A U.S {\4 O $r; CD Ş4 O O Țſ) ſae <Ç –-} –-} ſae O Qi) „r: E-i Box 6, College Park Sta Detroit 21, Mich. - º : : ; ; TRUE TRANSLATION.—AKHWANSAFFA EXCEPTED; ſºººwa.ºC.CcCr º::º §A §: : OF THE É S E C O N D E D IT IO N § OF THE - *ś * # HIND00STANEE SELECTIONS 23: . : WHICH IS PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY. D º .* TRANS LATED BY MOONSHEE SYED MOHAMMED ZAKIR SAHIB, AND REVISED BY MOONSHEE GROLAM DUSTAGEIEER SAHIB, PERSIAN AND HINDO OSTANEE INTERIPRETER OF HER MAJESTY's SUPREME COURT, MADRA.S. ANIS PRRINTED IBY THE KINID ADVICE OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL W. G. WOODS, ADJT, GENL. OF THE ARMY. : PUBLISHED BY GHOOLAM HOSSAIN, MoonSHEE OF THE ExAMINING Comſ MITTEE, # AND §.#o- M00N SHEE SYED ZYN 0.0L AB DEEN. FOR THE USE OF MILITARY STUDENTS. PRICE RUPEES ll. ſºUºººººººº # |. D:D § §: } § §º : PRINTED AT THE MUCKzunool, AKHBAR Press. y §§#.# # #: , M A D R A S : 1856. #. K} | Q & ex § ׺s ºº: º, ø tº ſº gº tº gº tº cº ºn gº º º Aº (e) º (º) tº (e) º (º) ſº º (º) ſº º 'º º 'º º sº º ſº ſº ſº º sº º ſº º 3 & © ºf º º * º tº, tº gº º: sº- *A*A. r º - w A. 2A - º º º % º º º & ׺ Zºº º% º &% & ºº: º 4. º& 3%3 gºtº Šºš ºpºgº-ºººººº-ºº: Sººyº ºpºgº. º º ºg ğāść & SºCN) O 0 tº º #A TRUE TRANSLATION-AKHWANSAFFA EXCEPTEDá OF THE S E C O N D E D IT I O N OF THE HINI) 00 STAN E E SELECTIONS WHICH IS PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY. i º & f ->ººº : : ; ; : H i ; S. TRANS LATED BY MOONSHEE SYED MOHAMMED ZAKIR SAHIB, AND REVISED BY MOONSHEE GEIOLAM DUSTAGEIEER SAHIB, PERSIAN AND HINDoosTANEE INTERPRETER OF HER MAJESTY's SUPREME COURT, MADRA.S. g[…]º ; : Č.tº[.º i º36: C[.&ſººººſººº :w- & : º *** # X^3: #: § AND PRINTED IBY THE RINID ADVICE OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL W. G. WOODS, ADJT. GENL, OF THE ARMY. º sº § #: _* PURLISHED IBY GHOOLAM HOSSAIN, MOONSHEE OF THE EXAMINING COMMITTEE, ººº(ſºQºſºÖºC ; º & ºf M 00N SHEE SYED ZYN 0 () I., AB I) EEN. FOR THE USE OF MILITARY STUDENTS. PIRICE RUPEES 11. &ºººC&º : º§§;sº § ººCº.Cſº : º Tº RINTED AT THE MIUCIXZ UN OOL AIRFIBAR P R ESS. is : i M A D R A S : º: 1856. [.ºÇ&&º ºw -- º 3 ºsº PA' 2 (34-7 2/97% //ſ4. UKHLAKI HINDEE. See H. P. l. It is related that in the neighbourhood of Cawn- poor, which is a city in Hindoostan, there was a large lake, from which several rivers and rivulvets took their source. A gander reigned over it. All the birds including water- fowls, widgions, paddy-birds and water-crows obeyed him. It so happened that the gander was , one day seated happily on his throne, when a paddy-bird came forward, kissed the threshhold, and stood respectfully at some distance with his hands across his breast. The king asked him, ‘ I see you this day after a very long time. what has been the matter with you ?’ ‘ I was not at home,' answered the paddy bird, ‘I have just come from a foreign country, and what took place there I am unable to relate.” The king said, ‘you should be able to tell us something at least The paddy-bird represented. ‘ Once on a sudden, when I had no amusement, it occurred to me that I should travel somewhere : I left the house and after rambling a long while See H. P. 2. I reached Deccan. There I saw a mountain sur- * rounded by many trees bearing fruit. I was made to understand by the inhabitants of that spot that the king of the feathered tribe of that place was a hoopoe. I then said to myself that it would be a very good chance if I happened to see him. While I had given myself up to this meditation ten 2 UKHLAKI HINDEE. or twelve of his servants happened to come there, and the con- versation which then passed between me and them is too un- worthy of explanation.’, ‘ It is of no consequence,' said the gander, “ you may freely relate what you have actually seen and heard, and do not entertain the slightest fear or danger in your mind.” - The paddy-bird being thus encouraged sat down in a res- pectful posture and said, “ My Lord l immediately upon the arrival of his servants, they asked me, ‘Who are you ?' and what brought you here " I replied, I am one of the noble servants of the king gander during my perambulation I came here, and I will now go away to my country.’ I then asked them, ‘Who are you ?’ They said, “We are the servants of the king Hoo- poe, and there is no king of his description in this age.’ I said, your boasting and bragging in this manner is quite uncalled for. Nothing is deficient in the work-house of God's omnipotence .They said, “Speak truly ; what do you º See H. P. 3. think, who is more powerful, our king or yours? and which of the two kingdoms is the most populat- ed?' I replied, “O impudent creatures what sort of question is this Our country is preferable to many others, and none up to this time has ever been or ever will be created equal to out monarch. What will you gain by residing in this desert and moun- tain * if you come at any time to our country and see its extent and population, and the king's justice and equity, you will be astonished and highly delighted. While so, it is now better for you to abandon this desert and mountain and proceed to our king.” No sooner did they hear this speech than they were displeased, began to burn with the fire of jealously and prepared themselves to evince their malice. This corresponds with the saying of wise men that, “As sherbet is bitter to the taste of a serpent, so is admonition (disagreeable) to fools.' I had thus advised them for their own good, but they thought that I was debasing their king; they attempted to seize and beat me, but I escaped from them by the strength of my wisdom aud virtue of your lordship's favor. On a sudden this word slipped from my lips, that our king says, “Who made hoopoe a king.”? On hearing this See H. P. 4. they were enraged, and began to thump and kick me, but I had courage enough to knock down three or four of them. - UKHLAKI HINDEE. - 3 The gander said, “ you are a fool, it is advisable for a wise man to be patient in every affair; as chastity and shame are the ornaments of a woman, so is ſo bearance that of man. Now, say cor- rectly what other words passed between you and the servant of hoopoe.' The paddy bird replied, • O asylum of the world ! as I went on describing your virtue, bravery and generosity, they con- tinued to speak disdainfully of your cowardice, and at last they said, “There is no other king than hoopoe on the surface of the earth. The position of those fools was analogous to the state of the ass, who, in consequence of his vanity and pride spoke lightly of every one in his presence, but when the ferocious elephant happened to come before him, on the sight of his majesty and bulk he forgot his own superiority ; and so a mean fellow when in the service- of some great man, loses all sense of his level being naturally presumptuous. Asylum of the world ! said the paddy bird, in answer to their words your slave (I) gave this reply which mortified them highly ; . that is to say, “who is there on the face of the earth that can cope with my master : Upon this his people said, See H. P. 5, you speak very impudently, and this speech is too high - for you according to the maxim that small mouth and high words. It is better for you that you should desist from such a discourse, if not, you should wash your hands of your life. I told them, “I am not a boy to be terrified by threats of this kind.” They then asked me, “Tell truly why did you come to our country.' I replied, “In order that I may see your country and inform my king of it, and induce him to invade your dominion.” On hearing these words they burnt with indignation, all of them were enraged and having joined together beat me severe- ly, seized me and took me to their king. The king asked them, where did you seize this fellow, clad in white, that you- have brought him here?' They replied, “Sire he is a very sediti- ous fellow.' The king then asked, “What country is he an inhabi- tant of, and what has brought him here * They answered, • Sire! he is the inhabitant of king gander's dominions who has sent him here. to ascertain the secrets* of this country ; from the tenor of sº H. P. 6. his speech it appears that his intention is to capture your kingdom also.” , - . . * . * Lit Secret. *. U 2 4 UKHLAKI HINDEE. Hoopoe said, “Ask this unlawful wicked rogue. “What is the intention of thy king, and why did he send thee here #" I your slave answered, ‘Sir my master intends positively to invade your kingdom, and fight with you ; but owing to his want of knowledge about the road he has delayed up to this time ; He has therefore sent me to find out a proper place for his army to halt; and I am one of his insignificant servants. You might have heard that if a ewe came under the protection of our king, no lion could dare look towards her.” In the mean time, vulture his prime minister came up to me and asked me, “Who is the minis- ter of thy king?” “Widgeon,’ answered I, The vulture observed, “Of course it is proper for a king of such a description to have his towns-man as his vizier ; as, the wise men have said, It any one wish to have a vizier, it is incumbent on him to ascertain in the first instance whether or not he is of noble extraction, * learned man void of avarice, a fellow citizen and endowed with bravery : moreover he should cherish day and night the fear of God in his mind.” * A parrot was in that assembly, Be stepped See H. P. 7, forward and said to the king Hoopoe, ‘The terri- tory of gander is included in your royal dominions ; but the gander having, since * few days revolted, has taken pos- session of it. If some force be detached against him, the territory would easily be gained by virtue of the proverbial good fortune of royalty Having heard this, I laughed and said, * If the simple statement of the parrot can make tha' territory your own, we too could say that this city is ours.” The parrot said, • O paddy bird b what benefit would you derive by telling such a falsehood. Do not you know that false words make a man lose his faith. No one believes the word of a man who is addicted to lying, nor are his actions depended upon by any body.' I replied, “My truth or falsehood will be proved to you when a war shall take place between my king and yours. Set your **** rest, your superiority will be listed in a few days. The assistance of a mirror is not required to see a hand ornament.” Having heard these words Hoo- poe laughed and said, • Do you go now, and tell your king to make preparations for war.' I answered, “Sire I the king will never believe my word. If you are determine” and able See H. P. 8. to declare war, Please, send the message through some ambassador. Hoopoe looked towards the Pº UKHTAKI HINT) EE. 5 y ret and asked him, “What does he mutter º' The parret replied * Whatever he says is quite reasonable.” Hoopoe then said, “Who is a fit person here to be an ambassador.” The vulture represented, “Asylum of the world ! such a person should be deputed, who possesses the gifts of learning, penetration. forbearance, disinterestedness virtue, faithfulness, courage, bravery, politeness and prudence ; and who without fear for his own life can speak out in the presence of any king whom he may have to wait upon.” Hoopoe said, “In this affair I can rely on no other per- son than yourself. You had better go there and carry on negotia- tions.” The vulture replied, “O cherisher of the poor I, your ser- want, have already represented that such a man be made envoy, as iscourageous, sensible, an elegant speaker, a possessor of collo- quial abilities, and a linguist ; he should not speak nonsense, nor express such words as would tend to degrade his master ; he should not fear for his life in discharging his service to the king. With See H. P. 9. these qualities the patio appears to be endow- ed; he is the only proper bird to be deputed on this mission." - \ The suggestion was approved of by the members present in the assembly, who said that in fact there was no one exeepting him who possessed all these qualities. Hoopoe then said to the parrot, “You had better go to the gander accompanied by the paddy bird” and tell him, “ As thou art making so much of thy- self and classing thyself with Kings, what hast thou no fear at all in thy mind for me * and hast thou forgotten thyself to such a degree as to pretend equality. If thou wishest thy welfare present thyself before the king hoopoe and make an apology, or send some excellent rarities as a tribute, if not thou shalt be trampled upon by elephants and horses and thy city will be destroyed.” The parrot said, “I am ready to obey the orders of the king with all my heart';* but it is not proper to go in the company of a mean and worthless fellow. May God never keep any of his creatures in the company of a mean fellow. My Lord ; if I go along with the paddy bird, I shall have reason to repent it.” I then said, “O parrot how many examples wilt thou cite, and how long wilt thou plead excuses.’ *— *— -trº T Lil' with the force of my head, 6 UKHLAKI HINDEE. ~~~~ “Be not afraid in the least, come along with See H. P. IO. me. I will accompany thee and serve thee as thy slave. Thou hast not till this day known me.” • The parrot answered,’ ‘Thy attempt to create war between two kings is a sufficient proof of thy good gentlemanly behaviour.” When Hoopoe saw that although both differed in their opi- nions, their reasonings were well grounded, he ordered the steward, “ Bring soon a robe of seven clothes for the paddy bird.” The steward having soon placed the same on an oblong tray, produc- ed the same in the kings presence. The king bestowed the robe on me and having behaved kindly towards me granted me leave to de- part, saying, “ You go before, ard I will send the parrot be- hind you to the gander.” I have now presented myself before your majesty in two or three days. He then stood before the king and represented respectfully, “My priest and spiritual guide, why are you sit Ing unconcernedly : Please make preparations for war. The hoopoe is coming up accompanied by an army with hostile intentions ; he will reach here in a few days.” On hear- ing this the gºnder and his minister widgeon laughed out and said in fun to the paddy bird, “ What a pretty thing is this that you have given an air of mystery to you, see H. P. II. revelation” after so long a journey.” “O asylum of the world !” said the paddy bird, “I have re presented out of loyalty what the faet was, your majesty may either believe it or not, and your majesty may after this do what ever you like.” The king said to the paddy-bird, “Assemble all your brother fowl's and bring them to us, we will take them into our service.” On hearing this the paddy bird was highly delighted, and having taken leave from the gander he eame home and began to assemble all his brothers and relation's, the widgeon then said to the gander, “O my lord it is not proper that we should give such an evil minded imposter access to the court.” The gander gave no answer to the widgeon, but made this observation, “What we have not heard from our ancestors, is now come to our notice through him; it may perhaps be true, you may now adopt such measures as would baffle the attempts of the enemy against us.” “Asylum of the world !” said the widgeon, “ we must bave a * Lit, you brought this commity. UKHLAKI HINDEE. 7 retired place to confer upon the subject; for, if any point be discussed upon in a meeting of intelligent persons, although the voice may not be heard, yet they clearly make it out by the motion of the lips and hands, and the nodding of the head. We See H. P. 12. should therefore sit where no one could see us nor know that we are there. It is a proverb, ‘The wall has ears.” At last the king and the minister retired to a eloset. The widgeon then said, “I am of opinion that we should send the paddy bird to hoopoe for the sake of reconciliation. War is not a good thing, for it has two extremeities, God knows on whose side the victory shall rest.” The gander did not approve of his advice. He then represented, “Please to send some” in- telligent persons to the territory of hoopoe, to remain there as spies, and after ascertaining the every day condition of his array to report the same by secret communications to your majesty ; for, it is incumbent upon a prince, that when he is involved in difficulty, he should provide against it as soon as practicable, and should never neglect the means to do so. Moreover he should have the families and children of the spies strictly watched, so that they may not join the people of that country, nor clandestinely remove their own families and children and revolt against you. The gander said, “What person, in your opinion, is fit for a spy f" “Pigeon,” said the widgeon, “but we see H. P. ſ3. must, in the first instance, take an agreement and oath from him to this effect, “ you should not tell any body the purpose for which we are now about to send you; if it shall be known to any body, you will incur the severest punish- ment; because many evils are created by the disclosure of secret. A great disturbance will be excited throughout the town, business will not come to a satisfactory conclusion, matters will be greatly spoiled, and the adjustment of the difference will be very difficult.” The gander then sent for the pigeon, took - from him the oath and agreement, as suggested by the widgeon, and having presented him with a robe of honor and beetle nut, sent him as a spy; and also told him by word of mouth, “Let me see what kind of zeal and fidelity you will manifest in the circar affairs.” Two or three days after this, crane the magistrate came before the -—-mºmes sº * Lit. two or four. 8 UKHLAKI. HINDEE. King and represented, “Asylum of the world ! a parrot accompa, nied by some of his companions is come as an ambassador from hoopoe, the king of the land ; all of them are waiting at the gate, if you permit, they will come into your presence.” On hearing this the gander looked towards the widgeon, who represented, “Please give an order for the present, to make him lodge in a place where the water is very brackish and the climate unwhole- some ; in order that the parrot, after residing there for a few days along with his companions, may know that this See H. P. 14. place is not a good one, the water unwholesom" the air unhealthy and that any one who remains here is subjected to ailment. He will then communicate the cir- cumstance by writing to his king, ‘ that the climate of this town is very disagreeable and whosoever shall come to the place will be obliged to part with his life.’ Through this fear it is certain that the hoopoe will never think of coming to this place, and the parrot also being disturbed will spontaneously demand leave to depart.” - The gander at his suggestion named a place where if any person drink a drop of water or expose himself to the air he would without difficulty lose his life. After this the gander said, “you say, to declare war is not a good thing and reconcilation is preferable ; because in this there is only one inconvenience, but in that there are a thousand dangers, and the result is un- certain. This your observation is wrong, because I have got a large army and my treasures are numerous. By the grace of God, I am sure that the victory will be on my side. I wish you would not talk about reconciliation ; but pray God that I may gain the victory.” The widgeon replied, “My priest and spritual guide A large army and numerous treasure do not necessarily contribute to victory. If any person has told that fact to See H. P. 15. your majesty by way of inducement, he is quite wrong ; because the people attached to your army have never seen either the face or the field of battle ; and therefore are they delighted to hear it named ; but when they shall have to encounter enemy, you will see whather they will remain firm or not.” “But as far as my knowledge extends they will show the white feather immediately on seeing the enemy's forces, nor will UKHLAKI HINDEF. 9 even answer by restraints as they have not mp tothis day fought any where, but have remained, comfortably in their houses, and are therefore slothful and lovers of ease. In consequence of this, let me tell” you, never to think of giving battle but make peace which is the more preferable thing. There are many persons, who brag and boast when at home, but in time of war they are of very little use, and fly as quickly as possible from the field of battle. If you positively resolve to declare war, you should make those persons your officers in the army who have already seen (many) battles, and not those who are of a timid disposition. You should make those persons commanders of your army who are experienced and have distinguished themselves *. in the fields of battle. I infer from the context See H. P. 16. of the paddy bird's speech that the hoopoe will in a dayt or two reach your eountry along with his army for the sake of battle.” *. “For the present it is advisable that you should deliberate upon the subject just now. Hostilities once commenced, nothing could be done. Do not neglect. They say that as long as the enemy is at a distance, we should beware of him, but when he comes up in close contact, a battle is unavoidable. It appears to me that the army of hoopoe is larger than yours, you should now adopt such measures as may be conducive to securing our present possessions and we should not mind it (i e the largeness of the enemy's force); because victory comes from God.” The gander said, “Consider within yourself as to how and by what scheme our country could be made safe.” He represent- ed, “It is not proper that you should keep the parrot, who has come here as an ambassador, in pain and torture ; you had bet- ter call him into your presence, please him with sweet words and give him a convenient place to reside, so that he may not be subjected to any trouble. After this build a fort with the advice of wise men.” The gander asked, “What good is derivable by building a fort, in your imagination.” He replied. “It is neces- sary, that the rulers should have a fort, for in time of difficulty, if a ruler shall remain in his fort with five hundred cavalry, and * Lit. 1 prevent you. # Lit. To-day or tomorrow, I0 UKHLAKI HINDEE. his enemy beseige it with ten thousand cavalry, there shall be ** **nger to him for a few days, and in the mean See H. P. 17. time tranquillity can be effected some way or other. If an adversary's force shall retreat, and any body then say that the enemy's army is flying, we should never pur- sue it. Many persons have been imposed upon by this. Wise men have remarked, “any person who has not a large army should remain in a fortified place, if there be none he should cause one to be built ; the walls of it ought to be high on every side, the ditch deep and wide, arms as many as are required should be ready there, and also a storehouse well provided with grain and water, When an arrangement of this kind shall have been pre- viously made, no adversary, shall dare to storm it. The gander asked the widgeon, “Whom shall I appoint to this service : Who is able to execute the business " The wid- geon answered. “If you be desirous of getting the work done as quickly as practicable, entrust a person with it, upon whom you can safely rely, but I do not see any person of that des- cription in this Government, except the magistrate crane.” He then sent for him directly. and the crane was See H. P. IS. present before him. Having given him high promo- tion he said. “O crane prepare a large and strong fort according to the directions of the widgeon.” He then made a bow and represented, “O asylum of the worldly. Your slave has a few days ago already prepared a fortress. where he has laid in stores of grains and the materials of war, as much as shall be required.” On hearing this the gander was highly pleased and went to inspect the fort. Having inspected he much approved of it, his heart was set at rest and he honored him with many presents and high reward. * After many days the crane went one day before the gander and represented, “My Lord! the crow called Maig Haran is waiing at the gate along with his brother crows, in the hope that he may be allowed to kiss your feet, and represents that on hearing your name he came from Ceylon, a distant place, in search of the means of livelihood. If it be your pleasure they will come into your Service. The gander , said, “Very well we shall em- ploy him. The widgion said “What you have ordered may be correct, but I suspect that the king hoopoe has sent him here, UKHLAKI HINDEE, 1: if so, he will excite many evils.” The gander said. “Well ! what does it signify Bring that crow once at least into my presence. If by his physiognomy I find him intelligent See H. P. I9. and prudent, I will take him in my servies, and entrust him with such affairs as may be fit him, but if otherwise, I will at once dismiss him.” ing that the attention of the gander was much bent towards the crow, he himself took him to the presence, and placed him at the feet of the king. When the gender examined him and heard his speech, he was highly delighted and knowing him to be worthy of his company made him his own companion. The widgion then see- One day the widgion said, “O priest and guide the fort is already built as we wished, and as many things as are wanted for a battle are already placed there in readiness. Now permit the parrot to go away. It is not advisable that he should remain here. Should he stop here longer he would become acquainted with all the circumstances of this place, and would explain every thing with precision to his king.” The gander approved much of the widgion's advice, and gave order for a public audience. As many water fowls as were there came into the assembly during the sitting of the court, and having closed their hands stood in order in their respective places. In the mean time it was ordered that the mes. senger of Hoopoe be sent for. The people ran and brought him to the presence. He stood at some distance respectfully, and having made his compliments said, “My Lord ; if I be per- See H. P. 29. mitted I will represent the message of my king in your presence.” The gander made a sign which meant. “Very well.” The parrot then began to say with a grave voice, that the emperror of this slave has said that, if the gander is fond of his life, country and property he should soon obey him, come and fall at his feet, and beg with humility pardon for his crime; if not he should settle at some other place as his resi- dence. Sire the warlike army of our sovereign is still at a dis- tance from your boundaries, it is good for you that you shall send him as a humble present some elephants, camels, horses, Rupees, gold mohurs and precious stones, because to obey my sovereign will be a very good and beneficial thing for you. If you do so, it is probable that our king will be kind to you, and spare your country from depre’a inn. V 2 12 'UKHLAKI HINDEE. On hearing these words the gander was inflamed with anger, and said “Who is there Piuck the wings and feathers of this impudent bird and get him out of my presence.” The crow that stood there with his hands across the breast, said, See H. P. 21. “If I be permitted I wiłł serve this impudent fellow as he deserves, so that any other ambassador may not be so presumptuous in the presence of another king.” In- the mean time the widgion said, “To punish an ambassador is far from the practice of the kings of high dignity, and moreover it is a cause of their disgrace. The wise men will say “While that white bearded widgion, the minister, was present before the king, how could he allow the perpetration of such an improper act, did he not at least know so much that an ambassador is unassailable ' If any such thing, which God may avert, shall take place, no ambassador will ever ge to a king. The great men have said, “While there is not in any assembly an old or experienced man, some disagreable thing or other must of course take place there, and it is not called an assembly.’ Asylum of the world ! no king has ever up to this day lifted up his - hand against an ambassador. Although he be very presumptuous, yet the king never minds him, and an ambassador like the par. rot is scarcely in existence. If you kill him you will have occa- sion to repent much for it in ſuture.” At last king gandar's heart was melted at the See H. P. 22. speech of the minister widgion. Having, -granted the parrot a robe of honor and beetle he gave him leave. Fn a few days he reached his king, who asked, him “O. parrot what have you done there for me what sort of conversa- tion passed between you? How is his kingdom and how did he behave with you at your departure ?” “Asylnm of the world.” replied the parrot, “ask me nothing about it, but make preparation for war. My conversatien was held there like that of men. I was not over-awed by the sight of his govern- sment. I delivered you? message to the gander at the public meeting. I cannot sufficiently extol the region now in the occupation of the gander, but as for as my knowledge extends, it is preferable to paradise. When I reaehed there, he detained me in an unwhole- some spot. He has got a fort built with much labour, where he has collected the munitions for war, But when the army of your UKHLAKI HINDEE. I3 ** - See H. P. 24. majesty shall invade the country, it is certain that the fort will ses H. P. as ... "... ."..."...º.º. y.” Vulture the minster thinking in his r mind, that the parrot had perhaps returned after undergoing some degradation there, told him, “I understand that the gander has treated you hospitably and kindly and sent various sorts of food to you.” “O vizier " Said the parrot, “it is quite wrong he did me no good but harm, and I thought his allow- ing me to depart alive was fortunate for me.” On hearing this the face of hoopoe grew red with anger. In the same state of indignation he gave an order to fetch his tent outf immedi- ately. The vulture represented, “ Kings ought not to be so precipitate, because affairs are spoiled thereby instead of being adjusted. It is advisable that you should send for all the nobles and commanders of the army to your presenee for the sake of consultation, and propose this question. Brethren | a difficulty has come in my way, please to decide npon some good plan which may conduce to my surmounting it.” The hoopoe did accordigly. On hearing it all of them asked “What is that " He answered, “The gander has maltreated our ambassador in the highest degree, and having built a fort he is prepared for war, but I wish that his fort and country may come into my hands.” All of them unanimously repraented, “Asylum of the world we are all ready to obey implicitly whatever you shall command; but if you ask our advice, you had better declare war against the gander, as we see that your majesty's welfare and conveni- ence are centred in it alone. Do not entertain the least doubt on this subject in your auspicious mind nor do you listen to the ill-advised suggestion of any body, because victory and defeat are in the gift of God.” Hoopoe then said, “ The parrot extols the gander's country very much, and I am sure his story will net turn out false.” Having said this he ordered them to prepare their respective forces and troops and to send for astrologers in order that they may, by referring to their books, fix upon some presperous hour to give battle. f sºme wº-m-m-- * Lit. for nothing. i Lit. my tent, I4 [UKHLAKI HINDEE. The minister represented” “What you have commanded is quite right and acceptable to all, but for the present I am of opinion that you should not for a few days move from your place, until the whole of your army shall be collected. Despatch soon two thousand cayiliers under the command of some prudent officer that they may halt in a place on the road, where may be a large quantity of water, that the gander's army may not pass that way and that they may daily send in your presence the news of the ghnder's army.” The hoopoe said “O minister throw aside the bow of your loquacity, take a sharp sword from the scabbard of your prudence and give it to me that I may Sae H. P. 25. without remorse cut the heads of mine enemies.” The minister said, “I will obey whatever you shall com- mand, but if you permit me I will represent to you certain observations which I have heard from my ancestors.” Say an- swered he, “I am told” says the vulture, “when a king sets out for battle it is incumbent upon him that he should bestow presents and honor upon his soldiers, and delight them with sweet words, because the prosperity and welfare of government are cen- tred in the happiness of sepoys. During his march if he shall happen to pass” a sea shore, a forest or a mountain, he ought not to disregard it and he should halt there with the utmost care and precaution. He should keep near him great lords on his right and left, skilled archers, musketeers, marksmen, spearsmen, new champions and armed heroes, and in his front and rear swift match-lock men and active soldiers. He should employ strong men to take care of the treasure, because if any one among the enemy's army attack the treasury they should be held answerable for the result. If any one be taken ill in the army, or there be a lame or old man or a little boy he should See H. P. 26. keep him along with him and should not neglect his requirements. In this manner the king and his minister must go along with the army stage'.by stage. Where- soever they shall halt if they see there any thing to cause appres hension they should plant thorns on every side of the army in the shape of a fence, and post the archers, the champions and the soldiers around the enclosure to watch, and the king should remain * Lit. if he shall see. TJKHLAKI HINDEE. 15 in the centre along with his chosen companions, and keep the treasure near him. He should keep in readiness the war elephants to be used in time of battle. He should give the nobles room near him to remain in the fort, get the litters with and without canopies tied upon the elephants, and saddles and armour upon the backs of horses, make the armed soldiers sit at the gates with an order that they should remain the whole night awake at their respective watches. Although his mind may be at rest regarding the army the guard and the watch, yet it is necessary for a king that he should prudently take care of himself. He should send a few nimble caviliers of his own army towards that of the enemy three miles in distance, so that they may pass the whole night awake by walking to and fro, and by coughing and hemming When the day dawns he should order the double and kettle drums to be sounded, at the sound of which the heart of the See H. P. 27, enemy will begin to palpitate. When he is with- in the limits of a foreign country he must pay his sepoys their salaries and allowances, because it is not possi- ble that an empty handed sepoy will ever submit to hard labour show his zeal ar sacrifice his life in the service of his king. They are all the creatures of God, when they enjoy happiness and repose of mind by eating and drinking with their children, they will of course prove useful, When the king shall ride to give battle he should keep his brmy in regular order by placing the artillery in front, behind this the musketry ; after which the kings corps consisting of Ameers seated on elephants, behind it the squadron of cavalry and behind again the elephants accustomed to war. On the right side rocket throwers, elephants with small guns on them and brave veterans and on the left side archers, camels with small guns and sepoys experienced in battle. He should also keep a few sepoys so concealed as not to be discovered by any body, but they ought to be in ambuseade for surprise when required. When you see the enemy gain the day, you should along with your army of both sides, advance further by repeating Tukbeer.” and attack the enemy, cazy and Khateeb should always re- See H. P. 28, main in the army to make the sepoys say their pray ers'o God. Whoever shall risk his life in battle or be wounded, the king ought to be kind towards him and comfort him by * Tukbeer is repeating the words, God is great.' ſé TJRHL AIKI HINDEE bestowing on him presents and honor according to his rank and stand. ing. When he finds that the army of the enemy, owing to the exertions of the sepoys, does not retreat, he should give an order that all the elephants accustomed to war and all the force should as one man surprise the enemy and he should drive the elephants so abruptly against the enemies that their heads may be trodden under their feet. Cherisher of the poor l if your army shall happen to remain in a plain and that of the enemy in a jungle you should never allow the elephants and ‘the cavalry to enter it, but you should pass an order that all the sepoys and officers having dis- Knounted should grasp their arms and show their zeal in such a manner that the enemies may be altogether extirpated. If any river or a deep Jake shall intervene the two armies, you should embark your army on board a boat, and carry on war so dexterously that many of the enemy may fall down, and their heads be so heaped together as to resemble a pile, If the gander's army do not fight in any river or open place but remain only in the fort you had better order your officers to plunder all the grain wheresoever it may be found in his country, to burn all that may remain after such plunder, to cause the flow of water from the lakes, to feed the horses see H. P. 29, in the fields, to ruin the gardens, to set on fire the barns of straw and piles of wood, and to burn all and every thing that may be useful to them, and to keep the army in a place where there may be a lake, tank &c., in order to deprive the enemy of the use of water and then they will be undone. My further petition is this that if God almighty grant you victory over the army of the enemy, it would be advisable for you to restrain your army from plunder and the pursuit of the enemy, for, if all the sepoys owing to their avariee and want of prudence, are engaged in those business to exhibit their valour, you will be left alone in the field, aud the gander who by fore- sight, which God avert, keeping a few persons in secret to be serviceable when required (as many deliberating kings do) find you alone and having surprised you at once make you prisoner, the result will be defeat after a victory and the kingdom will be destroyed, your servants will be able to do nothing without you and the army will be brought to needless destruction.” The king said “O minister vulture | you have said too much unnecessarily, tjKHLAKI HINDEE. #7 you are my minister you will remain with me, in time of battls see H. P. 30. * in accordance with your knowledge of things and with what you have heard from your ancestors. The king hoopoe and the minister vulture were thus engaged in conversation, when the news reached the gander, that hoopoe had already set out in a prosperous hour along with his army from his quarter. The pigeon who being the chief of the spies was sent by the gander, despatched one of his brother spies and sent by him the folloing message, “Sir wby are you sitting in a state of indifference, the king hoopoe along with his numerous army has already set out with the intention of giving battle and has halted on the bank of the river Ganges. Be also cautions and careful in your place ; because vulture, king hoopoe's minister appears to be a very wise and experienced one. From the tenor of his conversation it appears that he has previous to this seat a messenger to your fort.” Immediately on hearing this the widge on remarked, “O king I have previously told you that the crow has been sent by the hoopoe, and there is no body else besides him.” The gander answered, “What you say is quite impracti. eable, had not the crow been on our side he would not have got up to kill the parrot and come to out court along with his chil- dren and family. *- The widgeon said, “It is true that he re- See H. P. 3I. mains here along with his family and children, but keep this in your mind that he will play a trick sometime or other.” The gander replied, “O, widgeon an old ser- vant is not equal to a new one, because the latter serves faith- fully and performs such offices as the old ones ean never perform.” On hearing this the widgeon thought that the gander relied cordially upon the crow, he therefore cut short his discourse, and remained silent. The gander said, O minister resolve some plan to repel the enemy, for he has already come close by, lest' you should be found negligent.” The widgeon said, “I am in formed by the spies that vulture hoopoe's minister is very wise, he will never permit a battle. If the hoopoe shall disregard the advice of such a minister and come to fight, be sure that he will be a great fool, and will destroy 18 UKHL ARI HINDEE. his own army. This is a known proverb, that if a commander be a miser, unworthy, timid, negligent, an indecent speaker, and liar and is disregarded by his army, he is soon reduced to ruin.” O king hoopoe's army has not yet surrounded your fort send for the cutwal and direct him to go speedily. and block up the road from which his army is likely to emerge,” to keep ready his own army in a place where there may be a thick See H. P. 32. jungle and deep water, and to run against the enemy's army wheresoever he shall find it halt, after being fatigued - by walking along the road and over come by hunger and thirst or to attack the enemy's army when it shall be passing a forest or mountain pass or commence to halt on a river; or to gain his object when seeing the army had passed a sleepless night and of course early in the morning it will be overtaken by sleep and every one will undress his arms and go to bed comfortably. The wise men have done their business at such opportunities.” When the gander heard this advice from the widgeon he sent for the crane along with his people and having appointed several officers to go with him mentioned to them what the widgeon had said. The crane proceeded with his force, and no sooner had he reached than he encountered the Hoopoe. When the reensued such a battle and so many persons fell in the enemy's rank that a heap was made of their corpses in the shape of a pile. The hoopoe then, being very much confused said to the vulture his mi- mister, “you are a good nature one, and you enjoy the rank of a minister, all my force is now killed and you do not care a bit about it. In what point have I disregarded; See H. P. 33. you, that you do not give me such advice as may be conducive to my gaining the gander’s dominion “Irrespective of what I have now told you, I am placed in this dilemma, viz how is the remnant of my army, which has escaped from the hands of the enemy, to reach my country safe P.” On hearing this the vulture said, “O king ! wise men have observed that the nobles, ministers and kings should not have such quali- ties as may render them blameworthy, and noxious to themselves viz. First by Drinking wine, Secondby Hunting frequently. Third.by Gam- *Lit. from which there is fear that his army would come. † Lit; Have I been dificient towards you. TJRHLAKI HINDEE. IS bling. Fourthly. Regardlessness of the advice of the minister. My Lord, I have aiready advised you, but you did not allow the pearl of my advice to remain on your ear. Now to return from this place will be a matter of great disgrace ; because it is the custom of every kingdom, titat when a king starts from his country and invades the country of another from waſ like motives, he never turns back without conquest or reconciliation ; but if he so turn back it would be a matter of great evil to him and moreover the world would laugh at him.’ Hoopoe said, “Many of our champions bave been killed in battle and a largé proportion have been made prisoners, how shall I now expect victory with such a small almy.” The vulture said, “Sir, do not entertain such a feeble thought in your auspicious mind, if I do not capture the fort of the enemy in the course of two or three days and cause the tom tom to be beat, in token of victory, do not class me with the male sex. It Sea H. P. 34. is now close upon the time that the enemy should retire to his fort, and his provision and water will be cut off in every quarter.” On hearing these words the gander's spies ran up to him and said, “O priest and spiritual guide why are you sitting down quietly, be sure that the hoopoe will either to-day or to-morrow come to surround your fort.” On hearing this the gander told his minister, “Review the army, and give presents to each of the sepoys. The wise men have also said, “we should not lose even ten cowdies” for nothing, and in time of neces- sity we should consider ten thousand Rupees to be of less valua than they are, and whoever shall at such a critical hour refrain from giving presents to and paying his sepoys he will certainly destroy his own property and kingdom ; and whosoever shall make liberality his profession, he will trample the heads of the enemies under his feet, and put the chain of friendship round the neck of his army. Any servant who is pleased with his master will never forsake him nor turn his face from arrows and swords. Vul- ture the hoopoe's minister is a good councillor. Hoopoe has not dis- regarded bis advice, had he not done so, all his army would have been dispersed; but the minister being an experienced bird, the army did not show the white feather, but remained firm in the field, any person * A small shell forming a part of the currency. W 2 20 TJKHLAKI HINDEE who hears the word of a boy, a mean fellow, or a woman, he drowns himself in the ocean of sorrow.” The gander and the widgeon were thus engaged in speaking and listening when the crow See H. P. 35. came and having made his obeisance said deceptively. “The hoopoe’s array has surrounded the fort.” “What, asked the gander, will be the prebable strength of his army.” The crow replied, “In consequenee of the rain, his army can- not be enumerated. The lines of the armed cavalry and infantry have dispersed every where on the ground, in appearanee as if a black cloud was spread over the sky. The eamp folkowers are scattered like ants, and by their shadows” all the ground is black- ened. The discharge of musketry is so intense that you weald sey fire is falling instead of rain. The elephants are roaring like the twunders of clouds.” Having heard this the gander became very thoughtful, when the crow represented, “If I be permitted by your majesty I will go out of the fort and give hospoe battle with swords.” The minister widgeon said, “we should never act so, if a battle is to be fought outside what is the good of having a fort, and of what use will it be because if an allegator quits water, even a jackal can beat him. “Well if hoopoe is prepared to fight with his entire army, you too prepare your army and send it there, so that both armies may meet, and remain yourself on the back of your army for its encouragement and the soldiers will thea, for the See H. P. 36. sake of gaining a good name and she wing fidelity, attack the enemy unanimously.” The gander upon hearing this stationed cavalry, infantry renowned for their bravery and large and ferocious elephants opposite to the enemy, whose sight was observed by the dust which they raised. The bus- tle of the multitude and the sound of kettle drums reached the seven skiest you would say that a tent of dust was raised ex- tending from the earth to the skies. Having pitched his own tent opposite to the hoopoe's army he sent for his officers and soldiers, whom he thus addressed, “You should this day fight in such a manner at the risk of your lives that the rivers of blood may overflow the mountains.” The gander then wanted to pro- eeed to battle, the widgeon caught hold of the reins of his horse and said, “ you should protect the fort.” -I * Lit, blackness. † Lif, deafened the ears of the seven skies; tj}{HLAKI HINDEE. 2ſ Hoopoe was amazed at seeing the gander’s army and look- ing towards the vulture said, “you said that you would capture the fort in a day or two, The gander has an army which exceeds our own.” The vulture answered, “O king no one is able to enter the house of a poor man immediately he wishes it. There is a lofty fort and a numerous army. It is proper that we should consult about it, as it is necessary that we should have recourse to stratagem to capture the fort. First it is advisable that when the wind blows high in the face of the enemy, we should dur- ing the storm, fire two or three thousand rockets and taking ad- vantage of the thick smoke, set fire to the fort and See H. P. 37, afterwards attack the enemy's. army Secondly, we should, to obstruct the further advance of the enemy, erect batteries. Thirdly, we should surround the fort in such a manner that none may passor repass. The enemy will then be dejected on account of the seige. Besides these there are many other stra- tagems too, but adopt one of these three which you may approve of.” The Hoopoe said, “O vulture | I lost my senses when I beheld the enemy’s forces, not a particle of which remained in me. Now give me such advice as may be conducive to our victory and the enemy's defeat.” The vulture replied, “It is now even- ing and I will do to-morrow morning what may be then needſul.” Having said this, he passed the whole night in deliberating how to effect the defeat of the enemy and to take possession of the fort. At last he sent for a few spies, who were very active, in- telligent and trust worthy and told them, “It is now time for you to show your loyalty, You must disguise yourselves, go into the fort, take notice and see what steps are about be- See H. P. 38. , ing taken there, and who is about to take any and s what measures, and how and which of the gates of the fort are guarded, and under whom Learn at least which side of the fort is neglected which battery is weakly de- fended and through which gate we shall be able to enter the fort. Ascertain these facts well and inform us speedily.” The spies in accordance with the order of the minister vulture, went during the darkness of the night towards the fort in the disguise of crows, entered it along with other crows and began to walk every where in the streets and bazars and around the tents of the noble officers. 22 UKHLAKI HINDER. In making their observations they found a great deal of neglect at the battery guarded by the crow, where they saw but few persons. Having observed this, they were very glad, and as the night was yet in their favor they went out through the same gate, which had given them ingress, and ran up to the vulture to inform him of the good news. On hearing this account he was much pleas- ed and seemed as if he would burst from his clothes. He then set his forces in order and said to them “ Four hours before the dawn of the day you will have to march towards the fort quieltly and slowly like ants, so that no one may hear of your approach and follow the spies. When the gate is near at hand See H. P. 39. halt behind some shelter and immediately on the door being opened rush inside. When Ged willing, the fort will come into our possession.” After explaining this de- termination to Hoopoe, he said, “I am now going thither, when- ever my spies shall inform your majesty, please to come up im- mediately accompanied by all your army to back me your slave, It your lordship shall neglect to do so, the enemy ion seeing me with a small army will surround me in every direction. Hoopoe was much pleased on hearing this plan and permit- ed him to go. Afterwards he sent for the officers of the army, and ordered them in accordance with the advice of his minister to be under arms in their respective"tents, to mount their horses immediately, he did so himself to follow him quietly wherever he led them and nöt be sluggish about it. The officers conveyed this order to all the soldiers, directing them to be ready in their tents. When the spies of vulture the minster informed 'the king hoopoe saying “O Lord it would be a very auspicous thing if your Lordship will ride out this very instant.” The king hoopoe with all his forces and spies marched out by the road See H. P. 40. which his minister had passed. The vulture enter, ed the fort early in the morning through the crow's gate with the discharge of many thousand rockets and in the thick smoke that prevailed attempted a storm. In the meantime hoopoe arrived with all his forces to assist him, and a battle commenced. When the sun mounting the blue horse of the sky rose over the mountain of the east like the angel of death they recognised each, other. A deadly carriage ensued, in both armies * UKHLAKI HINDEE. 23 The men fought with swords so obstinately that heaps of dead bodies were collected on both sides. The blood flowed so abun- dantly in every street and bazar that one would say that the clouds had caused rivers of blood to flow from the heavens. The heads of the soldiers appeared on the blood stream like the bub- bles on water, and the smoke of musketry raised as it were another sky. In the heat of battle, the ill-natured erow having assembled his relatives set fire to the inner part of the fort and came out of it clamouring along with his companions and began to report it to those who were employed to take care of the camp followers of hoopoe that the fort was on fire, that See H. P. 41, the soldiers of gander bad dispersed on every side, and that the moment had arrived for taking the fort. In short there took place such a struggle between them that many soldiers and officers were slain on both sides, and the day was won by the hoopoe's army, and soldiers of the gander were scattered everywhere and only a few remained with him. When the gander perceived that he had no further strength to maintain the war, that his forces had turned their faces, and none were able to sustain the shock of the battle against his adver- sary, he became helpless, sent for the crane and said, “O magis- trate, I know it well, that my fate has now become adverse, and I do not even expect to go with safety from this place, you are my only remaining loyal servant, I wish you therefore to get safe out of this place by some means or ether ; But first of all take the advice of widgeon and upon your going there make my eldest son the king of that territory. By this means the king- dom will continue in our family, and I am sure that none but you are able to execute this affair, “O king answered See H. P. 42, the crane,” don't pronounce this word from your auspicious mouth, for by hearing it my heart is lacerated. As long as life remains in my body none will dare to assault you, where shall I go leaving a benefactor like you alone in his misfortunes. It will be to my glory if my head fall down at your feet, and it will be an occurrence of unalloyed good for- tune.” The king replied, “O crane, do what I tell you, I have got no other well wisher or good officer like you.” The crane thought within himself “His majesty through kindness wishes to send me out of the field. It will not be an act” of loyalty that I --—s -ºr- * Lit. Term. sº- —w 24 TJKH LAKI HINDEE. should leave the king alone in the field and seek safety myself; it is proper that I should prevail upon the king to desist from this thought by some stratagem or other.” Having formed this resolution he said, “O priest and spiri- 4ual guide l if I desert the people and go away, they will call me a coward and say that I forsook the king and my friends at such a critical hour" through cowadice. It will be the See H. P. 43. cause of my ignominy, and as long as I am alive I will not go any where.” They were engaged in this conversation, when all of a sud- den a cock came from the quarter of boopoe and thundering like the lightning instan’ly , made a thrust at the gander with his sword ; but the crane received the blow and pierced his (the cock's) breast with a spear. He warded off the blow and assaulted the crane. The two then engaged in fight so obstinately that the noise of it reached the skies. At length the crane met his death at the hands of the cock. The king wept much and prayed God for his liberation. He then embarked in a boat, ran away to his native coantry, which he reached in safety, Hoopoe was highly pleased on hearing the news of the gander's flight, and thinking that the victory was a happy event for him, he thanked God, and caused the drum of victory and the tom tom of joy to be beaten with this observation, “That the loyalty and the bravery shown by the crane would hardly be shown by any one else, he would obtain abundant future reward for it ; because he who sacrifices his hiſe on account of -his master, is ranked in the day of reelr- rection with the heroes of the holy war, and will obtain in paradise Hoories and fine palaces and he who acts like the See H. P. 44. crane, is a brave man and Commander in chief. on the other side the king gander and the minister widgeon were separated from their forces. The gander asked the widgeon, “Do you know any thing as to how the fort caught fire '' The widgeon replied, “O king the crow constantly attended with the force, it is his work. I have long represented that the crow should not be admitted.” The gander replied, “ There is no fault on the part of your intellect nor any blame on that of the crow, but it is owing to the failure of my destiny, for the will of God whats UKHLAKI. HINDEE. * 25 ever it may be, comes to pass.” The widgeon said, “O king, any man that does not listen to the advice of his friends must encounter such fate.” They were engaged in this conversation, when the brother of the stane came up and having made a salam said, your slave had already sent intelligence that the crow had been sent by Hoopoe to the fort. He has now bestowed on him a robe of honor, and given to his children the country he had conquered, but his minister the vulture did not like the measure and represented that, “Sire this country should not be given to the crow, for I know him to be a disloyal. Hoopoe replied, “It see H. P. 45. is necessary that we should be kind to a loyal t servant, in order that, he may again zealously exe- cute the affairs of his master. “My Lord,” said the vulture, • the crow is of ignoble birth and mischievous character ; any person that does good to him will encounter evil I advise you not to give this country to the crow.' He replied. ‘If the country be in his possession there will be no want of property nor scar- city of grain, and I will enjoy happiness comfort and pleasure.' He said, “My Lord, ba pleased to send for the crow and ask him, how he acted with the gander, he has lived in his house a long time, and then set fire to the fort in the middle of war. In consequence of this he failed in the battle and his country is ruined.” Hoopoe sent for the crow and asked him, “O crow, why did you behave so wickedly with the gander, he did not treat you badly. Is good retributed in the world in the way in which you have acted with him º' The crow answered, “sire, I yeur slave was supported by yout salt, and did therefore this act of loyalty, but speaking more justly I say there is not the least doubt about the gander's virtues. He fears God, he is prudent and just like Nousherwan. He has never injured any soul; I cannot sufficiently describe his See H. P. 46, good qualities, because he listened to my advice in every affair, and did not act according to the ad- vice of his minister.” Hoopoe replied, “you have treated him ill in a manner in which, none would treat any other person.” The crow said, “O king, wise men reconcile with their enemy in time of difficulty, and when it is surmounted they put a period to his * Lit, Sugh day, 26 UKHLAKI HINDEE, life. Whosoever is deceived at the word of his enemy, encoun- ters the same fate. It is now proper for you to effect a recon- ciliation with the gander.” Hoopoe said, “O crow many of his relations servants and attendants were slain by me in battle, I have conquered him by taking his country. It is now incumbent on him to come to me by placing the yoke” of submission on his neck and showing his obeisance to me. He will then probably enlist my favor.” They were engaged in this conversation when a spy came up and having paid his respects represented, “O saint and spiritual guide, why are you neglecting here, the crame Mahabul who is the nominal brother of widgion the minister of the king gander, is coming up to invade your country along with a numerous army which, if reach here, would ruin your country See H. P. 47. and destory the subjects.” Upon this Hoopoe said to the minister ‘I can fly one hun- dred leagues, and leaving my country behind me I can subvert his dominion.” The vulture smiled and said, Curious determina- tion : O king, if men wish to do any business they complete it first and then speak of it. To fight at once with enemies is far from wisdom. If you advance towards the crane to give him battle, and the gander attack the rear of your army, you cannot sustain the battle on two different sides and will therefore have cause to repent highly.” Repentence is the fruit of one’s acting with out deliberation. Hoopoe said, O minister send some one to the gander to effect a reconciliation.' He answered, ‘Reconciliation will never be effected unless I go to him.” --- Hoopoe answered. “We must do what is most advisable.” He went to the gander by his order, and having paid his respects fell down at his feet. The gander embraced and encouraged him very much. When they began to talk to each other, the gander said, “O vulture you are welcome. Had you not been here, the crane Mahabul's army would reach the dominion of See H. P. 48. your king, and ruin it, and your getting possession of my country and fort is only owing to the wick- adness and villainy of that crow, otherwise the thing was quite —-a- -*. —r- Lit. The girdle. UKHLAKI HINDEE. 27 impracticable, I am greatly annoyed in consequence of that "il- lain's fraud and deceit.” The vulture represented, “Sire, as long as the earth and sky shall continue, we should never believe the friendly words and deeds of an enemy, nor act upon them. Having intimated to my king both sides of the question, I have induced him to ask for a reconciliation.' ' s The king gander highly approved of his speech, and being pleased presented him with a robe of honor. The vulture was greatly delighted, the fear and suspicion of his mind were entirely removed off by the politeness of the gander, Hé, then said, ‘ O king, he who reveres his guest reveres his own ancestor.” The gander said, ‘ O vulture, do you know any thing why the hoopoe sent you for a reconciliation ?” On hearing this word he was silent. The gander then said, “I believe that in COn 86- quence of the terror inspired by the crane See H. P. 49, mahabul, he sent you for reconciliation, be cause his army is numerous.” Having said this º eonferred presents on the vulture a second time, and sent with him several camels laden with precious stones, clohs, velvets, satin, brocade, and gold clothes, and Arabian and Turkish horses, as a pre- sent to hoopoe, on granting him leave. The vulture departed with the presents and produced, them before the hoopoe, who was highly pleased with them. . The vulture then said, “O king, had I not been there, some very great evil would have occurred. The army of the crane maha. bul would have plundered and ruined your kingdom. This speedy reconciliation is a most fortunate accident, your army was insig- nificant on land, while the army of the crane mababul was so numerous on the water that all the lakes and rivers were cover- ed ever with it, so much so that one drop of water was not re- flected through and the army of the gander added to its strength. 2’ The parrot then said, ‘It is a false observation, had his ma- jesty set out, his numerous army would have covered the land in the same manner as the stars cover the sky on dark mights. His forces in comparison to these are like salt in flour.” The hoopoe said, “O fool what good is there in fighting, God was propitious * X 2 28. UKHLAkt HINDBE, to us, that we have obtained victory, and afterwards a reconcili. ation is effected. The gander has obeyed us. For the present he sent us presents, and for the future he has agreed to pay us a Čertain tribute.” V | In short the hoopoe and gander very satisfactorily to themselves, re-established their respective thrones, and began to reign happily. a r * + The tale of the gander and hoopoe is finished. IN THE NAME of GOD, MERCIFUL • AN ID COMPASSIONATE. THE FOUR DERYESHES. Beginning of the Narration, ** *mºnºa In the travels of the four Derveshes it is thus written, and º the narrator has said, That formerly, in Asia Minor, Hºº'. there was a great king in whose disposition there ge. 1, was justice like that of Nowshairwan, and liberality like that of Hatim. His name was Azad Bukht, and the city of Constantinople was his royal residence. During his reign the peasant lived in such peace and so happily, that in the house of every one, each day was a festival ; and the night, like Shubbrat (which falls on the fourteenth night of the eighth month of the Mohummadian year.) And the king having extirpated all thieves, r bbers, and swindlers, did not allow any trace of them to remain in his country. During the whole night the doors of houses were not shut, and the shops in the market remained open. Travellers and way farers passed through forest and over plains tossing up gold. No one asked them, Where are you going? There were thousands of cities under the sway of this king, and many monarchs paid tribute to him. Although possessed of so great a kingdom he did not allow his heart for an hour to neglect the remembrance and worship of God. He enjoyed as many worldly comforts as See H. P. 2. he could wish for, but a son, which is the fruit of life, was not in the garden of his fate. For this reason be was generally thoughtful and after the five prayers, he used thus to address his Creator, “O God! Thou hast of thy favor bestowed 2 THE FIRST DERVES H. every thing on me, a poor wretch, but thou hast not given me a light for this dark house. In thy secret treasury every thing is found; grant me a son, that my name and the existence (Lit. mark) of this kingdom may remain firm.” In this hope the king reached his fortieth year. One day having finished his prayers, he was per- forming his daily task (meaning here, he was telling his beads,) when all at once, as he looked at a glass, he saw a white hair in his moustaches, which shone like a gold thread of brocade. The king on seeing it, was filled with tears, and heaved a deep sigh (Lit, a cold sigh.) He then thought to himself, “Alas ! thou hast to no purpose wasted so much of thy life, and from an avaricious Česire of worldly advantages, thou hast overturned my people. Of what use will so many countries which thou hast taken posses- son of, be to thee : Hereafter, some one else will dissipate all this wealth and property. A message of death has already come to thee, and if thou shouldst even live for sometime more, the strength of thy body will be diminished. Hence it appears cl ally, that it has not been written in thy fate, that there should be an heir to thy title (Lit, umbrellah) and throne. Thou must die at last some day, and leave every thing behind the e. It is therefore better that thou shouldst thyself give up every thing and dedicate the remainder of thy life to the remembrance of thy Creator.” Having thus resolved in his mind he dismissed all his courtiers, and gave an order saying, “No one should approach me from this day, all persons shall attend the See H. P. 3. public hall of audience, and shall be ready in their respective offices.’ Having thus spoken, he retired to a house, and sat down, and spread a carpet of player, and engaged in religious worship. The king Azad Bukht passed many days in this manner. In the evening, at the time of breaking his fast, he used to eat one date, and drink three mouthfuls of water ; and all day and night he lay on the carpet of prayer. By degrees, reports were circulated thronghout the whole empire, that the king, had withdrawn from the Government and became a recluse. In all quarters, (Lit. in the four quanters ;) enemies and seditious men raised their heads, and transgressed their bounds : whoever wished it became re- bellious and seized upon the country. There was great inter- ruption in the orders of all governors. From every province complaints of maladministration reached the king. (Lit. the pre- "THE FIRST DERVESH. 3 sence.) All the nobles of the court met together, and began to conſer and consult. At length it was agreed thus, the prime minister is intelligent, wise and intimate and confidential officer of the king's, and is highest in dignity let us go to him, and see what he thinks proper to say on the occasion. All the nobles and great men came to the minister and said, ‘Such is the state of the king and such the condition of the country; if there be delay for sometime longer this country, which has been ac- quired with so much trouble, will be lost for nothing ; to regain it will be very difficulf. The minister was old, and advanced in years and of long standing, loyal and wise. His name also was Khirudmund, [that is full of wisdom.] He said “although the king has prohibited our going into lis presence, do you go and I also will go. God grant, that the king See H. P. 4. may be inclined, to call us before him. Having thus * ; spoken, he took them all along with him to the public hall of audience, and having left them there, went him- self to the private hall of audience, and sent a message by a eunuch to the royal presence, saying thy slave, (Lit. this slave) is waiting, and he has not for many days seen the auspici- ous beauty, (meaning the king.) I am in hopes that efter one look, I may kiss the feet, hind set my mind at rest. The king heard this petition of the minister's. Although he was aware of the length of his service, his loyalty, his counsel, and his devo- tion to him, and generally followed his advice, after a pause he said call Khirudmund. At last when pe mission was granted, the minister appeared in the presence, paid his respects, and stood with crossed arms. He saw that an extraordinary change had taken place in the king's appearance; that his eyes were sunk in their sockets through violent and long continued weeping, and emaciation, and his visage was pale. Khirudmund could not endure [the sight]. He ran involuntarily forward and fell at his feet. The king raised his head with hand, and said, “Thou hast seen me, and thy mind has been set at rest; go now, disturb me no more, and carry on the affairs of state.” Khitudmund, on hear- .ing this, wept aloud, and said. Thy slave, by your majesty's bestow- ing alms on him, and for your welfare, is in constant possession of kingly power ; but the whole country is in a state of conster- nation by the Protector of the world's (meaning the king) having thus all at once secluded himself, and the result of this will not be favourable. What idea is this that has entered the auspicious mind ; It will be better if you make this hereditary child of 4. THE FIRST DERVESH. a slave the confidant of this secret, and he will rew present whatever may occur to his imperfect understanding. All these honors have been bestowed on slaves, in See H. P. 5. order that the king might enjoy happiness and ease, and that the slaves might regulate the affairs of the State. When care has overtaken the royal mind (and God grant, it may not be so,) on what other occasion are the royal slaves to be useful? The king said, ‘Thou speakest the ti ath, but the care which preys on my mind, is beyond cure.” “ Listen to me, O Khirudmund ! my whole life has been passed in the turmoil of these political effairs. Now I am old, and only death remains : and even of that, a message had come, in as- much as my black hairs now begin to become white. I have not yet had a son born to me, that my mind might be at ease, My heart is, therefore, exceedingly sad and I have abandoned every thing in life. Whoever wishes may take either my country or wealth; I have nothing to do with them. Moreover it is my in ention in a few days to abandon every thing, and go forth to the jungle and hills, and not show my face to any one. In this manner I will pass these few days of my life. If I meet with some spot that pleases me, I will remain there, and offer up prayers to him, whom I adore. Perhaps my future state will be happy I have looked well at the world, and found no felicity in it.” Having said thus much, and having heaved a sigh the king was silent. Khirudmund began to say “It is ever wrong to despair of God’s grace. What difficulty is there for him to give you children, who by one fait has created eighteen thousand species of creatures O Mighty Sir (Lit. Mecca of the world,) banish this imagination from your mind, otherwise See H. P. 6. this kingdom, (with what trouble and difficulty your ancestors and yourself have acquired,) will slip from your hands in a second, and from want of care the empire will be ruined: we shall be disgraced (which may God avert.) In addition to this, there will be an investigation into the matter n the day of judgment. [God will say] ‘Having made thee a king, and having committed my servants to thy charge, why didst thou despair of my compassion, and ruin and distress thy subjects º' What answer will you give to this question ? Even your devotion will not avail you on that day, because man's THE FIRST DERVESH. § heart is the abode of God, and kings will only be examined on the score of justice. Let this slave's disrespect be excused. To abandom one's house and wander over forests is the business of mendicants and devotees, and not of kings, the remembrance and worship of God are not confined to forests and hills. If you will listen to the supplication of this devoted gervant it is advisable, that the Protector of the world should every hour and every second meditate upon God, and offer up prayers. No one has ever returned disappointed from His Court. In the day time arrange the affairs of state, and administer justice to the poor, that the creatures of God may live securely and happily under the shadow of the royal skirt; and at night engage in prayer, and solicit assistance from Derveshes, recluses, and men resigned to the will of God, and give food daily to orphans, prisoners, poor parents of numerous children, men in need, and helpless widows. By virtue of such good works and inten- See H. P. 7. tions, I have strong hopes that, if God pleases, all the wishes and the desires, for which the royal mind is afflicted, will be accomplished, and the royal heart will rejoice. Fix your gaze upon the favor and grace of the Nourisher of all, who, in a second, can perform whatever He wishes. At length, in consequence of these representations of Khirudmund, courage was restored to the mind of Azad Bukht. He said, Well, let us act as thou sayest and see the result. Hereafter the will of God will be done. When the king's mind had been consoled, he asked the minister What are all the other nobles and secretaries doing, and how are they He said, All the grandees are offering up prayers for the life and welfare of your majesty. They are all distressed, and confused in consequence of anxious thought regarding you. Show your auspicious beauty to them, that the minds of all may be set at ease; and they are now present in the public hall of audience. On hearing this, the king said, If God pleases [I] will hold a court to-morrow. Tell all persons to be present. Khirudmund was pleased on hearing this promise; and having raised both his hands, prayed, May your crown and throne remain firm, whilst the earth and sky exist J And taking leave of the king be retired with infinite joy, and communicated these Pleasing tidings to the nobles, who all went home in great glee. IG 5 THE FIRST DERWESH', There was joy throughout the whole city; all his subjects were highly delighted at the idea that the king would hold a public court on the next day. In the morning, all the servants of the state, high and low, and nobles, men of low and high degree, came and stood up according to their respective ranks, and remained in expection of beholding the royal Splendor. See H. P. 8. When it was nine o’clock,” all at once the curtain was lifted up, and the king, having advanced, sat down on his august throne ; musical instruments began to resound in the royal orchestra, and all persons offered presents of congratulation, and paid their respects, and made salutation in the place of audience. Each was rewarded according to his station and dignity. The hearts of all became joyful and easy. When it was twelve o’clock, the king arose, and went into the interior of the palace, and having dined, reposed in the sleeping chamber. From that day the king pursued the plan of constantly holding a court in the morning, and in the third watchf occupied himself in reading books, or repeating his daily appointed task; and after expressing penitence and craving mercy in the Court of God, he prayed for the accomplishment of his wish. One day, he saw it written in a book, “If any one be so afflicted with sorrow or care as not admit of a cure, he should commit it to Providence, and himself proceed to a churchyard : and regarding himself, as non- existent he should place his mind on his guard against this worldly carelessness, and should weep through fear, and should regard the power of God, considering in himself, how many great persons, possessed of property and treasure had been born before him on the earth ; but heaven, bringing them all within its revolution, has mingled them with the dust. If you look for them now they are merely a heap of dust, not a trace of them is left, and they are laid low in solitude, having abandoned all their worldly wealth, houses, their families, posterity, friends, acquaintances, servants, attendants, elephants, and horses. All these have not availed them anything; moreover, no one now knows even their names, or who they were. And their state inside their graves is not known, whether worms, ants, and snakes have eaten them up, or what has happened to them, and what they have experienced from * Puhur means "a watch of about three hours, commencing at sunrise. f At three o'clock P. M., THE FºrsT DERVESH. 7 God. By these reflections the bud of his heart will be in constant See H. P. 9. bloom, and will not under any circumstances be withered.” When the king reflected on this admoni- tion in the book, what his minister Khirudmund had said occurred to his memory, and he found that they both coincided. He had an ardent desire to act accordingly, but thought it was not right to go mounted and accompanied by a crowd, after the man- ner of kings. He considered it more advisable to change his dress, and go alone at night amongst the tombs to attend upon some retired god- ly man, and keep vigil during the night. Perhaps by means of these men, he might obtain his worldly wishes and future final liberation. Having formed his resolution and one night taking with him some rupees and gold mohurs, he stole silently out of the fort, and bent his way over the plain. In the course of his ramble, he arrived at a burying place. With exceeding sincerity of heart he was engaged in repeating the prayer; and, at that time a violent wind was blowing ; indeed it might be called a storm. All at once, at a distance, the king saw something like a flame which shone like the morning star. He thought to himself, In this storm and darkness this light is not free from some mystery; this must either be an illusion or the lamp of some holy man which burns, Whatsoever it may be, I must go and look at it. Perhaps by the light of this lamp, the lamp of my house may also be lighted, and the wish of my heart be obtained. Having formed this design, he proceeded in that direction. When he came near, he saw four fakeers wearing, short shirts without sleeves, and silting with their heads reclined on their knees, silent, and in a state of insensibility. And their condition was like that of a traveller, who having been separated from his country and tribe, and being involved in the pain and anxiety of destitution and poverty, is utterly confounded. In this manner, these four were like pictures on See H. P. 10. * Wall; and a lamp, placed upon a stone, gave a faint light. The wind made no impression on it, and the sky seemed to be formed into a shade for it, so that it burned without danger. Azad Bukht, on beholding this, became certain that his wish would surely be accomplished through the auspiciousness of the feet of these men of God; and that through their favor, the dry tree of his hope would become green and produce fruit. [He said], Go and wait on them, and mention thy circumstances, and join their assembly; perhaps they will take compassion on thee, and offer up prayers, which will be accepted by the Deity. Hay- 8 THE FIRST DERVESH. ing formed this determination. he was on the point of advanc- ing when his mind suggested to him, O devoid of sense ! be not in a hurry ; examine a little ; How dost thou know who they are, and whence they came, and whither they are going : What dost thou know, whether they are spirits, or demons of the forest, who having assumed the forms of men, are sitting together It is altogether improper to be in a hurry, and go amongst them, and disturb them. You ought to conceal yourself for sometime more in a retired spot and ascertain the circumstances of these Derveshes. At length the king did so and went and sat down in a corner of the place, so that no one heard the sound of his approach. He turned his attention towards them, that he might know what conversation they carried on amongst themselves. By chance one of the Fakeers sneezed, and of- fered up thanks to God. The three other calenders started up at the sound, and trimmed the lamp, filled their pipes, and began to smoke on their respective beds. One of the mendicants said, “O friends ! we four individuals during the revolntion of the sky, and the vicissi- tude of day and night, have wandered about from door to door for a long time with dust on our heads. God be praised Through the assistance of fortune, and the help of fate, we have met together at See H. P. 11, this place to day : we know not at all what may happen to-morrow, whether we shall remain together or be separated. The night is a great burthen (lit. a great hill); and to lie down so early is not good, therefore, it is better that each should relate his adventures, on the understanding that there be not the least admixture of falsehood in the recital, and the night will then pass away in words. When a small portion of the night remains, we will retire to rest. All of them said, O guide, we consent to whatever you command; be pleased to commence, relating first what you have yourself seen, that we may be profited, ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST DERVESH.3% The first dervesh sat down with his legs under him, and began thus to narrate the story of his travels. O adorers of God pay a little attention to me, and hear my story. The country of my * Throughout this story, the speaker frequently speaks in the 3d person. In the body of the work, the first person is used occasionally the litiral reading will be given in notes. † Lit. on his two knees. f Lit, the story of this destitute creature. THE * * FIRST DERVESH. 9 birth, and the native country of my ancestors, is Yamun.* Myf father was a great merchant, by name Khawjah Abmed. At that time, there was no banker or trader equal to him. In most cities he had established ware-houses and agents for the pur- chase and sale of goods; and there were lacs of rupees in cash in his house, and merchandize of different countries. He had two childern born to him : one myself, who, wearing a short shirt without sleeves and a necklace of threads, is in the presence of you, holy guides, and is now speaking; the second, my sister, whom my father, during his life time, gave in marriage to a merchant's son of another city. She used to live in her father-in-law's house. I was brought up with a great endearment under the shadow of my father and mother, and began to learn reading and writing, the exercise of soldiers, and the science of commerce. Until my fourteenth year, my life was See H. P. 12, exceedingly happy, and free from care, and I had no thought or anxiety regarding worldly matters. All at once, both my parents, by the decree of God, died in the same year. I was in a strange state of affliction, which I can- not describe. At once I became an orphan ; there was no one over me older or greater than myself. Night and day I used to weep on account of this sudden misfortune, and gave up eating and drinking, and every thing else. I passed forty days in the best way I could. On the fortieth day, all my relations, and strangers of high and low degree, were assembled together. When the prayer for the souls of the dead was finished, all the persons present tied upon my head the turban of my father. After consoling me they took leave. The agents, and men of business, and servants; as many as there were, came into my presence, and offered presents, and said, “Be pleased to look with an auspicious gaze at the houses where cash and goods are secured.” When I beheld at once so much boundless wealth, I stared with astonishment : I gave an order for the hall of audienee to be prepared. The servants spread carpets, covered the ceilings with cloth; and stretched rich curtains and screens ; and I entertained handsome and good-looking attendants and servants; and I had splendid dresses made up for them out of my own funds. I sat down on a cushion leaning against the pillow. * Arabia Felix f Lit. this wretch's father, # Lit. put ceilings across the roofs, (; 16 THE FIRST DERWESH'. Fops, conceited fellows, parasites, liars, and sycophants became my friends, and were my constant companions. I was in their society day and night.” They gave me all the gossip, tittle tattle, and scandal, of every place, and said to me, “In this state of youth you should have wine made of keetka, f and of roses; and having sent for mistresses, drink and enjoy yourself with them.” t t In short, by listening every minute to their per- nicious advice, my mind was led astray : I began to be engaged in drinking, dancing, and gambling. Matters came to such a pitch that having neglected trade, I was occupied in seeing the fun and giving away money. When my servants and companions saw this carelessness on my part, each took a why whatever he could lay his hands upon. So that one would sly a regular plunder was going on. I knew not how much money was expended, whence it came and whither it went. No one exercises any moderation in spending money which he gets for nothing. If I had the treasure of Karoon, it would not have been sufficient to answer this profusion. In the course of some years, I was all at once reduced to such a state, that only a cap and a cloth to conceal my private parts were left. and my servants, attendants, huntsmen, men in my employ armed with sword and buckler and "with firelocks, and armed soldiers, all abandoned and avoided me. No one remained to enquire to what a state I had been reduced. I had no companions, except sorrow and regret. I endured two or three fasts, but could not support hunger. In despair, "having thrown the 'veil of shamelessness over my face. I determined to go to my sister's. But I was ashamed to do so for this reason, that since my father's death, I had not presented her with anything, or written her a letter; and, moreover, I did not reply to two or three letters of •ondolence, and affection, which she had written to me, whilst I was in this dream of carelessness. In consequence of my thus feeling ashamed, I did nºt wish to go to her ; but I could not see any other house but her’s for me to go to. In some way or other, on foot, See H. P., 13. * Lit. during the eight watches. f A yellow fragrant flower. ! Lit. the heart is without compassion for money got for nothing. THE FIRST DERWESH. II emp'y-handed, staggering along the road, suffering a thousand hard- ships, I travelled many stages ; and having gone to the city in which my sister lived, arrived at her house. She who was in the place of a mother to me. seeing me in that reduced state, [she] drew her hands over my head,” and having embraced me, wept See H. P. 14, much. She began to say, “Although my heart is delighted with this visit, what state is this, brother, in which I now see you?” I could not make any reply to this. Being on the point of shedding tears, I remained silent. My sister, having had fine clothes made up quickly for me, sent me to a bath; and when I had bathed I put on the clothes. She appointed a beauti- ful and magnificient dwelling near herself for me to live in. In the morning she gave me, in her own presence, for breakfast, sherbet, and different sweetmeats, confections, and pistacbio nuts ; at the third watch dry and fresh fruits of different kinds ; and during the day and night, she gave me, at two appointed times, dishes made of flesh and rice, bread, and broiled and roast meats of high flavor, She showed me every kindness and attention. I offered up a thou- sand prayers in the Court of God, for enjoying so much ease after such great ºffliction. Many months passed thus happily away, and I did not stir abroad from my retirement. . . . . 4. One day my sister, who was as affectionate and attentive to me as a mother, began to say, “O brother! thou art the pupil of my eyes, and a token of remembrance of my deceased father and mother; by thy coming here, my wishes have been gratified. I am delighted when I look upon thee. Thou hast made me extremely pleased : but God has created men for the purpose of earning a subsistence. It is not right for them to remain idle in the house. ' The world reproaches and sneers at a man who stays at home without an occupation. The people of this city especially, of high and low degree, will say, re- garding your remaining here without reason. “Having wasted and ran' through his father's wealth and property, he has fastened upon the scraps of his brother-in-law's board.’ This will See H. P. 15, be the occasion of very great shame and ridicule to us both, and reproach to the name of our mother and father. Otherwise, I would show extreme love for you. I would keep you in my liver. It is now advisable that you should form the design of *— * In token of taking my misfortunes on herself. 13 THE FIRST DERVESH. travelling. If God is willing days will change ; and instead of enduring your present distress and poverty, you will enjoy content- ment and happiness.” I was also ashamed when I beard this speech. I approved of her advice, and replied. “Very good ; you are now in place of a mother to me ; I will do whatever you say.” Having thus obtained my consent, she went into the house, and brough t me, by the hands of female servants and slaves, fifty bags of gold- mohurs, and said, “A caravan of merchants is going to Damascus; purchase with this money articles of merchandize ; and having made them over to an honest merchant, take from him a proper note of hand, and do you also resolve to go to Damascus. When you arrive there in safety receive your property back again with all profits, or else sell it yourself.” I went with the cash to the bazar ; and having purchased articles of merchandize, entrusted them to a great merchant and made all satisfactory arrangements as to obtaining the receipt and note of hand for the goods. The merchant embarked in a ship and started off by sea, and I made preparations for going by land. When I was about to take leave of my sister, she presented me with a vest of honor of high value, and a horse with furniture covered with jewels, and having filled a provision box with sweetmeats of differ- ent kinds, she suspended it to the pommel of my saddle, and she fastenéd a leather bottle of water to the crupper. She tied the rupee of Emam Zamia to my arm ; and having marked my forehead with curds, she shed tears, and said, “Depart ; I have committed you to God, as you are now showing your back, so return soon and show me your face.” Having offered up a prayer for her welfare. I said “God is your protector also ; I consent.” Having gone forth thence, I mounted my horse, and resigning myself to the will of God, and making two days stages in one, I arrived at Damascus. See. H. P. I6. When I went to the city gate,the night was far advanced: the door-keepers and the watchmen had shut the gate. I made many solicitations, saying, “I am a traveller, and have come expeditiously from a distance, and if you open the door I will go into the city, and procure grain and grass.” They growled out from the inside “we have orders not to open the gate at this time; and why do you come at such a late hour of the night.” When I heard this explicit answer, I dis- mounted from my horse, under a wall of the city; and spread my saddle cloth on the ground and sat down upon it. In order to keep myself awake, I began to walk about here and there. When it was midnight there was a dead silence; and I saw a chest descending THE FIRST DERVESH', 13 from the fort wall. I was astonished at the sight, and thought, What magic is this? Perhaps God, from his secret treasury, may have shown me favor, compassionating my distress and trouble.” When the chest rested on the ground, I approached it with fear, and saw that it was a box made of wood. Through covetousness I opened it. A lovely and beautiful woman, at the sight of whorn the senses would vanish, was lying writhing in the chest, wounded and bathed in blood, and with her eyes shut. Her lips moved slowly, and these words proceeded from her mbuth ; “O ! unhappy, faithless wretch! O tyrant, full of violence is this the return you have made for all my goodness, and affection : Inflict one nore wound; I leave it to God to do justice between thee and me.” Having thus spoken in that state of insensibility, she drew the border of her scarf over her face, and did not look to- See H. P. 17. wards me. When I beheld her, and heard what she said, I became senseless. I said to myself, “Why has some shameless tyrant wounded such a lovely creature ? What ideas were in his mind, and for what reason has he raised his hand against her she still retains an affection for him, and calls him to mind, even now that she is in a state of agony.” I was speaking thus to myself ; the sound of my voice reached her ears. Once she removed the cloth from her face, and saw me. When her gaze encountered mine, T- began to feel faint, and my heart throbbed. I supported myself by force, and assuming courage, said, “Say truly who you are, and what this adventure is. If you will explain, my mind will be at rest.” Having heard this, although she had scarcely strength. to speak, she said slowly, “ Praise be to God that through wounds I am reduced to this state. What can I say 3 I shall live only a few minutes.” When I depart this life, be pleased, like a generous man, to bury me in some place in this chest; and I shall be released from good and evil speaking, and you will have future reward.” Having said so much, she remained silent. I could not make any arrangements, during the night 5 I took up the chest and brought it near me, and began to count the hours when the night would be over, that I might go early in the morning into the city, and exert myself to the utmost to procure remedies for her. The little night that was left appeared so burden- some, that my mind became confused. At length, whilst I was * Lit. I am a guest for a few minutes. D 14 THE FIRST DERVESH. calling on the name of God, the morning approached; the cock crowed. The sound of men began to be heard. Having repeated my morning prayers, and fastened the chest in a kind of portmanteau, I went into the city the See H. P. 18. instant the gate was opened. I began to look out for a house for hire from every person and shop- keeper. After searching some time, I rented a handsome house, and there I put up. Having first taken her out of the chest, and spread soft bedding on flocks of cotton in a retired part of the house, D. placed her upon it in a recumbent posture ; and having left a trustworthy man there with her, I went about asking every one, “Who is a skilful surgeon in the city, and where does he live.” One individual said, “There is a barber who is unrivalled in the art of surgery, and science of medicine, and very experienced in such business. If you were to take a dead man to him, by the will of God, he would adopt such skilful measures, that he would at once be restored to life. He lives in this quarter of the town, and his name is Esau.” Having heard this good news, I went on involuntari- ly and continued my search ; and having obtained a clue, arrived at his door. I saw a man with a white beard sitting under a portico, and several other persons grinding some things with a view to the preparation of plaster. I saluted him in a flattering and respectful manner, and said, “Having heard of your renown and excellent qualities, I have come here. The case is this: I left my country for the sake of trade, and on account of my affection for her, brought my wife with me. When I arrived near the city, evening set in, when a small part of my journey was unfinished. I did not think it right to travel at night in an unseen country. I dismounted under a tree in the plain. During the last watch of the night, I was attacked by robbers, who plundered me of all articles and property they found; and from an avaricious desire of obtaining her jewels, they wounded the lady also. I could make no resistance ; I spent the remainder of the night in the best way I could, and early in the morning I came into the city, hired a house ; and having left her there, I have hastened to you. God has made you skil. ful, show kindness to this traveller, and pay a visit See H. P. 19, to my humble dwelling. Look at her, and if she survives, you will obtain great celebrity ; and I THE FIRST DERVESH. 15 will be your slave all my life.” Esau, the surgeon, was a very compassionate and religious man ; he took pity on the humility of my speech, and accompanied me to the house. On examining the wounds he consoled me, and said, “By the grace of God, this lady's wounds will be healed up in forty days, and I will then cause her to bathe for being completely cured.” In short this man of God, having washed all the wounds, made them clean, and sewed up those which required it. With respect to the remaining wounds, he took out a small box from his pocket, he put bougies in some, and having applied plasters to others he fastened them up with band- ages, and said with greatest kindness, “I will come morning and evening. Instead of food pour chicken broth in small quantity at a time down her throat and give her often the spirit of odoriferous willow with rose water, that she may retain her strength.” Having thus spoken, he wished to take leave. I offered him many thanks, and joining my hands, said, “My life also has been saved by the consolation you have given; otherwise, I saw nothing but death before me. May God preserve you in safety.” Having given him uttur and beetle, I allowed him to depart; day and night I was present in attendance upon that fairy, and denied myself all rest, and offered up prayers daily at the court of God for her recovery. By chance the merchant came there also, and made over to me the articles I had entrusted to his care, which D sold for what they could fetch; and began to expend the money in drugs and medicine. That generous surgeon was con- stant in his attendance. In a short time all the wounds filled up, and granulated ; and after some days, she took the bath of recovery. I was uncommonly delight- ed, and placed a dress of honor and gold mohurs before the surgeon Esau, and having spread splendid carpets, I seated that fairy on a cushion. I bestowed great alms on the poor, and it seemed, as though, on that day, I had obtained the sovereignty of the world.” And that fairy after her recovery, had so clear and bright a color, that her countenance shone like the sun, and glittered like pure gold. The eye had not pow- er to fix itself upon her beauty. I was implicitly attentive and obedient to her orders, and did whatsoever she told me to do. If ever, in the pride of her beauty, or the haughtiness of high rank, she looked at me, she said, “Take care; if you desire my regard, do not offer the slightest opposition to what I say: whatever I tell you to do, do it without any excuse, and do not interfere in anything ; otherwise you will regret.” ºvers See H. P. 20. * º Lit, seven climes. 16 THE FIRST DERVESH. From her manner, I knew that she certainly acknowledged and approv. ed of my attendance and obedience. I did nothing without her con- sent, and implicitly obeyed her orders, Some time passed away in thismanner. I brought her immediately whatever she ordered. All my goods, ready money, including principal and interest, were expended. In that strange country, who would trust me, so that by borrowing I might continue to defray the expenses. At last I began to have diffi- culty in paying for daily supplies, and my mind was greatly perplexed on that account. I was becoming thin from care ; but to whom could I say any thing : Whatever might happen to me I must submit to it, One day that fairy, having, through her own intelligence, ascertain- ed the state of affairs, said, “O, snch a one ! the See H. P. 21. fidelity” of thy services is impressed on my mind, but I cannot at present make a return for them. If thou requirest any thing for necessary expenses, be not at all distressed. Bring me a piece of paper, and an inkstand and pen.” I then knew her to be a princess of some country, because she spoke with so much confidence and pride. I immediately placed the writing box before her. She wrote a letter with her own hand, delivered it to me, and said, “There is a large building near the fort : the master's name of which is Seedee Bahar. Go, and deliver this note to him.” I went according to her order, and by means of the name and sign she had given me, reached the house.} I sent a verbal message regarding the letter by the door-keeper. Immediately on hearing it, a young and handsome Ethi- opian, wearing a well shaped small turban, came forth. He took the note from my hand without saying or enquiring anything, and immedi- ately went inside the house again. After a little delay, he came forth with eleven sealed trays, covered with brocade, and carried on the heads of slaves, and said, “Go with this young man, and deliver the trays.” I made a salutation, took leave of him, brought them to my house, and dismissed the men from outside the door, and placed them as they werei the presence of that fairy. Having looked at them, she said, “Take these eleven bags of gold mohurs for the current expenditure. God is the bestower of daily food.” I took the money, and began to expend it in necessary expenses. Although my mind had been set at rest, I was still perplexed, “O God! what state of affairs is this that an unknown foreigner should have made over so much wealth to my * Lit. the right. i Lit arrived at the stage of my wishes. THE FIRST DERVESH. 1? tharge, only on seeing a scrap of paper without making any enquiries? I could not ask* that fairy to explain this mystery; ** H. P. ** she had already prohibited ray making such enquiries. I could not, through fear, speak upon the subject. After eight days, the fairy addressed me as follows: “Take two bags of gold mohurs with thee, go to the shop of the merchant yousooff at the meeting of four cross roads of the market, purchase some jewels of high price, and two splendid robers of honor, and bring them here,” I immediately mounted my horse, and went to his shop. I beheld a handsome youth in a saffron dress, seated on a cushion. And his beauty: was such that a crowd of persons were standing from his shop to the bazar for the purpose of beholding him. Having approach- ed him with much pleasure, and made a salutation, I sat down; and asked for the things I wanted. My conversation was not like that of the inhabitants of that eity. That youth said, with warmth, “ There is every thing here that you require, but please mention from what country you come, and what is the reason of your dwelling in this strange city. It will be an act of kindnessS if you acquaint me with these circumstances.” I did not like to explain my circumstances. I told him something or other, took the jewels and dress, paid for them, and then asked for permission to take leave. The youth said, in a harsh offended manner; “If, Sir, you intended to behave un- friendly, what necessity was there for you to show such warmth of friendship at first Amongst persons of nobility great attention is paid to friendly greeting.” He made these remarks in so agreeable and appropriate a manner, that my heart was highly delighted; and I did not think it consistent with politeness to rise ungenerously from thence. For his sake, I sat down again, and said “I am ready to pay the most implicit obedience to your orders.” He was greatly pleased at my saying this, and laughing, began to remark. “If you will do me the favor of accepting an invitation to my house to-day, I will make a merry party on your account, and we will amuse our- selves for some hours, and enjoy the entertainment together. *– --wººg * Lit. If I were to ask. † Joseph. † Lit. His state. § Lit. It will not be far from kindness. II. See H. P. 23. 18 THE FIRST DERVESH. I had never left that fairy by herself, and calling to mind her solitary situation, I made repeated excuses, but the youth would 2not receive them. At length, he allowed me to take leave, having bound me by a promise, on oath, to return after I had conveyed the articles I had purchased. Having risen up from his shop, I brought the jewles and dresses into the presence of that fairy. She enquired the cost of the jewels, and the circumstances of the jeweller. I explained all the details of the purchases, and of his being so impor- tunate in inviting me. She began to say, “It is proper for a man to fulfil his promise, Go, and carry out the engagement, having left me under the protection of God.” Upon this I said, “My heart does not wish to go, leaving you alone. And as it is your order that I must go, I have no alternative, I will go. My heart will be attached here until I return.” Having thus spoken, I returned to the jeweller's shop. He was seated on a stool, and expecting my arrival. On seeing me, he said “Came, O kind friend you have made great delay.” He got up immediately, laid hold of my hand, and proceeded onwards; and going along, took me to a garden, which was very beautiful. In the reservoirs and canals, fountains were in full play; fruits of various kinds were abundant.* Every tree was waving up and down from the weight. Birds of various colors were perched upon the trees and warbling ; and in a very magnificent building, elegant carpets were spread. Having gone into a bungalow on the bank of a canal, he sat down. About a minute afterwards, he rose up and went away, and came back again, wearing another rich dress. When I saw him, I exclaimed, “O holy God! may the evil eye be far removed ſ” He smiled as he heard this, and said, “It is proper that you should also See H. P. 24, 2? is a . change your clothes.” For his sake I put on another suit. The youth made splendid preparations for the entertainment and produced every thing that could be required for pleasure and enjoyment, and receiving me with great warmth of manner, began to talk very agreeably, In the meanwhile a cup-bearer came with goblets and bowls of crystal, and placed several kinds of highly spiced relishes to eat with our wine. The salt cellars were arranged in order, and the wine began to circulate. When we had finished two or three goblets, four beardless boys of exceeding beauty, and with wn--- * Lit. Fainting. THE FIRST DERVESH. 19 curls floating loosely about their heads, came in, and began to sing and play. In the midst of these delights, the eyes of that youth filled all at once with tears, and a few drops fell involuntarily, and he said to me, “Our friendship has now been established ; and it is not right in any religion to conceal the secrets of the hearts from friends. I will mention one thing without ceremony, from confidence in your friendship. If you will grant permission, I will send for my mistresg into this company.” He spoke this with so much affection, that with- out seeing his mistress, I became anxious to see her. I said “I wish to please you, and nothing can be better than this proposal; make no delay.” The youth made a sign in the direction of a screen, and immediately a black demon-like woman, at the sight of whom a man would die without any other cause,” came and sat down beside him. I was frightened at seeing her, and said to myself. “Is this wretch,i whom he has praised so much, and for whom he has manifested great affection, the beloved of such a fairy born youth " Having read the Lahoolt I remained silent. In the same manner three days and nights were passed by the company in carousing, aud music. On the forth night, we were overpowered by drunkenness and sleep. I had no command over my- self, and fell into a sound repose. In the morning the youth awoke me, and having offered me some cups of wine to take off the ef- *. fects of intoxication, said to his mistress, “We See H. P. 25. ought not to put our guest to any furthur in- convenience.” They both laid hold of each other's hands and rose up. I asked for permission to take leave, which he granted with expressions of great delight. I then put on my old clothes and took the road home, and went into that fairy's presence. I gave an account of the feast, and explained all the circumstances of his not allowing me to take leave. Being a very intelligent woman of the age, she smiled and said. “What does it signify if you have remained away for the sake of a friend; what fault is it of yours? I forgiveyou. When a person goes into another's house, he comes away again at the pleasure of that person. But having thus enjoyed his hospitality without any expense to . . . Lit. Would die without death. f Lt. Calamity, f A form of exorcism, 20 THE FIRST DERVESH, yourself, will you remain silent, or will you make a return ? It is proper that you should now go and bring back that merchant's son with you and entertain him in twice the style in which he entertained you. And you need have no anxiety as to the means of the enter- tainment. By the favour of God, all things necessary will be ready in a trice, and the entertainment will be a splendid and brilliant one.” ^ I went according to her order to the jeweller's, and said, “ i. have done implicitly what you bid me do ; kindly consent now to grant what I ask.” He replied, “I am ready to do so with heart and soul.” I said “It will be an act of very great kindness to your poor slave, if you will pay a visit to my house.” The youth made Imany excuses and gave many reasons for not coming, but I did not abandon my solicitations,” until he agreed to come. I took him away with me to my house, but thought to myself on the road, “If I had it in my power, I would pay him such attentions, that he also would be pleased ; I am now taking him along with me, let us see what will happen.” In this state of perplexity I arrived near See H. P. 26. the house, and saw that there was great tumult and bustle at the door. The street had been swept and sprinkled with water. Pursuivants and mace- bearers were standing there. I was astonished, but knowing it to be my own house, went inside, I saw that rich carpets, such as were adapted to each room, were spread in different places ; and there were cushions placed here and there. All the persons present were ready, each according to his rank or business. In the kitchen, there was a rattling sound of caldrons; and in the room set a part for keeping drinking water, there were pre- parations of the same kind. I took the youth, and gave him a seat on a cushion, and was astonished, and exclaimed to myself, “O God how have all these preparations been completed in this space of time * I went to and fro, looking about me in every direction, but did not discover any trace of that fairy any where. In the course of my search, I went once in the kitchen, and saw that she was occupied in making all the necessary preparations for the entertainment, and was giving direc- tions for various dishes that they might be of good flavor and the differ. * Lit. I did not quit his person, THE FIRST DERVESH. 2]. ent ingredients properly supplied. Her rose-like body was in a state of profuse perspiration from these exertions. I approached her, and praising her intelligence and skill, began to offer up prayers. She frowned when she heard this flattery, and said, “Men can do what angels have not the power of doing; what great things have I done that you should be so astonished you have said enough, and your paying me many compliments is not agreeable to me. Tell me what sort of civility is this to leave a guest sitting alone, and go about wandering here and there * What will he say in his own mind regarding this Go quickly, join your guest, and pay attention to him ; send for his mistress also, and place her near him.” I went immediately to the youth, and began to show him great warmth of kindness. In the meantime two handsome slaves appeared before us, bringing goblets and cups set with precious stones, and began to offer us wine. I then said to the youth, “I am in every way your sincere friend, and humble See H. P., 27. servant. It would be better that the beautiful creature, to whom your heart is attached, should come here ; it will be very agreeable. If you give the order, a man shall go to call her.” On hearing this, he was pleased, and said, “Very good ; you have at this time expressed the sentiments of my heart.” I sent a eunuch for her. When it was midnight, that hog came, like a sudden calamity, in a very elegant sedan. To please my guest, I advanced to meet her, and with great order placed her on a seat by the side of the youth, who, on beholding her, was as delighted as if he had obtained all the wealth and joys of the world. I waited upon my guest according to orders ; but however pressing the young man was, that I should eat and drink with him. I took no pleasure in eating or drinking, or the pleasures of entertainments, from a dread of that fairy. I pleaded the duties of hospitality, as my excuse, for not joining him. Three days and nights passed away in this manner. On the fourth night that youth having called me in a most affectionate manner, began to say, “We will take leave now ; for three days and nights we have abandoned all our business and attended upon you ; come and sit near us for a short time, and gratify our hearts.” I thought to myself, that “Now if I do not eonsent to what he proposes ; he will be vexed.” Besides it was necessary to please a new friend and guest, I replied, See H. P. 28. “I am willing to obey your order.” Jº 22 THE FIRST DERWESH. The youth offered me a cup of wine, which I drank off. After this, there was such a free and continued circulation of wine, that in a short time all the people of the party were intoxicated and became insensible ; and I ulso was reduced to that state. When it was morning, and the sun had risen to the height of about two spears, I opened my eyes, then I saw neither the preparations or the party, nor that fairy. There was only an empty house, with the exception of a blanket folded up, and placed in a GOIR) & Iſs When I opened it I saw that the youth and the woman were lying on the ground, with their heads cut off. My senses fled on beholding this sight. My understanding was of no use in discover- ing, what there was and how this happened. I remained staring in every direction with horror and astonishment. In the meanwhile I saw a eunuch, whom I had seen in the arrangements of the entertainment, and was consoled in some measure on beholding him, I enquired the particulars of this deed. He replied, “What wilt thou gain by investigating this business.” I thought to myself, he spoke truly ; and after a little reflection I said, “Well, do not tell me any thing about it ; but explain to me in what house that fairy is?” He replied “I will certainly tell you what I know ; but what does it mean, that a wise man like their should, on a friendship of two days, and without permission of the lady, have freely and unceremoniously had a drinking bout with that individual " I was very much ashamed of my own conduct and his ad- monition. I said nothing except “I certainly have committed a fault : let me be pardoned.” The eunuch at length, with great kind- ness, pointed out to me that fairy's residence, and dismissed me and occupied himself with the business of burying the two wounded bodies. I was free from the suspicion of that act See H. P. 29, of violence, and being in a state of perplexity and agitation from a desire of meeting that fairy, stagger- ing along the road, and searching about, I arrived in the evening at the street, according to the directions I had received, and passed the whole night in a state of ret lessness in a corner near the door. I did not hear the sound of persons passing to and fro, and there was no one to make any enquiries into my conduct. [Whilst I was] in this helpless state, morning dawned. At Sun rise, that moon- TEE FIRST DERVESH. 2 ro *...* faced beauty began to look at me from a window of the balcony of the house. My heart knows the state of delight I then felt ; Is offered up thanks to God. In the meanwhile a eunuch came up to me, and said, “Go and sit in this mosque ; perhaps thy wish will be accomplished, and thou will obtain the desire of thy heart.” Upon this suggestion I rose up thence and went and remained in the mosque ; but my eyes were fixed on the door, in order that I might see what would be manifested from the invisible curtain. I pasa d that day in the same state of anxiety as a person who fasts ex- periences, whilst he is looking forward to the coming of evening. At length the evening came on some way or other, and the tedious- day passed. All at once, that eunuch, who had pointed out the fairy's house to me, came into the mosque, After being disengaged from his sunset prayers, that kind creature came up to me, (he being intimately acquainted with all my love secrets,) and having given me a great deal of consolation, laid hold of my hand, and took me away with him. He gave me a feat in a garden, and told me to stay there until my wish should be accomplished ; and taking leave himself, he probably went to speak about me to the fairy.f I was engaged in looking at the beauty of the flowers of the garden, and the moonlight. A second afterwards, that fairy came from the door, like the See H. P. 30. full moon, and stood in the avenue before me, highly ornamented. Having strolled about for a very short time, she sat down in the alcove on a rich cushion with a pillow behind her back. I joined my hands like a slave, and stood up. Upon this, the eunuch began to speak of me in a recom- mendatory manner. I said to him, “I have committed a sin and & fault, and let any punishment be inflicted on me which may be thought befitting my offence. “That fairy was greatly displeased she said with haughtine-s,” It is now advisable for him that he should take away with him a hundred bags of gold-mohuis, and having packed up all his goods and chattles, return to his own country,” When I heard this speech, I was dried up ; so that if any one had cut my body, not a drop of blood would have corne for th and the whole world began to appear dark in my eyes. At that time | Lit. In the presence. 24 THE FIRST DERVESH. I had no hope in any but God. Being in utter despair, I said, “Be pleased to consider a little. If this ill-fated wretch had been ambi- tious of worldly wealth, he would not have sacrificed his life and property in [thy] presence. What I have the acknowledgements” of good service and sacrifice of life departed all at once from the world, that you show so much unkindness to'this unfortunate indivi- dual well life is now useless to me.” That beloved creature said, with affection, “Thou hast brought disgrace and ignominy upon me to no purpose : what more dost thou wish for now : Explain most unreservedly the thoughts of thy heart.” O, fellow Derveshes : I was at this time in such a state, as almost to have died of joy. I was so swelled out with delight, that my garments could not contain me, and my face and figure under- went a change. I offered up thanks to God, and said to her, See H. P. 31. “At this moment all the arts of physic is e centred in you, who with a single word restored a dead man, like me, to life. Behold what a sudden change has since been produced in my condition.” Having thus spoken, I went three times round her, came and stood be'ore her and said, “ This is more to your slave than the sovereignty of the world, that you should kindly do me the honor of permitting me to kiss your feet.” Having heard this she became thoughtful for a moment. Then looked at me askonce and said, “Sit down ; you have done such great service and have shown so much fidelity, that whatever you may say is right ; and they have made a great im- pressión on my mind. Well; I give my consent.” That very day in a lucky hour and auspicious, moment, the Razi performed the marriage ceremony in a very quiet manner. After such great troubles and calamities, God showed me such days, that I obtained the desire of my heart. But however, I was very anxious to discover the particulars of those strange circumstances. Until that day I knew not who that fairy was, and who was that dark colored handsome negro, who, on seeing a scrap of paper, had made over so many bags of gold mohurs to me. Nor could I understand how preparations for an entertainment, worthy of kings, had been made in the space of one watch ; and why those two innocent persons *-*— * Lit. rights, THE FIRST DERVESH. 25 had been killed in that assembly; and the reason of her wrath and cruelty towards me, in spite of attentive services and the airs I had borne from her, and why all at once she had raised me to such high honor. Therefore when all the ceremonies of the marriage were over, I asked the fairy about it. On bearing this she began to say, “Be cautious ; if the secret of this wretched o'e should be reve -ie'' a great calamity would be accasioned. ” I replied, “What is this you are saying 2 Entertain no such idea with respect to me; and •N ..., relate freely all that has happened. I will never on See H. P. 32. any account make the slightest disclosure,” and & to reach any one's ears is a matter of impossibility. When she saw that she could not escape from her beloved with- out relating her history, and being, obliged, she said, “ Many evils attend the mention of these matters ; you have strongly urged me to speak of them : I will, therefore, explain my ad- ventures, since thou art most dear to me, but thou also must certainly keep it secret.” # In short, having made many strict injunctions, she began to say, “ I, the unhappy woman, am the daughter of the Sultan of the country of Damascus, who is the greatest of kings. Except myself, no child was born unto him. From the day of my birth, I was brought up under the protection of my paren's with affectionate indulgence and amidst happiness and delight. When I came to years of discretion, I fixed my affections on beautiful and de- licate companions. Moreover, elegant, fairy-born, and noble girls, of equal rank used to be in society with me, and i had good looking, handsome female servants and companions of my age. I occupied myself constantly in seeing sights, and dancing and musie ; I had nothing to do with the good and evil of the world. On considering how completely free from care my state of life was, nothing except thanks to God, came forth from my mouth. It so happened, that my disposition was of itself reduced to such a state of ennui that the society of no one pleased me, and I took no pleasure in joyful assemblies. My mind became like that of a person deranged. My heart was sad and perplexed. No one's 1– wº- -sº Lit. I will never bring the circumstances from my heart to my tongus, t Lit. Understanding. % 26 THE FIRST DERVESH. aspect was agreeable to me, and I could not endure to speak, or listen to any one. Perceiving my condition, my nursery attendants were all in a state of anxiety, and began to fall at my feet. This faithful eunuch has been from days See H. P. 33 of yore my confidant and acquainted with my secrets. Nothing is hidden from him, Having observ- ed my loneliness, he said “If the princess will drink a little sherbet of Warkool kiyal’; it is probable that she will be restored to health, and cheerfulness will return to her mind, From bis speaking thus, I had a desire to taste it, and I then told him to bring it quickly. The eunuch went out; and having nicely prepared a goblet of this sherbet and put it into ice,came back and had it brought to me by the hands of a boy. I drank it, and experienced the benefits from it which he had explained. As a reward for this service, I then presented the eunuch with a valuable dress of honor, and told him to always bring me a goblet at the same time of the day. From that day the eunuch made a practice of having a goblet of sherbet brought to me by the same boy, and I drank it. When the fumes of intoxication rose, in the flights cf fancy occasioned by it, I amused myself by jesting with that boy. And he also used to tell wonderful stories, and I made him presents daily ; but that ill-fated creaſure constantly came in my presence in the same clothes as he always wore, moreover the clothes became dirty. One day I said “You have obtained so much money from me, but you continue still to have the same dishevelled appearance. What is the reason of this ; where have you spent those Rupees, or have you hoarded them up " The boy, having heard these en- couraging words, and perceived that I made enquiries into his circum- stances, being on the point of shedding tears, began to say, ‘My pre- ceptor has taken every thing which you presented to this slave, and b as not given me a pice. Where shall I make up other See H. P. 34. clothes to wear in thy presence : I am not to be blamed in this matter, and am without remedy. I took compassion on him, on his speaking with so much humi- lity, and immediately ordered the eunuch, “Instruct the lad your- self from this date : and have him well dressed, and do not allow him to indulge in profitless sports, and jumping about with other lads. Moreover, I wish, that he shall learn respectful man- * A drug of an into&teating kind. THE FIRST DERVESH. 27 ners, to fit him for my service, and that he shall be always pre- sent. The eunuch acted implicitly according to my orders, and be- gan to take the greatest care of him. In a few days, from the easy life he led, and feeding well, his appearance improved, and he cast, as it were, his old skin. After some years, his mous- tachio began to appear. His figure was well formed and then the courtiers outside the palace began to talk of him. The doo:- keepers and servants at the entrance of the female appartments and attendan's, and the captains of the guard, and mace-beaters, began to forbid him from going in and out of the seraglio ; and at last he left off coming. I then sent for that attendant, who was my confidant, and said to him,' I am anxious about, and wish to patronize, that youth. At present it is advisable to give him a capital of a thousand gold-moburs, and set him up in a jeweller's shop in that part of the market where the four cross roads meet ; in order that, by the profits of trading, he may be enabled to earn a comfortable subsistence for himself; and have an elegant house erected for him near my palace and cause as many slave girls, slaves, and servants as may be necessary, to be purchased and entertained for him on established rates of wages, so that he may not feel the slight- est discomfort., The eunuch made all the arrangements for his abode and business as a jewller, and his trading. In a short time his shop shone forth with so much brilliancy and splendour, that all the rich dresses of honor and precious jewels, which the king and the nobles required and sought after, were pro- See H. P. 35. cured from him. By degrees this shop increased so much, that the rarities of all countries were to be had there. The earnings of all the other jewellers were diminished in consequence of him. In short, no one in that city could compete with him ; and indeed, there was no jeweller like him in any country. He made lacks of Rupees in this business ; but separation from him b' gan to injure my frame daily. I could devise no plan by means of which I could see him, and comfort my heart. At length I sent for that in- telligent servant to ask his advise, and said,' I cannot hit upon any means of obtaining a glimpse of his countenance, and thereby pacity- ing” my mind, except this one, that you have a subterranean pass ge * Lit. Giviag patience to. 28 THE FIRST DERVESH. dug from his house, and make it communicate with my apart- ments. Such a gallery was prepared a few days after my giv- ing the order : when it was evening, the eunuch used to bring the boy quietly by that road. l When the morning star rose, and the public crier called aloud to prayers, the eunuch escorted that youth to his house by the same road he came. Except the eunuch and two nurseş who had nursed me and brought me up, no one” was aware of these circumstances. f Some time passed away in this manner. It happened one day, that when the eunuch went according to custom to call him, he perceived that the youth was sitting thoughtfully and silently. The eunuch said, ‘Is all well to-day : why are you so sad Come along into the presence : she has sent for you.. He made not the slightest reply, and did not open his lips.f The eunuch came back alone, disappointed, and mentioned what had occured to him. See H. P. 36. I took no notice of the stupidity of that ass, but i sent a message a second time by the eunuch, saying. “If thou dost not come, I will contrive, some how or other, to go to thee; but my going there will cause a very great evil, for if this secret should transpire, it will be bad for you. Act not in such away, as that thou canst gain nothing but disgrace. It is better that thou shouldst come quickly to me; if not I will be with thee immediately. When this message reached him, and he saw my very great affection, he came, having made himself look very ugly. When he sat down near me, I asked him, ‘what is the leason of your coolness and anger today 3 you have never she wa such great sauciness and presumption, and constantly been present without making any excuse.’ He replied, ‘ 1, a poor, ignoble creature, through the favor of the presence, and by reason of your pro- tection, have attained to this dignity. My life has been spent in great ease. I offer up prayers for your life and prosperity. This fault has been committed by this criminal, in the confident ex- pectation of the princess forgiving it. I hope for pardon, As I loved him heartily I accepted his well turned apology, and took * º; Lit. No fourth person. f Lit. Did not move his tongue. f Lit. Consider me as having arrived. THE FIRST DERVESH. 29 hb notice of his wickedness. Moreover, I asked him in a kind imanner, “what troublesome difficulty hast thou to cope with?’” that thou hast been so thoughtful regarding it ; explain it and measures shall be taken for overcoming it also '' In short he replied in a humble manner, ‘Every thing is dif- ficult to me; to you all is easy.” At last, from the scope and meaning of his conversation, and roundabout discourse it ap- peared, that there was an exceedingly verdant garden and lofty house together with a tank and reservoir and a brick well, for sale in the middle of the city near his dwelling. And with the garden, there was a slave girl, who sang and had great taste in the science of music, for sale also ; but the two were See H. P. 87, for sale together, not the garden alone. Whoever pur- chased the garden, must give the price of the slave girl also. And the strange part of the thing was, that the price of the garden was one lack of Rupees, and that of the female slave, five lacks, and that he could not pay so large a sum at that time. I perceiv- ed that he had a most uncontrollable desire to purchase them, and that his heart was on this account perplexed, and his mind dis- tressed. Although he was sitting in my presence, his counte- nance was dejected, and his spirit sad. As his happiness was dear to me, I immediately ordered the eunuch to pay the cost of the garden and the slave girl, early next morning, and to take a written deed and acknowledgment for both ; and to make them over to this individual, and pay the owner the purchase money from the royal treasury. On hearing this command, the youth offered me his respects, and his looks were brightened. The whole night was spent as usual. He took leave at dawn of day. The eunuch having purchased the garden and the slave girl, acco; d- ing to my order, gave them to him : and after this, the youth used to come at night and go away as usual. One day, in the spring, that newly purchased garden came a cross my thoughts. I had an intense desire to take a moment's stroll in it, in that agreeable state of weather. When a misfortune comes to a man, a dog, bites him although he be mounted on a camel. When I was quite comfortable in my house all on a sudden I took a nurse with me and proceeded through the sub- amm- * Lit. Has come before thee? H. 30 THE FIRST DERVESH. terranean passage, to that youth's house, and thence, towards the garden. I saw that its beauty was in every respect quite equal to that of Paradise. The streams filled to the very verge, seemed like carpets of glass, and the waters of them” undulated to and fro, In short, I was strolling about the garden in See H. P. 38, every direction, when the day passed away, and the darkness of night made its appearance. In the mean time, I saw that youth on one of the paths, and he having seen me, advanced with great respect and warmth, and placing my hand in his own, conducted me towards a summer house. When I went there, the surrounding appearance made me forget all the rest of the garden, such was the state of the illumination, that the shubiat, notwithstanding its moonlight and lamps, would have appeared dark in comparison with it. At this time, a cloud burst, and the moon came forth. It was a grand sight, and while the light of the moon was dif- fused around, the youth said, “Please come now, and sit down in the balcony, of the garden. ” I had become such a fool, that I did every thing that wretch told me to do. He led me the dance of taking me upstairs. That house was so lofty, that the lamps of the houses in the city, and the market place, seemed, as though they formed a lower garden to that house. I was sitting in a state of delight, when an exceedingly ill-shaped woman came forth with a bottle of wine in her hand. I was very much dis- gusted at her coming at that time, and was terrified at beholding her countenance. Being in a state of perplexity, I asked the youth, “who is this rare piece of filth : Whence hast thou procured her ?" The youth having joined his hands, began to say, This is the slave girl, who, by the favor of the presence, was purchased with this garden. I could see that this fool had taken her from a great desire for her. For this reason, although greatly distressed, I remained silent : but from that time, my heart was vexed, and displeasure was diffused over my mind. I rose up thence, See H. P. 39. that drunkard guessed his ruin from my action, and thought in his heart, that if I were displeased with him then, what would be his condition on the morrow, * Lit. Waves. THE FIRST DERVESH. 31 *] and what calamity would befal him in the morning ; and that, therefore it was better to kill me. Having determined upon doing so, by the advice of that shameless strumpet, and having thrown a waist-cloth over his neck, he came and fell at my feet ; and having taken off his turban, from his head began to make solicitations and lamentations. However he made me sit down again ; after having cajoled me and persecuted me with solicitations, he filled up three or four cups of that doubly dis- tilled wine, and drank some himself, and gave me some. Hav- ing in the first place been boiling with rage, and having in the *econd place, drank such strong wine, I quickly became insen- sible, and lost all consciousness, Then that merciless, ungrateful, unrelenting, stone-hearted wretch, wounded me with a sword; more- over, imagined in his own mind, that he had killed me. When I opened my eyes, I spoke thus, Well ! I have received the re- ward of my own conduct, and then I fainted. I was in a state of complete insensibility. Perhaps that butcher supposing me to be dead threw me into that chest, and let me down from the wall, as you saw. I did not wish harm to any one, but these evils were written in my fate. If there had not been a fondness in my heart for looking upon handsome persons, that unfortu- nate individual would never have been a means of punishment to me.* God caused you to come to that place, and to be the means of saving my life. I am ashamed, after having endured such great infamy, to allow myself to live or to show my face to any one. But what can I do? To die is not in our own power, God having destroyed me, has restored me to §ee H. P. 40. . - life again. Let us see what has been predestined in my future fate. Apparently your great exertions and attentions have been of use, since I have been cured of such wounds. You have devoted your life and property to the desire of pleasing me, and have done all in your powerſ to serve me. In those days, observing that you were without any money, and in a state of perplexity, I wrote the note to Sidee Bahar, who is my treasurer, of which the con- tents were, that I was well, and living in such and such a house, and I requested him to give information, regarding my unhappy-selſ, * Lit. A collar on my neck. † Lit, Produced your whole stock in trade 32 THE FIRST DERVESH. to my noble mother. He sent the trays of ready money with thee, for necessary expenses. And when I sent thee to yousoof the merchant’s son's shop, to purchase a dress of honour and jewels, I was confident that the mean spirited wretch was in the habit of quickly becoming friends with every one ; and that knowing thee to be a stranger; he would probably, for the sake of forming a friendship give himself airs, and invite thee to an entertainment. My idea proved to be correct, and he did exactly what I imagined he would do- When thou camest to me, after having promised him to return, and fold’t me the circumstances of the feast, and of his being so importunate in his invitation, I was delighted ; because, if thou wert to go to an entertainment at his house, and wert to invite him to one at thine, he would most readily come. For this reason, I gave thee speedy permission to go. When thou camest back in three days, after having fulfilled thy engagement, and with shame madest excuses before me for thy absence, I said to thee, for thy consolation, it matters not ; thou camest back, when he allowed thee to leave him. But shame is shewn in accepting the kindness of another, and not making any return for it. Do thou go now, and request him to come here, and bring him with thee. When thou wentest to his house, I saw that there were no means ready here of giving an entertainment, and what should I do if he were to come But I had this comfort, that it was an old establish- ed custom of this country, for kings to remain in the interior of their territory for eight months in the year, on state and revenue affairs, and to take up their royal residence in the fort for four months in the rains ; and that the king, the father of unhappy me, would, at that time, have been gone two or three months past to arrange affairs in the interior. Whilst thou wast bringing that See H. P. 41. youth with thee, Sidee Bahar had represented my circumstances to the Queen, my mother. Upon this, being ashamed of my sins and crimes, I went and stood up in her presence, and explained all that had happened. Howmuchsoever she had concealed my dis- appearance from a prudent foresight and motherly affection, leav- ing the result to God, she did not think it proper to make mani- fest my disgrace at that time. Instead of myself, she had placed my faults in her womb,” but was making, search for me. When she saw me in this state, and heard all my adventures, her eyes filled with tears, and she said, O ! unfortunate, ill fated creature ; thou * Meaning she concealed my faults. THE FIRST DERVESH. 33 hast knowingly destroyed all traces and marks of royalty that were in thee. A thousand pities 1 and thou hast been hopeless of life. Would that, instead of thee, I had brought forth a stone, and I could have borne it patiently Repent even now : what was in thy fate has come to pass. What wilt thou do See H. P. 42, in future ? wilt thou live or die 2 I said with, ex- ceeding shame, “It was written in my fate, that in the midst of this disgrace and evil, I should escape from such great calamities, and survive. It would have been better for me to have died. Although the mark of obloquy has been attached to my forehead, I have not done any thing by which the re- putation of my father and mother can be disparaged. “I am now greatly troubled that those two shameless creatures should escape me, and should enjoy, with one another, the plea- sant society of lovers, and I should be suffering this distress at their hands. Alas ! that I cannot do any thing. I am in hope, that permission may be granted to the steward to make all the necessary arrangements for a feast, with all preparations and care in the house of me, unfortunate one, in order, that under pre- tence of an invitation, I may have those two ill-fated Creatures sent for, and inflict on them punishment befitting their conduct and take my revenge. Just as he attacked, and wounded me, I will, in like manner, cut them both in pieces, and then I shall be satisfied.’ Having heard this speech, my mother being kind from mater. mal affection, concealed my faults, and sent all the things neees- sary for the entertainment with this eunuch, who is my confident. All the people came and were present in their respective employ- wnents. In the evening thou cameat, having brought that wretch's with thee. I wished that slave girl to come also ; having a second time given thee an injunction, I caused her also to be invited. When she likewise came, and the party all sat down, all became intoxicated and insensible, and thou also fellest down with the rest like one dead, I gave the order to a female armed attendant, to cut off both their heads with a sword. She having forth-with drawn a sword, and eut off their heads, stained their bodies with blood ; and the reason of my anger with thee was this, that I gave thee permission for an See H. P. 43. -* -ms wº- * Lit. Deceased person. ‘84 "THE FIRST DERVESH, * bºt' entertainment, and not to take part in a drinking bou', placing reliance on a friendship of two days. It is true that I did not approve of this, thy folly ; because, when thou usedst to become insensible with drinking, what could be expected from thy com- panionship But I am so grateful for thy services,” that I forgive eyen all such conduct on thy part. Behold ! I have related my 'adventures from beginning to end. Is there any wish of thy mind unsatisfied ? In the same manner, that I, from affection for thee, have in every way con- sented to what thou hast said, do thou also act thus upon what I command. It is not adviseable for thee and me to remain in this city. For the rest, thou art at full liberty to act as it pleases thee. O! adorers of God! the princess having spoken thus much, was silent. With all my heart and soul I considered her order as superseding every thing, and I was entangled in the net of affection for her. I said, “Whatever may be most agreeable to your auspicious will, is best. This devoted servant will perform it, without making any excuse.” When the princess knew that I wonld be implicitly obedient to her commands, and subservient to her, she ordered me to have two fleet, high spirited horses, with speed like the wind, brought from the private stabſ, of the king, and got ready. I accordingly had fairy born and very strong horses,f saddled and brought. When little of the night was remaining, the princess, having put on the dress of a man, and armed herself completely, mounted one of the horses; and I being in arms, mounted the other; and we started in one direction. t See H. P. 44. When night was ended, and day began to dawn, we came to the border of a tank; and having dismounted, washed cur faces and hands. Having in great haste eaten some breakfast, we rode off again. The princess spoke sometimes and said, “I have for thy sake abandoned modesty, shame, country, property, mother, father, every thing; may it not prove, that thou also shouldst treat me as that faithless tyrant treated me !” Sometimes I touched upon different topics to beguile the journey, and said, in re- ...sººn —r—r- * Lit. The rights of thy service are so upon my neck. i Lit. horses with four kidneys. THE FIRST DERVESH. 35 .ply to her, “O princess all men are not alike. There must have been something wrong in the seed of that mean wretch, that he should have been guilty of such conduct; and I have devoted my life and property to you, and you have, in every way, conferred high honor upon me. I am now a slave of yours without purchase.” We continued to converse thus together, and pursued our Journey day and night. If ever we dismounted any where from fatigue we went out sporting in the forest after game; and having gº it and taken out salt from a salt-cellar, and struck a light from a flint, and broiled the game, we ate it ; and we let the horses loose; and they ate their fill of grass and leaves. One day we reached such a wide, and extensive plain, that there was not the slightest trace or appearance% of a village. And there was not a single figure of a man in sight. But in spite of tuis, by reason of my being in company with the See H. P. 45. princess, the day seemed like a festival, and the night like Shubrat. Proceeding onwards, we sudden- ly met with a river on our jurney on beholding which the firm- est heart would be appalled.i. Standing on the shore as far as we could see, there was nothing but water ; we found not any dry place. O ! God how could we now cross over this sea We remained standing for a moment, thinking of this. At last the idea occured to me, to let the princess sit down at this place, whilst I went in search of a boat. That beloved creatu, a would rest, until I could procure the means of crossing over. I then said “O princess if you give the order, I will go and look for the ghauts of this river " She began to say “I am very much fatigued, hungry, and thirsty | I will stop here a short time until thou canst make arrangements for our crossing.” There was a large peepul tree at the place, affording so much shade, that a thousand horsemen coming there, could have been sheltered under it from heat and rain. Having seated her there, I went away and began to look round on every side, on the river, and on land, for any signs of the appearance of men. I made great exertions, but did not succeed in seeing any one. At last, being in despair, I returned thence. I did not find the fairy under that tree. How shall I speak of my state at that time ; my senses wanished, I became mad and insane. At one time I climbed up the tree, g— ~y- * Lit. name. \. f Lit. The liver would become water. 36 THE FIRST DERVEsh. and wandered amongst the branches and leaves. Sometimes I fell flat upon the ground, and went round and round the roots of the tree.* At other times, I screamed out, and shed tears at my forlorn condition. Sometimes I ran from west to east, and sometimes wandered from north to south. I made very great search, but did not discover a trace of that unobtainable pearl. When all my efforts had failed, shedding tears, and throwing dust upon head, I began again to look for her in every direction. I imagined, that probably one of the Genii See H. P. 46. had carried off that fairy, and occasioned me this affliction f or that some one had come in pursuit of her from her own country and having found her alone at that time, had prevailed upon her to accompany him, and had taken her away to Syria. Being disturbed by these fancies, I threw away my clothes, and being in a state of nudity, and having assumed the appearance of a Dervesh, I wander- ed about the country of Syria from morning till night, in search of her, and laid myself down at any place at night. I tambled over the whole world, but did not hear of any clue to my princes from any one ; nor did I discover the reason of her disappearing. Then it occured to me, that since I could not obtain any trace of that beloved object, life would be sad, I saw a mountain in a certain jungle, which I climbed up, and resolved to precipitate myself down, in order that I might be dashed to pieces instantaneously and imy soul might escape from its then calamitous state. Saying this I was on the point of throwing myself headlong, and moreover my feet were up-lifted for the purpose, when some one laid hold of my hand. Upon this I recovered my senses, and saw a horseman, dressed in green, and with a veil thrown over his face, who said to me. “Why hast thou determined upon dying : To despair of the excellence of God is infidelity. Whilst there is breath, there is hope, Three Derveshes like thee, who have been involved in similar misfortunes, and have passed through similar scenes, will in a few days, join thee. And the name of the king of that country is Azad Bukht. He also has a great difficulty to surmount See H. P. 47. When he shall meet you four Derveshes, the desire and wish of the heart of each shall be fully accomplished.” * Lit. Offered myself as a sacrifice, i Lit. Branded. THE FIRST DERVESH. 37 I laid hold of his stirrup and kissed it, and said, “O friend of God by your speaking thus, my heavily troubled mind has been consoled ; but for God's sake, please mention who you are, and your noble name.” Upon this he said, “My name is Moortuza Ally and my business is to smooth the difficulties and troubles of all to whom they may occur.” Having thus spoken, he vanished from my sight. At length, in consequence of the glad tidings of my lord, the solver of my difficulties, I consoled myself and resolved upon going to Constantinople. Having endured on the road all the calamities which were written in my fate, in the confident hope of meeting that princess, I have through the excellence of God, arrived here; and through my happy fate have been ennobled in your presence. We have met each other and have enjoyed society and conversa- tion together. It is now necessary, that we should recognize and dis- cover the king Azad Bukht. After this, we five will certainly at- tain the wishes of our hearts : offer up prayers and say Amen. 24.2%. 22.2% ºz- *T 2:..."-zº THE TALE OF THE SECOND 22 See H. P. 47. **** —4-----4- .*- f --~, D E R W E S H. When it came to the turn of the Second Dervesh to speak, he sat down with his legs crossed, and said : O ! clothed in rags this humble individual is a prince of the kingdom of Persia, Men skilled in every science are born there; for this reason Ispahan is generally called half the world. In the seven climates of the world, none is equal to it. The climate of that quarter is pleasant, and people are of enlightened minds and possessed of great taste. My father selected very wise preceptors, skilled in every science and art, and placed them over me, from my boyhood, to instruct me in the customs and laws See H. P. 48, of government. I became proficient, having obtained perfect instruc- tion of every kind, By the grace of God, at the age of fourteen years, I became skilful in every science. I acquired a polite con- versation, agreeable manners, and whatever else is worthy of and necessary to kings. And it was my delight to associate with clever men day and night, and listen to narratives of every country, and the exploits of kings and celebrated persons. One day an intelligent companion, who was versed in history and had seen the world, said “ Although no confidence can be placed in the life of man, yet there are many good qualities which cause the name of a man, who possesses them, to be pro- nounced with praise to the day of judgment.” I observed, “If you will enter a little into a detailed explanation, I will listen and endeavour to act accordingly.” Then that person began thus to narrate the adventure of Hatim Tae ; “In the time of Hatim, there was a king of Arabia named Noufil, who bore a mortal hatred against Hatim, in consequence of his great renown. Hav- ing collected a large army, he advanced to battle. Hatim was a fearer of God, and a good man. He thought, See H. P. 49, if I also make preparations for fighting, the servants of god will be slain, and there will be great Jº. 40 THE SECOND DERVESH. bloodshed, the-punishment of which will be written against my name:” Having thus reflected, he went alone with life, and concealed whimself in a hill cave. * * When the news of Hatim's concealment was known to Nouſil, he confiscated all the property and dwellings of Hatim, and caused proclamation to be made, ‘Whosoever will search for him, and seize, and bring him, shall obtain a reward of five hundred gold- mohurs from the king's Court.” When they heard this, people became avaricious, and began to search for Hatim. * | One day an old man and his wife, with two or three little children, came to cut wood near the cavern where Hatim was concealed, and began to collect logs in the forest. The old woman said, “Had our days been fortunate we would have seen Hatim some where or other and seizing upon him, we would have taken him to Noufil and he would have given us five hundred gold-mohurs and we should have enough to eat, and escape from this distress and misery.” The old man replied, “ What art thou chattering about It has been written in our fate, that we should cut wood daily, and having placed it on our heads, sell it in the market and obtain our salt and bread, and that some day a tiger should carry us from the forest, Come stick to thy own work. Why should we get hold of Hatim, and the king make us present of so much money,"? His wife heaved a deep sigh and was silent. Hatim heard the conversa- See H. P. 50. tion of these two. He thought it would not be consistent with manliness and generosity to con- ceal himself, and save bis life, and not gratify their wishes. In short, the firmness of Hatim's disposition would not allow him to remain silent, after what he had himself heard. He came forth immediately, and said to the old man ‘O My dear! I am Hatim ; take me to Noufil, who will see me, and give you the Rupees he has promised to give'. The old man said “I should certainly obtain benefit and advantage by acting thus, but how do I know in what manner he would treat thee : If he were to put thee to death, what should I do It can never be, that for the sake of my own avarice, I should deliver a man like thee over to an enemy. How long should I enjoy that wealth, and until when should I live I must die at last, and what answer should I give to God 2" Hatim made many solicitations to the old man to take him THE SECOND DERVESH. 4I away, and said “I am asking you. of my own free will, and al- ways had this wish, that my life and property might be useful to some one.' But the old man would not give his consent in any way to take Hatim off, and receive the reward. At length being in despair, Hatim said, “If thou wilt not take me away thus, I will myself go to the king and tell him, that this old man had concealed me in a hill-cave in the forest.’ The old man laughed and said, ‘If I receive evil for good I will impute it to my fate. ” In the course of this controversy and con- See H. P. 51, versatin, more persons came to the spot, and a crowd collected. They found out, that he was Hatim and forth-with seized him, and carried him off. The old man also followed them in a state of sadness. When they fook him into the presence of Noufil, he asked ‘Who seized and brought him here 2'. An evil dispositioned, hard hearted wretch, said, ‘who except myself, could perform such an act? This victory belongs to me. I have placed a flag in the ninth heaven.' Another braggart began to boast “For many days past, I have made great exer- tions, and laid hold of him, and brought him from the forest ; pray pay some regard to my trouble, and give me what you have promised.” Every one, from a greediness for the gold-mohurs, was saying that he had performed this act ; and the old man was silent in a corner, and listening to the braggadocio of them all, and was standing up weeping for Hatim's sake. When they had all spoken of their manliness and courage, Hatim said to the king, “If you ask for the truth, it is this ; that the old man, who is standing apart from all, brought me here. If you came judge from appearances, ascertain the fact, and bestow upon him in full what you have consented to give. Because, in the whole body the tongue is most valuable. “It is necessary, that a man should do what he says. Otherwise, God has given a tongue to animals also. and what difference, then would there be between animals and men.” Noufil called that old wood-cutter to him, and enquired, ‘What is the real state of the case ? Who laid hold of Hatim, and brought him here' : The honest fellow gave a true account from begining to end of what had passed, and said, ‘Hatim came here of himself for, my sake.” See H. P. 52. Nouă. having heard of this spirited act of Halimºws: t astonished, and exclaimed, “ Bravo thy libe- rality has not feared even for thy life " He erdered, that all those who had made false claims of having 42 THE SECOND DERVESH. 2^ / seized and brought Hatim should have their ha ds, tied behind their backs, and receive five hundred blows of shoes on their heads, instead of five hundred gold-mohurs, in order that their lives might ebb forth. Immediately the constantly repeated sounds of shoes and slippers began to be heard, and their heads became instantaneously bald. It is true that lying is so sinful, that no other crime equals it, May God keep all men from this ca- lamity, and not give them a love of lying ! Many men utter falsehoods, but receive punishment at the time of trial. In short, having rewarded them all according to their deserts, the king Noufil thought in his heart, ‘It is inconsistent with manli- ness and generosity to entertain enmity towards Hatim, and be inimical to him, as his liberality extends to a whole world, and , he hesitates not to sacrifice his life for the sake of the neces- sitous, and is entirely devoted to the path of God.' He immedi- ately laid hold of Hatim's hand with great friendship and warmth, showed him respectful attention, and seated him near him, and forthwith gave up all the territories, and land, and money, and effects of Hatim, which he had confiscated, and bestowed on him a new chieftainship of the tribe of Tae, and caused five hundred gold-mohurs to be given to that old man from his own treasury. He went away offering prayers.” §ee. H. P. 53. When I heard the whole history of Hatim, I became ashamed, and this idea passed through my mind, “Hatim, who by one act of liberality had established a reputation, which to the present day is well known, was only a prince of his tribe, whilst by God's command I am king of all Persia, and it will be a matter of great regret, if . I am excluded from similar distinction, Certainly, nothing is greater in the world than liberality and munificence, because what- sover a man gives away in the world, he obtains the reward of it on the day of resurrection. If a man sows a single grain, how many spring up from it !” Having settled this matter in my mind, and caused an architect to be summoned, I ordered him to have a magnificent house quickly built outside the city, with forty high and spacious doors. In a short space of time as large a house as I desired was built, and every day, from morning till evening, I used to give rupees and gold-mohurs in that house to the poor and necessitious, and whosoever asked for any thing, I satisfied him. THE SECOND DERVESH. 43 r In short, indigent persons used to come to the forty doors, and take away whatever they wished. It happened one day that a beggar came to the front door, and begged; I gave him a gold mohur: and he again came to a second door, and asked for two gold- mohurs. Although I recognized him, I passed over the matter, and gave him two gold-mohurs. In this manner, he commenced coming to every door, and asking a gold-mohur more each time, and I purposely pretended not to be aware of the circumstance, See. H. P. 64. and gave him according to his request. At last, having come through the fortieth door, he asked for forty gold-mohurs, which I caused to be given to him. Having received so much the Dervesh came in again by the first door, and begged. This appeared to me a very bad action on his part. I said to him, “O ! avaricious man, what sort of beggar art thou, who knowest not the three letters of poverty, according to which a beggar should act " The fakeer said, “Well O ! liberal person, do you explain, them to me.” I replied from -3 ſay comes fast- ing, from J kauf content, and from 2 ray devotion. He is not a fakeer in whom these qualities are not : expend what you have al- ready received, then return and take whatever you may ask for. This charitable present is intended to relieve poverty, and not for accumulation. O avaricious creature l you have taken from forty doors from one gold-mohur to forty calculate how many gold- mohurs there are. And in addition to all this, your avarice has brought you again to the first door. What will you do with so much money after having accumulated it? A beggar should take thought only for one day ; on the second day there is Providence to bestow food anew. Be ashamed of yourself and be patient and content. What sort of fakeerism is this that your instructor has pointed out to you N’’ Having heard this speech of mine, he became angry, and threw all that he had collected and received from me on the ground, and said, “Enough, sir be not so warm ; take all your presents back again, and keep them with you. Do not again assume the name of liberality. It is very difficult to be liberal, as you cannot lift the weights of liberality, how will you reach that rank 3 Delhi is still distant. See H. P. 55. “There are three letters also, which constitute a liberal man. First endeavour after them and then call yourself liberal,” Upon this I was alarmed, and said “Well, O liberal man! explain the meaning of this to me.” He, I. 44 THE SECOND DERVESH. began to say, “From Uº seen comes patience; from e khy, fear of God ; and from 45 yay, to keep in remembrance one's birth and death. Until a man be such, that is, until he possesses these qualities, let him not assume the name of being liberal, and such is the dignity of a liberal man, that it even he be an evil doer, he is the friend of God. I have travelled over many countries, but have never seen any liberal person except the princess of Bussorah ; God has fitted the robe of liberality on her. All others wish for *uch a reputation as hers, but do not act like her.” When I heard this, I made many solicitations, and with many oaths ask- ed him to forgive my fault, and to take whatsoever he wished. He would not accept my gifts at all, and went away making this remark, “If you were now to give me your whole kingdom I would not accept it.” He went off, but my mind became rest- less from having heard these praises on the princess of Bussorah, and I became very uneasy. I was now desirous of proceeding to Bussorah some way or other, and of beholding her. - In the meantime the king died, and I ascended the throne T obtained the sovereignty, but that idea did not depart from my mind, I consulted the ministers and the nobles, who were the supports of the kingdom and the pillars of the state, mentioning ‘I,wish to make a journey to Bussorah, be you vigilant and attentive to you business. If life be spared, I will return quickly ; for, the duration of a journey is always short.” No one was pleased at my going, I was in despair, and my heart was sad. Having one day silently, and without communicating with any one, sent for my prudent minister, I made him my agent and entire representative, and created him the re- gent of the kingdom. Putting on the clothest of red ochre, and assuming the appearance of a Fakeer, I proceeded alone on the road to Bussorah. In a few days I arrived within is boundaries. From that time I observed, that wherever I stopped at night, the servants of the princess advanced to receive me and made me put up in an elegant house, and furnished all things necessary for an entertainment, and attended upon me during the whole night, with their hands joined together. During the second —º- t See H. P. 56. -ºr * Lit. I would not even spit upon it, i Lit. The bedding, THE SECOND DERVESH. 45 day, and at the second halting place, I met with the same treat- ment. I pursued my journey for some months in this comfort- able manner, and at last reached Bussorah. Immediately, a hand- some, well-dressed, good dispositioned, and very manky youth, whose intelligence was apparent from his countenance,came to me, and began to say in an exceedingly sweet tone of voice, “I am a servant of Fakeers and am constantly on the look out for them, in order that any travelling fakeer or worldly man who may come to this city, may alight at my house : there is no other place except this one house in this city for a stranger to dwell in, be pleased to pay a visit to it and shed splendor on my abode, and confer honor on me.” I enquired, “What is your noble name?” He said “ Thia worth- less individual is named Baidar Bukht.” Having observed his good qualities, and manners,” This humble one went with him to his house. I beheld a lofty building, arranged in regal style. He conducted me to a hall, and seated me, and sent for warm water to wash my feet and hands with. And having caused a table cloth to be spread, & steward placed before this solitary one, a full tray consisting of various dishes and when I had taken see H. P. 57, a morsel from each dish, my stomach was filled. I then ceased eating. That person was 3onstantly ask- ing me, “O sir, what have you eaten ?f all the dinner remains entire, be pleased to eat more without reserve.” I replied, “What shame is there in eating God grant that your house may prosper I have eaten as much as my stomach can contain, now, Pray take them away.” When the table cloth was removed, and a brocaded car pet of Cashanec velvet was spread, he brought a wash-hand basin ałd- ewer, made of gold, and taking some scented meal of pulse from a box he had warm water brought for me to wash my hands with. He then placed before me a beetle tray set with precious stones. When I asked for water to drink, the water-man brought me a goglet kept in ice. In the evening candles of camphor were lighted in the shades and that friend sat down and conversed. When the first watch of night had elapsed, he said to me. “Be pleased to repose on this bedstead with curtains, in front of which there is a screen.” I replied, “o Sir, a mat or a deer-skin suffices for the bed of wº- * Lit. Flattery. ! i Lit. Drew back my hand from eating. 46 THE SECOND DERVESH. fakeers. God has created these things for you worldly men.” He began to say, “All these things are for Derveshes, they are not my property.” In consequence of his importunity, I went and lay down on that bed, which was softer than a bed of roses. There were pots for holding roses and flower-pots ar- ranged on both sides of the frame of the bedstead, and instruments for holding perfumes; and censers were burning. On whichever side I turned in bed I was delighted with perfume.” In this state I slept, and when it was morning, he had placed before me for breakfast almonds, pistachio nuts, grapes, figs, pears, pomegranates, currants, dates, and Sherbut made of fruit. In this way I remained three days and nights ; and on the fourth day I asked for leave. Having joined his hands, he began to say, “Per- haps, this offender has been guilty of some fault in attending upon you, in consequence of which you are vexed.” I exclaimed with surprise, “For God's sake what is this you are saying * I have remained three days, which is the usual stipulation of hospitality ; it would not be right to stay any longer. And besides, I have set out for a journey, it is not proper that I should remain in only one place. This is the reason of my asking permission to depart; otherwise your good qualities are such, that I do not wish to be separated from you.” $ee II. P. 58. He said, “As you please; but oblige me by waiting a second, whilst I go and make a representation in the presence of the princess. And as you wish to go away, whatever wearing appearel, and bed- ding, and silver, and golden, and jewelled plates are in the guests room, all belong to you. Give your own orders as to taking them with you: arrangements shall be made.” I exclaimed, “Eschew it altogether l have I become a bard and am not a fakeer : If I had such avarice in my heart, why should I have become a fakeer : Why should I have disapproved of worldliness * That friend said, “If the princess should hear of these circumstances, I do not know te what treatment she would subject me, after having discharged me from this employment. If you have no need of these things, have them all deposited in a room fasten and seal up the door, and after that do what you please.” I did not wish to consent but he would not listen to me. ~gºmr * Lit. My brain was perſumed. THE SECOND DERVESH, • ** 47 Having no other alternative, I determined to shut up all the articles under lock and key, and was in expectation of obtain- ing permission to depart. In the meantime a confidential eunuch, accompanied by several other servants, arranged according to *... . . . . . grades, approached me with much dignified ceremony. See H. P. 59. He began to speak with so much kindness and gentleness, as to baffle all description. After this, he said, “ O Sir if you will in a spirit of liberal generosity, shed the light of your auspicious feet on the house of this humble individual, who is desirous of seeing you, it will be an act of great favor and charity. Perhaps the princess may hear that a tra- veller had come here, and no one treated him with courtesy and politeness, and, he thus went away. God knows, therefore, what calamity and affliction [this] may bring on me ! Moreover, my life will be in danger.” I refused to comply with his r, quest, but he took me away after having inade many solicitations, to another house, superior to the first one. Like the first host, the second one entertained me for three days and nights with the same kind of meals twice in the day, and sherbet in the morn- ing and afternoon, and fruits to help to pass away the time. And with respect to the silver and golden dishes and plates and the carpets and all things there, he began to say to me “You are completely mastër of all these things, do what you like with them.” l I was astonished at hearing these words, and wished in some way or other to obtain leave, and run off from this place. The eunuch looked at me in the face and said, “O servant of &od tell me what is the wish or desire of thy heart, and I will go and mention it in the presence of the princess,” I replied “Why should I, in the garb of a fakeer, ask for worldly wealth, that you give it to me without asking and f refuse it?” Upon this he began to say, “An avaricious desire for worldly things has not departed from the soul of any one." I answered “It is true, but I do not wish for any thing. With your permission I will write and nake over to you a sealed note, expressive of my wishes, in order that you may carry it into the princess' presence. Your doing so will be as great an act of kindness, as if you had given me the wealth of the whole world.” He said, “I certainly will ;” and there is no ***** * º * Lit. Be it on my head and eyes. - M 48 THE SECOND DERVESH. harm in it. I wrote a note having commenced with offering up thanks to God, I afterwards went on to say, “ that I this servant of God, had come to See H. P. 60. the city some days ago, and that I had received every kind of at- tention from Her court. That I had heard such good qualities and renown of the princess as had raised in me an ardent desire to see her, and that I had found those qualities four-fold greater than they had been represented. The nobles of your court now say, “. Declare thy desire and wishes ;’ and I do therefore mention, without any reservation, the wish of my heart. I am * . not in need of the wealth of the world, end am also king of my own country. I have come thus far, and endured all this trouble, solely from af. fection for you, and have therefore come alone in this disguise. I now hope that I, the most humble individual” may obiain the object of my heart, through your kindness which will be an act of satisfaction to me, I leave it to your auspicions will. But if this pei ion of mine, the poor individual, shall not be granted, I will wander about as I have done, suffering severely and will sacrifice this restless life for your love.” , \\ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - Having written this letter containing my wishes, I gave it to that eunuch, who conveyed it to the princess. He returned in a minute, and called me, and took me with him to the door of the seraglio. when I went there, I saw an oldish dignified looking woman decked out in jewels, and seated on a golden chair; and that many eunuchs and other servants richly dressed were standing before her with joined hands. Supposing her to be the chief superintendant of affairs, and thinking her an. old servant, I saluted her by bringing my hand to my head. The old lady returned my salutation with great kindness, and ordered me to come and sit down, and said, “ It is well See H. P. 6i. you came. Is it you who wrote the In Ote regard- ing affection for the princess 2" I W 3 S ashamed and remained silent, and sat with my head dº". A minute afterwards, she siad “O ! youth, the princess presents her compliments and says, there is nothing wrong in her *k- ing a husband ; and that you have solicited her hand. But lt * very wrong in you to talk of your kingdom, and in this mendi. think yourself a king, and to be proud of it. cant state to * Lit. One who sits in the dust. THE SECOND DERVESH. 49 For à long time past she has been desirous of marrying, and in the same manner that you are not in want of worldly wealth, 40 the Great God has given her also countless riches. But there is one condition, that you must first make up the marriage portion of the princess, (and her portion is ope word), if you ean fulfil it. I replied, “I am ready in every way, and will not withhold my life and property. What is it that I am to do, let me hear it * Upon this she said, “ Wait to-day and to-morrow : I will tell you.” I consented with pleasure, and having been permitted to take leave, came out. - * { . * . . The day had passed away, and when it was evening a eunuch called me and took me away to the female apartments. Having gone there, I saw that distinguished nobles and learned men, and men of great attainments and learned in the law, were present. I went also and sat down in that company. At this time a table- cloth was spread, and viends of different kinds, both sweet and salt, YWere placed upon it They all began to partake of them, and polite- ly asked me to join their party. When we had finished our repast, 2. In UlrS6 came from within, and asked, where is Bahrayur ; call him. The captains of the guards brought him. immediately. His : * * * * * appearance was very manly, many silver and golden See P. H. 62. keys were suspended at bis waist. Having made a º salutation he came and sat near me. The same nurse began to say, “Explain in detail what thou hast seen.” Bahravur began to tell this history and addressing himself to me, said, “ O! my dear, there are thousands of slaves under the govern- ment of our princess, who are engaged in trade, amongst whom I am also an humble individual. \ . . . . . . . . . . . . . - “It is her custom to send us to every country with articles of nerchandize, and when a merchant returns from a partciular country she enquires the history of that country from him in her own presence, and listens to it. Once it so happened, that this humble individual went of for the purpose of trade, and arrived in the city of Neemroze. I observed that all the inhabitants ther?, were dressed in black, and that they were incessantly weeping and lament- ing. It seemed to me that some great calamity must have befallen them. No one from whom I enquired the reason of this, eould give me any answer. I passed many days in a state of astonish- ment at this circumstance. One day, exactly at dawn, all the §§y. THE SECOND DERVES II, inhabitants of high and low degree, children, old men, poor and rich, went outside the city, and were assembled together in a plain ; and the king of that country, accompanied by all his nobles, rode with tham also ; and after this, they all drew up in line. “I also joined them and became a spectator ; but it appeared, that they were looking out for the arrival of some one. After ** the lapse of an hour, a fairy-born, handsome youth, Šee. H. P. 63 of fifteen or sixteen years of age, making a great uproar, foaming at the mouth riding on a yellow bullock, and carrying something in his hand, came opposite the people. And having dismounted from his bullock, and holding the nose-string of it in one hand, and a drawn sword in the other, sat down with his legs under him. A person with a body of rose colour. and the face of a fairy, accompanied him, to whom the youth gave the thing which was in his hand. That orphan having *aken it proceeded from the head of the line showing it to them all; but it was extraordinary that whosoever saw it wept immoderately with great bitterness. Having thus shown it to all the people, and made them weep, he returned from before them all to his master. When he came the youth rose up, and having cut off that slave's head with the sword, and mounting his bullock, returned to the place whence he had come. All the people stood looking at him, and when he disappeared from sight, they return- ed towards the city. - 4. \ *. *. “I enquired the real meaning of these circumstances from every one, and moreover offered Rupees, and flattered and solicited them to give me a slight clue, as to who this youth was, and what was the meaning of what he had done, and whence he had come, and whither he had gone. Not a single personi gave me any explanation of the subject, and I could form no coijectures regarding it. After having witHessed these strange occurrences, when Icame here, and mentioned them in the presence of the princess, she had also been in a state of astonishment, and has been in suspense, wishing to have the subject investigated, and has consequently fixed as her marriage portion, that whosoever should bring an entirely true account of those strange C ccurrences, she would accept him, and he should be See H. P. 64. master of all her wealth and kingdom, and of the princess. t THE SECOND DERVESH. $1 “You have heard all these circumstances. Consider in your mind whether you will be able to bring information of this youth. . Form the design [of going] to the country of Neemroze and start off quickly ; or else refuse to go, and return home.” I replied, “God willing, I will quickly return to the princess, after having enquired most minutely” into the circumstances, and will be successful. And if my fate be unpropitious, there is no remedy for it ; but let the princess promise that she will not swerve from what she has said. And now an uneasy; thought causes a policitude in my mind. If the princess would through kindness; and compassion summon me to the presence, and give me a ***t outside the curtain, and listen to my supplication with her own ears, and reply to it herself, my mind would be at rest tand I should be able to do every thing.” The old woman represented what I wished in the presence of that fairy-lika creature, who at length, as an act of patronage, ordered me to be called. The nurse came out again, and took me with her to the apartment in which the princess was. I beheld female attendants and servants, richly ornamented with jewels, standing according to their respective grades, in two rows, with their hands joined. Shall I describe it as the court of Indra, or as the descent of fairies : An involuntary sigh of rapture escaped my breasts and my heart palpitated : but I put a forcible restraint upon myself. I gezed upon them, and continued to advance, but my feet became a hundred imaunds in weight. I did not wish to go further than whichever of them I looked upon. On one side a screen had been let down, and a stool studded with gems had been placed there, and there was also a chair of sandal-wood. The nurse made a sign to me to sit down, and I sat on the stool, and she on the chair. She See H. P. 65. began to say, “Come now, mention what you wish without reserve.” I first praised the good qualities of the princess, and her justice and liberality, and then proceeded to say, “ since I came within the confines of this country, I saw houses for travellers and lofty buildings erected at various places at each stage, and men of every grade appointed to look after travellors and neces- fe -ºrgºs -w * Lit. From head to foot. i Lit. Difficult. † Lit. Hospitality. § Lit. Reached my tongue. N 52% THE SECOND DERVEsff. sitous persons; I also passed three days at each halting place. On the fourth day when I wished to take leave, no one was pleased at my going, and offered all the articles in each house, saying, “ these are all your property; take them away with you; or if not, shut them up in a room, and fix your seal, and take them away when- ever you please on your return.' I did so, but I am astonished at thinking what boundless wealth must be expended, since a fakeer like me had met with such treatment, there must be thousands going backwards and forwards in your dominions; if all received . the same kind of hospitality, whence has this wealth come, of which the expenditure is so great, and of what [nature] is it * The treasury of Kharoon would not suffice for such expenditure; and in observing the princess' dominions, the revenue would net appear to be sufficient for the expenses of the kitchen, not to mention any other expenses. If the princess will herself give me an explanation on this point, my mind will be at ease, and I will resolve upon going to the country of Neemroze, and will endeavour to arrive there somehow or other. Then having en- qaired into all the circumstances, I will, if alive, come again into the princess' presenee, and obtain the wish of my heart.” Having heard these words, the princess said, “O young man l if thou art thoroughly desirous of enquiring See H. P. 66, into the exact nature of these circumstances, I’Os main here to-day also, and in the evening I will send for thee and explain without any reservation, all the parti- culars of this imperishable wealth. - Having obtained this eemfort I came to my dwelling-place, and looked forward to evening in order that my wish might be accomplished. In the mean time, a eunuch came with many covered oblong trays which were placed on the heads of the bearers, and said, “the princess has sent you the remnant dishes from her own private table, partake of them.” Whan they were uncover. ed, my brain was scented with the perfume of them, and my appetite” was cloyed. I ate as much as I could, and gave the remainder to the persons who had brought the trays and offered my grateful thanks to the princess. At length, when the sun a weary traveller of the whole day went staggering to his heuse —w * Lit. Spirit. THE SECOND DERVESH, 53 and the moon, with her attendant stars, shone forth in the sky” a nurse eame then, and asked me to accompany her, as the princess had sent for me. I went along with her, and she conducted me to the princess' private apartment, sueh was the brilliancy of the lights, that the splendor of the night, Shube Khader,t was as nothing in comparison ; and a throne covered "ith gold was spread on royal carpets. There was a pillow set with jewels, and there was a canopy fringed With pearls erected on posts studded with jewels over the throne. And there were jewelled trees with flowers and leaves of gold ; and on both sides, and the right and left, there were servants and attendants standing respectfully with hands joined, and downward looks and bands of dancing girls and singers with instruments in proper tune were waiting. The mind was bewildered on beholding such preparations of magnificence.’and splendor. I said to the . . nurse, “There is so much beauty during the day See H. P. 67. and so much elegance at night that the day ought to be called a festival, and the night Shubbrat. Moreover throughout the world, the king of the whole universe could not enjoy so much pleasure. Is this state of things of constant continuance * The nurse began to say, “ The arrangements of the princess’ affairs [which] you have seen, ars al- ways carried out in this fashion; there is no interruption, but rather increase. Sit down here, the princess is in another room, and I. will go and inform her of your arrival.” Having spoken thus, the nurse went away, and returned im- mediately, and invited me to come into the princess' presence. By the act alone of going into the room, I was astonished, and eould not distinguish either the door or the wall, because there were Aleppo mirrors of the height of a man suspended on all sides, on the frames ef which diamonds and pearls were set. The reflection of one fell upon the other, and the whole room seemed to be jewelled. There was a screen or curtain on one side, behind which the princess was sitting. The nurse sat down close to the curtain, and told me to sit also. Then the nurse, by order of the princess, began thus to explain to me. * Lit. Came and sat in the public hall. f Lit. The twenty seventh night of the ninth month. 54 THE SECOND DERVESH. “Hear O ! wise young man, the king of this country was a great monarch; in his house seven daughters were born. One day the king gave a feast, and these seven daughters were stand- ing in presence of the king. A thought occurred to the king, and looking towards his daughters, he said, “If your father had not been a king, and you had been born in the house of a poor person, who would have called you daughters of kings and princesses : Offer up thanks to God, that you are called princesses. You alſe indebted to me for all these excellencies. Six See H. P. 68 of the daughters, being of one mind, said, ‘o protector of the world, what you say is right and we are indebted to your safety for our welfare. ' This princess of the world was youngest of them all, but even at that age was superior to all in understanding and intelligence. She remain- ed silent, and did not join in the remarks of her sisters, because their speech was impious. The king looked angrily at her, and said, ‘What is the reason, lady, that you have not spokén at all º' Upon this, the princess having fastened both her hands with a handkerchief, replied, “If safety of life be guaranteed to me and my fault be forgiven, I will explain the sentiments of my heart.” The order was given for her to speak. Then the princess said, “Your majesty has heard that truth is bitter, and I therefore speak now, having abandoned all hope of life ; and no one has the power of obliterating what the great writer has written in my fate, nor can it be erased in any way. - “The supreme king who has created you a monarch; has caused me to be called a princess. No one has authority over the works of His omnipotence. You are my benefactor, and Kºiblah and Kaba” I should be right in converting the dust of your feet into collyrium for my eyes, but each one’s fate is with him.” The king became angry when he heard this, and this reply was most distasteful to his mind. He was displeased, and said, This is a great speach from so small a mouthf This shall be her Punishment ; strip off all her jewels from her neck and hands, and - r * Lit. The points to which Mahomedans turn when praying f Lit. A great speech and a small mouth, THE SECOND DERVESH. 55 º put her in a litter, and throw her into a jungle, See H. P. 69. where there is no trace or appearance of human kind, let us see what has been written in her fate,’ “According to the king's order, bearers carried off the princess at midnight (and it was very dark), to a plain where birds even were never on the wing ; why need I mention men ; She had been brought up in retirement, and had never zeen any place except her own palace ; and they returned after having left her there, The princess was in a state of very great astonishment at the sudden change that had taken place, and began then to offer up thanks to God, and say, “ Thou art a being so independent, that thou hast done what Thou hast desired, and dost what Thou wishest, and wilt do whatever may please Thea. I will not des- spair of Thee, while there is breath in my nogºriis.’ A midst these reflections, she fell asleep, and a vºoke at dawn of day, and called out for water for her ablutions. She then all at once remembered the conversation of the preceding night, and thought how inappropriate the speech was in her present position.* Aſter having held converse with herself, she rose up, and purified her- self with sand, and offered up prayers in giving thanks to God. O ! friend, the breast is lace-rated on hearing this con- dition of the princess. We must enquire what this innocent and inexperienced mind was saying at this time. “She sat down in the litter, and remained praying fervenly to God. It is true that we think of God when we are in a state of despair. Listen now to the extraordinary act of God. Three whole days and nights passed away without the princ ss having tasted even a single parched grain. That flower-like body, dried up, and became a thorn, and her colour which shone like gold, became as turmeric. She could not move flee H. P. 70. her tongue through weakness, her eyes were sunk - in their sockets, a feeble life and uncertain re- »piration were all that remained. Whilst there is life, there is hope. On the morning of the fourth day, a Dervesh, in appear- ance like Elias, possessed of a brilliant countenance, and enlighten- . * Lit. Where art thou, and what speech is this O. 56 THE SECOND DERVESH. ed heart, came to the spot. On seeing the princess in such a state, he said, ‘ Daughter although thy father is a king, this ca- lamitous condition was predestined for thee. Consider this old fakeer now as thy servant, and fix thy thoughts on the Creator, day and night. God will do what is good.’ And he placed ba- fore the princess the broken bits in his wallet, which he had obtained in charity, and began to wander about in search of water. He saw a well, but where was there a bucket or a string to draw water with ? He stripped off some leaves from a tree, and made a kind of cup and having fastened it to his necklace of threads, drew out some water, and made the princess eat and drink a little. At length, she recovered her senses a little, that man of God, knowing her solitary and helpless [state] offered her great consolation, and gave compesure to her mind, and be- gan himself to shed tears. When the princess beheld his afflic- tion, and his unbounded kindness, her mind also became strengthen- ed. From that day, the old man adopted the plan of going into the city in the morning to beg, and brought for the supply of the princess whatever scraps or morsels he obtained. “Some days passed in this manner. The princess determined one day upon oiling, and combing, and platting her hair. Im- mediately that she unfastened the ribbon, which bound her hair, a round and brilliant small pearl escaping from one of her hind locks fell upon the ground. The princess gave it to the Dervesh, and said, “Go, and sell this in the city, and bring [its value.] The fakeer sold the jewel accordingly, and brought the proceeds of the sale to the king's daughter. Upon this See H. P. 71. the princess ordered him to have a house fit for living in built there. The beggar said, “ Daughter ! do you dig a foundation for the wall, and collect a little earth together, I will some day bring water, knead the mud, and pre- pare the foundation of the house. Upon his suggestion, the princess began to dig up earth. when she had dug a pit n yard deep, a door appeared below the ground which door the princess cleared. She beheld a large house filled with jewels and gold-mohurs : and having taken out four or five, handfuls of the last, she shut up the door again, and placed the earth upon it, and made it level with the ground. In the mean- THE SECOND DERVE&H. 57 while, the fakear came, and the princess told him to send for masons and builders, who understood their work and were proficients in their business, and workmen who could work expeditiously ; in order that, in that place, a royal palace might be built equal to that of King Kisra, and superior to the edifice of Noman. “And let them quickly make ready walls for a city and a fort, and a garden, and a large well, and a building for the reception of travellers, superior beyond all comparison, to any thing of the sort : but first of all let them draw out a plan of these things on paper, and bring them to me for approval.’ “The fakeer procured experienced and intelligent workman, and they began building the edifice,agreeably to the orders ; and clev- er, intelligent and trust-worthy servants were selected for every department. By degrees news of the preparation for the magnifi- cent palace reached the king, the shadow of God, the princess's father, who was astonished on hearing it, and enquired of every one, “Who has begun to erect this building * No one See H. P. 72 could give any explanation of the circumstance. All placed their hands upon their ears, and denied all knowledge of the architect. Upon this the king sent a noble- man with a message, saying. ‘ I will come myself to see those buildings; I know not of what country you are a princess, or to what family you belong, that I wish to ascertain all these circum- stances.” The princess was delighted, when she heard this good news, and wrote a petition [in reply] ‘O protector of the world may your safety continue ! I have been highly delighted at re- ceiving intelligence of your majesty's intended visit to my poor abode; and it has been the occasion of my dignity and honor being increased. How excellent is the fate of that house in which the prints of your auspicious foot may fall, and where the skirt of your good fortune may cast a shadow an those who dwell therejn and both shall be exalted by the glance of your favor. Your slave is in hopes, that, as to-morrow (Thursday) is an auspici- ous day, and better than new year's day in her idea, you, who are in appearanee like the sun, will pay her a visit, and by your light shower down honor and rank on this humble individual, and partake of whatever she can procure for you. This will be an act of great favor and charity. To say more would be an * 58 THE SECOND DERVES H. infringement of respect.' And she dismissed the nobleman also with some presents. - “The king read the petition and sent a message, saying, “We accept your invitation, and will certainly come.’ The princess told her servants and attendants to make all necessary See H. P. 73. arrangements for the entertainment with such taste that the king on beholding and partaking of the feast, might be delighted ; and that all the retinue of the king both high and low, might go away pleased by eating and drinking. By the orders, and under the superintendence of the princess, such deligious dishes of salt and sweet flavor were prepared, that if a Brahmin's daughter had eaten of them, she would have repeated the Mahomedan confession of faith. When it was evening the king came to the princess' house, seated on an un- covered throne. The princess advanced to meet him with her private and confidential attendants, and on beholding the king's throne, she saluted him in so respectful and regal a manner, that the king's astonishment was increased by the way in which 8, the ceremony was performed. In the same elegant and appropri- ate manner the princess offered the king a seat on a jewelled throne, The princess had a terrace prepared of a lack and twenty- five thousand Rupees and a hundred and one trays placed, con- taining silk, gold tissue, and brocade jewels and gold-mohurs, and which she offered as a present, together with two elephants and ten horses from Irak and Arabia, with jewelled trappings; and stood in presence of the king with her two hands crossed. His Imajesty said, ‘of what country are you a princess and how did you come here P’ “The princess, having made a respectful salutation, said “This is the guilty slave, who in consequence of the king's wrath has come to this desert, and all that you see is the wonderful work of God.” When he heard this, the king's blood boiled He rose up, and laying hold of her hand, embraced her affection- *tely, and ordered a chair to be placed near his throne for her to sit down upon. He ordered the [attendants] See H. P. 74, of the princess to say to the queen ‘come quick- ly along with the other princesses. When they THE SECOND DERVESH. 59 ** &ame, the mother and sisters recognized her, and wept upon her neck and offered up thanks to God. The princess placed such a large amount of money and jewels before her mother and sisters that the treasure of the whole world would not have equalled it in amount. After this the king made them all sit down with him, and partake of the food, which had been prepared. During his life-time the king used to visit the princess occasionally, and sometimes take her with him to his private palaces. “Upon his death the kingdoin devolved on the princess, there being no one except her worthy of it: O friend this is the history which you have just heard: The wealth, which God has given, is never diminished, but man must have good purposes in view. Moreover, however much of it may be expended, this wealth will be increased in amount. It is not right in any reli- gion to be surprised at the power of God.” When he nurse had said this much, she added, ‘ If [you] still adhere to the design of proceeding to that country, and bringing back the required information, you ought to set off quickly.' I said that ‘ I shall start at once, and God willing return quickly.' At length, having taken leave, and trusting to Divine favor, I set out for that quarter. Having endured many troubles during the space of a year, I reached the city of Neemroze, all the inhabitants of all sorts there- of, whom I saw were dressed in black. What f beheld corres. See H. P. 75. ponded exactly with what I had heards Some days afterwards, it was new moon, and on the first day of the month all the inhabitants of that city, high and low, children, nobles, the king, women and men, were collected together on a plain. Wandering about and harassed, separated from my worldly effects and country, and having assumed the appearance of a beggar, I joined the crowd, and stood Rooking to see what would happen.* In the meanwhile, a youth, mounted on a bul- lock and foaming at the mouth, exhibiting great violence, and calling out loudly came forth from the jungle, This humble individual, who had undergone such great hardships for the sake of trying to sift the circumstances connected with him, lost my senses on seeing him, and stood motionless in a state of astonish- ment. That hero, having done every thing according to his usual custom, went away again ; and the inhabitants of the city return- *--. * Lit. What would become manifest from the secret curtain. - R co THE SECOND DERVESH, ed. When I recovered myself, I regretted what had happened, as I should now have to wait for another whole month. I had no alternative but to go back with the rest, and passed tha' month, like the month Ramzan, counting each day. At length, the night of the new moon came round again, which was to me like a festival. On the first of the month, the king, together with the people, assembled again at the same spot. Upon this I firmly resolved to take courage, and try and find out these strange occurrences, let what would happen. Sud. denly the youth came forth according to custom, riding on a yei- low bullock, which was saddled, and having dismounted, sat down on his knees, holding a drawn sword in one hand and the bul- lock's nose-string in the other. He gave a jar to a slave, who took it away after having shown it to every one. People on seeing it began to weep. The youth broke the See H. P. 76, jar and struck the slave so forcibly with a sword, that his head was severed from his body, and having mounted the bullock, he returned back. I began to fol- low him quickly. The men of the city laid hold of my hands, and said, ‘Why art thou doing this, why dost thou sacrifice thy life intentionally : If thou art no tired of life, there are many ways of dying. Kill yourself in some other manner.' I could not escape from their hands in spite of all my solicitations, and the strug- gles I made to release myself. Three or four men closed with me, and laid hold of me and took me towards the village. I passed another whole month in a strange state of disquietude, - When that month also was completed, and there was a new moon, early in the morning all the inhabitants were assembled as before. Having got up at prayertime apart from all the rest, and crept into the jungle, which was exactly in that youth's road, I remained concealed there, in order that no oue might molest me or offer any obstruction. That individual game as usual, and having performed the same acts, mounted and rode off again ; I followed, and exerted myself to pursue him. That friend found out from the noise of my footsteps, that some one was coming. He turned his rein suddenly round and raised a cry and reprimanded me, and came and stood over me with a drawn sword, and was about to attack me. I made him a very low and respectful obeisangs, and stood up with my hands crossed. THE SECOND DERVESH. 6I *Fhat discriminating man addressed me, “ O ! fakeer, thou would st have been killed to no purpose, but thou hast escaped, and haat yet some time to live. Where art thou coming : go away º' And having drawn forth from his waist a jewelled dagger, with pearl pendants attached, he threw it down before me, and said, ‘ I have no ready money at present to give thee; take this dagger to the king, and thou shalt obtain whatsoever thou askest.” see H. P. 77. After saying this, the hero went off shouting. I was so overpowered by a dread and terror of him that I had neither power to speak, nor strength to walk ; my legs became heavy. I said to myself “It will be wrong for me to remain there, happen what may, and I shall not obtain such another opportunity.’ Having washed my hands of my life, I started off also. He turned round again and threatened me very angrily and seemed determined to kill me, I bent my head and called out to him with an oath, Ó Roostum of the time, strike me in such a way with a sword, that I shall be cut in two, and not a particle of my skin be left, and I shall be released from this state of wretchadness and ruin. I will forgive thee for shedding my blood.’ He said, “O ! demon-faced-fellow, why dost thou lay thy blood upon me to no purpose, and make me a criminal. Go thy way ; what is thy life a burthen to thee * i did not listen to his words, but advanced. He intention- ally overlooked what I did, and I followed him whilst he pur- sued his course in the jungle for two coss. I saw a four-walled enclosure to the entrance of which the youth went, and utts rad a frightful cry. The door opened of itself, and he went in. I remained standing on the outside. Q God,' what could I do now ! I was bewildered ; when after about a minute a slave came and brought me a message and said. “ The youth has sent for thee, the angel of death has probably come to thee; what misfortune has eccured to thee.' ... I exclaimed, “ My fate was a happy one,’ See H. P. 78. i. accompanied him inside the garden without - - &BI. { } | . . , \; At length 'he conducted me to a house in which he was sitting; on seeing him I made a very low salutation ; he pointed to me to sit down, which I did on my knses in a respectful manner. I perceived that he was sitting alone on a throne, and that a gold-Smith's implements were placed before him, and 62 THE SECOND DERVESH. that he had already finished a tree of emeralds. When the time came for him to rise up, all the slaves who were present around the alcove, concealed themselves in closets, and through appre- hension I also went into a room. The youth having got up and made fast the chains with iron staples of all the buildings, went towards a corner of the garden, and began to beat his riding bullock. Its screams reached my ears ; my liver began to tremble, but I had endured all this wretchedness with a view of finding out these circumstances, f opened the door with fear and trembling, and protected by the stem of a tree, stood up and began to look on. The youth threw away the club, with which he was beating the bullock, and unlocked the door of a house with a key, and went inside ; and having come out again imme- diately, passed his hand along the bullock's back, and kissed its face, and having fed it with grain and grass, came towards where I was ; and on seeing him I ran off quickly, and went and hid myself in the rooms & The youth unfastened the chains of all the doors, and the slaves came ou', bringing with them carpets and basins and e wers ; and having performed his ablutions, he stood up to pray. When he had finished his prayers, he enquired, “Where is that Dervesh?" On hearing my name, H ran quickly, and went and stood in his presence. He told me to sit down ; which I did after having made my obeisances. Dinner came, of which he partook, and made me partake also. When the $ge H. P. 79, cloth was removed, and when we had washed our hands, he gave his slaves permission to go away and sleep. When no one, except ourselves, remained in the apartment, he entered into conversation with me, and enquired, “O friend, what calamity so great has befallen thee, that thou Wanderest about in search of death?’ I gave a detailed account of my adventures from beginning to end, and said, ‘ I hope to obtain through your kindness, the accomplishment of my object.’ He heaved a deep sigh on hear- ing this became senseless, and began to say, “ Great God, he who has himself suffered, knows the mature of this grief.” Imme- diately after a second, being restored to his senses, he heaved * heart-rending” sigh and the whole house resounded with it. I ** * rºº s º Lit. Liver burning, THE SEcond DERVESH. *3 was then sure, that he had also been made captive in the raise- ry of love, and was sick of that disease. Upon this I took courage, and said, ‘I have related to you all my adventures, do me the kindness to favor, me, your slave, with an account of all that has happened to you in order that first of all I may exert myself to the best of my ability for you, and endeavour to bring about the fulfilment df the wishes of your heart.' At length, regarding me as a confidant, and one who sympa- thized with him, he began thus to narrate his adventures. “Hear me, O friend! I am the prince of this country of Neem- roze. The king, my father, after my birth, assembled astro- logers, and soothsayers, and learned men, and told them to con- sider and enquire into the circumstances of my fortunes, and to arrage my horoscope, and to explain in his presence in detail what was to happen every minute, hoar, every watch, each day, month and year. In compliance with the sº H. P. 86. king's order all of them being agreed, and have 1. ing determined and come to an opinion according to their respective sciences, represented to him, saying. ‘Through God's excellence the birth and generation of the prince had occur-d at so fortunate an hour, and so propitious a time, that he must of necessity exercise empire like Alexander, and be just as Wowshirvan, and thoroughly accomplished in every science and art. and be completely master of any business which may engage his mind. He will raise up for himself such a reputation for liberality and bravery, that people will forget Hatim and Roos- tum. But a great danger is apparent, should he see the sun and moon for fourtéen years; and there is this apprehension, that he will become mad and distracted, and cause the death of many and will be frightened from the the city, go forth himself into the jungle, and amuse his mind with beasts and birds. You must take the greatest precautions against his seeing the sun or moon by day or night, and moreover against his casting a single glance"even towards the sky. If this period pass away in sufety, he shall reign during his whole life happily and in ease. “Having heard this, the king had this garden laid eut, and various houses of every plan built ; and ordered me to be brought "P " " room under ground, and caused a felt tower to be Q 64 THE second DERVESH. erected above, through which neither the sun nor moon could penetrate. I was brought up with the greatest ease in that lofty house with nurses and other private attendants; and the king appointed a wise and experienced tutor for my education, who was to instruct me in every science and art, and practice me in all seven kinds of writing. And the king sas H. P. 81. enquired frequently after me, and a daily state- ment was made to him of the occurrences of each moment. I looked upon that house as the whole world, amused myself with toys and flowers of various colours, and en- joyed all delicacies of the table, which could be procured any where, and I ate what I pleased, and at the age of ten had acquired a knowledge of all trades and professions, requiring art and skill. - • * , * “One day a flewer of a yery extraºrdinary kind appeared from under the dome through a small hole for admitting light, and it continued to increas, in size while I looked at it. I wished to take hold of it, but as I stretched out my hand for the pur- pose, it went up higher. I was bewildersd, and remained gazing steadfastly at it, when all at once, sound of very loud laugh'ºr fell upon my ear. I liſted up my head" to look in the direction whence the laughter proceeded, and saw that the felt was torn, and that a face brilliant as the moon, was peeping through it. I lost all command over my senses on seeing it, but hav- ing recovered myself after a time, I saw a throne set with precious stones suspended on the shoulders of fairy-born youths, and a person seated on the throne, with a jewelled crown on her head, and wearing a splendid robe, and holding a ruby cup in her hand, from which she had been drinking. The throne de- scended slowly and by degress, until it came to the tower, when the fairy called me, and seated me near herself. She began to talk affectionately, and said. “Every one born of man is faith- lºss; nevertheless, I love thee." She spoke in a short time such words that I became immediately fascinated, and See H. P. 82, was as overjoyed as if I had obtained the chief pleasure of life, and thought that I had only then began to live. ' ' ' , , * . . . . . *— * Lit. Raised my neck, | THE SECOND DERVEsh. 65 “In short, no one has ever seen or heard of a case similar to this. We were sitting together with our minds at ease and in a state of complete enjoyment, when in the midst of security we were suddenly overtaken by misfortune. Listen now to the particulars of this unexpected calamity. At that time four fairies had descended from the sky and whispered something in that beloved's ear, her countenance underwent a change, and she said to me, ‘Dearest my heart's wish was to sit and ºbjoy myself with thes for a time and visit thes always, or take thee away with me, but Heaven would not allow two persons to dwell together in a state of tranquillity and pleasure. May God be Yºur protector, my love " ' " ' " “ When I heard this speech, I lost my senses, and my blis.” I asked her When shall we have another interview, and what dreadful words have you made me hear 2 If you come quickly, you will find me alive o her-wise you will regret : or else tell me your residence and name, that I may have some clue to search for you by, and procure access to you.’ At these words, she exclaimed, ‘May the devil's ears be far off, and deaf and may you live to the age of a hundred and twenty years! If our lives be spared we will meet again. I am the daughter of the king of the genii and dwell in the mountain Kaf.' Having thus spoken, she raised up her throne, which ascended, immediately in the same manner that it had come down. While it was yet before me, we ses H. P. 83, looked steadfastly at each other, until it dis- w “ appeared. On its disappearance, my state was such, that I thought myself possessed by some fairy. A strºng. Dil 24 lancholy overspread my heart, and my understanding and senses vanished. The world became dark to my eyes. Bewildered and distracted, I wept immoderately, threw dust on my head, and tors my clothes; thought not of eating, nor cared for good or evil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ; “My nurses and tuters became acquainted with my miserable condition, and went into the presence of the king with fear and trepidation, and said, “such is the prince's state, we know uot what sudden calamity has befallen him he has ceased to take any rest or sustenance. Upon this, the king accompanied *- * Lit. The parrot flew away from my hand, → f Lit. Our four eyes were together, " " ' -- * 66 THE SECOND DERVESH. by his minister, noble councillors, skilful physicians, true astro. logers, experienced doctors of laws, excellent Derveshes, de- votees, and men abstracted from worldly affairs, came into that garden, and on observing my restless agitation, lamentation and weep- ing, his eyes filled with tears, and he embraced me in the most un- reserved manner, and ordered measures to be taken for my relief. The physicians wrote prescriptions to strengthen my heart and cure my head, and the priests gave me charms and amulets to swallow and keep near me ; and having repeated prayers, they began to blow upon me; and the astrologers said, " This state of things has been produced by reason of the revolution of the stars, and propºtiatory offerings should be made for him.’ “In short, each individinal offered suggestions accordiñg io the nature of his science, but I had to endure my misfortunes, and no one's exertion or advies was of avail to my See H. P. 84, unfortunate destiny. The violence of my madness increased daily and my body became weak through want of sustenance. I had no resource but to scream, and dash my head against the ground. “Three years passed away, whilst I was in di. state. Iá the fourth year, a merchant, who had been a traveller, camé there, and brought ravities and curiosities of every country into the king's presence, and had an audience. His majesty received him with great favor, and after having enquired into his cir- cumstances, said, ‘You have observed many codiltries; havé you ever seen a physician thoroughly ºcquainted with his ar, or heard any one make mention of such a man º' He replied, * Mighty Sir, in the middle of a river in Hindoostan, there is a hill on which a religious devotee, with matted hair, has built a large temple to Mahadeo, and a place of assembly for the per- formance of religious ceremonies, and laid out a very beautiful garden : he lives there, and his custom is to come fouth from his abode yearly on the day of Sheevrat and swim in the river and enjoy himself. When he is about to return to his devo- tional postnre after having bathed, the sick and sufferers from pain, of different countries, who have come there from a long distance, assemble at his door in great crowds. “That chief of religious devotees, who should be called the THE SECOND DERVESH. 67 Plato of this age, examines the pulse and urine See H. P. 35. of each, and goes away after having written a prescription for every person. God has granted him such power of cure, that his medicines make an immedi- ate impression on disease, which is entirely removed. I have seen this with my own eyes, and admired the power of God in His creation of such slaves of His will. If you permit the prince to be taken to this devotee, and shown to him for a second, I have sanguine hopes of his being soon completely cured. And this is manifestly a good plan, as by changing the air of each country and using the water and food of different places the mind recovers it cheerfulness.' “The king approved of his advice, and being pleased, said, * Very good; perhaps he may be successful, and my son's heart become free from its present alarming agitation.” He appoint- ed a confidential noble, who was an intelligent and experienced man, and that merchant to accompany me, and had every thing supplied that was necessary for the journey, and allowed me to take leave, after having furnished boats of every kind for myself and baggage. Proceeding by stages, we arrived at that place. My health had improved in some measure from change of air and diet, but I still remained in the same state of silence, and continued to weep. At length, after the lapse of two or three months, nearly four thousand sick were assembled at that hill, and were saying, “If God is willing, the religeous devotee see H. P. 86, will come forth from his temple, and all of us will be completely cured by his advice.” “In short, when that day came, the devotee issued forth like the sun early in the morning, and bathed and swam about in the river. After having crossed over, he came back, add rub- bed ashes on his body, and concealed that fair person, like sparks amongst embers, and made marks upon his forehead. Hav- ing fastened a cloth between his legs, he threw a towel over his shoulder, tied up his hair in a knot, twisted his whiskers, and put on his shoes. From his countenance it appeared that the whole world had no value in his estimation. Having taken a pen-holder, studded with jewels, under his arm, he looked at each person, and after giving him a prescription, came up R. &S THE SECOND DERyFSH. • * * * ". . . . ; to me. When our eyes met, he stood still, and fell into a reverie, and told me to come with him, which I did. , “Having done what was necessary for all, he took me inside the garden, whd directed me to reside in a beautiful and pret- tily planned private apartment, and went away himself to his own abode. After forty days he came to me, and found me improved in health ; and upon this he smiled and said, * Take exercise in the garden, and eat whatever, fruits you fancy,' and he gave me a covered cup, filled with cordial, of which he told me to swallow constantly, every morning before breakfast, six Mashahs.” He went away when be had said this, and I did as he bid me. My body began to acquire strength See H. P. 87. & s - ''. daily, and my mind cheerfulness. . **** . . . . . . “I saw a book one day in a recess in the wall, On taking it down I perceived, that all religious and worldly science was collected in it, as though a sea had been compressed into a gogº let. I studied it every hour, and made very great progress in. the science of medicine, and captivating. . In the mean, while a year passed away, and that joyful day came round again. ... The devotee quitted his religious posture, and came forth... I made. him a salutation, and he gave me his pen-holder, and told me to accompany him, which I did ; on his coming outside the door, a vast crowd showered blessings on him.” That a nobleman and, the merchant on seeing me in company with the devotee, fell at his feet, and began to offer up thanksgiving, that so much had at length been aceomplished through his favor.º. He went as was his wont, to the landing place on the "river, and perform- ed his ablutions and prayers as he had been used to do every year, and on his return looked at and examined the sick. . . . ; “ It so happened, that amongst the circle of those afflicted with madness, a handsome, well-shaped youth who Was (OO, weak to stand upright, struck the devotee's sight, whom he tºld me to bring along. After having administered medicine to all the rest, he went to a private apartment, , and, having opened. a little of the youth's skull he was on the point , of extracting with his pincer Kunkhujooraj, which ... was curled on his brain, * Lit. That is halt Rupee weight. - - - f Lit. A worm which leaves a phosphorescent light on it trail. } , y y * 4 y * * * ~ * * * ~~~~ THE SECOND DERVESH. 6% * , . .” . . . - * * . . . ; } ‘. when an idea erossed my mind, and I said to him, ‘ I would be a good plan to heat the forceps in a fire and place them on - the back of the Kunkhujoora which will then See H. P. 88. some forth of itself ; if you pull it off, as you • * are now doing, it. will not quit the brain, and life will be in danger. He looked at me when he heard this, and having risen, up silently, went to a corner of the gardon and hanged himself on a tree, forming, his long hair into a noose. On approaching him, I perceived with astonishment that he was dead, and was much grieved at this strange spectacle. Having no other resource, it occurred to me to bury him, and as I began to remove him from the tree, too keys dropped out of his matted hair, which I picked up, and buried that treasury of ex- cellence in the earth. º I took, the - two keys, and began to try them, on every lock, and they happened to open the locks of two rooms, where I saw jewels heaped up from the floor to the roof, and a box lying on one side covered with velvet, with clamps of gold attached, , and locked up ; and on opening it, I found that it comprised the mode. of repeating the great name of God, and the science of assembling and imprisoning fairies and genii, and of procuring interviews. with hoories and sub uing the sun. I. was overjoyed at obtaining such treasure, and began to study it. I opened the garden gate, and told the nobleman and other people who had come, with me, to stow away all the jewels, no- ney, goods and books, in boats, in one of which I myself ens- barked, and set sail from thence. As I was travelling along, i. " ' ' the king received intelligence of my approach to see H. P. 89, his territory, and rode out to meet me, and agi- ; : . . . . tated through affection, clasped me to his bosom. I kissed his feet and asked him to allow me to live in the old garden; but he said, ‘My son | I think that an unfortunate place of residence, and I have therefore discontinued having it repaired and kept in order. That house is no longer habitable : take up your abode in any other you please. It will be better for you to select an abode in the fort and live in my sight, ahd have a lower garden laid out, according to your taste, and amuse yourself in it.' I made very great and resolute . opposition to this proposal, and had that garden put in order again; and having made quite a paradise of it, went into it and with leis * º * < t < & - ex i. * * 70 THE SECOND DERVESH. sure shut .myself up for several chillas” for the purpose of bringing genii under subjection ; and having given up all animal food I began to repeat charms to assemble genii. “When forty days were completed, there was such a storm at midfiight, that large buildings fell down and trees were up- rooted, and scattered in every direction, and an army of fairy- born creatures made their appearance. A throne descended from the air, on which was seated a person of rank wearing See H. P. 90. a crowu of pearls and a rich robe, on seeing whom I made a very respectful obeisance. He acknowledged my salutation, and said, “O friend what dost thou require from me.' I represented to him, ‘ I have been for a long time in love with your daughter and bºve been reduced in con- sequence to a state of wretched misery, and was dead even during my life time. I am quite tired of an existence which I have risked and trifled with by my present act. I now hope that you will honor me, a bewildered wanderer with your favor and restore me to life and tranquillity by a sight of her. This will be very meritorious on your part.’ On hearing my wishes he said, “ Man is made of earth, and we are formed of fire ; con- nection between these two is very difficult.’ I swore to him, * I am desirous of seeing her, and have no other object.’ Upon this, he being on the throne replied, “ man does not adhere to his promise ; in time of difficulty he says all sorts of things, which he does not bear in mind. I tell you this for your own benefit, for otherwise you will both be utterly ruined; moreover, your lives will be endangered” I repeated my oath, ‘I will ne- wer do any thing which might occasion evil to both of us but I only wish for a glance at her.” In the See H. P. 91, midst of this conversation, the fairy of whom we were talking, came suddenly there, dressed out with great pomp and elegance, and the king's throne disappeared. Wa began to live happily together in that garden. That fairy was astonished at my strict observance of my promise, and sometimes said, “My dear, you have been very true to your word, but from affection for you, I offer you a piece of advice, to take care of your book, so that demons may not steal and carry it off some day, find- ing you off your guard.' I told her ‘I will take care of it as of my life.” *– * Chilla is a period of 40 days passed in fasting and worship. THE SECOND DERVE&H, 71 “It so happened that one night a thought came into my mind that, happen what may, how long can I restrain my desires. I then engaged myself with her. Immediately there was a voice which said, ‘Give me this book in which is the great name of God : don't dièrespect it.' I had no understanding then left, and took the book from under my arm and gave it away without knowing or thinking to who in I gave it. That deat creature on seeing my foolish act, said, “ Alas |* thou ‘hast made slip at last, and forgotten my advice.' “ Having said this, she became insensible, and I saw a demon t standing at her head with the book in his See H. P. 92, hand. I was about to lay hold of him, and beat him soundly, and take away the book from him, when in the meanwhile another demon snatched it out of his hand and ran off with it. I began to repeat the incantations I had learned. The demon, who was standing there, was transformed into a bullock ; but alas ! the fairy did not recover her senses in the slightest degree, but remained in the same state of stupor. I then became alarmed; all my joy was turned into bitterness, and from that day I had an aversion for mankind: I live in a corner of this garden, and to amuse my mind make up this emerald vase with branches like a chandalier, and go every month to that plain, mounted on that bullock, and break the vase to pieces, and put a slave to death, in order that all men may see and pity the state that I am in; and perhaps some kind servant of God may kindly offer up prayers for me, that I may obtain the object of my wishes. O ! companion, this is the history of my madness and melancholy, which I have related to thee.” When I heard this narrative, my eyes were filled with tears, and I said, ‘Prince thou hast indeed endured the grievous pangs of love, but I swear to God, that I will lay aside all my own objects of pursuit, and now wander about forests and hills for thy, sake, and do every thing in my power for thee." Having made - this promise, I took leave of the youth and travel- See H. P. 93, led in deserts for five years like a mad man, e prosecuting my search, but did not discover a single, clue. * - ~ * Lit. O tyranny. **- 72 THE SEcond DERVESH. At length, in a fit of dejection, I ascended a hill, and was on the point of throwing myself down and dashing my body to pieces, when that horseman, who wears a veil, came up to me and said, ‘Destroy not thy life, in a few days thou shalt obtain the accomplishment of thy desires.’ . . . . * * O ! holy derveshes I have obtained the boon of seeing you, and now, through God's excellence, I hope to enjoy happiness and become cheerful, and trust that all disappointed men may have their wishes gratified.” w . . . . . . . When the second Dervesh had also finished the story of his travels, the night had passed away and day-light began to dawn. The King, Azad Bukht, went in silence to his palace and after arrival at his private apartments, said his prayers. Then having gone into the bathing-room and put on a rich dress, he sat down on a throne in the public hali of audience, and ordered a mace-bearer to go to a spot where there were four ſakeers and to bring them all with due honor into his presence. * * The messenger went there according to order, and saw four mendicants who had finished their ablutions, and were on the point of starting on their journey each following his own route. He addressed them and said, “ Sires, the king has & sent me for you four ; be pleased to accom- See H. P. 94, pany me into his presence.” The four Derweshes - began to exchange looks wi.h each other, and said to the messenger, “Sir, we are kings of our own hearts ; what have we to do with any worldly king " He replied, “It matters not, my masters but you had better come along with me.” In the meanwhile they all four called to mind, that what their lord Moortooza Ally had told them, had now come to pass, They were pleased and accompanied the pursuivant. When they reached the fort and went into the king's presence, the four as- cetics offered up prayers for his majesty's welfare. The king went and sat down in the private hall of audience, and sent for two or three of his confidential nobles, and ordered them to send for the four men clad in quilts, On their coming, he said, - “Sit down,” and made an enquiry into their circumstances, whence they came, whither they were going, and where their priest resided. They replied, “May your majesty live long, and may your wealth THE SEcond DERVESH. 73 increase! We are fakeers, and have for sometime past wandered about in this fashion. There is a saying, that “a fakeer's home is where evening overtakes him.’ how can we explain to you all that we have seen in this frail world :' Azad Bukht bid them be of good cheer and treated them with great kindness, and having caused food to be brought, en- tertained them at breakfast in his own presence. When they had done eating, he told them again to relate See H. P. 95, the history of their lives in detail, and without . . . . any reservation; and promised to do every thing in his power for them. The fakeers said “We cannot explain all that has happened to us, and the king will not be pleased at hearing the recital : excuse us.” Upon this the king smiled and said, ‘ I was myself last night at the place where you were sitting in your beds, and narrating your adventures ; moreover I have heard the histories of two Derweshes, and now wish that the remaining two Ehould relate theirs, and stay with me for some days with their minds at ease, for the feet of Der veshes drive away calamity.” On hearing the king talk thus, they began to tremble with fear and putting their heads down, remained silent and were quite unable to speak, s , , , , , is : . . . tº When Azad Bukht perceived that alarm had deprived them of their senses and speech he said, “There is no one in the world who has not met with some extraordinary and wonderful adven- tures, although I am a king, I have seen also similar strange sights, which I will first describe to you, and do you listen with composure of mind.” The derveshes said, ‘ O king! peace be *, * with you ! Since your favor is so great towards See H. P. 96, us beggars, be pleased to proceed.’ Azad Bukht s began to relate his story and said. * . “When my father died and I ascended the throne, I was in the very prime of life, and the whole of this empire was sub- ject to my authority, It happened one year that a merchant came ſrom the country of Budukshan, and brought with him a great many articles of merehandize. The news-reporters brought me intelligence that such a great trader had never before come to the city, and I ordered him to be sent for. He brought with him such rarities, belonging to every country as he considered fit to be offered as a present to ne; and in truth, every article “a”- 74 THE SECOND DERWESH. ed to be beyond all price. For instance, in a certain box there was a ruby of a very bright colour and good water, of fine shape and form and weighing five miskals. In spite of my being a monarch, I had never seen or heard of such a jewel. I accept- ed it” and bestowed many liberal presents on the merchant and gave him a written pass-port that no one throughout he whole of my dominions was to molest him on account of custom, and that he was to be agreeably entertained wherever he went. People were to be alert in guarding and protecting him, and look apon his loss as their own. That merchant tised to remain in the - presence, whilst the court was being held, and was théroughly acquainted with royal etiquette, and the pleasing see H. P. g7. fluency of his language was well worth listelling to, and i used to have that jewel brought daily and shown about at the levee; “I was sitting one day in a public hall of audience and the nobles, the pillars of the state, were all standing accord- ing to their rank, and the ambassadors of the kings of every county who had come for the purpose of congratülation, were also present, when according to custom I sent for the ruby which the superintendent of the jewel-room brought. I took it in my hand and began to praise it, and gave it to the European ambassadór, who smiled on seeing it, and, praised it having turned with the tide. Every one took it up in his hand in the same way and looked at it, and with one accord exclaimed ‘It has been obtain- ed in consequence of the good fortune, of the Mecca of the world and no other king has ever had possession of such an invalu- able gem.’ Just then my father's minister, who was a wise man, and held the same post of minister under me, and was standing up at his ministerial seat, made an obeisance and said “I wish to say something if permision be granted'ſ “I gave an order that he might speak, and he said, o: lord of the world ºf you are a king and it does not become kings to praise a stone so much. Although it See H. P. 98. may be unequalled in color, quality, and weight it is still only a stone. At the present moment **-f Liº, Approved of it. f Lit. If my life be spared. # Lit. Kiblah of the workd, THE 3ECOND DERVESH. 75 & the ambassadors of all countries are present in court. When they return to their respective cities, they will certainly talk of you as a strange sovereign, who has obtained a ruby somewhere and converted it into such a curiosity, that he sends daily for it into his presence. and having praised it himself shows it tº every one el-e ; consequently every king or Rajah, who hears of the circumstances, will laugh in his court. My lord, there is a merchant of low degree at Nishapoor, who has fastened twelve rubies, each of them weighing seven miskals, in a collar on a dog's neck.’ On hearing this I became angry, and peevishly gave an order for the minister's decapitation. “The executioners immediately laid hold of his hands and were about to take him outside, when the ambassador of the king of the Franks came and stood up before me with crossed arms. I enquired what do you want'? He said, ‘ I hope I may be made acquainted with the minister's crime.’ I asked him, What greater crime can there be than in speaking falsely especially in the presence of kings. ** He replied The falsehood has not been proved and perhaps wb at he said may be true, and it is not right to put an innocent See H. P. 99. person to death. I answered him by saying, * It is impossible to conceive that a merchant who suffers hardships in travelling from city to city, and country to country, for the sake of profit, and heaps together ºvery farthing, should fasten twelve rubies, each seven miskals in weight, on a dog's collar. * . He said, “Through God's omnipotence, it may not be wonderful, whd may be as he said. Such curiosities ge- nerally come into the possession of merchants and fake ers, be- cause these two classes travel about in every country and bring thence whatsoever they can procure. if It seems advisable to "e that the minister should be imprisoned if he has committed a fault ; because ministers are the advisers of kings : and it h" * bad appearance for monarchs to order a man to be put to death upon a plea, the truth or falsehood of which has not been yet ag- certained, and to forget the service and loyalty of his whole life.” “ Peaee be to your majesty; former princes invented prisons in order that kings or chiefs might confine any "* with whom, T . 1 * & 76 - THE SECOND DERVESH wº S \; w/ they might be angry. After the lapse of some days, their anger will subside and his innocence will be apparent ; the king will be saved from shedding blood unjustly, and will not be involved in the crime of it hereafter on the day of judgment.” See H. P. 100. Much as I wished to convince him, he spoke with such propriety, that be left me without a reply. Upon this I told him, ‘ I approve of what you suggest. I spare the minister's life, but he shall remain now in prison, and be released if, in the space of a year, what he has asserted be proved to be true, but otherwise, he shall be put to death with great torture. I ordered the minister to be taken to jail : the ambas- sador having heard the order, made an obeisance by prostrating himself upon, and kissing the ground. - “When intelligence of this event reached the minister's house, there was great weeping and lamentation, and the house became one of mourning. The minister had a very beautiful and accomplish- ed daughter, about fourteen or fifteen years of age, who was well read, and whom the minister loved dearly and affectionately. Moreover, behind his own court-house he had a room built for her amusement with pictures and drawings; and the daughters of the nobility attended upon her, and she was waited upon by handsome female domestics, with whom she used to play, and laugh and rounp. - ! “On the day the minister was sent to prison, that girl was accidently sitting with her companions and amusing herself by celebrating the marriage of her doll ; music was playing on the happy occasion, and having placed a frying pan on the fire, was preparing sweet cakes of different kinds fried in butter, when all at once her mother, weeping and striking her See H. P. 101. breast, without any cloth on her head, and feet uncovered, went to her daughter's house and struck her with both hands on the head, and began to say, ‘Would to God the Almighty had given me a blind son instead of thee : I should then be satisfied, and he would be a companion to thy father'ſ The princess enquired “Of what use a blind son would be to you as I can do all a son can.' She replied, “ Unfortunate wretch” thy father has had the misfortune to say something in the - sums - - * Lit. Dust be upon thy head. THE SECOND DERVESH. 77 king's presence for which he has been put in prison.” She asked to be informed what speech he had made. Then the minister’s wife said, ‘Your father probably stated that there is a certain merchant at Nishapore, who has sewn twelve rubies of inestimable value on a dog's collar, which the king did not believe, and thinking his spoke falsely, has imprisoned bim. If I hº d a son now, he would exert himself to the utmost, and enquire in- to this matter, and assist his fath-r, and petition the king, and have my husband released from confinement.' The Vizier's daughter said, “Mother we cannot contend with fate ; man should be patient under sudden calamity, and hopeful of the excel- lence of God. He is liberal, and does not continue the difficulties of . ; any one, and it is not right to lament, lest enemies See H. P. I02 should misrepresent us to the king, and backbiters . . . . talk scandal, which might increase his majesty's anger. Offer up prayers for the king, who is our severeign, and we are his slaves and servants. He has been angry, but will be kind again.” The young girl displayed so much wisdom in he expostulations with her mother, that she became somewhat patient and tranquil, and went to her private apartments and re- mained silent. At night, the minister's daughter sent for her nurse's husband and having fallen at his feet, made matly solicitations, and began to shed tears, and said, ‘I am de' ermined to keep off my mother's reproaches and to procure my father's release. If you will be my companion, I will go to Nishapore, see that merchant on whose dog's neck those rubies are, do there the best thing I can, and obtain my father's liberation.’ The nurse's husband refused at first, but at length censented after a great deal of urgent entreaty. Upon this the minister's daughter said to him make all necessary preparations for the journey in silence, and purchase articles of merchandize fit for royal presents, and take as many slaves and attendants as may be necessary ; but do not let this affair be known to any one.” “The nurse's husband agreed, and began to get ready. * * When he had procursd all that was required, See H. P. 103, he packed up every thing on camels and mules * - º and started off. and the minister's daughter also joined him, having assumed the dress of a man, and not any one in the house was aware of their departure. In the morning thers was a good deal of talk in the minister's female apartmcats, to g 73 THE SECOND DERVESH. the effect that his daughter had disappeared, and no one knew what became of her. At length from fear of disgrace the mother kept her daughter’s disappearance secret, and she began to pass herself off on her travels as a merchant's son. Proceeding by regular stages she reached Nishapore, and alighted with great joy at the caravansary, and unpacked all her baggage and property. She stayed there during the night, but early in the morning went to the bath, and put on clean dress like those worn by the inhabitants of Turkey, and sallied forth to stroll about the city. When she came to the market, she stopped at the meeting of the four cross roads and saw on one side a jeweller's shop, where there was a large heap of precious stones, and elegantly dress- ed slaves were standing with hands joined. One individual, who was their chief, and about fifty years of age, wore a robe of honor, and a jacket with short sleeves in the fashion of a rich nobleman, and many companions of respectability were sitting near him on chairs, and conversing with each other. - * “The minister's daughter, who passed herself off as a mer- chant's son, was astonished at seeing him, and See H. P. I04, pleased herself with the thought, ‘it God does not falsify the idea, this may probably be the merchant whom my father has mentioned to the king. ‘ O God'ſ she exclaimed, “ make his condition known to me.’ “As she chanced to look aside, she saw a shop, in which two iron cages were hung up. Two men, who had the appearanº of madmen, were confined in them. They were merely skin and bone, and their hair and nails were quite overgrown, and they were sitting with their heads down ; and two hideous Abyssinians, fully armed, were standing on both sides of them. The merchant's son was struck with amazement. Having uttered an exclamation to drive away evil spirits, when he looked in another direction, he saw a shop in which carpets were spread, and on them there was an ivory chair. There was a thick velvet bed on the chair, upon which a dog with a jewelled collar, fastened with chains of gold, was laying down, and two handsome young slaves were attending it. One of them was waving a fly-flap, the handle of which was inlaid with precious stones ; and the other had an embroidered handkerchief with which he continued to wipe the dog's mouth and feet. THE SECóND DERVESH. 79 “When the merchant's son had made an attentive turvey --> he perceived that there wers twelve tubies in the. See H. P. 105. dog's collar, similar to those he had heard of. He - offered up prayers to God, and began to ruminate hew he should carry off those rubies to the king, and by show- ing them, procure his father's liberation. He was in this state of astonishment, and the whole crowd in the market and road stood astonished with surprise at the splendor of his beauty, and ºil the people said until this day a man of such hand- ãothe appearance and figure, has not been seen. Rhºjah saw him, and sent a slave to entreat the merchant's son to come to him. “The slave came and brought a message, “My master is desir- cus of his doing you the favor of paying you a visit.’ The merchant's son wished for this and said, ‘ very well.’ When he' approached the Khajab, and the Khajah saw him, be stood up for the purpose of receiving him with distinguished respect, but his senses were bewilderéd. The merchant’s son observed, that he had fallen into the snare. They embraced each other, and the Khajah kissed him on the forehead, and made him ti down by his side, and asked him, in a very polite flattering raaner, to mention his name and family, whence he had come and where hé intended to go. The nterchant's son said, See H. P. [06. “Turkey is my native dountry, bad for a long- - time past, Constantinople has been the birth-place of my family. My father is a merchant, who from old age has not strength now to travel about, and has, therefore, sett tre forth to learn mercantile business. ſ never left home until now, and this is my first journey. I could not travel by water, and for that reason determined upon a 1 ind trip. But my sole de- sire in coming here was to pay you a visit in eonsequence of the very many reports spread throughout Persia of your exce- lent disposition and many good qualities. At length, through God's favor, I have been honored with an admittance to your presenſº, and have found your good qualities exceed your renown ; and the desire of my heart has been accomplished. May God preserve you; I shall now take my departure hence.’ On hearing these words the Khajah's senses and w'sdom vanished. He said ‘’O son address not such language to me : stay fºr a short tims with mº, and tell me where youi servants, and your bag. 'U' 80 THE SECOND DERVESH. gage are.” The merchant's son replied, “The public inn is the traveller's house. I have left them there, and come to you.' The Khajah said, ‘ It is . not proper for you to remain in an inn. I have great reputation and credit in this city. Send for them immediately, I will have a house made See H. P. 107. empty for the purpose of containing your goods, and I will look at the different articles you have brought, and I will make such arrangements as will secure you great profit here. You also will be pleased, and will escape the troubles and losses of travelling and by staying some days, you will oblige me.” •. , - . . . . “The merchant's son made some superficial excuse, which the Rhajah did not accept, and said to his factor, ‘send porters quickly and have his things brought from the inn and placed in such a house.’ The merchant's son sent an Ethiopian slave with him to pack up all his property and goods, and bring them there, and he himself remained seated with the Khajah until evening. When the time for holding the afternoon market was over and the shops were closed, the Khajah went home, when one of the slaves took the dog under his arm and the other took up the chair and carpet, and those two Abyssinian slaves placed the cages on porters' heads and accompanied them after having completely armed themselves. The Khajah having taken the merchant's son's hand in his own, and conversing with him on the road, arrived at his house. “The merchant's son saw that it was a magnificent edifice fit for - kings or nobles. White clothes were spread on See H. P. I08, the bank of a stream and delicacies of all kinds were arranged in front of the throne, and the dog's chair was also placed there.The Khajah took the merchant's son with him to the cushion and sat down, and without any ceremony offered him wine. They both began drinking. When they became tipsy, the Khajah called for dinner. The table-cloth was spread, and all the luxuries of the world were arranged. Having first of all put food into a basin and covered its over with a golden cover, the attendant carried it away for the dog, and having spread out a table-cloth of brocade, placed it before the animal. The dog came down from the chair and ate as much as he wished, and drank water out of a golden basin, and went and sat down again on the chair. The slaves wiped his THE SECOND DERVESH. 8]. feet and face with a handkerchief, and took away the dish and the basin to the cage, and having asked the Khajah for the keys, opened the looks of the cages. Having taken those two men out and struck them several blows with clubs, they gave them the dog's leavings to eat, and the same water he had been drinking to drink; and after this, having locked the cages, they made the keys over to the Khajah. * When all this was over, the nobleman began to eat. The merchant's son did not approve of such behaviour. He was disgusted and did not put his hand into the food, and refused to take any thing in spite of the Khajah's, repeated solicitations. Upon this the Khajah enquired the reason of it. The merchant's - son said, ‘This conduct of yours seems evil to See H. P.109. me; because man is the noblest of all creatures and a dog the most unclean. In what religion or faith therefore can it be right to give a dog's leavings to two slaves of God Do you not think it enough that they are your prisoners; otherwise you and they are equal * I have doubts in my mind as to your not being a Mussulman. How do I know who you may be, who worship a dog To eat your dinner is odious to me, until this suspicion be removed from my mind.” “The Khajah replied, “My son I am well aware of all thou art saying ; on this very account I have gained such a bad name, that the inhabitants of this city have given me the name of the dog worshipping Khajah, and they call out to me by that desig- nation, and they have made this title generally public. But God's eurse on infidels and idolaters " He repeated the Mahum- madan confession of faith, and set the merchant's son's mind at ease, who upon this enquired, “If you are a Mussulman at heart, what is the reason of your having brought a bad name upon yourself by such actions?' The Khajah replied, “Son, I am in evil repute and pay double taxes in this city in order that this secret may not be made known to any one. So strange is this case, that if any one were to hear it, he would only be grieved and angry. Wherefore also you excuse me, as I should neither have power to narrate the story nor would you be able to w - listen to it.” The merchant's son thought ‘I ought See H. P. ll0, to mind my own business, and it is not neces- , r sary for me to continue to be importunate to no purpose. He said, ‘Well, if the story is not fit to be told, do 82 THE SECóND DERVESH. not tell it. He thrust his hand into the food, and having taken up morsels, began to eat them. For two months the merchant's son dwelt with the Khajah with so much circumspection and wisdom, that not a single person found out that he was a woman : sº thºught that he was a man, and the Khajah's affection for increased daily to such a degree, that he would not allow hiº, º be for a moment out of his sight. one day at the very time they were enjoying them- f : . . . . ºver their wine, the merchant's son began to shed tears. Ajºh on seeing this, offered him consolation and began ºpe away his tears' with a handkerchief, and enquired the son of his weeping. The merchant's son replied, “ Father what shall T say ? Would to God that I had never had the ho- àor of making friendship with you, and that you had not ahe wif me all the kindness you have shewn ine; I have now two difficulties to contend with ; my heart neither desires to See H. P. IIł be separated from you, nor can I possibly stay here. I must go' indw, but I have no hope of Iiving when separated from you.' “Oā' hearing these words the Khajah began involuntarily to weep with so much violence, that he had a fit of hiccoughs and said, “O ! light of ray eyes, have you become so soon tired of this old servant of yours, that you are going to leave him in a state of affliction ? Drive' away from your heart the design of starting; stay here as long as I live : I shall not survive a yi,onent after being séparated from you. I shall perish forthwiſh” And the climate of this country of Persia is pleasant and agree- able, and it will be better that you should dispatch a trustworthy man, and have your parents and property brought here. I will supply whatever means of conveyance and carriage may be neces- sary. When your parents and family have all arrived, pursue your commercial concerns at your ease. I have also during my life endured great misfortunes, and travelled over many countries: I am now become old and have not a son. I love thee more than a son, and will make thee my heir, and give thee control over m w affairs. Make thyself aequainted and conversant also with my business. Whilst I live give me a morsel to eat with thy own hand, and when I die, bury me and take posssession of all my property and effects. Upon this the merehan's * *— * Lit. I shall die without death. THE SECOND DERVESH. - 83 *Oºl replied, you have certainly shown me more see H. P. 112, sympathy and kindness than my parents, so that I have forgotten Emy parents. But this sinner's father gave me leave of absence for a year. If I should delay, he would die of weeping in his old age. Therefore to gratify one's father is pleasing to God ; and if he should be displeased with me, I am afraid that he might curse me, so that in both worlds I should remain excluded from the compassion of God. “ Grant me this one favor now, of allowing me to depart and fulfil the command of my father, and that I may acquit myself of the obligation I am under to my father ; and I consider my- self bound to offer up thanks for your kindness as long as I live. If I should even return to my country, I will keep you in remembrance every moment, with heart and soul. God is the causer of causes ; and it may so happen, that I may again have an opportunity of paying my respects to you. “In short, the merchant's son addressed such appropriate and flattering speeches to the Khajah, that the poor man was in utter despair, and began to say, ‘Well If you do not stay, I will go away with you. I look upon thee as my life. When there- fore life shall depart, of what use will the body alone be 2 - If it is your pleasure to go, depart and take me see H. P. II.3. with you ‘Having thus spoken to the merchant's - son, he began to make preparations for his own journey also, and told his agents to make arrangements quickly for carriage. “When news of the Khajah's departure was spread abroad, the merchants of that place, having heard of it, all formed a design of travelling with him. The dog-worshipping Kahjah hav- ing taken treasure and jewels without number, and numberless servants, and slaves, and many rarities, and other articles worth y of kings, caused tents of various kinds to be pitched outside the city, and encamped in them. And all the other merchants accom- panied him, having taken with them articles of merchandize according to their capital. They formed an army of themselves. “Having one day turned their backs upon the unlucky quarter, W. 84 THE second prºvesh. he matched thence. Thousands of camels laden with eanvas packs filled with baggage, and mules with boxes filled with coin and jewels, five hundred slaves bearing arms and swords a and mounted on Persian-Turkish-Irak and Arabian horses, went along with them. Behind all the rest, the Kahjah and the mer. chant's son, wearing dresses of honor, were riding in a kind of litter, and the dog was sleeping on a cushion on a throne received from bagdad, which W H S fastened Olſ\ a, See H. P. II.4, camel ; and the cages of those two prisoners were going alongslung on a came]. On arriving at each stage, all the merchants presented themselves at the audi- emce-chamber of Rahjah and aſe and drank with him at his table-cloth. The Kahjah, pleased at being in company with th. merchant's son, used to offer up thanks to God, and pro- ce-ded to each stage with him. At length he arrived in cafety near Constantinople, and halted outside the city. The merchant's son said, Father, with your leave I will go and see my father and mother, and will have a house made empty for your reception. Come into the city whenever it may suit your noble mind.' ' “The Kaljah said, I have come here for your sake, go and have an interview quickly with your parents and return to me, and give a house near you for me to alight at. The merchant's son having taken leave, came to his own house. All the atten- dants in the female apartments of the minister were as 'onished to know what man had crept in there. The merchani's son that is to Ray, the minister's daughter, went and fell at her mother's feet and wept and said, ‘ I am your daughter.' On hearing this the minister's lady began to abuse her, “O wanton girl, thou hast t blackened thy own face and brought reproach See H. P. 115. on thy family. After having lamented thy death - " - . with tears we recovered patience, and ceased to think of thee* Get thee gone hence.’ The minister's daughter upon this took the turban from her head, and threw it down and said, O baloyed mother I have not gone to any bad placa and have not done any evil act. In pursuance of your command I have taken all these measures, for the purpose of releasing my father from prison. Praise be to God through the auspicious- ness of your prayers and the Almighty's favor, I have come back * . Lit. washed our hands of thee, THE SECOND DERyESH. 85 after having accomplished my object ; and hsve brought from Nishapore that merchant, together with the dog which has the jubies on its neck. I assumed a man's disguise for the journey. There now remains one day's work to be done. Having accom- plished that, I will release my father from prison and return home. With your permissipn I will go back, and having remain- ed abroad for a day, will wait upon you again. when the mother was well satisfied that her daughter had acted in a manly maaner, and had kept herself quite safe and sound, she pres- trated herself in adoration in the house of God; and being pleased, clasped her daughter to her breast, and kissed her face. She took her misfortunes upon herself, offered up prayers for her, and allowed her to depart, and told her to do whatever See. H. P. II.5 she thought proper, as. she was thoroughly at ~. ease in her mind. “The minister's daughter having again assumed the appear- ance of a merchant's son, went to the dog-worshipping Khajah who had suffered so severely on account of the separation, that he had moved involuntarily away from his encampment. It so happened, that the merchant's son was going along in one di- rection near the city, and the Khajah was approaching in another, and they met midway. The Khajah on seeing him said, ‘Son where did you go, after having left me, an old man alone'? The merchant's son said “I received your permisaion, and went to my own house, but at length the desire I had of seeing you, would not admit of my staying there: I have come back.” At the gate of the city, on the bank of the river they saw a shady garden and pitched the encampment there, and took up their re- sidence. The Khajah and the merchant's son sat down together, and began feasting and drinking. When the time of prayer be- fore sunset arrived, they came forth from their tents and sat down on chairs to see what was going on. By chance a game- keeper of the king came by. He was astonished at seeing the great number of their attendants and their manner, and said to himself, ‘probably the ambassador of some king has come,' and he remained there as a spectator. . S. . w “A messenger of the Khajah summoned him, and asked him. who he was, and he said, ‘ I am superintendant See H.P. II.7. of the king's game.’ The messenger explained his circumstances to the Khajab, who told a Kaffer slave, 86 THE SECOND DERVEsri. to mention to the game-keeper, that “we are travellers; eome and sit down if you wish, coffee and pipes are ready.’ When the game-keeper heard the merchant's name, he was still more as- tonished, and came into the Khajah's presence. When he behold the eostly and magnificent preparations and the soldiers and the slaves, he made a salutation to the Khºjau and the merchant's son, and when he perceived the dignity of the dog's situation, his senses left him, and he became quite confused. “The Khajah asked him to sit down, and offered him cof- fee. The game-keeper onquired the Khajah's name and circum- stances. When he asked permission to take leave, the Khajah gave him several pieces of cloth, and some rarities, and allowed him to depart. When he came to the king's court, in the morn- ing he began to speak of the Khajah. By degrees the news reacked me. I sent for the game-keeper to my presence, and I asked about the merchant, and he mentioned all that he had seen ; and I was enraged at hearing the splendor in which the dog was, and of two men being imprisoned in a cage. I said," that curred marchant is worthy of death,’ and ordered the executioner to go quickly and cut off that infidel's head. It so happened, that very same ambassador of the Franks was present in court. He smiled; at which my anger was increased. See H. P. lts. I said to him, “O ! disrespectful man, it is - uncourteous to smile” in the presence of kings. It is better to weep than laugh out of place.” “ He said, “ O ! protector of the world, many different matters passed through my thoughts, and that was the reason of my smiling. In the first place this, that the minister is a man of truth, and will now be released from prison; secondly, your ma- Jesty escaped, having put him unjustly to death ; thirdly, that you have without reason, and without crime on his part, order- ed that merchant to be put to death. I was astonished at these circumstances, that without enquiry, and upon the speech of a blockhead, you should order persons to be put to death indis- criminately. God knows, what that Khajah's circumstances really are . Send for him into the presence, and be pleased to enquire into his history. If he should prove criminal, you have full * Lit. to show the teeth. ~ | THE SECOND DERVESH. 87 Power to act against him, and you can treat him as you, please.” “When the ambassador had entered into this explanation the minister's speech recurred also to my mind and I ordered the merchant with his son and the dog and the cage to be brought into my presence. The keepers of the ward robe be ran off to call them, and in a short time brought them all. I sum- moned them before me. First the Kahjah and his son came, both elegantly dressed ; men of all ranks high and low, were asto- nished, and in a state of great amazement, at bebolding the, * beauty of the merchant's son, who came with a see H. P. IIS. golden tray in his hand, filled with jewels, the variegated splendor of which illuminated the whole room ; and he made a propitiatory offering in front of my throne. Having made the usual respectful salutations he sºood up. “The Khajah also kissed the ground and began to offer up prayers. His conversation was as the voice of the nightin- gale of a thousand tales. I greatly approved of the propriety of his manners, but said to him reproach fully, “O devil in the form of man what net is this that you have spread, and what well have you dug in your own path P What is thy religion, and what custom is this And of what prophet is the sect to which you belong 2 If you are an infidel even, what is this system * And what is thy name that thou actest thus? “He replied, “May your majesty's life and wealth prosper. Your slave's religion is, that God is one, and has no companion, and I repeat the confession of the faith of Mohummed, Moostefa (the mercy of God be shown to him and his posterity.) and after him, I look upon the twelve Imams as my guides; and my custom is to repeat my prayers five times a day, and I observe the fast, and I have performed the pilgrimage, and I give a fifth part of my substance in alms to the poor; and I am called a Moossulman. But there is a reason which I cannot make manifest, for all these defects and blemishes, with which out- wardly I seem to be filled, and on account of See H. P. 120. which you have been displeased with me, and - I have acquired a bad name with people at large. Although I am notorious as a dog-worshipper, and pay double W. “ 88 THE SECOND DERVESH. taxes, I have eonsentad to all this, but have not told the secret of my heart to any one.” “I became more angry at these excuses, and said “Thou art trying to cajole me with fine speeches which I shall not receive until thou givest a proper explanation of these thy misdeeds, so that my mind may be at rest. Then thy life shall be spared. Otherwise I will have thy belly ripped open in punish- ment, that all may be inspired with dread, and no one may inflict injury on” the Mahammedian religion again. The Kha- jah replied, “O king ! abstain from shedding the blood of me, an unfortunate wretch, and confiscate all my property which is boundless beyond all computation, and having made me and my son a votive offering to your throne, let us go, and grant us our lives. I smiled and said, ‘Dost thou, foolish man, excite my cupidity with thy wealth Thou canst not be released now, except by speaking the truth.” “On hearing this, tears began to drop involuntarily from the I(hajah's eyes ; and having looked at his son he heaved a sigh. and said, ‘I am convicted of crime in the king's presence, and shall be put to death. What shall I do now, and to whose care t shall I entrust thee " I rebuked him by saying, See H. P. I2]. “Thou hast already made excuses enough, thou deceitful man say quickly what thou hast to say'. “Upon this, that man having advanced and approached the throne, kissed the foot of it and began to ejaculate my praises, and said, "O king of kings, if you had not given the orders for my execution, I would have endured all punishments, and not revealed my circumstances. But life is the dearest of all. things.] No one falls into a well of his own accord. To take care of life is therefore necessary. Since then it is your auspicious wish to hear the incidents of the life of this weak old man; first order that the two cages in which two men are confined be brought and placed in your presence. I will relate my history. If I should in any instance say what is false, be pleased to enquire from them and convict me, and do justice.’ I approved of this speech of his, and having had the cages brought there and the two men taken out of them, I made them stand near the Khajah. fl . Mºº- & —F-. * Lit, cause a fracture in. THE SECOND DERVESH. 89. “The Khºjah said, “This man, o king, who is on my right, is my elder brother, and the one on my left is my Becond brother. I am younger than both of them. My father was a merchant, in the kingdom of Persia, who died when I was fourteen years of age. When the ceremonies of burial had been performed, and the flowers of mourning had been removed, my - two brothers one day said to me, Let us now See H. P.122, divide our father's property and let each do - what he pleases with his share. When I heard this, I said, ‘Brothers, what words are these ? I am your slave, and lay no claim to what I am entitled in right of being your brother. I have lost one father, but you are both in the position of a father to me. I merely wish for a loaf of bread to support life, and attend upon you. What have I to do with a division of shares? I shall be satisfied with your leavings, and will stay with you. I am a child, who have not learnt even reading and writing. What shall I be able to do? Do you give me instruction now. Having heard this they replied, “Thou desirest to reduce us to ruin and distress with thyself.’ I went silently into a corner, and began to weep. I explained to my heart, after all, my brothers are older than 1, and are reproving me for my instruction, in order that I may learn something. With these thoughts I fell asleep. Early in the morning a peon of the cauzee came and took me to the hall of justice. I saw these two brothers present there also. The cauzee said to me, Why dost thou not take a share of thy father's inheritance I gave the same answer as I gave at home. “My brothers said, If he speaks thus from his heart, let him write us an acquittance to the effect that he See. H. P. 123 wishes not to have any concern whatsoever with - our father's property. Even then I thought that they were my elder brothers and were speaking thus, with a view to giving me good advice, lest by taking my father's property, I might spend it foolishly. In compliance with their wish, I wrote out an acquittance, to which the cauzee's seal was attached. They were satisfied and I came home. Another day they began to say to me, Brother, we require this house in which you are living, go and take up thy abode some- where else, I then knew that they were not pleased at my remain- 90 The SECOND DERVESH. ing in my father's house, and being without an alternative, I determined upon quitting it. O protector of the world ! while my father lived, he used to bring me whatever was rare and cu- rious in every country, whenever he returned from a journey. I sold them, and amassed a small capital of my own, with which I began to buy and sell. On one occasion he brought some horses, amongst which was a very promising colt, and he gave me this also, and I used to feed it at my own expense. “Having observed the want of affection on the part of my brothers, I purchased a house and went and lived there. This dog came with me also. I procured all articles necessary to furnish my house and purchased two slaves as attendants. And with the remainder of my capital, having set See H. P. 124. up a cloth merehant's shop, I sat down there, - having resigned myself to the will of God, I was content with my lot; although my brothers behaved unfeel- ingly towards me, but God was gracious, and in three year's time my shop prospered so much that I became a man of eredit. Whatever rare and curious articles were required by the nobility aud gentry, used to go from my shop, and I earned many Rupees by that, and began to live in a style ot great affluence. I repeatedly offered up prayers to God and liv- ed comfortably. - It happened, that on one Friday I was sitting in my house when a slave of mine had gone to the bazar to purchase goods. After a short time he came weeping to me. I asked the reason. He was angry, and said, What is that to you? Enjoy yourself, but what an- swer will you give on the day of judgment I said O Kafir what misfortune has befallen thee? He replied, The calamity is this, that "a Jew has fastened your elder brothers' hands behind their backs, at the junction of the four cross roads of the market place, and is beating them with horse-whips, and is laughing and saying, that if they will not give bim his money he will beat them to death, and by this he will obtain the future reward. When your brother are reduced to such a state, and you are careless regarding them, is this well on your part what will people say * . . . “My blood boiled on hearing these words of the slave. I - ran with uncovered feet towards the marketplace, See H. P., 125, and told the slaves to bring the money quickly. - I saw that what the slave had said was true. THE SEcond prºfºsh. 91 . They were being severely beaten. I said to the peons of the judge, For God's sake stop a little, I will ask the jew what great fault they have committed, that he has exacted this punishment; “ Having thus spoken, I went to the jew and said, ‘To-day is Friday, why do you flog them on this day'? He replied, ‘If you intend to assist them, do so effectually, and pay the money instead of them; otherwise, you had better go home.' I said, “What money do you require * Produce their note-of-hand, I will pay you the Rupees.’ He said, ‘ I have given their bond to the judge.” In the mean time my two slaves brought two bags of money. I gave the jew a thousand Rupees and released my brothers. I brought them home along with me in their naked condition, suffering from hunger and thirst; and had them instantly bathed in the bath, and dressed in new clothes, and entertained them; and lest perhaps they might be ashamed, I never asked them what they had done with all their father's property. . . . . . “O King, these two are now present; be pleased to enquire whether I am speaking the truth, or whether any part of my statement is false. Well, when after some time they had re- “overed from the pain of the blows they received, I said one . . . . day, Brothers, you have now lost your credit in see. H. P.126 this city; it is advisable for you to travel about • for a short time. When they heard this they remained silent. I found out that they were pleased with my proposal. I began to make preparations for their journey. Hav- ing made arrangements for tents, and all necessary carriage and conveyance, I purchased twenty thousand Rupees, worth - of goods for them to trade with. A great number of merchants were going to Bokhara, and I made my brothers go with them. w & 6 The Caravan returned after a year, and I heard nothing about my brothers. . At last, I interrogated a friend upon oath and he said “When they went to Bokhara each of them lost all his property in a gambling house, and they now do the work of a sweeper there, and wait upon the gamblers collected there, who give them some thing by way of charity; and the people of caravaa would not speak to you about these matters, lest you might be ashamed. X. 92 THE SECOND DERVESH. “When I heard these words I was in a strangely wretched state, and unable to sleep, and lost my appetite through anxiety. I determined upon going to Bokhara, taking with me money sufficient for the journey. When I arrived there, I searched them both out, and brought them to my house see H. P. 127, and had them bathed in the bath and dressed them in new clothes, and through fear of making them ashamed, did not say a word about their circumstances. I again purchased articles of merchandize for them, and resolved to re- turn home. When I arrived near Nishapoor, I left them in a vil- lage with my property and effects and came home, in order that no one might be informed of my arrival. I gave out after two days, that my brothers had returned from travelling, and that ſ should go and meet them next day. I was on the point of starting early in the morning when a peasant of that village came to me and began to complain. On hearing his voice, I went out, and perceiving that he was crying, asked him the reason; he said “ Our houses had been robbed through your brothers. Would to God! you had not left them in our village," “I asked him what misfortune had happened, and he said, • Band of robbers came in the night, and plundered all your bro- ther's property, and also robbed our houses.’ I became sorrow- ful, and asked ‘Where are those two He said “ They are outside the city in a naked, wretched state. I started off immedi- ately with two suits of clothes, which I gave them to wear, and brought them to my house. People who heard of their arrival, came to see them, but they would not, through shame make their appearance. Three months passed away in this man- ner, when I thought to myself how long will they See. H. P., 128 remain thus sºut up in a corner * If I possibly can, I will tºke them on a journey with me. I said to my brothers, with your permission, I will accompany you some- where. They remained silent; and I again made all necessary preparations for a journey, and purchased articles of merchandize, and took them with me. “When I had given alms, and embarked my property in a boat, and heaved anchor, the boat proceeded on its passage. This dog was asleep on shore. When he started up from sleep, THE SECOND DERVESH. 93 and saw the ship in the middle of the sea, he was alarmed and barked, and jumped into the sea, and began to swim. I hurried off a small boat after him, and at length they brought the dog to the vessel I was in. A month passed away in safety at sea. My second brother on 9 day began to say to my elder brother, We “are subject to great shame in being under obligations to our youngest brother, how shall we wevenge this ; The elder said, I have determined upon a plan in my mind, and it will be a very good thing if it can be accomplished. At length they took counsel together and formed a design to kill me, and gain possession and become masters of the whole of my wealth and property. I was asleep one day in the cabin of the ship, and my slave girl was champooing my feet, when my second brotha came and awoke me in haste. I started up See, H. P. 129 in a state of confused alarm, and came out. This dog accompanied me. 1 saw that my eldest brother was leaning on his hand, and looking over the side of the ship into the sea, and was calling out to me. I went up to him, and asked ‘What is the matter'? He said Something very strange has happened, and mer-men are dancing with shells of pearl and branches of coral in their hands.” If any one else had spoken of such an improbable circumstance, I would not have believed him. But I believed what my eldest brother said. I put my head down to look at them, but in spite of all my efforts, I could see nothing; and he kept asking me whether I saw any thing. If there had been any thing, I should certainly have seen it. In the mean time. finding me off my guard, my second brother came suddenly behind me and gave me such a push, that I could not help myself, and fell into the sea, and they began to cry out to the people to make all speed, as their brother was being drown- ed in the sea. - “In the mean-while the ship proceeded on its voyage and the waves carried me I knew not where. I went under continually and was carried along by the waves. At last I was worn out, I called God to mind, being utterly exhausted. All of a sudden I happened to touch something, and on opening my eyes, I saw it was this dog. he probably jumped into the sea at the time they threw me into it, and swam along with me.* I laid held - * Lit. Entangled with me. 94 THE SECôND, DERVESH. of its tail. God caused it to save my life. Seven See H. P. 130 days and nights passed in this manner. On the eighth day we reached the shore. I had no strength left, but throwing myself on my back, I rolled along as well as I could, and threw myself on the ground. I remained senseless for a day but on the second day, I heard the barking of a dog. I recovered my senses, and offered up prayers to God. I began to look here and there. The suburbs of a city came in sight, but I had no strength to attempt 10 reach it. In despair I advanced two or three paces, and sat down again, and in this state proceeded about a koss by evening. I came across a hill on the road where I laid down, and stopped during the night. In the morning I entered the city, and when I went into the market-place, I saw the bakers' and confectioners' shops. My heart began to covet. I had neither money to buy any thing with, nor did I wish to beg. I went on consoling myself with the thought, that I would take some thing from the next shop. At length I could hold no longer, and my stomach was in a flame, arid I was on the point of expiring. “ All of a sudden I saw two young men in the Persian dress, who were eoming along with their hands in each others. I was pleased at seeing them, and thought them countrymen of my own, and that they would probably be my acquaintances and resolved to mention my condition to them. When See, H. P.131. they came near, I saw that they were my own brothers, and I was highly delighted on beholding them. I offered up prayers to God for having preserved my dignity, and that I had not been obliged to hold out my hand to ask charity from a stranger. I approached and saluted them, and kissed my eldest brother's hand. They began making a grew š noise on seeing me ; and my second brother gave me such a blow, that I staggered and fell. I laid hold of my eldest bro- ther's skirt, thinking that he would protect me, but he gave me a kick. In short they both beat me very severely, and treated me as his brothers treated Joseph, In spite of my im- ploring them for God's sake to desist, and making most hum- ble entreaties, they had no compassion on me. There was a crowd collected, and every one asked what my crime had been. Upon this my brothers said, This rascal was our brother’s ser. vant, who threw him into the river, snd took away all his mo- ney and property. We have been in search of him for a long time, and have found him to-day in this disguise, And they THE SECOND DERVESH. 95 $. began to ask me, “O tyrant, what thought took possession of thee, that thou hast made away with our brother ? What fault did hº commit against thee, and how did he behave ill towards thee in having given thee full power over every thing belonging to him ºf Upon this they both began to tear open their collars and pretended to weep most immoderately for their brother, and sº H. P. I32. struck and kicked me. “In the meantime the judge's poons came up, and they re- buked them for beating me, and laid hold of me, and took me to the chief police officer in the city. These two went also with me, and repeated to the judge what they had said before, and having given him a bribe, asked for justice and charged me unjustly with murder. The judge interrogated me. I was in such a state that from hunger and the beating I received, I could not speak. I remained standing there with my head cast down. No answer (33 (Y) e forth from my lips, and the judge was convinced that I was in truth a murderer. He gave an order for me to be taken forth and imp-led in the neighbouring plain. O ! protector of the world, I had given money and released them from imprisonment under the jew, and in return for this, they had spent the money and attempted my life. These two brothers are now present ; be pleased to ask them whether I deviate in the slightest degree from the truth. Well, they carried me off. When F saw the impaling stake. I despaired of my life”. There was no one to weep for me, but this dog, and he began to roll at every one’s feet and cry out. Some struck him with sticks, and others with stones but he would not quit the spot, and I stood up with my face turned towards Mecca, and addressing myself to God, I said, ‘I have no protector but Thee to save me, an innocent man. If Thou wilt save me I shall be saved.” See H. P. I33 Having thus spoken, I repeated the confession of the Mohummadian faith, and became giddy and fell down. “ Through God's contrivance, the king of that country had an attack of cholic. The nobles and physieians were assembled, but their remedies were unsuccessful. One nobleman said, ‘hat the best medicine was to bestow alms on the poor and release prisoners; and that prayer was more efficacious than medicine ; rºm- * Lit. I washed my hands of life. x 96. THE SECOND DERVESH. the king's servants immediately ran to the different prisons. “By chance one came to that plain and having beheld the crowd he found but that they were about to impale some one. On hearing this, he brought his horse to the impaling stake and cut the ropes with his sword. He spoke angrily to the judge's peons, and reproved them for being about to put a servant of God to death, at a time when the king was in such a wretched condition, and he caused me to be released. Upon this, these two brothers went again to the judge and spoke to him about putting me to death. The superintendent of police had received a bribe, and did whatever they said. “The police officer told them to keep up their spirits, as he would imprison me in such a way that I should of myself die of starvation from want of food and water, and that no one would know of the circumstance. They had me haid hold of, and confined me secretly. About two miles front See. H. P. 134. that city there was a hill, in which, in the time of King Solomon, demons had dug a narrow and dark well, which was called Solomon's prison. They used to confine persons there, against whom the king's wrath was great- ly excited, and he was left to die there. “In short, at night, these two brothera and the police offi- cer's assistant took me away to that hill, and having cast me into the cave returned home perfectly satisfied. O king this dog accompanied me. When they threw me into the well, he re- mained lying at the edge of it. I was insensible inside. I re- covered slightly, and imagined myself dead, and that this place was a tomb. In the mean time i heard the voices of two persons in conversation with each other. I thought that they were Moonkeer and Nakeer,” and that they had come to interrogate me. I heard the rustling noise of a rope, as though some one had suspended it there. I was amazed. On groping along the ground, I laid hold of some bones. “After a short time I heard smacking of lips, as when per- sons are eating. I enquired of them, O slaves of God! who -w * Lit Angels ofdeath, who visit the tomb after death. THE SECOND DERVESH. 97 are you for God's sake tell me, * They laughed See. H. P.135. and said, “This is the prison of the great Solomon, and we are prisoners.’ I asked, What, am I still alive” They burst out laughing again, and said, “As yet thou lives, but wilt die presently.' I said, ‘What are you eating? whatever it be give me some of it also.” Upon this they were angry and gave a dry answer, and did not give me any thing ; and ate and drank, and went to sleep. Faint and weak I fell into a swoon, and continued to weep, and called upon God. O Mecca of the world! for seven days in the sea, and all this time, through the ealumny of my brothers, I had not obtained any thing to eat. Moreover, instead of obtaining food, I had got a severe beating, and was confined in such a prison, that I could not possibly entertain even a thought of escape. But at last I was on the point of expiring. I breathed sometimes, and sometimes could not.’ “A person used to come now and then at mid-night, and having fastened some loaves of bread and a goglet of water in a handkerchief and led them down with a string, and used to call out ; and the two men, who were confined near me udes to take them and eat and drink. The dog always seeing from - above what took place, conceived the thought See H. P. I36. of conveying food to his wretched master, with a view of saving his life, in the manner in which that individual let down water and bread. With this thought he went into the city. There were cakes of bread laid down on a stall in a baker's shop. He jumped up and seized a loaf in his mouth, and ran off. Persons ran after him, and threw clods of earth, but he would not let the loaf go. The people became weary, and turned back. The city dogs chased him: he fought with them, and saved the loaf. He came to the well and threw it inside. It was day-light: I saw the loaf lying on the ground near me, and heard the dog's bark. I took up the loaf ; and the dog after haviug thrown it down, went in search of water. “There was an old woman's hut by the side of a certain village, where were placed pots of different kinds filled with water, and the old woman was spinning. The dog went up to a small earthen goglet and was on the point of taking it up. 98 THE SECOND DERVESH. The woman threatened him, and the jar dropped out of his mouth. It fell upon a large earthen pot, which was broken and the other jars were upset and the water ran out of them. The old woman took a slick and got up to beat him. This dog be- came entangled with the skirt of her dress, and began to rub his mouth at her feet and wag his tail, and ran See H. P. I&7 towards the hill ; and having returned to her, r • sometimes took up the rope, and sometimes laid hold of the leathern bucket in its mouth, and showed it to her and rubbed its face against her feet, and laid hold of the border of her sheet and pulled it. God put compassion in that woman's heart, and she took up the leathern buckst and rope and ac- companied the dog, who laid hold of the hem of her dress, went out of the house, and preceded her on the road. “He brought her at length, to the hill. Through this conduct on the part of the dog, the woman had an inspiration that his roaster was certainly confined in the well, and that the dog probably wanted water for him. In short he brought the old woman with him to the mouth of the well, and she filled a jar and let it down with a string. I took that pot, and ate a bit ot bread and took two or three gulps of water and satisfied the eravings” of my stomach. Having offered up thanks to God, I sat down apart, and remained in expectation of His mercy, wait- ing to see what would happen. This dumb animal, used to bring me bread in this manner, and supply me with water by the hands of the old woman. When the bakers saw that the dog constantly took away a loaf of bread, they had compassion on him ; and made a point of throwing One to him when they saw him ; and the dog used to break the woman's jar if she did not bring water, Not having any alternative, she See H. P. 138. used to give me a goglet of water daily. That companion gave me. comfort with the supply of broad and water, and remained himself at the mouth of the cave. Six months passed Away in this manner; but what must be the condition of a man confined in such a prison where the sit of the world cannot reach him. I was reduced to mere skin and bone. Life was painful. The thought would occur to me, O God! it will be better if I cease to live. “One night those two prisonors were asleep. My heart over. * Lit, the dog. Tfit; sºcoSD DERVESH. 99 - flowed, I wept involuntarily, and began to prostrate myself be- fore the court of God. At the last hour of night I saw a rope suspended in the well by the power of God, and I heard d voice gently saying, ‘O unfortunate, ill-fated creature, fasten the end of the rope firmly in the hand, and come-forth hence.” When I heard this, I thought my brothers had come at last from feelings of natural affection to release me, having tºken compassion on the. I fastened the rope tightly round my loins with the greatest delight, Some one pulled the up. The hight was so dark, that I could not recognize who had releas- ed me. When I came forth, he told me to be quick, and that this was not a place for standing still in. I had no sirength, but I managed through fear to stagger down the hill, I saw * - - two saddled horses standing there, upon one of See H. P. 39, which that individual mounted me, and mounted the - other himself, and went on a bead. After proseculing our journey for some time, we reached the bank of a sea, i. By the morning we had proceeded about twenty miles from the city. I observed that the youth was putieg on armour on himself, and is on armour on his horse, and that he was eyeing me angrily; biting his hands with his teeth, he drew his Sword from the scabbard, and Anaking his horse. bound, made a cut at the... I threw myself. from my horse, and began to implore him earnestly, saying, I have a £ommitted no fault; why do you * wish, o kill, me,.9 generows.ypah, you have released me from so dreadful a prison, and why are yºu ad ankind now? He replied, * Say truly, who, thou art,'...}, answered, & I am a traveller: I was unjustly involved in &alamity, and , through your charity have been released at last alive from it ; and I madé many flattering speeches. “God inspired his heart with compassion. He sheathed his sword and said. “Well, God's will be done, I spare thy life. mount quickly; this is not a place for delay. We pushed our horses, and went on.' He was going along sad and repentant. - - By moon we had reached an Esland, where he See H. P. 140. dismounted and made me dismount also. He took off the saddres and pads from the horses' backs, and let them loose to graze, and unfastened his armis and sat down. He said to me, “O ill-fated man, now relate thy 7; {{}U Fſ, E SECOND DERVES H, circumstances, in order that I may know who thou art. I men. tioned my name and other particulars, and all ſhe misfortunes which had befallen me. º * . . . . , s , . - “The you’h began to weep when he heard all my adventures, and addressed me thus, ‘O youth, listen now to my history, I am the daughter of the Rajah of the Zeerbad country, and the name of that youth, who is confined in the prison of Solomon, is Bahramund. ... He is the Son of my father's minister. One dºy my father gave an order that all the Rajahs and their sons should come forth into the plain, under the latticed window, and practice archery, and trap-ball, on horse-back, in order that the horse-man-ship and skill of all might be displayed. * “I was sitting concealed near my queen mother in an upper thatched room, and my nurses and female companions were pre- sent, and I was looking on at the sport. This minister's son was the bandsomest man of them all and was caracoling and displaying: his skill on horses. He pleased me, and I became enamoured of him, and for a long time I kept this matter * secret. º x * ~ * • ?: .' 3, : .. * “At last when I became very much agitated, I mentioned ths circumstances to a nurse and gave her very li- See H. P.14. beral presents, and she contrived to bring the youth some way or other to my private apartment, and in this manner many days were spent. One day the watch- man having seen this youth coming armed in the seraglio at midnight, seized him and told the * Rajah,' who ordered him to be put to death. All the nobles interceded and saved his life, and the Rajah then ordered him to be thrown into Solomon's prison. And the other youth, who is confined with him, is his brother-in-law who was with him on that night. They were both put into the well, and three years have elapsed since they were confined. But no one has asked why the youth came into the Rajah's house. The Supreme Being has preserved my honor; in gratitude for which I have conceived it my duty to conyey food and water to them ; and ever since I go once every eight days and give eight days’ provision. - - “Last night I beheld a man in a dream, who said to me, “Rise up quickly, and take horses, adress, and a [rope with] a noose and some money for expenses, and go to that well and release § * THE SECOND LERVESH. . 101 that poor wretch from that place. Having heard this I started . . . up; and being highly delighted, put on a man's See H. P. laz. dress and filled a small chea: with jewels and gold mol. urs and XVent there; taking with me this horse and a suit of clothes, in order that I might pull him up with the rope. It was in thy fate that thou should." thus obtain release from such an imprisonment and no one is privy to this deed of mine. Possibly some God anused me to be sent for thy liberation. Well whatever was in my destiny has happened. Having finished this marrative, she tock ou' of a handkerchief some cakes fried in butter and some meat; and having first produced some sugar candy, she dissolved it in a bowl and having put into it some of the spirit of odoriferous willow, she gave it to me. I received it from her hand and drank it off and then ate some breakfast: After an hour she took me to the river. She cut my hair with scissors and pared my nails; and having made me bathe and wash myself, dressed me in a suit of clothes and made a new man of me. I began to repeat the prayer of thankfulness, with my face towards Mecca. That beloved creature observed me during this performance. - - * * , • * * * , , ; , “When I had finished my prayer. She asked me what I had been doing. I replied, I have becn worshipping the Creator who has created the whole world, and who has caused a be- loved creature like thee to attend upon me, and who has made thee compassignate towards me, and who has caused me to be released from such a prison, and whose nature is withºut equal, * * * and I have done obeisance to Him, and offered See H. P. 143, up my thanks. "Having heard this she began to ' ' ' ' ' say, ‘You are a Moosulaan.' I replied, ‘Thanks. and praise be to God, I am.' she said, “My heart has been pleased with your speeches ; instruct me also, and make me re- peat the confession of faith.' I said in my heart, Praise be to God, she has become a follower of our religion.” - “In short I repeated the Mohummadian confession of faith, and made her repeat it. We then both mounted our horses, and took our departure. When we dismounted at night, she began to talk about our religion and faith, and listen with pleasure to what I said on the subject. We passed day and night succes- sively in this manner for two months. At length we arrived in a country, intervening between Zeerbad and Ceylon We beheld a - 102 THE second DERVESH. city more populous than Constantinople, the climate of which was pleasant and agreeable. The king of that country was more just and benevolent to his subjects than Kira. On beholding [this] my heart was delighted, I purchased a house, and took up our abode there. When after some days we had rested from the fatigues of the journey, I procured certain necessary things, and married that lady accoording to the Mohummadian law, and began to dwell there. In three years I established my credit amongst inen of high and low degree in that quarter by associating with them, g * and entered into an extensive trade. At length See H. P. I44. I became superior to ail the merchants there. I set out one day to go to the prime minister to to pay my respects. I beheld a large crowd of people collected on a plain, and asked some one the reason of it. It appeared that two persons had been apprehended in the act of adultery and theft, and they had probably committed murder besides; and they had been brought here to be stoned. On hearing this, my own circumstances came across my mind, when one day they had in like manner led me out to hang me, and God had res- dued me. who are those persons who are involved in such a calamity : Is the charge against them true or are they falsely accused? I made my way through the crowd to the interior, ând saw that they were my two brothers, whom, with their hands tied behind their backs, and their heads and feet uncovered, they were leading along. On looking at their faces, my blood boiled and my liver became inflamed. I gave the guards, a handfall of gold- wohurs, and said delay for a moment ; and setting, my horse off at speed, went thence to the judge's house. f made him a present of a ruby of inestimable value, aná interceded for them. The judge having caused the prosecutor to be sent for made him satisfied with five thousand Rupees to waive off the charge of murder. I counted out the money, and caused a guit- claim to be written out, which I took with me and procured their deliverañce from this calamity, - 4 “O protector of the world, be pleased to ask them, whether I & am speaking truth, or idly stating what is false. see H. P. J45. The two brothers stood ashamed with their heads dewn, Well, having released them, I took them to my house.I had a bath prepared for them, and clothes serv. ed out, and gave them lodging in the public hall of audience. sº THE SECOND DERVESH. I63 I did not that time allow my wife to appear before them, but waited on them myself, and took my meals with them. At bed times I used to go home. I passed three years attempting to gratify them in every way, and they were not guilty of any evil act to cause me affliction. When I went out any where they stayed at home, “It happened one day that my wife went to the bath, and when she came to the public hall of audience, did not perceive any man, and took off her veil. Perhaps my second brother was lying down there awake; and on seeing her became enamoured. He spoke to my eldest brother, and they both formed a plan together to murder me. I had not the slightest conception that they would act thus; moreover, I said to myself, Praise be to God : they have not this time acted as th–y formerly did, but their eonduct bas become correct, and they are probably ashamed of themselves. My eldest brother one day began to shed tears af. ter dinner, and praise his native country, and deacant on the beauties of Persia; on hearing which my second See H. P. I46, brother began to sob also. I said, “If you desire to visit our native land, Very well, I will grati- fy your wishes, and such is my wish also, and the great God willing, I will accompany you.' I mentioned to that lady the sadness of these two brothers, and also my own intention. That sensible woman said, ‘You know best, but they are going to com- mit some other act of treachery. They are your mortal enemies, you have nourished snakes in your sleeves, and you place reli- ance on their friendship. Do as you please, but be on your guard against noxious creatures.” After a while I made prepara- tions for the journey, and pitched my tents in a plain. A great body of travellers was collected together, who agreed to place themselves under my command and superintendence. At a favor- able moment we started on our journey, but I was on my guard against them, and did all in my power to carry their wishes into effect, and gratify them. “My second brother mentioned one day at one of the stages, that at the distance of a league thence there was a running fountain like *Sulsabeel ; and that for miles and miles there * Lit. . A fountain in paradise. - A 2 Jº 104 THE SECOND DERVESH. were tulips and flowers of a beautiful purple colour, and narcissus and roses growing spontaneously, and that it was a wonderful place to visit, and stroll about in. If we had power we would go there tomorrow and enjoy our- See H. P. I47. selves, and recover from fatigue, I told them you have full authority to do as you please; and if you give the word, we shall halt tomorrow, and go and amuse ourselves there. They replied, “What can be better then this,' I ordered it to be proclaimed throughout the caravan; To- morrow is a halt ; and told a cook to prepare various kinds of things for breakfast, as we intended to stroll about that place. In the morning these two brothers dressed and armed thems selves, and put me in mind of my engagement, and said “Let us go quickly in the cook of the morning, and take a stroll’ I ordered a conveyance ; but they said, we should not have the same pleasure on horseback as on foot, and that we should tell the grooms to lead the horses in hand after us. “Two slaves brought pipes and Coffee and accompanied us. We went along the road, practising archery. When we had gone far from the caravan, they sent one slave on some errand ; and when we had advanced a short distance further, they dis. missed the other to call him. It seemed as though by some iſ. luck my lips had been sealed, and they did as they liked. and they led me into conversation as they went along; but this dog was with us. “When we had advanced a coffsiderable way, I saw neither fountain nor flowers, but a plain covered with See H. P. 148. thorns there, I had a urinary call, on the road I wanted to make water, and as I sat down for the purpose, I saw a glittering like that of a sword behind me. On turning round I saw my second brother strike me with a sword, which cleaved my head in two. Whilst I was saying, ‘O tyrant why dost thou strike me,’ my eldest brother gave me a blow on the shoulder; both wounds were severe; I staggered and f-ll down. These two merciless men then almost cut me in pieces at their leisure, and left me weltering in blood. wºn this dog saw what had happened to me he rushed furiously at them, and they wounded him also. After this they made marks of wounds on their own bodies with their own hands, and r THE SECOND DERVESH. 105 went with uncovered head and feet to the cáravān, and said * Some rascals have put our brother to death in that open plain, and we ourselves have been wounded in fighting. Match quick- !y, otherwise the villains, will fall upon the caravan and take and rob them of évery thing. The people of the caravan, hav- ing heard the name of the Boodoos” were immediately frighten- ed out of their wits, and being in a state of alarm took their departure, and marched thence. My wife who had learnt from me, and borns in mind the act of treachery, which my brothers had formerly committed against me, on hearing from these lying vii- Jains what had happened, immediately killed herself with a dag- ger, and sacrified her life.” O Derveshes when the dog-worship- ping Khajah had proceeded thus far in the narration of his ad- - ventures, and misfortunes, I involuntarily began to See H. P. I49, shed tears at the recital. That merchant on per- ceiving this, said, “O Mecca of the world, if it would not be disrespectful, I would strip and expose to youe view the whole of my body.” Even upon this, in confirmation of the truth of his story, he tore open his dress to the should- ers, and showed me; and in truth there were not four fingers' breadth of his body without wounds. He took his turban off in- my presence, and there was a dint in his skull large enough to contain a pomegranate. All the nobles who were present, shut their eyes, as they could not endure the sight. The Khajah proceeded, “O king, may • you continue in safety. When these brothers thought that they had dispatched me, they went away. I had fallen down wounded on one side, and this dog on the other near me. I had lost so much blood, that I had no strength nor sense remaining. I know not how it was I sur- vived. The place where I had fallen was the boundary of the country of Ceylon, near which was a very populous city, and in that city there was a large idol-temple and the king of that country had an exceedingly beautiful and handsome daughter. “The custom of eoncealing women did not prevail there. - For this reason that young girl strolled about See H. P. 150. and hunted all day with female companions of her } own age. There was a royal garden near us into * -mſ- * Lit. A tribe of Arabian robbers. 106 THE SECOND DERVESH which, with the king's permission, she came that day, and dur- ing her ride, to take the air on the plain, she chanced to pass thither; she had many female attendants in her train, who came to the spot where I was lying. When they heard my groans, they stood up by me and seeing the state I was in they ran off, and told the princess. “A man and a dog are lying drench- ed in blood.' “The princess having heard this came herself to where I was lying, and with an expression of great grief, said, ‘See if he is still alive.’ Two or three nurses dismounted and said, “He still lives." She immediately ordered me to be taken inte the garde in the state I was then in, reclining in a carpet. Hav- ing had me taken there, and having sent for the royal surgeon, she gave him a great many injunctions regardiug my cure, and that of my dog ; and held out X- hopes to him of presents and rewards. The surgeon wiped my whole body, and purified it from dust and blood, and having washed my wounds with wine, sewed them up and applied plasters to them, and poured into my threat the spirit of odoriferous willow instead of water. The princess herself remained seated at my head, and caused me to be well attended, and three or four times during the day and night gave me breth and sherbet to drink with See H. P., 151, her own hand. - “At length when I recovered my senses, f observed that the princess was exclaiming with the greatest sorrow, ' What bloody tyrant has committed this violence against thee 3' had he no dread even of the great idol? ‘I opened my eyes after ten days through the efficacy of the spirits, and the cordials, and perceived that the court of Indra was collected around me; and the princess was standing at my head. I heaved a sigh, and wished to lift myself up a little, but had not sufficient strength. The princess said kindly, O Persian, be of good cheer, and grieve not ; altho’ some tyrant has treated thee thus, the great idol has made me favorable towards thee: you will soon be quite recovered.” On beholding her I again became insensible. The princess perceiv- ed it, and sprinkled rose-water over me with her own hand. My wounds healed up and granulated in twenty days. At nights when all other persons were asleep, the princess used constantly THE SECOND DERVESH. T07 $o ‘come to me, and give me food and drink. - “In short after forty days I performed the ablution. The princess was highly delighted, and gave liberal presents to the surgeon, and clothed me. By the excellence and protection of - God, and the attentions and exertions of the prin- See H. P. la2. cess, I became very stout and healthy, and my - 3. body acquired great fulness of flesh, and the dog also became fat. She used daily to give me wine and listen to my conversation, and appeared pleased ; and I used to amuse her by reciting some agreeable tale or story. She said to me one day, explain to me who you are, and how this strange incident occurred to you. I repeated my whole history from beginning to end. When she had heard it, she began to weep, and said “I will now treat you in such a manner, that you shall forget all your misfortunes.’ I said, “May God preserve you ! you have bes- towed on me a new existence, and I am now become your pro- perty. For God's sake be ever equally kind and favour- able to me.' ' , ; “In short, she used to remain all night alone near me, and give her society; and sometimes her nurse used also to remain. with her, and enter into conversation on all sorts of subjects. When the princess went away, and E was alone, I purified my- self, and repeated my prayers silently in a corner. It happened, on one occasion that the princess went to her father, and I was engaged in repeating my prayers in perfect security after hav- ing performed the previous ablution, when the princess came in suddenly, after saying to her nurse, “ Pet us see what the Persian. * **w- is about, whether he is awake or asleep." She see H. P. I53, was surprised not seeing me in the room and . . . wondered where I had gone. She began to look about and search in every eorner, and at last came to the spot where I was engaged in prayer. She stood looking on in. silence. Whea, after, having finished my prayers, I lifted up my hands to beg a blessing and prostrated myself down, she burst out into an involuntary laugh, and said, ‘Has this man become. mad? and what kind of actions is he doing?' “I was frightened on hearing the sound of laughter. The ... ." - - B 2, - 10s THE SECOND DERVESH. princess advanced and said to me, ‘Q Persian what art thou do. ing’: I could not reply. Upon this the nurse said to her will take thy misfortunes upon myself, and become a sacrifice for thee; it seems to me that this person is a moosulman, ahi the enemy of Lat and Maijat.* He worships an invisible God.” “ The princess on heal ing this struck her hands together, and \v agº, very angry, and said, “How did I know that he was a Moosulnin and a disbeliever in our God’s this is the reason of his having fallen under the wrath of our idolf I have been very wrong in treating him with kindness and keeping him in my house.’ The nurse said, ‘ What ſault have you committed you did not enter- tain him after knowing him to be an enemy See H. P. I54. you had compassion upon him, and you will ob- tain good for the good you have done, and he will receive the reward of . his evil from the great idol.’ The princess drank a . bowl of wine, and said to the nurse. “ Give this unhappy wretch one also, that he may be killed easily.’ 'The nurse gave me a bowl; i drank it off without making any exeuse, and made a Salam. She would not look direct at me, out kept stealing flirtive glancés. When I became cheerful from the effect of wine; I began to fepeat a certain eoupleti , “Having heard these she smiled, and having looked at the nurse said, ‘Art thou sleepy'? The auise having got her cue said, I am over- powered by sleep; and took her departure. After a short time the princess asked me for a cup of wine, which I immediately filled up, and took to her. She received. it from my band and drank it off. I then fell at her feet. She shook her hand over me and began to say, ‘Q ignorant man, what evil hast thou seen in our great idol, that thou hast begun to worship a hidden God’; I replied, “you must do me justice, reflect for a moment, whether that God is worthy of being worshipped, who from a drop of water has. created a beautiful creature like thee, and bestowed such elegance and beauty upon thee, that thou canst in a second madden the hearts of a thousand men What See H. P. I55. sort of thing is an idol, that any one should ‘. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . worship it? stone-cutters have carried out a figure of stone and spread a snare for fools. They whom the devil is to deceive regard the thing created as a creator. They bow the ~– * Lit. Idols worshipped by pagans. THE SEcond PERVESH. 109 hesis before that, which they themselves make with their ow" hands. And we are Moosulmans, and believe in Him who has mad eus. and who appointed. hell for them and heaven for us. If the priocess will believe in God she will enjoy the delights of the belief, and will be able to distinguish between truth and falsehood and will eonsider her own present belief as untrue." When she had heard all this reasoning, that hard-hearted creature's heart; became soft. * Through the mercy and favor of God she be- gan to weep and said, ‘Teach ſee also your religion. “ H instructed her in the creed, which she repeated with truth of heart, and having repeated, became a Moosulman. She then said that the would stay there no longer, but would go some- where else. I asked her, ‘how will you be able to fly away from this place, and where. will you go She told me in reply, * First of all go away from me, and take up your abode with , , , , , , the Moosulmans in the public inn. All people see H. P. iść, wil hear of it, and will not have any suspicion s º . of you. Look out for boats there, and inform me of any ship bound for, Persia. For this purpose I will send my nurse frequently to you. When you send me word I wiłł come forth, and embark and take my departure hence, and obtaia fiberation from the hands of these wretched infidels.” : and took up my abode there. 3. During the separatiºn i lived upon the hope : alone of meeting her again, in the course of “At day break I went to the Caravans aroy and rented a room two months when the merchants of Constantinople and Syria. and Ispahan were collected together, they determined upon travelling by sea, and began to embark all their baggage and property od board ship. They gave me up 8. cabin for which I paid the hire. Being highly satisfied in mind, I went on some pretence to the nurse's house and said, I am come to take leave of you, and am going to my native country and f shall consider it a very - great favor on your part if you will procure me a sight of 'the princess. The nurse at length consented, and I said, I will comé at night and stay in such and such a house, she greed to this, and I came back to the inn. I took away my chest and bedding and brought them to the ship; and having made thers, over to the pilot, said to him; I will come tear- See H. P. [57. ly next morning with my slave girl. He replied come quickly, as we weigh anchor early in the moiniué, #9. THE SECOND DERVESH. * I agreed to come. At night I went to the house to which I had arranged with the nurse to go, and remained standing there. When about a watch of the night had passed away, the door of the female apartment opened, and the princess came forth, dirtily and shabbily dressed, and bringing with her a box of jewels. which she committed to my charge, and came along with me. By morning we reached the bank of the sea, and embarking in a long boat we went on board the Ship. When it was morning the anchor was weighed and we started off. This faithful dog was with us. We were sailing along at our ease, when we heard the sound of the discharge of guns from one of the ports, [We] were all astonished and thoughtful. [We] brought the ship to an anchor, and began to enquire amongst themselves, will the governor of the port do some act of knavery and what can be the cause of the firing of the guns - “It so happened that all the merchants who had pretty slave. girls, shut them up in chests from a dread, lest the Governor. of the port should take them away from them. 1 did so like- wise, and locked up my princess in a chest. In the mean time the Governor of the port appeared in sight, in $es H. P. I58, a small sailing vessel with servants and attendants, and came to our ship. The reason of his com- ing was probably this, that when the king heard of the princess' disappearance, he did not from shame ever allude to the circum- stance, but ordered the Governor of the port to stop all the slave girls belonging to the Persian merchants, whom he had heard as being very pretty, as he wished to purchase them for the princess, and to bring them into the presence, and that he would purchase such as he approved of, and would pay for them, and return the rest. According to the king's order. the Governor of the port came himself on board our vessel and there was a person near me, who had a beautiful slave girl, shut up in a chest. The Governor of the port came and sat down on that chest and began to have the slave girls taken out. E offered up thanks to God, that no mention was made of the princess. In short the people. of the Governor of the port put on board a boat all the slave girls they found; and the Governor of the port himself, enquired laughingly from the owners of the chest on which he had been sitting, you also had a slave girl. That fool said I, z} THE SEGöND BERVESH. } 11 swear by your feet that I have not done this act; all on bºard * º' cº have through fear of yon, concealed their elage See H.P. I59. girls id chests. When the Governor of the to . ‘. . ; heard' this, he began to have all the cheats search- ed. . He opened my chest also, and having tºken out the prit- cess carried her off with all the rest. I was then thrown in a strange-ºate of despair at what had happened, thinking that my life had been sacrificed to no purpose, and not knowing what treatment the princess would experience. * * ~ “In my thoughts about her I forgot all fear for my own life, I remained all day and night offering up prayers to God for her sake. Very early in the morning they brought back all the slave girls in boats, The merchants were delighted and took their own girls. They, all came back with the exception of the princess, alone, who was not amongst the number. I enquired the reason of my, slave, girl's not having come, and they all replied, * We do not know, but probably the Governor of the port has approved, of her.’ All the merchants began to comfort and con- sole me, and , ſold me, not to grieve at what had happened, and added, they would raise, a subscription, and give me her value. My senses, began sto, wander and I said, ‘ Now I will not go to Persia.’ I addressed the boat men, and said to them, “O friends take me with you ashore.” They consented. I disembarked . . . . . . . . . . . from the ship into a small boat, and this dog See H. P. 160. accompanied me. When I arrived at the port, I kept the chest of jewels which the princess had brought, with her, and gave all my other property to the servants of the Governor, and began to make search in every direction, trying to obtain, intelligence of the princess, but I could obtain, no trace or clue, whatsoever. I went one night stealthily into the seroglio of, the king, and searched about. I obtained no intelligence, At length, a thought occurred to me, that my pringers, must be in the Governor's house, and no where else. I went searching. round the Governor's house in every direc- tion, ſo see if I could get entrance any where. • * “I saw a subterraneous passage large enough to admit of a man's going backwards and forwards through it, but there was an iron grating fastened at the entrance of it. I determined - ... ', C 2 112 THE SECOND DERVESH. upon making my way through this passage. I took off my clothes, and went into that filthy mud. I broke the iron bar- rier with the greatest difficulty, and passed through the common sewer to the female apartments. Being dressed in female attire, I begaa to look about and wander in every direction. * See H. P. 161, “ A sound reached my ear, as though some one were loudly offering up prayers. I advanced and saw that it was the prin- cess, who was weeping violently, and continued rubbing her mose on the ground, and praying to God, that through the prophet and his pure family, He would grant her release from this land of infidelity, and that she might again meet the man in safety, who had instructed her in the Mohammadian religion. On seeing her 1 ran, and fell at her feet. The prin- cess embraced me and we both became insensible for somer time. When our senses were restored, I enquired of the prin- £ 6 SS what had happened to her. She said, “When the Governor of the port took all the slave girls on shore, I offered up a prayer to God, that my secret might not in any way. be re- vealed and that I might not be recognized ; and that calamity might not befal you. God is such a concealer of secrets, that Il () On 6 discovered I was a princess. The Governor of the port examined the slave girls, with a view to purchase, When it came to my turn, he took a fancy to me, and sent me 'secretly to his own house, and sent off the rest to the king. . . : , , \ v... " W. “When my father did not find me among them, he allowed them all to go away, having brought these troubles See H.P. 162, upon them for my sake. He has now given out º - that the princess is very ill: ; if I do not make ºmy appearance, the news of my death will fly over the whoſe country in a few days, in order that the king may not be disgraced. * But since I have met you, I have thought of a plan. God will- ing, except this mode, I see no other for my escape. I asked her to mention what plan she wished to adopt." 'She replied, If you will exert yourself it may be successful, ‘I said I am ready to execute your orders; at your bidding I will leap into burning fire, and for your sake would go up to heaven, if I could ob- tain a ladder, I will do whatever you tell me. - THE SECOND DERVESH. Hi5 º The princess said, “Go to the temple of the great idol, where there is a black canvass cloth at the, place where persons take off their shoes. It is the custom of that country for poor and dis- tressed persons to wear the canvass and sit down on that spot, The inhabitants who go to visit the temple, bestow alms upon them according to their means. When a person has made three or four days’ a cumulation of wealth, the priests having presented him. with a dress of honor on the part of the great idol, grant him permission to depart. He goes away enriched, and no one . . . discovers who he was. Do you go also, and sit See H. P. I63, under this coarse canvass, and conceal your face and figure well, and speak not to any - one. “ However much the Brahmins and worshippers of the idol may, after three days, having presented you with a dress of honor, urge your departure, do not on any account rise up from thence, and they shall be exceedingly solicitous, then say to them, • I have no need of any money, and am not desirous of wealth ; I have endured tyranny, and have come to complain. If the mother of the Brahmins does me justice, it is well and good, if not the great idol will be just to me, and from it I shall obtain redress against this tyrant. Until the mother of the Brah- mins come to you or calls you to her, do not give * your con- sent, however, much any one may try to persuade you. She will at length be obliged to come to you. She is very old, tWo hun- dred and forty years of age, and thirty-six of her sons are chiefs in the temple of the idol. And she holds a very distin- guished position near the idol, and she has, therefore, such great authority, that men of high and low degree in that country con- sider it a happiness to obey, what she says, and implicitly act . . . . upon her orders. Lay hold of her skirt and say See H. P. 164, to her, “Q mother, if, thou wilt not grant me, an , - . . . . . oppressed traveller, redress against this tyrant, I will dash my head against the idol's feet. It will at length take compassion on me, and intercede for me , with you. When she enquires into your circumstances tell, her, that you are Aa inhabitant of Persia, and that you have come a great distance, having heard of her, the old woman's justice, and for the pur- pose of visiting the great idol. That you have for some days past been in the enjoyment of repose, and that your wife has #14 THE SECOND DERVESH. accompanied you. She is youthful, and possessing a handsome face and figure of a comely appearance. I know not how the Governor of the port has seen her, but he has taken her away forcibly, and thrust her into his own house. And it is the cus. tom of us Moosulmans, that if a stranger beholds or carries off another's wife, to put him to death, by any means in our pow- •r, and take away the woman. Otherwise we abandon all sus- tenance ; because whilst he, the ravisher, lives, the woman is looked upon as unfit to be associated with by the man. I have some here in a state of uter despair, and wish to see what justice you will do me. When the princess had thus instructed me, I took leave and went forth by the way of the gutter. “In the morning I went to the temple of the See H. P. 165. idol and having covered myself over with a black canvass sat down. There were so many Rupees and goldmohurs and clothes collected together near me in three days, that a heap was formed of them. On the fourth day the priests of the temple came to me, offering up prayers, and sing- ing and playing on musical instruments, and brought with them a dress of honor, and began to ask me to take leave. I did not consent and began to swear in the name of the great idol, saying I have not come to beg, but to solicit redress from the great idol and the mother of the Brahmins, and I will not go hence until I have obtained justice. Having heard this they went into the old woman’s presence ; and explained my cir- cumstances. After this a Brahmin came, and began to say to me come along, the mother calls you. Having covered myself over from head to foot with the black canvass I wont immedi- ately to the idol temple, and beheld the great idol seated on a throne studded with jewels in which were rubies, diamonds, pearls, and corals, and an old woman dressed in black sitting in great pomp and dignity on the chair of gold on which a handsome carpet was spread, reclining on pillows. She called me to her presence. I advanced in a respectful manner, and kissed the foot of the throne and then laid hold of the skirt of her dress. She enquired into my circumstances, which l described to her in the manner - the princess had instructed me to do. Having §ee H. P., 166. heard my story she said, 'What, do the Moosul- $ mans keep their wives concealed I said yes, God bless your children, this is an old custom. She replied, your" : THE SECOND DERVESH. IH5 & is a good religion. She began to ask her own people. Who is the Governor of the port, that he should have power to forcibly carry off another man's wife : The people said, He is such and such a person. Having heard this she directed the two boys who were sitting near her, to go quickly to the king, taking this individual with them, and tell him the mother says, that it is the great idol's command. The governor of the port exercises great violence and tyranny against people, and has moreover carried off this poor man's wife. His crime has been clearly proved. Quickly take an inventory of that wretch's effects, and make them over to this Moosulman, whom I esteem. Other- wise this might thou shalt be utterly destroyed, and fall under our wrath. The two boys rose, and came forth from the temple, and mounted their conveyances. All the ministers &f the temple followed in their train, blowing their shells and singing hymns. They proceeded thus to the king's fort. The king was informed of their arrival, and came forth with uneovered feet to meet them; and having conducted them with great pomp and ceremony, seated them near himself on the throne, and a.ked See H. P. [67, them, ‘what brought you here.” The •l. two Brah- min's sons mentioned what they had heard from the mother, and alarmed him by alluding to the anger of the great idol. “The king, on hearing what they said, assented, and gave an order to his servants, that bailiffs should go and quickly bring the Governor of the harbour with that woman into his presence, that he might investigate his crime, and inflict punishment upon him. Having heard this, I became alarmed, thinking that this was not quite so well ; because if they brought the princess with the Governor, the matter would be disclosed and what would then be my position? Being exegedingly alarmed in mind, I turn- ed my thoughts to God, but my countenance was overcast with deep affliction, and my body began to tremble. The boys, hav. ing observed the state I was in, perhaps thought, that this order of the king's was not agreeable to me. They rose up at once, angry, and vexed: and having threatened the king, said to him. “Thou simpleton l art thou mad to disobey the order of the great idol, and to look upon what we have said as false, that thou hast sent for those two individuals, and desires to mºke an D 2 ††S THE STC^NY, H. But y ESH. ºgº on B6 on thy guard row, ſº thou wilt fall under the wrath of the great idol. We conveyad the order to thee; and thou cans do as it pleases thee, and the great idol will de what it pleases. - “At these words the king was in a strange see H. P. les, state of agitation; and having joined his hands up, and trembled from head to foot. He began to coax them in a most earnest supplicating manner. The two boys would not on any consideration sit down, but remained stand- ing. Upon this, all the nobles, who were present began in a body to speak ill of the Governor, saying He is a rascal, an evil- doer and a criminal, and and is guilty of such acts as could not be crplained in the king's presence. The message which the motº er of the Brahmins has sent" is correct, because it is the order of the the great idol. How can this be false When the king heard the same words from the mouths of all, he was very much ashamed and abashed at what he had said. He im- mediately gave me a fine dress of honor, and having written out an order in his own hand-writing, and sealed it with his own seal, made it over to me; and wrote a note to the mother of the Brahmins; and having placed trays of jewels and goldmohurs before the boys, allowed them to take leave. I came to the tem- ple of the idol highly delighted, and went to the old woman. The contents of the king's note were as follows, After the usual honorary titles, and the ordinary compliments and respects it was stated, that according to her order this Moosulman had been ap- pointed to the office of the Governor of the port and a robe of honor had been given to him and that it was op- See H. P. f69. tional with him to put the Governor to death and the whole of his property and effects belonged to him with which he might do as he pleased. The king expressed a hope, that his fault might be forgiven. The mother of the Brah- mins, being pleased, ordered instruments of music to strike up in the music house attached to the idol’s temple, and gave me an escort of five hundred armed soldiers, and ordered them to go to the harbour, and bind the harbour Governor, and make him over to me, in order that I might put him to death with whatever tortures I pleased, and take care that no one but this beloved entered the female apartments, and made over all the Governor's property and effects and money to me and whenever I might be } THE SECOND DERVESH. 117 pleased to ſet them go away, to bring back with them a receipt and an acquittance. And having presented me with a dress of honor from the great idol, and furnished me with a conveyance, she gave me leave to depart. .* “When I reached the harbour, a man went forward and in. formed the Governor. He was sitting down in a state of agita- tion, when I arrived. My heart was filled with rage. On seeing * Governor I drew my sword, and inflicted such a wound on his neck, that his head spun off his shoulders like a top. And having caused his agents, and treasures, and officers and over- seers to be seized, I took possession of his records, and went to . the female apartments. I met the princess. We See H.P. 170, embraced each other, and wept and offered up thanks to God. I wiped away her tears, and she wiped away mine. Having then sat down on the cushion, I bes- $owed dresses of honor upon the officers and confirmed them all in their several situations. I promoted the servants and slaves I also made handsome presents to all persons who had been sent with me from the temple; and having invested their officers with robes of honor, I gave them permission to take leave. And having taken with me jewels of great value and rarities of every country and noney to a large amount for the king and for the nobles according to their rank, and for distribution among the priests. I reached the temple of the idol after a week, and placed them by way of present before the mother of the Brah- mins. She gave me another dress of honor, and conferred a title upon me, I then went to the king's court, gave him Paishkush (tribute) and petitioned him to discontinue the tyranny and violence which the Governor of the port had exercised. For this reason the king, the nobles and merchants were all pleased with me. They showed me great favor, and having presented me with horses, conferred dignities and estates upon me and treated See H. P. 171. me with great respect. “when I came forth from the king's presence, I so pleased the attendants and men of business about the court, that they all began to sound my praises. In short I became very Pro** perous and having married the princess, began to live happily and somfortably with her in that country, and offered up Prayers Ił8 THE SECOND DERW E.S.H. to God. The inhabitants were all pleased with my jus;ice. I used to go once a month to the idol temple, and to the kings presence and the king daily honored me more and more. “At length he made me his companion, and would not do any thing without my advice. My life began to pass away, wholly free from all care. But God knows, that anxiety about my two brothers was constantly present to my mind, as to where they were living, and what was their condition. After the space of two years, a caravan of merchants who designed going to Persia came to that port from the country of Zeerbad. They wished to tra- vel by water to their own country. It was the custom there for the chief of every caravan that came, to bring me curiosities and rarities of every country, and offer them as a present. On the second day I want to his house and taking a tenth of his See H. P. 172. property by way of tax I gave him permission to depart. Those merchants of Zeer bad came thus to visit me and brought presents beyond all value. On the se- cond day I went to their encampment and saw two men coming towards me, wearing old, torn clothes, and carrying bundles and loads upon their heads. After I had looked at their loads, they lifted them up from the ground, and carried them away, and were very laboriously employed. When I had observed them very attentively, I saw that they were my two brothers. Sharoe and a sense of honor prevented my wishing to see them in such a servile occupation. When I went home I told my people to bring those two individuals to me. They brought them, and then I had clothes and dresses made up for them and kept them near me. Those two villains, having again formed a determination of destroying me, came one night to the head of my bed at midnight like thieves perceiving that all my attendants were off their guard. Through fear of my life, I had placed watchmen at the door and this faithful dog was sleep- ing under my bed. As they drew their swords from their scabbards the dog first barked and made an attack upon them. From the noise it made all the people awoke I also started up in a great hurry, My attendants laid hold of them and I recognized them. Every one began to curse them for having in spite of so much See H. P. 173 kindness on my part, been guilty of such conduct. y THE SECONI) DERVESH. 119 i “May you remain in safety, O king ! Upon this I too began to be afraid. It is a common saying, that a man may commit one fault, or two faults, but for the third his mother is to be blamed. I determined in my own mind to keep them in confinement, but if I were to put them in prison, who would take any care or thought of them 2 They would die of hunger or thirst, or they will play some trick. I have, therefore put them into a cage, that they may always be under my eyes and my mind be at ease. Otherwise, if they were out of my sight, they might practice some other deceit. And this dog's being treated with so much honor and dignity, is owing to his fidelity and ſailbfulness. O holy God, a faithless man is worse than a faithful animal. This is my history which I have narrated in your presence. It is now in your power to give the order for my death, or grant —my life.” Having heard this narrative, ‘ I praised that faithful youth, and said, “There can be no doubt as to the manly part you have acted, and their shamelessness and villainy have been unceasing. It is true that if you bury a dog's tail for twelve years, it will still remain crooked. After this I enquired the history of the twelve rubies, which were on the dog's collar. The merchant said, “O king may you live a hundred and twen- See H. P. 174, ty years. After three years had passed away, I was sitting one day on the balcony of the palace which was lofty, gazing upon what was going on the river and the surrounding plain of the harbour, of which I was mas- ter and was casting my eyes on every side, when suddenly 1 be- held in the jungle where there was no high road, what I thought to be the two figures of two men going along. I took up a telescope, and saw that they were beings of a very strange ap- pearance. I told some mace-bearers to run after them, and call them. When they came, I found that there was a man and woman. I sent the woman to the princess in the female apart- ments, and called the man before me. I observed that he was a youth of about twenty years of age, whose beard and moustaches Were 'beginning to grow. But from the heat of the sun, his face had become in colour like a black baking plate, and there was a boy three or four years old on his shoulder and two sleeves of a coat filled with something, were thrown upon his neck, like E 2 120 THE SECOND DERVESH. an ornament. He had a strange manner and appearance. I was very much astonished, and enquired, O beloved, who art thou, and of what country art thou an inhabitant, and what is thy condition * The youth began to weep involuntarily, and having opened the purse he had about his neck placed it on the ground before me, and cried out Hunger. For See H. P. ITS God's sake, give me something to eat, for a long time I have been subsisting on grass and forest leaves, and have not the least strength left. I immediately ordered bread and roast meats and wine to be brought and he began to eat. In the meantime a eunuch brought from the female apart- ments many more bags from this man's wife. I caused them all to be opened. I beheld jewels of every kind, each bead of which must be pronounced equal to the revenue of a kingdom. Each was more valuable than the other in form and weight and lustre; and the old buildings became variegated with different co- lors from their radiance. When he had eaten a little and drank a bowl of wine and taken breath, his senges were restored. I then asked him, where did you obtain these precious stones? He answered’ ‘ Azerbaejan was my native country: my father was a merchant by profession, who used constantly to travel in Hindoostan, Turkey, China, Tartary and Europe. When I was ten years of age, my father went to Hindoostan, and wished to take me with him. In spite of all my mother and aunts said wbout my being a boy and not fit to travel, my father would not listen and replied, I am now an old man, and if he should not obtain instruction in my life time I shall car- See H. P., 176. Yy regret with me to my grave. He is young and if he does not learn now, when will he learn. Having thus spoken, he took me with him, whether they would or not, and started on his journey. We got over the journey in safety. When we reached Hindoostar, we sold some articles of merchandize there, and having taken with us *** rarities of that country went to Zeelbad. This journey was also performed in safety. Having sold sundry merchandize and made certain purchases, we embarked on board a ship in order that we might reach our native country quickly. After a month, one - day a storm and tempest arose, and very heavy rain fell. The whole earth and sky became enveloped in **** and THE SECOND DER WESH. #21 the rudder of the ship was broken. The pilot and Captain began ' to beat their heads. For ten days the winds and the waves carried us away at their will. The ship having on the eleventh day struck against a rock, went to pieces, and I knew not what became of my father, or of our servants, or property, I beheld myself on a plank, which for three nights and days . . floated along. On the fourth day it reached shore. See H. P. 177. I had merely life left. I disembarked, and crawl- ing on my knees, managed at length to reach land. I beheld fields at a distance, and a great many persons were collected together, but they were all black. They said something to me, but I could not understand their language in the least. The fields were Bengal grain fields, and the people there having lighted a large fire, were parching the grains, and eating them. And I saw also a great many houses. Probably this was their food, and they lived there. They also made a sign to me to eat, I also plucked a handful of grain and ha- ing parched it began to chuck it into my mouth ; and having drank a little water, I went to sleep in a corner. When after sometime I awoke, one of those persons ap- proached me, and began to show me the road. I plucked & little grain, and followed the path he pointed out. There w88 a level and desert plain, which could only be likened to the plain of the day of judgment. I proceeded on my journey, eat- ing on the grain I had gathered. A fort appeared, in sight after the fourth day. When I went near, I saw a strong-hold very lofty, and built entirely of stone, each side of which was about four miles in length. And the gate was cut out of a single stone, and was fastened by a very large lock. But there was no trace of any human beings. I advanced thence, and saw a rising ground, the earth of which was black as antinopy. -- When I had passed over that rising ground, * See H., P 178, saw a very large city, a round which there W** walls and towers in different places. On one side of the city there was a river of great breadth. Proceeding on my journey, 1 reached the gate; and having called upon the name of God stepped in. I saw a person seated upon a chair, who was dressed like a European. When he saw that I was a traveller from Persia and heard my invocation, he called out to 122 THE SECOND DERVESH. me to advance towards him. I went and made a salutation, which he returned with great kindness. He immediately placed bread and butter and roast fowl upon the table, and told me to eat my fill. I ate a little and drank a little, and fell fast asleep. When the night had passed away, I awoke and washed my face and hands he again gave me food and said, “O son tell me thy history.” I mentioned all my adventures to him. Upon this he enquired, “Why have you come here'? I was vex- ed and said, Perhaps you are mad; after long continued suffer- ings I had seen something in the shape of a town, God has con- ducted me to this quarter, and you ask me why I have come here 't He replied “Take rest now, I will tell thee tomorrow what I have to say.” In the morning he said to me, “There is a spade and a sieve and a bag in a certain room ; bring them. See H. P. 179 forth. I said to myself, God knows what troubles he may impose upon me in consideration of having given me food. Having no alternative, I brought forth all these articles into his presence. He then told me to go to the rising ground, and to dig a hole about a yard in depth, and to strain through the weive whatever should come forth thence, and to bring to him whatsoever would not pass through the sieve. I took the spade and other implements with me, and went to the spot he pointed out; and having dug to the depth he directed, I sifted what came up in the sieve, and threw what would not pass through it into the bag. I observed that they, that is the things I dug up, were jewels of different colours, from the splendid brilliancy of which my eyes were dazzled. Having thus filled the bag to the brim, I carried it to that friend, who having seen it said * Do thou take what is contained in this bag and go hence as it is not well for thee remain in this city. I replied, you have acted with great kindness towards me in having gi- ven me so many pebbles and stones, but of what use are they to me? I shall not be able to masticate them when I am hungry, nor satisfy my stomach. If even therefore you were to give me more, of what use would they be to me * He smiled and began to say, I pity thee, because like myself thou art a native of Persia. I therefore prohibit you, and if THE SECOND DERVESH. I33 - in spite of all I say, you are determined to go Sae H. P. ISO into the city take my ring with you. When you arrive at the square of the market-place there will be a white bearded man sitting there, whose face and appearance are very like mine : he is my elder brother, give him this seal ling and he will take care of you; do what- ever he tells you, Other wise you will be destroyed to no purpose. My au hority only extends to tiis place, and I have no power in the city. I received the ring from him, and having paid my respects, took my departure and went to the city. I beheld a very beautiful city, the streets and market places of which were clean. and the men and women thereof were buying and sell ng amongst themselves willout concealment of any kind. They were all well dressed. I went on strolling about and amusing myself. When I reached the square of the market, the crowd was so great, that iſ any one had thrown a plate it would have skimmed along upon the heads of the peºple. There was such a dense crowd, that no one could move on. When it was a little dispersed, I went along elbowing and pushing myself through it. At length I saw that beloved seated on a chair, and there was a mace tipped with iron, and studded with jewels placed before him I went up to him and paid my respects and presented the seal. He looked angrily at me and said, “Why hast thou See H. P. 18, come here, and thrust thyself into misfortune 2 Did not my foolish brother tell thee not to come * I mentioned that he had urged my not coming, but that I would not mind; and I then related my whole history from beginning to end. That person then rose up, and having taken me with him, went towards his own house, which seemed to be like a royal palace ; and there was a great number of servants and attendants. When he went into his private apartments and sat down, he said to me with tenderness of manner, “My son what folly hast thou committed in having come designedly to thy grave * Does any one ever come to this ill-fated magical city'? I said to him, “I have already explained my circumstances ; fate has now conducted me hither, but be pleased kindly to inform me of the customs and ways of this place in order tha F 2 124 THE SECOND DERVESH. I may know why you and your brother prohibited my coming here.” Upon this that generous man said, The king and the nobles of this city have been excommunicated. Strange are their manners and religion. In an idel temple here there is an idol, from the belly of which a devil explains the name, cast and religion of every individual. The king therefore is informed whatever poor traveller comes hither.’ He takes him to the temple and makés him See H. P. [82, worship the idol. If he perform obeisance to it, it is well for him, if not they cause the poor wretch to be drowned in the river. If he desire to escape from the water, his legs become so heavy that he can hardly walk. Such is the magical influence, which has been introduced into this city. I compassionate thy youth, and will for thy sake put a plan into 3. execution, by which thy life will be prolonged for a short time, and thou will escape from this calamity.’ I enquired, ‘What measures do you intend to adopt Pray inform me.’ He replied, ‘I will make thee a married man, and will espouse thee to the minister's daughter.' I replied, ‘Is it at all probable that the minister will give his daughter to such a poor wretch as I, unless I embrace his religion, which I can never do 'P He began to say. “It is a custom of this city, that whosoever worships the idol, if even he should be a beggar, and ask for the king's daughter in In arriage, to make her over to him for the sake of his gratification, and to prevent his being vexed. And I too have credit with the king, who has a regard for me. The lords and nobility, therefore, of this country hold me in great estimation. And twice a week they visit the idol temple ; and perform adoration; moreover they will be assembled there tomorrow, and I will take thee with me.” - - Having thus spoken, he gave me something See H. P. 183 to eat and drink and made me sleep; and went with me in the morning to the idol temple. On arriving there I beheld men passing to and fro, and engaged in wor- ship. The king and nobles were in reverance of the idol, with heads uncovered in a respectful manner. And unmarriedgirls and boys beautiful as the virgins and boys of paradise were standing in rows on all sides. That friend then addressed me, and told me to do as he said. I consented to act according to his orders. He said, “First kiss the king's hand and feet, and after that THE SECOND DERVESH. M25 lay hold of the skirt of the minister's dress.” I did so. The king asked “Who is this man, and what does he wish to say?” That man replied, “ This youth is a relation of mine, and has come from afar, with a desire of kissing your Highness' feet, in the hope that the minister will exalt him by making him his slave, if it should be the order of the great idol, and the wish of your majesty.” The king said, “it be em- braces our faith and religion and our tenets, his wishes will be granted.” Upon this, musical sounds issued forth immediately from the courtyard adjoining the temple, and they invested me with a valuable dress of honor. And having thrown See H. P.184. a black rope upon my neck, and putting me along by it, they took me before the throne of the idol, and made me stand up there, after having caused me to prostrate before it. After that a voice came forth, “O mer- chant's son thou hast done well in paying submission to me, continue now in hope of my blessings and favor.” Having heard this, all the crowd prostrated [themselves] When it was evening, the king and the minister rode away, and went to the private female apartments of the minister's house, and made over his daughter to me according to the custom and ceremonial of their country. And they gave me a handsome marriage dowry, and impressed upon me with great earnestness that they had given the young girl to me in compliance with the great idol's order. They established us both in one house. In the morning, I went to pay my respects to the king, who conferred upon me the dress of honor of a son-in-law and ordered me to present my- self constantly at his court. At length after some days I was admit- ted to be a companion of the king. The king was highly pleased with my society, and constantly presented me with dresses of honor and other gifts. Two years passed in great ease and enjoyment. It so happened that the minister's daughter became pregnant. When she entered her full time, the midwife came, and there was a dead child brought forth, the poison of which affected the !ying-in mother who also died. I became mad through grief at such a calamity having be- fallen me. I sat at the head of her bed, and See H. P. IB5, continued to weep. All at once the voice of la- mentation arose in the whole of the female 126 . THE SECOND DERVESH. apartments, and women began to arrive from every quarter. Every one that came, struck me with both hands on the head, and began to weep. In the mean time some one from behind laid hold of my collar, and dragged me along, and I saw that it was the Persian who had given me in marriage. He began to say, ‘Fool why art thou weeping Weep now for thy own death. I told thea beforehand, that thy fate had probably brought thee to this city, and so it has turned out, and now thou hast no means of eacapa except in death.’ At length persons laid ho'd of me, and took me, to the idol temple, and l saw assembled there the king and nobility, and thirty-six tribes of subjects, and all the property and effects of the minister's daughter were deposited there. Every one took away whatever he pleased, and laid down purchase money thereof, In short the whole properly was converted into cash, and jewels were purchased with the money, and shut up in a small chest. And another chest was filled with bread and sweetmeats, and roasted meats, and dry and fresh fruits, and other eatables. And having placed that lady's corpse in a chest, they put the chest containing the eatables on a camel on which I was mounted, and placed the box of jewels under my arm, and all the Brahmins went along a head of me singing hymns of ado- ration and sounding shell ; and after me followed a crowd shout- *ng out congratulations. In this manner I went out of the city by the same door, by which I had entered it. See. H. P. 186 Inmediately the head man saw me, he began to weep and said, “O luckless creature who art in the grasp of death, thou didst not listen to what I said, and having gons to that city, hast sacrificed thy life to no purpose. It has no" been my fault for I prohibited thy going.” He spoke thus, but I was in a state of utter confusion and perplexity. My voice would not befriend me, so as to enable me to reply, nor was I sufficiently in possession of my senses to know, what would be the result of my present circumstances, - At length they took me to that fort, the door of which I had on the first day seen shut up ; and a great many persons having united together, opened the lock, and took the coffin and THE SECOND DERVESH. 127 * the chest inside. A learned Brahmin came us to me, and began to explain, “Man is born one day and is destroyed another; such is the process of the world. Here then is thy wife and son and wealth, and forty days provisions. Take these and dwell in this place, until the great idol shall be favourable to thee.” In my wrath I was about to curse the idol and the inhabitants of that city, and this custom, which they observed and also to strike that Bramin, but the Persian prevented me by saying to me in his language. “Take care utter not a syllable ; if thou speakest a word, they will have thee burnt immediately. Whatever was predestined has happened to thee. Remain now in the hope of God's liberality; perhaps the Almighty will allow thee to go forth alive from this place.” * They all at length left me alone, and quitted the fort and locked the door again. Upon this I wept involuntarily at my - solitary and forlorn condition. In the mean time See H. P. 187. the day advanced and the sun became warm, and my brain began to be affected with the heat and my spirit to ebb forth from the stench around me. When- ever I cast my eyes, there were dead men's bones, and heaps of jewel chests lying on the ground. I then took several old chests and placed them above and below me, in order that dur- ing the day, I might be protected from the heat and during the night from the dew. I went in search of water and saw in one direction what appeared to be a cascade formed of stones in the wall of the fort, with a mouth like that of an earthen water- pot. In short I supported life for some days with that water and the provisions I had. * & My stock was at length exhausted, I became alarmed, and utter a cry for assistance to God, who was so compassionate, that the gate of the fort was opened and they brought in a corpse which an old man accompanied. When they had left him there and departed, it occurred to me to kill that man and to take possession of his box of provisions. I took up the leg of a chest and went up to him. The poor wretch was sit- ting with his hands on his knees in a state of great distraction I came behind him and struck him with such force on the head that his skull was fractured and his brains came out, and he forth- with died. I took possession of the rood he had brought with him, and G 2 - 128 THE SECOND DERV FSH. began to eat it. For a long time I used to do the same thing. After a long time a young girl on one occasion accompanied a coffin, and she was very beautiful. I had no wish to kill her she saw me and became senseless from fear. I took her provi- sions also, and brought them to the spot where I was, but did se, H. P. Iss. not eat them alone. When hungry I used to take food to her, and we used to eat together. When that woman saw that I did not annoy her, her alarm diminished daily, and she became sociable and used to visit me at my residence. I one day asked her “ Who are you ?” she replied, “I am the daughter of the king's plenipotentiary, and was betro- thed to my cousin. On the night of marriage he had an attack of cholic, and began to writhe so much through pain, that he ex- pired almost instantaneously. They have brought me here with his coffiin and abandoned me.” She then enquired my history and I explain- ed all the particulars to her and said, “ God had sent you here for my sake.” She smiled and was silent. In a short time we had a great affec- tion for each other. I instructed her in the principles of Mohummadi- anism, and made her repeat the creed, and performed the ceremony of temporary marriage with her. She also became pregnant and had a son, Nearly three years passed away thus, When the boy was wraned I said to my wife, “How long shall we have to remain here and how shall we go forth hence " She replied, “If God re- lease us, we shall escape, otherwise must some day die here.' I wept immoderately at her words, and at being obliged to re- main where we then were. Continuing to weep, I fell asleep, and beheld in a dream a person who said, “If thou wishest to get out, get out through the drain.” I started up with delight, and said to my wife. “Gather together all the iron nails and bolts of the old chests, and bring them here, to enable me to open an entrance into the drain.” In short I placed nails See H. P. 189, at the mouth of the drain and began to beat them in with stones to such a length of line that I be- came weary. After a years labour the passage became large enough to admit of a man going out of it. I then selected some valuable jewels, with which I filled them sleeves of dead men's dresses, and taking them with me we all three issued forth through the passage I had made. I offered up thanks to God and seated my son on my shoulder. For a month passed I have abandoned the high road, and through fear have followed tho THE SECOND DERVESH. I29 desert and hill paths. When hungry I fed upon grass and leaves. I have not strength sufficient to speak. This is my history which you have heard.” O king may yeur health conti. nue. I took compassion upon his condition, and having offered him a bath, and had him dressed in a suit of clothes. I made him a deputy. And I had many children by the princess, but they died young, one son was carried off at five years of age and the princess also perished through grief at his loss. I was immersed in affliction, and without her that country began to be irksome to me, my heart became sad, and I resolved upon go- ing to Persia. Having solicited the king, I made over the office of the Govornor of the port to that youth. In the meanwhile the king also died. I took with me this faithful dog, and all my property, treasure and jewels, and came and took up my abode at Nishapore, in order that no one might know the history of my brothers. I am well known as a dog wor- shipping merchant, and in eonsequence of the bad name, which this designation has brought upon me, I pay to this day double taxes to the king of Persia. ; - It so happened, that this merchant's son went there, through whose means I have had the honor of kissing See H. P. ſpo. the royal feet. I asked him, whether the youth. was not his own son. The merchant replied, ‘your majesty, he is not my son, but of one your subjects; but call him what any one may, he is both my lord and heir.’ Hav- ing heard this, I asked the merchant's son, ‘What merchant's soul art thou, and where do thy parents reside.” That boy kissed the ground, and begged his life and said, ‘This slave is the daugh- ter of your minister my father fell under your highness' dis- pleasure on account of this merchant's rubies, and you gave an order that he should be put to death, if in a years's time, what he said should not be proved to be true which having heard I assumed this disguise, and went to Nishapore. God has brought the merchant and his dog and the rubies into your presence. You have heard a full account of them, and I now hope that my aged father may be released.’ Having heard this explanation of the Viziers's daughter, the merchant heaved a sigh, and fell down senseless. When rose water had been sprinkled upon him, he was restored to his senses and said, ‘Alas ! my evil fortuna ; I have come from so distant º country, after having endured troubles and hardships, in the 13 ? THE SECOND DERVESH. % hope of adopting this merchant's son as my own, and making over to him by writing the whole of my property and effects; in order that my name may remain and the whole world might call him my child. All my imaginations have proved to be un- founded and the event has turned out quite contrary to my expectations.” To be brief, I took compassion on his agitation, and weep- ing and lamentation. I called the merchant to me, and told him not to be sad, as I would have him married to her, God willing you will have children by her, and she will be your owner.” On hearing this good news he was See H. P. 19ſ, somewhat consoled. I then gave orders to take the Wi- zier's daughter to the female apartments, and to bring the minister from the prison, and to let him have a bath and to invest him with a dress of honor, and to bring him quick- ly to me. When he came, I advanced to the border of the car- pet to meet him, and knowing him as my elder, I embraced and reappointed him to the post of minister ; and I bestowed lands and bigh office also on the merchant; and having selected an auspicious hour, had him married to the minister's daughter. After some years two sons and a daughter were born in his house ; so that [his] eldest son is the prince of merchants, and the youngest has the management of the affairs of my court. O Derveshes, my reason for recalling this history in your presence is that last night I heard the adventures of two Fakeers. You two, who now have to tell the story of your lives imagine that we are still seated in the same place, and regard me as your servant, and this house as your resting stand. Without uneasingss of any kind give an account of your travels and stay with me for sometime. When the Fakeers perceived the great encouragement the king gave them, they began to say. Well since you have shown kindness to us poor wretches, we will also relate our adventureș, to which be pleased to listen. •--------------" * Mistress. º-sº º ºº:: 3 ºr &º - º *, * -. a § sº • * : º: º º # º' Tº fººt º §§§ ºš --- º sº tº 'º'; º ºº:: tº wº: , , ºesº – & º flººd ſº º ADVENTURES OF THE THIRD D E R W E S H. * The third Dervesh began thus to give an account of his travels. This poor wretch is the son of the king of Persia, of which country my father was monarch, and he had no other son -g but me. In my youth, I used to play with my See H. P. ſ.92. companions at dice, cards, chess, and backgammon or engage on horse back in the chase. It happened one day that having prepared my retinue, and taken my friends and associates with me I sallied forth over plains. I let loose hawks and falcons male falcon, and sparrow hawks and widgeons at the partridges, and went a great distance, I beheld a wonderfully beautiful scene. Wherever my eyes rest. ed, there was verdure for miles and miles around, and the ground wa red with flowers ; on seeing which we loosened the reins of our horses and advanced along slowly and at a walk. Suddenly I saw in that open ground, a black deer with a golden embroidered body cloth, and a chain of gold studded with jewels, and an embroidered collar inlaid with golden bells attached round its neck, which was grazing and moving about leisurely Af in that plain, where there was not the slightest trace of man, and birds even were not to be seen. The deer started on hearing the sound of horses' hoofs, and having raised its head, saw us, and went off slowly. On seeing sit, I told my eompanions to remain where they were, as I wished to take it alive, and mentioned to them not H 2 132 T THE THIRD DERVESH. to move a step, and not to follow me. And my horse was so speedy, that I had frequently chased deers on him, and circum- vented them in their boundings, and laid hold of them with my hands, I pursued it ; and the deer on seeing me began to bound forward, and fly like the wind. My horse was equally swift, but eould not come up with it, and was bathed in sweat. and my tongue also began to crack from thirst, but I See H. P. 193 could not obtain possession of the deer, Evening was approaching and I did not know where I had come to. In despair I had recourse to a stratagem against the animal, and having drawn forth an arrow from the quiver, and steadying my bow after taking it from where it was suspended about my neck, and fixing an arrow on the bowstring, I drew the bow to my ear, and aimed steadily at its thigh, and pro- nouncing the phrase Ullaho Ukbar (God is great) discharged the arrow. The first arrow lodged in its leg, and it went limping along towards the foot of a hill. I dismounted and went after it on foot. It made for the hill, and I followed. After I had made many ascents and descents, a dome came in sight, on ap- proaching which I saw a garden and a fountain. I lost sight of the deer, and being very tired began to wash my feet and hands. All at once a sound of lamentation reached my ears from inside the tower, as though some one was saying, “My son, may the arrow of grief pierce the liver of him who has wound- ed thee with an arrow 1 May his youth be unfruitful' and may God make him afflicted as I am l’ Having heard this, I went to the spot, and ºthere was an old man with a white-beard, well drest, and seated upon a cushion, and the deer lying before him. He was drawing out the arrow from his thigh, and was uttering CUITSS Se I made a salam, and having ioined my hands said, “Your high- ness, may your health continue ! I have committed this fault un- knowingly, I did not know this. For God’s sake forgive me.” He said, “Thou hast afflicted a dumb animal, and if thou hast done it through ignoratige, God will forgive thee.” See H. P 194. I went and sat down by his side, and assisted in extrigating the arrow, which we drew out with great difficulty ; and having applied plainter, we let the deer THE THIRD DERVESH. 13° loose. The old man then, having washed his hands, placed before me whatever food was procurable at that time, of which I partook and fell asleep on a bedstead. I slept soundly in consequenee of fatigue, and during sleep, I heard cries of lamentation and weeping. Having rubbed my eyes, I perceived that neither the old man nor any one else was in the house. I was lying alone on the bed, and the hall was empty. I began to look on every side in alarm. In a corner, I perceived a curtain that had been let down. I went and liſted it up, and saw a throne upon which a fairy woman, about fourteen years of age, with a face like the moon, and ringlets flowing on each side of her countenance, of a laughing expression, dress- ed in the European fashion and of a most coquetish look ; and that old man, with his head resting at her feet, continued to weep immoderately. On seeing the old man in this condition and beholding the beauty and loveliness of that beloved creature, I fainted away, and fell down lifeless. When that old man saw me in this state, he brought a bottle of rose-water, and began to sprinkle it upon me. After I got up alive, I went into the presence of that beloved object, and made a salam. She neither raised her hand in the slightest degree, nor moved her lips. I said, “O thou with a form beautiful as the rose, in what see H. P. 195. religion is it right to show so much pride, and not return a salutation : For the sake of that God, who has made thee, do say some- thing. I have come here by accident, and it is neeessary you should please yeut guest.” I made up many stories but without avail. She sat silent as an idol and listened I then advanced, and put my hand on her feet, which felt hard to the touch. At length I discovered that ruby had been carved out of stone, and Azoor (Abraham's father) had formed that idol. Upon this I said to that idolatrous old man, “I wounded thy deer in the thigh with an arrow, and thou has lacerated and pierced my liver through with the dart of love. Thy curse has been accepted by God. Explain to me now all the circumstances connected with this idol in detail; why this enchanted figure has been formed, and 134. THE THIRD DERVESH. why thou hast abandoned the town, and taken up thy abode in forests and in mountains. Tell me all thy adventures.” When I became very urgent, he replied, “This business has ruined me ; dost thou also wish for destruction by hearing about it " I said, “You have already made a sufficient number of deceitful excuses, tell me what I wish to hear; or I will put you to death.” Observing that I was very earnest he replied, “O youth ! what advantage wilt thou obtain by hearing it. For nothing thou wilt abandon home and family and worldly wealth, and go forth a wanderer.” I replied “Thou hast said enough ; keep thy friendship to thyself, and look upon me now as thy enemy. If thou valuest life, speak out plainly.” Being in despair, he shed tears, and be- gan to say, “ This is the history of me, a ruined wretch. My name is Naamansyyah (the traveller.) I was a great merchant, and during my life time, have in the prosecution of trade, travelled - over the seven climates of the world and been See H. P. 196. admitted to the presence of all kings. Ht once entered my thoughts, that although I had travelled in the four quarters of the globe, I had never gone to the island of the Franks, and had never seen the king, nor the subjects, nor the soidiers of that country, and had not found out the manners and customs of the inhabitants. I must go there also once. Consulting with my companions and intimate associatés, I made up my mind to go, and taking with me rare and curious articles of every country, which I thought would be acceptable there, I as- sembled a body of merchants ; and having embarked on board ship started off. The wind being favorable, I reached that country after some months, and took up my abode in the city, which was of wonderfuſ appearance, and not equalled in beauty by any City in the world. In every market-place and street there were hard roads, which were watered, and such was the state of cleanliness, that not even a straw was to be seen any where. The buildings were of different colours, and at night the roads were lighted along at every step on both sides. And out side the city there were gardens, in which there were flowers and fruits of rare kinds, such as probably would be met with nowhere, THE THIRD DERVESH. 135 except in paradise. Whatever I may say in praise of that city would not exceed the truth. In short the news of the arrival of the merchants was spread abroad. A confidential, eunuch accompanied by several attendants came to the caravan, and enquired from the traders who their chief was, all pointed to me; the eunuch came to my house, and I respect- ed him. We mutually saluted each other. I gave him a seat on embroidered carpet, and offer, d him pillows $es H.P. 197, and I then enquired the reason of his paying me this visit. He replied “The princess has heard of the arrival of certain merchants, and that they have brought a great many articles of merchandize with them. She has there- fore, ordered me to bring them to her presence. Do you there- fore come along with me, taking with you whatever you may have befitting and worthy of royalty, and enjoy happiness of kissing the threshold." I replied, “I am unable to come to-day from fatigue : to- morrow I will be present with my life and all my wºrldly goods, I will offer as a present whatever I possess, and whatever may be approved of shall be the property of the princess. Having made this promise, and offered the eunuch perfume and betel leaf I allowed him to take leave ; and having summoned all the mar- chants, I collected from them whatever rarities they had, and also took with me all the valuables I had in my own house, and went in the morning to the door of the royal palace. The door keepers announced my arrival, and an order was given to bring me to the presence. The same eunuch came forth, and having clasped my hand in his, and conversing in a friendly way, took me with him. Passing by at first the train of attendants, we came to a magnificent room. O dear you would not believe it, but it appeared as though fairies with their wings cut had been left there. In whatsoever direction I turned my eyes, my geze became fixed. My feet were uprooted from the ground, and supporting myself with a violent effort I arrived in the presence. Immediately I saw the princess, I was about to faint, and a tremour fell over my hands and feet. Some way or other I paid her my respects. On both sides that is to any I 2 I36 THE THIRD DERVESH, on the right hand side and on the left hand side See H. P. 198, beautiful young girls with countenances like fairies, were standing in lines with their hands closed. When some trays of jewels, cloths, robes, and rarities from amongst those I had brought were placed before her (although every article I had with me was worthy of approval,) she was pleased and entrusted them to the charge of her steward and said. “The price of these articles will be given to-morrow according to what is written down in the list.' I made my obeisance and was de- lighted to think, that this would be a pretext for my coming again the next day. When I came forth, after having been permitted to take leave, I was like a maniac ; I said one thing and in- tended another. I came in this state to the caravangary, but my senses were unsettled. All my friends and intimates enquir- ed, “What is the matter with you ? I replied ‘My brain had become inflamed through so mueh going backwards and forwards.’ I passed that night in a state of great agitation. Early in the morning I went again, and arrived in company with that eunuch at the female apartments, and saw exactly what I had seen the day before. The princess saw me, and dismissed all her attendants each on his respective business. When we were left alone, she rose up and went to a private apartment, and sent for me. On my going there she told me to sit down, which I did, after having paid my respects in due form. She asked me, “What profit do you require on the different articles you brought with you here ! I replied to her, “I have formed a great desire of beholding you, which wish God has accomplished. and the attainment of this one object fully satisfies all my expectations, and I have obtained the happiness of both worlds; and with respect to the prices in the list, half is the purchase money and half profit,” she said, ‘Not so whatever price See H. P. I99 thou hast written down, shall be given to thee, and a handsome present in addition, on condition that thou wilt do one thing, which I may mentign.” I replied I shall consider it my good fortune, if I can be of use to you either with my life or preperty, and I will act with great willingness. Having heard this she sent for writing materials, and wrote a hote ; and having put it into a small bag, THE THIRD DERVESH. 137 stadded with pearls, and covered it with a handkerchief of very fine linen made it over to me, and took a ring from her finger by way of token and giving it to me said, “In such a quarter there is a large garden, the name of which is Dilkoosha (heart opening.) Go there ; the superintendent of that garden is by name Ky. khoosro : deliver this ring into his hand, and present my compli- ments to him, and ask for an answer to this letter ; but come back as quickly as if you were to eat your dinner there and return here to drink water, and thou shalt see what reward I will make thee for this service.” I took leave, and making enquires on the road, proceeded along. When I had gone nearly four miles I saw the garden, and on my having arrived near it a man in armour laid hold of me by the hand and conducted me to the garden gate. I beheld a youth on a golden chair with a countenance like a Lion, and completely in armour, and with a steel helmet, seated with great pomp and dignity ; and five hundred young men fully accoutred, and ready to act, armed with swords and shields and having bows and quivers, were in attendance. I made my salutation. He called me to him. I gave him the ring and having made some flattering speeches shewed him the handkerchief and mentioned under what circumstances I had brought the letter. On hearing what I said, he bit his finger, and having struck himself on the head, exclaimed, “Probably thy death has brought thee here. Well go into the garden. There is an iron cage suspended on a cypress tree, in See H. P. 200. which a young man is confined. Give him this letter, and come back quickly with his answer.” I went hastily into the garden, and it seemed to me that I entered paradise in a living state. Parterres bloomed with varilo gated flowers and fountains were in full play and birds warbled I went straight on, and saw the cage on the tree, and beheld a beauiful youth inside it. I bowed my head respectfully, and made my obeisance, and delivered the sealed letter through the bars of the eage. He opened it and began to read it and enquired in an affectionate manner about the princess. I33 THR THIRD DERVESH. We had not yet finished our conversation, when a large body of negroes appeared, and fell upon me from every quarter, and Began without any compunction whatsoever to strike me with their swords and spears. What could a man do who had no weapon in his hand * They almost cut me to pieces in an instant and I lost all sense and recollection. On returning to my senses, I found myself in a bedstead, on which two foot soldiers were carrying me along, and talking to each other, One said Let us throw this dead man's corpse into the open plain that dog's and crows nay devour it. The other replied “If the king shonla find us out and information of such an act on our part should reach him, he would cause us to be buried alive, and have our children thrown alive into an oil man's press. What has our life become a burden to us, that we shonlú commit so improper a deed.”? Having heard this conversation I appealed to these two, Gog and Magog and said, “ For the sake of God have compasion upon me. I have scarcely a spark of life left, When I am dead, do what you please with me. A dead man is in the power of li- ving But tell me what has happened to me, why see H. P. 201. I have been beaten, and who you are ; do tell me thus much.” Upon this they compassionated me, and said, the youth who is confined in the cage, is the king's nephew, and formerly his father was upon the throne. When he was dying, he expressed it as his last will to his brother, saying: as my son and heir of my kingdom is a boy and without know- ledge, you shall carry on the affairs of the state with loyalty and vigilance and when my son arrives at years of maturity, you, shall have him married to your daughter, and give him full au- thority over all the country and the treasure. Having thus spoken he expired and the kingdom devolved upon the younger brother, who did not act up to his elder bro- ther's will. Moreover he gave it out, that his nephew was mad insane, and had him put into a cage, and set so strict a watch on every side of the garden, that a bird even could have no access there. And he has on many occasions given him poisons, but his life is stronger, and has overcome their effects. The Princess is restless now at home, and be in the cage, she sent a love letter by you Messengers conveyed intelligence of this exactly to the king. A body of ethiopsons was ordered out. They have reduced you to this states A THE THIRD DERVESH. 139 As The king enquired from the minister bis advice as to putting the young man, who is in confinement, to death. That traitor has obtained the princess' consent to killing the prince with her own hand in the king's presence. I replied, Pray go there, and although I am dying let me see also this sigh'. When after a time they consented, those two men and I in my wounded state, went and stood quietly in a corner. I beheld the king seated on a throne, and the princess with a drawn sword in her hand; and they had taken the prince out of the cage, and made him stand up in the presence. The princess having become an executioner, advanced with an unsheath- ed sword to kill her lover. When she came near him, she threw away the sword, and clung to his neck. Upon See H. P. 202. this her lover said, “I am delighted to die thus: thou art dear to me here, and wilt be dear to me hereafter.” The princess replied. “I came here to see you under this pretence.” The king having seen what had occurred, was greatly disturbed, and rebuked the minister, and asked him, if he had brought him here to show him this sight. The eunuchs separated the princess and conducted her to the seraglio, and the minister being en- raged, raised his sword, and rushed at the prince to destroy at once that unfortunate youth with one blow. As he was in the point of striking with his sword, an arrow from a concealed quarter alighted suddenly on his forehead and passed through, and he fell down. The king having beheld this occurrence, went into his seraglio. They took the youth again into the garden, and shut him up in the cage. I also went forth thence. Some one called me from the road, and conducted me to the princess. See- ing that I was wounded, she sent for a surgeon and gave him very strict injunctions to cure me quickly, saying “This will be the best part of thy duty that you can perform, and you will be rewarded and honored according to the trouble you took with him. In short, the surgeon exerted himself strenuously in compli- ance with the princess's instructions, and in forty days had me bathed and taken to her presence. The princess asked me, “ Do you even yet suffer at all.” I replied “Through your favor I am quite strong and vigorous.” Upon this the princess gave me a dress of honor, and presented me with many Rupees that IK 2 I40 THE THIRD DERVESH. is to say with twice as much as she had promised and allowed me to take leave. I marched thence, taking with me all my companions, and ser- vants, and attendants. When I arrived at this place, I told them all to go away to their native countries ; and having built this house on this hill, and made up a figure in likeness of the princess, I have fixed my abode here. And I have liberated my servants and slaves, after having given each a sum of money, according to the estimation in which I held them and I told them, that during my life time, they must take upon themselves to See H. P. 203. provide me with the means of subsistance; and that beyond that they had full authority to do as they pleased. From their fidelity to me, they supply me with food, and I offer worship with my mind at ease to this idol. Whilst I. live this will be my occupation. This is my history which you have heard. O Fakeers l immediately that I heard this narra- tive, I put on a mendieant's dress, and assumed the garb of a Fakeer, and started off with the desire of visiting the country of Europe. After having wandered for some time over forests and mountains, I became like Mujnoon and Furhad. At last my desire conducted me to that city. I began to wander about the alleys and streets like a mad man, and generally used to dwell in the neighbourhood of the princess' house, but could obtain no means of entrance, I was very much dis- tressed at not gaining the object, for which I had undergone so much labour and exertion. I was standing one day in the mar- ket place, when all at once the people there began to run away, and the Shop-keepers all shut up their shops and de camped. Where there was lately a great splendor, suddenly there became a soli- tude. In one direction I beheld a youth with a head and jaw like those of Roostoom, roaring like a lion, and brandishing a two handed sword, having iron armour, and a helmet of the same material, with a pair of pistols in his belt, and talking incoherent- ly and staggering like a drunkard. And two slaves dressed in sack-cloth followed him, carrying on their heads a coffin, covered with Kaswan velvet, Having observed this sight, I determined to accompany him. THE THIRD DERVESH. I41 Every one I saw tried to dissuade me, but I would not listen. Proceeding slowly along, that youth went inte a magnificent house, and I went also with him. On turning round he intended to deal me a blow, which would cut me in two. I swore to him, that I wished him to do so, and that I would forgive his shed- ding my blood, and said to him to release me some-how from - the torment of this life, as I am greatly tired of See H. P. 204. it. I have come before thee with full and deli. berate knowledge of the consequence : do not de- lay. When he saw that I was resolved upon death, God made his heart compassionate towards me, and his wrath was appeased He asked me with great courtesy and kindness, “Who are you, and why are you disgusted with life.” I replied, If you sit down for a short time I will tell you. My story is a long and tedious one. Having heard this he unfasten. ed his belt, and having washed his hands and face partook of some refreshment, and insisted upon my partaking also. After he had done eating and sat down, he said to me. Relate thy ad- ventures... I mentioned all the circumstances of that old man, and of the princess and of my going there. Having heard my account, he first of all wept and then said, “How many persons' homes has this unfortunate creature made deselate, but thy remedy is in my power It is probable that through my means, thou wilt gain thy ob. ject. Be not at all anxious, and keep thy mind at ease.” He ordered the barber to shave me, and after having shaved me to lat me have a bath. The slave brought me a suit of clothes to put on. He then began to say to me.“ The coffin theu hast seen is that of the deceased prince, who was confined in the eage, whom another minister at length deceitfully put to death. He obtained salvation from his sins, because he was killed unjustly. I am his foster brother, and killed that minister with a sword. And I had resolved upon killing the king, who besought me in a most piteous manner, and awore repeatedly that he was inno- cent. Considering him as an unmanly wretch, k spared him, From that time my occupation has been to wander about the city on the first Thursday of every month, carrying the coffin with me and mourning for the deceased prince.” I was consoled at hearing these words from him, thinking 142 THE THIRD DERVESH. that if he desired it, my wish would be accomplished. God showed me great favor in having made such a mad man favor- ably disposed towards me. It is a true saying, “That if God be favorable, every one is favorable.” When it See H. .P. 205. was evening and the sun had set, that youth brought out the coffin, and placed it upon my head, instead of on that of a slave, and went forth taking me with him. He began to say to me, “I am going to the princess, and will say all I can in recommendation of you. Do not on any account utter a syllable, but remain quite silent, and listen,” 1 told him, “I will do as you say, and may God preserve you in safety for having had compassion on me.” The youth made for the royal garden, upon entering which there was in a courtyard, attached to the garden, a terrace of marble with eight sides, and on it there was an awning consisting of silver brocade, with a finge of pearls, and there was a cushion laid out plated with gold and silver. He made us put the coffin down there, and told us to go, and sit down near a certain tree. * After an hour, I saw torches; and the princess herself arriv. ed, attended by a large retinue, who preceded and followed her. 13ut sorrow and anger were manifest upon her countenance. She came and sat down upon the cushion. The foster brother stood up respectfully with closed hands, and afterwards seated himself with the same respect at a distance on the border of the cu- shion. He read a prayer for the soul of the deceased, and began to enter into conversation. I remained listening most attentively. At length the youth said, “O princess of the world, may you continue in safety ; a prince of Persia, having privately heard of your own amiable qualities and of your loveliness, has allowed his kingdom to go to ruin, and being transformed to a beggar desolate as was the unhappy Abraham Adhum, has come bere, after having endured great troubles, and has wandered about this city for ymany days past in distress and affliction. At length having made up his mind to die, he followed me. I threatened him with my sword, and he placed his neck before me, and swore that See H. P. 206. he wished for death, and asked me not to delay. In short I have tried him well, and found him to be most sincere in his attachment. For this reason I have made men- THE THIRT) DERVESH. 143 tion of him in your presence. If your highness, looking upon him as a traveller, were to show him favor it would be an act of charity and justice.” The princess having heard this speech, en- quired “Where is he'? If he be a prince, there is no sbjection, let him come into my presence.” The foster brother rose up thence, and came and took me with him. I was highly delighted at be- holding the princess ; but my understanding and senses were completely overcome. I observed a profound silence, and had not courage to say any thing. After a very short time the princess went away, and the foster brother returned home. On arrival there he told me, I have mentioned your history from beginning to end to the princess, and have spoken in recommendation of you. “ Do thou now go every night without fail.” I fell at his feet, and he embraced me. I remained all day counting the hours in expectation of evening, when I might go to her. In the night I took leave of the youth, and went and sat down in the lower garden on the princess' terrace leaning on a pillow. About an hour afterwards the princess came silently, accom. panied by a single attendant, and sat down on the cushion that was spread there. Through good fortune 1 had obtained this oppor- tunity. I kissed her feet. She lifted up my head and embraced me, and told me to make the best use of this occasion, and to obey her instruetions. “Go hence, and "take me with thee to some other country.” I said, “Come along.” Having said this we both left the garden, but such was the excess of my astonishment and joy, that I lost the road and went in another direction; but could obtain no clue to where I was going. The princess became angry, and said “I am tired ; where is your house P Go there quickly; if not, what, do you intend doing? My feet are blistered ; and I shall go and See H.P. 207. sit down somewhere on the road.” I told her, “The house of my slave was close at hand, and we shall soon arrive there, be of good cheer, and come along.” I said what was not true, but I was at a loss to know where to take her. On the road I saw a door that was locked, I hasti- ly broke open the lock, and we went inside the house. It was a fine building with a carpet spread; and bottles filled with wine were arranged properly in a recess of the wall. And in the 144 THE THIRD DERVESH. kitchen bread and roast meats were prepared. We were quits worn out with fatigue. Each took a glass of Port-wine with that relish, we passed the night together with pleasure. When in this scene of felicity the morning dawned, a proclamation was made in every division of the city and every street, and female pimps and spies were let loose in every direction to exert them. selves to the utmost to find her. And at all the gates of the city a guard of royal slaves was appointed, the porters had an order not to allow even an ant to go out of the city without orders. Whoever brought tidings of the princess was to obtain a thousand gold-mohurs and a dress of honor as a reward. The female pimps began to wander over the whole city, and enter every house. Unlortunately I had not shut the door. An old woman the maternal aunt of the devil, (may God bring disgrace upon her!) with a rosary suspended in her hand, and wearing a veil, finding the door open, came fearlessly in ; and having stood up in the princess's presence, liſted up her hands, and began to pronounce benediction. The princess having taken compassion upon her, and called her, gave her tour loaves, and some roast meat, and a ring which she took from her little finger, which she told her to sell, and to live comfortably, and come to her occasionally. as she might consider the house as her home. She had ac- complished exactly the purpose, of which she had been in search. She went away delighted, uttering benedictions, and offering to take the princess's misfortunes on herself. She threw away the bread and the roast meat at the very entrance of the house, but took the ring in her closed hand, because she had a clue to the princess in her possession. By the will of God we were saved from this calamity, for the owner of that house, a - manly young soldier, mounted an Arab, with a See H. P. 208, spear in hand, and a deer suspended from his J saddle, came there at this time. He found the lock of his dwelling broken and the door open, and saw that procures, in the very act of going out. Being enraged, he seized her and took her up by the back hair, and came into the house ; and having tied her legs together, suspended her to the branch of a tree, with her head down, and her feet in the air. She struggled and writhed for a short time and died. On beholding the countenance and figure of that man, we were completely overwhelmed with fear, and through terror our livers began to tremble. Seeing that THE THIRD INERVESH. I45 we both were in a state of destruction, he consoled us, and said you have been foolish in opening the door. The princess smiled and said, that I had told her it was my slave's house, and brought her there, and that I had carried her over. He replied. “What the prince said is correct, for all persons are servants and slaves of kings. All are supported and protected through their auspicious- ness and favour. I am yours without any purchase money. O prince 1 it is a source of happiness to me in both worlds that you and the princess have done me the favor of coming to this humble dwelling; and you have thereby conferred great honor upon me. I am ready to sacrifice my life for you, nor will I hesitate at all in giving up either my life or existence. Enjoy yourselves at your leisure, there is not the slightest danger now. If that vile bawd had got off safely, she would have brought salamity upon you. You may now remain here as long as you please, and let me, your slave, know whatever you require, and I will procure it for you. And what is the king that he should know any thing of you? for not even an angel shall have any knowledge of you.” That youth spoke such words of consolation, that our minds were in a measure set at rest. Upon this I exclaimed, “ Bravo, you are a manly fellow, and I will repay this manliness whenever it may be in my power. What is your name”? He See H. P. 209, said, the name of your slave is Behzad Khan. In short for six months he waited upon us with all fidelity and attachment, and we led a most easy life. One day the recollection of my country and parents oc. curred to my mind, and for this reason I was sitting in deep thought. Behzad Khan, seeing that I looked melancholy, stood up in my presence with joined hands, and began to say, “If this slave has failed at all in his humble service, please inform him.” I replied, “ In God's name what are you saying 2 you have behaved to us in such a manner that we have enjoyed the same tranquillity in this city, as any one would enjoy in his mother’s womb. Had it not been so we had committed such an act that every straw even was our enemy. What friend had we to look to for a particle of comfort 2 May God keep you happy and you are a great man.” He replied, “If you are displeased at re- H46 THE THIRD DERVESH. maining here, I will conduct you in safety to any place you may order.” I said, “If I could reach my native country, I should see my parents, you see what my state is here, and God knows what their condition may be. The wish has been accom- plished, for which I left my native country; and now it is right that I should go and kiss, their feet. They have no news re- garding me, whether I am alive or dead.” That brave man said, “Very good, let us take our departure.” Having thus spo- ken, he brought me a horse of the Turkistan breed, which could travel a hundred miles a day, and a very fleet and well train- ed mare for the princess, and made us mount them. He then putting on his arms, armed himself completely, and mounted his own horse, and began to say, I will go in advance, and do you follow me at your leisure on your horses. When he came to the city gate, he raised a shout, and broke open the lock with a hatchet, and having spoken to the guard in a threatening tone and rushing towards them, called out, “You rascals go and tell your master, that Behzad Khan has told you, that he is carrying off publicly the princess Mahur Neegar and the See H. P. 210. prince Kamgar, who is the king's son-in-law. If the king has a particle of courage, let him come forth and rescue the princess : do not say that I have carried her off secretly. If he will not come, let him remain at ease in his fort.” This intelligence reached the king quickly. The ministers and the commander-in-chief were ordered to bring us, three vil- lainous traitors, bound to the presence, or to cut off our heads and carry them to the king. In a short time a large army made its appearance, and a whirlwind of dust overspread the earth and the sky. Behzad Khan made the princess and myself stand at an arch of a bridge, and urging on his horse, went back towards the army ; and having roared out like a tiger, and putting his steed at a full gallop, rushed into the midst of the troops. The whole army was scattered like green scum or stagnant water. And he made his way to the two leaders, and cut off both their heads. When the chiefs were slain, the army dispersed in every direction. At that time the king himself came to the support, taking with him a large body of men clad in armour, whom also that youth alone beat back, and they met with a decided defeat. The king retreated. It is true that victory is gift of The THIRD DERVESH. ſ37 f assistance. God. But Behzad Khan displayed such valour, as perhaps Roos- toom could not have equalled. When he saw every thing clear and no one left to pursue him, he came featlessly, and with his mind at ease, to where we were standing, and took the prin- cess and myself along with him, and after a brief period we reach- så the boundaries of my country. * - I wrote and despatched a memorial announcing my rats ami- val to the king, my father, which having read, he was delight- ed and offered up a prayer, in which two inclinations of the body are made. The king being pleased to the same degree that par- ched paddy is refreshed by water falling, upon it, and having taken all his nobles in his suite, came to meet me, and awaited my arrival on the bank of a river ; and the superintendent of rivers was. ordered to furnish boats. I beheld the See H. P.2n. retinue of the king in waiting from the opposite - * bank of the river. From a desire to kiss his feet, I urged my horse into the river and having rushed into the water, came into the king's presence, and he embraced me most affeetionately. And now another sudden calamity befell us. The horse I rode was probably a colt of the mare, on which the princess was wounted ; or through sympathy, the mare having seen what my horse did increased her pace, and precipitated herself with the princess after me into the river and began to swim. The princess was frightened and pulled the rein, and the mare being tender moutbed, fell backwards ; and the princess sunk, and was drowned with the mare in the river, and I never obtained a single trace, of eithér of them "gain. When Behzad Khan saw the princess’ situation he hastened on horseback to her He also went into the whirlpool and could not es- cape from it. He floundered about § good. deal, but all to no purpose and was drowned. The king having seen what had happened, caused a large net to be brought, and thrown into the river, and gave orders to boatmen and divers (to look for the bodies.) They searched the whole river, and brought up earth from the bottom, but they could not find those two. © Fakeers in consequence of this event I became quite mad and insane. If the princess had disappeared any where, or had died, f L 2 #48, THE THIRD DERVESH. should have had some consolation and gone forth to search for her, or submitted with patience. But as she was drowned before my own eyes, I was left without resource. At length the idea of drowning myself occurred to my mind. - One night I went into that river, and having resolved upon drowning myself, proceeded up to my neck in water. I was on the point of advancing, that I might sink, when that veiled horse- man, who brought you good tidings, came up to me. He laid hold of my hand, and soothed me, and told me to be of good cheer, as the princess and Behzad Khan were alive. Why dost thou destroy thyself to no purpose Such events occur eon- stantly in the world; despair not of the grace” See H. P.212. of God. If thou livest, thou wilt some day or other meet with those two, Go now towards Tur- key, where two more Derveshes wounded in heart, have gone also. When thou shalt meet with them, thou wilt obtain thy wish. O Fakeers, according to the order of my guide, I have come into your noble presence, k have a strong hope, that every one of us will obtain the fulfilment of his desires. This was the Hig- tory of this Fakeer, which I have narrated fully. *Lit. The court. THE ADVENTUREs of THE Fourth D E R v Es H. * The fourth Dervesh, continuing to weep, began to narrate his history as follows. “O divine teachers, pay a little attention to me. I, this Fakeer, who am reduced to this state, am the son of the king of China. I was brought up with great tender- ness and affluence, and received a good education. I knew no- thing of the good and evil of the world, and thought that every thing would remain as it then was. Whilst I was totally free from eare of eyery kind, the death of this orphan's father occu- red. When he was dying he sent for his younger brother, who is my uncle, and said to him, I have determined upon making a journey, (meaning that he was about to die,) after abandoming all my wealth and territory; but do you perform this my last will. Do you act as viceroy, until the prince, who is lord of this throne, attain to years of puberty, and do not allow the army and the subjects of the realm to come to harm. When he arrives at years of discretion, give him a fair and full expla- nation of every thing, and make over the throne to him ; and ha- ving given Rowshun Ukhtur, your daughter in marriage to him, withdraw yourself from the affairs of state. By your acting thus the royal kingdom will remain in our family without any inter- ruption. Having thus spoken he expired. My uncle became king, 150 THE FOURTH DERVESH. and began to arrange the affairs of the kingdom. He ordered me to live in the female apartments, and not to quit them until I attained the age of puberty. To the age of See H. P. 213, fourteen I was brought up with ladies of the royal household and their female attendants, and used to romp and play about. I was delighted at receiving in- telligence of my intended marriage with my uncle's daughter, and in expectation of this occurrence, I lived free from all care, and said to myself, shortly the kingdom also will come to my possession, and I shall be married. The world rests upon hope. An Abyssinian, whose name was Moobaruk, who had been brought up in my deceased father's service, and who was greatly trusted by him, and was highly intelligent and faithful, was the person with whom I chiefly associated. He showed great affection for me, and was pleased at beholding my youth, and used to say. Praised be God! Prince you are now a young man. God will- ing, the time is near, when your uncle will act upon your fa- wher's instructions, and will give his daughter and your father's throne to you. 1 ºf It happened one day, that a female menial servant struck IY, G without having committed any fault, with such force, that the mark of her five fingers was imprinted on my cheek, I went crying to Moobaruk, who embraced me, and wiped my tears with his sleeve, and sail, Come along, I will take you today to the king. Perhaps on seeing you, he will prove kind, and bestow your right upon yºu, thinking you worthy of holding it. He took me forth with to my uncle's presence, who in open court showed me great kindness, and asked me why I was sad, and why I had on that day come to him, Moobaruk said, He has COD10 to make a represent. tion. On hearing this the king began of himself to say, We are to make preparations for his marriage, Moobaruk repli ed, It will be a happy measure. He immediately summoned to his pre- hence astrologers and forture tellers, and hypocritically enquired from whem, what month, what day, what hour, and what space of time in that year would be favorable for making arrangements for the Yaarriage. They, understanding his sentiments made calculations, and said, O king this whole year is inauspicious, in no one moon is there a single favorable day. If this year should pass See H. P. 24. away happily the next one will be better for way * , , , , good work. r - THE FOURTH DERVESH. I51 The king looked at Moobaruk, and told him to take me to the female apartments and added, God willing, after this year I will make over to him what I now hold in trust on his ae- eount. Let him keep his mind at ease, and go on with his studies. Moobaruk made his obeisance, and tock me with him and conveyed me to the seraglie. After two or three days I went to Moobaruk, who on seeing me began to shed tears. I was distressed and asked, Why do you weep, as every thing is all right Upon this that faithful creature, who loved me with his heart and soul, said, I took you that day to your tyrannical uncle : would to God, I had known what I know now, and I would not have taken you. I was frightened and said, Pray, tell me what great impropriety there was in my going. He replied, all the nobility ministers and grandees of the state, and all men of high and low degree of your father's time, were pleased at see- jug you and began to offer up thanks to God, that you were now a young man, and fit to wear the crown, and that you would obtain the rights to which you were entitled in a short time; and that you will then appreciate their merits rightly and understand the worth of your father's hereditary servants. News of this reached that faithless traitor, and a snake began to crawl over his breast. He sent for me privately and said, “Moobaruk contrive by some stratagem or other to kill the prince, and remove all danger of him from my mind, that I may be at ease.' I have been quite out of my senses since then at the thought of your uncle being your mortal enemy. Immediately that I heard this unfavorable news from Moobaruk, I became like a corpse without being killed, and through fear for my life fell at his feet ex- claiming, ‘Save my life in any way, for God's sake, for I have given up all thought of my kingdom.” That faithful slave lifted up my head, and embraced me and replied, There is no danger; I have thought of a plan, which, if succesful, no harm can hap- pan. Whilst we have life we have every thing. It is probable that 'through this idea your life §ee H. P. 215. will be saved, and you will obtain your wish. Having thus given me confidence and taken me with him, he brought me to the place, where the deceased king, my father, used to sleep and reside, and endeavoured strenuously to soathe my mind. A chair was laid out tuele, 152 THE FOURTH DERVESH. he told ms to lay hold of it on one side, and he himself laid hold of it on the other, removed it, and lifted up the carpet which was under the chair, and began to dig the ground. All at once a trap-door appeared, to which a chain and a lock were attached. He called me and I went near. I saw that there was a building inside the trap-door, and there were four rooms, in each of which ten large golden jars fastened with chains were suspended, and at the mouth of each jar a brick of gold, and a figure of a monkey in a sitting form, studded with gems. I counted ſhirty nine jars in the four rooms, and saw one of the number, filled with gold-mohurs to the brim, upon which there was neither a monkey nor a brick; and I also beheld a reser- voir, filled to the very edge with jewels. I said to Moobaruk, ‘Brother, what magic is this, and to whom does this house belong, and of what use are these things'? He replied, “With respect to the monkeys you see, the case is this ; your father from his youth had established a friendship and intercourse with Maliki sadik, the king of the geni. * * * * * * * : * * •. Thus once a year he used to take away with him various kinds of rarities and perfumes and curiosities of this oountry as presents, and remain for nearly a month in attendence on that monarch. On his taking leave Maliki sadik used to give him an emerald figure of a monkey, which the king used to bring and deposit in this place under ground. No one knew this but me. Once I said to him, “O lord of the world, you take away Jewels to the value of lakhs of Rupees, and bring back see H. P. 216. with you a lifeless stone monkey, what will be the eventual advantage of this He smiled and said, Take care that you do not reveal this to any one. A thou- sand powerful demons are in subjection and obedient to each of these lifeless monkeys you see. But until I have •ollected forty monkeys complete, all these will be useless and of no advantage, One monkey was wanting in the year in which your father died. No good has resulted from so much labour and the advantages of it has not become manifest, O prince on seeing thy forlorn condition these circumstances came into my recollection, I deter" mined to convey thee in some way or other to Maliki Sadik, and explain the tyranny of thy uncle, who, it is very probable, on calling to mind the friendship of your father, will give yº" THE FourTH DERVESH. 153 k the monkey that is wanting. Then through their assistance thy ëountry will come into thy possession, and thou wilt rule over the kingdom of China with a mind at ease, And thy life will now be preserved by this course of action. If no other result be obtained, I cannot think of any other plan of effecting your release from the hand of this tyrant. Having heard all theme cir- cumstances, from him, I said, brother thou art lord of my life do whatever is right for me. Having consoled me, he went to the market to purchase, utter and frankincense and whatever he thought fit to be taken to that country as presents. * The next day he went to my infidel uncle, and said, “O asylum of the world ! I have hit upon a plan of killing the prince, which, with your permission, I will explain.' That wretch was pleased and asked, “What is the plan º' Moobaruk replied, “In every way you will be in bad repute if he is mur” dered here, but I will take him away into the forest, and having settled, and buried him, I will return here. Not a soul shall know what has happened." Having heard this plan of Moobaruk's, he assented to it and said, “Very well, I wish only this that he should not survive, as I suffer anxiety through See H. P. 217. him. If thou wilt rid me of this care, thou shalt obtain great reward for this Service. Take him where thou wilt, and destroy him, and bling me the good news. * Moobaruk having satisfied himself that he had nothing to fear from the king, took me with him, and left the city at midnight with those curiosities which he had purchased as pre- sents, and travelled in a northerly direction. We travelled con- tinuously for a month. One night as we were going along, Moobaruk said “Thank God, we have now reached the place of our wishes.’ Having heard this ; I replied, ‘brother, what dost thou say?" He began to say, ‘Prince, dost thou not see an army of geni I said,” I see no one but you. " Moobaruk having drawn forth an antimony box, applied the antimony of Solo- mon with a wire over both my eyes, and forth with a crowd of geni and the tents and encampment of their army, appeared in sight: but all the geni were of a handsome appearance, and well dressed. Having recognized Moobaruk, each one embraced him in a friendly way, and began jesting with him. Ploceeding 154 THE FOURTH DERVESH. along, we at length reached the enclosed tents of the king, and entered his court. I saw lights tastefully arranged, and chairs of different kinds placed in two rows on the right and left, upon which learned and accomplished men, derveshes, nobles, prime minister, the commander of the army and other ministers were sitting. And attendants with silver sticks, and macabear- ers, and slaves were standing in the presence, with hands join- ed together. And in the midst was placed a throne set with gems, on which Mulik i Sadik crowned and wearing a vest without sleeves adorned with pearls, was sitting with great pomp and dignity, reclining himself against the pillow of the cushion whichâwas on the throne. I approached him and paid my respects. He ordered me in a kind manner to sit down, and after this a repast was prepared, which when we had finished the cloth was removed. Then turning towards Moobaruk he made enquiries regarding. me. Moobaruk said, “His uncle now governs in the place of his father, and is his mortal enemy. For this reason See H. P. 218. I have run off with him thence and brought him to you because he is an orphan, and ths kingdom is his right, but nothing can be done for him with- out a patron. With your Highness' assistance this victim of tyranny can be protected. Be pleased to afford him in recollec- tion of his father's services, and give him the fortieth monkey, in order that the forty may be complete, and he having obtained his right, may offer up prayers for your life and prosperity. Your Highness’ protection is ali that he can look for.” Having heard all these circumstances, Maliki sadik, after some consideration said, “The claims of the late king upon me in consequence of his services and friendship are certainly very great, and this unhappy ane being destitute, and having abandon- ed his hereditary kingdom, has come here to save his life, and thrown himself on my protection. I will not fail in any way to exert myself to the utmost ef my power, and will not nega lect him. But I have an affair in hand, which if he can bring to a prosperous termination, without being guilty of treachery, and prove staunch in his trial. I promise that I will do more for him than I did for his father, and will give him whatever he may desire.” I joined my hands together submissively represented, “I will THE FOURTH DERVESH. f55 to the best of my power, exert myself to the utmost to perform any service for you I can, which I will execute well, faithfully and carefully, and will consider the performance of it as a happiness for me in both worlds. GMHe replied, “ thou art still a boy, and, therefore, I frequently offer thee strict injunctions, lest thou shouldst be guilty of treachery, and fall into calamity.” I said, “God, through your Highness' good fortune, will make it easy for me, and I will use my utmost endeavours, and bring the object untouched to your presence. Having heard this Maliki Sadik called me to him, and having drawn out a paper from a pocket- book, showed it to me, and said, “ Try and find out, wherever you can the person whose likeness this is, and See H. P. 219, bring her to me ; and the very hour you obtain - any trace of her and go into her presence, show great affection to her on my behalf. If you perform this service, I will take care that you are rewarded beyond your utmost expectations. But if you do not perform what I wish, you shall be treated according to your deserts.” When I looked at the paper, I saw a picture which oc- casioned a sensation of fainting. I supported myself through fear with a violent effort, and said, “I assent to what your Highness has said, and will take leave. If God should be favorable to me, I will execute your majesty's order.” Having thus spoken and taken Moobaruk with me, I journeyed towards a forest, and be- gan to traverse towns, villages, cities and kingdoms, and enquire from every one, with a view of obtaining some trace of her. No one, knew any thing of her, or had heard about her. Having during seven years been in a state of great perplexity and de- struction of mind, I made my entrance into a certain town, in which were lofty buildings and a large population, but every one there was engaged in repeating the great name of God. I saw a blind beggar of Hindoostan who was asking alms; no one gave him a cowry,” or a morsel of food. I was sur- prised and took compassion upon him. I drew forth a gold-mohur from my pocket, and put it into his hand. He took it and said, “O liberal man, may God be gracious to thee perhaps thou art a travel- ler, and not an inhabitant of this city,” I replied, “I have indeed for seven years been in a state of the utmost destruction, and have not ob- * Small shell used as coin. M 2 156 THE FOURTH DERVESH; tained a single clue to the business for which I set out from home. i havá arrived in this city today.” That old man having offered up some pray- ers, went away, and I followed him. outside the city I be- held a magnificent house, which he entered, and 1 did so like- wise. I saw in different places buildings that had fallen downs and in a state of requiring repair. The blind man was going a long supporting himself on a stick, when a See H. P. 220. voice was heard, as though some one said, “Father art thou well, why hast thou come back so early today #" Having heard this, the old man replied, “ Daugh- ter, God has made a young traveller compassionate to my circumstances. He has given me a gold-mon". I had not a good dinner for many days past, ſ have therefore purchased meat, spices, clarified butter, oil, flour and salt, and also clothes for you, which you wanted so much. Make them up so as to fit you, ańd put the clothes on, and get dinner ready : and having ate and drank let us offer up prayers for that liberal man. Although I am ignorant of the wish of his heart, yet God knows and sees every thing and will accept the prayer of us, unfortunate wretches.” Having paid attention to the voice, f beheld a woman, who exactly resembled the beloved creature, whese likeness I had with me I drew forth the picture and compared it. There was not a hair's difference. A cry came from my heart, and I became in- sensible. Moobaruk asked me. What is the matter I had scarce- ly made any reply, when that beautiful creature said, “O youth, fear God, and look not upon any strange female. Shame and modesty are essential to every one.” She spoke with so much propriety, that I was fascinated with her personal appearance, and the qualities of her mind. Moobaruk began to soothe mé greatly, but how could he be informed of the state of my heart 2 Being in despair, I called out, “ O servants of God, and inhabitants of this house, I am a poor traveller, it will be a great favor, if you will invite me and give me accommodation.” The blind man called me to him, and having recognised my voice, embraced mie and took me to the house where that beautiful creature was sitting. She was concealed in a corner. The old man asked me to relate my history, why I was wandering about alone after having abandoned my home and family, and what person THE FourTH DERVESH. I57 Y was in search of. I did not mention Maliki Sadik's name’ and made no allusion to him whatever. I replied thus, “ This poor one is a prince of China; moreover my father is still a king there. He purchased this picture from a merchant for lacks of Rupees. On seeing which my senses and all See H. P. 221. tranquillity of mind vanished ; and I have assumed the appearance of a Fakter, and wandered over the world. I have now gained the object of my heart at this place, the accomplishment of which is in your hands.” Having heard this, the blind man heaved a sigh, and said, “Beloved, my daughter is involved in a great calamity. No mortal has power to marry her, and reap the reward of association with her.” J replied, “I hope that you will give me a detailed explanation of this.” The Persian then began to recount his adventures as follows. “Hear O prince I am a chief and a grandee of this un- happy city. My ancestors were renowned and of high family. God granted me this daughter, When she grew up, her beauty, and elegance, and agreeable manners became topics of general conversation, and it became natorious throughout the whole country, that in the house of such a one, a girl had been born of such exceeding loveliness, that in comparison with her beauty, the nymphs of paradise and fairies would have reason to be ashamed. How could any thing mortal equal it 2. The prince of this city heard these praises' and secretly without having ever seen her, fell in love. He gave up all sustenance. At length this circumstance became known to the king, who sent for me privately at night, and introduced this subject in conversation, and so worked upon my mind by what he bad said, as to in- duçe me tº $onsgnt to my daughter's marriage with the prince. I thought to myself, as a daughter is born to me, it is necessary to marry her to some one, and therefore, what can be better than to bethroth her to the prince ; in addition to which the king also will be obliged to me. I consented and took leave. From that day preparations were made on both sides for the marriage. The judge, law officers, learned men, and men of science, and all the nobles of the court were assembled on a certain day at an auspicious hour, and the marriage ceremony was performed, and the marriage portion fixed. The bride was taken away in great splendor, and they went, through all the forms and customs usual at marriages. 158 THE FOURTH DERVESH. The bridegroom. and the bride were taken into the private apartment. After midnight there was such a noise Seº H. P. 32% and uproar in the house, that the watéhmen out- side were in a state of great alarm. They wish- ed to open the door of the house to see what calamity had befallen, but it was fastened in such a manner from the inside, that they could not open it. Having wrenched off the hinge of a shutter, they beheld the bridegroom with his head cut off, weltering in blood, and the bride foaming at the mouth, and be- smeared with blood and dust, and rolling about quite out of her §ells 68. t “They all became insensible on beholding this dreadful sight, and at the thought of such affliction having been caused in the midst of so much rejoicings. News of the event reached the king, who, striking his head, ran to the spot. All the no- bles of the kingdom were assembled, but not one of them could comprehend what had happened, so *s to be able to investigate the affair. In the last extremity, the king gave an order, from the great anxiety he was in, to cut off the unhappy bride's head also; and immediately that the words had isgued from the royal lips, there was the same scene of noise and uproar. The king was alarmed and ran off for fear of his life, and ordered them to re- move her from the female apartments, The attendants conveyed the young girl to my house. This subject began to be one of general conversation. Whoever heard of the matter was perplex- ed; and in consequence of the prince being killed, the king himself and all the inhabitants of the city have become my mortal enemies. • * * + y > - “When the period of mourning had expired, and the cere- mony of the fortieth day was over, the king asked the advice ot the courtiers, as to what ought to be done. They all said. “The only measure to give consolation and tranquillity to the royal mind, is to put that girl together with her father to death, and confiscate the whole of their property and that of their household.” * . When it had been resolved to punish Iſle thus, an order was given to the chief officer of police, who came and surrounded my house on all sides, and sounded a trumpet at the entrance, and wished - to enter to carry the king's order into execution. See H. P. 223. From an unknown quarter such a shower of bricks * and stones began to be poured forth , that the THE FOURTH DERVESH. 159 whole force could not stand it, and they ran off in every direc- tion to save themselves. And the king heard with his own ears an awful voice in the royal seraglio. “Why dost thou expose thyself to misfortune ; has a devil possessed thee : If thou de- sirest thy own welfare, molest not that lovely creature, other- wise, whatsoever thy son saw after having married her, thou also shalt see from being her enemy. If thou molest her, thou wilt rue its consequence.' The king fell into a fever from fear, and immediately or- dered that no one should molest us, unhappy wretches, or have any interéourse with us. ‘Let them remain in their own house, aad let no one tyrannize over them.” From that date the ex- orcists and magicians considering it to be a calamity, repeat prayers and prepare charms and conjurations and all the in- habitants of this city repeat the name of the great God, and read the glorious Koran. This state of things has continued for a long time, but the secret of what occurred has not as yet become known, and I have not at all gained any information regarding it. But I once asked this young girl what she had herself seen, and she said, “I know nothing, except that the roof was broken through, and I saw a throne covered with gold issue therefrom on which a beautiful youth, wearing a regal robe, was seated, and a great many persons accompanied him into that house, work- ing for him, who were prepared to put the prince to death. The chief approached me and said, “How now, beloved, whither will you be able to fly from me * Their faces were like men, but their feet seemed like those of goats. My heart began to palpitate, and I fainted away through fear, and I have no re- collection of what happened after this.” Since then my state has been that we two wretched beings have dwelt in this broken down house, and all our companions have separated from us in consequence of the king's anger. And when I go forth to beg, no one gives me a single cowry, and moreover, See H. P.324 persons do not approve of my stopping at their shops. This unhappy girl has not rag to cover herself with, and I cannot obtain a sufficiency of food for her. I pray to God, that our death should come or else that the earth will open, and this ill-fated creature be swallowed up. Death is better than such a life as this, Perhaps God has sent 160 THE FOURTH DERVESPſ. thee for our sake, and therefore thou hast taken eompassion of: Imé, and gave me a gold mohur. I have prepared and eaten a good dinner, and made up clothes for my dsughter. I have offered up thanks in the temple of God and bestowed a benedic- tion on thee. Had she not been under the control of some geni or fairies, I would have made her over as a slave to thee, and consider it a happiness to do so. This is the history of this poor wretch do not endeavour to obtain her and refrain from this design. º Having heard all these circumstances, I became very solº- citous and wept much, and begged of him to accept me as his son, as whatever was predestined in my fate would happen. The old man would by no means consent. In the evening I took leave of him, and came back to the inn. Moobaruk con- gratulated me, and said, “God has made every thing turn out well, and our trouble has not been fruitless.” I replied, “ Inspite of all my flattery today, that faithless old man would not agree to my proposal. God knows whether he will give her to me or not.” But Such was the state of my heart that I found it difficult to pass away the night, in expectation of the morning, when I might go again to the old man's house. I sometimes imagined that if he proved kind and gave his consent, Moobaruk would carry her off for Maliki sadik ; and then I would say, “Let her but come is to my possession.” Again this thought oce cured to me, “If Moobaruk even should consent, I shall Suffer at the hand of genii in the same manner as ths prince has suffered. And when would the king of this country consent to any one enjoying the lady after the prince had been killed in attempting to do so *" My sleep was broken during the whole night, which was passed amidst the perplexities of these thoughts. When day light appeared, I went and purchased in the market-place beauti. ful pieces of cloth for dresses with gold and silver laces and fresh and dried fruits and atterded upon the, old man. He was highly delighted and said. “Nothing is dearer than life to every one ; but if my life even can be of use to thee, I will not hesitate to secrifice it, aad See H. P. 225. will deliver over my daughter to thee immediately. But I am fearful lest danger might befal thy life from such a proceeding, the stain of which curse would re- THE FOURTH DERVESH. f54 $nain upon me until the day of judgment.” I replied “I, a mi. serable wretch, bave arrived in this country, and you are both my spiritual and temporal father. In the hope of this desire being accomplished what ruin and distruction of mind have I not en- dured for along time past, and what calamities have I not suf- fered, and have at length come here, and obtained also the clue to the object of my search God has also made you kindly disposed towards me by your having consented to give your daughter in marriage to me. But you are hesitating a little on my account. It matters not whether I live or die ; on the contrary, if I ain disappointed I will meet with untimely death,” and I will hold your skirt in the day of judgement.f In short, nearly a month passed away in this kind of alterca- tion and reluctance, and this state of hope and fear. I hostened daily to wait upon that Gld man, and used to flatter him greatly. It so happened that the old man fell sick, and I attended him during his illness. I used constantly to take his urine to the phy- sician, whose prescriptions I used to make up according to his its ructions and administer them, and prepare his shala; and fºod with my own hands, and give him a few morsels to eat. One day he kindly said to me, “Youth taou art very importun- ate, in spite of my having mentioned all the calauities that will attend this step, and having urged you not to persevere. Whilst we have life, we have every thing, but you seem resolute in wishing to fall into a well, I will today mention you to my daughter, and see what she says.” O holy fakeers, I was so inflated at hearing See H. P. 226. this good news, that my clothes could not con- tain me. I made my obeisance to the old man, and said, “you have now adopted measures to save my life.” I took leave and came home, and during the whole night con- tinued mentioning to Moobaruk what had happened. I felt the want of neither sleep hor food. At day light in the morning I went again to the old man and paid my respects. He began to say “Well, I give my daughter to you, and may God bless *— * Lit. I will die without death. i Meaning. I will hold you answerable. † Food made of rice and pulse. 162 THE FOURTH DERVESH. the act 1 I entrust you both to the protection and fostering care of the Divine Being. Continue to live with me whilst my life is spared me ; and when my eyes are closed. do whatsoever you please, as you will be your own uncontrolled master.” After a few days that old man departed this life. I wept mourned, and performed his funeral offices. After the third day's ceremony was over, Moobaruk brought that dear creature to the caravan- sary and said to me, “You hold her in pledge for Maliki Sa- dik. Take care that you do not act treacherously, and throw away all the labour and hardship you have undergone.” I replied, “O grand father, where is Maliki Sadik " Mooba- ruk was annoyed and rebuked me saying “Do not act like a child. In a single moment your condition may be changed. Do you imagine Maliki Sadik to be far off, that you do not obey his orders? At the time of your Setting out, he explained all the difficulties to you. If you abide by what he said, and convey the lady in safety to him, he is a king and may perhaps take into kind consideration the labour you have undergone, and give her to you : it will then be a very happy thing.” I was at last perplexed by his threats and explanations, and remained silent. I purchased two female camels, and rode upon saddles placed upon their backs, and proceeded towards the coun- try of Maliki Sadik. As we journeyed along, the sound of great neise and tumult began to approach us. Moobaruk said. “Thanks be to God our labours have been successful, and army of the Genii has come to us.” At length Moobaruk having seen them, enquired, “Where do you intend to go.” They said See H. P. 227. The king has appointed us to come out and meet you, and we are now under your command, and will if you order, convey you in a moment to his presence.” Moobaruk replied, “ Behold through what troubles and difficul- ties God has made us faithful to the king ! Why need we be in a hurry now, as (which God may avert) some accident may befal us from haste, and our toil prove fruitless, and we may fall under the wrath of his highness.” They all said, “With respect to that point, you may do as you please, and proceed on your journey as it best suits you.” Inspite of our being completely at ease, and able to travel in any way most agreeable, we continued our journey THE FOURTH TOERVESH. 163 day and night. When we had nearly arrived at our destination, observing that Moobaruk was asleep, I placed my head at the feet of my beloved, and began to explain to her with urgent so- licitations and tears my restlessness of mind, and my utter de- spair, on account of Maliki Sad k. “From the day I beheld your picture, I have abandoned aleep and food and tranquility ; and after all I am now reduced to the state of being an utter stranger to you.” She began to say, “My heart alse is affectionately inclined towards you, because you have for my sake undergone great hard- ships and brought me here through numberless difficulties. Keep God in remembrance, and forget me not. Let us see what will be manifest from the hidden curtain.” Having thus spoken, she, with- out being able to restrain herself wept so immoderately as to have a fit of hiccoughs. In the mean time Moobaruk awoke. On per- ceiving that we two lovers were weeping, he began to shed tears also, and said, “ Keep your minds at ease ; I have an oil, which I will rub on the body of that lovely creature, by the strong smell of which Maliki Sadik will be repelled, and probably give her up to you.” Having heard this plan of Moobaruk's, I became confident and embraced him affectionately, and said, “Grandfather thou art now to me in place of a father ; through thee my life has already been saved. And now also act in such see H. P. 228. a manner, that my life may again be preserved, otherwise this affliction will be mortal.” He ad. ministered great consolation to me. At day light the sound of the Genii began to be distinguished. I observed that several attendants of Maliki sadik's had come, and brought two valuable dresses of honor for us, and a sedan fringed with pearls also accompanied them. Moobaruk rubbed that dear creature with the oil, and having had her dressed and becomingly arrayed, took her to Maliki Sadik. The king having beheld her, did me great honor, and offered me a seat with most dignified courtesy, and began to say, “I will behave to thes in such a manner as no one to this day has behaved to another. Thy father's kingdom is thine, in addition to which thou shalt be to me as a son." He continued addressing himself to me in this kind manner, when N ? # 64 THE FOURTH DERVESH. b in the mean while my beloved came into his presence. His brain became disordered by the strong smell of that oil, and he was bewilder- ed. He could not endure it. He rose up and went out, and eaused us two to be summoned and turning towards Moo- baruk, Said, “Well sir, you have acted a pretty part in this matter 1" s “I warned you if guilty of treachery you would fall under my wrath. What is this smell ? Moobaruk was afraid and took his solemn oath, and totally denied the fact Then he stared an- grily at me, and being enraged eommenced abusing me. At that time it appeared to me from his eonversation, that he would probably cause me to be put to death. When I discovered this, from his countenance, being in despair of living and having gi- ven up all hopes of existence, I drew forth a dagger from Moo- baruk's side and struck Maliki Sadik in the paunch with it. On receiving the wound, he bent his head, and stooped down. I was bewildered, and theught he was certainly dead. And again I thought that the wound had not been so effectual, and could not make out the reason. I was standing looking on, when rolling on the ground, and having assumed the See H. P. 229. appearance of a ball, he flew towards the sky, * and ascended to such a height, as at last to be out of sight. Then after a very short interval, making a crash like that of lightning, and angrily muttering some insignificant words, he came down, and gave me such a kiek, that I became quite insensible and fell backwards, and became as one dead. God knows what period of time elapsed before I recovered my senses. When I opened my eyes, I observed that I had fallen in a forest, where nothing but acacia and thorny trees were visible. I could not imagine what to do, or where to go. Having a sigh through despair, I took one of the roads that presented itself; if I saw any one in human shape, I enquired after Ma- liki Sadik. He supposing me mad, answered he had not even heard of his name. , A 1 one day climbed a hill and resolved by throwing myself down to commit suicide. When I was on the point of falling, that veiled horseman the lord Zoolfukar came up and said, “Why dost thou throw away thy life Grief, pain and calamities of all kinds THE FOURTH DERVESH. 165 befal men. Thy evil days have now departed, and happy days have come. Go quickly to Turkey. Three individuals in the same eondition as thyself have gone before thee, visit them, and unite with the king of that locality. The objects of the wishes of you all five will be obtained at the same place.” This is the his- tory of this fakeer, which I have related. At length through the glad tidings of my spiritual guide, the dispeller of difficul- ties, , I have arrived in the presence of you the priests, and I have paid my rsspects to the king, the shadow of God. The minds of us all must soon be set at rest. In the midst of this conversation between the four Derveshes and the king Azad Bukht, a royal attendant came running from the Seraglio, and offered respectful See H. P. 239- congratulations in his highness' presenee, and said. “A prince had just been born, in presence of whose beauty the sun and moon were ashamed.” The king was so delighted, as almost to die of joy. The four fakeers also began to bless, saying. “Well sire 1 may your family ever flourish and may thy child be happy and may he live to a good old age under thy shadow !” The king replied, “This event has hap- pened by virtue of your auspicious presence. With your permis- sion I will go and see the infant.” The Derveshes said, “In the name of God, be pleased to go.” The king proceeded to the female apartments, took the prince in his lap, and offered up thanks to God. His mind was satisfied. Having forth with ta- ken the infant in his arms, he carried it away and placed it at the feet of the Fakeers, who pronounced blessings upon the child and performed charms over it. The king made preparations for an eatertainment. The royal musical instruments began to send forth redoubled sounds. He opened the treasury, and his libe- rality made every beggar, who did not possess even one eowry worth a lakh of Rupees. An order was given that all the nobles should have their pensions in land doubled, and their titles in- creased two-fold. Two years pay was given in gratuity to the whole army. Subsistence money and lands to be enjoyed in per- - petuity were bestowed on all the priests and men of consequence- He filled the dishes and wallets of the poor and necessitous with gold-mohurs and Rupees mixed together, and remitted three year's revenue to his subjects, in order that whatever, they sowed or 166 THE FOURTH DERVESH. tilled they might carry away all to their houses. Throughout the whole city, in the houses of rich and poor, wherever the eye could reach, there were mirthful dances. Every one, both high and low, was so delighted as to become almost like a king. In the midst of all this rejoicing, the sºund of weeping and lamenta. tion came forth from the interior of the female apartments. The attendants, the women of . Turkey, armed females and eunuchs rushed out, throwing dust upon their heads and said to the king, “When the prince had been washed and bathed and given into the nurse's lap, a small cloud cane and enveloped the nurse, and after a short time we saw that she had See H. P.231, fallen down insensible, and the prince had dis" appeared ; What a calamity has befallen.” The king was very much perplexed at hearing this strange account, and there was lamentation throughout the whole country. The pot did not boil in any one's house for two days. People were greatly afflicted about the prince, and were plunged in grief.” In short they had no power to die, and therefore lived so * miserably. When it was the third day, the same cloud came again, and brought with it a cradle studded with jewels, and having pearls on its borders, and when it had placed the cradle in the female apartments it disappeared. The prince was found in it, sucking his thumb. The queen mother having pronounced a blessing upon it, took the child up in her arms, and pressed it to her bosom. She saw that it wore a jacket of very fine texture fringed with pearis, and another jacket over it of fine cloth, and ornaments set with jewels on its hands and feet, and a necklace composed of nine gems on its neck, and there were a child's rattle and coral, and clappers set with preeious stones placed by his side. They were all so delighted, that they be. gan to twirl and turn round the infant, and offer up prayers, saying, “ May thy mother's issue be ever healthy, and may thou live to a good old age I" The king having caused a large new building to be erected end carpe's to be spread in it, established the Derweshes there. When at leisure from the affairs of state, he used to come and sit with them, and pay them every attention and respect; but on --—r- * , . - -w * Lit. Drank their own blood. THE FOURTH DERVESH. 367 r $º Kr the first Thursday of every new moon, that piece of cloud came, and took away the prince. After two days the cloud brought back with the child rare, toys and curiosities of every country and kind, at the sight of which the mortal mind was in a state of astonishment. In this manner the prince entered safely upon his seventh year. On the anniversary of his birth day, king Azad Bukht said to the Fakeers, “O holy men of God! I know not who carries away the prince, and again restores him. - - It is a very strange occurrence. Let us see what Bee H. P.232. the result will be.” The Derveshes said, “Do t one thing; write a note expressive of affection, and place it in the prince's cradle, and write to this effect, “sse. ing your kindness and love I am desirous of paying you a visit; if you will in the way of friendship inform me of your circum- stances, my mind would be at ease, and my perplexity entirely removed.” In confºrmity with the advice of the Derveshes, the king wrote a letter to the same effect on paper sprinkled with gold, and placed it in the child's golden cradle. The prince disappeared as usual. In the evening, the king came and sat down by the beds of the Fakeers, and they en- tered into conversation. A folded paper fell down near the king, on opening which he saw that it was an answer to his letter These two lines were written, “Look upon us also as desirous , of seeing you. A throne is sent for conveyanee, and you had better come immediately. Let us meet, as all preparations have been made for mirth and joy, and only your place is empty.” The king Azad Bukht having taken the Derveshes with him, sat down upon the throne, which like that of his majesty Solomon, floated in the air. Travelling slowly along, they alighted at a place, where they saw a magnificent building, and all sorts of preparations for’ their reception, But they did not know whe. ther there was any one there. In the mean time some one touch- ed the eyes of all five with the collyrium of Solomon, and two drops of tears fell from their eyes. They beheld an assemblage ef fairies standing there, waiting to meet them with bottles of rose-water in their hands, and dressed in robes of different golours. Azad Bukht advanced amidst two rows containing thou } 68 THE FOURTH DERVESH; sands of fairy-born creatures, who were standing in respectful attendance, and there was an emerald throne fixed in the most exalted place, upon which king Shahbal, the son of Shahrookh, - was seated in great pomp, leaning on pillows, See H. P.233, and there was a most enchanting young girl sit- ting before him, who was playing with the prince Bukhtyar, and on both sides chairs and seats were tastefully ar- ranged, on which noble and most beautiful beings were sitting. The King Shahbal, on seeing Azad Bukht, rose up and stood erect, and having descended from the throne, embraced him, and hav- ing taken his hands in his own, he brought him to the throne and seated him by his side, and entered into conversation with great warmth and affection. The whole day passed away in laughter and joy, and feasting and other entertainments, and singing and dancing. When the two kings met again oa the second day, Shahbal asked an explanation from Azad Bukht of his having brought the Derveshes with him. t The king explained in detail all tha circumstances of the four Derveshes, as he had heard them, and recemnended them to shahbal, and asked his assistance. “They have endured very great hardships and calamities, and it will be a matter of future reward to you, if through your favor they obtain the objects of their wishes, and I, your sincers friend, will, during the whole of my life be thankful to you. Through your kindness their raft will be carried across to its destination, The King shahbal having heard this speech replied, “Be it upon my head and eyes. My efforts shall not be wanting to further your wishes.” Haviag thus spoken, he cast an angry glance towards the de- mons and fairies, and wrote letters to all the great genii chiefs, to appear in the enlightened presence on receipt of the order, and if any one delayed in coming, he should be punished, and should be laid hold of , and made to come. And every one to bring with him, every human being whether male or female, whom he might have, and if any one concealed or detained any captive, and it should hereafter become known, his wife and children should be squeezed in an oilman's press, and his every name and all trace of his family should be obliterated Demons were appointed to convey this order to every quarter 3. *- THE FOURTH PERVESH. 169 Here the two kings associated on friendly terms with each other, and carried on kindly conversation, in the course See H. P. 234, of which King Shahbal addressed the Derweshes and said, “I had also a great wish for a child and had resolved if God gave me a son or daughter, I would marry him or her to some new bora child of the king of human race. After having formed this resolution I heard that the royal queen was pregnant. After having reckoned the days and hours and months of her pregnancy, the time of her accouchment arrived, and this daughter was born. According to my vow, I ordered genii to search in the four quarters of the world, and carry off and bring immediately with all despatch to me the son of any king or great monarch, and to be very careful of him.” “Fairy-born creatures were forth with despatched to every guarter in eompliance with my order, and after some delay they brought this prince to me. I offered up thanks to God, and took the infant in my lap, and conceived a greater affection for him than for my own daughter. I did not wish, to let it out of my sight for a moment but used to send the prince back, be- cause I knew how distressed his parents would be, if they did not see him, I used therefore to send for him once a month, and having kept him with me for some days, used to send him back again. You and I have now met, and God be willing, I will celebrate his marriage. Life and death are incidental to all ; while we are alive, let us see their sahra.” King Agad Bukbt having heard these words of the King Shahbal, and seen the excellent qualities of his disposition was highly delighted, and said, “Strange fears used to agitate my mind at first in coasequence of the disappearance of the prince and his return, but I am now consoled by what you have just said. He is now your son ; do with him as you please.” In short in about ten days great kings of See H. P,235. Goolistani; Erum and of mountainous countries, - and of the islands to call whom, persons had been * Lit. A garland of flowers worn by bridegrooms when going first to the bride's house. - f Lit, Gardea of paradise, said to be the habitation of fairies, 170 . . THE FOURTH DERVESH. appointed, all came into the presence of Shahbal. He first order- ed Maliki sadik to produce any one born of man he might have in his keeping. He being greatly afflicted and enraged, but having no alternative, produced that rosy cheeked damsel. And he de- manded from the king of the sea the daughter of one of the genii (on whose account the prince of Neemroze, riding on a bull, became mad.) He also made a great, many exeuses, but at last produced her. When he asked for the daughter of the king of the Franks and Behzad Khan, every one flatly denied all know. ledge of them, and they began to swear by King Solomon. At length when he began to interrogate the king of the Red Sea, he hung down his head and remained silent. King Shahbal soo- thed him and swore to him, and gave him hopes of obtaining higher honors, and also threatened and alarmed him. Upon this, having joined his hands, he represented. “O king' may you live in safety 1 The truth is this, when the king came to the river to meet his son, and the prince through haste urged his horse in- to the water, I had accidentally on that day gone forth to hunt and was passing by at the time. I stopped my horse and ob- served what was going on. In the mean while her mare carried the princess into the river also. When my glance fell upon her, I became enamoured, and ordered my fairy-born attendants to bring the prince-s with the mare to me. Behzad Khan hurried his horse into the river after her, and when I saw him sinking, and about to be drowned, I admired his courage and manly spirit. My attendants for h with laid hold of him also. I returned baek, taking both of them w.th mo, and they are now safely under my charge.” Having mentioned these cireumstances, he sent for both of them into the king's presence, and Shahbal made great search for the princess the daughter of the king of Syria, and enquired of every one with a mixture of severity and kindness : but no one confessed or gave any clue as to where she was to be found. Upon this Maliki Shahbal said, “Is there any See H. P.236. monarch or chief absent, or have they all come.” - The geni represented. “O protector of the world, all have come into the presence, except one named Mosulsul the magician, who by means of the science of magic, has built a fort in the interior of the mountain Kaf, and from Pride THE FOURTH DERVESH. 17] he has not come and we slaves have not the power of laying hold of him, and bringing him to the presence. The place has a very difficult passage, and he himself is a great devil.” On hearing this, Maliki Shahbal became angry, and appointed a fighting army of the geni, demons, and fairies, and ordered them saying. “If you could bring the princess to the presence by fair means it is well and good; if not subdue him, bind his arms behind his back and bring him ; annihilate his fort, and country, and plough them with a plough drawn by asses.” Im- mediately upon this order being given, so powerful an army start- ed forth that in about a day or two it reduced to subjection, and made captive and brought bound into the king's presence that violent rebel. Howev ºr much the king Shahbal threatened and interrogated him, that haughty being answered only in the ne- gative and not at all in the affirmative. Being exceedingly wrathful the monarch gave orders to cut off that reprobate’s joints one by one, to flay him and fill his skin with straw, and he appointed an army of fairy born beings, to go to the mountain Kaf, and search for the princess and bring her; which they did and conveyed her to the presence of the king. Upon this, king Shahbal ordered the men to be taken to the private hall of audience, and the women to the royal seraglio ; and that instructions should be given to have the city ornamented with mirrors, and the preparation for the marriage be quickly made, which order was forth with complied with. On a certain day, having ascertained an auspicious moment, and favourable hour, the king Shahbal married his daughter Boushun Ukhtur” to the prince Bukhtyar; and he married the merchant's son of Arabia Felix to the princess of Damas- cus, and the prince of the kingdom of Persia to the princess of Bussorah ; and the prince of Persia to the princess of the Franks; and Behzad Khan to the daughter of the king of Neem- roze, and the prince of Neemroze to the daugh- See H.P.237. ter of the genii’ and the prince of China to the - daughter of that old man of Persia, who had * Bright Star, † Fortunate. O 2. -*Lºs 172 THE FOURTH DERVESH. been in the possession of Maliki Sadik. After this he enter. tained them all for forty days; and day and night they were engaged in pleasure and mirth. At length Maliki Shahbal presented every prince with rari- ties, gifts, property and goods, and allowed them to take their departure to their native countries. They all set off joyfully and with minds at ease, and having arrived in safety began to ex- ercise regal authority. But Behzad Khan and the merchant's son of Yemen of their own accord remained with king Azad. Bukht, who afterwards appointed the merchant's son of Yemen chief of the domestic servants and Behzad Khan the Commander- in- chief of the fortunate prince, that is to say Bukhtyar's army and as long as they lived they were happy. IN THE NAME OF GOD THE MOST MERCIFUL AND COMPASSIONATE. Beginning of the Tale. **C. * It is related that in one of the Eastern coun- See H. P. l. tries there was a king named 2ynool Moolook. His beauty was like that of the shining moon, he was incomparably just, brave, and liberal. He had four sons, each of whom was eminently gifted with learning and virtue, and resembled Roostoom of the time in bravery. By virtue of God's omnipotence, he was once more blessed with a son, (who was so beautiful as to be) capable of affording light to the world, like the sun, and of dispelling its darkness like the moon of the fourteenth night. The king was highly delighted at it, celebrated a grand festival, sent for the astrologers and ordered them to consult his horoscope. All of them calculated something upon their fingers, gave him the name of Tajool Moolook, and represented that, “There are innumerable riches of the world involved in his fate ; he will be so brave that none like him was ever in existence up to this day, nor will ever be. But there is also an evil attached to him, that is, when the king” casts a look towards him, the royal eyes will instantaneously lose the power of sight.” -** * * Lit. Asylum of the world. 2 BUKAVALEE. The king was neither pleased nor displeased, but sent them away, and ordered his minister to keep him with his mother in a house very remote from the road he ordinarily passed. The minister acted in accordance with the order. For See H. P. 2. a few years, the prince was brought up in all possible endearment, and was endued; with learn- ing and a knowledge of the science. Being desirous of going a hunting, he one day rode toº wards the forest, and galloped his horse in pursuit of game. By chance the king also went a hunting that same day on horseback, and having run his horse behind a deer, happened to come in the same direction as his son. No sooner had the king seen the prince than his eyes were deprived of their sight. The king then made this remark that the sight of a son ought to have afforded much more light to the eyes of a father, instead of which the effect was quite the reverse. It is therefore proper that my son should now be banished from the territories under my government, and his mother be employed in the office of a sweeper. So saying, he immediately returned to his capital, and banished him. After- wards many Messiah-like” doctors were sent for to cure the king's eyes; but all of them unanimously agreed that the eure of his majes- ty was quite impossible by any other medicine than Bukavalee's flower. If that flower be procured some way or other, not only the king, but also a blind-born man would obtain his sight. On hearing this, the king ordered a proclamation to be made all over his dominions, “Whosoever shall procure Bukavalee's flower or bring intelligence of it, he will be exalted with many honors and presents, by me.” One day the four princes stood in the royal presenee with crossed arms and said “We hope your majesty will grant us leave to set out in search of Gooli Bukavalee.” The king said, “I have already lost my eyes, for which I am still repiningf while so how is it possible that I should lose also you, who are the lamps of my house ; and this indeed would be an adversity which I can never sustain. The princes then repeated * -º-, * Skilful. i Lit. The spot of which is not yet removed from my heart, –w BUKAVALEE. 3 p. their solicitations. The king then hesitatingly ordered the Wizi. - ers to furnish them with every thing required See H. P. 3. for a journey. They acted according to the order. Then they (the princes) took leave of the king and set out. As the princes were going on by stages Tajool Moolook who was banished by his father, met them accidentally, and asked some one, who they were, and where they were going to The man related to Tajool Moolook the circumstance of the king's getting blind, and (added that) the cause of their journey was to hunt after gooli Bukavalee. It is advisable for me, said the prince to himself, that I should also look for gooli Bukavalee along with my brothers. Thus determined he went to an officer called Saeed, and saluted him very respectfully. When Saeed saw the prince he asked him, who are you, and where do you come from ? Tajool Moolook said with great clearness of elocutions “I am a poor helpless traveller.” Saeed was delighted with the manner of his expression, and very willingly associated with him, and showed his kindness towards him more and more every day. It is said that the princes after a long time reached the city of Firdous (of which king Rizwan Shah was the sovereign), ordered the tents, about the evening, to be pitched on the beach, and expressed their intention of stopping there for a few days. About the dusk of the evening they got upon their horses, went into the city for the sake of perambulation and began to walk here and there. In the mean time they saw a painted and rich building, and asked one of the inhabitants of that place whom does this magnificent house belong to * This house, answered he, belongs to Dilbur Lukha. O great God 1 said the princes, how came she to obtain this royal palace : The man then said, she is a curious.* woman in this world and incomparably beautiful and excellent; She has placed a drum with a stick at her gate, any person who goes there and beats See H. P. 4. it, she admits into the house and whom she re- - ceives upon payment of one lac of Rupees. The princes (who were very proud having considerable riches and pro- perty) went to her gate, and without hesitation beat the drum * * Lit. A single. 4 BURAVALEE. at ones. On hearing this the deceptive woman said to herself, “ God be praised, after a very long time some happy individual intends to come to my house, my apartment will certainly be more illuminated ; and as a very fat prey of this kind has designed to come to my net, he will probably be entangled in the meshes.” She then dressed and adorned herself with all possible hºte and sat down. In the mean time the princes came up, she went forward a few paces to receive them, and made each of them be seated on a golden chair and engaged them in chiº chating. Half of the night passed away in this manner, when that sly woman said “If you permit me I will send for the back- gammon table in order that we may pass the remaining part of the night in that amusement.” They answered “very well.” That deceitful woman placed a lamp on the head of a cat, and betting one lac of Rupees per game, began to play. The writer (of the tale) has thus written that in the course of that half night the princes lost all the property they had, consisting of . ready cash, goods, elephants horses, camels &c., The deceitful woman then drawing back her hand from the table said, “O young men your capital is already over, now fold up the board of the game and go home.” The princes said, “We will try our luck this time, if our fate be propitious, we will take back from you all the property we have lost ; if not we all four will for ever remain your obedient slaves.” When this treaty was ratified, that deceitful woman won that game also in the twinkling af an eye, and having despatched all their things ready money and goods to her palace, sent them amongſ many other prisoners, who were of their description. Tajool Moolook then determined in his own See H. P. 5. mind to adopt some measure which might not only effect their deliverance, but also bring to light his own skillf Thus determined he came into the city, went to the magnificent gate of some Ameer, addressed the —º * Lit. What other thing is better than this. f Lit. In the chain. f Lit. Business, BURAVALEE, 5 porters there and said, “I am a traveller I have no family I am in search of some worthy nobleman, the agreeable conduct of your master is a matter of notoriety, if he shall honor me with an employment in his serviee, I will perform it with all my heart and soul.” One of them went to the presence of the Ameer and represented the circumstance of the prince. “Bring him here,” ordered the ameer, and the man brought him. When the ameer looked at his face he ex- claimed, “O God l is he the sun that came down in the shape of a man from the fourth sky, or a slave who has descended on the ground from paradise?” In short the ameer took him in his service, and treated him every day with additional kindness. The first narration respecting TajoolMoolook's playing backgam- mon with Dilbur, and winning all her property and furnitures. When Tajool Moolook passed a few months in his service and saved some Rupees from his fixed stipend, one day he represented in his presence “One of my friends has arrived in this country, if you allow me I will go to him every day for four hours.” The Ameer said “Very well.” The prince then used to go every day to those who were accustomed to play back- gammon, and sat and played with them. So that he learnt all the rules of the game, and when Tajool Moolook was able to beat every one, he formed this resolution that he should now play with that artful woman, and see the work* of God's omni- petence as to what will be revealed from the invisible curtain. One day he went in the direction of her gate, saw an old woman come from inside and asked somebody See H. P. 6. who she was. He answered. “She is the only - chief mistress of this place.” On hearing this he ran up to her, made a salam and placing his head upon her feet began to weep bitterly. The old woman asked, “Who are you, and where do you come from ?" “O mother,” said the prince, “I am a wretched traveller I. have no friend. or acquain- tance in the city, my native land is the eastern country, I had -- =– * Lit. Spectacle. 6 BUKAVALEE. a grandmother, by the decree of God she departed to paradise leaving me alone in this perishable world. I find in you all her marks; if you be so good as to cast a kind look towards my distressed circumstance and show mercy to my poverty and helplessness, I will for ever become yours, and consider you in the room of my grandmother.” By these flattering words her heart was moved,” She said, “O young man there is none left also for me in this world. From this day I am thy grand- mother and thou my grandson.” Tajool Moolook said “O grand- mother, I have been since a few days, employed in a certain place, and cannot therefore come every day to kiss your feet, but I will come every now and then.” The old woman observed “That is of no consequence.” The prince although he made an ex- cuse about his going to her every day, yet went constantly to the house of that friend, and spoke to her many things in a flattering manner till at last by degrees he became her confidant. In short when the prince saw that she deplorad his circum- stances like a kind mother, one day when he was engaged in talking to her upon different subjects, among other things he asked her, “O grandmother, do you know any reason why a man who plays backgammon with that sly female, is not able to beat her.” She replied, “O my son this is a very delicate secret do not disclose to any body, lest the disclosure of this may reach her ears and become the cause of my decline.” The prince said “I will certainly keep it very secreti The old woman said “She has brought up a tat and a mouse, and has taught the cat to bear a lamp if placed on its head See H. P. 7. and the mouse to remain squatted in the shade ; whenever the dice do not suit her purpose, the cat gives the lamp such a motion as the shade falls upon the dice and the mouse turns them up according to her design. Whenever, a man comes to play with her, the cat and the mouse act in accordance with their usual practice. She wins the game through their assistance and the poor man beeomes a loser.” - After ascertaining these things Tajool Moolook went te market, brought a young weasel, which he kept in his sleeve * Lit. melted down like wax. † Lit, what word is this. 130KAVALEE. 7 and taught to jump out of it immediately on hearing the noise of snapping the fingers. When it quite understood this point, the prince took one thousand Rupees from her, went to the gate of Baiswa, alighted from his horse and stepped in freely. Through terror the color of her face became pale. She ran forward to receive him, seated the prince with every possible honor on a chair set with precious stones, and then sat down below at some distance. The prince said, “I understand that you are very fond of playing backgammon, come, let us have a game or two.” At first she made many excuses, and pretensions, but at last at the request of the prince, she was obliged to send for the back- gammon board, placed a lamp according to her old usage on the head of the cat, and betting ene lack of Rupees per game cast the dice. The prince lost the first game intentionally, and she won it by the help of the cat and the mouse. The second game was now commenced, and in course of playing when the dice on one occasion did not answer her purpose the cat in- stantly made a motion with its head and the mouse, which sat under the shadow of the lamp waiting only for this very acci- dent was about to turn up the dice, Tajool Moolook snapped his fingers, and the weasel jumped out of the sleeve on hearing the noise. The mouse on seeing its face showed the white feather, and the cat also was so terrified that it threw down the lamp from its head and scampered off. , The prince was highly incensed by this, and See H. P. 8. said “O sly witch what sort of trick is this that you play, you have got in your house such gems as are brilliant like lamps during the night, yet you don’t like to use even a lamp-stand.” She was greatly ashamed at this observation. Immediately sent for a candle and placed it there. They both were engaged again in the same amusement. The narrator says that the prince won that night seventy millions of Rupees. In the mean time the morning dawned, when Tajool-Moolook said “It is now close upon the time of his majesty's breakfast, if I do not attend there some evil will ensue.” Having said this, he took leave and went in the presence of the Ameer. In the evening he got on horse back and rode to her house. On hearing this news she reluctantly went forward to receive him, and made the pº sit on the chair accordingly. 8 Błj KAVALEE. After the supper was over, she wagered ten millions of Rupees per game and began to play. It is said that in the space of that half night the female gambler lost the whole of the ready cash that was in her treasury amounting to about one thousand millions of Rupees. At last there was left nothicg except the household furniture ; Tajool Moolook obtained that also very quickly. Then he told her “Nothing is now left with you, how are we to pass the remaining part of the night? well now do one thing, you have fraudulently detained the princes of the east and west in your custody, play a game for them, if you gain I will pay you one lack of Rupees, if otherwise I will take them away from you.” She consented to the offer, and the prince won that game also in a second. She then said “O young man of good fortune 1 I will try my luck once more, if I succeed in obtaining this game, I will take back from you all the things I have lost, if not I will become your slave.” The prince won that game also" in a trice. Afterwards she got up, crossed her arms, and began to say “O young See H. P. 9 man of good fortune, by the help of God and the assistance of your fate you have made me your slave.” sº t &: In short you have by the aid of your good luck, very easily taken up the prey, for the sake of which many kings of the world have spent a whole life time. Now this house is yours, marry me and pass here the remaining part of your life in happiness and dignity.” Tajool Moolook said “This I can not do for I have a very momentous duty to perform, if by the grace and benevolence of the most high God, I succeed in it, you also will gain your ob- ject,” She said “What necessity can compel you to expose your- self intentionally to the turmoil of a journey : pray make me also acquainted with it.” When her solicitations respecting the disclosure of the mystery passed the bounds of moderation, the prince said, “Listen to me. my name is Tajool Moolook, I am the son of the king of the east, by the decree of fate my father lost bis sight, all the doc- tors and physicians prescribed unanimously no other medicine than Bukavalee's flower. From that very day my four brothers who have been a few days in your custody set out after the BUKAVALEE. 4 9 said; flower, I too accompanied them secretly. They were en- tangled in the snare of your fraud and tricks, but I with many stratagems reached and conquered you. I am now going in search of it, if I get the flower of my object it is well and good, if hot, depend upon me, I will lose even my life for it.” On hear. ing this she said “O prince what an absurd imagination has entered your mind and pernicious thought oceurred to you. “ Listen to me Bukavalee is the daughter of the king of fairies, that flower blooms in her garden. Thou- See. H. P. 10, sands of demons are employed in every quarter - to watch it, none is able to reach there without their permission. Countless fairies are appointed to watch in the air, so that even a bird might not fly over it. Bosides these, numerous snakes and scorpions are watching upon the earth, that no body may reach there even by that way, and the prince of mice is watching under the ground with thousands of mice to prevent the reach of any being there even by a subterraneous passage. In fact even an ant can not possibly reach it by any means whatever. O prince do not expose yourself to this turmoil at all.” The prince said “ ladeed it is the case, but you don't disregard the smallness of my person although men are inferior to demons with respect to physical strength yet they are superior to them in mental ability and understanding. The tale of a Bramin and lion. Did you not hear that a certain Bramin passed a day in some forest. There he saw a lion shut up in a eage and tied up with thick cords. The lion seeing him began to roar very beseechingly and said “ O sir, if you take pity upon my distress- ed circumstances and release me from this confinement, I will in return for this favor” be useful to you some day or other. The heart of the ignorant Bramin was moved by the entreaties of the lion ; and the fool of a man did not consider that he was an enemy, and that his word should not be believed. Without hesi- tation he opened the door of the cage. No sooner was the blood thirsty animal released from his confinement, than he sei- zed him by the neck, put him upon his back and started from that place. The Bramin said “O lion I have done a good service v- e- - *-* . ºr- * Lit, saying my life, 10 BUKAVALEE- to you in the hope that you would also do good to me ; on the contrary I see your intention is to do evil.” The lion said “In our religion evil is the only return we have for good, if you do not believe me come along I will convince See H. P. 11. you by asking some one else, and let us do what he says.” The fool agreed to this proposal. In the forest there was a large and very old banion tree, the lion and the Bramin went under it, and the lion made his appeal. It replied “you say right, the recompense of a good act at present is nothing but a bad ene.” “Listen to me, O Bramin, I am standing here upon one leg . on the road to afford my shelter indiscriminately to the travellers either small or great ; but when a way farer seorchod by the heat of the sum comes to repose under my shadow, he on his re- turn breaks a branch from me and carries it to hold as a shade against his face, and others again make clubs with it. While so does not the good act meet with bad recompense * The lion said “Well sir, what do you say now " He answered “Ask some one else." The lion went a few paces and questioned the road on the subject, which answered “The lion is right, listen to me O Bramin, if a traveller miss me he wan- ders about here and there, and when I meet him, he reaches happily his allotted stage; but in return he makes water upon my breast and moreover attends to the call of nature.” The Bramin said “Please to ask a third party and then you do what you like.” The lion went forward, and a jackal appeared before him seated on an elevated spot; and he per- ceiving the lion bring a man alive with him, eoncluded that there was some hidden mischief and thought of escaping. When the lion cried aloud “O jackal be not alarmed, we come to you to ask one word.” The jackal said “ Please to stay at some distance and to command me in any thing that your majesty wishes should be done ; because in terror of your majesty the bird sº, H. P. a. of my senses is about to fly away." €6 II , ſ: , 14. ' The lion said “this man has done me a good service, and I intend to do bad to him, tell me what is your opinion about 'it 2". The jackal represented “This humble creature is at a loss to BUKAVALEE. H} understand what your majesty says; a man cannot possibly do any good to the emperor of strong bodied beasts, in whose pre- sence he is but like a gnat. I will not at all believe this word, unless I see with my own eyes.” The lion said “ come along we will show you.” The lion then walked on with the Bramin, and the jackal followed them slowly. All these three reached the cage in a minute. When the Bramin said “O jackal the lion was in this rail I released him, now say what is your judgment.” The jackal said “How is it, , that so large a lion was in this small cage 2 If the lion go in it again in my presence, you tie his hands and legs in the same manner as before, and afterwards untie them, I will then be able to judge.” The lion went in. and the Bramin began to tie up his hands and legs, when the jackal said “If in your fastening them up there be the slightest difference from their former ties, I swear in the name of God that I can never decide the point.” At the intimation of the jackal he tied the lion up very fast, and having shut up the doer of the cage said “O jackal look at him now, he was im- prisoned in this manner when I released him.” The jackal said “What a fool thou art º O impudent man, to do good to such a powerful enemy is in point of fact to hurt our own leg with an axe. Thou needst not set an enemy at liberty from confine- ment. Go away thy enemy is now conquered. The second narration respecting Tajool Moolook's arrival in the territory of Bakavalee through the assistanee of a demon. The eloquent narrator thus relates this fable, that Tajool Moolook put on the dress of a Kalender (a monk) rubbed his mirror-like countenance with asbes, and having pronounced the name of God he set out. After some days he arrived at a thick forest, which was so dark that no distinction was see H. P. 13, made there between day and night. Here he consoled himself with this reflection “ O dear this is the first wave of the calamitous ocean, you are obliged to swim over the surface of the whole sea ; tie fast the girdle of your courage, put yourself in this grate like a salamander, and see what God is going to do. * Lit, may a stone fall upon thy understanding. 12 3UKAVALEE. Having thus reflected he entered it. His hind foot always fell upon thorns in advancing forward, and he sighed and lamen- ted at every step. In short the prince rambled for a length of time right and left in a forest in this manner. His body excoria- ted with bruises from the trees, and blood dripped from every limb. After enduring so many difficulties and troubles, he at length passed over the forest, and in returning thanks to God he made lacks of prostrations, and then advanciding forward, saw a demon resembling a hill seated before him and he mistook him for one. When he reached near, the wretch extended his figure, elevated his head to the sky, and having roared as a cloud with joy he said “May I be sacrificed to the bestower of food upon me, may I be devoted to the Creator, who sent me, a filthy demon, such a delicate morsel while I have been sitting quiet in my house.” Having said this, he as- ked the prince, “ In these days of your youth who compelled you to expose yourself to death,” and who cut the rope of your life, that you have voluntarily stepped into the dreary abode of death.” Through terror the prince began to tremble, his face became pale, and he said “O demon what do you ask about my cir- cumstances, listen to me, that the life of this world has been a plague for my part, had my life been dear to me, I would not have exposed myself to the grasp of death, nor would I have exposed my person to the snare of a blood-thirsty demon like - you pray, release me from the torture of this See H. P. I4, life now, finish my business, (i. e. kill me) with. out delay ; because to be alive at least for one hour, is tantamount to my suffering trouble for one hundred years.” The demon was moved by this pitiable speech and swore in the name of his majesty Solomon, on whom be the peace of God, “O human being ! I will never vex you, nor give you the least trouble ; on the contrary I will keep you under my protection, and exert my best to help you in the accomplishment of your objeet for which you have set out.” In short the demon kindly asked him one day, “Tell me what is your food, that I may furnish you with it.” TajoolMooloo -wººg * Lit, who shook the vein of your-death, BUKAVALEE. 13 represented, “ that the food of mankind is clarified butter, sugar, flour of wheat and other things of a similar nature.” On hear- ing this the demon got up and ran to a caravan, the men be-, longing to which conducted camels loaded with sugar, clarified but- ter &c, lifted up the loaded camels, brought them before the prince, and told him, “take your food and eat a part of it.” Tajool Moolook relieved the camels of the grain &e, and let them loose in the forest. From that day he began to bake a sufficient quantity of bread one way or other for his daily eating. He passed a few days in this manner. One day the prince took several maunds of flour, mixed it with clarified but- ter and sugar, put the mixture on large rocks, rubbed and knead- ed it well with his hands and feet. He then collected some dried wood here and there, and having broiled and toasted the mixture well he made it into a kind of pie. After this he broiled the meat of a camel with sufficient salt in it. The demon seeing this, asked him, “What makes you take so much trouble this day, and why have you been so extravagant " Tajool Moolook said, “This is all on your account, that you may eat a morsel of this and know the taste of men’s food.” The See H. P. 15. demon lifted up the whole, end put all at once $ in his mouth. The demon having never tasted food of this kind in his life, began to jump and bounce while eating it with the utmost delight ; he applauded the prince every moment, and said, “ o son of Adam you have made me taste this day such a thing, that my father and even my grand-father might not have tasted during their lives. I will for ever acknowledge the obligation of this piece of bread, and remain obliged to you with all my heart.” The prince seeing that he had a liking that way be- gan to prepare every day new kinds of bread and broiled meat and fed the demon, who was thereby so highly delighted, that one day he said spontaneously, “’O son of Adam, you have delight- ed me every day with this delicate morsel, but I have not been able to do any thing for you up to this moment, Pray state to me if you have any object in your mind.” - Tajool Moolook replied, “I am informed that the demons are generally disposed to tell lies, and not to adhere to their I(4 BUKAVALEE. promises. If you take an oath in the name of his majesty So- lomon, I will disclose my secret to you.” He said, “I am afraid of taking an oath in the name of that great man, God knows what you are geing to say, and if I be not able to do it, I will be obliged to die.” At last having no other alternative, he swore and then asked him, “Tell me what is your object 2, Tajool Moolook said, “I am anxious for a length of time to see the country of Bukavalee, conduct me thither somehow, as that is my only desire.” Having heard this, he heaved a deep sigh from his breast, beat his head twice with both hands and fell down senseless; after an hour he recovered his senses and said, “O son of Adam 1 God has not given the thread of your death into my hand, but He gave the rein of my life into yours. Listen to me ‘. - Bukavalee is the daughter of the king of fairies, See H. P. I6. eighteen thousand demons, may more than that are - the slaves of her father, employed to watch his country every where ; let me aside, the officers of the private guards, who are stationed near that territory, might not have. seen the four surrounding walls of it. Innumerable fairies are employed to watch day and night in the air, that no bird may fly over that boundary. The king of mice is watching under the ground with a countless army, in order that no creature may reach there by any subterraneous passage. An army of serpents and scorpions is appointed to watch on the ground. While so, how shall I be able to make you reach there 2 And if I do not. do so, 1 am sure that I will lose my life in consequence of that oath. Now do one thing, dress the food in the same manner again to day, and see what transpires from the invisible curtain.” Tajool Moolook did so, and when the demon saw the food was ready, he shrieked aloud. Immediately another hill-like de- mon arrived there, both of them shook hands tegether;% and were seated. The second demon's eyes fell upon Tajool Moolook, the prince immediately bowed down and made a salam. The * Lit, kissed each other's hande. BUKAVALEE" r 15 demon was quite astonished to see him make the salam, as- Red the land-lord. “O brother it is a very curious thing ! none up to this time has ever heard or seen that a demon was in contact with a man, and both of them ever sat in a place ; Pray explain to me the cause of his stay here.” The demon said, “Brother, this son of Adam has conferred on me very great obligations, I do not like to hurt him in any way. I have seat (or you to make you acquainted with his skill.” Having said this the land-lord brought the articles of entertain- ment, and placed them before the guest. No sooner did he place this sweet morsel in his mouth, than he also See H. P. 17. began to dance with ecstacy. At last when the eating and drinking was over, the guest asked, “Tell me O brother, if you have at all done any thing also for h m up to this day P’’ “This person.” answered the land- lord, “ presses me to do a thing, which it is quite impossible for me to do but if you condescend a little, he would probably succeed in his object.” He asked, “My dear, what is the thing that you are unable to do *" He replied, “ He is desirous of seeing the country of Bukavalee.” On hearing this, the guest observed, “ Hemistic.” “It is ever wrong in a man to ask for a thing which, he knows well, is impracticable.” The land-lord said, “ I have already sworn in the name of his majesty Solo- mon for it; if you condescend to make him embrace the damsei of his object, you will in fact preserve my life.” In short this demon had a sister, called Hammala, who was the chief of eighteen thousand demons of the private guard appointed to watch the country of Bukavalse. He wrote her a letter to the fellowing purport. M y dear sister. I am now obliged to go upon a journey, which I cannot by any means avoid ; I have brought up a human being for a long time as my son ; after my departure the house will remain vacant" It is however a place of danger and apprehension; I do therefore send my son* to your service, and request that you will look at him so kindly, that he may not be subjected to any in- convenience whatever, Adieu. * Lit. The light of my eyes'. 16 . JBUKAVALEE. Having delivered it into the hands of a messenger, he turned . his face towards Tajool Moolook, and intimated to him, “ Go along with him, and you will perhaps attain your object.” Having said this, he seated him on the left hand of the messenger, who sheltered him, nay, congealed him with his right hand and walked off, till at last he reached the intended stage with safety, made a salutation to Hammala from some distance, and Sea H. P. 18, delivered the prince to her. Having seen him she was overjoyed with utmost delight, and bloomed like a bird. In short she addressed the messenger and said, “Had my brother sent me Solomon's, ring I would not have been so glad as I now am by the arrival of this man.” Afterwards she opened the envelope of the letter, understood the contents thereof, and wrote the fellowing answer. O my soul-like brother. It so happened that I went one day to some town for the sake of preambulation, there I found a very beautiful and incom- parable daughter of a king, I brought her up as my own daughter, and denominated her Muhmooda. She is now fourteen years of age, and is like the moon of the fourteenth night. The great Causer of causes sent her consort in this way. What more can I write, than expressing my anxiety to see you Adieu. She deliver- ed the letter to the messenger and dismissed him. After this she got Muhmooda married with Tajool Moolook. The third Narration respecting Tajool Moolook’s arrival in the garden of Bukavalee, and obtaining the intended flower, and falling in love with her. Tajool Moolook remained for a long time in company with Muhmooda, but the heart of that lovely damsel was never opened by his conversation, nor did he ever sit with her delighted. In short Muhmooda said one night to the prince, “O my love, what is the cause of your despondency. Tajool Moolook said, “I have got a very important business to go through, and until I finish it I have determined not to have intercourse with any person.” Muhmooda said, “Tell me what is that " He repli- BUKAVALEE. 17 ed, “I have been for long time desirous of seeing the country of Bukavalee,” Muhmoeda answered, “ Be of good cheer, if See H. P. 19. God pleases, I will make you see that country ſ to-morrow.” When the moon was concealed and the sun rose up, Hammala brought them both out of their bed-room, seated them on her right and left knees, and began to caress them with the tender- uess and affection of a mother. Mahmoeda said, “My dear mother, I have some thing to represent to you, and if you promise to accept I will mention it.” Hammala having kissed her head and eyes, said, “Tell me freely.” Muhmooda said, “He is desirous of seeing the country of Bukavalee ; make him reach there the best way you can,” Hammala made many excuses and objections, but at last seeing that her daughter would never abandon the idea one way or other, she was compelled to promise her com- pliance. She sent for the king of mice and ordered it saying “Dig a subterraneous passage from hence to the garden of Bukavalee, make the prince ride upon thy neck and take him to the garden ; but take care, do not allow him to alight from thy neck.” It acted exactly according to the order. After ar- riving at the garden the prince wanted slowly to alight and go in it, the mouse did not leave him and wanted to return. Tajool Moolook said, “If thou allow me to go for the sake of preambu- lation in this garden it is well and good, if not I will destroy myself immediately. The mouse was frightened and having no alternative it let him go.” •. When Tajool Moolook went in he saw that upon the golden land the surrounding four walls (of the garden) were erected of pure gold, and the rubies of Badakhshan and the corals of Arabia Felix are set therein from below to the top, The streams made of turquois being full with rose-water were running around the beds of emerald. Bravo what a beautiful garden is this It would be right, if the sun should become a moth of the lamp of its portico, and the moon enamoured on its brightness. The prince went on further, amusing himself with these variegated objects. When he saw a hall made of pure rubies, in front of which another of to paz, and in the middle of them there was I8 BURAVALEE. a fine reservoir, set with jewels and full of rose- See H. P. 20, water having in the centre of it a very fine, de- licate and sweet scented flower blooming. Tajool Moolook immediately perceived by his intellect that this must undoubtedly be the flower of Bukavalee. He instantly took off his clothes, estered the reservoir, and having taken the flower of his object from it, came back to the bank, put on his dress and secured it in his belt. He then turned to see the beauties of the palace. As he proceeded a little further he observed a palace made of the corals of Arabia Felix; He entered it without fear, saw a very fine shaped ball ; The prince entered that also ; but he was stunned at once, and stopt short, because he saw a lovely damsel, thinly made, fast asleep through the giddiness of youth on a bed-stead studded with jewels. On seeing her Tajool Moolook fainted away and fell down. After an hour when he came to himself, he went as far as her head with all practicable caution, and resolved in his mind that he should leave some mark of his arrival here. He then very gently took the ring of the fairy's finger, and put his own in it. He got up from thence, mounted the mouse and reached home by the subterraneous passaage.— Fourth narration respecting the departure of Tajool Moolook and Muhmooda from Hammala of their arrival near Dilbur and of the release of his brothers from prison. It is related that one night when Tajool Moolook in his closet was engaged in conversation with Mahmooda, he began to tell her, “Although we enjoy every kind of pleasure in this place, and we have no inconvenience of any kind whatever, yet how long should we remain far from our countries and friends, and how much should we suffer,the pain of our friends' separation ? We should contrive such a plan, as we may get rid of this un- natural society, and deliver ourselves from the grasp of the ens- miºs.” Muhmooda said, “Do not be uneasy and I will take leave to-morrow.” When the morning dawned, Hammala prepar- See H. P.21, ed two rich robes and several trays of fruits brought them both out of their bed-room, made 3 UKAVALEE. #9 them put on the robes and eat the fruits, seated them on her right and left knees and began to kiss their heads and faces. Notwithstanding these affectionate careshes, she found the buds of their hearts still withered ; she then said “ O prudent daughter and dear son-in-law tell me any thing that you are in want of. If you wish to have even the stars of the sky, I will bring them down for you,” Muhmooda got up and represented, “ Owing to your favors and benevolence there remains no kind of wish in our hearts ; but the flame of the separation from our species blazes forth every hour in my heart; if you permit me 1 will go for a few days in the company of my comrades and extinguish the fire with the water of their visit. On hearing this Hammala heaved a deep sigh, and said, “1 know very well this disturbance, which was entirely quelled, is again excited by the prince. Had I known this before hand, I would not have got you married with him.” To be brief, Hammala saw that this place could efford them no amusement, she sent for a demon, and told him to take them with all possible care wherever the prince wishes to go, and bring their receipt to her. After this Hammala plucked out two hair from her head and having given one to Tajool Moolook and the other to Muhmooda told them, “Whenever you shall be involved in some difficulty or other place this hair on the fire, and I will reach there along with eighteen thousand demons almost immediately. The narrator has said, that demon who was like a hill and as swift as the lightning came up running immediately, and said, “ I am ready to take you wherever you shall command.” The prince answered, “Take us to the garden of Dilbur Lukha in the city of Firdous.” On hearing this he made them both sit on See H. P. 22. his shoulders, went on and alighted them there in a second, and demaned the receipt. Tajool Moolook said, Wait a little, I will write and give you. When the voice of the prince reached the ears of Baiswa, she ran up and fell at his feet. Afterwards she prostrated herself in returning thanks to God. In short the prince wrote the cir- 20 BUKAVALEE. cumustance of his arrival, gave it to the demon, and dismissed him. - After this he gave a full explanation of the severities he underwent in the jungle, the kindness of the tyrannical demon, the tenderness of Hammala, the circumustance of his marrying Mahmooda, and the particulars of obtaining the Bukavalee's flower. she then got up, embraced Muhmooda and treated her very hos- pitably. The prince stopped there for a few days. He then in- tended to go to his own country, gave orders to prepare things necessary for a voyage, and to ship them on board the vessels. The servants acted accordingly. In the mean-while, superintendent of jail came and asked, what was the order in behalf of the eastren princes. Tajool Moolook then turned to the land-lady and said, “ Al- though I advocate liberty in behalf of my brothers you do not consent to it, until they shall receive the scars of your seal upon their shoulders.” When the jailor brought them, Tajool Moolook spoke highly in their favour. She said, ‘Pray do not interfere with this; I will never release them but with this condition that they should receive the scars of my seal upon their shoulders.” The prinees seeing that there were no other means left for their deliverance they became helpless, aad consented to it, and having got their shoulders branded, they were released and saved their lives. At the time of their departure Tajoo! Moolook gave each of them a robe of honor, and one lack of Rupees for their road expences, They went to some other country, where they employed a few servants and set out for their own native country. Tajool Moolook sent Dilbur and Muhmooda by sea towards his country along with the baggage, and gave them orders to halt at a particular place, which he promised he would soon reach by land. It is said that Tajool Moolook disguised himself See H. P. 23. as a Fakeer, and followed his brothers, in order to know what they really intended to do. Ia short he reached the place where they had descended, and having concealed himself in a corner he began to hear their boastings. At length he could not restrain himself, but rushed before them, and said, “What sort of deceitful and idle words are these you are talking among BUFCAVALEE, 2}. yourselves see your face (i. e. whether you could undertake such a difficult job.) Bukavalee's flower is with me.” and having immediately unfastened it from his girdle placed it before those treacherous persons. The prinees were irritated, and said, “Very well, we will try it, and if thy word be foundito be untrue, we will punish you as we like.” Tajool Moolook said, “Very good, a true man will never be hurt by a flame.” He then sent for a blind man and rubbed the flower upon his eyes. The blind man gained his eye light imme- diately. They were astonished to witness this scene, and at last being ashamed, they took the flower forcibly away from him ; and being very happy and joyful they proceeded towards their country. * After a few days they reached the boundaries of their country and sent a messenger before hand in order that he may speedily inform his majesty (the king) of their arrival. The messenger obeyed the order incuntinently. When Zynool Moolook heard this happy news, he was highly delighted and went himself a few stages to meet his sons. When all had met they (the princes) kissed his feet, and he (the king) their foreheads, and embraced each of them, and showed great affection, The princes then offered him Bukavalee's flower. The king no sooner rubbed it on his eyes, than they became lustrous like stars. The king began to make a royal festival, and proa- claimed through out the city that both poor and rich should for one year keep the doors of joy and pleasure open, and those of sorrow and grief shut. The fifth narration respecting Bukavalee's awaking from sleep and not finding the flower in the reservoir of rose-water, and setting out herself in search of the purloiner. r When Bukavalee got up from her repose she went towards the reservoir of Bukavalee's flower and reaching the bank ; On a sudden she looked to the place where the flower had been. Although she looked at the spot very attentively, she could not find - a trace of the flower. In the mean time her eyes fell upon the ring. She becam more confused and being alarmed, she began to rub her eyes with both her hands. She then said to See H. P. 24. 22 BłJKAVALEE. herself, “Am I seeing a dream, or is this a state of illusion º’ She then added, “Had this been a dream, all these signs would not appear. Being so it appears to me that this is the act of some human being, for no other creature would at all be able to arrive here safe through the hands of eighteen thousand de- mons, and carry away the required flower without interruption. She then became fretful and said to the fairies, “If you wish to be alive produce the thief as he is.” On hearing this, seven hundred fairies went every where in search of him ; but none of them could obtain a trace of the unknown individual any where. At last in a state of disquietude she resolved to hunt her- self after the thief, and set out. No one could bee her where- ever she went, but she saw every one with attention and exa- mined him. At last having thus wandered for a long time she happened to reach Poor up Dais, It is related that when she arrived in the country of Zynool Moolook and as she passed through the streets and Bazars she found every thing betakening approaching connu- - biality. She saw musical instruments at play at every door. On beholding this she was amazed. In short having assumed the shape of a handsome young man of fifteen or sixteen years she asked some one “Why is every person whether small or great, in this country joyful, and what is the cause of every high and low individual's pleasure ? He answered that the king of this country had, by the decree of God, become blind ; his sons after a long time and having undergone a great deal of See H. P. 25. trouble had brought the flower of Bukavalee by which the eyes of the king had resumed their natural light. He then ordered that every person both low and high in rank should enjoy pleasure and place the musical in- strument at their respective doors in this manner for a whole year. Bukavalee on hearing this joyful tiding said to herself, “God be praised my trouble is terminated. This is the city of the identical fomenter of disturbances ; it is probable that he too will come beneath my grasp.” She then went to the sea-shore took off her dress, entered the water bathed to remove the fatigua of the journey, and havng come out of it, she assumed the shape of a handsome young mann, asaumed a corresponding dress, and retired towards the royal buildings. She walked through the BUKAVAfEE. 23 Bazars deliberately, and with some show of coquetry. In short whosoever looked at her appeared to be in a fit of apoplexy. So that her beauty became a matter of public talk in the whole city; and by degrees it reached the ears of the king, who or der- ed that the lovely youth should be brought to his presence. ln short when he was taken into the presence of his high- mess, the king asked her, “Tell me where do you come from, what is your name, and what has brought you here :" The young man represented . “The western country is my native soil, my name is Furroëkh, I have set out in search of an employment, and now I hope in the kindness of the protector of the world that I may be honored by being in all one of your highness' servants, in order that I should have repose of mind in praying for your wealth. Zynool Moolook said, “Very good be in attendance on me,” and be exalted her with every honor among his own private servants, and granted her the iberty of free access. She passcd a few days in this manner, when one day the four princes camc to the royal audience—Bukav tee asked some one who they were He said “Do not you recognize them they are the king's sons.” She - then rubbed the gold of every one's appearance on the touch- stone of examination, but sha did not find it pure. She asked “Was there any more son to the king who had brought the flower 6f Bukavalee with them.” He then replied “ No body.” She was much alarmed to know that the king had no other son, then she began to quarrel with her destiny, and See H. P. 26, said “Who was that thief who carried away the - flower from that garden. No no he rather took away my’ heart and soul. I have looked much after him and suffered many troubles at length I got here the trace of that flower ; and the bad of my heart has also bloomed a little.” In short Bukavalee was certain in her heart that the king must have some other son, for it did not appear from the appear- ance of these fools that they could have performed the difficult work. However I should be patient för a few days more. I shall see what will be made manifest by the invisible curtain. . The sixth narration respecting the arrival of Hummala along with demons to Tajool Moolook and the preparation of a building and garden equal to Bukavalee's, R 2 24 BUKAVALEE. When the brothers snatched away the flower of Bukavalee from Tajool Moolook he became helpless and being vexed to the heart remained silent ; he then followed them, and after a few days reached a jungle within the frontier of his father's dominions, and having struck fire from a flint, he placed upon it the hair that was presented to him by Hummala: one fourth of the hair was scarcely burnt when she came up along with eighteen thousand demons, and on seeing Tajool Moolook in the disguise of a fakeer she burned with rage and said “O prince what have you done to my daughter, and what state is this that I see you in 2" He replied that ‘All is well by your kindness ; but having been very anxious to do a thing which is quite out of my power, I have given you the trouble of coming here.” Hummala said, “O cunning fellow do not make up a story: tell me quickly what that is.” He then represented, “I desire to erect in this forest a building and garden exactly like the edifice of Bukavalee. Pray get them done as soon as it be practi. re- - cable.” She answered “O on this is not a great See H. P. 27, job, but how can I make and show the plan of r an unseen house and garden, for I have never seen them.” Tajool Mooſook said, “Get them constructed as I shall de- scribe.” She immediately sent to all the four quarters an hundred demons for rubies of Badukhshan, and hundreds of them for cor- melions of Arabia Felix, and thousands for silver, gold, and valu- able precious stones. • - In the space of three days the demons heaped up every where precious stones &c., In short they began to build as the prince described. First of all they dug up the ground about two spears deep, threw off the earth and filled it up with pure gold, and laid foundations of the buildings set with jewels in the same golden division. In a few days they prepared a building and a garden together with streams and, trees set with precious stones, two Iarge halls opposite each other made of topaz and rubies. In the middle of them they made a reservoir of precious stones filled with rose-water, and they then spread carpets, of the same colour in each hall. - In short one half of all gold, silver and precious stones which were brought by the demons was applied to the erection of the BljKAVALEE" 25 buildings, and a fourth part of them for the preparation of estab- lishments, and the remainder was deposited in the treasury. When the edifice had been completely prepared and approved of by Tajool Moolook, Hummala departed away. Afterwards Tajool Moolook went with great pomp and retinue to the plase where Muhmoda and Dilbur were directed by him to reside, and brough t them both in the jewelled Houdas with great dignity and made them enter that high palaee. Seventh narration respecting Tajool Moolook’s preparing a palace and the news thers of attracting the notice of Zynool Moolook. One day while one of the slaves of Tajool Moo- See H. P. 28. look called Saeed was walking here and there in that forest, by chance he saw a few wood-cutters, who were going on with loads of wood, asked them who they were, and where they carried them they replied “We are the wood- cutters of the city called Shurkistan ; this is our trade and by this our children are supported.” He said, “If yeu take these loads to my master's kitchen, whose royal palace is quite near to this place and who has populated a country, you will get a proper price for them, and besides you will obtain a handsome reward.” They answered, “ The whole of our lives has passed in this work, and in carrying wood from this forest ; but we have never seen here any signs of population.” Saced gaid, “Proceed a little further, and if you find out the trace of what I have stated, well and good, but if not you are at liberty to return and no one will discountenance you. The wood-cutters followed saeed covetously desirous of obtaining the reward, and he carried them before the presence. When Tajool Moolook gave each of them as many pearls as they could contain in both of their hands when put together and a handful of preci- ous stones, and a valuable piece of cloth, and as he ordered them to depart, he said, “If you will take your residence here you shall get daily a double proportion.” When the wood-cutters were On the first day rewarded to so high extent and were bulied in the expectation of obtaining more in future every one left his native country and came to reside there. Afterwards the news spread # 26 BłJKAVALEE. throughout the neighbourhood. In short whoever went to [behold the place, did not return but remained behind. The chief officer of police represented the news of the Ryot's emigration to the minister, to the effect that on one day a thousand houses of the artisans had been rendered vacant on the preceeding night and that the men had alsconded. The minister said, “Do you know any thing about this mat- ter, and where they are going to ?” The officer then said, “ your slave is told that a certain man having made a golden ground for ten coss in the forest of beasts and had populated the country after the same fashion. And he has built such a See H. P. 29, jewelled palace and a garden that there is no other like them in the world.” The minister did no" believe his word and said, “ None can possibly do a work which is quite out of the power of mankind.” Upon the police officer representing the same repeatedly, he said It is necessary that thou shouldst go there first and represent to me what thou seest with thy own eyes.” At last the chief officer of the Police obtained permission from the Vazier and directed his way towards Maolki Nigareen. When Tajool Moolook heard the news of that officer's approach, he order- ed them that the reservoirs should be filled and should be kept in full play, and that the Police officer should be made to sit in the ruby hall. The maco bearers conducted him to the place according to the order. After an hour Tajool Moolook also went there with pomp and grandeur. The chief officer of police got up and paid him respects. After praying for and praising the prince, he began to represent ; “ When the intelligence of your preparing a building and colonizing a country in this forest reached the king of the IEastern kingdom his majesty Bent me, his slave, to make an en- quiry into the circumstances,” “Excuse my presumption if you have any desire of reigning and any hostile intention there will be no delay on the other side. If not present yourself at the royal court by putting a collar of obeisance on your neck; because two swords cannot be contain- ed in one scabbard, and two kings cannot reign over the same kingdom,” BURAVALEE. 27 On hearing this Tajool Moolook said, “I have prepared here a monastery in the native country of beasts, and am engaged in praying te Almighty God. I have no desire of sovereignity. On the contrary I look upon myself as a devotee praying for the king's welfare.” When the chief officer of the police heard these amiable words he took leave cheerfully and represented to the Wazier in detail what he had heard and seen. The vazier sunk for a second in the sea of thoughtfulness, and afterwards went to the king and represented whatever he had been told. *: The king on hearing this adventure from his see H. P. 30, minister, became thoughtful for an hour; and after- - wards said, “If it is so, some time or other there will happen something to cause the decline of this king- dom.” The minister paid him respects and represented, “ It is now advisable that your majesty should court his friendship and put a thread of attachment on his neck. The king said, “I do not see any person except you for this. Do you go there, and contract friendship between us ; but mind do such thing as kill the serpent without breaking the club ; that is to say, my honor should not be diminished, but on the contrary let our friend- ship be increased.” The sensible minister started according to the order with great pomp and dignity. After a day and a half the news of his coming reached Tajool Moolook, who gave orders to spread the carpets a new to change, the rose-water of reservoirs, to keep the fountains in full play, and to make him sit in the hall made of the ruby of Badukhshan, and when he came there the attandants acted according to instruction. Tajool Moolook also came there and sat on a chair set with precious stones The minister made on obeisance blessed the Prince and represented that, “Before this a royal slave came in your presence, and he carried your message to His Excellency the king, and spoke very highly of your good qualities." *- Tajool Moolook said “I have received from the king such a message as was necessary for me tº send. I accept it with all my heart and soul, it is also my extreme desire. The minister represented again that God willing his majesty, the protector of the world, would come himself after a week. Tajoo! Moolook called for meal. The superintendent of the kitchen brought the most delicious food of various kinds into the dining roºm, and 28 EUK AV ALEE. having spread an embroidered table cloth, served the same on it. The prince dined with the minister, and 4 ſter" See H. P. 31. wards ordered the distribution of food among the servants of the minister, and directed that the gold and silver dishes should not be taken back when the people had done eating, the minister took leave and went. away to Shurkistan and having soon attended the high presence, related all the circumstances. It is said that during those days one night Tajool Moolook placed the hair of Hummala's head on fire, where upon she arrived with thousands of demons. Tajool Moolook, and Muhmoo- da got up and saluted her, she blessed and embraced them, and kissing their foreheads asked about their welfare, Tajool Moolook said, “Owing to your safety we enjoy rest and tranquillity, and nothing is wanting ; but the entertainment of the king of Shur- kistan is fixed for to-morrow, and he will come here. It is my wish that from this country down to his capital beddings of broad- cloth and of red and green velvet be spread to that extent and at the distance of every two miles embroidered and of broad cloth tents be pitched ; but these were to be so numerous that every Ameer of the king whether high or low in rank, might have a distinct place of retirement. Hummala ordered the demons, who in the course of that entire night prepared every thing in the manner directed and went away to her own country. The king of Shurkistan, in conformity with his promise, early in the morning gave orders to his minis- ters and nobles, that they should wear rich and magnificent dress- es; and that a body of several thousand troops should remain on the right apparelling themselves in dresses of various colours, and that a company of sepoys adorned in the same way should be on the left, with a mob of armed cavalry on the front; and a number of elephants with golden and silver Houdas on the rear. In short the retinue was prepared exactly in this way. The king was mounted on a Houda, set with jewels, acd Bukavalee, who was more desirous of making herself Seº H. H. 32. acquainted with what passed, assumed the dis- guise of a man, put on a rich dress, adorned herself with jewels and sat in a litter. The four princes … BUKAVALEE 29 likewise having attained themselves in royal robes, rode upon their respective elephants. *The royal retinue then proceeded towards the country of Tajoo! Moolook. - - * Tajool Moolook himself advanced one stage to receive the king and went through all the ceremonials of respect. At length he intered the auspicious palace with great joy and cheerfulness along with the king, and made him sit with much honor and respect in the emerald building, and gave orders to a dorn the other houses. # * Upon viewing the curiosities on the road the king was astonished, but when he observed the preparations connected with the garden and building, he was thrown into as tate of eestacy. Bukavalee on seeing the beauty and excellence of the prince, was enamoured of him and appeared like one. out of sence She recoverd in a minute, and having rubbed her eyes began to look on each side. Whenever her sight fell on any one of the buildings. she found its plan and precious stones equal to those of her own, and having been much astonished, she said to her- self, “It must be come great magician that has brought my edi- fice here without injury and made this forest a place of illusion.” Then she ordered the fairy who was in her company in the dis guise of a servant to look at them deliberately, and to consider" the matter well. She represented after a little consideration, that her buildings were safe in their places, that she need not be thought- ful about them, and that they were new buildings, and this man had imitated them so well that no one could distinguish between them and their originals. Bukavalee was delighted on hearing this, and said to herself, “I have now caught the thief, and got my. property.” In short a table, cloth was spread and food of various kinds was served upon it in golden and silver plates. The king, was highly pleased with seeing the manners and good behaviours of the attendants and servants, and gladly . . . -- - as patteok of the dinner with his sons and compa- ses. H. P. 33. nions. In the mean time dancing girls WGFC present, and began to sing and dance. - Afterward, the king and Tajool Moolook came close to each other and engaged in conversation. After all, the prinº asked the 30 BUKAVALEE. king haw many sons he had The king pointed out his four soir and said that, “I have no other son except these, and there was one more, but in consequence of seeing his inauspicious coun- tenance this sudden calamity had befallen me. By the grace of God I have been released from it, and God knows where he went to on that occasion.” Tajool Moolook then said, “Why did he leave your high court, and how did he separate from thresh hold of the state. Is there any one in this assembly who could recognize him " Upon this Zynool Moolook related the adven- ture of his birth, and thei creumstance of his (the king's) being blind from beginning to end, and having pointed out a noble man, who was his private teacher, said, “No body is acquainted with his countenance except this one." The prince then addressed the teacher and said, “See if there is any body in this assembly resembling him.” That experienced man having deliberately, ob- nerved the appearance of the prince and the manner of his con- versation, represented, “I do not see among them any body, whose face or form is like that of the prince, but there are many symp- toms found in your auspicious countenance, and the manner of your conversation also is nearly the same.” On hearing this Tajool Moolook got up and fell down at the feet of his father, and began to say, “I am the same wretched and unhappy person, who in consequence of my unlucky days wandered about so long, and was banished from this court. Now I thank God, that I have the honor of seeing your august coun. tenance in the manner I wished, and kissed your feet as I desired.” Zynool Moolook on hearing this speech was much See H. P. 34. delighted and embraced the prince, kissed his eyes and head and offered up thanks to God in pros- trations. He then addressed his son, “Tell me if you still lead a single life or are you a married man * The prince replied, “I, your slave, have two wives, if you permit they will come in your presence and kiss your feet.” The king said, “What other thing is better than this " The prince went inside the palace imme- diately, and brought Dilbur and Muhmoda to the king's presence. Those two fairy shaped beings came near the building in which the king had been seated, and stopt short. Zynool Moolook then said, “Why do they not come here that I may indulge in the happiness of their sight.” . . . . . BUKAVALEE. - 3t Tajool Moolook said, “These your slaves are ashamed to come here, because the four princes are the slaves emancipated by them ; so that the scars of her seal are still upon their shoulders, which if your majesty wish you shall see.” On the disclosure of this secret the colour of the faces of those four became pale, they grew ashamed and went away from the place. These two ladies then came and kissed his feet. Zy- nool Moolook then enquired how he passed during the days of separation, and asked about Dilbur and Mahmooda. The prince related in detail the hardships and troubles he suffered in the forest, the circumstance of his brother's receiving the scars from the hands of Dilbur, the good treatmeat of Hummala, the cir- cumstance of Mahmooda's marriage, his gathering the flower of Bukavalee; from the reservoir of rose-water, his seeing Buka- valee when she was asleep in bed, his brother's snatehing the flower away from him, and his making the garden and the palace. The eighth fable 1especting Bukavalee's departure from Zynool Moolook, and of her writing a letter to Tajoel Moolook and his sending an answer to it. See H. P. 35. When Zynool Moolook entered his Capital, Bukavalee took leave from him, came to her garden and wrote a love-letter to Tajool Moolook, and having delivered it with his ring in charge of Samua Roa, the fairy, who was secretly with her in the assembly of Tajool Moolook, said, “Go quickly and when you shall find the prince sitting alone after having disposed of his wordly affairs for the time, give these two into his hand.” She received them, flew, at once and on the instant reached the palace of Tajool Moolook where she remained-concealed. When Tajool Moolook came alone to the house and sat down completely absorbed in the thoughts of Bukavalee; she went before him, paid him respects and deliver- ed what she was in charge of. The prince recognised the ring, opened the letter and having read it, wrote an answer to it im- mediately, which he folded up and gave into the hands of Sa- mun Roo the fairy, and moreover seat a verbal message expressive of his extreme affection for her. At last she took leave came to Buka- valee, to whom she delivered the answer to her letter, and likewise verbally repeated the actual circumstance (of the prince). S 2 32 BUKAVALEE. Ninth fable, respecting $ajoot Moolook's going to Bukavalee ; her being con- fined by the hands of her mother, and Tajool Moolook's "wandering about. In short when Bukavalee perceived that Tajool Moolook’s love, was twice more than her own, and that repose and rest on both sides was impossible without mutual association, she ordered Samun Roo to bring Hummala quickly to her presence. On hear- ing this she got up, ran hastily and reached her in the twinkl- ing of an eye. Hummala seeing her in, eonfusion enquired of ber, “O sister, is it all well, what brought you here so much confused? she replied, All is well, but the princess wants you. . Don't delay but proceed quickly.” Hummala got up in agitation, and in consequence of her being sent for at an unusual hour, she came to her trembling like a reed, shaken by the wind paid her respects, took her both hands to Bukavalee's, head, and carried them over all her person to the feet”, and said, “O princs, may you remain always happy and joyful. Speak some- thing for the sake of God, and disclose the oc * See H. P. 36. seeret of your heart to me.” - Having heard this Bukavalee replied, “O witch why dost thou make up stories, and why dost thou forget thyself intention- ally This is a fire fanned by thee, and a calamity which thou. hast brought on. Refrain from all such deceitful words, and ex- tingish what thou hast kindled. Is this the business of thy son in-law, or of any body else ? Didst thou or some body else conduct him hither It thou wishest thy welfare, go quickly and bring him to me.” - - . . . . . . . . . . . Having heard this Hummala fell into a fit of laughter; and began to say, “Pish ! is it for this trifling matter you have cried so much as to get your face swollen Get up, wash your hands and face : be merry and occupy yourself with speaking. To bring him is no difficult matter, I will bring him immediately by seiz. ing his ears and make him reach you in an instant.” At last she ran hastily towards the eastern country, reached Tajool Moo- look in an instant, and smilingly said, “Get up O get up, your beloved wants you,” On hearing this the prince fell involunta- * (as a token of tak-ing upon herself the misfortunes of the prineess), “ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : JBUKAVALEF. 33 . . . . . . . . ." ..” “ . . . rity at , her feet, Hummala lifted up his head, embraced him, and ... . . . . . . ." . . . 2 # . . . ; ; ; , ; ; ; ; ; iX; . . . ; .*.*, * *, *, * * * * * & .; ; * : *, •. . . . . r - } ,” - r = a. *... , ; * * *...* *. . . * * * * . - - shoulder, progeeded towards the coun- # - having placed him, on his ": "Te º sº.g. * * : * > . try of Bukavalee. , , • ‘Thé ruńötrf; in the mean time, attracted the notice of Jameela rhat&off, ſº that her daughter had become a female mendicant, on the suppésition that the “fairy born girl had fallen in love with soft's human being.” In order to ascertain this fact, she came to Bukavalee, aid reproached her very much. - Having heard this she placed her hands upon her ears, made a flat denial, and began to swear sélemnly ; and at last fell at the feet of her mother and said, “I have not, up to this day, heard the name of love, nor seen any human being even in my dream.; Pray tell me truly, who accused me of this, and who told you'. If you dont, I will kill myself making a sacrifice of my life,” Having seen her in this state, she was See H. P. 37. moved in her heart, as she was her mother ; but . . . . . . with a show of rashness she said. “Quiet, hold your tongue,” . . . . * In the mean time Huthmalá' brought the löver there. Suman Roo the fairy being her confidential adviser, immediately inform- ed her with a hint, àf the arrival of the stranger. The princess also hinted to her to keep him secreted in some secure place. In short Bukavålee was obliged to sit with her until one fourth part of the night had advanced. At last her mother went and slept upon a bed stead. Bukavåles seeing that she was fast asleep got up from thence, and softly walked off. In short she arrived in this state to the prince. When his sight. fell upon the coquetish damsel, he lost his senses, fainted away. and fell down. She, then ran up to him in agitation; lift- ed...np, his head, placed it upon her knee and sprinkled some rose-water upon his face. The prince got his strength back, recover- ed his senses and having opened his eyes saw his head upon the knee of the damsel, whose forehead was as bright as , the planet Venus. By these means he found the star of his fate in the highest elevation, Got up with delight and joy and sat down. They began to look affectionately at each other, till their eyes > were reduced to a fixed stare. . . 34 BUKAVALEE. Accidentally Jameela Khatoon awoke at midnight. The bright bemas of the moon enhanced the beauty of the garden, She got up involuntarily and began to walk. On a sudden she happened to go to the spot where those two were lying asleep and care- lessly. On seeing this the fire of her jealousy was inflamed she could not restrain her indignation. She then flung Tajool Moolook like stone from a sling in the Talismans and made the rosy cheeks of Bakavalee red with slaps. After this sha took her along with her to Goolistani Irum (the captial of her father,) and related to Firoze Shah what she had witnessed with her own eyes. He provided a few eloquent and elegant fairies as cºmpanio's to the lamp-faced-damsel, in order to advise her and to wash away the impression of love from See H. P. 38. the slate of her heart. . These fairies engaged ac- - cordingly day and night in the affair. The fairies observing that the love was daily increasing in her, they were obliged to report to Firoze Shah “We have ex- erted our utmost in vain, she never takes our word by any means : for a leech can never bite a stone, Well we have done our duty, and further we are ready to obey your command.” Having heard these circumstances Firoze Shah abandoned all hope of his daughter as she had never taken his advice. He then imprisoned her in the place of Tilismat, and put chains of iron on the feet of the silver bodied female. 5 s - * Fable tenth respecting Tajool Moolook's falling into an ocean, his reaching a desert , safe from that place, and getting trans- formed. - It is said that when Jameela Khatoon threw the prince in the air, he fell into a large ocean, in which he floated. He went at times to the bottom like a pearl and at times floated on the water like the scum. After a few days he reached the shere; some little animation yet remained in him. He came to dry land from the water. The heat of the sun had an easy effect on his hands and feet which were capable of being moved, his body recovered its strength he then got up and went on his way. An island appeared before him, he went to it, there were fruit trees of various sorts and he began to walk to and fros IBUKAVALEE. 35 . . In the mean time he saw a garden, and the fruits in it rasembled the cheeks of men, and no sooner did he approach them, than , they laughed loudly and dropped upon the ground. -. After an hour fresh cheeks produced on the See H. P. 39. branches. The prince was greatly astonished to see - this spectacle of God's work and the more so, became afraid and retired from thence. He saw a pomegranate garden where each pomegranate was like a jar. Tajool Moo- look plucked one pomegranate, and when he split it smań birds of beautiful colours escaped from it and flew away like so many sparrows. ar The prince continued to see similar wonders for a few days. In short he saw something new in every direction in that country, but he could think of no plan to rid himself of it. Being quite disguisted with it, he cellected some billets of wood from all quarters, which he tied into a bundle, and having pronounced the name of God launched it into the sea and bestrode it. After a few days the raft reached some cost. He then descended from it and walked on, but happened to arrive at a very dismal forest. When it was evening he got upon the trunk of a tree for fear of wild beasts. A fourth part of the night had scarcely passed, when he heard some hissing noise from the direction of the south. The prince locked anxiously right and left, but saw nothing. At last a hill-like dragon appeared there which came under the tree on which the prince had taken his seat. On seeing its face he lost his senses, and clinging to a branch remained silent. In an hour the dragon spit out a serpent, which vomited a precious stone shining like the sun, and placed it under the tree. Through its brightness all the jungles and mountains were illuminated to the space of about eight miles. All the beasts and birds inhabiting them came before it and began to dance till they became senseless and fell down, when it began to draw one after the other by its breath and swallow them, so that it was completely overgorged. Afterwards the serpent swallowed the preci- ous stone and the dragon the serpent, and went away in the * : 3 direction whence it had come. The prince then see H. P. 40. conceived the idea of contrivance for obtaining possession of the precious stone. He began to eon- 34' 'aºhs . . . . 36 BłJKAWALEE, sider about it, and while still pluńged in meditation the morning dawned. He then went towards the séa, and brought with him. a large lump of clay from thence, and towards evening got tºpod the tree and sat. down in the same manner as before. The dragon also arrived there at its usual time, vomited out the sers. pent as ordinarily, and the serpent disgorged the precious stone. The prince who had taken his seat there in ambuscade, dropt the lump of, elay upon the precious stone, which threw a darkness all over the forest, so that . no one could see his own hand. The dragon and the serpent then dashed their heads on the turf and died. The prince came down from the trunk of the tree, took out the splended gem from the clay, tied it up in his girdle, and in the hope of reaching some town, went on further, passed the whole day in travelling, and during the night got upon a tree. In short he passed his days and nights in the same way. one night he got upon a tree, on which by chance there was the nest of a talking magpie, which used to relate some fables or stories to its young ones, and indicated to them the secret of every art, in the belief that the word once heard will be service- able some day or other. That night the young ones said, “Mother tell us something about this forest.” The magpie answered, “ Countless treasures are buried here and there in this forest, besides towards the south there is a large tree called Sirajool Koortoob on the bank of a reservoir. If any person use a hat of its bark, he will never be seen by any body and he could see every one ; but no one is able to reach it, because a largé serpent guards it, wich is not affected by any arrow or sword.” - } The young ones asked, “How could one reach it then "The magpie replied, “There must be a man of undoubted presence of mind and so intrepid as to reach the bank of See H. P. 41. the reservoir, and when the serpent attacks him, he must jump in the reservoir. He will immediº ately be transformed into a crow. This matters nothing, he must fly to the tree, and take his seat on the westren branch of it. where there are fruit of green and red colour ; if he pluck a red fruit and eats it, he will resume his original form. The quality - BUKAWALEE. 37 of the green fruit is this. If any person bear it on his head, ño weapn could hurt him, and if he tie it in his girdle cloth, he could fly in the air. . Its leaves are of so peculiar a quality that when they are placed upon any wound, it immediately is healed. If its stock touch lightly an iron lock weighing even a thousand maunds, it will instantly be opened.” Tajool Moolook on hearing these wonderful words became very anxious for the tree. When it was morning he startedwin the direction where it grew. He reached the reservoir, where the serpent attacked him on seeing him, but the prince was not frightened, jumped into the reservoir, and having transformed into a crow flew and sat upon the same fruitful branch. He then ate a red fruit an became as he had been before. Afterwards he gathered a few green fruits which he tied up in his girdle cloth, and took also from it a branch sufficient for a club. He then took a little bark from it, sufficient to make a cap with and a few leaves, and flew away from thenee. After a few days he came out of the desert. The marks of habitation appeared, he then took a pointed stick, with which he cleft his thigh and having deposited inside the serpents precious stone, placed the leaves upon the wound which was immediately healed up. He then went on towards the town. He no longer set foot on the ground, but went only in the air ; through the power of the green fruit, as: long as he wished. . . - s Eleventh tale respecting Tajool Moolook's arrival in the house of the black figured demon ; his See H. P. 42. meeting with Rooh Ufaa the cou- , , , sin of Bukavalee; his relieving her from the custody of the said demon and his reaching the island of Firdous” in company with her : One day Tajool Moolook got upon a acertain mountain, where he saw a very lofty building made of stones. He entered it from curiousity and although he walked much hither and thither, yet he found no mark of any animated being, He then began • * * * * (paradise) 38 BUKAVALEE. to look into every part of the house. On a sudden a voice as if in pain reached his ears, he approched it, and saw a beautiful woman lying on a cot and lamenting bitterly. The prince took the bat of his head and said, “O my dear,” who art thou and why art thou apart from thy lover. The damsel was much ashamed on hearing these words, then she held the border of her upper cloth against her face and said, “O man who are you, but I believe you are in search of the angel of death. Be gone, it not you will immediately be killed.” Tajool Moolook said, “If you want my head it is at your service, and if you threaten me with any enemy you will not ter- rify me. Pray let me however know of your present circumstances.” The damsel raised her head and said, “I am a fairy, my name is Rooh Ufa. My father Moozuffur Shah is the king of the island of Firdous. One day I went to Goolistani Irum to attend the sick bed of my uncle's daughter whose name is Bukavalee. While returning a black demon seized me on the road and brought me here. He treats me with varied harshaess and involves me in a new calamity every day.” On hearing this Tajool Moolook asked her “what is the mat- ter with your uncle's daughter.” She replied, “She is in love with some human being; after a long time he visited her with many difficulties, it so happened that he became separated from her again. She is now insane owing to his separation, and may - shortly loose her sweet life in grief for him. This See H. P. 43. is incurable, and my uncle has therefore imprison- ed her, and carries with him the sting of her af- fection.” On hearing this the feelings of the prince underwent an alter- ation; his eyes were filled with tears, he sighed his mind and brains were confused, and his countenance changed. Having obser- ved this Rooh Uíza asked, What is the cause of this deep sigh. The prince said, “I am the person involved in the distresses of this separation, in consequence of which your uncle's daughter has assumed this appearance. Her heart beats heavy on account of the confinement, and my life is about to desert me owing to this vagrancy.” t sº.” ~~ Lit O repose of my life. BUKAVALEE. 39 º, Ins short the prince related his entire story to Rooh Utza. She was much astonished on hearing it, and applauded much the affection of both parties. After which she began to say, “Had I been released from the custody of this demon, I should have certainly applied plaister to the wound in your liver.” The prince said, “Who can dare oppose you now 2 Quit at once your confinement, and proceed freely wheresoever you like ; if there be any fear in your heart of that noxious being, see to what I am going to reduce him in a single attack, and how I am going to cut into pieces his hill-like figure. At last both started from that place, and had scarcely gone to some distance, when on a sudden a terrible noise arrested them from behind. Rooh Ufaa said, “ Be cautious, O prince the blood-thirsty enemy is come.” The prince immediately took the hat from his arms and hav- ing placed it upon the head of Rooh Uſza, turned towards the demon. The demon also confronted him. The prince cried aloud and said, “O cursed. being take care, don't step further, if not I will give thee such a blow that thou wilt instantly die.” Hearing this the demon bristled up like the lightning and having shown his teeth said, “What a wonderful thing is this, that an ant wishes to cope with an elephant and a sparrow shews fight to a griffin. See H. P. 44. well dººr up my beloved to me and take your way. - The prince said, “O cursed creature it is not proper that thou shouldst call Rooh Uſza thy beloved. I fear God, if not I would immediately get up and cut thy tongue.” The demon having no- ticed the boasting and bravado of the prince was extremely indig- nant,” and having litted up a stone of one hundred maunds threw it towards the prince, who soared up in the air by virtue of the green fruit and inflicted such a violent blow on the neck of the & demon as gave his body a severe shock. After this he told him rashly, “Away O., cursed being ! I have taken compassion upon thee this time, had I given thee one more blow I would have cut thee in two.” The demon having found his antagonist very strong, he raised such a loud clamour, that many thousand demons with heads like bullocks and bodies like elephants came np to the spot and surrounded the prince. Tajool Moolook also showed his * Lit. Boiled like (the water of) a caldron with the fire of indignation, - - T2 40 BUKAVALEE. utmost bravery in that field of battle, and get the day in a trice against the demons. After which they both proceeded tor wards the island of Firdous. When they arrived near the city, Rooh Utza seated Tajool Moolook in a garden, and she herself went to visit her parents. Her arrival seemed to give them * new existence. They kissed her forehead and eyes and asked for her story. Rooh Uffa related exactly the torture she had sustained from the hands of the tyrannical deman and the polite- ness and bravery of the prince ; but she did not tell them that he was the identical lover of Bukavalee. Having heard this, Moo- zouffur shah rose up immediately, went to the garden and thank- ed the prince in the highest degree. After which he appointed several fairies and fairy-born beings in his service and himself returned to the palace. t Twelfth Tate respecting Moozuffar Shah writing a letter to Fairoz Shah inform- ing him of the return of Rooh Uſza; See H. P.45, and the arrival of Jameela Khatoon - together with Bukavalee to see her. - - The elegant narrator thus relates that Moozuffar Shah wrote a letter to Fairoz Shah regarding the return of Rooh Uſza, and despatched it to Goolistani Irum. Having read it he was highly pleased, and ordered that Jameela Khatoon should quickly go to see Rooh Ufza and return after seeing her with her own eyes. When Bukavalee heard the news of her mother's going there, she sent her word “I will also go with you to see my cousin.” Jameela Khatoon considered this proposal to be a good one ; be- cause, she supposed that by going, there the bud of her heart would be blown, and that by travelling to different places the rust of affliction would be furbished from the mirror of her heart. She therefore cut the chain on her feet, and having taken her along with her she proceeded towards the island of Firdous. When Moozaffar Shah understood that Jameela Khatoon was coming there with Bukavalee, he sent Rooh Uſza before hand to receive them. When they saw her, Rooh Uſza bowed to her aunt and having made a salam fell at her feet. - - . She immediately raised her up pressed her to her breast, kissed her eyes, and passed her hands over her head and face. Afterwards * Lit. sister. & - f As a token of taking another's misfortune upon herself. BUKAVALEE. 4ſ the two cousins, embraced for a long time, and the noise of eon- gratulation on their happy meeting resounded on both sides. In short Rooh Ufza brought them beth in a decent manner to her house. Moozuffur Shah and Hoosn Ara also accosted Jameela Khatoon and Bukavalee and shewed great affection and kindness. They then began to talk upon different subjects, the door of con- versation being opened. At last the conversation turned about the release of Rooh Uſza, which she related in quite a different manner. In short Jameela Khatoon put up there only that night, and the following day took her leave. Thirteenth tale respecting Hoosn Ara going to Jameela Khatoon in request of the marriage of Bukavalee. It is related that when Bukayalee took her leave from Rooh Uſza and retired to her house, Rooh Ufa then recited in full . . . . to her mother all the facts of Bukavalees' love. See H. P. 46. On hearing this Hoosin Ara bent to her collar *.* in thoughtfulness, for a long time, and having meditated she said, “Although to effect any connection between man and fairy is quite impossible, yet as he has released you from a strict custody, it is incumbent on me that I too should release him from the dungeon of sorrow and grief, and make him succeed in his object.” Having said this, she sent for a clever painter capable of drawing likenesses and caused a picture of the prince to be drawn which she took along with her to Goolistani Irum, and visited. Fairoze Shah and Jameela Khaoon she moreoyer remained there for a few days. - One day it so happened that Jameela Khatoon while talk- ing together turned the discourse to the subject she most liked and began to say thus, “Q' sister! how long will you keep Bukavalee without marriage, it is proper that you shall make that damsel (whose forehead shines like Venus) sit down by some moon-faced being. Having heard this Jameela Khatoon said, “O Hoosn Ara ! you might have beard that she is in love with some human be- ing, and does not like her own species: I am helpless on this point. How could I give up the usage of my ancestors and how break the long standinglinks On her account ? Who has married among other species, while the connection is practicable among his own, that I should dare to do so Has ever man married a fairy that ! should get her married to him. - 42 BURAVALIEE. Hoosn Ara said, “you are right, because to make a pure being sit in the company of an impure one, is of course foreign to the walks of wisdom ; but had you been awares of the accomplish- *** of mºnkºnd you would not have entertained such pernici- ous thoughts in your mind. Listen to me, mankind are the * noble and excellent among the creatures of God and His innumerable works, and there is no end to his ranks and degrees. In short by means of these *greeable words the fire of malice (which *** in her heart) against mankind, was extinguished, and hesi- *gly gave her cousent; but said, “o sister 1 where sham I look after him, and by what scheme shall I bring him down º’’ Hoosn Ara replied, “you had better make the pre- See H. P. 47. Paration of the maarriage with an easy mind, I will bring him here as a bridegroom on a parti- cular day along with the retinue and attendants necessary for mar- riage.” Having said this, she took her leave, and reached the island of Firdous in the twinkling of an eye, and distinctly related the conversation before the prince. Fourteenth tale respecting the marriage of Tajool Moolook with Bukavalee. Jameela Khatoon went to Fairoze Shah and explained to him all the conversation which had taken place between her and Hoosn Ara, and produced before him the picture of the prince. Fairoze Shah was highly pleased on seeing it, gave orders for the prepa- ration of the marriage, and decorated each shop of the whole island of Irum with new paintings and pictures. New carpets were spread both inside and outside, dancing and music were commen. ced, tickets of invitation were sent everywhere, the fairies asem- bled there in crowds from every quarter, convivial gathering was complete, the wine began to circulate, trays of food were sent everywhere and the people began to partake of the entertainment. Fairoze shah treated with kindness and hospitality every one according to his rank, and employed several officers also to do the same. In the island of Firdous Moozuffur Shah also com- menced the preparation of Tajool Moolook's marriage in the same manner, and entertained the people accordingly. On the appointed day is ordered the ministers and noble men to put on the most splen. did and variegated dresses and to give orders to the officers of the 4 * BUKAVALEE, 43 army to be in readiness with it. In the seraglio Hoosn Ara also decorated her favorites and female companions in a very decent manner, and she herself put on dress and jewels to her liking. Afterwards she in an auspicious hour made the prince bathe seat- ed on a stool set with precious stones, put on him the royal west, Jeega,” Kulghy,” . Surpaich" all set with precious stones. An ornament worn on on the arm and wrist and consisting of nine different gems. Now Ratan and the necklace of pearls. She also tied to his head a chaplet, made of gold thread and pearls, together with a garland of flowers. Afterwards she see H. P. 48, made him ride a very beautiful horse. Moozuffur - Shah and several other kings then placed the prince in the centre, the noblemen and officers were posted right and left, the cavalry was in front, and the female's carriages were in the rear. In this manner they proeeeded to the island of Irum. The fairies here adorned Bukavalee, put on her the most agree- able ornaments. . In short when the procession approached near, Moozuffur Shah sent a few grandees of the state to receive them. They brought them with great honor and respect, and made every one of them sit with great honor in the place where this assembly of pleasure was prepared for them. Hoosn Ara also treated Jameela Khatoo a in the same manner, and performed all the ceremonies observed by the parents of the bride towards the relations of the bride- groom. In short the dancing and music continued until the last watch. After this the marriage knot of that incomparable gem was tied with that invaluable ruby. The shouts of congratulation and wel- come resounded both inside and outside. They began to make the people drink Sherbut, to give them garland of flowers and beetle nut. In the meantime the bride groom was taken inside for cer- tain ceremonies, he was seated by the bride on a royal Musnud. where they observed all the necessary ceremonies, and made the singing girls sing all the songs usual on such occasions. Afterwards they made the bridegroom and the bride retire to the closet, and every one else drew aside. - FINIs. * Head ornament. GOOLISTAN. IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL GOD, TALE, 1, I have heard that a certain monarch command. See H. P. 1, ed with an indignant look to put an innocent person to death ; the poor wretch thinking that the order of a ruler is equivalent to death, despaired of his life, and began to abuse the king without reserve in his own language, and used indecent expressions towards his majesty; according to the saying. “ Whosoever washeth his hands of life, uttereth what- ever is in his heart.” “When a man has no time to escape, he willingly graspeth a sword and shield in his hand; a man without hope speaketh boldly j as the cat when driven to despair attacks the dog." His majesty the asylum of the world asked, “what doth he say.” One of the viziers, who was of a good and benevolent dis- position replied, “O Lord of the world, he says, Those who stifle their anger and pardon the crimes of people, are beloved in both worlds, and God Almighty befriendeth those who are dis- posed to do good.” The king had compassion on him, and spared his life. Another vizier who was the antagonist of that intelligent politician began to say, “O brother, it becometh not any one of us to speak any thing but truth in the presence of monarchs ; that man reviled his royal majesty and spoke indecently; but you have represented quite the reverse.” The king was dis- see H. P. 2. pleased at his speech, and said “I am more satisfied with that falsehood, than with this truth, which you have uttered : because that was well intended, and this is founded on malignity; and the sages have declared, that falsehood 2 GOOLISTAN. mixed with good advice, is preferable to truth tending to excite strife.” When a king is guided by the advice of another, woe be unto him if he speaketh any thing but good. This noble maximº was written on the portico of Feridoon's palace, “The world, O my brother, continueth not to any one ; place your affections on the Creator, and that will suffice. Make no reliance upon this world, seeing how many like yourself it hath nourished and killed.” When the pure soul is about to depart, there is no difference , between expiring on a throne or on the bare ground. TALE, 2. I saw at the royal gate of the king Ughlamish an officer's son, who was endowed with wisdom and sagacity beyond descrip- tion ; even his childhood was distinguished by proofs of superior abilities. The star of sublimity shone on his beautiful forehead (through wisdom.) Summarily, he obtained favor in the sight of the king, on account of his beauty and amiable disposition, accord- ing to the saying of the sages, ‘Ability, and not riches, consti- tutes worth : greatness dependeth on skill, and not on years.’ Obser- ving his prosperity his companions became envious, and accusing him falsely of dishonesty made a fruitless attempt to deprive him. of life. But what can the enemy do against him who hath a friend (God) kind towards him * - The king asked him, “What is the cause of their hatred and malignity against you ?” He then respectfully See H. P. 3, represented, “ your slave has gained the good will * of every one at this royal gate, excepting the envious man, who cannot be satisfied but by the decline of my good fortune.” TALE. 3. They tell a story of one of the kings of Persia, that he had stretched out the hand of oppression on the property of his subjects, and exercised tyranny and violence beyond bounds, so much so, that a number of people were driven to destruction through his injustice and many persons were conspelled to emigrate to different countries owing to his oppression. When his subjects were dimi- nished ; the resources of his government were lessened, his trea- `-e * . Lit. Pleasantry. . . . ' ' . . GOOLISTAN. - 3 sury was exhausted, and the enemies then collected their armies and invaded him on all quarters. . . - One day in his assembly, some persons were reading in the Shahnama, the history of the decline of Zohak's kingdom, and the reign of Feridoon. A loyal vizier asked the king, “Since Feridoon had neither property nor troops, how did it happen that the kingdom game to his possession and he became a king.” The king answered, “ In the manner you have heard ; that is to say, a great number of people came within the circle of his obedience, and through their assistance he gained the kingdom.” The vizier rejoined, “O my lord, whereas collecting people to- gether is the means of forming a kingdom, why then do you make them disperse, perhaps you do not desire to govern ? To lose the army is a bad thing as the Sultan is a great man only for having an army. Cherish the army therefore with all your heart and soul, because a king derives glory and dignity from troops. ... The king asked, “ what methods are to be, taken to collect the subjects.” The vizier replied, “The monarch must be bene- ‘’’ volent, to induce people to approach him, and see H.P.4. merciful, that they may live peaceably in the " " ' shade of his government, but you possess neither of these qualities. A tyrant cannot govern a kingdom, as a wolf cannot perform the office ot a shepherd. The tyrranic prince saps the foundation of his own empire.” * - The king did not approve of the vizier’s wise admoni- tion, because it did not aceord with his disposition ; and so he became angry on hearing it, and committed him to prison. A short time after, the sons of the king's uncle commenced hosti- lities, and appeared in arms, and claimed possession of their father's dominions. The people who on account of his oppression had absconded, now joined and supported them, till at length the king was dispossessed of the kingdom, and they obtained it. The king who suffers the poor to be oppressed during his reign, will find in the day of adversity his friends become power- ful foes. Be on good terms with your subjects, and do not be afraid of your enemy; for to a just monarch, his subjects are an army, . . . . . . . . . . " - - * '-- . ~ -- - TALE. 4. . . . . * * 5 They have related that Nowshirvan the just, being at . hunting seat, was about to have some game broiled. It so happened that there was not any salt, he sent a servant to a grocer to fetch some of it, and ordered him “Do not take the salt by force, but pay the price of it, lest the village might be desolated and this (exaction) become a custom.” The people who were then present, said to him, “So much salt is of no value as to create any confusion or desolation,” The king replied “Op- pression in the beginning had a small foundation into the world, but every new comer has increased it, until it reached the pre- sent degree of extremity. If a monarch were to See H. P. 5, eat a single apple from the garden of a peasant, the servants would pull up the tree by, the roots : and if the king orders half of an egg to be taken by force, his soldiers would spit a thousand, fowls.” TALE. 5. A gang of Arabian robbers had taken their seats on the top of a mountain, and blocked up not only the road of caravans, but also the passage of travellers at large, The peasants of many cities and the inhabitants of several yillages were distressed by their depredations, and moreover the troops of the king were over- powered by their deceit and stratagems; because having possessed themselves of a strong hold on the summit of the mountain, they made it their fixed residence. The eounsellors of that dominion and the rulers of that goverament cousulted together, saying “If this gang were suffered to continue for a long time in this state, they would be too powerful to be encountered.” They came at last to this determination, that an active and expert person should be appointed to hunt after them and to give information at due times. They accordingly deputed an. artful spy, watched the opportunity and waited for it, When these tyrants went to plunder a tribe and their place was vacated, they de- tached a party of experienced warriors, who concealed themselves, in ambuscades and the valleys of the mountain. Having plun-, dered a good deal of money and many articles, the robbers returned in the night from their expedition ; they untied their weapons from their waists, collected their spoil and deposited it in one place, Their first enemy was sleep, which overtook them by the passage GooLISTAN. 5 ºf their eyes, and threw them in carelessness. When the day a was closed and the sun set, the night put on its See H. P. 6. face the black veil. In short about the end of the first watch of the night, the gallant and brave men sprung out of the ambush, and pinioned each of them. In the morning they brought those rebels to the royal palace with their hands tied up and heads downward. The king instantly gave orders for them all to be put to death. There happened to be amongst that gang a young lad, the fruit of the tree of his youth was yet fresh and green, and the herbage of the garden of his cheek (Note incipient beard) was newly grown. Oae of the vi- ziers kissed the foot of the king's throne and having with humility placed his forehead upon the ground began to represent in the presence of his highness the following interceding words in his behalf, that “this lad has not yet tasted the fruit of the garden of life, nor obtained the flower of expectation from the herbage of youth, I beg to hope from your excellence and bounty, that you will oblige me, your servant, by sparing his life and pardoning his crimes.” On hearing these words, the king was displeased and turned his face from him, as they did not accord with his superior understanding, and said. “A naturally bad person will never assume the habit of good people. O ignorant man, to educate the worthless is like throw- ing a ball upon a dome.” And added. “It is better that their wicked breed be annihilated and their roots eradicated altogether, for to extinguish the fire and suffer a spark to remain, or to kill a snake and the preserve the young, is not acting like wise men.” The vizier reluctantly approved of this observation and praised the king for his good understanding and said “What the asylum of the world has pronunced is nothing but true and very advisable ; but if he had been brought up with these wicked wretches, he would certainly have adopted their manners and habits, but I your servant, en- tertain a hope that if he be educated in the service of good and the company of virtuous people, he will adopt only their con- duct; because he is yet a boy, the habit of bad people and the disposition of evils have not entered his mind. It is recorded in the Hadees. Of a truth that every child is born with a disposition to Islamism, and it is owing to his parents that he becomes a - jewer s christian. Having thus concluded his speech See H. P. 7, he induced some of the king's courtiers to join in his petition for his deliverance, till at length 6 GooDISTAN. the king withdrew his hand from his assassination and said, ‘I spare his life, although I disapprove of it.' f ." Summarily, the imprudent vizier began to educate the boy. An able master was appointed his tutor, who taught that unpro- mising youth all the accomplishments requisite for kings' service, so that his manners met with general approbation. Once the vizier finding some opportunity mentioned to the king some particulars of the youth's external disposition and manners and said that wise education and good company have by the grace of God and by virtue of your majesty had the desired impression on his mind and that his former ignorance’ was totally rooted out of his nature. His majesty smiled at those expressions, and said, “The wolf's whelp will at length become a wolf, although it be brought up , along with men.” Two years had scarcely, passed, when a set of vagabonds of the neighbourhood entered into his company, and moreover they agreed not to part with him at any time, but, to partake with him in every case. In short taking an opportunity he killed the vizier and his two sons, carried off an immense booty to the cell of the robbers where he succeeded his father. The king being apprized of -this event, bit his auspicious hand in the emotion of amazement and exclaimed, “How can a good sword be made out of bad iron worthless wretches can never be converted into good men by liberal education. The rain is naturally pure and clear, but it produces grass in forest and ſlowers in the garden. - - - TAL E. 6. \ , The ministers of Nowshirvan were constantly See H. P. 8, on some state affair of great impertance, and every one gave his opinion according to the best of his judgment; the king, in like manner, delivered his sentiments. Abuzerjemeher preferred the king's opinion. The ministers asked him, in private, why he had preferred the kirg's opinion to those of so many wise men : Abuzerjemeher replied, “ Because the event is not known, and the opinion of every one depends upen the will of God, and no one knows whose opinion is right and whose wrong ; therefºre it is safest to conform to the king's opinion ; because if it should ſail, our obsequiousness will secure us, from his reprehension.” • , - - • * , 's ' ' Y . GOOLISTAN, - 7 A solitary Durwaish had taken up his abode in a corner of a desert. A king passed him, and the Durwaish, who was happy in the kingdom of contentment, did not show any signs of polite- ness. The monarch, proud of his sovereignty, was chagrined, and said, “This tribe of ragged mendicants resemble the brute beasts, and they are void of humanity and civility.” The Vizier having heard this said to the Durwalsh, “ O dear, when the monarch of the terrestrial globe passed by you, why did you not do him homage, nor behave even with respect 2" He replied, “Tell the monarch to expect service from him who hopes to receive benefits, and let him know that the monarch is for the protection of his subjects, and not the subjects for the service of the king.” This speech of the Durwaish made an indelible impression on the king, who commanded him to make known his wishes in any point. He replied, “I desire you not to trouble me again.” The king said, “Give me some good advice.” The Durwaish then repeat- . . . ed this poetry, “ Think of helpless people, whilst See H. P. 9- you enjoy power, because the dominion and wealth * pass from this place to that. TALE. 8. A certain king had a terrible disease, the nature of which is proper not to mention. A number of Greek physicians agreed that there was no other remedy for this disease, than the gall of a man of some particular d-scription. The king ordered such a one to be sought for, and they found a pearant's son with the properties which the physicians had described. The king gained the consent of the lad's father and mother by offering a great re- ward, and the cazy gave his decision that it was lawful to shed the blood of a subject for restoring the health of a monarch. The executioner prepared to put him to death, upon which the youth turned his eyes towards heaven, laughed and said something within his lips. The king asked, “What there could be in his present condition which could possibly excite mirth.” He replied, “Children look to their parents for affection ; a suit is referred to the Cazy; and justice is expected from the monarch. Now may father and mother seduced by vain wordly considerations, having consented to the shedding of my blood, the judge having sen- tenced me to die, and the king for the sake of his own health having consented to my death, I have no refuge at all excepting in the protection of God, the real Protector. Unto whom shall Y 2 S - GOOLISTAN. I prefer my suit * since it is against your oppression, I demand justice only from you.” On hearing these observations the king's heart was moved, he wept and said, “ It is better for me to die, than to shed the blood of such an innocent one.” Having said this, he kissed the forehead of the boy and took him under his arms. In short he dispensed with his blood, and bestowed on him sconsiderable property and money. % A. r TALE. 9. • , Some people asked prince Hormuz, “ What See H. P. ſo. crime have you found in your father's ministers, - that you ordered them to be imprisoned 2" He replied, “I have not discovered any such crime as to cause, their imprisonment, but perceiving that they fear me greatly in their hearts, and do not place full reliance on my promise or oath, I was alarmed, lest, out of apprehension for their own safety, they might attempt to kill me; and therefore I have followed the advice of the sages, who say, “Fear him who feareth you, although you be able to cope with an hundred such. The snake biteth the foot of the peasant from the dread of having its own head dashed against a stone. The cat when desperate teareth out the tiger's eyes with her claws 1" , * - * . . . ; TALE. 10. - ... " Somebody brought to Nowshirvan the good tidings, that the God of glory has taken away such a one, who was your enemy. He asked, “Have you heard that he has perpetuated my life 2 The death of my enemy is no cause of joy to me, since neither is my own life eternal. , , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TALE. li. I heard of a king's son, who was low in stature and very ill-favored, whilst his brothers were tall and very handsome. The father looked at that good-natured prince with disgust and con- tempt, which the son had sagacity enough to discover, and having made his obeisance he said, “O my father of high dignity 1 a short man, who is wise, is preferable to him who is tall and ignorant. It is not necessary that every thing which is large should be of high de value. Although a crow is bulky, yet in point of See H. P. 11, fact it is not equal to a parrot The ewe is nice and clean, and the elephant is ugly and profane, Sinai is smallest of all the mountains, but it is the greatest before God in rank and dignity.” The father laughed at these words and the courtiers highly applauded, but the brothers were mortified gooDISTAN. 9 to the very soul. . In short about that time a powerful enemy appear- ed against this indolent king, and when the two armies met together for the sake of battle, and the clamours of bravery pro- ceeded from the soldiery on both sides, the first person who ima- pelled his horse was this young lad, called out “ I am not him, whose back you shall see in the day of battle, but I am he who will sacrifice his head first of all. Whosever fighteth the battle. staketh his own life; and he who flieth is guilty of the murder of his troops.” Having thus said, he attacked the troops of the enemy, and overthrew several veterans with his unrelenting sword. Be came to his father, bowed down to the earth and said, “O ye, to whom I appeared contemptible, be not of opinion that bulki- ness is the source of skilfulness, in the day of battle a slender steed is much better than a fattened ox.” It is reported that the enemy having many troops, and this side but few, a body of the latter were giving way, upon which the prince, voeiferated, “O brave men this is the time of exer- tion, do not turn your face from the battle, if not assume the shape of woman.” The troopers animated by this speech, joined in the general attack, cut down the adversary’s army with swords, 4. in a short time got the victory and totally rout- See H. P. 12, ed the enemy. The king who witnessed his courage and bravery this time, kissed his forehead kindly, folded him in his arms, and his affection towards him increased more and more, till at length he one day appointed him his successor and entrusted him with the administration of the state affairs. His brothers became extremely envious and all of them intended to put a period to his life. In short they invited him one day fraudulently, and through envy served food mixed with poison before him. The sister of that fortunate prince saw their disagreeable deed from a window, gave a signal of it to the prince and shut up the window. Immediately the prince with. drew his hand angrily from the dish, and exclaimed, “It is im. possible for the wise to be thus deprived of their lives, and for the unskilful to supply their place. If the name of Homai be even blotted out from the world, no one would go under the shade of an owl.” Summarily, these circumstances were brought to the auspicious notice of his majesty, who immediately sent for him in his presence and having rebuked and reprimanded them * properly, he gave each of them a portion of his kingdom, that all cause of strife and lickering might subside, and no sort of 10 GOOLISTAN. disagreement might remain. It has been observed, that ten Dur. waishes may sleep comfortably upon one blanket, but that one kingdom cannot contain two kings. If a pious man eat half a loaf of bread, he bestows the other half upon the poor. If a king possesses the dominion of the seven climates, still it is impossible for him not to long for a new kingdom. ! TALE. 12. One of the slaves of Umroolais having absconded, people went in pursuit of him, and brought him back. The vizier, being - inimical to him, commanded him to be put to death. See H. P. 13. in order to deter other slaves from committing the like offence. The poor slave humbly prostrated himself before Umroolais, and said. “Seeing that I have been brought up under the bounties of your house, I do not wish that at the resurrection you shall be charged with my blood : if you are resolved to kill your slave, do it conformably to the inter- pretation of the law.” The king asked, “ After what manner shall I expound it " The slave replied, “ Give me leave to kill the vizier, and then, in retaliátion for him, order me to be put to death, that you may kill me justly.” The king laughed heartly at these words and asked the vizier what was his advice on the occasion. He replied, “O my lord, as an offering to the tomb of your father, liberate this impudent rogue, in order that I also may not fall into calamily. The crime is on my side, for not having observed the words of the sages, who say: When you combat with one who flings stones, you break your own head by your folly : When you shoot an arrow at the face of your enemy, he careful that you are now at his aim.” - TALE. 13. A person had arrived at the head of his profession in the art of wrestling, and was notorious in all the world : he knew three hundred and sixty capital sleights in this art, and he was very expert in eyery point, and exhibited every day a fresh mode of wrestling to the astonishment of the spectators; but having a singere regard for a beautiful youth, one of his scholars, he taught him three hundred and fifty nine sleights reserving how. ever one sleight to himself, which he delayed in teaching him. In a few days the boy became so strong and incomparably con. versant with the art of wrestling, that no wrestler was then at all able 'GOOLISTAN. 11 - to cope or fight with him. He at length boasted, be- See H. P. 14, fore the king of the time, that the superiority which he allowed his master to maintain over him was out of respect to his years, and the consideration of having been his instruc- tor; for otherwise he was not inferior in strength and was his equal in point of skill. The king did not approve of this disrespectful conduct, because it was analogous with the adage “ A small mouth and high words;” he commanded immediately that there should be a trial of their wrestling together, and gave orders that an elevated spot should be prepared for this purpose. In short the ministers of the state and other grandees of the court and all the wrestlers of the world were in attendance. When the spot for wrestling was ready, the youth like a lustful elephant en- tered with a percussion that would have removed from its base a mountain of iron, and knocked down the brass-bodied Isfundiar. The master being sensible that the youth was his superior in strength, attacked with the sleight which he had concealed from him. The youth not knowing how to repel it, became helpless and the master at last lifted him up with both hands from the ground and flung him on the earth. The multitude shouted. The king commanded kindly that a dress of honor and perpetual subsistence be conferred on the master, and reproved and derid- ed the youth for having been in vain proved ungrateful towards his benefactor, and for having failed in attempt to cope with him. The boy said, “ The observation made by your majesty is quita eorrect ; the master did not gain victory over me through strength ; but there remained a small part in the art of wrestling which he had withheld from me, and by that small feint he got the better of me this day.” The master observed “ I reserved it for such an occasion as the present; the sages having said, * Put not yourself so much in the power of your friend, that if he should be disposed to be inimical, he may be able to effect his purpose ! Any impudent inferior who fights with his superior, is so knocked down as not to be able to rise up again.” * TALE. 14. - -- A king of Arabia was sick in his old age, See H. P. 15, and having no hopes of recovery he was in & Xe º pectation of death, when on a sudden a horse- º appeared at the gate, and brought these glad tidings, Through God's grace and your majesty's auspices, I have caps tured such * **** and made the enemies prisoners and the 12 t GooDISTAN. troops and subjects of that quarter have one and all submitted to your Government.” Having heard this good news the king heaved a deep sigh, and said, “This good news concerns not me, but mine enemies ; that is, those who shall succeed to my kingdom, TALE 15. & A prince inherited from his father abundence of wealth, opened the hand of liberality, distributed a great portion of his wealth to every one, and bestowed innumerable largesses and gifts on his troops and subjects. - - * One of the sordid spirited courtiers began his admonition, saying that “Former monarchs accumulated this treasure with much labour, and stored it up against a time of need, be there- fore eautiously liberal, restrain your liberality, for many events being in front and enemies on the rear, you must not deprive your- self of resources against the time of necessity. 4. The prince was displeased at the discourse of that low spirited man, so contrary to his liberal sentiments, and he said angrily, “ The Almighty God has by His grace made me king of this kingdom and monarch of this sovereignty, it is proper that I should enjoy every ease and make rich every poor; I am See FI. P. 16. not a sentinel to watch the treasure.” Karoon, who had forty chambers full of treasure, was des. troyed ; but Nowshirvan died not, having left an immortal name. * TALE. I6. A king of Zuzan had an officer of a beneficent spirit and amiable disposition, who treated all the nobles with civility when present, and spoke well of them when absent. It happened that some action of his having displeased the king, he mulcted him and ordered him to be severely chastised. The king's officers mindful of his former benefits, treated him with courtesy and kind- kness during the fixed period, neither exercised any severity nor allowed any reproaches. Summarily, he was acquitted on some of the king's accusations, and for the remainder he continued in prison. It is said that one of the neighbouring princes privately sent him a written message, saying, “The monarchs of that quarter know not the value of such excellence, and have dishonored you : this act appears to us very disagreeable : if your mind will condescend to look towards us, we consider it advisable that you shall come GOOLISTAN. * 13 tip bere, we will exert our utmost endeavours to treat you kindly. The rulers of these dominiens are desirous of seeing you, and impatiently expect your answer to this.” In short the officer understood the contents of it, and reflect- ing on the danger to which he was exposed, wrote such a short answer and dispatched it, that if it apprehended may not cause any disturbance. By chance one of the king's attendants being informed of the circumstances, apprized the king thereof and said, “such a one whom your majesty ordered into confinement, - - holds correspondence with the neighbouring princes.” See H. P. 17. The king was wrath on hearing this, and ordered - that the affair should be investigated. The courier was at last taken up by the king's order and the letter read which was written as follows, “ The good opinion of the great exceeds the merit of this servant, but it is impossible to accept the offer which you have made me to come to that quarter: for I am nourished by the bounty of this house, I cannot be ungrate- ful to my benefactor on aceount of a trifling matter.” The king commended his fidelity, bestowed on him a largess and dress of honor, and asked his forgiveness, saying, “I have committed a mistake, and injured you.” He replied, “O my lord your servant does not consider you as criminal in this case; bat since it was the decree of heaven that a misfortune should befal. me, it was best that it should come from the hands of your majesty, because you have formerly bestowed favors and many obligations on this servant." • . * * , } . . . . TALE. 17. . One of the sons of Haroon Rasheed went to his father in th rage, complaining that the son of such an officer had abused him. Haroon asked the grandees of the state what was the just punishment of such person. One said that he should be put to death, another that his tongue ought to be cut off; and a third one that he should be fined and prevented from coming to pay his respects. Haroon said, “ My son, charity requires that you should pardon him ; but if you have not strength (of mind) to do this, then abuse him also, for, the revenge that shall exceed , the bounds, is culpable, the injury would then be imputable to your side, and the right will lie on the part of your opponent. In the epinion of the wise, he is not a man, who could combat with a furious elephant; but he is a man indeed, who, even in wrath, uttereth not idle words.” 14 s GooDISTAN. TALW. 18. In the presence of Kisra a number of wise see H. P. 18. men were debating on some affair, when Aboozer- jemeher, who was their chief, being silent, they asked him why in this debate he did not say any thing. He answered, “ Ministers are like physicians, and the physician admi- nisters medicine to the sick only ; when I see that your opinions are judicious, it would not be consistent with wisdom for me to obtrude my sentiments. When a business can be managed with- out my interference, it is not proper for me to speak on the subject; If I see a blind man in the way of a well, it is a crime if I do not apprize him of it. TALE. 19. A certain King when arrived at the end of his days, having no heir, direted in his will that the first person who entereth the gate of the city in the morning, they should place on his head the crown of royalty and commit to his charge the govern- ment of the kingdom. It happened that the first person who entered the city was a beggar, who day and night collected scraps of victuals and sewed patch upon patch. The minister of state and the nobles of the court carried into execution the king’s will, that is to say, bestowed on him the kingdom and the treasure. For a long time the Durwaish governed the kingdom, until part of the mobility swerved their necks from his obedience, and a few of the grandees rebelled, whereupon the monarchs of every kingdom pre- pared for battle, and attacked him with their armies. A part of ) his troops aed peasantry were thrown into confusion, and he lost the possession of some territories. The Durwaish was morti- fied to the soul at these events, but spoke not a word from his mouth, for it is a known proverb, “ The victim of the vengeance of a Durwaish is nothing but his own life.” In the mean-time one of his old friends and companions, who had See H. P. 19. been with him in the days of poverty, returned - from a journey, and finding him enjoy the rank of sovereignty said, “Thanks be to God of both worlds, that your high fortune has aided you and prosperity been your guide.” He replied, “O brother condole with me, for this is not a time for congratulation. When you saw me last, I was only anxious how to obtain a loaf of bread ; but now I have all the cares of the world to encounter. - - - - GOOLISTAN. ' 15 a " TALE. 20. A certain king attended by some of his principal nobility On 8. hunting parly in the winter, was benighted at a long dis- tance from the town. Having discovered the house of a peasant, the king said, “ Let us go there for the night, that we may not suffer inconvenience from the cold.” One of the Vazeers replied, “It is not consistent with the dignity of a menarch to take shelter in the house of a mean peasant; it would be better for us to pitch a tent on this spot and light a fire.” In the mean time the peasant was apprized of the circumstance, and brought in a (decent) manner such food as he could provide, before the king, and having respectful'y kissed the earth said, “The king's high dignity will not suffer any degradation by this condescension ; but these people are not willing that the dignity of the peasant should be exalted.” The king highly approved of his speech and passed the night in his house. In the morning he bestowed on the peasant a dress and much property and started. The peasant then accompanied the king's stirrup and said, “The king's dig- nity has not in the least suffered any diminution by his condescen- sion to be entertained under a peasant's roof; but the corner of the rustic's cap has been exalted to the sun” by a monarch like thee having overshadowed his head.” TALE. . 21. A preacher who had a detestable voice, but thought he had a very sweet one, baw'ed out to no purpose. You would say z that the croaking of the crow was the burden of See H. P. 20, his song, or that the verse of the Koran which has the following signification, was intended for him, “Verily the most detestable of sounds is the braying of an ass.’ The people of the town, on account of the respectability of the office which he had, submitted to the ealamity, and did not molest him. In short one of the preachers of that dominion who secretly entertained enmity to wards him, but externally appeared to be his friend, came one day to see him, and said, “I saw a dream, may it prove good 1" He asked, “What did you see?” He replied, “I saw that you had a sweet voice, and the people were enjoying tranquillity from your discogrse.” The preacher * -vºm- * Lit, to the sky of the sun. - * *. Z 2 " ' " ` 16 GOOLISTAN. after reflecting a little on the subject, said, “What a happy dream this is, that you have seen, which has discovered to me my defect. Now I understand that I have an unpleasant voice, and that the people are distressed at my preaching. I do now vow that, in future I will never preach but in a low tone. TALE. 22. A certain person performed gratis the office of Mowuzzin in the grand mosque of the fort of Sanjaryah, with such a voica as disgusted all who heard him. The intendant of the mosque, an Ameer, a good humane man, being unwilling to offend him said, “O gene- rous man, this mosque has Mowuzzins of long standing, each of whom has a stipend of five deenars ; now I will give you ten deenars to go to another place.” He agreed to this proposal and went away. Some time after he came to the Ameer and said, “O my lord, you injured me, in sending me away from... this station for ten deemars; for where I went they will give me twenty deenars to remove to another place, to which I have not consented.” The Ameer laughed, and said, “Take care don’t accept of the offer, for they may be willing to give you fifty. TALE. 23. A philosopher was" thus exhorting each of See H. P. 21. his sons “My dear child acquire knowledge, for on worldly possessions and riches, no reliance can be placed ; rank and dignity are perishable, gold, and silver on a journey are in danger of being lost, and probably the ease is so with them even in the place of residence, for either a thief may carry them off all at once, or the possessor may consumesthem by degrees. But knowledge is a perennial spring of imperish- able wealth, and if a man of education ceases to be opulent, he need not be sorrowful, for knowledge of itself is riches. A man of learning wherever he goes is treated with respect and sits in the uppermost seat, whilst an ignorant man gets only a scanty fare and encounters distreas. After enjoying power it is distressing to be obliged to obey, and he who has been used to caresses cannot bear rough usage from the people. TALE. 24. A learned ‘man wholihad: the education of a king's son, beat him without hesitation and rebuked him very severely. The boy was obliged to complain to his father, to whom he showed the marks GooDISTAR. 17 of Aiolence by stripping himself. The king's heart being troubled, he sent for the master and said, “You do not use any of my poor subject's children in the cruel manner that you treat my son ; what is the reason of this " He replied, “To discourse with deliberation, and to have a pleasing conciliating manner, becomes mankind in general, but more especially kings ; because whatsoa ever they do or say, will certainly be in the mouths ef, every ene; whilst the words and actions of common are not of so mucº, consequence. If a Durwaish should commit an hundred improprie. ties, his companions would not remark one of them ; but if a king makes only one improper step, it is circulated from kingdoka w to kingdom ; therefore in forming the manners of See H. P. 22. young princes more labour should be taken than for the vulgar. The king approving of the master's wholesome discipline, and of the manner in which he had deliver- ed his speech, bestowed on him a dress of honor, and a largess and promoted his wages, * * - TALE. 25. I saw an Arab who said to his son, “O my child, in the day of resurrection they will ask you, ‘what have you done in the world 2 and not from whom you are descended ?" To be brief, you should only now consider about its answer, for to neglect it is far from wisdom. The cloth that covers the Kaaba, and which every small and great kiss, is not famous from having been produced by the silk-worm ; it associated some days with one whe is venerable, on which account it became venerable like himself.” TALE. 26. .. A holy man passed by a rich man, and seeing that he had bound a slave hand and feet was punishing him, said, “O my dear, God has made subject to thy order a human creature like - thyself, and has given thee superiority over him, for which bounty return thanks to God, and do not suffer such violence to be com- mitted, lest tomorrow, in the day of resurrection, this slave should be better than thyself, and thou shouldst suffer shame. Be not angry beyond measure with thy slave; oppress him not ; neither . distress his feelings. Thou hast only bought him for ten direms, but thou didst not create him with thy power. To what length wilt thou carry this authority and rage 3 but refleet a little that thou hast a master greater than thyself, O thou who art 18 . GOQLISTAN. master of slaves, female. slaves , and servants forgāt not of thy superior Lord.” { * 3 * ; : , : " , ; ; , * { There is a tradition of the Prophet having said See H. P. 23. that, “ The greatest mortification on the day of judg- ment will be, when the pious slave is carried to paradise, aud the wicked master condemned to hell.” # TALE. 27. They asked Syahgosh, “Why do you choose the society of the lion *" He replied, “Because I eat the remains of his hunting, and live guarded from the machination of my enemies.” Some one asked, “ Now that you are under, the shadow of his protection, and gratefully acknowledge, his b nefigence, why do you not ap- proach nearer, that you may, bº, brought into , the circle of his principal servants and numbered amongst his, sinceye friends " He replied, “I am not to that degree confident of my safety from his severity as to dare do it. It may happen , that a courtier derives benefit from the royal estate ; or he may chance to lose his head. The sages have said, “The ware of the inconstant dis- { position of princes, who sometimes are dissatisfi-d at a salutation ; and sometimes, in return for a foul language will bestow a dress of honor.” They have also observed, “Wil is an accomplishment in courtiers, but “a blemish of the character" of wise men, Pre- serve always the dignity of your own characters, and leave sport and , buffoonery, to courthers.” st ' '. * { * & & * * * ... < É. * : * o f : * , ) , * TA'I, E, 28. ... ?" & K * 2. r; f } £ z Oae of my companions Was complaining to me of the unfavor. ableness of times, and said, “I have but small means with a large family, and am not able to support the burdán of starvation, It frequently conids into my mind to go to some other place, where it matte‘s not, if I live either in tranquillity or distress, but I would one way, or other pass the days of my perishable life, and none of the inhabitants' of this country would know of my x - ' ' ' goods or bad fortune, but I am afraid of the ma. See H. P. 24: ' l-volence of my enemies who in my absence would : " . . scoffingly laugh, and impute my exertions for the benefit of my family to want of humanity, and might say, ‘Behold that 'shameless wretch who will never experience good fortune in the world ; he consults his own ease, and abandons to distress his wife and children.' I have some skill in arithmetic and 8 u Y : * * $ GOOLISTAN. l{} little ability in calculation. If through your interest I get a pen- sion, it will be the means of making my mind easy, and during the remainder of my life I shall not be able, to express my gra- titude." I said, “o brother, the service of prinses has two sides, the expectation of a livelihood, and the dread of losing the life; and to expose one's self to such expectation and dread is contrary to the opinion of the wise.” He then replied, “This speech is not applicable to my case ; you have not answered my question. Have you not heard the saying, that whosoever is guilty of dis- honesty, his hand trembles on rendering his accounts and the sages have remarked, that four kinds of persons are mortally vexed with four others; the tributary with the king, the thief with the watch man, the adulterer with the informer, and the harlot with the Möhtasib ; but he who has a clear account, what has he to apprehended from investigation * I replied, “The story of the fox suits you exactly, who was seen running 'away and limping, some one asked what calamity occasioned him so much trepida- tion. He replied, ‘I hear that they are going to seize camels for the service.’ The bystanders observed, “O impudent, what relationship is ºthere between you and a camel, and see H. P. 25. what resemblance have you to that animal * He repli- . . . . . - ed, “Be silent, for if the malignant, out of evil design, should say, this is also the young one of a camel, and I should be seized, who then would be solicitous for my relief, as to order and enquiry into my case ? and before the antidote can be brought from Irak, he who has been bitten by the snake may be dead.” Thus although you possess such worthiness, honesty, piety, and integrity, yet the envious are in ambush, and the adversary ill- natured, if they should misrepresent your worthy disposition ; yau would ,oertainly incur the king's displeasure, who will then be able to speak ... in your behalf It seems most advisable that you should moderate you desires, and give up all thoughts of preferment, for they have remarked, that in the sea there are profitable things innumerable, but that if you should wish for safety, you must seek it on the shore.” -- On hearing these words he was much displeased, looked angrily, and began to speak with a degree of asperity, saying, “ what sort of wisdom and intelligence are these ? but the words of sages are verified, who, have observed, that friends are service- able in prison, for that at table enemies also assume the appear- ance of friends.” , 20 GOOLISTAN. When I perceived that he gets mortified and considers my advice as an excuse for not serving him, I was then obliged to wait on the prime minister and through the means of an intimacy which had formely subsisted between us, I represented the circumstances of that short-sighted person, and explained to him his worthiness and parts in full. To be brief, he gave him some small appointment. In a short space of time they saw the worthiness of his character, and his good management met with approbation In short his affairs prospered, and he was appointed to a high situation ; so that the star of his good fortune ascended, until he gained the meridian of his wishes, and See H. P. 26. became a favorite with the Sultan, and the confi- & dent of every one. I rejoined at the sight of his prosperity. § | ; - p At that juncture it happened that in company with a num- ber of my friends, I undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca. When we returned he came out two days journey to meet me. His external circumstances appeared to be involved in utmost distress and perplexity. I found out through sagacity that he was dis- missed from his post, because he is so much dejected.* The officers of the court have no time to see their friends, except when they are dismissed from their situations. During the en- joyment of situation, rank, retinue and, prosperity, people are unmindful of their friends; but when they are exposed to help- lessness, they always go to their friends and repeat their grie- vances. . . . In short I asked him, “What is this your condition ?” He replied, “ It has happened just as you predicted : some persons envied me and charged me with treachery, the king did not condescend to order investigation of the circumstances, but to my great regret mone of my friends spoke a word in my justifica- tion, forgetful of our long subsisting intimacy.” - “In short I was overwhelmed with various persecutions, and I hung down my head with sorrow to the knee, until this week, when the good news of the safe arrival of the pilgrims being received, I was released from close confinement, and my old estate that is to say contentment has only been restored to me.” I replied at that time you would not listen to my sug- — –ºw —T--F— − →w wº- * Lit Rational, GOOLISTAN. 21 gestion, that service of kings is like voyaging on the sea, pro- fitable and hazardous; either you acquire riches, or perish through vexation. - * He shall either gain, numerous pearls in his hands, or else the waves cast him dead upon the beach. t I did not think it advisible to afflict his inward See H. P. 27, wound with more scratching, nor to sprinkle salt upon it. * % TALE. 29. They tell a story of an oppressor, who flung a stone at the head of a pious man. The der waish not having power to re- venge himself, kept the stone with him, till a time when the king being displeased ordered the other to be put in jail. The Der waish then arrived there and bruised his head with the stone upon which he exclaim ºn. “Who art thou, and why hast thou flung the stone at my lead " He answered, “I am the same person and this is the vientical stone that on such a day you flung at my head.” He asked. “Where were you all this time?” He replied, “I was afraid of your dignity, but now that I see you in the well I consider it a favorable epportunity to avenge myself.” - - A. * TALE. 30. I have heard that a king of Arabia commanded his ministers to double the several fixed stipends of some one, because he was the obedient servant of the court, whilst the rest of the servants. were dissipated in their manners and negligent of their business. A man of piety hearing this began to ery and laument. The people asked him “What have you seen here 2" He replied, that the high rank of servants in the court of heaven, are con- ferred in the same manner. TALE. 31. - - They tell a story of an oppressor who purchased firewood from the poor by force, and gave it gratuitously to the rich. A pious man came to him and said, “You are See H. P. 28, a snake that bites every one you see ; or an owl - that destroys every place where you sit?” It is said that the oppressor was displeased at his words, frowned on him and took no further notice of him ; for they did not cor- respond with his conduct. One night fire issuing from the kitchen, 22 GooDISTAN. caught the stock of wood and consumed all his goods, when his soft bed became a seat of warm ashes. It happened that the same pious man passing by, and hearing him say to his friends, “I know not from whence this fire fell upon my house.” replied, “From the smoke of the hearts of the poor,” Listen to this, Beware of the groans of the wounded souls, since the inward. sore will at length break out, and bestmear the head with blood ; oppress not to the utmost a single heart, for a single sigh has power to overset a whole world. TALE. 32. ' - I was sitting in a boat with some persons of distinction, when a vessel behind us sunk, and two brothers fell into a whirl- pool. One of the company said to the mariner, “Save them both, and I will pay you an hundred deenars for each.” The mariner swam and saved one and the other drowned. I said, “Of a truth, the other had no longer to live, and therefore you neg- lected him to save.” The mariner laughing replied, “What you say is true, but my inclination was to save this in preference to the other, because once, when I was tired in the desert, he mounted me on a camel, and from the hand of the other, I received a whipping in my childhood.” I replied, “Truly See H. P. 29. the great God is just ; so that whosoever doth good shall himself experience good, and he who committeth evil, shall suffer evil.” As far as you can avoid it, distress not the mind of any one, for in the path of life there are many thorns. Assist readily the exigencies of others, since you also stand in need of many things. - r - - TALE. 33. A Derwesh having some pressing occasion, stole a blanket from the house of a friend. The judge ordered that they should cut off his hands. The owner interceded and said, “I present that blan- ket to him.” The judge replied, that he should not forego the legal punishment at his intercession. He rejoined, “You have said rightly ; but whosoever stealeth any property dedicated to reli- gious purposes, is not subject to the punishment of amputation ; because a Fakeer is not the proprietor of any thing, neither is he the property of any one, whatever the beggar hath, being devot- ed to the benefit of the necessitous.” The judge refrained from cutting his hands, and said, “Was the world so narrow that you GooſſISTAN. .* 23. should steal only from such a friend’ as this " He replied, “o my lord, have you not heard the saying, “sweep the house of your friends, but knock not at the doors of your enemies.’ When you fall into distress resign not yourself to despair; strip your enemies of their skin and your friends of their jackets. - * ! . . . . TALE. 34, . . . A certain person had a friend employed day and night in the effice of Dewan, who spoke not a word except upon the state affairs. He passed his days in this employment, and had no chance , , . . . . . of seeing his friends. Somebody said to him one See H. P. 30. day, “ We understand that such a friend has not . -- come to see you since a long time.” He answered, “It is very true, and I do not care about him, nor do I wish to see him,” It happened that one of the Dewan's people was present, who asked what fault. his friend had been guilty of, that he was not inclined to see him, He replied, “There is no fault, but the time for seeing an officer is when he is dismissed from his office. In greatness and authority of office, they neglect their friends ; in the day of adversity and degradation they impart to their friends the disquietude of their hearts.” . . . . . . . . . -: , , . . . . . . . . . . . . TALE. 35, . * . . Having been weary of the company of my friends at Damas. cus, I retired into the desert of Jerusalem and associated with the brutes, till I was taken prisoner by the Franks, and consigned to...a pit in Tripoli, to dig elay along with some jews. But one of the principal men of Aleppo, with whom I had formerly been intimate, happening to pass that way, recollected me and asked me, what was the matter, why, I was so, much in trouble that he was confounded. to see me, and how I spent my time. * s. In short be had compassion on my condition, redeemed me for ten deenars from the prison of the Franks, and took me with him to Aleppo, . At last he gave me his daughter in marriage, with an hundred deemars for her dowry, so that he extricated me from troubles, and placed me on the seat of happiness. When sometime had elapsed, the ill-matured woman became obstinate and began to abuse, so that she destroyed my happiness Seº H. P. 31, and filled my heart with melancholy. A bad woman in the house of a good man is his hell in this world, Summarily, she began to dishonor me, and reproached me, - - A 3 - } 24 GOOLISTAN. . . saying, “Art thou not he, whom my father redeemed from capti. vity of the Franks for ten deemars?” I answered “yes, it is true that he ransomed me for ten deenars, but put me into your hands - for a hundred.” - * . . . - - TALE. 36 - - A certain king asked a religious man how he passed his valu. able time ; he replied, “All night I pray, in the morning I offer up my vows and petitions, and the whole day is spent in regulat- ing my expences.” The king commanded that they should pro- - vide him with a daily subsistence to relieve his mind from the cares of his family. ga N. O thou who art enthralled with the cares of a family, look not for freedom in any other respect ; sorrow for children, raiment and subsistence incapacitates you for contemplating the invisible. world. The whole day I am reflecting that at night I shall be employed in my devotions, aud at night when I begin my pray- ers, I am thinking how I shall be able to provide food for my children the next morning. } * - TALE. 37. Moses the prophet, upon whom be the peace, saw a Dur. vesh, who for want of clothes had hidden himself in the sand. He on seeing the prophet said, “O Moses, im- See, H. P. 32, plore God to bestow on me a subsistence, for I am perishing in distress,” Moses took compas- sion on him and prayed God to meliorate his circumstances. The prayer was accepted. Some days after when Moses was returning from performing his devotions, he saw the Durvesh apprehended and a crowd of people gathered round him. On enquiring what had happened to him, they replied, “Having drank wine he kill- ed a man : now they are going to exact retaliation.” If the poor cat had wings, she would not have left, a sparrow's egg in the world; and if a mean wretch should happen to get into power, he would become insolent and twist the hands of the weak. . Moses acknowledged the wisdom of the Creator of the uni- verse, and asked pardon for his boldness, repeating the following verse of the Koran “If God were to open his stores of subsis- tence for his servants, of a truth' they would rebel on the earth.” The fact is this, “It were better for a mean wretch not to have nails to scratch his head.” ..,' • " . . . . - GooDISTAN. # 25 He who doth not make you rich, knoweth what is good for you better than you do yourself. - TALE. 38. Some travellers were journeying together, partaking of each others oares and comforts. I wanted to associate myself with them, to which they would not consent. I remarked, that it was inconsistent with the benevolent manners of religious men to turn away their faces from the poor, and to deny them the advantage of such company; that I knew myself to possess such degree of energy as would make an active friend and not an incumbrance to them. Although I am walking on my legs and not meuoted on a beast, yet I will endeavour to carry your burthens. One amongst - them said, “Be not uneasy at the words which see H. P. 33, you have heard, for not long ago a thieſ, under s- the appearance of a Derwesh got into our company, How can one man know what is under another's garment The writer knows the contents of the letter, As the eondition of a Durvesh is every where approved, they did not entertain any suspicion of his sanctity, but admitted him into their society.— It so happened that we had travelled one day until dark, and all of us being thoroughly worn out by walk- ing carelessly slept at the foot of a castle during the night; the ill-natured vile thief, under pretence of going to perorm ablutions, carried off the water-pot of one of his companions, and then went in quest of plunder. As soon as he had got out of sight of the Derveshes, he sealed a bastion, and stole a casket. By the time it was day-light, the dark-minded wretch had gone a great dis- tance ; and in the morning his innocent companions, whom he had left asleep, were all carried to the castle and committed to pri- son. From that day we forsook the company of strangers, and resolved to lead the lives of recluses; because in society there is misfortune and in solitude tranquillity. When one of any tribe oom- mits an act of folly, there is distinction between high and low, the whole being dishonored. If an ox belonging to some village go to a field he will contaminate all the oxen of the village, On hearing this I replied, “ Many thanks and praises to the God of majesty, I have derived benefits from Durvashes al- though I am separated from their company, and this pretty story will serve me, and men of my character for admonition during the remainder of life, ; *. 26 s GOOLISTAN. - By the means of one disorderly ºpersea in a See H. P. 34, company, the hearts of many wise men become afflicted. If you fill” a cistern with Utter and rose- water, and a dog should fall in it, it would thereby become more impure than the urine. . . . . , - . . . - TALE. 39. " . . Notwithstanding all that was said to me by the great Sage Shumsooddeen Jowzae, who ordered me to forsake music meet- ings and to lead a life of retirement, the spring tide of my youth prevailed and I acted in contravention to his advice ; for I a- bandoned myself to the enjoyment of singing and of convivial society, Once upon a time I entered into the society of a tribe, amongst whom was such a minstrel, whose voice was so horrid that the audience sometimes put their fingers into their ears, and sometimes they placed their fingers on their lips, as a signal for him to be silent. * When this harper began singing, I said to the master of the house, “ Put some cotton into my ears that I may not hear, or else open the door that I may escape" In short out of re- gard to my friends, I accommodated myself to their inclination, and with great exertion passed the night until day-break. In the morning by way of benediction, I took the turban from my head and deenars from my girdle and presenting them to the singer, I embraced him and returned him many thanks. My companions seeing me behave towards him in so unusual a manner, imputed it to weakness of understanding, and laughed within themselves. One of them extended the tongue of opposition and began repri- manding me, saying, “ In this matter you have not acted as becometh a wise man to have given "part of your professional dress to a singer, who during his, whole life never at one time had a direm” of gold in his hand, nor ever saw a particle of gold or silver on his drum.—On hearing this, I answered, “you should stop your railing. D6 not defame me See H. P. 3 5. to such a degree, because, in my opinion he possesses miraculous talents, which I am' well aware of, and I have acted thus in consequence.” He replied, “communicate this 'discovery, in order that we may unité with you, and ask pardon for the joke which has passed.” I replied, “The Shaikh had repeatedly enjoined me not to frequent singing * A coin, Goolistan. 27 parties, and explained to me the utility of abandoning them, but I paid no attention to it, and did never mind the sage, until this night, when the star of auspiciousness and good fortune guided me to this house, where by means of this singer, I had made a vow again to approach singing or convivial parties. TALE. 40. They asked a wise man which was preferable, fortitude or liberality ? He replied, “He who possesseth liberality hath no need of ſortitude. It is inscribed on the tomb of Buhram Goar, that a liberal hand is preferable to a thousand strong arms.” Hatim Tai no longer exists; but his name will remain famous for virtue to eternity. Distribute the tithes of your wealth in alms, for when the husbandman lops off the exuberant branches from the vine, it produces an increase of grapes. TALE. 4I. * They tell a story of a wrestler, who from adverse fortune was reduced to the extremity of misery. With a craving appetite, and destitute of the means of subsistence, he came complaining to his father, and requested leave saying, “I intend to travel in order - * that by the strength of my arm I might be able See H .P. 36 to accomplish my object, and for how long shall I linger here in misery like impotent men : Talents and skill are of no value without being exhibited ; they rub musk and put lignum aloes on the fire.” The father said, “O $011 get out of your head this impracticable imagination, and draw back the foot of contentment within the skirt of safety.” The son said, “O father the advantages of travelling are many, the recreation of the mind, profitable attainments, to see wonders, and to view and hear strange things, perambulation on seas, the visit of friends, the acquisition of honor and attainment of mafi- pers, the increase of wealth and profession, the acquaintance with friends and strangers and the experience of the world.” The father said, “ O son the advantage's of travelling in the manner that you have set forth are doubtless very great ; but most es- pecially so for five classes of men—First. The merchant, who possessing wealth and dignity, with beautiful and richly dressed slaves and hand-maids and active servants, may pass every day in a new city, and every night in a different place, and may every minute recreate himself with worldly luxuries. t The rich man is not unprovided for, either in the mountains or in the deserts ; wherever he wishes he pitches his tent and 28 GooDISTAN. takes up his quarters : whilst he who possesses not the comforts of life, but is destitute of the means af supporting himself, is a stranger, and unknown in his native country. r * Secondly, a learned man, who on account of his sweet speech- es, powerful eloquence and store of knowledge, wherever he goes is universally sought after and respected.—Thirdly, the beauti- ful person, to whom the hearts of the virtuous are inclined, set a high value on his company, and consider it an honor to -- * do him service, Aceording to the saying, “A See H. P. 37. little beauty is preferable to great wealth.” A. beautiful person is the balm for wounded hearts . and is the key of the locked doors that is to say, no one molests, him and he goes wherever he wishes. The beautiful person wheresoever he goes, meets with honor and respect, even his parents and relations should turn him out with displeasure. Fourth- ly, a sweet singer who with the throat of David arrests the waters in their course and suspends the birds in their flight ; consequently, by the power of this perfection, he captivates the hearts of mankind in general, and the religious are desirous of associating with him.—Fifthly, the mechanic, who gains subsist- anee by the labour of his arm, that his good name may not be disgraced by the want of bread. According to this saying of the wise : “If a mechanic goes a journey from his own city, he suffers not difficulty nor distress, but if the king of Neemrore should wander out of his kingdom, he would sleep hungry. The abovementioned qualities, which I have explained, are the means of affording comfort to the mind in travelling, and are the bestowers of sweet delight; but he who does not pos- sess at least one of them, will enter the world with vain expec- tations, no one will require him, nor hear his name or signs.” The son said, “ O father, how can, I contradict the maxim of the sages, which says, “ The necessaries of life are distri- buted to all, yet the attainment thereof requires exertions, and although misfortune is decreed, it is our duty to show the way by which it enters.” Although our daily bread See H. P. 38. doubtlessly may come to us, yet reason requires that we should seek everywhere. Although no one can die before it is decreed by fate, you have no occasion to run into the jaws of the dragon. In my present situation, I am able to encounter a furious elephant and to combat an irritated GOOLISTAN, 29. \ lion; it is advisable for me that I should travel somewhere and derive benefit thereby, for I am no longer able to suffer in- digence patiently.” This he said, took leave of his father, At his departure he was hoard to say, “The artist to whom fortune is not propitious, goeth to a place where his name is not known.” He travelled until he arrived on the banks of a river, so rapid that stones dashed against stones, and the noisé was heard at many miles, distance. It was a tremendous water, in which even water-fowls were not in safety, and the smallest of its waves would impel a mill-stone from the shore. He saw a number of people sitting at the ferry, each of whom had a small piece of money, and they were making up their bundles for the passage. The young men, having no money, praised them, and used sup- plications. No one assisted him, but said, “you cannot here commit violence without money on any one, and if you have money there is no need of force.” The inhuman boatman laughed at him and turned away saying, “you have no money and you cannot cross the river by means of your strength. Of what avail - is the strength of ten men Bring the money cf See H. P. 39. one.” The young man incensed at this sarcasm, \ wished to be revenged on him. The boat had put off; he called out, “If you will be satisfied with this garment which I have on my neck. I will freely give it you.” The boat- man being greedy, brought back the boat. In short as soon as the young man's hands were in reach of the boatman's beard and collar, he dragged him towards him and knocked him down without delay. His comrades stepped out of the boat to help him, but experienced such rough treatment that they desisted. In short they thought it advisable to compromise with him and take the charge of the fare upon themselves. When you see fighting be peaceable, for a peaceable disposition shuts the door of conten- tion. Oppose kindness to perverseness : the sharp sword will not cut soft silk. By using sweet words and gentleness, you may lead. an elephant with an hair. - * In expiation of what had happened, they fell at his feet, and after bestowing hypocritical kisses on his head and eyes brought him into the boat and carried him over. In the mean time they came to a pillar of Grecian building that stood in the river, when the boatman called out, “ the boat is in danger; let any one of you, who is the strong- 30 - GOOLISTAN. est and most courageous, get upon this pillar and lay hold of the boat's rope, that we may save the vessel.” The young man s in the vanity of his strength and courage, of which he had boas- Tied, thoughtless of the offended heart of his enemy, paidº no attention to this maxim of the sages, If you have committed am, offence towards another, and should afterwards confer a hundred kindness, think not that he will forget to retaliate that single offence ; for the arrow may be extracted from the wound, but - the sense of injury still rankles in the heart.” As see. H. P. 40. Soon as the wrestler had gathered the rope round * his arm as much as he wanted and had reached the top of the pillar, the boatman found an opportunity, and having snatched the rope ºut of his hand drove forward the vessel. The helpless young man remained astonished. For two days he suffered much distress and underwent great hardship ; the third day sleep overpowered him and flung him into the river. After a day and night he reached shore with much dif- ficulty, and only a particle of life remained in him. He fed on leaves of trees and roots of grass, until he had somewhat re- cruited his strength and found himself able to walk, when he bent his course to the desert, and arrived thirsty and hungry and faint at a well. He saw a number of people gathered round it, who were drinking a draught of water for a cowdy.” The young man having no cowdy beseeched them for water, which they deny- ing he attempted to obtain it by force. He knocked some of them and beat them well ; they at length overpowered him, beat him unmercifully and turned him out. He then fell in with a caravan, which from necessity he followed. In the evening they arrived at a place that was infested by robbers. He saw the people of the caravan trembling through fear, and looking as if they ex- pected to die" He said, “ Be not afraid, for I am one amongts you who will encounter fifty men, and other men should only assist me with out being concerned in the battle.” The people of the caravan were throughly encouraged by his boasting re. , joiced at being in his company, and they supplied him with victuals and drink. The cravings of the young man's appetite being very powerful, he ate and drank so much that at length the inner demon was quieted and he fell asleep. An old experienced * A small shell used as coin. . * * * GOOLISTAN. * 3] z - man who had seen the world and was in the See H. P. 41 caravan, said, “O companions, I am more afraid of your guard than of the robbers, for they tell a story of an indigent person who having collected together 80 ſºlº money, would not sleep alone in his house during the night, for fear of being robbed by the thieves, but got one of his friends to stay with him, from the apprehension he had of being alone and of the thieves. He stayed with him several nights, but as soon as he got intelligence of direms he seized them and made off some. where. The next morning people saw him despoiled and lamenting. Some one asked him what can be the matter, except that the thieves may have stolen your money He replied, “By God, not they but the person who was the guard.” How do you know, but what this young man may be one of the thieves, who by strata. gem has introduced himself among us, in order that, when he finds an opportunity, be may give intelligence to his comrades = My adviee therefore is this, that we leave him asleep and de- part.” The advice of the old man was approved by his juniors, and as they were suspicious of this strong man, they took up their baggage, and leaving him asleep departed. When it was *morning, and the sun rose and shone on his shoulders lifted up his head, and discovered that the caravan was departed. The help- less young man wandered about a long time without being able to find out their mark. Thirsty and withºut food he laid his head on the ground, in a style of despondency, and read certain verses corres- ponding with his circumstance. He was in this state, when a king's son having lost his attendants in pursuit of game, happening to come to the spot, everheard him, and seeing him of a good appearance aud in distressed sireumstances, asked him, what country he was the in. habitant of, from whence he was and how he came there. He gave * short account of what had befallen him. The king's son compas- *iosºting him, bestowed on him a garment and money and ordered a *y person to accompany him, and ses him safe to his own city. The is her was rejoiced at the *ight of him, and thanked God for his **ſe return. At night he related to his father what had happened in the boat, of the violence of the boatman and of the peasants, and the treachery of the caravan. The father said, “O son ! did I not tell you, at the time of your departure, that the strong but poor man has his hand tied ; and that B 3 See H. P. 42. 32 GoorisTAN. his wrist though resembling the paw of a lion is broken The son re- plied, o father of a truth without encountering difficulty you cannot acquire riches : and without endangering your life, you cannot gain the victory over your enemy; and without sowing seed you cannot become master of barn. Don't you perceive that in return for the little distress that I suffered, how much wealth I have ac- quired; and for the sting that 1 endured, what a stock of honey I have brought with me * The father said, “O son heaven has befriended you this time, and good fortune has been your guide, so that you have been able to pluck the rose from the thorn and , to extract the thorn from your foot ; by chance a great man met with you, and pitied your poor and helpless condition. But such instances are rare, and we ought not expect wonders. The hunter doth not always carry off the game, perchanee he may one day become the prey of the tiger. In like manner as it happened to one of the kings of Persia who went once oa a party of pleasure with some of his particular associates to Mus- sala Shiraz, and had with him a ring set with valuable jewels. He ordered that they should fix the ring on the dome of Asud, with a proclamation, that whoever shot an arrow through the circle of it, should have the ring. It chanced there were at that time four hundred experienced archers attending him, whose arrows all missed; but as a boy was playing on the terrace roof of the monastery, and shooting his arrows at random, the breeze conducted one of them through the ring. The prize was bestowed on him by the king, together with other rich gifts. After this the boy burnt his bow and arrows, and on their asking him why he had done so, he replied, “That this my first repute may be last. ing.’ It may happen that the prudent counsel of an enlightened sage does not succeed; and it may chance that an unskilful boy through mistake, hits the mark with his arrow.” - * *. tºl i *† *... " 'iRN. T. S ‘. . º-º-º- & §” $ ** 2 ºf ºve # C. §§§ tº CŞ *eepes” {} *tegogº Printed at the MUGZANoor,AKHBAR Hindoostaaee News- paper Press. Narasingapoorum Madras. miſſil ..~8------ §§ ;*,-$-）#*y',