T HE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS, OR THE ENTERTAINMENTS. A NEW EDITION, ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS WOOD ENGRAVINGS, FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS. B CROSBY 117 : D NICHOLS. STKELT. NEW YOR^OLIVER S. FELT CONTENTS. Scbaliriar and Schahzenan 7 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 16 Story of the Fisherman 17 Story of the Grecian King and the Physician Douban 19 History of the King of the Black Isles 25 Story of the Three Calendars, Sons of Kings, and of the Five Ladies of Bagdad 30 History of the first Calendar 35 History of the second Calendar 37 Story of the Envious Man, and of him that he envied 41 History of the third Calendar 46 History of Zobeide 53 History of Amine 56 The Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor 59 Sindband's First Voyage 60 Sindbad's Second Voyage 61 Sindbad's Third Voyage 64 Sindbad's Fourth Voyage 68 Sindbad's Fifth Voyage . 72 Sindbad's Sixth Voyage , . ... 75 Siudbad's Seventh Voyage 78 History of the Three Apples 80 Story of Noureddin Ali and Bedreddin Hassan 84 Story of Aladdin, or the Wonderful Lamp 98 Story of Little Hunchback 122 The Story told by the Christian Merchant 125 The Story told by the Purveyor , 129 The Story told by the Jewish Physician 134 8 CONTENTS. PACK. 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 Third 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 All Eben Becar, and Schernselnihar, favor- ite of the caliph Haroun Alraschid 158 rustory of Camaralzaman, Prince of Khaledan, and Badoura, Prin- cess of China 167 Story of the Princess Badoura, after her separation from Prince Camaralzarnan 181 Story of the Princes Amgrad and Assad 187 Story of Noureddin and the Fair Persian 200 Story of Beder, 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 Haroun Alraschid 284 Story of the Blind Man, Baba Abdallah 285 Story of Sidi Nonman 2*9 Story of Cogia Hassan Alhabdal 294 Story of Ali Baba, and the Forty Thieves 302 Story of Ali Cogia, Merchant of Bagdad 312 History of the Enchanted Horse 316 Story of Prince Ahmed and 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 Story of the Lady of the Beautiful Tresses 408 Story of the Princess Parizade, or the Talking Bird, the Singing Tree, and the Yellow Water 457 Conclusion . . 408 N the death of Schemseddin Mohammed, king of Persia, Schahriar, his eldest son, succeeded to the I throne. This prince, though hasty and violent in his temper, had many virtues. He had the truest affection for his youngest brother, Schahzenan ; and on receiving the empire, instead of suffering him to languish in obscurity, he gave his beloved brother the powerful king- 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 earnest 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 re- turned privately in the evening, to his palace, to take another fare- well of his queen, whom he passionately loved. On entering her apartment suddenly, with the hope of giving her an agreeable sur- prise, he was shocked to find her sleeping in the arms of a slave. Overcome with rage, the king drew his sabre, and deprived them both of lifo. lie then returned to his pavilion ; and though op- pressed with the keenest sorrow, he determined to pursue his journey. When Schahzenan arrived at the capital of Persia, the sultan re- ceived him with open arms. But a deep melancholy had seized the 8 unfortunate king of Tartary, which all the efforts of his brother could not overcome. In vain did the court of Persia exhibit all its splendor. Schahzenan remained gloomy and insensible. On a sudden, 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 tenderly loved before their separation. The sultan of Persia rejoiced exceedingly at this alteration ; but he was also much surprised at it. No cause appeared for the sor- row which had bowed down his brother ; no reason could be con- 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 him 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," said Schahzenan, " which removed my despondency ; as so amiable a man as my brother conld not secure to himself the possession of a woman, it convinced 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 overwhelmed with affliction, proposed 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 prudent to oppose the first transports i:\TKKTAINMENTS. 0 of his brother's rage and grief, he gave into his proposal with great apparent readiness • but exacted a promise from him, that he would return to his capital, and re-assume his throne, whenever they should meet with any one more unfortunate in female connections than themselves. The princes having disguised themselves, left the city secretly, and travelled till evening, when they arrived at the sea-side. At daybreak they were alarmed by a frightful noise 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 a great glass box, which shut with four 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, " My charming mistress, whom 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 and 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 \)} 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. When 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 capital, 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, and on his departure said to him " I have at length fallen upon 1* 10 ARABIAN NIGHTS' a method to preserve the chastity of a wife : I will not now," added he, " explain myself; you will, no doubt, shortly hear of it ; and I question not but you will follow my example." Soon after the departure of Sehahzenan, the sultan chose the daughter of one of his nobles for his bride : the nuptial ceremony was performed ; the lady passed her night with 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 bed, and every morn- ing beheld her a victim to his jealousy : the consternation was uni- versal ; there was no parent who had a young and beautiful daugh- ter, but trembled for her life ; and the sultan, instead of receiving, as before, the blessings of his people, became the object of their execrations. The implicit obedience which good Mussulmans owe to the com- mander of the Faithful, had as yet restrained the inhabitants of Bagdad from rebellion, nor had they taken any measure to preserve their children from so new a calamity ; when the beauteous and accomplished Scheherazade, daughter of the grand vizier, under- took to deliver them from it, by becoming the destined bride. Her father was astonished when she declared her design. He 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 ASS, 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 so happened that he had an oppor- tunity to render essential service to a very powerful genie, who, in return, at the farmer's request, endowed him with the faculty of un- derstanding the language of all animals, but on this express condi- tion, that he should never interpret it to any one, on pain of death. Some time after this event, the farmer was walking leisurely in his yard, when he heard the following conversation between an ox and an ass : " Sprightly," said the ox, « how much do I envy your condition ! You have no labor, except now and then to carry our master little journeys ; in return for which you are well fed with the best corn, carefully cleaned, and lodged in fresh straw every night ; while I, who work from daylight till dark, and am urged by ENTERTAINMENTS. 11 the blows of the ploughman to toil almost beyond my strength, -when my hard task is performed, am scantily supplied with coarse food, and pass the night on the common."1 " Those," replied the ass, " who call you a foolish beast, are not much mistaken. Why do you not, with all that strength, exert a little courage, and resist such ill treatment ? If they give you bad corn, smell at it and leave it ! and when they are about to fasten you to the plough, bellow aloud, stamp with your foot, and even strike them with your horns. Be assured a little resolution will soon pro- cure you better treatment," The farmer, having heard this conversation, was not long in com- ing to a resolution. The next morning the laborer found the ox restive when he attempted to yoke him : on which, by his master's orders, he 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 have done. Nor was this all ; for when he re- turned at night, more dead than alive, he found no straw to lie on ; and instead of a plentiful supply of the best oats, there was nothing in his manger but a handful of coarse beans, ill-cleansed, which even his extreme hunger could scarcely prevail with him to eat. The ox, who had rested the whole day, and been fed with the prov- ender usually given to his companion, received him on his return with many compliments, and avowals of obligation. To these cere- monies the ass had no relish ; without answering a word he threw himself on the ground, and, in thought, began to upbraid his own folly. " Was ever such imprudence as mine ? 77 said he within him- self. " How has a silly officiousness undone me ! What had I to wish for that I did not enjoy? when did sorrow ever approach me ? All this happiness I have deservedly lost, by meddling with that which did not concern me/'7 The grand vizier applied the obvious moral to Scheherazade. But finding she persisted, he became angry. " If you wTill continue thus obstinate,'7 said he, " you will oblige me to treat you in the same manner the farmer did his wife in the sequel of the story.77 The farmer, hearing that the ass was in bad plight, was curious te know what would paf s between him and the ox. Accordingly, after supper, he took a walk with his wife into the yard, when he heard the sufferer say to his companion : " Comrade, what do you intend to do to-morrow, when the laborer brings your meat?77 " Do, my best friend ! 77 replied the ox ; " why, I will carefully at- 1*2 ARABIAN NIGHTS' tend 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 ass, " you will think it prudent to alter that resolution, when I relate to you what I heard our master say to the laborer just now." The ass having thus excited the attention and fear of the ox, told him very gravely, that the farmer had ordered his servant, if the ox continued restive, to knock him on the head the day following, and distribute his flesh among the poor. The ox, alarmed at this story, bellowed aloud for fear, and vowed sub- mission to the laborer • which resolution the ass was forward to commend. 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. His wife, who saw no reason for this extraordinary mirth, was curi- ous to know the cause of it. lie tried to evade her question; but the more he sought to divert her attention, the more earnest she became in her inquiry. At length, 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, when I acquaint you that my revealing 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 reso- 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. He called in the assistance of his neighbors and relations, who in vain represented to her the unreasonableness of her request. She persisted : and the unhappy farmer was on the point of gratifying her, at the expense of his life, when an incident determined him to alter his intention. Going out of his door, he heard his faithful dog relating with concern the story of his embarrassment to a cock, who heard it with much contempt. " A pretty fellow, truly," replied the cock, "is this master of ours, who cannot manage one wife, when I govern fifty ! Let him take a good crab-stick, and use it properly, I will engage she will soon dismiss her impertinent curiosity." The hon- est farmer took the hint ; his wife returned to her duty ; and you, my daughter, if treated in the same manner, would no doubt be as conformable to my desires, and forego so desperate an experiment. ENTERTAINMENTS. 13 Notwithstanding this and every other method taken to shako her determination, Scheherazade continued unmoved, and the grand vi/icr was obliged to announce to his sovereign the ambition of his daughter. The sultan heard him with sin-prise ; after pausing for a few moments, he said to him; with an air of severity : •• I give you opDortunity to recall this rash offer ; if yon persist in it, I will receive Scheherazade as my wile, but presume not to hope that 1 will violate my vow in her favor. On the contrary, your own life, as well as hers, shall be forfeited, if you hesitate for a moment to execute my usual orders." Even this menace had no effect on the young lady ; and the unhappy father was compelled to lead his darling child to the arms of his sovereign, with a full assurance of being obliged to deprive her of life with his own hand the fol- lowing morning. When Scheherazade was introduced to the sultan, he was struck with her beauty and modest sensibility. Perceiving her in tears, he for a moment forgot his barbarous resolution, and endeavored to comfort her. The lovely sultaness, pleased to see she had made- an impression on his savage heart, seized that moment to request that her sister, Dinarzade, might be admitted to her next morning, an hour before day, to take her last farewell. The sultan readily complied ; and notice being sent to her sister accordingly, the charming Scheherazade suffered herself to be conducted to the fa- tal couch, and became the devoted bride to the cruel Schahriar. At the appointed hour, Dinarzade was admitted to the_nuptial chamber ;. when she made the strange request, that in the little time which remained, before they were to part forever, the sultan- ess wTould 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 even expressed a wish to hear stories which must be singular, indeed, to be asked for at such a moment. Scheherazade, encouraged by this wish, began thus : THE MERCHANT AND THE GENIE. Sir, there was formerly a merchant whose extensisre traffic obliged him to travel to many places ; in one of which journeys, finding himself much incommoded by the heat of the day, ho alighted from his horse, and sat down in a shady grove ; when taking some dates out of his portmanteau, he ate them, tin-owing the shells on each side of him. When he had done eating, being 14 ARABIAN NIGHTS* a good mussulman, ho washed his hands and feet at an adjoining rivulet, and said his prayers. While he was yet on his knees, a monstrous genie, all white with age, advanced toward him with a scimitar in his hand ; and uttering a frightful cry, excl.iimed, *' Rise up that I may kill thee, as thou hast killed my son." The merchant, terrified as much at his appearance, as at his threats, protested his innocence. '' How," exclaimed the genie, " did you not, even now, throw about the shells of your dates ? my son was passing by, and you threw one of them into his eye, which killed him ; therefore I must kill thee." Saying which, he took the merchant by the arm, threw him on the ground, and lifted up the scimitar to cut off his head. In this imminent danger, the merchant earnestly entreated per- mission to return home, and settle his affairs, and take leave of his family. " What time do you require ?" said the genie. " I ask a year," replied the merchant ; " I swear by Allah, that this day twelvemonth I will return under these trees, to put myself into your hands." Upon this the genie disappeared. The merchant returned home disconsolate. He employed the allotted time in properly regulating his affairs, arid when it was near expired, he took a sorrowful leave of his family, and arrived at the place where he had promised to meet the genie. While he was waiting for his dreaded approach he saw two old men coming toward him from different quarters, the first leading a hind, the second two 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 it, and that it is by no means safe to continue here ?" " Alas !" said the merchant, " I know that but too well." He then related his story to the old men, who having heard it, agreed to continue with him until the genie should appear. In a little time they perceived a thick vapor advancing toward them, which vanishing all at once, discovered the genie. Without noticing the old men, he took the merchant by the arm, saying, " Rise, that I may kill thee, as thou didst kill my sou." The mer- chant tilled the air with his cries ; and the old men prostrating themselves on the ground, entreated for him. The genie, with somo difficulty, was persuaded to listen to their expostulations, and ;it length to agree, that if their several adventures were more ENTERTAINMENTS. 15 surprising than that of the merchant, he would relent, and set him at liberty. Day advancing, the sultan arose, and the vi/.ier, in much afflic- tion, entered into his presence in full expectation of receiving the usual fatal orders ; but the sultan was so much taken with the beauty and accomplishments of his lady, and his curiosity was so much excited by the interesting story she had begun, that he De- came irresolute respecting his vow ; and talking to his trembling vizier on other affairs, he left him in suspense also as to the fate of his beloved daughter. The next morning Scheherazade resumed her narrative with the history of THE OLD MAN AND THE HIND. " I married," began the first old man, u in my early life, my cousin with whom I lived more than twenty years in much happi- ness. The only thing that abated it was, that we had no children. The desire of posterity induced me to buy a slave, by whom I shortly had a son. I still lived in great harmony with my wife, who always treated the slave kindly, and appeared to be very fond of my boy. Some years after his birth, I was obliged to go a long iouruey, and on my return, my wife told me that my son and my slave were both dead. I lamented their loss very much ; but the feast of Bairam approaching, I thought it my duty to overcome my sorrow, and prepare for the holy festival. tl Accordingly I gave orders to my farmer to bring up one of the fattest cows, to sacrifice at the commencement of the solemnity. He obeyed ; but when the cow was brought to me she bellowed piteously, and I could perceive tears run down from her eyes. Struck with so singular a spectacle, and moved, I knew not how, I was about to send the cow back and order another, when my wife opposed any exchange with great vehemence. I suffered my- self to be prevailed on ; and though I could not kill her myself, I ordered my farmer to do so, who obeyed me. When 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 Drought a calf, whose behavior ws,s still more extraordinary. He broke the cord, ran to me, and fell at my feet. I determined to 16 AKA1UAN NIGHTS listen to the impulse I felt in favor of this calf, and accordingly ordered him to be tokeil hack ; although my wife interfered with still greater eagerness, and insisted that he should be slaughtered. " The day following, my farmer desired to speak with me alone. He took me to his own habitation, and introduced me to his daugh- ter , by her I was informed that during my journey, my wife had learned the black art ; and by that means had transformed my slave into the cow we had unfortunately slaughtered the day be- fore ; and my son into the calf which had so narrowly escaped " I leave you to judge, powerful genie, how much I was distress- ed at this account. But not doubting my informer was able to restore my son, as she had the skill to discover his situation, I very earnestly besought her assistance. 'On two conditions/ replied she, ' I will restore him. First, that you give him me for a hus- band • and secondly, that you permit me to punish as she deserves, the wicked enchantress who has transformed him.J I consented ; she then pronounced certain words, and sprinkling my son with water, be resumed his shape. He joyfully married his fair bene- factress, who changed my wicked wife into the hind you see here.'' THE STORY OF THE OLD MAN WITH THE TWO BLACK DOGS. " Prince of genii," said the second old man, " these dogs and myself are brothers. On the death of our father we divided hia substance among us, and each received a thousand sequins. One of my brothers resolved to travel, laid out his money in goods suited to the country he intended to visit, and departed. " After a year's absence he returned in great distress, having lost all his effects. Meantime, by industry, I had acquired an ad- ditional thousand sequins, which I readily gave him. My other brother, not disheartened by the ill success of the first, pursued the same measures ; very shortly he also returned entirely ruined. To him also I gave another thousand sequins; we then agreed to remain at home, and pursue our business carefully, without seek- ing further adventures. " Some years afterward, both my brothers besought me to join with them in a trading voyage. Their importunity prevailed. I disposed of my stock, which now produced six thousand sequins, half of which I buried in a corner of the house, and gave each of my brothers a thousand of the remainder. We arrived safely at our destined port, where we sold our adventures to good profit. ENTERTAINMENTS. • 17 "When \ve were nearly ready to return, I met on the banks of the sea a lady, handsome, but poorly clad, who very earnestly per- suaded me to marry her. I consented, and having taken her on board the vessel, we set sail. My wife proved to be possessed of so many good qualities that I became every day more fond of her. My unworthy brothers, envying my superior good fortune, seized us both while asleep, and threw us into the sea. :< But little did these bad men imagine the punishment that awaited their cruelty and ingratitude. My wife 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 basely betrayed.7 " The genie thought these adventures so singular, that he remitted the punishment of the merchant, and disappeared ; and the mer- chant, after suitably thanking his benefactors, returned home again with joy to his family. The sultan was delighted with these stories. He requested Sche- herazade to proceed next night to another; and going into the divan, the vizier, his family, the court, and the people in general, were overjoyed to find that he gave no orders to put the beautiful sultaness to death. THE STORY OF THE FISHERMAN. There was a fisherman who, when young, had indiscreetly vowed not to cast his net above four times a day. This vow he religiously observed ; though when he came to have a numerous family, he had often occasion to regret his having made it. One morning, having thrown his net three times without the least success, he was almost wild with grief. Another cast only re- mained, which he determined to take with particular attention. Having thrown it. instead of a fish he drew up only a small vessel of copper with a leaden seal to it. This seal be eagerly removed, in hopes of finding something valuable ; but to his great mortifica- tion, the casket was empty. He threw it on the ground, and con- tinued to eye it in a kind of despair, when he perceived a thick smoke to come out of it, which mounted to the clouds, and extend- 18 . ARABIAN NIGHTS* ing itself along the sea and shore, formed a great mist. When the smoke was all out of the vessel, it connected itself into one body which formed an enormous genie. At the sight of so terrible a figure, the fisherman would have fled, but was too much terrified. " Solomon, Solomon, the great prophet!" exclaimed the genie, "pardon, pardon, pardon; I never more will oppose your will !;' The fisherman hearing this took courage, and said, " Thou proud spirit, what is it thou talkest of ? it is eighteen hundred years ago since the prophet Solomon died ! Tell me your history, and how you came to be shut up in that vessel." The genie turning to his deliverer, with a fierce look said, " Thou art very bold to call me a proud spirit. Speak to me more civilly before I kill thee. <; What," replied the fisherman, "would you kill me for setting you at liberty ? Is that the way you re- ward the service I have done you ?'; "I cannot treat you other- wise/7 replied the genie; ''and that you may be convinced of if, listen to my story : I am one of those rebellious spirits who op- posed themselves to the will of Heaven. The other genii owned Solomon the great prophet, and submitted to him. Sacar and I only resisted. That potent monarch caused me to be seized and brought by force before his throne ! when, as I daringly persisted in my disobedience, he shut me up in this copper vessel ; and that I might not escape, he himself stamped his seal, with the great name of God engraven on it, upon this leaden cover, and ordered it to be cast into the midst of the sea. During the first century of my imprisonment, I swore that if any one would deliver me I would make him immensely rich. During the second, I vowed that I would open all the treasures of the earth to any one who should set me free. In the third, 1 prom- ised to make my deliverer a mighty prince, and to be always his attendant spirit. Many centuries passed over, and I continually increased my promises to him who should render me so essential a service ; but all in vain ; no one was so lucky as to find the coffer, and by opening it, to obtain the rewards I had bound myself to bestow. At last, enraged and tired with so long a confinement, I vowed that if any one should set me at liberty, I would kill him without mercy ; therefore, as you have this day delivered me, pre- pare yourself to die/' This discourse terrified the poor fisherman beyond measure ; but ENTERTAINMENT. 1 0 as necessity is the parent of ingenuity, he addressed the genie thus : " If it must be so, I submit ; lut before I die, I conjure you by the great name which was engraven on the seal of the prophet Solomon, that you grant me one request, in return for the service ] have done you, which you have obliged yourself to repay so hardly." The genie trembled at the- adjuration, and answered hastily, " Ask what thou wilt, but quickly." 4< I cannot believe,'' said the fisherman, "that you were really confined in that vessel ; it will not hold one 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 and murder." The body of the genie instantly dissolved, and changing into a mist, extended itself as before. At last it began to enter the ves- sel, which it continued to do, by a slow and equal motion, till nothing was left out; and immediately a voice came forth, which said, " Well, incredulous fellow, I am in the vessel now ; are you satisfied ?" The fisherman instantly shut down the cover ; " Xow, genie, it is thy turn to entreat in vain. I will return thee to the sea whence I took thee, and will 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 force to get out of the vessel again ; but the seal of Solomon restrained him. Dissembling, therefore, his anger, he addressed the fisherman in a more pleasant tone ; begged him once more to remove the cover, and promised to reward him to his full satisfaction. il Thou art a traitor," re- plied the fisherman, 4i and I should deserve to lose my lifo, if I was so foolish as to trust thee. No 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." THE STORY OF THE GRECIAN KING AND THE PHYSICIAN DOUBAN. There was a king of Greece who was sorely afflicted with a grievous leprosy. His physicians had exerted all their art in vain ; his case was declared hopeless, and he expected every day to sink under the loathsome disease which oppressed him. At this time there came to his court a strange physician, named Douban, who, 20 ARABIAN NIGHTS' after examining the patient, asserted that so far from the king being incurable, he would undertake to restore his health without either inward potions or outward applications. This extraordinary proposal was readily accepted. 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 are heated they will penetrate your majesty's whole frame ; leave off then ; bathe, and retire to rest, and to-morrow you will find yourself perfectly cured. >J The king followed the direction of Douban, and rose the next morning 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 every one who had a suit to prefer to the king, solicited the interest of the physician. But amid all his prosperity lurked the most fatal destruction. The Grecian king was a very weak prince, easily irritated, and tyrannical in his disposition. His former favorites envied Douban, and seized every opportunity to excite distrust of him in the royal breast. "He is become," said they, u next in dignity and power to yourself; as he cured you in a manner so simple, may he not also, by 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. " Were I to listen to you," said he to his courtiers, " I should be 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 a method of destroying the credit of the bird, and being revenged at the same time. Accordingly, when her husband went another journey, she caused a slave to scatter water ovor the cage all night, in the manner of rain, while others pro- duced the appearance of thunder and lightning. The next day, when the husband returned, the parrot complained of having been exposed (ill night to the fury of a continual storm. As the master knew the weather had been exceedingly fine, be hastily conclud* d that hi* MrJ was false, and in resentment put it to death ; but tho future ill conduct of his wife too soon proved to him his parrot's truth and his own rashness." u Sir," replied his vizier, " it is my duty to be particularly atten- tive to your safety, nor must I suffer you to be led by specious ap« ENTEBT A IX MENTS . 2 1 pearances, into real danger. The vizier of a neighboring king wag intrusted with the care of his master's only son, and so ill did he perform that duty, that he suffered the young prince to separate from his train, in the eagerness of the chase, till he was left alone, and had lost his way ; while he rode ahout, he came up to a hand- some lady, who appeared to be in great distress. The prince was naturally compassionate ; he heard her tale, and at her request, took her upon his horse, which he guided by her direction. They came at length to the ruins of a castle in a lonely place, where the lady desired him to alight ; he obeyed. The lady entered the ruins, and while he was securing his horse he heard her say softly, " Be glad, my children ; I have brought you a handsome young man, very fat." Other voices immediately answered, "Mamma, where is he ? let us eat him presently, for we are very hungry/7 The prince heard enough to convince him of his danger. He perceived that the supposed distressed lady was really an ogress, wife to one of those savage demons, called ogres ; who frequent remote places, and use a thousand wiles to surprise and devour passengers. He began to untie his horse again with all diligence, putting up all the while prayers to Heaven for his deliverance. The ogress, returning to the door, never doubted but he was still employed in fastening his horse, and hearing him utter prayers, she also pretended to put up ejaculations; but the prince was not to be deceived by this hypocrisy. Having 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 been in, that he very justly caused his care less vizier to be put to death. I should deserve the same punish- ment, if I did not protest against the conduct of Douban, who though as specious as the ogress, may be equally dangerous. The 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 presence to be put to death. Douban, astonished at so fatal a de- nunciation, solicited earnestly for mercy, but in vain. " You see," said the fisherman to the genie, " how the king treat- ed his benefactor. So have you also behaved to me." When Douban found himself in the hands of the executioner, he once more applied himself to the king, requesting he would, at least allow him to live till the next day. " I have," said he to the 22 ARABIAN NIGHTS' cruel prince, " among my books, one well worthy of your majesty's acceptance : if, when my head is struck off, you will open the book at the sixth leatj and read the third line, my head will answer any question you shall ask." The king, though insensible to pity or to gratitude, was moved by a frivolous curiosity to defer the execu- tion. The following day, when Doubau was brought into the royal presence, he renewed his supplication for life ; reminded the king of his services, and in the most earnest manner protested his in- nocence. The unworthy prince told him plainly, that all he could say was in vain : " Were 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 inevitable, 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 answer your questions." The executioner performed his office ; and the head being placed as directed, the blood stanched, tho eyes opened, and it called upon the king to openlhe book. The king obeyed, but finding the leaves stick together, he put his finger to his mouth and wetted it to separate them. When 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 leaves, 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 live, exclaimed, " Tyrant, you are justly punished !" Having said this, its eyes closed, and it re- mained without life. The king also, in a short time, fell down and expired. " You find, genie," said the fisherman, " that though the physician could not preserve his life, he contrived to punish his ungrateful murderer. I am more fortunate in being now out of your power, and having you in mine. I am now about to return you to the sea." "My good friend," replied the genie, " remember, revenge is for- bidden ; do not treat me as Imama did Atteca." tl How was that ?" asked the fisherman. " Ho !" replied the genie, " do you think I can tell stories in this confinement ? Let me out, and I will tell you as many as you please." " No," said the fisherman, « I will not let you out ; on the contrary, I will this moment cast you back into the sea." " Hear me, I charge thee, ' exclaimed the genie, ENTERTAINMENTS. i'.l '; if tliou wilt deliver me, I swear, in the most solemn manner, that 1 will not hurt thee: on the contrary, I will teach thee how to be- come as rich as thou desircst to be/7 Overcome by this promise, the fisherman once more opened the vessel ; and the genie, resuming his form., instantly kicked it into the sea. The fisherman was alarmed at this action, but the genie assured him he was safe. He then led him up a mountain, from whence they descended to a great pond, that lay between four hills. " Cast in thy nets here," said the genie, " and carry the fish thou shalt take to the sultan, who will liberally reward thee ; only be- ware not to throw in thy nets more than once a day, or thou wilt repent it.'7 Having said this, the genie disappeared. The fisherman immediately threw in his nets ; but though the pond seemed to abound with fish, he caught only four. He was much pleased to find them unusually beautiful, and each of a dif- ferent color : one being white, one red, one blue, and one yellow. Having much admired them, he set off for the palace, to present them to the sultan. The singular beauty of the fish made them very acceptable ; the liberal prince rewarded the fisherman with four hundred pieces of gold, and ordered them to be served as a part of the entertainment of the day. But an amazing prodigy disappointed the sultan. As the cook was frying the fish, on turning them, the wall of the kitchen opened, and a beautiful young lady entered, holding a rod of myrtle in her hand ! and advancing to the pan, she struck one of the fish, saying, " Fish, fish, are ye in your duty ?" when the four fish lifting up their heads together, said, lt Yes, yes, if you reckon, we reckon ; if you fly, we overcome, and are content.'7 As soon as they had thus spoken, the lady overturned the frying-pan, and passed again through the wall, which closed immediately, and became as before. The cook was exceedingly terrified ; but recovering herself, and picking up the fish, she had the misfortune to find that they were burnt to a cinder, and utterly unfit to be served at the royal table. She was under the necessity of relating the phenpmenon to the vizier. That minister invented an excuse, which satisfied the sul- tan : but being very desirous of seeing so strange a scene, he or- dered the fisherman to provide him four other fish, of the same sort, as soon as possible. The day follo'wing the fisherman obeyed the vizier's orders, and to his gi-p^t joy received another four hundred pieces of gold. The 24 AKAJJIAN NI« UTS* vizier glint himself up with the cook, who placed the fish on the fire, and on turning them, when fried on one side, the wall again opened, the lady appeared, the same dialogue passed between her and the fish ; when, having overturned the pan, she retired, and the wall closed as on the preceding day. The vizier, astonished beyond measure at so great a prodigy, failed not to relate the matter to the sultan. That prince was equally surprised, and impatient to see so strange a scene himself. 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 his vizier, retired into his closet ; the fish were placed on the fire, and on turning them the wall opened ; but in- stead of the young lady, there came out a gigantic black, in the habit of a slave, who advanced with an air of anger to the pan, and touching one of the fish, said, in a terrible voice, tl Fish, are ye in your duty?" At these words, the fish raised up their heada, and answered, "Yes, yes, we are; if you reckon, we reckon; if you pay your debts, we pay ours ; if you fly, we overcome, and are content." The black then threw the pan into the middle of the closet, and the fish were reduced to coal. Having done this, he retired fiercely, and the wrall shut, and remained as before. When the sultan recovered "from his astonishment, he sent for the fisherman, to know where he caught these extraordinary 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 before. The sultan ordered his court to encamp by the side of the pond, and retired to his pavilion with his 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. He commanded the vizier to detain his 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 forward, and by sun- rise, he saw before him a great building, which proved to be a magnificent palace of black marble. As the gates were opened, the prince entered, but met not any living creature. He wandered through many spacious apartments, all furnished in the most splen- did manner, and kept in the most exact order. He called out aloud, but no one answered. After walking about a long time, ho ENTKKTAINMKNTS. 25 grew weary ; and sitting do.wn, was beginning to reflect on the wonders which had happened, when he was interrupted by the voice of one complaining. He listened attentively; and following the sound he came to a magnificent hall, at the upper end of which, on a throne of burnished gold, sat 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 his 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 robe, and discovered to the sultan that he was only a man from the head to the girdle, and that the other part of his body was black marble. 11 What you show me," said the sultan, " fills me with grief and horror. I conjure you, most unfortunate prince, to relate 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 events which have occurred to me lately. Perhaps for- tune has led me hither to be of service to you." u Alas !" replied the young man, " I have no hope of relief; yet, though I must renew my grief by repeating my story, your ap- pearance, as well as your offers of assistance, entitle you to com- pliance." THE HISTORY OF THE KING OF THE BLACK ISLES. " T succeeded my father to the throne of the Black Isles a few years ago. and invited to share it with me a young lady whom 1 had loved from my earliest infancy. She was my cousin ; we were bred up together ; and T had every reason to suppose I was equally dear to her. After a short time I found a visible coolness in the queen's behavior, which afflicted me the more, as it seemed to in- crease daily, 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 much to blame to treat this amiable j :ince so ill ? I wonder he does not discover her enormities.' ' You d ; not know, then,' replied the other, 'that every evening she 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 by thia nicans she escapes detection.' 26 li Though I was much alarmed at this discourse, I still appeared to sleep. In the evening I supped with the queen; but when she presented me, before we retired, with a cup, I only pretended to drink, and holding it to my mouth some time, I returned it to ber untasted. We withdrew to our chamber, where, as soon as I lay down on the bed, I pretended to fall into a deep sleep. The queen immediately arose, dressed herself, and having said to me, ' Sloop. and may you never awake again !' went out of the chamber. " I was ready to follow her in an instant. She went to a little grove adjoining the garden, where a man was waiting for her. ' I reached the grove unobserved, and concealed myself behind a tree; I listened to their conversation, and found that she seemed to lavish her fondness on one who heard her very coolly. Enraged that she should treat me so unworthily, 1 resolved to be revenged on her minion. Accordingly, when they had passed me, I gave him a vio- lent blow on the neck with my scimitar, which brought him to the ground. I supposed he was slain: and not caring to corne to ex- tremities with the queen, I retired in haste, without discovering myself, and returned immediately to my chamber. In the morning I found my wife lying by me as usual, but she either was, or pre- tended to be, in a profound sleep, so that I arose and went to coun- cil without having spoken to her. li At dinner time she presented herself to me, clad in mourning, and expressed the utmost affliction. « Alas, 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 lost a battle, in which he and one of my brothers have fallen. Suf- fer me to retire for a twelvemonth to the Palace of Tears, that I may pay a proper tribute to their memory.' '•I was not sorry she thus disguised the true cause of her grief; and readily gave her the permission she desired. She withdrew accordingly to that palace : and thithor I found out she conveyed her gallant. The wound I had given him would have been mortal, had she not preserved him by a drink, which she prepared and administered to him herself, every day. But though she was able by this means to keep him alive, yet she could neither cure him, nor restore his faculties : he lives, indeed, but he can neither Avalk, move, nor speak; his eyes alone give signs of existence, but not of sensibility. " 1 hoped that time would have removed the queen's sorrow I ENTERTAINMENTS. 27 suffered her, therefore, to continue this course without interruj tion; but when, at the end of two years, I found that her criminal afflic- tion was still cherished, I fatally resolved to let her know I was not unacquainted with the real source of it. I concealed myself behind the tomb which she had erected for her gallant, and became a witness of her ungovernable foil}''. The fondness she lavished on him was excessive ; nor would it have been excusable had he been in perfect health. For this adored lover, this minion, thus doated on, was a black Indian ; and, as I was well informed, as disgusting 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 effect of your bar- barous wound, or from contempt, that you are thus silent ? 0 tomb, have you swallowed up the affection he had for me ? ' Enraged at these lamentations, I discovered myself all at once, and reproached her with the utmost severity. She heard me at first in silence and confusion ; but when I not only declared myself the punishcr of her gallant, but drew my scimitar to take away the remains of his life, her shame turned to rage; she instantly began to repeat en- chantments, and pronouncing certain words I did not understand, I became as you see me, half marble, half man. " Nor did I alone fall a sacrifice to the revenge of this wicked woman. By the force of her incantations, she transformed my whole territory. The four islands which I reigned over, are be- come the four hills you passed ; my capital city is changed to a pond ; and my people are turned into fishes, of various colors : the Mussulmans being white; the Persians, who adore fire, red; the Christians, blue; and the Jews, yellow. This I learned from her rage and reproaches ; for she is not satisfied with the evils I now suffer, but every day she comes here, and gratifies her malice by invectives, and even by blows, which I have no power to resist." , The young king having finished his story, became overpowered with grief. The sultan did his utmost to console him. In answer to the further inquiries of his visitor, the king informed him that the Palace of Tears was adjoining to the hall they were in; that the enchantress visited the palace every morning at break of day, when she first exercised her cruelty on him. and then attended her gallant, with the drink which preserved him from dying, and be- wailed over him his helpless condition. The sultan having revolved these matters in his mind, took leave 28 of the unhappy king, when he found he was a little composed, without acquainting him with his intention, lest a disappointment should aggravate his affliction. He found out the Palace of Tears, and as 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 aside his upper garment, and having blackened his hands, 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 black. He passed the night without sleeping, his whole thoughts being occupied with the affair he was engaged in. At day-break the loud lamentations of the unfortunate king, and the severe blows he heard inflicted on him, gave him notice that the wicked en- chantress was at hand. The poor prince filled the palace with his outcries, and in vain besought her, in the most affecting manner, to have pity on him. Having gratified her cruelty, she left him ; and entering the Palace of Tears began, in her turn, to use the language of affliction. " Alas !" exclaimed she, as she approached the bed on which her supposed lover lay • can I ever sufficiently revenge the miseries I suffer? To whose jealousy and cruelty do I owe the wretched situation of my adored lover ? Alas ! my life, my love,'' continued she, addressing herself, as she supposed, to the black, " will you never be delivered from this state of insensibility and silence ? AVill you no more be able to tell me how much you love me ?» 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, or power, but in God alone, who is almighty/7 The enchantress, on hearing these words, gave an ex- cessive shout for joy ; when the sultan, turning toward her, said, 11 Unhappy queen ! if thou wouldst have my recovery complete, restore thy husband, and cease to treat him with indignity." The Fond enchantress flew to the hall, and taking a cup of water, pro- nounced certain words over it, which caused it to boil, then throw- ing it on the young king, she said, " If thou art in thy present state by the force of my enchantments, resume thy natural powers/'' On her uttering these words, the prince instantly found himself restored ; the joy he felt was scarcely allayed by the in solence of his enemy, who directed him, in the haughtiest manner, to leave the palace immediately, and be seen there no more on pain of death. ENTERTAINMENTS. 29 The enchantress returned with impatience to her supposed lover, and was delighted to find him appear much better. As she was hastening toward him. the sultan cried out, "Stop, wretched lady ; if thou approachest nearer to rue, I shall relapse into my former state of insensibility; my recovery cannot be perfect until thou hast reversed all thy enchantments, which have produced such fatal consequences to thy husband's subjects and territory.77 The enchantress, elated with joy and hope, immediately with- drew, and in a few minutes dissolved all her spells, and restored everything to its former condition. The fishes became men ; the houses and shops were again filled with their inhabitants ; and tho sultan's retinue were astonished to find themselves in the middle of a large and populous city. Tho wicked magician hastened back to the Palace of Tears, and was transported to see her supposed lover sitting on the bed. Fearing, however, to approach him too hastily, she restrained her- self, and said, li I have in all things obeyed you ; I have restored to its first state everything that I had transformed." " '"Tis 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 one blow of his scimitar, put an end to her life, at once punishing her past crimes, and preventing her repeating them. The joy of t'he king and people of the Black Isles, on their de- liverance, was extreme. 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 king oi the isles undeceived him. ''Though,77 said he, "you came hither- in that time, yet now the enchantment if ended, you will find it several mouths' journey to the confines of your dominions. I will, however, readily attend you, and ever acknowledge my obli- gations to you to the last moment of my life.7' Accordingly, after a few days' repose, the young king added a hundred camels., laden with inestimable riches, to the retinue of the sultan ; and joining the same with many of his nobles, he conducted that prince to his capital, where they were received by the faithful inhnltitu-.iN, with the loudest acclamations. Nor was the fisherman forgot. As he was the cause of the dis- covery, the sultan gave him a plentiful estate, which abundantly gratified his utmost wishes. 30 AK A HI AN NIGHTS' THE STORY OF THE THREE CALENDARS, SONS OF KINGS, AND O? THE FIVE LADIES OF BAGDAD, In the reign of Caliph Haroun Alraschid, there was at Bagdad 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- ance 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- pearance, opened it. She put money into his hand, without speak- ing a word : when he, knowing what she wanted, brought her a large bottle of -wine, which the porter put into his basket. From thence they proceeded to the diiferent dealers in provisions, fruits, and perfumes, till the basket was quite full. Meantime, the por- ter, by his ready wit and cheerful obedience, ingratiated himself very much into the lady's favor. Having finished their marketing, they arrived at a handsome house, where the lady, whose name was Amine, caused the porter to take the provisions from his bas- ket, for the inspection of her sisters, Zobeide and Safie. The porter having delivered' his load was handsomely paid, but instead of retiring, as he ought to havo done, he continued linger- ing in the presence of the ladies. Zobeide, supposing him not satisfied with his pay, offered to give him more. " I am overpaid 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 be 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 his education had been above his condition. Notwithstanding which, Zobeide, recovering her se- rious air, was about to reprimand his presumption, when Amine interfered, and besought her sisters to let him stay and share their 3ntertainment. The porter could not restrain his joy on their •onsenting ; he would have restored the money he had received, but the grave Zobeide ordered him to keep it. " That which we have once given," said she, tl to reward those who have served us. we never take again." ENTERTAINMENTS. 31 They sat down to their repast together. After they had eaten a little, Am me took a cup, tilled out wine, and drank first herself, according to the custom of the Arabians; she then filled the cup for her sisters, and last for the porter, who, as he received it, kissed her hand, and, before'he drank, sung a song to this pur- pose : " That as the wind brings along with it the sweet scent of the perfumed places through which it passes, so the wine he was going to drink, coming from her fair hand, received a moreexquis ite taste than what it had of itself." This song pleased the ladies highly, and the time they were at dinner passed away very pleas antly : after which, Sane reminded the porter that it was time for him to depart. He received this hint with visible reluctance, and Amine once more became his advocate with her sisters ; who, to oblige her, readily agreed he should continue till evening. Zobeide, having signified their consent, turned to the porter and said, ll One condition you must carefully observe : that whatsoever we do in your presence, 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 CONCERN HIM, SHALL HEAR OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT PLEASE HIM," 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 the}' 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 calendars were at the gate, who earnestly solicited to be received into the house, or even admitted within the porch, for one night, being all strangers, just arrived at Bagdad ; Safie added that they were young, handsome, and of good address ; though each of them was deprived of his right eye. Zobeide and Amine, finding Safie was desirous they should be entertained, desired her to introduce them ; but to be very explicit in telling them the terms on which they were admitted. Safie accordingly led them in, after haviug shown them the writing over *he gate, and laid the same injunctions on them that 3fc ARABIAN NIGHTS' the porter had received, to which they each promised exact, obe dience. Having paid their respects to the ladies, one of them cast his eye upoii the porter, who was clad much like those calendars who neither shave their beards nor eyebrows, and exclaimed, " See, we have got one of our revolted Arabian brethren. " The porter, who was half asleep, and warm with wine, was af- fronted at these words ; and with a fierce look, answered, " Sit you down, and do not meddle with what does not concern you • have you not read the inscription over the gate ? do not pretend to make people live after your fashion, but follow ours." The calen- dar apologized to the captious porter, and the ladies interposing, pacified him. After the strangers had received suitable refresh- ment, various instruments of music were introduced j the ladies each took one, the calendars did the same, and began a concert of music, which was interrupted by another loud knocking. The caliph Haroun Alraschid was accustomed to walk abroad in disguise very often by night, accompanied by Giafar, his grand vizier, and Mesrour, chief of the eunuchs, to inspect into the order of the city, ind see that the duty of the magistrates was properly executed. Passing by the palace of the ladies, he heard the sound of music and jollity ; and chose to inquire into the reason of it. The vizier represented to him that it was not yet an unlawful hour, and that by disturbing 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 the gate. On Safie appearing, Giafar represented to her that they were Maussol merchants, strangers in Bagdad, who having rambled a considerable way from their khan (or inn) 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 1 esitation to receive also these pretended merchants. The custo- mary caution of the family was given to them, which they prom- ised to observe; the diversions were resumed ; the calendars arose and danced after their manner, and every one endeavored to con- tribute to the pleasure of the company. After some time. Zobeide arose and taking Amine by the, hand, said, with a sigh, " Sister, it grows late ; it is timo for us to pi to what wo are wont to do. The company are properly cautioned, Aerefore their presence need not delay a business Avhich must not be dispensed with." ENTERTAINMENTS. 33 Amine withdrew, and returned immediately, 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. Zobeide appeared much distressed ; but re- ceiving the bitch from her sister, she said, " Alas ! we must 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 severity; after which she flung away the rods with indignation, raised 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 Amiue, who led her away. She then received the other bitch from the porter, and treated her in the same man nor ; discovered the same reluctance, the same severity, the same sympathy, and dismissed her with equal marks of affection. As soon as Zobeide had recovered from her fatigue, Amine took a lute and played a plaintive tune, which she accompanied with her voice. Having played and sung for sometime, she became transported with her own melody, and her powers failing her, she fainted away. Zobeide and Safie flew to her assistance, and en- deavored to recover her. But 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. When the caliph was first introduced he was struck with the beauty and elegant manners of the ladies; the singular appear- ance of the calendars, all young men of polite address, and all blind of the right eye, had exceedingly engaged his attention. He was astonished at the conduct of Zobeide, in so severely whipping the two bitches, and afterward crying with them ; wiping away their tears, and kissing them, though such animals" are considered by the Mussulman religion as unclean ; and the sight of Amine's bosom excited his highest indignation against the person who had so cruelly abused her. Yet he still suffered himself to be re- strained by the conditions imposed on him and his companions. \Vhile he was meditating on these extraordinary events, he over- heard the calendars expressing to each, other their wonder also. The caliph had not doubted before but the calendars were part of the family ; but when he found that they were strangers, and wcro equally astonished at what had passed, he entered into COP 2* 3* ARABIAN NIGHTS* versation with them. Zoboide and Safie still continuing engaged in the care of Arnine, the caliph beckoned the porter, expecting to receive information from him ; as he was also unacquainted with these matters, the prince proposed that they should all throw aside the law which had been imposed upon them, and jointly request the ladies to explain these mysteries. The calendars assented to the proposal, but each declined to ask the question. At last they a,ll agreed in requiring the porter to do it. While they were con- versing on this subject. Amine recovered ; and Zobeide, who had heard them speak with much earnestness, drew near and inquired the cause of their dispute; to which the porter bluntly answered, " Madam, these gentlemen desire you will acquaint them why you wept over your two bitches, after you had whipped them ; and how that lady's bosom, who fainted lately, became so full of Bears." Zobeide, turning to the caliph and the rest of the company, with an air of indignation asked if they had ordered the porter to make that request. On their acknowledging that they bad, she said, " Before we gave you the protection of our house, you were aich separately cautioned, not to speak of things which did not concern you, lest you should hear of that which would not please you ; 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. Every one seized a man, threw him on the ground, and prepared to cut off his head. The frightened porter exclaimed aloud, " For Heaven's sake do not punish me for the crimes of others! I am innocent; they are to blame; alas !;' con- tinued he, crying, " how happy were we before these blind calen- dars came; they are the cause of this misfortune; there is no town in the world but falls to ruin, wherever these inauspicious follows come !" The caliph, alarmed at his situation, was about to discover him- eelf, when Zobeide, who, notwithstanding her anger, could scarce refrain from laughing aloud at the lamentation of the porter, thus addressed herself to them all : " Your unworthy conduct conduces me that 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 you.'' At these words, one of ENTERTAINMENTS. 35 the calendars lifted up his head, and declared that he and hia brother calendars were princes, and had passed through such wonderful adventures, that, were they told, would recommend them to her pity and forgiveness. Zobeide, having consulted with her sisters, said, u Relate, then, those events which you speak of: if they are indeed singular, they may perhaps soften our resentment." The slaves then sufferei them to rise, and the calendar who had thus far prevailed with the affronted lady to suspend their resentment, began his story. HISTORY OF THE FIRST CALENDAR. '•My grandfather reigned over two adjoining kingdoms; one of which he bequeathed at his death to my father, and the other to his younger son. As the utmost cordiality subsisted between the two brothers, when I grew up and had completed my exercises, I used to pass a month every year in my uncle's court, in company with his son, who was about my age, and with whom I had con- tracted an intimate friendship. "The last visit I paid him, my uncle was absent on a progress through his distant provinces. My cousin received me with un- usual ardor of affection. After a few days' repose, he told me that I could render him an important service : but before he could ex- plain himself, he must exact a solemn oath, that I would never discover what he should employ me to do, nor any measure he should take in consequence of that service. I had the greatest affection for my cousin, and doubted 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 requested me to go in the evening to the gardens which were set apart for the women of the seraglio, ' Tf you are seen,' said he, « no one will venture to ques- tion you ; and when a lady joins you, all I desire of you is, to con- duct her as she shall direct you, and to keep my secret.' "I obeyed his commands; the lady met me, and at her desire, I conducted her to a cemetery adjoining to the city, whore, at a new tomb, we found the prince waiting to receive us ; he had with him a pitcher with water, a hatchet, and a little bag of plaster. With the hatchet he broke down the sepulchre in the midst of the tomb; he then lifted up a trap-door, which discovered a staircase : ' This, m;ulam.' said he. ' is the way.' The lady immediately descended the stairs, and the prince prepared to follow her Turning to me, 36 ARABIAN NIGHTS' ho thanked me for my services; 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 unobserved. 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 him, there were so many alike, that I found it impossible to distinguish it. u As the king continued his tour, I determined to return to my father's court; on my arrival, I was immediately surrounded by the guards, 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. When I wras a boy. I was shooting at a bird with a cross-bow, the ball unfortunately hit the vizier and put ' out one of his eyes. I made every apology in my power, yet he never forgave 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 dominions of my uncle, who received me with the greatest friendship. After having condoled me, he told me with much sorrow of the absence of the prince, his son. His 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. "When I had finished my narrative, he proposed we should go privately in search of the tomb. We went accordingly ; and I knew it immediately, though I had so often sought for it before in vain. We removed the trap-door with much exertion, as the prince had secured it on the inside with the mortar he took with him. On descending, wo found an elegant suite of rooms, in one of which wras a bed with the curtains close drawn ; these the king opened, and we found the prince and the lady in the bed, burnt to a coal. " While I viewed this spectacle writh horror, I was surprised that my uncle, instead of testifying grief at the fate of his son, spat in his KNTERTA INMFA'TS. 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^ hia sister ; that he had in vain exerted the authority of a father and of a sovereign, to restrain these unworthy children • that 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 wretch,7 continued the unhappy father, ' has rendered vain all my precautions. It is plain he built these subterraneous apartments for a retreat, and made use of your friendship to obtain the miser- able partner of his iniquity ; but God, who would not suffer such an abomination, has justly punished them both.' " When we were recovered from the horror of this scene, we agreed to retire as privately as we came ; to cover up the trap-door with earth, and to hide, if possible forever, so shocking an instance of human depravity in our relations. We returned to the palaco in the deepest affliction ; but our attention was soon called to other objects. The vi/jer, who had usurped my crown, was an able gen eral ; not doubting but that my uncle would endeavor to punish his crimes, and to revenge me, he determined to be beforehand with him -} he led the flower of his troops into the field, and by skilful 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. We flew to put ourselves at the head of the guards, and made a vigorous resistance, but the fortune of the usurper pre- vailed. My uncle fell gallantly fighting ; all opposition became fruitless : I had no hope of mercy. I contrived therefore to escape ; and, in this habit. I passed unknown through my uncle's dominions. I arrived this day at Bagdad, intending to throw myself at the feet of the glorious caliph Haroun Alraschid, and to implore his protection/' HISTORY OF THE SECOND CALENDAR. " I also, madam," began the second calendar, " am the son of a king. I pass over the events of my early life, and come to that which introduced me to so many misfortunes. " My father having occasion to send an embassy to the sultan of the Indies, thought the journey, and the survey of a foreign court, would be exceedingly useful to me. By his command I joined the 38 AT? \ HI AN NIGHTS' caravan ; we travelled for a month with safety and pleasure ; when we were suddenly beset by a numerous troop of robbers, who plundered our baggage, killed many of our party, and dispersed the jest. 11 1 had the good fortune to escape unhurt ; but I was alone and wholly unacquainted with the country. I journeyed on for many weeks, and at last arrived at a large city, in a most deplorable sit- uation ; my body sun-burnt, my clothes worn out, and without the means of obtaining others. On my entering the town, I applied to a tailor, to mend my tattered garments ; while he was rendering me this service, he entered into conversation with me, and inquired who I was and whence I came. I made no hesitation to acquaint him with my situation. 'Take especial care,' replied the tailor, ' how you reveal to any one else who you are; the prince of this country is the mortal enemy of your father ; the laws of hospitality, or even humai ity, are little regarded by him; judge, then, how necessary it is for you to be concealed.' The instant I heard the name of the city where I was, I knew the necessity of this caution. •'' The friendly tailor was of the utmost service. to me. lie took me into his house, and gave me such refreshments as his poverty could furnish. Some days after, when I was pretty well recovered from my fatigue, my host, knowing that most princes of our re- ligion apply themselves to some art or calling, inquired of me which I had learned. Unfortunately I had neglected that useful custom. * You must then,' said he, ' submit to harder labor, for it will not be safe for you to continue unemployed in this city : join those poor people who cut fuel for the use of the town, in the neighboring forests; I will supply you with a proper habit, ar.d with implements; you may then remain in safety with me, till an opportunity offers of returning to your father's dominions.' "I followed this prudent advice, and for a year went daily to the forest. One day, as I was pulling up the root of a tree. I es- pied an iron ring, fastened to a trap-door : on lifting it, I saw some stairs, which I descended, and found they led to several stately rooms, in one of which I discovered a lovely lady, of noble carriage^ and extraordinary beauty. She expressed the greatest surprise at seeing me: 'I have lived/ said she, '" twenty-five years here, and no\f>r saw any man before! by what adventure are you come hither ?' " I was avlunned to be considered, bv so lovclv a woman, as an ENTERTAINMENTS. 39 humble wood-cutter; 1 therefore readily told her who I was ; and requested to know by what accident she had been so long secluded from the world. ' Alas ! prince/ said she, ' I am also of royal birth; my father, king of the isle of 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 inconsolable; but time and necessity have accustomed me to receive the hateful genie. He visits me every tenth day. If I wish to see him at any other time, I touch the talisman you see there, and he presently appears. He will not be here these five days ; if you choose to pass them with me, I will endeavor to entertain you according to your quality and merit.7 I embraced her proposal with the greatest joy. " The next day she introduced at dinner a bottle of excellent old wine ; niy head grew affected by it. ' Princess/ said I, ' you have too long been thus buried alive ; you shall not continue to be en- slaved by this tyrant, Let him come ; I swear I will extirpate all the genii in the world, and him first; and for this talisman, I will break it.; The princess entreated me not to touch the talisman. I know/ said she, * what belongs to genii better than you.' But in vain; the fumes of the wine did not suffer me to hearken to her. I gave the talisman a violent kick with my foot, and broke it all to pieces. •'' Immediately the palace began to shake : thunder, lightning, and darkness, appalled us. This terrible appearance in 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 imme- diately. I obeyed her in so much haste, that I left my hatchet and 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. When 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 host, who came to tell me that an old man had brought home my hatchet and cords, which he would not deliver to anybody but mvself. I turned pale •it this intelligence ; but before I had time to recover myself, the 40 A i: API AN old man followed him : 'Do not these tilings belong to you ?' said be. sternly. This abrupt question, his terrible aspect, and my own fears, made me unable to answer him. While I continued thus torpid from terror, he seized me, dragged me out of the house, and mounting into the air. carried me along with incredible swift- then descending, he struck the earth with his foot, which opened, and we found ourselves in the palace of the princess of Ebene. But nlas ! what a spectacle ! The poor prii cess was lying on the ground, fainting, naked, and bleeding. "' Perfidious wretch !' said the genie to her, ' is not this thy gal- lant ?' She, casting up her languishing eyes at me, said, * I do not know him, nor ever saw him before.' * What !' said the genie, * Is he not the cause of thy being in the condition thou art so justly in ! and yet darest thou say thou dost not know him ?' * I do not know him/ replied the princess. ' If so,' said the genie, presenting a scimitar to her, ' cut off his head/ ' Alas !' replied the prince--. • 1 am not able to obey your barbarous command, even if I were will- ing.' The' genie, turning from her, with indignation said to me, ' And thou — dost not thou know her ?' " I should have been the basest of slaves, had I been less faithful to her than the princ me. I therefore answered firmly,' I kut>w her not, nor have ever seen her before.' * Take then the soim- itar,' said the genie, ' and cut off her head ! I shall then be convin- ced of your innocence, and will set you at liberty.' ' With all my heart.' replied I. " The unhappy princess oast up to me a look expressive of her readiness to die tor my safety : but nothing could be further from my intention than to perpetrate such a crime. Checking, therefore, my seemintr readiness. I paused a moment, aivl then said to the ge- nie, ' I cannot bring myself to take away the life of an unhappy lady. who hath done me no wrong. If by murder onjy I can escape your unjust resentment, I am in your power, and you must do with me as you please.' '•' I see.' said the jronio, * that you both put me at defiance.' liar- ing said this, he took up the scimitar, and put an end to her life. Then turning to me, ' Was I sure,' said he. ' that she had put a greater affront on me than in conversing with thee, thou also shouldst die ; but I will be content with transforming thee into a dog, ape, lion, or bird : take thy choice.' * 0 genie," said I, ' it is more noble to par- dou than to punish; if you will generously dismiss me, I shall ever ENTERTAINMENTS. 41 gratefully remember your clemency, and you "will act like the Uious sultan Hassan All, whoeti f n-bearancc was the cause of all his good fortune. ' I will have patiem-e till you tell me that story/ replied the genie, * but think not to escape unpunished.' " THE STORY OF THE ENVIOUS MAX, AND OF HIM THAT HE ENVIED. Hassan Ali was respected by all his neighbors, except by one man : who, envying his great reputation, conceived a violent hatred to him. Hassan endeavored in vain, by repeated good offices, to overcome this dislike : but muling his neighbor's ill-will uncon- querable, he determined to remove to another town, rather than live at enmity. He removed accordingly, put on the habit of a dervis, and pass- ed his time in retirement. The sajictity of his manners, and the benevolence of his heart, acquired him general esteem. He was raised to the head of a convent of dervishes, and his reputation spread abroad, till it reached the town he had left, and renew- ed the ill-will of his unworthy neighbor. This man, becoming more inveterate than ever against Hassan, determined to visit him at his convent, with intent to destroy him. Hassan received him kindly, and readily went with him into the garden of the convent, to hear the business he pretended to have with him. It was night, and the envious man was well acquainted with the a. lie prolonged the conversation till they came to the edge of a deep well, when suddenly turning, he pushed Hassan into it. He then left the convent hastily, and returned home, rejoicing that he had gratified his malice and destroyed the good dervis. It chanced that the well was inhabited by fairies and genii, who received Hassan and preserved him. While he was reflecting on these events, he heard a voice rela- ting his story, and after highly praising him, go on to declare, that the sultan intended to visit him the next day to recommend his daughter to his pray Another voice a.-ked, " What need had the princess of the der- rs ?" To which the tirst answered, " She i* •he cure > '.ere is in the convent a black • ith a white spot at the end of her tail ; let seven of these urned in presence of the princess, and the genie will leave her, and never dare to return/'7 The dervis took care to remember this conversation. In the morning he got out of tha 42 ARABIAN NIGHTS' well without difficulty : when he entered the convent, his vat 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- Ban received him with suitable respect, and immediately, before the Bultan had explained the cause of his coming, he caused fire to be brought in ; and burning the hairs, the genie gave a great cry, and left the princess, who instantly appeared to be perfectly recov- ered. The sultan rejoiced beyond measure at this event : having the highest opinion of the good dervis, he gave him his daughter for a wife, and dying soon after, Hassan succeeded to his throne. "When he made his public entry into his capital, great crowds flocked from all parts to see their new sovereign. Among the rest, came the envious man, who little expected to find his old neighbor alive, and become his prince. The good Hassan, seeing 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 him with this remark : " I freely forgive thy past malice, and consider thee as entitled to reward, having been the cause of my good fortune • but as the evil thou didst in- tend me has been most serviceable to me, so the good I now do thee will become evil if thou dost not shake off thy malignity." " You see, genie, said I, how nobly Hassan Ali behaved to his enemy. Let me entreat you to follow his example. 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. " I was overwhelmed with sorrow at this metamorphosis. I de- termined, without knowing why, to- leave the mountain and £0 to the sea-coast, which I saw at a great distance. When 1 came there, I found a vessel at anchor near the shore ; I broke off the arm of a tree, and getting on it, guided it with two small sticks, which served me for oars, till I came close to the vessel, when I seized a rope, and jumped on board. The passengers had seen my dexterity with much pleasure ; but when I leaped on board, their superstition took alarm • every one pursued me with handspikes or arrows, and I should certainly have been slain, if I had not thrown myself at the feet of the captain, and, by my tears and expressive gestures, obtained his protection, ENTERTAINMENTS. 43 «* A few days aftei we made the port of a capital town. On our arrival, some officers came on board and desired as many as chose, to write in a paper they produced. The reason of this request was, the vizier of the country was lately dead ; who, besides pos- sesbing 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. Everybody, on hearing this story, was eager to write. When they had done, I made signs that I could write. The offi- cers 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 sorts of hands used among the Arabians ; each specimen being a distich in compliment to the sultan. As soon as that prince saw my writing, he ordered his officers to conduct the writer to court in great pomp, and to declare him vizier. The officers could not restrain their laughter on receiving this order, but immediately 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 being introduced, I directly paid my respects to him, in the 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. We sat down ; the sultan won the first game, but I won the second and third. Seeing 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 Beauty, of whom he was exceeding fond. Thinking 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. The sultan inquired the cause of this novelty : « Sir,' replied the princess, ' the ape that you have by you is a young 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 ?J l I have,' re- plied the princess. ' Do so then immediately, I entreat you,' said the sultan; ' I interest myself exceedingly in this prince's fortune ; if you can restore him, I will make him my vizier, and he shall marry you.' 44 ARABIAN NIGHTS' 4i The Lady of Beauty retired, and presently returning, brought a knife which had some Hebrew words engraved on the blade. She conducted the sultan and myself, attended by the master of the eunuchs and a little slave, into a private court of the palace; and placing us in the gallery, she drew a circle within which she wrote eeveral words in Arabian characters, some of them ancient, others of the character of Cleopatra. " When she had finished the circle she placed herself in the centre of it, where she began adjurations, and repeated verses out of the Alcoran. The air insensibly grew dark ; all at once the genie ap- pe'ared in the shape of a lion of a frightful size. '•* Wretch,' said the princess to him, 'darest thou present thy- self in that shape, thinking to frighten me ?' ' And thou,' replied the lion, 'art thou not afraid to break the treaty which was so solemnly made between us ? but thou shalt quickly have thy re- ward. At these words he opened his terrible jaws and ran at her to devour her ; but she leaped backward, pulled out one of her hairs, and by pronouncing three or four words, changed herself into a sharp sword, and cut the lion in two. u The lion vanished, and a scorpion appeared in his room. The princess became a serpent, and fought the scorpion, who, finding himself worsted, took the shape of an eagle, and 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 opened, and there eame forth a cat, with her hair standing upright, and making a fearful mewing ; a black wolf followed her close, and gave her no time to rest. The cat thus hard beset, changed herself into 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 lying at tho brink of the canal, which we perceiving, pointed it out to mo cock, which ran speedily toward it ; just as he was going to pick it up, the seed rolled into the river, and became a little fish. The cock jumped into the river, 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 sudden, we heard such terrible cries as made us ENTERTAINMENTS. 4A 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 chat the palace would be consumed ; but we soon had more reason to be alarmed, for the genie, having 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 momentary attack the sultan's face was dreadfully scorched, the eunuch was stifled, and a spark entering my right eye it became blind, We expected nothing but death, when we heard a cry of ' Victory ! 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 words, she threw it over me, and I be- came a man as before, one eye only excepted. As I was about to return thanks to my deliverer, she prevented me by addressing her father thus : ' Sir, I have got the victory over the genie ] but it is a victory that costs me dear, as I have but a few moments to live. This would not have been had I perceived the last of the pomegra- 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 heaven and earth, in your presence. I have conquered and reduced the genie to ashes; but the fire pierced me also during the terrible combat, and I find I cannot escape death.' " We 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, till at last the 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 fatal misfortune. The sultan fainted away ; and when he revived, he continued several days so ill that his life was despaired of. W^hen he was a little re- covered he sent for me : ( Prince/ said he, ' listen to the orders I now give you ; it will cost you your life if you do not obey them I have constantly lived in felicity till you arrived in my dominions , I need not remind you of the sad reverse I now experience, or of the loss of my daughter. You are the cause of all. Depart from . hence in peace, without delay ; I am persuaded your presence brings mischief along with it ; depart, and take care of ever appearing again in my dominions \ there is no consideration that shall hinder 40 AltAlilAN NIGHTS' my making you repent of it if you do.7 1 was going tc reply but he prevented me, and drove me from his presence with words full of anger. Rejected, banished, thrown off by all the world, f caused my beard and eyebrows to be shaved and set off for Bag. dad ; lamenting more for the two unfortunate princesses than for my own wretchedness. I arrived here this evening, and hope to get admission to the commander of the faithful, and, by reciting my strange adventures, to obtain his princely compassion." HISTORY OF THE THIRD CALENDAR. " My name is Agib. I am the son of a king, at whose death f took possession of an extensive and flourishing kingdom. When I was settled on the throne I resolved to visit the distant provinces of my empire, particularly several valuable islands. We had an exceeding pleasant voyage there, but on our return a furious storm arose, and drove us so far out of our course that the pilot knew not in what direction to steer. While 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. ' We 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 so near that the iron and nails will be drawn out of the ship, which of course must fall to pieces, and as the mountain is entirely inaccessible, we must all perish.' " This account was too true. The next day, as 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 secure 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 height ; I continued therefore upon my plank coasting it, and was almost reduced to despair, when I discovered a flight of steps that went up to the top. These I 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, that the least wind must have blown me into the sea. J got up, notwithstanding, to the top without accident, and gave God I hanks for my deliverance. * On the summit of the mountain I found a dome of fine brass, ENTKKTAIXMKNTS. 47 upon the top of which stood the figure of a man on horseback, of tlie .same metal. Being much fatigued, I lay down under the dome, and soon fell asleep; when I dreamt that the old man came to me, and said : ' Hearken, Agib ! — as soon as thou art awake, dig up the ground under thy feet, and thou shalt find a bow of brass and three arrows of lead ; shoot the arrows at the statue, and the rider wTiri fall into the sea, but the horse will fall down by thee, which thou must bury in the same place whence thou takest the bow and arrows. This being done, the mountain will gradually sink down into the sea ; and thou wilt have the glory of delivering mankind i'rom the many calamities it occasions. "When it has sunk to tho surface of the water, thou shalt see a boat with one man in it ; this man is also of metal. Step on board the boat, and let him con- duct thee ; in ten days' time he will bring thee to land, whence, thou wilt find easy passage to thy own country. But be particu- larly careful not to mention the name of God while thou continuest in this boat.' "When I awroke I wras much comforted by the vision, which I prepared to obey. I dug up the arrows, and shot them at the statue; every event foretold in my dream followed precisely ; and when 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 was so mindful of the caution I had received, that I did not speak at all ; but arriving then near some islands, my joy made 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 in it, I climbed a thick tree whence I could see them undiscovered. Presently a number of slaves landed, and began to dig near the tree where I had taken refuge. Soon after a venerable 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 sailed away. " When I perceived they were at such a distance that they could not see me, I descended from the tree, and easily removing the loose earth, came to a flight of steps ; these I descended, and found 48 ARABIAN NIGHTS' a room handsomely furnished, and the young man silting upon a couch. lie started at the sight of me, yet rose to receive me with a good grace. I presently removed his fears, by offering to deliver him from his confinement, on which he requested me with a smile lo sit down by him, while he related the cause of his being left in that place. " * My father, sir./' said he, ' had grown old in successful traffic, and had gained immense wealth, before it had pleased 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 pres- ently clouded over; for, in his anxiety tor my welfare, he con- sulted astrologers, as to what my future lot would be. They told him I should reach fifteen in perfect health, and if I survived 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. " l My father was exceedingly afflicted at this prediction, and prepared this habitation to conceal me in at the destined period As the time slid on, his uneasiness in some degree subsided ; but he learned 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. These 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.' " While the young man was relating this story, I was surprised to find myself so much interested in it. I despised those astrolo- gers, who had foretold that I should take away the life of a 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. He received my offer with 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 prepared 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 him some melon. I looked out the best which remained, but EXTKKTATNMKNTS. 49 was at a loss for a knife to cut it. 'There is one/ said be, ' on the cornice over rny head.' I saw it, and made so much haste to reach it, that when I had taken it in my hand, my foot being entangled in the covering of the couch, I fell most unhappily on the young iD«\n, and run the knife into his heart. "It is impossible to express the anguish I fell at this fatal acci- dent. I cried out, beat my breast, and threw myself on the ground. When these transports had a little subsided, it fortunately occurred to me th*at my situation was very dangerous ; that the old man and his slaves would probably arrive soon, and finding me in the cavern and his son slain, I had everything to dread from his resent- ment. These considerations were very seasonable, for on my hastening out of the auartment, I perceived that the vessel had arrived, and the old mr.n with his slaves were landing. I had just time to climb the tree which before concealed mo, when they came to the subterraneous dwelling. " I could observe that they came forward with confidence, which abated greatly when they found the ground open. Some of the slaves hastily descended, and soon returned, bearing the deceased youth, with the knife sticking in his body, for I had not had power to take it out. At this piteous sight the old man fell down in a swoon ; the slaves lamented ; and, though unseen by them, I joined in their grief very heartily. After a time, when they had with difficulty recovered the old man, they, by his direction, made a grave and buried the poor youth ; the unhappy father, over- whelmed with sorrow, threw tho first earth on him ; the slaves speedily filled up the grave, and then carrying their afflicted patron on board the vessel, they departed. " I had hoped to be conveyed to the continent by means of this ship; but being thus fatally disappointed, I was obliged to con- tinue and ramble about the island for a month longer, living on the wild fruits it produced ; at length I discovered a part where tne channel was not very wide ; I contrived to pass over here, without much difficulty. When I landed, I set off with spirit, and presently thought I saw at a distance a great fire ; I rejoiced much at the sign of inhabitants, but when I drew near, I found what I had supposed a fire, was the reflections of the sunbeams on a cas- tle of copper. » " It was evening before I reachod this building, where I was very hrr.pitably received by ten handsome young men who were 3 50 ARABIAN NIGHTS all blind of the right eye. They introduced me into the castle allotted me an apartment, and invited me to sup with them ; aftei which, at their request, I related what had befallen me. We continued very merry, till it grew late, when one of the company reminded the rest that it was time for them to perform their duty. Immediately, upon a signal given, ten basins were brought in, and one set before each of the gentlemen. They uncovered the basins which contained ashes, coal-dust, and lamp-black ; Avith these they bedaubed their faces, beating their breasts, weeping and exclaim- ing, ;This is the fruit of our idleness and debauchery.' This exer- cise continued aloi'g time, after which, water being brought in, they washed, and each withdrew in silence to his own apartment. " I was conducted also to my bed-chamber; but though fatigued, I was too much astonished to sleep. In the morning I very earn- estly requested the gentlemen to tell me the meaning of what I had seen, and also how it chanced they were all blind of the right eye. They positively refused to give me this satisfaction, declaring that I sought to divulge a curiosity that I should repent of as long as I lived. Thus silenced, I passed the day with them at their own request, and the evening was closed with a repetition of their disgusting penance. l£ The day following I renewed my inquiries in so earnest a man- ner, that one of them, in behalf of the rest, said, « It is out of friendship to you, prince, that we have withheld from you the information you wish ; but if you continue to demand it, we are not at liberty to refuse 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 our number is complete, and no addition can be made to it.7 "As I still persisted, the gentlemen killed a sheep and skinned it. They presented me with a knife, and sewed me up in the skin, tell- ing me. 'We must now leave you ; but presently a roc will come, and taking you for a sheep, will fly away with you. Be not alarmed ; but when he alights, cut open the skin and throw it oftj when he will fly away. You will then see a large palace which you will enter. . We have all been there, but may not toll you wha' befell us, or explain ourselves any further.' " The gentlemen then loft me, and presently the roc came and carried me away. The roc is a white bird of enormous size and of such strength, that it takes elephants from the plains to the ENTERTAINMENTS. 51 tops of the mountains, where he feeds on tl'.em. On his alighting, I throw oft' the skin as I was directed, and the r JC flew away. " I walked forward to the palace, which wa« more splendid than imagination can conceive ; arid when I entered it I was received by forty ladies of exquisite beauty, most sumptuously apparelled. They conducted me into a spacious hall, the doors of which were of burnished gold set with diamonds and rubies, and everything wiUiin it of equal magnificence. Here, notwithstanding my oppo- sition, they placed me on a seat exalted above theirs, saj'ing, 'You are at present, our lord ; and we are your slaves ready to obey your commands.' " Nothing could exceed the desire of these beautiful ladies to do mo service. They brought in a handsome collation and delicious wines ; after which they entertained me with a concert and dancing. The day following was spent in the same manner, music, dancing, feasting, and wantonness, marked the moments as they flew ; and the whole year passed away while I thus indulged in every species of voluptuousness. "At the end of the year I was surprised to see the ladies enter my apartments, all in great affliction. They embraced me with much tenderness, and bade me adieu. I conjured them to explain to me the cause of their grief, and of their being about to leave me ; when one of them told me that they were obliged to be absent .forty days, upon Indispensable duties which they were not permit- ted to reveal ; and that their sorrow arose from the apprehension that they should see 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 courts. These we are obliged to leave with you. You will find abundance of curious things within ninety-nine of these doors to gratify and amuse you, which you may enjoy in safety ; but if you open the golden door, we shall never see you again. And it is this fear lest you should be overcome by an indiscreet curiosity, that gives us so much dis- turbance. 11 1 embraced the ladies all around, and gave them my best thanks for a sorrow so very flattering to me. I assured them, in the most earnest manner, that nothing should induce me to forfeit their society, by breaking their injunction. I received the hundred keys, and having exchanged may farewells they departed, and I was left a1 one. 52 ARABIAN NIGHTS' u My time had been passed in such a perpetual round of pleas ure, that I had not before had the least desire to examine this inimitable palace. As I was now at leisure, and had permission to open ninety-nine of the doors, I began with much eagerness to gratify my curiosity. It would be tedious if it were possible, to describe what I found within these doors : — all that is boautiful in nature, or elegant in art was there, in the highest perfection and abundance. The wealth, as well in jewels as in gold, was incredible. This immense display of everything valuable and curious was so extensive, that nine-and-thirty days \vere passed by the time I had explored the ninety-nine apartments I was allowed to visit. " The sight of such profusion of wealth which I considered aa my own, elated me beyond measure; and the near return of my admirable princesses dissolved me in tenderness. One day only remained, and one door, the fatal door, alone was unopened, ftiy weak curiosity was ungovernable. I yielded to the temptation. I opened that door. A smell that was pleasant enough; though too powerful for me, overcame me, and I fainted away. When I re- covered, instead of taking warning and withdrawing. I went in. The ycent remained, but no longer affected me. Among many objects that engaged my attention, 1 saw a fine horse, superbly caparisoned • I took him by the bridle and led him forth into the court ; I got upon his back and would have rode him, but he not stirring, I whipped him. He no sooner felt the stroke than he began to neigh in an . unusual and horrible manner ; and extending wings which I had not observed, he flew up with me into the air. I had presence of mind to sit fast. After a while he flew down again toward the earth, and lighting upon the terrace of a castle, without giving me time to dismount, he shook me out of the saddle, and having with the end of his tail struck out my right eye, he flew again out of my sight. " I got up much troubled with the misfortune I had brought upon myself; I found the castle was the same from which the roc had car- ried me, and presently met the ten gentlemen, who wrcre not at all surprised to see me, as every one of them had passed through the same adventure. After condoling with me, and lamenting that it was not permitted them to add me to their number, they directed me to seek the court of Bagdad, where I would meet him that would decide my destiny. Accordingly I put on this dress; and Arrived here this evening. }) ENTERTAINMENTS. 53 The third calendar having finished his history, a dead silence pervaded the company. At length Zobcide addressing the calen- dars said, " your adventures, princes, are indeed as singular as they are distressing; and I am very sorry it is impossible, after what has happened, that we should permit you to remain any longer within our walls ; but we have also reasons for our conduct. Depart in peace ; and in proof of our respect, take with you, in safety, these men your companions in indiscretion; who, but for your Bakes, should have learnt that we are not to be 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. Without discovering himself, he offered his services to accommo- date them for the rest of the night, which being thankfully ac- cepted, he committed them to the care of Mefrour, and returned with Giafar to his palace. In the morning the calendars were introduced to the caliph, and Giafar was dispatched to acquaint the ladies that the commander of the faithful desired to see. them 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 having paid thoir homage to the caliph, that prince addressed them with great benignity, and told them he had been one of their guests the preceding night. The ladies were covered with confusion ; but the caliph praised their moderation, after the incivility they had received. " 1 was then," said he, " a merchant of Maussol, and deserved your resentment; but I trust you will not refuse to the caliph the satisfaction you at that time so properly withheld. Be pleased, therefore, to relate the reason of your whipping, and after- ward weeping over the two bitches; and why one of you has her breasts so disfigured." Zobeide obeyed the caliph thus : — THE HISTORY OF ZOBEIDE. Commander of the faithful, my father was a merchant of this city, who, dying some years ago, left his fortune to be divided between his five daughters, of whom myself and the two -bitches* are by one mother, and these ladies by another. Amine and Safie, being yet children, continued with their moth- 54 ARABIAN NIGHTS' er. My two elder sisters and I lived together in great harmvny, After some time they both married; being left alone, 1 em- ployed myself for amusement in rearing silk. worms, and became so successful in my management of them, that I found them not only entertaining, but exceedingly profitable. In less than a year's time, each of my sisters returned to me in great distress ; their husbands having squandered away all their substance, had left them to shift for themselves. I received thorn with kindness, and cheerfully shared with them the money I had 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 sisters chose to go with me, and 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 up into the country. I soon came in sight of a great town. When I arrived there, I was much surprised to see vast numbers of people in different postures, but all immovable. The merchants were in their shops, the soldiery on guard ; every one seemed engaged in his proper avocation, yet all were become as stone. At the royal palace I found many people richly dressed, in various apartments ; it was easy to distinguish the king and queen by the splendor oi 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. Night drawing on, I lay down on a couch. Early in the morn- ing, I heard the voice of a man reading the Alcoran, in the 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 Avhere we must turn to say our prayers. A comely young man was sitting on a carpet reading the Alcoran with great devotion. Being curious to know why he was the only living creature in the town, I entered the oratory, and standing upright before the niche, praised God aloud for having favored us with so happy a voyage. The young man closed his Alcoran, and coming to me, desired 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 by his father; that the king and all his subjects were magi, ENTERTAINMENTS. A.> worshippers of fire, and of Nardoun, the ancient king of 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 Mohammedan religion. She taught me Arabic from the Alcoran ; by her I was instructed in the true religion, which I would never afterward re- nounce. " About three years ago, a thundering voice was heard distinctly through the whole city, saying, ' Inhabitants, abandon the worship of Nardoun and of fire, and worship the only God who showeth mercy !' This voice was heard three years successively, but no one regarded it. At the end of the last year, all the inhabitants were in an instant changed into stone, every one in the posture he happened to be then in. I alone was preserved ; and I natter my- self, madam, that you are sent here to deliver me from a solitary life, which I must own is very irksome to me.;J I readily agreed to take him to Bagdad. I even ventured to promise him an introduction to your majesty, the great vicegerent of the prophet, wrhose disciple he was. I conducted him to the vessel, which we loaded deeply with gold, jewels, and money ; and 1/Aving 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 his wife, which I projnised on our arrival here. But my sisters had each become enamored with him : this declaration of his reduced them to de- spair. 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 fortune to escape, and by morning was driven on shore on an uninhabited island. I dried my clothes, and went in search of some fruits to support me, when I saw a winged serpent, which was seized by a larger serpent, who endeavored to devour it. Moved 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 bitches. " I am," said she, " the serpent, •\Yhom you so lately delivered from my mortal enemy ; in return for that service, with the assistance of other fairies, my companions, I have already conveyed the valuable lading of your vessel to 56 ARABIAN NIGHTS' your storehouses in Bagdad; and to punish the cruelty and in gratitude of your sisters, I have transformed them into these two bitches." Having said this, she took them under one arm and me under the other, and in an instant set us down in my house. Before she left me, she said : "If you would not share the fate of your wicked sisters, I command you in the name of him who governs the sea, that you every night give each of them a hun- dred lashes with a rod." I am obliged to obey this severe order, but my resentment having long since subsided, your majesty saw with what reluctance I comply with it. | Zobeide having finished her story, Amine rose to satisfy the in- quiries of the Caliph. HISTORY OF AMINE. Commander of the faithful, said Amine, my life, till lately, contained 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, as I was engaged in my affairs, a venerable lady, whom I had noticed at the public baths, 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- able ; but alas ! we are strangers in Bagdad. Vouchsafe, then, dear 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 me to a handsome house, where I was received by a young lady, whom I supposed to be the bride. After a few compliments, she said : " You s.re invited here, madam, to assist at a wedding ; but I hope you will be more nearly concerned in one. My brother, who is rich, honorable, and handsome, has fallen in love with the fame of your beauty, and will be miserable if you do not take pity on him!" After saying this, she clapped her hands, and a young man entered, whose graceful carriage and good figure strongly recommended him. Not to be tedious to your majesty, I suffered myself to be overcome by their entreaties, and became myself a bride, where I thought of being only a guost. My new husband exacted a promise from me that I would not speak co or be seen by any man but himself. Soon after our mar- ENTERTAINMENTS. 57 riage, I had occasion for some stufls; and having asked my hus- band's leave, I took the old lady I spoke of (who had been his nurse) and two slaves to the shops to buy some. The old lady recommended me to a merchant, at whose shop we chose what we wanted. I had kept my veil close, and now desired the old wo- man to ask the price of them. The merchant told her he would not sell them for money, but if I would permit him to kiss my cheek, he would present me with them. I directed the nurse to reprehend him for his audacity; but instead of obeying me, she remonstrated in his favor. As I was much pleased with the stuffs, which the merchant would not let me have on any other terms, I foolishly consented. The old woman and the slaves stood up, that no one should see it; I put by my veil; but instead of a kiss, the merchant bit "me till 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 eve- ning my husband came to me, and seeing the wound in my cheek, asked me the cause of it. I was confounded ; yet not willing to own the truth, I said, a porter, carrying a load, came so near me that one of his sticks cut my cheeks. My 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 were innocent. '* How then came your cheek wounded ?'; replied he sternly. " A broom-seller/7 said I, " rode against me and pushed me down." u Indeed," replied the husband, u 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." u Ah !" said I, " they are not guilty." " How, madam." re- plied he, " what is all this ? I insist on knowing the truth im- mediately." " Sir7" 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 clnp ping his hands, three slaves entered, wrhom he ordered to put me to death. As the slaves were in no hurry to execute his cruel or- ders, I had recourse 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 ; but think not she shall escape with im- punity/' At these words he ordered two of his slaves to hold me, o* ,58 ARABIAN NIGHTS while the third gave me so many blows on my sidc-s and breast with a little cane, that he fetched away the skin and flesh. I faint- ed under this severe discipline. While I continued senseless, he caused me to be conveyed to a poor habitation, where a strange slave attended me till I recovered, and then left me. When I was able to walk, I resolved to go to my own house, but I found my husband, in his wrath, had caused it to be pulled down. I determined, therefore, to seek the protection of my sis- ter Zobeide, who received me with kindness, and with whom I have lived contentedly ever since. When Amine had finished her narrative, the caliph asked Zo\ie- idc if she had any method of communication with the fairy. '' I have, sir, a locket of hair," replied she, " which the fairy left with me, telling me I should one day want her presence, and if I burn- ed that hair, she would not fail to attend me, 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 dressed. " Handsome fairy/7 said the prince to her, " I have wished to see you, to entreat you will release the two bitches from their present situation. 1 must also beg you will discover to me if you can, who was that barbarous fellow who hath treated this lady with so much cruelty and injustice. I only wonder how such daring acts could be committed in defiance of my authority, and remain unknown to me." The fairy readily consented ; and the two bitches being produ- ced, she took a glass of water, and pronouncing certain words, she threw a part of it upon them, and the rest upon Amine. Immedi- ately they became two beautiful women ; and the scars in Amine's bosom soon disappeared. The fairy then said, '•' Commander of the faithful, the unknown husband of this lady is Prince Amin, your eldest son. She had been imprudent; and her excuses tended rather to excite suspicions 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 Amin came forward, and joyfully accepted Amine from ENTERTAINMENTS. 59 the hands of his father. After which, the caliph invited Zoboido to share the throne of Persia with him, and bestowed her other three sisters on the three calendars, Avhom he admitted to his coun- sels, and promoted to the highest dignities of his empire. THE SEVEN VOYAGES OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR. There lived formerly at Bagdad a poor porter called Hindbad. One day when the weather was excessively hot, he was employed lo carry a very heavy bin den : he went through a street where the pavement was sprinkled with rosewater, and there being a pleasant breeze, he laid down his burden by the side of a great house, to rest himself. He enjoyed the agreeable smell of the per- fumes, he heard the sound of many 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 was; but asking, was told that it belonged to Sindbad the sailor. While Hindbad thought this handsome building belonged to some prince, he was not disturbed ; but hearing it was the property of a person whom he supposed had been of his own degree, envy took possession of his breabt. He returned sullenly to his load, and murmured against Providence, who had given to the happy ISindbad a life of ease and luxury, while to him was allotted fatigue and poverty. While he wras expressing reflections like these aloud, two of the servants came to him and desired him to follow them, as their master, Sindbad, wanted to speak with him. Hindbad did not very willingly obey them ; but as resistance was in vain, he suffered himself to be led by them into a great hall, where there was a numerous company at dinner. At the upper end of the table there sat a comely, venerable gentleman, with a long white beard : this grave gentleman was Sindbad. The porter being introduced to him, Sindbad caused him to sit down at his right hand, and served him himself with excellent wine and the choicest dainties. When dinner was over, Sindband began to converse with the porter; and calling him brother, after the manner of the Arabians, when they are familiar with one another, he asked him what it was he had said awhile ago in the street ? — for Sindbad had chanced to overhear his murmurings. The porter, surprised at the question, hung down his head, and replied, " I confess, sir, my weariness put me out of humor, and T uttered some indiscreet words, which I 60 ARABIAN NIGHTS' humbly request you to pardon.1' a I did not send for you,;' replied Sindband, "in anger ; but as I find you murmur at my having ob- tained the affluence I enjoy, that you may not continue to offend God by envy and discontent, I will relate to you the adventures 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 so greatly enriched me." SINDBAD'S FIRST VOYAGE. My father 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 surface 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. "We 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 fish 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- ance 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 very 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 Mihrage. Every year at that season they brought thither the king's mares, and fastened them one by one to a stake, till they were covered by a horse that carne out of the sea, and who, after having done so, endeavored to destroy the mare, but was prevented and driven away by the shouting of the grooms. The foalg, so procured, proving very excellent, were preserved for the king's use only ENTERTAINMENTS. 61 Had I been a day later, I must have perished ; for the island was very barren, and they had so nearly finished their business for that year, that they set out on their return the next morning. On our arrival they presented me to the king, who, having heard my story; ordered me to be supplied with everything I stood in need of. There belongs to 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.^ 1 had a desire to see this wonderful place, and in my way thither, saw fishes of a hundred and two hundred cubits long ; far from being dan- gerous, they fly from the least noise. I saw 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 eye on some bales that were unloaded from a vessel newly arrived, and presently I knew them to be mine. I sought the captain whom I instantly remembered' but it was some time before I could per- suade him that I was Sindbad, so confident was he that he had seen me perish. When be was convinced, he restored me my cargo, which, through the favor of the king, I sold to very great advan- tage. I loaded my part 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.f I then bought slaves of both sexes, built me a fine house, resolving to forget the miseries I had suffered, and enjoy myself. Siudbad 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 the next day to hear more of his adven- tures. Hindbad returned home to his family blessing God for what he had received at the hands of Sindbad. SINDEAD'S SECOND VOVAGE. I had no intention of venturing the sea again ; but I soon grew weary, and ashamed of an inactive life. I embarked therefore with * Degial, with the Mohammedans, is the same as Antichrist with us. They have a tradition that he will appear about the end of the world, and conquer all the earth, except Mecca, Medina, Tarsus, and Jerusalem, which are to be preserved by angels, whom he sh ill set round them. t The Turkish sequin JH about two dollars. ^2 ARABIAN NIGHTS some other merchants, and having been at sea some time,\ve cam* to an uninhabited island; we landed and dined very heartily. Finding myself disposed to sleep, I withdrew from the company and laid myself down in a charming grove. How long I slept I know not ; "but when I awoke I perceived the ship under sail, at such a distance that I soon lost sight of her. My surprise and grief were inexpressible : but remembering it was of no use to afflict one's self when an evil is unavoidable, I resolved to suppress my unavailing sorrow. I climbed up to the top of a great tree, that by an extensive prospect I might better judge of my situation. I saw at no great distance a large white body : when I approached it, I found it so very smooth, that it was impossible to climb it. It was fifty paces round, and of a pro- digious height. While I was examining this phenomenon, the sky on a sudden became dark, and looking up I saw a bird of a mon- strous size preparing to settle. I now knew that the bird was a roc, and the smooth white substance was its egg. The bird alighted, and sat over the egg to hatch it. As I per- ceived her coming, I crept close to the egg, so that I had before me one of the legs of the bird, which was as big as the trunk of a tree. I tied myself strongly to it with the cloth that went round my turban, in hopes that when the roc* flew away, she would carry me to some place where I should find inhabitants. Accordingly, the next morning, 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 bill a ser- pent of monstrous length. The place where I was left was a deep valley, surrounded on all sides with precipices so steop that it was impossible to climb them. I soon found that I was no way benefited by the exchange. As I walked along, I perceived the ground was strewed with dia- monds ; I examined them with much pleasure, but presently savr objects which at once put an end to all my agreeable ideas, and terri- fied me exceedingly. These were a number of serpents, each capable of swallowing an elephant. They had now retired to their dens, to avoid their enemy the roc; but I had no doubt I should have everything to fear from them at night. * Mark Paul, in his Travels, and Father Martin; in his History of China, speak Of this bird, and say it will take up an elephant or a vhii:oct'ros. KXTEItTAlNMESTS. 63 I immediately sought a secure retreat, and was so lucky as to hud one. In the- evening, as I expected, all the serpents left Uieir dens, and came hissing about my retreat. Though they could not hurt me, they put me into such extreme fear that I could not bleep. When the day came, the serpents retired, and I came out of my cave trembling ; and I can truly say that, I walked a long time upon diamonds, without having the least inclination to touch them ; at last, spent with fatigue and want of rest, I was obliged to lay down to sleep; but had scarce shut rny eyes when I was awakened by a great piece of fresh meat falling close to me ; at the same time I saw others fall from the rocks in different places. This circumstance gave me immediate hope of escape. I had always considered as fabulous the stories told of the valley of diamonds, and of rfie stratagems used by merchants to get jewels thence ; but now I found them true. This valley, from the height, and from the rocks which bound it, being utterly inaccessible to man, the adventurers come as near as may be at the ti ne eagles hatch their young, and by the help of machines, throw very large pieces of rawT flesh high into the air; these foiling upon the dia- monds, their sharp points enter the flesh, and they stick to it ; the eagles which arc larger here than in any other country, convey these pieces of meat to their nests, to feed their young; but the merchants frighten away the old bird, till they have examined the prey, and take away the diamonds 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 having filled my provision bag with them, and secured it to my girdle, I took a piece of meat and tying it to my back, I laid down with my face to the ground. In a short time one of the eagles seized me and conveyed me to his nest. As soon as the eagle had deposited me, the merchants as usual, drove him away. Every merchant had his distinct nest wrhich was considered as his peculiar property, When the owner of the nest where I was ascended to it and saw me, he was at first much frightened ; but recovering himself, he began to upbraid me with his disappointment ; he helped me, notwithstanding, to descend, and introduced me to the other merchants, who heard my story with amazement. AVhen the season for throwing the meat was over, we all pre- pared to return to our several countries. Before we parted, J 64 ARABIAN NIGHTS' took aside the merchant in whose nest I was found, and shcwec? him the bag of diamonds I had selected in the valley. I told him I considered him as my deliverer, and frankly 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. We parted perfectly satisfied with each other, and 1 returned by the first ship to Bagdad. We touched at the isle of Eoha, where the trees grow that yield 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- ceived into a vessel, acquires a consistency, and becomes what we call camphor ; after which the tree withers 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, which is solid, and cleft in the middle ; there are upon it draughts representing the figures of men. The rhinoceros fights with the elephant, runs his horn into his belly, and carries him off 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 young ones. On my arrival at Bagdad, I gave large sums to the poor, and lived honorably on the vast riches I had acquired with so much danger and fatigue. Sindbad 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 voyages, 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 vessel being much shattered, we were glad to make the first port to repair our dumages. We had scarce begun this necessary business, when we were beset in a very extraordinary manner. An innumerable multi- tude of little frightful savages covered all over with red hair, came swimming about us. They were not more than two fret ENTERTAINMENTS. 65 high, but seemed uncommonly strong and nimble. Their im- mense number and horrible appearance so terrified us, that we suffered them to board and take possession of the vessel without resistance. This 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 possession of the vessel, they set us on shore, and made signs that we might go where we pleased. After which they returned on board, and sailed to another island to which they belonged. We marched together into the country, and had not advanced far, when we came to a great pile of buildings which we entered. We found the doors and rooms uncommonly lofty; but our attention was soon engaged by an appearance equally shocking and alarming. On entering a vast apartment, we found various fragments of human bodies, and a parcel of spits on which they had evidently been roasted. Though we were much fatigued, 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 mansion. 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 us immovable with horror. After surveying us for some time, he took me up by the nape of the neck, and felt my body as a butcher would his sheep. Finding me very thin, he Bet rne down and took up another ; at last, laying hands on our captain, who was fat, he thrust a long spit through him, and kindling a fire, he 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 distress may easily be imagined. For some time we aban- doned ourselves to despair. But finding we were not confined, we divided ourselves into small parties, and sought various hiding- places, where we vainly hoped to continue in safety. In the eve~ ning, the giant found out all our retreats, and collecting us to- gether, drove us before him into his habitation, where another of our companions fell a sacrifice to his voracious appetite ; after which ha retired, and slept as before. 66 ARABIAN NIGHTS' The noxt day we renewed our lamentations, and some of the company began tr talk of throwing themselves into the sea, rath- er than die so strange a death. I reminded them that we were forbidden 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 wras still more desperate. We set about them imme- diately ; but just as they were finished, the night approached. The giant again conducted us to his cavern, and repeated his cruelty. While 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 snore, 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 vain, 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 sea till daybreak. We were not without hope that our enemy, whose howling we still heard, might die ; in which case we need not risk our lives upon the floats, but stay till a better conveyance might be made. Day had 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 terrible as himself. We rowed off immediately ; and having got a little w.iy 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. We were so fortunate 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 ENTERTAINMENTS. 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, crushed 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 seek shelter on land. To avoid the seipent, we sought out a very high tree, which we climbed almost to the top. In a short time the tremendous mon- ster appeared, hissing horribly. He came immediately to our tree, and winding himself round the trunk, he ascended 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. Toward evening 1 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 actempting to force his way till day appeared, when he retired. Though I had reason to be satisfied with my escape, yet the ter- ror of my situation, and even beyond that, the poisonous breath of the serpent, had made the night inexpressibly terrible. Rather than pass such another, I determined if I could not remove the float, to tear off a single plank 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 display- ing the linen, made signal of distress. Fortunately the captain perceived me, and sending a boat for me brought me safely on board. My joy at this deliverance could onty 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 ship was of Balsora, but first bound on a trading voyage to Sail 68 ARABIAN NIGHTS' bat : I had reason, therefore, to hope I should soon reach my native country, though not with my usual increase of fortune. In this last expectation I was agreeably disappointed; for on opening the cargo when we arrived at'Salabat, the captain, who was become much attached to me, proposed that I should -undertake 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 sailed on my second voyage. The captain soon remembered me, and restored very readily all my goods, which he had greatly improved. Thus I became unex- pectedly enriched by this voyage. I distributed largely of my gains to my friends and the poor, and had enough to buy another con- siderable estate. To-morrow (continued Sindbad, presenting the porter with another purse) come and hear my next adventure. SINDBAD'S FOURTH VOYAGE. Industry was now become habitual 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 lost, and those who escaped were in the utmost distress. Next morning the natives of the country, who were blacks, came down upon us in a body, and seizing us, drove us before them a long way up the country. On our arriving at their town, they gave us an herb, which they made signs for us to eat. My companions, pressed by hunger, readily obeyed; but I, perceiving they them- selves ate none of it, and expecting no good from such inhospitable hands, concealed what they gave me, and only pretended to eat it. They now set us at liberty, and gave us plenty of rice and other provisions, of which they themselves also partook. While I was at a loss to account for their behavior, I found, on addressing my- self to my companions, that every one of them had lost his under- standing ; so baneful was the effect of the herb they had first eaten. Our masters perceived no,difference between me and my com- rades. Thev gave us great abundance of food, of which my un- fortunate shipmates rfte greedily, and soon became fat. Then was the mystery of our fate made plain. The blacks were cannibals , ENTERTAINMENTS. 69 • and having first deprived us all, as they supposed, of our reason, they fatted us up as delicacies for their inhuman feasts. My com- panions soon fell victims to their cruelty. But for me, partly from the horror of my situation, and partly from my own care in eating no more than was necessary 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 bereft of understanding, allowed me a great deal of liberty; one day, on some particular occasion, all the inhabitants went out of town together, 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 remained in the town, I set off with all possible speed, and gained some neighboring woods, which afforded me food and shelter . I travelled many days, avoiding with great care any place which seemed to be inhabited. At length I came near to the sea, and saw some white people gathering pepper, which I took for a good omen. I went 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. I 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 stirrups. I found 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 and the people. The king not only made me very considerable pres- ents, but being desirous that I should settle in his country, he gave 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 a wish to make mj escape and return thither. 70 ARABIAN NIGHTS • While these thoughts took up much of my attention, the wife of a neighbor with whom I had become intimate, died. I wont to comfort my friend, and saluting him in the usual manner, I wished him a long life. " Alas !" said he, " I have not an hour to live ; I must be buried presently with my wife. Do you not know/5 con- tinued he, " that it is the law of this country, a law on no account ever violated, that the living husband is interred with the dead wife; and the living wife with the dead husband ?" While he was talking thus with me, his kindred, friends, and neighbors, came to^assist at the funeral. They dressed the deceased in her gayest apparel, and ornamented her with all her jewels, and having placed her in an open coffin they began their march to the place of burial, the husband walking at the head of the company They went up a high mountain, and near the summit of it they came to a large stone which covered the mouth of a very deep pit. Having raised the stone, they let down the corpse ; the husband then employed his friends, and suffered himself to be placed in an- other open coffin, with a pitcher of water and seven little loaves, and was let down in the same 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 unmoved. Accustomed to it from their earliest infancy, they regarded it as a matter of course. I thought the law so absurd as well as cruel, that I ventured to speak my sentiments on it to the king • but I found his majesty immovably prejudiced in its favor. "It is a usage here," said he, '•' as universal as it is ancient • we have no trace how early it began, nor a single instance of an exception from it; from the sovereign to the meanest peasant." " Strangers, I hope," replied I, li are not subject to this barbarous law." •' In- deed they are," said the king, smiling, ll if they marry in this country." From that hour I became the prey of continual apprehension. Every little indisposition of my wife, however trifling, alarmed me. I renewed with redoubled earnestness my endeavors to escape j but, as if my conversation with the king had excited his suspicions, I found it impossible to elude the spies which everywhere sur- rounded me. In a short time all these apprehensions were real- My wife fell sick, and in a very few days died. Judge of my feelings on this dismal occasion. Flight or resist- 7\ arx'.o were alike impracticable. The body was immediately pre- pared for interment; the cavalcade began, and. I was obliged to lead the procession. On our arrival at the fatal pit, I begged leave to address the king and his court, who? in honor to me, attended the funeral. It was granted, but to no purpose. In vain I threw myself at the monarch/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 in my own country; which plea, as good Mussulmans, who allow polygamy, they ought to respect. Instead of being moved by my pleas and entreaties, they only made the more haste to inter the corpse; and notwithstanding my exclamation and outcries, they forced me into the coffin, and having lowered me down, they shut the mouth of the pit. When I reached the bottom, I threw myself on the ground in a transport of grief. How many hours I passed in this state I can- not tell ; but as nature will not support continual anguish, I be- came at length by degrees more composed. I then surve}red 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. Innumerable dry bones were scattered on the ground, interspersed with jewels and trinkets of immense value, which had been buried with the different bodies; but to my great sur- prise, there was no stench, which I was then at a loss to account for. Notwithstanding my hopeless situation, and the misery I felt in contemplating it, something, I knowr not what, preserved me from absolute despair. I determined to husband my bread and water with the utmost care : and actually managed it so that it supported me for many days ; at length it was quite ex- hausted, and I was just resigning myself to death, when I per- ceived the stone at the mouth of the pit to be removed. I had no doubt but another funeral was taking place. Instantly snatch- ing up a large bone, I concealed myself 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 dispatched her ; and seizing on her bread and water, I became possessed of the means of preserving my life a little longer. A Tew days after, when this store, so dreadfully obtained, waa nearly gone, as I was sitting on my coffin, I heard something walk- 72 ARABIAN NIGHTS ing and panting as it approached from the interior puns ot tue cavern; which being entirely dark, I had not attempted to explore. On this occasion, my situation was too desperate to admit of fear; and I determined to meet it. As I advanced, I found the noise retreat from me. 1 continued to follow it, till at length I found to my inexpressible joy, that it led me to a hole in the rock big enough for me to escape through. When I arrived in open day, I threw myself on my knees and returned thanks to Heaven for my deliverance. I found I was on the sea-coast, with the immense mountain in which I had been buried, between me and the town. I perceived also that the crea- ture I had followed was a sea- monster, who had no doubt come into the cavern to feed on the dead bodies ; and thence I could account for the air of that dismal place being so little noxious. Having refresh- ed myself plentifully with the fruits I found on the mountain. I had the courage to penetrate the cavern again, and bring away part of the jewels and other treasures it contained. I did so 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. My signals were seen on board, arid 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. We had a short and agreeable passage, 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 finished his relation, gave the porter another purse, and another invitation to hear his further adventures. SINDBAD'S FIFTH VOYAGE. By this time my name became celebrated as a bold navigator, and fortunate merchant. My vanity was so highly gratified by these distinctions, that I determined to support my claim to them by undertaking another voyage. Accordingly, I fitted out and loaded a stout ship, of larger burden than any I had sailed in before. We had been several weeks at jea before we made land, and at last touched at a desert island, where we found an egg of a roc. There was a young roc ii* it almost hatched, as the bill began to appear. ENTERTAINMENTS. 73 As we hfMJ been for some time confined to salt provisions, the Bailors determined to have a feast. Accordingly, they broke the egg with hatchets, and cutting away large pieces of the young roc, they roasted them and regaled themselves. I earnestly persuaded them in vain from this rash measure ; however, when they had gratified their desires, they listened to my advice: which was. to hasten on board, and sail directly away before the old roc should return. We embarked, and got under way with all diligence ; but we scarce had weighed anchor, when we saw the male and female rocs appear at a distance, like two large clouds. When they ap- proached their egg and found it broken, the noise they made was tremendous. They rose again immediately into the air, and flew away, so that we lost sight of them, and began to thiuk we had nothing to appre- hend. These hopes were soon at an end • in a very little time we saw them approaching us slowly ; when they drew near we discov- ered too plainly the cause of this delay ; they carried between their talons, stones or rather rocks of a prodigious size. When they came directly over our ship, they hovered, and one of them let fall the gtone she held, which, by the dexterity of the steersman, we evaded. But the other roc was more successful. His stone fell in the mid- dle of the ship, which it split into a thousand pieces. All the crew were either killed by the fall of the stone, or sunk very deep into the sea. The latter was my fate ; I continued so long under water that I was almost spent, but on regaining the surface I found a piece of the wreck near me. I immediately got upon it, and committing myself to 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 much grieved for the loss of my com- panions. As the country was so pleasant, I resolved to penetrate further into it in search of inhabitants. I had not advanced far when, coming to the bank of a stream, I saw a little old man, who seemed to be very weak and feeble. I saluted him, which he returned by bowing his head, and making signs for me to take him on my back and carry him over the brook. I thought he wanted assistance, and 4 74 ARABIAN NIGHTS' readily complied, and when on the other side, I stooped that lie might get off with the greater ease ; but instead of doing so, he clasped his legs nimbly about my neck. His skin appeared as im- penetrable as iron : he sat astride on my shoulders, and held me so close that I thought he would have strangled me. The surprise and terror of my situation overcame me. I fainted and fell down ; notwithstanding which, the old man continued on my shoulders. When he found I had recovered, he struck me so severely 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 calabashes ; I took a large one, and having cleaned it, I filled it with the juice of grapes and set it in a convenient place. Some time after, I returned thither, and found my Avine very good. I drank heartily of it, which raised my spirits, and I began to sing and dance as I walked along. The old man, perceiving what effect the Avine had upon me, made signs for me to give him some. I gave him the calabash, and he was so pleased Avith the liquor that he drank it all. The fumes of it presently got into his head, he became drunk, and sat Avith his legs much looser about me than usual. I seized the opportunity, and suddenly threw him off. He 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 CI-CAV 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. " You fell," said they, <; into the hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and are the only one that ever escaped strangling by him ; as he never left any he had once mas« tered till their strength was exhausted, when he failed not to destroy them." The captain of the vessel received me very kindly, and readily gave me a passage to the port he Avas bound to. My good fortune did not forsake me. When we landed, I was permitted, through the interest of the captain, to join a body of adventurers of a singu- lar kind. I had a large bag given me, and was advised to folluv? KXTKRTAINHEST3; 75 the example of my companions, and by no means to separate from them, as I valued my life. AVe went together to a neighboring forest, the trees of which were very straight and tall, and 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. We 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 obtained. 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, and after some time arrived at Balsora, very considerably enriched. To-morrow (continued Sindbad, giving the porter his customary present) I will relate to you my next adventure. SINDBAD'S SIXTH VOYAGE. Some time after my arrival, a few merchants, my very particular friends, agreed on a voyage ; and they never ceased importuning nie till I consented to go with them. For some time we had pleasant weather. We 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, " We are all lost !" He 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 mountain, where she ran ashore, and was presently beat to pieces. Most of the crew perished ; the captain, two seamen, and myself only escaped ; and all but me were much bruised. The captain told us that all hope of escape from that place was vain, as 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 vessels, and with the bones of men, who had evidently perished there. The incredible quantity of riches with which the strand was covered, only served to aggravate oar sorrows. Whether it was from this melancholy prospect, or fuv* 76 ARABIAN NIGHTS' the bruises they had received, I know not ; but the next day the two sailors died, and the day following the captain also expired, so that I was left alone in this terrible situation. But I had been too much used to misfortunes to despair. I began, therefore, to survey the shore, and to cast about in my mind for a possibility of relief. On examining the mountain, I soon found that all hope of climbing was in vain, for it was not only stupendously high, but in many parts absolutely perpendicular. The account of the current setting in everywhere to the shore, I found also to be true. I had almost 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, and formed a large and strong float. Having secured this properly., I went in search of provisions. I found shell-fish in great abundance ; I conveyed a large quantity of these on board my float, resolving to trust myself on it, and take the chance whither the current might convey me. Before I embarked, 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, committed myself to fortune. The stream conveyed me into a hollow passage, under the moun- tain, which was entirely dark. I sailed many days in this situation, husbanding my shell-fish with great care. My food was at last ex- hausted ; I grew faint, and insensibly 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 so transported with joy that I re- peated aloud in Arabic, " Cal) upon the Almighty, and he will help thee; thou needest not perplex thyself in trouble, for God can, change thy bad fortune into good." Happily one of the negroes understood Arabic; from him I learned, that my float having been discovered in the river, they had dra^n it on shore ; but finding me fast asleep, they had waited till i awoke. He then requested that I would tell them by what acci- dent I came into such a situation. I related my story, which the black interpreted to them. When I had finished, they desired I would suffer them to conduct me to the king, that I might relate so extraordinary an adventure to him myself. I cheerfully consented, on which they furnished me with a horse, and while some of them ENTERTAINMENTS. 77 attended me, others contrived to convey my float and cargo after me. I was very favorably received by the king, and thankfully ac- cepted his invitation of reposing some time in his court to recover from my fatigue. During this time, I made a pilgrimage to the place where Adam was confined after his banishment from paradise. The island was called Serendib ; it is exceedingly pleasant and fertile. The people were hospitable, and so just that lawsuits are unknown among them. The magnificence of the palace, and the splendor of their prince, when he appears in public, are truly ad- mirable. On this occasion, the king has 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 gold ; the guard amount to a thousand men, all clad in silk and cloth of gold. While the king is on his march, the officer who car- ries the lance, cries out, occasionally, " Behold the great monarch; the potent and redoubtable sultan of the Indies; whose palace is covered with an hundred thousand rubies, and who possesses twenty thousand crowns, 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 die, must die, must die !'J The officer who is before re- plies, " Praise be to him who liveth forever !;; After I had continued some time in the capital, I requested the king's permission to return to my own country, which he imme- diately granted, in the most obliging and most honorable manner. He forced me to accept a very rich present ; and at the same time intrusted to my care, one of immense value, which he directed me to present with a letter,* 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 Indies, before whom march an hundred elephants who lives in a palace that shines with an hundred thwisaud rubies, and who has in his treasury twenty thousand crowns enriched with diamonds; to the caliph Haroun Alraschid. "Though the present we send you be inconsideiable, receive it, however, as a brother and a friend, in consideration of the h> arty f i- nd>liip which we bear you, and of which we are willing to give you proof. We desire the same pait iu your friend-hip, considering that we believe it to be our merit, being of the same digui-vy .vith yourself. We conjme jou this in quality of a broUv?r Adieu. 7b ARABIAN NIGHTS with my friends, to whom and to the poor I was bountiful, and re- solving to pass the rest of my days among them. Sindbad presented the porter as before with a hundred sequins, and desired him to attend the day following, to hear an account of his last voyage. SINDBAD'S SEVENTH VOYAGE. I had now determined to go no more to sea. My wealth was unbounded, 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 answer the letter of the 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 the faithful expressed his surprise and satisfaction at my narrative; but persisting in his desire. I cheerfully prepared to obey his com- mands. As soon as the caliph's letter* a'nd present were ready, I set sail, and after a safe and pleasant voyage I arrived at the island of Serendib, and discharged my commission. 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 otherwise. Within three days of our departure, we fell in with a corsair, who took us captives, and carrying us .into port, sold us all for slaves. I was bought by a wealthy merchant, who treated me very kindly. He inquired if I understood the use of the bow, and seemed much pleased, when I told him it had been one of the exercises of my youth, and that I had always delighted in it. He gave me a * The caliph's letter was as follows: "Greeting, in the name of the Sovereign Guide of the right way, to the potent and happy sultan, from Abdallah Haroun Alraschid. whom God hath set in the place of honor, after his ancestors of happy memory. "We received your letter with joy, aud send you this from the council of our port, tha garden of superior wits. We hope when you look upon it, you will Gad our good intention, and be pleased with it. Adii-.u." ENTERTAINMENTS. 79 bow and arrow, and carried ine to a vast forest. " Climb up," said he, " one of these trees. This forest abounds with elephants; as they come within bowshot, shoot at them, and if any one falls, come and give me notice." I continued in 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 commended my dexterity, and caressed me very much. We returned to the forest, and buried the 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, sometimes from 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 toward 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 body of the tree in which I was, and pulled so strong that he soon tore it up by the roots, and threw it on the ground. As I was falling with the tree, I gave myself up for lost; but the elephant, wheu I reached the earth, took me up gently, and placed me on his back. Ho then went at the head of his companions into the heart of the forest, when stopping suddenly, he took hold of me with his trunk, and set me down on the ground. Immediately he and all his com- panions retired and left me. I had been so extremely agitated during these transactions, that it was a considerable time before I recovered the use of my facul- ties. When I became composed enough to look about me, I found I was upon a long and broad hill, covered all over with the bones and teeth of elephants. I could not but admire the wonderful in- stinct of these sagacious animals. They had perceived, no doubt, that we buried such of their companions as we killed, and after- ward opened the earth, and took away their teeth ; I concluded, therefore, that they had conducted me to their burial-place, that we might obtain our desires without persecuting them. I returned to the city, and found my patron in great trouble about me. I related to him my adventure, which he would hardly believe. We set out next morning for tbe hill, where he soon found everything I had told him was true. We took away with us ivory tv; a great value ; and on our return to the city, my patron 80 ARABIAN NIGHTS' embraced me, and said, "Brother, God give you all happiness; I declare before him that I will give you your liberty. 1 will riot hold hi bondage a moment longer the man who hath so greatly enriched me. " Know now," continued he, " the perilous service you have been engaged in. We buy slaves here solely for the purpose of procuring us ivory ; and notwithstanding all our care, the elephants every year kill a great many of them. You have been preserved most marvellously from their fury. Think not that by restoring you to freedom, I suppose you sufficiently rewarded: when 1 pro-1 cure you a vessel to convey you home, you will find me more sub- stantially grateful." Agreeably to this promise, my patron was diligent in providing me with a ship, and having met with one, he freighted it witli ivory and gave me both the vessel and cargo, we parted with mutual expressions 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. He dismissed me very graciously, and I have since devoted my time wholly to my family, kindred, and friends. Sindbad having finished the relation of his voyages, addressed himself to Hindbad thus : "• You now know by what means I have acquired the opulence you envied me. Say, have -I not gained it through dangers more than equal to its value : and ought I not to enjoy myself?" The porter modestly owned the truth of Siiid- bad's reasoning, adding due praises to his generosity, and prayers for his future welfare. Sindbad repeated his present of a hundred sequins. His liberality had raised Hindbad from his penury, and finding him 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 Haroun Alraschid frequently made about his capital in disguise, he saw a man with some nets over his shoulder, walking slowly along. Something disconsolate in his air attracted the attention of the caliph, who asked him familiarly why he was so sad. " I am a fisherman," replied he, " and am just landed from a day's severe and fruitless toil. My sorrow arises from my disappointment, hav ENTIiKTAINMENTS. 81 ing a large family, who depend upon my la.bor, which to-day hath been thrown away.;; " If you are not too much fatigued," replied the caliph, " aud will cast your nets once more, I will give you a hundred sequins for the haul, whether successful or not." The fisherman heard the offer of so large a reward with equal joy and surprise ; aud readily returned to the Tigris, accompanied by the caliph, Giafar, and Mesrour. The fisherman threw in his nets, and brought up a trunk, close shut, and very heavy. The caliph ordered the vizier to pay him the hundred sequins, and directed Mesrour to convey the trunk to the palace, whither he also retired, impatient to examine the con- tents of it ; which, to his amazement, he found to be the body of a beautiful young lady, divided into quarters. The wonder of the caliph soon changed into fury against his vizier. " Wretch, !; said he, " is it thus you watch over the police of my capital, intrusted to your peculiar care ? Are such impious murders committed with impunity, almost in our presence ? Bring to justice within three days,;; 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. He knew the vio- lent temper of his master too well to expect any good from expos- tulation. He set about the inquiry, therefore, with the utmost diligence; he took the assistance of all the officers of justice in Bagdad. The search was rigid and universal, but entirely inef- fectual; not the least information being obtained, which tended to a discovery. On the third day the unfortunate vizier was summoned to a" pear at the foot of the throne ; and being unable to produce the offender, the enraged caliph ordered him, and forty of the noble family of the Berrnicides, his kindred, to be hanged up at the gate of the palace. A public crier proclaimed through the whole city the caliph's harsh decree, the cause of it, and that it would imme- diately be put in execution. Gibbets were erected without delay; and the vizier, with his relations, were led out to suffer, amidst the tears of the people, to whom theii* virtues had endeared them. At the instant the execution was about to take place, a young man of good address pushed forward and calling out to the offi- cers cf justice, said, " I alone am the criminal. It is I," said he, " who committed the murder, and I only ought to suffer.'' 4* 82 ARABIAN NIGHTS' "While he was yet speaking, an old man cried out to the vizier, " 0 illustrious Giafar, believe not that rash young man. I am the wretch who have brought you and your friends into so much dan- ger." The vizier, though rejoiced at his own escape, pitied these unfortunate men, who each persisted in declaring his own £iiilt, and exculpating the other. The judge criminal conducted his pris- oners and the two men before the caliph ; who, having heard his re- port; sullenly dismissed the Bermicides, ordering Giafar to resume his office, and commanded both the men to be hanged. The vizier, notwithstanding his past sufferings, humanly interposed, and rea- soned with his master, that they both could not be guilty. The young man hearing this, cried out, "I swear by the great God who raised the heavens so high, that I am the man who killed the lady, cut her into quarters, and threw her into the Tigris : I re- uounce my part of happiness among the just, at the day of judg- ment, if what I say be not truth." This solemn oath, and the silence of the old man, convinced the caliph. " Wretch," said he, 14 what could induce you to commit so horrid a crime ? What madness impels you to rush upon your fate, by thus audaciously avowing ifr ?" tl Alas !" replied the young man, u I do not wish to live ; yet I trust if your majesty will deign to hear me, I shall be found more unfortunate than criminal." The 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 this old man, who is my uncle. We 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 some apples. I immediately endeav- 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 garden at Balsora. " Being very desirous to gratify my wife, I disregarded the dis- tance, and set out thither. I purchased three apples, at a great price, which was all the garden'er could spare me ; and returned in fifteen days to Bagdad, much pleased with my success. But when I came home, my wife's desire for them had passed away. She accepted them, notwithstanding, very kindly, and though she contij ued sick, she did not cease to be affectionate ENTERTAINMENTS. 83 " Some days after, as I was sitting in my shop, an ugly, tall, black slave came into it, with an apple in his hand. My heart sunk when I saw it, as I was convinced there was not one in the city but those I had brought from Balsora. I asked him hastily how he caine by it. ' 'Tis a present,7 replied he, smiling, ' from my mistress : I have just been to visit her, and on taking leave, she gave me this apple, which is one of three which her kind hus- band has been as far as Balsora to obtain for her.' '•' I cannot express what I felt at this discourse. I hastened home immediately, and going to my wife's chamber, I saw there were only two apples left. I demanded where the other was. My wife answered me coldly, ' I know not what has become of it.' Transported with rage and jealousy, I drew my dagger, and in- stantly stabbed her. * When I found she was dead, my fury gave place to fear. Though I did not regret having slain her, I dreaded the conse- quences of the act. I divided the body therefore into quarters, and packed them up in a trunk, which, as soon as it was dark, I threw into the river. When I returned home, I found the eldest of my children sitting at my gate, crying ; on my asking the rea- son, ' Father,' said he, ' I took away this morning, unknown to my mother, one of the apples you broughtrher : as I was playing with it, a tall, black slave, who was going by, snatched 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.' •' My son's discourse overwhelmed me with the most insupport- able anguish. I found I had been betrayed by the fatal lie 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. We were yet mingling our tears, when we heard that the body was found, and that your majesty's dis- pleasure was raised against your faithful vizier, because the mur- derer was undiscovered. I resolved, therefore, to submit myself to your royal justice, the decree of which however severe, I shall not presume to murmur at." The story cf the unfortunate young man excited the pity of 81 AKABIAN NIGHTS' the caliph ; and his indignation was turned against the slave, who had been the cause of so great a calamity. Nor was he yet rec- onciled to the conduct of the vizier. Dismissing, therefore, the young man, he turned to Giafar, and said, " Since by your negli- gence such an enormity passed unnoticed, till accident revealed it, I command you to find out this wicked slave within three dnys, or I will most severely punish you." Giafar withdrew from the caliph's presence, overcome with Borrow. " How is it possible," complained he, " to find out this slave in a city where there are such a number of blacks ? 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 first two days in mourning with his family ; on the third, he prepared to present himself before the caliph. Having taken leave of his friends, the nurses brought to him his favorite daughter, a child of about five years of age. The afflicted vizier took her in his arms to salute her, when perceiving something bulky in her bosom, asked her what it was? "My 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 discovery. The 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, lt a story fully as extraordinary as this." " Relate it then," said the caliph, " and if it is so, I will give to your slave the pardon you solicit for him." THE STORY OF NOUREDDIN ALI AND BEDREDDIN HASSAN. There was a sultan of Egypt, who having been bred up with the sons of his father's vizier, determined, on the death of the old min- ister, to confer his office on them jointly. The eldest was called Schemseddin Ali, the younger, Noureddin 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 as the sul- ENTERTAINMENTS. 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, Nouredcjin 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 son," said Schemseddin, " we will give them in marriage to each other.". "Agreed," replied Nourcddin; " it will cement our union, and continue it to our posterity .j; The discourse was carried on with much good humor, till the eldest brother asked the younger, what jointure he proposed to offer ? Noureddin replied, laughing, "Are we not brothers, and equals in rank? 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 ? I wonder you dare think him worthy of her. Do you forget I am your elder brother ? Sinco you behave BO 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 about the marriage of their children, before they were born, was carried so high, that Schemseddin left his brother in a rage, vowing revenge for the in- suit he supposed he had received. Noureddin acted still more imprudently. The day following, 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 of his brother, determined to abandon him, his office and his country. He took his best mule, and bidding adieu to Cairo, he arrived some weeks after at Balsora. Accident introduced him to the grand vizier of that country. His virtues, abilities, and good address, merited and obtained for him general esteem. He soon became son-in-law, and afterward the successor of the vizier. He had an only son whom he named Bedreddin Hassan, who was remarkable for his singular affection for his father. It so fell out, that about the time Noureddin married the daugh. ter of the grand vizier of Balsora, his brother Schemseddeu also married : and that his wife was delivered of a daughter on the same day that Bedreddin was born. Bedreddin had jus,t reached manhood, when Noureddin wa* 86 ARABIAN NIGHTS' seized with a fatal disease. On his death-bed, he related to his son the cause of his leaving Egypt, and having given him his pocket- book, wherein all things respecting his whole life was circumstan- tially recorded, he died as became a good Mussulman. 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 he wholly confined himself at home, and was not seen for many months at the court of the sultan, the haughty and passionate prince was offended, and ordered his effects to be seized, arid himself brought a prisoner to the palace. A faithful slave, who had heard the orders repeated to the officers of justice, hastened 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 money or other necessaries. He determined to pass the night in his father's tomb, which was a large dome, built without the city. As he drew near it; he met a rich Jew, who was a merchant of reputation. Idaac congratulated him on his coming abroad, 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 entered his father's tomb; where, overcome with fatigue and sorrow, he fell asleep. It happened that a genie had retired to this 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, he continued some time in the tomb ad- miring him : he had scarce began his flight through the air when he met a fairy of his acquaintance. He invited her with him to the tomb, where they agreed in admiring the beauty of the sleep- ing Bedreddin. After viewing him for some time, " Genie," said the fairy, « 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 this time in very great distress: and it has occurred to me, that you and I may very properly relieve her. I will, therefore, -elate to you the particulars of her situation. l< This paragon of beauty is the daughter of Schemseddin, vizier ENTERTAINMENTS. 87 to the sultan of Egypt. Her accomplishments are so rare that the sultan, who lately saw her by accident at her father's he use, de- clared, without hesitation, his determination to marry her; but the vizier, instead of receiving the honor of his master's alliance with joy, begged leave to decline it. The haughty sultan, in re- venge, has sought out the meanest and most deformed of his slaves, and compelled the vizier to give his lovely daughter to him in mar- riage. The nuptial ceremonies are now celebrating • and the' most perfect beauty in the world, \vill, this night, lye devoted to a base groom, hump-backed, crooked, and ugly beyond imagination, unless we interpose, and put this young man in his place. " Agreed," replied the genie • " I \viU convey this youth to Cairo, and conduct him through the business of the evening ; my power will then cease, and I must leave you to finish the adventure." Accordingly, the genie lifted up Bedridden gently, and with in- conceivable swiftness carried him through the air. and set him down at the door of the bagnio, whence Hunchback was to come with a train of slaves. Bedreddiu awakened at that moment • and seeing such a variety of strange objects around him, was about to cry out, when the genie touched him on the shoulder and forbade him to speak. Astonishment 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, and when you enter the hall, distribute the sequins 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. Preserve a perfect presence of mind; 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 attendant. The bride was no less struck with his appearance ; and when, accord- jng to the custom of the Arabians, she came to present herself to her husband seven times, in as many different splendid habits, she passed by unnoticed the hateful Hunchback, and approached the agreeable stranger as her bridegroom. 88 AiiABiAN NIGHTS' 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 fellow was, he could not but observe that Bedreddin had received the distinctions due to the husband of the Beautiful Lady ; and finding him stay when every one else had withdrawn, he cried out, in an angry and peremptory tone, for him to be gone. Bedreddin had no pretence to loiter any longer; he therefore withdrew. But before he reached the porch, another unseen in- structor stopped him. This was the fairy ; who bade him return to the hall, " where/7 continued she, u you will no more find Hunch- back, but the bridemaids 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 sultan never intended to sacrifice so much beauty and merit to that base slave, but meant only to punish the vizier by the apprehension of such disgrace. Avow yourself the bridegroom intended for her ; she will gladly listen to you, and receive you accordingly." Bedreddin pursued these instructions. He found the Beautiful Lady overcome with fear and grief, expecting with abhorrence the frightful groom. Her joy, therefore, was immoderate when she saw the handsome stranger approach and declare himself her hus- band. They retired to the bedroom, where Bedreddin pulled off his turban and other clothes, and went to bed in his shirt and drawers. In the interval, the genie had disposed of Hunchback. While he was waiting the return of the bridesmaids, the genie came to him in the shape of a great cat, fearfully mewing • the fellow clapped his hands at her to drive her away, but she stared afc him with fierce and sparkling eyes, mewing still more, and in- creasing in si/e, till she became as big as a jackass, and then chan- ging into a buffalo, exclaimed : li Thou hunchback villain, how hast thou dared to marry my mistress ?" Hunchback, ter rified beyond measure, began to mutter some excuse, when the genie took him by the legs, and setting him against the wall with his head down- ward, enjoined him not to speak a word, or move from that pos- ture till sunrise, as he valued his life. In the morning, at daybreak, the fairy took up Bedreddin, and conveyed him, in his shirt and drawers, to the gates of Damascus, ENTERTAINMENTS. 89 where she laid him down, still asleep. Soon after, the piople be- gan to gather about him ; all admired the beauty of his person, while some with scofl's, and others with concern, expressed their wonder at finding him lying almost naked on the ground. Their noise awakened him, and on his starting up, he was sur- prised to find himself surrounded by a crowd, at the gate of a city. He inquired where he was, and was astonished when told he was at the gates of Damascus. " Sure, you mock me," exclaimed he : "when I lay down to sleep,- I was at Cairo.'' The bystanders laughing still more, he increased their vociferous ridicule by de- claring he had passed the preceding day at Balsora. These 'apparent absurdities made 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 pasti*y-cook in Damas- cus; where, though he behaved 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 private, requesting afterward his advice. «' There are," replied the pastry cook, " some things so incredible in your narra- tive, that, though my good opinion of you inclines me to believe it, few others 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 rny Souse. I will adopt you for my son ; no one then will dare to insult you ; and you may continue with me in perfect security, till some fortunate event shall restore you to your dignity." Bedreddin reluctantly consented. He was legally adopted by the pastry-cook, who taught him his trade, and at his death left him his heir. The son of the vizier, for some years, earned a scanty maintenance by pursuing this humble em- ployment. At Cairo, all these events produced very serious embarrassments. When the daughter of Schemseddin awoke in the morning, and missed her husband, she supposed he had risen softly, for fear of Disturbing her. She arose, also, and presently her father came to visit her. Schemseddin expected to find his daughter in the deep est sorrow ; but as she received him in a manner expressive oJ satisfaction, he could not restrain himself from reproaching hei. 90 ARABIAN NIGHTS' « Is it thus you receive me, wretched girl/' exclaimed he, " after having been prostituted to the embraces of a vile groom ?" « How, my father," replied she, " are you yet in ignorance respecting my marriage ? 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-law. 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 raised him up. As soon as the groom felt his feet, he ran to the palace, without thank- ing his deliverer, determined to complain to the sultan of the mortifications he had received. The vizier inquired in vain for the bridegroom : he returned, therefore, to his daughter's bed-chamber, and examining the clothes and turban of his son-in-law with much attention, he found the pocket-book which Noureddin Ali had given to his son on hia death-bed. Schemseddin instantly knew his brother's handwriting ; and seeing the superscription of the book, «' For my son, Bedreddin Hassan," he gave a shout, and swooned away. On his recovery, he said, u Daughter, be not alarmed at this ac- cident j your bridegroom is your cousin, the son of my brother, Noureddin 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 Noureddin; the purse also, with the Jow's memo- randum in it, was 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 His anger against his vizier ; and Hunchback being about to relate what had befallen him, the sultan ordered his minister admission, with an in- tent to mortify him. When the groom had finished his account, the prince demanded, with an air of indignation, an explanation of this new insult. Schemseddin besought his master'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. ENTERTAINMENTS. 91 The first transports of the sultan's fury had subsided ; he was now more calm. He examined the vouchers, and heard the 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. He dismissed the groom, and became recon- ciled to his minister; arid having 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. Nine months after these events, the Beautiful Lady was delivered of a son, to whom the vizier gave the name of Agib, or wonderful. When little Agib became of a proper age to receive instruction, the vizier sent him to a school where the sons of the principal peo- ple were educated. Agib inherited the beauty of his parents, and thence, as well as out of respect to his grandfather, was treated with great indulgence. His faults were suffered to pass unnoticed; even his whims were gratified. This absurd complaisance of course spoiled the boy ; he became insolent and overbearing ; he hardly behaved with decency to his master ; but his schoolmates, every one in turn, were treated with contempt or outrage, as occasion arose to offend him, till at length he became heartily hated by them all. The master saw this behavior with concern, and determined to humble him. By his instruction, when the scholars were all to- gether at play, one of them cried out, " Before we choose our sport, let us agree that every one shall tell the names of his father and mother, and whoever cannot do that, shall be considered as a bas- lard and not' suffered to play with us." All agreed to this, and Agib among the rest. The others answered 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 that Schemseddin is not my father ? " " No, no," said they all, laughing, " he is not your father : and till you can tell us who he is, we will not let you play with us." They then left him, with scoffing and derision. Agib hastened to the master with complaints, but was still more mortified when he confirmed the sarcasm of his schoolfellows, and advised him, on that account, to behave to them with less haughtiness for the future. 92 ARABIAN NIGHTS' The saucy spirit of the proud boy could not Tbrook this. He fied home to his mother, and for a time was unable to speak to her from passion. When he had explained to her the cause of his agitation, she mingled her tears with his, overcome with affliction for the loss of his father. At this juncture, the vizier chanced to pay his daugh- ter a visit, and being told the cause of their grief, he shared it with them. Nor was this sorrow, thus accidentally revived, without ma- terial effect. The vizier determined to go himself to Balsora, in search of his 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 drew near Damascus. The face of the country being very beautiful. Schemseddin determined to rest there two or three days. To avoid the fatigue and ceremony of visiting the governor, he caused his tents to be pitched at a short distance from the city. While the vizier 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 every one's attention : and before he had proceeded far in the city, so 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 humble occupation of a pastry-cook; his atten- tion being excited by the crowd, he went to the door, when the eight of Agib affected him unaccountably. The 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 his shop, and accept of some of his pastry. Little Agib was moved with his behavior, and signified his desire to comply. The eunuch at first opposed this, as an unbecoming condescension ; but the en- treaties of Bedreddin, and the annoyance 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 and sugar, and set it before them. Agib and the eunuch ate of the tart, and praised it exceedingly. While Bedreddin gazed on ihe child with inexpressible tenderness, a thought arose, that possibly he might be the father of such a child, by the charming wife from whom he was so cruelly separated. This idea increased his coo- ENTERTAINMENTS. 93 eern ; he could not restrain his tears, and began to ask the 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 the crowd were dispersed, Schaban led him away, and returned im- mediately to the tents. Bedreddin, listening to the impulse within him, followed them. When 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 decisive purpose in beginning, and re- turned to his habitation, afflicted and disconsolate. The day following, Schemseddin proceeded on his journey to Bal- Bora. He soon found out the widow of Noureddin Ali, but his in- quiries after Bedreddin Ali were unsuccessful • the vizier, therefore, after a short stay, gave up all hope, and prepared to return to Cairo. As a mutual esteem had taken place between the Lady of Beauty and the widow of Noureddin Ali, the vizier prevailed with her to accompany them. When they reached Damascus, the whole reti- nue pitched their tents as before, to enjoy a few days' rest, before they continued their journey. While 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 in making tarts ; and Bedreddin, notwithstanding the ill treatment he had received, felt the same emotions of tenderness for Agib. He ran to him, and would have embraced him, but the boy pushed him aside; yet Bedreddin pressed him to enter his shop. Agib replied, u 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 njake and observe this promise, I will visit you again to-morrow.;) Bedreddin consented, and Agib with Scha- ban went in. and were plentifully supplied with cream-tart, which they ate with much satisfaction. Evening drawing on, Agib and his governor took leave of their friendly pastry-cook, and returned to the tents. The widow of Noured iin, who had become passionately fond of her grandson. 94 ARABIAN NIGHTS received him with great affection ; and as it was supper-time, sh) took him into her tent, and set before him a cream-tart, which she had just been making. Agib tasted it, but as he had eaten so lately he left it almost whole ; on which his grandmother said to him, " Does my child despise the work of my hands ? know," continued she, " there is no one in the world can make such a cream- tart, be- sides myself and your father Bedreddin Hassan, whom I myself taught to make them." "Excuse me. madam/' replied Agib, " There is a pastry-cook in Damascus who makes much better; 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 beggar. She reported the matter immediately to Schemseddin, who, still more enraged, sent for the eunuch, and demanded how he dared be guilty of so heinous an offence? Schaban stiffly de- nied the charge ; but the child averring it to be true, the vizier 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 truth, and added, that the tart was much better than that made by the lady. The widow of Noureddin Ali felt herself piqued. She sent im- mediately for one of those tarts, which, when she had tasted, she cried out, li It must be my eon, my dear Bedreddin, who made this tart. I make them in a peculiar manner, which I never taught to any one but him • and as this is so made, I have no doubt 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 will contrive to bring this pastry-cook hither/' continued he, " and you will, no doubt, recognize him, if it is really Bedreddin ; 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 resolution, they acqui- esced. Early 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 motives of his conduct. Tne gov- ernor readily agreed; when Schemseddin detached fifty of his ENTERTAINMENTS. 95 attendants, properly instructed, to the shop of his son-in-law. As soon as these men arrived there, they began to break in pieces the plates, tables, and pans, with the utmost violence. The astonished Bedreddin cried out to know the reason of such ill treatment. " Was it not you," said one of them, " who sold us a cream-tart last night ?" " Yes," replied the pastry-cook, " and I am sure no one could have sold you a better." At these words, the men re- newed their outrages, and having destroyed everything they could find, seized Bedreddin, bound him, and led him away prisoner. His neighbors would have interposed in his beh^pbut at the in- stant, some of the governor's officers arrived, and dispersed them; so that the unfortunate pastry-cook, notwithstanding his cries and tears, was carried off. When they returned to the tents, they produced their prisoner to the vizier, who, affecting much anger, said, " Wretch, was it not you who made the cream-tart which was brought me last night ?" " I own I am the man," replied Bedreddin. " It shall cost you your life, then," said the vizier, " for daring to send me so bad a tart." " Alas !" replied the prisoner, il how long has it been a capital offence to make indifferent pastry ? yet I am sure the tort was as good as could be made." During this discourse, the ladies who were concealed, had a full view of Bedreddin, and instantly knew him, notwithstanding his long absence. They were so transported with joy, that it was with difficulty they could restrain themselves from running into the tent and embracing him ; but their promise to the vizier ob- liged them to subdue those tender emotions of love and of nature. Schemseddin having so unexpectedly succeeded in his interest- ing inquiry, set out without delay for Cairo, carrying Bedreddin with him as a prisoner. When 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, u what have I- done to deserve so se- vere a punishment ?" " Villain," replied the vizier, " did you not send me a cream-tart without any pepper in it ?" " Is that the reason/7 exclaimed Bedreddin, lt that I have been treated so se- verely ; have my goods been destroyed, myself made a prisoner, and led away many days' journey from my home, am I now to be be put to a cruel death ; and all this for not putting pepper into a cream-tart ? Are these the actions of Mussulmans, of persona 96 ARABIAN NIGHTS' professing probity and justice ? Never was man used so barbiv- rously ; cursed be all cream-tarts, and the hour in which 1 learned to make them." "It is now night," said the vizier: li take him away, I will not put him to death till to-morrow ; when 1 will make him an example to all base pastry-cooks." Saying 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 marvellously taken away, Schemseddin had not only secured the c^^hes of his son-in-law, but had taken an account of the situation of everything 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 set 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. He remembered distinctly the hall. He approached the chamber, and saw his clothes as he had left them on the wed- ding night. He rubbed his eyes and exclaimed, u Good heavens ! am I awake or not ?" At this instant the Lady of Beauty, who had observed his em- barrassment, opened the curtains and said, " My dear lord, will you not return to bed again? Why do you stay at the door?;> Bedreddin on this entered the chamber, and perceived the lady who spoke to him was the same charming woman who had ac- cepted him for her husband. His heart leaped for joy at the dis- covery ; yet recollecting all that had befallen him during the last ten years, he was silent. After pausing awhile, he examined his clothes and purse, which he knew immediately ; his astonishment redoubled. At last, going up to the lady, « Madam," said he, « how long is it since I left you !" " Did you not rise from me just now ?» replied she, « surely your thoughts are very busy !" ft My thoughts," said Bedreddin, « are not very easy. I remember, in KXTKRTAINMKYrS. 97 deed, to have Irjen married to you ; but since then I have lived ten years at Damascus ; I found myself almost, nuked at the gate of that city, and being insulted by the mob, I fled to a pastrv- cook. who adopted me. taught me his trade, and made me his heir. I have passed through a variety of adventures, and have returned here in good time, as they were just going to nail mo to a stake.'7 . 4<Alas! for what enormous crime." replied tho l^iy, "was you to be treated so severely ?" " For no crime,'; said Bedreddin • " I had my goods destroyed, myself taken prisoner, and was at last threatened with this terrible death, for selling a bad tart." " You have, indeed, awoke in good time," said the Beautiful Lady; " they surely did you great injustice ] but return to your bed, and try if you cannot dream more pleasantly." Though Bedreddin rejoiced exceedingly at finding again his lovely bride, yet he could not compose himself to rest. The recol- lection of what he had passed through for so many years; was too strong to be overcome by the idea of its having been a dream. On the other hand, as often as he withdrew the curtains, and looked about the room, he was convinced that he was in the bridal cham- ber. He had not yet recovered his perplexity, when the morning appeared ; and shortly after Schemseddin entered the apartment, ind bade him and the Lady of Beauty good-morrow. At the sight )f a man whom he lately beheld with so much terror, Bedreddin was much moved, and it convinced him that his adventures had not jxisted in imagination only. a Ah !" exclaimed he to Schemseddin, * 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, laughing; he then re ated to him those circumstances with which Bedredden was ac jpiainted ; he introduced him to the widow of Noureddin Ali, and .ittle Agib, who no longer fled from the caresses of his father. The joy Bedreddin felt in finding himself surrounded by so many persons leservedly dear to him, made him ample amends for his past suf- fering, and in their beloved society he passed pleasantly the re- nuinder of his life. The caliph Haroun Alrascliid was so well pleased with this sin- gular story, that he pardoned the indiscreet slave of Giafar; and to x)infort tie unfortunate young man who had so rashly murdered he lady, he gav^, him one of his slaves to wife, and received him uto his service,. 5 9$ ARABIAN NIGHTS THE STORY OF ALADDIN, OR THE WONDERFUL LAMP. In the capital of China there lived a tailor named •who with difficulty earned a maintenance for himself, his wife, a:,d son, whose name was Aladdin. Die ooy, though of a sprightly turn and gool natural under- standing, was careless and idle. As he grew ap his laziness in- creased, lie was continually loitering among blackguards in the street; nor could Mustapha by any means prevail with him to apply himself to some employment by which he might learn to get his bread. This idle disposition of the boy destroyed the tather. Mustapha, finding him incorrigible, was so much afnioied, that his grief brought on a fit of sickness which cost him l.is life. Aladdin, being no longer restrained by his father, indulged his indolence to the utmost. He was not ashamed, though fifteen years old, to be supported by his mother's labor, yet ceased to pay her the respect and duty of a son. One day as he was amusing himself with his companions, a stranger, who was an African magician, passing by, stopped to observe him. After looking at the youth for some time very earnestly, he inquired among his playmates who he was, and pres- ently learned his little history. The wily African then went up to him and asked him if his father was not called Mustapha the tailor? " He was so," replied the boy, "but he has been dead for some time.;; The magician pretended to burst into tears at this account. He embraced Aladdin, and told him he was the brother to his father; then inquiring where his mother lived, he gave the lad a handful of small money, and bade him tell her he would come cud sup with her. Aladdin ran home to his mother, and related to her all the par- Oculars. The old woman told him that she never heard his father talk of a brother ; but as the stranger had treated him so kindlVj and given him money enough to provide a supper, she would make ready to receive him. In the evening the newT relation came, and embracing the widow of Mustapha, shed many loars, lamenting that he had not arrived sooner that he might have ceen his brother He then produced some fine fruits and wines, and they sat down U supper. Diu-ing their meal the magician pretended to admire Alr.d.'h much. *• He must be very like what his father was at Us age,' ENTKKTAJ N MEXTri. 99 said he ; " for though it is forty years since I left my native country, my love for my brother kept his features in my mind, and I recollected them the instant I gaw him." Then turning to Alad- din, he asked him what trade he had chosen ? Aladdin, who wan ashamed of his not being able to answer such a question, hung down his head and blushed; but his mother replied that he was an idle fellow, who would do nothing but loiter in the streets : and went on giving him the character he deserved. Aladdin was covered with confusion at his mother's report of him; and the magician added to his concern by blaming him severely. He recommended to the young man that he should apply himself to traffic. ll I,'7 said he, " can instruct you how to buy your goods. I will take a shop, and furnish it for you with stuffs and linens. These I will give you to begin with, if you will promise to be diligent.77 Aladdin did not want sense though he hated work ; he knew that the keepers of such shops were respected ; he accepted therefore his new uncle's offer with great thankfulness. The day following the magician called upon them again early. He took Aladdin out with him, and gave him handsome clothes, suitable to the station of a merchant ; he put some money also in his pocket, and made a treat for some principal merchants, on purpose to introduce his pretended nephew to them. Aladdin and his mother were by these means completely deceived. They never doubted but the man who heaped so many favors upon them was really their near relation, and blessed Providence for their good fortune in being found out by him. The magician continued caressing them till he had obtained full possession of their confidence. One evening at supper, he said to his pretended sister-in-law, " I am thinking, as to-morrow will be Friday, to take Aladdin and show him the gardens out of town where the gentry walk ; and as he has never been there, and prob- ably will like to see them all, I will take some refreshments with us, and we will ifct return till night.'' To this proposal Aladdin and his mother consented with great pleasure. In the morning, the young man, dressed in all his new finery, at- tended the magician accordingly. He took him to the gardens belonging to the sumptuous palaces of the nobility, which were situated out of the city. Aladdin, having never seen anything so elegant, was highly delighted. His false uncle drew him by de- grees beyond them, into the champaign that led to the mountain^ 100 Alt Alii AN NIGHTS amusing him all the way with pleasant stories, intermixed with advice to drop his boyish acquaintance, and converse V7ith men. Aladdin, though well pleased with this discourse, began to tire,which the magician perceiving, proposed that they should sit down and rest. He then produced a parcel of cakes and sweetmeats, and gave the lad as many as he chose, after which they pursued their walk. At length they enmo to a valley which separated two mountains of considerable height. The magician told Aladdin he would show him some things very extraordinary. He directed him to gtlher a parcel of dry sticks and kindle a fire ; which being done, the African cast a perfume in it, and pronounced certain magical words; immediately a great smoke arose, after which the earth trembled a little, and opening, discovered a stone about half a yard square. Aladdin was so frightened at what he saw, that he would have run away; but the magician catching hold of him, gave him so violent a blow that it knocked him down. The youth arose, and with tears in his eyes, asked his supposed uncle what he had done to merit such severity. The African's view was to make the boy stand in awe of him, that he might without hesitation obey his orders, and execute what he had for him 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 treasure, which you may possess if you carefully observe my instructions. Aladdin promised the most exact obedience. The magician embraced him, and putting a ring on his finger, bade him pronouncD the name of his father and grandfather, and raise up the stone. Aladdin did as he was directed ; and notwithstanding its immense size, he removed the stone with great ease, and discovered a hole several feet deep, and steps to descend lower. " Observe," said the African, " what I am going ft) say to you. Not only the possession of the treasure, but your life itself will depend on your punctual attention. Though I have opened this cave, I am forbidden to enter it ; that honor is permitted only to you. Go down boldly then. You will find at the bottom of these steps, three great halls, in each of which you will see a large number of coffers full of gold and silver. Be sure you do not meddle with them; nor must you suffer your very clothes to touch the walls ENTERTAINMENTS. 101 If jou do, you will instantly perish. When you are through theso halls, you will come to a garden. Here you will be perfectly safe, and may handle anything you see. At the further end of iS you will find a lamp, burning in a niche. Take that lamp down, throw away the wick, pour out the liquor, and put the lamp in your bosom to bring to me.;j Aladdin obeyed exactly his supposed uncle. He went through the halls with as much precaution as the fear of death could inspire. He crossed the garden, secured the lamp in his bosom, and then began to look about with ease and composure. He found the trees were loaded with fruits of many colors. Transparent, white, red, green, blue, purple, and yellow. The transparent were dia- monds; the white, pearls; the red, rubies; the green, emeralds ; the blue, turquoises ; the purple, amethysts ; and the. yellow, sap- phires. All these fruits were large, and uncommonly beautiful. Aladdin, though he knew nothing of their value, was yet much pleased with them ; and as he had been told he might safely meddle with anything in the garden, he filled his pockets with some of each sort, and even crammed as many as he could into his bosom. He then returned through the halls with the same precaution as before; and having ascended the steps, he called out to his uncle to assist him with his hand, and pull him out of the cave. Nothing could be further from the intention of the magician than to deliver Aladdin from the cave. He had found by his books that there was such a lamp concealed in a subterraneous abode in. China, which would render the possessor more powerful than any prince in the world ; but as he was not permitted to enter the place himself, h^ resolved therefore to seduce some friendless boy to fetch him the wonderful talisman, and having gained it, to shut up the cave, and leave him to his fate. When Aladdin therefore called out for his assistance, he called as loudly for the lamp. The young man would have readily given it to him, if he had not buried it in his bosom by the quantity of jewels he had put over it ; and being ashamed to own that, he entreated his supposed uncle j^o help him out, and he would deliver it to him immediately. The dispute had lasted a short time, and neither of them were disposed to give way, when the magician turned his head ai^d saw some of the inhabitants of the city were entering the valley. Fear of being discovered by them, and rage at the obstinacy of the young 102 AKABIAN NIGHTS man, overcame every other consideration. Tie pronounced twc magical words which replaced the stone, and closed the earth. By this5 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 others how to do it. But he gratified his revenge 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 be questioned respect- ing his pretended nephew. Aladdin was exceedingly terrified to find himeelf thus buried alive. He cried out, and called to his uncle, offering to give him the lamp immediately ; 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 been 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 enor- mous genie rose out of the earth, with a torch in his hand, which Illuminated the cave as though the sun had shone in it, and said to him, " What wouldst them ? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, while thou wearest that ring; I, and the other slaves of the ring." At another time Aladdin would have been terrified to death at such an appearance ; but despair gave him courage. He replied rapidly, k* I charge you, by the ring, if you are able, to release me from this place." He had no sooner spoken than the earth opened ; the genie lifted him up to the surface, and immediately disap- peared, the earth closing again at the same instant. Aladdin rejoiced greatly at his deliverance, and found his way home without much difficulty ; but so agitated by his past terrors, and faint 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 escape from such imminent danger, and was not sparing of her execrations against the treacherous impostor who led him into it. The next morning when Aladdin got up he was Tery hungry., and called upon his mother for some breakfast. "Alas ! child," she said, u I have been so distressed on your account, that I have art been able to do any work these two days, so that I have n; ENTERTAINMENTS. 103 money to buy any provision ; and all I had in the house, you ate yesterday. But, continued she, " here is the lamp you brought home, and which had like to cost you your life; it seems to be a very good one. I will clean it ; and 1 dare say it will sell for money enough to keep us until I have spun some more cotton." Saying this, she took some sand, and began to rub it; when in an instant a genie of gigantic size stood before her, and said, *l What wouldst thou ? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave; the slave of all those who hold that lamp in their hands; I and the other slaves of the lamp." Aladdin's mother swooned away at the sight of the genie; but her sou, who had once before seen such another, caught the lamp out of her hand, and said, " I am hungry, bring me something to eat presently." The genie disappeared ; and presently returned with a large silver basin, containing twelve covered plates of the same metal, all full of the choicest dainties, with six white loaves, and two bottles of sherbet. Having placed these things on the table, he disappeared. When Aladdin's mother recovered, she was very much pleased to see such a plenty of nice provisions. She sat down with her son, and they feasted abundantly. When they had done, the old lady inquired what had passed between the genie and her son, while she was in her swoon. On being informed 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 was, he had more 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 slfe 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 the plates, and went to a Jew merchant to sell it. The Jew eo m perceived it was of the purest silver, but thinking the owner ignorant of the value, he offered a piece of gold for it. Aladdin thought he had made a good bargain. He gave the money to his mother, and they lived upon it in their usual frugal manner, as long 1 04 ARABIAN NIGHTS' as it lasted. Aladdin then sold another plate, and so en tih the} had only the basin left; and that being very large, the Jew gave him two pieces for it, which supported them a considerable time. AY hen all the money was spent, Aladdin had recourse again tt the lamp, and the genie supplied the table with another silver basin and the same number of covered plates equally well filled. The provisions being all consumed, Aladdin was going, as before. with one of the plates to the Jew, when he was called to by a goldsmith, who asked him if he had anything to sell. " You go often," said he, " to that Jew, who is the greatest cheat among his | brethren; if you deal with him, he will certainly defraud you.77 Aladdin produced his plate, which the goldsmith weighed, and counted him down sixty pieces of gold for it. The young man thanked the honest shopkeeper, to whom he afterward sold the other plates and the basin. Aladdin and his mother very prudently continued to live as usual for several years ; only he went more neat, and instead oi associating with mean fellows, he by degrees insinuated himself into the good opinion of the first merchants and jewellers of the city. Hence, besides obtaining a general knowledge of the world, which rendered him a pleasant and agreeable companion, he be- came acquainted with the true value of those jewels he had brought from the garden in the subterraneous cave. These he had considered as colored glass only, and had suffered them to lay unnoticed in a couple of bags, under one of the cushions of the sofa. But though he found himself possessed of immense wealth, yet he persisted in living privately, even humbly ; devoting his whole time to the improvement of his understanding. Accident put an end to this philosophical indolence, scarcely excusable in a young man. One day as Aladdin was walking in the town, he heard an order of the sultan published, for all the people to shut their shops a*i keep within doors, while the prin- cess Badroulboudour (that is, full moon of full moons), the sultan's daughter, went to the baths. Aladdin was seized with a great de- sire to see the princess ; to accomplish which, he contrived to get behind the outer door of the bath, where he remained unobserved As the princess approached the door, attended only by her eunuchs and women, she laid aside her veil, and gave Aladdin ar opportunity to have a full view of her. Till now he had never seen any woman's face but his mother's. He supposed, therefore. ENTERTAINMENTS. 105 that all women vere 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. When she had entered the inner doors, he returned home, pensive, yet delighted. He passed the evening in melancholy and silence, and the night in indulging the starts of a restless and disturbed im agination. Next morning he behaved with the same 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, she became solicitous to know the reason of it. Aladdin, after musing some time, told her the cause of his uneasiness, concluding with saying, " I love the charming princess with so much ardor, that I find I cannot live without her, and am resolved to ask her in marriage of the sultan, her father." Aladdin's mother heard with attention and concern • but when he came to so extravagant a determination, she burst into a loud laughter. " My dear son," she said, %< do you consider who you are, that have the boldness to think of your sovereign's daughter for a wife ? 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 those who have distinguished themselves in the service of their country ? Where, then, are your pretensions ? 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 persist. " 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 ?" " 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 such a message !" continued the old woman ; " had you wished me tc apply to some neighbor for his daughter in marriage, it had been well ; but to seek the daughter of the sultan, who at cue word can crush you to atoms ! what extrava- gant madness ! besides, no one approaches the sovereign, you know, *o ask a favor without a present. What have you to offer the sultan worthy his acceptance, even for his smallest favors, much LCSJ for the highest he can bestow ?" 106 AitABiAi: NIGHTS' u I own," replied Aladdin, " my wishes are extravagant ; but I love the princess so ardently, that I must resign my life if I do not succeed ; nor should you think me without resources, when you recollect what the lamp I possess has already done for us. As to a proper offering to the sultan, I am able to furnish you with one which I am sure he will gladly accept." Aladdin then arranged the jewels he had brought from the garden, in a vessel of fine porcelain, which showed them to great advantage ; 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 be thrown away. The sultan will either laugh at me, or be in so great a rage, that he will make us both the victims of his fury." The day following, Aladdin's mother appeared at the divan, and was admitted with the other suitors, who pleaded their causes 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 business. When the divan broke up she retired, and returned .again the next council day, when she placed herself as before. She continued to do so for some time, till at length the sultan took notice of her, and ordered the grand vizier to introduce her to him. Aladdin's mother, by the example of others, had learned to prostrate herself before the throne. The sultan bade her rise, and said to her, " Good woman, I have observed you to attend very often from the beginning to the rising of the divan -} what is your business ?" Aladdin's mother replied, " Before I presume to tell your ma- jesty the extraordinary and almost incredible affair which brings me before you, ] must most humbly request the favor of being heard by you in private, and also 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 petitioner, and then directed her to proceed. She was in no hurry to do so, being \°ry solicitous to obtain pardon for her presumption before she began. The <r;ltan, partly tired with her prattle, and partly impatient tc know what she had to ask, gave her assurance of the most ample pardon, and again or dered her t- relate her business, and speak boldly. KNTKKTAINMENTS. 107 Thus encouraged, the old lady told him faithfully in what man- ner her son had seen the princess, and the violent love for her which that sight had inspired him with She went on with much prolixity to describe the debates which had passed between them on the subject, and concluded by formally demanding the princess in marriage for her son • at the same time she bowed down before the throne, and laid her present at the foot of it. From the manners and appearance of the petitioner, nothing could seem more preposterous to the sultan than such a proposal. The instant he heard it. he burst into laughter ; while the grand vizier, who had reason to hope that his master intended the prin- cess for his son, looked on the old woman with eyes of indignation. When the sultan had recovered himself a little, he said to her, still laughing, " You have brought a present, I see, to forward your suit; pray let me look at it." Aladdin's mother hastened to lift it up ; and the sultan, who expected some trivial matter, was astonished when she removed the napkin, to see so many inesti- mable jewels set before him, the smallest of which very far sur- passed, in beauty and value, any in his own treasury. The vizier was no less chagrined than amazed at the sight of them : with the more reason, as he plainly saw they had made great impression on the sultan, who asked 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 again in three months, hinting that very probably the answer then would not be unfavor- able. Aladdin's mother was overjoyed at a reception so much beyond her hopes. She hastened home to her son, who received her re- port with transport. Three months indeed seemed an age ; but as he had never hoped to succeed without infinitely more difficulty, his joy was unbounded. Two of the three months passed in this delirium of happiness, from which he was aroused by news which at once dispersed it. His mother having domestic business in the city, found all the shops shut, 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 married to the Princess Badroulboudour. The truth was, the vizier having been alarmed at Aladdin's appli 10 S ARABIAN NIGHTS cation, had taken every possible means to forward the suit of his son • and being a skilful courtier, and a great favorite, he prevailed with his master to set aside his engagement with a stranger, and complete the intended nuptials between the princess and the son of his minister. Aladdin was in despair at receiving 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 you for since I have been in possession of it; a greater concern now calls for an exertion of your power and fidelity.'7 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 bed ; and the jocund bridegroom admitted to her chamber, shut out all intruders, and triumphed over his obscure rival But the moment he had set his 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 passed the night by her side. In the morning he summoned the genie, to release the bride groom, and convey them back to the palace. This he performed EO exactly, that the bed was deposited in the nuptial chamber, at the instant the mother of the princess was opening her door to pay her 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 surprised to be received by her daughter with evident 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 persuaded to tell her all that had happened. The sultaness was out of patience at a narrative eo improbable. "Yon will do well/' said she to her daughter, " not ENTKKTAINMKNTS. 109 "to repeat this fable to any one olse. Where is your husband? I ehall talk with him, and see if he has had the same vision." 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 enchantment which had distressed him, was now at an end ; at any rate he resolved to conceal what had befallen him for the present. When therefore the sultaness asked him if he was as much infatu- ated as his wife, he pretended not to understand the question ; on which the sultaness answered with pleasure, "It is enough; I see you are wiser than she." The rejoicings in the palace were renewed, and all appeared desirous to promote the pleasure of the bride and bridegroom. The vizier's son counterfeited so 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 ; and though he did not choose to interrupt the joy of the court at that moment, yet he resolved to inquire very minutely into the cause of it the day following. At night the moment the princess and her spouse were in bed, the distress of the past night was renewed. They wore again con- veyed to Aladdin's chamber, the bridegroom was disposed of as before, 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 entering it to an- nounce the sultan. That tender father was anxious and impatient to know the cause $f his daughter's sorrow. He came therefore as early as conve- nient to her antechamber, and desired to see her. The princess rose immediately and attended him. A general explanation now took place. The princess informed her father in what manner she had spent the two preceding nights ; the vizier's son confirmed the account, and, under pretence of consulting the happiness of the princess, was the first to request that the marriage might be dis- solved. A stop was put to all rejoicings, and the marriage was publicly declared void. Many conjectures were made as to the cause of this event, irlnch became generally talked of. Aladdin heard of it with great joy ; but took care to keep secret the share he had in the adventure. ^\ hcxi the three months were expired, Aladdin sent his mother 110 ARABIAN NIGHTS' to the divan as before. The sultan remembered her; but having no inclination to give the princess to her son, he consulted his vizier on the subject, who advised him to demand of Aladdin a nuptial present so exceedingly valuable that it would be out of his power to procure it. The sultan was well pleased with the advice, which he doubted not would effectually prevent his hearing any more of Aladdin. He beckoned the old woman to him, and told h^r he was ready to give the princess to her son, provided he sent him forty basins of massy gold, full of the same kind of stones she had given him before ; each basin to be carried by a black slave, led by a young and handsome white slave, all of them magnificently dressed. u Go," said he, " and tell him on these conditions I am ready to receive him as my son-in-law.;7 The old lady returned home much dejected. She thought i'; utterly impossible for her son to comply with this demand, an.1. dreaded the effects of his disappointment. Aladdin heard her re- port with great pleasure ; and summoning the genie, requested he would immediately provide the present the sultan had demanded, that it might be sent before the divan broke up. In a few minutes the house of Aladdin was filled by the eighty slaves : forty black' ones, bearing large golden basins filled with all sorts of jewels, each basin being covered with a silver stuff embroidered with flowers of gold. Aladdin pressed hi« mother to return to the sultan 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 basin to follow. In this order thej all set forth, and the mother of Aladdin closed the procession. The splendid habits of the slaves, and the beauty and graceful- ness of their persons, attracted every eye. They proceeded slowly, and at equal distances from each other, and as they marched through the city, the people crowded to see them. When they arrived at the palace, the porters would have received them with the highest honors ; but he who came first, being instructed by the genie, said, " We are only slaves ; our master will appear in due time." When they entered the divan, they formed a semicircle before the throne, the black slaves laid the basins on the carpets and un- covered them, and the whole company having paid proper compli- ments to the sovereign, stood with their arms crossed over with great modesty. The sultan surveyed the whole with the utmost amazement and ENTERT A INM ENTS. Ill satisfaction. The vizier himself, notwithstanding his grief and envy, was obliged to own that Aladdin's present merited his re- ception into the royal family. All the court concurred in his opinon; and the sultan dismissed the old lady with directions for her son to hasten and receive the princess from the hands of her father. The joy with which Aladdin received this message was unutter- able. He summond the genie, and said, " Genie, I want to bathe. Provide me also with proper apparel and equipage, that I may visit the sultan, who has consented to receive me as a son.?; As soon as he had spoke these wrords he was conveyed to a bath, where he was undressed without seeing by whom, and washed with all sorts of fine-scented water. When he had bathed, he was quite a different man from what he had been before. His skin was clear, his complexion improved, and his whole body lightsome and easy. The genie clothed him with a most magnificent habit, and con- veyed him home, where he found a number of attendants ready to •wait on him and his mother to the palace. The genie supplied him with ten purses of gold, which he gave to the slaves who went before him, and they threw handfuls of it on each side among the populace. By this liberality he gained the affections of the people, even those of a higher order, though they did not scramble for the money, wrere pleased with his bounty to the ..jmoon people. He was so altered that his former compan- ions dia not know him; for such were the effects of the lamp, that those who possessed it, acquired by degrees, perfections both of mind and person, which qualified them for the high fortune, the right use of it advanced them to. When Aladdin arrived at court, and was introduced to the sultan, he would have prostrated himself in the usual manner, but the monarch prevented him by receiving him in his arms and embracing him They conversed together a long time, and the sultan was charmed with the wit and good sense of his intended son-in-law. The judge presenter the contract, and the sultan asked Aladdin if he chose to stay in the palace and solemnize the marriage immediately. Aladdin with great gratitude daclmec the sultan's offer. u I would wish first," said he, " to build a palace fit for the reception of the charming princess, and humbly beg your majesty will grant tie a piece of ground near v<r r o\m, ll^.at I may the readier pay my duty to you,;' The sultan bid him take what ground he pleased, 112 ARABIAN NIGHTS' but desired him to consider how long it must be before he could complete a new palace ; and all that time he should be without the pleasure of calling him son. When Aladdin 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 commiesinn of still greater importance for you to perform. I wish you to build me a palace opposite the sultan's, fit to receive the princess. Let the materials be the most rare and costly; let there be a large hall in it with a dome at the top, and four-and-twenty windows. Decorate these windows with jewels of all descriptions the most valuable you can procure, but leave one of them plain. Instead of wainscot, let the walls of the hall be formed of massy wedges of polished gold and silver laid alternately. Let the offices be perfectly complete, and the whole supplied with the most sumptuous furniture, and with a proper number of handsome slaves to perform the necessary duties. Do all this, I charge thee by the lamp; in the most perfect manner, and with all possible despatch.'7 By the time Aladdin had finished his instructions to the genie the sun was set. The next morning at daybreak, the genie presented himself • and said, •'< Sir, your palace is finished ; come and see how you like it." Aladdin consenting, he transported him thither, and led him through the various apartments, where he found his orders 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 finest horses in the world. When Aladdin had reviewed the whole, he gave it the praise is deserved. He then orderd the genie to spread a piece of fine velvet from the sultan's palace to his own, for the princess to walk on, which being executed, the genie conducted Aladdin back to his own apartment. As the morning advanced, the grand vizier was astonished at the sight of so magnificent a building erected on a plain which was quite open the night before. He ran to acquaint the sultan with it, declaring it could be only enchantment. "Vi/ier," replied the sultan, <; it is envy makes you say so. You know it is Alad- din's palace. No doubt he has been long engaged in preparing it; and now has put it together by employing a vast number of people, and paying them well, on purpose to surprise us. You must believe his riches are inexhaustible; and he thus shows ur< what can be ione by money." ENTERTAINMENTS. 113 Aladdin now sent a message to the sultan, desiring his permission to wait on him and the princess, and that the nuptials might be solemnized that day. The sultan consenting, Aladdin bid adieu for ever to his parental dwelling. He first disposed his mother to goto the pn lace with her slaves to attend the princess: he then secured his wonderful lamp, and mounting his horse, attended by a numerous and splendid retinue, he arrived at the palace. The marriage ceremonies were performed, and in tha evening Aladdin went first to his own palace, that he might be ready to receive the princess ; Avho, having taken a tender farewell of her parents, set forward on the velvet, amidst the sound of trumpets and the shouts of the people. Aladdin received her with transport, and conducted her into the grand hall which was superbly illumi- nated. The princess being seated, a noble feast was served up. The plates and dishes were all of burnished gold, and contained the most delicious meats; the vessels on the beaufet were also of gold ; and all the other furniture in the hall was suitably magnifi- cent. The princess, though used to the splendor of a court from her infancy, was yet much struck with the magnificence of her new habitation, and expressed her oleasure to Aladdin in the strongest terms. After supper there was a concert of music by genii and fairies, and a dance by the same kind of performers who performed after the fashion of the country, in figure, with great grace and activity. The day following, the royal parents came to. Aladdin's palace to congratulate the princess: she received them with cheerful duty, arid conducted them to the hall. They were astonished at such a display of riches and elegance ; but the sul'an seeing one of iho windows without ornament, inquired the reason of it. " Shy re- plied the prince, for so Aladdin wag now called, " I ordered tho window to be left in that state, that your majesty might have the glory of finishing this hall and pal ice. ;; The sultan accepted tho compliment, and ordered hr; jewellers and goldsmiths to set about it. i'or a whole month they were busily employed, and had u*ed all the sultan's jewels, notwith- standing the large supply he had received from Aladdin, yet they had not finished one side of the window. When Aladdin found thev were quite at a stand, he ordered them to undo their work, and restore the jewols to the sultan. He then rubbed his lamp, and directed the genie to complete the hall, which was done im- mediately. 114 ARABIAN NIGHTS?* The sultan, when the workmen returned him the jewels, came o expostulate with his son-in-law, on his leaving so noble a hall uu finished ; but when Aladdin conducted him into it he founo. the windows were all perfect. Turning to Aladdin, he embraced him, saying, " You are a most extraordinary man, to do such surprising things thus in an instant; the more I know you, the more I admire you." From this time Aladdin lived in great state. He was also happ/ in the affection of the princess, the confidence of the sultan, and the general love of the people. He supported the dignity of his rank with propriety ; his abilities appeared more and more respectable. On a dangerous insurrection, the sultan gave him the command of his armies, and he was found worthy the trust, defeating the rebels in two pitched battles, in which he displayed great courage and military conduct. But no situation in human life is exempt from 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 resolved to know if he had perished in 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, " Has this wretched tailor's son discovered the virtue of the lamp ? does he whom I despised and devoted to death enjoy the fruit of my labor and study ? He shall not long do so." He immediately prepared for a journey; and setting off 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 people of the better sort, among whom he soon heard much talk of Alad- din'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 accepted his civility ; and presently was convinced that it was built by the genii, slaves to the lamp, as it was evidently out of the power of man to produce so rich and glorious an edifice. The magician learned that Aladdin was gone on a hunting party, ENTE KT A DJMENTS 116 which would last several days. As sooii as he get back to the khau, he had recourse to his art to know whether Aladdin carried his lamp about him. He had the unhoped-for pleasure to learn that the lamp was left in the palace, under no particular charge. He placed, therefore, a dozen handsome copper lamps in a basket, and went to the palace of Aladdin, crying out, " Who will change old lamps for new ?;; Several people accepted his offer, and this drew a crowd of boys and idle people about him. The noibe they made attracted the no- tice of the princess ; she sent a female slave to inquire the cause. On her leport, another of the princess' 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 on a cornice ; the owner no doubt will be glad to find anew one in its place." Badroulboudour consented; the exchange was soon made • and the magician having obtained the prize he sought, returned with it, rejoicing, to his khan. In the evening ho went into the fields, and reposed himself till midnight. He then rubbed the lamp, when the genie appeared, and said, " What 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." u 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 place in Africa." The genie and his associate- immediately obeyed him. The sultan was so delighted with Aladdin's palace, that he used to look out of his closet every morning 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 vizier, that minister replied, " I am exceedingly sorry, sir, that this event too fully proves the truth of my opinion. Your majesty knows i have always thought this palace, and aj its immense riches, were the work of magic only • and I now fear, with too much reason, that those powers who were capable, in one night, of producing so much treasure and magnificence, have with equal facility taken them away again." These remarks of the vizier kindled tlie sultan's rage against Aladdin. " Where is that impostor, that vile wretch ?" exclaimed the sultan. '• Bring him before me, and let his head pay the price 01 his wicked delusions." The vizier despatched an officer, properly instructed, with a small 116 ARABIAN NIGHTS* party of horse, in search of Aladdin ; when they came up with him, the officer told him that the sultan required his presence on par- ticular business. Aladdin, who had not the least idea of his hav- ing incurred the displeasure of his father-in-law, took leave of his train, whom he left to pursue their sport, and joining their party, rode toward the city. When they drew near it, the officer addressing himself to the prince, said, •' It is with great regret, sir, that I declare to you the commands of the sultan, which are, that 1 ain to arrest you, and carry you before him as a criminal, in the most ignominious mar ner." Accordingly a chain was put about his neck, and fastened round his body, so that his arms were pinioned. One of the troopers took hold of the end of the chain, and Aladdin was ob- liged to follow him on foot through the city to the sultan's palace. Aladdin submitted with astonishment to this severe treatment. The officer could not tell him the reason of it, nor could his own imagination suggest it. When he was brought into the royal pres- ence, the sultan, without deigning to speak to him, ordered the executioner to take off his head. Aladdin was stripped, bound, and kneeling to receive the fatal stroke, when an accident hap- pened, which obliged the sultan reluctantly to suspend his fate. The conducting Aladdin through the city with so much dis- grace, alarmed and irritated the people, by whom he was univer- sally beloved. A large mob followed the party to the palace ; and as the news spread, the mob increased. People of all descriptions joined them, and a great disturbance ensued. Part of the rioters were so bold as to force the gates, others scaled the walls of the palace. The sultan was terrified. He ordered Aladdin to be un- bound, and bad the chiaoux proclaim he had pardoned him This satLsiicd the people, who presently dispersed. When Aladdin was set at liberty he threw himself at the sul- tan's feet and begged to know his crime. <; Thy crime, perfidious wretch !" replied tin sultan, <• dost thou not know it? Follow me j" and leading him into his closet said, « thou oughtest to kno\v Avhere thy palace stood, look, and tell me what is become of it.'J Aladdin seeing his palace was removed, was overwhelmed with grief and despair. The sultan, instead of being softened by his ait-tress, became more and more incensed. "Caitiff/'' said he, " produce my daughter, whom I value a thousand times beyond thy palace, or no consideration shall restrain me from putting thec fo death ;; ENTERTAINMENTS. 117 11 1 beseech your majesty," replied Aladdin, " to give me forty days to search for my dear princess ; if at the end of that timo J am unsuccessful, I do solemnly swear I will return, and deliver myself into your hands.'7 "Begone, then,''' answered the sultan; 44 but knew, that if you break this oath, you shall not escape my resentment. My rage shall pursue you, if you do not produce my daughter, in whatever part of the world you may vainly attempt to hide y our self. '; Aladdin left the sultan, covered with confusion. As he went out of the palace, he experienced the vanity of that adulation which is usually offered to persons in prosperity. Among the officers of the court, some pitied, some insulted him ; but no one offered him comfort or assistance. He passed on to the city, about which he rambled for three days. His senses became dis- turbed; and he asked every one he met, if he could tell him any news 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 river, if he had not caught hold of a rock which supported him. In recovering himself he pressed the ring, he had formerly received from the African magician very hard. The genie immediately appeared and made him the usual offer of his services. Aladdin recovering at once from his 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,-; replied the genie; "you must address yourself to the slave of the lamp.7' "At least,;; said Aladdin, " con- vey me to the place where it stands, and set me down under the princess Badroulboudour's window." These words were no sooner uttered, than the genie transported him to Africa, and set him down as he had desired. 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 whence his misfortunes proceeded. lie recollected how carelessly he had left his inesti- mable lamp ; and doubted not but that carelessness was the sourco of all his sorrows. But how it should fall into the hands of airy 118 one who knew its use, was wonderful ; and still more so, that the present possessor should have so much ill-will to him; as to remove the princess and her palace. Amidst these contemplations, the fatigue and grief he had sus- tained overcame him, and he fell asleep; but waking very early in the morning, he had the satisfaction of seeing the princess at her window ; for from the time of her removal sorrow had driven sleep from 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 the back door, where a trusty slave attended to admit him, and to conduct him to his beloved princess. When the joy of theii meeting had a little subsided, Badroul- boudour soon explained to him the source of their misfortune, by telling him they were in Africa. She related to him the manner in which the magician had obtained the lamp, which he now con- Btantly carried in his bosom; and added, that he every day paid her one visit, and audaciously presumed 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 princess to permit him to go to a neighboring town. " This man," said he, " in whose power we now are, is the most subtle, and the most wicked of mankind. Yet as he can have no idea that I am at hand, I think we shall be able to evade his malice. When he comes to you to-day," continued Aladdin, " receive him with less reserve than usual ; seem as if you would shortly be reconciled to your situation : invite him to sup with you, and leave the rest to me." Aladdin then went into the town, and bought of a druggist half a drachm of a certain powder, with which ho returned to the palace. This he gave to the princess, with instructions how to use it ; and then retired to a closet lest he should be discovered. The magician paid his usual visit to the princess, in the course of the day, and was glad to find her in much better spirits than before. She had now, for the first time since in his power, dressed herself elegantly ; she conversed with him with freedom : and even heard him talk of love, without showing much disgust. When he was about to depart, she pretended a desire to taste the wines of Africa, and desired he would provide her some of the best, and come and sup with her. The wily African, with all his cunning, allowed himself to be decehed. His nature was not capable of generous love. The in- EN IE I iTA IX M EXTS. 119 comparable beauty of the princess had, indeed, excited ia him a coarse 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 evening he did not fail to attend the princess, who re- ceived him in the most flattering manner. After supper when tho wine was set before them, the princess gave an appointed signal to .her attendant. A gold cup was presented to the magician, and another to the princess. Jn her cup was the powder procured by Aladdin. Wine being poured out. the princess told the magician, that in China, it was the custom for lovers to exchange cups, and at the same time, held out her cup to him. He eagerly made the exchange ; and putting the cup he had received from her to his lips, he drank a little of the wine, and immediately expired. When the magician fell down, Aladdin, who had watched the event, entered the hall ; and running to the body, found the lamp carefully wrapped up in his bosom, lie retired again to the closet, and summoning the genie, commanded him to restore the palace to its former situation ; which he did accordingly, those within it only feeling two slight shocks one when it was lifted up, the other when it was seb down, and both in a short interval of time. The sultan had continued inconsolable for the loss of his daugh- ter. As it had been his custom 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 loss of his beloved daughter. The morn- ing after the return of the palace, the sultan entered his closet, unusually sad; when going to the window, he had the joyful sur- prise to see it again in its place. lie flew thither, and embraced hi? daughter with tears of joy ; nor was she less affected. When their transports were a little abated, the princess related to her father everything that had befallen her. She took upon herself the whole blame of changing the lamp, and magnified the merit of her husband in having so soon found her out and deliver- ing her. The sultan embraced Aladdin, 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 Aladdin aid the princess. ]?9 ARABIAN NIGHTS The happiness of Aladdin was not yet secured. Though the magi- cian was dead, he had left a brother as wicked, and as powerful as himself. It was the custom of these brethren to inform them- selves by their art, once a year, where each other was. and whether either of them stood in need of the other's assistance. When the customary period arrived, all the particulars of the African magician's death became known to his brother, by his 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 grief, he set out for the capital of China, to gratify his revenge. He 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 public resort, to acquaint himself with the customs of the people, and Aladdin's mode of living; in- tending to form thence a plan to destroy him. Among other things he often heard of one Fatiina, a holy woman, who resided in a hermitage near the city, and used now and then to come to it. Her piety was everywhere spoken of. They even, declared that she had the power of working miracles ; and par- ticularly that she never failed to cure any person who had the headache, by putting her hand on them. From all this, 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 afflicted with the headache. By this means he had an opportunity of observing her appearance and manner of conversation. lie returned to the city, and passed the evening in one of those houses where they sell hot liquors, and where any person may stay all night if he chooses. About midnight he set out again for Fatima's cell. The holy woman was fast asleep in her clothes, on a mattress. He awakened her, and clapping a dagger to her breast, bade her get up and be silent. Fatiina was much frightened, but thought it best to obey him He then ordered her to change clothes with him. This done, he took out a vessel, holding a certain liquor, and a brush, and com- manded Fatima to color his face that it might resemble hers ; bul perceiving the poor creature trembled so much that she was unanl to obey him, he encouraged her, and swore to her by the name ot 121 God that he would not hurt her. Comforted by this assurance, she painted his face, put on him her coif an.d beads, and giving him her stick, she showed him how he ought to walk to appear like her. Being thus completely able to pass for Fatima, he, with- out the least regard to his oath, strangled her, and threw her into a cistern. In the morning he returned to the city, where he imitated the holy woman so well that every one believed it was her, and crowded for her benediction. lie went directly toward Aladdin's palace, and the multitude attending him being noticed by the princess, she inquired the cause of it. Badroulboudour had often heard of the holy woman, but had never seen her. She sent therefore to de- sire to speak with her. The magician was overjoyed. He coun- terfeited Fatima with great exactness . and when introduced, by affecting great piety and mortification, by a long prayer, and many vows for her prosperity, the detestable hypocrite gained the esteem of the credulous princess, who was too good herself to distrust others. After a long conversation, the magician artfully dropped a hint 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," replied the magician, " a judge of these hie things; but I think if a roc's egg was hung up in the midst of he dome, the wrhole 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 nuicli attention to. She had jver considered that hall as the grandest and most elegant building n the world , and she could not bear it should want anything to nake it absolutely perfect. She led the supposed holy woman into -nother apartment, and requested her to continue with her the re- nainder of the day : to which, with apparent reluctance, but with eal joy, the deceiver consented. When Aladdin returned from council, the princess met him. and .esired he would have a roc's egg hung up in the dome of the hall, ailing him at the same time where there was one. Aladdin, who -•as always desirous of pleasing the princess, went immediately to :ie hall, and summoning the genie, said, " There is a roc's egg on fount Caucasus, which I would have thce bring, and hang up in 6 1 >2 ARABIAN NTC-ITTJ*' this dome." Those words wore no sooner uttered, than the gemc set up a fearful err, after which he said to Aladdin, '• Wretch : it- it not enough that I and my companions have done so much for thee, but thou must command me to bring my master, and hang him up in thy hall ? It is well for thee that thou art riot the author of this ungrateful request. Know, then, that the deviser of it is the brother of the African magician. He has murdered Fatima, and is now with thy wife, disguised to resemble that holy woman. It was he who suggested this demand to the princess, by which he hoped to have involved you both in ruin. He will now endeavor to kill thee ; look therefore to thyself." After these words, the genie, snatching the lamp from Aladdin's hand, dis- appeared. As soon as Aladdin had recovered from his surprise, he deter- mined at once what measures to pursue. He went into the cham- ber where the princess and the magician were conversing together, and pretended to have the headache, desiring the false Fatima to cure it. The magician, overjoyed, approached with a dagger in one hand concealed under his clothes; as he drew near, Aladdin seized him by that arm, and in an instant, with his own dagger, put an end to his pernicious life. Though Aladdin was much grieved for the loss of his lamp, yet lie consoled himself, as by the death of the magician his peace was secured. He succeeded some years afterward to the throne of China, on which he reigned with his princess to a good old age, and left behind him a numerous posterity THE STORY OF LITTLE HUNCHBACK. At Casgar, on the borders of Tartary. there lived a tailcr, a cheerful, hospitable fellow, who had a very deserving wife that ho was fond of. One evening, as he was leaving off work, a little deformed man sat down near his shop, and taking out a lute, playe-i and sung very melodiously. The tailor was much pleased with his performance, and thinking to amuse his wife, he took Hunchback home to sup with him. Their supper consisted of a large dish 01 fish. Unluckily, the crooked gentleman swallowed a bone, of whict he died in a few minutes, notwithstanding his hosts gave him ever) assistance in their power. The tailor and his wife were exceedingly frightened at this acci dent ; and dreading the consequences of the body being found i: ENTERTAINMENTS. 123 their apartment, they conveyed it to the house of a Jew doctor, who lived not far off. The tailoi sup-ported the body, as if it was a sick man, and his wife gave the doctor's servant a piece of gold, and desired he would come to them immediately. The maid went up to her master, and the tailor and his wife nimbly following her, carried the body to the top of the stairs, and leaning it against tho wainscot, hastened away as quickly as possible. The doctor, notwithstanding his skill, was exceedingly poor. The piece of gold he received, gave him a good opinion of his patient. He ordered his servant to follow with the light, and run- ning to the stairs, he knocked the body down to the bottom of them. When the light came, the Jew, finding the corpse warm, made no question but that the sick man had expired in consequence of the fall. He gave himself up to despair ; but his wife, more fertile in invention, contrived the means of avoiding the danger. She ad- vised the Jew to take Hunchback to the top of the house, and by means of ropes to lower him down a neighboring chimney. The apartment into which little Hunchback was now conveyed belonged to a Mussulman, who was purveyor of provisions to the sultan. When he came home, and saw by the light of his lantern a man standing upright in his chimney, he was exceedingly enraged. The purveyor had frequently lost part of his stores, and not doubt- ing but that he had now detected the thief, he resolved to punish him severely. He caned therefore the supposed culprit very heartily ; but as he neither moved nor cried out, he left off beating him, and holding up the light, perceived that he was dead. Terror now almost deprived the purveyor of his senses. lie questioned not but that the man was killed by his blows; and he well knew the punishment he must expect if he was discovered. To avoid 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 conveyed 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 a person. A few minutes before daybreak, a Christian merchant who had been up all night, debauching, passed by that way. Though he was drunk, he knew the time irew near when people are called to early prayers, and that he was liable to punishment for being found in the street in that condition. Seeing the patrol approaching, ha 124 ARABIAN NIGHTS 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 Christian supposing it was a thief, threw him down, fell upon him, and con- tinued beating him, crying out, " Thieves !>; The outcry alarmed the watch, who came up immediately, and finding a Christian beating a Mussulman, demanded the meaning of such an outrage. " lie would have robbed me,;; replied the mer- chant, " and jumped upon me, with intent to take me by the throat.7' *' You seem," said the officer, " to have sufficiently revenged 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 assassinate a Turk ?" Saying this, he seized the merchant and dragged him to prison, till the judge was ready to examine him. A sense of his danger soon dissipated the fumes of the liquor : but the more the Christian was capable of thought, he less he could account how the few blows ho had struck could have been fatal, or contrive how he should excuse himself to the magistrate, after having accused the defunct with attempting to rob him. In the morning the judge heard the relation of the patrol, and as the de- ceased was one of the royal buffoons, he thought it his 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 instantly hanged. The merchant was led out accordingly, tied to the gibbet, and notwithstanding his outcries and protestations of innocence, was just about to be put to death, when the purveyor came up to th?> judge and owned himself the murderer. \Vlule the officer was considering what measures to pursue, the Jewish doctor arrived, and exculpated the purveyor: and presently after, the tailor took the guilt from the Jew, by relating the manner of Hunchback's death. The judge conveyed all the parties before the sultan, who heard their several accounts with amazement, and addressing him- self to the viziers and emirs of his 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 still more wonderful. The sultan, desirous to hear it, directed 'lira to do so he obeyed thus : — ENTERTAINMENTS. 125 THE STORY TOLD BY THE CHRISTIAN MERCHANT. I am a stranger born at Cairo, where, at my father's death, 1 suc- ceeded to his business, as a very considerable broker. One da^, as T was standing in the public corn-market, a young man, well dress- fti came to me, and produciug a sample of sesame and Turkey coin, desired me to sell for him a hundred and fifty bushels of ifc >-'• the best price I could get. I presently found a purchaser at a ^undred and ten drachms of silver each bushel. The young man wao well 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 away, leaving the whole produce of his corn in my hands. I frequently saw him afterward, and urged him to receive his .coney, but he always evaded it. At last he stayed away for a whole year: and when he came he was dressed richer than usual, but he was very thoughtful. I pressed him as before to take his m>ney, and added an earnest invitation for him to enter rny house and dine with me, which at length he complied with. At dinner I perceived my guest fed himself with his 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, which he took in the same manner, I entreated him to explain the mystery to me. After dropping a tear, he drew back Ms garment, and producing his right arm I saw it was without a Baud. I was so shocked at this discovery, that I sat iu silence The young man having recovered from his confusion, addressed \imself to me nearly as follows : — 'Lne good opinion I have formed of you; induces me to reveal ay misfortune to yon. and the cause of it. -' J am a native of Bagdad. On the death of my father, who ^•a-« a considerable merchant, I resolved to travel. Accordingly I I acked rp many bales of rich stuffs and other valuable merchandise, and arrived safely with them here. But when I exposed them for sale, the merchants thinking to take advantage of my youth and inexperience, did not bid me the first cost. One of iLe cri'crs of the Be/ostein perceiving how much I was vexed at this treatment, advised me to divide my goods among the dealers, who would sell them on my account and settle with me twice a week. I followed this advice, which proved very useful to me. " One morning, as I sat in a deaJer's shop, a lady came in and sai 12G ARABIAN NIGHTS' down by me. I was much taken with her graceful carriage ind fine form, and gazed at her with great attention. She observed this, and under pretence of adjusting her veil, she contrived to let me see her face, which was so beautiful, that she entirely completed the con- quest of my heart. She desired the shop-keeper to show her some gcl<? stuffs, and I was happy to see her fix on one of mine. She agreed with aim for the price, but not having money enough in her purse to pa; for it, she wished to take it home, and promised to return next daj with the money. This the dealer refused. I put an end to the dis • pute, by entreating the lady to accept the piece of stuff, which she would only do on condition that I would meet her next day an receive the money for it. To this I was forced to consent, and when the lady withdrew she thanked me in the most engaging manner for my civility ; adding,' May God reward you in enlarging your fortune ! may you live many years when I am dead ! may the gate of heaven be opened to you when you remove to the other world ! and may all the city proclaim your generosity V "My heart became at once entirely attached to this lovely woman. I returned home in great agitation ; and already began to wish for the approach of the next day. I could neither eat uor sleep; and after a night which seemed the longest I had ever 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 opportunity of telling her how much I was devoted to her ; on which she was overspread with blushes, and rising hastily, though without showing displeas- ure, she quitted the shop. " I durst not venture to follow her; and having made inquiry of the shop-keeper who she was to very little purpose, I was returning home pensively, when I felt some one pull my sleeve, and was agreeably surprised to see it was the lady's slave. She whisper°d 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 streets, and appeared richly dressed and so charnaiug that if I loved her before I adored her now. She apol- ogized for having left me so abruptly ; ' I did not think fit,' con- tinued she, « to give you a favorable answer in the hearing of the shop-keeper, but to deal frankly with you, I think myself happy to have a man of so much merit for my lover.' I threw myself at her feet, in a transport of joy at this welcome declaration ; when ZNTEKTAINMENT3. 127 the lady raising me tenderly, desired me to enter an adjoining apartment, and partake of an entertainment she had prepared for me. " From this time there commenced between us a most tender and intimate union. I passed all the time I could spare from my serious concerns with Margiana (for so was the lady called), who always received me with joy, and entertained me splendidly. As I was sensible this was attended with great expense, 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 obtaining any. "In this desperate condition I walked out of my lodging, and careless which way I went, strolled by chance toward the castle, where there was a great crowd waiting to see the sultan. Among them was a handsome cavalier, well mounted, who had upon the bow of his saddle a bag half open, with a green silk string hang- ing out, which I had no doubt was the string of a purse. A por- ter passing by on the other side with a load of wood, went so near the gentleman as obliged him to turn his head that way, to avoid being rubbed by the wood. In that minute did the devil tempt me I seized the string and pulled out the purse so dexterously, that none of the by-stariders 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 crowd about me, the owner of the purse was more attentive. No 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 dared to treat a Mussulman in such a manner. * I have reason enough/ replied he briskly, 'this fellow is a thief.7 Every one took my part still more, saying it was incredible that a young man of my appearance should be guilty of so base an action. But while they held his horse to favor my escape, unfortunately the judicary judge came by, and seeing a cro'-d, demanded the cause. " The judge heard the charge against me, and far from suffering tie opinions of the bystanders to bias him, he ordered me to be searched ; when, to my utter confusion, the purse was presently found and exposed to the view of all the people. My shame was so 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 save myself from the torture. I acknowledged my guilt ; u«3 the judge ordered my right hand to he instantly cut off, which was done accordingly. He was proceeding to direct my foot to be cut off also ; but the cavalier interceding for me, he permitted me to depart without further punishment. "As soon as the judge was gone, the cavalier presented me with the fatal purse, saying, l I see plainly it was necessity put you on an action so unworthy of you, and I an heartily sorry for your mis fortune.' One of the people observing I was faint with the loss of blood, and overcome with grief and shame, had the charity to takfc me into his house, where he caused my arm to be dressed, an.1 gave me every proper refreshment. <£ In the evening I went to Margiana, 1 expected that after so infamous a transaction, she would drive me from her, as utterly unworthy her notice ; but knowing it was impossible to conceal the loss of my hand, I determined to meet at once the utmost of my misery. On my arrival I threw myself on a sofa, overspent with weakness and sorrow; Margiaua, hearing of my arrival, and that I was indisposed, hastened to me, and endeavored to com fort me ; I answered her only with sighs and tears ; which induced her to fill me a large cup of wine and entreat me to drink it 'You are too much dejected,' said she ; ' drink this, which will ex hilarate your spirits, and then explain to me the cause of this uncommon sorrow. "I held out my left hand to receive the cup, and the necessity of doing so, increased my affliction. Soon after the fumes of the wine, added to my fatigue and weakness, overcame me, and I fell into a deep sleep which lasted until morning. While I slept, Mnrgiana lifted up my cloak, and seeing me without my right hand, was at no loss to account for my distress. In the morning she would not suffer me to depart, but attended me in person till I was completely recovered. She then led me to a large trunk, which she opened, saying, ' Here are all the purses you have left with me ; I have not touched one of them ; would to Heaven you had placed so much confidence in me as to have explained your situation. These I insist on your receiving again, and as I feel I cannot survive the disgrace I have brought upon you, I will sena for a notary, and leave you my whole fortune, which is veiy con- siderable.' <; She made her will accordingly ; nor could my utmost tender ENTERTAINMENTS. 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 Hunchback; 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 entertainment, 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 house 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, I 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 ablution. The visitor, who was a mer- chant, submitted, though with evident displeasure. He put a lit- tle garlic to his mouth, trembling, and ate it with great reluc- tance ; after which he arose, and \vashed his hands as he had con- ditioned to do. We were all surprised at this scene, and the more so, as we perceived the merchant had lost both his thumbs. "When 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 tc garlic, and also how he became thus maimed. The merchant with great good nature complied. "I was born," said he, "at Bagdad; my father was esteemed one of 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 myself poor, when I expected the contrary, I did not suffer my spirits to be dejected ; but took a shop, and by industry and care, my little fortune began to increase beyond my hope. " One day a lady attended by a eunuch and two female slaves came into my shop, and desired to see some of the richest and finest stuffs. I modestly told her that I wag not rich enough to 6* 130 ARABIAN NIGHTS deal in such expensive goods ; but added, if she chose to stay in my iihop till the merchant came, I would fetch what she wanted at the lowest price. She accepted my offer, and as there were very few people in the bezestein, she threw off her veil, for the benefit of the air, and conversed with me very affably. Her wit and beauty so charmed me, that I Became deeply enamored ; and when she took away with her as many goods, which I had procured, as came to five thousand drachms of silver, I gazed after her as long as she continued in sight, without once considering that she had not paid for them. « The merchants soon awaked me from this reverie, by calling feu 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 conversation with me for a long time ; after which she desired me to procure other rich goods, of which she took away as many as came to a thousand pieces of gold. " A month elapsed without my seeing the lady again ; and though the merchants, pleased with my former punctuality, were more patient than I could have hoped for, yet at last they became clamorous. I was so attached to her, that ruin itself, arising from her, was scarcely unwelcome. I had prepared myself for the worst, and hourly expected it, when the lady came and paiu me the money I stood engaged for. " I was in such haste to pay my debts, that I requested her to excuse my absence for a few moments ; on which she said to Mie eunuch, ' Let us have your interposition to accommodate our mat- ters.' The eunuch laughed, and followed me. As wre walked, he told me he saw by my eyes how much I loved the lady. * She> continued he, ' is no less pleased with you, and commissioned me to tell you that she is ready to become your wife if you desire it.' I received 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 Zobeide, the caliph's sultana, who had brought her up from her infancy. ' She has told Zobeide,' added he, ' of her intended marriage, and that beautiful princess will pro ENTERTAINMENTS. 1 3 1 vide liberally for you both ; but she wishes to see you before the marriage takes place. Have you courage to venture being intro- duced into the ladies' apartments in the palace, where you know men are not allowed to enter ; and in which, if we fail, your life is at an end ?' ; I am read}',5 exclaimed I. ' to hazard anything for such an aogel.; ' Moot mo; then/ replied the eunuch, i this evening at the moeque on the banks of the Tigris.' " I did not fail to attend at the time appointed. When I arrived, at the mosque, I found some men bringing in several large trunks. In a short time they all withdrew except one, whom I soon found to be my friendly eunuch. At the same instant the lady entered at another door. I would have thrown myself at her feet, but she prevented me. ' We have no time for compliments,' said she, ' get into one of these trunks, and leave the management of this affair to me.? I obeyed, trembling ; and presently all the trunks were conveyed to a boat, and rowed down the Tigris to the water-gate of the palace. " On our arrival, the trunks were carried into the apartment of the chief of the eunuchs ; who having retired to rest, was obliged to rise, as nothing could be carried into the jalace without his inspection. The crabbed old man, displeased at being disturbed, re- solved to execute his office with severity. ' I will have,' said he, * all these trunks opened, before I suffer 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 your impertinent obstinacy, prepare to abide by the consequences, as I shall not fail to report your conduct to Zobeide.' The eunuch in- timidated by this spirited behavior gave up the point, and suffered us to pass without further interruption. " The trunks were now carried into the apartments of Zobeide, but were scarcely deposited, when the caliph appeared. He asked \"h.at they contained, and was told rich stuffs for the sultana, on * There is a fountain at Mecca which the Mohammedans believe was the spring wlsfch (kid showed to Hagar. after Abraham was obliged to put her away; this water is called Zemzem water, and is drank by way of devotion. It is sent in pre° ents tc princes and great men. 132 ARARIAN NIC! UTS* which he desired to see them. In vain the favorite lady pleaded her mistress' orders, not to have them opened. l I will undertake to reconcile her to you/ said the caliph, i in the meantime I will be obeyed.' ' Fortunately the other trunks did contain rich apparel and trink- ets, thes3 the favorite displayed, and, with much prolixity, pointed out their several excellences to the caliph. At last they were all opened except the trunk in which I was concealed. The favorite ordered three eunuchs to take them away, but the caliph remember- ed there was one he had not examined, and directed that to be opened also. The favorite appeared ready to obey. She even un locked it. I shudder now, at remembering the terrors I felt at that moment. But, as if recollecting herself, she entreated the caliph to excuse her, as that trunk contained some articles she particularly wished to remain as they were till Zobeide had seen them. The caliph, pleased with her former compliance, and tired with the Bur vey, admitted her apology ; the trunk was again locked, and I was conveyed in safety to another apartment. " The favorite lady came very shortly and released me. * You are now/ said she, l in perfect safety. I shared in your alarm, and, 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 reDeat that you are perfectly safe here. I will order you proper refreshments, biu cannot see you any more this evening.' " In the morning I was introduced to /obeide, who, after a long conversation, dismissed me, saying, ' I am glad that my daughter (as she tenderly called her favorite) has made so good a choice ; I con- sent 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 Btat 3. A noble feast was prepared, at which, among other delicacies, was a ragout with garlic, 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 the utmost magnificence. My bride and I were introduced 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, and painted her face with different sorts of colors, according to the usual custom on wedding days • and everj time she changed her ENTERTAINMENTS. 133 habit thdy presented her to me. In the evening 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 stood like one thunderstruck. * Take away,' said she, ' that vile fellow out of my sight.' « Alas !J replied I, ' how have I incurred your displeasure?' 'Wretch!' said she, ' have you not neglected to wash your hands after eating garlic ? but I will punish your disrespect as it deserves.' She then uirected her slaves to strip me, and I received from them a furious bastinadoing, after which she ordered my hands and feet to be cut off. " I was terrified at this severe sentence, and cried out. ' Is it not enough to be thus disgraced and unmercifully beaten, but I must lose my hands and feet also, for eating a ragout of garlic, and for- getting to wash my hands after it ? Plague on the ragout ! plague on the cook that dressed it ! and may he be equally unhappy that served it up !' The ladies took pity on me, and interceded for me • but they could only prevail with my wife to be satisfied with cutting off my thumbs and great toes, which was immediately done. " Through vexation and loss of blood, I fainted. When 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 still lov^d my wife ; I sent the most pressing entreaties to be admitted once more into her presence ; after many refusals she yielded. I apologized to her for my indiscretion, and solemnly swore if ever 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. " We continued some time in the apartments of Zobeide, from whose bounty we received a present of fifty thousand sequins : and notwithstanding our rou^h outset, my wife and I lived together in. the utmost harmony for about a year, when she fell sick and died. It was to divert my melancholy for her loss, that induced me to travel hither." " This story," said the caliph, " is truly singular, but not equal to that of poor Hunchback." Upon which the Jew doctor asked leave to relate one ; which being granted, he proceeded thus : — 134 ARABIAN NIGHTS THE STORY TOLD BY THE JEWISH PHYSICIAN. Some time ago I was sent lor to attend a patient in the famil of the governor of Damascus. 1 was introduced to a young mat, of good mien, but much dejected ; on requesting to feel his pulse, he presented me wiih his left hand; I was about to resent the. in dignity ; but finding he was very ill I suppressed my displeasure, and prescribed such medicines as I thought necessary. He recovered very fast under my care ; yet still, as often as I had occasion to feel his pulse, he continued to present his left hand. On the tenth day I ordered bathing, and was about to tak« my leave ; but my patient requested I would attend him to the bath. I complied ; and when he began to undress, I perceived : that his right hand had been lately cut off. I suppose rny looks expressed much surprise ; for, after bathing, the young man led me to a saloon, and addressed me thus : " I am so much indebted to your abilities for my speedy recov- ery, that I cannot refuse you the satisfaction of knowing by what accident I became thus mutilated, and which, in truth, \vas the cause of the disorder from, which you have relieved me. " I was born at Moussoul ; my father was the eldest of ten brothers, all of them merchants. As I was an only son, and none of my uncles had children, I was much caressed by them all; and was earlier than usual introduced into the company of men. One day my father and his brothers were talking about Egypt, and Cairo its capital. They were all eloquent in its praise ' In that happy country,' said my father, ' the bounty of nature is most abundant ; the wonders of human art are innumerable The re- dundancy of the Nile renders the lard at once beautiful, and fer- tile. The inhabitants are more polished, the women in particular are more agreeable and beautiful than in any other city. If you view the pyramids, those monuments of ancient magnificence, you are astonished ; these buildings are, at once, proofs of the riches ot the Pharaohs who built them, and of tho abilities of the artists of that early period ; for though the time of the erection is so far back that the learned can only conjecture when it was, yet they remain perfect to this day, and probably will do so for ages to come. Nor are the instances of modern ingenuity less interesting. In short, the commerce, the riches, the number and variety of strangers to be found there, justify the proverb, that he that hfitfc not seen Egypt, hath not .seen the greatest sight in the world.' ENTERTAINMENTS. 135 •' I listened to this eulogium with much attention and from Chat time, nothing employed my thoughts but a journey to Cairo. Fortunately some of my uncles were seized with the same desire. I immediately became importunate with my father for permission t join the caravan; for a long time I sued in vain; but my uncles pressing the same request, my father agreed to a part of my de- sire, lie allowed me to go as far as Damascus, on condition I should wait there for my uncles' return from Egypt; and that I might not be without employ, he gave me a cargo of goods, suited t» that market, to dispose of for my own profit. " When we arrived at Damascus, my uncles took a house for me, and introduced me to the principal 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 more wealthy and more respected. "My tranquillity was at last destroyed by a singular accident, I became acquainted with a very beautiful lady, who used to come occasionally and sup with inc. I attached myself to her with all the eagerness of afiection so natural to youth and inexperience. One evening she began to discourse with me on the power of beauty. I was declaring how immoveably my heart was fixed on her, when she interrupted me, and said, with an enchanting smile, ' We shall soon see this boasted constancy 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 exceeds mine ; and her wit and vivacity make her al- most irresistible, 'ret I have no design of resigning you to her ; be- ware, therefore for I am going to put your heart to a strange trial.7 " A few evenings after, the two ladies paid me a visit. I soon found rny 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 received them with all the politeness in my power, and invited them to take part of a collation I had prepared; but I did this with so much emotion, that my former acquaintance laugh- ingly .if Blared I was already unfaithful. " During supper I sat opposite my new visitor, who displayed nor charms as if on purpose to captivate me. But by inspiring .ie, she took fire also herself; her eyes answered mine, in a lan- guage very easily understood by lovers ; and when the wine had 136 AKABIAN NIGHTS' circulated a little, we each incautiously suffered our new pansier to appear unrestrained. " My first acquaintance continued to rally us with great good humor, laughing chieny at me, and repeating rny former protesta- tions. By degrees this pleasantry subsided. She became first peevish, and then sullen. At length, having sat silent a consider - able time, she arose and went out of the room. A few moments after, 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 withdrawn, and I found 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 friend;s wine, which she had just before poured out for her. " I was excessively afflicted at this fatal accident, and a good deal alarmed for the consequences that might probably follow from it. To avoid the latter, I ordered my servants (who fortu- nately were the same I had brought from Moussoul) to take up the pavement in the yard, and inter the body. In the morning I was ready for a journey. I sent for my landlord, and told him par- ticular 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 Tvy all my domestics. " I continued three years in that city, taking care regularly to send my rent to my landlord. At last I determined to return home, and arriving in my way at Damascus took possession of my former habitation. " In cleaning out the room where 1 used to eat, one of my ser- vants found a beautiful pearl necklace, which. T. immediately knew was worn by the lady who had so unfortunately perished in my arms. I shed many tears over it; and resolved to remain a few days at Damascus, to indulge the melancholy sensations which this accident revived. After gome time my cash was nearly ex- hausted; and as I found the sight of the necklace only contrib- uted to make me wretched, I determined to part with it, instead of carrying any of my own goods to market. u I went accordingly to the bezestein, and employed a criei *o show it to the jewellers. After a time he returned and told ma that the pearls had been examined, and proved to be false, auJ that the utmost he could get for it was fifty sherifs. ENTERTAINMENTS. 137 " As I was entirely ignorant of its value, I ordered the cri.ir to sell it and bring me the money. I waited some time for his return and when he came, there were several people with him, one 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 ? On my admitting this, another person, who was a jeweller, said to the judge, ' You see, my lord, my charge is true ; the necklace is mine. The pearls alone are worth two thousand sherifs, 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 real value of the pearls, ordered me to be bastinadoed till I confessed how I came by it. This was instantly done with so much severity, that, overcome with the torture, I confessed the charge ; on which the judge delivered the necklace to the jeweller, and ordered my right hand to be cut off. " This sentence was executed on the spot, after which I was set at liberty. I returned home, overcome with shame and sorrow. My landlord, who had heard of my misfortune, came and con- doled with me ; but concluded his discourse by telling me, that as I had brought myself to so much infamy, 1 must immediately quit his house ] nor was it without great difficulty I could prevail with Mm 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. While 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 property of the governor, whose daughter had been missing above three years, and had that neck- lace on when she was last seen. " On hearing this, I gave myself up for lost. Despair supplied the place of courage. My 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 wished to escape. AVhen I was brought before him he ordered me to be unbound, and I ob- served he looked upon me with an eye of compassion. * Is this .138 ARABIAN NIGHTS' the man/ said he to the jeweller, * whom you charged with having stolen this necklace ?7 My adversary durst not deny it. ' 1 know, replied the governor, « he is falsely accused.' Encouraged by this declaration, I avowed rny innocence, protesting that the confession I had made was extorted from me by torture. ' 1 am ready/ con- tinued I, ' to relate how it came into my hands ; but as to that man, whose villanyhas brought me into such disgrace, I declare I never saw him till this fatal day • nor have I the least reason to believe the necklace was ever seen by him before.7 ' I know enough of this matter myself/ replied the governor, * to be certain of your innocence. Take away/ said he, * this base jeweller ; 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 dismissed, the governor withdrew with me into a private room, where he desired me to tell him without fear how I came into possession of the necklace. I related to him every circumstance, at which he was 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 he to me, 'I am the father of the two young ladies you 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. The lady who died so deplorably in your arms, was a very prudent young woman till her eldest sister returned 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- row • 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 ! such the calamities from which no rank is secured ! Bat to make you rep- aration 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 either of her ..isters. You shall have no other house but mine : and when I die you shall be my heir.7 I accepted the governor's proposal with joy ; the contract was drawn, and our nuptials would have been celebrated directly, but the fever from ENTERTAINMENTS. 139 which your skill ha^ delivered me followed the loss of ray hand and the agitations I had undergone. As I am now recovered, my marriage will this day be completed." The sultan being pleased with this story, directed the tailor to 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, when the master of the house introduced a stranger polite and well dressed, but lame. The young man paid his compliments very respectfully to every one, till he came to a barber, when he started back, and hastened toward the door. The master 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 abominable barber. His face resembles an Ethiopian, and his soul is ten times more black and horrible than his face." We were all amazed to hear these expressions, and began to look very unfavorably on the barber, 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 against your inclinations ; but I would be glad to know why you expressed yourself against one of my guests with so 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 the cause of my being lame. Besides, to his impertinence 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." Every one became interested to hear the cause of so great an aversion. The young man suffered 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 account : "Very early in my life I contracted an aversion to women; in- somuch that I cjarefully avoided all conversation with them; but I chanced one day to cast my .eye up to a window, where I saw a young lady of such exquisite beauty, &u at once dissipated my pre- 140 ARABIAN NIGHTS' judiees, and inspired me with love. On inquiring who it was I was thus enslaved by, I had the mortification to hear that she was the only child of the first cadi, a man of great wealth, hut of still greater pride and severity of manners. As all hope of obtaining an interview with my charmer was improbable, I tiiod to subdue my passion. But instead of succeeding, I found niy health so affected by the tumult of my mini, that I was obliged to confine myself to my bed. I grew worse daily, but carefully kept secret the cause of my disorder. At last a notable old lady coming to see me, observed I sighed often. She began to talk with me about love, and being a woman of address, she found out the source of my disorder. "To her I unbosomed myself ;^ and the old lady, delighting hi such commissions, undertook to procure me an interview with my mistress. This was by no means an easy undertaking, for the cadi had brought up his daughter with so much strictness that it was a long time before she would hear of such a measure. My trusty advocate had art and perseverance; and at last obtained, hardly, the young lady's consent to receive me on the following Friday, at the time of noon prayers, when the cadi went to the mosque. These welcome tidings restored my health and spirits, so that before the appointed time, I was perfectly recovered. •' When the eagerly expected morning arrived, I dressed myself to the best advantage, and sent for a barber to shave me. My slave brought with him this wretch. When he came in, 'Sir,' said he, ' you look as if you were not well : pray lot me know what ser- vice I can do for you. I have brought my lancets as well as my razor, and am prepared to bleed as well as to shave you.' I told him I only wanted to be shaved, and that immediately, as I had an appointment to attend at noon. " He was a long time opening his case, and preparing his razors; when, instead of proceeding to shave me, he took out an astrolabe, and went very gravely out of the room to the middle cf the yard to take the height of the sun. Returning with the same gravity, he said, « Sir, you will be pleased to know that this day is Friday, the 18th of the mouth Safar, and that the conjunction of Mars and Mercury signifies you cannot choose a better time than this very day and this very hour for being shaved. But this conjunction M. also ominous to you. You will this day be in great danger, n:fe indeed of losing your life, but of an inconvenience which will at- tend you as long as you live.' ENTERTAINMENTS 141 " I was quite enraged at hi? prating and impertinence. I did not send for you/ said I, ' to instruct me in astrology, but to fchavo me j which I insist on your doing directly, or go about your busi- ness.7 ' Sir,' replied he with a dulness that put me out of all pa- tience, ' why do you put yourself in a passion ? Do you think I am a common shaver ? You sent for a barber only ; but besides having in me the best barber in Bagdad, you have also an expe- rienced physician, a very profound chemist, an infallible astrolo- ger, a finished grammarian, a complete orator, a subtile logician, an admirable mathematician and historian ; besides, 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 esteem. I am — ' l Prithee, peace, thou endless babbler,7 exclaimed I, interrupting him, ' and do the business I sent for you to do.7 " * You do me wrong,7 replied he, • to call me a babbler \ on the contrary, all the world give me the honorable title of Silent.7 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. 1 1 came here,7 said he, ' to shave you • and by the faith of a Mussulman, I will not leave you until I have performed that operation.7 In hope of getting rid of him, I submitted to be shaved by him, only desiring him to be speedy. He had scarcely begun to use his razor, when he stopped, saying, ' I wonder, sir, you will not avoid those transports of rage, which come only from the devil. Besides, 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.7 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,7 said Le, on his return, 'you have time enough.7 I could hold no longer. ' You cursed barber, you barber of mischief,7 said I, * I know not what hinders me from strangling you !7 ' Patience, sir,7 said he, ' I am just about to complete your business.7 " I should weary you in relating how he further exercised my patience. I heard the first and last call to noon prayers : I wns not even able to rid myself of this abominable fellow, till long after they had begun. I hastened then to my appointment, but had tha mortification to perceive ho followed me. I passed hastily 14'2 ARABIAN NIGHTS' through many streets, in hope of giving him the slip ; which when I thought I had completed, I hastened to the cadi's house : but as I ascended the stairs, to the young lady's apartment, I saw him take his station opposite the door of the mansion. " My mistress received me kindly, and I should have been per- fectly happy, had I not dreaded this impertinent fellow would ex- pose me. Nor was this fear groundless; when the cadi returned he did not come near his daughters apartments, but it chanced that he chastised a slave who had misbehaved. Tho barber, hear- ing his outcries, supposed they came from mo ; and officiously screaming out, he rent his clothes, threw dust on his head, and called out to the neighbors for assistance. A crowd soon gathered round the house, to whom the barber cried out, * Help, Mussulmans, 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.7 " The crowd became enraged at th's story, nor could even the venerable presence of the cadi inspire them with respect, when he came forth to pacify them. ' Ah ! you cursed cadi ! you dog of a cadi !' exclaimed the barber, i how durst you thus assault a Mussulman ? I know your daughter is in love with my patron, and hath invited him here, during the time of noon prayers, and I heard him cry out under the barbarous discipline you inflicted on him.' The cadi denied all this, but finding the people continued enraged, he offered to permit the barber, and 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 o-f 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 sooner saw me, thon he gave a great shout, and placing it on his head, ran into the street. As 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 bear this, but leaped out into the street with so much haste, that I hurt my leg, ai_d iave been lame ever since. "I was not sensible at first how bad I was hurt, and, therefore, having thrown handfuls of money among the people, I endeavored +.0 escape; but the mischievous barber still continued to persecute me. « Stay, sir,' cried he, < why do you run so fast ? Alas ! if you ENTKR 'V IFMKN-S. 143 bad taken my advice, you would roA *iave been in that x)er,-loii9 situation, from which it was my good fortune tc deliver you. Whither do you run, then, sir ? Stay for me.J u Not content w.ith this, he went all over the town relating this story, with a variety of ridiculous circumstances of his own inven- tion. In short, finding when I was cured that I had no more hope of seeing the lady, and that the people were everywhere disposed to laugh at me, through the malice or folly of this detestable barber, I determined to quit for ever my native city • and never to remain in any other, if that fellow snould come to it. Having now, gentlemen, gratified your curiosity, 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. We expressed our surprise at this story, and some of us began to blame the barber, who raising up his head for the first time, ac- 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 scandal. Of seven brothers I am the lea&t talker, though the most witty. T) con- vince you, gentlemen, I need only relate to you their stories, a? d 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 depredations, every day more insolent, at length reached the ear of the caliph, who commanded the judge of the police to apprehend them within a rmited time, on pain of death. Alarmed at this rigorous order, tLe judge exerted himsolf so effectually, that they were all taken 1 y the next day, which was the day of Bairam. As it was holiday time, I was walking on the banks of the Tigris, and seeing a num- *)er of well-dressed men et-ter a boat, I concluded they were Ooing to spend the festival in jollity : so without ceremony, I entered the boat along with them. Every one preserved a profound silence, a d f presently observed part of the company were officer^ of the I 'iad very little time to reflect on my situation, which I ^ i- do with much uneasiness, when w* landed \t *he royal . u ere *ve were received by a parry of guards, who bound 144 AKABIAN NIGHTS' us all with cords, that had not thu coigns of office in their hands. Expostulation I saw was in vain ; I suffered myself, therefore, to be led away with the highwaymen, without remonstrance. When we were brought before the caliph he ordered our heads to be immediately struck off. All my companions were clamorous 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 appearance 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 convinced 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 brighten mine. Yet for your amusement, I am willing to re- peat them. THE STORY OF THE BARBER'S ELDEST BROTHER. My eldest brother, whose name was Bacbouc, had the misfor- tune to be humpbacked. He was a tailor, and having but little business, could scarcely maintain himself. Opposite his shop lived a wealthy miller, who had a very handsome wife, with whom my eilly 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 invent. The miller's wife was all this time studying to punish his pre- sumption. She began by sending him stuffs to be made up into different garments. All these, the slave used to tell him, her mis- tress praised highly ; but she never sent any money for *he making or trimmings. He was too gallant to ask for any, and off en went with a hungry belly in the evening, after having labored hard all day for his unmerciful mistress ; but as the slave did not forget to hint every now and then what a progress he was milking in her affection, the poor tailor was quite happy in his sufferings. After Borne time, the lady fearing others should take notice of I5acl>oue;s behavior, and by that means her character might b3 aspersed, contrived to get rid of him in the following manner She related to her husband the story of my brother's love, and ENTER T A I \M KNTS. 1 1 5 her plan to punish it. The miller, highly delighted, readily agreed to give his assistance. The same evening he calle.1 upon my brother, and invited him to sup with him. Baobouc had no doubt but his mistress had contrived this invitation ; he was overjoyed, and put on his best apparel, to look more amiable in her eyes. The repast was a homely one, but the tailor was too much in love to find fault with it. When it grew late, the miller said, " Brother, you had better not go home to-night : 1 will show you a bed in the mill." Which offer Bacbouc thankfully accepted. Early in the morning, the miller went to my brother, and said, " Neighbor, my mule is ill, and I have a great deal of corn to grind to-day, you will do me much kindneas if you will turn my mill in Ler stead." Bacbouc, willing to oblige, consented. The miller fastened the tackle to him in such a manner that he could not dis- engage himself, and then giving him two or three smart cuts with a horsewhip, said, " Go, neighbor !" "Hold !" replied my brother, " why do you whip me ?" " ;Tis to make you brisk !" saiu the mil- ler, giving him at the same time a hearty cut • " my mule is never brisk without I whip her. Courage, neighbor," 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 persecutor then with- drew, and the slave who had fed his hopes appeared and released him. She would fain have persuaded him that her mistress knew nothing of the treatment he had received, and would be exceed- ingly sorry for it. Bacbouc heard her in silence, and crept home to his house, smarting, fatigued, ashamed, and entirely cured of his illicit passion for his neighbor's wife. STORY OF THE BARBER'S SECOND BROTHER. My second brother was called Bacbarah. One day an old woman came up to him, and asked him in a whisper, if he loved a good treat, and could be obliging to a fine woman. On his an- swering yes, she said, li Follow me, then, and I will conduct you to both." "When she had led him to the saloon of a handsome palace, she paid, a The lady I shall introduce you to is of admirable beauty, but of very fanciful humor; if you agree to submit to her caprice, I will engage she will receive you favorably." My brother, see- 7 146 ARABIAN NIGHTS' ing everything about him very elegant, was delighted with his good fortune, and readily agreed to submit to whatever should be required of him. The old woman made a signal, when two slaves entered, and conducted Bacbarah to a bath. After bathing, they presented him with rich robes, instead of his own mean apparel ; and when he was dressed, they led him to a hall, where they found a lovely young lady, surrounded by a group of merry slaves, who all en- deavored to divert her. The lady received him with great respect, obliged him to sit down by her, and ordered a grand entertain- ment to be immediately served. At dinner she helped him to the nicest viands and choicest wines; when the tables were removed, perfume and rose-water were thrown over him by her own hands A concert followed the repast, during which the lady ogled the enraptured Bacbarah, till his hopes were wound up to the highest pitch. The lady observing this called for wine, and pretending to drink his health, she put the glass to her lips, and then flung the wine in his face. My brother was almost blinded, and the slaves gathered round him while in this condition, Some pinching him, others filliping him by the nose, and offqring 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 arc quite a man to my mind ; the complaisance with which you submit to my little fancies, shall not be forgotten." " Take the gentleman out," said she, " and when you have obeyed orders, bring him here again." The old woman led my brother to an adjoining apartment, where he found several stout slaves, who, in spite of his opposition and outcries, cut off his whiskers and beard, painted his eyebrgws, and dressed him in the habit of a woman. Bacbarah was much enraged; but his conductress promising her lady would reward his condescension, he suffered her to lead him back to her mistress. On his entrance, the young lady laughed till she fell back on her sofa. Her slaves also joined in the ridicule, dancing round him, by turns pushing him about and pinching him. till he was spent with fatigue and vexation. The old woman at last rescued him, and led him out again. She then supplied him with wine, praised his complaisance, and told him he had but one more in Btimce to give of it, " My mistress," continued she, »•' requires thai ENTERTAINMENTS. 147 you strlM off your clothes, and pursue her from chamber to cham- ber, till you catch her; that done, you will be master of your own wishes." My silly brother, having submitted to so many mortifications, was unwilling to lose the promised reward by refusing one more compliance. He stripped, therefore, as required ; and all the doors of the apartments being thrown open, he pursued the lady three times round them. At last she took shelter in a dark passage. Bacbarah followed her with alacrity, but the darkness obliged him to proceed slowly. She regained the apartments by a private pas- sage ; while my brother crept on till he perceived a light, which he had no sooner reached, than a door shut violently behind him, and he found himself in one of the obscure streets of the city. A crowd soon gathered around him, and his strange appearance, almost naked, his eyebrows painted, and without beard or mus- tachios, rendered him a fair object of ridicule. They shouted after him, and pelted him. It would have been well for poor Bacbarah, if his misfortunes had ended here; but one of the magistrates pass- ing by, and seeing the tumult, inquired the cause of it. My broth- er's figure was too indecent to pass unpunished. The magistrate concluded his frolic, by ordering him a hundred blows oii the feet, and banishing him from the city. THE STORY OF THE BARBER?S THIRD BROTHER. My 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 he came to, and not answer- ing till it was opened to him. One day, having knocked a long time at a door, though often called out to, the master of the house at last opened it, and asked him what he wanted. u That you will relieve my necessities/7 replied Bacbac; "I am blind, 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. My brother began to hope for a bountiful alms, when the man let go of his hand and said, " Alas, poor man, I can give you nothing ! I can only pray God to restore your sight." li You might have told me so at the door," replied my brother, testily, u 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 ARABIAN NIGHTS' ed to, and not give people the trouble of coming to you ? Begone, I will not give you anything.'' " At least you will lead me to the door?" said Bacbac. " Not I, indeed," replied the man; '-'the stairs arc before you ; get out as you can.;; My brother, in at- tempting to return, fell down the stairs, and was much bruised; he recovered the door with difficulty, where he sat down complaining of the ill treatment he had received. Two other blind men, companions of my brother, coming by, stopped to condole with him ; after which they all agreed to sup together at Bacbac's house. The man who had served my brother this scurvy trick was a sharping fellow. He had been listening and laughing at my brother during his complaint, but when he heard them talk of supping together, and something said of sharing some money, he resolved to go along with them. Accordingly, he followed, and entered the house with them unperceived. As soon as they had shut the door, they began to feel about with their sticks to discover if any one had intruded among them • this perplexed the sharper much, till, as he was striving to avoid them, he espied a rope hanging from the ceiling. As he was an active fellow, he easily jumped up, caught hold of it, and hung by it until they had finished their search. The blind men then began to talk of their affairs. Bacbac pro- duced a large bag of cash, out of which he gave the others ten drachms each, and took the same sum himself. " There now re- main," said he, "ten thousand drachms, which we will weigh or tell, if you desire it." His companions declared they were fully satis- fied, on which he tied up the bag and put it away. They then pro- duced the provision which had been given them during the day. The sharper sat himself down beside my brother, and began to pick out the nicest bits and eat them. But whatever care he took, my brother heard his chaps going, and cried out, " We are undone ! there is a stranger among us !" Saying this, he seized the sharper, and began to beat him, crying out, " Thieves !" The other blind men also fell upon him; but the sharper, who was a stout young fellow, and had the advantage of his sight, dealt his blows about among the blind men very severely, crying out " Thieves !" louder than any of them. The uproar speedily brought in the neighbors, who, having part* ed the combatants, demanded the cause of the quarrel. Bacbac cried out, " Gentlemen, this man is a thief, and has crept in among ENTERTAINMENTS. 149 us, to rob us of the little money \ve have got." The sharper, who, as soon as the neighbors camo in, had shut his eyes and feigned himself also blind, cried out, " He is alia*-. I swear to you by the life of the caliph, that I am their companion ; and they refuse to give me my share ; they have all three fallen upon me, and I de- mand justice.7' The neighbors considered the matter as too serious a business for them to settle : they therefore conveyed them before a magis- trate. As soon as they came into his presence, the sharper cried out, " Venerable sir, we are all guilty of a great offence, but having taken an oath not to confess unless we are bastinadoed, by that means only can you come at the truth." The magistrate would not hear a word from either of the others, but immediately put him under that 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 mercy. 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 so, by which means we enter people's houses, and play many bad tricks unsuspected. We have amassed by our rogueries 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 their eyes. In vain they protested it was utterly impossible for them to do so ; in vain they took Heaven to witness that their accuser was a cheat and a liar ; they received each two hundred blows, the sharper all the while exhorting them to open their eyes and shorten their pun- ishment. The judge finding after so severe a chastisement that they still appeared as before, and continued to assert their innocence, began to hesitate. He 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 the rest 150 ARABIAN NIGHTS' THE STORY OF THE BARBER'S FOURTH BROTHER. Alcouz was the name of my fourth brother. He was a butcher by profession. One day, an old man, with a long white beard, came and bought some meat of him. The money with which he paid him was so fresh and well coined, that my brother laid it apart by it- self. The same old man came every day for a considerable time, and always paid for his meat in the same sort of specie, which Al- couz as regularly put apart from his other cash. At length, having occasion to buy some sheep, he was obliged to use this fine money ; but on opening his chest, instead of cash, he saw only a parcel of leaves clipped round to the size of specie. My brother wras alarmed at this phenomenon. He 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, Mussulmans, hear how wickedly this old fellow has defrauded me !" The old man stood with great unconcern, while my brother re- lated his case to the bystanders. When he had finished his story, the old man said to him in a haughty style, ll You would act wisely to let me go, and not compel me to expose 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, then ?" and turning to the people, "Know," said he, "my friends, this fellow, 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 !" My brother had just before killed a sheep, dressed it, and hung it up as usual. He protested what the old man said was false ; but the mob being prejudiced against him by this accusation, would go to his shop, and search it. They found there, as they thought, a man murdered 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 made him take leaves instead of money. The rage of the multitude was so great against Alcouz, that they dismissed the magician, who got away as fast as he could ; and every one was eager to chastise my unfortunate brother. They conveyed him before the judge of the police, where a great number were ready to declare his guilt on oath. As Alcouz, not withstanding, strenuously asserted his innocence, the judge sent some of his officers with the accusers, to bring the body of the ENTERTAINMENTS. 1 >1 murdered man before him ; but when they came to the shop, they found only the carcass of a sheep "When this account was brought to the magistrate he was con- founded, nor knew how to determine. As the body was not found, he woul.l not put my brother to death ; but as many witnesses pro- .tcsted tnat they had seen a man slaughtered in the shop, he ordered him five hundred stripes, confiscated his effects, and banished him tjie city. Poor Alcouz left Bagdad by night, and the next evening o!rew near another town where he. was unknown ; as he advanced toward trie gate, he heard a great noise of horsemen behind him. After what had befallen him, he dreaded everything. He took it into his head that these men were pursuing him, and to avoid them he entered into a court-yard of a great house, and endeavored to hide himself. Two of the servants saw him and when the unlucky Alcouz had taken possession of his hiding-place, they seized him as a thief, who had concealed himself there with the intent to rob their master. They disregarded his protestations of innocence, and hur- ried him before a magistrate, who ordered him a hundred stripes on suspicion; but when they had made bare his back, and saw the marks of his former flagellation, the judge concluded he was some desperate rogue who had been deservedly punished elsewhere ; he doubled, therefore, the number of stripes, and banished him from that town also, on pain of death. Poor Alcouz could scarcely sup- port his second misfortune, and would certainly have sunk under it, if I had not heard of his afflictions, and succored him. THE STORY OF THE BARBER'S FIFTH BROTHER. Alnaschar, my fifth brother, was very lazy, and of course wretchedly poor. On the death of our father we divided his prop- erty, and each of us received a hundred drachms of silver for his share. Alnaschar, who hated labor, laid out his money in fine glasses, and having displayed his stock to the best advantage in a large basket, he took his stand in the market-place, with his back against the wall, waiting for customers. In this posture he in- dulged a revery, talking aloud to himself as follows : " This glass cost me a 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 four hundred. It will not be long before these pro duee four thousand. Money, they say, begets money. I shall soon 152 ARABIAN NIGHTS' therefore be possessed of eight thousand, and when these become ten thousand, I will no longer be a glass-seller. I will trade in pearls and diamonds; and as I shall become rich apace, I will have a splendid palace, a great estate, slaves, 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 prince, and will assume manners accordingly. " I will demand the daughter of the grand vizier in marriage, who, no doubt, will be glad of an alliance with a man of my consequence. The marriage ceremony 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 with the richest housings, ornamented 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 will appoint two of my handsomest slaves to throw money among the populace, that every one may speak well of my generosity. " When 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 thefullmoon, but I will not look at her. Her slaves shall draw near, and entreat me to cast my eyes upon her; which, after much 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 her what she is to expect the rest of her life. " When her mother comes to visit her, she will intercede with me for her. ' Sir,' she will say (for she will not dare to call me eon, for fear of offending me by so much familiarity), * do not, I beseech, treat my daughter with scorn ; she is as beautiful as an Houri, and entirely devoted to you.' But my mother-in-law may as well hold her peace, for I will take no notice of what she says. She will then pour out some wine into a goblet, and give it to my wife, saying, < Present it to your lord and husband ; he will not surely be so cruel as to refuse it from so fair a hand.' My wife will then come with the glass, and stand trembling before me ; and ENTERTAINMENTS. J 5 3 when she finds that I do not look on her, but continue to disdain her, she will kneel and entreat me to accept it • but I will continue inflexible. At last, redoubling her tears, she will rise and put the goblet to my lips; when, tired with her importunities, I will dart a terrible look at her, and give her such a push with my foot as •will spurn her from me" — Alnaschar was so interested in this ima- ginary grandeur, that he thrust forth his foot to kick the lady, and by that means overturned his glasses, and broke them into a thou- sand pieces. A tailor, whose shop was near him, having heard his soliloquy, laughed heartily when he saw the basket fall. " What a slave you are," said he to my brother, " to treat such a lovely bride so cruelly ! Were I the vizier, your father-in-law, I would order you a hun- dred lashes with a bull's pizzle, and send you through the town with your character written on your forehead.'7 Alnaschar wanted not the raillery of his neighbor to make him repent hi§ absurd behavior. When he looked on the fragments of his brittle ware, so foolishly demolished, he was almost distracted . he beat his breast, tore his hair, and his outcries soon gathered a crowd about him. A lady, passing by, inquired the cause of the tumult ; and being told that a poor man had lost all his substance by the fall of his basket of glass, she kindly gave him a sum equal to what he had laid out in his goods. Alnaschar returned home rejoicing, and blessing his benefactress- He 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 was disposed to marry, and would pay regard to her recommendation, which she would give to him. Alnaschar listened to this fable with attention ; and being of a sanguine temperament, he begged the old woman would introduce him directly ; which, after seeming hesi- tation she consented to do. My brother was conducted by his guest to a decent house, and introduced to a young lady, who received him with civility. After some conversation, she arose, and with a gracious smile told him she liked his person and conversation so well, that she would con luct him to a repast in the inner apartment. Alnasrhr.r 154 ARABIAN NIGHTS overjoyed with his good fortune, followed her into another room, from whence she withdrew, as she said, for a short time. My brother awaited her return wilh impatience ; but when the door opened again, instead of a beautiful and condescending lady, there apueared a tall black slave, of a fierce aspect, with a drawn scimetar in his 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. Alnas- char was so terrified that he fell down in a fit. The slave took away the hundred drachms which the old woman had probably seen him receive ; and opening a trap-door, threw my brother, whom he supposed dead, into a place under ground, among the bodies of several people whom he had murdered in this manner. When Alnaschar revived, and recollected his situation, his first care was to bind up his wounds, in which he succeeded pretty well • he next ventured to lift up the trap iii the night, and by great good fortune, he made his way out of the house unobserved, and, came to me for shelter. It was nearly a month before he was fully recovered. Duriug this time he contrived a plan to be revenged, which he executed in this manner : he disguised himself like an old woman, and took a large purse, which he filled with pieces of glass, and tied to his girdle. He then took a scimetar, which he concealed under his 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, counterfeiting a woman's voice, he said to her, "I am a stranger, just arrived, and should be glad to weigh five hundred pieces of gold, to see if they vril pass here : can you recommend me to a goldsmith ?7/ " Friend," replied the old woman, '' you could not have applied to a more proper person; my son is a goldsmith ; come with me, and he shall weigh them for you directly." The pretended traveller agreed ; and the old woman led him, as he expected, to the fatal mansion whence he had so narrowly escaped. On his arrival the black came to him, and desired he would walk into an inner room where the scales were. Alnaschar readily 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 high spirits; but when she saw what had happened, du- sot ENTERTAINMENTS. 155 up a great cry, and would have fled : my brother prevented her ; and after reproaching her as she deserved, he put her to death, and tumbled both the dead bodies through the trap-door. Alnaschar spared the young lady, who on her part showed him the several coffers full of gold which these wretches had so wick- edly obtained. This wealth' he resolved to seize ; and leaving the lady, he went in search of porters, with sacks, to remove it ; but she took advantage of his absence, and on his return the treasure was gono. A great quantity of valuable movables, however, re- mained, with which he loaded his porters, and 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 STORY OF THE BARBER7S SIXTH BROTHER. Shacabac, my youngest brother, was so poor that he was re- duced to beggary ; but having some humor, he contrived to fare tolerably well. It happened, one evening, 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 ; he will 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 adorned with paintings of gold, azure foliage, and splendidly furnished. At the upper end of this room he saw a venerable man with a long white beard, whose appearance carried with it an air of dignity. My brother concluded, as was the truth, that it was the master of the house ; he saluted him therefore with the greatest respect. The Barme- cide received him kindly, and asked him what he wanted. Shaca- bac, in an humble manner, related his necessities, and besought re- lief; concluding his sad tale by declaring that he had not eaten anything the whole day. The Barmecide, when my <