dis.
tress, he clasped his hand together, and rubbed the ring the magi
cian had put upon his finger, and which in his hurry to obtain the
lamp, he had entirely forgotten to take away. Immediately an ('nor-
mous genie rose out of the earth, with a torch in his hand, which

lluminated the cave as though the Aun had shone in it, and ::;aid to
him, " "That wouldst thou? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave,
while thou wearest that ring; I, and the other slaves of the r
ng."
At another time ,Aladdin would have been terrified to death at
such an appearance; but despair gave him courage. lIe replied
rapidly, " I charge you, by the ring, if you are
ble, to release me
from this place." I [e had no sooner spoken than the earth opened;
the genie lifted him up to the Burt'we, and immediately disap-
peared, the earth closing again at the same instant.
..A.ladùin l'ejoiced greatly at his deliverance, and found his way
110111e without much difficulty; but so agitated by his past terrors,
and fa.int for want of sustenance, that it was some time before he
could relate the particulars of his adventure. His mother con
gratulated him on his esca p e from such imminent danO"er and was
o ,
not sparing of her execrations against the treacherous impostor
WllO led him into it.
The next morning when Aladdin got up he was Tery hungl'Y:
and called upon his mother for some breakfast. "Alas! child,"
she 8aid, " I ha\Te been ISO distressed on your account, that I havp
apt been able to <10 any work these two days; so that I have n;

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ENTERTAIKl\IE
TS.

103

moncy to buy any provision; and all I had in the house, you ate
yeRterday. Eut, continued she," here is the lamp you "brought
horne, Bnd which hac11ike to cost you your life; it seems to be a
very good one. I will clean it; and I dare say it will sell for
mOlley enough to keep us until I have spun some more cotton."
Saying this, she took some sa.nd, and began to rub it, when in an
instant a genie of gigantic size stood before her: and said,
' \Yhat
wouldst thou? I am readÿ to obey thee as thy slave; the slave
of all those 'who hold that la,mp in their hand
; I and the other
sla.ves of the lamp."
.Alac1ùiu's mother swooned a.way at the sight of the genie; but
her son, who had once before seen such another, caught the lamp
out of her hand, and said, " I mn hungry, bring me something to
eat presently." The genie disappeared; and presently returned
with a large I:.'ilver basin, containing twelve covered l'lates of the
same metal, all full of the choicest dainties, 'With six white loavcs,
and two bottles of sherbet. Having plac:d these things on the
table, he disappeared.
"Then Aladùin's mother reeovereè:, she was very much pleas
d
to see such a plenty of nice provisions. She sat down with her
6011, and they feasted abundantly. \Vhen they had done, the old
lady inquired what had passed between the genie and her son,
while she was in her swoon.
On being inform
d that her rubbing the lamp had caused the
genie to appear, she protested against ever touching it again, and
earnestly advised her son to sell it. Young as he ",yas, he had mùre
prudence. He remonstrated with her on the great pains his false
uncle had taken to procure the talisman; on the use it had now
been to them, and would no doubt continue to be; as they might
live comfortably without labor. Lastly, that as he was now used
to the appearance of genii, he would rub the lamp when he
wanted anything, at a time when slIe was not in the way. His
mother answered, that he might do as he pleased; but for her
part she would have nothing to do with genii.
The next day, the provisions being all gone, Aladdin took one
of
he IJlates, and went to a Jew merchant to sell it. The Jew
so m perc
ived it was of the pUJ.'est silver, but thinking the owner
ignorant uf the value, he offered a piece of gold for it. Aladdin

hought he had made a good ba.rgain; He gave the money to his
mcthAr, anù they lived upon it in their usual frugal manner, as long

101

ARABI.\.N NIGHTS'

a8 it laEtcd. Aladdin then sold another plate, and so t:l tilt the}
bad only the basin left; aud tbat being "ery large, the Jew gavc
bim two pieces for it, which supl'orted thcm a cont:-iderable time.
1Yhen all the money was spent, Aladdin had recourse again tl
the lamp, and the genie supplied the table with another sil ,oer Lasin
and the same number of covered plates equally well filled.
The provisions being all cunsumed, Aladdin was going, as before,
with 011e of the plates to the Jew, when he '\\ as called to Ly i.t
goldsmith, wbo asked him if be had anJthillg to sell. " You go
often,'i t;aid he, " to that Jew, who is the greatest cheat alllong hi::; i
)Jrethren; if you deal with him, he will certainly defraud you.';
Alaùdin produced his plate, which the goldbmith weip;hed, and
(:ounteù him down si.xty pieces of gold for it. The YOUllg man
thanked tbe honest sbopkcel'er, to WhOUl he afterward tio]ù the
other plates and the basin.
Aladdin and his mother very prudently continued to live as
usual for seyeral years; only he went more neat, and instead of
associating with mean fellows, he by degrees im;inuated himself
into the good OIJiuioll of the first merchants and jewellers of the
city. Hence, besides obtaining H. general knowledge of the world,
'" hicb rendcred him a pleasant and agreeaLle companion, he be-
came acquainted with the true value of those je,vels he had
brought from the garden in the suLterraneous cave. These he
had cunsidered as colored glass only, and had suffered them to In,y
unnoticed in a couple of bags, under one of the cu::;hions of the
sofa. But though he fuund him!-;elf pOt;
ef'sed of immense wealth,
yet he pcr
i
tf'd in living pri,'ately, e,'e11 humbly; dC\'oting his
whole time tu the improvement of his ullderstandillg.
Accidcnt put an end to this philü::,ol'hical indulence,
carcely
excusable in a young mau. One day as Ala.ddin was walkillg in
the town, be heard an order of the sultan pu Lli
hed, for all the
people to shut their shops aI1tl keep within dours, while the prill.
cess Badroulboudour (that is, full moon of full moons), the sultan's
daughter, ,'rent to the 1>ath'3. Aladdin was seized with a great de-
fiire. to see the princess: to accmnpli::;h "hich; he contrived to get
behmd the outer door of the hath. where he remaiued ulloLsen'ed
As the princelSs approached
he door, atteudcd ouly hy her
eunuchs
nd women, she laid a::;ide her ,'eil; and gaye Ala.dùill ar
opportullIty to have a full view of her. Till now he ha.d never
sceAl any woman's fi1ce but his mother's. Ile supposed; tl:;,erefure#

EJSTERT AIN
lENTS.

lu.S

that all women ',:ere like her, and thought of them with indiffer-
ence. But the instant he saw the princess, who was exceedingly
lovely, he felt emotions he had till then been a stranger to. 1Y hen
she had entered the inner doors, he returned home, pensive, yet
delighted. He passed the e'Vcning in melancholy and silence, anù
the night in indulging the starts of a restless and di
turbed im
agination.
1\ ext morning he behaved with the
ame reserve and sadness.
His mother had perceived before his change of behavior, and
thought something had happened to displease him. But finding
the same appearance next day, :')l-Ie became solicitous to know the
I'eason of it. Aladdin, after mU5ing some time, told her the cause
of his uneasiness, concluding with saying, " I love the charming
}willcess with so much ardor, that I find I cannot live without
her, and am resolved to ask her in marriage of the sultan, her
fitther ."
Aladdin's mother heard with attention and concern. but when
he came to so extravagant a determination, she bur
t into a loud
hwghter. ":My dear son," she said," do you consider who you
are, that have the boldness to ihiuk of your sovereign's daughter
for a wife 1 Do you not remember that your father was a poor
tailor: and that I am of as mean extraction? Sultans, if they
ever give their daughters to their subjects, give them to tho so
who have distinguished themselves in the service of their country?
1Yhere, then, are your pretensions 1 Lay aside, I pray you,
those fancies, which are enough to make me think you out of your
senses.
.Aladdin, notwithstanding, declared his resolution to persi:;t.
c. Who do you expect," said his mother, "will be hardy enough to
demand the princess of the sultan for you, according to the cus-
tom of our country 1" "You, undoubtedly," replied her son. "I
shall take care," said she hastily, " how I engage in such an affair
I go to the sultan on 8uch a message !" continued the old woman;
" had you wished me tc app:y to some neighbor for his daughter
ill marriage, it had been well; but to seek the daughter of the
Rultan, who at cne word. can crush you to atoms! what extrava-
gant madness! lJct;itles, no one approaches the sovereign, you know)

0 ask a favor without a present. "\Yhat have you to offer the
sultan worthy his aeceptance, even for his smallest favors, much
lt
.) fùI' the highest he can bestow 1"
5*

106

AnABIA1: 1\IG llTS'

" I own," replied ....\.laddin, "illY wiphes are e,..,:travagant; but I
lo'\"e the prillèe
s so ardently, that I must resign my life if I do
not t:!l1cceed. nor should yOU think me without resources, when
, "'
you l'ecollect what the lamp I possess has already done for us.
As to a }Jl"oper offering to the sult'1n, I am able to furnish you
with one which I am sure he will g
adly accept."
Aladùiu then arranged the jewels he had brought from the
garden, in a yesECI of fine porcelain, which showed them to great
ad\antage; and persuaded his mother, who consented with infin-
ite reluctance, to carry them to the sultan. "Depend upon it, my
son," said she, "your present will 1e thrown away. The sultan
will either laugh at me, or be in so great a rage, that he will
make us both the yictims of his fury."
'rhe day following, Aladdin.s mother appeared at the diyan, and
was admitted with the other suitors, who pleaded their causeR be-
fore the sultan. She placed herself in full view of that prince,
having her present tied up in a white fine napkin, but never at-
tempted to approach him to declare her Lusinesl':!. \Vhen the
divan hroke up she retired, and returned again the next council
day, when she placed herself HS before.
She continued to dù so for SODle time, till at length the sultan
took notice of her, and ordpred the grand vizier to introduce her
to him. Aladdin's mother, by the examplo of others, had learned
to prostrate herself before the throne. 'rhe sultan bade her rise,
and said to her." Good woman, I have observed you to attend
very often from the beginuing to the ri
illg of the divan; what is
your hu
iness 1"
Aladdin's mother replied," Before I presume to tell your llllt-
jeHty the extraorùinar y and almost incredible affair whieh brinrrs
ð
me before you, ] must most humhly "request the favor of being
heard by you in private, and al:;o that you will pardon me the
bold, or rather imprudent demand I have to make." The sul-
tan's curiosity was much excited by this preface; he ordered
everybody to withdraw but the grand vizier and the pet.itioner,
and then directed her to proceed.
She was in no hurry to do so, beiJ1g '
ry solicitous to obtain
p.ardon for her presumption before sbe began. The
.
ltnn, part.ly
tIl.ed with her prattle, and partly impatient tc know what sbe IUt.j
to ask, gave her assurance of the mo
t ample pardon, and ap;nin or
dered her t"" relate her business, and. Epeak boldly.

}<.NTEUT .\INJIENTS.

107

rhus encouraged, the old lady told him faithfully in what man.
ner hm' Bon had Been the prillee:-;
, and the yioleut love for her
whieh that sight had ill
pil'ed him with She wcnt on with much
prolixit] to descrilJe the debates whidl had passeù between them
or' t
1e suhject, and concluded by forma.lly demanùing the princess
ill marriage fi)r hpr
on; at the s:une time ::;he bowed down before
thc throne, and bid hcr prc8eut at the foot of it.
.FroIn the lll<UmerH and a pp{'al'iJ,nce of the petitioner, nothing
could
eeIll more IH'(To8torous to thc t'ultan than such a proposal.
'The in::-;tallt he he;\rd it j he Lun;t into laughter; while the graud
vizier, who had reasou to hope that his master intended the prin-
cess for his son, looked on the old woman with eyes of jmlignation.
'Vben the sultan had recovered himself a little, he said to her,
still laughing, " You Lave IJrought a present, I Bee, to forwarù
your suit; pray let me look a tit." Aladdin's mother hastened to
lift it up; and the sultan, who expected some trivial matter, was
astonished when Rhe removed the napkin, to Bee so many inesti-
mable jewels set before him, the smalle::5t of whidl very far sur-
passed, in beauty aud value, any in hiB own treasury.
The vizier was no less chagrined th:tn amaLeçl at the sight of
them: with the nlore reason, as he plainly saw they had ma.de
great impres
ion on the sultan, who a.sked him if the proposals of
a man offering so magnificent an introductory present ought not to
be listened to. The vizier entreated hIS master to put off his
answer to a distant day; and the sultan, who was much swayed by
his minister, told the old lady to return hgain in three months,
hinting that very probably the answer then would not be unfavor-
ahle.
Aladdin's mother was oveIjoyed at a reception so much beyond
her hopes. She hastened home to her son, who received her re-
})ort with transport. Three months indeed 8eemed an age; but as
he had never hoped to succeed without infinitely more difficuhy,
his joy was un}Jolmded.
Two of the three months passcd in this deliri'llll of happinef:s,
from which he was aroused IJY news which at oncc dispersed it.
His mother having domestic Lusiness in the city, found all the shop!i
E>hut) and preparations making everywhere for a general illumina-
tion. On inquiring the cause she was told that the son of the grand

vizier was that night to be marrieù to the Prin
ess Badroulboudour,
rl'lw truth was, the vi7ier having been alal'med at .A.laddin's apl'li

lO

/..RAm \:"i N1GrITS'

cation, had taken ('very pO::-isiLle lllPans to forward the suít of his
6on' and bein g a skilful courtier, and a great favorite, he prevailed
- ,
,vith his master to 8et a
iàe his cngagemcnt" ith a stranger, allð
complete the intended nuptials between the princess and the son
of his minister.
Aladùin was in despair at reecÏ\ iug this intelligence. He retired
to his chamber and rubbed his lamp; the genie immediately ap-
peared, and made the usual tender of his services. "Hear me
with attention," said Aladdin; "I have ever had reason to be satis-
fied with your zeal for the lamp, in those matters I have applied
to yon for since I have been in possession of it; a grf\ater concern
now calls for an exertion of your power and fidelity." He then
related to him all the particulars of his application to the sultan,
and of his present fears; and concluded with commanding him,
the instant the bride and the bridegroom were alone, to bring them
in their bed to his chamber. The genie promised punctual obe-
dience, and disappeared.
At the palace the usual nuptial ceremonies were completed
The bride was conveyed to her Lcd; and the jocund bridegroom
admitted to her chamber, shut out all intruders, and triumphed
over his obscure rivaL But the moment he had set bis feet on the
bed, it was conveyed away, with him and his bride, to a mean
chamber. Aladdin was waiting for them. He ordered the genie
(who was only seen by himself) to take the bridegroom and fix him
immovably in an outer house. He then said a few words to en-
courage the princess, and laying a sabre between them, as a proof
that her honor was secure, he pnssed the night by her side.
In the morning he summoned the gcnie. to release the bride
groom, and convey them back to the palace. This he performed
EO exactly, that the lJed was deposited in the nuptial chamber, at
the instant the mother of the princess was opening Ler door to
pay hcr morning respects to her daughter. The vizier's son hear-
ing her approach, ran to the wardrobe to put on his clothes, being
almost benumbed with cold.
The sultaness was surpriscd to be receiyed by her daughter with
eyiùent marks of discontent. For a long time the princess resisted
the entreaties of her mother, and refused to relate the cause of her
· uneasiness: but at length was 'Pcrsuaded to tell her aU that had
happened. The 8ultaness was out. of patience at a narrative
o
improbahlo. "Yon will do well/' said she to her daught
r, "not

K
TERTA[X)lEr\TS.

109

.o repeat this fable to any onc oIse. )\"'here is Y0ur hUf:;l:mnd? 1
shall talk with him, and see if he has had the same v il:iion."
The son of the vizier, though exceedingly mortified at the trans

actions of the past night, was yet too proud of the honor of being
allied to the sultan to forego it readily; he hoped also that the
eIJchantment which had distressed him, was now at an end; at any
ra.te he re"olYed to conceal what had befallen him for the present.
When therefore the sultaness asked him if he was as much infa.tu-
ated fiS his wife, he pretended not to understand the question; on
which the 8ultaness answered wit.h pleasure, "It is enough; I see
you are wiser than Rhe."
The rejoicings in the palace were renewed, and all appeared
desirous to promote the pleasure of tho bride and bridegroom. The
vizim"s son counterfeited 80 well, that everybody thought him a
happy man; but the affliction of the princess was very slightly con-
cealed. The sultan, who was extravagantly fond of her, saw it
with great concern; Rnd though he did not choose to interrupt the
joy of the court at that 1;101l1ent, yet he resolved to inquire very
minutely into the cause of it the day following.
At illght the moment the princess and her spouse were in bed,
the di!;tress of the past night was renewed. Tliey wore again con-
veyed to Aladdiu'8 chamber, the bridegroom was disposed of as
Jefore, the sabre was again deposited between the princess and a
stranger, and in the morning they -vere re-conveyed to their own
chamber at the instant that the attendants were e
tering it to an-
noullce the sultan.
That tcnder father was anxious and impatient to know the cause
{>f his th,nghter's sorrow. JIe came therefore as early as conve-
nient to her ant<,chamber, and desired to see her. The princess
ro
e immcdiably and attended him. A general explanation now
took place. The princess informed her fitther in what manner she
had spent the two preceding nights; the vizier's son confirmed
the account, and, under I)l"elence of constl
ting the happiness of the
princess, was the first to request that the marriage might be dis-
solved. A stop was put to all rejoicing R , and the marriage was
publicly dec
areù void, l\Iany cOlljecture8 were made aa to the
cause of this event, w.hieh be
allle generally talked of. Aladdin
IleaI'd of it with great joy; Imt took care to keep secret the share
he lmd in the adventure.
" hen the three months were expired, Aladdin sent his mother

110

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

to the di\Tan as Lefore. The sultan l'eme1l11wred her; but having
no inclination to give the princess to her son, he eonsultel his vizier
on the suhject, who adyised him to demand of Aladdin a nuptial
pre
ent 80 exceedingly valuable that it would be out of his power
to procure it. The sultan was well pleased '''' ith the advice, which
he doubted not would effectually prevent his hearing finy more of
Aladdin. lIe beckoned the old woman to him, and told h
r he
was really to give the princess to her son, provided he Bent him
forty basins of ma
sy gold, full of the same kind of stones she had
given him before; ea
h basin to be carried by a Llack slave, led
by a young and handsome white slave, all of them magnificenUy
dressed. " Go," said he, " and tr II him on these conditions I alU
ready to recei\Te him as my son-in-law."
The old lady returned home much dejected. She thought i'

utterly impossible for her son to comply with this deIllalld, fl
.l,
drea,ded the eft'ects of his diRappointmellt. Aladdin heard her re-
port ,vit.h great pleasure; and sumllloning the genie, re<1 uested he
would immediately provide the pre:.;ent the sultan had demanded,
that it might be sent Lefore the di\Tan hroke up.
In a few minutes the house of .Aladdin was filled by the eighty
f\laves: forty black ones, bearing large golden basins filled with
all sorts of jewels, each La
in being covered with a silver stuff
embroidered with flowers of gold. Alad.din pressed hiq mother to
return to the s
tltan and present hIm with the dowry he had de
manded; and, opening the door, he ordered a white slave to g':!
out, and a black one with his ba.
in to follow. In this order they
all set forth, and the mother of Alaùdin cloRed the procession.
The Rplendid ha1Jits of the sla\es, and the beauty
,Ild graceful,.
ne
s of their persons, attracted m?ery eye. 'fhey proceeded slowly,
and at equal distances from each other, and as they marched through
the city, the people crowded to see thelU. 'Yhen they arrived at
the palace; the porters would have received them with the highest
h0nors; Lut he who caine first, Lcing instructed by the genie, said,
,
\Ye are only slaves; our master will appear ill due time."
"Then they entered tlle di nUl, tlH'Y formed a semicircle before
the thronp, the 1Jlack slaves laid the basins on :he carpets and un-
covered them, and the whole company having paid proper compli-
ments to the sovereign, stood with their arms crossed O\Ter with
great modesty.
The :mltnn surveyed the whole with the utmost
"maZC:'l1ent and

EXTERTÅDI
ENTS.

111

3atisfaction. The vizier himself, notwithstanding his gri
f and
ell\-Y, was obliged to own that Alachlin's present merited his 1'e-
Cf'Vtion into the royal family. All tbe court concurred in his
opiuon; and the sultan dismissed the old lady with directions for
her son to hasten and receive the princess from the hands of bel'
father.
The joy with which Aladdin received this message was unutter-
able. lIe sUlllmon<1 the genie, and said," Genie, I \\ ant to Lathe.
Prm'ide me also with proper apparel and equipage, tha.t I may
d
it the sultan, who has consented to receive me as U BOU." As
soon as he had spoke these words he was c01we:yed to a Lath,
where he was undressed without seeing by whom, and washed with
all sorts of fine-scented water. 'Yhen he had bathed, he was quite
a difi'ereut lUall from what he had been before. His skin was clear,
his complexion improved, and his whole body lightRome and eaRY.
The genie clothed him with a most magnificent ha1Jit, alid COll-
Þ \"eyed hun home, where he found a number of attpndallts ready to
wait on him and his mother to the l'ttlace.
The genie supplied him with ten rurses of gold: which he gave
to the sIn ves who \vent before him, and they threw handfuls of it
on each side among the populace. By this liberality he gained the
affecticns of the people, even those of a higher order, though they
did liot scramble fur the money, were pleased with his Luunty to
the ,,; J1l1uon people. lIe was so altered that hi
former compan-
ions diû .o1ot know him; for such were the efl'ects of the lamp, that
those who possessed it, acquired by degree!:!, perfection:i both of
mind and person, which qualified them for the high fortune, the
right use of it advanced them to.
\VhOll ....\l::Ldùin arri vcù at court, and was introduced to the sultan, he
would have 11rostrated himself in the usual manner, but the monarch
prcyented him by receiving him in his arms and embracing him.
They conversed together a long time, and the sultan was charmcd
with the wit and good sense of his intended son-in-law. The judge
presente:-, the contract, and the sultan as
ed Aladdin if he chose
to stay in the pattee and solemniæ the marriage immediately.
Aladdill with gleat gratitude d3cllllec the sultan's offer. " I
would. wish first," saiù he, " to bui]ù a palace fit for the reception
of the charming prin,:ess, and humhly beg your majesty will grant
n e a piece of ground near "S"- l' 0\t"1l, L

at I may the readier pay.
my duty to Y01:," The suì.t.tn
'id hUll tnlæ what
round he pbaseJ,

112

ARABIAN :KIGHT::;'

but desired him tv consider how long it must be before he could
complete a new palace; und all that time he should be without the
plea
ure of caning him son.
,\Yhen Aladùin returned home he summoned the genie in the
usual manner. "Genie," said he, "the punctuality and diligence
with which you have executed my orders, deserve every acknow_
ledgment. I have now a commissinn of still greater importance
f,'Jr you to perform. I wish you to build me a palace opP?site the
sultan's, fit to receive the princess. Let the materials be the most
rare and costly; let there be u large hall in it with a dome at the
top, and four-and-twenty windows. Decorate these windows with
jmvels of all descriptions the most valuable you can procure, but
leave one of them plain. Instead of wainscot, let the walls of the
llfill he formed of massy wedges of polished gold and silver laid
alternately. Let the offices be perfectly cOll1})lete, and the whole
supplied with the most sumptuous furniture, and with a proper
number of handsome slaves to perform the necessary duties. Do III
all this, I cha.rge thee by the lamp, in the most perfect manner, and
with all pos!::ihle despatch."
By the time Aladùin had finif'hed his instructions to the genie the
sun was set. The next morning at daybreak, the genie presented
hin1self. and said, :, Sir, your palace is finished; come and see how
you like it.i' Aladdin cOllsentillg, he transported him thither, aTHl
led him through the various apartments, where he found his orderl:i
punctually obeyed. The treasury was filled to the ceiling with
bags of money, the palace with the most costly furniture; and the
stables with the fin3st horses in the world. 'Vhen Aladdin h:id
reviewed the whole, he gave it the prai
e is dp,seryed. lIe then
orderd the genie to spread a piece of fine vel vet from the sultmÜ

palace to his own, DJr the prince

to walk on, which l)eing executed,
the genie conducted Aladdin back to his own apartment.
As the morning advanced, the grand vizier was astonished at tho
sight of 130 magnificent a building erected on a plain which was
quite open the I1ight before. lIe ran to acquaint the suJtan with
it, declaring it could be only enchantment. "Vhier," replied
the sultan, ,: it is envy Dakes you say 80. You know it is Alad.
din's palace. Ko doubt he has been louD" en g aO'ed in P re p arinO' it.
o L) 0 ,
nnrl now has put it together by employing a vast numùer of people)
and paying them well, on purpose to surprIse us. You must belie\TÐ
h is riches are inexb austible; and he thus shows U[1 what calJ. bt!
lone by money."

EXTERT
\IX)IE:XTS.

113

Ala.ddin now scnt a mef'sag
to the sultan, desiring his permis
il)n
t.() wait on him and the princess, and tbat the nUl-'tial
luight be
solpmnized that day. The sultan consenting, .A.laddin Lid adieu
for ever to hiR parental dwelling. lIe first disp08ed his mother to
go to the pnlace with her shtves to attend the princess; he then
secured hi/'} wonderful lamp, and mounting his horse, attended 1JY 3.
numerous and splendid retinue, he arrived at the palace.
The marriage ceremonies wcre performed, alld ill tlu m"cning
Aladdin went. first to his own palace, that he might he ready to
i.eccive the princess; who, having taken a tender farewell of her
pa.rent'3, set forward on the vplvet, alllidt5t the soun'.! of trulllpets allù
the shouts of the people. Aladdin received her with tran::::il,ort,
!Lnd eOllducted her into the granrl hall which was supcrLly illulIIi.
nateJ. The princess being seated, a noLle feast was served up.
The plates and dishes were all of burlli
heJ gold, alld contained
the most ùelicious meats; the vessels on the Leaufet were al::5o of
gold; and all the other fUl'lliture in the hall was suitably magnifi.
cent. The princess, thl)ugh used to the splendor of a court from
bel' infancy, was yet much struck with the magnificence of her l1PW
habitation, and expre
sed her pleasure to Alaðdill in the stroJ:l.gest
terms. "
After supper thcre was a concert of music hy genii and fh iries,
and a dance by the same kind of performers who performed ilfter
the fashion of the country, in figure, with great gracc and acti \Tity.
The da.y füllowing. the royal parcnt:3 came to, A.laddin's pnlaee
to congratulate the prinee:ss; she recpived thplll with cheerful duty,
Hl1rl condnctpd them to the hall. They WCl'e tu;toui::;þNI at slll:h 3.
di
play of rich('s a
ld elegãflC8; but the sul f ãn Sf'pillg one of the
windows without ornalllPut, iuquired the J'p
l
on of it. "
ir," re.
rlied tLe princf\, for so Ala,ddin wat! LJW called," I ordered the
window to he l('ft in th
t st=Lte, that your U1aje
ty lllight havc tbe
glory of tinie.hing this ha.ll and p
1:we."
The sultan accepted the comp1ill1ent, and ordered hi-: j'3wclIe-rs
aad gold::;miths to set a.bout it. For a 'wbole month thcy \\ ere
}'usily employed, and had u
eJ all tho bultan's .if'\\ elF!, llotwüh-
standing the brge supply he h..td r
ceived from ,AJadllin, Jct th('J
haa not fiuisheù one side of tho wiuùow. "TheIl Aladdin fuund
t1wv Wbre quite at a. stand. he ordpred them to unllo their work,
an
ì"cstore the je\\pl8 to the sultan. He then ruhbed his lnmp,
and directed the genie to complete the hall, \\ hich wad done im-
mediately.

114

ARABIAN NIGHT
'

The sultan, when the workmen returned him the jewels, came -"
expostulate with his son-in-law, on his leaving so noLle a hall un
fini:shed; but when Aladdin conducted him into it he {ounC!- the
window
were all perfect. Turning to Aladdin, he embraced him:
saying, ., You are a most extraordinary man, to do such surprisi'lg
things thus ill an instant; the more I know you, the more ï
admire you."
:From this time Aladdin lived in great state. lIe was also happ J
in the affection of the princess, the confidence of the sultan, and the
general love of the people. lIe supported the dignity of his rank
with propriety; his abilities appeared more and more respectable.
On a dangerous insurrection, the sultan gave him the COllllllë.tlld of
his armies, and he was found worthy the trust, defeating the rebels
in twù pitched battles, in w bich he displayed great courage and
military conduct.
But no situation in human life is exempt froDI misfortune. Sev-
eral years after these events, the African magician who had unde-
signedly been the instrument of Aladdin's good fortune, chanced to
recollect him, and resohed to know if he had perished ill the cave.
He cast figures, and formed a horoscope, by which he found that
Aladdin had escaped, lived splendidly, was rich, had married a
princess, and was very much honored and respected.
The natural malignity of the magician became tenfold on this dis-
covery. He burst out in a rage, saying, " lIas this wretched tailor'a
son discovered the virtue of the lamp 1 does he whom J despised
and devoted to death enjoy the fruit of my labor and study 1 He
shall not loqg do so." He immediately prepared for a journey;
ahd setting ofr next day, travelled till he arrived again at the cap-
ital of China.
He put up at one of the principal khans, and mingled with peoplo
of the bettm sort, among whom he soon heard much talk of Alau-
diu's palace; for though it had been built some years, it still con-
tinued an object of admiration among the citizens. One of the
company, perceiving the magician was a stranger and listened to
them with particular attention, courteously offered to show him
those parts of it where the public were admitted. The magician
nccepted his civility; and presently was convinced that it was buiti
by the genii, slaves to the lamp, as it was evidently out of the power
:of man to produce so rieh and glorious an edifice.
The magician learned that Aladdm was O"one on a huntinD' P art v
o 0 11

EXTEHTAI:N
,IEKT8

115

which would last se\'eral days. As S0011 as he g( t back to the
khan, he had recourse to his art to know whether Aladdin carried
his lamp about bim. He had the unhoped-for pleaßure to learn
that the lamp was left in the palace, under no particular charge.
lIe placed, therefore, a dozen halldl50me Cf Ipper lamps in a basket,
and went to the palace of Aladdin, crying out," "\"ho will change
old lamps for new 1"
Several people accepted his offer, and this drew a crowd of boys
and idle peolJle about him. '1'he DoibÐ they made attracted the no-
tice of the princess; she sent a female slave to inquire the cause.
On her leport, another of tbe
u-ince815' women said, " Let us try if
this man. is as silly as he pretends to be. I remember to have seen
an old copper lamp 011 a cornice; the owner no doubt will be glad
to find a new one in its place." Badroulboudour consented; the
exchaDge was soon made; and the magician baving obtained the
prize he Bought, returned with it, rejoicing, to his khan.
In the evening he went into the fields, and reposed Limself tiU
midllight. He then rubbed the lamp, when the genie appeared,
and said, "'''hat wouldst thou? I am ready to obey thee as thy
slave; the slave of all those who have that lamp in their hands; I.
and the other slaves of the lamp." "I command thee," replied the
magician, "to transport me and the palace which thou hast built in
this city, and all who are in it, to such a pla.ce in Africa." The
genie and his associate;.. immediately obeyed him.
The sultan was so delighted with Aladdin's palace, that he used
to 10Gk out of his closet every morniJJog to admire it. The morning
after this removal, he was astonished to see only a void space where
the palace had stood the evening before. On consulting his grand
'\izier, that minister replied, " I am exceedingly sorry, sir, that this
event too fully proves the truth of my opinion. Your majesty knows
.i ha'\'e always thought this palace, and a
l its Immense riches, were
the work of magic only; and I now fear, with too much reason,
that those powers who were c::!:pable, in one night, of producing 80
much treasure and magnificence, have with equal facility taken
them away again.:'
'fhese remarks of the vizier kindled t
e sultan's rage against
Aladdin. "'Yhere is that impostor, that vile wre.tch 1" exclaimed
the sultan. "Bring him before me, and let his head pay the price
oi his wicked delusions."
The vizier despatched an officer, properly instructed, with a small

116

ARABIAN :KIGIITS'

party of horse, in search of Aladdin; when they came up with hinl)
the officer told him that the I'ultan relluired hi:s pre:sonce on par-
ticular Lusilless. Aladdin, who had not the lea.::;t idea of his hav-
ing incurred the di
pleë.L:sure of hi1:5 father-in-law, touk loave of
his train, whom he left to pur
me their sport, alld juining their
party, rode toward the city.
1filoH they th'cw near it, the officer addres
illg himself to the
prillce,
aiù, " It i:s 'with great regret, sir, that I declare to you tbe
cOlllllu1ndr-; of the sultan, ldlÏch are, that 1 am to arrest you, and
carry you Lofore him as a criminal, ill the most ignonÜniuus lllar
1101'." Acc01'dingly a chain was !Jut ahout lJÍ8 neck, and fa;:;toned
round hi8 Lody, 1:>0 that hit) n.rms were piniuued. One of the
troolJers took hold of the end of the chain, and Alad.t1jn was 01>-
liged to follow him on foot through the city to the sultan'::;
alace.
lUadc1in I:mbmitted with a::;tonÜilnuent to this severe treatment.
The officer could not teU him the reason of it, llor cuuld his own
imagination suggest it. 1fhen he was brought into the ruyal pres-
ence, the sultan, without deigning to speak to him, orderl3d the
executioner to take off his head. Aladwll WßR stripped. bound,
alld kneeling to receÍ\"e the fatal stroke, when an accident hap-
pened, which obliged the sultan relucÜUltIy to suspend his fate.
The cOllductiug .A.laddin through the city with 1:50 much dis-
grace, alarmed alld irritated the people, by whom he was univer-
sally beloved. A large mob followed the party to the palaeo; and
as the llew:s spread, the mob incroilfied.. l)eople of all de:scriptions
joiued them, and a great disturbance eusued. Part of the rioters
wore so bold :t:s tu fi)l'ce the gates, others :::3callJd the walls of the
palace. The sultan wa.s terrified, lIe ordered Aladdin to be UD-
Lound, and bad the chiaollx proclaim he had pardoned him T1JÍs
tsati
lil'd the peoplc.", \\' hu presently di
per8ed.
\Yhcn
\laddiu was 8et at liberty he threw himself at the I:ml-
tan'lS feet a LJd Leggpd to klllJW his criLUe. ,. Thy Cl.iule, perfi(]iou:3
wretch F' rCIJlicd th'} Imltan, ,. dost thou not know it? J'ollow
\HC ;" aud leading him iuto his closct s3,id,
, thou oughwst to know
whore thy palace 8too\..1, leak. and tell me wbat is become of it."
Aladdill seping his IJal:.!.ce was removed, was oYN'whelmed with
grief alld deFipair. The sultan, illðtead of being softened by hiE
<1i::,tre
!', becalHe mOl'e aud more incensed. "Caitiif," said he,
,. produce my daughter, whom, I valUC a thousand times beyOl!Cl
l:JY palace, or no eom:ideratlOn shall restrain me from IJuttlllg thco
f 0 death "

ENTEH.TAIN.:\IE
TS.

117

"I beseech your majesty," replied Aladdin, "t.o give me forty
days to search for my dear princess; if at the end of that timo
1 am unsuccessful, I do solcmnly swear t will return, and deliver
myself into your hands." "Begone, then," answered the. sultan j
" but kncw, that if you lJreak thit::! oath, you shall not escape my
resentr.lcnt. l\Iy rage shall pursue you, if you do not produce my
daughter, in whatever part of the world you lllay vainly attempt
to hide yourself."
.Aladdill left the sultan, covered with confusioll. As he went
out of the palace, he experienced the vanity of that adula.tion
which is wmally ofiered to pert:;ons in prosperity. Among the
officers of the court, Borne pitied, some insulted him; but no one
offered him comfort or as
i8tance. lIe passed on to the city,
about which he rambled for three days. Ilis senEes became di
-
turbed; and he asked everyone he met, if he could tell him any
De\yS of his palace.
Tired at last of wandering about the streets, he strolled into the
country; and coming to the side of a river, as he was indulging
his grief; and pensively watching the undulation of the water, the
ground he stood on gave way, and he would have fallen into the
I'iver, if he had not caught hold of a rock which supported him.
In recovering himself he pressed the ring, be had formerly received
from the African magician very hard. The genie immediately
appeared and mad.e him the usual offer of his services.
Aladdin recovering at once from rus despair, cried out, "0 genie,
preserve my life a second time, by bringing back my palace to the
place where it stood."
"That I cannot do," re plied the genie; "you must a:ldress
yourself to the slave of the lamp." "At least," 8aid Aladdin, " con-
vey me to the place where it stands, and set me down under the
princess Radroulboudour's window." These words were no sooner
uttered, than the genie transported him to Africa, and set him down
as he had de!:\ired.
It was night when .Aladdin found himself under the window of
the princess. As he knew not who might be within, he determined
not to enter it till morning. He sat down at the root of a large
tree, and began to consider within himself whenc.e his misfortunes
proceeded. lIe reèollected how carelessly he had left his inesti.
mable lamp; rmd douhted not but that careles
mess was the sourco
of all his sorrows. But how it should fall into the hands of airy

118

AHABIAN NIG [ITS'

one who knew its use, was wonderful; and still 1ll00.e so, that the
pre
ellt possessor should have so much ill-will to him} as to remove
the princess and her palaée.
Amidst these contemplations, the fatigue and grief he had sus-
tained overcame him, and he fell a:;leep; lmt waking yery c
rly
ill the l1loruing, he had the satisfaction of seeing the princess at
Ler window; for from the time of her removal :-;orrow had dri \-Cll
sleep fi.'01ll her eyelids. Badroulboudour soon perceived him. She
durst not converse with him from her window; but made signs to
him. that he should repair to tho back door, whm'e a trusty slave
attended to admit him, and to conduct hinl to bis beluved princess.
\\llen the joy of theh meeting had a lit.tle subsided, Badroul-
boudour soon explained to him the SOUl"(:e of their misfortune, by
telling him they were in Africa. She related to him the manner
in which the magician had obtained the la'mp, which he now con-
8tantly carried in his bosom; and added, that he every day paid
her Ol
e visit, and audaciously presu111ed to solicit her love; assur-
ing her, that her husband had fallen a victim to the sultan's anger.
Aladdin having heard all these particulars, besought the
- prince
s to permit him to go to a neighboring town. "This mau,"
said he, "in whose power we now are, iA the most subtle; and the
most wicked of mankind. Yet as he can have no idea that I am
at band" I think we I3hall be ahle to evade his malice. ""'hen
he c(,mes to you to-day," continued Aladdin, "receive him with less
reserve than u
ual ,; seem as if you would shortly be reconciled to
your situation; invite him to sup with you, and leave the rest to ll),e."
Aladdin then went into the town, amI bought of a druggist
half a dracbm of a certain powder, "ith which !I(' returned to the
palace. This he gave to tbe prillceHH, with. iIldtJ'uctions how to use
it; and then retired to a closet lel:!t he shuuld be discovered. The
magician paid his usual visit to the princess, ill the course of the
day
and was glad to find her in much better spirits than befure.
She had núw, for the first time since in his power, dressed herself
elegantly; she conversed with him with freedom: and even heard
him talk of luve, without showing much disgu5t.' \Yhen he was
n.1JOut to depart, she pretl?uded a desire to taste the wines of Africa.,
anù desired he would provide her some of the best, aua conle and
B
,p with ho1'.
The wily African, with all his cunning, allowed himself to bð
decei
ed. His nature was not cnpable of generous love. The in-

I':N rEHTAIXl\IEXTS.

119

c(,mparable beauty of the princess had, indeed, excited L.1 him a
coan;e and beastly desire, which he hoped now to gratify; and
while he thought himself secure of his expected enjoyment, he
laughed at, and reviled in his heart the versatility of the sex, to
which he ascribed his success.
In the eYenin
he did not fail to attend the princess, who re-
ceived him in the mest flattering manner. After supper when thß
wine was set before them, the princess gave an appoiutcd signal to
her attendant. A gold cup was presented to the magician, and
another to the princess. In her cup was the powder procured hy
Aladùin. 'Vine }Jeing poured out: the princess told the ll1ugiciau,
that in Chir
a, it 'was the custom for lovers to exchange cups, and
at the same time, held out her cup to him. lIe eagerly made the
exchange; and putting the cup he had received from her to Ius
lipft, he drank a little of the wine, and immedia.tely expired.
\Vhen the magician fell dO\,yn, Aladdin. who had ,,yatched the
event, entered the hall; and running to the body, found the lamp
carefully wrapped up in his Losom. lIe retired agnin to the
closet, and f'ummoning the genic, commanded him to restore the
palace to its former situation; which he did accordin
ly, those
within it only feeling two slight shocks one when it ,vas lifted up,
the other when it was set down, and both in a short interval of
time.
The sultan had continued inconsolable for the loss of his daugh-
ter. As it had l)een his cW3tom formerly to go often into his closet
to admire Aladdin's palace, he now did so for very different reasons.
Every morning, and often in the daytime, he retired there, to in-
dulge his sorrow for the los8 of his beloved daughter. The morn-
ing 'tfter the return of the palace, the sultan entered his closet,
unusually sad; when going to the window, he had the joyful sur-
rrise to see it agaiu ill it
place. He flew thither, and em braced
hi
daughter with tears of joy; nor was she less affected.
",,'hen their trau1:\ports were a little abated, the princess related
to her father everything that haù befallen her. She took upon
herself the whole hlame of changing the lamp, and magnified the
merit of hcr husband in having 80 SOon found her out and deliver-
ing her. The sultan embraced ..A.laddin, and they forgave each
other. The dead body of the magician was thrown upon a dung-
hill; and the whole city rejoiced at the safe return of Aladdill a"l]
the urince
9.
6

]90

ARABIAN NIGHTS

'l'he happiness of Alaùùin was not yet I:;ecureù. Though the magi-
cian was dèad, he had left a Lrother as wicked, and as powerful
as himself. I t was the custom of these brethren to illform them-
selves by their art, once a year, where each ot.her was: amI VI hether
either of them stood in need of the other's assistance.
"\Vhen the customary period arrived, all the particlllar
of the
African magician's deat.h became known to his Lrothcr, Ly IJÏs
skill in necromancy. On finding such a fatal account, he pursued
his art, till by it he became acquainted with his brother's inter-
course with Aladdin, and with Aladdin's present situation. Having
learned all these things, instead of indulging a fruitless grie
he set
out for the capital of China, to gratify his revenge.
lIe crossed plains, rivers, mountains, deserts, and seas, with in-
credible fatigue, till he arrived there safely. After a short repose,
he went continually to places of puLlic resort, to acquaint himself
with the customs of the people, aud Aladdin's mode of living; in-
tending to form thence a plan to destroy him.
Among other things he often heard of ono Fatima, a holy woman,
who resided in a hermitage near the city, and used now and then
to come to it. lIeI' piety was everywhere spoken of. They eveu
declared that she had the power ùf working miracles; and par-
ticularly that she never failed to eure any person who had the
headache, by putting her hand on them.
From all thi8, the magician formed a plot which he put in exe-
cution in this manner :-He found out the cell of the holy woman
and went to her under pretence of being much aff1icted with the
headache. By this means be had an oppcrtunity of observing her
appearance and manner of conversation. lIe returned to the city,
and passed the evening in one of those hou
es where they Bell hot
liquors, and where any person may stay al.I Ilight if he chooses.
About midnight he set out again for Fatima's cell, The llOly
woman was fast asleep in her clothes, on a mattress. lIe awakened
her, and clapping a dagger to her breast, bade her get up and be
silent.
Fatima was much frightened, but thought it best to obey h.i!
(l
He then ordered her to change clothes with him. This done. he
took out a vessel: holding a certain liquor, and a brush: and C(
l-
manded Fatima to color his face that it might resemlJle hers; }JU

perceiving the poor creature trembled so much that she waR unah

to olley him, he encouraged her, and swore to her by th{, name ot

Esn.Kl'.Annl

L';:;.

i21

Oud that hÐ W0I1111 not hurt her. Cumforted by this assura.nce,
she painted his f
\ce, put on him her coif :111..1-1 1/cads, awl giyillg
him her stick, she showed him how he ought t? walk to appear
like her. Being thus completplyable to l'a
"i for FiLtima, he, with-
out the least regard to his oath, 8trangled her, and threw her into
a cistern.
In the morning he returned to the city, where he imitated the
holy woman so well that everyone Lelieved it \nt
her, and crowded
for her benediction. IIe went directly toward
\.laddill's palace,
and the multitude attending him being lloticed by tIle princess: she
inquired the cause of it. BadroulLoudour had of ton heard ûf tho
holy woman, but had ne,'el" seen her. She sont therefore to de-
sire to speak with her. The magician was overjoJed. lIe coun-
terfeited Fatima with great exactness, nnd when introduced, 1.'y
affectiNg great piety and mortification, by a long In'aJer, find many
yoW
for her prosperity, the detestahle hypocrite gained the esteem
of the credulous princess, who was too good herself to distrust
others.
Aft':)r a long conversation, the magician artfully dropped a }JÌnt
at the splendor of the palace. The princess, thinking the sight
of the magnificent hall must give pleasure even to an anchorite,
conducted the false Fatima thither, and asked her how she liked
that building. "I am not," rf'plied the magician, " a judge of these
fine things; but I think if a roc's egg was hung up in the midöt of
the dome, the whole would be complete. There is one on the top
)f ,Mount Caucasus; and the architect who built your palace can

rocure it for you."
This conversation the princess paid much attention to. She had
wer con8idered that hall as the grandeEt and most elegant building
n the world, and she could Hot Lear it 8hould want anything to
llake it absolutely perfect. She led the supposed holy woman into
nother a.partment, and requel'itecl her to continue with her the re-

l1ainder of the ùay; to which, with apparent reluctance, hut "ith
eaJ joy, the deceiver cons('uted.
""Yhen AIadùiu returned from council, the princess met him; nnd
ðsired be would have a roc's egg hung up in the dome of the hall,
glling him at the Rame time where there was one. Aladdin, who
:as always desirous of pleasing the princes
, W('lIt immediately to
le hall, aud summoning the genie; said, ,. There is a roc's eg
on
fount Cnucasu::i, whi{'h I would have thee bring, and hang up in
6

1 ')1)
...-

AR\ lUAN KTC--nT
'

this dome." These words wcrc no sooner uttcJ'(\d, than the
(,1l1

set up a fearful cry, aftcr which hc saiù to Aladùm, ,. \\:' retch: J

it not cnongh that I and my companions have ùone so much tùr
thce, but thou must command mc to bring my master, and hallg
him up in thy hall 1 It is well for thee that thou art not the
author of this ungratcful request. Know, thcn, that thc de\' i
er
of it is the Lrother of the African magician. lIe ha
murdercc.1
}"atima, awl is now with thy ,,,,ifc, di
guit5ed to rescmble that huly
woman. It waß he who suggC'Hted this demand to the princef'8, by
which he hopcd to have involved you both in ruin. lIe will now
endeavor to kill thee; look therefore to thyself." Aftcr theHe
words, the genie, snatching the lamp fron1 Aladdin's hand, di..-
appeared.
As soon as Alac1din had recoyered from his surprise, he deter-
min
d at oncc what measnres to pursue. lIe went into the cham-
ber where the princess and the magician were conversing together,
and pretenùed to haye the headache, desiring the false Fatima to
cure it. 1'he magician, overjoyed, approached with a daggm' in
one hand concealed unùer his clothes; as he drew near, Aladdin
scized him hy that arm, and in an instant, with his own dagger, put
an end to his perniciuus life.
Though .Aladdin was much grieved for the loss of his lamp, yet
he consoled himself, as hy the death of the magician his peace wus
secured. lIe succeeded some years afterward to the throne of
China, on which he reigned with his IJrÏncess to a good old age,
and left hehind him a numerous posterity

THE STORY OF LITTLE HUNCHBACK.
At Cas gar, on the lJorders of Tartary; there lived a tailer, s.
cheerful, hOf'pitable fellow, who had a. very deserving wife that L6
was fond of. One eveniug, as he was leaving off work, a little
deformed man sat down near his shop, and taking out a lute, playei
and sung very melodiously. The tailor was lUuch p]eased with hi

performance, and thinking to amuse his wife, h{' took Hunch bar,i{
home to snp with him. Their supper consisted of a large c1i
h 01
fi
h. U lllnckily, the crooked gentlcman swallowed a bone, .of whic1:
he died in a few minuteH, notwithstanding his hosts gave him e,-erJ
a!:'
iRtance in their powcr.
The tailor amI his wife were exceedingly frightened at this acei
dent; and dreading the consequences of the body being found i;

E
TERT A.IX
IE
TS.

123

their apartment, they convc.reu it to the house of a Jew doctor,
who lived not far oft: The tailol sUI.)orted the body, as if it was
a sick man, and his wife gave the doctor's ::;ervant a picce of gold,
and desired he would come to them iUl111cdiately. The ma.id went
up to her master, and the tailor and his wife nimljly folIo" illg her,
carried the body to the top of the stairs) aud leaning it agaim;t tho
wainscot, hastened away as quickly as pm;::;ihle. -
The doctor, notwithstanding lJÎs skill" was exceedingly poor.
The piece of gold he re
eivcd1 gan; him a good opinion of his
patient. He ordered his serntnt to fallow with the light, and run-
ning tó the stairs, he knocked the Lody down to the botto'm of thcm.
'Yhen the light came, the Jew, finding the corpse warm, made no
question but that the sick man had expired iu consequcuce of the
fall. He gave himself up to despair; hut his wifc, more fertile ill
invention, contrived the meaus of avoiding the danger. She ad-
vised the Jew to take Hunchback to the top of the hOllse, and hy
means of ropes to lower him down a neighboring chimney.
The apartment into which little Hunchback was now con\-eyed
belonged to a l\Iussulman, who was pur\Teyor of provi::;ions to the
sultan. \Vhen he came home, and saw by the light of his lantern
a man standing upright in his chimney, he was exceedingly enraged.

'he purveyor had frequently lost part of his stores, and not doubt-
ing but tbat he had now detected the thief, ho resoh-ed to punish
him severely. lIe caned therefore the suppo::;ed culprit yery
heartily; but as he neither moved nor cried out, he left oft' beatiug
him, and hoiding up the light, perceived that he was dead. Terror
now almost deprived the purveyor of his senses. lIe questioned
not but that the man" as killed Ly his blo \Vs; and he well knew
the puni::;hment he must expect if he was di::;cm"ercd.
To ayoid this, he waited till an hour after midnight, and when
everything was still in the streets, took the body on his back, with
many execrations, and conyeyed it to the door of a shop a little
distance off; where, placing Hunchback on his feet, he left him,
and flew back to his own house, fortunately without meeting 11
person.
A few minutes before daybreak, a Christian merchant who had
been up all nif!;bt, dehauching, passed by that way.
'hough he
was drunk, he knew the time irew near when people are called to
early prayers, and that he was liable to punishmcnt for hemg found
in the street in that condition. Seeing the patrol approacbing, be

124

AHABIAN NIG 11'1'8'

sought to conceal himself by standing up close to the same shop
door where the purveyor had left Hunchback. The body being
jostled by the merchant, tumbled upon him; and the Christia,n
supposing it was a thief, threw him d,nvn, fell upon him, and COll-
tinued beating him, crying out, "Thieyes!>'
The outcry alarmed the watch, who came up immediately, and
finding a Chri
tian beating a l\lussulman, demanded the meanin
of
such an outrage. " lle would have roh1Jed me," replied the mer-
chant, " and jumped upon me, with intent to take me by the throat.';
"You seem," said the officer, "to have sufficiently I>evenged your-
self; come, get off him"-at the same time stooping to raise
Hunchback, he found that he was dead. "Ah!" exclaimed he, " is
it thus that a Christian dares to aSRassinate a Turk 1" Saying thi
,
he seized the merchant find dragged him to prison, till the judge was
r.eady to examine him.
A 8Cllse of his danger soon dissipated the fume::; of the li(luor :
but the more the Christian was capable of thought, he less he could
account how the few blows he had Ftruck could have been fatal, or
contrive how he should excuse himself to the magistrate, after
having accused the defunct with attempting to roh him. In the
morning the judge heard thc relation of the patrol, and as the de-
ceased was one of the royal buffoons, he thought it hit:) duty to re-
port the matter to the sultan. That prince, enraged at the death
of his jester, and at the boldness of the Christian in killing a Turk,
ordered him to be imstantly hanged.
The merchant was led out accordingly, tied to the gibl)et, and
notwithstanding his outcries ar:.d protestations of innocence, was
just about to be pnt to death, when the purveyor came up to tln
judge and owned himself the murderer. '''hile the oiliccr was
con
idering what measures to pursue, the Jewish doctor arrived,
and exculpated the purveyor; and presently after, the tailor took
the guilt from the Jew, by I.elating the manner of Hunchback's
death. The jud
e conveyed all the parties before the sultan
who
heard their several accounts with amazement, and addressing him-
self to the \-iziers and emirs of hi::; court, demanded if they had ever
heard of so strange an event; on which the Christian merchant)
prostrating himself, declared that he could relate a story st-ill m(xe
wcnderful. The sultan, desirous to hear it, directed \lÌlli to do ::;0
he obeyed thus :-

EXTEnT A I:N)IE
T8.

125

THE STORY TOLD BY THE CHRISTIAN !\l ERCJIANT.
I am a stranger born at Cairo, where, at my:fitther's death, 1 suc-

eeded to his business, as a very com5iderablc Lroker. Onc <.1aj, as
T was standing in the puLlic corn-market, a young man, well dre-*l-
NÌ
allle to me, and produciug a saJl1l'le of selSame and Turkey
COIn, desired me to sell for hilll a hun<.1red and fifty 1JUHhels of it
I--l- +.h0 best price I could get. I presently found a pm.chaser at a

,undred and ten drachms of silver each bushel. 'flle young man
WH.... wcl1 pleased with my bargain, and when the corn was deliver-
ed, I would have paid him the money, but he declined to take it
hen and went awaYJ leaving tho whole produce of hi::; corn in my
hands.
I frequently saw him afterward, and u;'ged hnn to reeei\'e his
.(..oney, but he always evaded it. At last he stayed away for a
whole yea.r; and when he came he wa" dre
8cd richer than usual,
but he was very thoughtful. I pressrd him as lJefore to take his
ID)ncy, and added an earnest ilnitation for him to enter IllY house
and dine with me, which at length he complieù with.
At dinner I perceived my guest fed himsplf with hi
left hand.
I could not conceive the cause of his treating me so contemptuously.
I restrained myself till we had dined, when presenting him with
some lozenges, whi
h he took in the saBle manncr, I entreated him
tð 9xplain the my
tcry to me. After dropping a. tea.r, he drew back
'J.is garment, and producing his right arlll I saw it wal:3 without a
.balid. I was so shocked at tl-.is disco\"ery, that I sat in silence
The young man hasing recovered from his confusion, aùùresset'
"...illL.,;elf to me nearly as follows :-

l ne good opiniùn I ha\Te fvrmed of you, induces me to reveal
:a y mi::,fcl'tuue to YOl1
and the cause of it.
.C J am a. lJative of Bagclali. Ou the death of my fatber, who

'a,
a cOl1::,iùer.1.ble merchant, I resoh'ed to travel. Accordingly I
I acked '
p many bales of rich stufl':s aud other valuable merchandise,
tlTld 3rri\'cd safely with them here. But when I exposecl them for
sale, the mcrchauts thinking to take adyautage of my youth mid
illexrpricnce, did not Lid me the first cost. One of the cr1crs of
the Bei,.'stcin percei\ iug how much I was ypxed at thil:3 treatment,
:Hhised me to ùiyide lIlY good:-; amollg the Cicaler:.;, who would sell
them on my aceount and settle with me twice a week. I füHowed
this ad\'ice, which prO\Ted vèry uspfu J to me.
"One morlling, as I sat in a dea.:
l':
shop, a lady Came in and sat

126

AHABIAK KIGIITS'

down by me. I was mnch taken with her graceful carriage ...nd
fine form, and gazed at her with great attention. She ohsPl'yed thi8,
and undcr pretence of adjusting her yeil, she contrived to let me see
her face, which was so beantiful, that she entirely completed the C011-
quest of my heart. She desired the shop-keeper to show her some gclc1
stuffs, and I was happy to see her fix on one of mine. She agreed wilh
llÏln for th9 pricc, but not having money enough in her purse to pn

for it, she wi
hed to take it home, and promised to l'eturn next da)
with the money. This the dcaler refused. I put an end to tbe di
.
pute. by entreating the lady to accept the piece of stuff, which sho
would only do on condition that I wouIeI meet her next day an
l.eceive the money for it. To this I was forced to consent, and
when the lady withdrew she thanked lne in the most engaging
manner for my civility; adding,' 1\Iay God rewarù you in enlargin.;
your fortune! may you live many years when I am dead! may the
gate of heaven be opened to you when you l.croove to the ot.her
world! and may aU the city proclaim your generosity!'
":My heart became at once entirely attached to this lüvely
woman. I returned home in great agitation; and already began
to wish for the appro<-1l'h of the next day. I could neither eat nor
sleep; and after a night which seemed the longest I had e,,<,r
known, I dressed myself with particular attention, and hastened to
the shop. The lady came and paid me the money, after which w

entered into conversation, I embraced this orportunity of telling
her how much I was devoted to hel' ; on which she was oversprcad
with blushes, and rising hastily, though without showing dispieas-
ure, she quitted the shop.
" I durst not venture to follow her; and havíng made inquiry of
the
hop-keeper who she was to very little purpose, I was returnin

home pensively, when I felt some one pull my sleeve, and was
agreeably surprised to see it was the lady's slave. She whisperod
me softly to follow her at a distance, and led me to a handsome
house where I found her mistress. The lady had thrown off the
habit usual in the strcet8, and appeared richly dressed and se.
charl'ling, that if I loved her 't1efore I adored her now. She apol-
ogized for haying left tIle so abruptly; 'I did not t.hink fit,' con-
tinued she, 'to
ive yon a favorahle answer in the hearing of the
8hop-keeper, but to deal frankly with you, I think myself happy
to have a man of so much IDBl'i(. for my lover.' I threw n...yself at
her feet, in a transport of joy at this wekome declaration; when

Z);TE!
TAIXl\IEXTS.

27

the lady laising m(\ tenderly, desired me to enter an adjoinin

apartment, and partake of an entertainment she had prcpared for
me.
u From this time there commenced betwecn us a most tender
1}.nd intimate union. I passed all the time I could
pare from my
serious conCel'ns with
Iargiana (for f1.0 was the lady called), who
always 'feceived me l\"ith joy, and entertaincd me 8plendidly. As
I was sensible this was attended with great expensc, I used to leave
regulary a purse of gold on the sofa when I came away. I con-
tinued to do so till I had sold all my goods; when I found myselfi
all at once, without money or the means of oLtailling any.
"In this desperate condition I walked out of my lodging, and
careless which way I went, strolled by chance toward the castle,
w here there was a great crowd waiting to see the sultan. Among
them was a handsome cavalier, well mounted, who had upon the
'how of his saddle a tag half open, with a grcen silk string hang-
ing out, which I had no doubt ,yas the string of a purse. A por-
t
r passing by on the other side with a load of wood, went so near
the gentleman as oLliged him to turn his heod that way, to avoid
.being rubbed by the wood. In that minute did the deyil tempt me
I seized the string and pulled out the purse so dexterously, that
none of the by-standel's perceived me, and I had the satisfaction
to feel that it was very full of money.
"But though I had escaped the notice of the erowd about me,
the owner of the purse was more attentiye. K 0 sooner was he
disengaged from the porter, than, missing his purse, he knocked me
down. 'This violence shocked the bystanders; some of whom
seized his bridle, and demanded how he dal'ed to treat a l\I ussulman
in such a manner. 'I have reason enough,' replied he briskly,
'this fel10w is a thief.' Everyone took my part still more
saying
it was incredible that a young man of my appearance should be
guilty of so base an action. nut whiJe they held his horse to favor
mv '3scape, unfortunately the judicary judge came by, and seeing a
ero rd, demanded the cause.

'The judge heard the charge against me, and far from suffering

r.e opinions of the bystanders to bias him, he ordered me to be
searched; when, to my utter confm.ion, the purse was prescntly
found and exposed to the view of all the people. :My shame was
eo great that I swooned away. The judge restored the purse to the
owner and, on my recovery, admonished me to confess the truth,

128

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

and sa\Te myself from the torture. I acknow lc'dgerl my guì:t: 'LLIQ
the judge ordered my right hand to be instantly cut off, whieh was
done accordingly. He was pl'oceeding to direct my foot to be cut
off also; but the cavalier iuterceding for me, he 11erruitted me to
depart without furthpr punishment.
"As soon as the judge was gone, the mwalier presented me with
the fat.al purse, saying, , I see plainly it was nece88ity put you on an
action so unworthy of you, and I a n heartily sorry for your lllis
fortune,' One of the people observing I was faint with the loss of
Llood, and overcome with grief and shame, had the charity to také
DIe into his house, where he caused my arm to be dressed, an},
gave me every proper refreshment.
"In the e, ening I went to
largiana. I expected that after so
infamous a transaction, she ,,,ould ùrive me fl'om her, as utterly
unworthy her notice; but knO\\.in
it was impossihle to conceal
the loss of myhand, I determined to meet at once the utmost of
my mif::\cry. On my arrival I threw myself on a sofa, overspent
with weakness alJd sorrow; l\Iargialla, hearing of my arrival,
and that I was indisposed, hastened to me, and endeavored to com
fort me; I answereù her only with sighs and tears; which induced
her to fill me a large cup of wine and entreat me to driuk it
'Y ou are too much dejected,' said she; 'drink thiR, which will ex:
hilarate your spirits, and then explain to me. the cause of thiB
uncommon sorrow.
"I held out my left band to receh-e the cup, and the necessity
of duing RO, increased my affliction. Soon after the fumes of t,
î

wine, added to my fatigue and "caknes
, overcame me l alld I fp11
into a deer sleep ,,.hich lasted until "morning. 'Yhile I fìlcpt,
J\Iargim1a lifted up my c
.)ak, and seeing me without my right
hand, was at no 1088 to account for my distrp

. In tho mOl'uing
she would not suffer me to depart: but attend{'d me in P{,l'SOlJ tilJ
f I was completely recoYel'ed. She then led me to a large trunk,
which
he oppned, saying, 'Here are all the purses you haye left
with me; I hav(' not touched ono of them; would to II{'a,Y'{'n you
had 1,laced fiO much confidence in me as to haye expl."iue(l your
-3ituation. These I insist on your receinng again, finò :18 I feel I
e:umot sUl'yive the di
grace I ha\-e brought u}lon you, I will f'ellf1
for a notary, and leave you my who:e fortune, which is ,my ew,-
BiJerable.'
',She made her will accordingly; nor eould my utmost tender

E
TEH'l'AI
.\IE.NTS.

129

ness prevent her sinking, as she had foretold, under the sense of
my misfortune. She languished a few weeks, and then expired in
my arms."
The sultan of Casgar was displeased with the presumption of the
Christian merchant in comparing this story to that of the little
Ilunchback; which the purveyor seeing, he entreated permission
to relate a story more worthy the ear of the sultan.

THE STORY TOLD BY THE PURVEYOR.
I was yesterday invited to a sumptuous entertainmcnt, one
course of which was served up with garlic sauce so excellent, that
all the company extolled it except one, who declined to partake
of it; the master of the ll(
use recommending it to him, he replied,
"I remember too well what the tasting of such a dish once cost
me. Yet if you persist in urging me, 1 will comply. provided you
will permit me to wash my hands forty times with alkali, forty
times with ashes of the same plant, and forty timeS' with soap."
The curiosity of our host being now excited, he pressed his guest
more earnestly; and ordered his servants to provide the necessa-
ries for this extraordinary aùlution. The visitor, who was a mer-
chant, su hmitted, though with evident displpasure. lIe put a lit-
tle garlic to his mouth, trembling, and ate it with great reluc-
tance; after which he arose, and "ashed his hands as he had con-
ditioned to do. 'Ve were all surprised at this scene, and the more
so, as we perceived the merchant had lost both his thumbs.
'Vhen the washings were over the master of the house apolo-
gized to his guest, and besought him to take his seat again at the
table, and inform the company why he had such an aversion t{
garlic, and also how he became thus maimed.
rhe merchant with
great good nature camp lied.
"I was Lorn," said he," at Bagdad; my father was esteemed one
ûf the richest merchants of the city; but at his death, it appeared
that he had lived too expensively; I had scarce enough left to
pay his debts and bury him. Though I found myse!f poor, when
I expected the contrary, I did not suffer my spirits to be dejected;
but took a shop, and hy industry and care, my little fortune began
to increase beyond my hope.
"One day a lady attended by a eunuch nnd two female slaves
came into my shop, and desired to see some of the richest and
finest stuffs. I modestly told her that I was not rich enough to
6*

130

AR
\.BIAN NIGIl'l'S"

deal in such ex
ensiYe Q'oods , . but added, if she chose to stay ill
.L ð
my Hhop till the merchant camE" I would fetch what she wantecl at
the lowelSt price. She a
cepteù my ofrer, and as there were v-ary
few people in the bezestein, she threw off her ve iI, for the benefit
of the air, and cOllyersed with me very affaLly. lIeI' wit and beauty
so charmed me, that I became deeply enamol'ed; and when she took
away with her as 111auy goods, which I had procured, as came to
five thousand drachms of silver, I gazed after her as long as she
continued in sight, vdthout once cOllflidering that she had not paid
for them.
"The merchants soon awaked me from this reyerie, by calling fOL
their money. I pretended to know the lady, and requested credit
for eight days, which they agreed to. The time I passed very un
easily, but on the morning of the eighth day, I had the pleasure t
see the lady enter the bezestein, and come directly to my shop.
She paid me for the goods, and entered into cOllversation with me
for a long time; after which she desired me to procure other rÌrh
goods, of which she took away as many as came to a thousand
pieces of gold.
" A month elaps
d without my seeing the lady again; and thou
h
the merchants, pleased with my former punctua1ity, were more
patient than I could have hoped for, yet at last they became
clamorous. I was so attached to her, that ruin itself, arisin

from her, was scarcP-ly unwelcome. I had prepared myself for
the worst, and hourly expected it, when tJ1e lady came and paiú.
me the money I stood engaged for.
" I was in such haste to pay my del)ts, that I requested her to
excuse my absence for a few momentR; on which she said to "'.he
eunuch, 'Let us have your interposition to accommodate our mat-
ters.' The eunuch laughed, and followed me. As we walked, he
told me he saw by my eyes how much I loved the lady. 'She,
continued he, 'is no l('ss pleased with you, and comml.ssiol1ed me
to wll you that she is ready to become your wife if you desire it.' I
receh-ed this news 'with transport. On our return he told the lady
I was satisfied; on which she arose, and telling me, with a smile,
I should hear from her soon: withdrew. ·
" Some days after the eunuch came alone, and acquainted me that
the lady was a favorite of ZolJcide, the caliph's sultana, who had
brought her up from her infancy. 'She has told Zobeide,' added
be, ' of her intended marria.ge
and that beautiful princess will pro

EXTERT AIN':\IE
TS.

131

yjde liberally for you both; lmt she wishes to see you before the
marrÏ3ge takes place. IIa,ye you COlll'age to yenture being intro-
duced into the ladies' apartments in the palace, where JOu know
men are not alluwed to ellter; and in which, if we fail, your life is at
an end l' 'I am ready,' ('xdninH'd Ii ' to hazard anything for such
an angel.' '1\lo('t mc, then,' l'('l'li('cl the ('unuch, ' this evening at the
mOt-que 011 the Lallks uf the Tigris.'
" I ditlnot f,til to attC'nd at the time appointed. "\Vhen I arrived,
at the mosque, 1 found SOlnl' men bringing in :several large trunks.
In a short time they aU withdrew except one, whom I soon found
to be my friendly el1llUch. At the ::;ame instant tho lady entered at
another door. I would IULYe thrown myself at her feet, but she
prevented me. '''
e have no time for compliments,' said she, ' get
into One of these trunks, and lmwe the management of thIS affair
to me.' I obeyed, tremLling
mid IJresently all the trunks were
conveyed to no boat, an<11'oweù down the Tigris to the water-gate
of the palace.
" On our arrintl, the trunks were carried into the apartment of
the chief of thé eunuchs; who ha\'ing retired to rest, was obliged
to :rise; as nothing could he carried into the I alace without his
inspection. The crabbed old man, displeat;ed at being disturbed, re-
solved to execute his office with severity. ' I will have,' said he,
, all theRe trunks opened, before I Buffer them to pass,' At the
same time he commanded the eunuchs to bring them before him, and
begin with the one in which I lay.
"The favorite lady, however, was not easily daunted. 'Every-
thing in these trunks,' said she, ' belongs to our mistress. That in
particular, contains bottles of the sacred Zemzem* water, sent from
Mecca for her use. Should any accident happen to them from yonr
impertinent ohstinacy, prepare to abide by the consequences, as I
8hall not fail to report your conduct to Zobeide.' 1'he eunuch in-
timidated by this spirited beha,'ior gave up the point, and suffered
us to pass without further interruption.
" The tl'llllks were now '3arried into the apartments of Zobeide,
lJUt were scarcely ùeposited, when the caliph appeared. lIe asked
v;-\.'1.t they cvntained, and was told rich stuffs for the sultana, on

ill TheTe is 3. fountain at Mecca which the Mohammedans believe was the Bprinf!'
wldch nod showed to Hagar. after Abraham was obliged to put her away j this
w'1.ter is called Zemzem water, and is dranlt by way of de\-otion. It is sent in pre"
ents tc princ p ! and grt'Ri; men.

132

ARABIAN Jl;lf: IlTS'

which he de.-:ired to see them. In vain the TIworHe lady pleaded
her mistress' orders, 110t to have them opened. ' I will undertake
to reconcile her to you,' said the caliph, , in the meantime I will be
obeyed.'
, }'ortunatcly the other trunks did contain rich apparel and trink.
ets, thes
the favorite displayed, and, "ith much prolixity, pointed
out their several excellences to the caliph. At last they were all
opened except the trunk in which I was concealed. 1'he favorite
ordered three eunuch"s to take them away, but the caliph remember.
ed ther9 was one he had not examined, and directed that to be
opened also. The favorite appeared ready to obey. She eyen un
locked it. I shudder now, at remembering the terrors I felt at t.hat
moment. But, as if recollecting herself, she entreated the calip!1
to excuse her, as that trunk contained some articles she particularly
wished to remain as they were till Zobeide had seen them. Thp.
caliph, pleased with her former compliance, and tired with the tmr
vey, admitted her apology; the trunk was again locked, and I WaR
conveyed in safety to another apartment.
"The favorite lady came very shortly and released me. 'You are
now,' said she, , in perfect safety. I shared in your alarm, anù, in-
deed, in your danger; since, had you been discovered, our fate
would have been the same. To-morrow I will introduce you to the
princess. Be of good courage,. continued she; 'I reueat that yov
are perfectly safe here. I wìU order you proper refreshments, ba

cannot see you any morc this evening.'
" In the morning I was introduced to :lobe ide, who, after a long
conversation, dismissed me, saying, 'I am glad that my daughter (a8
she tenderly called her favorite) has made so good a choice; I con.
Bent to your marriage, which shall be solemnized here; you may
remain, and I will inform the caliph of your situation.' Accord-
ingly, at the end of ten days, our nuptials were celebrated with great
stab. A noble feast, was prepared, at w hich, amo
g other delicacies,
was a ragout with gar1ic, of which I ate heartily; but unfortunately
when I arose from the table, I only wiped my hands instead of
washing them.
" In the evening the apartments were lit up with t11C utmost
magnificence. l\Iy bride and I were illtroduced into a great hall,
and seated upon two thrones. We had a grand concert of music.
after which the women who attended her changed her dress, find
painted her face with different sorts of colors, according to the
usnal custom on wodding days; and every time 8he clumged he..

EXTERT.\ I
'IENTS.

133

habit thð'y presented hf'r to me. In the cYèning we were con-
ducted to the nuptial chamber, where, when the company retired,
I approached to embrace my wife; but instead of receiving me
with transport, she pushed me from her: and cried out loudly.
The ladies, who had not withdrawn far
came running into the
chamber to know the cause, while I Atood like one thunderstruck.
, Take away,' said !She, ' that ,'ile fellow out of my sight.' 'Alas!'
replied 1,' how have I incurred your displeasure l' , "\\T retch !'
I
said she, 'have you llot neglected to wash your hands after eating
garlic 1 but I will punish your disrespect as it deserves.' She then
i:..irected her slaves to strip me, find I received from them a furious
bastinadoing, after which sbe ordered my hands and feet to be cut
off.
" I was terrified at this severe sentence, anù cried out,' Is it not
enough to be thu
disgraced and unmercifully beaten, hut I must
lose my hands and feet also, for eating a ragout of garlic, and for-
getting to waRh my hands afier it 1 Plague on the ragout! plague
on the cook that dressed it! and may he be equally unhappy that
scrved it up!' The ladics took pity on me, and interceùeù for
me; but they could only prevail with my wife to be satisfied with
cutting off my thuml;)s and great tocs, which was immediately
done.
"Through vexation and loss of blood, I fainted. 'Yhen I re-
vived I found no one with me but an old woman, who attended me
with tolerable care till I recovered. Notwithstanding this harsh
treatment, I stilllov
d my wife; I sent the most pressing entreaties
to be admitted once nlore into her prcsence; after many refmmls
she yielded. I apologized to her for my indiscretion, and solemnly
swore if eyer I ate garlic again, I would wash my hands in the
manner you have seen. Upon this the lady forgave me, and con-
sented to receive me as her husband,
u"\Ve continu('d s
inc time in the apartments of Zobeidc 7 from
whose bounty we received a present of fifty thousand sequins; and
notwithstanding our rou
h outset, my wife and I liyed together in
the utmost harmony for about a year, wl)('n she fell Rick and died.
It was to divert my melancholy for her loss) that induced me to tra.Yel
hither."
" '1'his story," said the caliph7 "is truly singular, but not equal to
tha.t of poor Hunchback." Upon which the Jew doctor asl{ed
h
a'.e to relate one; which being granted, he proceeded thus :-

134

AHABIAN NIGHTS'

THE STORY TOI.D BY THE JEWISH PHYSICIAN.
Some time ago I was sent fur to attend a. patient in the famíl
of the governor ')f Da,mascus. I .was introduced to a young mal.
of good mien, but much dejected; on requesting to feel his pulse)
he presented me willI his left band; I was about to resent the in
dignity; 1Jut finding he was very ill I suppressed my displeasure l
and prescribed such medicines as I thuught l1ecessary.
He recovered very fast under my care; yet still, aB often as I
had occasion to feel his puh:ie, he cOlltinued to present his l
rt
hand. Oll the tenth day I ordered Lathing, and was about to takù
my leave; but my patient requested I would attend him to the
Lath. I complied; and when he began to undress, I perceived
that his right hand had been lately cut off. I suppose my looks
expressed much surprise; for, after bathing, the young man led
me to a saloon, and addressed me thus:
" I am 80 much indeLted to your abilities for my speedy reeov-
ery, that I cannot I.efuse you the satisfaction of knowillg by what
accident I became thus mutilated, and which, in truth, was the
l
au
e of the disorder from. which you have relieved me.
"I was Lorn at :Jloussoul; my father was the eldest of ten
brothers, all of them merc.hants. As 1 was an only son, and none
of my uncles had children, I was mueh caressed Ly them all; and
was earlier than usual introduced iuto the company of men. One
day my father and his brothers ,,'ere talking about Egypt,
and Cairo its capital. They were all eloquent in its praise. 'In
that harpy country,' said Iny father, 'the bounty of nature is most
abundant; the "\yonùers of human art are innumerable l'he re-
duudancy of the Kile renders the land at once beautifu
and.fer-
tile. The inhabitants are 1110I'e polishcd, the womcn in particular
are more agreea1Jle and beaut.iful tban in any other city. If you
view the pyramid8, tho:se mOllmneuts uf '1,llcient magnifiepnce, you
are af'toni::;hpd; th{'
e lJllilding8 are, at once, proufs of the ridws of
the Pharaohs VdlO built them, and of th ') aLilitim
of the artbts or
th:1t early pcriod; for though the tilllt
of the erection is so far
lJ3ck that the learned can only conjecture ,,,,hen it wa.s, yet they
remain perfect to this day, :lnd proLa1Jly will do so for ages to
come. N or are the instauces of modern ingenuity less interesting.
In
hort, the commerce, the riches, the numlJCr aud variety af
strangers to be founà there, justify the proverb, that he that hatt
not seen Egypt, hath not seen the greatest sig,ht in tlie worl(l.'

ENT ERT.AI:K
IENTS.

135

.c I lu;tened to this eulogiulll with much attention and from
that time, nothing employed my thoughts hut a journey to Uail.o.
:Fortullately some of my undes were seized with the same de
ire.
1 immediately Lecame importunate with my father for permission
t join the caravan; for a long time I sued in vaiu; hut my uncles
'Presðillg the salUe request, IllY father agreed to a part of my de-
tJre. lIe allowed me to go as far as Damascus, on condition I
should wait there for my ullclps' return from Egypt; and that I
IDight not he without employ, he ga.ve me a cargo of goods, suited
to that market, to dispose of for my own profit.
"\\.hen .we arrived at Damascus, my unclel::i took a house for
me, and introduced me to the prillcipal merchants. After their
departure, 1 applied myself to business with great diligence and
success. The prudence of my conduct endeared me to my new
friends, and I became every day lUore wealthy and more respecteù.
"
Iy tranquillity was at last destl'oyed by a singular accident.
I became acquainted with a very Leautifullaùy, who used to come
occasionally and sup with me. I attached myself to her with all
the eagerness of afi'ection so natural to youth and inexperience.
One eveuin
she began to discourse with me Oll the power of
beúuty. I 'was declaring how immoveahly my heart was fixed on
her, when she interrupted me, and said; with an ellchanting smile,
, 1Ye shall soon see this boasted constallcy tried. A particular
friend of mine hath long wished to see you; I have undertaken to
introduce her: but I forewarn you to guard your heart. Her
beauty far exceed!:! nline; and her wit and vivacity make her al-
most irresistible, "':Tet I have no design of l'esignillg you to her; be-
ware, therefore for I am going to put your heart to a strange
trial.'
" A few evening8 after, the two ladies paid me a vi::;it. I soon
found my friend had not said too much of her companion's charms.
If I had been pleased with the one, I was enraptured with the
other. I receiyed them with all the politeness in my power, and
in vited thelll to take part of a collation I had prepared; but I
did this with so much emotion, that my former acquaintance laugh..
ingly "
P
lared I was already unfaithful.
" During supper I sat opposite my new visitor, who displayed
ber charms as if on purpose to captivate me. But by inspiring

1e, she took fire also herself; her eyes answered mine, in a Ian..
guage very easily understood by lovers; and when the wine b
d

136

AHAlllAN !SIGHT;:;'

circulated a little, we each incautiously suffered our new pa:tSlJV
to appear unrestrained.
" .ì\ly fiI.
t acquaintance continued to I'ally us with great gooò
humor, laughing chietly at me, and repeating my former prote
ta.
tions. By degrees this pleasa.ntry subsided. She became first
pec,-ish, and then sullen. At length) havilig sat silent a conside!
able time, she arose alld went out of the room. A few momente
aftCl', the other lady fell into convulsions, and expired in my arms
while I was calling for assistance. In the midst of my alarm and
confusion, I inquired for the lady who had withdru"wn, and I foun
.
she had left the house, I then suspected, what was certainly the
case, that, instigated by rage and jealousy, she had conveyed
poison into her fricnd)s wine, which she had just before poured
out fur her.
h I was excessively afflicted at this fatal aceident, and a good
deal alarmcd for the consequences that nlight probably follow
from it. To avoid the latter, I ordered my '3ervants (who fortu.
nateiy "were the same I had brought from
loussolll) to take I:p the
l'tLvement in the yard, and i!lter the body. In the morning I was
ready for a jourlley. I sent for my landlurd, and told bim pm'.
ti,mlar business obliged me to follow my uncles to Cairo. I paid
him a year's rent in advance, and affixed my seal to the door of
the house. I then set out for Cairo, attended l.)y all my domestics.
"I continued three years in that city, taking care regularly to
r;cnd my rent to my landlord. A.t last I dp.t.ermined to return
home, and arriving in my way ai; Damascus took possession of
my former habitation,
" In cleaning out the room where I used h eat, one of my ser-
vantE found a beautiful pearl necklace, whicr, 1. lmmediately knew
was worn by the lady who had so unfortunately perished in my
arm-s. I sheù many tears over it; and resolved to remain a fow
days at Damascus, to indulge the melancholy sensations which
this accident rcyivcd. .After f50me time my ea
h was nearly ex-
hausted; anù as I found the sight of the necklace only eontrib-
utcd to make me wretched, I determined to part with it. instead
of c
'.rryiug any of my own gooùs to market.
., I weut accordingly to the bezestein, and employed a criel.
()
RllOW it to the jewellers. After a time he returned and told me
that th'3 pearls had been examined, and proved to he false, HnJ
that the utmost be could geL for it "as fifty sherifs.

FNTERTAINlUENT8.

187

"As I was entirely ignorant of its value, I crdered the criJr b,
sell it and bring me the money. I waiteù 80lue time for his returJ;.
and when he came, there were sPTeral }Jeople with him, Olie of
whom was the judiciary judge, who asked me if that necklace
was mine, and if I had offered to sell it for fifty sherifs? 011 my
admitting this, anuther person, who \'.as a jeweller, said to the
judge, 'You see, my lord, my charge i-:; true; the necklace is
mine. The pearls alone are worth two thom;and sherif
, and this
young fellow offering to take fifty for it, is a full proof that he
stole it.' The judge having satisfied himself as to the rea.l value
of the pearls; ordered me to 1>e baðtilladoed till I confel5scd how I
came Ly it. This was instantly done with so much t;everity, that,
overcome with the torture, I confcst:;ed the charge; on which the
judge delivered the necklace to the jeweller, alld ordered my right
lmnd to be cut off.
" This sentence was executed on the spot, after which I was set
at liberty. I ret
1rned home, overcome with shame and sorrow.
!tIy landlord, who had heard of my misfortune, came and con-
doled with me; but concluded his discourl5e by telling me, that as
I had brought my
elf to so much infamy, 1 must immeùiately quit
his house; nor was it without great difficulty I could prevail with
him to let me stay three days.
" I felt now still more severely the disgrace which had befallen
me; and my grief was aggravated by considering the appearance
I should make before my father and my uncles. 1Vhile I was re-
volving these tormenting deas, my house was surrounded by the
officers of justice, attended by a great crowd of people, at the head
of which was the jeweller who had so falsely accused me. They
forced open the doors, seized and bound me, reviling and execrating
me all the time in the harshest terms. For some time I demanded
in vain the cause of this violence; at length I was told that the
necklace I had stolen was the }wopcrty of the governor, whose
daughter had been miEsing aLove three years, and had that neck-
lace on w hcn she was la
t ëecn.
" On hearing this, I gave myself up for lost. Despair supplied
the place of courage, l\Iy life was become hateful to me. I de-
termined, therefore, to relate the whole truth to the governor, and
to meet with resolution a fate I hardly wi3hed to escape. \rlwn
I was brought before him he ordered me to Le unbound, and Ioù-
served he l09ked upon me with an c'ye of compassion. 'Is tbia

]38

ARABIAN 1\IGHTS'

tho man,' said 110 to the jewellcr, , whom you charged with havin6
!Stolen thi8 necklace l' l\Iy adversary durst not deny it. ' I know,
relJlied the governor, , he is fa.lsely accused.' Encouraged by this
declaration, I avowed my innocence, protesting that the confession
I had made was extorted from me by torture. ' I am ready,' con-
tinued I, , to relate how it came into my hands; but as to that man,
whose Yillany has brought me into such disgrace, I declare I never
saw him till this fatal day; nor have J the least reason to believe
the necklace was ever seen by him before.' 'I know enough of
tllÏs matter myself,' replicd the governol', 'to be
ertain of your
innocence. Take away,' said he,' this base jC''rcHer; let him un.
dergo the same punishment he hath villanously brought upon this
poor young man, to whose use I confiscate his effects.'
"The assembly being dismisseù, the governor withdrew with me
into a private room, where he det.;ired me to tell him without fear
how I came into possession of the necklace. I related to him
every circumstance, at which he wa
greatly' affected. ' Good
God!' said he, 'thy judgments are incomprehensible; I receive
with entire submission the stroke thou hast been pleased to inflict
on me. Know, my child,' said be to me,' I am th
father of the
two young ladies yûu have been speaking of.
'" The first lady who had the imprudence to come to your house
was my eldest daughter. I had given her in marriage to my
brother's son, who was settled in Cairo. At his death she returned
home, corrupted with all manner of wickedness. Th
lady who
died so deplorably ill your arms, was a very prudent young woman
till her eldest sister rcturned from Egypt, who made her insensibly
as wicked as herself. On the absence of my younger daughter, 1
made all possible inquiry after her, to no purpose; and I recollect
now, that from that time, my eldest daughter devoted herself to sor-
1.0W; repenting no doubt of her jealous fury, she denied herself all
manner of food, and in that manner put an end to her wretched life.
" 'Such,' continued the governor, 'is the state of man! Buch tho
calamities from which no rank is secured! Ba.t to make you rep-
aI'a1ion for what you have suffered on their account, I will give
you in marriage the only child I have left, who is younger and
more beautiful than cither of her .j8ters, You Rhall baye no other
housc but mine; and \yhCll I die you shall be my heir.' I acc('pted
tbe governor's proposal with joy; the contract was drawn, and our
nuptials would have been celebrated dhectly, but the fC\t3r from

E
TERT AINMENTS.

139

which your skill hf1,
delivered me followed the 108s (, f my hand
and the agitations I had undergone. As I am now recovereù, my
marriage will this day be conlpleted."
The sultan being pleased with this story, directed the tailor tlJ
repeat any remarkable occurrence which had befallen him.

THE STORY TOLD BY THE TAILOR.

A citizen of this city invited me two days ago to an entertain-
ment. The company were nearly assembled, "hen the master of
the house introduced a 8tranger, polite and well dressed, but lame.
The young man paid his compliments very reE:pectfnlly to every
one, till he came to a barber, 1Jr hen he started back, and hastened
toward the door. The Dlaster of the house, surprised at his emo-
tion, stopped him, and desired he would explain the cause. :, For
God's sake, sir," replied the stranger, " let me go; I cannot without
horror look upon that aùominable barber. His face resembles an
Ethiopian, and his soul is ten times more black and horriLle than
his fa
e."
\tVe were all amazed to hear these expressions,. and began to look
very unfavorably on the barljer, when our host said to the young
man: " I brought you to my house to give you pleasure, and can-
not wish to detain you agail1l:!t your inclinations; but I would be
glad to know why you eXpre8:3eJ yourself against one of my guests
with 80 much bitterness. You owe," continued he, "this explana-
tion to me and to my other friends, that we may expel him from
our society, if he is unworthy of it."
" Gentlemen,:' replied the stranger," this cursed barber is th9
cause of my being lame. Besides: to his imlìertinence I owe the
severest disappointment and disgrace. On this account, I have
made a vow never to remain in the city 'Where he dwells. To avoid
him I left Bagdad and travelled hither, into the heart of great
Tartary; and I will now leave your city, and go, if I can, where
he shall never come." Everyone became interested to hear the
cause of so great an aversion. The Joung man 8uffered himself to
be prevailed on to relate the reason; and setting down on the sofa,
with his back to the barber, gave us the following acoount:
"Yery early in my life I contracted an aversion to women; in..
B3much that I
arefully avoided all conversation with them; Lut
I chanced one day to cast my.eye up to a window, wllere I saw a
YO:1ng lady of such exquisite beauty, RI.;/ at once dissipated my pre-

140

ARABIAN KIG HTS'

judices, and inspired me with love, On inquiring who it was I was
thus enslaved bv I had the murtification to hear that ::;he was the
., , .
only child of the first cadi, a man of great wcalth, Imt of still
greater pride and severity of manners. As all hope of obtaining
an interview with my charmer was imprQLo.hle, I tlÍoù to subdue
my passion. But instead of succeeding, I found Iny health 80
affected by the tumult of my ruin], th:.lt I was obliged to cunfine
myself to my Led. I grew worse daily, lJut carefully kept secret
the cause of my di
order. At last a nota,òle old lady coming to see
me, observed I sighed often. She began to talk with me about
love, a.nd being a woman of address, she found out the source of
my disorder.
" To her I unbosomed ll1ys
lf, _ and the old lally, delighting in
such commissions, undertook to procure mc an interview ,vitli my
mistress. This was by no means an easy lUldertaking, for the caùi
had brought up bis daughter with so much strictness that it was a
long time befm'e she would hear of such a meaSUI'e. :My tru8ty
advocate had mt and perseverance; and at last obtained, hardly,
the young lady's consent to receive me on the following Eriday, at
the time of noon prayers, when the cadi went to the mosque. 'rhese
welcome tidings restored my health and Rpirit8, 80 that before the
appointed time, I was perfectly recovered.
" \Vhen the eagerly expected morning arrived, I dressed myself
to the best advautage, and sent for a barber to shave me. ,My
8Ia,'e brought with him this wretch. 'Vhen he came in, 'Sir,' said
he, 'you look as if you were not well; pray lci me know what ser-
yice I can do for you. I have brought my lancets as well as my
razor, and am prcpared to bleed as well as to shave you.' I told
him I only wanted to be shaveù, and that immediately, as I had an
appointment to attcnd at noon.
" He was a long time opening bis cft.se, and preparing his razors;
when, instead of proceeding to shave me, he took out an astrolabe,
and went very graycly out of the I'OOlll to the middle cf the yard
to take the height of the sun. Returning with the same gravity,
he said, ' Sir, you will he pleased to know that this day is Friday,
the 18t
of the month Safar, and that the conjunction of 1\lars aDd.
!\lm.cury signifies you canllot chooBe a better time than thi
ver y
day and this very hour for being 8hayed. But this conjunction Lf!
also ominous to ,you. You" ill t1
is day be in great dang('r, n,::t
indeed of losing your life, but of an inconvenieI:ce which will at-
tend JOu as long as you live.'

bNTEUT.AI:r\.ME.NT8

141

" I was quite enraged at hi: prating and impet,tinellce. I did
Dot send for you,' said I, 'to instruct me ill astrology, but to t;havo
me; which I insist on your doing directly, or go about Jour busi-
ness.' 'Sir,' l'cplied he with a dulness that put me out of all pa-
t.ience, 'why do you put yourself in a passion? Do you think I
am a comIllon ShaVEI" 1 You sent for a barlJer only; but besides
haying in me the best barber in Bagdad, you lun-e also an expe-
rienced l)hysician; a very profound chemist, an infallible astrolo-
ger, a finished gl'ammarian, a complete orator, a subtile logician,
an admirable mathematician and historian; be
ides; I know all
parts of philosophy. I am a poet, an architect, and excel in all
the sciences. Your late father, my very good friend, whose mem-
ory I revere, held me in the highest esteenl. I am-' 'Prithee,
peace, thou endless babbler,' exclaimed I, iutcrrupting him, ' and do
the business I scnt for you to do.'

, , You do me wrong,' replied he, · to call Ine a babbler; on the
contrary, all the world give me the honorable title of Silent.'
Finding he was again beginning to harangue, I ordered my slave
to pay him, and turn him out of doors; but even this did not re-
lieve me. ' I came here,' eaid he, ' to shave you; and by the Íc:<tith
of a l\Iussulman, I will not leave you until I have performed that
operation.'
In hope of getting rid of him, I submitted to be shaved by
bim, only desiring him to be speedy. lIe had scal.cely begun to
use his razor, when he stopped, saying, ' I wonder, sir, you will
not avoid those transpcrts of rage, which come only from the Ilk
devil. J3esides, you ought to have more respect for a man of my
age) knowledge, and many virtues. You have an engagement at
noon; why, it now wants at least three hours of that time.' Again
he laid down his razor, ..,nd took up his astrolabe, leaving me half
shaved, to go and see what time of day it was. 'I told you,'
aid
l.e, on his return, 'you have time enough.' I could hold no
longer. 'You cursed bm'ber, you barber of mischief,' said I, ' I know
not what hinders me from strangling you!' 'Patience, sir,' said
he, ' I am just about to complete. your business.'
"I should weary you in relating how he further exercised my
patience. I heard the first and last call to noon prayers: I WP.9
1l0t even able to rid myself of this abominable follow, till long
ufter they had begun. I hastened then to my appointment, but
had th
mortification
o perceive ho followed me. I passed hastily

]42

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

through many streets, in hope of giving him the t!lip; whh.h when
I thought I had cOllllJleted, I hastcned to the cadi's house; but n.s
I ascended the stairs, to the young laùy's apartment, I saw him
take his station opposite the door of the mansion.
" ::\Iy lllistre
s receiyed me kindly, anù I should have been per-
fpctly happy, had I not dreaded this impertincnt fellow would ex-
po
e me. K or was tbis fear groundless; whcn the cadi rerurueù
he did not. come near his daughter"s apartments, but it chanced
that he chastised a slave who had misbehaved. Tho barber, hear-
ing his outcries, supposed they came from mc; and officiously
8creaming out, he rent his clothes, threw dus-t on his head, and
called out to the neighbors for assistance. A c::owd soon gathered
round the hùuse, to whom thc barber cried out,' IIelp,
Iussullllalls,
for the love of God! they are assassinating my master, my dear
patron. I saw him go in here, and they have been just now bas-
tinadoing him, for I heard his outcries.'
"The crowd became cnraged at th:8 story, nor could even the
venerable presence of th6 cadi insp ire them with respect, when
he came forth to pacify tliem. 'Ah! you cursed cadi! you dog
of a caùi r exclaimed the barber,' how durst you thus assault a
l\Iussullllan? I know your daughter is in love with my patron,
and hath invited him here, during the timc of noon prayers, and I
beard him cry out unùer the barbarous discipline you inflicted on
him.' The cadi denied all thi
i but finding the people continued
enraged, he offered to permit the burber, r.nd two or three others,
to enter his house and search for me.
" At the beginning of the disturbance, I had hid myself, at the
earnest request of the young lady, in a large empty trunk. This
trunk escaped the attention of the other people; but the officious
barber opened it, and no Booner saw me, tb.vll he gave a great shout,
and placing it on his head, ran into the Btr
e
. AB he carried me,
one part of the trunk, which was very old, fell off, and exposed me
to the shouts of the mob, now very much lisposed to turn the
matter into a jest. I could not bea
thie, 'but le
ped out intu the
st.n
et with so much haste, that I hurt my leg, aLd
ave been lame
ever since.
h I was not sensible at first how bad I W a s hurt and therefore
" ,
baving thrown handfuls of money among the people, I endeavored
+'0 escape; but the mischievoUB barber still continued to persecute
rje. ' Stay, sir,' cried he, ' why do you run 80 fast 1 Alas! if you

.

E
n:n I'} Il";\TF
'''S.

143

b
ld taken my advice, you would [04. ...l:t\Te been in that
eíJous
situation, from which it was my good fortune tv deliver you.
'Vhither do you run, then, sir 7 gt.1Y for me.'
" Not content with this, he went all over the town relating this
story, with a variety of ridiculcus circumstances of his own inv
n

tion. In short, finding when I was cured that I had no more hope
of seeing the lady, aHd that the people "yere eyerywhere disposed
to laugh at me, through the malice or folly of this detestable
barber, I determined to quit for ever my native city; alid never
to remain ill any other, if that fellow snould como to it. Having
now, gentlenlPn, gratified your cUl'iosity, I must desire that you
will permit me to fulfil that resolution." Saying this, he arose,
and without looking at the barber, bade us farewell.
'Ye expressed our surprise at this story, and some of us began tv
blame tbe barber, who raising up his head for the first time, at,-
knowledged the story to be generally true. "But," said he, "did
not he throw himself into the danger I warned him of} and from
which I delivered him; what reason then has he to complain of me ?
But thus it is, to serve unthankful people! As to his story of my
being a prattling fellow, it is an absolute scanQal. .)f seven
brothers I am the lea
t talker, though the most ,vit.ty. T} CJn-
'vince you, gentlemen, I need only relate to you their stories. a
ð
my own. Let me request your attention.

THE STORY OF THE BARBER.
In the reign of the late caliph, the roads near Bagdad were
much infested by ten highwaymen. Their depl'edatiom
, every
day more insolent, at length reached the ear of the caliph, who
commanded the judge of the police to apprehend them within a
i:mited time, on pain of death. l\larmed at this rigorous order,
C.a judge exerted him

lf so effeetually, that they were all taken
is tbe uext 'lay, which was the day
f Bairam. As it was holiday
time, I WIlS walking on the banks of the Tigris, and
eeing a num-
">er of well-dressed men er.ter a baat, 1 concludqd they were ooillg
to sp
nd the festival in jollity: 80 ..Jltithout ceremony, I enter"d
tht boat aloD
with them. Every one preserved a profound silencp J
!], d r l)r.
sßntly observed pu.t of the company were officeru of the

ûh%. I
.lfid very little time to reflect on my situation. which I
)f'
a....
. do with much uneasiness, when '\'\"'9 landed l.t 4-he royal
'
. i'

t,C
) '"X
ere .\-e were received by a f>arry of guard3, who bound

144

AUABIAN KIGIITS'

u
all with cords, that had not thv ciJfoIigns of office in their hanås.
Expostulation I saw was in vain; I ßuffered myself, therefore
to
be led away with the highwaymen, without remonstrauce. \Vhen
we were brought before the caliph he ordered 0\11' heads to be
immediately struck off. All my companions were clamorou8 for
mercy: I alone was silent. The executioner soon despatched the
highwaymen, and was proceeding to put me to death, when the
caliph, seeing something in my appeara.nce which took his atten-
tion, condescended to examine me himself. I related to him the
accident which brought me into my perilous situation, with so
much simplicity, that the caliph was convinoed of my innocence,
and set me at large; highly commending my fortitude and silence
in a moment of so much danger. After this, it is hardly neces-
sary to relate to you the stories of my six' brothers, whose charac-
ters brigllten mine. Yet for your amusement, I am willing to re-
peat them.

THE STORY OF THE BARBER'S ELDEST BROTHER.

Iy eldest brother, whose name was Bacbouc, had the misfor-
tune to be humpbacked. He was a tailor, and having but little
businoss, could scarcely maintain himself. Opposite his shop lived
a wealthy miller, who had a very handsome wife, with whom my
silly brother fell in love. The miller's wife soon perceived the
conquest she had made, and determined to turn his passion to her
amusement; she often smiled upon him from her window, and
whenever she appeared there, he did not fail to express his passion,
by every grimace he could invont.
The miller's wife was all this time studying to punish his pre-
sumption. She began by send ing him stuffs to be mad.e uT into
different garments. All these, the slave used to tell him, her mjs.
tress prnised highly; but she never sent any money for '-,he nH
kinl

or trimmings. lIe was too gallant [.0 ask for any, an..l oft en went
with a hungry belly in the evelliD
, after havin
Iahored hard all
day for his unmerciful mistress; but as the slave did not forget W
hint en
ry now and then what a progress he was making in her
affection, the poor tailor was quite happy in hiE! sufferings. ...\fter
some time, the lady fearing others should take notice of lla.c1){)uc ' l3
behavior, and by that means her character might }B -l
persed,
contrived to get rid of him in the following manner.
She related to her husband tbe Htory of my brother's Jove, avd

E
TI<:RI''\ I
::\[ E'NTS.

Ill)

b
r rlan to puniRl! it. The miller, higlJly delighted: rradily agreed
to p-,ive his assistance. The t;ame en'lliug he callel upon my
brother, and inyited him to sup with him. lbd)(HlC had no doubt
1:ut his mist reI's had contrived this invitation; he was overjoyed,
and put on his best apparel, to look more amiahle in her eyes.
'1'he repast 'was a. homcly one, but the tailor was too much in love
to find fault with it. "\Vhen it grew late, the miller said, " Brother,
you had better not go home to-night: I will show you a bed in the
mill." "\Vhich offer Bacbouc thankfully accépted.
Early in the morning: the miller went to my brother, and said,
" Neighbor, my mule is ill, and I hayc no great deal of corn to grind
to-day, you will do me much kindne.,s if you will turn my mill in
Ler stead." Bacbouc, willing to oblige, consented. 1'he miller
fastened the tackle to him in such a mauner tha.t he could not dis-
engage himself, and then giving !::m two or three smart cuts with
a horsewhip, said, " Go, neighbor !'
" Hold !" replird my 1Jrother,
" why do you whip me 1" "'Tis to make you briðk F' saia the mil-
ler, giving him at the same time a hearty cut; "my mule is nevp1"
brisk without I whip her. Courage, neigh bor," continued he, using
the whip all the time, "you perform -admirably; I shall always
think myself bound to you for your friendly assistance." In short,
the miller drove poor Bacbouc round, continuing to whip him,
till his strength was nearly exhausted. His persccutc.r tIlen with-
drew, and the slave who had fed his hopcs appeared and released
him. She would fain have persuaded him that her mistress knew
nothing ûf the treatment he had l'eceivûd, and wou!d be exceed-
ingly sorry for it. Bacbouc heard her in silence. fI nd crept bome
to his house, smarting, fatigued, a
ham
d, and entirely cured of his
illicit passion for his neighbor's wife,

STORY OF THE BARBER'S SECOND BROTHER.
l\Iy second brother was called Bacharah. One day an old
woman came up to him, and asked l.im in a wh iRper, if he loved l1.
gool1 treat, and could he ol)ligillg to a fine woman. On his an-
swering yes, she said, "Follow me, then, aud I ,'rill conduct you to
hoth:'
'Vhen she bad led him to the !;aloon of a hand:-;onw palace, sho
t:aid, " The lady I shall introduce you to is of admirahle beauty,
1Hlt of Yf'ry fanciful humor; if you agree to suhmit to her caprice,
{. wilJ cngag-e she wiIll'cceh'e you fa,yoratJly." l\Iy brother
see-
7

1.16

ARABIAN KIGIITS'

ing everything aùout him very elegant, was delighted ,,'ith l.ås
good fortune, and readily agreed to sulJl1lit to whatever should Ll\
required of him.

'he old woman made a signal, when two slaves entered, nnrI
conducted Bacbarah to a ùath. After bathing, they presented him
with rich robes, instead of his own mean apparel; and when he
was drer.;r.;ed, they led him to a hall, where they found a loyely
young lady, sUlrounded by:t group of merry slaves, who aU en-
deayored to divert her. The lady received him with great respect,
obliged him to sit down by her, anù ordered a grand entertp,in.
ment to be immediately served. At dinner she helped him to the
nicest viands and choicest wines; when the tables were remon'd,
perfume and rose-water were thrown ove:r him by her own handA
A concert followed the repast. during which the lady ogled the
enraptured Bacharah) till his hopes were wound up to the highest
pitch. The lady o1)serving this called for wine, and pretending to
drink his hcalth, she put the glass to her lips, and then flung the
wine in his face.
l\Iy hrother was almost .,linded, and the slavcs gathered rounò
him while in this condition, some pinching him, others filliping him
by the nose, and off<
ring him a thousand affronts. He bore all
this with great good humor, laughing with the company, as though
highly delighted with the jest. On which the lady said, "Brother)
you are í}uite a man to my mind; the complaisance ,,'ith which you
suòmit to my little fancieR,
hall not he forgotten." "Take the
gentleman out," said
he, "and when you ha....e obeyed orderFl,
hring him h<,re again."
'fhe old woman led my brother to an adjoining apartment, where
he found 8<,,'eral stout
laYes, who, in spite of his oppoo;;ition and
outcries, cut off his whi:o:kers and beard, paintprl his eyehr
ws,
nnd drc81'cù him in the hahit of a woman. Racllarah \\ a
mueh
<,urag('d; hut his C()ndHctr('
s prOlni
ing her lady would rcward
}ÜR c'unrl('sc('nRion, h('
uft(-r('d hp]. to leRel him hack to her mistresH.
On his cntrance, the YOHng lady laughed till she fell hack on
her sofh. IICI. Rlayer.; ahm J .oinrel in the rirlicnlc dancillD' round
, ð
him, hy turns P ushino- him ahout and ! ,inchino- him. till he was
M b I
spent" ith fatigue and ycxation, The old woman at last resC\wd
him. :lUÙ le(} him out again. Shc thcn l'ìuppliNI him with wine)
rrai
ed his complaisance, allrl told him he had but one more in
Rtnnce tü giye of it.. " l\Jy mistress," conti.nued
he,
. requires tha,

I<:N rEHTÅIS.MI

TS.

147

).OU 8t1'::) off your" clothes, and pursue her froll1 chamblr to cham-
ber, till you catch her; that done, you wiU be master of your Ü\\'ß
wishes."
l\Iy silly brother, having sulJmitted to so lllany mortifications,
was ullwilling to lose the promised reward by refusing one more
compliance. I Ie stripped, therefore, as required; and all the doorM
of the apartments being throwll open, he pursued the lady tln:ee
times I'ound them. At last she took shelter in a dark passage.
Bacbarah followed her with alacrity, hut the darkness obliged him
to proceed slowly. She regaincd the apartments by a private pas-
sage; while IllY brother crept Oll till he perceived a light, which
he had no sooner reached, than P. door shut violently ùehinù
l1Ím, and he found himself in one of the olJscure street:; of the
city.
A crowd S0011 gathered around him, and his strange appearance,
almost naked, his eyebrows painted, and without beard or mu:;-
tachios, rendered him a fair object of ridicule. They shouted after
him, and pelted him. It would have been well for poor Baebarah,
if his misfortunes had ended l1ere; but one of the magistrates pass-
ing by, and seeing the tumult, inquired the cause of it. My broth-
er's figure was too inùecent to pa.ss unpunished. The magistrate
concluded his frolic, hy ordering him a hundred blowì:! ou the
feet, and banishing him from the city.

THE STORY OF THE B.A.RBER's THIRD BROTHER.
l\Iy third brother's name was Bacbac; he was, unfortunately,
blind, and so poor that he was obliged to beg for his support. He
had a custom of knocking at any door be came to, and not anS\'I{er-
ing till it was opened to l1Ïm. One day, having knocked a long
time at a door, though often called out to, the master of the house
at last ùpÊmed it, and asked him what he wanted. "That you will
relieve my necessities," replied Bacbac; "I am Llind, and cannot
earn a maintenance." "If you are blind," said the man, "give
me your hand." Bacbac did so; and the man led him up stairs
to a chamber,
Iy brother began to }lOpe for a bountiful alms,
when the man let go of his band and said, "Alas, poor man, I can
give you nothing! I can only pI'ay God to restore your sight."
" You might have told me so at the door," replied my brother,
testily, "and not given me the trouble of coming up hither." "And
why, fool," said the other, "do you not answer when you are call-

148

AllABL\N
IGH"r::)'

ed to, and not give people the trouble of coming to you? Begone,
I willllot give you anything." " At lpast you will lead me to the
door 1"' said Ba.chac. "K ot I, indeed," replied the mall j ,: the
stairs are lJefore you; get out a.s yon can." l\Iy Lrother, in at-
temptillg to return, fell down the I5tairs, anJ was much bruised; he
l'ecovered the door with difficulty, where he sat down complaiuing
of the ill treatment he had received.
'Two other blind men, companions of my 1)rother, coming by,
Btopped to condolc with him j aftcr which they all agrced to sup
together at Bachac's hou
c. The Ulan who had servcù my brother
this scurvy trick was a sharping fellow. lIe had 'becn listening
and la.ughing at my brother during his complaint, but when he
heard them talk of supping together, anù something said of sharing
some money, hc resolved to go along with them. Acc()rdingly, he
followed, and entered the house with them unperceived. As soon
ns they had shut the door, they began to feel about with their sticks
to discover if anyone had intruded among them; this perplexed
the f;harper much, till, as he was striving to avoid them, he espied
a rope hanging from the ceiling. As he was an active fellow, he
ea
ily jumped up, caught hold of it, and hung by it until they had
filli
hecl their search.
The blind men then 1)egan to talk of their affairs. Bacbac pro-
duced a large hag of cash, out uf which he gave the others ten
drachms each, and took the same sum himself. "There now re-
lwtin," said he," ten thousand drachms, which we will weigh or tell,
if you desire it." Ilis companions declared they were fully satis-
fied, on which he tied up the hag and put it away. They then pro-
duced the I)royision which had been given them during the day.
The sharper sat himself down beside my brother, and began to pièk
out the nicest ljits alld eat them. But whatever care he tooI
, my
brother heard his chaps going, and cried out, " 'Ve are undone!
thp'\'e is a stranger among us!" Saying this, he seized the sharper,
and began to heat him, crying out, " Thieves !" The other Lliud
men also fell upon him; but the sharper, who was a stout young
fellow, and had the adyantage of his sight, dealt his blows about
among the hlind men ,"ery severely, crying out" Thieves !" louder
thq,n any of th em.
The uproar :o:peedily brought in the neighbors, who, having part"
cd the c0111batant:::;, demanded the cause of the quarrel. Bachac
cried out, " Gentlemen, this man is a thief, and has crept in among

EXTERTAHDIEXTS.

14!}

us, to rob us of the little money we have goL:' The bharper, who,
as soon as the neighbors came in, had !Shut hi
eyes and feigned
himself also ]Jlilld, cried out, " He is a li
bi.. I swear to you by the
life of tlle caliph, that \ I am their companion; and they refuse to
give me my share; they have all three fallen upon mc, and I de-
n
and justice."
The neighbors considered the matter as too serious a business
for them, to settle; they therefore conveycd them before a lllagi5-
trate. As soon as they came into his presence, the sharper cried
out, " Venerahle sir, we are all guilty of a great offence, but having
taken an oath not to confess unless we are bastilladoed, by that
means only can you come at the truth." The magistrate would not
bear a word from either of the others, but immediately put him
under tbat discipline.
The sharper had the courage to bear twenty or thirty blows, when,
as if overcome with pain, he opened one eye, and presently after
the other, crying out for ll1ercy. The judge suspended the punish-
ment, and demanded by what miracle he had so suddenly recovered
his sight. "If sir," said he, :, you will pardon me, and as a pledge
intrust me with your seal ring, I will make an important discov-
ery." The judge consented, and gave him the ring. "Sir," said
the sharper, " we are none of us blind, but feign ourselves f\0, by
which means we ente
people's houses, and play many bad tricks
unsu
pected. 'Ve have amassed by our l.ogueries the sum of ten
thousand drachms, which you will find concealed in a cupboard in
the house we came from. This evening I demanded my share, and
declared I would leave off so infamous a way of life; and it was on
this account that they fell upon me and beat me."
The magistrate sent and searched for the money, which being
found, confirmed the sharper's testimony. The judge, in a rage,
ordered the blind men to be bastinadoed till they opened theÎ:!." eyes.
In vain they protested it was utterly impossible for thcm to do so ;
in vain they took Heaven to witness that their accuser was a cheat
and a liar; tlH'y received each two hundred blows, thc f-:harper all
the while exhorting them to open their eyes and shorten their PUIl-
i
hment.
The judge finding after so severe a chastisement that they still
ul)peared as before, and continued to assert thcir innocence, began
to hesitate. lIc ordered the executioner to stop, and contented
himself with banishing them from the city, after having given one
fourth of their money to the sharper, and confiscated tho rest.

150

AHABIAN NIGHTS'

THE STORY OF TIlE BARBER'S FOURTH BROTHER.
Alcouz was the nallle of my fourth Lrothcr. lIe wal; n Lutcher
by profû:;ðioll. Oue day, ån old man, with a lOllg white Leard, came
and Lought some meat of him. The mOlley with "'. hich he paid him
was so fresh and well coined, tha.t my Lrother laid it apart hy it-
8elf. The t;alllC old man calue every day for a considerable timo,
and always paid for his meat in the same sort of 8pecie, which A1-
couz as regularly put apart from his other cash.
At length, having occa
ion to buy some sheep, he was obliged to
use this fine moncy; Lut on opcning his chest, instead of cash, he
saw only a parcel of leaves clil>ped l'ound to the size of specie. l\Iy
brother was alarmed at this phenomenon. lIe ran out to his neigh-
bors, weeping, and was beginning to tell them what had befallen
him, when he saw the old man coming toward them. He ran up
to him and took him by the collar, crying out, "Help, l\Iussulmans,
hear how wickedly this old fellow has defrauded ll1e !"
The old man stood with great unconcern, while my brother re-
lated his case to the bystanders. 'Vhen he had finished his story,
the old man said to him in a haughty style, " You would act wisely
to let me go, and not compel me to expol;e you as you deserve for
thus publicly affronting me." Alcouz defied and threatened him;
on which the old man replied, " You will have me tell it, thpn 1"
and turning to the people, "Know," said he, "my friends, this
f('llow, instead of selling you mutton, sells you man's flesh. At
this moment there is a man with his throat cut, hung up in his
shop like a sheep !"
l\Iy brother had just before killed a sheep, dressed it, and hung
it up as usual. He protested what the old man said was false;
lmt the moL being prejudiced against him by this accusation,
would go to his shop, and search it. They found there, as they
thought, a man murdcred and hung up as mutton; for the old man,
who was a magician, deceived the eyes of the people, as he did
those of my brother when he mad13 him take leayes instead of
money. The rage of the multitude was so great against .Alcouz,
that they dismissed the magician, who got away as fast as be
could. ; and e\'cry one was eager to chaRtise my unfortunate brother.
They conveyed ltÍm hefore the judge of the police, where a great
numher were ready to decJare his guiJt on oath. As AJrou7, not.
withstandi?f!:, strenuou:;;Jy asserted - his innocence, the judge sent
some of hIS officers with the accusers, to bring the body of the

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EXTERTAINMENTS.

111

roc:.r<Ìtlred man })efore him; but whèn they came to the shop, they
tound only the carcass of a t5heep
)Yhen this account
as brought to the magistrate he was con-
founded. nor knew how to detm'mine. As the body was not foulld,
he ,,"oull not put my brother to death; but as many witnesses pro-
.tcsted t:nat they had seen a man slaughtered in the shop, be ordered
him five !:mndred stripes, confiscated his effects, and banished him
tpe city.
Poor Alcouz left Bagdad by night, and the next evening drew
near another town where he. was un
nown; as he advanced toward
tDe gate, he heard a great noise of horsemen behind him. After
what had befallen him, he dreaded everything. He took it into
his 11Cad that these men were pursuing him, and to avoid thenl he

ntered into a court-yard of a great house, and endeavored to hide
himself. Two of the servants saw him and when the unlucky
l1.lcouz had taken possession of his hiding-place, they seized him as
a thief, who had concealed himself there with the intent to rob their
Dmster. They disregarded his protestations of innocence, and bur-
ried him before a magistrate, who ordered him a hundred stripes
on
mspicion; but when they had made bare his back, and saw the
marks of his former flagellation, the judge concluded he was some
òesperate rogue who had been deseryedly punished elsewhere; he
doubled, therefore, the number of stripes, and banished him from

hat town also, on pain of death. Poor Alconz could scarcely sup-
port his second misfortune, and would certainly have sunk under
it, if I. had Dot heard of his afflictions, and succored him.

THE STORY OF THE BARBER'S FIFTH BROTHER.
Alnaschar, my fifth brother, was yery lazy, and of course
wretchedly poor. On the death of our father we divided his prop-
e1, o fY, and each of us received a hundred drachms of silver for his
share. Alna.schar, who hated labor, laid out his money in fine
glasses, and having displayed his stock to the best bdvantage in a
ìarge basket, he took his stand in the market-place, with his back
against the wall, waiting for customers. In this postm:e he in-
dulged a revery, talking aloud to himself as follows: "This glass
Clltit me 3 hundred drachms of silver, which is all I have in the
world. I shall make two hundred by retailing it; and of these
very shortly foul" hundred. It will not be long before thmm pro
duce four thow:and. Money, they say, begets money. I shall soon

152

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

therefore be possessed of eight thou
and, and when theBe become
ten thousand, I will no longer be a glass-seller. I will trade in
l,parls and diamonds; and as I shall become rich apace, I will have
a splendid palaee, a great estate, slayes, eunuchs, and horses; I will
not, however, leave traffic till I have acquired a hundred thousand
drachms. Then I shall be as great as a lwince, and will assume
manners accordingly.
"I will demand the daughter of the grand vizier in marriage, who,
no doubt, win be glad of an alliance with a man of my consequence.
The marriage ceremonJ shall be performed with the utmost splen-
dor and magnificence. As soon as I am married, I will present the
lady with ten young black eunuchs, the handsomest that can be
procured. I will have my horse clothed witb the l.ichest housings,
OTnamented with diamonds and pearls, and will be attended by a
number of slaves, all richly dressed, when I go to the vizier's palace
to conduct my wife thence to my own. The vizier shall re-
ceive me with great pomp, and shall give me the right hand and
place me above himself, to do me the more honor. On our return,
I wilJ appoint two of my handsomest slaves to throw money among
the populace, that everyone may speak well of my generosity.
"'\Vhen we arrive at my own palace, I will take great state
upon me, and hardly speak to my wife. She shall dress herself in all
her ornaments, and stand before me as beautiful as the full moon, but
I will not look at her. IIer slaves shall draw near, and entreat me
to cast my eyes upon her; which, after luuch supplication, I will
deign to do, though with great indifference. I will not suffer her
to come out of her apartment without my leave; and when I have
a mind to visit her there, it shall be in a manner that will make
her respect me. Thus will I begin early to teach ber what she is
to expect the rest of her life.
" When her mother comes to visit her, she will intercede wit11
me for her. 'Sir,' she will say (for she win not dare to call me
Bon, for fear of offending me by so much familiarity), 'do not, I
beseech, treat mv dauO'bter with scorn. she is as beautiful as an
.. h ,
Houri, and entirely devoted to you.' .But my mother-in-law may
3
wcll hold her peace, for I will take no notice of what she f'ays.
She will then pour out some wine into a goblct, and give it to my
wife, saying, 'Prescnt it to your lord and husband j he will not
surely he so cruel as to refuse it from 80 fair a hand.' :ñly wife
will then come with the glass, and stand trembling before me ; and

E
TERTAIX:\lE
TS.

153

when she finds that I do not look on her, but continue to disdain
her, she will kneel and entreat me to accept it; Lut I will continue
inflexible. At last, redoubling her tears, she will rise and put the
boblet to my lips; when, tired with her importunities, I will da).t
a terriLle look at her, D.nd give her such a pu
h with my foot a

will spurn her from me')-
\.lnaschar was so interested in this ima-
ginary grandeur, that he thrust forth his foot to kick the lady, and
by that means overturued .his glasses, and Lroke thenl into a thou-
Eand pieces.
A tailor, whose shop was near him, having heard his soliloquy,
;aughed heartily wben he saw the basket fall. "\\"hat asIa, e you
are," said he to my brother, " to treat such a lovely bride so cruelly!
"\Vere I the vizier, your father-ill-Ir..w, I would order you a hUll

dred lashes with a bulPs pizzle, and send you through the town
with your character written on your forehead."
Alnaschar wanted not tbe raillery of bis neighbor tú make hin1
repent hi
aLsurd behavior. "
hell he looked on the fragments of
his brittle ware, so foolishly demolished, he was almost distracted.
,
he beat bis JJreast, tore his hair, and his outcries soon
athered a
crowd about him. A lady, passing by: inquired the cause of tbe
tUlllult; and being told that a poor man had lost all his substance
by the ftl,ll of his basket of glass, sho kindly gave him a sum equal
to what he bad laid out in his goods.
Alnascbar returned home rejoicing, and blessing his benefactres

lIe had scarcely arrived: when an old woman came to his door, and
requested he would permit her to come in and wash before she
went to the mosque to prayers. After she had performed the cere-
mony of ablution, she entered into conversation with my brother,
and told him that in return for his civility, she would introduce
him to her lady, a woman of great beauty and fortune, who war,
disposed to marry, and would pay regard to her recommendation,
which she would give to bim. Alnaschar listened to this titble with
attention; and being of a sanguine temperàment, he begged the old
woman would introduce him directly; which, after scorning hesi.
tation she consented to ùo.
,My brother was conducted by his guest to a decent house, and
mrroduced to a young lady, who received him with civility. After

ome conversation, she arose, and with a gracious smile told him
òhe liked his perðon and conversation 60 well, that she would
('v'lluct him to a repast in the inner apartment. Alllasr 1 1r..r
7*

15J

AHAßIAN
IG HTS'

overjoyed with his good fortune, followed her into another room,
from whence she withdrew, as she said, for a short time. ,My
Lrother awa.ited her return wilh impatience; but when the door
opened again, instead of a beautiful and condescendÏ1Jg lady, there
ap!>eared a tall }Jlack slaye, of a fierce abpect, with a drawn scillletar
in Liô hand. .At the sight of this terrific figure, the heart of my
brother sank within him. Nor 'were his fears ill-grounded. The
black came up to him, and gave him several severe cuts. Alllm;-
char wa& so terrified tha.t he fell down in a fit. The slave tuuk
away the hundred drachms which the old woman had pru1)ably
seen him receiye; and opening a trap-door, threw my brother,
whom tie supposed dead, into a place under ground, among the
10ùie8 of several people whom he had murdered in this l11anner.
'Vhen Alnaschar revived, a
ld recollected his situation, his first
care was to Lind up his wounds, in which he succeeded pretty well;
he next ventured to lift up the trap ill the night, and Ly great
good fm'tune, he made his way out of the house unobs
ved, and,
came to me fur shelter.
It was nearly a month before he was fully recovered. During
this time be contrived a plan to be reveuged, which he executed in
this mannor: he disguised himself like an old woman, and took 3-
large purse, which he filled with pieces of glm:s, and tied to his
girdle. lIe then took a scimetar, which he concealed under hiE
gown, and went into the most frequented parts of the city, in hopes
of meeting the 'wicked hag who had enticed him into so much
mischief.
It was not long before he found her; when, counterfei ting a
woman's voice, he said to her, "I mIl a stranger, just a1'ri, ed, and

hould be glad to weigh five hundred pieces of gold, to see if they
wID pass here: can you recommend me to a goldsmith 1" "Friend,"
replied the old woman, '
you could not have a!')!Jlied to a more
proper person; my son is a goldsmith; come with me, and he
t;hall weigh them for you directly." The pretended trayeller
agreed; and the old woman led him, as he expected, to the fatal
mansion whence he had 80 narrowly escaped.
On his arrival the black came to him and desired he would walk
)
into an Inner room where the scales were. Alnaschar rea.dily fol

lowed him; and on entering the hall, with one blow cut off the
head of his treacherous conductor. The old woman presently came
in, in hiKh spirits; but when she saw what had happened, f-hf' '5f't

F.Nl'En.TAI
nlE
T
.

155

up a great cry, and would have fled; my brother prevented her;
and aft.er reproaching her as she deserved, he put her to death]
and tumbled both the dead 1JoJies throu
h the trap-door.
Alnaschar spared the young lady, who on her part sho\ved him
the se\'eral coffl:'rs full of gold which these wretches had so wick-
t)dly obtained. Thi
wealth' he resolved to seize; and leaving the
laùy, he went in
ear
h of porters, with sacks, to relllové it; but
she took advantage of his absence, and on his return the treasure
was gono. .A great quantity of valuable mova.hle
; however, re-
mained, with which he loaded his porters, anù carried away a con-
siderable booty. Had my brother been content with this; he had
been wise; but being covetous, he paid so many visits to the house
with his porters, that the curiosity of the neighbors was excited.
An information to the magistrate followed; all the plunder was
laid hold of by him; and poor Alnaschar thought he was well off,
when the judge was content with banishing him from the city.

THE STOR Y OF TH E BARBER'S SIXTH BROTH ER.

Shacahac, my ynullgest Lrotlwr, was so poor that he was re-
du
ed to beggary; Lut having some humor, he contrived to fare
tolerahly well. It happened, olle e,-elling, that he applied for an
alms at the palace of a Barmecide, when the porter said to him,
" Go in and find out our master; ho \vill not send you away dis-
satisfied."
Thus encouraged, my brother entered the palace, and strolled
from room to room, till he came into a hall adorn9d with paintings
of gold, azure foliage, and
plenclidly furnished. At the upper
end of this room he sa.w a venerable man with a long white beard,
whose appear-ance carried with it an air of dignity. ::\Iy brother
concluded, as was the truth, that it wa:'l the master of the house;
he salutcd him therefore with the greate
t re
pect. The Barme-
eide received him kindly, and asked him what he wantcd. Shaca-
bac, in an humhle milI1l1er, related his neces
ities, and besought re-
lief; concluding his sad ta.le by declaring that he had not eaten
anything the whole day.
The Barmecidc, when my brother had ended, put his hands to
his garmcnts, as if he would have rent his clothes. "Is it possi-
1Jle," said he, " that such a. man as you can be as poor a
you say 1
This mu
t not be. But come, a
you have not eaten to-day, you
must 1\0 l'f-acly to die with hunger; ho, hoy! bring in the water tu

156

AUABIAN
IGIlT::;

wash our hands, and order supper immediately':} Shacabac was
confoùnded at this gracious reception, and was about to
xpres8
bis gratitude, when the Barmecide began to rub hia hands, as though

olU
one poured water on them, and invited my brother to come
and wash with þim. No boy appeared, nor was there either hat:!in
or water; yet my brother thought he ought not, in complaisance,

olltradi
t his host; he came forward, therefore, and did as he d.id.
" Come," said the Barmecide, "let us now Imye supper ;'i and
though nothing was brought, he pretended to cut, as if i1 :lish of
meat were before him, and began to chew, saying to my brother,
" Eat, friend, eat heartily; you said you was hungry, but you pro.
ceed ns if you had no appetite." Shacabac gave readily into tho
lake, and imitating the Barmecide, said, " You see, my lord, I lo
e
no time." " Boy," said the old gentleman, " bring us another di
h
Come, my good friend, taste of this mutton and barley broth, unless
you prefer part of that goose, with sweet saUC3, vinegar
honey,
raisins, grey peas, and dry figs; eat, however, sparingly of it, as
we have a variety of good things to come." Shacabac, fainting
with hunger, pretended to feast heartily 011 these invisible dainties.
The Barmecide continued to call for other dishes, aud boasted
much of a lamb fed with pistachio nuts; "a dish," said he, "you

rill find at no table but mine; let me help you to some, and judge
if I have not reason to praise it." My brother made as if
he received the lamb, and ate it with great pleasure. " Nothing
can be more delicious," said he; "your table, my lord, abounds
'with good things." " Eat heartily, then," said the Barmecide, " you

annot oblige me more." "You see, my lord," replied my brother,
" how I testify my approbation."
An imaginary dessert succeeded. The TIa-rmecide did not fail to
recommend the several fruits and confections. Shacahac extolled
them yet more; till, tired of moving his jaws, and having nothing
to eat, he declared he could oot no more. "Let us drink then,"
said the Barmecide; "brinJ:Z: some wine." "Excuse me, my lord,"
said 8hacabac, "I will drink no wine, because it is forbidden.}}
"You are too scrupulous," replied his host; "you must not refu
e
to keep me company/' " I cannot refuse your 10rdl:3hip," replied
my brother, " but must entreat you not to urge the glass; for I am
not accustomcd to wine; and fear lcst it !'Ihould betray me into any.
th i
}g like di
respect to you." "'Vine, here," called out the IJar-
medJe; then holding out his hand, a8 if to \'eceive a bottle) ho

};X I'E I'T A IN:\IE
TS.

157

turned to my brother, and t:;eemcd to fi
l him a glass, and himself
another. ShacaLac made as if he took up a gLu;!':, and bowing
very low, he drank the health of his host. The I3armeciùe co-n-
tinued
o supply his guest with imaginary bumpers, till fit length
my brother (weary of the joke, and beginning to be a little out of
humor) affected to be drunk, got up frolll his seat, and gave the
Barmecide so hearty a. box on the ear, that he knocked him
down. He was about to repeat the blow, but the old gentleman
calling out, he pr
tended to come to him
elf. " You have been so
good, my lord," said he, ., to admit your slave to your table, and to
give him a noble treat
hut JOu should not have compelled me to
drink wine, as I told you I feared it would cause me to Inisbehaye,
which I am exceedingly sorry it has done."
The Barmecide; instead of Leing in a rage, laughed heartily. "I
have long wished," said he, '
for a man of your character; but
come, we will now sup in good earnest." Saying this, he clapped
his hands, and the servants appearing, he ordered supper; and the
several dishes they had tasted of in fancy, were really set before
them.
The old gentleman, finding my brother a man of good under.
standing, as well as of much pleasantry, retained him in bis Sel..
vice. For twenty years Shacabac lived happy in his protection;
but then the generous Barmecide died, and his estate being seized
by the caliph, his dependants were all dismisf'ed.
Shacabac, after this, undertook a pilgrimage to 1\lecca. the
carayan he joined was attacked and dispersed by a number of Be-
douins, and my brother became a sla"e to one of them. His af-
flictions in this situation were very grievous, till at length I heJLrd
of bis distress, ransomed him, and brought him home.
The sultan of Ca
gar was highly pleas('d with thcse stories: and
exprpssed a desire to see this talkative barher. He was Roon found
and introduced to the sultan. His appearance was re
pectahle;
he had a plea:;:ant countenance; and his long bea.rd, as white as
SIlOW, denoted his age, which was upward of ninrty. The prince
received him yery graciou
l.r, but laughed at him for hiH prattling
" It would be a. Lad time for me,"
aid he; " to be silent now: I
haye heard the story of little Hunchback, and am acquainted with
the regard your lllaje
ty had for him; I beg I may be permitted
tu examine the body."
After haying surve
'
d it some time, the barber fell into a grpu.t

158

Al
AßI.\N NHarrS'

fit of laughtcr, without con
iùcrilIg thc respcct due to the sultan
" Silcnce, mall," said the prince to him, .. why ùo you laugh so."
" I swear Ly Jour majesty's gooù hUlllors/' answered the barber,
"that this is a very extraordinary business. Hunchback is not
dead. If I do not immediately restore him, I ani content to pass
for the prattling fellow I have been very ul1hal1dsomely called."
Saying this, he put an instrument down Hunchback's throat, and
pulled out a bit of fish and bone, which he showed to the sultan;
he then took out a vial of balsam, with which he rubbed Huneh-
hack's neck, who presently sneezed, and gave other signs of life;
and in a short time was perfectly recovered.
The sultan was astonished at this wonderful cure. lIe formed
a very different opinion of the barber from what he had before
concei ved; and engaged him in his service, as a ma.n of very sin-
gular abilities. Before he dislllit-ìsed the tailor, the Jewish doctor,
the purveyor, and the christian merchant, he ordered each of them
to be clothed ill his presence, with a rich roLe of honor, as a rec-
ompense for their integrity and their sufferings.

THE HISTORY OF ABOUI.HASSEN ALl ERN :bECAR, AND SCHEMSF.L-
RIBAR, FAVORITE OF THE CALIPH HAROUN ALRASCHID.
'fhe king of the isle of ELene, having the audacity to reLel
].gainst the illustrious Haroun Alraschid, to whom he was tribu-
tary, the caJiph sent a powerful army to chastise him. The event
showed the rashness of the insurgents. The natives of Ebene were
300n subdued; and their king with all his family, exccpt an infant
daughter, fell in the disrute.

'he princess, too young to IJe Ben
ihle of her misfortLUH', was
brought to Bagdad, and educated in the harèlll of the caliph.
Kature had endowed }]('r with every ambble qualifica,tion; and
the utmost pains VI-cre takcn ill hel" education. As she approached

he age of a WOlllt1U, her beauty increased, and received ðuch lustre
from her vivacity, her wit i aud elegant accomplishments, tbat she
lJecame irrcsistihle.
The caliph CH'r treatcd her with
l'eat tellG.JrnCSs; her sprightly,
yet artless carriage, her geJ,tle. m;nners, and heneyolcnt disposi-
tion, gaincd ('xc('cdingly on his affections; and whcn time had
ripf'ned the bcautics of hcr person, the amorons prince declared
hi
Ìlüpntinn of
haring with her the throne of Persia.
Sch("IrI

lllihar lwarrl this dpterrnillatioll of the caliph with pl('as-

EXl'EIU'AI
)lE
T::;.

159

ure. She had been accustomed to his endearments from her in-
fancy; she felt a filial aftècti0n for him, which she supposed was
10\ e. The caliph though four times her a.ge was pleasant and
agreeahle. As she was debarred the sight of all men, except him
and his attendants, she thought him the most amialJle of maukind.
If she reflected ou her approaching nuptials without desire, it
was without disgust also. :Matters were in this situation, when
buÛncss of emergency obliged the oa1iph to leave the capital for
a short time.
The affairs of the harem were managed by an old slave named
Fatima. . It was a part of her duty to provide everything neces-
sary, in the city; and the person she used to apply to for what
she wanted, was Ebn '1'haher, a consideral]le merchant of great in-
tegrity. Fatima had attended on Schemselnihar from her infancy,
and was attached to her by the lUost tender affection. She used
often to speak of her to Elm Thaher, with tbe fondness of a
mother: and had as often occasion to praise the obliging disposi..
tion of the merchant to Schemselnihar.
A few days after the de-parture of the caliph, a strange whim
seized the young lady. She bad a desire to see the city; and be-
sought Fatima to take her with her the next time she weIlt thith
r.
Fatima, liitle apprehending any bad consequence, fondly consent-
ed, and apprized the merchant, that on an appointed day, the ca-
liph's favorite would come in pl'h-ate to view the city; and intended
to repose at his house.
EbB '1'imher received her with all possihle respect, but it so hap-
ppned that when she arrived there was, with the merchant, a young
nobleman, of the ancient royal family of Persia, named Ahoul-
ha
Ran Ali Ebn Becar. . This prince had received from nature
every advantage of body and mind, nor had he neglected to culti-
vate them. Schemselnihar was struck with him at first sight; and
when he would have modestly withdrawn, she made signs to
Fatima that she BhOlÙd not let him depart. "\Vhen a collation was
brought in, the ladies unveiled, and Aboulbassen in his turn; was
fascinated by the beauty of the princess. 'l'he intention of yiew-
iñg the city was at an end. Schemselnihar, new to love, indulged

em;ations so delightful, and thought only how she might make
berf:plf ngr('pahle to Aboulhassen : who, on his part, became en-
tirplyenamored. They remained together till evening, and parted
with inexpressible reluctance on both sides.

.

160

Al\.AßI.\N XIGlrrS'

New ideas now took vossession of Sehemselnihar, among which
none so often arose as an abhorrence of marriage with the caliph.
She deyoted herself to her beloved Ahoulhassen; and though she
saw no probability of being united to him, yet she determined to

ncourage that hope. The indulgent }'atima reasoned with her
against so improper an attachment, but misled by her fondness for
the princess, she repeatedly permitted interviews between the two
loyers at the house of Ebn Thaher. The merchant, also, though
he pointed out to the prince the folly and danger of his pursuit,
was yet weak enough to promote the meetings of the young couple.
'Ih:) caliph had put Sche111selnihar in possession of the apart.
ments belonging to the royal consort, and had permitted her to
select her own attendants. The infa.tuated princess determined to
gÍ\-e Aboulhassen an entertainment worthy her love: and when
e\erything wat; ready,
he sent Fatima to conduct him and the
merchant to partake of it. The faithful slave executed her dan.
gerous cOlllmi::,sion váth dexterity, and contrived to introduce them
unnoticed within the flpartments of the princess.
The reception was magnificent. A wonderful display of dia-
monds and rubies, fixed in hurnished gold, and disp08ed in the most
beautiful forms, delighted the eye; columns of the rarest marble
su}'ported the dome; between them were placed vessels of agate,
porphyry, jet, jasper, crystal, and other precious materials: the
floor was covered with the richest carpeting, and the walks ill tho
gardens were formed of little stones of various colors, so at; to
resemble the carpet in the saloon and seem a continuation of it;
two beautiful canals watered the trees and shrubs, which were of
the rarest kiÙd, and planted with great judgment: their odors

ratified the smell, as the charming concerts of the singing hirds
did the ear; in a word everything was to be found which luxury
or grandeur could possibly desire.
In this terr('strial para.dise the love-sick Schemselnihar received
her equally enamored Ahoulhassen, unmindful of her engagement
with the commander of the faithful, whom she now began to
think of with terror and abhorrence; nor did the prince suffer the
fear of future evils, or of present danger, to damp the delight he
felt at being received with so much d:stinction by the object of
]IÏ
vows. The entertainment WflS fI..uuptuous beyond description,
and was followed by an admiralJle conèert; after which Aboulhas..

en and Schemselnihar sung to
ach other hy turns extempore

ENTERTAnC\IEXTS.

161

v
rses, descripth-e of tllPir mutual affection, which they neither
wished to restrain nor conceal. They plighted vows of unceasing
constaucy, and seemed, by seizing the present moment to snatch
those jOJs from the !Jower of fortune before a fatal interruption
!Should put an end to them forever.
That event was even now come. Their caresses were disturbed
by a n1essage to Schelllseinihar, announcing the arrival of the
caliph, and his intention of presently visiting her. The distress
of the lovers coulù only be equalled by the despair of Ebll Thaher,
who gave himself up for lost. Fatima alone ha.d recollectiou.
She ordered the slaves immeùiately to prepare for the reception
of the caliph; she tore the lovers asunder, and as it was impossi-
11e to convey the visitors away, at that time, without discuvery.
she conducted them to a place where they might continue in
safety.
By the time the caliph arrived all was in order, and Schemsel-
nihar tolerably composed. IIaroun embraced her with great af-
fection; and seeing everything set out with the utmost splendor,
Inade no douht but that she had decorated the pala.ce in this man-
ner for his reception. Observing the saloon was shut, he asked
the reason, when Schemseillihar made signs to have it thrown open.
Immediat.ely the grandest illumination that can be conceived was
discovered. A 8pectacle, not more brilliant than unexpected,
which the caliph received as a proof of the princess' attachment
to him, but which she had prepared for a very different purpose.
From the time the saloon was thrown open, the prince of Persia
could see from his hiding place everything that passed in the
hall; and had the torment of beholding his beloved ScheInselni-
har obliged to receiye the caresses of his too powerful rival. Ebn
Thaher could with difficulty restrain his transports. At length a
concert commenced j in the course of which the princess addressed
a most passionate air to Aboulhassen, and sung it with so much
feeling, that
he herself was oyercome with it, and fainted away.
The caliph who still applied eyerything that passed to himself,
was exceedingly concerned, and busied himself yery earnestly in
endeavoring to restore her. At this juncture Fatima went to dis-
miss the prince and his friend, but had the greatest difficulty in
effecting it. Aboulhassen had sympathized so truly with the
princess that he al
o had fainted; and when ELn Thaher, at last,
with the assistance of Fatima, got him safe out of the palace nnd

162

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

conveyed him home, he was obliged to be put to bed, wht.nce 118
could not rise for several days.
This accident opened the eyes of Ebn Thaber. lIe saw at once
the consequences of this fa.tal intrigue: and that if he could not
persuade the prince of Persia to drop all thou
hts of carrying it
on, be ha.d but one way to escape inevitable ruin. As soon as the
prince was tolerably recovered, the merchant, in the most animated
manner pointed out to him the certain destruction he would bring
not only On himRelf, but on the lovely Schemselnihar, also, if he
did not subdue his ill-placed passion. Ebn '"Thaher reasoned,
but Aboulhas8en loved. "Deaf as the winds .to any advice that
made agitÏllst his wishes: he declared that no danger, however
pressing, should make him for one moment cease to adore her. "1'
know not yet," continued he, "what measures I can pursue to
rescue illY princess from a situation so terrible to U.3 both; but-
something I will attempt; and ir' I perish, I shall have the satis-
faction of giving up my life for one that well deserves such a
sacrifice."
Ebn Thaher was still more alarmed at this conversation. He
settled his affairs with all possible despatch; aud two days after
he took his family with him: and set off for Balsora, under pre-
tence of business which would oblige him to reside there for some
time. The merchant, Ly this prudent measure, securcd himself;
and, in fact, did all he could to save the lovers. As all intercourse
was now at an end, they would probably have submitted reluc-
tantly to their destiny if an accident had not enabled them to con."
tinue their correspondence.
Opposite Ebn Thaher's house there lived a jeweller who, having
little business to employ hi
, bestowed much of his attention on
his neighbors. Shrewd, artful, and avaricious, he sought to turn
everything to his own advantage: and having a pleaaant carriage,
which hid his vices, he was but too often successfu1.
This man had not been a 0areleless ob8eryer ùf what passed at
}:bn 'l'haher's. He noticed that Fatima and the prince of Persia met
cont.inually there; and that the former frequently brought another
woman with her) who, though closely veiled, had an air of distinc-
tion, and was manifestly much younger. The illness of the prince,
the distress Jf the merchant. he had not failed to r-emark. Being
a little acquainted with Ebn Thahp.r, he ventured to question him
on these subjects; and though the merchant was careful, and almost

ENTERT <\.INl\IE1\
S.

158

silent, yet his confusion and the little he did say, afforded E30u'a in-
formation to his busy neighbor. Ebn Thaher, leaving Bagdad
abruptly, confirmed this sagacious fellow in his opinion, that the
prince had dared to intrigue in the harem of the caliph; and that
the amour was carried on by Fatima ß.nd the merchant.
In the meantime, the t::ituation of the lovers was truly pitiable.
A boulhassen, tormented by a contrariety of passions, was too ill
to leave his house; and the princess had no other consolation,
under a severe indisposition, but that it prevented the caliph from
urging a completion of their nuptials. At length impatience to
hear from her lover made her send Fatima to Ebn Thaher's to in-
quire after him. The trusty slave was exceedingly shocked to
find the house shut up; and was at a loss which way to act,
w hen she saw the jeweller make signs for her to enter his house.
lIe told her that Ebn Thaher had left Bagdad in haste, and that
the prince of Persia was ill. Then, by making the most of what
he did know, and affecting to know more than he did, he easily
obtained from the affrighted and simple Fatima all the particulars
of the affair.
The sordid jeweIIer del)ated with himself whether he should not
disclose the business to the caliph; but after a little pause, recol-
lecting that the prince of Persia was very rich, and that Schen
sel-
mhar could command unlimited treasure, he was not long at a 10SB
which Ride to choose. lIe concluded the lovers would pay more
liberally for his assistance in carrying on their amour than the
caliph would for a disagreeable piece of intelligence. lIe declared
himself, therefore, ready to supply the place of Ebn Thaher; and
with equal zeal, but more courage, to promote the wishes of the
lovers.
Fatima resolved to venture, for once, to go to the house of the
prince of Persia, directing the jeweller to follow her thither.
Aboulhassen was rejoiced to see the faithful slave, but his joy was
of short duration. lIe was distressed beyond measure for tho
illness of his mistress; and when he was acquainted with t.he de.
sertion of Ehn Thaber, he was overwhelmed with affliction.
Fatima gave him every consolation in her power; and when he
had listened to her awhile, she concluded with relating to him the
offer of the jeweller.
Despair compelled him to embrace this hazardous assistance,
The jeweller was introduced to him, and vowed fidelity. F<Jt,it
l.1,

164

4;RABIAN NIGIITS'

having settled' in what mannel' he waR to meet her, and convey }"r,..
ters or messages between the lovers, took her leave of the princo
and returned to the palace.
For some time, by means of the zeal and activity of the new
emissary, a regular correspondence took place between .A.boulhas-
E;en and the princess. The avarice of the jeweller was gratified
beyond his hopes; he scrupled, therefore, no danger to oblige his
benefactors. l\Iatters could not remain long in this undecided situa-
tion. Schemselnihar ditily grew better; and the caliph who had
been much afflicted at her illness, began to congratulate her on her
recovery. The preparations for the royal marriage were no longer
suspended; and to prevent its taking place the lovers resolved on
clop ement.
The jeweller was directed to take a house in an obscure part of
the town, without the gates, where they proposed to continue till
the fury of the search was over; as he had great reason to fear he
should lJe suspected, when the prince and princess a.bsconded, he
determined to accompany his patrons in their flight. IIis wealth
by this time was eonsiderable; and he could not bear to lea,e it
to the care of others; he packed it up, therefore, in small bundles,
aud removed it from his own habitation to the house he had taken
for the prince.
On the evening of their intended escape, as soon as it was dark,
Schemselnihar and her favorite contrived, with great difficulty, to
elude the eunuchs and leave the palace. Aboulhassen and the
jeweller were ready to receive them, and convey them to the house,
prepared by the latter, where they arrived ut'.observed. But they
had scarce time to congratulate each other, when the building
(which stood apart from any other) was surrounded by a body of
men, who hroke open the doors; and having plundered the house
of everything yaluaLle (among which was the whole of the jeweller's
treasure) they seized the whole company and conveyed thern over
the river into an adjoining forest.
These men were a banditti who harbored there; and had by
some means obtained a knowledge that the jeweller had conveyed
much wealth into a ho
se which stood alone and convenient for
their purpose. On their. arrival at their retreat, they exn.mined
their prif::,oners separately; from the prince, from Schemselllihnr,
and Ji-'atima, they obtained no information; but the da
tarò.ly
jeweller confcss
d immediately who they were. The evcnt was

ENTERTAIX)lENTS.

165

not unfa.vorable, The captain of the banditti had been a slave of
Aboulhassen's father; as soon as he heard that one of his pt'isoners
was the prince of Persia, he set them all at liberty, and ordered his
comrades tb convey them back again, promising also to relStore the
plunder as soon as it could be collected together.
The banditti conducted them to the Tigris, and landed them on
the side next the city. But as they were about to return to the
jeweller's house, they fell in with a brigade of the city guard. who
examined them with great strictness, and were by no means satis-
fied with their vague lllèllmer.of answering. They were about to
take them into custody, when Schemselnihar, seeing there was no
way to escape, resolved to throw her8elf on the humanity of the
commander. She drew him aside and declared who she was. The
officer behaved to her with the greatest respect; he ordered a boat
to convey her and her slave to the water gate of the palace, and
dismissed Ahoulhassen and the jeweller civilly; though he would
not suffer either of them to speak again to the princess or her
attendant.
The prince of Persia returned to his own house, overcome with
. fatigue, grief, and despair. lIe refused to listen to the consola.
tions offered him by his companion. IIis imagination saw every.
thing in the most fearful and tormenting light. IIis heart boded
only calamity, and the prognostication was too fully verified.
The day following, Fatima came to the jeweller in great h3.3te,
and drowned in tears. "I have once more," said she," left the
palace. l\Iy business is to warn you and the prince of Persia of
your danger. The whole intrigue is just discovered to the caliph
l)y a perfidious slave whom Schemselnihar hath lately punished.
Judge what a situati
m we are all in! for my part I am determined
to return immediately, and share the fate of my beloved mistress;
we may possibly escape; but for you and Aboulhassen there is no
hope. }-'ly, therefore, this instant, and save yourselves from torturo
and from death."
The jeweller was too much alarmed to neglect a moment this
important advice. lIe hastened to the prince of Persia, and, not-
withstanding his indibpobition, prevailed with him to rise and leave
Bagdad with the utmost speed. They secured a supply of money
and jewels, and set off for Anbar, travelling two days withou'
stopping; but just before they could reach a pla,ce of safety, they
were surrounded by thieves, who plundered them of everything.

IG6

RAJ3IAN NIGHTS'

They arrived at Anbar the next evening
and the jcwdler reo
joiced that they were out of the power of the caliph; but the
prince, whose spirits had Leen kept up only on the present danger,
sunk under the pressure of so lllany calamitie'3. lIe lallgui::;hcd
two days in the house of a charitable l\Iussulmün, who had taken
pity of their distress, and then died-expret'fo'ing in his last 1110-
ments his undiminished love for the beauteous Schemseillihar.
The jeweller now found himself in a very distressed situation.
Deprived of the gre3it riches he had obtained by his int.rigues; bis
patron dead; his hopes annihilated; 8.n exile from his country, his
avaricious spirit still remained; and he determined to hazard ne,,..
dangers, in hopes of recovering what be had lost. He ){new the
banditti had engaged to restore what they had taken from his
house; and he was not without hope that it might have been de-
livered to his family. The prince of Persia had a mother, who
inherited his vast wealth, and he was willing to believe that she
would reward his attachment to her son. On these considerations,
he revealed to his host the rank of the deceased, and engaged him
to dep08it the body for a short time in a neighboring mosqut); aId,
f-tfter staying a few months at Anbar, he ventured to return to
Bagdad.
As he entered the city in the evening, he saw a woman In deep
mourning, whose form reminded him of Fatima. He followed her
some time, till she entered a stately mausoleum, lately built. Per-
ceiying no one near, he called to her, on which she turned round,
and he saw it was the favorite of Schemseillihar. She knew him
also immediately, and made sigus for him to enter the building
quickly, when she related to, him the fate of her mistress.
"\Yhen the treacherous slave," said shc, "discovered to the
caliph what had passed between Aboulhassell and Schemsclnihar,
the commander of the faithful ordered her to appear before him.
n was at that timp, when terrified for the fate of her beloved
prince more than for her own, she sent me to you to apprize you
of the danger. You will suppose the caliph indulged the highest
transports of rage and jealousy, but he did quite the contrary.
lIe received her with tenderness; made her sit down hy him, and
then gently questioned her respecting the prince of Perl':ii<t. Sc'hem-
selnihar had neither Bpirits nor inclination to conceal the truth;
on which the caliph said, 'J alone am to blame in this affair; I
ougbt to have considered that, in marriage, age and youth agree

EXTgl\T AIX)I EX rs.

167

but iJI together. I love you, Schemselnilmr,' continued the gener-
OUB prince, ' and ever sha.ll; but in future it shall be like the love
of a filtber, not a husband. I will myself give you to Aboulhas-
uen; send hinl word of the good fortune that awaits him.'
" The princess, who had been 80 long torn with contending pas-
tïiùns, and spent with the fatigue of her late unfortunate excursion,
RI
d who at this moment expected a vcry different sentence, could
not support the confliet in her bosom. She sunk into the arms of
the caliph and expired.
"The commander of the faithful 'was much afflicted at hcr death.
He caused her body to be deposited in this noble tomb, with great
ceremony, and has honored me with the charge of it.
allowing me
a hand
0ll1e pension for my support. I ought also to tell you that
he commanded Ebn Thaher to return to Bagdad, and hnth ap
proveù of his conduct in this delicate business."
Fatima, having finished her narrative, was informed by the jewel...
]er of the death of .A.boulhassen; and they joined to pay the tribute
of tears to the memory of these unfortunate lovers. In the morn-
ing Fatima waited on the caliph, and obtained his permission to
inter the body of the prince of Persia in the same tomb with his
beloved mistress. rfbe mercenary jeweller was the only victim of
the caliph's displeasure, who was 80 displeascd with his conduct,
hat he confiscated the remainder of his effects, and banished him
from his dominions.

THE HISTORY OF CAl\IARALZAl\IAN, PRINCE OF KHALEDA N,
AND EA DOURA, PRINCESS OF CIHNA.
Schahzaman, king of Khaledan, used t.he liberty the laws of J\Io-
hammed allow to all good
Im
sulmans. lIe had four wives and
bixty concubines. The most beautiful women in the east were to
be found in his harem ; notwithstandin
which, he continued child-
lesR, and lost all rcl ish for thc grandeur and pleasures of a crown,
for want of an heir to succeed him in wearing it.
At length, when all hope of such a. blessing was nearly over,
and the king began to find old age approaching, one of his wiyes
'hecame pregnant, and in due time hrought him a Ron, so beautiful,
that he was named Camaralzaman, or the moon of the age.
As the prince grcw up, he displayed great talcnts, and by the
Iring's command: was early permitted to take his seat in cound]J
where he cond\1('t
d himself so ably as to engage the esteem of n.U

168

ARABIAN NIGIIT3'

the emirs, and give great pleasure to his royal father. That prince
began now to entertain a hope of seeing his descendants in the
next degree; for ,,-hich purpose, as soon a
his son became of a
suitable age, he much pressed him to marry.
Camaral
aman had about him something more than indifference
for women; he heard, therefore, this desire of his father with great
concern. lIe put it off at first by pleading youth, and desiring
time. After waiting a whole year, Schahzaman, finding no dis-
position in his son to obey him, desired the mother of the prince to
reason with him on the subject. Camaralzaman had moor behaved
with the utmost duty and affection to her, and the king hoped much
from her influence over him to procure a willing obedience to his -
commands.
The royal mother undertook the affair with great zeal. She rea.
Boned the matter over with the prince many times, and in various
modes. She urged his duty to his father, to his future subjects

and to posterity; she described the happiness of conjugal amity,
the delights of paternal love. The prince heard her with an indif-
ference bordering on impatience, and continued firm in his resolu-
tion to remain unmarried.
Another year gliùed away, and Schahzaman found his son still
averse to his wishes. lIe determined, therefore, to make the young
man pay that obedience to the king which he withheld from the
father. Without the least previous notice, he took the opportunity
of a
eneral meeting of the emirs, officers of the army, and other
great men, and publicly, before them all, laid his commands on the
prince to choose his wife, declaring it was not safe to the state that
he should liv
single any longer. Everyone present concurred
with the king iÜ his opinion. Camaralzmnan, surprised and en-
raged, forgot all duty, gave way to his natural impetuosity, and
replied to his father with so much heat. anù acrimony, that the king
found himself at once disobeyed and affronted; in full council he
ordered his son, therefOl'e, to be immediately takpu away to prison.
In the tower where the prince was confined, there was a ,vell,
which was the 1'ptreat of a fairy nameù l\laimoune. At midnight,
when she came forth to wander about the world, after her wonted
custom, she saw a light in CamaralzamrLll's chamber; she entered
it, aud the prince being fast asleep, she admired the bPRuty of his
perRon for some time, after which she took her flight into the mid-
dle region of the air. .

E,TEr:T.\ I
'\IEXTS.

169

l\1aimoune
oon aftpr met a gcnie, lIallled I )(Lllha
dl; be was one
of those genii who rellelleù againl:'t 0(,<1. Thp
l'eat Solomon had
obliged .Mnil1loune to conform.
The genie would gladly have avoided her, aR he wat; sensible how
much I)ower she had over him; by her RuLlllit'siull to the Almighty;
but as they were unawares very ncar, he approached her in the
manner of a supplicant: 8ayin
, " Brave l\Iaimol1ne, swear to me in
the name of the gr('at Power that thou wilt not hurt me, amI I will
also swear, 011 my. part, that I willllOt do thee any harm."
" Cursed genic," replied the fairy, .: what hurt cam:.t thou do IIIe 1
I fear thee not. But as thou ha::;t desired this favor of me, I will
swear not to hurt thee. Tell me, then, wandering spirit, whence
comest thou, what hast thou seen) and what mi
chief ba
t thou
done this night 1"
,. You meet me in time to bear something that is wonderful/'
3aid DallhRRch, who trembled at the sight of the fairy; "hut,

harIlling )laimoune, promise me that you will let me go on in my
way when I have sati::;íied your dellland
."
c; Go on, go on, cursed spirit," replied the fairy, " fear nothing;
lost thou think I am as perfidious an elf as thy::;elf, to break a sol-
3mn oath? But be sure you tell me nothing but the truth; or I
,hall certainly clip your wings.';
Danhasch proceeded to acquaint t.he fairy that he had just come
:rom China, the king of which country had an only daughter, whose
)eauty the genie spoke of in the most ardent terms. lIe added a
;tory of her, the very counterpart of that of Camaralzaman, " that
ler father was exceedingly desirous she shoulù marry; that she
lad constantly rejected every suitor; and that at last the king of
::;hina: enraged at her obstinacy, haù t;hut her up in pri
on, though
loatingly fond of her." lIe concluded by repeating the most lav-
sh applause of her Leauty, whi<.;h he said excelled any of the race
)f mortals.
Instead of nn
wering the genic, l\Iaimoune burst into a violent
it of laughter. "I have just left," said she, c, a prince, in circuJtl-
;tances nearl)" the same, but in beauty, X have no doubt, much S1l
)erior to your princess." "'Tis impossil,le," rpplied Dalllmsch.
I Peace, false 81)irit," replied the fairy: "Jou only wi
h to spnù
nc a long way on a fruitless errand. I am cOllYinceù no mortal
1lll excel the charming youth I }uwe just left.:'
I )i\phasch was pi'lucd at tlri
. "If you will permit me, ap;ree.
8

170

ATIAßL\N NIGHT:;'

ollIe l\Iailr.ouue, " said lw, " I ",ill immediately convey my priltCCðS
to the chamber your prince is in; we may then COLJpare them at
our leisure, and decide our dispute." ,. Agrc(,d,:' replied the fairy,
" provided you swenr to return the lady safe to the place you hring
her from." The genie swore to do this; and l\Iaimoune haying
told him where Camaralzaman slept, went thither and waited his
arrival with tlle prince8s.
Dauhasch w
s not long in performing this business: he intro.
duced the princess, still a
leer, and laid her by the side of Camara.l.
zaman. The fairy and the genie then compared them together, and
each claimed the victory. l\Ia.imoune, vexed at the contest, t:!tampcd
her foot 011 the floor, which opened, and there appeared a hideous
genie, with six horns on his head, and claws on his hands and feet.
"Cascheasch," said l\Iaimoune, "I called you here to determine
between me and that vile genie; which is the most handsome of
these two mortals? View them well, and deteTIIline impartially."
Cascheasch surveyed them both with great attention and admira.
tion. After awhile he said to the fairy, " It is impossible to de-
termine your dispute, unless you cause them to awake in turn. I
shall then he allIe, by olH;;ervin
their vivacity and graceful car-
riage, to deciùc your conte
t.'

:\Iaimoune con
<,nted, and, changing herself in
o a flea, she
stung the prince
o t;harply in the neck, that he awoke. She then
resumed her own form, and joined the genie, continuing, as they
were, invi:-;ihle.
'Yhen Caramalzaman opened hi
eyes, he .was afo1tonished to find
by him a lady of such exquisite loveliness, lIe raised himself on
his elbow, and gazed upon her with the most perfect admiration.
Her blooming youth, her incomparable beauty, sei7.ed his heart in
a moment; and he felt at once the full power of lon', which he
had hefore so rigor01.1Hly rcsi:.-;ted.
He saInted her with the utmust, fervor, aUfI earl)('
tly cnùNworetJ
to awaken her. At leJ!gth. finding she continurd in n deep sleep
and- that an unusual drowsineRs came o"er himself. he took 3 rin

from her fing<'l': and put one of his own in its {Ilace. He -haf
scarcely llOl1C thi
, whcn a profound sleep overcame him.
The euehautments of the fairy produced this sleep in tlw prine,
and in B.tdoura (which was the name of the princess). Danhasc}
tun'!; l'(>camc n flea, and ..:tung nadonr:1- 80 severely on the lip, tha
Rhe rrcRcntly myoke.
hf' was amazpd. in lwr turn. to find a. YOUII

E
TEI{ 1'.\ I:\:\IE
T::;.

IiI

ma.n loYing ùy her; and oh::;erving how hal1tI
Ollle he was, her Won-
der became admiration. "Is it you';: s:lÏd she, ,,; that the king, my
father, has destinetl for my husband? .All! if he had introduced
you to me, I should never haye illcen8t'(1 hUll by an ohstinate l.e-
fusaL" The prince!:3
had too much mode
ty to awakcll her sup-
IJosed husùand, Lut she gazeù at him with much pleasure. At
length she perceived he had exchauged rings with her. phe doubted
110t but thit:; was a token of their marriage, though she could not rec-
ollect the varticulars of ill ,rhile she thought ou these matters,
her senses were at once locked up in sleep. 1\Iaimoune, without
waiting for the decision of Caschearch, triumphed over Danhasch
on the superior beauty of the prince. She then cOlluuallded the
genii to convey the princess back again to her bed. They oLpycd;
and morning being near, the fairy retired to her well.
"\Vhen the prince awoke, he looked ahout for the lady whol:.ie
charms had taken l)ossession of bis heart. Finding she wa
not
with him, he arose, and lm.ving washed and said his prayers, he sat
down to meditate on what had I assed. lIe coucluded that the lady
was conveyed to his bed by command of the king; he, doubting
not, therefore: lJut that she was iutended for his bride. lIe inquired
of his slave who she was, and who had brought her to his cham-
ber 1 To these questions the sla,-e replied, by positi,-ely denying
that any lady was introduced into his apartment " lIow," said the
prince, " do you dare to tell me there was no lady with me 1" "I
am sure/" replied the slave bluntly, "it is impossiLle, unless she
passed through the walls, for I lay at the door."
0amaralzaman was incensed at this presumptÍon of hi
sl<1,.e, and
c::med him severely. The slaye fled from him aud ran to the yÏ;Ûer,
declaring that his master was mad; rela ting, 3S a proof, how he
had punished him, and for what cause. The vizier, alarmed at tllis
account, hastened to the prince, whom he found reading with great
composure. On his entrance, Camaralzaman laid aside his book,
and cOllversed so rationally, that the minister became enraged with
the slave for giving him so causele
s an alarm; and was meditating
punishment for him: ,":hen the prince, with much earnestness, ill-
quired who the lady was who had been conveyed to his bed the pre-
ceding night.
The minister was thunderstruck at this demand. II e hesitatingly

lldeavored to evaåe the question, whieh the prince observing
1'e-
lJeated in a stern and angry manner. Thus pushed, the vizieI

172

ARAbIAN I\'IGllTS'

declared he knew of no l:tdy who had been admitted to him; he
cven argucd the iHlros
iLility of such a circumstance having hap-
pcned; and cOllduded, with per
uading the prince it must have
been a dream, which had taken such full possession of hif:5 imagin-
atioll.
Camaralzaman became frantic with anger at this decluratiQD
lIe was sati:sficù in bi
own mind that a trick had been played
him; he douLtcd not Lut the vizier was the contriver of it
I ,rith the:se ideas, rCf:5lJect for neither the age nor office of the minis..
tcr had any weight with the enraged priuce; he caned him with
a
much severity as he had his OWIl slave. The vizier, in his turn,
was glad to et;ca:pe, aud going to Schahzaman, he related to him
the situation of the prince.
The king: though angry with the young man, had still the ten-
dere:st nJi'ectiull fur him; he received, therefore, his vizier's account.
with great concern. lIe immediately paid his son a visit, who re-
cei\"ed him Vl!,ry dutifully, })re:ssing him ea.rnestly to introduce the
lady to him. ,,'" hatc\'er aversion, sir," said ho, "I formerly bad
to woman, this young lady has charmed me to such a degree, that
I am reaùy to receive her as the best gift you can bestow on mc."
The king was much afflicted at this conversation. He assured
him, in the most solemn manner, that no lady had Leen introduced
to him, by his order; nor was it }JrobaLle any onc could have been
there at all. He therefore conjured him to think rightly of the
matter
and belieye it to be, as it certainly was, a dream, a.nd
nothing (;,18e.
Camaralzaman heard his iitther with the most respectful at-
tcntion; when he had finished his discoursc>, the prince held out bis
hand and said, "You know, sir, the ring I usually wore, which was
your maje:sty's paternal gift. You see I have it not; but on nIY
finger is a \"wmau's ring, which I took from the lovely creature I
found by my side, and gave her mine in the room of it; could this
be a dream 1"
The sight of the ring convinced Schal]zama.n. "Alas! my son,"
said he, ,. how should I rejoice if I could
et before you the lady I
ha \"e now no doulJt you haye seen. Some superior power has
brought her to you, and you must wait with patience till she is
restored to you again. Come now with me, and !'eSUlHe Jour place
in' my council. I pardon your past obstinacy, and will no more
urge you to marry."

EXTE ItT.\ IX )lENT,-;.

178

The consequences of this interferellce of the genii, was still múre
Berious in China. '\rhen the princess awoke in the morning, she
inquired of her attendants who the young man was who bad been
admitted into her apartments; she persisted in this demand, though
they all declared no such circumstance could pos
ibly haye taken
place; and as she obstinately maintained the truth of her assertion,
and avowed herself ready to receive him as her hu::;band, although
she had eyer before been so averse to marriage, the king, her
father, concluded her intellects were deI'anged. lIe ordered her to
be more closely confined; and issued a proclamation, 8tating her
case, and offering her hand in marriage to anyone who was able to
cure her.
'rhe bOpè of obtaining so beautiful a princess, and with her the
succession to a powerful kingdom, caused a great number of
learned men to offer their services. The king, to check this multi-
plicity of applications, thought fit to add another conùition to the
undertaking, which was, that whoever attempted the cure and failed
in completing it, should forfeit his head. ::\Iuch the greater part of
those who had applied seceded fronl so dangerous an experiment,
yet there remaincd many who, depending on their skill, or misled
by their vanity, reðolved to attempt it.
These drew lots to decide who should first he aùmitteù to the
princess. The chance fell to an emir of the court, whose skill in
phJsic and the occult sciences was unquestionable. The king him-
self condescended to introduce him. As soon a:s the princess saw
them enter her apartment, she dropped her veil, and complained to
her father that he had brought with him a strange man, when her
religion forbade her to be seen by such a one. The king apolo-
gized ; and told her it was one of the emirs who had demanded her
in marriage. "It is not, I see," replied the priucef's, " him to whom
you have already given me; and your majesty may be assured I
will never marry any other."
The emir, who expected the princess would have bruken out into
BOrne frantic excess, was confounded when he heard her talk so ra-
tionally, and still more when he fonnd her di::;order arose from a
disappoi
Üment in love. He threw himself at the king's feet and
f:aiù, "You, sir, must be the physician in this rase, Ly giving the
princess to the man she honors with her affection. The application
of art or science can avail nothing toward curing a disorùer which
arises from that passion which subdues all things."

Ii!

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The emir was led out; and the kmg enraged at his presumpt
JI1
and at his own di::mppoiuuueut, caused hislJead to be struck ufi
aud
fixed upon a pule at tbe principal gate of tbe city. The severity
of this example did not deter otherH. )lallY were led by the great-
nétiS of the prize to attempt restoring tbe princess, and, in a short
time, mure than fifty heads were placed by that of the emir.
The princess of China's nurHe had a Bon whose name was :\Iarza-
van. lIe had been foster-brother to the princess; they were bred
up together, and had a great affection for each other. ,rhen ,Mar-
Zi.l\ an became a yOUJlg man, having a ðtudious turn, he applied hilll-
sclfwith success to judicial astrology, geomacy, and other l:iecret arts.
Alid to complete his education he tr
tvelled for some years, "isit-
ing men of know ledge, and improving hilll
elf by their com-
munications.
.:\Iarzq,yan was surprised on his return home to see so many heads
at the entrance of the city. After he had received and returned
the caresses of his mother, he inquired of her the cause of that
melancholy spectacle. The good old lady told him the fr
ory of
those uufortunate men, which of course led her to relate that of
the princes
, whose unhappy situation she descriLed very feelingly,
.I\larzavan had great affection for Badoura; he was not without
amhition ,; aJld had the greatest reason to rely npon his own tal-
ents. He began to hope the cure of the prillces& was reserved for
him, and l'('soh ed to offer himself for the dangerous office. lIe

olllnlUnicated his il1telition tu his mother, who was exceedingly
alarllleù at it. She besought him, with many tears, not to expose
himself to certain death; and enumerated the many people of
al)ilitiel-! who had fallen a sacrifice to their own i.ndiscretion ill risk-
il/i-!' tllC fatal experiment.
Fillding he was not to be overruled, she inl-'isted he should delay
hiN illtelltion till the next day.
larzavan consented. She return-
ed immeùiately into the palaep, a.nd told the rrinces!S that lu'r son
hall just returned from his travels, r..ud longed exceeùingly to
ha \'e the hOBur of a.pproaching her. TIadoura retained a high
rf'
arù for lwr f()
terJH'other. She readily consenteù to Hee him;
'JUt. fiR it W:'t.ö neceH:-;a.ry to kppp so irrpgular a yi
it secret, it was
1'esol \-ed to dr('
s him in woman'
clothes anù introduce him at
tllidnight.
=\Iar
avan had now an opportunity of trying his al,iìitips in
bafely. JIe p)'pparell fumigations, and took with him propf'r

.

ENTÄH.T AIX.11.EXTS.

175

books, to dispossess the evil spirit that he supposed had seizJd the
princess. Badoura. received him with the greatest joy and sisterly
affection. After the first compliments,
Iarzavan began what he
though.t 11 proper prol.:ess, which the princess perceiÜng, cried out,
"\Vhat, my Lrother! do you also beli, ve that I am mad? Lndc-
ceive yourself, aud hearken to what 1 shall relate to you."
Badoura repeated her story to her foster-brother, and showed
him the ring she had received in exchange for her own. .:\Iarza-
van was filled with astunishment; be cntreatcd the princess would
support her spirits, ",hi.le he '" eut in search of the object of her
affections. Badoura was pleased with his zeal, though she had
little hope of any good effect from it; and when he took his leave,
di
lllissed him with great kindness.
Though l\larzantu:s chimerical hopes were frustrated, he re-
joiced that he had made bis experiment so cheaply. lIe was
still 3 ctuated by a fraternal regard for the princess: under that
influence lie set out aud travelled from pl'o,-ince to province ill
search of her unknown loyer. For many days he heard in overy
place the discour
e of the people respecting the princess Baùoura.
and bel' indisposition. The further he \\"('ut from the capital of
China tho less this was talked, till at length he heard 110 more of
it. Be travelled on many days, and at IW5t he heard people talk
of prince Camaralzaman, who, they said, was very ill. lIe pur-
suea the story, which, as he proceeded on\\ard, he hea.rd lllore
distinctly. The exact resemblauce there was Letwceu the btory of
this priuce and that of Baùoura, left him no doubt he was the ob-
ject of his inquiry.
l\Iarzavan arrived, at length, at the capital of Khaledan, and
introduced himself to the grand vizier as a skilful physician. The
viÚer; finding from his conver:::ation that he was a man of
ability, related to him the story of Camaralzaman, and endcd with
tcllin:; him that a fixed melancholy had taken posse
sioll of the
11'ince ever since, by which his health wa:5 much affecteù. lIe
cntreated .:\Iarzavan to pay the young Illall a vil;it, and try it it
WS8 in the power of his skill to afford him assistance.
l\1arzavan eagerly embraced the proposal. and Leing introduced to
t.he prince, found hilI1 lying 011 the bed, his eyes clused. aud entirely
careless even of IJis father'8 attention, who de, otcd evcry momcnt
he could sparo from public business to the cOllsolation of his SOll.

"XZ,Lvan was struck with the rcsemLlal1cc bet.wcen thc 10' el'S,

176

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

and involuntarily exclaimed, " IIc
tyens! what a likeness P' This
expl'e:5sion engaged the notice of the ,lJrillce, who rail:;ed himself
up, and surveyed the f'tranger with grcat attentioll.
larzavan
paiù his eomplimellts to the prince in extempore verse, in which
he glanced at his adventure in Emch delicate hint
, th
tt though
Camaralz.aman rcadily understood he could give him information
of the lady, neither the king lior his mini:::;ter observed anything
more than a handsome compliment.
At the desire of Camaralzamall he conversed with the stranger
alone. l\It\rzaman declined to relate to the prince, in his present
weak
tate, all the particulars he was acquaiuted with. He only
told him, generally, that he knew the lady for whom his highnesb
lauguished; that she retained the same affection for him; and
promised that, when his health was restored, be would give him
c\'el'Y infurmation he could de:::;ire. From this time Camnralzaman
entirely lost his melancholy; he lilCnded daily. 'fhe king loaded
lVlarzavan with honors and reward
, and ordered public rejoicing8
all ovcr the kingdom for his son's recovcry.
The prince failcd not to claim from l\Iarzavan the intclli.genee
he had promiscd, He readily informed him of the prescnt situa-
tion of lladoura, and callcd upon him, by every tie of love and
honor, to hastcn to relicve a princess who had suiì'ered so much for
him.
The prince of Khaledan was too sincerely attached to his be.
loved unknown to need solicitation on this occa
ion. But as Le
was sensible the king would never pcrmit him to undertake bO
long a journey, he thought some management was necessary. Ac-
cordingly, when his hea.lth was quite re-establish ed, he expressed
a desire to hunt i
a large forest near the confines of the kingdom.
Haying obtained Schahzaman's consent, and continued the sport
tor a week, the prince withdrew from hi8 train one night aCCOlll-
Imnied only by .J\larzavan and a groom. Before
l1orning they had
got Lcyond his fathers's territories; when he sent the servant
back with an account where he was gone, and on what occasion.
They thcn sct off for the capital of China, where, after tnt\'elling
near twclve munths, they arrivcd in perfect safety. .
'Yhen they reachml the eity thcy found the mother of
IarLa-
van was {lead; all acees
, therefore, to the princes:::; was eut oft;
except by public apl'licatioll to cure her. It now had beell n long
time since anyone had Leen hardy enough to attempt so dospe-

ENTEHTAI
:\IE
TS.

1':'7

rate an undertaking; and the people were astoniðhed when Cama-
ralzaman, in the habit of an astrologer, appeared before the gate
of the palace, and demanded admission to cure the princess, under
the usual penalty. The bystanders c01)jured him to for
go 80 rash
an attempt; lJut he .contillued resolute, and repeating hi
demand
in so firm and manly a manller, as maùe the people pity and
tremble for him. On his beillg illtroduced to the king of China,
his graceful appearance, noble aspect, and blooming youth, af-
fected that prince; and as he had long consiùered the ca:se of his
daughter as desperate, he cOlJ,ld not, without concern, see so fine a.
young man Jèvote himself to de:struction. IIis maje:sty conde-
8cendeù to expostulate with the supposed astroluger: "You haye,"
said the king, " scarcely obtained sufficient experiCllCe to be equal
to an undertaking which has bafHed abilities of many very learned
men. Let me then advise you to desi:st, since, if you attempt and
fail, nothing on earth can ::;ave your life,"
Camaralz.aman answered the king with modesty and gratitude,
and, at the same time; expressed so much confidpnce of success,
that his majesty sent immediately for the chief eunuch,
nd or-
dered him to conduct the stranger to the princess. As tbey þ:
="'
-
ed through a long gallery the IJrince, through impatience, w&.n.
,Hl
before the old slave, who was obliged to hasten to üvert:1ke him.
" You are in a strange hurry," 8aid the eunuch, "to get to an aIJart-
ment from whence, 1 fear, you will think you return too BOOl1. I
have attended many on this errand, and always found before, that
they approached with apprehension." "That," replied the princo,
,: was a proof of their inability. But, good eunuch, to COIl vince
you that I am no vain boaster, supply me only with pen, ink, rt.hfl
paper, anù I will undertake to cure the princess withuut bel!.'g
iutroduced to her."
The amazed eunuch did so, and Camaralzaman wrote a tender
billet to the princess, and enclosed in it the ring he had taken from
her finger. Baùoura received the note from the eunuch with great
indifference when he told her it came from an astrologer who had
underhtken to cure her; but the instant she Eaw her own ring,
she had scarce patience to read it; she demanded to be led imme-
diately to the person w1 0 wrote it. The eunuch accordingly con-
ducted her to the room where he had left the prince, who had
thrown a
ide the astrologer's haLit, and waited to receive her with
. the most anxious impa.tieuce. They kIlew each other the instant
S.

178

AHABI.-\N KH..ìllTS'

they met Camarahalllan flew to the arms of the vrinceb8; and
the maImer in which she l'eceiyetl him, COllvinced her attendants
that her cure was perfecteù.
The eUllJ,1Ch hastened to tlle king with the welcome tidings.
That monarch could 8Û':.1l'cely credit his report. lIe wmlt directly
to his dauo'hter's a l )artlllents, and emlJraceù her; after which he
o .
presented her haud to Camaralzaman, and gave orders for the
marriage tu be immediately solemnized.
The kiug of Chin:L was highly plptlsed \y hen he found his new
Bon-in-law was a priuce. He heard from him, with fresh wonùer,
the IDanuer in which he became contracted to the prince
8, hasiJlg
eyer cuu:sidered Badoura's account of it as a proof of her di
order.
The rejoicing!::; Oll the !'ccovery aud l
larriage of the princess were
universal.
For a whole year Camaralzaman g
LVe himself up to the delights
of his new sItuatiun. III the miù::;t of theseeujoyments he dreamt
one nig;ht, that he saw Scha.hzaman, his father, Oll his death-bed;
and hea.l'd him say to his attenda.nts, "
I Y son, whom I 80 ten
derly loved; my Bon, \"hom I bred with so much affection, se
11\1l('h Citre, hath allaudoned me; find is himS"Olf, by that mea.ns, the
cause of my d
ath.
' lIe awoke in grea.t distress.
In the morning he rela.ted his dream to the l)rÏncess Badoura,
and they agreed to request the king of China that he would permit
them to take a journey to see Schahzaman. Though the request

;a's too re:.Lt:;(lllable to be refused, yet the king of Chinn. parted
from thcm l'clucbut!y; and on condition that they should 8tay no
hmger than a year in Schahza.man's court, and then return to him
fJ,.:;
Ún.
They set out with a slllall retinue, after haying taken a tender
f
trewell of the king of China; and travelled for It month, makiug
easy journeys through a delightful country. Oue day the weather
})eillg very hot, Camaralzaman ordered the tents to be pitched,
during the heat of the day, in a grove of tall trees. The princcF:s
Leing weary, retired to her tent, and bade her women to untie her
girdle, which they laid down by her, alld she falling asleep, her
attendan ts left her.
The prince, when everything was properly disposed of, came to
the tent where the princess was asleep. As he elltered, he ob-
served her girdle, which he took up and examined: in the mi ldle
of it he founel R little pur8e which contained a cornelian, tied by a

J.:XTE RT A I'\--:\IE.
TS.

17n

red ribbon, and engravPll ill unknown figures and characters; by a
paper annexed to it, he learncd that it was a talisman, on which
there was a scheme of Badoura't; nativity, drawn from the cOllstel.
lations; and that it was lately giyen to her by the qUCCll of China,
as a charm that would preserve her from ill fortune as long as
she had it about her. The tent being too dark to observe the en.
gravings dÎ:stÍnctly, the prince took it to the door; where, while he
was looking at it, a bird darted from the air, and 8natched it from
him.
Oamaralzamall was exceedingly grieved whcn he S.LW the bird
flyaway with the tali::;man. He blamed severely his idle curiosity,
by which he had lost a treaç;ure so valued by the prince:ss. The
bird having got her prize, pitched upon the ground not far off, with
the talisman in her mouth; the prince drew near, in hopes she
would drop it; but as he approached, she took wing and pitehed
agn,in farther otf. On maralzanum followed her, and the oird hav-
ing swallowed the talisman, took a small flight fa! ther still. The
prince hoped to kill hcr with a stone; and as she fiew but a little
way at a time, he became more awl more eager in pursuing her.
Thus the ùird led him from hill to vallPy, and from valley to hill
all day; and instead of perching at lJi 6 ht on a bush, where he
might probably have taken her, Rhe ruosteù on a high tree, Bafe
from hís pursuit. The prince, grio\Ted at the mi
fortl1))es of the
day, would have returned to his camp, but alas! he thought of it
too late. "
hither shall he go? which way return 1 how will he
be able to trace back his steps oyer mountains and valleys ne,yer
trod before? Darkness and fatigue alike pre\Tented him. Besides,
how durst he appear before his princess without her talisman 1
O\Terwhelmed wit,h these distrcssing thoughts, he
at down at the
foot of a tree, and slecp gaye him a :short re8pite from his affliction.
lIe a woke the next morning before the bird had left the tree;
and, as t50011 as he saw 11f'r on the wing, followc(l her. lIe con-
tinued to do 80 the whole day, with no b
tter succe1'lR than he had
had the day before, eating nothing but herbs and fl'ujts, which he
picke<l as he walked. For ten da.ys he pursued the mischievous

bird, sleeping every night under the tree where she roo'5ted. On
the ele\.el1th day, he drew near to a great city, awl the bird flying
OYcr the walls, he saw her no more.
Camaralzaman entered the city, overcome with grief and despair.
If (3 wauden-d about for some time, and, at last, cam/,} to the side

180

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

of a river. He proceeded Oll the hank:;; of it, till he saw a. gato
open, which he entered, and found a gardener at wn-k, who after
looking at him a little while, called out for him to come forward,
and shut the door. 'rhe prince did as he was direl\ted, aud goillg
up to the gardener, asked him the reason of his being so cautious.
,. Because," replied the old man, " I judge you are a stranger, and
I perceive, by your dress, that you, as well as myself, aré :1
lQE:8ul-
man. This city is inhabited by idolaters, who have a mortal
hatred to true helievers. It is wonderful how you haye escaped
ill usage, as you must ha\Te come through a considerable part of
the city. But you seem weary; come into my house; I will give
you the best refreshments in my power; and you shall then tell
me if I can do you more matorial service."
The prince thankfully accepted the frieIidly offer he stood so
much in need of. The benevolent gardener conducted him into his
little hut, clean though 6Illall
and well defended from the weather.
He set before him his provi
ions, and entertained him with so
much heartiness, that the prince was quite charmed; and at the
request of his host readily told him who he was, and by what acci-
dent he came there. He concluded with saying, "Having been
eleven days separated from my dear princess, I have no chance of
meeting with her again on her journey; my only bope is, that she
will proceed to my father's territories; and I must beg of you to in-
form me in what manner I can Lest convey myself thither to meet
her."
The gardener told him it would be impossihle for him to return
home by land, as his way lay through 80 many barbarous nations_
" There is," continued he, " a ship sails from this port once a year
to the I
le of Ebene; whence you may easily convey yourself to
Khaledan, but that ship sailed only a few days ago; it will of
course be near a year before you will have that opportunity. In
the meantime, I would advise you to remain with me: here you
will enjoy perfect safety, and in due time you will join your
princess, in your Own country, with little risk or inconvenience."
C.Lluaralzaman, on consideration, embraced the gardener's friendly
offer. lIe passed the days in la.boring in the garden, that ho
might be as little bm'densome as pos
ihle to his host; and the
nig;ht
in thinkin2: of his dear Badoura and lamentincr their un.
., , 0
fortllna te Reparation.

E
T EHT A INJIENTS.

181

THE STORY OF TilE PRINCESS BADOUR
AFTER HER SEPARATION
FROM PRINCE CAMARALZAl\1AN.

'he princess slept a long while; and when she awoke, she mi
sed
the talisman from her girdle. She inquired for the prince, not
doubting but that he had taken it up: and expected his return with
much illlp'atience.
'Yhen the day closed, and the succeeding night had passed awny,
and Camaralzallan continued absent, the alarm and affliction'
of Badoura became very great; but she had too much good sense
to indulge an unavailing sorrow, especially at a time when spirit
and re:solution were so l1ece
sary tor her safety. K one of the
party, except her own women, knew of the prince's absence. Ba-
doura, when she saw he did not return on the third day, dressed
herself in a suit of his clothes, and going among the body of the
attendant
, ordered them to strike the tents and pursue their route.
'fhe great likeness between her and Camaralzaman; made her
easily pass for him. She ordered one of her women to take her
seat in the caravan, while she mounted on horseback and rode by
the side of it; thus they travelled for several months, till they
arrived at the capital of Ebene; when Armanos, king of that
island, iuvited the supposed son of his ally, Schahzaman, to repose
awhile in his court, before he proceeded to Khaledan,
The princess Badoura accepted the invitation, and was received
hy Armanos with much hospitality. 'fhe king was greatly pleased
with the supposed Camaralzaman. He contrived every means of
amusing hinl to prevent his departure; and at length frankly offered
to gh-e him his only çlaughter, Haiatalnefous, to wiff', and to place
the crown of Ebene on his head, which, old age had made too bur-
densome for his own.
Badoura was much perplexed by this offer, which she dreaded
alike to accept or reject. The inconveniences attending her be-
coming the husband of the princess of Ebene were ohdous. yet
, L
if she refused, she had everything to apprehend from the anger of
the king, in whose power she waR, and who no doulJt would resent
the indignity. Nor dllrst she discover her sex, 3,." she was unpro.
tected by Camaralzaman, uncertain of his f
lte, and at such a dis-
tance from her father's kingdom. She resolved, therefore, to throw
herself on the generof'ity of the princess. She accepted the king's
oirer with great apparent joy; and having given a probable renson

182

AJ
ABIAN NIG IlTS'

for her conduct to such of her attcndalltõ; as thought her Camaral
zaman, anù cautioned tho few of her womcn who knew the Becre

to be faithful and t;i.lent i shc prcpared herself to be the bridegroom
of IIaiataluefous.
Thc king sllmmoned his council and grea.t men, and, in their
presence, rcsigned his crown to the supposed Camn.ralzaman. Tho
next da.y, Badoura was dccoratcd in the regalia of the kingdom;
anù the marriil.ge ritcs were celebrated with the utmost splendor,
amidst rejoicings which gladdened cvery heart except that of tho
b:'iùegroom.
In the evening, when they had retired together, Eadoura, not
withont confusion, acquainted the princess that she was a woman.
She related, with many tears, the Htory of her marriage with Cam-
aralzaman: and of their ullfûrtullate separation. "I dllrst not,'>
coutillued she, "refuse your father's ofter, nor explain my situation
to him. I rely entirely on your good nature to keep my secret 3.
short time. If the prince of KhalC'dan is living, it cannot he long
1)ofore he will arrive hcre, on hit! way home; and should you think
him as amiaLle as I do, I will conscnt that he shall be your hus-
band, as wC'1l as mine, which you know is agreeably to the laws of
the prophet. If, on the other hand, he is 110 more, I shall con-
tinue by your kindness, in safety here, till I can acr{lmint my royal
tather with my situation."
The princess of EùC'ne heard Badonra's story with wonder and
}lIty. \\'hcn she had finished her narrativc, Haiatalnefous em-
braced her, saying, "I do not hlame your sorrow, unfortunate prin-
cess; it must needs })e great for the loss of a hushand so aCCOl1l-
pli
hed as you describe Camaralzamall; I "..ill keep Jour t5C'cret,
anù shall be glad, hy every nwa.ns in my power, to alleyiatc your
grief." :From this time the lllO::::;t Ilprfpct frieud:-;l1Ìp took place be-
tWf'en the two princesl'es; and J
a<Ìoura, became C'ycry day more
C'l'iteelllcd hy Ârmanos and his people, conducting tIre affairs of
the kin
dolJl with great al)ility and Rt1C'('CSS.
'fhilc tllPse thin
s passcfl in the island of }
lJC'n(', (1anmralza-
ma.n .rclllailH'd with his friendly ga.}"clC'}}C'r, impaticlItly waiting for
thc tImc whcn he
houlù 1JC ahlc to I'et f<.}rwal'd. in I'ear<.'h of his
1eloveJ I
a<.1oura. aue ]))()l'uiug. WhC'1l he was pl'C'pa.ring to go to
'
Ol:k, the .gardener prevented him, saying, "This day iA a great
test1\"al With the idolatC'l's, on which acC'ount they will not suff"C'!
l\1li.

lIlli1alls to work. I will go to the port, aud as the time ape

E
TERl'AI
11E:-fl'S.

183

proaches in which the ship sails to ELene, I will secure you 1
pas-
sage in it. But I would advise you to continue here, amI alHllSO
yourself in the garden till I return.
1'l1e prince pursueù tho advice of his host. '''--hile he was re-
posillg himself uuder a tuft of trees, indulging hi!:) melancholy
reBections, he was disturbed by two bird
fighting, and making a
great nobe very near him. In a little time one of them fell down
dead, and the victorious bird flew away.
III a
hort time two other Lird
came, and pitched themselves
one at the head and the other at the feet of the dead bird. After
seeming to express much concern, they dug a grave with their
talons, and interred the defunct. 'fhis done, they flew away; but

eturned in a few minutes, bringing '\\ ith them the victor bird, one
holding a wing in bel' beak aud the other a leg, the prisoner all the
while screaming most piteously, and struggliug to escape. They
carried him to the grave of the dead bird" where they put him to
death; and tearing him to pieces with their Leaks, they strewed
11Ïs remains about the place where they had buried his antagonist.
1Yhell the two avenging birds had flown away, Camaralzaman
drew near the spot, and, looking on the dismembered cm"ca:se, he
saw something red hanging out of it. lIe took it up, ànd found it
was bis beloved Badoura's talisman. K othing could exceed the
joy he felt on this happy event. lIe had no doubt but it was a
presage of a speedy meeting with his lovely princess. lIe tri-
umphed over the mischievous bird who ha.d been the cause of his
misfortunes, and rejoiced at the vengeance which had oVeI"takell
him, in the perpetration of a new enormity against one of his own
spccies.
The prince being much agitated with the adventure of the day,
retired to rest before the return of the gardener. In the morning,
he related to his host what had befallen him. The friendly gar-
dcner took part in his satisfaction: "I congratulate you, prince,"
said he, " on this happy event; and I shall increase your joy, by
acquainting you that the vessel Rails to Ebene in a few days. The
exact time wiU be appointed this morning; I will return to the
port, and bring you notice of it; meantime you will find exercise
and amusement by cutting away yon decayed tree."
The gardener set out accordingly, and Camaralzal11an took his
tools and began to dig round the tree. \Vhen he had turned up
the earth a few feet deep, he discovered a broad plate of brass,

184

AK\BIA

IGIIT;:;'

under which was a staircase of ten steps; be went down, and a&
the bottom ::saw a cave, with fifty brass urns placed in order around
it. He opened them all, and found them full of gold-dust. 'rhe
prince was much pleased with this event; and as soon as the gar-
dener returned he conducted him to the cave, and congratulated
him on his poosessing so much wealth in his old age, the reward of
his yirtue, and a recompense for his past lahor.
., How F' l'eplied the gardener, "do you think I will take these
riches as mine 1 For fourscore ycars I have la1Jored in this garden;
if tbis treasure had been destined for me, I should have found it
long ago. It comcs to you, prince, in good time, as three days
hcnce the vessel sails to ELene, and I have taken a passage for you
in it," Camaralzaman pres8ed his host much to receive the
treasure; and after a long dispute: they agreed to di vide it between
th em,
This afihir being settled
the gardener told Camaralzaman it
would be necessary to act with caution, or the idolaters would
seize bis t.reasure: "Fill, therefore," said he, " fifty jars, half with
gold-dust, the other half with olives; which is a common article
of traffic between this place and Ebene, where none grow." The
prince took this prudent advice; and, fearing lest his talismnll
should be again 10Rt, he carefully put it up in one of the jars, and
sent the whole on board the vessel.
The next day Camaralzaman had the mortification to find his
friendly host exceeding ill: the day follo"wing he grew worse;
and, on the third day, when the prince should have embarked
he
was in the a
ouies of death. The wind bcing fair; the captain
Bent to his passcnger, and pressed him to come on board imme-
diately. The distress of the prince was extrUl1e. If he ll1isEed
this opportunity, he knew it must be another year before he could
get away from the city of idolaters; all which time he must re-
main in uncertainty a
to the fate of his dear princess. Her sor-
row for him also must continue so much longcr. N or was this all ;
the talisman, that source of all his ihisfortunes, was no longer in
his posscssion; and in whose hands it might fall, when the ship
arrived at ELC'ne, it was imposRihle to foresee.
On the othp.r hand, to lease his benefactor to expire by"himself,
when he ought to receiye the confe:-;sion òf his faith, which all
good
Iu8suhnaus repeat 'Lefore they die: to suffer his remains to
pprish unburipd; and insulted by the idolaters (which he knEw

ENTERT ADDIEXTS.

185

must be the case, if he did not stay to fulfil the last t Iffices for
him), all this was such an ungrateful return for the gardener's
zeal, fidelity, and benevolence, that, though the struggle was a
severe one, the virtue of the prince prevailed. He received the
last breath of his friendly host, washed his body, anù interred it
decently in his own garden; after which, though night was at
hand, he ran to the seaside, aud had the mortification to find that the
vessel had sailed about an hour before, the captain having waited
for him till the last moment.
Camaralzaman submitted to his fate with fortitude, though not
without extreme sorrow, the consciousness of haYing acted right,
supporting him under the painful conseqnences of it. The vessel
had a quick passage to Ehene; where, on its arrival, inquiry.was
made, Ly command of the king, if it had brought [Lny olives. It
happened there were nOlle on board but those Lelonging to Cama-
ralzaman. Badoura, who was fond of that fruit, ordered all the
fifty jars to be bought at a high price for her own use.
In the evening, when the princess withdrew into the inner pal-
ace to sup with Haiatalnefous, she ordered some of these olives to
be brought to table. On emptying the jar, they were surprised
to find a large quantity of gold-dust among them; and, on further
examination, Badoura saw and remembered her talisman. She
caught it up: and immediately fl1.inted away.
On her recovery she dismissed the attendants, and, showing
IIaiatalnefous the talisman, the two princesses rejoiced together
in the fortuuate omen. In the morning the supposed king sent
for the captain of the vessel, und inquired strictly who was the
owner of the olives he had sold the day before 1 The captain
readily told the little he knew of him; on which Badoura com-
manded him to sail immediately, to seize that man, and bring him
to Ebcne, offering great rewards if this was done, and threatening
every severity if he failed,
The captain
et Rail accordingly. 'then he arrived off the city
of iùolaters, he did not think proper to entcr the harbor; but
drawing aR npar the coast as he coulcl, when it was dark, he landed
a party of his men: and seizing Camaralzaman, conveyed him
aboard with great silence; after which he immediately hoisted
sail again fiJr :Ehelle.
'The captain, agrc('ahly to his instructions, treatcd the prince
with great re!':pect, hut refused to t()ll him why he was thus made

186

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

ß prisoner. ThE! princess Badaura had immediate notice of their
arrival, when she ordered Camaralzaman to be brought into her
presence. She instantly knew him, notwithstanding his gardener's
dress. Had she followed the dictates of her heart, she would
have flown to his embraces; but conceiving it was more to his in.
terest for her to support the character of king a little longer, she
suppressed her emotions, and ordered him to be conducted to a
handsome apartment, and supplied with everything be wanted in
the most ample manner.
The next morning she cau.sed him to be richly clothed, and in-
troduced to her in council; and in the pre
ence of the emirs she
avowed her knowledge of his abilities, and appointed him lord
treasurer. Camaralzaman received bis appointment with wonder,
and would have rejoiced in so favorable a change in his situation,
if all joy had not been destroyed by his fruitless inquiry after his
beloved princess. .
For a short he executed the d4ties of his office with great aùil-
ity; when tho supposed king, desirous to put an end to his sor-
row, and her own constraint, ordered him to attend her one eve-
ning in the inner palace. )Vhen he arrived, Badoura led him
into a private room, and taking the talisman out of her pocket,
said, "It is not long since this was presented to me. As I have
reason to think you are skilled in these things, I would know of
you what are its properties."
Camaralzaman took the talisman, and drawing near a lamp to
look at it, immediately knew it. " 0 king," exclaimed he," it has
one property, which is to kill me with grief if I do not shortly find
Olle of the most charming women in the world to whom it belongs,
whose loss I have never ceased a moment to de:}lore; nor shall I
fail to excite your compassion, when I have related my misfortunes
to you."
"At another time," replied Badoura, "I shall willingly hear
Jour story. You may suppose I am not entirely unacquainted
with it, But compose yourself now, and wait here till I return
to you." Having said this, she retired, and laying a
ide her regal
1'0 bes, she dressed herself as a woman, and presented herself to
her husùan d.
It would be in vain to attempt relating the transports of the
lovers on their re-union. After they were a little subsided, Cam-
ar:1lzaman expressed his gratitud
to the king for havin
B)

E
"TEHT .\INMESTS.

187

greatly delighted and surprised him. " Do not expect," replied
the princess, "to see that king any more." She then procecdcd
to relate to him her adventures, and the plan she had formed to
procure for hilll the crown of Ebeqe.
In the morning Badoura sent a message to Armanos, desiring
to Bee him. lIe came immediately, and finding in the inner palace
a strange lady and the lord treasurer (whose presence in those
apartments was unlawful), was at a loss what to say. Sitting
down, he asked where the king was; to which Badouro. replied,

'Y esterday, my lord, I was king; but now am contented to be
only princess of China, and to acknowledge that prince for my
husband,"
She went on relating her story, and eXplaining to Armanos the
motives of her conduct. "Your daughter, sir, the lovely lIaiatal.
nefous, has assisted me in this critical situation with her secrecy
and her councils. In return, if your majesty chooses to bestow
your crown on the real Camaralzarnan, I am willing he should
become her husband also; to which I have her permission to de-
clare her consent."
ArmaDos was delighted with the spirit and good conduct of
Badoura; he readily agreed to confer his daughter and his crown
on so deserving a prince as Camaralzaman, who received them
both with the utmost gratitude.
'fhe next year each of the princesses brought forth a son. The
prince, of whom Badoura was delivered, was nallled Arngrad
(most glorious). The son of IIaiatalnefous was oalled Assad (most
happy). Their birth inoreased the friendship of their royal pa-
rents, and greatly heightened the satisfaction of the venerable
king Armanos.

THE STORY OF THE PRINCES AMGRAD AND ASSAD.
King Camaralzaman lived many years happily with his queens
Badoura and. IIaiatalnefous. He had the delight to find his two
sons, as they grew up, become very accomplished princes, and
very dutiful children. The most cordial friendship subsisted be-
t ween the two queens; and the princes having the Bame tutors,
the same officers, the same amusements, seemed also to have the
Ettme soul, the most perfect fraternal affection binding them to
eaeh other.
This delightful scene of domestic felicity was at
nce destro)-ed

188

ARABIAN KIGHTS'

by the folly of Camaralzaman. The young princes had tttailled
the age of eighteen, and the king waR past the meridian of life,
when he took a fancy to indulge himself with the privilege the
prophet allows, and married two other wives. The ladies were
young and of exquisite beauty; but besides beauty they possessed no
desirable quality. Camaralzaman was so infatuated that he treated
his two respectable queens with neglect, and attached himself to
his new wives with a fondness bordering on dotage. Far from re
turning this ridiculous passion, they turned their thoughts to other
objects. The manly graces of the two young princes engaged
their attention; and they contriyed to let them know that their
visits might be secret, and would not be unwelcome.
Amgrad and Assad had too much filial piety to receive this in-
vitation with patience. They rejected the offcr with abhorrence,
and eyen punished the slaye seyerely who brought the billets.
From this moment the new queens vowed their destruction. In
the state of the king's mind this was not difficult to effect. They
ceased not to insinuate that the young men were disgusted on
behalf of their mothers, and had ambitious designs of their own.
These hin
s were dropped, as if given with reluctance; and extorted
from them them through concern for the king's safety.
By these arts Camaralzaman was led to consider his sons as his
most dangerous enemies. He 'would have publicly put them to
death, but that he dreaded their popularity. lIe directed them,
thereforl', to go to a distant place on the frontiers of the kingdom,
pretf'nding that their studies were interrupted by the bustle of
the capital. An emir, of the name of Giendar, with a few attend-
ants, were ordered to escort them, and the princes, whose obedience
to the commands of their father was implicit, set out accordingly.
'Vhen they arrived at an extensive and uncultivated forest, GiC'ndar
left his retinue on the borders, and led the princes a considerable way
within it, where he produced an order from the king to put them
both to death; they submitted without murmuring to this cruel
decree: a contest only arose between them who should be first
sacrificed to their father's caprice. 'This affecting di
pute wa.s car-
ried on with so much tenderness, as quite melted the emir. At
this instant a lion jumped out of the thicket and ma.de at Giendar,
who, in his fright, dropped hi:s scimitar and fled.
K otwithstallding his hastC', he mu:st soon haye been destrún
d, If
AmgJ'ad had 110t ta.ken pity of him. lIe ca.ught up the s
imitar

E
TERT AI
ME
TS.

189

and encountered the furious beast at the moment he was ah)Ut to
seize the emir, and by a fortunate stroke, felled him to the ground
u.nd slew him.
Giendar, thus rescued from desu-uction, threw himself at the
feet of his deli,"erer. "I should be," said he," the most un-
worthy of mankind- if I could now, for a moment, entertain a
thought of performing the horrid task I came here to execute. Go,
unfortunate princes," cont,inued he, ., Hea.ven will 110 doubt protect
your innocence. Go, and seek from fortune a more favorable
country; only give me your upper garments that I may produce
the,m to the king as a proof that I have obeyed him." The princes
complied, and gave him their garments, which the emir dipped in
the blood of the lion; and then with many expressions of grati-
tude and affection, he bade them farewell.
On Giendar's return to court, Camaralzaman was very inquisi-
tive to know in what manner his sons had submitted to their fate,
and whether they had confessed their guilt. The emir told the
king that they received his order with the most dutiful resignation;
that they protested their innocence with their last breath, and
died blessing their royal father, who had been led by the deceit and
wickedness of others to destroy his children.
The king was much affected by this account. A Budden impu]se
led him to examine the clothes of his sons. In their pockets he
found the letters they had received from their new fa.vorites, who
had wrought their destruction. The whole truth at once flashed
on the unhappy Camaralzama.n. He saw with horror the guilt
and misery into which he had been misled. As some atonement,
he immediately banished his betrayers, separately to the most re-
mote parts of his dominions; where they ended their days in pri80n,
after Dlany years spent in solitude, and in those tormenting reflec-
tions which wickedness ever excites in the minds of her unha11py
votaries.
The two unfortunate princes wandered some month"! in a track.
less country, passing over mountains scarce accessible, and
through forests they could with difficulty penetrate, living on
such fruits and herbs as they could find, and watching by turns at
nigh t to þ!;uard against the wild beasts.
At length they arrived witbin sight of a large city. 'Vhen they
drew' near it, they agreed tbat one of them only should enter
it, and learn what 'ort of people inhabited it. After much dispute

190

ARAnIA
NIGHTS'

,,,tho should go, each wishil1g to shield the other from d-anger by
exposing him::;elf to it, they agreed to draw lots; when the chaucG
fitlling to Assad, he took a tender leave of his brother, whom he
left in n,
rove not far from the. city.
As soon as Assad arrived there, he inquired of a revereml old
lll:lll which was the way to the market-place, Leing desirous to
purchase provisions for his own and his la.other's refreslullcnt.
The old man was well dressed, and appeared rcspectaLle. lIe an.
swered very obligingly, l, That, seeing he was a strangcr, he would
walk with him thither." 'l'hey chatted as they passed along; and
the old man contrived to represent himself to the unsuspecting
prince, as a wonder of honesty and goodness. "Vhen they camb
to a great house, the old man said, "Son, you must Ileed
Le
weary; this is my house, which I entreat you to enter, and let me
foot before you such fare as it affords; after which I will attend
you to any part of the city." The prince, who was really fatigued,
and had also formed a very good opinio
of his conductor, thank-
fully accepted his inyitation.
The old man led Assad through a long passage into a hall,
where there were forty other persons, who made a circle round a.
flaming fire, which they adore. The prince was shocked at their
impiety; but his attention wa::; soon taken up with his oW!l concerns.

rhe old cheat saluted the company, saying, "Devout adorers of
fire, this is a fortunate day for us. This young l\Iussulman will be
all acceptable sacrifice to our diyinity. Gazban," continHed he,
addressing himself to the black slase, ,. do you take him and pre-
pare him, by proper chastisement for the holy festival; and let
my daughters, Bostava and Canuua, regulate his diet, that he may
he fit to Le offered up when the next ship departs for the blue sea.
and the fiery mountain.
Assad sawall resistance was in vain. He disdained to expostu-
late with the hoary traitor, who had deceived him, and submitted
with fortitude to - his fate. Gazban loaded him with chains, and
threw him into a dungeon, where he failed not to visit him often,
and administer the discipline uf the whip.
Once a day Bostava anû Cavama attended him with the coarsest
food: and as he was chained hands and feet. they fed him. All
the time they reproached and mortified him; by cyery insult and
barbarity in their power. 'Yhile they thus obeyed their father,
and performed as they supposed an acceptable service to their

E}; rEI
T.\ IXl\IEXl'S.

191

dl'ity, Cayama gratified a furious and lllaLgnant zpaI; but Bm;tava
was of a more gCllt]e nature; and whcneycr
he eould, with safety
to herself, she did him kind officcs.
Amgrad waitc,l for his bruthcr's rcturn with cxtrprnc impaticnce,
and at length resolved to cnter the city ill scarch of him. On his
arrival, he was surprised to find so few l)(,o1'lc ill the habit of ,Mus-
sulmans. At length 8eeillg olle of that de
cription at work in his
shop, he a
kcd him the name of the city, amI how it camc to pass
that he mct so few of thc faithful in it. "Brother," replied the
tailor, ". I pcrceiyc that you arc a t:itrangcr; if you will come in
and sit down, I can convcrse with you freely, and will give you
advice which may be of use to you." Amgrad aceepted his in-
vitation, and being very anxious about A
sad, he began to inq uire,
with grcat earnestness, if he had seen or heard of such a person.
" Alas! sir," replied the friendly tailor, " I have not seen him;
and I very much fear you will never see him again. This city is
called the city of lVlagicians; bccauHe the most of the inhabitants
are of that dcscription. They are all adorers of fire, anù bear a
mortal hatred to the true believers. 'fhey clare not assault us of that
faith, who are inhabitants of the city; but if a stranger l\lut'6ulman
falls into their hands, he is selùom heard of more. Do not, how-
ever, giye 'way to fruitless gricf, you shall live with me till you have
learncd the customs of the place, and thcn you will be in perfect
safety."
Amgrad accepted the tailor's invitation, and continued with him
for more than a month. without once stirring out of doors. At.
length, weary with so long a confincment, alld thinking he had
learned sufficient caution from the conversation of his host, he ven-
tur('d to go to the public baths.
On his return, he fell into a scrape which had nearly proved
fatal to him. A heautiful wanton accosted him, and removing her
veil, discovered charms which were irre
il:5tihle; after conversing
with him for SOIllP time, she frankly offered to go home nnd dine
with him. Amgrad dllI'st not conduct her to the honse of his
friC'udly tailor; yet he had no mind to rcfhse }Wl' offer. In this un.
t::ertmllty he rcsoh-ed to throw himsdf upon chance. lIe walked
on from street to stre('t, the lady follow ing him, till they both
were weary. They came at length to a large gate, which had a
spat on each side of it, on one of which Amgrad seated the lady,
and sat down himself on the other.

1D2

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The lady ask{'>d him if that was the door of his house. II e incon
Biderately replied it was. ""\Vhy do you not go in then 1" said the
lady; "it is not decent for me to sit here." The prince, by thif:!
time, had begun to reflect upon his situation
and earnestly wished
to get rid of his companion; he told her, therefore, that his slaye
had the key, and he feared 'Would not return for a great while, as
he frequently stayed long on his errands.
The lady abused and threatened the absent slave; and taking up
8 stone broke the lock, which was only wood, and weak, according
to the fashion of the country. She then led Amgrad into a
paciùus
hall, where they found a table spread with all sorts of dainties, a
Bide-board covered with choice fruit, and a cistern full of bottles of
choice wine. The sight of such a provision, gave the prince a high
opinion of the öwner's quality, and of his own danger in thus
daring to intrude upon him.
The lady Bat down to the taLle, and ate and drank heartily,
obliging Amgrad to bear her company. The prince was astonished
tho.t in a house so rich and plentifully furnished, there should be
no servant. He beJ!;an to hope that he might finish the intrigue
before they or their master should arrive; when, on a sudden, he
Baw a man thrust his head in at the door, and beckon to him. The
lady sat with her back to the door and did not see him; but
Amgrad, more dead than alive, got up, and making a slight ex,
cuse, went out.
The house belonged to Bahader, master of the horse to the king
of :Magicians. He had a residence elsewhere; and only kept this
for the occasional reception of certain friends, whom he used to
meet here in disguise.
Bahader was alone when he came to his house
and found it
broke open. On entering the han, he saw a young gentleman and
lady eating refreshments he had provided for his friends. lIe was
a person of great good nature, and supposing something extraorùi-
nary had occasioned the intrusion, he determined to beck('n out the
gentleman, and come to an explanation with him alone, rather than
question him hefore the lady.
The prince, when he came out to Bahader, was covered with con-
fusion. He ingenuously told the master of the horse the whole
truth, revealing at the SHllle time his quality. TIahader, wi
h much
good humor, told him he would not interrupt his frolic. "I will
Bend," said he, "and forbid my friends coming to-day; and as you

ENTEI:T AIi': :\IE
TS.

19

have no 8lavc: I "ill take that office upon mc; I desire you will
behave to me as if 1 was really 80, that, yon Hlay not suffer in tho
opinion of your mistress." _\mgrad paid hi8 ackl10wledgmcnts to
Bahader, and returned to the lady in much higher spirits thau
when he left hpr.
Shortly after, the master of the horse, having put on the habit of
a ßlave. entered the hall 'with humility suitable to tho cbarn,cter he
had assumed. On his appearance, the lady rate([ him in the harsh-
est terms, for not being in the way when his master returned. Sot
content with thi8 she seized a stick, and Legan to beat him with
great severity. .Amgrad presently rescued him, and, when she
could beat him no longer, shc sat down, threatening and cursing
him.
rrhey continued together in the hall, eating fruit and drinking
wine, till evening; anù, as often as the sl1lJPo
eù slave appeareù,
the lady ll1uttC'red against him harsh threats and the most reproach-
ful names. "Then it grew late: Bahader fell asleep in the adjoin-
ing chamber. The lady, hearing him snore, seized .Amgrad's
seimetar, and besought him to let her put his slave to death. The
prince endea,yorcd in vain to pacify her. lIer rage increasing; as
they disputed, she drew the scillletar; r..lld vowed she would dis-
patch him, even without his master's consent. "It is enough,
madam," said Amgrad," the slave shall die; sinco you desire it;
but give me the scimetar; I should be Borry he should fall by any
hand but my own." She restored him the sciHH'tar, which he lifted
up, and at One blow cut off her head, which fell upon Bahadcr and
awakened him.
rIhe master of the horse was amnzed to see Amgrad with a sabre
all bloody, and the body of the lady heaùless on the ground. The
prince told him what had passed; and added, " I had no way of
preserving your life, lJllt llY putting an end to hers." Bahader was
much shocked and alarmed. lIe knew tha.t as private assassinations
were sometimes committed in the city, the police were very watch-
ful in detecting, and the king yery rigorous in pUJ1ishing them.
Y ct how great soe,'er the danger, he could not blame the prince
who had presen'ed him. He put the body in a. sarl\:, and, taking
leaye of Ämgraù, said, ,; Yon, sir, who are a stranger, can npithpr
judge of the neee
ity of removing the body, no.r are you suffi-

'iently acqua1nted with the city to carry it to the sea, where it must
ll(' thrown: but, n.
Y\)lJ put the Imly to death to save my life, it is
9

194

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

proper I
hould take t.he ri
k that may attend that action 0 u my.
f1e If."
Bahader set out accordingly, with the sack oyer his
honldcr.
He had not got f..'1r when he was met by one of the magil:;trates, whose
officers stopped and searched him. He was immediately takcn iuto
custody, and the next morning, in compliment to his situation as oue
of the royal domestics, was brought before the king. But all de-
fence was in vain, when the dead body was produced. The king
was so enraged, that he ordered execution to take place immedi-
ately; and a crier was sent through the city to give public notice
of his crime and punishment.
,Luckily the crier
topped under the window of the house where
Prince Amgrad WI1S. As soon as he heard the pro clamatioll, he
took his resolution. He in.quired his way to the royal palace, and
requested an audience of the king, as the son of a neighboring
prince. Being introduced, he related all that had befallen him, and
fully exculpated the master of the horse. The king was highly
pleased with the hehavior of Amgrad; he readily pardoned Baha-
del'; and, 80011 after, finding the prince a young man of great
abilities, he appointed him to the important office of grand vizier,
which happened to be vacant.
ASRad, in the meantime, continued in the dungeon. The solemn
festival of the adorerR of fire approached. and a ship was fitted out
for the fiery mountain, as mmal, under command of one Behram,
an able
ailor, but a rigid zealot to that religion.
From t.he time Prince Amgrad was appointed grand vizier, he
was indefatigable in searching after his beloved brother; and
when he heard the ship 'was about to sail for the fiery mountain,
as he had reason to f('ar that ASRad had fallen into the hands of
the worshippers of fire, he resolved to Reareh that ship with the
utmost striehwRS. lIe øelayed the examination till the slJip had
hegun to sail, when going on boa.rd with proper assistanco, he
obliged the captain to rpturn into the harbor. lIe then superjn-
tended the search himself, and examined every part of the ship
with the mo
t scrupulous attention; but in vain, for Behram had
conveyeù the prince on board in a chest half full of merchandise,
]c3ving ollly room for him to hreathe, and had stowed it in at the
bottom of the hold. I
Amgl'ad, thus disappoint('d, permitted the ship to procm'd. Soon
after they had sailed, a violent storm drove them out of their

EX I'ERT.\IXJIEXTS.

195

course, aud when it aLated, they had the lUortification to find them.
8eh'os at tho cutrance of the port and capital of Queen _'largiana,
a devout
Iohamll1edan, and so zea.lous aga,in::;t the wor
hippers of
fire, that she had ba.uished them her dOllliuiour:;, and forbade their
ships to touch at any of her ports uncler the seycrest l'enalty.
In this bituatiou, exposed to certain destruction if they coutinued
out at sea, and with scarce auy hope of escape if they ventured to
land, the captain applied to his uufortunate pril:5oncr; he took ofl"
his chains, and exacted a solemn oath, that he sho uld act as he was
dire
ed, and on no account declare his own situation. Assad}
having conformed to this request, was clothed in a very neat dress,
as he was to pass for a superior slave; after which Behram boldly
steered his vessel into the port, and anchored close to the gardens
of the palace.
As the storm had not yet entirely subsided, and the ship lay at
the farthest extent of the port, it was some hours before the
captain was summoned to attend the queen, and give an account
of his vessel. Behram only wished to gain time, that the weather
might become fine again; he delayed, therefore, leaving his ship
as long as pos
ible, and at length set forward slowly, taking Assad
with him.
Behram hoped tha.t l\Iargiana, seeing a l\Iussulman with him
would not inquire very particularly about the rest of the crew
If she did, he intended to present Assad to her as a slave, which
he doubted not would be acceptable to her, and that, in return, she
would allow them to remain in port. Rut as the weather, during
his delay, had become more moderate, before he was admitted to
the queen's presence, he altered his intention of parting with
Assad, whom be again hoped to keep for the saOl.ifice.
The queen was greatly taken with the supposed slave. After a
few questions to the captain, she turned to the princc, and asked
him his name. The unfortunate youth, restraincd by his oath from
declaring his situation, with tears in his eyes desired the queen
would tell him if she wished to know his former or his present
name. "Have you two names 1" replied the queen. ,. I have,
madam," replied he; "my former namc was Assad (most happy) ;
my present one is
Iorear (devoted to be sacrifioed).
Tbough :\Iargiana did not find out from these expressions the
true situation that the pl'Ïnce was in, yet she understood that ho
was 'mhappy. Something.in his air and manner seemed to distin

190

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

p;uisb him; her partiality was confirmed, and her pity awakened
by his anbwer. She said, therefore, to the captain, "Either sell
me this slave, or give him to me. Perhaps it will turn most to
Jour account to do the L:ttter."
llehram bluntly auswered he would neither sell nor give him;
on which the queen replied, in anger, " Then I will seize hun; and
do you leave my port directly, or I will coufiscate your vessel."
Saying this, she led the prince into the palace. Behram withdrew
greatly mortified, and prepared to put to sea immediately.
The queen couùucted Assad into her apartment, and desir
d he
would tell her who he was, and by what means he came into the
power of the captain. Assad concealed nothing from her. "\Vhen
the queen heard that he was of royal birth, she was no longer un-
willing to indulge a passion she had before begun to feel for him
of the most tender kinù, and her indignation against the adorers of
fire increased in proportion.
As evening drew on, she ordered supper to be served early;
sayiug, with a smile, '" "\Ve must endeavor, prince, to make you
some amends for the bad meals you have had since you fell into
the hands of these barbarians':' An elegant repast was served,
and the queen ordered Assad to be supplied liberally with wine to
rai:;e his spirits. But this kindness was attended with mis-
chievous consequences. rrhe prince, after supper, finding he had
drank too much wine, withdrew into the garden, and coming to Do
fount
in, he washed his hands and face to refresh himself, after
which he sat.down, and the liquor overpowering him, he fell asleep.
:l\Ieanwhile nchram, dreading the consl'quence of Assad explain-
ing his former situation to the queen, hastened on board, and pre-
pared to sail. But they were short of water, and as he did not
dare to apply to the city for relief, he resolved on a bolù. measure.
The ship lay close to the royal gardens; it was now night; he
ordered his men to roll the easks to the fountain that was in the
middle of them, aud trusted tha.t as it was dark, he might fill them
uno bserved.
"\Vhile some of the sailors were thus employed, others ramlJled
to the other side of the fountain, where they discovered Assad
asleep. They knew him immediately; they seized and cOll\Teyed
him, 8till asleep, on board the ship. The captain, overjoyed that
he ha
80 unexpectedly recovered his captive, SOO1.1 completod his
watermg, and set sail for the fiery mountain.

EXTERT.ADDIEXTS.

197

While this passed on board the ship, the queen began to he much
alarmed that Assad did not return. Shc seut t:;cveral of her sla.vcs
into the garden in search of him; and 011 their returning without
success, she ordered a party of her guards to attend her with
lighted torche8 for the same purpose. -\Yhen they came to the
fountain, they found a slipper, which the queen remembered to
have seen worn by Assad; the sailors had left sufficiel1t niarks to
trace them to the shore where they had taken in their water; and
Behram's vessel having put to sea, left :\largiana no doubt of the
prince's mil:lfortune.
There lay at that time in the port ready for sailing ten of tho
queen's men-of-war. 'Yithout waitiug for daylight, 1\Iargiana went
on board one of these ships, and ordered the commander to put to
sea with the whole fleet, and pursue the merchantman; promising
to give the ship and cargo as plunder to any captain who should
be so fortunate as to overtake her.
They came in sight of the prize l1ext morning, and spread them-
selves so wide, that Behman soon saw it was impossible to escape.
In this situation, the captain durst not Le found with Assad on
board; nor would he vënture to kill him, lest some accidental cir-
cumstance should betray the outrage. II e commanded. him, there-
fore, to be brought up out of the hold, aud thru&t him oyer board.
Assad was an expert swimmer, and as they were fortunately at
no great distance from -the shore. he made shift to reach it. Hav-
ing returned thanks to Heaven for his escapp, and refrc::ihed himself
with such herbs and fruits as he could find, he travelled dlong the
coa
t, without knowing 'where it would lead him. On the evening
of the eleventh day, he discovered the city of Magician
, which be
immediately knew. He set fonvard toward it with great spirit,
and having gained vdsdom by his misfortunes, he resolved to speak
to no one but l\Ius8ulmans; but before he could reach the city the
gates were shut, and he was obliged to take shelter for that night
in one of the tombs ill an adjoining cemetery.
Behram, when he had thrown the prince overboard, as he plainly
saw it was i:npossiLle to escape from :Thlargialla's f
eet, did not at-
tempt it. He lay to, till the ship in which the queen was camo
up with him, when he lowered his sails as a token of L.is yielding.
The queen herself came on boa.rd, and demanded where the slave
was whom he had the boldness to take away from her, out of her

ery palace. Behraln vowed the slave was not Ï1:1 his ship, which

198

AHABIAN NIGB'
S'

he desired wight be searched, and appealed to the issue of that
search to testify his innocence.
The most exact survey was made. Every box, every package,
was opened to no purpose. The queen hesitated. As it ,vas pos-
sible .As8ad might have e8caped, she would not put Behram uud
his companions to death; yet she was 80 much enraged that she
ordered them to be put on shore, aud delivered up the ship and
cargo to the commander, as
he had promised.
Behram and his seamen knew the country where they were
landed, and set off immediately for the city of IHagiciau8; where
they arrived the same night that Ass'ad did; and for the same
reason were oLliged to take shelter among the tombs. III the
morning, the prince was seized by them; and as soon as the gate:;!
were open, they conyeyed him ill the midst of them to the house
of his former persecutor.
lIe was received with shouts of joy, interrupted by reproaches
and curses, and conducted to his former dungeon. While he ,yas
lamenting the sen
rity of his fortunè, which had again 80 strangely
betrayed him into the hal1ds of his cruel tormentors, Bostava enter-
ed with a c.udgel, a loaf, and a pitcher.
A
sad, overcome with so many calamities, felt his heart sink
within him at the sight of one he had 80 much reason to dread;
Imt he was agreealJly surpl'il:5ed to find his terrors groulldless.
Bostava, instead of treating him with Reverity, loosened his chaimJ
and set before him some choice l'royi
ions and pleasant sherbet.
"\\"'hen he had refreshed himself, she assured him that he was en-
tirely safe from those indignities he dreaded. "Since you were
here," she said, " a slave. .who is a .l\Iu8:snlman, has converted me
to the true religion. This is an entire secret iu the family. As
soon as I ha.d heard you wer
brought again a prisoner, I peti-
tioned to have the sole ca.re of you, and as that request was sup-
po
ed to arise from my devotion to the fire, it was readily gralltf'd.
By this means it is in my power to secure you from every evil ex-
cept COnfillf'll1ellt, and I will diligently watch for an opportunity
to set you at liberty."
The }Irince was tra.n
ported at this fortunate event, lIe relatcd
to T
ost;.LYa who h(; '''las, and said e,"erything he could imaginp, to
strpngthcll her hdief in the l\lohammeda.n religion. A few daYM
afterward, as she was standiuO' at her fa.ther's d90r she l'iaw the
o ,
gra.lld vizier at the head of a procc')sion, and heard a crier pro

TERTAIXMEXT8.

199

claim a great reward to any onA who would give information of
thë prince Assad. As no one was in the \Y i1Y at that time who
could control her, she hastened to the dungeon, and saying to
the prince, " Fùllow me quickly!" she conducted him to the door,
and I:Ihowed him the procession where he would find his brother.
Assad fled from a house in which he had suffered so much, a
d
presented him
elf to Amgl'ad, who instantly knew him. Their
meeting was inexpressibly tender. After the turbulence of their
joy had a little subsided, Al1lgrad conducted hiH brother to the
palace, and presented him to the kiug, who immediately appointed
him one of his yiziers. The treatment Assad had received from
the worl5hippers of fire, was of course related to the sovereign,
who in a rage ordered their houses to be razed to the ground.
The old man, his daughter Cavama, and Behram, were taken and
I ordered to be put to death; but BORt:."lya entreated Prince Assad
to intercede for them; and they were pardoned on condition of
their becoming ,Mohammedans, to which they agreed. .
Some time after the8e thiugs, the princes determined to return
to their father's court, not doubting but he was by this time COll-
vinced of their innocence. They resigned their officel5 to the king
of th..e :Magicians, and tballked him for his protection. They
were actually taking leave of their royal benefactor, when a tu-
mult was heard, and an officer came in, hastily, with a notice that
a numerous army was advancing against the city.
The king being exceedingly ala.rmed, Amgrad proposed that he
should set out to meet the illvaders with a bmaU retinue, and in-
quire the cause of this hostile appearance. 'fhis counsel being
ttpprovcd, Amgrad set out accordingly, and on his arrival was

onducted to a princeRs who commanded the army. In answer to
the prillce:s inquiries, she told him that she had no quarrel with
the king of the Mttgicians. "I cOllie," said sbe,'
to require, in
good friendship, a slave named Assad, to l)e given up to me, and
to demand punishment of one Behram) a captain of a ship who in-
ßolelltly carried him away in defiance of me. I hope your king
will do me justice when he knows that] am l\Iargialla."
"
1ighty queen," replied Amgrad, "the slave to whom you do
so much honor, is my brother; if Jour majef'ty will permit me to
conduct you to my master'R palace, I will presrnt him to JOu."
l\1argiana was rejoiced at this account. She ord{'red her army to
encamp where the)" were, and set out immeùiately fur the palaco.'

.

200

ARABIAN 1It'1GII'l'S'

The king received her as l)ecame her dignity, and Assad raid hiø
duty to her in a manner which hIghly delighted her.
,\Yhile they werc thus engaged; news came that another army
still more numerous drew near. This was led by Gaiour, king of
China. "I cOllle/' said he to Amgrad, '" in search of my daughter
Baduura, whom I gave in marriage ruany years ago to Camaral- -
zaman, son of Schaznman; king of Khaledan. I bave heard noth-
ing of them for a long time. I therefore have left my killgdóm,
thus attended, to find them out."
Amgrad kissed the king's hand, and informed him that be was
his grandson. Giaour, greatly rejoiced at this unexpected meeting,
ordered his troops to pitch their teuts, and went with Amgrad to
the palace.
A great dust was now seen to rise opposite another quarter of
the town. The princes immediately rode thither, and found it
was Camaralzaman, their father, at the bead of a third army. He
llad been so. afflicted for the loss of his sons, that at last the emir
Giendar ventured to tell him that he had spared their lives, and
that they had set forward for the city of the r,lagicians.
Camaralzaman embraced his children with the most animated
affection; their filia.l duty made them at on.ce forget their former
ill-treatment, and return his caresses with unfeigned ]ove,

A fourth army appruacheù the city. 'lhe.yenerable Schahza-
man came thus attended, in f'earch of Camaralzaman; the latt,er
prince was overcome with shame and grief on hearilJg this ac-
count: he reproached himself with his long neglect of the good
old king, who yet retained so lUuch affection for him as to disre-
gard the fatigue and perils of a long and uncertain juurney to find
him out. The king of Khaledan readily f()rgave him, and aft
r a
few days repose at the city of the :Magicians (during which time
Assad espoused the queen l\largiana), the princes 6et out for their
ref;pectiye territories, and Amgrad, at the request of the king of
the Magicians, who was very old, ascended the throne of that em-
pire, which he filled with great ability, distillgui8l:il1g 11Ìlll
elf
particularly 1y his zeal in exterminating the "orship of fire, and
cstablishing the
Iohannllcdan religiun throughout his dominiolls.

THE STORY OF NOUREDDIN AND THE I<'AIR PERSIAN.
Zinchi, the king of Balsora held that crown as trilmtarv to the
, .
caliphs of AraLia. The vassalage was so cOll1!Jletc, tba:t the latter

E
TERTAnDIE
TS.

201

considered the sovereigns of BalsorR as accountable to them for
every minute regulation ill their government; they were frequently.
reprimandeù, and sometimes dethroned, when their conduct did
not please the commander of the faithful.
'l'he appearance of regal dignity wa" kept up, notwithst.anding
the power was so limited; and Zinchi being of an indolent dispo-
8ition, divided the office of grand ,-izier between his two favorites,
Khacan anù Saouy, both men good of abilities. but of very opposite
characters. Khacan was open ,gcnerous, affable. fond of obliging,
and, as a magistrate, strictly impartial; ho was unÏ\-ersally re-
Eipected and beloved. Saouy was the reverse of his colleague;
Bullen, morose, haughty, insatiably covetous, though immensely
rich, venal, and tyrannical; he was, of course, generally detestcd;
anù if anything could add to the popular averöion, it was b is de-
clared enmity to Khacan, thè favorite of the people.
Such were the mir.1Ïsters of the indolent Zinchi, "ho, relying on
their talents, left to them the care of his government, and resigned
himself to the gratification of his appetites.
One day the king was discoursing with his viziers and great men
about women. Some were of opinion that if a woman had great
beauty and accomplishments, it was as much as R man need de-
sire. Saouy was an advocate for this doctrine; but Khacan sup-
ported very contrary ideas, and de8Cribed so feelingly that love
which is founded on esteem, that the king declared himself of his
opinion; and as Khacan, in the course of his argument, had sup-
posed a woman might unite the more valuable qualities of the
heart with personal beauty and exterior graces, the king ordered
ten thousand pieces of gold to b'3 to paid him, and directed hÏ1n
to use all diligence in purchasing such a woman as he had
described.
"\Yhen the viziers withdrew from the royal presence, they were
both dissatisfied. Saouy was tormented at the distinction 'with
which the king had honored his rival. Khacan was exceedingly
grieved at receÏ\ ing a commission which he apprehended would
involve him in many difficulties. lIe immediately ord
rBd all those
pcn>ons who dealt ill blaves to give him notice when anyone of
fsuperior beauty alld merit fell in their way. For a long time
his inquiries were in vain; at last a Persian merchant produced
a slave whose beauty and accomplishments were in the highest
perfectiun.

9 i1i

202

AUAßIAN 1\IG liT.:;'

The vizier paid the price demanded for her by the merchant)
thoucrh it exceeded the sum deposited in hi::> hands by the king.
. 0
",Yhen he was about to conduct her to the palace, the merchant
a<.lviôcd him to take her home, and let her repose for a few days
after her long journey, uefOl'c he introduced her to hi
sovereigu;
a8l:;uring him that both her Leauty and sprightly turn would ap-
pear to greater advantage when she had recovered from LeI'
fatigue. Khacall approved of this advice, and accordingly placed
LeI' in the care of hi
wife
aud, at the same time, acquainted the
lovely Selima (which wa::) her name) with the honor that awaited
her.
The vizie
' had an only son, named N oureddin, a forward youth of
good .lJarts and handsome person, of whom Lis mother was so fond,
that she still continued to allow him the liLerty of the women's a!Jàrt-
mellts, though the time of shutting him out was several years past.
l' oureddin no sooner saw the Leautiful Selima, than he became a
captive to her charms. Though he
new his father had pur-
chased her for the king, yet he resolved to run all hazards rather
than not secure her to himself; nor did the fair Persian see Nou-
reddin with indifference. 'fhateyer honor or sp]euclor she lllight
hope from being the king't:I mistress, she would gladly 1m, e re-
llOullced them to pass her life with the SOll of the vizier.
Selima, haYing repo.sed for several daJ's, the minister directed a
costly bath to be prepared for her, intending to present her next
day to his master. As these baths were seldom prepared, the
vizier's lady ordered her slaves to get bathing clothes ready for
her, intending to enjoy the bath herself when Selima had left it.
All these particulars N ollreddill learned from a slave whom he had
corrupted. Reduc-ed to despair, he resol ved to attempt an adven-
ture the most audacious that could be imagined. lIe concealed
himself in the women's apartments, till Selima returned to her
chamùer, and his mother went to the bath. lIe then visited tbe
fair Persian; and having dismi!sed her attendants, boldly told
her that his father had altered his iutention, and instead of pre-
senting her to the king had gÏYen her to him. The lovely slave
wi:shed this to be true, and was not therefore disposed to doubt it.
Khacan Wu.s equally enraged and distressed, when he heard of
the violation his son had committed. Besides being disappointed
in presenting so beautiful a slave to his master, he was terrified
lest his enemy Saouy, should come to a knowledge of an affair.

EN fl.
nTAlXl\IE.xT5.

203

by which he might eff
)Ct his destruction. lIe ordered the mer-
chants to renew their search, declaring that tho fair Perl..;Ïan by
no means answered hi8 expedation; he frC(iuelltly cumplained to
the killg of the many difliculties he found in executing his com.
mission; in short, he managed the business with ISU much addrelSs,
that Zinchi insensibly forgot it; and though Saouy got some im-
perfect information of the transaction, yet Khacan walS so much in
the king's favor, that he was afraid to speak of it.
It was a long time before the vizier would suffer his son to ap-
pear in his presence; but time, which subdues all things, at length
softened his anger; and as the virtues of Selima. engaged his
esteem, he resolved to give her to N oureddin, if he would promise
not to look upon her as a slave, but as a wife. He stipulated al
o
with the young man that he would never ùe divorced from her,
much less sell her. 'Yith these conditions .N oureddin joyfully
complied; and the peace of the vizier's household was restored.
Very soon after these events, Khacan was seized with a danger-
ous illness, which soon pnt an end to his life. "\Vhen he w
s on his
death-Lcd, he renewed his injunctions to his son, never to part with
the fair Persian, N oureddin did not hesitate to avow the mOEt
dutiful obedience.
For a time N oureddin lamented his father sincerely; but the
gayety of youth soon recurred; and when he found himself pos-
sessed of immense riches, he resolved to make himself amends
for the restraint he had been under, by gratifying every wish of
his heart. .He gave the most magnificent and luxurious entertain-
ments, and drew a.bout him a society of gHY companions, amQng
whom he dissipated his fortune with an incredible profusion.
These parasites perpetually surrounded him. In vain the fair
Selima (whom he continued to love with undiminished ardor) gen-
tly remonstrated with him on his too abundant generol:iity; in vain
his careful steward hinted to him, tha.t such excess would soon
empty a royal treasury. lIe continued his extravagant mode of
living, and lavished awa.y large sums in pre8ents to his companions.
X othing contributed so much to the ruin of N oureddill's for-
tunc as his unvìillinglless to look into his accounts. 'Vhellever
his steward came to la,y before him a state of his dislmrsements,
he always put him asiùe with a jest, or drove him away with
finger.
One l1loruillg, while he was surroulldlJd by the tribe of greedy

It

,.

204

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

8ycophants 'who generally beset him, his steward prescnted himselt
before him, and requested permission to speak with him alone.
The air and manner of the steward when he made this request,
indicated something unusual and disagreeable. N oureddin with-
drew with him; and one of the company, more curious than the rest,
followed them out, and so placed himself that he could hear all
tbat passed between them unobserved.
The steward began with lamenting that he had 80 often in vain
remonstrated with him. N oureddill endeavored to silence him,
but he would be heard. " The time is now come," said he, " that
you must listen to me. Of all that IllaSS of wealth that came
into your possession a year ago, the few pieces in my hand are the
whole remainder; your entertainmcnts thcrefore must be at an end,
or you must provide me with a fresh supply." Noureddin, who
had been overwhelmcd by the first part ùf this conyersation, be-
gan to revive at the latter hint. " You 8113011 not long want that
supply," said he, 'C I have many friends at this time in my house,
who will rejoice to satisfy my oc.casions."
The listener, having heard thus much, withdrew; and returning
to his companions, repeated what had passed. He had scarce
made an end of his account, when N oureddin entered the room
a180.
Noureddin appeared with an affected air of pleasantry which
ill concealed the anguish of his mind. lIe was considering wheth-
er it would be better to declare his necessities to his friends now
they were together, or apply to them separately; when one, whom
he had ever most distinguished
rùse up, and making a slight
apology, withdrew.
N oureddin, without well knowing why, was much afiected at
this, The person who went away was his favorite companion, had
been enriched by his bounty, and was always one of the last vl'ho
left him. While his mind teemed with these uneasy refle
tions, an-
other, the most servile and cringing of the set, in a pert and care-
less manner, bade him good morning. 'l'he others Boon followed;
aud in a very short time he was left by himself.
The young man passed the rest of the day in melancholy reflec-
tions on his imprudence. He determined at length to borrow 11.
certain sum from each of his companions, with which he would go
to some other city, and commence merchant. As there was not
oue fllllong them ''rho had not received tenfold more from his bounty

E
TERT'\ 1
)IE
TS.

205

than he meant to ask, he would not suffer the iùea, of a refusal to
disturb him. IIa, ing tllU:S settled a pl:.tll for his future conduct,
his mind Lecame more calm, and he withdrew to
elima'8 apart-
ment, to whom he rehtted his situation aud iutention.
The day following, he set out to visit his dear and devoted
friends; but was ISO ullfortuuate as not to find any of them at home.
One, indeed, convinced him he was not ahroad; for he heard him
direct his sla.ve to say he was not at hOlue, addillg, " wbenever that t
extravagant fellow comes here, give him the !:;filue answer."
Noureddin was equally enraged and ashamed. lIe was giving
way to despair, when the fair Persian advised him to di8Illiss his
household, sell his slaves aud furlliture
aud try if he could 110t
raibc money enough from them to carry his plan into execution.
!\" ouredùin emlJraced this pruùent council; but even in this com-
mendable scheme he was disappointed. Being oLliged to sell, his
goods did not fetch him half their value; and a fit of sicklle:-;s] the

olJseq uence of his vexation and former irregularities, held him so
long, that, on his recovery, he found the whole produce of the sale
was expended.
In this extremity of distress, he once more had recourRe to the
advice of his beloved Selima, who, seeing no other means of relief
within his reach, reminded him how much money his father had
pa.id for hOl.- "I am your sla.ve," said she; "you have a right to
dispose of me; and how much soever I shall suffer from such an
event, I advise you to sell me; and I heartily wish you may not
lose much of the Bum your father gave for me."
N oureddin could not hear this advice without feeling the keenest
anguish. Not only his love for the fair Persian revolted at such
an idea, but the remembrance of his promise to his f,tther never to
part with her, rose in his mind, and made him think of such a
measure ,,\,.th additional regret. But invincible necessity must Le
submitted to. lIe led her, with inexpressible reluctance, to the
market where women slaves are exposed for sale, and applied to a
crier
named IIagi Hassan, to sell her.
The crier immediately knew the fair Persian was the same slave
that Khacan had IJought at so very high a price. lIe ,\.ent directly
among the- merchants, where he exclaimed, with great gayety,
U !\Iy masters, eyerythillg that is round is not a nut; everything
that is long is not a fig; aU that is red is not flesh; and all e
gs
are not frf'8h. Y ot.! have aeen and bough
, no doubt, many slayeli

206

AUABIAN
I(HITS'

in Jour time: but you neyer saw one comparable to her I have now
to sell, Follow we, and Ree her; amI then name the vrice I ought
t,o cry her at."
The merchants were surprised wlwll they saw her, and all agreed
that Hagi Hassan ought not to begin with a less sum than four
thousand pieces of gold. lIe began to cry her accordingly at that
price; when the vií:.ier Saouy chanced to eute::' the 1llarke
, and
hearing so large a SUIll asked for a female slave. demanded to see
her
It was a privilege the merchants of Balsora enjoyed, that no
person should see a slave till they had offered the most they chose
to give. After which any person lllight see her; and if the stranger
offered more money than the highe:tìt bidder among the merchants,
he was declared the purchaser.
TIut Saouy regarded no man's privilege. lIe d
mallded to see thp
fair sla\Te iuunediately; and finùing her more beautiful than he had
imagined, he looked sternly on the merchants, and said," I will
give the SUIn you ask for this slase!" Noone durst Lid more than
the overbearing vizier. The merchants were obliged to suhmit to
this arrogant interference; and causing the fair Persian to be locked
up, waited at the door, anù directed IIagi Hassan to go immediately
and find the seller.
N oureddin had retired out of the market to indulgo his Borrow
unobserved, but had told the crier wherp. he might be found. lIngi
Hassan went to him, and related to him all that had passed. If
anything could have aggravated N oureddin's afilictioIl, it was that
Sa.ouy should become possessed of the fail' Persian. The sting of
this circumstance made him quite inattentive to the low price for
which she was to be sold. "I swear to you," replied he, " I would
sooner die than part with my sh",'e for ten times the Bum, to that
eurmy of Ollr family; help me, I euh'eat yon, gooù lIagi, to tho
means of escaping this 1<1.l:5t of misfortunes."
" You must conduct yourself in this manner/' replied the crier,
" or the vizier will insist upon his bargain. \Vhen I am about to
prC'sent her to him, you must catch her by the arm before he
touches her. You will then give her two or three Llows, anù tell
her that although her bad temper made you swear that you would
expose her to the indignity of being cried in the ma:rkpt, yet it is
not your intent to Bell her. Pull her then again toward yon; auJ
lead her away."

K
TEUTAIX
lENl'S.

207

1\ oureùdin fullowed this aùvice. 'Yhen Saouy saw the son 0 r
Khacan apl'roach: and foulld he was the OWllcr of the beautiful

lave, he eujoyed to the utmost hii:5 lllaliciou
triumph, and his dis-
ap poiutmeut was iu pruportiun Vi hen he heard him refu:,c tu con-
firm the coutract. He called him by the most l'eproachfulnames,
and riding ui> tù the fair Per
iall he attempted to i:5eize her. 1\ uu-
reddin wanted not this provo(
ation to exasperate him against the
vizier. lIe pulled him otf his hon;e, rolled him in the keuuel, aud
pummelled his head against the stones, till he had almoi:5t killcù
him. After which he conducted the Ü"ir Persiau hOllle again.
Saouy also retired, amid
t the shouts and execratiuus of the
people; who had prevellted hi::; attend,tuts fl'om assisting him. lIe pre-
f:)ented hilli::;elf immediately before the king, all bloody and dirt.y as
he was, aud besought jU::5tice. On beill
ordered to say on what
account, he reminded the king of tflC commii:5sion he had formerly
given to Khacan. "I saw by acciùent to-day," continued he, "a
most beautiful slave, which the profligate .K oureùùin was about to
f:)ell. I had no duubt but she was the slaye Khacan had bought for
your majesty; and would have reclaimed her for you; it was for
this -attempt that 1\ oureddin has treated me thus cruelly."
The king became gl"eatly enraged ou this account. IIe ordered
his officers to l5eize N oureddill and his slave, and to level his "house
with the gruund. One of the royal attenùants who heard the
king's order, had been i.l11pointed to his office by the vizier Khacan.
:Full of gratitude to the memory of his benefactor he ran to N ou-
reddin:s house, and putting a purse of gold in his hand, told him
briefly what had happened, and char
ed him to fly. with Bpeed: as,
if he was tu.ken, the king was too mu eh enraged to hear LillI, and
would ccrtainly put him to death.
K oureddin and Selima hastened to\""ard the river, where they
found a "cssel on the point of sailing; they embarked without iu-
quiring whither she was bound, and after a short and pleai:5ant
voyage arrived safely at Bagdad.
'Vhen they landed it was evening, and having no baggage to
take c:tre of, they rambled a con.siderahle time about the gardens
that bordered un the rrigris. 1'hey came at length to a porch on
each side of which stood a neat sofa; and as they were tired with
their walk
they sat down on these sofas, and after talking together
for some time, they insensibly fell asleep.
The pÚT(jh was the entrance to a garden belonging to the caliph,

208

AIL\ßL-\.
NIGHTS

in which was a. beautiful pavilion of picturcs. The charge of this
garden and pavilion was. cOlllmitted to an ancient officer, called
Scheik Ibrahim, with positive orders to admit no person into it,
nor even to sit on the sofas that stood in the porch.
Scheik Ibrahim was absent in the city on business. On his re-
turn, when he found two people sleeping on the sofas, be was 80
enraged that he was going to chastise them; but seeing by the
little dttylight that remained, they were both han
some, and ap-
pea,rcd above the rank of the vulgar, he resolved to awaken them,
. and hcar thcir apology. The scheik had much good nature, and
more vanity. :Finding from N oureddin's excuse that they were
strangers of condition, and they taking him for the owner of the
gardcn, he resolved to humor the mistake; he asked them to walk
in, and repose themselves in a. place more suitu,ble.
They accepted his invitation, and he conducted them into the
garden, and showed them the pavilion; the hall of which was
adorned with fourscore windows, and in every window was a.
branched candlestick, containing a considerable number of wax-
lights; the pavili.on was in every other respect truly magnificent.
Scheik Ibrahim was exceedingly taken with his guests; they
soon became familiar with each other, and finding how much they
were delighted with the hall, he determined they should sup there.
" I came here," said he, " to pass the evening alone, and, therefore,
have no slave to attend you; but if you will give me leave to wait
on you, I will supply all your wants."
,Vhen they h
d supped, N oureddin dropped a hint that some
wine would Hot be unacceptable; at which Ibl.ahim started, and
said, " Heaven defend me from keeping wine in my house, or going
to a place where it is sold! such a man as I am, who have been
four times on n. pilgrimage to :Mecca, must bave renounced wine
forever."
" :Notwithstanding this/' replied N oureddin, " I willnût be de-
prived of my wine; be so condescending as to go to the door of a
wiue-hüuse, and send in a porter for some, which he may bring
here; aud that you may baye the less scruple, it shall not be
bought with your money." lIe then put a couple of pieces of gold
into the scheik's hand, who, laughing in his turn, congratulated his
guest ou his illyention; "without which," said he, " I should nevcr
ha.ve found out a way of proyidiug you with wine, and prel5erving
my conscience iuyiolate."

ENTERT AIN'.:\lEXTS.

209

While Ibrahim was gone, it occurred to N oureddin that all this
aversion to wine was but hypocrisy, and th
tt his host wouhl drink
his cup as heartily as he could. To try this, he instructed Selima
how to act; and when the wine came, he filled three cups, and
offered one to Ibrahim. The old man started back, as if with
horror, on which ]\ oureddin drank the cup, and the fair Persian
presented the scheik with a slice of apple, which he received with
great pleasure.
As they conversed, N oureddin pretended to fall asleep. Selima
seemed to think he was so, and presented a cup of ",lÏne to ihe old
luan, she said, " Drink this cup to my health, aHd keep me cumpany
while that drowsy sot sleep
." ILrahim fur a little time resisted;
but overcome with her beauty, he complied. Soon after, he drank
a second cup with very little opposition. He received a third from
Selima without murmur: and the fourth, he helped himself to.
:K oureddin seeing this, burst out a laughing, saying, " 1Ia! Ibrahim,
you are caught; is this the way in which you abstain from wine 1"
Ibrahim, warmed with what he had drank, and Im'iug wine, threw
aside his reserve, joined in the lau
h, and sat down very cordially
with his guests to finifoih the bottle.
,\\Thile N oureddin and his host were conversing together; Selima,
olJ!5erving the candles in the branches, and seeing the room looked
gloomy, de
ired Ibrahim to liöht them. As he was in earnest llis-
course with Noureddin, he said to her, jocularly, " Lady, you are
much the Jmmgest; light a few of them yourself." Selima im-
mediat('ly lit up every candle, at the same time opening the shut-
ters of the W
ll(
OWS.
,\Yhen tLe pavilion of pictures was thus illuminated, it made a
very splendid appearance. As the caliph was retiring to bed, it
cl1anced that he opened his casement, and seeing the illumination,
be inquired of Giafar the cause of it, in a manner sufficiently ex-
pre
8iYe of his displeasure. 'rhe vizier had a particular friendship
for Scheik Ibrahim. To shield him from the anger of the caliph,
Giafar inyented a tale that the scheik had applied to him for le3xe
to celebrate a rcligioul5 ceremony in the pavilion, in company with
the ministers of his mosque. The vizier, to secure his friend, saíd
so much upon the sulJjf:ct that he excited the curiosity of the
caliph; who, instead of going to rest, ordered the dil;guises to be
brought, in which he and GiaJar us
d to go about the city, anò
made him and Mesrour, with the other sla.ves about him, go with
him to the pavilion.

210

AttABIAN l\"1GBTS'

Giafar knew there was not a word of truth in what he had told
bis master. He would willingly, therefore, have diverted the caliph
from his purpose; but in vain; the prince would go; and the
vizier, trembling for the consequences, was obliged to attend him.
On their arrival, they foulld the door of the hall partly open;
and the caliph approaching, was surprised to see a young man and
woman of such extraordinary beauty. lIe was also much dis-
pleased to see Ibrahim, whom he had. always considered as a grave,
steady man, now drinking wille, and carousing to exc.ess. " Are
these," said he to the vizier, "the ministers of the mosque you
told me of 1"
At this instant, Selima took up a lute, and began to tune it. The
caliph was exceedingly fond of this instrument; he again drew
near the door, when the fair Persian played on it 80 admirably as
quite delighted him. Returning to the vizier, he said, " I will for-
give you <ill, if you will contrive to introduce me to this company,
without discovering who I am,"
There was in the gardens a fine canal which abounded with the
choicest fish. The bold and needy fishermen of the town would
often scale the walls, though strictly prohibited, to obtain some of
them. It occurred to the vizier that possibly he might meet with
one of these pilferers. Having hinted this to th
caliph, he set out
with :Mesrour, and fortunately found oue stripped to his shirt, and
busily employed in disengaging some fish from the net which he
had just drawn on shore. .At the sight of the caliph's attendants,
away ran the fisherman, leaving the fistl, nets, and clothes behind
him. Giafar seized the latter, and taking with him a few of the
finest fish, he persuaded the caliph to assume the appearance of a
fisherman, and present himself as such to Ibrahim and hia com-
panions.
The caliph agreed to the proposal; but lest he should be ex-
posed to any insult in his own gardens, he sent away an attendant
for his imperial )'obes. He then dressed himself as a fisherman,
and entering the room where Ibrahim and his guests were, he
offered to sell them his fish. The scheik was now drunk. lIe
would have driven away the supposed fisherman; but Selima in-
terposed, and expressed a desire to have the fish, if they could be
dressed immediately. '
.My princess," replied the old man, "I
have a kitchen below, where this fellow may dress them if he
pleases." "I d('sire no better," replied the caliph, "and will ask
nothing for them if you will let me join your company."

'"TERTAIN)IENTS.

211

This being agreed to, the caliph, who took upon ::a imself the
name of Kerim, withdrew, and ordered the slaves who attcnderl
him to dress the fish; which being done, he served them up him-
self, and sat down with the company. They all commended the
fish; and N oureddin being no less drunk than his host, took out
his purse of gold: and threw it at the supposed fisherman as a re-
ward; nor was this all, for when Selima had Bung another Bong,
with which Kerim expressed himself highly delighted, NQureddin
told him he was an honest fellow, and as he liked the slave, she
was at his service; he would make him a present of her. Ha-.-ing
said this, he arose and was about to take up his robe and depart.
Selima in vain entreated her unworthy master tö recall his rash
gift. He reproached her as the cause of all his misfortunes. The
caliph was astonished at what had pas8ed; and while the fair Per-
sian retired to a sofa to vent her grief, he requested K oureddin to
relate his story.
The young man complied; and the caliph found from his nar-
rative, that though his llew acquaintance had been led aside by
youthful indiscretion, which deserved correction, yet King Zinchi,
and his vizier Saouy, had been guilty of oppression and injustice.
He considered that the folly of N oureddin had brought a severe
dist-ress upon him; while the king of Bo.lsora., influenoed by his
minister, had abused the authority delegated from him with im-
punity.
lIe determined, therefore, to punish their injustice, by the very
man who had been the victim of it. He wrote an order to Zinc hi
to abdicate his throne, and place K oureddin on it. lIe also added a
set form of words in the margin of the letter, which denoted his in-
sisting on punctual and immediate obedience. This he put into
N oureddin's hands, and advised him to return with it to Balsora.
" I am not unknown," said he to Zinc hi ; " we were school-fellows:
though this letter is given you by a person so obscure, yet, depend
upon it, when the king receives it, he will do you justice.:'
Au air of authority, which broke forth while the caliph said this:
had great influence with N oureddin; and as his situation wa.s despe-
rate, he ventured on a desperate undertaking; he rose up and
without taking; leave of Selima, who was overwhelmed with grief.
he went on board a vessel, and saJ led for Balsora,
.A r idiculous
ene now took place between the drunken Ibra-
bim and the supposed fisherman. "You have been well paid for

212

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

your paltry fish by that prodigal," said Ibrahim, " but I shall not
suffer you to keep all he has given you. I am cOlltellt to divide
the money with you; but the beautiful slave I will keep entirely
to myself." The caliph refused him in a laughing answer, which
so enraged I brahim, that he withdrew in haste to fetch a cane to
cha.,:;tise the in
olent Kerim.
As suun as Ibrahim had left the hall, the caliph gave a signal
for his attenùants to enter. 1'hey instantly took away the fuh.
erman's garlJ, and dres
eù him in the royal robes; and when
Ibrahim returned, staggerillg and muttering curses and threaten-
iugs against the unreasunable fi
herlllan, he was amazeù to fil1d
in his room the caliph, attended by his principal officers.
The scheik stood aghast at a sight so unwelcome, and so unex-
pected. Recollecting himself, he in the most humble manner be-
sought his master's pardon. The caliph, after giving him n good-
humored reprimand, forgave him, and turning to Sélillla, who
had seen these transactions in silent astonishment, he exhorted
her to take comfort: as N oureddin would soon be in a situation to
receive her again in splendor. In the meantime he promised to
place her under the protection of his fayol'ite lady, Zubeide.
N oUl'edùin had time enough duriug his yoyage to reflect on the
danger he exposed him
elf to by returning tu Ball:5ora ; but his sit.
uation was so deplorable that he became almost indifferent to the
consequence. On his landing, without consulting any friend, he
went directly to the palace, and presented the letter to Zinchi, at
the time of public audience. The king's color changed on read.
ing it; he was about to obey the caliph's order, when he thought
of showing it to his vizier.
Saouy read it in a tr<lnsport of enyy, rage, and despair; he
took care, ho,\'e\er: to conceal these }Jas
ions. An artful expe-
dient occurred to him to postpone at least N oureddin's elevation.
He pretended to tu
n round for better light, when he tore off the
set furm in the margin which he swallowed; tben, turning to 'he
king, who was in great confusion, he talked with him in a whisper
to the following effect; that the set form being omitted, it was
plain that the caliph had only given K oureddin that letter to got
rid of him; that the patent had not been sent, which was itself
sufficient rea:"on to suspend ohedience to so strange an order. lIe
concluded with requesting Zinchi to commit N oureddin to his
custody, hinting pretty piainly that he should not long be in the

E
'l'EI(TAIN)IE
TS.

213

king's way. Zinchi consented, and N oureddin was seh
å., loaded
with chains, and conveyed to the house of his inveterate enemy,
where he was treated with the utmost rigor.
N oureddin remained six days ill this t:dtuation, lamenting chiefly
his own indiscretion, in thus putting hinlself in the hands of his
enemies. Saouy did not pass this time without uneasiness; he
dreaded the con
equellce of his bold measure, in tearing off the
most material part of the caliph's letter. Though be was impa-
tient to deprive Noureddin of life, he neither durst do so privately,
as he at first intended, nor was his malice satisfied with less than
the shame of a public execution, which he could not inflict on his
own authority. Thus situated, he bad recourse again to artifice;
and taking advantage of Zinchi being intoxicated, he made such a
representation of N oureddin, that he obtained the royal order to
put him to death the ne>..t day, in the midst of the city.
At the time appointed, Saouy went in person to the prison, ac-
companied by his slaves, with the executioner and his attendants,
and ordered the prisoner to be conducted to the scaffold, with
every possible circumstance of ignominy. N oureddin, who heard
these barbarous orders, exclaimed, "Thou triumphest now, 0
mine enemy! but remember what is written in one of our books:
, You judge unjustly, forgetting that in a little time you shall be
judged yourself.'" "Fool," replied Saouy, "not to remember
what another of our books sayeth, '\Vlmt signifies dying the day
after the death of one;s enemy l' "
N oureddin was led through all the principal streets of the city,
to a scaffold erected opposite the gate of the palace. The fatal
blow was about to be struck, "hen a most tormenting thirst op-
pressed the prisoner, who earnestJy desired Bome water, which
the people about undertook to provide. This cauRing a little de-
lay, the vizier impatiently called out to the executioner to per-
form his office. A tumult immediately ensued among the people,
who still retained an affection for N oureddin, and ever hated
Saouy. The king himself was offended at the cruelty of his
minister, ånd gave a signal to suspend the execution. At this
instant, a troop of horse came gaIloping full speed toward the
palace, at tbe head of whom appeared Giafar.
The instant Saouy saw the grand vizier, he again pressed the
execution of the priRoner,which Zinchi with high indignation again
forbade.
Yhen the caliph's minister reached the palace, he (lr

214

AI:.\BIAN NIGIlTS

dered N oureddin to be relea::;cd, scized Sa.ouy, and the same h
mr
set ont again for Bagdad, taking Zillcbi and K our ldclin with
him, and leading Saouy thither prisollcr, bound with the saUle
chains he had lately imposed on the unfortunate N oureddin.
The sudden and timely appcarance of Giafa.r was caused by
the caliph accidentally hearing Selima -accompanying her lute, in
the apartments of Zobeide; this brought to his recollection that
he had not seut to Balsora the patent cOllfirrning N oUl'èddin king
in the room of Zinchi. Giafar was illlllleùiately despatched with
it in all haste; aùd arrived just in time to prevent the effect of
Saouy's malice.
On his return to Bagdad, Giafar introduced them to the caliph,
who, ha.ving examined into everJthing, told Noureddin he was at
liberty to revenge his sufferings, by depriving his enemy of his
head. '1'he young man, generous in this instance, was 8ath;fìed
with having Saouy in his power; be even entreated the caliph to
pardon him. Haroun Alraschid highly commended his manly
and liberal behavior, but added, "Though it is l'ight in you to for-
give a private injury, it would ill become me to pardon such an
abuse of authority. ,Mercy to such an offender, wouLl be cruelty
to my people." Saying this, he ordered Saouy to be immediately
put to death.
The c
tliph would have despatched N oureddin to take possession
of the throne of Balsora; but he declared that the many calami.
ties he had met with in that city, had made it hateful to him: the
caliph, therefore, after a severe reprimand, permitted Zin{
hi to re-
assume his government; and re:storing Selima. to N oureddin he
gave him a handsome appoilitment in his palace.

THE STORY OF BEDER, PRINCE OF PERSIA, AND GJAUHARA,
PRINCESS OF SAMANDAL.
Some years ago, Persia was governed by an accomplished prince
of the name of :Mirza. lIis great reputation kept his neighbors in
awe; his subjects were happy under his government; he kept up
the dignity of a sovereign of Persia with great splendor; his ha-
rem was filled with beauties from all parts of the world; but though
he was exceedingly amorous, he had never attached himself to any
particular object. lIe felt the necessity of something more than
mere personal beauty to command his heart.
One day a merchant, who dealt in beautiful slaves, arrived at

EXTEHTAIX'ICNI'S.

215

1\Iir7.a'8 court: and acquainted him that he had met with a Blave
more lovely than any he had ever
cen. The king desired to see
her, and was so charmed with her, that he paid t.he merchant the
full price he demanded
and gave him a
oble present besides.
The king ordered the fair slave to be lodged ill the most elegant
apartments of the harem, a.ñd directed the attendants to behave to
her with the most profound respect. 'Vhen she had reposed a few
days, and had recovered from the fatigue of her journey, her charms
were so much improyed, that :\Iirza was quite enamored with her.
The fair slave endured rather than received the caresses of her
royal master. She submitted herself to his disposal in silence.
The most affectionate endearments produced no alteration in her
beha vior. She continued to cast her eye
011 the ground; nor
could any entreaties prevail with her to utter a single worù. l\Iir-
za, notwithstanding, became so fond of her. that he dismissed all
his other women, and attached himself entirely to her.
A year passed, during which the fair slaye obser,ed the same
obstinate silence; when one day, as the king was pouring forth
vows of the most unalterable affection, he perceiyed that she list-
ened to him in a diff'C1'ent manner from what she had been used to
do. She held up her head, she smiled, and cast her eyes on the
king with looks of love. l\lirza perceived the alteration with as
much surprise as delight; he doubted not but she was going to
Bpeak: he urg(>d her, and she fulfilled his expectations to this pur-
pose:
"Since I have resolved to break silence, I lu\\"e much to say to
your majesty; but let n
e, in the first place, thank you for all the
favors and honors you haxe conferred upon me. Let me inform
you also that I am with child. This induced me to break a silence
I had intended should have been perpetual, and t.o love and respect
you as I ought." .
,Mirza was tram;;ported t.o hear she WU$ likely to make him a
father: a blef:sing he had despaired of, as none of his mistress(>s
had brought him an heir. In the extravagance of his joy, he
caused the news to be instantly proclaimed to his capita}; he or-
dered the poor to be relieved, the prisoners set at liberty, and ev-
ery possible demonstration of joy to take place throughout his do-
minions. Having given these directions. he turned to the fair slavo,
und tenderly inquired into the cause of her long silence.
" 1\0 account for my canduct," said she, "let me inform yon, sir

21G

ARABIAN KH
llT::)'

that though I was reduced
o low I1S to be sold to you fur a
laYe,
I am of royal blood. I have never ceased to remember lilY origin,
and took care to do not,hing which should disgrace that birth by
giving anything like a consent to what befell me in the state to
which my misfortunes had reduced me. Your tender attention and
l'espect shook this resolution, and my teing with child by you has
entirely overturned it.
" .My name is Gulnare, of the sea. 1\Iy father was one of the
most potent princes of the ocean. At his death he left his kingdom
in profound peace to my brother Salph; and I lived happily in his
court, under the protection of my royal mother, who was daughter
of another puissant monarch of the sea.
"An ambitious neighbor
taking advantage of my brother's youth
and of our too great security, invaded his territory with a mip:hty
army, and advanced so rapidly to his capital that we could scarce
save ourselves from falling into his hands. 'Ve escaped to an in-
accessible fortress, with a few trusty adherents, and continued there
a long time, while my brother laid plans to drive out the usurper.
" Saleh was very fond of me; and as the affair he was about to
undertake was exceedingly hazardous, he wished to see me mar-
ried before he embarked in it. 'In the present miserable condition
of our affairs,' said he,' I see no probability of matching you to
any of the princes of the sea; I would therefore wish you to
marry one of the princes of the earth. Your beauty surpasses
anything they ever F:aw; and a very small part of the little wealth
we have left would be an inconceivable treasure to the greatest of
them.'
"Instead of weighing this advice of my brother as it deserved,
I reproached him with meanness of spirit, in making me so de-
grading a proposal. l\Iy mother adopting his idea, I gave way to
my wounded pride, and with an imprudence and ,,,ant of duty
which youth could searcely excuse, I threw nlyself out of the pro-
tection of these my natural and best friend
. As soon as they had
left me, I gave a spring from the bottom of the sea to the island of
the mOOl]. It would be tedious if I was to relate to your majC'sty
the many difitr{'ssing cOlu;eqnencC'8 of this ra8h step. One disaster
followed another, the mmal and just puni
h1Hcllt of indiscretion
and disobediC'nce, till I became at length a 81a\'e, and fell iuto your
hand
.'
".hen Gulnare lmd finished her narration, the king of Persia

T':r\TERTA DDIE:'\T:ì.

217

Clu1Jl
cclÍ hpr with great tewlerIlP::5s. "Iour ::510ry, my charming
princc8
," said he, ,. has greatly cxe ited lllY curiosity, which I would
beg of you to gratify, if I wa
not re:sohed tjr
t to put you in a,
situation more worthy of you." ,M ir
a.
Cllt immediately for the
proper officer
, and publicly ('spoused the beautiful Guillare,
causing her to he proclaimed q ueell of Persia; ill the most solemn
manner all over the kingdom.
'fhese ceremonies over, the king required of his lovely bride a
m
re particular account of the inhaLitant
of the sea. " I have
often heard," sa.id he, ,: that the sea was l'eol'lcll, but I ever Con-
sidered it as a fa.1Jl,e, not believing it was possible for human beings
to walk up and down, and live entirely in the water."
"Sir," replied the queen, I' we can walk at the bottom of the
Bea with as much e:u;e as 'you do 011 land, amI breathe in the water
as you do in the air, yet it nc\'er ,vets our clothes. Our faculties
in general are more perfect th..in your;;, Our vulgar language is
the same that was engraven upon the sea] of Solomon, the Son of
David.
" 'rhe water docs not obstruct the opening and shutting of our
eyes. Our sight is sharp and piercing, and can discern any object
in the deepest sea as distinctly as upon land. "\Y 0 have the same
succession of times and seasons as you have, and enjoy the light
of the same planets in as great a perfection& As the sea is much
larger than the earth, so we have many more kingdoms, all of
which have great cities, well peopled; and there are the same
varieties of ma.nners and customs among us, as there are amúng
the nations of the earth.
,. The palaces of our kings and great rn<.'n are magnificent, be-
yond any idea yon can form. ". e haye gold, as you have; but
the diamonds and pearls which are in most estimation with you,
would scarcely be worn l)y the lowest order of our people. 'Ve
have an incredible agility in transporting ourselves where we '\
please, in an instant; so that we have no occasion for carriages or
horses, yet we Uf;C both for spielidor on public occasions.
".Among other things in which we differ greatly from the in-
hal)itallts of the earth is, the method of deli very and managing the
women of the sea in their lying in. On this account it win be
necessary to Bend for my mother and my com-ins to a
Ri8t at my
hLbor. I wish also to he reconciled to my brother. I beseech your
majcst.y will gire lUC lpa,yc to send for them; they will be glarl
10

218

ATIABIAN NIGHTS.

to see me now I am the consort of so great a prince, and prouð
to pay their respects to your majesty."
The king started at this proposal. "I should rejoice," repliell
he, " to receive your relations j but how can they know where you
are, unless you leave me to go in sea.rch of them 1 That I callnot
bear to think of."-" Sir," replied Gulnare, with a smile, ,; if I ha "e
your permission to send for them, I need Dot stir from this room.
i'hey will be here in a very short time.
'
l\Iirza readily consented, the queen l'equested him to retire to an
adjoining closet, from whence he could see her friends- without
being seen by them, till she chose to introduce him. The royal
palace stood close to the spa; the queen opened the windows near-
est to it; and, having called for a pan of fire, she threw in some
powder, and pronounced certain words over it.
Presently the sea appeared disturbed; and in a short time opened,
when a tall; handsome young man, with whiskers of a sea-green
color, appeared on the surface j a little behind him was one lady,
advanced in years, attended by five beautiful young ones. The
queen approaching the windows of the apartment, waM soon per-
ceived by hp,r relations, who carne forward, not walking, but car-
ried, as it were, on the surface of the waves. 1rhen they came
near the palace, they nimbly leaped into it. The whole company
embraced Gulnare, and tenderly reproached her with having left
them so abruptly, and kept herself concpaled from them so long.
King Saleh also told her that he hat! driven out the usurper, and
seized his kingdom, as well as recovered his own.
Gulnare re(
eived them with great respect, and, in a few worð.ö,
told them all that had befallen her. "I could not," added she,
" for very shame apply to you while I was beset with difficulties,
which arose entirely from my own imprudence. But 1 am now be-
come the wife of the great.e
t monarch of the earth, who, in e,Tery
instance, treats me with the utmost rpO"aI.d and attention."
ð
A sumptuous collation was brought in, which the queen re-
quested her relations to parta.ke of: As they were preparing to do
so, the same thought struck them all, that they had entered the
palace of a mighty T)l'ince and were about to sit down to his taL Ie
. [",
wIthout haying Leen introduced to him. A sense of this inci,-ility
caused th('IU to Llu:-;h; their eyes sparkled, and they Lreathed
flameH of fire at their mouth and nosh-ils.
Uulnare doubted not but this sight would alarm her hU8Land j

EN l'ERl'AI
.'LE
T:).

219

and, as she fouuù her rcla.tions wcrc desirous )f secing him, she
withdrew to the closet where he wa
, aud offered to introduce them
to him. :l\Iirza expressed himself much sati;::;fied at their arrival,
but frankly owned he durst not trm;t himself near people who
hreathcd forth fire so terribly. Gulnal'(
, laughing, told him that
those flames would cease when they saw 11im; anù were only a
token of their unwillingness to sit down to tablc without him.
'Vhen thc queen had presented her relations to the king of
Persia, aud mutual compliments had passed, his apprehcllsions were
done away, and he soon bccame much attached to his illustrious
guests. lIe treated them many days together with the greatest mag-
nificence. III the midst of these hours of festh-ity, their joy was
increased by the queen being happily delivered of a prince so
beautiful, that they agreed, with one voice, to call him Beder;
which, in the Arabian language, signifies, the full moo.n.
One day, soon after the birth of the prince, when ,Mirza and
Saleh wcre visiting the queen, the latter took Beder from his
nur
e, and, after caressing him and dancing him alJout the room,
on a sudden he leaped out of the window into the sea, with the child
in his arms, and disappeared.
The king of Persia was exceedingly alarmed when he saw his
beloved son, the child of his wishcs, thus snatched from him. ITe
concluded the infant must be drowned: and was giving way to
despair, when Saleh returncd with Bedel' in his arms, whom he
restored unhurt to his nurse. lIe then explained to Mirza the rea-
son of his conduct. "Children," said he, " born of parents who are
not both inhabitants of the sea, have only a few moments occurring
once during their early infancy, in which the privilege of des-cend-
ing into the regions of the water can be imparted to them.
\Vhile I was playing with my nephew, I perceived those precious
moments (ðoon to pass away) were arrived; without losin
them to
explain myself to you, I pronounced the mysterious words which
were engraven on the seal of the great Solomon, the son of David,
and, taking the prince with me into the sea, I completed the neces-
sary rites. Beder will now be able, when he pleases, to plunge
into the sea, and traverse the ntst empires it contains at its bottom.
"I have, also," continued he," brought your majesty 0. small
prcsent, which I request you to ßccept." He then made a signal,
when two men rose out of the sea bearing an immense coffer, which
contained three hundred diamonds no large as pigeon's eggs, 88

220

A lL\BIAN 'KIGllTS'

many l'u1-,ies: with emeralds, and pearl.s of the greatest value; S(J
that the kinO' of Pen;ia. was absolutely a.
toui
hed at a. display of
o
riches which exceeded ever.Ytlnng he had any notion of.
l{inO' Saleh and the ladies of the soa continued with :Mirza and
o ,
Gulnare as long a.s in prudcnce they could. .At length they took
leave and returned to their own territories. An affectionate inter-
,
course continued betwecn them during their lives; and they paid
frequent visits to the court of Pen;ia.
As Beùer grew uP: he appeared to be a prince of great hopes.
lIis temper was ben.cyolent; his talcnts brilliant; and they \vere
early called into exercise. "\rhile he was yet a. youth, disease bore
beavily on )Iirza, anù he became desirous to withdraw himself from
the fatigues of royalty. lIe resigned, therefore, his crown to his
son; and though he survi\'ed that event but a short time, yet he
had the sa.tisfaction to see the prince conduct himself ,vith great
ability, and to be treated Ly him with the most pcrfect respect and
duty.
1'he loss of his father was well supplied to the young king by
the sagacious councils of Gulnare and King Saleh. That prince
was so attached to his nephew, that he passed with him all the time
he could spare from the care of his own ùominions. One day after
dinner, Saleh, in conversation with his sister Gulnare, fell insen-
sibly on the praises of his nephew. Beder, among his other yir-
tues, had great modesty; and not being willing either to interrupt his
uncle, or to sit and hear his own applau
e, he rose from the taLle,
And withùrew to a sofa, where he pretended to fall asleep.
Saleh continued the conversation, and told the queen tbat there
was a princess of the sea, who f..'u surpa.ssed all others in beauty,
whom he earnestly wished to be the wife of Beùer, but that very
considerable difficulties lay in the way of obtaining her fur him.
Gulnare arose in haste to look at Bedel', who, being much inter-
ested in the conversation, counterfeited the most profound sleep.
'1'he queen, thinking him really so, returned to her seat, and Saleh
In'oceeded to tell her that it was Giauhara, daughter of the ki ng of
Sa.mandal, whom he thought of for his nephew. "She is," continued
l1e, "the most beautiful and accomplished princess that ever was
seen on the earth or ill the waters. But as her father is insnpport
ably proud, louking upon all others as his inferiors, it is not likely
he will readily agree to the alliance.':
Beder heard this discuurse too attentively for his peace. He be.

E
TERT.-\IXMEXTS.

221

came enamored of the princess Giauhara: of whose beauty he
conceived the highest opinion; and feariug that the king of Saman-
dnl should reject him, it entirely destroyeù his re.st; he became
absent, thoughtful; and sad. ',"hile Saleh contemplated this change
in his beloved nephew with great anxiety, all accident revealed to
him the cause of it. 'Yalking one evening in the gardens of the
palace, he overheard Beder express his pa.
sion for the unknown
Giauhara, in terms the most vehement.
Saleh was excessively grieved at this event. He discovered him.
self immediately to the young king of Persia, and represented to
him in the strongest terms the folly of devoting his heart to a lady
whose beauty he knew only by report. But Beder, finding his
secret thus unexpectedly discovered by his uncle, avowed his at-
tachment, and pleaded the necessity of his 0 btniuillg Giauhara to
preserve his lifp., in Buch pathetic terms, as entirely subdued Saleh.
Beder perceiving the impression he had made, pressed his uncle to
take him immediately to his kingdom (without asking Gulnare's
consent, of which they had no hope) and set on fuot a treaty with
the king of Samandal. Saleh agreed; and the sea, passing at the
bottom of the gardens, they both plunged into it, and arrived, in a.
very short time, at the palace of the sea-king.
Saleh prepared a most sumptuous present, and set off as soon as
po
sihle, with a great retinue, for the court of Samandal. On his
arrival, the king treated him with much respect, and appointed a
puLlic audience, to receive him in the presence of the whole court,
the next day. Accordingly King Saleh was introduced in great
state, and placed on the king of Samandal's left hand; where,
knowing the character of the prince he was addressing, he paid his
compliments to his royal host, in the most subn1Îssive and respect-
ful mmmer; and concluded by directing his attendants to lay the
present they bore at the king of Samandal's feet.
If the vanity of that prince 'Was delighted by the abject behavior
of his hrother king, his aViuice was no less gratified hy his present,
which was of imlllen
e value. lIe turned, therefore, toward his
gue
t, and embracing him, requested to know in what manner he
could serve him.
King Saleh; pleased with his graciou'3 reception, declared thai
the purport of his visit was to solicit an alliance by marriage be.
h'f'een the two royal families. lIe had
carce proceeded thus far..
when the king of Samandal interrupted him by a loud laugh;
.

222

AIOBIAN :KIGH I'S'

after which he asked him, with much contempt, how long he had
entertained such a. chimera? or how he could conceive the ab::mrd
thouo'ht of aS 1 )irinO' to so g reat and aec0ll1 11 lished a. princess?
ole .L
KinO' Saleh haù submittcd to hUlllor the di
po
itioll of the king
o
of SaUH111dal, be0au
e he feared th,Lt haughty prince would be with
diffieulty prevaileù OIl to give his ù:'Lughter to Bedel'; who, bcing
only a kil g of the earth, was gre,ttly her inferior; but when he
founù himself treatcù in so contcmptuous a ma,nner, he waô highly
offenùed, aud replicd with great f:pirit, " You are mistakcn, sir, if
you suppose I llle..Ult to ask :YOllr daughter for myself; lior should I
have consiùered such a rcquest as at all aspiring, being in C\'Cl'Y
respect Jour equal. It is for my ncphew, the kiug of Persia, that
I was ahout to ôolicit, a prince \\"ho:5e merit renders him a fit hus-
for the lo\'ely Giauhara, and who, though llo.t a prince of the sea,
iliD the most potent of the kings of the earth."
The rage of the king of Salllaudal at this discourse, deprivcd
llim, for SOlHe time, of a.ll utter<tllce. At length he broke out in
outr
geous and injurious exprcHsion
, unworthy of a king; not COII-
teut with this, he forgot what wüs due to the digllity of
alch,
and to the rights of h()
l,itality. lIe call
d out to hi
gurrrds to
seize his
uest, and CIIt off hi,:> head.
The
turliel1ce-chaud)(
r Lccalue a S(
elle of the g
.eatcst eonfllsion.

";all'h prp:'\ently e:"\c<tl'ctÌ out of the p:tbce, at the g;:'Lte of whieh he
tilll:Jd a. thou:'\,Uld men, of hi
1 elatillll
anù frit'ud:-ö, well armed.
TIlt.' queen, his moth
r, eOll
idprillg h.,,, few att(,Ildallt
he had,:llld
the recpption he wuuld prohably meet vl'Ïth from the king of Sa.-
mandaI, had sent this little truop after him for his protection.
Saleh put himself at the heaù of his frieuds, and, with great
prescnce of mi!ld, secured the avcnues of the palace; and entering
again the :Ludicllcc-ch:uuher, he seize(} the person of the king of
R'l\);\"d:t1. lIi
lIext care W,tS to haye secured the princess; but
OIl tllf' ti1.st alarm.
he. togethor with hcr att.('ndants, had sprung to
till:' t'lId:LCC of thp
('.t, and escaped to a de:-öert i:.;lalld.
)1l':l.lltilllC; SOHl(' of
a 1(' h's aUen(lants, who Beù at the fir
t onset,
:UTi \ ed at tlu t king's capital, and spread a
ell('ral COllsternati(lIl,

JY relating the danger tllPY left h illl in. All the royal fan lily were
III thc dl'cpe:.;t affiiction: l.Hlt Bedel', who cOllsider('ù hillH
('lf a
the
calise of his unelù's mlRfortUlIP, was o\'erwhclrned with sorro
Y and
cOllfufo;ion. lIe dreadcd the rcproaches of his c:ral1l11ll0ther and of
t\ 1 . <-
Jle ot 1er prlllcesscs : he hastily, therefort
, darted from the bottom

E:'\TE RT AIX)lENTS.

223

of the sea, and not knowing how to find the way to Persia, ho
arrived by chanc J at the same island where the princess Giallhara
had taken refuge.
The prince, much disturbed in mind, seated himself under a
grove of trees. "'''hile he was endeavoring to compose himself, he
overheard the sound of yoices; and drawing near the place they
proceeded frol1l; he t;aw a lady of the most exqui
ite beauty, con-
versing with SOIlle attendallts. Beder was quite charmeù with her. .
lIe listened to their cOl1ver:sation, alid, to his a
tonisbment, he soon
fouud tbat the lady was the princess to whose be..'ìuty he had de-
votell his heart, from the account he had heard of it. lIe learnt
also the Sl1CCe8S of his uncle
aleh, and the captivity of the king
of Sa,mandal-vdlOse misfortune, the charmin
princess dutifully
deplored, though she expressed herself unacquainted with the
causo of it.
Reder was so rejoiced at meeting with hi8 beloved Giauhara, that
he rushed forward and threw himself at her feet: and as SOon as
she had recovered her surprise, he related bow he had hecome en-
amored with her, who he was, and concluded by offering to at-
tend her to her father's court, where he had no doubt of being able
to re-e.staLlish friendship between the two sea-kings.
The princess was plea
ed with tbe persoll and address of Beder ;
find when she hearll him relate how much he had hecome attached
to her Lefore he had
een ber, she hlu::-;hed, and li
tplled to him with
great complacency. But when !She found he was the nephew of
king Saleh, and the cause of the insult her father had recf'ived,
and of her own fright and grief, she sOOn entertained very different
sentiments re
pecting him. She
ave ,yay to the dicta.tes of fury
and revenge, which yet
he had art enou
h to conceal. She suf-
fered such expressions of favor túward him to escape her, seem-
ingly in her confusion, that the fond prince '\n1S enraptured; and
by reaching forth his hand to seize that of the priucesR
ho pu
himself in her power. Sire pushed him back, and spit at him, say-
ing, ,. 'V retch, quit the form of a man, and take that of a white
bird with a red l)ill and feet." The Rpell took place directly; and
the unfortunate Beder heeame a bird of that d('
cripti()n. '
Carry
him now," t:;aid tbe re\'engofill Giauhara to one of her attelldallt8,
" to yond('r solitary rock, and let him remain there, without foúd
or water, tin he porishe
.J'
The atteI1l1ant to whom the fate of Eeder was committpß, took

224

AR\.BIAN KIGHTS'

compassion on him. d How cruel it is," thought she, " to destroy
so accomplished a prince? my mistress will certainly one day re..
pent it." 'Yithout venturing to expostulate with G iauhara, she took
charge of the bird; but instead of carrying him to the barren
rock, she conveyed him to a neighboring island, well planted and
watered, where he would have no difficulty to find support.
\Vhile these matters were transacting, Saleh, having secured the
person of the king of Samnndal; though he treated hiIn with re.
8pect, determined to keep him prisoner, and to administer the gov-
ernment of his kingdom till Giauhara should return. This he.
found no difficulty in accomplishing. He appointed trusty officers
for the several departments, and then returned to his own kingdom,
w here found all the princesses of his family in great grief for the
absence of King Beder. But as the inhabitants of the sea are too
wise to indulge long in a fruitless sorrow, those august persons
Boon comforted each other, and waited for his return with hope and
patience.
The king of Persia still continued under the force of enchant-
ment, and gathered, in the i
land he was placed, that subsistence
which suited the form he bore. It happened that a peasant, whe
was skilled in taking birds, saw him .; and being much pleased with
his beauty, conceived to ensnare him. lIe carried him to a neigh-
boring city, where he was offered a large sum for him by a luxurious
citiæn, who wil'hed to gratify his appetite with so tempting a
morsel. The peasant refused his offer, not doubting but the king
of t hat country would be glad to have' so rare and boautiful a
bird. K or was he mistaken. . The king paid him very hountifully,
and immcdiatly sent for the queen, to present her with his pur-
en ase.
"\Vhen the queen entered the room where the bird was. she let
ff)Il her veil, and told the king that it was a prince of illustrious
descent he 11ad purchased under that form. She then. at her hus-
tánd's reque
t, took somo water in a cup, and, u)' muttering some
words oyer it, ca.u:-:cd it to boil. This she sprinkled on the bird,
baying, "By virtue of the holy and mysterious word3 I have pro.
no'mced, rp8ume the form ill which thou waRt created." Imme.
diately the bird YalJÌt-hed, and a hanfÌt30me young man paid the
warme
t thanks to his royal benefactors.
The king, having heard Beder's story, embraced and conglatu.
lat.ed him, o5'ering him every sen'ice in his power. "A-s you are

EKTERTAI
)IE
TS.

225

not at so great a distance from your own kingdom," said he to
the king of Persia," your power of conveying yourseIf through
the sea is, at present of very little sen-ice to you, fur how will
you find your way through it ? You had better, therefure, em.
bark in some of the yessels which sail hence to some country
nearer your own."
Bedel' followed this advice; but when the ship had nearly com.
pleted her voyage, a violent storm drove ber out of her course;
find, as she approached tbe shore of an unkuown land, she struck
against a hidden rock, and beat to pieces. The crew all perished;
but the king of Persia threw himself into the sea, anù reached
the shore without difficulty. As he approached the city, he was
met by a great number of animals; horses, camels, mules, a68e8,
and other beasts, who crowded together before him, and seemed
to oppose his entering it. lIe forced his way throug,h them; and
on entering the city, found the streets spacious and well built.
lIe proceeded a consideralJle way without meeting with anyone,
and came at Jast to shops, in one of which he saw' an old man,
whom he courteously 8aluted.
The old man started at the sight of the prince, and, without _
answering Ilis compliment, pressed him to come into his house.
Bedel', though surprised at his e.U"nestness, complied; wben the old
man congratulated him that he had obtained that shelter, before
any misfortune had befallen him; askin
, at the same time, what
business brought him to that city, and whether he had met any.
body in his walk thither.
Bedel' told his host what had happened to the ship; and added,
c'That he met no man in bis way from the sea, but had been
strangely opposed by a number of animals of different sorts."
"Those animals were your friends," replied Abdallah, which
was the name of the old man; "this city is called the citÿ of en.
chantments; it is governed by a queen: named Labe: who is one
of the most charming and most wicked of her sex; inconstant,
cruel, treacherous. and a sorceress. All those animals were once
young I11en, 8trang;ers like yon, whom she has trauF:formed by her
diaholicnl art. She has regular patrols who go about the aveuues
of tlu city. and seize all strangers, either coming in or going out
of it. They are carried before the queen, and if she fancics
(\Ïtller of them, he is clothed in ma
nificent apparel, treated as a
prince, caressed by the queen, who gives him such proofs of affcc-
10*

2f&

AI{ABIAN
IGllTS'

tion as to make him conclude she loves him entirely. This happi.
ness is not permitted to last long; for withiu forty da.ys he is sure
to lose the huma.n shape and become a Lrute."
The king of Persia. heard of this a.ccount with much concer-n.
" How ullfortullate am I F said he aloud; "scarce freed from Oile
enchantment, whièh I rcmemLer with horror, I a.m now exposed to
another yet more terrible." Having said thi
, he very frankly
told his host who he Wl1,S, and what had Lefallell him, and
requested his advice hO\v to couduct him:self ill his present peril-
ou
situation.
" Prince," replied Ahdallah, "the wise man, and the good
Ius-
flullllan, will, in all disastrous events, look about for such circum-
stance8 as most allevia.te distress, and from t.hem will collect
courage and resignation to the ,vill of Heaven. It is true, you
are unfortunate in arriving at this city; bllt then your having
mi
sed the patrols, and your applying to me, are happy events.
Know that there is no person in her dominions, whom Labe treats
with so much respect as myself; the cause of which is, that she well
knows she has much reason to fear me. It would he too bold a risk
to attempt to get out of the city yet; reside a little time with me,
I will give out that you are my nephew, which will '5ecure you
the civilities of the citiz
ns, and you will not be considered as a
stranger; and, though it will not protect you wholly from the
queen, it will at least make her cautious how Ehe beha\'es to you."
The king of Persia thankfully accepted this offer. As Abdal-
lah knew it would be impossihle to conceal his guest. from observ-
ation, he let him appear openly; and, on all occasions, spoke of
him as his nephew. N ear a month had passed when Reder, be-
ing at the door, saw a very splendid procession approaching; he
asked his host what it meant. "The queen is coming by," an..
Bwered 11e, " but do you stand still, and fear nothing."
A thousand of the queen's guards, clothed in purple, armed and
well mounted, marchec1 first, with their sabres drawn; then fol-
lowed the like number of eunuchs, babited in rich brocades; next
came as many young ladies on foot, splendidly dressed, and march-
ing slowly with half pikes in their hands; in the midst of them
appeared Queen Labe on a horse all glittering with diamonds,
with a gold saddle, and housing of inestimable value. All the
retinue, aEl they passed, saluted Abdallah; and the queen, when
she came to his shop, Btoppeù to speak with him.

ENTERT A Ii\l\IE
TS.

227

At the sight of Beder, the queen compliu)(\uted Abdallah on
his possessing so handsome a slave. The old man túld her he
was a nephew whom he had adopted as a son. "I will then," re.
plied the queen, " for your sake, make him as great anù powE?rful
as ever a pri,'ate man wa
; let him -join my train." Abdallah,
with great respect, besought her to excuse him; but Labe, having
gazed earnestly on the prince, became much pleased with him, and
very importunate with the old man to part with him. Abdallah was
exceedingly grieved for King Beder; but finding the queen would
not be refused, he consented, on condition his supposed nephe\f'
might pass one more day with him.
l\Iost {)art of this day he passed in comforting the king of Per.
sia, who was in despair when he found he should be in the power
of the sorceress. Abdallah recommended him to place no confi-
dence in the queen's professions, but to watch her with the most
jealous attention, and if anything happened which appeared alarm.
ing to consult him immediately.
The next day I.Jabe came, with her usual train, to conduct
Bedel' to her palace. As soon as she arriveù at AlJdallah's house,
he went up to her and said," Puissant queen, I conjure yon to
lay aside the seC'rets of that art you possess in so wonderful a de.
gree; respect my nephew as my own son; and you will reduce
me to the utmost despair if you f'hould think fit to deal with him
as you have done with others." "I understand you very well,"
replied the queen, " and swear to you by the fire and the light, and
lJY whatsoever is sacred in my religion, that neither you nor he
shall have cause to repent your compliance with my desire." She
then ordered a horse to be brought for the prince, as richly ca.
parisoned as her own, and caused him to be placed at her left
hand. As he was mounting, she asked Abdallah what was the
name of his nephew; and being told BedC'r (the full moon), her
majesty replied, "Sure it was a mistake; he ought to have been
called Shems" (the sun) .
"\
hen they arrived at the palace, the queen cOlHlucted Beder
through the apartments which were furnished in the mOf':t nragnifi-
cent style. Before dinner, she laid aside her veil, and di
coYercd
it face uncommonly charming. The prince, notwithstanding, be.
held her unmoved. "No one," thought he, ,; is heautiful, whoR6
nctions are hideous."
But when dinner was over, and wine was introduced-when

22S

AHABI \ N NIGHTS'

mu
ic and <lancing h&d softeuf'd the mind of the young prince-then
tllC charms of the enchantress Le\vitched him; an d laying aside
all his wholesome fears} he returned her caresses, careless of the
conseq uences.
For nine-and-thirty daye Bedel' abandoned bimAelf to these
enervating pleasures; but in the evening of the las
of these days,
he chanced to ohserve the queen mix a powder in a cup of wine,
which she afterward presented to him. His suspicions were at
once awakened. He contrived to change the cup unobserved; and
by that means avoided drinking the potion, though he knew not for
what purpose it was administered. The powder was intended to
promote sleep; and when Bedel' and the queen retired to rest, the
prince, whose mind was much disturbed, aided the deception un-
wittingly, by pretending to fall asleep immediately, in order to
avoid conversation. Labe arose, not doubting but that her powder
had taken the designed effect: proceeded to her incantations; Bedel'
all the time observing her with the most anxious solicitude.
She opened a chest, and taking out a Lox full of yellow powder,
she laid a train of it across the chamùer, when a rivulet of water
appeared. The sorceress poured some of the water into a basin
full of flour and kneaded it, mixing certain drugs, and all the while
muttering over it. Having made a cake, sbe caused a fire to ap-
pear in one corner of the room, where she baked it. When it was
done, she uttered certain words, and the rivulet and fire disappeared.
The queen put by her cake, and returned to bed.
Reder no longer doubted but Labe meditated mischief again8t
him. In this situation, he reflected with deep regret that he had
given himself up to sensuality with the abandoned queen, and
neglected Abdallah. He resohed to visit him as soon us it was
day, w acknowledge his fault, and entreat his advice how to act in
his present situation.
He arose accordingly, and leaving Queen Labe asleep, hp. found
out the house of his kind host, and related to him all that hud
pa%ed. AbdalJah, embracing him, said, "You have shaken off
your folly, my dear Reder, and you have become jealous in
ood
time. You are not mistaken; this wicked woman, notwithstand-
ing her repeated oaths, meditates your ruin. 'Vhen you return,
E!he will present you with a ca.ke, and press you much to eat it. You
win do well to slip it aRide, and eat a piece of this '" hich I will
now give you. "Tl1Cn
he thinks you have swallowed it: HIle win

E
TEI
TAIX1IE
TS.

229

attempt to tI .\II
forlll you into some nnimal. Fillrlillg f'1lC' does not
EiUcceed, she will pafSs it oil' a
a joke; but llcr hatred of you will
become extreme. \Yhile she is in this cOllfm;iou, you must presenh
her with her own cake whole. As she will thillk she has failed
of her purpose from some omission in making her cake, she will
readily eat SOlUe of yours, to remove all di
trust in you, and the
sooner, because she will think you broke and ate a part of that
she made. As soon as she has swallowed 3, morsel of it, throw
some water in her face, and Lid her quit her present form, and
take 3,ny one you please.
Bedel' m'tcte all possible acknowledgment to Abàallah for de-
fending him thus from the wiles of a pestiJent sorceress. On his
return to the palace, the queen met him with much seeming affec-
tion; she gently chid him for having left her so long, and invited
him to walk with her in the garden. "
hen they came to 3, cas-
cade, LaLe, with the most endearing tenderness, presented the
prince with a cake, which she told him 'was of her makin&
and besought him to eat it for her sake. Bedel' received it with
respect, and, bowing low, contrive-d to change it unobserved for
that which Abdallah had given him. As soon as he had eaten a
little of it, the sorceress, taking Bome water from the cascade, threw
it in his face, saying, ")Y retch: quit the form of a man; and become
a ,ile horse, lame and blind."
These words ha'ving no effect, the queen appeared confused, and
blushed exceedingly; but she presently began to laugh at Bedel',
who gave in to the pleasantry and laughed with her. Soon after,
he said, "Charming queen, the only gift I would accept of from my
uncle this morlling was a cak.e, which you will find most deliciou
,
if you will do me the honor to taste it." Saying this,' he presented
her with her own cake. In order to regain the confidpnce of the
king of rer
ia, she hroke off a piece and ate it. But she had no
Booner swallowed it, tha.n she appearcd much troul)led, and re-
mained motionl('
s. J
cdcr; catching up Rome water in his turn,
threw it in her face, saying, :, Abominalile sorccress, quit the form
of a woman, which thy crimes so much dishonor, and become a
marc." The transformation took place immcdiately.
The mare appeared very sensihle of her situation, for she shed
tears in great abundance, and bowed her head very suhmissively
to the prince. He put her into the hands of fl. groom to bridle
Rnd nHldle; but of all the bridles in the stables, not one would fit

230

AHABL\N NIGHTS'

her. Bedel' ordered the groom to ]pad her with him to Abdallah's
house, who rf'joiced exceedingly to see the prince safe, and the
sorceress in that situation. 'rhe old man Boon found a bridle which
fitted her exactly; when haying dismissf,rt the groom, he said to
Bedel', :, It will be best for you, my lord, to quit thie city imme-
diately. :Mount the mare, and return t
your kingdom. But be-
fore you leave me, let me recommend one thing to your especial
care; which is, if ever you part with your mare, be sure to de-
lì\-er the bridle." Beder promised to remember this caution, anù
taking an affectionate farewell of his friend, he sot out for Persia.
After several days' travellin
, he arrived at the suburbs of a
great city, where a venerable old man stopped him! and askeù
him from what part of the world he came. 'Vhile they were
talking, un old woman came lry, and looking at the mare, sighed
and wept bitterly.
]
pder WfiS affpcted with her sorrow, and asked her the cause of
it. "Alas! sir," said she, " it is because your mare so exactly 1'0-
semlJles one my son had, that I
hould think it the same, if I did
not know she was dead. Sell her to ll
e, I heseech you; I will
give you more than she is worth: for the sake of him who once
owned her likeness."
1'he king of Persia told her he would on no account sell his
mare. But she continued urging and entreating him, till he was
tired with her importunity. At length, seeing her very poorly
dressed, he thought of a method to get rid of her. " I never in-
tended,'= said he," to sell so good a JJeast, nor will I now for less
than a thousand pieces of gold. }'or that price you shall have
her; so go home and fetch the money." "I have no need to go
home for it," replied the old woman
unloosing a purse she had at
her girdle, " here is exactly the sum you demand."
Bedel' was surpriRed to find HO shahhy a woman thus rc'ady with
su(.'h a largo Rum. lIe hid her pnt up her money. "I have heen
only bantering yon," said he, " my mare iR not to be sold."
The old man had heen witness of all that hud passed. " Son,"
said he to Bedel', "it is neces
ary yon 8honld know one thing,
which I find you are ignorant of. It is not permitted in this city
for anyone to tell a lie, on pain of death. As you have made a
bargain \\ ith this old woman, you must not refuRe to take hel'
1ll0HPY Rnd deliver your mal"e, or you will expo
e yourself to cere
t3.in destruction."

ENTERTAlXnE
TS.

231

The king of Persia found himself obliged to alight, and gh e up
his mare. In his confusion, he still kept hold of the bridle long
enough for the old woman to slip it off the marc's head, and leaye
it in his haud. The old womau then taking up some water that
ran in the street, threw it in the mare's face, saying, " Daughter,
quit that beastly form, and reassume thine own." The queen wag
immediately restored, and Bcder was so terrified when be saw
her, that he was unable to attempt to escape.
'The old woman was the mother of Queen Labe, and had iu-
structed her in all her magic. As soon as she had embraced her
daughter, she caused a genie to arise, who, taking Bedel' on one
shoulder, alld the old woman with Queen Labc on the other, he
transported them in a few minutes to the palace of the queen in
the city of enchantmcnts. \Yhen they arrived, Labe, amid
t many
Jxecratiom:, trali
forll1ed the prince into a vile owl, and delh-el'ed
..iÌm to one of her attendants, with orders to shut him up in a cage,

...nd keep him without food till he perished.
'1'he attendant, disregarding the queen's command, locked up the
cage in a room where no other person could come, leaving him
plenty of food. She then went to Abdallah, and acquainted him
with the fate of the king of Persia, and his own danger; Queen
Labe haying vowed to destroy him by next morning.
ALallah knew the power and the malice of the sorceress. He
summoned, therefore, a genic, who immediately conveyed the at.
tendant to the
ourt of Persia. By the direction of Abdallah she
told Queen Gulnare in what situation she had left Bedel'. '1'he
affectionate mother burst into tears of joy at hearing of her son.
She ordered the trumpets to sound, the drums to beat, and caused
proclamation to be made all over the city, that King Bedel' was
about to return to his capital. She then, by a certain fumigation,
summoned Saleh, and acqua.inted him with the situation of his
nephew.
Saleh assembled his troops, and called to his assistance the
genii, hit; allies, who apleared with their numerous armies. Gul-
nare joined them, and they all lifted themselyes up in the air, and
soon poured down on the palace and the city of enchantments,
where the magic queen, her mother, and all the other adorers of
fire
were put to death. Bedel' was again restored to his proper
for.n; and Ahdalla.h, being pla
ed on the throne of Labe, received
for his queen the attendant who had preseryed him and Beder.

232

AHABIAN NIGHTS'

1'he marriage reyived the att..'l.chment of the king of Persia to
the loyely Giaulmra, and Saleh, desirous of gratifying the wishes
of his nephew, ordered the king of Samandal to be conducted to
the city of enchantments. The pride of that prince had been now
sufficiently humhletl; he rejoiced in the opportunity of being re-
storE-d to his throne, by an alliance with the family of his con-
q uel'ors.
Giauhara obeyed her father without reluctance; and after apol..
ogizing to the king of Persia for the severe treatment whi ch filial
duty had compelled her to offer him, she gave him her hand.
1'he nuptials were solemnized with the utmost magnifieence; all
the lovers of the magic queen, now restored to their pristine
forms; joyfully assisting at them.

THE HISTORY OF GANEM, SON OF ABOU AYOUB, SURNAMED I.OVE'S
SLA VE.
Abou Ayoub was a merchant of Damascus, who had, by care
.and industry, acquired great wealth. lIe had a son, a very accom-
plished young man, whose name was Ganem, afterward called
Love's Slave; and a daughter, who, on account of her admiraLle
beauty, was nameù Alcolomb, or Ravisher of Hearts.
Abou Ayoub died; and amidst immense riches, he left a hundred
bales of brocades and other rich silks, which were ready packed
in the warehouses: and marked for Ba.gdad. Some time after his
dea.th, Ganem resolved to carry theoo goods to the market thpy
were destined for, and dispose of the-m among his father's corre-
spondents. lIe was recei\'ed by them with great respect, and soon
sold his goods to his satisfaction.
Ganem employed the time he had to stay at Bagdad till the
return of the caravan in improving his mind, by conversing with
the principallller
hants, and seeing everything which was worthy
of oLservation. One ùay, on going to the bezestein, he found all the
shops were ::;hut; and on inquiring the cause, he was told that one
of the merchants, whom he knew, was dead, and that all his
brother traders were gone to his funeral.
G,U1em wellt to the mosque, and arrived there before the prayers
were ended; after which, the body was taken up. aud fullowed by
the kindred and the mercha.nts, whom Ganem joined, to the place
of the burial, which was at a great distance frOln the city. It was
a stone structure, like a dome, built purp08ely for the family of tilt)

E
TEnT AIN:\IENTS.

233

deceased. Tents were pitched around it to receive the coml any.
The monument was opened, and the corpse laid in it; the imam
and the other priests sat down in a ring, 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 sitting round
in the same manner behind them.
It was near night before all was ended. Ganem, who did not
expect so long a ceremony, began to b('\ impatient; and more so
when he saw meats served in memory of the deceased, accord.
ing to the custom of Bagdad. lIe was also told, that the tent

were set up to protect the company from the evening dewb, as they
were not to return to the city before morning. Ganem, who had
considerable property in his house, was alarmed at this account;
and having eaten a little of the meat, he contrived to slip away
from the company uno hserved.
He made all possible haste toward the city, but unluckily mis-
took his way; nor could he even find the track to the tents again,
In this situation; he resolved to take shelter fur the night in one
of the tombs, the doors of which they did not tnke much care to
shut fast.
He came at length to a large tomb, before which grew a palm
tree. Here the young merchant entered, and laying down, en.
deavored to sleep; but the anxiety he was under at being absent
from home prevented him. He arose, therefore, and walked back-
ward and forward before the door. After some time, he was
startled to see a light coming toward him. I-Ie shut the tomb, and
cHm bed up the palm tree as his safest retreat.
He had scarce seated himself, when he perceived three slaves
enter the burial-place; one of them bearing a light, the other Ì\vo
a large chest; which, haying dug a hole, they deposited in the
earth, and filling up the hole as smooth as po
sible they departed.
Ganem concluded that the chest contained something of value.
'Vhen the slaves were gone, and daylight began tú appear, he de-
scended from the palm tree, and with much labor removed the
earth from the chest, anù, on opening it, was amazed to find a
young lady of incomparable beauty, magnificently dressed; and
though her eyes were shut, eyidently alive... Ganem Iifted h('r out
of the chest, and the fresh air presently recovered her. ,
lien
hcr faculties returned, she was eqnally frightened and astonir:hcd
to find herself ill a burial-place. Ganem approached her with the

234

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

utmost respect; he expressed his joy at having been the means of
saving her from 0. premature grave, and oft'ered to obey her com-
manàs and render her, in any manner she chose, the services she
stood in need of. At the sight of Ganem, the lady covered her
face with her veil. After hearing his account, and seeing the
chest, she was at no loss to comprehend bel' situation or tbe value
of ihe assi
tance the merchant had renùered her.
But the pre
ent was no place for explacation; nor could she
be::;itate to accept the protection even of a stranger, w hen the perils
that surrounded her were so numerous and so dreadful. " I re-
turn thanks to lIeaven, !5ir," said she," for having made you the
means of my deliverance; I will rely on your integrity, and thank.
fully accept your offer of further help. It is highly necessary
for both your safety and mine, that 1 should return to Bagdad un-
noticed; but the dress I wear will attract the attention of the
people. '\Ve must contrive to manage this matter first, and when
we ttrrive..tt your house 1 will fully acquaint you with my situption."
Afer a short deliberation, Ganem drew the chest out of t
e pit,
which he filled up. lIe then placed it in a part of the enclo::;nre
where it was least likely to be observed; and having persuaded
the lady to lie down in it a.gain, he co,.ered it over with loose
boughs, and went into the city; he hired the first muleteer he saw,
and returning to the burial-place, assisted him to place the chest
on the hack of the mule, gi ving him SOUle plausible reason for
having deposit
d it there. The muleteer was not very curious;
he ca.rr.ied the chest to the merchant's house, and having received
his hire, went, well satisfied ahout his business.
Ganem hastened to release the lady; he put her in possession ot
his best apartments, and then left her to repose. Returning some
hours after, he presented her wi.th two female slaves, which be
had bought to attend her, and led her to a table covered with
tbe choicest dainties. The lady by this time was much re-
covered, and }JY the lively sallies of her wit, completed the con-
quest of Ganem's heart. The yöung merchant had not before felt
the power of love, but now suffered it to take the most entire pos-
session of his soul.
-\Vhen they had dined, and the slaves were '3'ithdrawn, Ganem, in
reaehing over some fruit to his guest, observed some gold letter Q on
the ed
e of her -weil, which he requested she would explain.
,: Read them,.'
a.id she, taking off her veil," they will serve to in

ENTERT AI!'iMENTS.

235

troduce my story to you." The young merchant was so delighted
with the admirable beauty of his guest, that for some moments he
forgot to look at the veil he held in his hand; !Jut when he read
the words, he was covered with confusion, for they implied that the
wearer was Letrothed to the illustrious calil)h lIa.roun Alraschid.
" Alas! madam," said Ganem, " I have rescued you from the grave,
and these words 011 your veil condemn rue to it."
The lady, without noticing this sally of her deJiverer, proceeded
to acquaiut him with her story. " My name," said she," it) Fewah,
which si
llÌfiés a storm, and was given rue because it was predicted
at my Lil'th,
hat the sight of me would occasion many calamities.
I was, very early in my life, introduced into the palace of the
caliph, who wus so taken with me, tbat he presented rue this veil;
and had before now added me to the number of his wives, bad not
bis presence been required to quell an insurrection in a distant part
of his dominions. Tbe partiality of the caliph ra.ised me many
enemies; the chief of whom is Zobeide, his first wife, and tor a
1011g time his Ü1Yorite. This violent woman bas taken advantage
of his abscllce; !5he has causûd my sla.,-es to adllliui8ter a sleepy
potion to me, and during its effect, dispo!5ed of me in a manner you
was witnel:)s to. 'Yhen the caliph returns, he will, I am sure,
amply reward the service you ha\'e done me; but till then, it is ne-
Ce8!5a.ry tbat I should remain in tbe utmost privacy; as should
ZolJeide know that I had been delivered, she would not only de,.;troy
me, but you would also fhU a sacrifice to bel' cruelty and revenge
for having preserved me."
"\Yhen Fetnah had finished ber narrative, the young merchant re-
plied, with a sigh, " Ah! madam, your story has pluuged me in tbe
deepest despair. I had presumed to encourage hopes that I must
for ever renounce. I will preserve you here in seeret for your il-
lustrious lover. I cannot cease to adore you, Lut will never again
presume to hiut my passion to you. I know too well my duty to
tbe commander of :he faithful, and that 'what belongs to the
master, is forbidden to the slave.' "
From this time Ganem waited on the lady with the most respect4
ful attention. . lIe never Buffered a word to escape him' on the Bub-
ject of his passion for her, but his eyes and actiol1B cOl1tinu
lny
spoke for him. Fetnah, who had no affection for the caliph, cculd
not reBist the attractions of 0. bandsome young man, who had been
t!o materially her benefactor, and wbose love for her was ullqueR.

236

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

tionable. She devoted her whole heart to him; yet they were both
restrained by a sense of duty to the commander of the faitbful from
coming to an explanation, Ganem often repeating, "w hat belongs to
the master is forbidden to the slave."
But though no expressiolls of affection escaped the lips of either
of the lovers, yet they passed every hour together which was not
devoted to indispensable avocations. When they were for a little
time thus divided, Fetnah coullted the hours of Ganem's absence,
and he flew with rapture to her presence as soon as he could de-
spatch his business. Several months glided away in this mauneI'.
At length the young merchalit growillg impatient, began to drop
hints, inviting his lovely guest to retire with him to Damascus, and
unite her fate with his. Fetnah had almost determined to accept
his offer, when a little female vanity, and a well-founded but in-
discreet indignation, put an end to all Ganem's hopes, and plunged
them both into very severe calamities.
Fetnah could not bear that Zobeide should triumph in the suc-
ccss of her barbarous arts. 'Vithout considering the consequences
to herself or her protector, she determined to lay before the caliph
the wickedness of that princess. She requested Ganem to inquire
if the commander of the faithful was returned, and whether any
notice was taken of her supposed dea.th.
Ganem conducted these inquiries with great dexterity. He learnt
that immediately after her haying be
m disposed of in the burial-
place, a report of her death had been industriously spread all OV'3l"
the city; that Zobeide had celebrated her obsequies with great
pomp, and had erected a mausoleum to receive the body, where
lighted candles were perpetually burning, and every ceremony per-
formed which custom bad appointed for the illustrious dead.
lIe heard further, that the caliph had returned to Bagdad more
than a month; that on hiB arrival he had expressed the utmost Bor-
row for the loss of his beloyed "Fetnah; that he caused the cere-
monies to be repeated with still greater magnificence, and that they
were still continued. Prayers and the AlcOl.an were recited, and
the caliph, attended by his officers in the deepest mourning, every
day moistened the earth that covered the phantom ot hiB love, with
his tears.
Fetllah, on receiYing this report. drew up a relation of all that
had befallen her. This, Ly the help of Ganem, she contrived to lay
before the caliph. Hal'oun read the account of his favorite's suf-

ENTERT...\IX)lENTS.

237

Cm.ings with surprise and tenderness, and with indignation against
Zobeide. But toward the close of her narrative, Fetnah had en.
1arged a little too much on the care which Ganem took of her.
The manner al
o ill which she spoke of her deliverer, betrayed to
the jealous prince the state of her heart!
" Is it so 1'
exclaimed the enraged caliph; "the perfidious wretch
has been four months with a young merchant, and dares to boast
of the respect he rays her. Thirty days are past since my return
to Bagdad, and she now bethinks herself of telling me this news.
Ungrateful creature! while I have passed the hours in bewailing
her, she has spent them in betraying me. Go to, let us take re.
venge on the false woman, and on that bold youth who affronts
me."
The caliph immediately despatched Giafar with orders to level
Ganem's habitation to the ground, and to bring him and Fetnah
prisoners to the palace. The grand vizier had no difficulty in
fiuding out the house of the young merchant, which chanced to
stand detached from any other. He ordered his troops to surround
it, that neither he nor Fetnah might escape.
The instant Fetnah saw the soldiers pOt;ting in a circle round her
asylum, she concluded that her memorial to the caliph had been
attended with effects very different from what she had expected.
'Ihough not without alarm on her own account, her principal con..
cern was for Ganem. lIer influence with the caliph she trusted
could meet his anger; but to his rage and jealousy, her host, her
deliverer, would certainly faU a sacrifice. She hastily explained
to Ganem the nature of their situation, and without listening to his
desire of staying with her and sharing her fate, she obliged him to
disguise himself like a slave belonging to an eating-house, and put.
ting on his head tbe dishes they had just eaten their dinner from,
she opened the door and dismi
sed him.
Giafar was advancing to the house when he met Ganem; but
being deceived by his appearance, he suffered him to pass without
examination; and the soldiers seeing him go by the grand viÛer un-
noticed, gave him way also; be got speedily to one of the city gates
nnd escaped.
'''"hen the grand vizier cntered the house, he found Fetnah sitting
in a room where were a number of chests full of the money which
Ganem had made of his goods. 'I'he minister, in the most gentle
manner
c
mmunicated his master's orders to the lady, who de.

238

ARABIAN 1\IGHT:S'

dared herself ready to attend him; but added, that the merchant
to whom she owed bel' life, had bcen gone above a month to Da-
mascus. She then besought Giafar to preser'\'e the chests which
coutained her deliverer's property, which he readily undcrtook to
do.
'fhe grand vizier having given orders for destroying the house,
conducted Fetnah to the palace, and entering the royal preðellcc
ga,-e the caliI,h an account of his proceedings, IIaroull was so en.
raged when be found the young merchant had escaped, that he re-
fused to see Fetnah; he ordered her to be shut up in the dark tower,
a prison within the walls of the palace, where the attendants oftbe
caliph were punished when they disobliged him, and where he
yowed the unfortunatc Fetnah should Pond her days.
Not satisfisd with this vietim to his fury, the enraged caliph wrote
to his cousin Zinebi, who held the the kingdom' of Syria as his trib-
utary, to find out Ganem, if possiblc, and send him a prisoner to
Bagdad. He ordcred his hOUlse there to be plundered and theu
razed; and all his nearest relations to be led naked through the
city for three daYR, after which they were to be banished Damas-
cus; the citizens, also, were forbidden to give thcm shelter or re-
lief on pain of death.
Zinebi, though he received these orders with great regret: knew
.his duty to the commander of the faithful too ,veIl to delay ol)edi-
ence. lie went with a few attendants to Ganem's l
onse, where he
fonnd his mother and sister retired into a dome they had erected at
a tomb for their beloved relation; of whom, as they had heard
nothing for a long time, they supposed to be dead. Zinebi, having
caused the house to be diligently searchpd for Ganem, told the ladies
in the most gentle manner, that he had incurred the high displeas-
ure of the caliph, and hinted to them that the resentment of the
commander of the faithful ht1d extended itself to them. This
affectionate mother and her daughter were so rejoiced to hear that
Ganem was alive, that they at first disregarded the severities which
were denounced against them. Zine bi, moved with their piety,
took off his robe and covered them with it, to protect them from
insult; he then led them out, and gave the signal for the mob to
plunder. Chests full of wealth, :fine Persian and Indian carpets,
and other rich goods were carried off by the rabble; after which
the house was levelled with the ground in the presence of the
afflicted ladies; who, having undergone the first part of their

ENT}<
l{T.\ I
l\IE
r:5.

239

pun Ìsllment i were conveyed to the palace, where the quecn of
Zinebi treated them with u,:::I much tcnùerness as she durst
Thenextday,proclamation was made through the city of Damascus
of Ganem's offence, and of the further punishment which the caliph
had orùered to he inflicted on his relations. The citizens heard
these cruel and unjust cOlllmands with the highest indignation.
They shut up thpir houses and shops, and avoided the street8 at the
time the unhappy ladies were led through them. Even the officers
executed their duty without rigor, and suffered them to wear a loose
robe of horse-hair which some of their friends had ventured to
prodde for thelll.
The scntence heing fulfilled, they were banished the city, and
the inhabitants strictly forLidden to give them any assistance.
Notwitlu;tanding thiR injunction, they werc supplied ,vith apparel
and money by their comp
ssionate neighbors; and left Damascus,
rejoicing amidst their sufferings, that their beloyed was yet alive.
'Vhile these matters passed at Damascus, Fctnah continued a close
prisoner in the dark tower, where she ceased not to bewail the fate
of her unfortunate deliverer. One night, as the caliph was return-
ing from an evening perambulation, he passed by the dark tower,
and overheard Fetnah lamenting her situation. She bewailed the
ruin of Ganem, and deprecated the wrath of Heaven upon the
caliph; whom she charged in the most pointed terms with cruelty,
injustice, and ingratitude.
This accident caused the caliph to recollect himself. He sent
for Fetnah, and caused her to relate to him all that had befitllen
her. She dwelt much on the oLligations she was under to Ganem.
She praised the respect with ,vhich he had always behaved. "I
will not conceal from your majesty," continued she,'
that at first
he seemed desirous to devote himself to me; but as soon as he heard
I had the hOnor of being acceptable to you, he exclaimed,' That
which belongs to the master is forbidden to the slaye.' :From that
moment 1)iE1 0ehavior was agreeable to such an idea; assiùuous, but
distant and r('
pectfl11. Notwithstanding which, you, commander
of tbe faithful, kno'I\T with wbat rigor you have treated him; and
you will answer for it Lefore the tribunal of Goù."
Though Haroun ,vas violent in his passions, and sometimes
a"o
himself up to tbeir influence too hastily, yet he ImTed justice, aud
when calm, was open to cOllyiction. lIe regretted exceedingly tho
5e\Terity he had exercised toward Ganem, and wa
not displcfiBed

2.tQ

ARABIAN NH-;IITS.'

with the frankness of Fetnah. "At IcaRt," said the humbled
priuce, "I will meet that awful appeal, with having made every
relJaration in my power; I will cause his pardon to Le }lubli::;hed
throughout my dominions, and will amply repay his losses. Thi8
is due to his innocence, and to compensate for the miseries I have
caused him apd bis family to suffer, I will give you to him for a
wife, and make him wealthy beyond his hopes."
Fetnah returned the caliph thanks for his justice; after which,
ene was permitted .to return to the apartments which she had for-
merly possessed in the palace; and she had the satisfaction to find
there all the chests belonging to Ganem, which the vizier had
taken care to convey thither.
Proclamation was made all over the dominions of the caliph,
declaring the son of Abou Ayoub pardoned, and inviting him to
return to Bagdad, and. receive the bounty of his sovereign; but a
long time elapsed without any news of the young merchant. Fet-
nah became exceedingly ullhapp'y on his account. Besides using-
every means of inquiry in her power, she went from mOF'que to
mosque, bestowing almg among the devotees, and soliciting their
prayers.
One day, as she was talking with a syndic: to whom she had
given a large sum to be distributed among the afflicted, he chanced
to mention two women whom her bounty had enabled him to re-
lieve when in a state of great distress. He spoke so much in their
praise, that Fetnah had a desire to see them. They were intro.
duced to her; and she was so taken with their appearance, that
she inquired with great tendcrness into the cause of that misery
from which they had been re8cued by the good syndic.
" Alas! madam," replied the elder stranger, "a favorite of the
caliph, whose name was Fetnah, is the cause of
ll our misfor-
tunes." 'Ihese words were a thunderbolt to the lacly, who was
scarcp, a1)le to suppress her emotion, while the st.ran
cr l)rocpcded
with hel' t;tory, which announeed her the mother of Ganem; and
her fellow-sufferer to be his sister, the lov('ly Alcolomu.
By the time she had TInished bel' story, Fetnah was in some de-
gree recovered. She embraced the parent of her lover. "I am
that Fetnah," said she, " who caused all your distresses, but I have
it in my power to make you full amends." She then related to
the
all that had befallen her and Ganem; and concluded with
saJmg, that the caliph was conyinced of her Bon's innocence, and

ENT:E I
TAL
::\lE
TS.

241

impa.t.icnt to rcpair hi
wrongs. Haying filli::-hcd hcr narrative..
she exchanged embraces with them, nnd thcy mutually vowed a.
lasting friendship.
,V hen Fetnah was about to withùraw, the syndic recommended
to her benevolence a young man who had bcen just brought into
his house. and seemed oppressed with sorrow as well as illness.
Fetnah, whose heart was more than e\Ter disposed to pity, by the
affecting interview she had just had, wished to see him. On be-
holding him, laying on his bed, his eyes closed, his face pale and
emaciated, she started, and thought that she discovered amidst all
this wretchedness, the countenance of her beloved Ganem. She
called hinl so, but the suffercr regarded her 110t. Grieved and im-
patient, she exclaimed, "How am I deceived! this cannot be Ga-
llem; the son of Abou Ayoub, ho weycr sick, would kl10W the voice
of Fetnah." At that name, Ganem (for it was him) opened his
eyes, and seeing his adored mistresl:3, attempted to speak; but his
10Y was too great. lIe sunk into a swoon; and the condition to
which Fetnah was reduced, convinced the syndic it was necessary
to remove her from the apartment of his patient.
It was not till several days after, when Ganem was much re.
covered, that the prudent syndic would suffer another interview
between the lovers. At length he permitted it; and having prop-
erly prepared each party, he introduced to him also his mother
and his sister. After the transports of their mutual joy had in
some measure subsided, Ganem told them that having escaped to
an inconsiderable vill&ge, not far from Bagdad, he had continued
safe among the friendly peasants; but a sickness seizing him,
caused by his grief and perturbation, which none of them could
cure, they had sent him to Bagdad, by the camel-driver, in whose
hands the syndic had found him.
Ganem'8 mother then related all that had befallen her and AI-
colomb. Even the presence of his beloved Fetnah could not pre- .
vent the young merchant from shedding tears at their sufferings. '
lIe expressed, also, his apprehensions lest they should fhll into the
hands of the furiou
caliph. Fetnah presently removed thoso fcars :
but when she added that the commandcr of the faithful had de-
tormined to resign bel' to her loyor, in compensation for his suffer-
ings, thc joy of Gancm was inexprcf'silJlc.
The caliph was soon informed by Fetnah that the victims of bis
former ungovernable ragc were in his capital: the generous prince
11

2,12

ARABIAN NIGHTS.

reioiced that he l1ad at last an opportunity of making them a
reparation. He desired Fetnah to lead the ladies to the palace
privately; but ordered hi
officers of state to wait on Ganem, awl
conduct him to the palace, with all the marks of respect conferred
on persons of the most honorable character.
This ceremony over, Ganem was presented, together with his
mother and sister, to the caliph. That prince had the goodne
8 to
apologize to them for }Vhat had passed. lIe gave Fetnah with his
own hand to her deserving lover. lIe dismissed Zobeide from his
throne, and banished her his presence, to punish her cruelty and
treachery; in her room, he received to his arms the lovely Aleo-
lomb, whose beauty was adorned with good qualities still more es-
timable.

THE HISTORY OF PRINCE ZEYN ALASNAM, AND THE KING OF THE
GENII.
A king of Balsora, who possessed great wealth, and was be-
loved by his suhjects, had no children, which was a great affliction
to him. He, therefore, made presents to all the holy persons in
his dominions, to engage them to beg of Heaven to grant him a son.
Their prayers proved effectual. The queen was happily delivered
of a prince, who ,,,as named Zeyn Alasnam, which signifies, orna-
ment of statues.
The king cnlled all the astrologers of the kingdom to calculate
the infant's nativity. They found he would live long, and be very
brave; but that all his courage would be little enough to support
him through certain difficulties that threatened him. The king
was not. dismayed at this prediction. c, :My son," said he, "is not
to be pitied, since he will be l}raye. It is fit that princßs should
have a taste of misfortune; adversity tries viI'tue, and thence they
become the fitter to reign."
As Zeyn grew up, he discovered a very good disposition; and
by the care of his father, acquir{'d ev('ry accompli8hmcnt. lIe had
neady attained the age of manhood, when the good old king fell
[lick and died.
Zeyn was much affiicted at the death of his futher, whom he
sincerely loved; hut time moderating his grief, he bpga.n to enjoy
the pleasures of a throne. lIe entered into aU the follies and yices
which 80 often mislead young men. lIe was surroundC'd with
parm;itps. lIe lavished his treasures on unworthy favorites. on

ENTERT .\IX:\IENTS.

243

whom he bestowed also the fir3t aI poiu1;ments in his kingdom;
find they at once oppressed and insulted his people.
From this delusion he was awakened hy two circumstances alike
distres
ing and disgraceful. He foulld his treasures dissipated, and
his suojects ripe for a revolt. By disll1i

ing his worthless COIn-
panions, and wholly reforming his conduct, he appeased his people;
but the waste of his wealth could not be recalled; and the recol-
lection of his prodigality, rendered him very unhappy.
'Vhile these thoughts had posses:;iol1 of his mind, he dreamt
one night, that a venerable old man came toward him, and said,
"Yon know, Zeyn, that joy and sorrow generally succeed each
other. If you would put an end to your present affliction, get up ;
Bet out for Egypt, and go to Grand Cairo; a greater fortune at-
tends you there, than you have lately dissipated."
1'he prince, when he awoke in the morning, refleeted on his
dreams very seriously. He resolved at length to set out for Cairo.
This determination made it necessary to comm it the government
of the kingdom to his mother, who tried in vain, by serious argu-
ment and by ridicule, to stop his journey on so chimerical a busi-
ness; but the appearance of the old man had made 80 great an
impression on Zeyn, that he was fully persuaded his dream was
supernatural. Ilaving therefore di
posed of his affairs, he set out
one night, very privately, and took the road to Cairo, without Buf-
fering any person to attend him.
After much fatigue he arrived at that famous city. Being
spent with weariness, he lay down at the gate of a mosque, and
fell asleep; wIlen he saw the same old man" ho said to him, "I
am well pleased, my son, that you have given credit to my words.
I have put you on this long journey to try if you had resolution.
I find you deserve I should make you the richest man in the wor ld.
Return to Balsora, and yon shall fiud immense wealth in your
I palace"
The prince was not well pleased with this dream. He deter-
mined to return immediately, and rejoiced that he had kept his
journey a Becret from everybody but the queen, his mother.
When he arrived at his palace, that discreet princess did not re.
prove or laugh at him, but rather consoled him under his disap-
pointment; and advised him to abstain from all excesses in future,
and turn his thoughts to the good order of his kingdom, and the
ha
piness of his subjects.

244

A HAßIAN NIGHTS'

eyn was much relieved by this conversation. He retired te
r"'st. when he aO'.Ún saw the old lllall in a dream, who said to
" , 0
11Ïm J " The time of your prosperity is now corne, brave Zeyn. As
soon as you rise ill the morning take a pick-axe, and dig in your
father's closet; you will there find immense tremmre."
In the morning he hastencd to the qucen's apartment, and with
much earl1estne
s told ber his new dream. His mother, finding he
again placed confidence in the vision, laughed at him. "Go," said
she, " search your father's closet diligently; one comfort is, that

work is not so toilsome as a journey to Egypt."
. The young man withdrew, abashed. He went, notwithstanding
to the late killg'S closet, álld shutting himself in, removed the
pavement. lIe proceeded to dig till he not only fatigued himself,
but began to despair; when he discovered a stone, and under it a
door, which covered a staircase of white marble. lIe desctjnded
into a room, in each corner of 'which there stood ten large urns of
porphyry stone. The prince supposed they were full of wine, but
on examining them, was agreeably surprised to find they all con-
tained gold coin; a handful of which he carried to the queen.
'rhat princess was astonished at this account. Zeyn conducted
her to the chamber where the urns
'ere; and as she was observ-
ing everything with attention. !3he espied a very small urn of the
same stone, which the prince had not taken notice of. On search-
ing it, they found only a small gold key. "My son," said the
queen, "tbis key certainly will lead us to some other treasure.
Let us look about; perhaps we may discover the use it is de-
signed for."
After a diligent scarch, they discovered a kpy-hole in one of
the panels of tbe wainscot. Zeyn tried tbe key, which opened a
door that led to another chamber, in which were nine pedcstals of
massy gold. On eight of these stood statues as large as life, each
formed of an entire diamond, of the most admirable workmanship.
'.rhe ninth pedestal redoubled their amazement. It was covered
with a piece of white satin, on which were these words: "l\Iy son,
it caused me much toil to get these statues; they are, as you see,
exqui
itely l)eautiful, and of immense value. But know, there is
a ninth which sur p asses them all. that alone is worth a thousand
, ,
such as these. ,\
ould you obtain this inestimable jewel, go to
Cairo; and submit yourself to the instruction of an old slave of
mine, Darned 1\lorabec, whom yon will find without difficulty"

ENTERT AIN:\IENrs.

245

Zeyn instantly dee lared his intention of going in searoh of this
Jewel, and the queen now applauded his determinatiun. Having
secured the treasure they had found, the prince made ready his
equipage; and atteuded by a few t5laves, set off fur Cairo.
lIe sOOn found l\loraLec, whu lived in great splendor. Zeyn re-
lated to him all that had befallen him; which, when
lorabec
had heard, he fell at his feet. "I am convinced," said he," from
your account that you are the son of my royal mastðr; and as I
never recei ,,'ed my freedom from him, I, aud all that I posse8s are
yours." "I now," replied Zeyn, " give you your freedom, and re-
nounce all right to your wealth. I ask ill return, that you will
zealously assist me till I have gaiued the nillth statue."
l\lorabec gratefully acknowledged the prince's generosity, and
promised to attend him. "The enterprise," I::mid he, " will abound
with danger and fatigue. Uepose yourself here for some time,
and we will then undertake it." ZeJll reluctantly complied, but
after a very little while he became impatient. "I came not to
Cairo," said he, to his friends, "to indulge lllJself ill rest and
amusements; but to obtain the ninth statue."
lorabec praised
his spirited disposition, and ordered a proper equipage to be got
ready; the prince and he then performed an ablution, and the
prayer which is called Farz; after which they set out.
After several days' travelling they arrived at a delicious grove,
where l\lorabec cam,ed the whole company to alight. Zeyn and
he delivered their horses to the care of their attendants, whom they
ordered to await their return. They set forward on foot, and as
they proceeded, l\lorabec cautioned the prince to call forth all his
courage. "Weare now," said he "approaching the dreadful place
where the ninth statue is kept, and shall very soon come to a
lake. "Then we draw near the banks of it, you will see a boat
approach, which is enchanted, and belongs to the king of the genii.
'Ve shall be taken into this boat, and ferried over the lake; but
you must be careful not to express the least fear at the sight of
the waterman, however hideous he may be, nor must you utter 80
single word while we are emLarked, or the Loat will instantly
sink."
Zeyn promised an exact obedience to the8e injunctions. They
presently came to the lake, and found the boat ready to receive
them. It was made of red sanderA, had a mast of amller, and a.
satin flag; but the waterman was monstl'OUl:) and terrible. lIe

..

246

ARABIAN l\"1GHTS'

had the head of an elephant, and the body of a tiger. Zeyn dre\1
Ileal' with great intrepidity. He lifted the prince first, and then
1tIorabec into his boat with his trunk; conveyed them over the
lake in a moment; and putting them on shore in the same man-
ner, immedia.tely vanished.
" Now," said Morabec, " we may talk; I congratulate you on that
fortitude and self-command, which you have displayed, and for
which you will soon have still greater occasion. "\Ve are now on
an island which belongs to the king of the genii. Look around
you, and enjoy, as we go forward, the surpassing.beauties of this
delightful place." Zeyn saw. with admiration the enchanting
prospect. The fields were finely disposed, and adorned with all
Borts of odoriferous plant/:! and flowers; the trees were laden with
the most delicious fruit; the air was uncomlllonly soft and pleas-
ant; and the harmonious songs of numberless birds, many of
which WE're peculiar to that island, enlivened the beautiful scenes
around them. The prince, though very greatly pleased with
what he beheld, urged his companion to hasten forward on the
great business they had undertaken. .
At length they came, to a palace built of emeralds; before the
gate,
hich was of massy gold, there stood a company of genii, who
guarded the entrance with clubs of China steel. The sight of these
terrific sentinels did not in the least check the ardor of the prince;
he was pressing forward. when l\Iorabec caught him by the hand,
and told him that something more t.han human virtues or talents
was now necessary. He then drew from a purse four long stripes
of yellow taffety; one he put about his middle and the other on his
back, giving the remaining two to the prince, who did the same
with them.
Iorabec then spread two large cloths on the ground,
and sprinkling the borders of them with precious stones, musk, and
amber, he seated himself in the midst of one of them, and directed
Zeyn tc place himself in the same manner on the other. " I will
now," said he, "conjure the king of the genii, who lives in the pal-
ace before us, that he may come to us peaceably. I am not with-
out apprehension as to the reception he may choose to give us. If
our cominp: here is displeasing to him, he will appear in the shape
of a horrilJle monster; in which case you must sit still and keep au
entire silence, not suffering the least sound to escape you. If he is
fft.vorably disposed toward us, he wiL come in the shape of a hand.
Born a young man. You will then, as soon as he appears, rise and

.

E
TERT AIXMENTS.

247

salute him with all possible respect, and tell him th
business which
brings you hither. But take especial care not to step off your cloth,
or you will certainly perish.:'
Morabec, having thus instructed the prince, began his conjura-
tion. Immediately their eyes were dazzled with a flash of light-
ning, which was followed by most tremendous thunder; the whole
island was covered with a hideous darkness; a storm of wind blew;
a dreadful cry was heard: and the island was shaken by an earth-
quake, such as Asrayel is to cause on the day of judgment.
The steady soul of the prince was a little startled at these awful
appearances, which he began to consider as very ill omens. Mora-
bec perceived what passed in his mind, and assured him that all
was well. At that instant the king of the genii appeared, as a very
handsome man, yet there was a sternness in his air.
As soon as Prince Zeyn had paid his compliments and related
what he came in search of, the king of the genii, smiling, answered:
"l\ly son, I loved your fathe
and have DO less kindness for you.
The statues you fuund were presented to him by llle; alld I prom-
ised him to receive you into my protection. I caused him to write,
a few days before he died, that which you read on the piece of
white satin. i appeared to you in your dreams as an old man and
have been the cause of all that hath happened to you. I intend to
give you what you seek, if you prove worthy of it; and the test
must be this. You must engage on your oath to find out a maid
in her fifteenth year, who has never known man, or desired to do
BO. She must be perfectly beautiful; and you so much master of
yourself, as not even to wish to deprive me of her, but you must
yourself conduct her hither."
Prince Zeyn took without hesitation the oath that was required
of him. "But, sir," said he, ,: how shall I know when I have met
with such a maid 1" "It is true," replied the king of the genii,
" that know ledge is above the sons of Adam. Take therefore this
looking-glass; if, on the maid looking at it, it appears sullied, it
will be a certain sign that she has not been always undefiled, or, at
least, that she has wished to cease being so. You have now a cer-
tain criterion. Be diligent in your search, and forget not the oath
you have takln; but fulfil it, as becomes a man of honor."
The king of the genii hf.tving delivered the mirror to Zeyn, gave
him and
Iorahec permission to depart. They returned to t
e
b,ke; the waterman with the elephant's head brought his boat and

2-18

ARABIAN
îGll'.rS'

ferried them over; they joined their servants and returned to
Cairo.
\Vhen the prince had rested a few days, he began to a.pply him-
self diligellt1y to perform his engagement with the king of the geuii.
By the assistance of an intriguing old woman, whom .:\Iorabec in-
troduced to him, Zeyn obta.ined aCCl
SS to all the beautiful young
women in the court and city of Cairo. lIe saw nlany of the mu
t
exquisite beauty; but when he consulted his mirror, the fatal touch-
stone of their virtue, it always appeared sullied.
Zeyn, thus disappointed, resolved to seek elsewhere for that i
purity which ,vas not to be found in Cairo. lIe travelled to Bag-
dad, attended by 1\loraLec; anù as he wished to be much known,
to forward his inquiries, took a handsome palace, and lived in
splendor.
There resided in that quarter of the city an imam, whose name
was Boubekir, a vain, haughty, envious old man; he hated the
rich only because he was poor; and under the appearance of an
austere and rigid virtue he indulged his ill-nature in railing at the
luxury of those who were in prosperous circumstances. By this
hypocrisy, and by often haranging the people, when in the mosque;
he had acquired considerable influence, which he used with llluch
art, to gratify the malignity of his disposition.
The magnificence of Prince Zeyn soon rendered him obnoxious
to the imam, which was increased by the prince taking no notice of
him. Boubekir took an opportunity of addressing the people oue
evening after prayers; and by !3ly insinuations, and charges half-
Imppressed. he irritated them agaillst the spendthrift stranger as
he called him. He hinted the necessity of giving notice to the
couhcil of Zeyn's manner of living, lest, if anything should be
proved against him, the caliph should be displeased with their in-
attention. In short, he so cajoled the assembly, that they agreed
to pre
ent a memorial against Zeyn to the council; and gave
directions to BOll bekir to prepare it.
Fortunately, l\Iorabec was at prayers, and remained unnoti
ed
among the crowd; he heard all that passed. He immediately
hastened home; and putting fi\Te hundred pieces of gold into a
purse, he went to the house of the imam. Boubekir received him
'With his usual austerity, and surlilv asked what he wanted. "Doc-
tor," replied 1\lorabec , with an oblicrinO' air and at the same time
ð ð ,
putting the lJ U l'8e into his hand, "I am your neighbur and yo llt

EN .rERTAIN.1IENTS.

2'.!

eervant; I come from Prince Zeyn. who lives just by; he has
heard of your worth, and desires the pleasure of your acquaint-
ance." As soon as the purse reached the hand of the imam, his
rigor melted away. "Be pleased, sir," said he, "to beg the prince's
pardon for me; I mu ashamed I have not yet been to wait on him,
but I will atone for that fault to-morrow."
N ext day, after morning prayer, Boubekir said to the assembly,
"You know, brethren, that no man is without enemies; and that
envy always pursues the fortunate and meritorious. The stranger
I spoke to you about yesterday, is no ill man, as some malicious
people would have -persuaded me, but a young prince, possessed of
many virtues. It would be dangerous as well as indecent, for us
to make a bad report of him to the caliph."
Boubekir having thus done away the unfavorable impression he
had himself mado on the people concerning Zeyn, waited on the
TJrince, who gave him a courteous reception. J\'Iorabec, judging
that sllch a busy man was likely to know the character of his
fellow-citizens, advised Zeyn to acquaint the imam with the search
he was making; nor was he mistaken. 'Yhen Boubekir heard the
relation, he cried out, that "if there was such a virgin in the world,
he knew her." In fact, the imam now became Zeyn's zealous ad-
herent, introduced the prince to a young lady, the daughter of
a vizier, whose beuuty ast9nished the young king of Balsora; and,
on pulling out his mirror, to try if the maid was as chaste as fair,
he had the satisfaction to find it remained unsullied.
Zeyn having at last succeeded in his difficult. search, demanded
the young lady of her father in marriage. The vizier gladly con-
sented; and the nuptials were celebrated with splendor. Zeyn
loaded his new father-in-law with the most costly presents; nor
was Boubekir forgotten. "\Vhen the company were dismissed,
1\-10rabec advised his master to set out immediately for Cairo, and
to proceed with all diligence t.o the island of the king of the genii.
Zeyn did not listen to this advice with his usual complacency.
l\Iorabec found him strangely balancing whether he should keep
bis engagement with that king, or conduct his charming bride to
Balsora in defiance of him. In vain
Iora.bec pleaded the value of
the ninth statue, which would reward his fidelity; in vain he de.
8cribed the power of the king, and cautioned the prince to dread
the consequence of his disobedience. The charms of the lovely
virgin had ta.ken too full possession of his heart for him to be
11*

250

ARA BIAN NIGHTS'

allured by avarice, or intimidated by danger; and the thought of
sacrificing her to a genie, oppressed him with grief and indignation.
But to the call of honor, and to the sanctity of an oath, Zeyn
coulù not refuse to listen. l\lorabec pointed out these obligations,
anù adjured the prince to subdue his passions, and fulfil his engagc-
DlCnt. " -VYell, then/' exclaimed he, " I yield to these cruel obliga-
tions; let us set out with all baste for this fatal island; and do
you conceal the lovely maid from my sight. Perhaps I have
" .
already seen too much of her.
They set out accordingly, Zeyn carefully refraining from the
sight of his bride all the way. On their arrival at the island, it
ùecame necessary to acquaint the young lady with her dC!:3tination.
The grief and despair she expressed, on receiving the information,
was a new and severe trial of the prince's fortitude. lIe per-
severed, notwithstanding, and presented her to the king of the
genii. The sovereign of spirits, having gazed at her for some time
very earnestly, ordered his attendants to convey her into the castle,
and turning to Zeyn, who could scarcely conceal his distress, the
king commcnded his integrity and resolutioTI. "I am," said he,
"fully satisfied with your behavior. Return to your dominions;
and when you enter the subterraneous room, where the eight statues
al'e, you shall find the ninth, which I promised you."
Zeyn coldly thanked the king of the gcnii ; and having taken
leave of him, returned to Balsora. He approached his capital,
overwhelmed with affliction for the loss of his bride; and unceas.
ingly condemning himself for having been the cause of her mis-
fortune.
On his arrival, he went directly to give his mother an account
of his journey. She was in raptures to hear he had obtained the
ninth statuc. "Let us go, my son," said she, "and Bee it imme-
diately; no doubt it is alrcady in the chamber underground, since
the king of the genii promised you should find it there."
Though Zeyn's desire of possessing the ninth statue was much
abated, or rather forgotten, through his excessive grief, yet he had
too much reApcct for his mother to delay attending her to the sub-
terraneous apartment; but how great was their wonder, whcn,
instead of a diamond statue, they found 0 n the ninth pedestal a
most beautiful virgin, whom the prince knew to be the same he
had conducted to the isl
nd of the genii. Before they could re-
cover their surprise, a loud clap of . thunder shook the palace, and
the king of the genii appeared before them.

E...Yl'EHT
\IN}IENTS.

2.31

Zeyn's mother was much terrified, but the king sOOn dispelled
her fear. " l\Iadam," said he to her, "I protect and h>ye your son;
yet it was proper I should try whether he deserved my partiality,
before I gave him the best gift in my power. I had the plcasul'e
to fiud him pos8e
sed of many and great virtues; mid though I
knew he did not punctually keep hi
word with me, I am too well
acquainted with the frailty of human nature to wonder that the
charms of this heautiful virgin made him wayer in his fidelity."
Then turning to the prince, he said, "Live happy, Zeyn. with this
young lady, who is your wife; loye her, and her only, and I will
be answerable for her fidelity. This-this is the ninth statue,
which I designed for you, and it is infinitely more precious than all
the rest; for be assured, there is nothing on earth to be compared
with a virtuous and lovely woman."

THE HISTORY OF CODADAD AND HIS BROTHERS.
There reigned formerly in the city of Harran, a king called
Zaphnah. lIe was beloved by his subjects, and wanted nothing to
complete his happiness but an heir. Though he had many of the
finest women in his seraglio, yet he was destitute of children.
He continually prayed to Heaven for them, and one night the
prophet appeared to him in his sleep and said," Zaphnah, thy
prayers are heard, and thou hast obtained thy desires. Go into
thy garden when thou wakest; gather a pomegranate, and eat as
many seeds as thou choosest, and thy wishes shall be accomplished.
In the morning, the. king obeyed these directions. Having re-
turned thauks to Heaven, he went into the garden, where he took
fifty pomegranate seeds, which he counted and ate. Zaphnah had
fifty wives, who all of them shortly after proved with child, though
one of them, named Pirouze, showed no appearance of it. The
king was so disgu8tcd with her on tllis account, that he deter-
mined to put her to death. But his vizier, who had great influ-
ence m"er him, and was vcry humane, interceded so strongly for
her, that Zaphnah suffered himself to be overcome. "lIeI' barren-
ness," said he, "is a mark of the displeasure of Heaven. Let her
live but let her depart my court. :My cousin, the prince of Sa-
maria, shall receive her. If she is with child, let me know it 011
her delivery; if lOt, let me never hear her name again."
Ph-ouze was sent accordingly to the court of Samaria. In due
time, the other nine-and-forty ladieE! were each delivered or Q

252

.AHAll.J.AN NIGHTS'

prince, and whilð Zaphnah waR rejoicing at these events, ne"rEj ar
dved that Pirouze bad also produced a son, whose beauty the
prince of Samaria praised in the highest terms.
Though Za phnah was much pleased at the birth of his fiftieth
Bon, yet being ashamed of the severity with which he had treated
his mother, he determined not to recall her to Harran. He sent her
compliments of congratulation; but at the same time, desired hiB
cousin would give the child the name of Codadad, and carefully
Buperintend his education; Bufficiently showing by these orders
that he did not intend soon to recall P Ïrouze and her son to his
court.
The prince of Samaria performed his office with the greatest
attention. Codadad, under his tuition, became one of the most
accomplished of princes. As he grew up, he began to be impa-
tient to visit his father's court, and finding, when he had reached
his eighteenth year, that Zaphnah expressed no desire to see him,
he threw himself at his mother's feet, and besought her permis-
Bion to go to Harran. "I will present m'yself," said he, "to my
royal father, without discovering myself to him. I. will offer hin1
my services; possibly I may be so fortunate as to merit his esteem;
and he will then receive me as his son without reluctance."
Pirouze approved of his resolution, and Codadad left Samaria
accordingly. '\Vhen he arrived at the city of Harran, be offered
his services to the king. Zaphnah, struck with his appearance,
and perhaps moved by a natural sympathy in his favor readily ac-
cepted of them. It was not long before Codadad had an oppor-
tunity to signalize his bravery in such a manner, as to gain the
high approbation of the king, and the applause of the whole
army; nor were his other talents less conspicuous, Zaphnah's
affection for him increased daily. He admired his discourse, ever
full of wit and wisdom; and at length, to show how much he ap-
proved of his admirable talents, be appointed the young stranger
governor of his forty-nine sons, though he was apparently of the
Bame age with themselves.
The pdnces had before seen, with a jealous eye, the progress
Codadad daily maùe in their father's favor This appointment in.
creased their envy and hatred. r.(hey received him with the ap-
pearance of respect, but had already planned his destruction.
After a few days they came together to their new governor,
and requested hiB permis8ioll to take a day'B hunting; resolving

ENTE [n AIN'lE
TS.

2,33

to go to some other city, and stay there, in hope that their father
would revenge their supposed loss on his new favorite, and put
him to death. Codadad granted their request; but was much
surprised to find that none of them returned in the evening. His
alarm increased when the next day and the day following passed,
and the princes still continued absent. On the fourth day the
king inquired of Codadad where his sons were, and why he had
not seen them for several days. The unfortunate governor was
obliged to tell the truth. Zaphnah, as the prince8 had foreseen,
was exceedingly enraged. "Is it thus, indiscreet stranger," said
he, " that you be
in to discharge the important trust I have com-
mitted to you 1 Go, find my sons immediately, or expect to feel
the utmost weight of my resentment."
Codadad, though much afflicted, thought himself fortunate to
have escaped 80 well out of the king's presence. He went home,
and having armed himself, and put on the disguise of a shepherd,
he left the city, and set forward in search of his brothers.
After many days spent in vain, he arrived at. a plain of great
extent, in the middle of which was a palace of black marble.
When he drew near, he saw at one of the windows a most beau-
tifullady. who was evidently in great affliction. As soon as she
Baw him, she called out, Baying, "Alas, young man! get away as
fast as possible from this fatal place, or you will fall into the
hands of the monster who inhabits it. A cruel black giant, who
feeds chiefly on human flesh, resides in this palace: he seizes on
all persons whose ill fortune conducts them to this plain, and
shuts them up in his dark dungeon; whence they are never let
out, but to be devoured by him."
Codadad was very anxious to know who his fair informer was,
and whether he could not release her out of the castle. "I fell
into the hands of this barbarian yesterday only," replied she.
" He destroyed my servants, but saved me, I fear, for a more
dreadful fate. You, generous stranger, can yield me no assistance.
Fly with all speed; the monster is not far off; and you will 00
fortunate if your utmost haste can save you."
She had scarce uttered these words, when the black appeared.
Ho was a man of enormous size and dreadful aspect, mounted on
a mighty Tartn.r horse, and wore such a large and weighty scime-
tar, that no one but himself could use it. The prince was a good
deal startled at hiB appearance, but drew hiB scimetar, and stood

254

ARAB! \N r\l(
IITS

nuon his defence. 1'he giant, despising so weak an adversary,
called out to him to surrender, with a mixture of real scorn and
affected gentleness; but Coùadad soon convinced him he was no
de
pica,ble enemy; for running brh:kly up to him; he gave him a
violent cut on the knee. The black, feeling himself wouuded gave
such a dreallful"shriek, as made all the plain resound. He grew
enraged, foamed at the mouth, and raising himl'elf in his stirrups,
struck at Codadad with his dreadful Bcimetar, which must have
destroyed hiin, if he had not with great dexterity avoidesl it. The
scimetar made a great hissing in the air; but before the giant
could l'ecoyer himself, the prince aimed a noble blow at his right
arm, and cut it off. The scimetar fell with the hand that held it;
and the giant losing his seat through the extremity of the pain,
made the earth quake with his fitll. Codadad ran up to him, and
completed the victory by chopping oft' his enemy's head. The
lady, who had been a spectator of the combat, seeing the giant
destroyed, gave a shout for joy; and then called out to the con-
queror to search the pockets of the slain, and secure the keys of
the castle.
Codadad having followed her advice, opened the first door,
where the la.dy met him, and would have embraced his knees for
her deliyerance, but he preyented her. He had now leisure to
contemplate her beauty; and was rejoiced that he had been able
to do 80 eRsential a service to so lovely a woman. Their conver-
sation wås interrupted by dismal cries and groans. Codadad
looked round to find whence they proceeded, when the laJy point-
ing to a little door, said, "There is the place where a number of
unhappy men are confined, who were destined for the food of
the cruel wretch you have destroyed. Every day he drew out
one to be devoured." "It is an addition to my joy," replied the
prince; " that I am the means of saving so many unfortunate per-
suns from such a dreadful end. Come with me; madam, and share
in the pleasure of giving them their liberty."
Codadad went accordingly to the little door, when the prince
put a key into the lock, which proved to be a wrong one. All
the prisoners, supposing it was the giant, sent forth groans and
lamentations. Codada.d made hnste to change the key, and having
open(>d the door, descended among them. lIe began to unchain
those who were nearest to him, and made them undm'stand that he
had slain their enemy, and was come to set them free. As the
report spread among the pri1-l0nf'r8
shouts of R Vf'J'Y different na-

El't"TERTADG\[EXT8.

2.:'\5

turc rent the cavern. Those first unchained Bet free others, and in
a very little time they were all at liLerty; and, leaving the dun-
geon, ascended joyfully to light and life.
1Yhen they wcre come into the court, they returned thanks to
thcir deliverer, in tenns becom.ing those who had received 80 great
a Lencfit. Codaùad'l:! joy was unbounded, when he fouud among
the prisoners the nine-and-forty princes, his brothers. lIe em-
braced them with the siucere!:!t affection; not withont anxiety till
he found everyone of them was I:!afe; and they on their part gave
their deli
erer all the prail:!es he deserved.
The slave:s of the giant, when they found their master was slain,
fled away through by-paths, known only to themselves. Cododad
found the castle filled with the wealth the giant had plundered
from the caravans. All this treasure he divided nmong the pris-
oners, W' ho found horses and camels in the stables sufficient to
carry away the merchandise; and having again returned thanks
to their generous benefactor, every man set forward on his re-
turn home.
When they were gone, Codadad asked the lady what place she
designed to go to; offering to conduct her wherever she chose. "I
urn," replied she, " of a country far remote hence; and must own
to you I have left that country forever. After the obligations I
owe you, sir," addre
sing herself to Codadad, ., I will not conceal
my situation frolll you. I am a killg's datghter. A usurper bas
posscssecl himself of my father's throne, after having murdered
him; alid I have been forced to fly for my life."

THE HISTORY OF THE PRINCESS OF DER Y ABAR.
" There is, in a certain island, a great city called Deryabar. It
was long governed by a poti)nt and virtuous king, whose daugh-
ter I am.
"X ot many years afier my birth as he was hunting, he espied a
wild ass which he chased. Being an eager sportsman, be outrode
his company, and pursued his game alone till night drew on. He
then alighted, ahd took shelter at the ed
e of a wood. "
hell it
became dark he discoyered a fire at some distance among the trees,
which made him conclude some village was not far off. But he
found the light proceeded from a large fire, kindled in an open
hIlt, in which sat a dreadful giant. He had a large pitcher of win&
before him, and was roasting a bullock whole, from wnich he llhW

256

ARABIA,N NIGHT::;'

aud then cut slices to eat them. In another part of the hut there
8at a beautiful woman, seemingly absorbed in grief; her ha.nds
were bound, and at her feet lay a child of two or three years
old
- ltly father contemplated this scene with indignation; but the
giant was evidently too powerful to be coped with by him alone,
and 110 other means of delivering the prisoners occurred to him at
that moment. 'Vhile he meditated on these matters, the giant
ha dug emptied the pitcher, and devoured about half of the bul-
lock, turned to the woman, and said, I vVhy will you, beautiful
princess, oblige me to treat you with so much severity? It is in
your power to be happy. If you will but receive and return my
10ye, I will-' 'Hideous satyr!' interrupted the lady, , I shall
never cease to abhor you. You will always be a monster in my
eyes.' She added so many reproaches that the giant grew enraged.
, This is too much,' cried he in a furious tone; 'your hatred, madam,
has produced mine. I will no longer solicit your favors, but will
punish your insults by depriving you of life.' Having said this,
he drew his scimitar, and would undoubtedly bave put his threats
in execution, if my father had not let fly an arrow, which. pierced
the giant'ô breast, so that he dropped down dead.
",My father entered the hut, and unbound the lady's hands;
who returned him abundant-thanks for his timely Àeliverance. In
anbwer to his inquiries, she told him tbat she was the wife of a
captain of a band of Saracens, who inhabited the seacoast. "Ihis
wretch,' continued she, 'was one of his principal officers. He
fell desperately in love with me, which he took care to conceal,
till an opportunity offered a few days ago to seize me and my child.
To avoid pursuit, he penetrated far into the country: and though
he ceased
ot continual solicitations, yet he never offered me any
violence tin this moment, when it pleased IIeaven to deliver me
from him by :your means.'
" :\Iy father said everything in his power to comfort the lady.
The next day, being fortunately joined by some of his retinue, he
conducted her and her child to the court of Deryabar. He imme-
diatf'ly sent a messenger to the country of tbe Saracens, to ao
quaint the captain that his wife and her son were in safety. This
messenger staying longer than was expected, several others were
dC8patched at different times; but none of them eyer ret,urned.

ly father, therefore determined, to send no more; but to bring up

ENTERT AIN:\IE:r\TS.

257

the boy with care, and take the lady unt.. his protection; with
which she was well satisfied.
" That boy, that ungrateful viper, was the cause of all my mis
fOI'tunes, As we were near of an age, anù my fh.ther ahvays
shovçed great kindness to him, he took it into his head, when he
arrived at manhood, that his protector intended to give me to him
for a wife. For a while he waited in hope his patron would meet
his wishes; during which time he took pains to ingratiate him
olf
with all rauks of people; and when he found that he had formed
to himself a considerable party. and that my father talked of giv-
iug me to a neighboring prince, he threw off the mask, and bolùly
demanded my hand in marriage.
",My father: who was now grown 0111, restrained his indignation
at the young man's insolence, and contented himself with giving
him a fiat denial. The vain fellow forgot his obligations to his
preserver. He considered this refusal as a mortal affront, and
giving way to his indignation
he determined on revenge. He put
himself on a sudden at the head of his parti:;ans; cruelly murdered
his venerable bencfador, and cau
ed himself to be proclaimeù
ldng of DerJabar. His next care was to have seized me; but the
grand vizier, a faithful olù servant, finding it impossiLle to make
head against the usurper, hurried me from the palace on board 3.
ship that was rea.dy to t:mil, and deli,-ered me out of his hands.
" The grand vizier intended to have carried me to the court of
the prince VdlO was to have been my husband, not doubting but
he would be easily excited to expel the traitor, and re\'enge my
father's death. But Providence did not grant success to a resolu-
tioll we thought so just. A violent storm drove our ship about
for many days. At last she bilged on a rock. In the horror of
my situation I lost my Renses, and I can only tell you, that when I
recovered I found myself thrown on the 8hore, on a part of the
wreck. Every one e1
e on board, I have no douTJt, peri::;hed in
the sea."
,. In this situation I was found by the king of the country, who
chanced to be riding that way. Every a8si
tance was given to me,
and when I harl recovereù, and related my I:;tory, the king, who
was mueh taken with 111f', fr.l1lkly offered to make me amenùs f01
the throlJc I harl lo::;t by fo;h
tring his own with me.
" The king wa
JOllng a
ld ami.tl,le; and though my illness and
affliction had prevcnted my ha,ing recei\Ted any great impression

.

258

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

..

from him, gratitude compelled me to accept his offer.. Prepara-
tions
verð making for our nuptials, when, in the midst of this joy-
ful bustle, a neighboring prince made a descent by night upon the
island, and threw everybody into confusion.
rhe king ordered
bis troops to be got together, intending to put himself at their
head; but being anxious for my preservation, he hastened first
with me into a boat; intending to lnnd me on a small island adjoin-
ing, and to return immediately. Unfortunately the current and
the wind l5et strongly from the shore: so that in short time we
wer
driven out to sea, without hope of reco\Tering the island.
"In this distress we thought ourselves fortunate when we espied
a ship coming toward us; but we soon found our mÌf::;take. rfhe
crew consi::;ted of a dozen armed pirates. They bound the king in
a chain, and then being attracted by my youth and beauty, each
claimed roe for himself. The dispute ran so high, that
hey pro-
ceeded to blows. They fought til1 only one remained a]ive, who,
baving thrown overboard the dead bodies of his companions, came
up to me and said, 'You are now mine; be not alarmed. I have no
design to take any liberties with your person, which I here vow to
hold sacred.'
"I was greatly rejoiced at this unexpected declaration. 'Ah,
sir,' said I,' complete your generosity by unbinding my husband
and setting us on shore.' I was about to have declared who he was,
but the pirate, rising bastily, caught hold of the prince, and threw
him, bound as he was, into the sea.
" At this terrible event I swooned away; and when I recovered
would have jumped overboard after tbe prince, if the pirate had not
prevented me. He then explained to me the motive of that prom-
ise which I had so unfortunately attributed to virtue and honor.
, I intend,' said he, ' to take you to Cairo, and present you to a great
emir, my patron, to whom I have long promised a beautiful female
slave. Have I not then acted kindly by your husband? would not
his a.ffliction bave been insupportable to have seen you in the arms
of my friend l'
'c Expostulation was in vain. I had only to comfort myself that
his attachment to his patron secured me from personal insult. )Ve
landed soon after; the pirate purchased camels and slaves, and set
off with me for Cairo.
"We had been several days on the road, when yesterday, as we
were crossing this plain, the black giant whom you have just Blain

ENTERT AIN)IENTS.

259

fmrprised us. Having destroyed the pirate and his slaves, he brought
me to his castle and invited me to receive his embraoes; but finding
me more dead than alive from terror, he desisted from his entreat-
ies, and gave me till this evening to reconcile myself to his propo-
Bal. Fortunately for me. you, gallant prince, have extricated me
from a situation worse than death."
'rilen the princess had ended the recital of her adventures
the
princes all joined in condoling her n1isfortunes, and Oodadad of-
fered to receive her as his wife. l'he princess had not S(len him
with indifference; she accepted his proposal; find as the palace of
the giant abounded with every necessary, they reposed themðe]ves
there for several days; after which, they set out for the court of
Zaphnah.
1Vhen they were within one day's journey of 1Iarran, and had
halted for the evening, Codadad called the princes to
ether, and
said, " I have too long cob.cealed from you who I anl. Behold your
brother Codadad, the son of Pirouze !" Having 8aid this, he em-
braced them all, and each of them expressed mu{:h satit'faction at
the discovery; but very different were the sentiments of these un-
'Worthy and unnatural brothers. At night, when Codadad and the
princess were retired to rest, they met together, find one of them
addressing the rest, said, "You remember how much our father
prefen'ed and cherished this dangeruus rival of ours, even while
he thought him a stranger; what must We expect now, when he
proves to be our brother 1 what, when he can boast of having de-
stroyed a giant, whom all of us together were forced to submit to 1
will not the very relief be gave us become an argument to prefer
him before us all 1" These considerations had occurred to every
one of them. They went to the tent of Codadad, who was fast
asleep, and stabbed him in a thousand places; after which they
pursued their journey to Harran, where they arrived the next day,
and were joyfully received by their father, who had despaired of
ever seeing them again.
C0dadad, meantime, lay in his tent without any signs of life.
The princess concluded he was dead, aDd rent the air with her
cries, lamenting the fate of her husband and deliverer; and ad.
juring the vengeance of Heaven on his murderers. .After much
and vehement sorrow, she cast her eyes on Codadad, and perceived
that he breathed a little. It was morning, and she saw a large
town at a distance. As she had no slave, she determined to lea'fÐ

260

ARABIAN :KIGHTS'

bel' husband, and hasten thither for assistance. She returned to
the tent with a surgeon; but when they arrived there they could
Dot find Codadad.
rhey concluded he had been devoured by SOlllC
wild beasts. The princess was inconsolable. The Burgeon took
pity on her, and conducted her to his own house, '''''here, though
be knew 110t her rank, he treated h('}" with an imagilJaLle respect.
'Vhen she was a little composed, she related to her host all that
had befallen her. "Then she had finir:;hed her story, "You do not
well, madamt said the surgeon," to give way thus to an unavail.
ing sorrow. You owe more to the memory of your princely hus-
ba.nd. It is your duty to revenge him. Lot me attend you as
your squire to the king of lIarran's court; nor fear but be will
do you justice."
The prillcesR "f Deryabar, roused by thm:e considerations from
a torpid Borrow, followed the advice of her host; and attended
by him, arrived at the city of lIarran. . The surgeon lodged the
princess in a caravansera, and went out to inquire diligently after
news. lIe learut that Pirouzc, not hearing of her son, had left
Samaria, and come to Harran in search of him. That the king,
before her arrival, had concluded that Codadad had fled to some
other country, to ese-ap(' his re
(,lltm(,llt; but wh('n he knew from
Pirouze th:Lt the gallant and :Lccomplil"hed stranger ,vas his other
son, he had causcd diligent inquiry to l)e made after him in all the
adjoining kingdoms; and had ordered pn blic prayers to bo put
up in all the mosques, for the safe and Rpeedy return of his son.
Pirouze regularly attended these deYútion
, and gave alms at the
principal mosque. The surgeon, having become acquainted with
these particularR, went the next day to the mosque; and stepping
up to one of her slaves, he whispered, " Brother, I have a secret
of moment to impart to the Prince
8 1')jrou1e; may not I by your
a
::ìistance l)e brought to her apartment 1" ,!'Iw slave no sûoner
learnt tha.t this secret related to Coùadad, than be entreated the
Burgeon to return with him to the palace; and as soon as they
,nrrived there, he introduced him to Pirouze. lIe related to 1H'r
I everything he had Leen told by tbe princef's of Deryabar, and told
her where that lady ,vas to be found. 1Vhen the surgeon was
'1.vithdrawn, Pirouze aud her attendants resigned thelll
;ehes to grief
for the unhappy fate of Cod:ulad. In the mid
t of this distrcf8,
Zaphnah entered her apartmeuts. Ph'ouze, with wanv lamenta.-
tions, repeated the surgeon's account. It was too circ
llllstantia.l

ENTEl{TAINMENT;:;.

261

for the king to doubt its truth. Having condoled with the unhappy
mother on their mutual loss, be withdrew, not more oppressed
with sorrow than shaken with indignation.
It was the hour of public audience. Zaphnah entered the coun..
cil-challlber with so much an;!er in his countenance, that the
courtiers and people WllO attendcd him with !Jetitiol1s, were alarmed.
Every man's heart failed him for fear. flaving ascended the
throne, the king called for the grand vizier. "Take," said he,
" this instant, a thousand of my guards, and seize all the princes,
my sons; shut them up in the tower appointed for murderers; see
that not One of them escape." All who were present trembled at
this strange command. 1.'he vizier laid his hand upon his head to
express his obedience, and withdrew to execute his orders. Thø
king then dismissed the assembly with a declaration that he would
do no business for a month to come.
The grand vizier having secured the princes, was directed by
his mastel. to conduct the princess of Dt'ryabar and her squire to
the palnce; and at the same time to proclaim who she was, and
in what manner his sons had incurred his displeasure. The prin-
cess and her attendants were led to court, amidst the acclamations
of the people, by whom Codadad was much beloved, while every
one uttered execrations against the en,'ious and ungrateful brothers
who had treated him so cruelly.
When the princess of Deryabar had been introduced to Zaphnah
and Pirouze, and had received their embraces, she demanded of
the king justice on the murderers of her husband. " Yes, madam,"
replied he, "those unnatural vipers shall suffer as they deserve;
though, by that stroke of justice, I must again become childless.
Unfortunate Codadad!" continued the wretched father, "we have
Dot thy remains, yet we will not omit paying thee the last duties.
At the close of which, those monsters shall atone for their guilt
by forfeiting their lives."
The king gave orders for a dome of white marble to be erected
without the city, and every preparation to be made for celebrating
the obsequies of Codadad in the most honorable manner. A figure
resembling the prince was plac;d in it, and all the inhabitants of
the city went ont to assist at the ceremony. The king, his vizier,
and the principal persons of the court, entered the dome, and sat
down on carpets made of black satin, with gold b.orders. A great
body of guards, hanging their heads, and looking down, drew up

262

Al:A.llIAN NIGHTS'

aùout the building, and marched round it thrice, observing 1t pro.
found t;ilence; at the third round they haIted before the door;
and all of them, with a loud voice, cried out, :, 0 prince, son of
the king! could we by the power of the sword find human valor,
any way retrieve your llli:::;fortune, we would bring you back to
life. But the King of kings hath commanded; and the angel of
death ha.th obeyed." Having uttered these words they drew off,
and made way for a hundred old lllen; all of them mounteù on
black mules, and wearing long gray bearùs.
These were anchorites, who had lived all their days concealed
in caves. 'rhey never appeared in the sight of the world but whell
they were to assist at the obsequies of the kings of IIarran, or of
princes of their family. Eaell of these venerable persons carried
a book on his head, which he held with one hand. They took
thr ee turl1S round the dome: find then stopping before the door,
one of them said, " 0 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
univertSe hath taken you away fúrever."
The old men withdrew to a distance from the dome, and fifty
beautiful maids approached it; each óf them mounted on a little
white horse. They wore no veils, and carried gold baskets, full
of all sort8 of precious stones. They also rode three times round
the dome; and halting at the same place as the others had dOlle,
the youngest of them spoke in the name of the rest, c. 0 prince,
on
e so beautiful! what relief can you expect from us? If we
could restore you to life by onr 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 three times round the figure
resembling Codadad, the king spake as follows: ,,; 0 my dear son!
light of my eyes! r have then lost you forever !" These words
were accompanied with many sighs and tears, the courtiers joiuing
their master in paying this tribute
o the prince. The gate of the
tomb was then shut, and all the people returned to the city.
Suitable public prayers were repeated in all the mosques for
eight days Buccessively; on the ninth, the king had ordered the
princes, his Bons, to be behea.ded. the scaffold was read y but the
. , ,
executiOn was stopped by news arriving that some neighboring

EN rERI'A IN"K
TS.

2G3

princes, who had before made war ngaim.;t the king of lIa:rran,
were approaching the capital at the head of a numerous army.
rrhz king musterèd his troops, and marched out of the city, pre-
pared to receive his enemies.
On their approach, the ci tizens of IIarran attacked them, and a
desperate battle ensued. Yictory, long douLtful, seemed at last to
incline to the invaders, when a large Lody of hor
e appearcd in the
plain in good order, and drew ncar the two armies. Each party
wcre alarmed, dreading a llew enemy; but the matter was Boon
out of doubt; the horsemen fell upon the flank of the king of Hal'''
ran's opponents, and gave them so furious a charge, that they de-
cided the fortune of the day; a total route erl
ued, in which the
greater part of the invaders were put to the sword.
The king of Harran had much admired the gallalltry of these
unexpected allies, and the skill and intrepidit.y of their leader; and
the battle being over, he hastened to thank him. The hcro proved
to be Codadad. Zaphnah became motionless with surprise and
joy. 1"'Vhen he recovered, he flew to the arms of his son, who re-
ceived and returned his embrace with duty and affection.
Zaphnah left the army to the care of the grand vizier, and went
immediately with his son to the palace; he there introduced 'to him
Pirouze and the princess of Deryaber ; the joy of those illustrious
persons, so dear to each other; may be better imagined than ex-
pressed. .
Codadad told them that a peasant mounted on a mule happening
to pass by the tent, and seeing him alone, wounded and senseless,
had conveyed him to his house; where, by the application of cer-
tain herbs chewed he recovered him. " Finding myself well," con-
tinued he, "I resolved to search everywhere for my beloved prin-
cess; but as I heard of the attack which was meditating against
my royal father, I determined first to assist him. I made myself
known to the villagers; and having diligently trained a body of
them to arms, I had the good fortune to arrive with them at a time
they were singularly USE-fu1."
When he had finished his narrative, the king said," Let us be
thankful to Heaven for this happy and unexpected meeting; Lut it
shall not prevent the just punishment of those traitors who meant
to have destroyed t.heir brother and deliverer; thcir intentiotls
were Dot less wicked because they failed in the execution (If thull,
nor t:.hall their punishment be less severe."

264

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

" Sir," replied the generous Codadad, " though they little deserve
that honor, yet they are your own flesh and blood; they are my
brothers; they have been sufficiently punished for their offence;
I forgive them, and I entreat your majesty to pardon them also."
Pirouze and the princess of Deryabar joined in this request. The
king was highly pleased with their generosity; he cau8ed the peo-
ple to be assembled, and ordered the princes to he brought out,
loaded with chains, and expecting immediate death. The king,
before them all, caused Codadad to be proclaimed his heir, and
added, that at his intercession, pardon was extended to the un-
worthy princes. The people loudly applauded the noble behavior
of Codadad, who himself released the prisoners from their fetters,
and embraced them with much affection.
On his return to the palace he amply re:warded the surgeon, who
had so faithfully served the princess of Deryabar. Zaphnah and
Pirouze passed the rest of their days very happily with that princess
and their beloved Godadad.

THE STORY OF THE SLEEPER AWAKENED, OR THE DEAD ALIVE.
Abon Hassan was the son of Selim, a wealthy and penurious
cit
en of Bagdad; who, though he was possessed of a good estate,
. and had gained great wealth by many years' successful traffic, yet
he scarcely allowed his family necesRaries. ''''"hen the young man
grew up, he had a turn for gayety; but the extreme avarice of his
father not only denied him the usual amusements of youth, but
gave him no respite from labor; making no difference between him
and his meanest slave.
The death of the merchant put an end to this restraint on Abon
Hassan. He found himself heir to a plentiful fortune; and he re-
solved to make himself amends for the severe discipline he had
undergone; but before he began his career, he showed a good nn-
derstanding and a good heart; he settled a proper provision on his
mother
and dividing his wealth into equal parts, with the one ,part
he increased his patrimony; this he determined never to break in
upon; the remainder he devoted to enjoyment.
',ro obtain this, he sought the company of young men of the first
distinction in Bagdad. As he was known to be wealthy, he easily
became intimate with such of them as were noted for their de-
bauchery. To these he gave the most costly entertainments. The
profusion of his table, his magnificent balls and f'oncerts, would

l<:NTEI:T..\ I
:HE
TS.

265

h:1.'\'e dis
ipatcd a '!"nya 1 rp,'pune; awl he fonnel the w(>alth he had
set apa.rt tor a. life uf prodigality, was dil:'pcrspd })efore a single
year had pa8sed away.
Abon Ha
:san. wa.
astoniHhed at the r('}lo1't of his steward; that 80
large a part of his fortune waR exhaut-'tcd. lIe rene\\ cd immcdiately
his resolution to keep his patrimony unimpaireù, 1I0r even to break
in upon the improvement he had made to it.. He gave no more
nmgnificcnt entertainments; he Bold off his useless slaves aud
splendid furniture, and prepared to regnlate his ('xpem::!es hy his
remaining income. But while this "a
duing: he felt the force of
youthful attaclnnent to many of his cOll1paniom
, and was amazed
and chagrined to find that they all avoided him, The news of his
ruin had sprea.d abro3.d: his prudent reserve no one know of. All
b is gay friends. therefore, treated him with contempt; and when,
to try them still further, he att('mpted to borrow a supply of them,
many insulted him, all refused him.
Irritated with this ungenerous hehavior, he rpnounced them in
his turn. He retired to the houHe of his father, where his mother
still dwelt, and began a new course of life. As ho had enough left to
enterta.in a gUCF;t handsomely, and was foud of Bociety, he every day
provided what he thought llecesðary for th3t purpose; and in the
evening he weut and sat on Bagdad bridge, where, as soon as be
saw any stranger arrive, wh08e appearance pleased him, he accost-
ed him respectfully, and invited him to sup auf! lodge with him
for that night.
.Abon Hassan, on th.ese occasi<ills, failed not to acquaint his guest
with an oath he had taken; whieh was, neyer to give an entertain-
nlCnt to an inhabitant of Bagdad; ne\'er to iuvite any man a second
time, or keep up any kind of acrpmintance with any of hi....
guests
after their parting. This premised, he used to conduct the stranger
home; regale him with a good snpper, and lodge him comfortalJly.
In the morning he always Ra.id to him," God preserve you from all
sorrow! when I invited you hither yesterday, I acqmtinted you with
my
th; I hopo, therefore: you will not take it ill, if I bid you
farewell: and may God conduct you."
On these terms he chanced one evening to enga-ge a. stranger of
re!'<pectable appearance, whom he supposed to be a merchant of
)lous
ol; but who in reality was the caliph. Haroun Alraschid;
who, in tba.t disguise, was taking one of his customary surveys of
tlw L'ity. The invibtion was so singular, that it excited the caliplt'B
12 ·

266

AHAßI.-\N NIGHTS

curiosity, and he readily a('cepted it. Abon Hassan conducted hin
home, placed him at the upper end of his table, and sat down OYPI
against him. A handsome snpper amI dessert we
'e served up, and
they ate of what they liked best
witlwut f3peaking or drinking, ac-
cording to the custom of the country.
'Vhen they had done eating, A bon Hassan filled out a glass of
wine, and said to his guest, laughing, "You know, sir, the cock neyer
drinks before he calls to his hens to come and drink with him, 80 r
invite you to follow my example. I cannot reckon him a wise man
who does not love a. chem-ful glass." "I am quite of your opinion,"
replied the caliph, taking a bumper, "and am sure you are an
honest fellow; fill away; you shall find I am ready to partake
with you."
They grew merry over their cups. Abon Hassan
eing of a
lively disposition, entertained his gnest with a thom
and brilliant
sallies. .At his request he explained the cause of the vow he had
made to receive only Rtrangers, and no man a second time; and re.
lated, with mnch humor, the story of his own extravagance, awl
the ill behavior of 11Ïs former companions.
The caliph was dcIightpd with the wit of his hORt, and respected
his understan(lin
. ,r}wll it grew time to retirE', he said to him:
" I regr'}! cxC'ceJingly the oa.th you have ta.ken, as it deprives me
of all hopes of being bettor known to you; but yet I wit5h to
show you how sensible I am of your hospitality. It is more in my
POWel: to serve you, than you arc aware of. Speak freely, and tell
me what you would wish fo.r, if you were sure of obtaining your
desires."
Abon Hassan, who was a little elevated with the liquor he had
drank, rppìied briskly," I thank you for your offers of service;
but, in truth, have no de8ires tha.t you can gratify. l\Iy fortune is
tmfficiput; r have no ambition, 11nlE'8s, indeed, :you couìd make me
caliph for four-and,-twent.y hour
." ,I And why," interrnptNI Ha-
r011n, eagerly,." shoultl von defo;irc that. honor for so short a time 1"
"It would Le long ellou
h," rp.plied Aholl IIaf'san, " to an8\'
er all
my wishes. The town of R:l
l.tlafi is divided into variolls di:stricts,
.

III each of whi('h thpre i
a. 1lI0Sf1I1(' a.nd an imam llcloJlO'iuO' to it
.1 . 0 ö
to read IJl'a)'el's. Tlw imam of the divi
i()n I livp. in, is an old man

f .auRtere ('ountpnancp, and the f!:rpat('!"t hypocrite in the world.
Thn mn.n, and four old fE'lloWR of the neighborhood, who are peo-
. pIp of the same diF;pOt
itiou, meet evcry day at the imam's hou!:1e:

KXl'ERfAIX:\IEXT;:;.

267

where tlley vent their malice against me, and the w.nole district
to the grea.t disturbance of the lleighl>ord; aud the promotion of
perpetual di
sentions. Instead of minding their Alkul'an, alld being
at peace with all men, they threaten some, abuse Jthcl's, and wish
to domineer over everybody. 'Ya
I caliph for OUe ùay only, I
would remove this nuisance; for I would ordor each of the. old
men a hundred bastinadoes, and the guod imam four til1le
as mallY,
that they lllight learn no more to abuse nnd disturb hi:'\ neighbors."
The caliph laughed heartily at hi
' hosfs narrative, aud imlIledi-
ately conceived the idea of a whilll
ical ad\'cllture. ALou IlU8sall
renewing the conversation, 0 Lserv.ed that it grew late. " Let us
finish the bottle," said he, "and I will Lid you farewell to-night;
only let me request of you, if you rise before me, that JOu will,
f:!but the door when you go out iu the l11ol'lIing." 1'hiö the caliph
promised; and taking hold of the Lottle said," You ha.ve been so
obliging as to fill for me the whole night, permit me to pour out
the last glass, and drink to your repose." lIe theu dexterously
conveyed a little powder into ALon Hassan's glass, and handed it to
him; who, h
ing much pleased with the politeness of his gue
t
drank it, alld had Bcarce time to set the gIaRs on the taLle, befbro
he fell into a profound slepp.
The caliph ordered the f:lltL\'e who attended him, to take .1\bon
IIasl;an on his back, and convey him to tho palace, where he caused
him to be undrcssed, and laid in the royal lJed. He directed
Giafar to attend the sleeper ill the morning, aud salute him as
commander of the faithful; and to take care that all the emirs and
courtiers, as well as the attendants, should addres
him with the
usual ceremonies which were observed to himself.
Early in the morning the caliph took pObsession of a littlc closet,
whence he could see all tha.t passed; impatient to enjoy the
surprise of Aboll Ha.ssan, and see how he would support his imagin
Rry dignity.
.At daybreak all the officers and ladies, whose duty it was to at-
tend the rising of the caliph, took their places with great silence.
One of them putting a sponge steeped in vinegar to ALon Hassan's
nose, he sneezed heartily, which awakened him. On opening his eyes
he found that he was in a magnificent room, surrounded by a great
many young and handsome ladies, and hlack eunuehs richly clothed,
dll standing with great modesty and respect. Casting his eyes on
the q,\ÜU of the bed, he perceived it was cloth of gold richly orna.

löS

AI:AlliAN NIGHTS'

mented with pearls and diamonds; and that there was laid by the
bed a vory rich haLit and a caliph's buLan.
At the sight of all thm;e splenùid objects, Abon Hassan was in
the utmost confusion and amazement. "So," said he to himself," I
am caliph! but," aùdeù he, after a moment'
pause, " 'tis only a
drea;u; the efThct of the wish I maùe last night." Saying this, be
turned himself about to sleep again, when One of the eunuchs ap-
proached the Led, and said very respectfully, "commander of the
faithful, 'tis time for your majesty to rise to prayers; the morning
begins to adyallce."

rhe astonishment of A1Jon IIassan was inexpressible. "Is it POfij-
;Ìble I am awake 1" said he to himself. "Oh, certainly, I am asleep,"
(
ontinued he; shutting his eyes again, " there is no reason to doubt
It."
The eunuch finding Abon IIa!::1san did not rise, said again, " Your
majebty will, I hope, permit me to tell you, that it is time to attend
morning prayer, which you never neglect; the sun is just rising."
"I am mistakent thought ALon Hassan," I am awake. 'l'hose
that sleep d0 not hear thus distinctly." 'fhen opening his eyes,
and sitting up in his Led, he seemed overjoJed at his promotion, to
the great entertainment of the caliph, who guessed very exactly
what his thoughts \\'ere.
1Vhen A bon IIm;san began to arise, all the ladies of the palace
prostrated themsehes before him, with their faces to the ground;
they then saluted him with a delightful serenade, with which he
was so raYished, tlmt he was in perfect ecstacy. But recovering
Lis first idea, he again doubted if it was not a dream; he clapped
his hands before his pyes, lowered his head, and again said to him-
E:elf, ""\Yhat can all th is mean? "\Yhere am I 1 "\Vho are these
ladies and attendants 1 How shall I possihly distinguish that I am
awake, and ill my right senses 1"
'\Vhile these thoughts were passing in hi" mind, l\Iesrour, the
chief of the ennuch8, came in, and having paid the proper com-
pliments, said, H Commander of the faithful, the time of prayer is
over; all your generals, governors, and officers of state, wait your
royal preRence in the council-lml1. "\Vill your majesty be pleased
to ascend your throne as usual 1"
Abon IIas
m,n was convinl..
ed now that he was awake, but he was
also still more emharrassed. After a pause, he looked earnestly at
M 3srour, and said, "vVho ig it that you speak to, and call con)..

.

ENTEnTAIX
ll.ENTS.

mander of the faithful? I don't know .Yo l, and 'you mistake me
for
mmebody el!:;e."
l\lcs1'our affected an air of astonishmcnt, aud replied, ,; 1\ly worthy
lord and mastcr, you only speak thus to jeer mc. Is not your lOaj-
esty commander of the faithfnl, monarch of the world; and the
prophet'
vicar on earth? l\lesrour, your faithful sla.ve, "ho has
had the honor and happiness to serve you so many years] cannot
forget or mi
take you. Some trouble, somo dream, must have di
-
turbed your majesty's imagiuationY
.ALon lIa
san hUl'!:;t out a-laughing at these words of
lesrour.
'''fhen hc had recovercd himl"clf, seeing a little black eunuch, he
beckoned him, anù said, "Hark yc, child: tell me 'who I am/}
" Sir," answered the little boy, modestly, ",your majesty is com.
mander of the true believers, and the prophet's vicar on earth."
" You arc a liar, sooty-face," said Abon lIa&'5Rn. lIe thcn called
the lady who stood nearest him, saying, "Come hither, fitir one,
and bite the end of my finger, that I may know whether I am
awakp. or not."
The lady, who knew the caliph sawall that passed, was o\'cr.
joyed at being thus called upon to contribute to his amuseIUent;
going, therefore, with a grave face to Ahon Hassan: she put his
finger into hAr mouth, and clenched it so hard hetwecn hcr teeth
that he roared aloud, and with difficulty pulled it awa.y frow Ler.
\Yhen the pain was a little abated) he said, " You have convinced
me that I am not aRleep; but how is it possible that I can have ùc-
come caliph in one night 1 I adjure you, therefore) to tell mo
the truth." "It is so true/, replied the lady, " that we, your 8lavc8,
are amazcd to hear you doubt it." "Ah, you are a deceiver," re

plied Aton Hassa.n; "I know very well who I am."

le8rour assisted his new master to rise; and as soon as he set
his feet On the floor, the whole company of ladies and officers cried
out together, "God pregerve your majesty, and give you a good
day." ,Mesrour then arrayed him in. the royal robes, and conducted
him through rows of pro
h'ate courtiers to the conncil-chamber,
where he mounted the throne of Persia, which he filled with all the
gravity imaginahle,
The grand vizier Giafil,r, and the judge of the police (both of
whom he knew IJY having often seen them in their offices): first
bowed themselves down before him, and paid him the salutation
of the morning. After which aU the emirs, as they were admitted

269

.

270

ARABIAN KIGIITS'

to their seats, went to the foot of the throne, aud having laid their
heads on the carpet, th
y saluted him on their knees, as COI11-
mander of the f.tithful: and the prophet's vica.r on earth,
Althou(rh ALon Hassan bad before been elm"ated with his ad-
b
vancement, his recollection forbade him to believe it. TIut wheu
he found himself thus recci ,"cd l}y the grand vizier, and all the
great men about the COUl't, he could 110 longer doubt but be ,
vas
caliph, though he could no way account for his having become so.
Diriluissing, therefore, for the present, all thought upon the suhject.,
he prepared to enjoy his good fortune, and exercise his sovereignty
lIe heckoned the judge of the police to him, and directed him to
go to such a division of the city, to seize the imam of the mosque
and four old men, whom he described; to give each of the latter
a hundred bastinadoes: find the imam four hundred. " I'll is
done," continued he, " mount them on fiye camels, with their f<lces
to the tails, lead them through the 'whole city, and let a crier pro-
claim before them, C This is the punishment of busy-bodies and
mischief-makers.' You may then dismi
s them, with orders never
to return to that district on pain of death."
The judge of the police withdrew; and the grand vizier ap-
proa.ched the throne: and made his l"eport of affairs. Abon Has-
/San heard him with dignity and attention. He issued out orders
without embarrassnH'nt, and gave judgment in several causes with
great al)ility. The caliph saw and admired this part of his con-
duct, ,yhich raised him highly in his esteem. The judge of the
police returning, presented his new sovereign an instrument, sign-
ed by the principal inhaLitants of the division, attesting the pun-
blunent having been infiicted on the five delinquents. Abem Ha.s-
san read over the nallIes of the witnes
es (1.\"ho were all people
that he knew very well), with great satisfaction. t' These old hyp-
ocrites," said he to himself; .C "rho were ever censuring my actions,
and finding fiLUlt with my entertaining honest people, have at last
recei \Ted the punishment they deseryed."
\rhen the time of audience was nearly over, the new caliph
directed the vizier to take a thousand pieces of gold, and cany
them to the mother of ALon Hassan, who was generally called the
debauchee, and lived in the same district where the judge of the
police bad becn sent to. Giafhr obeyed, and, on his return, ,..'\Lon
Hassan arose, and dismiR
ing the audience, descended the t,hrolll
,
and was conducted hy l\1csr{\ur into an adjoining apartment.

EXTERT AISl\lEXTS.

271

He was much delighted on entering the splendid hall to which
ihe chief of the eunuchs led him. The paintings were exqui
ite ;
and there appeared everywhere the greate:st profusion of wealth;
8m-en bands of mu:sic, placed in different galleries, struck up a
grand concert at his entrance. In the middle of the room there
was a table set out with golden dishes and plates containing all
manner of rarities. Seven young and IJcautiful ladies, richly
lressed, stood around this table, each ready to fan the supposed

aliph while at dinner.
.Abon Hassan surveyed all these things with the utmost pleas-
"Ire; his countenance strongly expressed his joy; yet there was
a mixture of wonder and ùoubt which occasionally appeared in
his behavior. ,: If this is a dream," said he to himself, "it is a
long one. But surely," continued he," it is not a dream: I can
r1ee, hea.r, feel, walk, and argue reasonably. I am certainly the

ommander of the faithful; who else could live in this 8plendor 1
Besides, the respect I receive, and the obedience paid to my COlll-
mands, are sufficient proofs." He then sat down to table; and the
seven ladies standing about him began to fan him. He looked at
them with admiration; and smilingly told theIn; that one fan was
enough to cool him, and he would have the other six ladies Bit
down to table with hjm, that wherever he turned his eyes he
might behold such lovely objects.
The ladies obeyed; but Abon Hassan perceh-ing that out of
respect they did not eat, helped them himself, and urged them in
the most obliging terms. 'Vhen they bad dined, he asked their
names, which they told him were White K eck, Coral Lips, Fair
Face, Sunshine, Heart's Delight, Sweet Looks, and Sugar Cane.
To every lady he returned handsome compliments, wittily adapted
to ber name.
After dinner, the eunuchs brought perfumed water in a golden
bowl; and when Abon Hassan had waðhed
l\Iesrour, who never
left him, conducted him to another hull, where he was received
by seven ladies more beautiful than the former. Seven other
bands began a new concert; while the imaginary caliph took part
of a rich dessert of- s\yeetmeats, and the choicest fruits. This
o'"er, he was led to a third hall more magnificent than the other
two; it was lighted up with a profusion of wax lights, in golden
branches; and he was received here by seven other ladie
, of still

uperior beauty, who conducted him to a table set out with large

2'72

ARABIAN NIf,UTS'

silver flagons full of the choicest wines; and crystal glasses placed
by them.
Till this time, Abon Hassan had drank nothing but water, agree-
able to the custom of Bagdad, where from the highelSt to the low-
est, t,hcy never drink anything strong till evening; it being ac-
cOlUlted scandalous in the highest degree for anyone to Le drunk
in the daytime. 'Vhen he placed himself at the taLle, he desired
the seven ladies to sit dO\YIl with him; and havillg abked their
names, which were Cluster of Pearls, :l\Iorning Star, Chain of
Hearts, Daylight, Bright Eyes, Fine Shape, and Silver Tongue:
he called upon each in turn to brIng him a glass of wine, and as
each lady presented it, he sa.id a variety of witty and gallant
things to her.
As the wine began to elevate the supposed caliph, he became
amor9us; which Cluster of Pearls perceiving, she went to the
beaufet, and putting a little of the sleepy powder into a goblet,
she filled it with wine; she then presented it in a most bewitch-
ing manner to Abon Hassan, requesting him to drink it when she
had sung a song which she had made that day. Hassan consent-
ed; and the lady sung with so much grace and spirit, that he re"
solved to prefer her to her companions. He received the goblet
from her hand, and drank; but before he could take it from his
mouth, he fell asleep in the arms of the attendants. They then
put his own clothes on him; and the slave who brought him
thither, carried him back, and laid him on his own sofa.
It was late the :next morning before the powder ceased to oper-
ate. But at length the sleeper awakened, and looking round the
room, was surprised to find himself in so different a situation.
lie called aloud for Cluster of Pearls, :M:orning Star, Coral Lips)
and the other ladies, as he could recollect them. Ilis mother
hearing his voice, came in and said, "Son, what would you have;
who are those you are calling for 1" Abon Hassan, raising him

self up, looked haughtily at his mother, and said; "Good woman!
who is it you cull your SOll F ,. You, to be sure," replied his
mother; cc are you not A Lon Hassan, my SOIl 1 Have you slept
till you have forgot me and your8elf t
o 17'. "I, your son !" an-
swered Hassan; "you are mad! I am not Abon Hassan, but the
commander of the faithful."
His mother was alarmed at these words. "Silence, nlY dear
son, I beseech you," said she; "do you not know that' walls have

E.....'\TERT AI
)1EX.rS.

27;1

ears l' w11at do you think would be the consequence, if you were
heard to utter such ra.
h words to anybody else 1 You are surely
distra(,
ted." "\Yhile his mother was thus remonstrating with him,
Abon Hassan listened to her attentively, lIe held down his head
and put his hands 1>efore his eyes like one in conte.:nplation. At
last, as if just awakened, he said to his mother, ".Methinks I am
Abon Hassan, and you are my mother." Then looking round the
I'oom, he added, "I certainly am Aboll lIas san) there is no doubt
of it. I cannot conceive how this fancy came into my head."
" You have had a good drea.m," replied his mother, laughing,
"but I have Borne real good news for you. 'rhe grand vizier,'
Giafiu., came to me yesterday, and putting a purse of a thousand
pieces of gold into my hand, bid me pray for the commander of
the faithful, who made me that present."
" '\'ill you dare, after this, old lady," replied Hassan, in a rage,
" to tell me I am your son! I sent you those thousand pieces of
gold by my grand vizier, Giafar, who obeyed me as commander of
the faithfuL"
His mother was astonished at bis conyersation, but fearing to
irritate him by opposition, she answered him slightly: and imme-
"diately, with intent to divert his ideas from a subject which
seemed to bewilder him, she began to tell him what had befallen
the imam and the four shieks the preceding day.
Hassan listened with Illuch attention, and when she had finished
her narratiYe

'"God ..be praised," said he, c: for all things! for I
have no doubt but that I am the commander of the faithful, and
the prophet's vicar on earth. Know, old woman," continued he,
"that it 'was by my order those five hypocrites were punished. I
was not asleep when I gave those directions; and am glad to hear
from you, that the judge of the police fulfilled his du ty."
The old lady was in an agony of despair ,
hen she heard him
talk in so absurd a manner. "Heaven preserve you from the
power of Satan, my dear son!" replied she; "some ('viI genius
surely possesses you. Don't you see JOu are in your own room?
Recollect yourself Heriously, and drive away these fancies frOlll
yom. Ìmagination/' At these words Hassan became more trau::)-
ported with fury; he leaped from the sofa, seized a cane and 'rull-
ning to his mother, "Cursed sorceress," said he, " tell me instantly
by what means you have conveyed me from my palace to this
room." His m ther, looking tenderly at him, rep]ied, " You are not
12*

274

AUAIUAN NH.a, rrs

surely, so aùandoned by God, my son, as to strike your mother!"
ALon Hassan, urged to frenzy, became unnatural. He caned her
seyerely; asking her, lwtwecl1 every stroke, if she would yet own
he was connuander of the fa.ithful; to which she continued to
reply" he was her belovcd SOll."
At length, as he ceased not to beat ber, the old lady was
obliged to call out so loud for help, that several of the neighbors
beard her, and ran to her assistanee. The first who entcred the
room, takiug the cane ii'om him, said, "'Vhat are you doing, Aboll
IIassan? Have you no fear of God? Dare you strike your affec-
tionate paI'eut 1" Hassan looked earnestly on him without rc-
turning any answer; and thcn, staring on all that followed him,
said, ., ,rho is that Abon Hassan? do you moan to call1lle by
that name 1" ,; ,\Yho bhould we call so but you 1" replied his
neighbor; "it is no wonder you forget yourself, when you insult
your mother." ,. BegoIJe! you are all impertinent!" answered
Hassan, " I neither kJloW her nor you. I will not know you, I am
not Abon Hassan; but you shall find to your cost, that I am com-.
mander of the faithful."
At this discourse, his neighbors concludcd he was maù; aud
while some laughcd at him, otheI's went for thc keeper of the hos...
pital for lunatics. IIassan became outrageous at the sight of him,
and called aloud for Giafar and l\Iesrour to come to his assist-
ance; but tho keeper ordered him to be undressed, and beat him
wit.h a rope till he lay quiet: he then caused. hand-cuff
and chaius
to be fastened on him, and took him to the hospitaL
}"'or three weeks tho unfortunate Hassan received ùaily correc-
tion from the hand of his severe keeper, who never failed to re-
mind him that he was not commanùcr of the faithful. His mother
came every day to see him; but whenever sho appeared in his
sight, he reproached and execrated her a
the cause of all his
sufferings. At length, the lively ideas of what had passed during
the time he was addressed as caliph, began to fade away; and the
miserable situation he was in, made him recollect himself; though
the obedience which had been paid to his orders, would not let
bim believe he had been dreaming; yct he considered that, if he
was really caliph, his officers and attendants would never have
abandoned him to so much ignominy and wretcheùness. 'Yhile
his mind was thus employed, his mother came to see him, and let
fan a trrrrut of tears at beholding him manacled, emaciated,
tl
d

EN rEI:l'AI
l\1 E:\TS.

275

dejected. On her approach, he no longer appeared furious. On
the contrary, he saluted her as his mother, disavowed his sup-
posed dignity, and with much sorrow entreated her forgi,-eneHs of ·
the outrage he had cOlllmitted against her.
His mother was o
.erjoyed to find 80 happy a. change in him.
She talked with him about the disorder he had been in; and
ad::1ed, " The last -stranger you hrol1ght hf\llle with you, went away
in the morning without shutting the door. I am persuaded this
gave some demon an opportunity to enter, and put you into that
horrid delusion." ., You arc certainly in the right, my dear
mother," replied ALon Hassan; Cl it was that yery night I had the
fil
n] dream which turned my brain, and caused those excesses whil'h
c()r
r me with shame and confusion when I think on them. I charged
the merchant to shut the door after him, which now I filld he did
not do; as they of .Moussol are not so well conyinced that the devil
is the cause of trouLlesome dreams as we arc at TI:lgdad. nut
since I am so much better, get me, I entreat you, out of this cur
e<1
pla('e." His mother hastpned with great joy to the keeper, and
declared the change she had found in her son; and he, having ex-
amineù his patient) cOll
ratulatcd him OIl his recovery, aud ga\Te
him his lih{'rty.
'Vhen A bonlIassan came home he :::tayed w.ithin ùoors for sorne
days to rest and refresh himself after the sm"ere discipline he had
undergone. But when he had recoyered his strength, he 80011
became weary of spending his evenings alone. lIe determined,
therefore, to hpgin his former way of living, which was to provide
a supper, and seek a friend to share it with h
m.
The day on which he renewed this custom was the first of the
month, when the ca1iph always walked in disguise a.bout the
city. Toward en'ning, lIaf'\san went to the bridge, l)ut had scarce
!m.t down when hp percpived the caliph di!'guised as before, and
followed hy the same f'\1:n e. As hE' was was fully perf:uadcd that
all his 8ufi'erings arol:5e from the negligence of tll is l\lous:::Ioi mer-
chant, he 8aw him with great indignation; and to a\'oid speaking
4-0 him, he got np. and lookerl o\'"er the parapet into the ri\"er.
The caliph f'aw and recollected his former ho
t; amI became
curious to know the pffect of his frolic. lIe percei\-E'J that Has-
8a11 had risen in angPr, and wiRhed to avoid him. lIe went, there-
fore, close up to him
and said, " Oh! brother Hassan, is it you?
givE' me If:'Hve to emhrace you." h Not I
i'1deed," replied HaR.

276

AJ:.ABIAN NIGHTS'

fau, roughly, and without turning his head; "I know nothing
of you, nor will I have anything tù do with yon; go about your
· LUòiuess."
The caliph endea.vored to soothe him: saying, "You cannot,
surely have forgot the evening we passed 80 pleat:;antly at your
hOW:3C, a little while ago. I then tendered you my best serviC(\s,
and now repeat the offer, and shall he glad to repay your hospi-
tality by making myself useful to you. Let me beg you will
for once set aside your usual custom of not receiving the same
guest the second time, and take me home again with you this
evcning."
Abon Hassan refused this request with high indignation, and
again bid the supposed merchant begonp.. But the caliph urged
him so vehcl1lclltly, and seemed so desirous of knowing the cause
of his host's anger, that IIar.,san at last suffered himself to be pre-
yailed on to recpivë him a
his gnest the second time. He took
care, however, to exact a very solemn promise, that he would shut
the door after him, when he went out in the morning.
'Yhcn they arrived at Ahon Hassau's house, he rclated to the
caliph all that had hefallcn him. " Rut," continued he, " you win
not expect to hear that it is entirely owing to you that these things
happened. I desired you
o shut the door, which you neglected
to do; and some devil finding it open, put this dream in my head;
which, though it was very agreeable while it lasted, was the cause
of all these misfortunes. You are in part answerable for all
the extravagancies I ran into; and chiefly for the horrid and de.
testable crime I was guilty of in lifting up niy hand against my
mother."
The caliph hearing Abon Hassan thus gravely laying to his
charge 80 many evils, burst into laughter, which exceedingly
affronted his host. "Perhaps you will find something very .divert-
ing in this also/, said he, and at the S:1me time bared his back and
shoulders, and showed the wales and livid marks which remained
from the chastisement he had undergone in the hospital. 'fhe
caliph, on beholding this .piteous 8ight
Lecame really sorry that
na

an had suffered so much. He embraced and condoled with
him, After which he said, '
Let us forget as well as we can, all
that is disagreeable and delicate this evening to mirth. To-morrow
I will endeavor to repay your 8lÌfferings to your satisfaction,
Abou Hassan had conceived an esteem for his guest. He snffer(>lJ

.

EXTERT AIN 'tENTS.

277

his anger to be overcome hy these entreaties, and sitting down
with him, they passed the evening together in great jollity. 'Vilen
it grew late, the caliph conveyed a. little of the salUe powder into
the cup of his host, which had its usual effect; and the slave car-
ried Hassan a second time to the palace.

rh
caliph caused him to be again habited in the imperial robes,
and laid on a sofa in the hall where he had before fallen asleep.
In the morning, l\Iesrour, with the other attendants, took their
pIa ces; the eti'ect of the powder was dissipated as before, and, as ,.
Abon Hassan awakened, the music struck up a delightful concert.
Abon Hassan was astonished to hear the charming harmony.
He looked around him, and remembered the hall; he even thought
he recollected the persons of the ladies. ,. Alas!" said he aloud, " I
am fallen into the same fatal dream that happened to me a month
a
o; and must expect again the discipline of the mad-house. He
was a wicked man whom I entertained last night; he is the cause
of this illusion, and of all the miseries I must undergo. The base
wretch promised to shut the door after him, and did not do it, and
tlle devil has come ill: and filled my head with this cursed dream
again. l\Iayest thou be confounded, Satan, and crushed under some
mountain."
Abon Hassan continued some time thoughtful; when, shutting
his eyes and stretching himself on the sofa, " PH go to sleep," said
he, "till Satan leaves me." On which one of the ladies approach-
ing him said, "Commander of the faithful, I beg your majesty will
p)rmit me tell you, that day appears, and it is time to rise," "Be-
gone, Satan!" replied Abon Hassan, raising his voice. 'rhen look.
ing 011 the lady, he said, "Is it me you caU commander of the
faithful?" "To whom," replied the lady," should I give that
title but to your majesty, who is the 80vereiAn of the world, and
of :rrlussulmans 1 But to convince you perfectly, let me remind you
of what pas
yesterday." She then told him of the seyel'al
matters which occurred in the council; of his liberality to Abon
Bassan's mother; and of the punishment of the imam and his
companions. "Your majesty, then," continued she, "dined in the
three halh; as mmal; und in this you did us the hOB or to make us
sit down with you, to hear our songs: and l'ecei\Te wine from our
hauds, till you fell asleep, and never awakened till now."
The confidence with which .the lady assured IIaRsan of these
things, aud his own recollection of the circumstances, threw him

278

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

into the utmost perplexity. "All she tplls me is certainly true,"
Raid he aloud; ., for I remember every particular of it. Am I,
indeed; caliph? Do I dream now, or was I in a dream when I
fancied myself in a mad-house P At length recollecting that hiB
shoulders still retained a. mela.ncholy proof of the treatment he
had received, he once more uncovered them, and àsked his attend-
ants how they durst suffer such disgraceful severity to be offered
to the caliph while he slept. The lady \\'..18 confounded; and qot
knowing how to answer so tryiug a question, she nUl-de a signal
for the music to renew the concert, while she and her companions
danced round the imaginary caliph. ALon Ha
san beheld them
for some time with a mixture of delight and anxiety; but as they
continued to dance, he bec31ne transported, and leaping up, joined
them in their amusement, cO:llmitting numberless pleasant extrava-
gancies; till the caliph, who had from his closet been a spectator
of all that passed
and had laughed till he was quite exhausted,
called out," ALon Hassan, ALon Hassan, you will make me die
with laughter."
The instant the caliph't5 voice was heard, the music ceased, and
everyone. was silent. The monarch eame forward, laughing.
Abon Hassa.n recollected him, notwithstanding his royal robes;
and joining in the joke, without Leing in the lea
t dat;hed at the
presence of his sovereign, he cried out, "Ha! ha! you are a.
merchant of l\Ioussol, and complain I wOlLld kill you; you who
have been the occasion of my u8ing my mother 80 ill; it was you
who punished the imam aud the four scheiks; I wash my hands
of it. In short, you ought to answer for all my irregularities."
The caliph acknowledged the truth of .Abon Hassan's remarks;
and at his request, told him the contrivance he had used to convey
him thus about, 11 e then bid IIasRan ask holdly for any favor he
wi
hed, to make him amends for the t:ioverities he had under.
gone.
'" Commander of the faithful," replied AÙOll IIat:isë111, "how great
soever my distress was
I have quite forgot it, now that I know my
soycreign received amusement fro111 those circumstances which
occa!'li{,ned it, I doubt not yonr majesty's .bounty; but shall only
ask that I may be allowed to approach your roya.l person, and
have the happinps8 all my life of admiring your grandeur !" Tlw
mod{'sty of thiR request charmed the caliph, who had before a great
e
te'lm for IIasFlan: lw granted his desil'ü in the mOHt ample man.

E
'.f.EIU' AIN M 1<:
'I'8.

279

ner. assured him of his protection, and received him into his familiar
friemh;hip.
Abun II<1.

an was lively and l'lea
aIlt; he continually promoted
the alUU::5ement of his royalllla
ter, 80 that he beca.me his constant
companiun during those hours '" hich were not devoted to business.
The caliph oftcu carried him to the apa.rtment of hi8 spouse, Zo-
beide, who had heard his
tory with much pleasure. This princess
had a f
!,yorite
la ve, called, N ou..duÜoul-aouaùat. lIas
an had
not been often admittcd to the presence of Zobeide, before she ob-
sen ed that. his eyes wcre oftcn fixed on this young lady; who, on
her part, betrayed evident proofs of partiality for him.
Zobeide was no sooner couvineed that their attachment was
mutual, than she pruposcd to the caliph to give her slave to .Abon
Hassan. The prince consenting, the marriage was solemnized in
the palace with great rejoicings. The bride and bridegroom re-
ceived very con
iùerable prescnts from Zobeide and the caliph, aud
Abon Hassan conducted his spouse with great joy to the apart-
ments allotted him in the palace.
Abon Hassan and his spouse Uved together in perfect union.
N ouzhatoul-aouadat was endued with all the qualifications capable
of gaining her husband's loye and esteem; and he omitted nothing
that could render himself acceptaLle to her. lIe furnished his
table with the choice
t dainties and most exquisite wines; he hired
the best musicians to entertain her; in a word, their time passed
in a continual round of pleasure.
But before the first year of their marriage was expired, their
steward made so large a demand on his master, as entirely ex..
hausted his purse; aud they found themselves all at once exceed.
ingly embarrassed. Abon Hassan durst not apply to the caliph
for assistance, ha.ving in so short a time lavished away a consider-
able treasure; nor could he bave recourse to his own fortune;
for when the caliph received him into his household, he made over
the whole of his patrimony to his mother; and he resolved on no
account to lessen her income. On the other hand, N ouzhatoul.
aouadat considered Zobeide's generosity to her on her nuptials, as
more tban a sufficient recompense fdr her services, and thought
that she ought not to apply to her for more.
On the departure of the steward, they sat a long time silent,
each revolving these disagreeable ideas. At length Abon HasRan
i'3.id to his wife, ,; I see you are as much distressed as I am Oll this

280

AHAIH.\N
IGHT;:)'

occasion; but I think I haye contrIved u. trick, if you'll assist me,
'which, while it discoyers our necessities to the caliph and Zobeide,
will at the same time diyert them. To tLis purpose, y.ou and I
DlU:.3t both die -." "N ot I, indeed," illtcrrupted his wife, who
had before listened to him with great attelltion; "if you have
nothing else to pro}Jose you lllay do that by yourself if you choose
it. "
u Y Ol. do Hot suppose, surely," replied IIas
an, ha
tily, "that I
mean r
ally to die. I propose only that I should feign my
elf dead,
and you should go in tears to Zobeide, aud by expres/';illg great
Borrow, moye her pity. On Y!Jur return, I will put the same cheat
on the caliph, and, besides the usual presents we shall each receive
on this occa::;ion, I flatter myself the explanation will be very bene-
ficial to us."
K ouzhatoul-aouadat now entered into the husband's scheme with
great readiness. She spread a sheet on the carpet in the middle of
the ro0111; ou wh
ch Úar:;san laid himself along, with his feet toward
:Mecca; he crossed his arms, and his wife wrapped him up, and put
a piece of fine mU151in anù his turban on his face. She then disor-
dered her dress, and with dismal cries and lamentatiolls ran to Zo-
beide's apartments. Having obtained admission to the princess
Bhe redoubled her cries, tore her hair, and expressed every uFpear-
ance of the most extravagant affliction; to her mistress's eager in-
quiries into the cause of this sorrow, she was a long time silent; as
if unable to speak; but at last, seeming to suppress her sighs, she
said, ",May Heaven prolong your days, most respectable princess!
Abon Hassan, poor Abon Hassan, whom you honored with your
esteem, and gave me for a husband; is no more!"
Zobeide was much afflicted at this news. "Is Abon Hassan
dead 1" exclaimed she; "that agreeable p]ea,sant man? Alas, he ·
deserved a longer life !" Saying this, she shed tears; and all her
attendants, to w h0111 Abon Hassan's good humor had much endeared
him, joined in bewailing his loss. ZoLeide then presented the sup-
posed widow with a piece of brocade and a hundred pieces of gold.
" Go,': said she, :c bury the corpse of thy husband in that brocade,
anù moderat.e the transports óf thy affliction. I will take care of
thee,"
N ouzhatouI-aouadat, having returned suitable thanks to the
'Princess, withdrew, and going with great joy to her husband, fìhe
said}
Rise, and see the fruits of your project. N ow let me act

.

ENT ERTAIX1IENTS.

281

the dead part, and see if you manage the caliph as well as I have
done Zobeide."
Abon IIassan wrapped up his wife as she had done him, and
with his turban 1005ened and put awry on his head, and like a man
in the deepest sorrow, ran to the caliph, and announced the death
of his beloved N ouzhatoul-aouadat. That prince was as liberal to
the fal8'C widower, as his I'rincess had been to her slave; and ALon
Ha8san left his
atron with a rejoidng helu,t, though his face ex-
pressed very different associations.
The caliph was impatient to condole with Zobçide on th
death
of her slave. He went inllueùiately 'with 3Iesròur to her apart-
ments, "here he fouud her drowned in tea.r!::!. lIe !Seated hill1:self
by her, and in the most tender manner used every argument..iu his
power to co
sole her. The princess, though highly gratified at thi

proof of the caliph's tenderness, was amazed to hear him lament the
death of N ouzhatoul-aouadat. She thanked him for his affectionate
attention to her, but added, " Your majesty has been misinformed
It is not the death of my slave which afflicts me. She was here
.lust now, in good health, though in much distress. These tears
are shed for Abon Hassan, whose untimely dissolution grieves me
much, and cannot, I suppose, be indifferent to your majesty."
The caliph, who had just parted "ith Abon Hassan, assured her
that he was alive and well. "iTis his wife," continued he, " who
is dead; it is only a few minutes since he left me overwhelmed with
affliction for the 10ðs."
Zubeide bec
nne a good deal piqued at this answer of the caliph.
She thought he bantered her. She affirmed with much heat that
it was Abon Hassan who was dead, und appealed to her nurse and
other attendants to confirm what she asserted. The caliph was as
confident he was ali\'e, and his wife .was dead. To close the dispute,
the monarch proposed to wager his garden of pleasures against the
princess's palace of paintings. Zobeide agreed; and :\leHour was
despatched to Ahon Hassau's apartment, charged by both the caliph
and his lady to return with a strict account.
Abon Hassan had fureseen this dispute. "Then he perceived

Iesrour approaching, he prepared bis wife to act the dead part
again. He spread the piece of Lroca.de over her) and scated him-
self at the head of the pretended corpse, in great uppal.ent sorrow.
In this situation the eunuch found him, l\lesrour was aflccted at
the dismal sight. lIe seated himsclf on the other side of the Luùy,

282

A'RABIAN :l\"IG"IITS'

and began to offer consolation to Abon IIassan. He lifted up t.he
pall a little at the head, and looking under it, let it fall again, aud
said, with a deep sigh, " There is no other God but God; we must
all submit to his will and. return to him." Then turning to ALon
Hassan, who was sighing and groaning most pitifully, he besought
him not to indulge in an unavailing sorrow, and having conversed
with him a little time, he arose and took his leave.
lUesrour returned to Zobeide 1 s apartment, and on appearing be-
fore his master, he clapped .his hands, laughing, like one who had
sOluething very agreeaLle to tell; but the caliph and the princess
had disputed till they were both out of hUlllor. The impatient
I1rince cried out, "Vile slave, is this a time to laugh 1 Tcll me
whicb is dead, the wife or the husband."
"Commander of the faithful,'
replied Mesrour, seriously, " it is
N ouzhatoul-aouadat who is dead." The caliph immediately turning
to Zubeide, claimed the palace of paintings. The princess pettishly
replied, "I see your majesty bas contrived with l\Iesrour to chagrin
me. I myself c
nversed with my slave, who told me her husband
was dead; my attendants all saw and heard her. This despicable
slave has brought a false account: I beg I lllay send a person I can
trust to clear up this matter."
" I know not," rp-plied the caliph, "who was the author of that
saying, that women sometimes lose their wits; but I am sure you
give a proof that he was not mistaken. You may send whom you
please; but I once more assure you that my own eJes and ears are
witnesses that Mesrour has told the truth."
Zobeide despatched her nurse to Abon Hassan's apartment; and
not choosing to dispute with the caliph, she contented herself with
reproaching the eunuch. The nlonarch enjoyed her anger; but
poor
Iesrour was much mortified. He comforted himsel
however,
with the hope that the return of the nurse would set all to rights
again.
'\'Vhen Abon Hassan had released his wife from her bands; after
the departure of l\Iesrour, he said to her, "Though the eunuch did
not mention his master; I am persuaded that the visit was made by
his direction. The caliI'h and the princcss I doubt not are debating
which of us is dead; and as Zobeide will not believe l\lesrour, we
may expect further inquiries." They sat down, therefore, on a sofa
oþposite the window, and watched who drew near.
WheJl they saw the nurse coming, Hassan again appeared as the

ENTERTAINMEKTS,

283

dead body. Nouzhatoul-aouadat placed herself at his head, her
hair dishevelled, her dress disordered, and herself apparently in the
utmost distress. The nurse, on entering the apartment, endeavored
to console her, and when she appeared a little cOIIl:posed, expressed
ht'r surprise at finding everJthillg the reyorse of what the eunuch
had reported. "That black-faced .i\lesrour," said she, " deserves
to be impaled, for having made so great a difference between our
good mistress and the commander of the faithful. lIe bas had the
inconceivable impudence to aEsert, before the princess' face, that
you, daughter, are dead, and Abon IIabsan alive."
The nurse, having comfortpd the
uppolSed widow, hastened back
to Zobeide, and related what she had seen.
Iesrour was equally
vexed and dilSappointed at a report so different from what he ex-
pected. A violent altercation took IJlace between him and the
nurso; which the princess resented so luuch, that she burt5t into
tears, and demanded justice of the caliph agailllSt the audacious and
insolent eunuch.
But the monarch who had heard their different accounts con-
sidered that Zobeide herself had been positive on the one hand,
and he on the other. He began, therefore, to think there was
something more in the affair than he could comprehend. Haying
pacified Zobeide, he proposed that they should go together to
Abon Hassan's apartment, and let their own eyes determine the
controversy.
They set forward accordingly, followed by all their retinue.
Abon Hassan, seeing the cavalcade approach, wrapped his wife up
as before, and lying down by he.r, contrived to place the brocade
and turban upon himself. so that on the entrance of the royal visi-
tors they both appeared as laid out.
'Vhen the caliph and tho princess entered the roo
, they were
exceedingly shocked at the dismal sight. After some time, Zo..
beide e
claimed with a sigh," Alas! they are both dead! it is
dangerous jesting on 8uch awful subjects." " You jocularly told
me," said she to the caliph, "tbat my slave was dead, and now I
find she is really so. Grief for the loss of her husband has cer-
tainly killed her."
'rhe caliph strenuously asserted that ALoll Hassan had been Ull-
able to support life after the death of N ouzhatoul-aouadat. The
nurse and :\Iesrour renewed their altercation; and all parties
fìmnd themselves as far from certainty as ever. In the converB
L'

284

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

tion the caliph vowed be would give a thousand pieces of gold to
him who could prove which of the two died first. Instantly a
hand WM held out, and a voice from under ALon Hassan's pall
was heard to say, ,
I died first, commander of the TItithful; give
me the thousand pieces of gold." At 'the same time ALon Hassan
threw off the brocade, and prostrated himself at the feet of the
caliph, as did hi::; wife at those of the princess.
Abon Has
an related the necessity which gave rise to this de-
vice, and fini/:;hed his narrative by yery gravely demanding the
thousand pieces of gold. Zobeide, at first, was very serious, not
being well pleased to have been so much affii?ted; but the caliph
Jaughing very heiLl tily at the trick, she at length joined ill his good
humor; and by their mutual liberality they furnished ALon Haf:j-
J5an and N ouzhatoul-aouadat with a sufficient income to enjoy their
favorite plea.sures.

THE ADVENTURES OF THE CALIPH HAROUN ALRASCHID.
One of those evenings in which the caliph Haroun Alrascbid
was pursuing his usual custom of walking in disguise about his
lilctropolis, to see that good order was everywhere observed, .hA
took notice of a blind beggar, whose appearance excited his com-
pa.ssion. He gave him a small piece of money, which the beggar
received '\vith thankfulness; but at the same time caught hold of
his cloth.ûs, and said, " Charitable person, whosoever you are, tbat
God hath inspired with benevolence, I entreat you to give me a
smart bJow also. Alas! I have deserved a greater punishment."
'1'he caliph wa
surprised at this request, which he refused to
comply with. "Then," replied the beggar, " I must desire you to
take back your alms, for I have made a solemn 'Vow never to re-
ceiye the one without the other. If you kuew the reason, you
would allo\; the penance is not equal to my offences." The ca-
liph not choosing to be detained; gave him a slight blow; after
which the bliud man let him go, and thanked him and. blessed him.
'. The extreme severity \\ith whieh a young man cbasti
eù a very
beautiful mare, next engaged the caliph's attention, with the more
reason, as he learut that for many days past the man had exer.
cised his beast every day with the same severity. Giafar was ùi-
I.ected by his master to order this man and th
beggar to attend
the caliph at the divan next day.
In his further progress, the
aliph took notice of a very hand.

EX] EI:TA.INME
TS.

285

Borne house, newly built. lIe inquired who was the owner, and
was informed that he was called Cogia IIa
::;a,n Alhabbal (rope-
maker); that very lately he had been 80 exceedingly poor, that he
could hardly supply his. fa.mily with necesba.ries, but all at Once
he had become very rich, and defru.yed honorahly the expense he
now lived at. 1'ho caliph orùored Cogia IIa::;8àn to be summoned
before him with the other
.
Next day they all attcnded. The caliph adùressed himself first
to the beggar, and demanded the reason of his extraordinary con-
duct. The blind man, having paid his ).espects to the caliph in
the usual manner, related hi!:! story as follows.

THE STORY OF THE BLIND MAN, BABA ABDALLAH.
Commander of the faithful, I anI ready to obey you, though I
know that in relating the caU8e of my imp08ing this penance upon
myself, I must discover a very heinous crime to your majesty.
Whatever further punishment you may order to be inflicted on me,
I shall submit to it without murmuring.
I am called Baba Abda.llah, and was Lorn at Bagdad. Ilaving
hut little fortune to begin the world with I early le-arllt the strict-
est economy, which very soon became avarice. Bya close atten.
tion to its dictates, I became possessed of four-score camels, which
I used to let to the merchants, and drive them myself to whatever
place they were hired for; by which diligence I 'Was obtaining,
very fast, a handsome competence. In the midst of this good for-
tune, as I was returniug one day from Balsora, with mt camels
unloaded, a dervise joined me on the 'foad. \Ve fell into discourse,
and presently sitting down
each produced his provisions and we
at9 together. After our repast, the dervise told me that he knew
:)f a treasure near at hand so great, that if all my beaRts were
laden with gold and jewels, it would not be missed from the heap.
I was delighted at this news, and entreated the dervise to show
me where it was, and let me load my camels with it: preposter-
ously offering to give him one of them. The dervise checked my
avarice with great good humor. " Will you not be content," said
he, "if I give you as much treasure as will load forty of your
camels: to give me the other forty and let me load them on my
own account. Consider, though you givo me forty of your car-
riers, you will receivp. by my means as much wealth as would
purchase many thousands of them.

286

ARABIAN 1\lGHTS'

There was much truth and justice ill this remark, yet I could
not without reluctance thiuk of agreeing to his request. The
dervise would in that case be as rich a man as myself: my desire
of riches also was become so violent, tha.t I thought it wa
a great
dcal to spare him one; though I retaincd seventy-ninc.
But thcre was no time to hesitate; if I did not comply, I must
give up all hopes of possessing inlluense wealth. I consented,
therefore, with seeming thankfulness, and we travelled till we
come to a spacious valley, formed by two mountains. When we
had advanced some way, the dervise made a fire, and casting a
perfume into it, he said SOHle words I did not understand; a thick
cloud arose, and, when it dispersed, we found one of the moun-
tains opened, and di8covered a prodigious cavern full of all sorts
of riches.
I made the camels kneel down as usual to receive their load,
and then flew like a hungry vulture to my prey. The sacks were
large, and I would gladly have filled them all, but I was obliged
to proportion my burden to the strength of my beasts. "\Vhen
we had laden them with gold and jewels, I observed the dervise
go to a vessel, and take out a little box, which he put in hi8 bosom;
but first showed me that it contained only a kind of pomatum.
The dervise having closed the mountain, we each of us took
charge of our forty camels, and left the valley. vVe travelled
together till we came to the great road, where we were to part;
the dervise go ing to Balsora, and I to Bagdad. Here I poured
forth lñy acknowledgments in the fullest manner, for the riohes he
had given me, and we bade each other farewell.
I had not got many paces before the vilest ingratitude took pos-
session of me. I not only forgot my obligations to the dervise,
but determined to deprive him of his share of the treasure we
had brought from the valley. Having formed this infamous reso-
lution, I soon found out a specious reason to hide from my heart
its own baseness. "Is not the dervise," said I," master of this
immense treasure? Cannot he go to it when he pleases? "\Yhat
iuj ury then shall I do him."
I stopped my camels and went up to Ilim, saying; " Brother, it
occurs to me that you are not used to the management of these
, beasts, will never be able to conduct. forty of them to Balsora.
You had better give up ten of them to me."
" I believe you are right," replied the dervise; "I apprehend

J-:NTERTA I-:\1IEX fS.

287

the difficuHy
rou mention. Take any ten you please nntl add to
your own."
Finding my benefactor so easily persuaded, I proceeded with
mod
ration. "Y 01.1 will soon find," said I, " That you have done
wisely in lessening the number of your camels, indeed, the regard
I have for your safety makes me wish you would part with te11
more. I can manage a hundred as well as one; but you will find
twenty too many 1"
"If you think so, brother," replied the dervise, "take other
ten." I did so, and was owner of sixty camels, loaded with jewels
and gold. This immense wealth, instead of satisfying my desires,
only made me more eager for the remaining twenty. " You,
brother," said I, "are a good dervise, unattached to the world, and
intent only on serving God. You will find aU this treasure a
snare to you. Be content, then, with ten camels, and let me, out
of friendship to you, drive away the remainder."
The dervise complied with this unreasonable request also, with.
out murmuring. I then embraced him, oppressed him with my
too abundant tbanks, with vows of everlasting gratitude and love;
and I finished in heseeching him to crown my joy: by giving me
the other ten also, "Take them, brother," replied the dervise,
"use them properly. Remember, also, that God can take away
riches as well as bestow them."
Though I was much pleased to have acquired so easily t.he
treasure which I had resolved to obtain Ly violence, if necessary,
my dm
ires were now become unhounded. Recollecting the box of
pomatum, which the dervise had taken out of the tr
asury, it oc-
curred to me that pOSHilJly that box might be of more value than
all the trea!'ure I had obtained from him; hence I accounted for
his so readily giving up his forty camels; at any rate, the care
with which he put it by convinced me tJ.mt it was of great value,
. and I determined to have it.
'\Vhen I put the camels in order, I went to the deryise, and em_
bracing him, bid him again adieu! but just as I was turning from
him, I said : ,
You, who have renounced the vanities of the world,
can have no use for pomatum. I wish you would make me a pres-
ent of that you took out of the treasury." "
Iost wIllingly," re-
plied he, taking the box out of his bosom, and presenting it to m9
with great good nature.
I was surprised at his parting with it so readi1 y; I opened tbe

288

ARABIAN NH
fi'rS'

box
and asked him the use of tþe pomatnm. "It pORResRe
," said
he, "when applied by mú, very opposite and wonderful qualities.
If I anoint your left eye with it, you will see all the treat;Llr('S con-
tained in the bowels of the earth; if I apply it to your }'ight eye,
you will become blind."
I was desirous of trying the experiment, and de
Ï1'ed the dervise
to rub some of it on my left eye. 1Vhen he had done so, I saw
immense treasures, so diversified, that it is impossible for me to
describe, or anyone to conceive them. Having contemplated
these for some time: I requested the dervise to put some of the po-
matum on my right eye also.
" How," replied he, starting, "would you have me who have
done you so much service, become your enemy, and do you an ir-
reparable injury? I call God to witness that if you persist in
your resolution, you will become blind immediately."
The more earnest the dervise was with me to desist, the more I
determined to persevere. I thought it was incredible that the po.
matum should have such opposite effects. I bad no doubt but by
means of some of it, obtained elsewhrre, the dervise had been
enabled to discover the treasure he had led me to; and I reasoned
that if the pomatum being applied to one eye eould show me all
the treasures of the earth, very probably by applying it to the
other, I luight obtain the means of disposing of them. Prepos-
sessed with this opinion, I said to the dervise, " You have granted
me eVGrything I have asked, deny me not this last favor. ,\Yhat-
ever consequences may ensue, [ excuse you, and take them all upon
myself. If you persist in refusing me, I shall be convinced you
have some views of your own, which you wish to conceal: I shall
cease to consider you as my benefactor, and shall think myself en-
titled to make you repent your 0 bstinacy." The menacing manner
in which I uttered these words alarmed the dervise. lIe made
haRte to apply the pomatum to my right eye, and I instantly be-
came blind, as you see me now. .
" Ah! dervise," cried I, at that fatal moment," what you told
me is too true. U lll)ounded avarice! insatiable thirst of riches!
to what misery have you rcduced me! but you, dear brother/, said
I to tho dervise," are charitable and good. Examine into the
wonderful secrets you know, anù see if you have not one to re-
store me to my sight again."
",Miserable wretch," answered the derviie, (, t.hou hust thy

,..

E
TERT.\ I XME:r-rl'S.

289

desert.s! the blindness of thy milld was the cause of the loss of thy
eyes. I have secrets; but llOlle that call re
t()re thee to sight
Pray to God, if thou believest there is one; it is he alonc who can
He gave thee riches, of which thOll wert unworthy; he takes
them from thee again; and will by my hands heFitow them upon
men who are not so wicked and so ungrateful as thou art."
The den-ise said no more, and I had nothing to reply; being
quite confounded, and plunged into inexpressible grief, I besought
him to take pity on my miserable situation; and at leat:;t to con-
duct me to the first caravan; but he was deaf to my prayers and
entreaties, and gathering up my camels be drove them away, leav-
ing me wretched, poor, and blind.
'rhus was I reduced, hy my own folly and wickedness, fro111 a
condition worthy the envy of princes, to beggary. I got to Bag-
dad by the charitable assistance of some travellers, amI aR I have
no other way to subsist, I ask alms; but have enjoiued it upon my-
self, by way of penance, to receive Done, which are not accom-
panied by a blow from the hand which bestows them.
\fhen the blind Dlan had finished his story, the caliph E:aid to
him, t, Baba Abdallah! thy sin is great; but, God he praised!
thou art thyself sensible of the enormity of it. I will not suffer
this public penance. I will settle a charity on thee of four sil\"er
drachms a day and thou mayest then devote the remainder of thy
days to prayer and private repentance, in which thou canst not bo
too much in earnest.
Then turning to the young man who had used his mare so bar-
barously, he demanded of him the cause of his inhumanity, when
he gave the following account of himself.

.

THE STORY OF SIDI NON:\-IAN.
l\Iy name is Sidi N onman. I succeeded a few years ago to a
moderate fortune, the }H'oduce of my father's industry and economy
l\Iy desires were suitabl
to my f'tation ; and I only wanted a com t
panion to t:;hare my felicity, and make it complete.
III this hope I married, S(Hne time since, and, as it is the custom
among us to marry without ha.ving seen the bride, I thought myself
fortunate, when my wife was lJrought home, to find her a yerJ
beautiful woman.
Rut the very day aft
r our wedding, a circumstance occurred
which greatly abated my joy. When we sat down to dinner,.
18

2ÜO

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

begaIt to eat rice with a spoon as usual; 'but my wife pulled_ a
little case ou\; of her pocket, and taking out r.. bodkin, !:)he lJickeù
up the rice grain by grain.
I was surprised to see her eat in this manner, and entreated her
earnestly to eat as I did. She did not even conùescend to answer
me; but continued to pick up her rice fiS she had begun, I be-
came angry; yet recollecting that she had not 'been used to eat
with men, I imputed her conduct to modesty; and left her after
dinner without sho'wing any signs of displeasure.
.As
he continued this practice, I became seriou
Iy uneasy at it.
'Vhen she did not eat rice, she would put a few crumbs of bread
into her mouth, but not so much as a sparrow could eat. I knew
it was impossible for anyone to live on such little food, and con-
cluding there must be SOllie mystery in the business, I determined
to dissemble, and while I seemed to take no notice of her actions,
to watch her with the closest attention.
One night when Amina (that was her name) thought me fa
t
asleep, she got out of bed, dre::;sed herself, and went out very
softly. I feigned a sound sleep; but the moment she left the
room, I haf;tily slipped Oll my clothes, and followed her into the
Btrect.

he went to a. burying;-place at the end of the town; it was moon-
light. I got to the end of the wall, taking care not to be discov-
ered; and looking ovpr, I saw Amina with a gQule.
Your majesty, no doubt, knows that goulos are wandering de-
mons, who generally resort to decayed buildings, whence they rush
on people passing by, kill them, and eat their flesh; and that in
want of prC'y, they will go by night into the burying-grounds and
feed n}1on the dpad bodies.
I was exceedingly shocked to see my wife with this genIe.
They dug up a body which had heen huried that day, and tho
goulc cutting i.he flesh into slices, they ate together. I was (00
far off to hear their discourse, which no doubt ,vas as horrid as
their feast.
I went home with ideas I know not how to describe, and laying
down, "hen Amina rcturned 1 pretendcd to be fast aslcpp. She
did not stay long aftcr me, and coming to hed very !:)iIently, she
ejther fcll 3s1cnp, or Reemc<l to llo so.
I was so struck with the abominahle action I had Bceil, thàt it
was with reluctanco I suffered her to lay hy me. T aro
e at da.y-

El\TEHT AHOIENTS.

291

brea.k, and went to the mosque. After prayers, finding my mind
gi eatly agitated, I passed the morning in t.he gardens, deliberating
with myself how I ought to act. I rejected all violent measures;
and resolved tha.t I would endeavor to reform her by gentle and
affectionate expostul!Ltion.
\\Then I returned, and dinner was sen ed, Amilia ate as usual.
The table being cleared, I dJ ew near to her and said, " ),by, my
dear Amina, will you per8ist in despi:sing my table, and not eating
Jour food with me 1 I have tried every sort of dainty, yet you
stiU refuse to forego your contemptuous abstinence. Tell Ine, I
conjure you, Amina, are not the meats served up at my table bet-
ter than dead men's flesh 1"
I had no sooner uttered these words than sbe flew in a l.age, her
face became distorted, her eyes were ready to start from her
head; she even foamed with passion. Frightened at her appear-
ance, I sat imlllovable. In the mid:st of the most horrid execra-
tions, she threw some water in my face; and adùeù, h Heceive
the reward of thy impertinent curiosity." I instantly became a
dog.
,My terror and grief at this transformation were exh'eme ; but my
attention was Pl'esently called to my safety; for Amina presently
took up a great stick, alld beat me till she 'was weary. She
then opened the street door, with an intent to squeez
me between
that and the wall; but I was aware of her cruel design, and look-
ing earnestly in her face, I whipped through so nimhlyas to escape
with only the loss of part of my tail.
The pain I felt made me cry out and howl. This brought me
a number of other dogs about me; to avoid them I took shelter in
the shop of a tripe-seller. 'l'hi
man was, unfortullatùly, one of
those superstitious persons who think dogs unclean creatures;
and that, if by chance, one happen to touch ono of them, no wash-
ing scarcely is sufficient to make one clean again. \Vhile this
man was driving away the other dogs, I hid myself out of his
reach, and passed the night in his hOl1se, very much against his
inclination, Indeed, I stood in need of rest to recovor Amina's ill
tJ eatment of me.
In the morning I crept out of my hole, but soon found from the
ma.nners of my host, that I must seek another asylum. lIe dl'oçe
me uut of his house with great indignation. A few doors farthet
there lived a baker, of a temper very different from the tripe m(1.Jl

292

AU.ABIAN KIG HTS'

He was mðrryand good humored, whereas the latter was eaten
up with melancholy.
ro this baker I prcsented myself, and 80
managed that he seemed to find out what I wanted; for he not
only fed me, but showed me a place 'where to lie, which I imme-
diately took possession of.
1\ly new master became vcry fond of me; and I, on my part,
showed every mark of fidclity and attachment. Oue day a woman
came into the shop to buy some bread, aud offcred a piece of bad
money anlOIlg some good. The baker refused it; the woman in-
sisted it was good. "Good," replied my master; ., why, my very
dog knows better! Here." said he, caning me to leap on the
counter, " tell me which of these pieces of money is bad 1" I look-
ed at the several pieces, and putting my paw on the bad piece,
separated it from the others.
The baker who lleyer in the least thought of my finding out the
bad piece, but only called me to banter the woman, was very
mud} surprised. The woman also was in confusion. l\Iy master
related the story to hi
neighbors, and the woman to her acquain-
tance; so that the fame of my abilities was spread all oyer the
city; and my master had so many new customers, who came to see
my performance, that he owned to his neighbors I was a treasure
to him.
:Many people endea,yored in vain to steal me from my friendly
master; but one morning a woman who came to try my knO'wledge
of money, upon my pointing out the piece that was bad, said, with
particular point, " Yes, thou art in the right of it; it is bad." She
stayed some time in the shop, and made me a signal, unobserved
by the baker, to follow her.
I was always attentive to anything which seemed likely to lead
to my deliverance. I took notice of the woman's singular be-
havior; and when she was departing, I kept my eyes fixed upou
her. After she had gone a few steps, she turned about and again
made me a sign to go with her.
I hesitated no longer; but observing my mastcr was busy, I
jumped off the counter, and followed her. Sho seemod overjoyed,
and after we had gone a little way, she opened a door and calling
me, said, " Thou wilt not repent thy coming with me."
She carried me into a chamber where there was a young lady,
working embroidery. "Daughter," said she, "I hllvO brought
the baker's famous dog, tbat can distinguish money. Am I right

E
TEL{TAnOIEXTS.

293

in my conjecture that it is a man transformed into this animal?"
" Yon are right, mother," replied the lady. The11 rising up she
threw some water over me saying, "If thou 'Ya
t ereated a dog,
remain
o; hut if thou wert a man, resumc thy former shape." At
that inl::!tant the enchantment was at an end, and I became a man
as before.
I returned proper acknowledgments to the two ladies to whom
lowed my deliverance; and at their desire related the circum-
stances that led to my transformation. "I know Amina well,"
Baid the young lady, ,; we both learned magic under the Ballie IHis-
trel:'s. But our tempers are different, and we have ayoided each
other. I am not at all surprised at her wickedness, and will ena-
ble you to punish her as she deserves."
l\ly benefactress withdrew to consult her books; and presently
returned with a little bottle in her hand. "Sidi N onman," said
she, " your wifè is now abroad, but will return speedily; take this
little bottle, and go home immediately. \Vhen she comes home
meet her abruptly. She will then turn back to run away. Be
sure to have this bottle ready, and throw some liquor it contains
upon her, saying, boldly, 'Receive the chastisement of thy wicked-
ness.' I will tell you no more, you will see the effect."
After repeating my thanks to my deliverers, I weut home.
A.mina was not long before she returned also. I met her in the
yard. As soon as she saw me &he shrieked, and turned to run
away. I pursued the directions I had received, and she became
the mare your majesty saw me upon yesterda,y. I seized her and
led her into a stable, where I tied her to a manger, and whipped
her till I was weary, reproaching her all the wbile with her enor-
mities. Since then I have punished her every day, in the Dlanner
your majesty saw; and I hope you will think I have not dealt
too severely by so very ,,-jcked a womau.
" I do not absolutely condemn thy severity," replied the caliph;
"thou hast certainly received grEat provocation; but surely it is
severe punisllment to be reduced into the number of beasts, and I
would have thee be content with that chastiðement which I do not
desire should be done away, lest thou shouldst be exposed to more
mischief from thy wife's revenge."
The caliph then turned himself to the third person who had
been summoned. "Cogia Hassan," said he, " }Jassing by thy houso
ye
terday, I was induced, by its handsome appearance, to inquire

,

294

ARABIAN KIG IlTS

*
after the owner. I was informed, that not long since thou wabt
very poor, and could sca.rcely get brea.d for thy family; yet thvu
hast since built that palace, aud livest plenteol1tìly. rfhy neigh-
bors also speak well of thee; as thou lllake
t a good w:;e of thy
weal tho
"All. this plmtEes me; but I am persuaded tha.t thou hast oh-
tained riches in an unusual manner; I am curious to know how
thou hast become wealthy; speak the truth, that, when I know
thy story, I may rejoice with thee."
Gogia Hassan paid the usual homage to the caliph, and thus
obeyed his commands.

THE STORY OF COGIA HASSAN ALHABBAL.
It is necessary, before I say anything to your majesty of my
own affairs, to acquaint you that there are now living in Bagdad
two intimate friends, whose manners are much alike, though their
fortunes 'Vary. Saadi being very lich; while Saad enjoys with
content a moderate competence.
1.'hese persons had long de bated on the different degrees in life;
and the means of man's advancement in it. Sandi asserted that
,
setting idleness and vice ont of the question, any man p08seRsing a
moderate sum of money to begin the world with, must infallibly
grow rich. 1Vhile Saad contcnded that accident often prevented,
and often promoted, the success of human affairs.
As they had frequently canvassed this matter over, Saadi put
two hundred piece
of gold in a bag, and said to his friend; "I
have resolved to try an experiment, whether my opinion is not well
founded. \\T e will find out some honest, diligent artisan, who is
poor. I. will give him this sum to set him forward; and I douLt
not a few months will prove tho truth of this remark."
I was the fortunate man with whom trial was agreed to be made.
rThe friends came to me while I '\vas busy in my paternal occupa-
tion of rope-making. l\ly diligent attention to labor had been often
remarked Ly them in the cOUl
se of their dispute; and my l)overty
was apparent enough.
Sandi questioned me on the canse of my needy appearance,
" Yon arc al \\Tays at work," said he, "yet your circumstances do
nüt seem to improve!" "Alas, sir,'
replied I, "let me work a9
hard as I will, I can hardly 1uy bread and pulse for my fa.uily. I
have a wife and five children whom I must feed and clothe; and

ENTERTAIl\MENTS.

2ú5

in our þOor way they still want a thousand necessaries which my
labor will not supply. It is enough if we are content with the lit-
tle God sends us; t5atisfied to live in the way we have been bred
up, aJ..d thankful that we have no occasion to ask charity."
" But," said Saadi, h if I was to give you two hundred pieces of
gold, do you think that with such a sum you eould get forward ill
the world 1" "You do not look, sir," replied I, " as if you meant
to banter me; I therefore answer, seriously, that such a sum
would, in a short time, make me richer than any man of my pro-
fession in Bagdad." The generous Saadi soon convinced me that
he was in earnest, for, putting the p'!rse into my hand, he said,
c, Here is the sum I mentioned; take it, and I pray God to bless you
with it All the return I desire is to see you make a good use of it,
and that we may have the pleasure to find it has contributed to
make you happier than you are now."
I was transported with joy at this unexpected event, and scane
knew how to express my gratitude. The two friends, having re-
peated their gfJod advice, left me; and I began to consider where
I should bestow my treasure, having neither box nor cupboard to
lock it up in. I had been used, as most poor people do, 'When I
had a little money, to put it in the foldings of my turban. Ire-
Bolved to do so with this large sum; first taking out ten pieces for
present necessaries.
I then went and bought some hemp; and as my family had
eaten no fresh meat for a long time, I went to the shambles and
bought some for supper. As I was carrying my meat home on my
head, a famished kite flew at it, and would have snatched it fronl
me. In the struggle it fell from my head, yet I still kept hold of
it. But my turban falling off, and some pieces of meat sticking to
it, the kite made a stoop at that, and catching it up, flew awa.y
with it.
:My sorrow for this 108S was inconceivable. I had indeed laid
out part of the ten pieces in hemp; yet a great part of what was
left went to buy a new turban. l\Iy hopes were all at an end. But
I can truly say that my greatest concern was that I should be
obliged to give my benefactor so bad an account of his liheral
dona.tion.
"\Vhile the remainder of the ten pieces lasted, my little fa.mily
and I fared the better for it; but we soon returned to our usual
IJoverty. I did not, however, repine. "God," said I, " was pleased

296

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

to give me riehes when I least expected them; find has thought
fit to take them away from me again. I 'will praLse his name fÙl
the benefits I have receiyed, and suLmit myself entirely to his will."
In about 8ix months, as I was at work. I saw the two friends
coming toward me, and heard Saad say, "I see no difference in the
appearance of Hassan Alhabbal, but that he hath
ot a new turban.
I doubt you will not find his affairs much menùed."
By this time they were come so near, that Saadi, instead of
answering his friend, saluted me. " \Vell, I1assall," said he,:' we
do not ask you how your affairs go since we saw you. No doubt,
they carry a better face."

"Gentlemen," replied I, "I have the mortification to tell YOt.
that your bounty to me has not prospered in my hands. I can
scarce expect you will believe the cause of your disappointment.
I assure you, neyertheless, on the word of an honest man, that
what I am about to tell you is exactly true." I then related to
them what had happened.
Saadi heard my account with incredulity and impatience. "What
a fable have you invented, Hassan," replied he, indignantly.
"Kites are birds of prey, who seek only the means of gratifying
their hunger. V\
ho ever heard of their seizing turbans 1 you have
done as other idle fellows do; having unexpectedly obtained a sum
of money, you have neglected your affairs, and squandered it in
gratifying your appetites." The manner in which I bore theE:e
reproaches convinced Saad that I did not deserye them. He took
my part warmly, and with so much success) that Saadi consented
to renew his experiment, and to give me two hundred pieces of
gold again.
When the friends left me I went home rejoicing. Finding neither
my wife nor children at horne, I separated ten pieces from the
two hundred
and tied up the remainder in a clean linen cloth;
but was at a loss where to place it that it might be safe. At last
I Cdst my eyes on a large jar which stood in a corner full of
bran. Amidst l!lis bran, which we seldom used, I depo!:5ited my
treasure, and having but little he.mp in the Louse, I went out to
buy some.
1Vhile I was gone my '\-vife returned. It chanced that a salld

man passed by, and, as we wanted sand and my wife had no money
to buy any, she struck a bargain with the sand-man to barter away
the jar of bran for a supply of his sand, anù accOl.dingly delivered

ENTERTAI
MENTS.

297

p
it to him, ",ith thi hundred and ninety pieces of glld at the bot..
tom of it.
Soon after I returned laden ,,"ith hemp, and in high spirits fOI
this second unexpected good fortune. But my joy was soon a.t ELI:
end when I missed the jar of bran. I ha
tily asked what was be.
come of it; and soon learnt that by an mutccoulltable ac.cident,
which I could neither foresee nor prevent, my hopes of fortune
were again destroyed.
But I was obliged to forget my own sorrow for a time, to sup-
port my wife who \'Vas inconsolahle. 'V omen are often eloquent
in their grief. Her lamentations were excessive. I represented
to her that it was better to bear our loss patiently, than by clam.
orously lamenting it, excite the ridicule rather than the pity of
our neið'hbors. "It is true," continued I, " we have twice had the
means of becoming rich in our power, and each time have lost
them by extraordinary chances. But though we are poor,. do we
not breathe the same air, and enjoy the same light and warmth as
the ,,,ea.lthy 1 If our mealis are still slender, let our wh3hes con-
tinue moderate, and then the difference bet'Teen poor and rich
is but inconsiderable; especially if we live as we ought to do, in
the fear of God." By these arguments I pacified my wife, and
returning cheerfully to my labor, I very soon recovered my spirits.
.A considerable time afterward, as I was at work, I saw tbe two
friends coming toward me. I was covered with confusion, and
was about to run away and hide myself; but recollecting that
such a conduct would imply guilt, and though I was unfortunate
I was not criminal, I determined to face their reproaches.
'Yhen they came up to me, I directly told them the particulars
of D1Y last misfortune, and that I was as poor as ever. I added,
" I see it h3-s pleased God that I am not to be enriched by Jour
bounty. I am born to poverty; but my obligation to you is as
great as if your generous intentions had taken place."
Saadi heard me out
and answered with good humor, "Though
all you tell us, Hassan, may be true, and our disappointment may
110t be owing to your idleness or extravagance, yet I Rhall pursue
tbis experiment no further. I do not regret having given YOlt
four hundred pieces of gold to raise you in the 'world; I am only

orry I did not meet with some other man who Illight haye marle
a better use of my charity. You see," said he, turning to Saad,
J
I do nc-t gi,'e np my argument. It is now your turn to try. Let

29B

ARABIAN
"'IGIITS'

.
Hassan be the man; and see if without giving him money YOti
can mend his fortune." Saad smiled, and having in his hanl a
piecE) of lead, which he had picked up in his walk, he gave it to
111e, saying, " Here, Hassan, take this; and see if one day you will
not give me a good account of it." Saadi laughed at his friend;
and, indeed, I thought he was in jest. However, I took the lead
and thanked him, and put it in my pocket. The gentlemen pur-
sued their walk, and I returned to my work,
When I was going to rest, the piece of lead, which I had never
thought of from the time I received it, fell out of my pocket. I
took it up and put it on the shelf. 'fhe same night it happencd
that a fisherman, who lived just by, was mending his nets, and
found a piece of lead was missing; it was too late to buy any, and
he must either fiHh that night, or his family go without bread next
day. In this necessity he sent his wife to beg a bit. of lead of any
of his neighbors; but, as it was late, and everyùody in bed, some
called out that they had none, others t)colding her for disturbillg
them, and many would give no answer at all. 'fhe poor woman
began to
espair of success, when coming to my door, she thought
she would try once more.
She knocked accordingly, and called out for what she wanted,
I was ill a sound sleep when she came; but when. 1. awoke I rec-
ollected the piece of lead which Saad had given me; I arose and
gave it her. The fisherman's wife was so overjoyed, that she
promised we should have the first cast of the net; and when Bhe
told her husba.nd what had befallen her, he much approved her
promise.
At his first throw he caught only one large fish, which he put
by for me, and on his return gave it to me according to his wife's
promise. I accepted my neighbor's present very thankfully, and
carrying it home told my wife how I came by it. " It will be all,"
said I, " that we can expect ii.om Saad's lead."
In g;utting the fish, my wife found a large diamond. which she
supposed was a piece of glass. She washed it, and gave it to the
children for a plaything. At night, when the lamp was lighted,
the reflection of the light upon the diamond was so beautiful, thn.t
they were ready to scramble for it, all making a violent noise.
1'here lived next door to me a very rich Jew, who was a jmy-
eller. The noise the children had made haying disturbed him,
his wife came next day to complain of it. l\Iy wife toìd her the

1<:
TERT AIN)m
TS.

20!l

oause of t.he clamor, and, reaching the di
mond from the chimney,
showed her the piece of glass, as she called it, which she had
found in the belly of the fish, and which the children fell out
about.
The Jewess immediately knew it was a diamond of very great
value. She looked at it for some time, and then returning it to
my wife, said, coolly, " It is a pretty piece of glass enough: I have
got just such another; find as they will match together, if you
will sell me yours, I "ill give you a trifle for it." 1'he children
hearing this, began to e11treat their mother not to 8ell their play-
thing; and to quiet them, 'she promised she would not. The J ew-
ess, being thus disappointed, took her leave; but first whispered
my wife to desire, if it was sold, she might be the purchaf"oer.
The Jewess hastened to her husband, who was at his shop, and
told him what had happened. She gave him Ruch an account of
the diamond, tha t he sent her back directly, with orders to offcr a
small sum at first for it, and so rise by degrees; but by no meaus
to come away without it.
I\-Iy wife was surprised to sce the J ewess come again to OHr
house, for, as they were rich, and ",..e 11001'; they had always held
us in contempt. She came IJOW in a very f.uniliar manner, and,
after talking of other things, she carelesl.-lly offered twenty pieces
of gold for the piece of glass. The sum appeared to my wife so
considerable, that Ehe told her she could not part with it without
consulting me.
""hen I came home to dinner, while my wife was giving this
account, the J ewess entered, and repeated her offer to me. It
struck me that Saad had given me that piece of lead to make my
fortune, and as I was revolving thiR in my mind, I did not answer
immediatf'ly; on which the J ewess t5aid, " If that won't do, I will
give you fifty,"
She was unguarcted for one moment, and that WfiS enough, for
I told her I knew it was a jewel, Q-nd of great valuc. She la.ughed
at me; yet continued advancing in priC'e, till, by dC'gr('cs, she had
offered me fifty thousand pieces of gold. I thpn told her I would
have a hundred thousand pieceR for it; on which
he gave up the
matter, and we parted.
In the evening her llUshand came, and desired to sce my dia-
mond, as he readily called it. Having examined it he offered me
seventy thousand pieces; after much caviling he came up to my

300

ARABIA
NIGHTS'

price, and paid me one hundred thousand pieces of gold, on my
delivering him the diamond.
Being thus enriched beyond my imagination, I determined not
to live a life of idleness. I took large warehouses, and engaged a
number of workmen in my own business; and by diligence and
punctuality I am become the most considerable merchant in my
line.
I never forgot how much lowed to Saad and Saadi. I would
have gone and thrown myself at their feet, if I had known where
they lived; but I heard nothing of them for a long time: at length
the two friends, walking near myoid habitation, recollected me,
and determined to inquire what had become of me. They were
surprised to hear that I now was a grea,t merchant, had built a
large palace, and was no longer Hassan Alhabbal, or Hassan the
rope-maker; but Cogia Hassan, or :l\Ierchant Hassan.
They set out immediately for my house, and, as they walked,

aadi said, " I am overjoyed that I have raised Hassan's fortune,
but cannot forgive the two lies he told me, by which he obtained
four hundred pieces instead of two; for neither I, nor anyone
can imagine he has got rich by any other meaus." Saad smiled
and was silent.
When they arrived at my house, the grandeur of it struck them
so much that they could scarcely believe it belonged to the same
Hassan they had lately known in such extreme poverty. As soon
as I saw them I rose and ran to meet them, and would have kissed.
the hem of their garments if they would have permitted me. They
congratulated me on my good fortune; on my part I rec2ived them
with the sincerest joy, assuring them that I had not forgot that I
had been Hassan Alhabbal, or the obligations I had to them.
After they had sat down, Saadi said, ,t I am very glad, Cogia
Hassan, to see you in this flourishing situation. I have no doubt
but that you have judiciously managed the four hundred pieces of
gold you received from me; but. it vexes me that you should h1L\"e
inyented two such incredible tales, when the tru[h would hayc done
you so much more honor."
In answer to this charge I related the manner in which I had
obtained my wealth. Saad rejoiced exceedingly ill the adventure; .
Imt Saadi was not so soon convinced. "This story," said he, " of
the fish and the diamond found in his belly, is more unlikely than
those of the kite and turban, or the jar of bran; be it as. it may,

ENTERT AIN:\IE:KTS.

301

r am glad
Cogia Hassan, that you are no longer poor, and that I
am the cause of your good fortune." As I found it was in vain to
combat any further the prejudices of Saadi, I contended myself
with giving him a general answer expressive of my gr
titude to
them both; and desiring they would pass the evening with me, and
go the next day to my country house, which was not far from Bag-
dad, to which they agreed.
'\Ve arrived there next morning, and, walking in the garden, we
t
met my two sons and their tutor. It was the hour of their amuse-
ment, and the lads having found out a large bird's nest the day
before, had prevailed upon a slave to climb the tree and get it for
them. He came down with it just as we arrived.
On examining the nest we found it was .built in a turban. '1'he
circumstance excited all our attention, and we surveyed it closely;
when I soon knew it to be the same turban the kite had snatched
from me. I pointed out to my guests the impossibility of any humnn
hand having formed such a nest, and the apparent certainty that
the turban must have lain in the tree a considerable time. I then
ordered my slave to pull it to pieces; and in it we found the hun-
dred and ninety pieces of gold in the same bag in which Saadi had
given them to me.
:My benefactor could not dispute 80 IDitnifest a truth. "I Dm
convinced," said be, '.' that you did lose the first sum I gave you, and
entirely acquit you of having obtained by fraud a second supply;
but that you lost the last sum in a jar of bran, I cannot help doubt-
ing still. That money, I am yet inclined to think, was the first
step to )'ou1' present opulence." I had too much gratitude to con-
test with Saad:; I contented myself with joking with him on his
incredulity, and we pursued our amusements.
In the evening we returned to Bagdad; and putting up our
horses, we continued in the stable to see them fed. By the negligenc('
of my servants, we were out of oats; and the store-houses beillg
all 8hut, I sent a slave to a neip;hboring shop to buy some bran
lIe returned with a jar, which he emptied bpfore us. Saadi per-
eei\
ed something Lnlky to fall out with the bran, stooped to pick
it up. It was a linen cloth-heavy and ticrl very tight. Before ho
opened it, I recollected it; and told him Pro\"idC'llce 'would not
Buffer us to part, till he was_ fully convinced of my integrity. 1f e
found in it the other hundred and ninety pieces I had lost.
Saadi embraced me, and acknowledged himself overcome. .W u

.

302

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

agreed to give the two sums, so opportunely recovered, to the poor.
1 am rejoiced to finish my 8tory by adding, that Saadi and Saad
received me into t.heir friendship, which is one of the greatest fclici-
ties of my present situation.
The caliph listened to this narrative with attention. 'Yhen it
was finished, he Raid, " Cogia Hassan, I have not a long time heard
anything that has given me more pleasure, than t.his account of the
wonderful manner in which God has given tlwe riches. Continue
to return him thanks by the good use thou makest of his blessings.
'rhe diamond which made thy fortune is in my treasury. Take
thy friends there, and I will order my treasurer to show it them.
Relate also thy story again' to him, that he may 11ut it in writing,
and keep it with the diamond."
'rhe caliph then dismissed Cogia IIassan, Sidi N omnan, and
Baba Abdallah; who, having taken leave by the cu:stomary sahlta-
tions, retired.

THE STORY OF ALl BABA, AND THE FORTY THIEVES.
In a town in Persia, there lived two brothers, called Cassim and
A Ii Baba. Their fat,her had left the lit.tle substance he had be-
tween them; but they were not equally fortunate. Cassim mar-
ried a wife who had a large fortune; and became a wealthy and
considerable merchant. Ali Baba married a woman as poor as
himself. His whole substance consisted of three asses, which he
used to drive to a neighboring forest, and loaded with wood, which
he sold in the town, earning thereby a hard maintenance for his
:Htmily.
One day when Ali .Eaba was in the forest, and had just cut woO"
enough to load his asses, he saw at a distance a cloud of dust
which seemed to approach toward him. He observed it attentively,
aud distingui:shcd a large body of horscmen. As they drew near
he began to apprchcnd they might be thicn
s; he therefore climbed
a tree, from whence he could Bee all that passed, without being
discovered.
Tho troop came directly to the spot where Ali naba had taken
shelter. lIe counted forty of them; who dismounting, gaye them
provûndcr, then taking oil. their portmanteaus, thoy arranged them-
selves under the conduct of one who seemed to he their commander.
'rhcy were in fact a gang of banditti, who made that plaoe tlH'ir
rl'ndezyou8. The captain, traversing among the shrubs) said,

ENTER'!' AI.N)lE
TS.

303

"Sesame" (which is a kind of corn), c: open!" Immediately a door
opened in an adjoining rock-when the captain and his troop went
in, a.nd the door shut again.
The thieves staid SOllie time within the rock; and Ali Balm, who
feared he should be surprised, if he attempted to escape, Bat very
patiently in the tree till they came out again. 1'he captain caDle
out first, and stood at the door till they had all passed him, when
he said, "Shut, Sesame!" The door closed immediately. Every
man then mounted his horse; and the captain putting himself at
, their head, they rode off together.
Ali Baba, stayed in the t1.ee as long as he could see the least trace
of the dust they raised. lIe then descended, and presently found
out the door, and, remembering the words the captain had used, he
said, "Open, Sesame!" when the door flew wide open. lIe entered
the cavern, which he found spacious, and well lighted from the
top of the rock. The door shut after him; but as he knew how
to open it, he was no ways alarmed. He found in the cavern a
great store of rich merchandise, and such an imlllen
e quantity ot
gold and silver as convinced him that the cavern must have been
the repository of robbers for several generations.
He removed as many bags of gold close to the door, as he thought
his three asses co
ld carry; then pronouncing the spell, the door
opened, and he loaded thcm-covering his trcasure with a few
green boughs. When he got home, he droye his aSBes into a little
yard, and. removing the boughs, he carried the bags into his house.
"\Vhen Ali Baha's wife found the bags were full of money, she
was alarmed-fearing lest their poverty should have hetraJed him
to rob somebody. lIe pacified her, by relating the story of his
good fortune. He then emptied the bags on the floor, which raised
such a heap of gold as delighted her. Ali Baba charged her to
be prudent and secret. lIe resol vcd to bury most of his treasure,
and to emerge from his apparent poveriy by degrees; but his wife
disappointed his prudent purpose. In the playfulness of her fancy,
f!he would count the gold; but finding that business likely to be
very tedious, res01ved to measure it. She went, therefore, to Cas.
Bim's house, who lived just by, to borrow a small DlCaSUre.
Cassim's wife \\'as curious to know what sort of corn Ali Baba
had got. She weut to another room to fetch the measure, and be-
fore she brought it to her, she rubbed the bottom all over with
suet. Ali Baha's wife went home, and filled the measure 80 ofteD

304

ARABIA
r\Hal'rS'

with the gold, that
he was very much pleased with the amount.
\Vhen she had done she carried back the measure, and delivered
it to the wife of Cassim, without observing a piece of gold which
stuck to the bottom of it.
'Vhen Cassilll's wife saw the piece of gold her heart Bunk
within her. "'\'
hat!" exclaimed she," has Ali Daba money so
plenty as to measure it 1 he whom we have always despised for
his poverty! how has he obtained his wealth? will he not now
t:etort our contempt, and out-figure us 1" She tormented hers
lf
with these reflectiolls till her husband came home, to whom she
related the story, and produced the measure with the picce of
gold.
Cassim joined his wife in her nal'row and envious ideas. In-
stead of rejoicing at his brother's change of fortune, he now as
unjustly hated him, as he had beforc cruelly neglected und despised
him. After passing the night in'that uneasincss which base pas-
sions e,cr excite, he arose early in the morning, and went to Ali
Baba. " Brothcr," said he, " you are very re:5erved in your aflhirs.
You pretcnd to be miseraLly poor, yet have gold in such abun-
dance that you measur.e it!" lIe then showed him the piece of
gold sticking at the bottom of the measure.
All Baba saw it was impossible to keep his secret from his
brother; be therefore frankly related his adventure to him, find of-
fered him half the gold to conceal it. " No!" replied Cassim,
haughtily, "I will know where this treasure is, and thc meal.ls (if
coming at it, that I may go to it when I please; if you do not
agree to this, I will inform the. magistrate of tho affair; w hen you
will be well off, if you escape with the loss of your ne\l'ly-got

ten wealth." Ali Baba knew this would ùe the caf;e if Cas:5im in-
formed against him; he thereforé complied without murmuring;
def;cribed the spot to his brother vcry exactly; and told him the
words he must Ut;e to gain admission.
Cassim haying obtained this ilJforrnation, prepared to avail him-
Belf of it with great diligence. lIe purchased ten mules, and had
large panniers made to fit them exactly; and the next morning he
Bet off before daybreak, resolving to be beforehand v\'Ïth his brother,
and to secure all the treasure to himself. lIe rea.dily found the
rock and the door; and when he had prollounced the words, "Open,
Sesamc," the door flew open and he entered the can
rn. lIe
was agreeahly surprised to find the richcs ill it exceed his most

EXTEUTAINMEXTS.

30ë)

sanguine expectation.. lIe spent some time in feastl
g his eyes
with the treasure; after which he removed as many bags of gold
to the door a..
he thought his mules could carry, and regretted
that he had not brought a. larger number; but when he wit:;hed to
open the cavern, his thoughts were so full of the grea.t riches be
should possess, that he could not recollect the necessary word.
Instead of Sesame, he said, " Open, Barley,'i and was much alarmed
to find the door continue shut. lIe named several other "orts of
grain, to as little purpose. He walked about the cave several
hours with all the horrors of approaching death, "hich he klle,v
must bcfall him, if the thieves found him there. Regarùles8 of the
treasure that surrounded him, be lJas
ed his time in lal1lCl1til1g his
unjust treatment of his brother, and in fruitless attempts to call to
mind the fatal word, which the more he tried to remember, "as
the more absent from his recollection.
At length the thieves arrived, and E1eeing Cassim's mules strag-
gling about, they were alarmed. 1Yhile some of them searched the
rock, others, with the captain at their head, drew their sabres,
went directly to the door, and speaking the proper words, it opened.
Caasim, who heard the trampiing of the. horses, never doubted
of the coming of the thieveE, or of his own certain destruction.
He resolved to make one effort to escape. He stood ready at the
door, and no sooner heard the word" Sesame," than he I3prang out
briskly, and threw the captain down; but the other thieves with
their sabres presently dispatched him.
\Vhen they entered the cave they found all the bags which Cas-
sim had brought to the door to load his mules with. They ealSily
judged that when he was in, he could not get out again; but
they could not conceive how it was possible for him to get there
at all. They agreed to cut the body into qua.rters and hang them
up within the door of the cave, to terrify any other person from a
like attempt. lla\Ting settled this and their other affairs, they again
took horse, and rode in pursuit of booty aH usual.
In the meantime, CaRsim's wife became very uneasy at his absence,
She passed the night in the utmost 9istres::;, coudelllning her own
impertinent curiosity, and dreading the evils which her heart fore-
Loded had befallcn hcr husband.
As soon as it was light she went to ,..:\.li Balm. Her llaughty
spirit was now sulJdued Ly grief and fear. She told him in tear!)
that CasEÏm haù 6et out for the cavern early the preceding moro.

306

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

ing, and was not yet returned; she, therefore, besoug
t, his advic6
and assistance. Ali Baba readily gave her both. He reque
ted
her to compose herself, and to keep the whole affair a profound
secret; and he Bet oft. immediately for the cavern to seek for his
bl'other.
As he drew near the rock, he was much shocked to see blood
spilled at the door. When he had pronounced the words, a1J.d the
cavern became open, he was still more affected at Beeing tho
quarters of Cassim hung up on each side. Ali Baba determined to
pay him the last duties, notwithstanding his unbrotherly behavior.
He wrapped up the quarters in some fine stuffs which he fouild in
the cave, and loaded one of his asses with them; but put upon
the other two as many bags of gold as they could carry; aud
having covered the whole with wood, he entered the town in the
evening, drove the two asses laden with gold into his own little
yard, and led the other to the house of bis late brother.
Cassim had a young slave, named
lorgiana, who was remarka-
ble for her abilities. Quick, artful, and much attached to her
mastcr and mistress, she had on many occasions discovered great
talents and fidelity. To this slave .A.li Baba first related the catas-
trophe which had befallen her master, and leaving the body to her
disp08al, he went into the house to condole with his sister-in-law.
Cassim's wife saw by his countenance that he brought fatal
tidings. Having first adjured her to hear him in silence, he then
told her everything that had happened. When she had indulged
her grief for some time, he proposed to her that 8he should be-
come his w
fe. ,. I have now," said he, "sufficient wealth for us
all; my wife has a regard for you and I am sure will not be
jealous; and you can no way dibpose of yourself more to your
comfort." The widow let him see that she was not averse to
this propo
aJ. He then took his leave and returned home,
l\Iorgiana, meanwhile, went to a dealer in medicines and bought
an essence usually given in cases of great extremity; and being
asked who it was fur, replied weeping, "It was for her dear mas-
ter, who had been suddenly taken ill, and they had Bcarce any
ho{;es of his recovery." Having thus sent abroad the news;)f
Cassiln's bcing darlgerously ill, she prepared the next morning to
bury him.
There was an old cobbler in another part of the town, who was
remarkable for opening his stall every morning before daybreak.

EXTERTAIN.11ENTS.

307

To him I\Iorgiana went at that time, and putting a piece of gold
in his hand, bade him take his sewing tackle and follow her. J\lus-
tapha (which was his name) was a merry old fellow; and finding he
was so well paid beforehand, he jumped up to go with her, sa.y-
ing very pleasant things on the occasion.
When they had proceeded a little way, J\Iorgiana told him it
was necessary to blindfold him. The cobbler objected to this. "I
was afraid," said he, "your pay was too good to be earned easily.
You want me to do something against my conscience and honor."

'God forbid!" replied lYIorgiana, putting another piece of gold
into his hand; "come alo ng with me, and fear nothing."
The other piece of gold set everything to rights with the cob-
bler's honor. He submitted to be blindfolded; in which situation
he was led to the room where Cassim's body lay. " Sew me these
quarters together quickly," said :\lorgiana," and I have another piece
of gold in store for you." l\lustapha obeyed, and having done the
business, was conducted back by l\'Iorgiana in the same manner he
came; before a.ny of the inhabitants of the town were stirring.
The body was then put into a coffin, and when the people of the
mosque, whose business it is to wash the de.ad, offered to per-
form their duty, they were told it was already done, Everything
passed without the least suspicion. In a few days Ali Balm re-
moved his goods to the house of his brother's widow, taking care
to convey the gold thither by night; and his marriage wi,,
his
sister (which is common in our religion) was made public.
"\Vhile this was passing in the town, the thieves had returned to
their cavern, and found that Cassim's body and Borne of their gold
had been taken away. "It is plain," said the captain to his com-
panions, " that we are discovered; and that our secret is known to
another besides him we put to death. We must lay aside every
enterprise to detect this intruder; we must risk every danger to
effect it, or our riches, the reward of 80 many gallant excursions, will
be insensibly pilfered from us."
1.'he thieves agreed to this proposal. "I expected no less," said
the captain, "from your courage and bravery; nor do I fear, hut
by judicious management, we shall cut oft. our enemy before he has
revealed our secret to any other person, which he will scarcely do
Boon. Let one of us disguise him
elf as a traveller, and go into
the town. He must try if he can hear of anyone haying been
cruell y murdered. If he succeeds, let him find out the house

808

ARABIAN NIGHT':;'

where it happened, and then return to UBi But more to insure
wariness than to guard against treachery, let us agree that whoever
goes, if he brings us a false or imperfect report, he shall pay for
his inattention with his head."
)Vithout waiting for the suffrages of his companions, one of the
party started up, aud said, "I submit myself to this law, and think
it an honor to expose my life by taking such a commission upon
me. Only remember, that if I do not succeed, tha.t I neither
wanted oourage nor good-will to serve my troop.'i
The brave fellow received the thanks and applause of the captain
and his comrades. N ext morning he entered the town by break cJÍ
day, and coming to l\Iustapha's stall, who was at work, the roLher
entered into conversation with him, and observed that he lllURt
have good eyes to see to work so early. "Good eyes," replied
:r,lustapha
testily, " yes, yes; my eyes are good enough, I assure
you. It was but very lately I sewed a dead body together, which
had been cut in quarters, in a place where I had less light than I
have here."
The robber was overjoyed to find he was so soon 1ikely to BUC-
ceed in Ilis inquiry. He asked l\lustapha many questions, and at
last putting a piece of gold into the old man's hand, he l'equested
he would earn that by showing him the house where he performed
the task he had mentioned.
The cobbler accepted the gold, but said, "I cannot show you the
house, as I was conducted to it blindfolded. " '\Vell," replied t.he
robber, " let me blind your eyes, and do you proceed as nearly as
you can in the same direction, and as everyone ought to be paid,
if you will gratify me, I will give you another piece of gold."
Mustapha wanted no further entreaty. lIe let the robber blind
him at the end of the street. and went on till he came to the door
of Cassim's house, where Ali Baba now lived. ,\Yhen stopping, he
said, ,. I think I went no further than here." The robber, before
he pulled off the bandage. marked the door with a piece of chalk;
after which he dismi::5sed l\Iustapha, and prepared to make a private
inquiry after the owner of the habitation.
He learned that the late possessor died suddenly, and that A Ii
Baba
who a very little before waR miserably poor had married the
widow, and was become wealthy; but not Ly this marriage, rlS he
had given Cassim's son all his father's property. From these cir-
cumstances the robber was at no loss to conclude that Ca
sim was

ENTERTAIN,M.ENTS.

809

the person who was slain, and that Ali Baba was the other pos-
sossor of their secret. lIe returned to his companions with ex-
ultation; he related to them his good fortune, and they, with many
praises, congratulated him and each other.
In the evening, the captain and the spy set forward for the town.
The whole troop followeq. in separate parties well armed, and met
in the great square, to act as their leader should direct; but when
the two former came to the street where.,AJi Baba lived, the rob.
bel' couìd not distinguish the house; for
Iorgiana, having taken
notioe of the mark on her master's door, thought it had a particular
appearance; she therefore took a piece of chalk, and marked the
doors of all their neighbors so exactly like it, that it was impossible
to distinguish one from another. The design being thus ren.
dered abortive, the thieves returned to the cavern, where their un-
fortunate comrade, being condemned by their unanimous suffrages,
was put to death.
But as so much light b'.td been obtained by the first adventure,
and as the cutting off of their enemy waEl of so much conQcrn to
them all, another of the troop, flattering himself that he should
t:lucceed better, undertook the dangerous business. By renewing
the inquiry, lIe easily found out the house, which.he mal.ked
with red chalk in a part remote from sight, and returned with
confidence to his companions. Nothing escaped the watchfulness
of )Iorgiana. The former affair had alarmed her; and when she
saw the red mark, she repeated the former caution, and marked
every house in the street in the same manner. The secund spy,
therefore, was as unsuccessful as the first. The troop, once more
disappointed, returned to their cavern, and put their other COlll-
rade to death, agreeable to the law they had fill consented to.
The captain, grieved for the loss of his two gallant companions,
resolved to undertake the affair himself.
Having found out Ali Raba's house, he did not fix any mark upon
it, but took so much notice of it, that it was impossible be could
mistake it. He then returned to his companions, and laid before
them a scheme to cut off their adversary without noise or danger.
The troop approved their captain's proposal. They provided
many large jars, some of which they filled with oil; and having
bou
ht stout mules in the adjoining villages, the captain put his
troop into the other jars, and placing them on panniers on the
backs of mules: drove them, toward evening, into the town.

310

ARABIAN :J\lGll1'::)'

Going immediately to Ali Baba's house, he found him sittiLg at
the door, enjoying the cool of the evening. The pretended oil.
merchant requested Ali BaLa that he would receive him for that
ni
ht, as he was a' st.ranger, and knew not where to go. lIi
1"e-
4 :lest was readily granted. The servants unloaded the mules; aud
toùk care of thcm; and Ali 13a.La received his trcacherou
gue
t
with the hospitality Lecoming a good J.\1uðsulman.
Before they retired to. rest, Ali BaLa told
Iorgiamt that he
would Lathe early in the moruing, and directed her to have his
Lathing-clotLes and some broth ready. This obliged her to sit up
after her master and his guest had retired; and tbe latter, hearing
it, resolved to lay down in his clothes, and not give the signal while
:r,Iorgiana was stirring, for fear of a disappointment.
It happened, while she was busy, that her lamp grew dull; and
having no oil in the house, f5he recollected the jars in the yard,
from whence she resolved to supply herself. Upon openiug the
first she came to, the thief within said, softly, "Is it time 1" to which
l\lorgiana. with admirable presence of mind, replied, aN ot yet; but
pre
elltly !" She then examined all the jars, and found there were
iu them seven-and-thirty armed men, a few jars only being filled
with oil.
l\Iorgiana soon concluded who these men were. She hastily
called up another slave, named Abdallah, and bringing several
jars of oil into the kitchen, they heated a part of it boiling hot.
'fhis she poured into one of the jars, by that means killing the thief
that was concealed in it. She did so till she had destroyed all the
seven-and-thirty thieves, when she put out her fire and went to
bed.
The captain had waited with great impatience for her doing so.
As soon as all was quiet, he went to his window, and threw Btoncs
at the jars, which was the signal agreed on for his companions to
release themsel veSt Finding none of them stir, he began to be
uneasy; and repeated the signal two or three times. lIe then
became impatient and alarmed; und hastening down to the jars, he
opened one of them. 'rhe steam of the boiling oil soon informed
him of the fate of his friends. lIe had the resolution to open
every jar in hopes that some of them might have escaped, but in
vain. They were all dead. The captain was so enraged at the
failure of his design, and at the loss of so many brave fellows,
tha.t he would certainly have sacrificed his own life, in a public

E
TERT.\ IX:\[EKI'S.

311

attack on Ali Baba, had not hopes of more complete vengeance
da.rted into his mind, and encouraged him to mako his escape.
In the morning, l\Iorgialla, aCliuaillteù her master with what had
happened. Ali .Baba, grateful for such important services, gave
her her freedom, and a large sum of money; but she was so much
attached to the family, that she continued to live with them; and
superintend the other slaves in their busiuess.
The captain of the thieves returned to the forest i.n a transport
of rage and despair. '\fhen he arrived at the cavern, the loneli-
ness of the place seemed frightful to him. "'\Vhere are you, my
brave lads!" cried he, "myoid companions 1 how unhappy to lose
you by a fate so base! had you died with your sabres in your hands,
I should not have been inconsolable. '\Vhere sha.ll I get so gallant
a troop again 1 but first let me sacrifice the wretch to whom I owe
this fatal misfortune," He then endeavored to compose his mind,
that he luight the more safely anù effectually ex
ute his revenge
on Ali Baba.
The captain sufi'ered several wecks to pass by before he set
about tho scheme he had planned for the destruction of his enemy.
By this means he hoped Ali Baba/s vengeance would relax, and
he himself should be more cool in his measures. He passed
much of his time in the town, where he learned that Cassim's son,
now adopted by Ali Ba.ba, had a very con
.iderable shop.
He also took a shop, which he 'Plentifully supplied from the
cavern with all sorts of rich stufl's. He appeared as a merchant,
and having a large assortment of valuable goods, was treated by
everybody with respect. Young Cassim was among those who
sought the regard of the new merchant, and soon beeame his de-
clm'cd favorite. lIe loaded the young man with civilities, often
made him small presents, and invited him continually to dil1e and
sup with him.
As young Cassim did not keep house, he had nO opportunity to
return theso obligations. He therefore introduced the stranger to
Ali Baba, who received him very cordially. \Vhen evening drew
on, the captain appeared desirous to tak
his leave; but his hest,
who was much taken with his pleasant manner, pressed him to
stay to supper. After some excuses, the pretended merchant said,
&, I would accept your friendly invitation, but I eat no salt in any
of my food.]' ,
\V ell," replied Ali Baba, "we will have the BUppOJ'
dressed without any,"

312

AR.\BIAN KIGHT::;'

"\Vhen l\Iorgiana received this direction, she was much dis
atis-
fied. "'Vho is this difficult man," said she, c, that eats no salt 1"
" Be not displeased with him for that," replied Ali Baba. j "he id
my son's friend and an honest man."
1'hough l\lorgiana obeyed her master, and sent up sUyper as he
desired, she was still uneasy at the request his new gue8t had
made; she therefore carried in one of the dishes herself on pnr-
pose to look at him. 1'he moment she entered the room she knew
him, notwithstanding his disguise, and examining him pretty closely,
she saw a dagger under his garnlent. "I am not surpriseù,"
thought she, "that this wretch, who is my master's greatest enemy,
will eat no salt with him, since he intends to assassinate him j Lut
I will prevent him."
Accordingly, as soon as supper was rell1
ved, she entered the
room dressed like a dancer, with a silver girdle, to which hung a
poignard of the Bame metal. She played on a tabor, and danced
several dances with great spirit. At length, drn,wing the poignard,
she pointed with it to a little chink in the side of the tabor, where
spectators generally give their gratuity to those who dance for a
livelihood; and going to Ali Baba, he put in a piece of gold, as
did his son. She then drew near the visitor, and, while he was
putting his hand in his purse, plunged the poignard into his bosom.
Ali Baba and his son cried out against her for this violent act;
but she soon called to their recollootion the pretended oil merchant,
anù showed the arms he had concealed. rl'he unfortunate robber
confirmed her testimony, by lamenting, before he expired, amidst
his e
ecrations and despair, that he was the last of the forty thieves
to whom the cavern had belonged.
Ali Baba received, with due gratitude, this further instance of
1tlorgiana's attachment; and Cassim was so pleased with her spirit
and good scnse, that he took her to wife. The whole treasure in
the cavern bccame now safely the property of Ali Baba. He taught
his son the secret, which he handed down to posterity; and using
this good fortune with moderation, they lived in great hOllar, serv-
ing the chief offices of tl
e city.

THE s'r:OR Y OF ALl GOGIA, l\1I<:RCHANT OF BAGDAD.
There lived at Bagdad a reputable merchant, named Ali Cogia,
of a moderate fortune; contented with his situation, and [hcrefor

ha.ppy,

E
TEl{'r AIN:\JENTS.

813

It happpncd that for three llight
follow ing, he dreamed that a.
venerable olJ mau CiUllO to him, al1ù, with :t I;c\'ere look, r<'pri-
manded him for not Imvillp; mado it pilgrimage to ,Mecca. Ali
Cogia knew, that, as a good 1\1 ussnlmall, it was hi
duty to under-
take such a pilgrimage, but he contelltc(l himself with dctprmiuiug
to set about it somc dir;tant day; when that day came, hc ,,-as
never 'without an excuse to postponc his journcy, and rcnew his
rcsolution.
These dreams awakcned his conscicncc. JIe cOIJ.yertcd his sub-
stance into cash; balf of which be laid out in merchandise, to
traffic 'with as he journeyed. The other half he deposited in a jar,
which be fillcd with oliyes, and requested a friend of his to suffer
it to remain in his warehouse till the caravan should rcturn from
:l\Iecca. lIe mentioned it as a jar of oliycs only, 'without
'1.ring (1,
word of the money at the bottom 0f it. N ouredùin, which was thc
name of his friend, very oLligingly gave him the kpy of his waI'e-
house, and desired him to set his jar wherc he pleaseù, promising
it should remain untouched, till his return.
"\Vhen the caravan 'was rcady, Ali Cogia set out for l\Iecca
where
he performed very exactly all those ceremonies which are olJs<,rved
at that holy place. The duties of his pilgrimage being completed.
he went to Cairo, and thence to Damascus, trading all the way
to considerable advantage. Having a great d
8ire to see the world,
he went to other celebrated cities, taking Jerusalem in his way,
that he might view the temple, which is looked upon by alll\Ins-
sulmans to be the most holy: after that of 1\1 <,cca. In short, he
took so long a journey, that seven years elapsed before hc rcturned
to Bagdad,
All this time the jar of oliveR stood ulldistu
.hed in N oureddin's
warehouse. But it so fell out, a few <lays beforc Ali Cogia. CR-me
home, that t.he wife of Kouredllin chanced to wi
h {(n' Romc olivcs.
This
,rought to his mind the jar his frielld had left with him so
long
60. He detcrmined to open and examino tlH'm. His wife in
yain rcprcsented to him how base and ùishonoralJlo it was to med-
dle with anything left in his hallù8 as a trURt.. !\ ol1l"<,(ldin WfiB
obstinate; he openeù the jar, and f(HInd all the o]Ï\.cs at the top
were mouldy. Hoping to filHl them lJettcr at the bottom, hc emptied
them all out, and with them turned out the bag of gold which Ali
l'ogia had deposited there.
1\" ol1rí'ddin wa
a Ulan whoso
{'neral conduct was specious. lIe
14

314

AI
AHL\N NIGIII'S'

was exccedingly careful to preserve his rClmtation. nut in hi8
heart he was a slave to avarice; aud like all other very cov.etous
mcn, he was as honest a.s his intcrest ohliged him to be. At the

ight of so much moncy, hc detcrmincd to seize it, aud :finding it
impossible to replace the olivcs 80 as to appear as they were be-
f0re, he opened the jar, threw them away; and :filled it with new
ones.
1Yhen Ali Gogi<1 arrived, his first care was to visit Noul'eddin.
This traitor affected great joy to see hint again after so long an
absence; and of his own accord offered him the key of his ware-
house to fetch his jar.
';Vhen Ali Gogia bad conveyed the jar home and turned it out,
he was surprised to sce that his gold had been taken away. lIe
returned to N oureddin, amI endeavored, by friendly reasoning, to
prevail with him to do justice. The base merchant wa';
callous to
every cODsideration of that kind. lIe concluded that as Ali Cogia
could produce no proof of his having lodged treasure in .the jar,
his ()'wn gencral fair character would bear him out against one who
bad been absent so long, that he was almost unknown in his native
city. Nor was he mistaken. The cady, hearing Ali Cogia's com.
plaint, called upon N oureddill for his dcfellc-e; who said, "'Tis
true that Ali Cogin., seven years ago, at his own request, left a jar
in my warehouse, which he told me was filled with olives. I never
saw the jar. lIe carried it thither himself, left it where he pleased!
and found it in the same place, covered as be left it. lIe did not
place it in my care as a treasure. He has no witness to prove that
be put a treasure in it. ,Might he not as well have demanded a
ja.r of diamonds? In short, I declare that I never had this mone)'
or ev('n knew tll('rA wa.s any in the jar; this I am ready to declare
on my oath," The cady, finùing .Ali Co
ia could bring no testi-
mony to ('ollnrm his bare aHHertion, detel'millPd the affair hy a :;hort
prO-Ccss; and admitting N"oureddin to jw;;tify him!':elf 011 oath, diH-
missed the complaint. The 8ufl'erer did not so ea
ily put up with
llis lo

. lIe appealed to the caliph, and a day was fixed for the
hearing in the divan, N oureddin l)(
ing duly /sulllmoned to attend,
The ey('uing heforc the cause was to COlll(' on, the
filiph find
his yi
ier werc walking in disguise about the city, 'when they met
with a group of chil(lren, and hearl1 one of them say, ,: Conw, lrt
U
play at the cady. I will be the cady; hring Ali Cogin, and the
mer("haut who .chea,ipcl him of hi
gold, 1)efore me." The caliph.

F.1'\T E.I
T .U
:\lE
T.3.

315

being reminded by tbese wordl:) of the cause which was to COllie
befhre him next day, attended to the IllotioUfo; of the children.
The pretended cady took hiti seat. Prescntly one of thc chil-
dren, representing Ali Cogia, repeated hiti complaint; and auother,
as N oureddin, made the samc answer he had ùone, aud offcrcd to
confirm hiti inuocence by an oath. Another IJoy was ahout to ad.
minister the oath, but the imaginary cally preveuted him, saying,
" Let me see tho jar of olives." It was supposed to 1)e brought
forward; and each party owncd it to be the identical jar .ill dir::i-
pute, The young cady then ordered it to lJe open<.>d; and pretended
to eat SOllle of the fruit. " '.rhese olives':' said he, "are excellent;
I cannot think they have been kept for Seyell years. Scnd for n.
couple of olive merchants."
Two other lads stood forward a
oli\'o mcrchants. The prctended
cady demanded how long olives would keep fit to cat. They
answered, "'.rlmt with the utmoRt care they would Jose their taste
and color by the third year." "Look, then," said the young cady,
" illtO that jar, alld tell me how old those olivcs are."
'1'he two imaginary mer(
hants seemed to cxamine and taste the
olives, and reported them to be new alld good. ;, K ew !" replied
the judge; "N oureddin is ready to swear they have stood sevCll
years in his warehóuse!" " It is impossible," :-:aid thf' young mer-
chants; "we know better, and are surc that these oIiycs are of the
present Jear's growth." .
The imaginary criminal would have replicd, hut the young caùy
woulù not hear him. " You are a rogne," saill he, "and ought to
be hanged." The children put an end to their play, Ly clapping
their hands with a great deal of joy, and scizing thc criminal to
carry him to execution.
The caliph li8tened to what passed with much attention; and
after mU8ing a few moments, he ordcrcù his gra.nd viÛer to find
o
1t the boy who had represented the magistrate, and bring him to
Un divan.next morning. He directed the cady and two olive mer-
clmnts to attend; and sent orders to Ali Cogin, that he should
brin
the jar of olives with him.
'Vhen the divan met, and aIr the parties attended, the child was
pTe
nted to the ealipl1, wao asked him if it was he who dcter.
lnlned the cause last night at play) between Ali Cogia and N om'cd.
diu? The boy modestly answered, " It was;" the caliph seeing
the child was awed by his presence, embraced and commended

.

316

AUABIAN NIGHTS'

him. " You shall now, my dear," 5aid he," decide between the
real parties; come, and sit down by me." Then turning to Ali
Cogia and his adversary,ll0 bade them plead their cause before
that child, who should do them Loth justice. "If," continued the
caliph, " he should be at a los8, I vdll assist him."
The attention of everyone prc.sent was turned, in an extraordin-
a.ry degree, to this singular trial. Ali Cogia and N oureddin plead-
ed against each other much in the same manner as the children
had done the eyenillg before; when N oureddin offered to take his.
oath, the boy said, " It is too soon; let us see the jar of olives."
An examination of the qllality and age of the fruit now took
})lace; everything which had passed among the children, in their
play, was repeated, seriously, before the ca1iph, in the divan. The
treachery of N oureddin was apparent, when the child, instead of
ordering him to be hanged, looked up to the caliIJh, and said
"Commander of the faithful, this is not play; it is your majesty
that must condemn him to death, and not me, thuugh I did it la.st
night among my comrades."
The caliph, fully cOllvinced of Noureddin's villany, ordered
him into the hands of his ministers of justice, to Le hanged im-
mediately; and confi
cated his effects to the use of Ali Cogia.
ï'hen turning to the caùy, the monarch reprehended him seyerely,
and bade him learn fi'om that child how to do his duty in future.
At the close of the divfLll, the cali}Jh again embraced the boy, and
sent him home to bis parents with a purse of gold and the applause
his early aJJilities ùeseryed.

THE HIf;TOR Y OF THE ENCHANTED HORSE.

On the Nevrouz, that is to say, the new day, which is the first of
the year, and the beginning of the spring, there is an ancient and
solemn feast olJserved through all Persia, which has continued from
the time of idolatry; nor could the pure religion of onr holy
prophet prevail over that hea.thenish custom. Superstitious cere-
monies, mixed with public rejoicings, mark the N evrouz, which is
celebrated in every town and villat;8 in that extcnsive kingdom.
At tho court, this feast is always attended with the greatcst
splendor; and it was some years ago a custom that all nrti8t
,
natÏ\'es or 8trangers, were allowed at that timo to produce their
several inventions before the king; who neyer failed to confer
liberal rewards on those whose abilities deserved them.

- þ'
//

?
f
rtÎ

fff

I-
I

ENTEUT.\Ir-DIEX 1"8.

317

Near the close of one of those feasts an Inclian presented him-
self before the king;, haying an artificial horse, of the most perfect
workmauship, richly accoutred. "I flatter myself, sir/' said the
Indian, addresðillg hinu:;elf to the king, "that your majesty hath
never seen anything so wonderful as this hor
e, either now, or at
any former N eyrouz." The king suryeyed the horse with atten-
tion. "I see nothing," said he, "but a fine piece of sculpture,
which any able artist may equaL"
"Sir," replied the Indian, "it is not his form, but his use that I
commend so highly. On his back I ca.n convey myself through
the air
to the most distant part of the earth, in a very short
time. I can even instruct any other person to ride in the same
manner. Such is the curiosity I have the honor to present to your
maje
ty's notice"
The king was highly pleased with this ac('ount of the Indian's
horse; and de::;ired to see a proof of his abilities. "There is/,
said the king, pointing to a illoulltain about three leagues off,
" there is ou the ðUlUlJJit of that mount:1in
a palm-tree of a par-
ticular quality, which I should kuow from all others; go; fetch me
a branch of it."
The Indian mounted his borse, and turnIng a peg which was
in the neck, away he flew with him, and they .were presently out.
of sight. "\Vithin a quarter of an hour he was seen returning with
a pahu-hrmlCh in his hand, which, as soon as he had descended
and alighted, he laid at the kiug's feet.
The king waR greatly ph
ased \yith this extraordinary perf(wm-
ance; and resohed to purchase the hor
if he coulc1 prentiì with
the owner to part with him. Accordingly, he a",kcd the Iudian if
he was to he sold. "Sir." replied tIle IllJian," I should not hayc
produced my horse to your majesty, if it had ljeen ahsolutely im-
po
siLle for me to sell him. Yet the artist from whom I received
him laid me under tlIP most solemn injnnction that I should never
part with him f(Jr money; nor indeed on any ternu:;, lJut such as T
might request your pa,rdoll hefore I presume to name them."
The king impatiently answered that he forgave his demand, even
if it was to re.lch his crown; but he rps('n eù to himself the
power of refusal, if he thought that demal1d too exorLitmtt. The
Indian then replied that he was ready to resign hits horso if his
majesty would condescend to bestow on him the princess, his
da.ugh tel', in marriage.

318

ARABIAN lÇIGIITS'

"\Vhen the courtiers heard this extravagant request, they an
burst into loud laughter: but the prince t'irouz Schah, the only
Bon of the king, was ellraged, and the more so when he saw the
king pensive, debating with himself vdmt an
wer to return. Going
up to his father, he said, " I entreat your majesty will pardon tbe
libert.y I am aLout to take; Lut is it possiLle you can hesitate a
moment what answer to make to this insolent fellow 1 Can you
bear to think of degrading our house by an alliance with a scan-
dalous juggler 1]]
The king approved of his son's spirit, but argued that if he re-
fused to clHnply with the Indian's proposal, perhaps some other
sovereign might ùe less nice, and by that means become posse
E
d
of the greatest curiosity in the world. lIe concluded his discourse
by desiring his 150n to examine the horse attentively, and give his
ol'illion of him.
Uespect for his father made him receive these orders in silence.
lIe approached the horse, and the Indian drew near to instruct the
prince in the method of managiug him; but the haughty ytJung
man was in too great a fury to listen to him. lIe spurned the
kneeling Indian with tho most hearty indignation, and leaping into
the saddle, ho turned the peg, aud the horse flew away with him.
, The Indian wa::) exceedingly alarmed when he saw the prince
depm't, before he had learned how to manage the horse. He threw
himself once more at the king's feet, and besought his majesty
not to impute to him any accident which might befall the prince,
since his own impetuoEiity only had exposed him to danger. The
king had no apprehension for his son, till he saw the Iudian so
terrified. He theÎ1 felt all the horrors of the prince's situation.
He execrated the Indian and his fatal horse, and ordered his offi-
cens to seize and cODduct him to prison. " If my son does not
return 8afe," said he, "in a short time, thy }JaItry ] ife, at least,
t;hall be sacrÌ.fied to my vengeance."
In the meantime, Firouz Schah was carried through the a::"'
with inconceivable s\viftness, till at length he could. scaree]y dis-
cerll the earth at all. lIe then wished to return, which he expected
to do by turning the peg the contrary way; lJut when he fouIld
the horse continued to rise from the eart1), and procped f()l"'\,'ard at
the same time with greater swiftness, he was alarmed and bC'gan to
regret his pride and auger. He turned the peg about Ð\ ery way
to no purpose; in thi::) situation he retained, notwithstanding, 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

319

perfect presence of uind, and, on examining the horse closelJ, he
at last perceived another peg behind the ear. On turl1il1g that
peg, he presently found that he descended in the same oLlique
manner that he bad mounted, but not so swiftly.
As he drew near tbe earth, he lost the light by degrees, till he
came into total darkness. He did not attempt, therefore, to guide
the horse; but waited patiently; though not without 3ppreben.
sions, till he should alight.
It was midnight when the 110rse stopped, and Firouz dit5motmt-
ed, faint with hunger and fatigue. He groped about and found
he was on tbe leads of some large building: at length he came to
some steps wbich he descended, and rambled about in the dark for
some time; at last, on opening a door, he found a light., and sa,,( a
number of black eunuchs asle-ep on pallet.., with their sabres lying
'by them. This convinced him that he wae in a palace, and that>
this chamber was the guard-room of some princess. As he knew
if any of the eunuchs should awake; he should be in great danger
be resolved to enter the next apartment, and throw himself on the
mercy of the lady who inhabited it.
He found there asleep on a sofa a young lady whos-e exquisite
beauty captivated his heart the moment he beheld her. Her
women were eleeping in little beds around her. The prince gazed
on her for a long timf', forgetful of his situation; and, at length,
by an involuntary impulse, he knelt down, and gently pulling her
hand toward him he kissed it.
The motion awakened the princess, who was surprised to find a
stranger at her bedside. She would have cried out, but Firouz
besought her patience. lIe told that he was the son of a king, and
that a very extraordinary accident, which he would relate, had
brought him to the necessity of claiming bel' protection.
The lady was the daughter of the king of Bengal. :Many of
her attendants were by this time awakened. She told Firol1z,
therefore, that she should be glad to hear the particulars of his
adventure in the morning, but for the present besought him to
withdraw. At the same time she ordered her attendants to con.
duct him to a chamber, and supply him with such refreshmeuts as
be wanted.
The prince attended her the next day, and related to her all the
particulars of the arriyal of the Indian with his horse, of his in-
80]cnt demand, and its consequences. lIe concludf'd hi'S account of

320

AR "BIAN NIGHTS'

hIS journey by observing, that how much soever he had 1 cen en-
rag;eù at the Indian, he now began to consider him as a. benefactor
.. binee," added he, "he has been the cause of my being known to
Ii. lady, whose chains I shall be proud to wear as long as I live
,
The princess received this compliment in such a manner as
ehowed it was very acceptable to her. She invited the prince to
repose a few days in her palace, to recover himself from the
fatigue and alarm he had undergone. lIe accepted thi:s invita-
tion; and being much together, they became more and more
enamored with each other. And, at last, when filial duty oLÜgcd
Firouz to think of returning to Persia, the fond princess, fearing
bhe should see him no more, dropped a hint that she shoulù not be
afraid to trust herself with him on the enchanted horo8e; and the
prince, equally enamored, failed not to confirm her in this rash
di:sposition.
Everything being agreed on between the lovers, they repair
d,
one morning at daybreak, to the leads where the horse still re

mailled; and, having turned his head toward Per:'ìia, Firol1z a.ssi
t-
ed the princess to n.ount him. He then placed himself before
lIeI', and tUl'uing the peg, they v. ere out of sight before allY of the
attendants in the palace were
tirring; aud in two huurs the
prince di8covered the ca.pital of Persia.
He would not alight at the king's palace. but directed his course
to a neat plea
ul'e-house, ill a wood: a little di:stance from town,
that he might inform his father who the lady wa
, and
ecure her
a reception suitahle to her dignity. "\Vhen they alighted, he led
her into a handsolll'Ü" apë.lrtmcllt
and orùered the keeper of the
llOu:-;e to show her all imaginable respect. lIe then
aðter.ed to the
pahwe, where the king receiyed him with un8peakahlb joy. Firouz
related to his father all that had befallen him, and the king wa
80
delighted with his son'!::; safe arrival, that he readily complied with
his deRire that the nuptial ceremonies between him and the princcIS8
should be imnH'rl iately celebrated.
"Thile the ne<.:e
sary preparations" ere making
the king ordered
the Indi<\.:, who was to haye l'een executed the next day, to be re-
leased from prison
alld In'ought before him "
Iy SOll'::) safe ar-
rival/, said the king to him, "hath prcF'erved thy life. Take thy
horse, anù begone from my dominions; where, if thou art eyer
seen again, I will not fail to put thee to death." The Indian bcing
then fre
d from his chains, and set at liberty, withdrew in silenco.

E
TERT AI:N::\IENTS.

321

nut he meditated a severe revenge. lIe had learned frvm those
who fetched him out of prison, that Firouz had brought honte with
him a beautiful princess, to whom he was about to be married.
He was told also that she was at the house j n the wood, where he
was directed to go and take away his horse. "
hile Firouz was
preparing a good retinue to conduct the princess in great state to
the palace, the Indian hastened to the house in the wood, anù told
the keeper he was sent by the prince to conduct her, on the hor",e,
to the capital; and that the whole court and people were waiting
with impatience for the wonderful sight.
The keeper knew that the Indian had lJeen imprisoned on account
of the prinèe's absence .: and, seeing him now at liberty, he believed
all he said, He presented the traitor to the princess, who not
doubting but he came from Firouz, readily agreed to go with him.
The Indian, overjoyed at his success, mounted his horse, took the
princess behind him, and turning the peg, the horse immediately
ascended into the air. The king anù hi
whole court were on tbe
road to the house in the wood, to conduct the princess of Bengal
from thence to the palace; when the Indian, to brave tbem, and
revenge the severe treatment Le had received, passed several
times over their heads with his prize. The rage and grief of the
king were extreme. lIe loaded the ravisher with a thousand exe-
crations, in which he was joined by the courtiers and people. The
Indian, having expressed his contempt for them, and his triumph
over the king and his son, his horse set forward, and was prescntly
out of sight.
But who can de8cribe the horror and despair of Firouz, when he
saw his beloved princess torn from him Ly a vile Indian, whom he
},efore detested; and found himself unable to afford her the least
assiE'tance. At first he abandoned himself to despair; but recollect.
ing that such a conduct would neither recover the princess nor PUIl-
ish the ravisher, he restrained his affliction, and lJegan to consider
how he coulù best effect these desirahle purposcs. lIe put on the
habit of..,a dervise, and left the palace the same evening, uncertain
which way to go, but determined not to return till he had found
his princess again, and could bring her with him.
III the meantime, the Indian having rmrsued his journey for
8evcral hours alighted in a wood, nea.r the capital of Caschmirc.
As he was hungry himself, and doubted not but the princess WM
so too, he left her hy the side cf a brook, and flew away on
,he
14-*

322

AHABIAN
lGllTS

horse to the city, to procure provI::nons. The princes
nude the
best use in her power of hiR absence; and though faint for want
of food, 6he trayelled on, and h.ad got a considerable di
tance from
the place where the l'avi:sher left her, when she had the mortification
to see him return, alld alight clo:se lJY her; for the lndian had
wi:shed to be set down" hcreyer the princess was, and the hor
e
always obe)"c(l the de
ire of the rider.
The Indian proùul'eJ some wine and provi::;iolls, and ate heartily,
urging her to follow Lis example, which she thought it best to do
1\Then they had done, he drew near and begau to take certain
Jiberties with the princess, which she rcpulsed with illdignation.
The slave, irritated 3,t this opposition, determined to u
e violence,
and had begun to do so, when her outcries drew a company of
horsemen to her assistance.
'l'hey proved to be the sultan of Caschlllire and his attendallts,
returning from a day's hunting. 'Yhen the sultan demanded of
the Indian why he used the lady so roughly, he boldly an
swered that she was his wife; but the princess, though she knew
110t the quality of the sultan; be::;ought his protection: and declared,

hat, by the basest deceit only, sho had been thrown into the power
of such a rep tile.
The sultan of Caschmire was 'very amorous. The disorder and
du;tress of the princeE:s added to her beauty, aud excited the desires
of the monarch. lIe was not nice in gra-tif,yillg them; and
judging that, whether the Indian waR the husband or the rayisher
of the lady, he would be best out of the way, he pretended to he
much enraged against him, and ordered his head to be struck oft'
imlllediately. lIe theu rOllductpd the prillce
s to hiR palace, and
rlirected his attt'll(la
lts to hring tI1P horse aftcr thClll; though he
knew nothing of the use of it.
The prillces::; of lleugal rt'joiceJ at her dcliyerance. She enter-
tained hopes that the FìUltan ofCaschmire would gencrously reðtore
her to the prince of Persia; but she was much decei\Ted ; for as
soon as the sultan learned that she was daughter to the king of
Bengal, he altered his views with respect to her. lIe defermined
to marry ber, and that DO untoward circumstances might happen
to prevent it, he gav8 orders for the necessary preparations to be
co.mpleted hy the next day.
In the morning, the princess was awakened early by the sounrl.
ing of tr11mpets, the heating of drums) and other noisy tokens of

E
TEH.TA 1
:\lEN rs.

3:!3

public j<'y, which echoed through the palace UlHI city. On her
asking the cause of thi
rejoicing, she was told it was to celebra.te
her marriage with their sultan, which was to take place presently.
The princess's attachment to Firouz would have made allY OthCl"
man's aùdresses di
agreeal)le to her. nut this COllùuct of the
aultan of Caschmire in proclaiming their nuptials, without e\ en
haying a
ked her conseut, at once enraged and terrified her. She
was entirely in his power; anù the disrespect he had paid her,
convinced her that she had everything to fear from his violellce, if
she refused to comply with his wishes.
1'hus criticaIly situated she had recourse to art. She arose and
dressed herself fancifully, and in her whole behu;vior appeared
to her women to be unsettled in her intellect::;. The sultan was

oon apprized of this misfortune, and on hi
approach she put on
the appearance of frenzy, and endeavored to fly at him; and this
fury she ever after affected whenever he came in her sight. The
sultan was much distnrlJed at this unfortunate event, as he thonght
it, and offered large rewards to any J>hysician "ho could cure her,
but the princess would Hot suffér anyone to come near her, so that
all hope of her recovery began to Le dcspaired of.
During this interval, Firouz, disguised as a dervise, had tr:'1Yellcd
through many provinces, full of grief, and uncertain which way to
direct his course in search of his beloved princess. At last, passing
through a town in India, he heard an account that a princess of
Bengal had run mad on the day of the celebration of hcr nup-
tials with tbe sultan of Caschmire. Slender as was the hope that
such a report gave him, he reRolved to travel to the capital of that
kingdom; ,,,here, when he arrived, he had the happiness to find he
had not journeyed in vain. He learned all the particulars of her
having been delivered from the Indian by their t5ultau, and that the
very next day !She was seized with madness.
}.'irouz saw at ouce the reason of the In.illce1-:::;'8 (,()IlJuct, find was
delighted with this tender proof of hcr loye and constancy to Lim.
All the difficulty which remaincd, was to oht:.\..in an opportunity of
speaking to her. To gain this, hc put 011 the halJit of a. physicia n
and, presenting himself to the sultan, undertook to cure tLe
I rin cess.
His services being accepted, he de
ired first to t:!ee her, without
being seen by her. For this p.urpose he ,nl,M conveyed into a closet,
whence he saw her unobseryed; she was carelessly singing

82.1

AUABIAN NIGHTS'

a song, in whieh she deplored her unhappy fate, whid1 had 1"oren'r
d lprived her of the objeet she loved 1';0 tenderly. "
hell he quitted
the closet he told the sultan she was not incur'able; but that it was
necessary for him to speak with her alone; and that notwithstand-
ing her violent fits at the sight of physicians, he knew how to make
her attend to him.
As the princess had been long thought incurable, the sultan made
no difficulty of complying with the supposed physician's request.
As soon as he entered her apartment, she began to rave at him in
her usual furious manner, on which he went up close to her, and
said, ill a low voice, "I am the prince of Persia."
'rhe princess ceased to rave, and the attendant withdrew, re-
joiced at this proof of the physician;s abilities. After mutual con-
gratulations, Firouz acquainted her with the plan he had formed
for her deliverance lIe then returned to tlw sultan, who demanded
eagerly what hopes he now entertained. The pretended physician
shook his head, and said, "....\..ll depeuds upon a mere chance; the
princess, a few hours before she was taken ill, had touched some-
thing that was enchanted j unless I can obtain that something, be
Jt what it may. I cannot cure her."
'rhe sultan of Caschmire presently recollected the horse, which
was still preserved in his treasury. lIe showed it to the imaginary
physician, who; on seeing it, very gravely said, "I congratulate
your majesty on the certainty of my success. Let this horse be
brought out into the great square before the palace, and let the
princess attend; I will engagE, in a few minutes she shall be per-
fectly cured."
Accordingly, the following morning the horse was placed in the
middle of the square, and the supposed physician drew a large
circle, and placed around it chafing dishes, with a little fire in each.

'he sultan, full of expectation, with all his nubles and ministers
of state, attended. I'he princess being hrought out veiled: was
. conducted within the circle.; and placed by the phJsieian on the
saddle of the enchanted horse. lIe then went round to each chafing
dish, and threw in a certain drug, which presen
]y raised such a
cloud of smoke, tha.t neither the physician, the princess, nor the
horse, could be seen through it. At that instant, the Prince of
Persia mounted the horse; and, turning the peg, while the horse
aRcellded into the air, he dif'tinctly pronounced these words: "Sul.
tau of CRschmire, when thou wouldst marry princesses who im.
l)lore thy protection, learn first to obtain their consent."

EXTERTAINJIENTS.

25

The same day, the prince of Persia. and his belo red princess
arrived safely at his father's cour
when their nuptials were im-
mediately celebrated with the greatest splendor.

THE STORY OF PRINCE AHMED AND THE FAIRY PARJBANON.

There was a e

tiLn named ,Mirza, who had peaceably fined the
throne of India many years; and had the satisfaction in his old
age to have three
ons, tÌ1e imitators of his virtues; and H. niece, i
who was the ornament of the court. The elùest of the princes
was named Houssain, the second Ali, the youngest Ahmed. The
princess was called N ouronnihar, or daylight.
N ouronnihar, in virtue, beauty, and wit, was distinguished be.
yond all the princesses of her time. The sultan propmmd to marry
her, when she became of a proper age, to some neighboring prince;
but, when tbat time arrived, his sons were each of them pa.ssion-
ately in love with their cousin. Tbe sultan saw this with great con-
cern. He dreaded lest this rivalry among the young men should
destroy their happiness and his own. He tried in vain to persuade
each in turn to give up bis p
etensions; or at least to refer hi

claim to the decision of the lady. Having reasoned with them
apart to no purpose, the sultan called them together, and after
lamenting that they all so obstinately pursued a happiness which
only one of them could enjoy, he proceeded thus: "I have, my
sons, hit upon an expedient: which, by leaving something to chance,
and more to diligence, will, I hope, decide your contest, without
destroying your fraternal love. I would have each of you travel
for a twelvemonth, not as princes, but as private merchants. I
will give you a large sum of money, and he that brings home the
greatest rarity shall receive N ouronnihar as his reward,"
The proposal was se fa.ir and impartial, that t.he three princM
readily agreed to it. AccQrdingly, they set out the next morning.
each attended by a. trm;ty officer, in the habit of a slaye. They
travelled together the first day; and lay at. an inn where the road
divided in three different tracks. They supped in great harmony;
and agreed to return to the fmme inn, at the end of the year, and
wait for each other, that they might go together to their father's
palace. The next morning, at break of ùay, they emlJraced, and
mounted their horses, each taking a different road.
Prince Houssain had heard much of the grandeur, strength, and
riches of the kingdom of Bisnago.r. He bent his course thither,

326

AJL\BIAN NIGHTS'

and aftcr five months' severe tra\'ellihg, he arrived sa:e in tbe
carital of that kingdom. lIe lodged in a khan, appointed for
foreign merchants, and when he had recovered his fa.tigue, he took
a survey of the city.
It was formed into four divisions, in the centre of which stood
the royal palace. The divi8iull which chiefly engaged the atten-
tion of t.he prince was that where the merchants sold their various
commodities. It was large and divided into many streets, all
vaulteù, and shaded from the sun, yet very 1ight. The shops wero
dl of a size, and built exactly alike. All the people that dealt in
the same sort of goods lived in one street; as did al
o the mechanics
who kept their shops in the smaller streets.
Prince Houssain was much pleased at seeing such large stocks
of all sorts of merchandise. The fine-st linens from India, painted
\11 the most lively colors; silks and brocades fro111 r
rsia: porce.
lain from Japan and China; but when he came to the shops of the
jewellers and goldsmiths, the prodigious quantity of jewels of
every sort, and of wrought gold and silver, astonished him; nor
was he less amazed at the general riches of the people, when he
learned that except the bramins and others who professed a vol un.
tary poverty, there was scarce an Indian, man or woman, but what
'wore necklaces, bracelets, and ornaments of pearl and other jewel!'!
a.bout their legs and feet, which appeared with great lustre, as they
were blacks.
Another matter took much of the prince's attention, which was
the great number of rose-sellers that crowded the streets; for the
Indians were such great admirers of that flower, that none of them
would stir without a nosegay in his hand, or a garland on bis head,
so that the air was perfectly perfumed.
Having fully satisfied his curiosity
he began to apply him
clf
8('riou
]y to tho busiueRs of his journey. He pm;:
od many days
among the merchants, and hecame acquainted with many of thom,
but was not able to find anything so rare as to meet his wishes.
As he wag si.tting one day in a shop, he saw a crier pass by with
a pie-ce of tapeHtry (\n his arm, about six fect E:qnare, which he cried
at thirty purses. lIe called the crier, and cxamincd the tapestry,
which secmcd to be of I::!O ordinary a quality, that thc prince coul<1
Dot comprehend why so e
'dravagant a price was set 011 it. The
crier, who to.ok him for a merchant, tûld him. a
he was surveyillg
it, that, though it was critJf1 ut thirty purscs, he had orders to raise

E:N'l'ERT .AI1';:\IE
TS.

327

it to forty; and not to part with it under. "Certainly," said the
prince, '" there must be some merit in this tapestry which one can-
not see; for it does not appear to be "'orth so many purses !"
"You are in the right," replied the crier, "the reason this tapestry
is of such high value is that whoever sits on it, may be transported
in an instant to whatever place he desires, without being stopped
by any obstacle/'
It struck Prince IIoussain that he could not hope to m
et with
: greater curiosity. He asked the crier how he should be con-
vinced it possessed such a quality; to which he replied, " 1 suppose,
sir, you have not so much money about you; I will spread the
tapestry, and we will both sit on it. You shall form the wish to be
in your khan, and if we are not both there immediately, it shall
not be a bargain." fro this fair proposal the prince agreed. The
experiment was made, and succeeded completely. He paid the
crier the furty purses, and congl'tttulated himself on his
ood
fortune.
Houssain could have returned home directly; but his honor
would not permit him to violate his engagement with his brothers.
He devoted; therefore, the l'emainder of the year to the acquir-
ing of know lcd
e. He visited the court of the king of Bisnagar,
and viewed everything curious in the city whi.ch he had not,
already seen. He informed himself in everything rE!s})ecting the
manner8 and police of the country, and the strength and riche

of the sovereign.
Amidst the public buildings his attention was mUlCh engaged by
a temple of idols which was built of bras
. It was ten cubit

square, and fifteen high. The principal idol was the height of a
man, of massive gold; its eyes were rubies
so artificially set, that
it seemed to look at the spectator in whatever direction he stood.
There was also another very curious temple at a little distance
from the
etropolis, in the midst of a large plain, which was
formed into an elegant garden; thére was !"3ised a terrace, in the
middle of which was a temple adorned with a great variety of
paintings and sculptures.
Superstitious ceremonies were performed every night and morn-
ing in this temple, and these were always followed by sports,
music, dancing, and fem;ting. The ministers of this temple WAre
Bupported entirely hy the offerings of pilgrims who came in great
nuu bel's from the most distant, parts of the kingdom.

.'

328

ARAßIA
:KIGIlT;3'

Before Prince Houssain left the city there was a solemn feast
celebrated, at which all the governOl's and judges of towns, and
the most celebrated bramins were obliged to be present, though
some lived so far off as to be four months in coming. At this meet-
ing the king gave solemn audiences to the travellers, aIJd to many
other strangers who applied. After which the assembly resem-
llied an immense fair, where musicians, stage-players, an.d other
artists,
ndeavored to engage the attention of the people. Many
of these performed their amusements on castles, erected on the
backs of elephants, whose trunks, ears, and bodies, were painted
in very grotesque characters.
These unwieldy animals were trained by their masters to dis-
play tricks which show great docility in the beast. One of them
surprised Prince IIoussain by standing with his fore feet on a post,
and beating time to music with his trunk. Another performed a
more extraordinary feat. nearly of the same nature. For, though
placed on a board which formed a seesaw, and was balanced by
weights at the other end, he still, amidst that motion so unnatural to
him, beat time also to music with great exactness.
As the time of returning drew on, IIoussain began to be impatient.
Ilis pm,.
ion for his lovely cousin had increased by absence, and he
fancied he should be more easy if he was nea
er to her. He
caused, therefore, the officer who attended him to sit down with
him on the tape::;try, and they were instantly transported to the
inn, at which be had agreed to meet his brothers; where he a1'.
peared as a melchant, till they arrived.
Prince Ali, the second brother, went to the capital of Persia,
where he passed much of his time in the bezestein, among the
merchants. .As he was conversing with some of them, he ob-
Eerved a salesman in the market, with an ivory perspective glass
in his hand, about a foot long, which he offered to sell, demanding
fifty purses for it.
The salesman presented it to the prince, who had the com-
plaisance to receive it from him, though he thought he was mad
t'Ü ask such a price for it. lIe fitted it to look through, and the
salesman wa:; about to explain the use of it, but that was rendered
unnecessary; for as N ouronnihar was ever present to the prince's
:magination, he chanced, as he raised the glass to his eye, to wish
be could see her with it. He was aHtoniHhed, when, on looking
through the glass, he beheld the princess at her toilet, laughing,
with her women about her.

ENTEHTAI
l\IE
TS.

3
9

He put the glass to his eye th3 second time, and wished to 5ee
.niB father; when he immediately Baw the sultan sitting on his
throne, in the midst of his council. He tried the glass again by de-
siring to see firl:3t his brother Hou8sain, and then his brother
Ahmed; in both 'which cases he succeeded.
Prince .A.li considered this glass as a curiosity that could no-
where be matched. He paid the Bum demanded for it, and was
overjoyed at his bargain, being assured that neither of his broth
ers would be able to meet with anything so curious, and that the
princess N ouronnihar would be the reward of his fatigue and
trouble.
Prince Ahmed took the road to Samarcand, where he resided
some time, without anythiug of consequence occurring to him.
lIe associated much with men of s-cience, to whom his abilities
rendered him an agreeable companion. Among these respectable
associates he learned that a celebrated philosopher of that coun-
try had composed an artificial apple, the smell of which cured all
disorders; that this invention had been of no use to the auth",r,
who being seized with a sudden illness a great way from home,
where bis apple was, had died. It was added that the widow was
poor, and wished to sell it; but that she asked 8ixty purses for it;
no one in that country was rich enough to purchase.
Ahmed listened to this discourse with great attC'ntion. He con-
cluded that if he had heard a true account of this artificial apple,
It was not only the most curious, but the most useful thing in the
world. He applied to the widow of the philosopher, and ha.ving
by repeated experimentB proved the virtues of tbe apple, he paid
her the price she demandeù, alld took IJossession of it with the
highest satisfaction. The year drawing to a close, he joined a
caravan, and arrived in perfect health at the inn, where he found
the princes IIoussain àud Ali waiting for him.
'\Vhen the three hrothers met, they embraced each other with
great affection. After some general conversation Ali asked his
brother how long Rince they had arrived. "I have been here,"
replied Houssain, ,. three months." "You did not travel far then,"
8aid Ali. "I was five months before I reached the end of my
journey," answered IIoussain, "and then stayed four months at the
city I then arrived at." "I canllot comprehend how this is possi.
ble," replied Ali, " unless you flew back !"
Houssain, without answering Ali, addressed himself to both hJS

330

ARABIAN NIGHTS 9

brothers, and said," As we are within a day's journey of OUl
father's court, and our hopes respecting our beloved couöill lnU
t
t)ùon be decided, let us, with the frankness becoming brothcrl-l, pro-
duce now our curiosities; that we may judge to whom our fatLer
'Wl
give the preference':' lIe then produced his tapestry and told
them the qualities of it; at the same time remarking to his
brother Ali, that it was by his tapestry onJy, that he could ex-
plain the riddle of his journey and return.
Prmce Ali produced his perf;pective glass, and described its
virtues, after which he put it into the hand of his elder brother.
Houssain raised the glass to his eye, and wished to see the
princess Nouronnihar. Instantly he turned very pale, and was
seized with great agitation. "Alas, my brothers!" said he," our
contest is at an end, and we shall none of us possess our lovely
cousin. N ollronnihar now lies at the point of death !"
Ali and Ahmed eaeh hastily snatched the glass, and were con-
vinced Houssain's account was too true. The two elder brothers
were resigning themselves to despair; but .Ahmed produciug his
apple, said, "You have not asked for my curiositJ, brothers, which
can in an instant repair all this mischief. If a eick person, though
in the last agonies, smells to this apple, it will restore him to per-
fect health immediately. All we have to do, then, is to set off
this moment, and proceed to the palace with the utmost despatch."
Ali, who had again raised the glass to his eye, cried out, ,: It
will be too late! it will be too late! alas, she is now expiring !"
lIoussain, hearing this, spread his tapestry hastily, and placiug
his brothers on it, wished them and himself in the princess's bed-
chamber. They found themselves there in an inst.aut. .Ahmed,
Dot ha.ving had time to put by his apple, had it in his hand, and
had the presence of mind to run immediately to the expiring
princess, and by putting it to her nose, arrested the fleeting spirit.
After the apple had been held to her for a short time, N ouron-
nihar seemed as if she was awakened from a trance. lIer face
was DO longer convulsed, shê breathed freely, she opened her
eyes, and began to converse with her attendants; she presently
found herself perfectly recovered. lIeI' slaves had been: C'l"l'ified
at the sudden appearance of three men among them; amI tho
eunuchs were ready to punish their intrusion, but recollected the
princes in time. "Then the attendants saw the effect of Ahmed's
apple, they were overjoyed: the princess also paid her respects

ENTERTAIN)IENTS.

331

to her cousins, and expressed her gratitude to Ahmed. After
which the princes withdrew, and went to throw themselves at the
feet of the /5UItan.
Their father received them with the greatest joy, accepted and
applauded their presents as they deserved; and congratulated
them, as well on tbeir safe return,. as on the recovery of the
princess. But when they pressed him to decide their prete.ùsions
to Nouronnihar, and each urged the U8'C of his acquisition, on the
late alarming occasion, he spoke to tbem as follows: "How can I
justly determine between you, my children, on this interesting oc-
casion? Your apple, my dear Ahmed, restored your cousin to
life; but without Ali's glass you would not have known ber dan-
ger. Nor would even your knowledge of that danger, and your
possessing tbe means of relieving her have been of the leaJ:;t use,
had not Houssaill's tapestry conveyed you hither as it did. Your
presents, in my opinion, are equally valuable; and you share
among you the glory of having preserved the princess.
"But I will no longer suffer a contest to continue, so fatal to the
peace of us all. I will adopt another mode of determining your
fortune with your cou8in. 'rhe long bow is a"manly and princely
exercise. Provide yourselves with ùows and arrows by to-mor-
row morning, and I will give the princess to him 'who shoots far-
thest."
'The next morning the three princes attended at the place ap-
pointed; and the sultan having appointed judges, Prince Houssain
shot an arrow, which flew a great distance. Ali shot next, much
beyond him. Ahmed then shot, and though it was universally
believed that he had shot farthest, yet, as his arrow could not be
found, the judges, notwithstanding his earnest remonstrance, de-
termined in favor of Prince Ali, who accordingly espoused the
lovely N ouronnihar, a few days afterward.
llou8sain would not honor the feast with his presence. He
could not òear to see the woman he loved, in the arms of his
rival, though .that rival was a beloved brother. In the transport
of bis grief he renounced his succession to the erown, and all in-
t{'rcourse with the world, and joined a society of Dervises, WhOS6
rules were unusu:.tlly rigid and austere.
Ahmed also refused to be present at his brother's nuptia,l
,
though he did not suffer his disappointment to carry him to such
excess, as his brother IIoussain indulged. As he could not ima.

33

ARABIAN 1\"IGIITS'

gine what became of his arrow, be went In search of it, to the
place where IIoussain and Ali's were found. He proceeded, look

ing carefully on each l:iide, till be bad got 80 fur, that be gave up
all thought of finding it. lIe pursued his journey, indulging his
melancholy reflections till he came to some rocks which were
four league
distant from the place where he set out, and which
bounded his walk that way, as they were illacessible.
\\Then Ahmed came to these rocks, he perceived an arrow, which
he picked up, and was astonished to tind it was the same he had
shot away. It appea.red to have rebounded from the rock. The
apparent impostiiLility of any man shooting an arrow so far,
made the prince conclude there must be something supernatural in
the matter. His heart began to ilidulge in happy presages, and
to hope that his disappointment would be made up to him, by
means of some event, which this interposition would produce.
\Vhile he meditated on these matters, he entered imperceptibly,
some of the irregular breaks of the rocks, in one of which he
perceived an iron door. lIe pushed against it, and it opened,
when he found an easy descent, which he walked down, with his
arrow in his hand. lIe had not advanced many steps, before he
entered a spacious and bea.utiful garden, and at a little distance
he saw a magniticent palace. As he drew near to it, he was met
by a very beautiful lady ; her air waR graceful and majestic, yet
sweetly easy and Pllcouraging; her dress, brilliant beyond imagi-
gation; and a large troop of handsome and well-dressed attendants
bespoke her quality. She received the prince with a bewitching
Bll1Ìle, saying, ,. Prince Ahmed, you are welcome."
Ahmëd paid his respects to her in the best manner he was able;
for
uch a succession of wonders had thrown hjm into confu:sion.
He thanked her for Lidding him welcome to that elegant re-
treat, where he had reason to fear he was an intruder, and rejoiced
that he had the honor to be known by so charming a lady. They
drew near the palace, and the lady invited him to go in and hear
w here he \Val:', and how she came to know him.
"\Yhen they entered the hall, the lady said to him, " You are
surprised, Ahmed, that I, whom yúu have ne\'er seen before, should
know you. To remove this wonder, learn then that I am a fairy,
daughter to one of the most powerful genii, who, your religion
teaches you, inhabit the world, as well as men. 1\1y name is Pari-
Lanon. I am acquainted with all the affairs of your father's

ENTERTAIN:1IENTS.

333

court. I sold you the artificial apple. Ali bought bis I erspec.
tive glass, and Houssain his tapestry, of me. I am not, you find,
unacquainted with your concerns. You seemed to me worthy of
a more happy fate, than that of posseRRing the princess K ouronni-
har, whose husband will never mount a throne. I was present
when you drew your arrow, and, foreseeing it would fall short of
Prince Houssain's, I took it in the air, and conveyed it to the rucks
where you found it. By this meanb I have led you hither. And
it will be much your own fault if this visit does not fix your hap-
piness on the most permanent basis."
The fairy pronounced these words in the most tender manner,
glancing affectionately at the prince, yet covered with modest COll-
fusion. Ahmed was too penetrating to be at a loss in understand-
ing the beautiful fairy. Paribanon as far excelled the princess in
loveliness of person, in sprightly wit, and engaging deportment,
as she did in power and splendor. Ahmed rejoiced at his late ais.
a.ppointment; and resigning his whole h
art to the charming
Paribanon: he threw himself at her feet, and professed himself
happy in being admitted her slave.
The s
nsible fairy then raised him up, and said, "1\Iy dear
Ahmed, I did not bring you here to be my slave, but my husband.
You will not wonder I am thus frank with you: when I tell you
that we fairies are exempt from that trifling coquetry which is
mo
t to be found in the weakest of mortal females." The prince
on his knees seized her hand, and ravished it with kisses. "I
pledge my faith to you, madam," said he, "in the most solemn.
maImer; and vow to devote my whole heart to you without the
least reserve." "I receive your faith, my dear prince," replied
the fairy, " and plight you mine in return; and now, according to
the custom of fairies, you are my husband,
Ll1d I am your wife.
Our marriages are contracted without any other ceremonies."
From this time Prince Ahmed lived with his beloved fairy, en-
joying every happiness. The society of his charming ParibanoD,
whose virtues and elegant manners continually increased his
attachment to her, gave him the most rational and heart-felt
deligh t.
Several months passed away in this manner; when the recollec-
tion of his father, whom Ahmed always loved and honored, and
the consideration of the pain the sultan must suffer in his absence,
broke in upon the prince's felicity. He mentioned these reflerti)ns

334

ARABIAN NIGHrS'

to the fairy, and expressed a great desire to pay his fathEr a visit;
Lnt Paribanon upbraided him, that his affection for her was grcH,'ing
cool. She was so much affected at this idea, that it was with diffi-
culty the prince could pacify bel' by tbe most earnest assuran
e of
unceasing love, and renouncing all thoughts of visiting the sultan.
K otwith
tanding Paribanon's jealousy, tbat prince deserved ull
his son's attention. It was with the greatest reluctancJ, that ho
had decided the contest between his Bons; dreading those conse-
quences which followed that event. He was soon informed of the
resolution of Prince Hom;.sain, and of the retreat whicb he had
chosen. And though he regretted this determination of his elùest
son, yet the knowledge of his situation afforded him some comfort.
But of Prince Ahmed he could ohtain no information. He even
npplied to a sorceress of great abilities, to inquire after him. Yet
with the utmost exertions, she could only lefirn that he '\Tas yet
aliye; but not the least }mrticular of his present situation. This
uncertainty was the canse of great sorrow to the sultan.
Although Ahmed gave up his wißh to vi
it his father, in conl

pliance with the desire of the fa,iry, yet he could not refrain from
frequently mentioning him, and never without a sigh. This con-
duct excited reflection in the breast of Paribanon. She considered
that she had no reason to doubt the affection of her husband,
who appeared every day more fond of her; but how long that
affection would last, if she kept him under perpetual re::.itraint.,
she had just cause to fear. She was naturally very benevolent;
'and the consideration that she prevented a worthy Bon from wiping
away the tears of an affectionate father, shed on his aûcount: was
more than sbe could bear. "I am sensible, my dear Ahmed/' said
Bhe one day to tbe prince" ,: of tho restraint yon put upon yourself,
in suppressing your wishes to visit your royal father. "\Vhen I
first refused you, I was induced to do so, by tbe tender fear lest tl;e
naturally volatile disposition of a young man might lead you to
forsake me. But I ßhould nút deserve your tenderness, if, after
your baving thus long made me so great a sacrifice, I could doulJt
your constancy and steady affection. Go, then, pay your duty to
the sultan; and let him know you will attend him for that pur-
pose every month. Do not, however, let me long regret your ah-
sence; nor on any account, acquaint your father with your mar-
riage, or where you reside. Beg of him to be satisfied in kn( wing
YI)U are happy."

EXTER LUX:\1 E
TS.

335

Ahmed expre
ed tho must lin'ly gratitude to the fa:ry, and
promised to observe all her instructions. The next morning he set
forward for the sultan)s court, attended by twenty gentlemen, well
mounted. They soon arrived at the city, where .Ahmed was re-
ceived by the people with accla.mations of joy. 'Yhen he arrived
at the palace, his father elllLraced him with great aftection, kindly
chiding him for his absence, and inquiring what had befallen him.
The prince told him that he had fuund his arrow as far off as the
black rocks; and that the search after it had been attended with
an adventure that had made him contented and happy.; but en-
treated the sultan not to insist on knowing the pa.rticulars. The
tender father cheerfully acquiesced; and after three days, Ahmed
took his leave, promising to renew his visit at the end of the
month.
Ahmed returned to the fairy, who received him very joyfully.
Every month he renewed his visit to his father'
court, each time
attended more splendidly than before. For a long time the sultan
had great pleasure in these visits; but some of the busy parasites
who infest every court, began to instil jealousies into his mind,
under pretence of C{)l1cern for his safety, which destroyed all his
happiness, and ended most fatally. They observed to the Emltall,
that on every visit, the prince came attended by a different retinue.
That the number of his retainers, therefore, must be very consid
ra-
ble, and thê magnificence of their appearance every time increas-
ing, showed their master's wealth was inexhaustible. N or was this
all. The freshness of their clothes, and the spirit of their horses,
sufficiently proved that they came not far. "If, therefore," said
they, "the prince (who everybody knows was extremely mortified
at losing N ouronnihar) should choose to resent that decision, or
even to seize the crown, he seems tö have sufficient power near at
hand, to execute such an enterprise. At least, thereforl', it would
be prudent to find out the plaee of his retirement, which IH so care-
fully conceals."
The sultan of the Indies fur some time seemed to pay no atten..
tion to these remonstrances, but they made the deepeJ5t imprp8sion
on his mind. The shouts of applause which the people gave to
the prince, ",henever he was scen in the city beeame now a tor-
ment to the sultan. He became jealous of his worthy son, al1l_1
though he c{}l1cealed from everyone, as much as possible, his ill-
foundf'd disgust, yet he resolved t<r discover hiB retreat. For this

336

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

purpose he applied to the sorcereS8 he had formerly con
ulted,
and engaged her to watch his son, and bring him word where he
retired. .
The sorceress hid herself among the black rocks, till she saw the
prince and his attendants pass by her. She continued looking
after them, when all on a sudden they disappeared. She followed
. them to the brinks of the rocks, a.nd examined them with the
greatest attention on each bide, till she came to the farther end,
without being able to discover the iron door through which the
prince and his retinue had passed; for that was seen only by those
whom the fairy Paribanon wished to receive.
l'be magician returned disappointed; but when the prince's
next monthly visit drew near, she returned to the rocks, and as
soon as his train approached her, she contrived to lie on the side
of the road and appear as if expiring. Ahmed was so moved at
her supposed distress that he ordered her to be taken up, :1}ld re-
turned with all his attendants through the iron gate, and besought
the fairy to assi
t her.
Paribanon ordered the sorceress to be led a
ay, and supplied
with whatever she stood in need of. 1 l hen turning to the prince,
she said, " I admire, my dear Ahmed, the goodness of your heart;
but in this instance. I fear it will operate to your prejudice. Thi8
woman is an imposter. She is not sick; and whatever her views
are in persuading you to think so, they cannot certainly bo
friendly ones." "I never," replied the prince, " did; or intended
any injury to anyone; nor can I suppose anyone would injure me.
But if I am mistaken, and have an enemy, I will not therefore
withhold from doing good, whenever I have an opportunity." He
then again took leave of the fairy, and set forward for the city.
The sorceress having disco
ered the prince's retreat, pretended
to b
much recovered by the medicines which had heen given her;
she begged leave to return thanks to Pnribanon, and to pursue her
journey.
The fairy received her, sitting on her throne of massy gold, and
surrounded with the utmost splendor. After she had paid her
compliments, the fairy ordered two of her attendants to show her
the palace, and then to permit her to depart. They led her ac-
cordingly through all the apartments, and displayed bpfore he.f
fluch a profusion of riches as she had no idea of, For Paribanon,
having no doubt but she came as a spy from Borne enemy of her

E:XT U
T A 1
)I.KNTS.

837

hush and, was detcrmined
he
h()lllù go away with sHch nn idea.
of his situation as should excite rc
p('ct if not awc. The sorcor('l:;s
was then conducted to the iron gate and dil'Ulis
ed ; lmt \\ hat muc.h
troubled her was, that thuugh sbe turned. round illlmediately to
mark the gate, it bad Lecom
invisiLle; and all turlling a seconù
time, she found herself at the eutrance of the l'ock
, far beyolld
the place where the prince took pity on her.
From the time the sultan had suffered himself to be irritated
against his son, be had neglected to con
ult with his old aud iitith-
ful vizier; he had given himself up to a cabal of interested ad-
visers, who sought only to promote their own profit by a pre-
tended zeal for their master's safety. To them he privately intro-
duced the sorceress, aDd heard her report in their presence.
If the weak sultan feared his son before, this account of his Ull-
bounded wealth made him envy and hate him. His advisers were
at no loss to disco,er this, and everyone, to gain his master's
fh,vor, seemed to outyie the other in proposing violent lllcasure
.
Some counselled, as the prince was now on the spot, to cut him
off without delay. The most lenient wished him and his attend-
ants imprisoned for life. Amidst these desperate proposals the
sorceress begged leave to offer a different expedient.
" An attempt to destroy Prince Ahmed by violence, protected as
he is by a retinue of fairies and genii, would not only be in vain,
but would certainly excite the 'Vengeance of Paribanon. I would
recommend a very different conduct toward him: let the prince
know you are acquainted with his having married a fairy, and en-
gage him to task her power in procuring certain adyantages for
you. If he succeeds with the first, you have to go on demanding
something 8till more difficult, till you tire out his patience, and he
will then cease these dangerous visits, which give him so much
influence over the people."
Everyone approyed of this advice, and" agreeably to it, the
sultan, next day, with nn air of good humor, congratulated hi

son on his marriage with a fairy. "] n'joice," said he, "a.t this
fortunate counecti0n, and must l)('g you will not deny me your in-
fluence with your w if,}, in a matter I haye so much at heart. I
want a pa.vilion, that may be carried in a mnn's lmud, and yet he
large enough to eO\ er a nunwrous army. Yon will oùlige me
greatly, if you will perRtHlrle your ,,,,ife to furnish me such a one."
Prince Ahmed hoard \yith
mrpri8e and pleasure that his father
15

338

AHABIAN NIGHTS'

knew of his nuptials, and approved them; but when he came to
urge so extraordinary a demand, the poor prince was overwhelm-
ed with confusion. lIe was very desirous of being eXfJused; Lut
finding the sultan pressed the thing upon him: "Your commands,
sir," said he, "are a law to me. I will ask this extraorùinary
thing of my wife, though it will be with great reluctance. If I
succeed, I will return immediately; if I fail, you will know I haye
done so, by my paying my respects to you no more.'"
Ahmed took leave of the sultan, with much disc,::nuposure. On
his return home, Parihanon presently saw something had happen-
ed to displease him. In answer to her inquiries, he told her the
demand his father had made, and his uneasiness in consequence ot
it. "I have ever," continued he, "been happy in loving you, and
being loved by you; and have carefully avoided tasking your
power; nor should anything have induced me to do it, but the
command of a father. \Vhat vexes me BlOSt is the n,quest hë has
made, at once exorbitant in the idea, and impossible to be com-
plied with." Paribanon heard him with a smile, and after prais-
ing the delicacy of his love, she d.espatched a slave to her tr.e.as-
urer, with orders to send one of her s1nallest pavilions. The
slave presently returned with it in her hand, and presented it to
her mistress who gave it to her husband.
Ahmed received - it with a look of incredulity; but the f
iry
soon convinced him of his mistake, by ordering it to be fixed up.
N ext morning he returned to court, and presented it to his father.
l'he sultan, little imagining there could DC such a thing as the
tent he had asked for, was surpri!:ied to see him. lIe received it
from Ahm('d, anù ordered it to be set up in the plain, when he
found it large enough t.o shelt.er an army twice as numerous as he
could bring into the field. The prince increased his wonder, by
telling him, that he could make it larger or smaller, hy a W'i
h7
according to the army it was to coyer.
l\Iirza receivpd his
on's curious present with cold civilit.y, and
in his hcart concpiv{'(l a still great.er hah erl and jealousy of him.
He again consulted the 80repl't'F'R, and, hy her advi<,e; he a(Mrcssed
him in the evening, 1)c[ore the whol(' court, and hel'iought him to
obtain for him Home of the water of the founta.in of Liollt\. "The
dangers he must fn,ce to {llJtaill this wnt('r/' said. t.he 'sorcereR

'n,re so many, that it is hardly pOF'sible he
hould escape thpm
And if he falls your majesty will be h.'ppily riel of him"

E.x r.EHTAI.x)lE
T;3.

339

'Yhen Ahmed, on his return home, related this I e,.,. demand of
his father to P8.l'ibanon, she addrel5l5cd him thus: ,: I am now COil-
villced, my dcar Ahmed, that the afièctiull.8 of the sultan are
aliena,ted from you, and that he meditatel5 your destructiun. This
water can only be oLtàined at your own ril5k; llOt. by my power. From
most of the dangers attending the attcmpt, I can protect you; Lut
I cannot preserve the I:'ultan from the punil5luuent which await.'i
him, if he persÏ8ts in his unnatural COl1ùuct.
" The fountain of Lions is l5ituated in the middle of a court., the
entrance of which is guarded Ly fuur liollfõ!. Yuu lllUl5t have two
horses, one of which you lllU:::;t ride; and, (In the other, which
you must lead, put a shee]!, killed to-day, and diviùeù iuto fOllr
quarters. Take also It bottle to fill with the wuter. Set uft' ear] y
to-morrow morning, and, when you have p::USl5ed the iron gate,
throw this clew of thread on the ground. Follow it exactly, and
you will escape all other difficulties, till you COUle to a pair 01
large folding doors, which will open at your approach, You will
then see the lioDs; throw to each a q muter of the tsheep as you
ride toward them; fill your bottle with all possible expedition,
while they are eatillg : when you have accom]!lished this, you Ulay
return without apprehension, as the lions will not then attcmpt to
hurt you."
The prince obeyed the fairy's directions, and succeeded. Oll hi8
return he found that tv;o of the lions followed him. He turned
about and drew his sabre to defend himl5elf; but he 800n fOUlld
that unnecessary; the lions approached with the utmo:::;t gentle-
ness, one passing by him went. before, while the other followed;
and thus guarded him till he came to his father"s capital, where
they disappeared.
He presented the sultan with the bottle of water, which he had
procured with so much danger. That prince appea.red to he in
raptures at his son's 0 bedience and success. But the hatred he
had so causelessly entertaincd against his dutiful SOll, noW became
inveterate. In the e,'ening he Bcnt for the sorceress, and ill a.
rage charged her, as she valued her life, to invent a task for
Ahmed, which was not to be tbus easily accompli8hed. She was
terrified at the threats of the sultan. "Sir," said she, "I can
point out a task for the prince, which will he attended with the
utmost danger; but, if he succeeds, I trem'b Ie for the consequences
to you and to mysclf." "N 0 matter," replied the sultan, hastily,

310

A I
All[AN NIGHTS'

"no matter for toe consequences to me; and, as to you, I will put
you to death this instant, if you do not lJOint out this adventure,
which may relieve me from a hated rival, Ly whom I am every
day more and more eclipsed.
The sorcere
s oheyed, and the sultan, fully
nstl'llCted, received
hi
son the next morning ,,'ith a smile, and said to him," I have
one more favor to requcst of you, and I desire you will u
e your
interest with the fitÏl'Y, your wife, to gratify me; after which I
will no more exact :wything from your obedience, or her power.
Bring me a man, not above a foot and half high, whose hearù is
thirty feet long, and who carries an iron bar of five hundred
weight, whIch he uses as a quarter staff." Prince Ahmed bowed,
and withdrew in 8ilence.
On his return home he told Paribanon, with great sorrow, what
had passed. "I am now," said he, "too well assured that my
fàther is beeome my enemy, and seeks these extraordinary de-
mands to effect my destruction; but, as he declares this 8hall be
his la.st request, let me, my dear fairy, if this task be not too diffi-
cult, entreat your assistance." " Nothing," replied Para-mnou,
" can be more easy than for you to fulfil thi
command. This man
is my brother, Schaibar. His disposition is very difierent from
mine. IIis nature is crabbed and violent, and his resentmellt al-
ways fa.t.al; yet, if not provoked, he is kind and obliging. I will
Bend for him immediately; but be sure to prepare yourself for
his appearance, aud take especial care not to show fear at his sin-

ular and very forbidding figure,"
"Ah! my lovely fairy," replied Ahmed, "if Schaibar is your
brother, let his person be ever so disagreeable, I ca.n never see him
but with sentiments of respect and affection."
PariLanon ordered a gold ch:
fing-di8h to be set, with a fire ill it,
under the porch of the palace; and throwing in B0111e perfume,
there a
.ose a thick cloud of smoke, soon after which the fairy said
to Ahmed, "See! my brother comes." The prince immediately
saw Schaibar approaching, his heavy bar on his shoulder, his l)eard
wound around him, a pair of thick mustachios which he tucked
behind his ear
, that almost covered his f.'1C'e; 11Ïs little eyes set
deep in his head, which was very large, and on which he wore a
grenadier's cap. lIe was hump-backed, and his whole appearance
the most ferocious that could be imagined.
Sucb a tremendou!:; figure
m any other occasion, would have

EXTlunArN..)lENTS.

3.11

terrified Ahmed exceedingly; but being prepar
d fur his cuming,
and knowing who he was, the prince stuud by Paribanull with the
utmost composure. Schaibar, as he callie furward, looked at
Ahmed in such a manner as was enough to freeze his lJlood; and
asked PariLanon, when he first acco
ted her, " whu that man was.
'

r() which she replied," He is my husband, brother; the reason I did
not invite you to see him sooner, i
, that I was unwilling to inter-
rupt you in an expedition you were engaged in, and ti'om which I
hear with pleasure that you have lately returned
uccessful."
SchaiLar then looked favorably on Ahmed, aud offered to do him
any service in his power. The prince thanked him; aud the fairy
added, "The sultan, his f<lther, has a desire to
ee you; I req nest
you will let him be your guide to the court to-morrow."
The next morning, after having been fully infoi"llled of all that
had passed, Schaibar set forward with Ahmed for the sultan's
palace. As they approached the city, the lleople fled before them
in dismay; and communicating their fears to all they met, the streets
were abanduned.
Even flhe guards of the royal palace ran away. There was no
one to conduct them to the Emltan, so that the prince and Schaibar
advanced unexpected into tbe council-chamber, where the sultan
\\,as giving audience. Everyone drew back in terror. Schaibar
advanced to the throne, without waiting to be introduced by thp
prince. '0 Thou hast asked for me," said he to the sultan, fiercely'-
" here I am! what wouldst thou have with me 1" The terrified
sultan, inRtead of answering him, clapped his hands before his eyes,
to shut out the sight of 80 fearful an object. Schaihar, enraged at
thi
iw=mlt. illstan
ly lifted up his iron beam and killed him, before
Ahmed eould interpose in hi8 behalf, lIe continued dealing about
his fatal blows tin he had destroyed everyone of the prince's
enemies. lIe then commanded - the grand vizier to introduce tbe
sorcere
s, who had heen so active in promoting the prince's de-
struction. She was In.ought hefore him in the utmost tcrror. .L\s
soon as she wa
within his reach, 11(' gave bel' a struke with his
il'On hart s:tyillg. ., Take the reward of thy perniciou
councils, and
learn to f(>i
1I lìicklles
agn,in."
Schai1 :\.l'.thell (l',l"rpcl th(> gralld yil.ier, :t1}(1 the rmllaiüi\)g offi.eer

of the conrt, to proclaim Prillcc ",-\Jnned
mltan of the Indies, and,
Eiending for hi!-- sister, Paribalwn, he caused her anrl her hm:1Jaud to
be clotbed with the royal vestments, and seated on the throw.

B42

ARABIAN :KIGHTS

Houssain bad retired from the world. And Ali; happy in the }IOS.
session of his belm'cd Nouronnihar, had no desire to oppose his
brother Ahmed and his terrible ally. lIe contented hilll!:1elf with
an opulent prodnce; which hi::; brother be!:;towed upon him; and
Ahmed, with his charming fairy, swayed the sceptre of the Indics
without opposition.

STORY OF HABIB AND DORATIL-GOASE, OR THE ARABIAN KNIGHT.
The tribe of Ben-llilac, the most numerous and valiant in aU
Arabia, was formerly governed by Emir-Ben-llilac-Salamis, tlJe
most famous man of that age for courage, military talents, piety,
probity, a.nd, in a word
for all those great qualities which aCCOlll-
plil:;h the character of the statesman and the warrior. He was the
acknowledged chief of sixty-six trihes over whom he reigned with
wisdom, and among whom his administration was deservedly pop-
ular. He had been prosperous in war, and not less so in peae-e.
He bad passed the prime of life, and had no favor to ask of Heaven
in order to complete hi:::! felicity, unless a son who might inherit his
glory and his power.
In the festival of Haraphat, Salamis continually heaped the altar
with victims, prostrated himself upon the threshold of the taJJer-
nacle, addressed his prayers to the holy prophet, and still waited
with respectful resignation for the time when the will of Heasen
should favor him with a blessing so essential to his happiuess.
IIaving one day ofièred a more than ordinary profusion of sacrifices,
he felt hi:::! miud suddenly impressed with a pleasing hope that his
wishes would be fulfilled. His hopes were not in vain. Amirala,
his wife, soon after found herself pregnant, and within nine months
that princess was delivered of a male child, whose beauty equalled
that of the brightest luminary which in the evenings of SUlUmel"
supplies the ah;ence of the sun. Amirala took the child ill her
arms, and caressed him with mingled emoti()ns of tender love and
l'apturous joy.
" Lovely child,'i said she; "chaTming emLlcm of the fair trce
whose fruit thou art, may my kil:ises be salutary to thee as the rays
of the sun a.re to the Ludùing pla.nt. Come to my breast, rccci\"e
the Ilourishmcut which the tenderlJe
8 of a mother gbqly offers.
" And thou, great prophet! thou, into whose hanùs the 1\lo::;f
High hfls committed the key of the treasure of celestial grace
thou, to whom we owe this dearest pledge of love! pour upon him

ENTERTAIN)IE..
TS.

3,13

the benignant influence of thy sacred spirit! At thy powerful \lvice
may the bravest, the brightest, and yet the mildest star of heaven
assume the care of his destillY!
"Ye happy tribes who illhabit the smiling plains of Arabia, it is
to you that Habib is given! Come, view the head of my young
cedar! you will di
tinguish it rising above all the rest. Rejoice!
rejoice! ye happy tribes! One day shall it cover you with its
shade !"
'V"hile Amirala thus celebrated the bounty of the Almigllty,
the emir assembled all the wise men of the nation, and made them
inquire of the stars concm.ning the destiny of his son. In the
hour of his birth the eyes of all the
strologers were raised
to the azure vault of heaven. They beheld a combat in tho
fields above. One constellation appeared to oppose another; ono
very bright star was alternately darkened, hid: and extinguished
like those meteors which are sometimes seen gliding through the
air; yet it still maiutaineØ- its place, and ,,-ithin a few moments
broke out with new lustre, and appeared in the most auspicious
conjunction.
The eldest of the astrologers then spoke. "Prince," said he to
Salamis, "your son will be glol'Ìous, and admired in lif
; but never
mortal passed through such dangers as he must meet. Perils and
misfortunes await him, but wonderful will be his resources amidst
every combination of difficultics. Love and glory are at last to
crown his toils, if his courage and vigor shall surmount every
trial."
"'\Vhat a wayward deQtiny!" returned the emir. "Can nO
means be empl.oyed to disappoint its severity 1" "Prince, we as-
sure you, the great planet, and the seven around it, did not appear
in harmonious concord. They seemed to exert all their powers in
order to bring assistance to the star of your son, or to counteract
its noxious influence. Dreadful was the conte!';t, aud as Habib's
star has again appeared, you may entertain some degree of hope.
The dan
ers which he is to encounter have Leen clearly displayed
to us, but as man may EO far elude the 8trokes cf fate, the virtues
of Habib must avert the llnprol)itiou
influence with VI hich he is
threatened, and compel his star to be more favorable to him."
Salami::; was a man of the greatest fortitude, and at the same
time of the greatest resignation.
'The misfortunes which await my son will surely not exceed

344

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

"hat the strength of humanity is able to bear. Let me form him
to mnnly energy of character, and BOW the seed.s of every virtuo
in his heart. Amirala will second my intentiuns, and
y our joint
lessons and example, we shall prepare him to tram vie upon every
danger that may rise up before him."
Hardly was Habib circumcised: alid taught to articulate a few
words, when his tender organs, instead of uttering a senReless
In.attIe, pronounced his confession of faith. lIe already blet;scd
the Creator of the world, :l\1ohammed his apostle, heavelI, earth,
the animated beings inhabiting these worlds, and the wide immen-
sities of space by which they are separated. He Illade the letters
of the alphabet his playthings, and learlled to arrange them into
words, and these words soon after into sentences. His mimic
hom,-es were imitations of mosques; his sport
, his fhncies, anù
his early propensities, aU showed a mind above the ordinary rank.
Soon as his body acquired strength, he 0 bserved no set hours for
his meals. It was necessary that he should be acquainted with
want, that tyrant. of humanity; a.nd to teach him to bear it without
murmuring, he was from time to time partially exposed to it. It
was necessa.ry that he should accustom himself to difficulties; the
mattress upon which he used to sleep was, therefore, taken away,
and he was left to lie upon the bare ground. He was exposed oc-
casionally to the inclemency of the seasons, that his body nlight
not afterward be too much affected by their severity.
He was taught to mount the most fiery and the most unmanage-
able young horRes. IIis addres
having been previou81y exercised
in adventures of less dangcr, he soon surmounted the difficultics
which at first attp,nded this. If he happrned by any acciJent to
lose hit; seat, his agility soon enaLled him to recoycr it. Thu::, diù
Amirala form the body of her pu})il. At seven Jears of agp, he
excelled all his little companions ill vigor and activity. His head
and ulldcrstandin
were not n
glected; he could recite all the
chaptprs of the Koran, aIHi explain their mean ing. lIe was tangllt
hy his mother to \ iew thc wOIlders qf nature with cHthu:-;iastic ad-
miratit,n, and could alre:
dy describe its lJPantirs It hpcame time
for SabuIÏs to thiuk of perfecting an cduca.tioll " 111 eh had lH'pll t50
ha1)pily h(';!ll11. But. ill ol'llcl' to do tl1Ï
, it waf., 1\1' \('<":.
(
l j th:Ü he}
8110uld fi'1J an illstruetor a
_. ell qnalifit.J to fOl"lu hi
.\ outh as
Alllil'ala had
hown her
<.'lf to tutor hií; illfall('Y. Thcl e was :11
the camp of Salamis an old philcêopLer, nail
ed Ilfakiö, skilled in

E
TEl{TAlNlnENTS.

345

all the sciences, and blameless in his conduct. But he was at that
timo affiicted by a distemper, which was conducting him slowly
to the tomb. "Ah! would God restore me the sage Ilfakis," said
the emir one day, in the presence of his millister. "How" ould
you employ him 1" replied the other. "1 have just come from his
tent. . He told me that he had just taken an elixir, which had
made him wOllderfully better. lIe was stanùing; he even walked
no few steps very firmly before me, and I lllàke no doubt that if
you wish to see him, he may be able to wait upon you here." "Go
ask him," said the emir. "I look upon bis recovery to life as a
miracle, wrought by Heaven for my sake, even more than for his."
Ilfakis obeyed the emir's orders, and agreeù to his proposal.
íoung; Habib was committed to his new master. 1'hey lived to-
gether in the smile tent. The cares of the governor found a soil
ISO naturally happy, and so well prepared in his young pupil's
mind, that it was fit to receive every degree of eultivatioll. Habib
was soon able to tell the names of all the stars, to describe the
paths of the pla.nets, and to calculate their sizes and distallces.
He knew the various species of trees and plants, and could de
eribe
their properties. lIe could discourse of vegetation, and knew 1n
what mallner heat and moisture produced fertility. He knew the
sea to be formed by the influx of the rivers; he could trace tbe
vapors raised from it by the heat of the sun to the tops of the
mountains, and there behold them falling illtO plenteous springs,
to perpetuate the wonderful operatiolls of nature. He knew how
to rank every animal in its proper class; while the wonders of in-
stinct excited his surprise, he was pleased to see these still in sub-
ordination to the energies of reason.*
While, with the assistance of Ilfakis, he strove to arrange in
order all this vast .variety of ideas, he was at the same time atten-
tive to fix them in hiB mind, and learned the art of writing, with
pens cut in seven difl'erellt ways.t Salamis, one day, desired his
son to communicate to him some part of the l
arning he had ac-
quired. "Father," said the youth, " you must apply to my master

..

* The Araòian-; were the first who taught us to study the wondrous operations
of nature j they translated the Greek philosoph.r". There is, tJlerléfOle, noth,ng
improba':le in what is here related of the education of young IIabib.
t 'l'he pens u,ed òy the Ar lbians are reeds. Wh:\tever be the value they may
put upon the cntting of pens in all these different WëlyB, it is certain that they
reckon it a high merit to be able to illuminate their wlitings skilfully.
I P"*
Ù

346

AUAlllAN NIGll'l'S'

.

to give you the information you desire. As for me, I must long bo
all eye and all ear. I must learn to use my hand, before I begin
to exercise my tongue, and to write my letters as pure as pearls
from the water." Salamis, delighted witl-;- this reply, asked his
sage governor whether there was anything eh:;e that he could teach
his son. "The young l'rince/' replied Ilfaki
, " never puts a qucs-
tion to me but he is well able to anticipate the reply, I have
opened to his eyes the great book of nature; its wònders are at
each glance more and more clearly unfolded to his view. Farther
instruction would only retard his progress, and detain him need-
lessly from the scenes of active life. It it:! time, prince, for my
pupil to begin his application to those arts whieh are neces::;a.ry
accomplishments to the man who is one day to rule over sixty-six
wa.rlike tribes. In tho
e my assistance could be of no s
rvice to
him. .My body must soon return to the dust, and re
t with its
parent earth." " Why 80 gloomy a presage 1" replied the emir;
"you may promise yourself many a good year yet, and you shall
be liberally supplied with every comfort which the infirmities of
age require. l\Iy treasure shall be entirely at your COlllllland."
"-Prince," replied the sage," all the riches in this world are not
of more value than a grain of sand, in my eyes. All my desires
have long since failed. This frail body, which I bave no further
wish to preserye, owes its prolonged existence solely to the secret
views of Providence, in favor of Salamis. This day is marked
out by destiny as the last in which it shall be animated. In ful-
filling my duty, I have enjoyed all the recompense I wish to re-
ceive here below." " Farewell, then, virtuous Ilfakis," snid the
emir. ,: Receive my son's emlwaces and mine. Y Ollr loss must
cost us many tear::;, but we will soothe your dit'itress by going often
to visit your tellt.'
"Y ou shall return there 110 more':' replied
be. "l\ly tent is like a vapor dispel'
ed by the wiud, and I my
elf,
like the dust, driven before it in its fury. Farewell, Sal:ul1 if'; fa;re-
well, my dear IIaùib. Think sometimes of me, anÜd8t thc difficul-
ties with which you are soon to struggle." Young Habib was
much aft'ccted at this Bcene; but his sensibility was put next day
to a harder trial. His worthy governor died soon aftcr returning
to his own tent. The body was immediatcly intcrred, to frce the
camp from the infection which it produced, the moment after it
was deserted by the spirit which had animated it. Ha.b,b retircd,
and wept besidc his mothcr. Alllirala was ple
sed ,,-ith his Ben.

E
TEHTAnDIENTS.

347

sibility, while she strove to console him. She represented the
things of this earth as inadequate to our felicity, and directed him
to extend his views beyond it. 1'bese eonsoling considerations
calmed young Habib's sorrow, but he wished to pay the last duties
to his benefactor, to strew some flowers on his tomb, and to of reI'
up bis prayers to the 1\lost High, on that hallowed spot. He went
to Ilfakis'f5 tent with three emblematic flowers in his hand. His
soul was dissolved in teuder melanchuly. Tears flowed silently
down his cheeks. He stood still for a momcnt to indulge his grief,
which was thus mingled with sweet affection, and then expre:s::,cù
his feelings in these words:
"I tread on the spot where DIY dear Ilfakis is laid. Angels of
death, when you approached to receive his sonl, 'were 110t you!"
hearts moved like mine? 0 great Prophet! thou hast received
this virtuðus l\Iussulma
! Thou hast given him a crown of un-
fading glory! 0 preserve these flower8 from withering, which I
lay as crownS upon his dear remains.
"The soul of my dear Ilfakis does not wander here, otherwise
those parched plains would smile with verdant plants and bioom-
ing flowers, just as his looks and words used to raise in my heart
the shoots of wisdom and the charms of virtue.
"Be happy, sleep, rest in peace, benevolent soul. De.gn to re-
cehoe this testimony of my gratitude while I thus adorn thy cold
remains! Thou hast cultivated my mind with reason and truth
hast taught me to love my duty, and hast opened my heart to feel
the-delights of virtuous friendship. Thus do I exprcss my friend-
ship and gratitude to thee."
Salamis was expecting hi8 son's return. "Habib," said lie, " after
th';8 obeying the emotions of gratitude, you must now think of
acquiring knowledge which may be more directly useful in your
situation. Yon are, my 80n, destined by Heaven to succeed me in
command of the valiaut tribes under my ùominion. Yon must
march at their head in every military exrediti{,n. You must,
tberf'for
, learn how you may conduct them upon such occasions,
must harden yourself against fatigue, an(1 mUf;t aCfl'Iire tho
e
military mots which may Lest enable yon to triumph (lycr evcry
enemy that shall dare to resi
t you. By \.ll1iting address and
dexterity to strPllgth, you may make yourself the most gallant Rnd
int.repid soldier in your armies. You have already begun to fie-
CUf:ìtom yourself to bear arms. Only indolence, or cowar lice, siuk

3,i8

A RAßIAN NIG ill'S'

under their weight. The brave man makes him$clf fa
lliliar with
it, and it soon becomes light to him. Ah! why cannot I find
among my warriors one as well qualified to instruct you in the ex-
ercise of arms, as Ilfh,kis was to initiate you in science 1 An
accomplished soldier is a phænix, scarcely to be found. The great
prophet performed a miracle in our fayor, 'by preserving Ilfakis ;
would that his goodness would also send me the extraordinary
character to whom I wish now to commit you." "Father," said
Habib, "in my diversions I can attack your most vigorous horses;
my strength and courage never forsake me. Change this robe of
linen for a cuirass of iron. Give me a heavier buckler, and a
stronger lance, and you shall then find me no unworthy companion
to yourself. Ah! when shall I be permitted to lay aside these
clothes, which render almost my very sex equivocal, and convey
no favorable idea of the vigor which ntrture has giv
me 1 It
requires only to be tutored to ùisciplille. All my wish is, to learn
how I best may employ it." " \\T orthy present from the hand of
Heaven !" said the emir, embracing his son. " Happy child! hope
of my tribes. He who inspires you with such noble disposition.
will surely assist you in the cultivation of them."
IIardly was this conversation ended, when a warrior' presented
himself at the entrenchments around Salamis's camp, and begged
to have the honor of being admitted into his presence. "Introduce
him," said the emir. " l\Iy h
art, the first wish of which is to see
peace and justice reign through the earth, desires to li
ong
men w40 are their protectors." The stranger appeared.

rhe noble steed on which he was borne, covered him with his
flowing Inane, so that only the crest of his helmet, and the plume
of feathers waying upon it, could be seen, lIe approached the
tent, and alighted from his horse. Habib, who had gone before,
seized the bridle, and delivered him to one of the emir's grooms.
" Valiant knight," said the emir, "with what intentions came you
hither 1" "I came," replied the unknown knight, " to do homage
to the virtues, the courage, and the power of the great emir, Ben-
lIilac Salami8, and to ask young llabib to admit me to share the
fayors with which he is loaded by the lovely daughter of Hymen.
The warrior who has her ill his arms, intoxicated with the enjoy-
ment, will soon forget the dangers to which he has been ex-
posed."
The emir, not comprehending what was meant by this aðdress,

TEHTA IN:\lE
rs.

349

1\3ked his son to expla.in it. " Father," said Habib, ill a tone 01
kind concern, "this noble knight asks leave to salute you, and to

hare my coffee."
Then, turning to the strange-I': "'V arrior," said he, lC to d 'bire
the fa.vors of the daughter of IIymen is to show one's self wQ.I'thy
of thÕSê which she delights to pour into the hearts of such as love
g!QJ.Y. Nothing of what you desire shall be refused you here.
The- hero whom you see is Emir Salamis, and I am hit:; son Ha-
bib."
The two heroes then saluted each other. Salamis had never
Been a man of a finer figure, or one in whom majesty and grace were
more happily united. His arms of polished steel reflected the
Bun's rays with such lustre, that they seemed to rob him of that
radiance which they borrowed. IIís helmet glittered like a meteor
in the sky; the blade of his scimetar flamed afar. K 0 gold or
diamonds decorated any part of his armor; its lustre was owing
to its simplicit.r, and to the warrior's care.
'Yhile this stranger knight was drinking his coffee, Salamis was
curious to learn, from his own mouth, what were the motives which
had brought him to his camp.
" Illustrious and powerful emir," replied the knight, " I am of a
Parthian family, and was born in a remote part of Iudia.. In my
infancy I conceived a passion for glory, and betook myself to the
profession of arms. The fame which you have acquired in Arabia.
roused my emulation. I wished for a nearer knowledge of him
whom I considered as a noble model for IllY imitation. On the
confines of your territories I learned that you at this time wanted
a governor to assist you in the military education of young Habib;
and although he mi
ht learn all that can be necessary from his
father, Salamis, yet I conceived that as it was requisite for him to Le
constantly attended, in all his exercises, my services might be of
use to him, and I am, therefore, come to offer them,"
" Sir," replied the cmir, " I feel myself much obliged to you, and
the gencrosity of your sentiments determines me to accept your
scrvices. nut since my son must onc day be alJlc to rule my do.
minions, none shall be his instructor who cannot master me in
fight. Let us try our strength agaiust ouc another, and without
malice contend for victory. The man who conquers me shall ba
tutor to my son. " I t is an honor," replied the stranger knight,
· to which the greatest warriors might be proud to aspire, I n.c

3;)0

AHABIA N l\I<
HTS'

cept the challenge of the great Salamis, nor shall I be ashamed to
confess him my conqueror, whom none has ever conquered."
Salamis's ministers, who witnessed this challenge, dissuaded him
from it, and told him that he was wrong to enter into any.such con-
test, with a man whose }Jirth and condition in life were unknown to
him. '.1'Yhat signify rank and birth 1" replied the pmir. "It is
a warrior I want, not a king. If this knight is blinded by pre-
sumption, I can be in no danger in contending with him; but if
bis courage is equal to his manly assurance, neither of us win be
at any disadvantage, and I shall have entered the lists with my
equaL" Thèn turning to the stranger. "Sir knight/' said he,
"rest yourself, and let your steed l.ecover breath. I do not wish
you to combi.1.t with me under any disadvantage. If I desire to
measure my strength and courage against yours, it is not to avoid
giying you IllY estecm, but to put it in your power to conquer it.
On the day after to morrow we shall proceed to the camp."
Habib conducted the stranger into a tent prepared for him.
The knight, sensibly affected with tho kindness and attention thus
"hOWll to him, looked upon the youth with a heart alreaùy iuter-
ested by his character. "The young vine," saiù he, " loaded with
fruits, engages the passing traveller to set a prop for its support.
"\Vhen the grape ripens, it will offer itself to the passenger"s
hand."
They then saInted one anotner, and Habib retired to his father's
tent. 'Yhen day returneti, he ran to tho tent of the knight, who
had already began to fill that place in his heart which Ilfakis ha.d
formerly held. He found him busy in scouring his arms, and ex-
amining his horEe's harness. "'rhat! you yourself do this 1"
l3aid t.he young sultan. " Yes, prince, he who iA jealous of his
glory ought to neglect nothing that can contribute to it; his arms
are the only mirror a true knight deigns to use."
In the meantime the fielù was prrpal'ed in whieh Sal:\.llli
and
the stranger knight were to enter the lists. The trumpets sOUllded ;
au immense crowd of spectator
stood around the barriers. 'l'he
warriors appeared; and on both sides tho advantages al)peared so
equal, that it was illlp08
ible tu say to whom the victory might in..
eline.
The lances they poised wcre of equal weight; their horses of
the samc size and strength.
rhey rushed toward om
another with
"he Ï1nrletuosit.y of lightning. FuriouB, however, as was the shock.

ENT}
UT .AIl\MENTS.

351

they both remained immovable in their seats, and their lances
were broken in pieces. Salamis, who had never before met with
Buch opposition, was astonished to find so vigorous an assault inef-
fectual; and his adversary, from other motives, which it is yet too
soon to mention, was himself at the same time in the greatest sur-
prise. The emir made a sign to hiB adversary that he wanted to
speak with him. The stranger knight stopped, alighted from his
hort:3e, and advallced up to him. '
"Brave knight," said the emir, "you have given me a high
proof of your prowess, which makes me hOl1e that to-morrow,
when we meet with our scimitars in our hands, I shall find an ad-
versa.ry worthy of myself." "Great prince," replicd the stranger
knight, " never mortal yet got the advantage m,-er me. It is to
my great astonishment that I have found one aLle to resist me. I
value t80 highly the honor you have done me, to refuse the chal-
lenge you offer me for to-morrow." After this tho two warriors
shook hands, parted, and laid aside their arms. IIahilJ went to his
father's tel1t, to do what filial duty required, and then at the im-
pulse of friendship, returned soon after to the stranger, wbile
those who had been appointed to serve him were relieving him of
llis arms. ,; You no longer refuse, then," said Habib, " to employ
those who are appointed to obey your orders 1" "N 0, my amia-
ble sultan. Let me tell you an apologue, the meaning of which I
apply to my OWll profession, certainly the first in the world.
"\,Yhen the sun rises; he employs no hand but his own to spread out
the rays which surround him. "\,Yhen he goes to rest, he leaves
it to the waves of the ocean, into which he sinks, to extinguish
them."
" I sh:
11 answer you with another apologue," said Habib," or
rather with a truth with which you impress me. The hero w he
has sustained unmoyed the enormous weight of my father's lance
has dazzled my eyes with his lustre, and he whom I see still shine
can ne,Ter be extingui
hed."
"A young eaglet," replied the
tranger, "who is yet
carce
fledged, opened his eyes to the light for the first time. He saw a
glow-worm on the foliage of a neighboring tree, and was not daz
ded with the sight. 'Ihe prince of birds, then, no longer doubted
that he would one day gaze on the sun with a steady eye."
,. Sure," said IIaùib, "the phænÌx which speaks to me is Con-
tinually re'+:lJd from his ashes, and at each renovation of his cx.

3.52

ARABIAN
lGl1TS'

istcnce, look sback with contempt on all the advantages he before en r
joyed," ""\Vith you, charming Habib," said the warrior, embracin

him, " I have no advantages, unless, perhaps, in the affection with
which you have i.nslJireù me." "Could I open my heart to you,"
said .Habib, "you would acknowledge yourself outdone; but my
father must no longer be deprived of the pleasure of seeing you.
He loves heroes, and you, although you Bay not so, are a hero,"
,: It lllay happen," replied the stringer," that oue of us two may ono
day become a hero. At present I see no heroes here." As they
13i)oke thus they walked hand in hand to the tent of Salamis.
The emir was plea:sed to remark the rise of a mutual attachment,
which he was ùetermined to strengthen.
Salamis no BOoneI' saw the stranger kni
ht than he accosted him
with expressions of the warmest esteem. "I know ,"
mid he., " that
you can no longer find difficulty in any trial I can put you to. It
is not to settle my own opinion w-ith respect to you, that I require
it new display of your courage and vigor; but I command a war-
like nation, jealous of their glory, and am desirous of leaving
them no shadow of ùoubt concerning the superior merit of a man
who is to be honored with a preference above them. I must
carry my delicacy so far (and you will not disapprove of my doing
80) as to open the lists to whosoever may think himl5elf able to
dispute your triumph, when you shall have finished your trials
against me. In the meantime, let as enjoy the present together.
To-morrow we shall force envy to admire you."
Next day displayed the most surprising combat that the
Arabians ever beheld. The two heroes opposed buckler to buckler,
and laid on the most terrible blows. The stroke was felt before
the arm had been seen to be raised.
rhey then laid aside the
buckler and scimitar, and prepared to try their strength in wrest-
ling. The winds, in all their fury, in vain assail the cedars of
.uebanon. The earth trembles benea.th them, but they canllot be
torn up by the roots.
Emir Salamis did not choose to kepp up the astonishment of
the spectators longer. He was bettter pleased to have met '''.lih
an equal than he could ha\Te been with victory in the contest.
" Let us stop for a moment," said he, "brave knight! my sur-
prise i
eyery moment heightened; I never before foÙnd any ono
able to wi thstand me; I was, indeed, less elated with my victories
than move I with pity for the weakne
s of our llature. "Ìlell]

EN l'ER1'AIX 11 EX.f;5.

353

comparcd our resources with the natural advantages which cer-
tain animals are possessed of, I confess I was wrong. I think less
of the ,'igor of the lion, since I have proved yours. Let us cea
e
from this fatiguing exercise, saddle our steeds, and attack each
other with javelins."
This new species of com bat afforded new matter of triumph to
both the combatants. Every means that address, dexterity, and
f!trength could furnish, were practiced upon this occasion. The emir,
however, was beginning to lose his ad vantages. Youth gavc his
adversary a superiority which his valor could not surmount. lIe
was besides, convinced that the stran)!er posse
sed in a mo
t em-
inent degree, all the qualities requisite for the employment for
which he intended him. lIe stopped, therefore, and made a 8igll
to the stranger to do the same, and they returned hand in hand
to the carn p.
"Knight," said Salamis, "my son will find in you a second father.
You know how your own vigor has been improved by contillueJ
exercise, by which means only you could add to it such amazing
dexterity and address. You know also bow necessary it is that
we be accustomed to dangers, in order that we may acquire due
coolness of temper, and fil'llllleSS of mind. I give up to your care
thc only object of my hopes. Teach him to know what true glory
is, and how attainable by the warrior."
Young Habib had, by his wishes and inclination, already an-
ticipated his father's intentions. lIe therefore joyfulIy followed
his new master. "I come," said he, "to profit by your lessons. I
must imitate my father and you, and may I approch near to the
perfection of the models I aspire to imitate."
" 'Ve will portion out our time to our differf'nt tasks, my dear
Habib," said Il Habonl, for this was the name of the Illdian
knight. "The day we Sh.1U spend in such exerci
e
as ma.y im-
prove your vigor anù address to equal your courage. In tJlO
evening we shall converse of those qualities, which will be neccs-
(mry to fit you to rule over the most indcpendent people on earth.
They have at all times preferreù liberty to luxury . Valor, joiued
with prudence, are the qllaJities they aùore. These are the ti tIes
by which the emir, your father, reigns oyer sixty-six tribes. You
cannot inherit his power, unlcss you acquirc his virtue!::!."
On this plan did II lIahoul direct IIahiVs education, and it SOOD
produced the ha11picst fruits. Emir Salamis was soon after en

354

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

gaged in a war, in which the young sultan distinguished himself
by prodigies of valor. Being ordered upon a ùifficult service, he
distinguished himself by his prudence and firmness ; and when
called on to assist in his fa ther7s councils, he astonished the minis-
ters by the wise advice he offered.
II Haooul's ta8k was now finished, and, he was obliged to part
from his pupil. It was proper to acquaint the young prince with
the necessity which called him away. ":My son," said he," I
Dlust leave you. I am called into another country by the ordere of
my superiors.;' "1Yhat," said Habib, "and will you leave me 1"
"I am no longer necessary to you here, and am besides obliged to
yield to the commands of fate." . "How unfortunate am I!" re-
plied the youth. "Death deprived me of my former master,
Ilfakis, whom I still remember with regret, and a harsh command
now forces you to part from me! But, do we part forever? )Iay
,not I know why? Cannot my father prevail with you to alter
your resolution 1" "N 0 human power can," replied Il Ilaboul :
'" but I hope to see you again. However, my dear Habib, I call
offer you at least a partial consolation. lIe whom you loved under
the name of Ilfitkis is not dead, but still remains attached to you."
"How 1" replied Habib, " I myself attended his funeral, and wept
oyer his tomb."
" l\Iy 13011," replied 11 Ha.boul, :, the story of the death you speak
of, is connected with vë:trious others, in which you are cOllcerned,
perhaps even with yours and mine Listen to wha.t [ shall relate.
Rcmember your horos
Gpe, and be not surprised at the story you
are about to hear. In the first place, know that he who loves and
speaks to YOIl is not a human being, but a genie, amployed by des-
tiny to couduct you to the high fate for which you were born."

STOR Y OF ILLABOUSATROUS, OF KING SCHAL-GOASE, AND OF CAl\IAR-
ILZA:\-IAN.
It is well known to you, my dear prince, that some of the genii
of the race of ELlis bowed the knee to the great Solo mOll. IlIa-
bousatr()us was one of the first of thcse. I am of the same ra.ce,
and took the same steps. Among my own people I am called a
cadi, by the grace of God avd of Solomon. To escape the rescnt-
ment and vengeance of the party whom he had forsakbll, and to
indu(
e the Prophet, to whom we have submitted, to alleviate the
yoke imposed upon us, we form alliances with the children of

EnERT.AIN}IE
TS.

õ55

Adam, and through their means partake of th(i 1lcssings t f the
earth.
Illabousatrous bad by a woman a daughter of great beauty,
whom he named Camarilzaman; to secure bel' peace and happiness,
he wished to marry her to one of the greatest monarch8 of the
earth. At that time there reigned over the isles in the middle of
the seven seas, the most distant region of the ea..o.;t, a potent mOll-
arch named Schal-goase. Illabousatrous appeared to this prince,
in the furm of an old man, and proposed an allia.nce between them,
of which tbe fair Camarilzaman was the pledge. The monarch
saw the princess, fell in love with her, and married her. :\Iany of
the genii who were subject to Illabousatrous, settled in the do-
minions of Schal-goase. The circumjacent sea was peopled with.
them, and in no place under Heaven did the gtmii and the children
of men live in better amity. This happy correspondence promised
to be further confirmed and improved, upon the Lirth of the charm-
ing Dorathil-goase; the first iSt.iue of the marriage between Schal-
goase and Camarilzaman.
Were the gifts of Heaven aiways pledges of prosperity in this
world, nobody, sure, could have been happier than this l<1vely
princess. Her infant beauty seemed to irradiate the cradle in
which she was laid; each day she diHplayed opening graces; but
w hen bel' father and grandfather consulted the star::; l"Espect,illg
her destiny, the same confusion which appeared to diöturb the
planetary system at your birth, dibco\"ered itself upon the occasion
of hers, aud that with such perfect similarity, as to prove that you
were the Arabian prince, sprung from the prophet':::! favorite tribe, to
whom fate had destined the possession of the princess, to be ob-
tained through a series of dangers equally alarming to both, and
this union alone could insure her peace and happineðs, her fortune
aHd yours.
From this time Illabousatrous entrusted me with the care of
your education; but Solomon's orders did not permit me to ap-
proach you. I could ohtain no commission favoraLle to our pur-
pose, till such time as your father became desirous of finding you
a pleceptor. Ilfakis, whom the emir, your father, had in view,
was dyiug. I C<1me to the tent where he laiù, and at the very in-
stant when the angel of death was parting his soul from his lJOdy,
I substituted my own spirit in the room of his. By means of a
potent elixir I reanimated his body, and to thip miracle you owed
Y0111." governor.

3- 1

,
"
er' . , I
dr th

&. R '" RT .1
nr-
.

I S3 th i
for you to apply to the Iy
carried tho;:; body of lIt.
w lib ten &Dd -t-
-u c by which Ï1 been withh "d rom - lu-
tion.

Iy D_xt -e ... to find you a valiant kniolt.. In
... rch I

n found on ex irin::: on the fi. ld of tde after he h.Ml covered
it with th 0 hk. fall n i -. I .... body,:: op
Y blood flow -::: m -.. woun ..., healed them w ilb baL - Ll mut. h
wo re '" erfnl in i - 0 eratia ... than that )1"C"'d, re.. red all h -...
:: rm r v - =or, arm I hÏ!!t with a lance Yì I:.i
h had been wi: 1 ,tLe
d
10 on, aud YOU re yon . hL In thi:t
.. rm I p - n mv
lf to Emir
.ù
and deDI eJ to
h r
t faYc
of th chter of Hymen;
.L on which you h tune m
pu il.

Iy d r II :b, you haT"e f nned a ten er frien .hip for me
un
r both form'-- lour heart ne'T"er deceived you_
ever
dId 'hem _ any nature conceiv-e = t nd r an - cüon for one
of the children of ..!.d:m1 8ð ilia which I feel fur yuu.. 100 hay

tr 0 me R oIl 't th 1

1:= 'T"e you in th
c\. er of Ilf .. -
. " hen I ÏL.:t -u -ted yon in th know led i: 0
t......5 .., I xplain d their ; bn I t he
ÜU1e pu, you
yo
ard :::). 51 (-
iri to whièh Ù1 Y nL:::ht -'oll)ject you.
..Id... ra...e of Eblb are! in nE
al, x:reL- _Iy con up and wi -ed.
H ppy h
us who h - u led with t c:. e t al
:'" I
Th r.. are cOnlinu.ally bué .i t our d . u
ñ :1
yours..
T òI d e pe:r:secnr Ù1 .
D)r&thil.-_ -
who m"_
rd: u from the :: - of th curse pronoun\. à:
-
..

Ïo rt... dolo hter : a by a
e ::_nie. 11 ce
è: y a1re Y

..1.::! C1() of v n as -.....:<-..:.! )IUz

c.....1
!:._
_r d..
ed to aye = h wr n
: Dor-.uhil- o
'f: th ir Ire "_ ro mp

r.
Thi3 p

b... . n t thron in cons uence of -

rOo de th.. III - r u,,_ h r
dfath r, hã.:, iwen h r
me or hb a 1 _ -= nii,: r vw Th: bn th k e in whi h t
'- pita!
an i... is th only on . rem '-a pre n
in h
f
. ran uility. Th 0 h r :ñx, with the _ \'"
", rum = th r..(
of h r d I!liwñ '. are eit _r p ,in
at of r i"O t, or W

1J E inf _ Ly h -tile ir u.rQo "'. 0 Iy on r
.::'l. re-
r:...
-"':::.... ...._
vel. bv :l.
::...,- '-
1.. ,

ye

"

_-.6

.ENTEI{TAINnE
ì'S.

35i

estined that she shall be saved. Young Habib, on whom she has
bestowed her heart, shall soon come to deliver her from her
enemies.
During this recital by II Hal)oul, the young sultan, led altern-
ately from bope to fear, from surprise to surprise, and from wonder
to wonder, stood with his eyes fixed, and luu'dly breathing. 'His
w hole soul was agitated with emotions to which he bad hitherto
been a stranger. Called by destiny to the throne of the seven
seas, and to receive the hand of a prillce8s, whose felicity depended
upon him alone, he felt an involuntary emotion, and burnt already
- with ardor to expose himself to the dangers which threatened him
The feelings of love and the desire of glory, alike encouraged
him to an enterprise in which success was to be douLly crowned.
, " Dear and powerful genie," said he to his protector, "what road
am I to take 1 Deign; before you lea,ye me, to acquaint me by
what means I may soonest baste to tbe as::;istance of her wbo ex-
pects all my valor. Tbe sacrifice of my life and quiet, if! but a small
matter to justify the partiality by which she is determined in my
favor, and the decrees of destiny by which our union is appointed."
" By these noble sentiments," replied II Haboul; "I know my
pupil, the son of Emir Salamis; but remember, my dear Habib,
that the genii, your rivals for the hand of Dorathil-goase, and, Ìn-
jecd, your avowed enemies, will act keenly and vigorously against
you. They will combine in the execution of their enterprises
wicked men, who will obey them without knowing what they do;
the brute animals, the elements
and in short, all nature, will be
united to accomplish their odious machinations." "God nnd my
courage will not forsake me," said Habib, '
and you yourself will
contriþute to my success.'; " Ah! to be sure," replied the genie,
-, I might be of great service to you were I not ohliged to return
the body of the Indian warrior to the dust; but I am constrained
by a rigid law which I canllot elude. Persevere courageously in
your noble intentions. Expect not that I should now poiut out the
road you are now to take. You are divided from your mistress
by the whole length of tbe earth, and only the orders of de
tiny
can open to you her dominions, which are at present shut up on
all sides by the malice of her enemies."
r " You once told me, my dea.r 11 Uaboul, that the braye man \
\night bend de
tiny to his wishes." " You may, indeed, take such J
violent measures when no choi
e remains. But have patience till

358

ARABIAN :KIGHT:::'

some event slmll direct you bow to act; I fear. th:tt whatevcr Jot!
might undertake at present, would turn out against you. G0 1 at-
tack lions, one of which you have already destroyed, without
nther weapons tban y
r poinard. l\Iake yourself l)cforehalld
familiar with dangers, tbat you may be I,repal'ed for those whieh
await you. Farewell, my dear Habib; I return no more to the
camp of Salamis; I must avoid coming to any explana.tion with
him; and if you let him know who I am, and who I ha,ye been, H,t
least let everyone else remain ignorant of these circumstances.
Depend upon retaining the friendship of him who has not always
heen a friend to mankind, but whom you have fully reconciled to
them. Embrace me!" 11 lIaboul now mounted his steed and
rode away.
As Boon as he was out of the young fìultan's sight, be struck in-
to the desert, and baIted at the foot of a hill. There be left the
horse on which he rode, and having dug a grave, deposited in it
bis mortal body, and availing myself of the two last days which
the orders of Solomon yet left him, proceeded without delay to
the frontiers of the dominions of Dorathil-goase.
A black hattalion withstood his approach; hut be lcarned from
a spirit which had deserted, that the ,\Yhite Isle, the YeHow Isle,
the Green, the Red, and the Blue Islcs, had been subdued by the
genie ALarikaff, who, although at first master only of the Black
Isle, bad now obtained posses;:;ion of all the others, and of the
Bcas by which they are divided.
The princess, shut up in her capital of l\ledillaz-Ilballor,* 'Tas
no longer mistress of any part of her dominionR, but the territory
in which the city stood. This was all that the protection of her
grandf.\.ther, Illabousa.trous, and the exertions; of the genie whom
he placed as her viziers, could sa.ve from the rebel, who had col-
le-cted a legion of revolted spirits from the depth of the sea. The
six isles, thus reduced under the power of the evil genii, were
governed by rulers still more mischievous and tyrannical. The
people were the victims of their vices, and the continual sport of
their diabolical encllantments. Dorathil-goase called in vain on
the deliverer promised her by fate. All the passes were guarded,
and the place of her residence wa.s inaccessible to men. All U:1,.
ture seemed subject to those malignant genii.

I< The city of crystal.

JI:NTE HT,\ IK;\lE
'1'S.

35!J

II lIaboul was inwardly tli:stressed to see so many oLstacIea op
posed to hi
pupil's valor; but he himself was now reduced tc
silence and inactivity, and could only wait with impatience for the
time when his protection should become necessary. lIe returned,
therefore, to the duties of his former post, and waited for the issue
of events.
Habib, upon the departure of his mas/'e'r, had returned, hastily,
to Salamis and Amirala, and acquainted them with the wondrous
things of which he had just Leon informed. The sparkling of his
eyes, the elevation Qf his voice, and tho confusion of his discourse,
well ex
ressed how much he was affected by the dangers and tho
charms of Dorathil-goase, the perplexity which he felt, and the
hopes he had conceived. " On DIe only is she to rely," said he,
with a nohle assurance. "I can know no rest, till I Ilave de-
livered her. 'fhe moments are precious. No pel'son can point
out or open the road by which I am to proceed to her assistance!
In this state of uncer tainty, what can I do 1"
His parents saw that this uncommon passion was produced, not
so much by sympathy, as by the influence of the stars, which they
could not
ounteract. Instead of combating his resolutions,
therefore, they only htid his duties anew before him, and remind-
ed him of the sage advice he httd received from his governor.
1'he young man to avoid hauits of sloths and inactivity, and to
accustom himself still more and more to hardship, retired from
the tents of the tribe to a solitary recess, which he and Ii Raboul
had formerly prepared together in a sequestered vale, surrounded
by the hills adjoining the camp of Salami
,
Here, they had amused themselves amidst their martial exer-
cises, with furming a dyke to dam up the course of a small rivu.
_et, by which its waters were collected into a na.tural basin. The
surrounding trees afforded de'lightful shade, amI diffused their
branches 80 thick, tha.t the rmrrounding hills could scarcely be
seen through the fuliage. The grea.test variety of flowers, the
rarest plautI"', the most precious aromatic herh
, grew in abund-
ance on the banks of the rivulet, and the grüunJ being preseryed
by the coolne
s of the water, Ly which it wa
so liberally rf'fresh-
ed, from suffering 'hy the heat of the sun, displa.yed in profu
ion
all the riches of nature. At a small distance stood a hut or ra..
ther a palace, formed of the bra.nches of trees covered with rw.;hcR,
and srread with mats. The skim! of wild animt.1lt which thp;y

360

ARABIAN NIG I1TS'

had slain, formed their sofas. An outer fence of stakes secure<t
this little dwelling against any hostile assault.
II Haboul, when he persuaded Habib to form this :rustic abo'1.e,
taught him how he might one day supply all his own wants. Sit-
ting down by the door, he invited his pupÜ to contemplate
the noble amphitheatre before him. "Have you not a plea
sure," continued he," in thinking that for the enjoyment which
1 these affm'd, you are indebted to. yourself alone? Thus we never
can be perfectly bappy, but through ourselves." -
This retirement, of which IIabib was very fond, was well cal-
culated to feed hiR growing passion. He had retired to think of
the Bole object of bis wishes, and of tbe means by 'wbich they,
migh t be uni ted.
One day, as he was musing, witb his eJes fixed on the Almas
yet without reading, and his imagination absorbed in the id('as of
love and war, he heard a sudden noise in the air. He kneeleù
down, upon this, and moving the branches aside with his hand,
perceived a large shade descending over the pond. After continu-
ing its progress for a small space, the object which produced this
shade halted upon the brink of the water. It was a bird. of a dark
grey color, and bore upon its back a pavilion, the sides of which
seemed to be gauze, and the doors and windows were decorated,
all about, with flowers.
The bird alighted, and the pavilion opened. A golden stair-
case was let down from it. On the top of this appeared a figure,
supported by others no less remarkable for beauty. On bel' head
she wore a tiara, formed of the tresses of her own hair, inter-
woven with strings of pearls. The lily and the rose vied in bel'
cheek; the lust1'e of her eyes, her vermillion lips, and the lovely
dimples around them, bore at once an expression of smiling sweet-
ness and keen sensiLility.
She raiEed her eyes to heaven, and the SUll was eclipsed; she
turned them upon the ground, and it was bespread with flowers.
She smiled and allllature seemed to smile around her. Rut how
was Habib affe<;t.('d, when he saw her move aud walk váth gl.ace
and majesty! She leaned on the arm of one of the Leautif'
who
attended her, and thus proceeded to the sultan's recess, and there
sat down upon thc p;rass, within two paccs of him, y,)t without
perceiving him.
She looked just to one
ide, then to the other; then, sighing, said,

E
TEKI'.\I
)IE
TS.

3GI

" 1 kwe been decei,'cd. lIe is not herc, t11i8 i::; not the pbce of
hi::; ret-rCì.lt. But these smiling arlJOr
, the s wect murmur of
the::;e waters, these flowers which art awl nature con
pire to rea.r,
all here, in short, are his work. But he is not hcre. Oh, thou
flowery turf; ye blossoming bowers, cheri:shed by the care of illY
dear IIal)ib, lend an ear to my words, borrow a vuicc to tell my
tale, and inform my lover when he shall come lJÌther, th
tt the ten-
der Dorathil-goa..se caUle to the mid:st of Arabia. in search of her
hero, to oft'er him her throne and her heart, anù to accompli::;h his
destiny. l\Iust she then leave these regions, without seeiug the
idol of her soul?" Thus spoke the princess sorrowfully, amI held
her hands to her eyes to stop her tea,rs, which were ready to flow.
Habib at this moment cast himself at her feet, which he bedewed
with his tears, before she could perceÍ\-e or prevent him.
" Is it you; then, I see 1" cried she, looking at once upon the
young hero at her feet, and at his picture, vd1Ïch she wore con-
stantly in her boso111. ,; Is not this an illusion, my dear lIuLib 1"
"It is your lover, your deliverer; 0 queen of my soul!" replied
he passionately, kissing her hand. After which, silence was for a
while the only exprest:iion of lllutuallove and admirat.ion.
But this pure and exquisite enjoyment was only of a moment's
duration. A sudden noise was heard, a bird appeared in the air,
approached, and by an instantaneous transformation became a
genie in the human form, who presented himself to Dorathil-goase.
" ""That," said the queen," is it you, Ilbaccarm; 1 "
.hat urgent
I'eason brings you from 1\Iedinaz-ilballor, to find me here 1"
"Queen," replied the genie, " by your absence you expose your-
self to lose all your dominions. The reùe1, Abarikaff, has t
ken
ad\Tantage of"this circulllstance to. attack the only isle which re-
mains to you. Your grand vizier in vain opposes so numerous a
host of enemips as infest your shores. All the rehel genii have
ranged themselves uIHler the hanner of your adver8ary; they
darken the sea, and ovcrRprearl all the co
u:;ts. YonI' Ru11jects arc
terrified with the roa.ring of lion
, 8ea-1JulIs and hippopotami,
'" hich arc re-echoe-d t.hrough the air and make Y(Jur <<:apital trellt-
ble. Come and oppose this rage, with the magië of your talis- -
mall; seize the only pass whi<:h remains open, and hold your way
throu
h the middle region of thf" air,"
At hearing this relation. Hahih felt his hloorl boil within biB
rdll
, His eyes were fired; his stature seemed to rise to a new

362

AI:ABIAN NIG 11"1'8'

cleya,tioll j his voiec sounded terrihly. "Let us mareh a
ailiFt
these lllUlltiters , " cricd he ; " I will clear the earth and Re:tH of thCl11 ;
I will avenge hea.ven and the f],ueen." "Prince," replied IllJa.ccara
,
in astolli
ll1nent, if you were properly armed, you might be equal
to this enterprise; but the enemies of the great Solomon can ouly
1Je \'anqui
hed with the arms of Solomon. These you must seek on
t.he heights of ,Mount Caucasus, and a thousand dangers block up
the way." Then speaking to the queen, " Let us be gone, madam,"
said he, "the moments are precious; if we lose but one, the
wicked Almrika.fl' may triumph P'
ffhe two loyers tenderly cl11ln'aced each other, and parted with
a degrce of fortitude becoming their 10\"e. Dorathil-goase seated
11ersclf in her payillion; the roc arose into the air and disap-
peared. IIa1Jib followed the flight with his eyes, and now gave
himself up with greater ardor than cyer to the tenderness of lure
and amhition for glory.
" Adicu! gentle rivulet!" I'aid he, "whose waters have so
quenched my thirst, and hatlJed my limbs; thou canst be of no
farther sP1'\-ice to me; my }wart" my hlood, my vit.als 1H11'11 with a
flame which thou canst not quench.
"Adieu! thou flowery plain, on which my love has deigned to
tread. Preserve, if you ca n; the print of her footsteps, that my
eyes may trace them, if I RhaH ever return hither.
"Adieu, ye tender shrubs, which lent her your shade; well
may ye boast of having served as a canopy to such charms!
"Adieu! thou land which hast witn
ssed my felicity j neyer
shall HalJilJ forget thee! The palaces of thp kings of the world shall
be worthless in my cyes, in e(.mpari
on with thee. Hero my soul
expanded it
('lf for the first time to 3appiness; herc I first felt all
the ardor uf lo\"e! hut here, too, ha.ve I felt the most crnel'lo
s
I could suffer; for hence was Dorathil-goa:;;e r:n'i
hed from nH'!
Yes; I will not fear to hrave the .lemons of òarlm('sR, who diHpnto
with me the p()

eR:-;ion of. my lovcly l11iHtI'(,!'5H! Gre:'tt prophet!
011! do tllClU open to me the path which i:-\ to "(lnduct me to glory
Rnd happinCÌ'lS! I will pi(']"cc the heart of the traitor ..Ahal'ik<tff;
and thou, great Solomou! if I am Hot unworthy of w('ariug thine
armor gi ,'e me Will
R 011 whil'h I may fly t\.) 3Ionnt Caucasus!
COT'ered with tÌlY 1111eklcr, may I o\.prthrow the elH'lIlies 'Jf t.l1O
qUN\pn of my heart."
HaJJih, }rayillp; after t1li
perf(n'l11('J II is I1fayers alld ahll1tioJl

1'0-
turtlcll to his fa.thcr's tent; determinod to takû the road to l'aucasHs

E
TE HTAIN:\lE.
TS.

3G3

ßS soon as he should have obtained permission. It may be easily
imagined bow forcibly he would describe to Salamis and Amirala
the circumstances of his last advellture ,; his wordfl a1Jsolutely
painted. But great was the surprise of his pm'en ts when he ut-
tered à solemn vuw before them not to rest his head in allY tent,
till he should first stand on the summit of 1\Iount Caucasus.
H \Vhat a desperate enterpri::5e, my son," said tho emir; "know
you not that ,Mount Caucasus is situate at the utmost limits of
t.he earth; that you must tra,yerse drcadful desert::; Lcfore you
can reach it? 1\Ien you may vanqui::;h; but how will you Lear
the severity úf climates to which you are a stranger 1 How can
you provide against the famine which desolates the immem;e 1'0
gi.ons through which )'OU will have to travel? These are enemie IJ
which you cannot overcome." ".Ah! father," replied IIaláb, " ca 1
1ftty fear hold me back, when I go under the impulse of glory and
fa.te 1 And even though I were a stranger to the powerful influ-
ence of these, my heart uaturally glO\\'s with a detestation of ty-
rants; I could descend into the bowels of the earth to tear out
and punish the base Abarikaff.i'
Sahl.mis was obliged to yield to sentiments which he had him
self instilled into his son's heart; he conld not reply without con-
tradicting his own principles. lIe chose twenty men of tried
prudence and courage to attend hi::; son, and g;tvC them commo
dious and suitable equipage, with two camels to beal" the telltR
and the baggage.
They day for their dep..tl"ture came, and the emir was forced to
tear himself from the arms of his affectionate nnd beloved SOIl.
Their parting scene was sorrowful; the tenùcr Amirala wept, and
cried :
"My cedar, fastened hy strong root
, surpassing in beauty the
cedars of Lebanon. The birù::; of the air 1Jl1Ïlt their nests upon its
branches; our flock pastured unùer the s11:\,(le; but lo! it is sud-
denly borne away through the lml'cheù ana sandy deserts.
"Ye furious winds, strive not to fJhake it. It was made to brays
your fury!
" Ye gloomy clouds, yo lightning, ye tempests, which precede
tho burbting of the thunder, respect a stem impressed with the
Beal of the great prephet !"
"Enough, my dear Amirala," said Salamis, "our son's inten-
tion is noble; he is bound by his'vow to prosecute this enterprise
the lionesss nurses not her whelps for herself alone; when

3G4

A HABIAN NIGHTS'

age and enemies call, she sends them to faeb the ferocil1us
tigers."
1'he company at length departed. IIa.1ib wore a massy cuirass
of lIaoudi. Ilis buckler 8('cmcd to him li
ht, but would haye
wearied the strongest arm. A tree of the thickness of his lance
would afi'orù a eousiderable sImde; the weight of his scimetar
would have crushed. any body which might not have been pierced
by its blade.
'The fatigues of the journey were nothing to him who marched
on to glory aud to DoratliÍl Jo 6 0ase; the way seemed to be strewed
with flowers; yet now was Ha.bih in the midst of deserts, destitute
of an the comforts of social life, and exposed to all the pains of
thirst and hunger; from time to time, chance offered some wild
fruits, and the scanty trickling of some di
Ütllt springs; these lit-
tle supp1ies were sufficient to make him forget all the wants and
inconveniences be suffered. But the soldiers who accompanied
the young sultan were neither lovers nor heroes; two months of
toilsome tra.\-els hegan to tire them; but their first complaints were
moderate. By a lucky accident they found on thei
way a place
inhabited by shepherds, which afforded them enough of milk to
fill their skins. II a}Jib expected that this unhoped- for retreshmellt
would renew their courage, and dispel their ill-humor; but his at-
tendants, thinking it il1lpossiLle to climb the summit of l\follnt
Caucasus, without being exposed to the greatest danger of perish-
ing l)y hunger and fatiguc, communicated their thoughts to the
young sultan.
"I imagined," saiù he, "that my father had given me men to
accompany me; but you are only women in the armor of men; I
will not abuse the weakness of your sex. However, I must oh-
serve that you have. already come too far to turn hack without
exposing yourselves to gr-eat dangcr; but, 8ince you think the
dangcrs Leforc u:::; still more formidable, gÌ\"e me my part of tho
treabure which my father put into your hanùs. Take with you your
baggage and camels. I can lie in the open air. It was not to
receive your assistance that I accepted you for my cOIll}.>anions. I
supposed you men fond of glory, and destined to attain it. I was
willing to share my own glory with my bra.ve Arabian })rethl'en.
This is a titlc which can no longer suit you; let us part. Go, re-
turn to Salamis, and tell him that you have left his son followin

out the paths to glo:ry, armed with vigor and courage, under the

E...
TERTAIX:\[ENTS.

36.)

protcction of the great prophet, and animated with the
trongest
hopes of success."
The firmness of this language astonished the young sultan's C0111-
paniom
, but did not 1110ve them from their purpose. They rc-
garded him as a mad and obstinate youth, disposed to sacrifice all
that wa
valuable to vain chimeras. "\Ve are accountable for our
lives, said they among themselves, to our wiyes and children; and
should be mad were we to yield to the caprice of a foolish youth
who runs headlong upon death, while he is seekiug this ,Mount
Caucasus, which seemfJ to fly before us; our harness is worn out;
our horses are dying; we shall soon be left without resource amid8t
the deserts. However, ad.ded they, if we return without him to
Arabia, Salamis will look upon us as cowardly deserters from his
son, and we shall not escape his vengeance. If this IlalJib should
die here, there is no lack of plants to embalm him; we could put
his body on one of our camels, aud carry it quietly back to l-..jij
father.
Cowardice leads to ingratitude; and ungrateful sentiments to
wicked actions. Those perfidioul3 friends S0011 concurred in the
-
base dCBign of murdering their young master. But how should
they surpri
e his vigilauce? lIe was nlways in arms, and always
ready to sell his life at a dear rate, if:l
;,y should attempt to ravish
it from him. By night he rested on his buckler, and the least
noise would awake him; his valor lLr:d actÏ\-ity never sunk into
deep slee?
Among the conspirators was one who viewed the criminal en-
terprise with abhorrew.ce, but dm'bt. not speak his sentiments. He
feared the resentment of the rest so luuell the more, because he
had murmured as well as they. By reyealing their designs to
Habib again, he wou
ù expose the whole troop to his "engeance,
and Ulip:ht find the i!'sue fatal to himself. If the hero were vic-
torious, he alone would remain to attC'nd him.
In this ullcertainty, he spoke thus to his companions: c, Why,"
B.'tid he, Ct would yon expose 'your
eh'es to the danger of a contest?
Habib had his poniard always in hi
hanù. Before you could de.
prive llim of motioll eycn. although coycrt>d "ith your cuir tsses,
his !'worù 'would fillÙ its \\ay to your Jleart
. nut there is a 6urer
and 1(,
8
allguillary nH';,LSurC' which you may a(lopt. I know an
herh which grows in tllC'Rr> pla('e
: itf:t lpa,YC::5 are coyered with 8
"hit0 pÜ\vùer, which operate:s with greater encrgy than ('pium J

866

ARABIAN KIUUTS'

will gather some plauts of it; and as I have the c:J.re of tbe eycning
provisions, I can find a time to administer to him this specific; and
then you may execute Jour purpose ""ithout dallger. If we call
fulfil our intention by laying him aslcep, why should we Btain our
hands with his blood 1 lIe never offended any of us. If he re-
quires us to hazard our lives in pursllit of a chimerical olJject., Le
exposes his own with sufficicnt gallantry at the same time. His
reason is disordered, and he hurries forwnrd to his destruction;
but cannot we proyide for our own safety, without attempting his
life? lIe is son to the brave Salamis, in wbose dominions om
wives and children sleep in peace; under tbe shadow of whose
buckler, our flocks pasture in security. To us he was always a
kind father. Is there one among us with whom he has not shared
his provisiolls to the last morsel? Let us 1)eware then of sheddillg
innocent blood! The great prophet will one day demand him at
our hands. Let us leave Hahib in these dcserts; after we have
. deprived him of hig arms, and of all means of help and surport.,
we need not fcar that he shall ever come to tax us with ingratitude."
The conspirator
h('arkened to Rabir's advice, and he w::u; em-
ployed to put their project in execution. lIe culled some stalks of
a plant which he knew to be a mortal poison; he was careful to
p:.-epare it in such a manner that death would not be the illulle-
diate result of swallowing it; and on that very evening an oppor-
tunity offered for administering it.
The company arrived in a pla.in where the cool water of a small
rill nourished on its sides a quantity of fresh and luxuriant herb-
age. Habib, at their earnest entreaty, laid down to rest, yielding
to their advice rather out
f prudence than lJccause he had any
need of repose. lIe retired in unsuspecting. security to his tent,
took some food, and with it bwallowed a part of the poison, which
had been infnsed into a cnp of milk. The conspirators took ad-
vanta.ge of the deep sleep which soon seized upon their chief, re-
moved from him everything they could, and departed in all haste,
leaving young Habib nothing but his buckler under his head, his
cloak upon which he slept, and his poniaTd which he had stuck in
his girdle. Thus did these twenty knights, chosen by Salamis to
attend his son, abandon the young hero; they returned toward
Arabia., and after undergoing many fatigues j arrived within sight
of the flags which waved from the emir
s tents.
Th.at moment which might have been expected to be to them aD

E
TERT AlN
IEl\TS.

867

occasion of exulting joy, overwhelmed them with anxiety, per-
plexity, a.nd remorse, ,: How," said they, " shall we appear bcf0re
Salamis 1 Or how tell him of the loss of his son 1 Rabir, YOll
who contrived, and have hitherto so wellmauaged the scheme by
which we rid our
el\'es of the youth, help us to bring it to a happy
issue." " You are miötaken in respect to my purpose," replied
he; I' when I saw you resolved to shed the blood of young Habib,
I sought to divert you from the crime, by pretending to assist you
in accomplishing it. "\Vith this view only did I become your ac-
cumplice. I am now, however, tortured with remorse. I canllot
invent a lie to conceal my treachery. J\Iy looks, my silence, my
confusion, win all tend to betray us. Let the boldest among you
tell the fabricated tale; I cannot. It is impossible for me to help
you." " "\Vell," re plied one among the number, "I undertake the
task."
The caravan arrived in the camp of Salamis. The emir and
Amirala came eagerly to meet the company, in hopes of again
seeing their SOn. But gr
at was their surprise, when they saw
tears flow from every eye. He who had undertaken to speak, ad-
vanced before the rest, and thus addres
ed Salamis:
" Powerful emir, we return in sorrow for the mournful news we
must tell. But why should we seek to hide what. you cannot but
discover 1 You seek your son; but Heaven has ravished him from
your bopes. The deserts which we have traversed :tre full of
venomous serpents, which lie concealed among the sands. The
young sultan kneeling down one evening to pray, spread hi.3 man-
tle before him on the grounq, but just as he kneeled upon it, a
serpent sprung up and stung him in the f:1.ce. The most alarming
illness instantly followed, and death shortly after terminate(l
his sufferings. We would have embalmed tbe body, and brought
it back with us, but it was so infected by the poison that we were
obliged to COYer it up hastily in the sand. in order to avoid the
pestilential contagion with which it threatened us."
At this news, the emir rent his robe, tore his be3.rd, and threw
dust upon bis body. The camp resoullded with the cries of the
inconsulable Amirala, and Salamis's si.x:tJ-six tribes put on the
gart of moul'lling.
In the meantime what did young Habib 1 Had he a,gain opened
his eyes to the light? or had the force of the puison deprived the
Queen of the Seven Seas of her sweetest hope?

368

ARABIAN NIGHTS 7

The sun appeared in all his glory in. the east, through a hOl'Îzon
ontirely cleared from vapors, and darted his ra.ys on Habib's eye-
lids. The Lirds, already awake, thrilled their notes upon the tops

f the trees which sba.ded the meadow; the Imlmy fragrance of
the flowers entered the nostrils of the hero; a gentle breeze waved
hi
hair, and sùftly fanned hi
cheek; all nature awakening from
the stillness and repose of night concurred to rouse him, and the
}wwer of the liquid which had been administered, being now gone,
could no longer chain down his senses. lIe opened his eyes, and
being charmed with the ravishing /:light before him, imagined him-
self to be enjoying the illusions of some enchanting dream. .
But this errOr did not long last. He arOI::)8, and recovered the
use of his senses and his memory. He sought to discover where he
was, but aU around remained silent. He lifted up his eyes, and
t;aw only deserts extending in tbe distant prospect before him.
lIe called for his companions, his arms, and his steed; but all
were gone. " Oh! treason/' cried he, "thy knights are base anù
faithless; they dread toil and death; to excape from danger they
have not feared to exp08e themselves to infamy; lllou..rn, haple:;s
Arabia !
" Hapless Arabia! thy glory is no more! 1
ear"thy hairs; ca:;t
dust upon thine head; bathe thy face with tears; cry, groan, howl,
lament: let the tigers and panthers hear with terror! thou hast
given birth to base and disloyal men! Ah! who on earth can be
loyal, since an Arabian knight ceases to be so? :l\1en! you shall be
forever abhorred; the great prophet has despi:5ed his own nation.
Ye fertile lands of our country, the seed shall wither or change
its nature in your bosom; henceforth shall ye bear only wild
fruits. Ye l1appy flocks in our vales, your udders shall become
dry!
c. Active and. industrious people! who bear rich ahundance, even
through the parcheù plains of IIesehon and Philal'ioth; who sßid
to the desert, thou
halt be desert no more; see the flu.gs of your
tents stream thro
1gh the air; enjoy your success! And you, who
\yere once a. happy people, descend fr('lll those strol1g places,
w here are all your posse
sioll
, (li:-;arm yourscl n's of those LuckIe.rs
anù lances, which y:Üllly load your flrlllb: prepare for fi
ht or
slaYljry; the darts you throw, the arrows I-hot from your lJOWS arc
1,('come u::s('le"
reeds, now
since the hOllor of AralJÌa i:-; no more'
Hold out your hands to recei, e the couqnerol"s fettel'E;
\"hel'o
virtue resiùes not, liberty can no longer ')uLsi;:,t.

Ii:N L'EHTAIX;UE
TS.

86

" Insult no more the effeminate son of Egypt, or the Syrian, who,
III pursuit of riches, commits himself to the inconstancy of the
billows. Remember you have none now to defeud you.
" 0, Salamis! 0, my fa.ther ! when you shall demand back from
those base cowards the treasure with whith JOu entrusted them;
when your awful voice shall say, where is my son? ah! how will
their souls be filled with terror! The bowels of the earth shall
yawn when it is too la.te, and swallow them up. Ye coward souls,
return not to Arabia. Afflict not by your hateful presence, those
whom you have dÏsh-Jnored. You feared toil, famine: and death,
if you should follow me; but may toils and famine pursue you
from desert to desert!
"Thou star which didst preside over the birth of lIabib, and
hast called him to a high destiny through thickest dangers, cast
a.n eye now upon him. lIe despises the present danger, and
marches on to encounter others. j)lay thine illfluence thus enable
him to brave all dangers, and sustain him in his career.
"Strength of the
Iussulma.ns! fall at his feet!" "\Vith these
words, Habib fell on his knees beside the spring, performed his
ablution, and prayed to God and the great prophet, with more
fervor, no doubt, but with equal calmneEs as if he had been in his
father's tent.
lIe looked toward the polar star, which was henceforward his
guide, and perceived a steep and lofty mountain, which he de-
termined to ascend. He saw beside him his mantle and buckler.
" Dear gifts of Heaven!" cried he, "you have been torn out of the
hands of treachery, you shall be my defence!" he next found his
poniard in his girdle: "Fear not, Dorathil-goase," said he, " your
knight is not disarmed; enough is left him wherewith to avenge
you on your enemies."
Before setting out, he provided himself with some wild plants,
of which 11 Haboul had taught him the use, and of which the
roots were to serv
him fer food. lIe then proceeded on his journey
with lp-ss anxiety than when he had twenty men accompanying him
with reluctance. Ilis bare head bore without inconvenience, all
the torrid heat of the sun. Being no les8 agile than vigorous, he
procee<.led with great 8peed ; he stopped only to pray occasionally;
aud from time to time refreshed himself by chewing the roots
which he had gathered.
Defore night he )'p3ched the mountain which he had seeu bef)l"c

870

AHABIAN NIGUrs'

him in the morning. lIe there saw a deep gully full ()f water
Lut so deep that it could not be reached without great trouLle.
A tree hung over this C
1Yern, which had Leen hollowed out by the
force of torrents from the mountains. lIe cut the roots of a.nother
tree with his poniard, joined this to the former, and by means of
the two, glided softly down to the bottom of the gully, and there
quenchcd his burning thirst. Yet, so much was he affected by this
unlooked-for ia,yor f1'0111 Heaven, that he would not satisfy his
neces
ity till he had fir
t performeù his ablution, and thanked the
Author of nature, and l\Iohanuued his prophet. After this, he
drauk aud came up out of the ca,..ity.
He was oLliged to pass the night here, and to keep on his
guard against wild animals. At the distance of a few paces, he
J)erceived a rock hollowed out Ly the waters. lIe soon gathered
a numher of large stones, and formed a sort of cavern, ill which
he could sleep safely. He then spread his mantle, laid his buckler
under his head, and fell asleep, yet not without first reflecting on
his situation.
" The brave man," faid he to himself, " finds everywhere a tent;
'v hercas the coward knows not w here to lay his he ad . -
" Happy he who learns in cnmps to sleep while the trumpet
Bounds! even thunder will not disturb his rest.
"II lIaboul and my father taught me to become a Ulan; and here
I am, the Dlan formed by my father and II Haboul.
" Salamis! II Haboul! Dorathil-goase! behold your Bon, your
pupil, your lover. lIe rests in peace upon a rock, confident tha.t
ho shall awake to glory.
" Ye stars, inimica.l to our happiness! you oppose the decree:J
of HmtYen, and shfLll one day Le driven from it; I lJrave you uuder
the vast mass which shelters me; a pavilion framed by the hanùs
of men, would leave me exposed to yonI' malignity.']
Habib having uttered these sentiment
, fell asleep 'fhe SflYage
inhabitants of the forest discovering the tracks of the traveller's
footsteps, came to prowl around the cavern. They uttered dreadful
yens, and contended fl)r their prey, before they reached him.
Love might haye held the lover of Dorathi1-goase awake, but fear
could not disturh him. He was in need of repose; aud Fìleep,
notwithstanding the frightful noise of lions and tigers, kindly
strewed her poppies over him.
At length the sun arose, and hh; raJs penetrated through the

ENTERTAIN:\IE;\i;T5.

371

cllillks of the cavern in which young lIalJib lay. lIe awoke, came
out, went down again to the water, washed him\;clf, prayed, and
then refreshing himself with the few roots he had in resorve, re-
sumed his mantle and. buckler, and went on his way.
Hardly had he reached the I:mmmit of one mountain, when an-
other still more inaccessible, rose hefore him. No roaù nor pa.th
by \\.hich it was possible to climb up, appeared. lIe might, in-
deed, ascend, by leaping and scrambling; from rock to rock. In the
plain he had to travel over a. heavy and scorchjng sand; not a tuft
of grass was to be seen even ou those spots which were het:ìt
sheltered from the sun; not a drop of waLor; nature had dried all
up, and seemed to be leading the traveller on the way to the wo:,'ld
below.
Habih, worn out with fatigue, with thirst, and hunger, now found
fill his provision of roots exhaw
ted. He quickened his pace, that
he might reach the mountain before him ere it were night. He at
length ga.ined it, but found no spring; nor gully. lIe hastily reartd
a hut of loose stones, within which he shut himself up, ove1'-
})owero<1 hy fatigue, and tortured with hunger. However, he tried
the only means which remained hy which he Illight cool his tongue
and palate. Having observed the dC\\'s fall in great abull(lance in
the countries through which he was travelling, he spread his hand-
kerchief on a rock without the cavern, intending to squeeze the
dew from it, when it should have imbibed enough.
After taking this pre-caution, which saved him from a greater
evil, he performed the duties of a pious
Iussulman, and lay down
to rest. But he could not fall asleep without communing with
himself.
" Speak':' said he; ,: Habib, answer! "'\Vhen thou wast destined
to pursue glory through the midst of dangers, did fate at the same
time (lccree that thou shouldst find means of support hy the way?
., Thou art in a desert. Ask :\loh:unmed why he has not ordered
::\lose8 to rain honey anfl manna upon thee, as they were rained
upon the children of Abraham? .
- -
" TIm.n to fi;!;ht, thou dost fight! l
l' firm, Ha1Jih. Ileayen is for
th('e j hut t11Ou-;1
al
fl:;-t1IYRelt

" The applause of Salamis, of II I1ahoul, of Amirala, of I1eaYOll
itself, the heart and hand of Dorathil-goase, the throne of the seven
Beas-these are the prizes reserved for thy valor. Pass firmly
through the fire;
hou marchest on to glory."

372

AI:.ABIAN XIGIlT;S'

lIahiL thus recovering l)atience antl courage, slcpt in peace. lIe
awaked with the ùawn vf morn and went out to take up his hand-
kerchief. 0 Providence! 0 goodne
s! The linen which he
wrung into the hollow of a stolle furnished him with a cup of
l)lessillg, a most delicious beverage, since it was seasoned by want.
His heart overflowed with gratitude, and, as he pursued his
journey, he 83.id, "He who gave me the dew, taught me how to
avail myself of it. Blessed be the author of the universe! Y e
pointed rocks, calcined by the sun at your Creator's word, you
onee poured forth gushing springs! Thirst and h.unger flee beforú
the Lord of Nature. The stores of abundance are opened at hi!:!
pleasure."
1'ho traveller, proceeding on his way, found beh\,'eell t\vo rockM,
-a tiger
s den. 1'he female was there with her young. At the sight
of the hero, her eyes glared with keener firts; her hair stood on
end; she lashed the air with her tail, and the rocks re-echoed her
roar. She sprang upon our hero; he opposed her with his buckler,
and drawing bis poniard, plunged it with a firm and vigorous hand
into the animal's heart. The tigress fell; and the hero, to avail him-
solf of the adventure to the best advantage, made a mantle of her
skin, cut away such parts of her body
!; he could use for food, and
thanked Ileaven and l\Iohammed for his victory.
I t was late, and he, therefore, needed to think of a retreat for the
night; the tiger's den afforded him oue ready prepared. He killed
the young tigers, arranged things ill the most commodious manner
within, and shut up the mouth with a large stone, upon which he
laid out his handkerchief to receive the dew. He then lay down
upon the skin of the tigress.
After the dew of the evening was fallen, he took in his handker
chief and squeezed its contents into the skull of the tigress. Some.
bits of her flesh dried in the sun afforded him a few delicious mor-
Eels. Having thus satisfied his wants, he lay down to rest from
his fatigue, and having elevated his Boul with the most sublimo
ideas, fell asleep.
:, The blessings of the Al
ighty," said he, " are diffused through
all nature. 'Vhen she holds them back, the industrious man call
force thel 1 from her.
"Thanks to thee, 0
Iohammed! thou hast looked with favor
ou young Habib, deserted by his friends and countrymen! Thou
La
t gi\yeu him for a companion one of thy subject spirits.

E
TEI{TAIN
IE
T3.

373

" Everything it) easy to me. 'The enemy which rose up before
me, fell by a single blow; her skin serves me for a garment; her
flesh feeds me, and I drink out of her skull.
"Tremble: ye audacious enpmies of Dorathil-goase; tl1e kuight
has been victoriouR j even unarmed. lie marches on under the pro.
tection of the prophet to win the arms of Solomon."
Habib, invigorated with new strength and courage, anticipated
the dawn of day, and proceeded on hiB journey with greater activ-
ity than ever. But he saw not yet the term of his toils; newob-
stacles and dangers seemed still to rise before him. Precipitous hills
appeared in endless succession; and from their summits naught was
to be seen but wide-spread deserts. In those pathlet;s ways which
man had never trod, where no living creature was to be scen hut
wild beasts which fled before him, or met his poniard; and mon-
strous serpents, which he was obliged to crush with hroken rocks,
courage was uuuerved by uncertainty, and the natural vigor of the
hero began to diminish.
U pOll the declivity of one of the highest hills he had yet crossed,
when he had no food remaining lJut a few roots, he looked before
him, and saw a sandy plain terminated by the horizon. He could
hope for no relief or refreshment, till he should have crossed that
wide d
sert. '1'0 an ordinary man this would have heen matter f01"
despair; but Habib thought only how he might best overcome the
new difficulties to which he here saw himself exposed.
He could not travel over this plain by day without being scorch.
ed by the reflection of the sun's rays, and losing the use of his feet
among the burning sands; nor could he find a drop of water to
quench his thirst. By night, how should he form a place of re-
treat amidst burning sands? The tigers aud panthers which prowl
in the hours of darkness lllight seize him unawares, and make him
their prey. IIalJiL rc
oh-ed to rc-st by day. and by night to pro-
ceed on his jOUl'llPY, ulldcr the guidance of t.he bright northern
star.
At the sight of the ocean of sand which opened before him
while the sun ,,-as yet iu his meridian, he 8tupped
and l)y means
of his poniard, djf:i}Josed his lJuekler so as to t;hclter his head
from the Bun's rays, and then lay duwu upon his tiger'!:; skiu, a'id
fell Hsleep.
The night no sooner sprpad her curtain, than he arose and went
on. The halldkerchicf for receiving the dew was IJOlllld ahout his

37,J

AHAIUAN KIGIlTS'

neck, m:d floated o,er his shoulders, thus he co
lld quench his
thirst; but how should he satisfy his hunger 1 Only two of the
roots were left, and he knew .not when ProvidencE> would afford
him another supply. However, he went cheerfully on; and he
In'oceeded with wonùer at the Fpectacle which the heavens dis-
played to his eyes.
"The splendid ntult of heaven," said he, " surrounds all nature,
and covers even the naked de
ert. Is there a single spot on
th
w here man will not find Limself forced to ftllmire the wOl1 d
f
hit.-; Creator's power 1 Should I go down into the bowels of the
earth, there would I find gold and rubies, and ri,-ers still more
precious. The moon rises in the horizon, to supply tIle place of
the absent SUD. The stars, dispensers of the dew, In-we already aù.
yanced before her. You shall be refreshed, ye barren
and
. IJut
t he sun, when he darts his rays on you, canDot moye you. N oth-
ing can oyer fertilize your l
arren nature. The ungrateful heart
it; like the sand of the desert. The favors of Heaven are showered
upon it without making allY impression which may show them to
IIH,ye been there.
,. Courage, Habib! tbou shalt never despi:-;e what has oeen Jone
for thee. TIëhold that emotion in the sky. There, at this very
.
illst.lllt, is thy destiny ,veiglied. Away then with fear! put a.
steady and vigorous foot on the balance; thou shalt thus weigh it
down to thy side. See how calm the upper region! There are
thy judges: Mohammed and his se,-en prophets are soliciting for
thee !
., Great Prophet, friend of God! a ,Mussulman cries to thee in
the desert; hear, hear his yoice!
"The object he pursues is worthy of a. hlJl'o. Thou wast on
earth a model for heroes. Glory anù love iuflame his heart!
Tholl diðdaine
t none 'who bear the stamp of virhH'."
Thus II :tbih, as he tra.yclled, forgot hi
wants aud filtignes. ...\8
he looked towarù the dpscrt he thought he dit.-;cerneù a
lllall hlack
spot. "....\t last," said he, " this plai:l has limits; what I sce is 110
ùonlJt a mountain, or a collection of YilV,ïS oyer
Oll1e tract of iuhaL-
itahlc country. Thou shalt Rce mell, il,t,1Ji ì _). The paRRiolls, indeed,
ann us agaim;t one another; lmt Ulall always rejoices at the siglJt
of his fellow. These ha,e, perhaps; nC'H'l' seen the child of Proi-
idcnce; I !:)hall show him to them, and force them to helie\'e in
J>rovidence. I will not say I Blust h
l\"c gold, silrpl", Hocks, tell

ENTERTAIN
lENT8.

ð7!J

or slaves: I will only ask a pitcher of water, a handful of rice,
aud the road to Caucmms!"
Habib in vain made prodigious efforts to reach the black
pot.
It still aplìeared at the same di
tance. He was tortured to agony
by hunger anù thirst, and sc'Ûrched by the lmrning heat. II e stop-
ped at length, and lay down. Ilis imagination, filled with ideal
hopes, soon soothed hinl into sleep.
'he coolness of the evening
awaked him. lIe had been tossed and agitated with painful dreams.
A rivulet seemed to run backward to its source, to refuse him
drink; abundance of sumptuous meats were set before him, lJut
before he could taste them they were removed by invil:5iLle hands.
lIe arose, greatly fatigued, and hoped thai, after continuing his
journey through the night, by morning to have reached the object
toward which his eyes were constantly directed. He exerted all
his strength, and used every means to withstand the fatigue which
exhausted him. Strong in his m,'n courage solely, he yet triumph-
ed, and rose superior to himself.
Day at length returned; but still the black spot appeared at
the same distance as before. Habib's feet were uncovered, and
the torrid sand scorched them; one cloud of dust was still blown
upon him after anQther, aud his strength was entirely exhausted;
everything seemed to fail him, find he became almost hopeless.
IIe spread the tiger'/::! skin upon the sand, fell down with his knees
upon it, and rai
ing hit:) bands, thus addressed his ardent prayer to
Heaven, calling out in a voice of grief mixed with cOllfidClJce:
"I mn lost ill an ocean of sand, the limits of which I cannot
perceive. The earth flees beforp me like a cloud. I have called
on the lJUrning sand to afford me water for alJlution; it obeyed
and I am purified. The Creator will bring the earth to meet me
and supply my wants.
Co See, my feet refuse to bear me, my legs stagger, my knees
bend; yet I will crawl, even on my belly, to the place whither 1
am called by the decrees of fate. But. what wilt thvll bay, 0 great
Prophet, to see a child of thy tribe crawl like a worm 1"
,rhile he thus spoke, and his eyes were still fixed on the object
toward whieh he seemed to be vainly tra\'elling, he observed a
point parting from it, and moving toward him through the air; it
sailed for some time through the firmament; after which it came
down. I t proved to be a bird of monstrous size. It \\ as a ro
,
It alighted within fifty paces of him, and there rested for some
time, motionless.

37G

ARAßIAX NIG IlTS'

IIaLib arose and advancea toward the bird. As soon lS he was
near enough to Le heard: "Bird," said he, "thou art a creature
of the Lord; and I I'espect thee as a production of his power. It
thou art sent to the assi
tance of an unfortunate but faithful
Ius-
sulman, abandoned by his brethren, I command thoe, in the name
of God and his pl'olJhct, to giye BODle sign Ly which I may kno""
that thou art sent Ly them."
The roc immediately extended its wings, clapped them three
times, and bowed its head to Habib. The young sultan went close
up to. it, and perceived a damask cushion suspended between its
feet by silken cords; he caught hold of the cords, alid seated him-
self upon the cushion. .K 0 sooner was he thus placed, than the
Lird arose and flew aloft into the air.
c. The earth which seemed to Hee before me, now recedes under
my feet," said HaLib, as he wa
carried upward among the clouds.
Co Ye frightfullJiles of sand, Je are no more than a grain of dust
to my eyes! Present famine and death to the monsters and veno-
mous reptiles w bich illhalJit JOu; J'ou can do nothing ngair..st the
slave of God, the 8er'"ant of the great prophet; a path is opened
to him through the air. 'Thou bird, who art the messenger of tbe
1\lost High, obey the orders of a faithful l\Iussulman. Bear him
to
Mount Caucmms, where the arms of the sage and powerfuJ
Solomon are deposited.
The obedient roc bore young Habib to the mountain which "n

the destined term of his journey. Ilis senECS were confounded hy
the rapidity of its flight, which increased his weakne8s. II IIn-
boul received him, and bore him to a place where an agreeable
warmth soon revived him.
"
hen with the return of his strenf,:!:th he l'ecovered sensf" his
lips opened with expreslSions of gratitude. ""\Vhat! is it you, my
dear II Ilaboul ; JOu ha,'e not forsaken me, then!"
"The orders of my superiors, 0 yaliallt sultan, have brought
you hither':' replied the genie. " A bird of the great Solomon's
has borne JOu from the desert; I am appointed to receive you;
yuu will easily judge how pleasant I finù the task. I am not un-
acqu::ï,iuteù with the treachery to which you have been exposed,
or the di
tress which you have suffered in the desert, or the af-
flictious of Sa1n.mi
, Jour fatbf'l'. I am the kee})er of the treas-
ures of Solomon which arc derO!sited in the bo'\\ cIs of the earth,
and withuut his orders dare not remoye; otherwi
e, I would 11:\...('

ENTEUTAIX11ENTS.

377

come to your a8sistance. It is the will of Heaven that virtue be
prùved by trials; and you have undergone a very severe trial.
The sufferings of Emir Salamis and Amirala are n
t le8s thall
yours. Q.:.owns of
ry awai t you; but they must be taken by
violence. Such is the lot of all who are highly favored. umollj!; the
sonSõr mëñ." -
-'Yhilo he spoke thus, a collation was set upon "the table consist-
ing of such meats as were not too heavy or cloying to a stomach
of which the powers were worn out by long abstinence.
Habib proceeded to refresh himself; but was surprised at the
sa:ne time to find such ple
ty, even of delicacies, amidst the most
dreary de
ert in nature.
"This is the abode of enchantment," said II Ilaboul. "N 0 re-
150urce can be wanting to the great Solomon. To his wisdom all
nature is subject. Before he went to take his place beòide our
great prophet, he buried his treasures here, to hide them from the
daring avarice of men, who seldom find enjoyment expect in the
abU!se of what Providcnce be
tows. 11 ere are the arms deposited
with which he combated rebellious men and spirits. lllauousa-
trous, grandfather to Dorathil-gmuse, I, and the gcn ii of the race
of Eblis, felt our inferiority ere it was too late, alid submitted
without re
istance. Others were less wise than we, and are shut
up in dungeons not far distant. The formidable Abarikafi;
with whom you are to contend, with a number of others, have
made their esca!Je by flight, by fraud, and even by force.
" Hitherto, my dear Habib, you have sho\\Tn unshrinking firm-
ness, and displayed your strength and courage in combating wild
beasts. Want and difficulties have not slakened your valor. The
eye that watches over you has assisted you when you could do
nothing for yourself. 'Vhen the roc alighted before you, you had
yet five icy mountains to pass, before you could have reached the
summit of Caucasus, which you had seen at two hundred leagues
distance. nut the dangers which now await you, are of a differ-
ent sort. It is not by the exertion of strength they are to be op-
posed; but by calm fortitude; by courage, which no terrors call
move. Thus shall you penetrate into the trLasury of the great
Solomon, and bring out the arms which no power can rcsist. A

SOon as your body 8ha11 be reinyigorated Ly rcst, I will Bpeak to
you concerning the tasks you have to fulfil, and the meallr; to 1e
employed."

878

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

After this, II Haboul made his pupil enter his cavern, ani
hcn
furnishcd him with conveniences for rest after his fatigucs. Ex-
hausted as Habib was, more than one day \Va8 necessar'y to restore
his health, and fit him for the enterprise in which he was about to
engage. Had it not been for the authority which the genie had
assumed ovcr him, from Ilis infancy, it might have been difficult
to restrain so passionate a lover. TIut the sage II Haboul could
avail himself of a power which long }Jabit had confirmed; and he
accordingly prevailed with his pupil to expose himself to no new
trials, till he should have fully recovered his strength. In the
meantime, he informed him what was to be done in order that he
might accomplish the purpose of his journey to l\Ioullt Caucasus.
" 1\ly dear Habib," said he, "you are called by destiny to be the
avenger of Dorathil-goase, and to punish the rebellion of the
ar-
barous Almrikaff. The dominions of that princess lie at a yast
distance. Deserts as immense as those you have traversed} divide
you from the seas which surround the seven islands; and if yûu
should think of going 1y sea, the road to the shore is neither short
DOl' open. The only way is through the centre of the earth. But
what care and prudence are requisite, that you may travel succelSs-
fully by this line! "\Vhat energy of mind must you possess, my
dear sultan, if you can undertake so dangerous a journey! If
forty brazcn gates, guarded by malcvolent genii endowed with ex-
traordinary strength and courage, shall stop YOI1; if confusion and
forgetfulness surprise you but for a moment, you will be exposed
to the greatest of all nâ:;fortunes !
" You must pass through all the rooms in which Solomon's t1'ea8-
ures are deposited. The first of these contaius the most precious
of all, those very arms with which he attaiued that high degree of
power which astonished the world. This part is the least strictly
guarded, and the most open to the researches of men. Happy
would they be if they could content themselves with penetrating
thus far, and aClj,uiring those arms, without desiring to advance
fa.rther.
" Solomon surpassed all the men on the earth in knowledge. lIe
fb,ed its principles and illustrations by three hundred and sixty-six
hieroglyphics, each of which required a d:ty's application from even
the ablest understanding, before its mysterious sense could be un-
derstood. \V ould you take time to penetrate into these mysteries 1"
" I love Dorathil-goase," said Habib; "she is in danger; I must

ENTEUT AI]\
lENTS.

379

June the arms to fight with Abarikaff; I 8hall endeavor to acquire
this knowledge after I have conquered him." "It is possible to
be less inexcusable for such a fhilure in you; but since Solomon
left the earth, five hundred knights have penetrated into these
deserts; all have neglected the studies which I propose to you,
and gone in search of the treasures deposited in the cavities of
this immense subterraneous recess. They would, first of all,
gratify their passions, and not one of them has returned; they have
all failed through ignorance. Let us, however, strive to save you
from the same disgrace.
" I will conduct you to the first gate; at your feet you will see
a golden key; pick it up, and open the gate; the bolt of the lock-
you may move by the slightest effort. Be careful to shut the g:Üe
behind you, so gently that it may not make the least noise.
" In the first hall you will find a black slave of a gigantic size.
Fort
y keys of the other apartments through which you are to pa
s,
are suspended by a chain of diamonds, which hangs from his left
hand. A t sight of you he will utter a tremendous yell, which
will shake the vaults of the subterranean rooms, and will at the
same time raise over your head an enormous scimetar. Preserve
your soul unmoved with fear j look upon his sabre; you know I
baye taught you to read the talismanic characters. Pronounce
aloud the words written upon the blade; commit them to memory,
80 that whatever trials and dangers you may be exposed to, they
may never be eff.-tCed. Your safoty depends up(\n them.
"The slave will then become subject. to you. You must disarm
lJÎm, and take from him the keys, and the f5cimetar of the great
Solomon; but you will look in vain for the talisman; it will dis-
appear at the moment you pronounce the words of which it con-
sists. You will then open the first of the forty doors, and shut it
behind you, with the same precautions as before. There you will
Bee the arms of Solomon; but touch not his casque, his cuirass,
nor his buckler. You have hiB scimetar, and it is not with steel
you are to arm yourself. Solomon was victorious through courage,
vigor, patience, and prudence. Fòur
ta.tues, engraved with hier-
oglyphics, will exhibit before you representations of these fonr
virtues. Reflect long upon those emblems, and learn to decipher
their meaning. These are arms which can nover be taken from
you. Examine carefully the arms of the prophet, as well aR the
&..illletar of the Blave. The knowledge you. may acquire frore th
w

380

A.RABIAN NIGHTS'

iI"
will enable you to vanquish all enemies that may rise up í\g
1:.n...t
you; but without this, and without retaining in your memory the
characters engraven on the sabre, remember that you have in your
hands nothing but a piece of steel, which rust and the teeth ot
time will consume away.
"'Vhen you have stayed in the first apartment as long as you
think proper, you may then with a bouud advance over the space
which leads to the second hall. Open and shut this door with the
same care as before. The sabre which you wear, and the words
which you pronounce, will make you master of the slave
wbich
guard the door, whoever they are. I shall not enter into a par-
ticular detail of the immense riches which you will find here. In
the eyes of Solomoll, gold and jewels were things of small price,
although he employeù them in constructing works, the mcmory of
which shall last forever; yet he restored them with lJleasnre to
thc bowels of the earth, from which bis knovdedge bad ül1aLled
him to extract them. lIe thought them not nece
sary to the hap-
piness of men.
"If, in passing through these forty halls, you meet with anyone
object whoRe nature you cannot comprehenù, rub the blade of your
scimetar: repeat the words
which you must have taken care to re-
member, and who will thus discover tbe sense of the enigmas pre-
sented to you.
"I have no need, 0 virtuous sultan, to warn you against avarice,
or indiscretion, the first causes of the 10s8 of those knights who
tried this periJous adventure before you. You bave learned in the
tûnts of Emir Salamis, in what true riches and real power consist.
Gold gave no lustre to his pavilions, nor was he forced first to
gather and then to scatter it. A formidable army marched when
he gave the signal. A wise choice of things useful, and contempt
of superfluities, constituted his abundance.
"Curiosity is also a fault against which you must be on your
guard. Remember that, whatever can move curiosity, in the path
01. '\Y
lich you are entøring
must be extremely dangerous to the
man who is unacquainted witli the three hundred and !Sixty-six
truthH, the only principlps of the wisdom of Solomon.
" Above all, wlH'n you have opened the fortieth door, within
whieh your su hterraneous journey terminates, beware of looking
curiously at what you shall see. A veil of silk, and golden char-
ac..ters in relief, shall meet your eyes. Turn from them. If you

ENTERTAIN
IENTS.

881

read, it is your death-warrant, and will be in8tantly executed; but
lift up the curtain, and you will be etruck with the most beautiful
Bight that can be beheld, if you have wisely observed all the ruleij
of prudence which I have taught you., You will see the first of
the seyen seas, which you ID1.lSt pass before you can join Dorath1.1-
goase, and you will find everything ready to conduct you thither.
But if you fail in a siugle point of the instructions wh ch I have
given you, you will be exposed to the most dreadful dangers."
"It is, perhaps, unfortunate for me," replied Habib, " that I am a
stranger to fear, and if it be so, I lllay blm:ae you, and Salamis, and
Amirala. You taught me to ar111 my brea-st again8t every sen ti-
rucnt of terror, and, perhaps, to depend with too much confidence
on my own strength. But I shall strive to practise the lessons
which you taught me."
"
larch on, then, valiant hero, under the eyes of the great
Solomon.
lay his spirit accompany you. I form the warmest
wishes for your success, ånd in it shall I find the recompense for
the pains which I took in your education."
II Haboul deposited in his cavern the skin of the tigress, the
buckler, and the poniard, which the sultan bore. lIe dressed him
in a light and simple garb, the most suitable for the enterprise in
which he was engaging. The genie then took him by the hand,
and led him through a winding alley of the cavern to the first
brazen door of which they perceived the key.
"Take this key," said his governor. "Forget not when you shall
see the sabre of the first slave raised over your head, to pronounce
aloud the talismanic characters inscribed npon its blade. Read
them with such care that you may never forget them. Repeat
them upon every appearance of danger, as well within as with-
out the immense ca.vern you are going to traverse. Open and shut
the doors with the greatest caution; remember that in this recess
all is symbolical, and that your actions must correspond. You
will not forget my other advices; but I have insisted more par-
ticularly upon the most important. Emhrace me, my dear 1-1a-
bIb! I return whither duty calls me." Il Haboul then retired.
Habib opened and shut the first door softly. lIe percei\-ed a
gigantic black, who, when he saw him, uttered a cry which re-
sounded through the vaults of the first grotto. The monster raised
his dreadful scimetar. Habib, watchful, cast his eyes upon the
blade. and pronounced alone the word, power, which he saw written

382

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

upon it in letters of gold. The slave was instantly disarmed. Tln
BciL."1etm" alid keys fell together from his hand, and he bOWC'-l down
ùcforc his conqueror.
The yuung sultan seized the reduubtaùle weapon, adVHnced to
the second door, alid it opened to him. Scven diHcrellt rü<tùs al'-
reared, but all were dark. Uncertain which to choo
e, he pro.
!luunced in a loud voicc, the enchanted word. A pale and glim-
lllerillg light then beca.me visible at the entrance, upon the fourth
road. He pursued a light down a flight of fourteen hundred anù
ninety steps.
He came then to the third door, still continuing to conduct him-
t;clf with the same prudence. Hc was receivcd by two monster
,
who were half-women, who brandished two enormous grappling
hooks of iron, to seize him. He pronounced the word power;
the iron became soft, and the monst
rs fled.
Habib was
truck with a ravishing sIght. A lustre of carbun-
cles illuminated a round hall, the roof of which was supported by
colullllls of jasper. The arn10r of the great Solomon appeared as
tt trophy in the centre; the phoonix cxpanding all her feathers,
crowned the casque. The glance of the cuirass and the buckler
was brighter than the eyes of man coul,d bear; the steel-pointed
lance sparkled like fire. rrhere was no scimetar; Lut Habib with
pleasure obscl"ved that the scimetar he held in his hand corre-
sponded to the other pieces of the armor. :Mysterious characters
were engraven upon all those weapons; of these he tried to dis-
cover the sense, and read on the cuirass: "Firmness of soul is the
best cuirass man can put on."
He proceeded, and found on the other parts of the armor, ,. Pa-
tience is his buckler. Ilis tongue is his strongest lance. vVisdom
must be his casque. Prudence his vizor. \Vithout valor his arms
are defenceless. \Vithout constancy his lcgs are infirm."
" 0 great Solomon!" cried the hero, "the phænix still proudly
expands its feathers on the crest of your helmet.
"Cover yourselves with coats-of-mail, ye' feeble warriors of the
earth! The prophet of the Almighty marched on to victory
through the aid of virtue."
IIabib next contemplatcd the three hundred and sixty-six
hieroglyphics which ornamented the walls of the saloon. One of
these was singularly simple in its nature, yet he could not com-
prehend its meaning. Another more complicated immediately diR.

E
TEH.T A I
2\IENTS.

383

covered its mysteriou
import. The three hundred anù sixty-six
hieroglyphics explained thelIlselyes, yet can only be eXplained one
by one.
" Science," said he, " thou wast made for my heart; I feel it ; but
my under
tanding is far from thee. 'Vho. shall give me the eyes
of the lynx to penetrate thy mysteries,? The lustre with 'which
thou shin est in my eyes forces mc to turn them downward.
"Habih! march on to thy destiny; a crown of glory is promised
thee. 'Visdom descends from the Heaven of Heavens; desire it
still more and more, and proceed on thy career under the propi-
tious influcnce of thy star P'
As he 8poke thm-:;, he advanced toward the door by which he was
to be admitted into the apartments where Solomon's riches were
d('posited. Descentling by neW flights of steps, anù by winding
paths, he came to the different doors; which he successively opened
and shut without noise. 'Vherever be advanced he met with mOll-
sters that strove to terrify him, by displaying their deformity, and
by their cries and Illenace
. Of one the head rel'emhled a hUlllan
skull, armed with horns, and terminating before in an eagle's hill.
In another the three forms of a lion, a tiger, and an elephant, wpre
monstrously blended together. A hydra having three women's
heads, with twisted serpents for hair, presented itself among the
rest, to terrify our hero.
But Habib, armed with undaunted courage, and faithful to-\he
counsels of the genie, awed with a word these threatening phan-
toms, and looked with indifference upon the heaps of gold and.
diamonds, and the broken id(J.Is which lay before him. He passed
rapidly from one door to another, where the ohjects 'which he saw
exhibited no sign symbolical of the prophet's victories. He stopped,
however, at one place.
It was an immense ha]1, around which an infinite number of
beings in the human forIll were seated. They appeared to be
1istening to the most, euera,1)le person in the comp
UlY, who was
seated upon an elevated
eat, before a reading-desk, and read aloud.
"
hen Hahib cntereù, the wholc RssemlJly arose, and b(Jweù to the
hero. The reader pau
ed out of respect to him, and the sultan,
addressing himself to that venerable person, spoke as follo\ys :
"If you are at liherty to inform me,.tell me who you are, and
what it is you are reading 1" " I am a genic, slave to S(JlollloJl,'}
!!aid the reader; ,: my task is to instruct my brethren, whum YOIl

854

ARABIAN NIGllr:s'

sce here; they will be set at liLerty when they shall have acquired
· all the knowledge necessary for the direction of their conduct.
The book I read is the Alcoran. Alas! I have explained it to
them for these several centuries, and yet there are still an eighth
part of my hearers who tmderstand not even the first line! Pro-
ceed, young mussulman; you have nothing to learn either frolll
them or me; follow your destiny, and continue to Le as circumspect
as you have beeD."
I-Iabib left this school, reflecting with h
llself h<Lw difficult it is
to understand the word of God when we are not disposed to listen
to it. He blessed God and his Prophet that he had been instructed
in his earliest years in the truths of the Alcoran.
The young sultan had now opened and shut nine-and-thirty doors.
JIe had been five days in passing those suLterranean recesses;
places where the sun comes not to indicate the lapse of time;
where ages after ages roll on unperceived; places inhabited by
those beneficent spirits who are ever actively employed in promo-
ting the happiness of the faithful, and are not subject to the ma-
lignant power of their neighbors.
Habib passed not into the dungeons where the wicked genii
lived, ùnder a law in its nature and tendency directly opposite.
Over them the scythe of time moves with a motion which cannot be
calculated. All the vices of the world spring up and thrive in
their perverse souls; and they are su ldected to the tyranny of
every lawless appetite and pas8ion.
Our hero had not counted the number of the doors through
which he had passed. Still as a new one obstructed bis progress,
its key sprung from the bunch in his hand, and spontaneously
placed itself in the lock. At last he stood before the fortieth
door. It opened, and he perceived the fatal silken curtain of
which the genie had Bpoken. lIe hastily drew aside the curtain,
and saw the sea upon which he was to embark, in order to reach
the end of all his toils. lIe sprang hastily forward, but at the
same instant the fortieth gate, which he had forgotten to shut, fell
back upon its hinges with a dreadful noi
e, at which Caucaslls
tremhled to its foundation.
.. All the doors through which he had pas
ed, and all those of the
dungeons in the bowels of the earth, were overturned and lJroken,
with a noise which seemed to shake the arch of Heaven. Legions
of spirits, in the most hideous fOì.'ills, issued forth ana uttacked

ENTE[
T.\ I
'IENT::;.

3S;;

Habib. The mo::;t frightful Higm.:, the lllo
t terrifyiug uIarms, a
-
companied their threats and gesture
.
Habib turned to oppose thell). Had hc 1,cen suscel'ti1Jlc of
fear he must have IJeen terrified. I3ut tbe extraord'inary nature
of the danger rendered him firm aud cool. lIe recollected tbe
formidable word, imd, diRplaying at the same time the sword of
Solomon, pronounced it with a firm voicc. The affrighted crowd
instantly retired with precipitation; the door which opened to the
sea was violently shut, Imt all the malevolcnt gcnii did not rcturn
into their dark abodes.
Part of them plunged into the sea. Its waters were raised with
fury from the deep abyss; the billows rose mountain high in the
air; vast masscs of vapor were spread through tbe sky. The day
disappcared, the sun was darkened; thundcrs began to roar;
the accumulating clouds struggled again
t the ragiug ,,-inùR, aud
the billows of the Bca dashing against one another, exhibited a
black and liquid surfacc, which the Ha:;hes of lightning
ccllleJ to
tingo with blood.
The tempest burst from all qur"rters. Thc imprisoned winds
and the thunder broke through the passages that were opened to
them. The sea fled hefore them tc its deep ahysscs. The dash-
ing of the waves, and the blustering of the winds, shook the very
foundation of the rockH; while the bla
e of the lightning, and the
r10ubling peals of the thunder, seemed to threaten this part of
the globe with the return of the primitive confusion of chaos.
This tumult and confusion of the elements was not wholly natu-
ral. II Haboul, the guardian of the prophefs armor a(Jd treasure,
had, at the moment that the rebel genii made their escape, left his
usual post at the head of the genii undcr his command; a.nd the
earth, the sea, and the air, were become each the theatre of a furious
and desperate com hat.
Habib, struck 'with the disorder which ho heheld around him,
could impute the cause to nothing hut his own imprudence. 'Yhen
he had opened the fatal curtain, both II caven and earth appeared
with a smiling a
l'ec.t, alld the sea was ealm. lIe pro::;tl.ated him-
self with hiB face to the ground, and cried:
., "-here is hc who thinks himself wise? Let him look upon me,
aud tremhle at hi
presumption. 1Yhère is he who always acts
prndC'llt1y? Let him ('onlP hitlwl" f\ He} confound me. 1'1y eyes
have had a glimpse of hapl'iuCf
S, but it has vanished frolll my
17

386

A IL\ In.\
Nlr. HTS'

"icw. I hiltl the key uf my fïtte, but it has chopped from my
hands. Dorathil-go3,f'e! your lover loves you with a passion,
which deprh:es him of reason. lIe is unworthy of yon. In my
present situation how t;hall I invoke to my aid the powers of the
earth? If I should seek to move Heaven, I hear a voice crying
from the depths of my soul: Give an account of the benefits Iwhich
Ileat'en has bestowed. The AraLia.ns of our tribe have betrnYf'd
me; but can I reproach them when I have betrayed myself?
Salamis, II IIa1Joul, Amirala, you have sown on an unprofita-
ble soil. How shall you reap the fruit 1 I shall weep like the
timid soul. Coufm;inn must co\'er my eyes when I have laid
aside the bandage of pride. 0 great Prophet!
criminal dareR
not lift up his voice to Heaven. But thou didst vouchsafe thy
favor in n signal manner to Habib when he merited nothing at
thy hand; but now, when he confesses his faults, lo
k down in
mercy and forgive him."
Habib, Imving uttered hiA prayer, arose, and looked around on
the scene where he now founù himself. lIe was on the height
of a ledge of rocks
the foot of which was violently lashed hy the
breaking waves of the ocean. The mountain was precipitous alld
insulated all around, and
cemed in a manner dptached from the
rest of the world. He proceeded for a mile, by scrambling and
leaping from rock to rock; the light of the sun was intercepted
by thick clouds; the flashes of lightning which broke from these,
gaye all surrounding objects a fiery and cupreous glare; an infec-
tious saline vapor composed the ahnosphpre in which he breatheiL
The day which illuminated these terrifJing a.ppearancps was
formed to augment t.he horror of the scene. Habib stood and con-
templated for some time the disorder which the warring elements
present('d hefore him. Then looking on his scimetar he saw the
talif.\l1lanic characters
hillO with ext.raordinary Instl'('. II TIahOt11
had formerly tau
ht him that Provi(lcllce never pcrformed a mir-
acle unless for some very important cause. The new glare of the
talisman, he hence cOllcl udeò, mu
t he intended to prompt him
who 1)Ore it to call its vÏrhH's into f'xertion, in order to
t.ill the
rap;ing cleHwnts. IIp, t1wrcforp, drew the mysterious hlndf', and
striking the air thrice, cried, "Powers of TIre, of parth. of air, of
the waters! I commallù you to return to yonr wOlltctl order
othprwisc I will reduce you to a dull inaction."
That instant a blaze of light was emitted rl'Olll thp IScimetnr, Le.
fore which alJ ()ther lightning was pale; a confused noi
e was

ENTERTAIN.\IEN1'S.

387

heard like tha.t of hills of saud sinkiug down one upon another.
1'he sea grew calm. 'The tempest cea
cd. Gentle breezes of the
west wind succeeded to the boisterous blasts from the north j and
the bright star of day gilded with his rays the stupendous rock on
whose summit the hero stood.
At so astoni8hing a change upon the face of llature
the sultan
could not avoid feeling a degree of terror with his joy. "\Yhat
power,'1 cried he, "has deigned to employ my weak hiLnù
, guilty
as I am, thus to still the rage of nature? How are the clements
f;uhject to my voice? Creator of the world! thou hast not turned
away thy face from me. Great pl.ophet! Habit) is still in thine
cJes a son of the tribe of Beni. IIilac."
.As he ceal"ed speaking with his face prostrate to the earth, he
heard a motion near his side, which prompted him to rai:;e his
head; and II Haboul stood uefore him.
"0 my protector! my master! you, no doubt; are the author
of the miracles which I have witnessed." " K 0, my dear Habib,"
replied the genie: "tbey are wrought by the influence of the great
Solomon, whose instrument you have beon. You know not what
disorders your negligence and forgetfulness of my counsels have
produced. The mi8chief you have done could hardly have been
l'epaired, withúut your exertions.
" Instead of shutting the fortieth door after you, you hurried
to the sea-shore. The gates of the dungeons which eonfilled the
l'eDel spirits, instantly burst open, and the prisoners swarmed forth.
You yourself would have been the first victim of their rage, had
you Dot employed the t.alisman to whose name they were Oll
e
subject. Terrified at the sight of it, they a
cended into the air,
and raised the storm which you have witnessed.
" I followed them at the head of the spirits under my C0l111Ualld.
1Ye bpgan a violent comlJat
the (':!fects of which you also wit-
nesspd, without understanding them. You thpn pmployed the
only means which remainf'd in your power. rrheir success was
certain in the hands of a faithful
IussuJman. The arms instantly
dropped from the hands of the rebel genii. rrhcy were seized with
a Rudden stupor, and sunk down like so many lumps of dead earth.
l\Iy warriors fettered them, and conveyed them back to their
dungeons. But had it not been for your aid, the contest had not
yet been terminated.
" I will not reproach you for an act of imprudence which setS'

388

AHABIAN NIGHT::>'

your success at a di-stance: and subjects you to unspeakable toils
before you can accomplish it. It is not so much your fault as
love's, and your pas::;ion is owiug to the influence of your star.
"Recollect the kno\vledge you acquired when you surveyed
the treasures of the great SOIOlllOll. You will find everywherl:', and in
yourself, arms tð ilH:;ure the success of the true knight. lIe knows
that these <tl'e more at his command in adversity than ill happier
situations.
"The advices I now give you are the last you shall receive
from me. In the career upon which you are entered, success
would be dishonoraLle, if obtained by trivial means. Only fi-om
Heaven can one receive at all times without sham
anr
ll
m
may one always confidently apply, when o
';;iews
Tise
d
honorable, and when insolel1t triumph is not the ohject sought.
Adieu, dear Ha.bib; I leave you exposed to wants of all sor ts, añ d
I'eady to be hurried into new adventures; but I believe your
courage equal to alL"
II IlalJoulleft Habib on a rock. The se'a, had receded, and its
waves no longer lal:ihed the foot of the rock upon which he stood.
He might descenù from one rock to another; but how should be
shelter himself through the night? Or where find relief from the
cravings of thirst and hunger? This was the hero's situation when
his guardian genie disappeared.
A soul of less firmness and elevation than his would here have
been abandoned to anxiety anù despair. But the scimetar of Solo-
mon :still hUllg by his siù.e, a terror to the enemif-8 of the ,Most
High. lIe had 110 enemies to dread Lut himself. "l\Iy error,"
said he; "had laid me low, but the hand of God raises me up again.
Caucasus, boast of thy stupendous bulk, or of the hardness of the
ma
s of which thou art composed; God 'willed it, and I ha,ye pene-
trated through thy bowels. Earth, thou appcare-st behind me
as a lonely wall; thou seemel:5t to be boundless, and oflerest only a
dark abyss of waters to my yiew. But Hope omcrges aLove thy
waters; alId shows herself through the vapors which coycr thce:'
And, indecd, HabiL at this time saw land withont suspecting so
much; it was the nearest point of the \Yhite hIe, which formed a.
part of the dominions of Dorathil-goase. Night, boweycr, rame
on; and to a.void tmfi'ering from its colù, he lay down lJCtween three
rocks, which scrved to shelter him from the blpak wiuds. At day
break, the young
Ius
ulman performed his ublutions and praJ'crs,

ENTERT A.IX)IEXTS.

3g9

He ran ovcr the adjoiuing land in search of some resources for his
subsistence. The caverns were full of shell-fish, aud among them
were Borne bl.oken remains of roots and herlJs brought hither by
the billows. lie with these sati!:;fied his vresent wnnt8, waiting till
destiny should call him to act in a more important scene.
One morning, when llabib leaned on the rOCK ncarest the sca,
and looked out to see if any ve8scls were apVl'oaching, hc happened
to fall into a slight slumlJer, upon which three daughters of the
soo suddenly raised their heads above the water.
" IIc sleeps, sister," said one of the nymphs to the other two,
"let us approach and strive to learn who he ib. You will enjoy a
pleasure in seeing him; he is as beautiful as the ri:sing day. Yes-
terday, I saw hil
l stooping over the water to wash, his clH'eks
communicated a lovely color to the water; you would have ::;aid
that the bottom of the sea was be:spread with rO::5el::l. But that we
may have a better view of him, let us lJewure of making a noise to
awake him. Give me your haud; and let us turll round till he be
sound asleep.';
"
hen the daughters of the sea saw that their enchantments had
taken effect, they came out of the wa.ter. On their shouldcrs they
displayed their fair hair bound up in tresses, waving graccfully in
the breeze. Robes of stufl; formed of s;a-plallts, and fiue as gauze,
hung down fro111 their shoulders, upon their loins; pearled bus-
kins adorned their legs, on their arms were coral bracelets; their
whole appearance was in the highest degree lovely alid captivating.
They all three surveyed their own charms in the water, and being
pleased with their dress and appearance, approached and stood
around the knight. " \Yhat a lovely young man I"
said the eldest
of the three; "can be be a knight 1" " lIe is undoubtedly so,"
said the youngest. "View his sabre, but touch it not; for I put
my hand to the hilt, find it hurnt mc."
" Ilzaide," said the eldest to her youngpst sister, " we must know
who he is, and whence he comes. lle lllay have been brou
ht here
in a storm. IImYC\Ter, nothing ahout him be:-;peaks of his having
IJeen 8hipwret:kcd. I
rillg IlH' one of those large shells on the
beat;h, al1cl fill it with water."
Ilzaide obeypù. The shdl was hrought. The eldest of the
daughters of the sea then g;elltly pulled one of Ha.bib's hairs.
" Here is a hair,)} said. she, "which shall tcll us a.ll the secrets of
the head on which it grew." She then threw it into the water in

390

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

the shell, and walked around the shell with a circular movemcut.
,: Shake the water well," said she to her si
ter8, ,. it will become
turbid, and so much the better shall I see." ,: Look there, 8ister,"
said Ilzaide, "I believe the hair is melted. The water i:s now
eovered like the firmament; the star appears in it, and the bottom
of the shell i
no more to be seen." "So much the better,:' re-
turned the eldest; "after night, comes the day. . See, here is a
country covered with wood, unùer the shade of which are flocks
fe.eding. Stoop down, and you will see the whole scene. 'fhero
are tents ;-he was born in Arabia."
"In Arabia., sisters 1" said that one of the three who had not yet
spoken. ,; Thence does our queen, Dorathil-goase, expect her de-
liverer. Happy should we be to have the hero here. Soon would
he deliver us from Racachik, and all his race; but the water says
nothing of him. Shake it again, thttt we may know whence he has
come."
" Ah! sister," said Ilzaide, "it becomos black, black!" "Good,"
returned.the eldest, '
the truth will come out so much the clearer.
Shake it with a brisker motion. i ' ., Sister," said the second, " see

it grows white. Oh! what a sad 8ight it exhibits," " These are
mountains, sands, anù desçrts," aùded the eldest. "He has trav-
elled over all these alone, for he appears by himself, and without
any companion. lIe must be strong and valia.nt, then. . Sh:tkc,
shake the water again, for the way I see him take could not bring
him hither. Oh! hea,.ens," cried she, "I see the bowels of the
earth. Enoul!;h
illY si
ters. This water cannot tell us the secrets
of his heart, but I know more natural mea.os by which we may
come to the knowledge of them. It is a matter of the greatest
concern to us, you know, to be acquainted with them. "Ve are in-
formed that we are to be delivered from our evils, and from our
tyrants, by a man who is a perfect lover, and yet not in love with
any of us." "Certainly, a knight, be he who he may," replied
llzaidp, smartly, " cannot be our lover without having evcr seell
u:s." " But
f-hen he opens his eyes," replied the eldest
"he can-
not but see UR. Take you care, sister, not to mcet his eyes with yours.
There is a magic in them of greater power than what we have in
OUI S, and were he to fall in love with you, we should 1)(" undone,
and our hopes disappointed." "lIe win faU in love ,vith you, sis

tel', rathpr than with me," replieù Ilzaide. "::\Iay Sololllon keep
bim from falling in love with any of us," added the eldest; ., yet

E
rERTÅI
:\IE:XTS.

331

there seems to be n, great danger of it. However, as we must gain
his good graces that we may have a right to his services, let us
think what we ma.y do for this purpose.
" In the first place, I see that he is in want of every convenience.
lIe has found nothing for sustenance but S0111e marine plants and
shell-fish, which he has eaten raw. Let us prepare for him against
he awakes such a repaQt as these places can afford. You, Ilzaide,
are nimbler than the mountain goat; go, bring some of its milk in
a shell, which you may cover, above and below, with aromatic
herbs. In the cavities of the mountain you will find fruits and
flowers. Choose what appears t.he most to the sight, taste, and
smell. ,My sister and I will take care for the rest, and we shall
thu.s offer as handsome a collation as can be prepared in this desert
place."
Hardly had IlzaiJe gone to perform her task, when the eldest
sister explained her intention to the second. "I know of branches
of coral," said she, "at the bottom of the sea, two of which would
load a camel. Let us go find some of them. ,,, e will plac.e four of
them in a square, cover it with stuff like ""hat we wear, thus
form a pavilion; then gather moss and dry it for a sofa; form a
ta11e of stones, and cover it with a tissue which has never been dyed.
"\Ve will then provide some of the best fish the sea affords; dry
and roast them in the sun. The bird's eggs which I shall bring and
the fruits and milk with which our sister will furnish us, will com-
plete the feast. 'Vhen a genie is out of his element, his power is
.linüted. Here, industry must supply the defect of power. Order
and taste must make amends for the want of variety. K ecessity
will confer a value upon anything. Gratitude will ascribe even to
thesligh
t fav or the highest consequence."
Ilzaide returned. The pavilion was set up and ornamented. The
table was covered. All that now remained was to suspend the
magic influence by which Habib's sleep was prolonged. But it
was requisite that he should awake on the I!>ofa, before which the
table stood, and that the three sisters should be seated opposi.te to
him,
" Let us now see, Eisters/' said the eldest, "whether this be the
Arabian knight who is the lover of Dorathil-go:tse. I will try an
expedient to know, the success of \'rhich cannot fail. Raise up your
hand
, and move them while I speak: 'By the great prophet Sol-
omon, kJ ight, I awaken you in the name of Dorathil-g'-'a.
p.'"

3!J2

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

t. Dorathil goase!" cried Habib, awaking and sprillging up. He
t.hell looked about him, and remailled stupefied and confounded:
three beauties, half naked; a table, plentifully covered with inviting
food, fruits, flowers; a pavilion, where all was coral and purple;
and all these conjured up by the name of Dorathil-goase. '" Dora-
thil-goase!" cried he again, sitting down and looking about him;
" where is my dear Dorathil-goase 1"
" She is not here, sir knight," replied the eldest of the three sis-
t.ers, "but you are within sight of one of the isles of which the
rebel gellii have deprived her. Yon may see it over this arm of .
the. sea-yonder bluish vapor, which terminates your horizon."
" Are you attendallts of hers 1 "
hither am I transported 1" said
the young sultan, greatly moved.
" In our hearts," replied the eldest of the daughters of the sea,
"we are still her subjects, although subjected, in spite of us, to the
law of the rebellious Abarikaff, and to the immediate dominion of
the monstrous Racachik."
"\Vhere are they 1" interrupted Habib; "I will drive them from
the face of the earth."
" Sir," answered the eldest of the daugl1t,ers of the sea," they
:t,re at present both out of your reach. Abarikaff is upon the Black
Isle; and you have six seas to cross before you can meet with him.
Racachik is upon the '\Vhite Isle, which you see there." " I will
attack him instantly," said Habib. "The thing is possible, but yon
must employ new expedients." "These shall be easi]y found out,
said the hero. "I am here amid an enchanted scenc, for which I
am undoubtedly indebted to the goodness of II lIabonl or of Dora-
thil-goase; but where am I?"
" Ou the saIDe rock on which you fell asleep yesterday; we have
cnùeu,vored to make it more commodious to you.;'
" I thank you," said IIa.Lib; "your powcr seems to be founded
upon charms of more than one sort. But if you are dispos d to
coutinne your goodness to me, cannot you, by a very small exertion
of n
agical powcr, transform this pavilion into a bark, which may
instantly carry me to the i:sle in "hich the enemy of Queen Dora-
thil-goasc commands ?"'
"Sir knight," replied the elùest of thc dau
htf'rR of the sea, "a 1 _
thou
h 'we he thrce Hi
tcr8, danght('r
of gcuii, awl gCllii oUl'8cln'
9
ypt here arc neither ch.lrms lIor cnchantmcnts. This pa,yilioll and
this fru
al lllPa are prcp:u'ed 1. y ll
tturullllealls. The f
Ltigucs you

EN fEUT.-lnG\IEXTS.

393

have undergone since your departure from Arabia must h
tye ex-
hausted your strength; eat freely and cheerfully of these dishes;
they were dressed for you by friendly hand8. You will not sus-
pect the sincerity of our inclination to serve you, when you nnder-
stand, that by avenging our queen of the tyrant Racacbik, you will
do still more for us than if you should restore us to peace and rest,
But I can say no more, if you refu::Ie to taste the food we offer."
IIabiL suffered himself to be prevailed upon; and the gaughter
of the sea continued her narratÌ're in the following words:
"Since Abarikaff has made good his attempt by killdling rebellion
through all the provillces of Dorathil-goase's dominions, he commit-
ted the government of the 1Vhite Isle, the frontier of his territo-
ries, to Racachik, the most cruel and infamous of the genii under
his command.
" This monster, before he joined the standard of Abarikaff, had
}'anged through the ocean, under the form of an enormous shark.
'Yhen he observed a vessel under sail, he pursued it, and by his
poisonous eye faHcinated the sailors and passengers. Hapless were
they who chanced to look on him! Their heads became giddy, they
dropped into the sea; the monster dragged them under water, and
made them his prey. Nor was his hunger Ratiable; when stran-
gers were not to be found, he glutted his voracious maw with the
blood of the qucen's suhjects. The tyrant Abarikaff authorized him
to do so; for both had made a vow to exterminate the children of
Adam.
" As for ourselves, he cannot, it is true, deprive us of life; but we
are Rubject to torments more cruel than death itself. lIe chooses
from among m; his wives and his slaves. These he changes eyery
moon. l\Iy sister and myself, at next new moon, must enter into a
great
alt-water pond, which serves as his harem. 'fhe fatal time
will arrÏ\:e in thrce days! If you shall attack the monster, be as-
flured of our earnest prayers for your success; yet can we not hide
from you the dangers you must, encounter.
" For his cOllycnience while he is 011 land, the monster has in
part a8sumed a human form; reserving, however, his shark'R head,
armed with a triple row of teeth, 'because he found that so well
fmiteJ to his sanguinary nature. His gigantic body is covered with
cnchanted scales, which are his armor. 1'he s11('l1 of a huge tol'-
toiFe forms his shield; and he wears on his head an enormous
twisted
hell, by wa.) 0f helmet. His lance is thf6 horn of a
wordc
17:*

394

AI{ \.ßIAN I\IGllT::;'

:fish, six cuùits in length He mounts on the back of a sea-horse,
and thus rushes on to the rom bat; the steed mingling his horriLle
cries with those of his rider. The rib of a whale, which be has
rendered harder and sharper than steel, serves him for a scimetar.
His arms cannot be resi\'3ted Ly human force; for his weapons are
enchanted."
" How, madam !" interrupted IIaùib, with vivaeity," can I not
be transported in less than three da.ys to the isle that is ra.yaged hy
Racachik.? Find me a conveyance to the spot, and I swear by the
holy Prophet that I shall not rest till I have executed the vengeance
of Heaven on this wicked enemy of humanity!"
'Vhile Habib uttered this oath, his eye displayed sommvhat more
than human, and his look was such as might have inspired a whole
army with courage. lIe made a few steps within the pavilion, aud
his graceful air and majestic carriage still heightened the liohle
expression of his countenance.
Ilzaide concealed herself behind her eldest sister. " There,"
sa.id she in a whisper, "there is a hero! JIow charming he is! I.
never saw his like! Oh, sister, how I tremble lest I should 10,'e
him !" "I doubt," ans,,'ered the other," it is no longer time to
fear it !"
" Brave knight," continued she, addressing Ha.bib," we are as
anxious as yourself to procure you the means of delivering us from
the oppression of our tyrant. In the defiles of this mountain there
is a marsh, which produces reeds of an extraordinary strength aud
size. 'Ve will form a raft of those materials, sufficient to hear you
through the calm sea to the White I8land, to which place we our-
sel ves will conduct you. In the meantime, finish your repast, and
enjoy repose till morning. Oome, sister," said she to Ilzaide, "let
us set a1Jout making the raft!" "I will attend you," resumed
Habib; "I am surely aLle enough to participate in your la.bors."
" l\ly sisters and I are sufficient," <Ln::5wered the eldèst. " 1Ye
must pass for a great way under water, to a place where it wou] j
be impossible for you to follow us. 'Ve will soon returu; for our

eal and impatience for the accompliEhment of your vow are not
less thau your own; and to-morrow, by day-break! we shall be
ready to set out for the 1Yhite Isle.:' The three sisters took their
leave 1f him, and passing with vast agility over the rocks came to
a. small eminence on the brink of the sea. There, while they
bound up tbeir tre
5es and prepared to plunge into tIre water, the

ENTERT.\nnIENTS.

3D5

younger sister asked her compalliollf'l, "lIow can we Ietl,-e him
alone? he win soon wf'ary in such solit.ude." "I dare
ay, sister,"
answered the eldest," you would willingly ke('p him company,
and while we prepared the raft, you would take Cë1l'e to render
our lalJors vain. l\Iy dear 8ister, you are no strang('r to the dan-
gers of the ocean; but you are not yet ac<pmintcd with aU its
",hoal8 anù quickl'and
! Let us go where our duty calls us."
TllPY all threw themselves into the sea, and disappea red.
In the meantime Habib, h
t\'illg mafIc an end of his repa!;t., and
seeing Ilight approach, p
rforlllcd his ablution, and said his prayer;
after which he enjoyed un ea
y sleep
waiting the return of the
daughters of the sea.
When the first rays of the sun struck his eyelid
, Habib awaked:
he looked anxiously toward the 'Yhite Isle, and with his eye meas-
ured the distance. lie suddenly perceived a remarkahle COinmo-
tion in the water, though the sea was scarcely ruffled by the gentle
breeze. He 0 bser,'ed an 0 hject ad ntnce with rapidity toward the
place where he stood; and saw several head
above the water; who
called to him, " Oome, brave knight, come on board this raft!" He
knew the voices of the three sisters, and f'prang upon the slender
craft, which, however, bore him on the surface of the wayes.
Eight dolphins were yoked to the raft. The elder sister, with
half of her body above water, supported the stern with both her
hands, and served as a rudder to the vessel. The two younger
sisters swam, one on each side, kl:'epillg it in equilibrium with one
hand. Habib, having his mind full of the enterprise in which he
was engaged, was seated on the raft.
They soon discovered the shore of the ',,"hite Isle find the palace
of the tyrant, which was built of shells and corals, on a promontory
projecting into the sea. 'Vhen the sentinels perceived the war-
rior approaching they gave the alarm, and announced the news to
Racachik. 'I'he monster regarded him fiB a fresh prey ready to
fall into his hands.
,. Let him come on," said he; "ask him what he wants 1 He
shall soon know, to his cost, that no stranger ('an set foot on this
isle till he has tried my strength and courage: but I must arm my-
self to give him a suitable reception."
In the Ineantime the raft approached thb land, and IIë1.bib If'aped
ashore. One of the sentinels, who was
n amphil)iouH mOllstf'r,
came up to interrogate him, as Racachik had commanded. " Go

3Ð6

A U.AHIAl.
NIGH r

tell thy master," said lIa1Jib, " that I am come to clmlIcugc him to
single combat.}} " You are not armed/' said the monster," nor
have you a horse.}} "Know," saiù the yuung sultan,'
that my
turban is my casque, and my scimetar is instead of a helmet and a
buckler. I need no horse) let thy master come on! I here defy
him and all his powers."
No sooner was this message delivered than the furious Racachik,
clad in his strong mail of shells, and mounted on a hideous sea-
horse, whose clumsy gallop raised about him a cloud of dust, ad-
vanced toward the shore to attack the hero. " Despicable son of
Adam! vile slave of :l\fohammed! thou art proud forsooth that
thou dost not creep on the earth like other reptiles, but canst raise
thy head three cubits above the clay from which thou art sprung.
Darest thou insult tlw genie Racachik! take then the reward of
thy temerity." 'Yhile he pronounced these words, he pUBhed on
his horse against Habib, and aimed a thru8t at him with his enor-
mous lance. The young hero opposed his scimetal", and the lance
of his adversary was shivered in pirces before the stroke reached
him. The shock, however, stunned the arm of the tyrant. His
horse became restive, reared on his hinder legs, and fell backward
on his rider. Racachik saw his danger, and called to his assist-
ance all the monsters subjected to his power. In a moment the
ocean was agitated, and poured forth a legion of sea-lions, hippo-
potami, and sea-calves; 'whales approached the shore and 8pouted
up a torrent of water, which soemed to form a barrier between the
young prince and his enemy. The shore resounded with horrible
shrieks; for the whole army of monsters united in their efforts
against the hero. He for some time kept them at bay with his
scimetar; but fearing lest he should be overwhelmed hy numbers,
he waved the sacred weapon thrice in the air, pronouncing the for-
midable word power. The effect was instantaneom;; the monsters
that had escaped the edge of the sworù] constrained by a superior
for<::e, plunged into the abyss from which they had issued. Rac
-
chik again attempted to renew the fight; he dared to encounter
the weapon of Solomon with his mom.;trous scimetar, formed from
the rib of a whale; but in a momeut it was broken into a thousand
pieces. His scaly armor and encha.nted weapons fell into dust.!
" Go, wretch," cried Habib, "go, lament thy crimes eternally ill
thp, cavernA of CaucaAus !" In an in
tant the shore waR cleared of
every vestige of the monsters, and no trace of Rac.achik's enchant-
ments remained,

E'XTEI{TAI!\1IENTS.

397

A dismal silence succeeùed to thi8 scene of horror and tumult.
The yictorious Habib, grateful for his destiny, fdl prostrate, and
adored the being to whom he owed his success: "Great power,"
C1,ied he, " whom none can resist, thy breath hath dispersed thine
enemies like chaff, and left not a wreck bel}ind ! The fire that con-
Burnes the stubble leaves the field covered with 3n'Shes; thy foes are
consumed, but no mark of them remains. The slender reed in the
hand of thy servant, 0 God, is more powerful than the sturdy oak
in the grasp of the wicked. I am like an arrow in the bow of )10-
hammed and of Solomon. I have been sent against this accursed
race, and they are destroyed.'i
Habib arose with an humble sense of the kindness of IIe3ven, and
did not at first perceive the snare that was spread for his virtue.
The whole shore was covered with the beautiful daughterR of the
sea, adorned with crowns and garlands of marine flowers. They
had assem LIed to express their grateful thanks to thcir deliverer,
and to lay at his feet all the riches of their element. The harmo-
nious concert of their voices, and their graceful addre8s, while they
did homage to the hero, might have moved the most savage heart.
'1'he young Ilzaide and her sisters were more earnest in tcstifying
their gratitude than the rest. But the modesty of IIa1Jib would
not permit him to accept the praises they lavished on him. "I
have done nothing for you," cried he, "I have only fulfilled my.
duty, and deserve not Buch acknowledgments. 1Vhere are the
mosques? Let us go to the temple, where we may give thanks to
God. I will lead the way. If there be any faithful subject of your
queen Dorathil-goasc in tlus place, let him stand forth: that I may
put these, your gifts, into his hand; for I can only accept them in
her name."
A genie, in his natural form, immediately presented hi rnse1f.
He was bent nnder a load of years; his wings were ::;hattered, and
his body galled by the chains with which the tyraut had loadel
him. Ilis name was Balazan.
" S
r," said the genie, h whcn our good quepn, Camarilzaman,
reigned, wc had three mo::;que
on this i
land. lJUt Racachik pro-
fan('d and d(,llloli:-;llCd theIll. That ll('ap of ru hhi::-h you R('C b('forc
us is the ruins of a city which he sacked, and of which he devoured
the inhahitants. The isle bas remained without culture and 'with.
out commerce. IIlah()u8
trous bestowed on me the goyernment of
this place: but Racachik, on his arri'Val, threw me illto a dun.

398

AIL\BIAN NI(
nTS

gpon, from which I have heen liberated by your viçtory. I come
to do homage to the messenger of Sol(\lllon, who displays on this
coast the sword of the prophet, and to offer my services to ,him
who is the deliverer of the children of God, and the avenger of
Dorathil-goase." " \\T oIl," answered IIalJib; "Balazan, in the
name of the great prophet, and Dorathil-goas
, whose knight I am,
J restore to thee all the powers with which thou wert formerly in-
vested. Take these treasurps which lie at my feet; cau-.;e the
mosques to be rebuilt, and let the muezzin proclaim from the lofty
turrets, that all the queen's faithful 8u1dects, wherever they are
dispersed, may r<.>pair thither without fear. Govern here in the
name of :\Iohammed, of the great Solomon, and of your queen.
Re-establi
h good order, and procure me the means of transporting
myself to l\ledillaz-il-ballor."
" N ohle and valiant knight!" returned Balazan, c, I accept with
confidence the authority you have bestowed on me, and I submit
to the decrees of Heayen. But, sir, it is impo
8ible to as
ist you
in going where your destiny calls you. This isle is deprived of
every means of navigation; and the path through the air is equally
impracticable; fin. my wings arc disabled, aR you see; hut though
that were not the case, Aharikaff has so guardcd the passes that
, all my efforts to break hid encl.antments would prove in vain.
You must pursue your journey from one isle to another by the
same means yon employed in coming' hither. Avail yourself of
the enthusiasm with which your person and valor have inspired the
genii of the sea; and they may, perhaps, be aLle to conduct you
to the chief scat of our enemy'H power. The eyent \"ill depend
on your own cour
ge and the decrees of fate. Already has the
terror of your a.rms spread to the Yellow and Red Isles. l\Iokil-
raEl, the tiger of thp sea; tyrannizes oycr hath. lIe iR the son of
the monster from whom you ha\"e jUHt delivcrcd us. Informed of
his father's m"erthrow. he iR at this momcnt n
ing m"cl'Y precautinn
his fears can SllggC
t. You will have lllany difficulties to encounter
but if you
ha]l preyail against him, ynu neecl only erect on your
standard the skin of the lllonster, aull the Red lElalld will ..it once
submit."
HalJib then alÌtll'e
scd the cltlc
t of the thrcü sisters: "If I could
find here a fi
ber's ho
t, or a small skiff,"
aid he, :, J would em-
bark in it for the Y cHow I
lp; hut as I may he unallle to olJtail1
.,uch a::;sistaucp, \vill tIle genii of your elf'lllf'nt 1'pfuse me theiraid 'e JJ

RKTEI{'rAIN.i\IENTS.

sa9

C'If fear should hinder them from engaging in the noble enter-
prise," answered she, "if they are ignorant of the degree of con-
fidence due to a knight of your merit, my si:sters and I will show
them their duty. Our dolphins can as least couduct the raft within
a league of the flhore; but it would be dangorous for them to pro-
ceed farther, on account of the precautionlS ta.ken by l\Iokill'as."
" A league is but a Rhort way to swim," sa.id Habib, :, in the ('yes
of a man who is determineù, a.t all hazards, to do bis dut.y."
" 0 generous knight," resumed the daughter of the sea; "whc
could refuse to follow you, were it only to have tho pleasure of
seeing you, and hearing your discoursc ? but are you not afraid that
JOu lllay at last fall u. prey to these terrible sea-lUonsters 1" ., I
know no fear: madam, but that of failing to second tlIe decrees of
destillY, or falling short of my duty to your queen!" "Yaliallt
prince: you may rely on our fidelity; my si::;ters and I will reserve
t.o ourselves the honor of serving you':'
At that moment the raft was afloat, and bore them through the
waters with immense velocity. They were nowaùle to distingubh
the cOllllUotion that their approach had occasioned in the Yellow
Isle. It was at the distance of about a league, and the dolp
ins,
actuated by instinct, suddenly stopped, and endeavored to ùreak
tIle harness by which they were yoked to the raft. One of the \
sisters advanced and set them at liherty, ,-,"hile the raft remained
motionless on the surface of the water. A wave was at tha.t mo-
ment raised by the sea-monsters, which approached the raft, and
seemed ready to overwhelm it. IIabib saw that no time ,.vas to be
lost in saving his amiable companions from the danger that
threatened them. He took his scimetar in his hand and plunged
into the sea, pronouncing aloud the sacred word inscribed on the
talisman.
The waters seemed to arrange themselves to afford him a pas-
sage; the billows subsided: and the sea became smooth. At last
the hero arrived at a !'ihallow sand-bank, on which he proceeded
to the shore without interruption.
He saw his enemies dispersed in small parties, who seemed
ready to betake themselves to flight at his approach. He advanced
toward those that appeared most formidable, flew on them with
the rapidity of lightning, and whoever ventured to oppose him in..
@tantly sunk under the dreadful strokes of his scimetar.
l\oIokilras, the enormous tiger, came up, walking on his hinder

400

AR.\BIAN KH.illTS'

feet, aud aimed a blow at" the hero with a monstrous club; but in.
8tantly resuming his own nature, ran off on four feet. Habib pur.
sued him; but human strength and agility were insufficient to the
contest; he therefore pronounced the sacred word, adding, "J1/0-
kilras! I arTest t/tee in the name of Solomon /" The monster re-
mained immovable. One stroke of the scimetar severed his head
from his body, and his f:ikin was immediately stripped off.
As soon as the tyrant of the Yellow Isle was despatched, the
elements returned to their natural order, and a calm succeeded to
the dreadful storms by which they had been agitated.
'Vhen the three daughters of the sea were again assembled about
the raft, the young Ilzaide raised herself upon it, and with a long
marine trumpet called túgether the a.ffrighted dolphins, and they
were obedient to hor yoice. Innumerable inhabitants of the ocean
crowded about the place, who united their voices in joyfully sing-
ing the victories of the hero, aud thus approached the
hore at tho
moment of his triumph õver ,Mokilras.
Habib returned to the raft, but refused to accept the homage, or
rather ttdoration, that was oft'ered to him. " Creatures of God/'
sai<:l he, "worship your Creat'Jr; lift your eyes to Heayen, and
thank the Almighty for your deliverance. It is to him alone, Jour
gratitude is clue. Subjects of Dorathil-goase," cried he, ".re8e1'\-"0
those expreðsions of submission and respect, for your queen; her
knight will join you in doing her homage, and in offering up
prayers fur her prosperity."
"\Yhen he had finished his speech, a multitude of people as::;elU-
bled about him from all quarters, whose presence at Ollce increased
his triumph and his embarrassment. Everyone seemed more for-
ward than another to swear allegiance to him, and to demand a
renewal of the htws. IIappily the old genie Balazan came to his
relief.
As soon as all the inha1itantR of the '''hite Isle had submitted
to the authority of that genie, he made a vigorous effort to rise into
the air, tlmt he might follow the successful hero to whom he owed
his deli'-erance; and after a hard struggle, he now joined the
young Habib in the Yellow Island
at the moment when the inhab-
itants of tlmt country were doing him homage.
" Su hjeet
of Durathil-goa.sc," cries the old gcnie, " this gallant
knight accepts your testimonies of gratitude. Return to your pos--
sessions, and cnjoy them, while you live under the laws of our

ENTEHTÅIN
IE
TS.

401

sovereign. And you, valiant knight," addrQssing himself to Ha..
bib, " you may now take a little repose. rIhe conquest of thE' Red
Isle is not an enterprise worth your while. I will go alone on the
raft, and bear with me the skin and the arms of 1\Iokilras. At the
sight of that terrible trophy, the rebels will, of their own accord,
submit their neeks to our chains. Reserye your strength for the
conquest of the Green and Blue Islands, and, above all, that of
thp. Black Isle."
Habib despised a victory that might be obtained without dan

gel'; he, therefore, committed the conduct of the entel'pri
e to
Ealazan, and took repose, that he might Le invigorated for his
future labors.
The hero was still asleep whcn Balazan returned from the Red
I t;}e, carrying in his hands two bags formed of goat-skin. "The::;e,"
he cried, while he awakened Habib, "these, my brave knight, are
all the remains of our dangerous enemies to be found in the count.ry
which I have just now restored to the dominions of our queen.
I have enclosed them in these bags that I may forthwith send them
to the caverns of :\Iount Caucasus. To
morrow you may proceed
without u bstruction to the Red Isle, and then consult the means of
pursuing your victories; but it is impossible to foresee all the dan-
gers YOlà must encounter. The tyrant Kisabic governs the Green
and Blue Isles; the enchantments of this genie are almost as power-
ful as those of Abarikafl' himself. It is impossible to inform you
of the various means he may use to repel your attacks; yonr own
prudence and ingcnuity must direct you in avoiding such dangers
as are visiLle, and in guarding against the secret snaret; that may
be laid for you. 'Ye; alas! could do nothing; but what power
call oppose the gallant knight of DOJ'athil-goasc 1"
Opposition and difficulty only served to inflame the courage of
the AraLian prince. At the earliest dawn he set out with the raft,
and the dolphins conducted him to the Reù hIe. II p \\"cut roulld
the point of the island tlmt he might be ready to depart fur the
Green Isle: which he de tenniued to attack the next day,
The daughters of the sea never quitted their deliverer, but
obligingly l:5el'\Ted him in whatever he wanted. He now called to
n1ind the sage coumels of II Ilaboul: "I am less afraid of the
open force," would he say, "than of the SCclet maehimltiolls of
your enemies." The Joung prince, therefore, determincù to b(' on
hi
guard against those of the genii \yith whom he wat< htJund
o

402

ARABIAN N'IGHTS'

contend. He fell asleep, confiding in the goodness of PI.ovidcnce,
and arose next morning with a heart glowing with courage and
hope.
1'he hero was proceeding on his voyage with tranquillity, when
all at once, the three sisters uttered a dreadful shriek, and the
head and hands of Ilzaide, who swam by the side of the raft, sud-
denly disappeared. Habib instantly threw himself into the sca,
with his scimetar in his hand. lIe found himself entangled in the
nleshes of a net; he pronounced the terriLle word, and employed
the edge of his weapon. The net was cut to piece!:'. He laid huld
of Ilzaide, placed her on the raft, and flew to the assistance of her
sisters. 'Yhen he had placed them in safety, he perceived the raft
was agitated without moving forward, and that this was occasioned
by the dolpliins being entangled in the same sort of netting, He
di
engaged them; and that he might open a passage, he mounted
on the foremost dolphin, and proceeded toward the shore, striking
on the r
ght hand and the left with his scimetar, which cut the en-
chanted net that had been spread to oppose his course.
From the sumillit of the highest tower in his castle of steel, the
tyrant beheld an object approachin
toward the shore. He saw
its progress through the magical netting he had spread in the
water, but he perceived not the Arabian knight. He,
oweYer,
discovered three female figures, half naked, seated on t he raft,
which advanced with great rapidity. He knew not what species
of danger he had to apprehend. N one could be so weak as to
imagine that his heart might be assailed by female charms; and
the precautions he had taken were,'in þis opinion, sufficient to guard
him against. the power of enchantments. His palaee was construct.
ed of solid steel; and it was only accessible by a vaulted passage
in the rock, armed with iron pikes; the whole vault Leing sup-
ported by one keystone, which was retained in its place only by a
slender thread. This defence was, he thought, proof against all
the arts of magic.
Nisa1ic, confiding in the strength of his palace, camp. out by
the formidable vault, and prepared to meet his antagonist. The
group of females still advanced, and the knight at last leaped
ashore.
The monster, who was clad in strong armor, despised such an
assailant. lIe had consulted his horoscope, and discovered " that
n Jne could vanish him, without being master of his steel house,'}

E
TERTADDlE
TS.

403

.
It appeared to him almost. impossible that his enomy could e
capa
the danger of the mysterious vault; and, if -he I5hol,ld even be so
happy 3S to pass through it, he thought he could still make no
impression on a fort which he regarded as impregnable.
:Kisabic, bearing in his hand a steel club of enormous weight,
adyanced to Habib: "Audacious stranger!" cried he, " what mad-
ness has induced thee to rush on certain destruction 1" "I am
the knight of Dorathil.goase," answered Habib, firmly; "I come
to punish the rebels against God and the great Solomon.!' "Yile
reptile!" replied the enraged genie, "receive the death I inflict
on the meanest of my slaves!" 1Vhile he pronounced these words,
he raised his dreadful club, and aimed a blow at the head of the
young prince.
The hero warded off the stroke with the blade of his scimetar.
The effect waB terrible. At the sight of the awful talisman the
club dropped from the hands of the gel) ie, and he fell motiollleS8
on the earth. He saw himself in the power of his enemy, and
muttered some dark words of conjuration. Habib flew on his vall-
quished foe, and endeavored to pierce his body, but he was sur-
prised to find that it was only his armor that lay at his feet, and
that he had obtained no more than the shell of the warrior. The
material substance of Nisabic had disappeared; and the Arabian
prince did ,10t at that moment know that bis victory was greater
than if be had seized the body of the genie. In short, the proph-
ecy was explained and nccomplished which declared that "he
who should yanquish him must.first be master of his steel house."
1'he oracle meant the armor in which he was incased, and which
:Kisabic thought impenetrable.
Habib trampled under foot this enormous suit of armor; and by
three or four strokes of his 8cimetar, .unloosed all its joint8, and
scattered the fragments. Thus was another prediction of the
oracle fulfilled, which said, that" the power of Kisabic should be
disjointed and scattered."
The monster. by making himself invisible, and retiring under
the yault that led to his palace, had made the last effort in his
power. lIe presented himself at the entrance of the vault in his
natural form, with his sword in his hand, as if he would chal1c
ge
llÌs antagoniöt to single combat. The young prince fell into the
snare; the genie retreated a few steps, and cut the thrcad which
retained the key-stollo of the vault, and the roc.ks instantly bega.n
to fall with a horrible crashing noise.

404

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

.
At the first alarm the hero pronounced aloud the sacred word
of the talisman, and opposed the faHing rocks by the dazzling
blade ûf his scimetar. 'The vast fragment!::! of stone arranged them-
Beh
es on his right hand and his left, without doing the lea
t injury
io the young; sultan; but he heard nenr him the most pitpous cries
and groans, and was involved in a cloud of dust. It was the tyrant
himself who uttered these lamentations: ,. Arabian prince!" crie(}
the genie
"I am made acquainted wit.h thy destiny anù my own,
by my present misfortune! The oracles have deceived me; I Imvc
long cxpeCted thee, yet I knew thee not! Thou hast disguified thy
powcr uilder a ::show of weakness, and I have been Yanqui
heù
through my own imprudence. Aùuse not thy victory; I am buricd
unùer these ruin
, in a situation altogether insupportaLle. Cause
rue, I beseech thee, to be transported to thc dungeon s of Caucasus
where I may, at least, have the comfort of mingliug my grQans
with those of my companions!"
" Genie!" answered lIaLib, "thou art, indeed, guilty of many
crimes; yet, as I have the soul of a true knight, even an enemy
may delUalld a favor of me! I must, however, tt
ke advice; and
I will not return thee an answer till I have offered up threu
prayer"."
Habib was enclosed in a sort of pit amidst the rocks. Scarce-
. was the cloud of dust dissipated, when he saw what he might have
taken for two stars over his head; they "rere the bright eyes of
Ilzaide, the youngest of the three daughters of the sea, "Are you
then safe, my prince 1" cried she. "How happy are we! \Ve
trembled for your life when we beheld this mountain tumble ell
your head! Lay hold of my hair, sir. Fear not that you hurt
me. I have strength and resolution sufficient to susta,Ïn your
weight." "\Vhile she said these words, she threw down her long
flowing tresse
, of which he gently took hold, and by this weans
ascended from the ca\'ern.
His first care was to thank his benefi-tCtress. "I have done
nothing, sir," said she, " that merits your acknowledgments. "r ere
it in my power I would make you the happiest of mortals." She
then lent him her hand, and assisted him in pasi:5iug frolIl one rock
to another, till they calUe to the exterior rampart of tbe steel cas-
tle, the resiùence of the genie, .Kisabic.
Scarce were they arri ,'ed at the outward fosse "hen they observed
the other daughters of the sea at a short distance. "Come, si
ters."

ENTERT AIN)1E
TS.

405

cried Ilzaide, "here he is !" Nothing but a true and sincere pas-
sion could have preserved our hero from the attacks of the charm-
ing Ilzaide, which were the Dlore dangerous as they were the
effusions of innocence, and pure
implicity of heart; blIt his cl.oice
was fued by destiny, and the Leautiful queen had nothing to fear.

rhe conquest of the Green l::;le was not yet accomplished. The
steel castle was inaccessible; the fortifications were gual.ded the
gates shut, and the bridges drawn up. "I know not," said Habib,
" how I shall set about this arduous enterprise. 'l'his fort seems
impregnable to human force. I have no confidence in. my own
powers; the decrees of fate must guide my steps. Perhaps," con-
tinued he, addressing the three sisters, " the pretended Bubmissicn
of Ki::>abic might be a snare laid to bring me into new difficulties
and dangers, in which it would be improper that you should par:
take. Heturn, then, to your native element. Offer up your pray-
ers for the knight of Dorathil. goase; at least, let your absence
make me easy on your account." " '\Ve will not leave you," an-
swered they. " "\Ye feal. DO danger while you are with us. If
you were by my side," added the youngest, " I would brave the
fury of the tempest, while it tears up the foundation of the rock8!"
Habib approached the draw-bridge with his scimetar in his
hand. "In the name of Solomon," cried he, "and by virtue of
his talisman, I command this bridge to be let down!" In a mo-
ment it began to move on its hinges, descended, and offered an
easy passage over the fo
se. The hero with his sabre cut the two
chains that served to r
.i8e it, and entered the court of the fortress.
In the midst of that court stood a lofty column, on the top of
which was placed an iron cage. This pillar was covered with
talismanic in
criptions. On the bottom WHS written," Thou canst
not be destroyed but by the power of Arabia!" Habib struck tho
talismans with his sword. A sudden noise resounded from the
caverns through the ,\"aulted roofs of the castle, and the pillar sunk
into dust. The suhjects of Dorathil-goase, whom the tyrant
had loaded with chains, now issued from their dungeons. The
iron cage stood on the earth, and Habib perceived that it contain.
ed a very extraordinary object-a naked woman, whose face was
covered with her long hair. "'Vho are you, madam 1" asked the
h
ro. ., Sir," answered she," I pray thee deliver me from this
prison and giv t me some garments that I may appear with de-
<:ency before you. This cage is shut by means of a talisman,

406

AR.\llI.\
:KIGHr
'

which the cruel :Kisabic always carries about with him. Restore
my liberty, and I shall never cease to bless God, and l\Iohammed,
and yoursel1:" c, You will not, I hope, forget the great Solomon':'
interrupted the knight, ,
in whose name I break these bars." At
the same time he cut them in pieces with his f;abre.
The three daughters of the sea each contributed part of their
dress to afford a covering for the prisoner, so that she might }'re-
8ent herself before the hero without offence to lllode
ty. As soon
as the subjects of Dorathil-goase saw themselves relieyed from
their fetters, they made haste to show their respeet and attach-
ment to the unknown lady, by :falling prostrate at her feet. Habib
expressed his surprise at this behavior: " \Yhat means all this 1
who i!::) this lady 1" asked he. "Alas! sir," answered they: " it is
the lady of the beautiful tresses. She was our queen before the
rebellion of Abarikaff. She is the near relation of the fair Do-
rathil-goase."
" 0 Heaven!" cried the Arabian prince, "a queen, the kins-
woman of Dorathil-goase! How shall I be able to restore her to
w bat she hat:! lost 1"
" Nothing call be easier," answered they. "The tyrant has col-
lected in his fortress, not only all the riches of our queen, but the
whole spoil of the island. "Thile you arb master her
you pos-
sess abundance of treasure. Those poor women whom you see at
the further end of the court, and whose situation forbids them to
approach you, were the servants of OQr royal mistress. They
8howed too much attachment to her after her misfortunes, and a.
long imprisonment has Leeu the reward bestowed by the tyrant
on their fidelity."
., Bring hither," cried Habib, "all those who have been attached
to the person of your queen. Let them take possession of this
palace, which belongs to her." " I myself was in her servioe;'
said he whom he had formerly addrcssed; "alld held a place of
some consequence." "Thou mayest resume it," returned Habib,
" if your mistress thinks fit. In the meantime use every means to
r(Jlieve her present wants; and when you have made her easy,
sillee you know this place, you can point out to me the most mag..
Dificent apartment in the castle, that I may have the plea.slll'e j-(
conducting her into it."
In a moment, all the servants who had formed the househoid
of the lady of the beautiful tresses, were a.ssembled. Habib pro.-

EXTEI:T A INJIE
T8.

407

ented them to her, and at the Bame timÐ begged that she would
favor him with her hand.
e'To you it belongs," said she, "to command, in this place."
"Permit me, madam, as the kllight of Dorathil-goase, to have the
honor of reconducting you to your palace.;'
The lady of the lwantiful trcsses cast down her eYPR, and Emf.
fered the hero tCl lead her into the splelldid apart1ÌlCnt that had
been prepared for her by the genie, Imt to which
he had prefer-
red the iron cage she had just left. Everything was in the most
superb style. A profusion of riches wa
accumulated around her,
and the lady found no difficulty in providing suitable garments for
herself and her whole court.
The three daughters of the sea followed her, anù us the com.
})flnions úf the Arabian knight, claimed the honor of being ppr-
mitted to trim her beautiful hair.
" Alas !" cried she, "these locks have been tIle cause of my mis-
fortunes, yet they have also been a resource during my sufferings,
and I do not regret the care I have taken to preserve them. 'Vith
pleasure, therefore, I commit them to your care." The beautiful
queen arose from her toilet with a triple crown on her head, form-
ed of her Lraided hair, entwined with Rtrings of rubies and pearls,
while two loose tresses waved gracefully on her back
and de-
scended lower than her girdle.
She was no sooner dres
ed than an usher entered to announce
that dinner was ready. She in\'ited the th:cee si
ters to dine with
her, and the gallant HaLib led her into the hall. K ow was the
Arabian knight seated at a table with ladies for the first time in
his life; nor had he enjoyed a repast that was not the immediate
produce of his own industry or that of others, Í<)r six months be-
fure. The entertainment was sumptuous, for there was no want of
prov isions in the kitchens find stores of N i
a.bie.
The lady of the Leautifnl tre8ses was in the flower of youth.
Her stature was graceful and majestic; her F;hape perfectly hand-
some; her bright eyes were expressiye of languor and keen sen-
sibility; in short, it was impossible to behold her" ithout s)'111pa.
thizing with her misfortunes; anù no heart, but one entirely
pre-occupied, could haye resisted her cha.rms. IlabP) regarded
her with a look of teIider compassion, and Ilzaide mectin
tbe
glance of his eye, fpIt the sting of jealousy without suspectillg the
cause.

..

4Úd

AR.\BI:\N :r\IUJlTS'

During the repast, the company reciprocally showed each othe1
the most polite attentions, and ,,,hen it was finished, tlwy retired
into another apartment. There, a
soon as they were seated,
ILabib entreated th,e fitir queen to favor them with a recital of her
i1l-fortune. The lady, heaving a sigh: and wiping the tears from
her lovely eyes, began in this manner :-

STORY OF THE LADY OF THE BEAUTIFUL TRESSE&

.
My father swayed the s.ceptre over the Green and the Blue
Isles, under the favor of his brother (the father of Dorathil-goase),
to whom he annua1ly did homage, and offered a trihute. I am,
like my cousin, the only offspring of a marriage contracted be-
tween a prince and the daughter of a genie.
Illabousatrou
, father to my aunt Camarilzaman, and chief of
the spirits subject to Solomon, had formed the project of establiFlh-
iug in this country all the genii ohedient to that great prophet.

ro prevcnt their relapse, he wished them to intcrmarry with the
children of Adam. :\Iany of them refused these terms, alllong
whom were Abarikaff, l\Iokilras, and Nisaùic. They offered many
pretended reasons 10r their revolt, but their true motive to rebel-
lion was their ambition to possess sovereign authority.
I lost my parents about the same time that my cousin Dorathil-
goase was deprived of hers. I saw myself thus seated on a throne,
under the guidance of an old vizier 'whom my father had chosen
for me. The insolent Nisahic, a favorite of Abarikaff's, became in
love, not with my person, but with these locks of hair.
He had convinced himself, by prognostics drawn from his en-
chantments, that, if he could espouse me, he might subject to his
power as many genii as there are hairs in my head, and that each
individual hair would serve to claim one genie.
The monster had the audacity to communicate to me his
xtrav-
agant project, and to represent, by way of inducing me to comply,
the great power I might by this means enjoy. I rejeeted his offers
with disdain, and bcstowed my hand on the young prince Dalilsha,
w 110 already POs
('
Red my hea.rt. Scarce wpre wo nnitpd, ""hell
the rebellioll of Abarikatr was declared. lIe drew into his revolt
all the inh.thitants of the Bla.ck Isle, over whom he had been
placed as "iÛer. I.egions of rebel spirits came to join his f.;tandard,
from the most distant parts of the earth. n lahouRatrous ami his
gxand-daughter could scarce maintain their ground in the !fdal1rl

,.

1:
TEHTAUG\Il:.NT;.;.

109

of
ledil1az-il-J>all()r : nor could tJwy afforù the smallest aid to those
who were l:mlJdued l,y :\Iokilrm; allli NiHaJJic, nuùer the authority
of A barikaff.
Dalilsha, my hushand, was 6eut pri
(H1er to the IHack Isl(', where
the traitor Almrikaff kept him as a hOf'tage while the wicked Nisn.-
bic again renewed to me the offer of his odiouR hand.
"l'ly queen," said he, '
your haud is now discngaged, nor can
you reserve it for my slave. It belongs, in right, to the conquer-
or." " Vile rebel," cried I, c: the malignant star::; that Imye favored
thee will, one ùay, receive the punishment due to their crimes"
He retired in a rage, and shut 1110 up a prÍ:.;oncr in my palace.
Every day he -renewed his importunities, which I conRtantly re-
pelled with the utmost contempt: but, blinded as he was by the
horoscope he had drawn, ho still
ontinued to require my hand ill
the most imperious tone.
At last, when hc found he had nothing to hope from entreaties
or commands, he determined to employ the most terriLle Rev critics
against me. I threaten cd to pull out the fatal hairs by the roots.
" I shall soon prevent that," cried he; "they shall h('uccforth be
your only resource."
The monster thcn enclosed me in the iron cage from which you
delivered me. In my miserable captivity, my life was sustained
by his enchantments. I was allowed no foed lmt air, no drink but
my tears j my hair was my only protection against the inclemency
of the weather, the only covering that remained to conceal my
confusion, exposed, naked as I was, to the eyes of so many specta-
tors. Thus did he force me to preserve thesc locks, which wera
the source of my misfortunes, and the object of his vain hopes.
Each morning he came to the hottom of the pilJar and asked if I
was weary of suffering, and would now consent to give him my
hand? I entrcated that he might permit mc to die. lIc answered
me by sprinkling some water from hiR hand into the air. " Live,
suffer, v
-eep, comb Jour hair with your fiÙgers!" cricd he, with an
air of cruel triumph. Every night he urged me to come to his Led,
repeating the samc wordl'5.
This, Lraye knight, is my sad history. It i
impossible for me to
guess how loug my sufferings have endurcd, as I was continually
absorbed in melancholy reflection
. You have in some measure
rr.Jipvccl me from my tron blcs; but, scparatcd as I am from a hus-
band whom I tenderly 100'c, anr1 affiicted with the idca of the tor-
18

410

AIL\BIAN NIG1ITS'

mentH to which he is, without doubt, suhjected, I cannot taRte the
joy which the öight of my deliyerer and my halìPy chang-A of for-
tune would otherwise inspire!
When she had ceased to f'peak, the lady of the beautiful tresses
'burst into tears, and, by a sort of involuntary motion, which had
become habitual to her,put
ler fingers into her hair as if to comb it.
IIabib had never before had an opportunity of commiserating the
sufferings of others. The recital of the lady's disgrace inl'ipired him
with a feding altogether new to his mind. His soul was moyed,
and he shed a. torrent of tears. Ilzaide began to sob so heavily that
she was obliged to rise from her seat and go out. Her elder sister
followed her. " '\\'hat is the matter, Ilzaide 1" as1+ed she; "why
don't you contain yourspIf before the company 1" "I cannot,"
answered the younger sister; "that lady's story has too deeply af-
fected our Arabian knight. You are not like me, sister; I can't
bear that he should Buffer the smallest degree of pain." 1Yhile
she talked in this manner, she was I'e-conducted to her place.
The lady of the beautiful treRses, observing the uneasine:::;:; of the
company on her account, compospd hprRelf; and Habib, as soon as
he had mastered his own emotions, addreRsed her in this manner:
"l\ladam," t"aid he, "I swear hy the sacre.d scimetar ,yith which
am intrnst('d
that your husband shall he restored to you, and
that I will avengc tho illjuries done to Ho1'athil-goase and your-
self, till the last of your enemies are exterminated!
"If I ma.y credit the worù of Nisabic, he, already, in part, suf-
fers the punishmcnt due to his ahominable crimes, by being at this
moment buried under the "a
t heap of rocks with which he wishpd
to overwhelm me. I am more than avenged for all the evil he in-
tended me. But He:.:wen, norathil-goase, and YOlll'splf, tnadam,
call for more ample Ycngmmee. Let ns p;o together to the fúot of
these }'ocks under which he px!wdNl to crush me. I will
h}ploy
for his puniNhment the ycry I1IPRnA his horoscope pùintea üut to
him, as the fittest to
u 1
{'ct others to his power.
"Deign to aecompnny 111(', madam, that J may, under the pro-
tection of Heaven, put an end to your trouhlc
, anti afford 'yOH the
Eatisfaction of
eeing your i}}juri('
revenged.''-
He then wellt out, followed Ly the lady of the beautiful treöses,
and the three si::--te1's, and advanced to the vast pile of rocks, whid}
now I'<torped up the passage between the ram[Hlrts of t.he cèì.btle
and the shorc.

E.NTE l{'l'AIN :\lE
T::;,

41

\Vhen they nrriyed on the spot, Habib struck the rock ttrice
with the scimetar, and pronounced, with a loud voice; " N i
abic !
if thou dost still groan undcr these rock8, give a sign; it i
the
Arabian knight who calls thee !"
\t that momcut thc enormous
mass of stones began to heave, and.a dreadful groan "'as hearù.
1'he lady of the bcautiful tresses knew the voice, and tremùlpù at
the bound.
,; Rebel genie," rcsumed II(thih
" I am still ignoraut of lllauy
crimes you may have cOlllmitteù; but beforc I can senù thee to
expiate thew in the caverns uf Caucasu
, thou must bc IJ
llnlJled in
the presence of a queen whom thou ha
t bi1Scly insulteù !"
"\Vhen he had said this to the genie, he uext addressed himself to
the queen. ":Madam," said he, "this impious spirit wi
heù to
nmke use of your hair for the ljurpose of sul)jectiug to hi
power
other beings like himsclf. It will bc proper to punilSh his fool-
ish ambition by the vcry means he huped to cmploy iu
ati:;fJiug
it."
Habib again struck the rock, aud cried out, " Guilty wretch!
thou shalt have three of those hairs you so eagerly dcsired; Imt
they shall bccome chains of iron on thy neck, thy hands, aud thy
feet." lIe then threw the hairs into the air, pronouncing with a
firm and solemn tone of yoice: h N oble creature
of God! spirits
who watch over the elements, ser'"auts of ::\Iohamll1ed, and friends
of Solomon, chain this criminal, throw him at the feet of her whom
he bath offended, and then bear him henee to the dungeons of
Caucasus !"
Dreadful shrieks were heard, the rocks opened, and KisalJic
came forth, loaded váth chains. lIe stood for au iustant humLly
bcnding hil:ì head to the earth, before the lady of the hcautiful
tresses, and suddenly disappearcd.
'Yhile the hideous mOBster was ploesented to their "i('w, Ilzia.de
concealed herself behind the knight. The fhir queen could not re-
strain her emotions of fear and disgust. " Take courage, madam,"
said Habib, "you see that Jour hair is a precious treasure. It
shall, this very night, free you from all your enemies that remain
shut up in the prisons of this castle, and whose poisonous breath
infects the air. The same means will he effectual against thoso
who are lurking about this island, in hores of escaping my ven-
geance. Nor is this all. I here see a certain and easy method of
tmbjecting the whole rebel genü in the Ewe Island, without the

4-12

Ah.UUAN I\IGllT::;'

tro,uble of going in pursuit of them. I hope, also, to see your pow.
e;rful hairs prevail against tbe tyrant Abarikaff, himself; and thus
,""'\11 the horosco}Je be verified at the cost of your enemies, and
th\)ö
of Dorathil-
oase, which foretold, that' your l()ck
should
furni:.;h chaim; for lrgiolls of
ellii.' Yon need not be sparing of
Jour hair, madam; yield to the call of destiny, and whatever you
give away will be amply replaced."
'rhe lady of the beautiful tresses returned to her chamber, and
the three sistet,S attenùeù at her toi1et to undress her. Confident
.
in the wisùom and virtue of the knight, she plucked out a whole
haudful of her Lair, and gloried in the thought of its being so no-
bly employed. Ilza.Íùe received the prize from her hand, and flew
with it to the hero. Habib then went to the gates of the prisons
and performed the necessary ceremonies, and all the rebel spirits
were, at his command, in
tantly transported to the dungeons of
Caucasus.
lIe next mounted on the terrace at the top of the castle, SCD.t-
tered a portion of the hair into the air, and invoked the slaves of
the prophet, commanding them to give the charm effect against
all their remaining enemies in the Green Isle, tlnd also against
those who were in possession of the BIlle hIe. He heard a con-
fused sound of distant groans, which assured him of the succe
s
of his operation.
He indulged a moment's reflection on what he had done," ",Vere
1 now to stand l)efore thee, my dear II Ila.houl, I lllight appear
less hum1Jled than formerly ,; bu
I could not be vain.
" The 'words have passed from my lips, and miracles have fol-
lowed. I haye conquered-shall I glory in my strength? :My
words arc but a breath! my strength but as. one of those hair
I
hold in my hand !" 'Vhile he said this, he carefully put into his
"blJsom the remail1ing lock of the lady's preciolls hair, and returned
to the hall to join his company.
" Be not uneasy, madam," said be as he entered; ,: you are de-
liyered fronl your enemies. l\Iy destiny and my duty require
that I should lea,ye you to-morrow; but if Heaven shall favor my
arms, you lllay rest assured that I will hot lose sight of my dear-
est interests. TO-lllorrow I shall hase the honor to bear the com.
man<ls to the Blue Isle. I must carry with me the amiahle eom-
pani&ns of my labo1"8. I have yet two seas to pass! and I may
still have need of their kiud assi
tance in a country where the ty.
nnrn naf'e destroyed every means of navigation."

ENTERTAI
)IEXTS

418

The lady of the beantiful tresses wa.<i sorry to part 80 soon with
the young hero, to whom sire owed her deli,'crance; but she
thought it her duty to yield to a request, in the motive of which
8he WfiS deeply interested. They took leave of each othcr with
every te::;timony of the most perfect esteem.
At the earliest da.wn, Habib with his fair companions, departed.
'1'he raft flew over the waves, find reached the shore of the Blue
Isles before mid-day. The inhahitants were aöðcmlJled to testify
their joy at their sudden and unexpected deli \7erance. Their op

pressors had been vauquishcd. and carried off before tbeir eye::;,
yet they knew not by whom.
IIaLib, on his arrival, iilcreased their satisfaction by informing
t
lll of the happy deliverance of their queen. As they were
the neighbors of the Black I sIr, he made il1q uiry HS to what had
passed there, and what success Abariku.tr had had ill hifS attack
on the isle that still remained faitlJful to Dorathil.goase.
" Sir," answered the inhabitants, " ever since the rebels have had
possession of this isle, there has not Leen even a fbhing-1Joat seen
on our coa
t. By their nature they could cOlUlUuuicate with each
other through the air; but we were deprived of every meallS of in-
tercourse w lth other human beillgs, \Ve were not permitted to
leave the shore,
nd we could learn nothing of what happened
elsevdlCre. '\Vhether owing to a near or distant storm, we canllot
tell: but the arm of the sea that flows bet,yeen the i::;lands, has,
within these few days, become much blacker than usual. The
wayes are constantly agitated though no wind nor current is ppr-
eeptible. ,\
e are of opinion that the palSsage hence to the Black
Isle has become extremely danp:erous: though we cannot explain
the cause. Indf'ed, the dread of the tyral1t has pl'evented every
inql1iry of that sort.
The ...\.rabi:lll hero, resoh'ing to :'iee with his own eyes next morn-
ing the dangers they had de
crilJed to him ace(
ptcd their hospita-
ble invitation; and, without communicating anythiug of his design,
cheerfiIlly partook of their amu
elllents anù fl.stivity.
He arose before the return of day, mounteù his raft, and
coasted along the Blne Isle, till he had pa
sed its limits. IIe then
attempted to enter the strait which separates it from the Black
IsI", but the waves were so furiously agitated that the dolphins
took fright, and ran ashore on the Blue Isle
Hq,bib in vain struck the waves with his sabre, and even pro-

414

AnABIA
NIGHTS'

nounced the awful word which had dissolved all other enchant-
mentH, without effect. The charms again
t which he now con-
tended did not act in the air, and the means bý which his raft was
thrown ashore were perfectly natural; though the remote cause
was no t so.
Yast fishes and marine monsters, collected from all the neigh-
}"oring seas, were assembled in this strait to opppose the pas
age
of our hero. The waves being loaded }\y their enormous bodie
,
were thrown into such commotion, that a large vessel might have
tweu overset by the surge. The perturbed waters, in short, ex-
hibited the most hideous spectacle. The daughters of the 6ea,
accustomed as they were to the sight of the monstrous inhabitauts
of the deep, and llotwithstanding the presence of the brave knight,
could not resist the terror of a sigh t so new and so strange. They
fled with a precipitation to the land, and put themselves under the
protection of the Arabian prince, who stood motionless, abr::;orbcd
in thought.
" '''''hat danger can this be, that has frightened the dolphins and
the daughters of the sea? )Vhat' charm has resisted the tremen-
dous word I have pronounced 1 The. sword of Solomon is use-
less in the htluds of him who has not his wisdom. :My dear II
Haboul, where art thou? Inspire me, I beseech thee. Dangers
must be met, and closely examined. l\leans are to be tl'ied, that we
may j lldge of their ua.ture.
,: S'word of Solomon, open to me a passage through the
abyss of the sea, or bear me, if it bB needful, upon its ragiug
hillows." .
The hero, while he spoke thus, stood upon the pinnacle of a
high rock, from which he threw himself headlong into the J:;ea.
)Ionstrou
fishes crowded around him, but without doing him thò
smallest injury. 'Vherever he struck with his scimetar, death fol-
lowed the blow. His track was marked with blood; but the nUIll-
bel' of fishes seemed still to increase. 'rhey pressed upon him, in
e,-ery direction, being confined by the barriers that pre\"'ented
their escape.
The warrior covered the sea with the dead bodies of the mon-
sters, and fatigued himself in vain, while the scaly legions that
surrounderl him seemed every moment reinfoaced. At last he
raised his head above the heaps of slain that floated about him.
I In the name of Solomon," cried he," by whåtever charm these

E
ïERTAINl\IE!\TS.

416

J:lshcs l,re confined here, let it be destroyed, and let them be dis
persed through the vast regio-ns of the deep !"
l'his command was followed with immeJiate effect. A turn ultu-
ous motion of the waves announced the retreat of the aqua.tic
animals, and the whole crowd instantly disappeared. Habib, now
swimming aUlid
t a calm sea, only saw about him the dead fishe8
that lay motionless on the water. 'Vhatever possessed life had
escaped. The three sisters beheld what passed, from the summit
of a rock. Ilzaide cried out with terror as often as she observed
the sea stained with Llood; but when she saw the arm and the
s\\'ord of the hero above water,
, Thank Heaven!" cried she, " that
blood is none of hi8!" The sea was now smooth, and she observed
that the knight directed his course toward the opposite shore.
,; See," cried Ilzaide, "see, he 11.ttempts to brave the waves, and
cross the sea by S\\ imming; he will certainly perish." She
plunged into the water, that she might fly to his aid. lIeI' sisters
called to her in vain, and at last threw thell1seh es into the sea
after her. N or were they her only followers; two dolphins who
had been disentangled from the raft, and who delighted to sport
around their young mistress, were at her side. The tranquil
waters opposed not the course of such dexterous swimmers; and
they proceeded with astonishing rapidity.
Ilzaide expected soon to reach the object of her anxiety, and
offer him assistance; but in a moment the hero plunged under
the water, and disappeared. She dived at the same time, and wit-
nessed the horrible conflict.
Habib was now engaged with Abarikaff himself, who had enter-
ed into the body of a whale, and exerted his utmost efforts. 'Vhen
the hero advanced, the prodigious animal opened its enormous
jaws, and poured forth a torrent of water which seemed to over-
whelm him; but Habib soon appeared above the waves, and leap-
ing on the back of the monster, with his irresistible scimetar
pierced the heart of the vast animated mass with which he con-
tended.
The huge monster began to struggle, covering the sea with blood
and froth, and in an instant sunk to the bottom. Habib, unable to
breathe in the watery element, was forced to rise to the surface,
but he still followed the bloody track of his woundeJ enemy.
When hi
strength was nearly exhausted, Ilzaide came np to him:
'ßravð knight," cried she, ., mount on one of these dolphins. You

416

ARABIAN !\IGHTS'

are too adventurous How is it possible that you, "hose nature is
no more than human, should thus ri:sk yourself in the open sea.,
and do as you have done!"
The Arabian prince thanked Heayen for its protection, and for
the aid now sent him. lIe followed the advice of Ilzaidü, and
t:lcated on the dolphin, observed at his ease the consequences of the
terrible combat, in which he had been victorious. 1Yhen ALar i-
kaff attacked the hero, he was attended by other rebel
enii, ac-
complices of his crimes, ,,,.ho had assumed hideous forms like his
own. But his danger made the others betake themselves to flight'
Struck with terror they only thought of making their esca)?e.
'fhey endeavored to leave the bodies of those whales, sword-fishes,
sharks, and sea-lions, of which they had taken possession by their
enchantment, but a more potent charm retained them. It was the
hair of the fair queen, of which Habib had thrown a portion into
the sea, in a moment of enthusiasm. " l\1ay those hairs," cried he,
"biud as many slaves to God
in the name of Solomon, as the
wicked Kisabic hoped to subject by their means to his own
power !"
The charm attached to these hairs bad operated, and from that
moment the genii were held captives in the bodies of the monsters
in to which they had entered.
The whale possessed by Abal'ikaff, exhausted by the loss of its
blood, now lay without motion on the surface of the water, and
appeared like a floating island. The Arabian knight sprang from
his dolphin, and mounted on the back of his vanquishrd enemy,
where he gave thanks to God for his victory.
"::\ly confidellce," cried he, 'is in thee alone! I fear not to
plunge into the abysses of the derp. E\'ell there ha::;t thou thus
úpened my eyes. and gi\'eu strf'llgth to my arm! I have attacked
this enormous monster, alld my s,,'ord has piel'cpd his heart. "
h{>n
my powers
unk under fatigup, thou did
t 8<.'nd me reli('f.
\ child
in thy ha.nd i:ì more powerful than a legion of the viÏckrd F'
Ilzaide, emboldened by the sigbt of the \Taliant priuce, leaped
01dO on the back of the vast fish. lIer si
ters came up, attended
by bix other dolphins, and were prevailed 011 to follow the example
oÏ IL,:aide.
In the meantime the enormous mass which bore them was driycn
Rlong the current of the tide, and passed the channel which led to
the Black Isles. Habib, after receiving with modesty the congrat-

ENTERTA IN':\IKKTS

.

417

ulations of his companions on his recent victories, ask
d them
wbat country it was he discerned in the edge of the horizon. " It
is the isle of l\Iedinaz-il-ballor," sajd the elde::;t sister, "in the
capital of which dwells our amiable queen, Dorathil-goase."
At hearing this discourse, Habib could not contain his joy.
c. How," cried he, " do I then at la!3t behold that long looked-for
country? How happy would I be, could I conduct the monster
under our feet into the port of your queen. 'Vbat an agreeable
Fight it lllight afford her; for I believe the rebel Abarikaff lies
clmined in the belly of this whale."
"Your wish may be accomplished," said the eldest of the three
sisters; 'c though the raft will be rather unwieldy. We will go to
the bottom of the sea in search of marine plants, of which we may
form a. ha.rness to yoke our dolphins." In a moment they plunged
. into the water and disappeared.
TIy their address -and activity, they soon obtained what they
sought. The dolphins were yoked, and the body of the whale, no
longer impelled by the current, now took its course toward the
harbor of l\Iedinaz-il-ballor.
Heavy groans issued from the bowels of the enormous carcass,
with a hollow sound, resembling the rushing of the waveB when
they are dashed into some profound cavern of the rocks on the
shore. Abarikaff saw himself about to be delivered up to the ven-
geance of Illabousatrous and Dorathil-goase, from whom he ex-
pected nO mercy.
In the meantime the huge mass which approached the shore of
the isle of Medinaz-il-ballor attracted the notice of Ilbaccaras,
whose office it was to keep watch over all the territories of Dora-
thil-goase 8.dj
cent to the coast of the Black Isle. That yizier,
transformed into a bird, had taken his station On the middle region
of the island, the inferior parts of the country being infested by
pvrties of the rebels. He oLserved some commotion in the sea;
but could not, on account of the distance, distinguish the cause.
lIe, however, saw what appeared like a point, detach itself and
float all the water. He velltured to descend from his post, and was
surprised to find that the air was entirely free; yet he was st
ll
sUf:.piüious of some secret snare, and approached with great caution
toward the earth. All the vapors that had coyered the coast of

Iedinaz-il-ballor, and the neighboring sea, bad now retired to the
Black Isle, which seemed overwhelmed by the thick cloud.
18*

418

ARABIAN RIGHTS'

By degrceð the small point seemed to extend as it a1 proachcd
them, and at last it appeared like a floating; isle, capable of chok-
ing up the harbor of l\Iedinaz.il-ballor. Nor did this island scem
unillhabited, though otherwise entirely barren. On making this dis-
covery, he instantly flew to info rIll Dorathil-goase of what he had seen.
"Great queen';' cried he, "I come to inform you, that I have
just now ohserved some extraordinary appearances on the sea that
separates us from the Black Isle. Early this moruing I perceived
a great commotion in the waves, which was not occasioned by the
winds, for they moved ill an opposite direction. An island
soon
after, arose from the bosom of the deep, which has continucd to
advance, by what means I know not, toward your port. It is of a.
size sufficient to fill up the whole harbor; and I saw on its I"urface
beings of a human form. Besides, Abarikaff has removed all his
sentinels from thf:;ir posts. The whole force of the enemy has re-
tired to the Black Isle, which seems in\Tolved in darkness.
" This floating isle may Le intended to promote some new strata-
gem of the enemy, which he has artfully concealed under an ap-
pearance- not very alarming. At any rate, siuce this must be the
work of ellchantment, you ought to take every measure your pru-
den ce can suggest to guarù against its effects."
Dorathil-goase cOlllmanded that her two mini8ters and her grand.
father should be informcd of this affair. In an instant" the coast
was covered with all the warriors of the h;land.
Illabousatrous assembled an the genii that remained f.tithful to
him, that he lllight Le enabled to repel the attacks of Alml'ikaff,
and the othor wicked spirits which had joined in his revolt.
Every preparation wns made in the city of l\Iediuaz-il-ballor, for
the most vigorous defence, in case the vast mass which approached,
should contain a numerous army of hOl:3tile spirits reaùy to be
poured forth on their coa,=,t.
Habib, whose eyes were constantly fixed on the place where he
hoped to see the charming object of his love, soon guessed tile
cause of the warlike preparations he remarked on the shore. As
they entered the road of l\Iedinaz, they happened to pass near a
Bmall island covered with mangroves,* The young prince cut u.

.. The mangrove, or mangle, is a bpautiful marine plant or tree, common in the
East Indies. It rises to the height of forty or fifry feet, and only grow:" in such
places as are washed by the tirle twice a day. The bark of a varticular species id
much used for making ropes.

ENTEl{TADìl\lE
TS.

411)

branch with his scimetar and presented it to Ilzaiùe. " Go," :saiù
he, "charming maid! carry this branch as an ensign of peac:e, and
demand an audience of the queen Dorathil-goase; tell her tnat
an Arabian knight
whose life is devoted to her service; entreats
her permis
ioll to throw himself at her feet,"
Ilzaide took the branch, and dived into the sea. She halted to
adju
t her dl e
s under a rock that protected the mouth of the ha.r-
bor. She then emerged from the water, displaying the mangrove
branch in her hand, and required the guard to conduct her into
the presence of the queen. It is impossible to descrihe the trans-
ports of joy with
hich Dorathil-goase received the message of the
fair ambasl:!adress. lIeI' first minister, however, restrained her
from flying to the shore, as she intended. ":Madam," said lw,
"your enemy knows that your destiny promises you a deliverer
from Arabia; this nmy be a pbt conducted under the mask of iu-
nocence and simplicity. The vehicle which brings your knight,
appears very suspicious. Sufrer me to IHIt some questions to his
am bassadress.
,
Young daughter of the sea! (f(>r Buch you arc from yonr ap
pearance,) canst thou tell us by what means the knight who Ims
sent you proposes to arrive on our island? He cannot come ashore
on his floating island without overwhelming our harbor."
,; Then you take for an island," answered Ilzaide," that great
ugly whale which I saw him kill; and on the back of which my
two sisters and I mounted along with him! lIe told us, that that
enormous monster was the queen's greatest enemy, and he wished
to present him to her."
"And dost thou not recognize Habib by this exploit 1" asked the
queen eagerly, addressing herself to her minister.
" Not yet, madam," answered he, "Aharikafl' may come and
take possession of your port under the form of a whale, that he
may sulJject you to his power, and afterward gi"e you laws ill hi!::l
own 1) ame."
"Abarikaff!" repeated Ilzaide with vivacity, "he aud his vile
crew have rlone us much mischief; but I hope he shall do us no
more. I believe it is himself who groans in the belly of the whale
-at least the hero says SO.1'
"And pray thee, young woman, who is the hero?" resumed the
vizier
" It is he," answerp,d Ilzaide, with a de
ree of enthusiasm; "it is

420

ARABIAN KI<;HTS'

be who killed the 1ll01l8trou8 shark, Itacachik, his son, the tiger, and
the huge giant clad in steel armor! It is he 'Who delivered the
lady of the beautiful tresses; he) in short, who has va.nquished all
the monsters that oppressed us. "\Yhatever he perforQwd he did
in the name of our queen Dorathil-goase.
Iy sisters call him a
hero; I know not what that means; but if you loved him half as
nUlCh as I do, you would fly this moment to meet him!"
Dorathil-goase, notwithstanding her anxiety, could not help

llliling at this sally of simplicity, uttered in praise of the idol of
her BOUL "Take your flight," said she to Ilbaccaras, "and prese
t
yourself before Habib, in your natural form. Cause him to be
eommodiously conducted hither by two of your genii; and take
care to have the whale dragged out upon the sand."
" l\Iy sisters," said Ilzaide, ,. have always attended the hero; I
pray you, mada.m, let theln COllle along with him; they would be
sorry to part from him."
"Yes) my dear girl," answered the queen: "let them come.
Y our sisters shall be as welcome as yourself; you shall each of
you be received with kindness."
" Ilbaccaraa departed, and was satisfied to find that the fair am-
bassadress remained as a hostage. He could now no longer doubt
the tru th of her report.
Ilbousatl'ous arrived. " I haye this moment been assured, my
dear child P' cried he, "that you are about to recei\-e YQur Arabian
knight, your deliverer, who has l'estored to you all the dominions
you have lost, and re-established your authority.
The young queen felt such an ecstacy of joy that she could scarcely
contain her emotions. She commanded her vizier, and requested her
grandfather, to give the necessary orders for the triumphant recep-
tion of her knight, her avenger, her loyer, her husband. She made
Ilzaide recount to her all the circumstances of his ê1ch'cntures.
During the recital she wa::; alternately agitated with transports of
joy and emotions of tenderness.
Ilbaccaras had now met the hero. He proposcd to carry him
immcdiately into the queen's palace. '
My duty and my regard to
her interests," said Habib, "still demand my presence for a few
moments. You may drag the whale ashore; but I must Le present
while you do so. ]\'[y impatience has, on a former occasion, led
me into an error j I mm:t now guard against it. I su
pect t.hat the
cruel enemy of your queen still lies in the bowels ()f the IJ1Ol1f1ter

I
NTEB:rAIN:\IE
TS

4
1

lie had raised up aga.inst me. I must be assured that his power is
destroyed, in order to acquit myself of my duty as the servant of
Solomon, as well as to secure the peace of your sovereign." II-
baccaras caused the whale to be drawn to a sloping part of the
shore, where, by redoubled efforts, it was a.t last brought to landø
Habib a ppro3rched it, and spoke thus with a firm tone: "Yile
enemy of God!" said he, addressing the monster," rebel against
him and his prophets! apostate from the law to which thou art
subjected-art thou concealed in the entrails of this fish 1" A
sound resembling the gnashing of teeth proceeded from the belly
of the enormous animal. "Speak," cried Habib, " or I will devote
thee to the cruelest punishments!" At last a dismal and plain-
tive " Yes," was utterred from the jaws of the monster.
The knight then took from his bosom the remain ing portion of
the lady's hair; c, ::\lay the projects of the wicked spirits," said he,
" now be executed against themselves. l\Iay each of these hair8
become a chain of iron, to deprive them of all action! l\layest
thou be deli\Tered over, thou and all thy slaves, to the servants of
Solomon, and hurled into the lowest dungeons of Caucasus!"
While Habib pronounced this command, he twisted the hairs
about the fins of the whale. The enormous mass made an effort
as if alive; but it was not repeated. The hairs of the l3.dy of
the l)eautiful tresses suddenly disappeared, and were, no doubt,
employed as the hero had ordered "My queen is safe," said
Habib to Ilbaccaras, "let me now have the happiness of seeing
her; conduct me, I pray thee, to her presence."
"rhile the Arabian knight was taking mea.sures to secure the
tranquillity of Dorathil-goase and her subjects, preparations were
made in the palace, and in the city of
Iedinaz-ii-Lallor, for the
triumpha.nt entry of their victorious deliverer and avenger, who was
soon to become their ;3overeigll. The lovely qupen strove to divert
her impatience and tender solicitude, by making Ilzaide repeat
whatever she knew of her dear knight; his minutest actions, his
words, and even the most trifling circumstances that the young
lady could recollect 'with regard to him, were ca 6 C'rly listened to
by the queen.
As night had come on, Hahib was COl1ùucted to his apartment
through the most superb illuminations. The royal magnificenco
displayed on the occasion might admit of description; but words
are. insufficient to describe the transports of joy and respücLfùl

422

ARABI,\N NIGHTS'

love, which in
pired Hahib, or the tender sensibility of the young
nlld heautiful queen. N evcr did love light up a purer flame, never
1id Fate conjoin two hea.rts more perfectly congenial. So much
beauty, 80 many virtues and accomplishments, were scarce ever
united to such mèrit and valor.
Habib felt an ecstacy of jt>y, and declared his happiness to be
complete. Dorathil-goase, who was no less pleased, exclaimed,
"Have I then no more to offer you, my dear Habib, tlJan my heart,
my hand, and my crown 1 A poor recompense these, for such im-
portant services, and for the dangers you have encountered fùr my
sake? A reward how inadequate for such heroic virtue !"
The evening of their meeting was also that of their nuptials.
'The same night that had brought them together as ha

py lovers, also
witnessed the ceremony which perpetuated their union; and the
morning sun beheld the completion of their felicity, and the joy
ûf the whole island of l\leùinaz.
But the happiness of Habib did not make him forgetful of the
oLligations he had come under. The Prince Dal-Ibha, husband
to the lady of the beautiful tresses, still languished in the dUll-
geons of the Black Isle; and that unhappy country, though no
longer invested with the enormities aHd the presence of Abarik
ff,
was still, without doubt, in very great disorder.
Habib had pledged his word to the lady of the beautiful tresses,
that he would deliver her husband from his oppressor. lIe is des-
tined by the stars to establish peace in the whole dominions of
Dorathil-goase; nor need he employ other means than those which
fate has put into his hands, to pursue and accomplish his adven-
tures.
The three daughters of the sea were in the palace of Dora.thil-
gOal3p. j who had loaded them ,vith favors, when lIalJih thus addressed
the eldel:5t: "'\V e have," said he, " some ve
scls here, which lllight
convey us to the Black I
le; Lut I prefer your invcntion j which
has already been so servicea.ble to us. '\Vhen an affair is regulated
by fate, its accomplishment is often made to depend on circum.
stances so trivial, and on the employment of means apparently so
insignificant, that 'weak man knows not to what he should attribute
the 8llCCess. Endeavor then, la(1ies, I pray you, to find our raft,
if it Le not easier for you .to <<Jrm another. I shall never be at
pfise till I have dried up the tears of the lady of the beautiful
tresseA;. and till I have removed the disorders which still disturb
the repof;e of my remaining subjects in the Rlack I
le."

ENTEUT ÅI
1\IILKTS.

423

The three sisters rp.ceived this proposal with joy. 1'hey saw
themselves associated in the glory of Haùiù. Ilzaidc had appe3.r.
cd rather dejeeted '3ince the marriage of the hero; but a
her es-
teem was sincere: she still loved him with all her heart, though
Bhe saw his hand bestowed on another, whose superior beauty aud
merit she could 1I0t dispute.
Habib called his charming queen to assist at the council he held
with the fair companions of his adventures; and it was resolved
that t.hey should set out on their journey as soon as the raft was
ready. Dorathil-goase, however, proposed that she should D10unt
::>11 her roc, and hover about the raft to give notice in caRe of the
approach of danger. Ilùaccaras, one of the genii who was most
attached to her, and for whom she had the greatest e
teem, to-
gether with two other genii, were appointed to attend her on the
journey.
Next morning the raft was ready, and Habib put to sea about
sun-rise. The dolphins, by which it was drawn, seemed to re-
double their exertions and swiftness, and the coast of the Black
Isle soon came into view. Ilbaccaras observed with pleasure, and
made the queen also remark, that the coast was entirely free from
those black vapors which had formerly rendered the aspect of the
place so dismal.
Habib lnnded without difficulty or opposition. lIe met only
with a few of the wretched and half-starved inhabitants wandering
about the shore. He called them together, and inquired what
news they had of Abarikaff, their tyrant. "He is vanquished,"
said they, " at least we have reason to think so, from the terri ble
cries of his attendants. 'Twas but the day before yesterday we
were obliged to flee to the mountains. In an instant, a multitude
of the most hideous sea-monsters had covered the coast. Their
fury was inconceivable; they fought, and tore each other in pieces
and the sand on the shore is yet stained with their blood. We,
who haye been so long the unhappy slaves of those monsters, were
glad to escape their fury, and to turn our eyes from a spectacle
so horrible. 1'heir roaring, their yells, reiterated by numerom;
echoes, still resounded in our ears and continued to terrify us,
when suddenly we thought we saw a glance of lightning, and the
whole noise cea::5ed. \Ye passed the night in the greatest disquiet
Rnd in continual alarm, from the impl'e
Bion of terror which still
remained on our minds; but this morning we could perceive no..

.

421

Al:"\BI.A

lGHT.,'

thing else but the infectious vapors that arose from the blood
which those monsters had 8hed. Had it not been dried up 17 the
Bun and happily driven uff by the wind, the island might have
been reudcred uninhabita1Jle."
\fbile Habib held this conference with the inhalJitants, the roc
hovcred over the island; and thc unLa!-,py people, terrified by so
many prodigics, liftcd their eycs toward that ohject
ith an air 0&
consternation a
ld solicitude. But the knight removed thcir fears.
"Y ou see nothing hcre." said he, ,! that should alarm you. I am
the husband of Dorathil-goase, your queen. The object you seo
in ihe air, is the roc, on whose back your queen, my royal con-
Bort, is seated; she comes with me to afford you tlmt al:5sistance
'which JOu need so much at present, and to establish peace and
good order among :you. nut," 3.bked he," where is Abarikaff's
palace 1"
'
Sir," answered the inhal itants, "we are ourselsves at a loss
what to think on the subject. It stood here, on this plain, and
now we cannot di8cover the least vestige of it. It assumed va-
rious fantastic 8hapes, and changed its form almost every day.
tVhen it was on the land, it sometimes looked like a berce mastiff
of enormous size; in the air, it usually had tbe appear
tnce of a.
prodigious bird, and in the sea it resembled a whale. 11
"He had some prisoners, too,11 continued Habib. "
rhat has
become of them P . "Sir," an8wereù they, '" if any persons have
been so unhappy as to be detained in his gri pc, they lUust be in a
very laDgui
bing and miserable state. The tyrant would not suffer
them to die; but neither would he allow them to li,-e."
" Do JOu know the prince Dal-Ilsha T' resumed Habib. "'V e
haye heard of him, E'ir. lIe was loaded with chains on accouut
of his wife's beautiful bail', whißh the tyrant and his attendants
wi8hed to olJtain; but which he would never COllsent to grant
them." "Go," said Ha1Jib, ,; search for him everywhere. I shall
reward the Illall who discovers to me the unfortunate prince."
The inhahitants oheyed, alId soon found Dal-Ilsha stretched on
the gr3
s, on the spot where the dungeons formed by the enchant-
mellt
of Abarakiff were situated, near hi
palace. They instantly
made a 80rt of litter, and bore the emacia.ted prince into the pre-
scnce of II ahih and his compauions.
The daughters of the sea were Hot backward in affording their
assistance to an 01Jject so worthy of their compassion. Dora

ENTEnTAI
::\IE
TS.

425

thil-goase observed from her elevation the stir which this affair
occasioned. Curious to know the cause, and secure against every
apprehension of danger by the presence of the hero, she made
tha roc to descend near the busy fòicene which had attracted her

ttelltioll. She inlll1ediatJly joined the three sisters in their care
of the unfortunate prince. Ilbaccaras, too, offered his help; and
by means of powerful elixirs, they so far re
tored the husband of
the lady of the beautiful tresses, that he was able to rise up to
speak, and thank his benefactors for their good offices.
lIe was made acquainted with the happy deli\'erance of his
spouse, and of his sulljects; he learned that it was owing to the
knight who stood before him, and 'who was now the hU/5band of
Dorathil-goase his kinswoman. lIe e.xpre
1;ed the deepest 8ense of
gratitude to his benefaetors, and the joy which he felt at seeing
them; he added, that he was impatient to fly to em brace his
spouse.
It was necessary in the meantime, that Dorathil-goase and
Habib should settle the government of the Black Isle; and this
was devolved on Ilbaccaras. Here a.n opportunity was offered of
rewarding the da.ughters of the sea; and the Arabian knight ac-
cordingly bestowed the hand of the eldest on the new viceroy.
I1zaide, without envying the good fortune of her sister, rejoiced
at the match. She, indeed, thought no mar.riage desirable, unless
it were with a hero. She joined heartily in the mirth and festivity
at her 8ister's wedding, without losing sight, however, of her fa-
vorite project of espousing none but a brave knight.
The island had been desdated during the reign of the rebel
genii; and the nobles assembled in order to concert with their new
chief the means of restoring confidence and happiness to the peo-
ple. Do
athil-goasp having taken these precautions, resolved, that
ín the course of visiting the several iElands under her domilJion, she
would carry the Prince Dal-Ibha to the Green I
land, stoppillg, as
he passed, at the Blue hIe, in order that when he j(,ined his spouse
he might be enalJled to take proper measures for re-estahliðhillg an
intercourse by sea between those islands.
K ext morning Habib and his two 8iðters put to sea on the raft
The roc tt!'cellded into the air. Dal-Ibha, somewhat recovered
from his long anrl severe suffering
, accompanicù the queen; and
tee rapidity of the voyage was favored by the calms which pre-
vailed at that season.

4.26

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The two sovereigns, and the prince their tributary, found the
people of the Blue Isle diligently emploJed in rebuilding their
dwellings. Anxious to guard against troubles like thosc which they
had SQ frequently experienced, the inhabitants w ilShed nothing
more than a re-establishment of those wise laws by which they
were governed before the rebellion.
A fisher's boat, the only vessel in the Green Il5land, bad been
despatcbed Ly the lady of the beautiful tresses with an assurance
that she would soon be ready to divide with their friends the trea-
sures found in the tyrant'.s steel castle; and that she only waited
till a vessel was Luilt in which she might venture to sea.
Dal-I1sha acknowledged the prudent foresight of his spouse.
Habib and Dorathil-goase approved of it no less, and they agreed
to set out instantly for the Green Island.
Now were the tears of the lady of the beautiful tresses to be
dried up; now was she again to see her beloved husband, who had
been so cruelly ravished from her. The two charming cousins em-
brace, shed tears of affection, and their valiant deliverer partici-
pates in their tender emotions.
It was next resolved to visit the White and Yellow Isles. The
two kinswomen were inseparable, and this seems to have been a
condition agreed upon at undertaking the voyage.
1Vhen the traveller arrived at the White Isle, Dorathil-goase,
who was constantly inquiring into the particulars of Habib's ad-
ventures and exploits, turned her eye toward the summit of i\Iount
Caucasus, which was partly concealed in the clouds. "Is it not
there," said she," where dwells our faithful II Haboul1 Since we
are thus fiu, my dear Habib, and since we have discovered the re-
treat of our best friend, how can we return without paying him
the tribute of gratitude for the many services he has done us 1
Leave your raft to the daughters of the sea, mount with me upon the
roc, and to vary our pleasures, let us now go and taste the sweets of
friendship." The desire of the lovely queen was seconded by the
ardent wishes of her husband, and th
journey was determined on.
As they approached tbe steep cliffs wh ich face the sea on the side
of :l\Iouut Caucasus, Hahib pointed out to his queen the place where,
after his escape from the caverns, he received assistance from the
daughters of the sea. The tender Dorathil-goase trembled at the
idea of her lover's situation in such a horri
le abode. 1Vhile they
hovered over the summit of Caucasus, he made her remark a pad

EKTERTÅI

IEN rs.

427

of the deserts which he had traversed. "I am charmed," said he,
"that my queen can thus see at what price I have purchased my
present happiness; but that is so great that I now forget the pains
and trouble it has cost me."
In the meantime, the vast bird glided over the highest top of
Caucasus, and lowering bis flight set down the travellers at the
entrance of II IIaboul's cavern. That good genie had already been
informed that something approached in the air, which seemed to
come toward his abode; and to whom else could such a visit be
intended, in a place absolutely inaccessible to the human race.
He stood near the rock which concealed the entrance to his
cayern. According to his custom he perfumed the air with a pall
of incense, which, by enchantment, mitigated the rigor of tbe
climate in that region of eternal frost. He was soon informcd by
one of his servants, that Habib and Dorathil-goase were the guests
he was to entertain. This also made him acquainted with the
union of those lovers.
He came up to receive the queen, assisted her to descend from
her roc, affectionately pressed the hand of Habib, expressed his
satisfaction at seeing Dal-Ilsha and his' spouse, made the whole
company enter into the interior part of his dwelling; and seated
them at a table already covered for them.
The roc, which had been bred on Caucasus, \\"'as no stranger in
this place. Il Haboul soon learned the principal events of the
successful expedition of his young disciple against the revolted
genii. He already knew the greater part of them. The gatcs of
the cavern, which faced the sea, had been for some time opened
every hour for the reception of prisoners, who were sent in the
name of Habib. 1'he criminal Abarikaff, and all the revolted
chiefs, were amon
the number.
\Vhen he had learned from his guest everything he had thought
worthy of inquiry, when they had all enjoyed the pleasures of
friendship and mutual eonfidence, he c.onducted Dorathil-goase and
the lady of the beautiful tresses to a commodious apartm('nt fitted
up for their reception. He then took .asiùe Habib and Dal-Ilsha,
and thus addressed the former: "l\Iy dear pupil, for I must hence..
forth esteem it an honor to have been your instructor, you have
hitherto acquitted yourself well in the noble though laborious parts
which fate has allotted to you. What remains for you now to per-
form. is only to satisfy the feelings of duty and natural affection.

4
8

ARABIAN XIGIITS'

I must, therefore, make you acquainted with a, part of the history
of your family, which will no doubt be ver,y afflicting to you."
Ha1ib looked on him v;Îth astonishment and anxiety. "Con.
tinue," said the genic, "to show your:self worthy of Dorathil.
goase, of the great Salamis your father, of the fa.vors úf Heaven,
and of the peculiar protection of the Prophet Solomon. Arm your
soul with llew courage, fortify yourself agaillst an excess of sen-
sihlity. He alol).e who. can brayely tmffer under lllÜ;fortune, is
fitted tfJ encounter and surmount difficulties."
After this preamLle, II Ilahoul informed Hahib of the account
the twenty knights had given to Salamis on their return. At the
Bi.\.me time he described the afflictions and "despair of his tenùer aHd
virtuous parent, on hearing of the death of a beloyed son, the ouly
hope. and comfort of his declining years, "His grief/ i 8:1id he,
" was so severe, that his eyes became two fountaills of tears; the
acrimony of which soon extinguished his sight.
"Being unable, by reason of this defect., to exert his wouted
acti\Tity and courage, u tributary prince; whom he had formerly
t:\ulJdued by his arms, raised the standard of rebellioll against hiM
master, and engaged others in the revolt. Those who ha,d rcmained
faithful to him were defeated in Beveral ha,ttl('s; and as he has rc-
ceiyed little aid from his a.llios, he is now ill danger of falling into
the hands of the enemy."
'Yhile 11 Haboul made his recital, Habib felt the strongest
emotions; for his soul was swayed by the most violent, as well aA
the noblest passions; but he suppressed his feelings, being already
armed against them.
t, Command me! my deal' tutelary genie," cried he,
'and you

hall see then that I still know my duty." "Mark th
n what I sh
l11
say," answered II lIaboul. " You have an easy mode of travel-
ling, and you must set out for Arabi
1 immediately. Your father,
it is true, has lost his sight, but his eyes are not entirely destroyed.
The remedy by which they will be restored must be applied by the
same hand that occasioned the misfortune, that is, the hand of.
Dorath il-goase.
" This secret remedy is to be found among the treasures of Solo-
mon, and there you must go and search for it. It is now neitlH.'l.
dangerous nor difficult for you to approach them. The word
written on the talisman is the only key necessary; besides, the
Laborcr of the Prophet has undoubted privilege of being admitted
to his shrine."

E.N'fERT.Å IN:\-I ENTS.

429

"But," said IIabib, "if I depart with my queen, what must be-
come of Dal-Ilsha nnd his spouse? How can they attend us, while
their presence is so necessary in their own kingdom; and who
could quiet the fears of the people in mine, during our a1)sence.';
,; "\'Vhen you advanced toward Caucasus, in your distres::ì, my
dear Habib, how did I contrive to lend you my aid? The same
means still remain with me. I can send back the lady of the beau-
tiful tresses and her husband, in safety to the Green blttnd. The
same slave of the Prophet who re-conducts them on the roc, will
convey information concerning you to Ilabonsatrous, your grand.
father, and to your viziers. You may, therefore, proceed with
tranquillity on your way to Arabia. I cannot now accompany you
thither. :My duty retains me in this place, and my business has
been more than doubled since your expeditions. I found it, indeed,
altogether impossible to comfort your affectionate father, by telling
him what news I could of your exploits.
" If you are willing," continued II IIaboul, " to follow my advice,
you will not alight at first in your father's territories. You will
conduct your spouse to the little cottage in the mountain, which
was once our retreat. As nothing there could excite the avarice
of the plunderers, it has escaped their fury during the rebellion.
The furniture which Dorathil-goase carries along with her travel.
ling pavilion, will serve for her accommodation; nor need you fear
that the granddaughter of a genie will suffer from want, where
there is such plenty of fish, game, and jelicious fruits. .
"You will be under the necessity," added the genie, "when you
enter the treasury of Solomon, there to deposit the scimetar which
you was permit' ed to use in subduing his enemies. It is not an
ordinary weap.on; and I know you desire no other ad vantage oyer
enemies who are your equals, than such as may be obtained by
prudence, experience, and superior courage, But you must not
venture into the camp unarmed, for hostilities may perhaps be un-
avoidable. I will, therefore, present you with two complete suits
of arnlOr, formed in the Parthian manner, and resembling those I
wore when I appeared in front of your camp; to this shall be
adJed the trappings and coverlets for YOUI. horses; and of these
things you can make whatever use your prudence may suggest."
" :l\Iy dear II IIaboul," said Habib, " my heart yearns toward my
father. Henceforth I shall hold my life of no ef::til11ation, till I
have br'\ught. him i"elief. Show me, I pray you, the path which

i30

AUAIHAN NIGIIT::;'

may conduct me to the talisman, that shall rel:3tore
ight to the au-
thor of my days. A moment's dela.y would pain me to the hea.rt;
alld I am sure that Dorathil-goase will participate in .my impa-
tience."
The charming queen was, no doubt, well di8p080d to entor into
tho views of a husband, to whom she was entirely devoted, anù ill
whose concerns she was so deeply interested. Preparatium:! were
therefore made for the journey.
IIabib descended i'1to the ca,,-erll, where were deposited the arms
úf SoÌomon. None presumed to dispute his entrance. ,\Yhell he
approached the trophy of arms, to which he was to affix the scime-
tar, he observed on the casque two beautiful oval stones, of a flat
I::5hapo, which were connected by a gold wire. and of a size sufficient
to cover the eyes of a man. His sight was dazzled with their
lustre. II
Knew them to be the talisman for which he looked; he
took them up and retired, regretting that he could 110 longer re-
main in a place where he was likely to reap so lUuch insh'uctioll.
llis sense of filial duty, at that moment, suppressed his curiosity.
IIis only wish was to see Dal-Ilsha and his spouse depart, that he
lllight fly instantly to gratify those feelings of natural affection by
which he was irresistihly impelled.
But one care still remained to make him unea.sy. He had left
the two daughters of the sea in the 'Vhite Island. lIe, therefore,
engag
d tbe prinoe and his fair f'pouse to halt at that i
l,and, in
order to carry the two ladies along with them.
Next morning, at day-break, the two roes ascended into the air,
a.nd took opposite courses.
Toward the evening of the third day, the children of Salamis
came in sight of his tents. l'he prodigious bird, on which th
y Rat,
alighted near the pali
adoes which guarded the entrance to the
little cottage, formed by Habib and II Haboul, as a place of re-
treat.
. The happy pair entered it. The genie, who guided the roc, un-
loaded the animal, turned him out to Rcarch for fuoù, and instinct
taught him to find it. Habib and Dorathil-goase impatientlJ wait-
ed the return of day; and, as soon as it appeared, they 10Rt no
time in proceeding to their purpose.
It was thought necessary that IIabib should be dis
l1ised when
he entered his father's tents, that he might not too suddenly Bur-
prise his f"'nd parents. He SOOl! obtained a disguiso suitable to hiB
design

ENTEKr.\I
:UI::N I S.

431

110 accidontaIIy found, among his ancient utensils, a pair of old
Bandals in which he used to work; these were his shoes; the skin
of a goat flung over his shoulders, and another girt about his loins,
made up his dress.
He stained his neck and face with a yellow-colored èarth, which
concealed the natural tint of his skin; he disordered his hair and
his beard; and, having a dagger in his girdle, a staff in his hand,
and a baRket of fruit on his arlll; he passed the elltrenchm
lIts, and
arrived at the entrance to the tents which belonged to his mother's
Rlave.
II e there espied a large flat stone, on which he sat down J aud,
placing his basket of fruit between his feet, he leaned forward as
if asleep.
Several slaves passed and repassed; but he had not yet seen her
to whom he intended to communicate his secret. At last she came,
and he called her by name, for she had been, his governess: "E::;ek !
Esek !" "You ;know me, then, young
mn," said the good old
lady. " Yes," answered Habib, "and if you will follow me hehind
that great tree, I'll tell YOG. news that will rejoice our maste"rs.
Put my basket into your tent; and if you are not satisfied with my
discourse, both it and the fruit it contains shall be yours."
The old woman, more from curiosity than avarice, took the fruit,
and retired with him behind the tree, which was close by the back
of the tent, and concealed them from the view of passengers during
the
r conversation. "Come," said she, " what have you got to tell
me 1 pray, begin."
"Will you promise," said he, ,: in case what I may say shall give
you extreme pleasure, that you will not cry out nor make the least
noise 1"
" Very fine, indeed," said the old lady, 'l you are then so elo-
quent, are yon 1 One could I?-ot guess it, truly, from your cloak,
or your sanùals. Pray, have you often made people cry, only by
talking to them .1"
" No, good woman; but if you don't take care, you will be the
fir
." "But," thinks she, " how comes it, tha.t this vagrant, wi1ìhJlis
lmsket of plums, talks so familiarly with me, and ca.lls me good
woman, yet I am not offended 1" "Have doue," said she, aloud,
"tell me quickly this secret, which you
ay will give me 80 much
pleasure." "Did you love poor Ha.bib- 1" "Then you come hero
to make me weep 1" " On the contrary, if you love him, be ..cum
forted, fOl' he still liyes."

432

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

While he uttered these words, he seized her by the hands and
prevented her crying out.
" Silence, silence, my good old friend! make no bustle, I myself
am Habib. I will
how you the mark on my neck, and the other
on my breast; I will sing you the little song with which I used to
eutertain you."
" How! how!" cried the old governess in transports, when she
heard the sound of his well-known voice; but Habib suppressed
her cries by putting his hand upon her mouth.
" Beware," said he, "you will kill my mother with surprise. I
oome to deliver my father from the hands of his enemies; but my
(lesign would be defeated, were they to discover that I am here.
"Be silent, then; for God's sake, be silent, my dear governess.
Show me where I may conceal myself. If I cannot enter by the
door, I will find a passage some other way. I must instruct you
in what manner y:ou are t.o communicate the news of rt1Y arrival,
so as to occasion nO sudden surprise to .my father and mother. It
is necessary, too, that it should remain a profound secret among us
four ."
The faithful slave of Amirala was almost suffocated with her
tears. Unable to utter ß, syllable, she could only lead her dear
Habib into her tent, where no person happened to be at the time.
lIe there taught her how to prepare his mother for receiving the
glad news, and concealed himself in the best ma.nner he could.
His governess, in the meantime, went to watch an opportunity of
Bpeaking to Amirala, who scarcely ever quitted Salamis.
IIabib remained alone, indulging melancholy reflections, and
comparing the formidable state of his father's camp at the time
he left it, with its present pitiful condition.
Scarce a fourth part remained. He was no longer contented
with ordinary barriers; he was surrounded with strong entrench-
ments. "\Vhatever military operatiolls were going on seemed to
be merely defensive.
It is impossible to describe the impatience of the hero to em...
brace and console his afflicted parents; to restore sight to the
honored author of his life; and to puni
b thosc mean and un-
grateful rebels, who, taking advantage of their sovereign's in-
firmity, had thrown off his allegiance, and even threatened Ilia
per50nalliberty.
Happily, those painful reflections were soon interrupted by the
return of the old governess.

ENTEHTÅIN
[E
TS.

43:{

Sleep had for some time suspended the cares of the Yener
hIe
emir; and
\.llliraht retired into her OWll tent to take a little re-
frcshment and repose.
Her faithful slave followed h01". 'Vhen they were alone, ,. ,l\Iadam/ J
f:aid she, "I know you put some confidence in my dreams. I have
, long had none hut I:mch as Wel'e unhappy, and tho
e, al:ls, hayc
been too often verified. :My last, however, has filled my mind
with comfort and hope.
. "The twellty knights, who accompanied our child to the desert,
have been first cowards, and afterward liars. Our dear Habib is
not dead. He is well. I kissed the marks he bears on his neck
und breast."
"And will your dreaming that you kissed those marks," cried
Amirala, "make the knights liars, and restore eur child to life 1"
"0, madan1," answered the good woman, " I embraced him in
my arms, ft,ud he prossed me to his heart, which Leat very quick;
jt was not the heart of a dead man, madam, I assure you."
"But where, when did you ùream all this 1"
"Just now, madam. Drink this cup of cold water, alid I will
tell you the re
t."
Amirala drank the water. " Well," said the old woman, "there
will be no danger now to speak plainly; but beware, madam, of
an excess of joy."
"Know then, that I did not dream; I saw him. I embraced
our Habib himself. lIe is here, and "resides in what he calls hi

little mountx"1in retreat. There stan:ls a basket of plums. which he
has brought from thence. He came disguised into the camp, like
a poor peasant, with his face beda.ubed with clay. lIe is resolved
to make himself known to none but his father and HA. He told
me it was for the good of his father's affairs to keep his arrival
secret. Our Habib, you know, is wise; his advice must be fol-
lowed."
Notwithstanding the precaution of the gla;s of water, Amirala's
spirits began to fail. She cast her eyes on the Im8ket, and could
only utter these words: "Here are plulUs from his g;trdcn !" The
governcss then maJe her smell some fragrant essences. " Take
courage, madam," said she," much happineRs fi,WttÏts m
, which
may compensate our past sufferings; my IIa1Jib to]d me
o. Your
eyes shall this night lwhold the heaveuFI, and JOu shall not there
find a star that iti not fur us!"

If)

4-:1 t

AIUBIAN NIHHTS'

" But where, where is he 1" said Amirala, ",hen she reeO\ erect
the ut;e of speech. "In my tent, behind the great Lulrush hamlJrl',
which contained the stuff.'3 you recei,-ed from Chiraz. l ' ake heart,
madam: come with me aud :;ee him. \Ve will shut our
elvEs up
with him; we will comb his hair; we will ,,.ash his face; and
I am much deceived if we do not find him more beautiful than
ever ."
Amirala made trial of her strength. She was conducted with
difficulty to the tent of the kind governess. There, after using
every necessary precaution to prevent being discovered or sur-
prised, the hamper ta-ken dowu, and Habib himself prostrated at
the feet of his mother, 'who was sf'ated on the governess's COUCD;
the essences were again had recourse to for reviving the spirits of
both the mother anù the SOli, who haù mutually Bunk into a trance.
When they had somewhat l'ecovered," Ah! my dear Haùib,"
cried Amirala, "by what favor of gracious Heaven are you thus
restored to my arms 1"
"By that, madam, which was promised me by the f'tars. Yon
Bee before you the husb,lud of Dor:lthil-goase-the king of t.he
Seven Seas; the instrument-though unworthy, of the great Solo-
mon-the conqueror of the enemies of God and his prophet, But
I would only bewail my sue-cesses, did I not bring with me a
physician, ,,,ho is able, in a moment, to restore sight to my father."
"Restore the sight of Snlami
!" exclaimed Amirala. " Yes,
madam:" answered Habib, "alId that physician is my wife herself

commissioned hy the decrees of Heaven to perform this miracle,"
" Your wife!" returned Amirala, "and where is she 1'- " In the
cottage in my garden. She waits for an Arabian dress. You will,
therefore, order two dresses to be prepared; one for her, under
which she may conceal her sex; anrl another for me, in which I
may pass through the camp without bcing discovered.
,. It is proposed, maùam, to introduce to my father, in the view
"
of the whole camp, an Arabian physician with his slave. Order,
then, the most trusty of the emir's grooms, and he in whose prudence
JOU can repose the most confidence, to follow me to my retrea.t
with thrpe mules. I.Jet him take care that the barriers be left open
for him 011 his rctnrn.
,\ You will inform yot.r shtYes that you have callerl a physielan,
for whose accommodation a tent mllst be provided this ni
ìlt.
\\7 e will arrive about sunset, and wc shall nc('d no other than my
kind gon"l'lle

to f'(>l've us,"

E
Tr:lt 1'.\1
)ll-:},TS.

435

;C Till that time, mad:ull, you may prepal e my fatJwr, Ly relating
tmct. f5tories as may raise ill his mind some hopes of my safety.
Inspire him with confidence in the skill of au Arabian physicia,
,
who requires no more than to see his eyes, to touch them with his
fingers; and who engages, by that means, in a moment to re:'3tore
his
ight. For my Own part, I will remain concealed till after the
operation."
Everything was executed accOl.ding to IIabihJ
directions; he
instantly set out for his retreat, followed Ly his f<tther'8 groom with
three mules. He had led the way in silence; but when they ap-
proached the pali
adoes, he called to the man by his name. The
groom seemed struck by the sound of his voice," Fear not,"
aid
he, " I speak to you with Haùib's voice, for I am Habib himself.
"\Vhen you come mto the cottage, you may find what may surprise
you more. You will there see the queen, my royal spolU:;e. Pre-
pare yourself, then, to execute whatever we shall cOlllmand for
the service of the emir, my father.;'
The groom could scarce persuade himself that he was awake;
but the work he was ordered to perform soon convinced him that
he was not under the iliusion of a dream.
Habib commanded him to load two of the lllules with the armor
and the horse-trappings which he had received from the hand of
II I1aboul. He and Doratbil-goase then put on their di8guise.
The young physician mounted the best mule: her slave, on foot,
conducted Oile of the loaded mules, and the other was led by the
groom.
The armor was covered with those skins of lions and tigers, which
had served as furniture in the cottage; and this little trùop, in the
dusk of the evening presented themselves, and were admitted within
the lines of the camp.
In the meantime, Amirala and the governess attended Salamis,
who was now awake; they aJjressed him in a tone less mournful
than usual; and the worthy emir was comforted by the cheerful-
ness of their discourse.
"God has been pleased to humble me," said he; "I was too
proud of his gifts, and all ha;,.e been withdrawn, that I may learn
my own insignificance. Yet I bless his name, since you, my dear
Amirala, seem as resigned to our destiny as I am myself!
"Deprived as I am of power and glory, and cut off from the

joyme
t of light, I can brave every danger and even the slavery

436

ARABJ -\N NIGHTS'

with which T am threatened, while you aSl:ìist me Jll supporting 1.1'
misfortunes. l\ly enemies no longer fear my arms; but they will
be pursued oy the vengeance of the great prophet, from which
they caunot escape. )Ve shall, at last, rejoin our dear Habib, ar..d
be happy,"
" Yes, yes," crieù the govcrness; "there is no doubt of it, f
ft(;r
the dream buth my lady anù I have had. I am sure we shall reo
join our dear HalJih."
" 'Vhat ùream 1" demanded Salamis. ""\Yhoever heard of two
pcrsons having the same dream 1"
" "\Ve have, huwever, both drea.med the same thing." answerfid
the governess, "and that exactly, in each particular. "\Ve ha.ve
seen Habib. He was beautiful, was a ki,llg, and had a queen,
charming as the houris. lIe still loved his father and us with al1
the tenderness of his natllre. He hoped Boon to come here, and
show himself to you, and
"Shuw himself to me !" interrupted Salamis; " that can never
be, at least in this world; for my eyes, alas! are shut forever !"
" You may, perhaps, be agreeably deceived, my lord," returned
the governefo1s, "as to thiö particular. )V e h
-..ve heard of a won-
derful physician, whose skill is so great that, if the eye-ball but
remain entire, he can restore the
ight in a moment" and without
occasioning the sl11alle
t pain':'
"I have already b
en abused by quacks and astrologers," cried
Salamis. "lIe is neither one nor t'other," said she. "lIe offers
to pledge a thousa.nd pieces of gold before undertaking the cure.
If he does not succeed, Or if he does the smallest injury, he is
willing to forfeit the SUIll."
" Let him come, then," said Salamis. "I will be glad to gain a
thousnnd pieces of gold, that I may di0tr.bute them among my
poor subjects who have been plundered of all their flocks. It will
OIùy cost mo a little patience
and the empiric will be justly PWl-
ished for his vain pretensions."
This compliance on the })art of Salamis; was all that Amirala
wanted. Habib and Dorathil-goase arrive; are introduced into
the apartment of the emir, and the groom there places the two

uits of armor, covering them with the skins in which they håyo
been wrapped.
The operation on the emir's eyes is now to be begun. But no
8trangers are suffered to intrude. A supper is already prepared,

E
TERT AIN)lENTS.

.37

which is to be served up by the governess alone. The groom
stands as sentinel at the door, to restrain the impertinent iuquirieEl
of the crowd.
Amirala announces to her hnsband the arrival of the physician,
and at the same time puts into his hand a purse filled with gold.
" '\Veigh it,'; says she to the emir; "sati
fy yourself that noth-
ing is wanting of the SUIll: and keep it in your pussession, to make
sure of it, in case the operation should fcLil.
" But as you are a sovereign, this generous physician is unwil-
ling that you should hazard your person in the view of so paltry
a compromise; that the bargain may be more eq uaI, he entreats
that you will suffer him to pledge his hea.d for his success."
"l\Iy dear Amirala," says Salamis, "would you ha.ve me dream,
as you and the good old woman there, do so often? \V ould you
make it a dream for three ?" ,: I hope," answered she, "my
honored emir, it shall soon be a dream tor five! the ll10
t delight-
ful, the truest dream imaginable. But here comes the physician."
" Come near me," said the emir. " Is it true that you are so
certain of my cure 1" " AS certain as of my existence." " Ah !
you have the voice of an &.ngel, not of a man, Are you the mes-
senger of I-Ieaven, who brings me so unexpected a favor? for it is
from Heaven alone I can hope for such a miracle." " You are
mistaken as to the nature of my essence, but you conjecture aright
a:s to my commi!'sion." "I know not how it is, but your words
enchant me, and shed a ray of hope on my soul. Look on my
eyes." "I see them. Permit me to touch them, and for an instant
to apply rr!y thumbs upon them." "I feel an agreeable warmth.
what a pleasing sensa.tion! some happy change has taken place,
which is communicated to every nerve, and my whole frame is
invigorated-."
"The operation is finished, my lord. ,Look up without fear.
The rays of the sun will no longer be offensive to your eyes."
"0 heavens! 1 see I" cried the good emir; and before taking
notice of any object before him. he fell down with his face to the
ground, and thanked God for his deliverance.
Having finished his prayer, he arose and looked around. ")Vhere
is this physician ?" cried he, in a transport. " 'Vhere is this mes-
senger of God't" "Here I am." "Divine creature!" "I am
not divine, honored father; :: am Dorathil-goase, your daughter:
døvoted to you by fate. I am the wife of your son Habib." "Wife

438

ARABIA

IGHTS'

of Habib! draw near; Amirala, support me; my son ia
married; he lives! \Vhere, where is he 1" "At your feet!"
cried Habib, embracing his knees.
"0 gracious Heaven !" exclaimed Salamis," thou hast restored
my strength; but much is necessa.ry to sustain this excess of joy."
He remained for some time deprived of sense, in the arms of his
Bon and the young queen. But this was no more than a momentary
crisis of tenderness, which gave vent to the torrent which S0011
burst from his eyes. His tears were mingled with those of his
children and of his wife Amirala; and the good old governetis,
emboldened by the warmth of her attachment, presumed to join in
the tender scene.
Natural affection here operated so powerfully that, for 80mo
time; curiosity, and every other sentiment, remained in suspense.
At last, ,Amiraln. recollected that she ought to offer her guest:i
Borne refreshment; and the governess, on receiving her orders, pre.
pared to serve them.
The father is seated at table between his two children: Amiraln
sits opposite, and enjoys the inexpressible felicity of beholding
the re-union of so many objects of her love.
For a long time her breathing had been interrupted by con-
ti';ual sighs; her mouth was seldom opened but to utter a com-
plaint; her heart was wrung with sorrow, her mind haunted with
terrors. She shed the most bitter tears; was dead to every pleas-
ure, and grief prayed on her vitals. Every step she made seemed
marked with misfortune.
In a moment all is reversed. The flood of tears that pours
from her eyes is a delicious enjoyment; her soul is filled with
enthusiastic joy, and her lips can give it utterance.
" Let my heart taste of pleasure; it is not now I}, time to resist
the impressions of delight; let my heart open and furnish an
abundance of tears!
,
'Vhen each tear I shed was accompanied with a heavy groan,
who could have persuaded n
e that I should one day find such
pleasure in weeping?
"0 laughter, how deceitful art thou! Thou canst not express
the joy of the soul. Thou art a stranger to sweet f'pnsibility.
Go, distort the faces, and mark the insipid mirth of the fa )18 who
court thee; begone from those who \
an .taste the tendoI' delight of
weeping!

E1\"T:ERT AIN:MES'I'S.

439

c, Dorathil-goase! Hb bib! how charming are your te.trs! how
they exalt every beauty! ho,v they improve every feature of those
angelic f.'wes !'"
Amiraia might have proceeded longer in the language of
poetry; for the happiness she then felt had inspired her with all
the vivacity of youth; but the situation of the objects on which
her attention was fixed, began to change. The repast was short;
the governess had rEtired, and it was now time that Salamis should
learn from his son's own mouth in what manner he was restored
to him by the kindness of Heaven.
The young hero recounted to him his history, from the moment
he set out on the expedition to l\Iount Caucasus; he described the
behavior of the twenty knights till the instant they left him ex-
posed in the desert to the rigors of the climate, to famine, to thirst,
and to tbe rage of the ferocious animals.
He described all his exploits in the most natural colors. Even
the fault he termed unpardonable which he committed before
leaving the caverns, and the consequences that followed that error.
He proceeded to relate his meeting with the daughters of the
sea, a meeting which WR
, no doubt, ordained by fate. He de- '.
scribed in what manner his labors were facilitated by the
r assis-
tance, and how they had in a manner saved his life. In short, he
expressed the extreme felicity he enjoyed since the moment of hie
union with the charming Dorathil-goH.se.
lie concluded with mentioning the reasons which led him to.
return to l\Iount CaucRsuB; how he there, for the first time, learned
from II Hahoul the unhappy situation of his father, of his mother,
and of his whole tribe; and how, on this, he took the resolution of
hastening to Arabia.
Salamis eagerly listened to this narrative, withüut interrupt:ng
him. tV-hen he had done," :\Iy son," said he, "have you not rc-
solved to puniHh those treacherous knights, who have so bascly
plotted jour destruction 1"
"FathC'..r," said Habib, "I think it unnecessary; I leave them to
the stings of internal remorse, and to the vengeance of Heaven.
S ueh despicable monsters are so mean, so far beneath me, that I
cannot stoop to punish them."
"Your sentiments," rejoined Salamis, "are truly magnanimous;
your answer is ,vorthy of a hero; but you should also judge as a
king. Vengeanee ought always to pursue crimes, and the guilty aro

440

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

J1()t proper objects of mercy. But after their infamous treacl-.ery
to you, what wonder is it that their cowardice has been the chief
cause of all the disorders which have desolated our triLe; for not
one of them had courage enough to face an enemy."
They have oppressed my people with every species of inju
ticc.
The crimes they have committed against you, and against my
clf
are so enormous, that you expose the whole trihe to danger in suf-
fering them to live. Besides, as you are now to discover your-
self, their villany must come to 1ight. and puLlic justice will de-
mand their punishment. I might add, did I not know that you.
were superior to such fears, that they would btill be dangerous
enemies."
Habib yielded to these reasons; and entreated his fat1wr to
acquaint him with the particulars of th<,\,t unhappy r
volution in
Arabia, which II lIaboul had mentioned to him only in general;
and 'of which the Bad effects were too visible on the face of the
country.
" 0 my son," resumed the virtuous emir, " 1 call on you to exe-
cute vengeance on wretches whose existence is a disgrace to hu-
manity; and while I excite you to repress your generous feelings,
that you may secure the we.lfare of a people over whom you way
hereafter bear rule, it if! a task truly painful to set before your
eyes the unpleasing picture which must banish, for the time, "hose
sentiments of universal benevolence whicL should alwa
rs ÌJ.spire
the heart of a true Mussulman.
"When the Arabians saw me deprived of sight, when they
could no longer hope to triumph by my arms, nor share wIth me
in my conquests, they regarded me as an outcast unworthy of life.
The emirs that I had appointed in my provinces forgot that they
owed their elevation to me. They all det3erted their allegiance.

[h
y quarrelled amûng themselves, nor would. they even listen t;J
my counsels.
" By my conduct and military skill tIley had subdued the
formidaùle tribe of Rleb, who were infidels, worshippers of the
Bun, and the stars. We ,.,..ere obliged to reduce them to servitude
by imposing heavy contributions, which rendered them impaticnt
of thp yoke.
"A warrior started up among them named Zir; a man of enor-
mous stature and extraordinary strength; he was naturally am..
Litious, enterprising and brave, but quarrelsome and cruel. '

E

EUT Al.NME
ì'S

4:11

It Zir had excited his .])rethren to revolt; they flew to arms;
and while the emirs were disputing with each other about the
vain honor of command, they were routed, their forces dispersed,
and their flocks driven off. The few that were not entirely sub-
jected by him are now wandering in the neigh boring deserts.
"Thus freed from every enemy wbose force he had reason to
fear, the terrible Zjr advanced to my camp, to accomplish the
mo
t important part of his project.
"The tribe of Benihelal, who rendered such important services
to our holy prophet, was, above all the others, odious in t.be eyes
of the infidels. Zir was ambitious of subjecting them to the same
degree of slavery from which be had delivered biB own people;
or even, if he could, of cutting them off, root and branch, from the
f
tCe of the earth.
"The favorable situation of our camp, between two steep bills,
the exact discipline which I havç enjoined, and tbe means I have
t;uggested of repelling attacks and avoiding surprise, have bitherto
prevented my defeat; but we are daily losing ground, and the
few cattle still remaining with us, car! scarcely find pasturage
suffieient for their support.
"Had you not, my dear son, arrived so seasonably; had not
Ileaven been pleased to restore my sight, no other prospect was
before us than death, or the most humiliating slavery.
"Though the enemy, from a knowledge of our position, have
ceased to attempt to force our lines
yet they daily present them-
selves as our barriers, and exultingly reproach our warriors with
cowhrdice. None of them bave courage to resent those cruel in-
sults; and one Inight imagine that the whole tribe of Benihelal
was reduced to women and infants."
This recital kindled a flame in the breast of Habib. Ilis
f."ther forsaken-his tribe dishonored-these were ideas altogether
insupportable; but above all, the ungenerous advantage which
Zir had taken of his father's weakness, fillcd his soul with indigna-
tion and fury.
'" 0 ! my father !', crIed he; "I hope before to-morrow's dawn to
begin our vengeance.
,
Unùer the
e tiger-skins, which perhaps you have not yet ob-
served, are concealed 150me pieccs of ar:nor of no ordinary kind,
"' ulCh "ere given me by II Ha.boul when I last visited Caucasus
Your groom shall prepare me a war-horse. I will fly to the }")<11"
19

442

AUAHL-\.N NIGHTS'

riel', there to await the insolent bravad()es of our e1 emiès, '1.ud
give them a proper reception.
" If the enemy does not appear, I will rush on to the tents of
Zir, and dare him to the combat."
".And where 61mB Salamis be," cried the generous old warrior,
" if he fails to accompany his son ill so gloriom; nn enterprise?
Here are two suits of armor under the tiger-skin.'i. I pray thee tdl
me, was this intended for your wife, or me 1 "That Arab is abìe
to bear these arms, or e\'en to lift this lance 1"
Having said this, he took it up and brandished it in the air in a
terrible manner. 'Yhile he wielded the enormous lance, it looked,
in his grasp, like a reed in tbe hands of a child. "0 :Múhammed !"
exclaimed he, "thou hast restored hro chiefs to thy tribe; restore,
nh;o, to the people, their courage and their strength !"
Allliraia and Dorathil-goase; far from being alarmed for the
l5ufety of their husbands, "ere delighted to see them assist each
other in adjul:ìting their armor, and to obser"e the graceful mau-
ner in which they, by turns. tl.ied the weight and temper of their
. w ea pons.
1Vhen they were completely armed they embraced; "Thou art
illY Bon!" said Salamis; "I am thy father.
ro-da.y we are
brotherlS and rivals in the field of honor.
" Pity it is we have none to contend with but sla.ves! Let U8,
however, take comfort; we fight for the great prophet, and our
glory is connected with his."
Salamis then called his groom. "Prepare for us," said he, two
horses of the noblest breed; let them be caparisoned in these
trappings, and conduct them to your tent. Keep them in readi-
ness till day-Lreak, when we shall mount.
"God has been pleased to restore my strength, as you
ee, to-
gether with my sight.
" To-morrow my son and 1 go to receive the challenge of the
rebel knights from the army of Zir.
" 'Vhen we Bet out fi'om your tent, you will follow at a small
distance. You may answer to tho

in the camp. who inquire
who we are, that these aro two strangers, knights, who come to
offer their services to Salamis."
The groom retired to do as he had been commanded; and the
darkness of the night ena'bled him :0 execute his Olders withcut
being perceived.

}
NTERT.A IX::\fEXTS.

443

The guards who kept the pas
ages to the emir:s tents saw the
groom enter without SU81)icion; and as they knew hill1 to be the
emir's servant, suffered him to take from thp.nce two horses with-
out t.he least disturbance.
At day-break the two warriors, armed cap-a.-pie, after taking the
most affectionate leave of their spou:ses, went out unohsen"ed.
They came to the groom's tent, mounted their horses, and rode up
to the barriers to wait the ap,proa.ch of Zir's warriors, who ('ame
there daily to renew thC'ir in:;ults.
Nor had they long to wait. Six knight:;;, in complete a.rmor,
Boon made their appearance; and, followed by a small party of
their attendants, advanced toward the ba.rriers of the camp. Oue
üf them alighted, and thus addressed the guarù who kC'pt that
post:
" People of Arabia: Are you mad? 'Y ould you remain inglo-
riously penneù up like your cattle, on the last of which you now
feed? "\V
uld you suffer famine and death for the sake of n poor
l
lind man? Our chains are honora.ble, and are destined to be worn
hy tbe bravest people of the earth. Sul:>mit, then, to tl;e common
lot of the nations conqnered by our arms. V ou shall be permit-
ted to become a footstool to the throne of the mighty emir Zir,
our glorious so\"ereign. Leave, then, for shame, this feeble old.
man, who can only share with you his disgrace and imhecility.
You shall even be allowed to mix with our tribe, and there forget
the ignominy of your own. Why not forsake a prince abandoned
by Heayen, who has not, among his friends, one knight bold enough
to face the weakest of us 1"
" Thou licst, vile slave of a rebel slave !" criea Habib, who had
suddenly started from behind the palisade. He then struck the
visor of his ca.sque with one of his gauntletf.;, as a signal of defiance.
"I h(>re defy thee," sa.id Hahih, "and challenge the
to eug....ge
a kllight of the great Salamis."
In the meantime, the valiant huslm,nd of Dorathil-goase over-
leëlped the barrier, and came up with his adversary bofore he had
time to remount his horse, or lay hold of his shipld.
Habib thrpw away his, diHda.ining the lea
t achanta 6 e uf that
sort, and the fight began. But the victory was
o(m decided in
favor of the son of Salamis. Habib scarcely struck a blow that
did not pierce the armor of his antagonist, and he fell dead at hi9
feet, before the other knights of the tribe of Klob could advancQ
lú assist their companion in arm
.

t44-

ARABIAN
IGIITS'

He who first came up, fürgetting the laws of war and of honor,
tried to overthrow Habib by rushing on him with his horse. The
brave son of Salamis avoided the shock, and with a mortal blow
f!illote his adversary to the ground.
Salamis, who had just passed the barrier
met the third knight,
and despatched him.. Habib, who had now taken his horse, joined
his father, and both fell upon the three remaining warriors of the
tribe of Kleb.
These knights would have sought safety in flight, had not the
shame of being secn by their attendants restrained them. Fear,
however, had seized their hearts; they suffered themselves to be
disarmed, and the fate of their companions completed their terror.
Salamis and his son returned to the camp. Everyone, who
bore the title of knight in the tribe of Benihelal, came about them
half-armed. Joy, mixed with suspicion and shame, appeared in
theh- faces. They asked, "Who can they be 1 From whence are
those wonderful strangers who have displayed such intrepidity
against our enemies
who have so easily triumphed in the unequal
contest ot two againRt six 1"
'The two knights did not remove the visors of their casques.
They answered those who praised their valor, only by a graceful
inclination of the head. They òbserved a profound silence, and
the groom who spoke for them, told the people that they were two
noble and valiant strangers, who were come to offer their services
to the emir; and that they had requested to be conducted to his
tent, that they might be introduced to him.
The two heroes again mounted their
teeds, and proceeded to
the tent of Salamis. The groom led the way, went on before them
as if to announce their arrival, and afterward, introduced them
with a mysterious air.
They were received with open arms l)y Amirala anã Dorathil-
goase. The steel, in which they were dad, sccmed to yich], and
become soft in thc tender embrace
A victorious knight is an object of the highcst de1ight to his
lady. Can any titte be more pleasing, even amidst the most en-
dearing caresses? These two happy pairs, indulging their mutual
fOl
dness without restraint, for love, tempered with virtue, knoW9
no bounds, and can never arrive at excess.
The heroes were assisted in putting off their arms l)y their fair
9pouses ; who, with their own hands: served them with a repast

F.NTEUTADOIEXTS.

445

Sala.llli
was informeù that hili tent was surrounded hy a multitude
of inquisitiye people, of all ranks. lIe ga\ e ordel'lS to tell them,
that, having paösrd the night une:'"lliily, he had neod of repofSc.
At the same time, he commanded proclama,tioll to be Ill:lde in the
Ct1111P, that he would hold a great council of all his knights imlUc-
diately after mid-day pra.yers.
The rumor had been spread that a phYfoiiciall had arrived, who
was to operate on the emir's eyes; l)ut both he and his bhtye had
disappeared. It was believed by some that the emir haying no con-
fidence in the operation proposed, had abruptly sont away tho
person who came to attempt it.
Others again, asked whell, and in what manner, two knights in
complete armor could have been introduced to a fortified eamp,
and penetrate to the emir's tent, without being seen by the guards
or any other person 1
",Yhile the people were perplexing the1118elyos with cOllje
ture8
on these subjects) Salamis, Amil'ala) Habib, and Dorathil-goase
retired to refrefSh themselYes, after so much fiLtigue, with a !Short
repose. All who were to be present at the council prepared to
hear something new and wonderful, whatever it llli
ht be, and none
failed to attend exactly at the hour appointed.
Salamis recci \'ed hiB knights, seated on Mofa-Ieaning his fore-
head on his hand that they might not remark the new lustre which
reanimated his countenance.
"\Vhen the assembly \Vas full, and eVelyone had taken his place,
he thus addressed them: "Emirs and knights, who were the glory
of the tribe of Benihelal, before it incurred the wrath of the great
prophet, I scarce could have flattered myself with the hope of dis-
covering the cause of OlIr punishment, nor of seeillg an end to the
progress of misfortune.
"Placing my hope in God alone, I was always resigned to hi

will; and he has at last been plea.sed to reveal to me the dreadful
crimes of which some brethren of our tribe have been guilty.
These have provoked Heaven, and drawn dowll it
vClIgeauce on
our heads.
" 0 Emirs! and more e
pecially ye Arab:an klligbt
who now
hear me ! You llM-e among you some base and fall5e hearts-souls
stained with the blackest tren.solls, :.\lld the most horrid crimes!
" AB soon as their cuormitics were committed, ::\Iohammed vith
drew his favor. The heavens were reversed, and every star WILS
a.gainst us. \V c became a prey to the infidels.

,ji6

AHABIAN NIGHTS'

".:\Ij'se1f
being your chief, though innocent, was struck with
blindne:5s, anlI found my power wrested from me, and my counsels
de
pised. Even your natural courage has forsaken your heartl:i,
and you can no longer TI1Ce t111 enemy. You are become the bub.
jcct of their raillery. Those who once exulted in their strength
haye felt their knees tremble, and have crept behind their en-
tI'enchruents.
c'The tribes who were subjected to me have thrown off their
allegiance; without, however, esc3ping the disasters which guilt
has brought on the tents of the Arabs. Their enemies, as weak uS
ourselves, but still more imprudent, have, by their internal divi-
sions, suffered their brethren to sink under the sword of their
rebel slayes; and those who have not attempted to gain adntll-
tages 1JY rebellion, have fleù to the inhof3pitable deserts of this
country, there to seek a miseraLle and inglorious asyìum !
" Our mi::;fortuncs, arrived almost at the highest pitch, have, at
last, excited the compassion of Heaven; and divine justice now
only demands from us the punishment of those crimes, for which
it had, with regret, pursued the innocent with the guilty, in order
that a more I:!evere chastisement may be inflicted on the camp of
the enemy.
" Consent, then, instantly to deliver up to justice those who are
found worthy of p':lni8hment--those wretches who have drawn
down the vengeance of Heaven on the faithful
iussulIllans of
Ara bin. !',
The Emir had pronounced this speech with a tone of firmne88
and authority, that his auùience could scar
e have expected from
one in the humiliating situation in which they still supposed him.
They gazed on each other in silent astonishment. Some looke,j
down, fixing their eyes on the earth; but the unanimous voice üf
the assembly /Seemed to declare, that the horrid crimcs 'which had
provoked the wrath of IIea,yen against their tribc, should he ex-
piated by the death of the guilty.
" Are proofs wanted !" said the emir, whi1e Habib stepped from
behind a curtain where he stoüd concealed: "Come forth, my SOli,
convict these nineteen knights who stand before us, of the fa.Ise re-
port they made of your death, both to myself, and to the whole
tl'i be."
Then turning to the criminals: "Base and cruel impostors. can
, 0\1 deny, that I entrusted you in preference to others, with tIle

E
rEH.TA.l
:\1E
T;:;.

4:-17

c.U.C r.ud protection of your YOllUg prince; tlmt you, adding
tl èadwry to co'",'ardice, resol,"ed to alJalldon him; aHd that tu es-
cape lIlY yeugeance, you left him in his 81e{'p, destitute uf every
l'esource, and even of his arms-exposeù to hunger aud thirst, to
the fury of the elements, and the rage of wilù beasts ?"
The sight of IIaLib was like a stroke of thuuùer tu the guilty
knights. Salamis thus proceeded:
" Knights of the tribe of Benihelal-to you it belongs to pro-
nounce the sentence, and orùer the execution of the crimina,l8.
To you it belongs to avenge the children of l\Iohammed, on those
who ha-ye Lrought dishonor on his favorite tribe, aHd the
courge
of divine justice
n the whole people."
The criminals were mute, nor could they offer a word in their
own defence. They were surrounded, Lound, and their armor torll
off piece by piece; being immediately deliyered over to the exc-
cutioners, they were led out of the camp, their heads struck off
with a sabre, aHd their bodies left exposed as a prey to the rav-
enous beasts.
RaLir had been saved from the infamy of this punishment by
his death, which happened soon after his return. The horror of
having consented to sueh an enormity had hastened his end, which
DlÏght otherwi
e have been regarded as premature.
Ua\ ing thus done justicc to their royal chiefs, the knights made
haste to t
stify their joy at the return of IIalJib.
"-hile Sala.llli
spoke to them; the importance of his discourse
so entirely captivated their attention, that they had not remarked
the sparkling orbs ",hidl now re-allimated his looks.
On their return, Sa.lamis addressed them one after another, with
graceful condescension; and all remarked with astonishment the
l.eturn of his sight.
'IIave you not heard," said the emir, "of
the physician who was last Dight introduced. to me; and whosc
secrût remedy has, by the grace of God aHd his prophet, proyed
effectual? K or is this the only fhvor which Heaven has bestm,\Ted
on us.
"The victory which my 80n and I obtained this morning, is the
I.ledge of future glory. Brave Arabians! the stain of guilt is no
IÒllger upon you: resume your wonted strength and military ardor;
prepare to atta.ck the tents of Zir. I ask none to follow me but
my valiant knights; my other warriors may remain to protect our
flocks in the l'ich pastures I shall point out. A sufficient guarù
will also be left in the camp.

4t8

AHABIAN NIGHTS'

.

,; }
ct all our subject tribes who are wandering in the descrt be
informed, that, by to-morrow, terror 61mB reign in the tents of our
enemies, and fear shall be balli
hed from the breast of all those
who rcpair to the standard of Salamis.
"'\Vhìle we arc collecting a body of forces, whose appearance
lllay be sufficiently formidahle to intimidate the enemy, and tllU

save us the pain of elltering upon a bloody war, I hope YOU j my
dear friends, and all the remaining people of Arabia, who serve
the true God, will join me, on this just occasion? in thaukill

II ea ven for its fa vor8.
.:, The return of Hahib, and the recovery of my sight, are not,
however, the only subjects of my happiness. The Queen of the
Se\.en Seas at the extremity of the east, the fair Dorathil-goase,
the wife WhOll1 the stars had destined to my son-she hertelf is
the mes::5enger of Heaven seut to restore the strength of my youth,
and with it the po\ver of lifting those eyes to Heaven which were
before involYed in (brkllc::;s !
" Let this news be proelaimeù in every country where the laws
of the AlcOl'an arc obeyeù, that all peojile Ulay give thanks to
God and his prophet.
"Let days of thanksg;idng Le appuinted. nut these religious
festivals are not intendcd for the iudulgencR of sensual appetites;
it is the soul that should rejoice at the return of those ble::;::;ings,
so unexpected and so wOllùel'ful.
"
Iay our expressions of pious gratitude, and our I:;houts of joy,
1e re-echocd in the teuts of Zir, and cause the heartô of our ene-
mies to qu:tke with terror."
The ceremouies of the thnnksgiving were pul>licly and unani-
mously ccleLrated in the camp of Salamis, with all the solemnity
and pomp which the present cirer.mstnnces permi Hed.
Dorathil-goasc received the blessing and the homa.ge of the
whole triLe of nClJihclal, and the camp resoundcù 'with the nc-
chuuations of joy, which 'wcre illtel"llIingleù with the lloise oc-
casioned by the general festiyaI.
The camp of Sala.mis now wore the appearance of the highest
prosperity. The happy news spreaù abroad, aud attracted ma
y
knights of the othcr trilJes j who had Leen scparated from t.heir
prince during his 111 i::;fortuncs.
Salamis received them graciously, and made Habib and his
spouse also show them c\"cry mark of kindness. He anticipated

E
rEH.TAnnlE
T5.

4-19

the excuses, and saved them the confusion of offering au apoll)gy
for their conduct, by referring all that had happened to the clms-
t1sement Gf Heaven. In fifteen days the emir saw himself sur-
roulided with a re:spectaLle and numerous train of knights, glow-
ing with desire to repair, by feats of al'ms, the shame of defection
on the one hand, 3.lld the disgrace of inaction on the other.
Zir was lJot ignorant of this revolution. The defeat of his six
warriors ha.d made him expect suoh a piece of news. Three of
them fell in the field of battle; three were priboners in the camp
of Salamis. The latter had communicated to their tribe the news
which had reached them m-en in their prison. Zir was stt'uck with
astonishment at hearing of the sudden cure of Salamis, and the re-
turn of Habib with the fair queen whom he had married.
He now understood who the two strangers were who had fought
against his
ix knights; and he regretted that he ha.d. not himself
appeared before the enemy's line::;. that be might have sustained
the I:5hock where hi8 warriors were 80 unequal to the contest.
His confidence in his own strength maùe him believe that he
would haye come off YÎctorious. But he resolved to wipe oft' the
dishollor which that action had cast on hiB arms, by challenging
Salamis to single combat in the face of hi8 own camp.
Yemana, his sister, a priucess distinguished for good sense and
beauty, though she helie\"ed her brother's strength and courage to
be more tlutu human, yet dissuaded him from the rash attempt.
" :\ly hrother," said t5he, " you will perhaps regard my opinion as
influence<l by principles which you are not willing to admit. How
forllliùa,ble soever his strength may be, who has long been called
the great Salamis, were I not to attribute anything to fortune,
I would consider you as at least his equa1 match; Lut I attribute
much to the aspect of the stars.
"Their malign influence has already beep shed on the tribe of
BeDihelal. That tribe and all the people subject to it, have been
delivered into your hands, and you have hitherte trilllllphtJd.
" But. my dear brother, the. heavens change aud the influence
of the stars may also change.
-. It is a maxim universally admitted, that mIsfortunes never
come ::iingly. ,\
e als() reckon upon a run of goo<lluck; but we
never think of tracing the matter to its first sóurce.
" Consider, then, the happy and even miraculous events which
bave already favored your enemies; and consult the surest means,

450

ARABIAS' NIGHrs'

according to the course of your destiny, and without taking your
glory into the account, how you may assure Jour personal safety

on which the security of the whole tribe of IUeb ahsolutely de-
pends."
" It will be time enough to think of all this, sister," answered
Zir, "after I have conquered Salamis. His power is lese odious to
nle than his glory. I have seen it overthrown, but it again springs
up from its ruins. lIe has set up his son, too, as a frcw obstacle
to my reputation.
"...\.ll Arabia is too narrow to satisfy my ambition; how then
could I bear two l'ivals ? Your stars, sister, may do as they
please; but if they are against me, I shall make them becomc
pale with fear fur the champions they prefer before me."

1Vhile YelllltUa ,tud her brother held this discourse, Salamis, at
the head of his yassals, advanced toward the tents of the triLe of
Rleb, which were only about three leaguf's from his camp.
This W{LS but a short march; and Zir heing informed of their
approach, led out an equaluumber of warriors. The two armies
now faced each other at a little more than a bow-shot distance.
The proud and gigantic Zir, mounted on a high-mettled charger,
insultingly pranced along the front of his squadrons. Salamis
was advancing to challenge him to single combat. "No, my
father, no !" cried the youthful warrior; "Heayen has preserved
me, and sent me here to take vengeance on your enemies."
" You are too young, my Habib," answered the tender father;
"your limbs have not yet acquired a sufficient degree of strength
to sustain a contest with a giaut."
"Ab !" said Dorathil-g(\ase, " do not doubt that the hero who h39
sprung from you will show himself worthy of his high descent.
De contented with the glory you have already acquired, and in-
trust your quarrel to my Habib j you shall soon see that no giant
is a match for him."
The joint entreaties of Habib, Amirala, and Dorathil-goase, at
last made the ùrave emir yield to his son the honor of giv iHg the
dJo:.illcnge.
Habib laid aside the Parthian lance, and took one of the usu:.ll
form in Arabia, that he might be on an equal footint:!; with h
R.n-
tagonist. lIe advanced with his visor lifted up, and prt'sentin h
himself gracefully on his noble steed, gave the signal of dl'fcllce.
Zir came up, and aSiìuming a tone of irony, " How Rweet," said

ENTERTAI
:MEST8.

451

he, " is the silver tone of thy voice. Pray, art thou not a womal! 1"
" You t:>haU know me, by-and-by for what I am," answered Ilabib,
fierce I y .
" Ha ! I remember you, my pretty baby; I have seen you
dandled on Amirala.'s knees. Ilow handsome you are! Your
fathe.r, sure, did not send you to fight with me! lIe knows that I
love youth. Go; tell him that I wait for him, and that I will con-
tend with none but men."
",My father," replied Habib, "scorns to fight with his rebel
flla,ve. I have learned, even in my mother's arms, to despise in-
solence.:'
"But, young man, I sha.ll now he forced to bestow on your
mother a mourning garb, which she need not hope to quit a second
time. Go, I
ay, fetch me your father. However vain he may be
of his former victories, would not the trophy of my arms, if he
E1hould triumph over me, be a noble ornalllent displayed upon his
ten t 1"
"I have already told thee, slave, that my father will not do thee
the honor to accept thy challenge. Thirty times hast thou ful-
lowed him to battle, singing his victories over warriors more
valiant than thyself; nor could thy defeat add anything to his
glory. Thou shalt not have the tr0uùle of sending a mourning
dress to my mother; nor can I do the like to yo urs; it is well
khown that you are even ignorant of her name-but I here prom-
ise t.o present a full suit to your Rister, Yemana."
" Rash fool !" cried Zir, pushing on his horse; "I have been
led to battle, singing the victories of 'your father, because the
tribe of Kleb were slaves, and slaves must sing anything. Your
mother, and the adventurer-queen you have brought from the
de
erts shall sing mine to-morrow. They shall wear my chains
and be subject to my will, or their blood shall stain the earth, or
be mingled with thine and thy father's." Having said this, he
threw hi8 lance with vast force against Habib.
The youug warrior observed its direction, and by a 8kilful
and sudden mution of his body, evaded the blow. The lance
passed over him, and fell at the distance of thirty paces.
IIaùib, lifting up his Ihnce, presented it to the throat of Zir.
"Thou hast dared," said he, "to pronounce the namo of my
mother and my spouse in terms of insult, like a mean coward.
'rhou hast a sister who is very weak; she will be more so after

4.32

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

thy death, and Bhall be the more entitled to my compassion-.J:

'hen gently tapping upon his shoulder with the point of the 'lance,
" Go," said he, " take up your weapon where your awkwardlles

has made you throw it. Armed I despise thee! unarmed, thou
art an ohject of ridicule!" Zir, distracted with rage, flew tù
eeize the lance, and returning to the attack; again threw it against
Habib, with all the force tha.t fury could add to an arm that WUIi
t.hought irresistible.
Habib, by the mo
t dexterous movement imaginable, withdrew
his body fron1 the stroke, by passÍl
g his leg under the belly of í
. his horse. The weapon glanced along within half a f(jot of the
saddle, and its point pierced the trullk of a tree at some dis-
t::mce.
Habib now threw down his own lance; and Zir was more than
ever enraged at this fresh mark of contempt.
lIe drew his scimetar, and assailed Habib with innumerable
blows, which fell on every' pflrt 'of his armor as thick as hail.
In this contest the strength of the combatants might be nearly
equal; but in skill and presence of milld there was a great dis-
parity. Every stroke given by Zir was foreseen fiUll w:.u'(lf'd oft';
but those of his antagonist always took effect, and neyer failed to
carry away some portion of Zir's
trong armor. l\Iany pal-ìsages
were thus oppned to the sword; and while tho giant lifted his
arm against the son of Salamis, the young hero, with a reversed
blow,
truck off his hand by the wrist. · Zir attpIllpted to
ave him-
self by flight; but a second stroke laid his head at the feet of the
conqueror.
Both the campR, and even the women, were witnpsses to the
contest between Habib and the gigantic Zjr. The knights of both
parties were filled with the highest admiration at the discourse
and gallant behavior (.1Í the son of Salamis. "'Vhat gpnorosity!
what moderation!" cried they. " So much activity, grace, find
skill, united to such strength and valor, must surely be irre
sistihle !"
But though there could be only one opinion as to the merits of
the combat its consequences to the opposite parties were very
different.
Consternation seized the tribe of Klpb; they thought themgelves
vanquished oy a single arm. The knighthood returned to their
camp that they might withdraw their most valuable effocts frOJl1

E:8TERT AINIUE
TS.

4:5:1

the pillage which they regarded as the inevitable consequence of
their defeat.
Already did tbe people disperse in small parties, consulting to-
gether how the.y might escape, by flight. from a state of slavery
more dreadful than that which they had endeavored to shake off.
The followers of Salmnis, on the other hand, advanced in good
order, that they might avail themselves of the advantage gained
by the son of their emir, and the disorder of the enemy.
Habib, confident of his st.rength, courage, and good fortune, en-
tered the camp of the tribe of Kle b, followed by a few warriors
whom none ventured to oppose, and ordered that he should be
conducted to the tent of the princess of Yemana.
That princess, accompanied by :fi ty gua.rds who attended her
person, had viewed the combat at a distance, mounted upon a
kodage,* ,yhicn had been raised higher than usual on the back of
h
r hetnacka.
The warriors who had led on the party commanded by Salamis,
came up to their young sultan, who placed them about Yemana
and sent others to prevent pillage, and to recover whate,yer plun-
der had been already made by his people. At the moment Sala-
mis was ði"ing orders to pursue the detached' bands of the tribes
of KIeh, he was amazed to" see the people come peaceably and
range themselves under thoir tents.
He soon learned that this was owing to the prudent conduct of
his son. lIe came into the camp, accompanied by Amirala and
Dorathil-goase, and was 8hown to the tents of Yemana.
When they advanced, the princess of Kleb arose that she might
present herself to them as a suppliant. IIabib would not Buffer
her to kneel, but thus addressed his f.tther :
"O! my glorious sovereign!" said he, "I have promised your
clemency to Y emana, princess of the tribe of Kleb. She possesses
cVèry great quality that can fit her for the throne. Besides, if
she swerved from her duty, it WitS owing to her brother, for
she ne-ier took part against uß; and she has requested to be re-
instated in your good graces, in a manner so handsome, so worthy
of herælf, that I have promised her favor in your name, in that
of my mothe
, and of the charming Dorathil-goase."

. The ltdie
or A.rfl.bia. common1}' ride nn female camel
, ca.l1ed hetnacka. Thø
.
9.rpets that cover the camels' ba.cks are rolled into a sort or cushion, on which th&
larl,) ').nd her 81ave are seated. This is named hodage.

45<1

ARABIAN
aGIIT'"

Confiding in what bis son had said in favor of Yemana, Sa\ami8
assented tc whatever he had done fur the princess. lIe knew
that she had none of the vices of her brother; and that she was
even willing to embrace the doctrines of the Alcm'an.
"
Iadam," said he, ,. I here ratify with joy all tfmt my BOn has
done for you, nnd,'i added he, "you appear so worthy
that I
should be happy, if possihle, to 3.dd new ÜtYOl.S to those which he
bas already couferred on you." At the same time .Amirala aud
Ðorathil-goase embraced the new princess of Kleb with unfeigned
affection.
They would have willingly conducted hcr to the tents of Beni-
heInl, there to console her, by their caresses, for the loss of a
IJrother who was so dear to her; but her presence was necessary
at his funeral, which was celebrated with all the ceremonies of
mourning usual in that tribe, and likewise for establishing good
order among the people, of whom 8he had now assumed the
management.
Habib, that nothing might be wanting, ordered a hundrcd
knights to wait her orders. The venerable emir now returned to
the tents of .Benihelal with his family, anà was received with
songs of triumvh.
The praises of Habib res.ounded from every quarter, and the
subject of the song was his victory over Zir.
" But, good people!" cried Dorathil-go3.se," what ha..." my hus-
IJand done? 'Vhat el
e did you expect from the son of the great
Salamis? You mistake the ohject of your prai
e. Delicious fruit
is pleasing to the taste; but it is the tree that bears it which merits
your esteem pi
For ten days nothing was to be seen in the tents of Benihda.l
but feasting and rejoicing. The most distant tribes of the ArRb
,
who had fled from the tyranny of Zir, collected around the camp
of their ancient emir; their tents are pitchod near him, and he
again sees himself at the head of his sixty-six triùes, his strength
restored, and his authority more firmly estahlished than ev'
r.
After the ten days' festival, Y emalLa,
ttended by the cmafs of
her tribe, came to pay homage to her Rovereign. She stIll wore
bel' mourning dress, which greatly improved the softness of her
charms. She was received by the emir and Habib with every
mark of respect that became her sex and quality. Amirala and
Dora.thil-goase also p;ave her a kind and familiar welcome.

}:

rEH.T \INl\IEN('
.

45.

Salamis had a npphew, the Bon of his brothpr, called Saphey, a
YOUl1g and promising ,"arrior. The emir rpsoh.ed to bCFitow hie
hand on Yemana, creating him, at the same time, emir of the tribe
of Kleb. Yemana accepted this new mark of favor with suitable
gratitude; and a rcmi
sion of their tribute was the royal present
at the nuptials.
. l\ew festivities folJowcd thie happy event., which effaced evcry
,.estige of slavery fr(,m the tribo of IOeb. The knights who had
followed their princcss were 'luite astonished at a reception !!o
gracious.
" Knights/' said their new sovereign, " it is thus that a fitithf111
l\Iussulman takes revenge on his enemies. From this day let the
people be less disaffected t.o la.ws which are productire of so many
worthy actions. Henceforth let the tribe of Kleb renOlIDce their
ignorance and ferocity. 'They ought no longer to admire heroeR
like Zir, whose sole merit depend
on strength and violence; and
who think themselves only great in so far as they can strike ter-
ror." After the departure of Yemaua and her husband to their
camp, Dorathil-goase and I1al)ib felt Bome impatience to return to
their own states, to succor the people
who had not. yet recove-red
from the terror occasioned by the tyranny of Abarikaff.
Salamis knew too well the duties of a king to oppose their in-
tention, or require the sacrifice cf their people's happiness for his
private satisfaction.
A day was fixed for the departure of I1abih and his spouse. It
was agre
d tbat they should return to the little r
treat where they
first arrived, and go from thence, secl.etly, by the same means of
conveJance they had employed in coming thither.
Salamis and Amirala would gladly have accompanied them, that
they might enjoy their presence as long as possible; but this would
have made too much noise. There are many things of which the
peåple should be kept in ignorance, and their fondness for what
is marvellous often makes them forgetful of their duty.
The youthful pair, with tears in their eyes, took a most affection-
ate leave of the worthy old emir and his spouse. They concerted
means of
ommunica.ting with each other, so as to render their
8eparation the 1110re supportable. They mounted a camel, and
being conducted by the confidential groom, returned to tne retreat.
N Ðxt morning, before day, tbe roc bore them through the air
toward the heights of Caucasus.

456

AIL\H1AN NIGHTS'

ow were tl1ey again to see their faithful Il lIahonl, and fiU his
heart with joy, hy a recital of their happy adyentures. H nlJib
went instantly to replace the talisman ill the treasury of Solomon.
At the entry to this mysterious cavern, he cast his eyes on a
hieroglyphic which he had not before remarked. It attracted his
attention so much, that he fell into a profound meditation. " These
are emblematic figures," said he to himself. "Here is the pnre.
expanse of heaven, brilliant with light. An eagle appears to rise
rapidly in her flight, almost to the sUIÙ
disk, while an enornwuB
serpent, creeping over the rocks, reaches the nest and devours the
eggs of the noble bird."
IIabib returned with a pensive ail' to his instructor, and told
him the subject of his reflections, describing what he had seen.
e'That is the picture," said II Haboul, " but what is the moral
of it 1" "l\Iethinks I comprehend it," said Habib.
" By aspiring to too great an elevation, we are in danger of
being flushed with prosperity, and of losing sight of our true in-
terests."
e. Your answer," Raid II IIaboul," is worthy of myoid pupil.
None pass the door of the cavern of Solomon without reaping
some instruction. Pity it is that we must learn those maxims of
wisdom, one by one, and not all at once, by a great and compre-
hemåve grasp of thought !"
They dedicated two days to the enjoyment of friendship, in the
company of the venerable keeper of the prophet's repositories; the
roc then took his .flight to the ""hite Isle, and also to the Yellow
Isle, where the exertions of the old genie, Ilbalhis, had, in some
measure, restored an appearance of prosperity.
The royal pair next found themselves in the little court of the
lady of the beautiful tres
es and Dnl-Ilsha. E\'erything bere an-
nounced peace and abundance. The two daugbters of the sea had
been conducted hither, and impatiently expected the return of the
hero to whom they had so obligingly devoted their seryices; es-
pecially Ilzaide, who, till that moment, had never experienced the
least ennui, and who had now found it in everything, how much-
BOeVeI' she sought to avoid it.
Habib and his queen remained a few days with their kind rela-
tions, and returned to l\Iedina1 iI-ballor, carrying with them Ilzaido
and her sister, by a route thr(Iugh which their dolphins
ould not
follow them.

Ji:"',TE R,(, A INi\JEXTS.

457

-The cq,rita1 isJand
of Dorathil-goase's dominions had now every
appearance of a happy and flourishing state: and the return of
their kin
and queen completed the joy of the inhabitants.
The youthful couple, who were still lovers, added to the mutual
felicity they enjoyed in each other's company, the pleasure of con-
tributing by eV
1:V means in their power to the interest and welfare
of their people.
Illabousatrous, too, rejoiced at the happiness of his family, and t
bad the satisfaction of seeing his grand project rapidly advance
toward its accomplishment.
Every day produced the legitimate union of a genie with one of
the children of Adam. lIe saw them submit to a law, which,
though it seemed to diminish their power, was, neverthelesf:!; very
beneficial to them.
Soon after their arrival, it was agreed that one of the daughter

of the sea should give her hand to a kinsman of Dorathil-goase.
I t was also propof\ed that Ilzaide should marry.
" ',ith whom 1" cried she, ,; there are no knights here. You shall
send me to Arabia; that is the country of heroes !"
"l\ly charming girl," answered Dorathil-goase, " we shall most
willingly carry you there, wben we return to visit our worthy
parents; but thou wert born in the sea, and habituated to that
element; how, then, could you live in a country where little else is
to be seen than vast plain
, covered with dry sand." "Love can
make every place agreeable':' returned Ilzaide, ,,'ith viyacity;
"even the elements are subject to its empire. If the knight, your
dear husband, had feared them, you never would have possessed
him; and could I hope for the conquest of such a heart, I think I

ûuld equal the best knight of Arabia in resolution and generosity."

THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS PARIZADE; OR, THE TALKING BIRD,
THE SINGING TRE
AND THE YELLOW WATER.
There was a king (,f Persia, named I{hosronschah, who came
very young to the cruwn. When he grew up, in order to acquire
a knowledge of mankind, he determined to adopt the practice of
mingling with society occas
onall.r, in dif;guise, attended only by
his vizier. One of those rambles produced a very interesting ad-
"cntnre.
As he was passing in the evening through 3. street, where the
. meaner SOI'Ì
f people dwelt, his attention was engaged by Fome
20

458

ARABIA X NIG IITS'

loud conve1'8ation and laughter. lIe perceh-ed a crack in the door
of the house, which he looked through, and saw three \ery agree-
able young women talking together with much earnestness and
mirth.
" :\Iight I have my wish," 8aid. the eldest, "I would marry tlw
sultan's baker; I should then every day have the Barne excellent
bread which is served at the sultan's table !" "I," replied the
flecond t " would choose the sultan's chief cook: I then, no doubt,
should eat of those nice dishes which he prepares for his master,
nor should I want the royal bread to relish them."
After they had entertained themselves with their wi15hes, they
called upon their younger sister to name her desires. "I should
wish," said she, " to be wife of the sultan himself, and make him
father of a prince, whose hair should be gold on one side of his
head, and silyer on the other; when he cried, the tears shc)Uld be
pearls; and when he smiled, his vermilion lips :should look like a
rose-bud fresh Llown," The extravagance of this wish increa
ed
the mirth of the young women. The sultan la,ughed heartily at it,
and having ordered the vizier to notice the house, and summon the
inhabitants to appear before him at the <1inm next day, he pursued
his walk.
'Vhen they àppeared before the sultan, they were so exceedir1gly
confounded to hear him qnestion them al)outtheir conversation the
preceding evening, that they could make him no answer. lIe told
them that he had heard their wisheR, and was determined to gratify
them. Aocordingly, he ga\e the eldest sister to his chief baker, and
the second to his ch ief cook, for wives; and they were married to
them the same day, with such ceremonies as ,,-ere snjtable to the
quality of their husbands. But the younger sister. who was VC11
beautiful, was immediately clothed, and attended aR became a grer.t
qneen; and the royal nuptials were soleumi:r.ed with all the i'ejoic-
iugs usual at the marriage of the sulta.n of Persia.
Before these events, the two clrlest sistC'l's would havC' thought it
great good fortune to Imye hecome the WiYf'H of the sultan'R ser-
vants; yet they now pined with C'lIYY at the a(lnwC'f'uH'lIt of their
sister. They joined in an inveterate hate against the 8ultanrss,
which they agreed to concf'-nl till some opportunity
hon]d offer to
ruin her. In the meantime, they each came fi'cql1ently to pay conrr
to her, anrl always expressed the greatest joy at her exaltation.
The young 8ultane8B really loved her sisterR, and had no don1}t

ENTERTAIN :\IENTS.

4,
9

but they returned her love. 'Vhen sbe became breeding, they reo
quested she would obtain the sultan's permission for them to per-
form the office of miùwife. This the sultan readily granted. The
wicked sisters rejoiced in secret at this appointment; they laid a
Þ lot as lJn.ruarous as it was unnatural; and when the poor sultancsR
Wi.ì8 delivered, they conveJed away the iufant aHd produced a little
deaa dog, which they said their sister bad brought forth. The
sultan heard the accuunt with great grief, and SOUle resentment
against his wife: wbich, however, soon gave way to the charms and
good qualities of the sultaness.
The merciless s18ters conveyed the chill], who was a fine boy, into
a basket, and set it afloat on a stream which ran through the royal
garden. 'rhe intendant of the gardens, who was one of the most
consideralJle officers of the kingùom, chanced to see the basket,
which he caused to be brought to the shore. lIe was much sur-
prised to find in it a fine child.
lIe saw that it came not far from the 8ultaDCBs's apartment; but
conceiving it neither his business, nor his interest to search into such
kind of secrets, he contented himself with con,-eying the infant
home, and as he had no chilùren of IIi'S own, he determined to
adopt the little foundling.
The year after, the sultanesa was brought to bed of another
prince, whom her vile sisters conveyeù as before, and produced a
cat as their sister's offspring. It was with difficulty the sultan pre-
vailed on himself to see his unfortunate wife, after this second ac-
cident; but when, after having again recei,ed her to his arms, she
produced a mole-which her sisters had substituted in the place of
a beautiful princess-the sultan set no bounds to his indignation.
,. She is a monster," said he, with equal fury and detestation, " and
will fill my palace witb monsters. I will rid the world of her.
By the interposition of the vizier, the sultan was induced to spare
the life of his unhappy spouse
yet he ordercd her to be exposed
three days to public scorn, and then shut up in prison for the rest
of her life.
l'he two infants fortunately fen into the
ame hnc1ane hands
which had preserved their Lrother. The intendant named the
eldest Prince Bahman ; the other Perviz; find the princess Parizade.
He regarded them as children sent to him hy Pl'ovidence; he at-
tached himself to them entirely: be watched over their rising J ears
'With tbe solicitude of a real parent, and when he died, which was

1160

AIL\BIA
N!(iIIT
'

not till they hild nearly arrived at maturity, he left them his whole
fortune; and they lamented him with a duty and affection truly
fi Ii al.
The fortune they inherited from thp.ir foster father, cnabled the
princes and their sister to live together very comfortably. They
passed their time wholly at a country residence, which he had
fitted up in a handsome style. The princes devoted many of their
hours to hunting; while Parizade cultivated, hy turns,- elegant
amusements, and domestic el11ployment.
As there was no mosque in the neighborhood, the intendant had
fitted up an oratory in the house. One day when the princes were
engaged in their sport, an. old woman, who professed public and
extraordinary piety, came, to the gate, and desired leave to go in
and say her prayers, it being then the hour of public worship.
She wa.
admitted, amI when she had finished her devotions, was
ilit-roduced to the princess.
Parizade receh-ed her with great kindness; commending her piety,
and asking her many questions respecting her way of life. .A long
conversation ensued
in the course of which, the princess casually
asked her how she liked the bousc. " It is in everything delight.
ful/, replied the devotee; "and wants but three th ingA, that I
know of, to be absolutely complete." "I coujure you, my good
mother," said the princess," to tell me what those things arc !';
U l\Iadam," answered the old woman, "the fh-st is a ta.lking b ircl
who not only can talk and reason like us, but as a bird can cull all
the singing birds in his neighborhood to come and join in hi8 BOng.
The second is the singing tree, the leaves of which are so many
mouths, which form a most harmonious concert. The third is the
yellow water, a small quantity of which being put into n. basin, fiJIR
it
and forms a beautiful fountain, which continually plays without
overflowing. These things are to be obtained all together, at one
place only, on the confines of this kingdom, towarù India. Any
one taking the roaù before your house for twenty days, will find a
person who can direct him to the pla.ëe where they may be found."
Having said this, she arose and bade the princess farewelL
This conver
ation }Htd a grea,t effect Oil Parizade; she entertain.
ed the most eagor desire to obtain these curiosities. She was
musing on the conversation with the old woman, when her IJl"others
loetl1rue 1 l, and wondered to see her pensive and melancholy. They
mquired eagerly what it wa
that afflicted her. It was a long

ENTEnT.\I
:UENTS.

461

tirue beforc the princcss would explain the mystery; but, at last,
overborne by their importunities, she told them what had passed)
and owned that her desire to be mistress of the talking bird, the
Binging tree, and the yellow water, was the Cf
use of her melan-
choly.
The princes both loved their sister with the utmost affection.
Each eagerly offered to go in search of these fine things she so
much longed for. After some contest it was agreed that Princo
Bahman should set off next morning in search of them. 'Yben
he was about to mount his horse, he presented a knife to his si8ter,
saying, ., I know not what difficulties, or what delay I may meet
with in this adyenture; but that my dearest sister may not have
unnecessary fears on my account, I present this knife to her.
"Thile the blade of it is clean, you may be assured I am well,
but if eyer you fiLld it stained with blood, yuu may conclude some
fatal accident hath befallen me."
Prince Bahman took the road to India, and on the twentieth ,-Jay
he 8aw a dervis-e, sitting under a tree, whos6 figure attracted his
notice. His hair 'Was as white as snow; his mustaches were
long, and with his beard, which reached dowll to his wâ.ist, entirely
hid his mouth He had no clothes, but had án old nmt thrown
over his shonlder8.
Bahman concluded, from the singularity of this old man's ap-
pearance, that he was the person who was to give information of
the place he was in search of. lIe alighted, therefore, from his
horse, and saluted the old man.
The dervise returned his salute, but his mustaches hanging
over his lips, the prince could not understand a word he said.
Bahman, vexed at this disappointment, with a pair of scissors cut
away the hair which hung over the old man's mouth, which he
took in good part. After thanking the prince, with a smile, for
the trouble he had ta.ken, he inquired if he could be of any ser\"Ïce
to him. "J am come,'; said Bahman, "a long way, in search of
the talking bird, the singing tree, and the yellow water. If you
can direct me where they are to bfJ found, you will render me
much service and pleaRure."
At these words the old man changed countenance. anrl
ai(l to
the prince, " I can inrl{'ed direct you to where these f.Ltal curio
itie

are'to be found: hut I felt a regard for you as soon as I
a.w you,
whicb your kindness to me has increaset1. I entrea.t you, there-

462

ARABIAN .NIGHTS'

fore, to cease an inquiry which I am not at liberty to refuse answer
. iug, if you persist, but which I am too sure will end in YOUI
destruction. "
'fhe prince persisting in his resolution, the dervise said, " Young
man, the danger you court is greater than you imagine; many
gallant gentlemen have I directed in this scarch, who have all
perished. Your courage or dexterity will avail you nothing; for
you will be attacked by great numbers, all invisible. How then
can you hope to defend yourself 1" "I am not to be intimidated
from my purpose," replied Eahman; and since you are obliged to
gi ve me the information I require, I demand it of you."
When the dervise saw the prince thus peremptory, he took a
bowl out of the bag that lay by him, and presented it to him, say-
ing, "l\'fount your horse, then, rash youth, and throw this on the
ground. Follow it till it comes to the foot of a moun tain, whero
it will stop. You must then alight, and ascend the mountain on
foot; but be careful not to give way- to fear, or to look behind
you. The instant you do, you will cease
o be a man, and will
add one more to the inultitude of black litones which you will
see on evcry side; all of which were once gentlemen engaged in
the sanle enterprise. If you reach the summit of the mountain,
you will obtain the curiosities you inquire after.
The prince rejoiced to find he was so near the end of his journey.
Having returned thanks to the dervise, he threw down the bowl,
which rolled on gently before him, till it reached the foot of a
mountain. Eahman prepared to ascend it, but be had not advanced
four steps before he heard b.numerable voices, bursting out as it
seemed from under the carth. Of these, some ridiculed, some
abused, and others threatened him. ""\Vhere is that ra
h youth
going? ""Vhat would he have? Stop him, catch him; ah! thief,
murderer, villain ! No! let the fool go 011 till he is destroyed.
Let pretty master pass, to be sure; we keep the bird for him DO
doubt!" Such, and many other worse expresaions assailed him, in
voices calculated to inspiro shame, anger, and dismay.
As the prince advanccd, the clamor increased, attended with
execrations and thrmt.tenings on all sides. It became at last so
tremendous, that Bahman's courage and strength failed him; hiM
legs sunk under him, he reeled, his recollection forsook him, a.nd,
tnrning round to run down the hill, he was at that ir..stant changed
into a black stone.

ENTERTAI
""MENTS.

.

463

From the time of Prince Bahman's departure, Parizade had
worn his kniffl in her girdle; and many times in a day Elhe pulled
it out to know how it fared with her brother. On the fatal day,
when he was thus metamorphosed, as she was talking to bel' brother
Perviz, she recollectcd Bahman; and pulling out the knife, she
saw with grief and horror, bbod running down to the point of it.
She swooned away at the shocking Bight; and when sbe was with
difficulty recovered, she broke out in the severest self-reproach for
having engaged a beloved brother in such an unfortunate enter..
prise. And while she blamed her own inordinate desires, she
failed not to execrate the old woman, whose report had led her
into 80 mischievous an error. ..
Prince Perviz was greatly afflicted at the fate of bis brother. He
was also exceedingly fond of his sister; and perceived that in
the midst of her sorrow, though she lamented the loss of Bahman,
her desire to pORsess the talking bird, and singing tree, and the
yellow water, was still undimini
hed. He embraced Parizade with
great afft'etion, and told her that, though Bahman had failed in
search of them, he had a presentiment that he should be more sue.
cessful. lIe presented her with a necklace consisting of an hun-
dred pearls, and Raid, "I will set out this inst
nt. '","hile these
pearls continue to run freely, you may be sure I am safe; but if
ever they remain fixed together, you will then know that I have
ahared the same fate as our dear brother."
Parizaide endeavored, by tears and entreaties, to prevent the
prince from atte mpting so dangerous an undertaking; but in vain.
He mounted his horse, aud on the twentieth day arrived at the
place where the dervise was sitting. He saluted him, and inquired
the way to the curiosities he was seeking. The dcrvise acquainted
hÏJu with the difficulty and danger of the adventure; pressing him
very earnestly to decline an attempt in which so many had failed.
1Vhen he found the prince was determined to go on, he gave him
the same advice and instruction he had given to his brother. Per-
viz returned him thanks, and throwing the bowl on the ground, ho
followed it till he came to the foot of the mountain.
Having alighted, he paused a little while to recollect the in-
structions of the dervise. lIe then passed through those clamors,
which had overcome Rahman, undismayed; but as he proceeded
up the mountain, he hb.:1.,rd a voice behind him call out in a most
Ï!1sulting tone, "Stay, rash boy, that I may punish your impudent

464

ARABIAN NIGHTS'

attempt)' Perviz, enraged at such an affront, drew his sword, aud
turning round to chastise the insulter, became a stone.
Parizade had the string of pearls continually in her hand, from
the time Perviz set out, and was counting them at the mOlllent he
underwent the transformation. On a Budden she found she could
not separate the pearls. As the princess had resolved what to do,
if such an event should take place, she lost no time in fruitless
grief; but putting on a man's apparel, she mounted a horse, and
took the same road her brothe.rs had done.
On the twentieth day she came to the dervise; who, notv'ìith-
standing her disguise, knew her to be a woman, and ga ye her such

U1 account of the difficulty of her attempt, as almost 8hook her
resolution. She mused a short time; but remembering she had
lost her two brothers in searching after these raritie
, she re
ol ved
to succeed, or share in their misfortunes.
Parizade received therefore the bow I from the dervise, find fol-
lowed it to the foot of the mountain, Before she began to ascend
it, she considered, that as the greatest danger arose from noises
and voices: v{hicb ,,,"ouid endeavor to terrify her; if she could
shut out these sounds, by stopping her ears, their effect must fail.
Accordingly, she stuffed her ears full of cotton, and then began to
ascend the mountain. She heard indeed a great noise, which in.
creased exceedingly as she advanced, and became at length so loud
that the air and earth seemAd to shake with it: but the precaution
she had taken, shut out distinct sounds, and all she perceived was
)ne confused noise, which no way incommoded her.
Now and then, a
ingle voice louder than the rest, would utter
ðxpressions, of which she could not help catching a few words,
. which we....e very disagreeable to her; but these she despised, say-
ing to herself, "I mind not what is said. I laugh at it, and shall
pursue my journey."
At last the princess carne in sight of the bird. At that instant
oue of the cotton plugs fell out of her ear. 1'he threatenings and
<<.:xecrations, which she now he:trd distinctly, were terriLle. The
Lird himself, in a voice more tremendous than all of them, called
out to her to go back, promising at the same time that she should
l'eturn in safety. But the sight of the bird animatpd the courage
of the princes
. She pressed Í<Hward boldly, till she came to the
top of the mountain, when the noise8 ceased, and the ground was
level. She ran to the cage and spized it, saying, "Bird, I haye

oi thee, in spite of thee. Thou shalt not escape me."

ENTERT AI8)IEID'S.

46j

Tho bird in a very handsome manner complimented the prÏl cess
on her courage and perseverance. "It was my wish," said he,
"to have continued free; but as I must be a slave, I had rather
be so to you, brave lady, than to any otr.er. From this instant, I
swear an-entire fidelity to you; and the time is not far off when I

hall do you an essentinl SE rvice."
Pm.izade rejoic9d greatly at her succeR
; for the fatIgue aud
terror she had undergone, far exceeded. what she had expected
from the report of the dervise. As soon as she was a little recov-
ered, she demanded of the bhd, where the singing tree and yellow
water were to be found. The bird directed her to both. The
princess filled a small silver flagon with the water, and bv tHe
advice of the bird, broke off a branch of the s;nging tree to carry
home with her.
Parizade had now obtained the three things she so much wish-
ed for; yet she was unhappy. The loss of her brotbers sat heavy
at her heart. She applied to the bird to know if it was possible
to dissolve the enchantment. It was with much reluctance that
the bird answered this inquiry; but the princess was peremptory,
and could not be denied.
" Take, then," said he, " that little pitcher you see yonder, and
drop some of the water it holds, upon every black 6tone. The
princess did so; and when the water f
ll on the stone, í
vanished,
and a man appeared.
rhe princess took care not to miss a single
stone. She was so happy as to find among them both her brothers,
who joined the other gentlem
I\ in thanking and extolling their
deliverer.
When they came, on their return, to the cave of the dervise,
they found he was dead. In a few days
hey arrived at home,
when Parizade placed the cage in the garden; and as Boon as
he
bird began to sing, he was surrounded by a great number of night-
ingales, chaffinches, lin.:wts, and other birds of SOI1g, who, uniting
their harmony with his, produced a wonderful effect. She pla.nted
the branch of the singing tree in another pt..rt of the garden, when
it immediately took root, and became as large a tree aR that from
whence it was gathered, and the leaves produced the same melo-
dious concert. The silver flagon of the yellow water beÏLg en;p..
tied into a large marble basin, increased directly to such a. quail..
tity as entirely to fill it, and form a fine foulltain
twenty feet high,
which, while it played very beautifully, dispersed the most agree..
able odors all around it.

4G6

AHAßIAN KIGHl':j'

Soon after these events, the sultan of Per
Ûa ch,tnced to be h . &nt,
llIg in their neighborhood. The princes aJ:.;o were eugage.d in thp.
chase. As they knew not the person of the sulta.n, they joined hili
party without ceremony, and in the. course of the hunt, Rahma.n
attacked a lion, and Perviz a bear, with so lUuch cOli-rage awl
agility as greatly pleased the sultan. A!'ter the hunt, he conver
ell
with them, and was stiJI more taken with them. lIe dcc!arP,ù
who he was, and invited the brothers to court. 'l'ha,t they mit;ht
not forget the engagement, he put thre
golden bullets into each of
their bosoms. "''"hen you undress," said he," these will fall to
the ground, and their sound will remind you of my in,-itation."
The princes presented themselves the next day before the sul-
tan, and were received by him with great distinction. Before the-y
withdrew, they rela.ted t.o him their adventure in search of the
talking bird, the singing tree, and the yellow water; and of their
deli verance through the fortitude of Parizade. The monarch
he:ud their account with great pleasure:
'I will come to-morrow,"
said he, "to see these rarities, and converse with your Rister, to
whose courage and good conduct you a.re so much indebted."
"\Vhen the princes returned home, and told Parizade the sultan's
intention, she consulted her bird as to the manner ir '\\' hich she
ought to receive him. ThB bird, after some general advice, de-
sired Bhe would not fail to prepare a dish of cucumbers, stum-d
full of pearls, to be set bef')re the sultan with the first course.
The princess was amazcå, but the hird persisted in his advice, and
told her that her in what part of tlJ.e garden she might find a
coffer, full of pearls suited to such a purpose, The princess per-
ceived there was some mystery concealed under this advice. She
caused the gardener to dig in tÌl8 spot described, t\,nd found a gold
box full of pearls. Hence her confidence in the bird was in-
creased, and she was resolved to do as he directed.
The day following, the sultan came to tne house of his unknown
children, and was received by them with all possible respect. He
was more pleased with Parizade than he had been with her bro-
thers, and could not help heaving a sigh when it occurred to him
that he might have been the happy father of three such children
jf he had not been so unfortunate in the choice of his suItaness.
After the sultan had reposed, the princess attended him into the
garden, and showed him the singing tree: and the yellow water,
The sultan examined these extraordinary curiosities with great

EXT F.RT A I X)I J:XT S.

4G7

attention and delight. -Pn.rirade then conducted him t( a tree,
where the eage of the talking bird was hung. The sultan was

urprised to see such a m
lltitude of other birds on the adjacent
trees, all singing in concert with the talking bird, whose notes
were louder and more musical than any of th<>111. 'Vhen they
drew near, the princess said, " l\Iy slave, here is the sultan ot
Persia: pay your compliments to him." The bihlleft off singing,
and replied, " God prol'per him, and prolong his days." To which
the sultan replied, " Bird, I thank thee. and am overjoyed to find
in thee the sultan and king of birds."
At the request of her royal guest, Parizaùe
au
ed the cage to
be remoyed into the hall, that he might converse with the bird
during dinner. As soon as they werp se:Üed, the 8ultan took n.
cucumber out of the dish, and cutting it, he fOt:
nd it was stuffed
with pearls. He looked with wonder on the princes and their
sister, and was ab')ut to
k the meaning of the mystery, when
the bird called out, " Can your majesty wonder to see a cucumbpr
stuffed with pearls, and yet coulrl believe that. your sultaness was
delivered of a dog, a cat, and a mole? Credulous man! how
have you abused your unfortunate wife, who has fallen a sacrifice
to the envy of her wicked sisters! These three young people are
your children. 1.
heir lives were presenTed by the intendant of
your gardens; and their many virtues, and great acccomplishments,
will make the remainder of your days more happy than you de-
serve."
'rhis discourse of t.he bird excited a variety of passions in the
breast of the sultan; pity for his unhappy consort, rage against
her vile sisters, wonder at the strange and singular means of di
-
covering their guilt, by turnB po
ses.'3ed him. All these ideas soon
gave way, for a time, to the feelings ûr paternal love ; he embraced
the princes and their sister. with the utmost tenderness: and with
tears of joy, owned thpm for his children, and heirs of his crown.
\Yhen the sultan returned to his palace, he gave orders for the
distel's of the su1taness to he brought lJefore him. As 80 Hlany
years had pas-sed over without
uspicion, these women had long
thought them
elve8 seCllre. al1d rpjoieed in the sucC('!I!oS of their
malicious wickedness. They were astonisl1ed at being chargec1
with {'rimes, which could not have been discovered now hy any
ordinary means. Their guilt and terror confounded them: they
made ample confeRsion; 'and the sultan ordered them immediatt>ly
to he put to death.

469 :>

1 ARABIAN NIG HT
' E
TEnT AI
'!\IENTS.

Kosrouschah caused his much injured wife to he set at libOl.tv .
and having informo.d her of all that happened, he o1'llered then
children to be introduced to her. These events made the poor sul-
taness some amends for her long and dismal confinement. The JOY
of the sultan was inexpreRsible, and the rejoicings which followed
all over the kingdom, showed that the pe.ople were highly inter-
ested in a discovery, which was so satisfactory to their soverC'ign.

CONCLUSION.
The sultan of the Indies could not but admire the memory of
his sultaness, who had now for a thousand and one nights, enter-
tained him with these agreeable stories. lIer beauty, her courage,
ber patriotism in exposing her life to his unreasonable revenge, had
long since obtained for her the possession of his heart. lIe deter-
mined to renounce a vow so unworthy of him; and summoning
his council, he declared to them his resolution, and ordered the
sultaness to be considered as t.he deliverer of the many virgins,
who, but for her, would have been sacrificed to his unjust resent-
ment.
The news of his happy event soon spread abroad, and gained
the charming Scheheraznde the blessings of all the large empire
of the Indies.

TIU E....

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