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LONDON: MILNER AND COMPANY, PATERNOSTER ROW, eee Rp ane” POMVERSITY OF Noted Chica taeee Pe SOT pee a CAROLINA Ba: CHAPEL HILL ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. = er Tue chronicles of the Sussanians, the ancient kings of Persia, who ex tended their empire into the Indies, over all the islands thereunto belong- : ing, a great way beyond the Ganges, and as far as China, acquaint us,that ~~ there was formerly a king of that potent family, the most excellent prince of his time. He had two sons; the eldest, Schahriar, the worthy heir of his'father, and endowed with all his virtues. ‘The youngest, Schahzenan, — was likewise a prince of incomparable merit. : - After a long and glorious reign, this king died, and Schahriar mounted — his throne. Schahzenan, being excluded from all share ofthe government by the laws of the empire, and obliged to live a private life, was so far from pre: envying the happiness of his brother, that he made it his whole business to ney please him. Schahriar, who had naturally a great affection for that prince, ‘@ was so charmed with his complaisance, that he would divide his domi- — — nion with him, and gave him the kingdom of Great Tartary. Schahzenan immediately took possession of it, and fixed the seat of his government at Samarcande, the metropolis of the country. After they had been separated ten years, Schahriar resolved to send an ambassador to his brother to invite him to his court. He made choiceof . = ~ his prime vizier for the embassy, sent him to Tartary with a retinue an- He swerable to his dignity, and he made all possible haste to Samarcande.. When he came near the city, Schahzenan had notice of it, and went to ~ meet him with the principal lords of his court. The king of Tartary re- ceived the ambassador with the greatest demonstrations of joy. The vizier then gave him an account of his embassy. Schahzenan was so much affected with it, that he answered thus:—“ Sage vizier, the sultan my bro- ~ ther does me too much honour; he could propose nothing inthe worldso = acceptable; I long as passionately to see him, as he does to see me. My —~ kingdom is in peace, and I desire no more than ten days to get myself ae ready to go with you; so that there is no necessity of your entering the city for’so short a time: I pray you to pitch your tents here, and I will order provisions in abundance for yourself and your company.” -At the end of ten days, the king took his leave of his queen, and went — out of town in the evening with his retinue, pitched his royal pavilion near the vizier’s tent, and discoursed with that ambassador till midnight. But = willing once more to embrace the queen, whom he loved entirely, he ree turned alone to his palace, and went straight-to her apartment, who, not expecting his return, had taken one of the meanest officers of her house- — hold to her bed, where they lay both fast asleep. te oe The king entered without any noise, and pleased himself to think how > | ~ _ he should surprise his wife, who, he thought, loved him as entirely as he A. 4. a did her; but how strange was his surprise, when by the light of the flam- ,,, A bay a , ‘ 3 & Ri ae ax ~ a bad ve “gS ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, => --beaus, he saw a man in her arms! He stood immoveable for a time, not __- knowing how to believe his own eyes; but, finding that it was not to be _. doubted, How! says he to himself, I am scarce out of my palace, and but > Just under the walls of Samarcande, and dare they put such an outrage upon me? Ah! perfidious wretches: your crime shall not go unpunished. As king, Iam to punish wickedness.committed in my dominions; and as an enraged husband, I must sacrifice you to my just resentment. In a - * word, this unfortunate prince, giving way to his rage, drew his scimitar, -killed them both with one blow, and afterwardsthrew them into the ditch that surrounded the palace. Having avenged himself thus, he went out of town privately, ashe came into-it; and, returning to his pavilion, without saying one word of what had happened, he ordered them to make ready for his journey; and be- fore day he had begun his march; but the king was so-much troubled at the disloyalty of his wife, that extreme melancholy preyed upon him dur- _- ing his whole journey. _-> ~ When he drew near the capital of the Indies, the sultan Schahriar and all his court came out to meet him: the princes were overjoyed to see.one - another, and after mutual embraces, they entered the city, with the accla- - mations of the people.. The sultan conducted his brother to the palace he _ . had provided for him, which had a communication with his own, by means - of a garden. ie : “Schahriar immediately left the king of Tartary, that he might give him time to bathe himself, and to change his apparel; which as soon as he had - done, he came to him again, and those two princes entertained one ano- -’ ther suitably to their friendship, their nearness of blood, and the long se- - paration that had passed betwixt them, till Schahriar, perceiving that it _.~ was very late, left his brother to rest. ~~ ‘When the unfortunate Schahzenan went to bed, all the circumstances of _ his wife’s disloyalty presented themselves afresh to his imagination, in so _ lively a manner, that he was like one beside himself; and not being able ~ tosleep, these afflicting thoughts made such an impression upon his coun- "tenance, that the sultan could not but notice it, and endeavoured to divert his brother every day, by new objects of pleasure, and the finest treats; _- which, instead of giving the king of Tartary any ease, did only increase his ' .- . sorrow. ~ One day, Schahriar having appointed a great hunting match, about two days’ journey from his capital, Schahzenan prayed him to excuse him, for his health would not allow him to bearhim company. . The sultan, unwil- -. ling to put any constraint upon him, left him at his liberty, and went a hunting with his nobles. The king of Tartary, being thus left alone, shut himself up in his apartment, and sat down at a window that looked into _. the garden, Whilst he there sat musing on his grief, a secret gate of the palace sud- _ denly opened, and there came out of it twenty women, in the midst of =. whom walked the sultaness. This princess, thinking that the king of Tar- tary was gone a hunting with his brother the sultan, came up with her re- _ tinue near the windows of his apartment, who could see all that passed in ‘the garden, without being perceived himself. He observed, that the per- - sons who accompanied the sultaness threw off their veils and long robes, ~~ and was wonderfully surprised when he saw ten of them to be blacks, and -. that each ofthem took his mistress, The sultaness clapped her hands, and ci, called Masond, Masoud; and immediately and ran to her in all haste. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, aS ee a a black came down from atree, __ Modesty will not allow, nor is it necessary, to relate what passed between - : the blacks and the ladies. This amorous company continued together till — midnight, and having bathed all together, Was one ofthe chief ornaments of the garden, they dressed themselves, and in a great piece of water which re-entered the palace by the secret door, all except Masoud, who climbed up his tree, and got over the garden wall the same way as he came in. ee All this having passed in the king of Tartary’s sight, occasioned him to oe that no one was so unfortunate as myself! ‘ake a multitude of reflections. How little reason had I, sayshe, tothink It is certainly the unavoidable — _ fate of all husbands, since the sultan my brother, who is sovereign of so Hoe. many dominions, and the greatest prince of the earth, could not escape it, The case being so, what a fool am I to kill myself with grief! ITamre- — solved that the remembrance of a misfortune so common shall never More: 3" disturb my quiet. So that from that moment he forebore afflicting himself, t but he continuedin very good humour; and when he knew that the sul- tan was returning, he went to meet him, and paid him his compliments ¢_ With great gaiety, Schahriar, who expected to have found him in the same state as he left him, was overjoyed to see him so cheerful; and spoke to him thus: Dear brother, Ireturn thanks to Heaven for the happy change ithas madeinyou during my absence; I am extremely rejoiced at it; but I have arequest to make to you, and conjure you not to deny me. Ever since you came to my court, I found you swallowed up by a deep melancholy, and I in vain at- tempted to remove it by all sorts of diversion. I imagined it might be oc- - _ easioned. by reason of your distance from your dominions, or that love — might have a great share in it; and that the queen of Samarcande, who, no. _ doubt, is an accomplished beauty, might be the cause of it, ButI find NOW, upon my return, that you are in the best humour that can be,and that your ind is entirely delivered from that black vapour which disturbed it. Pray 3% _do me the favour to tellme why you were se melancholy, and why you are >= ho longer so, aS Upon this, the king of Tartary continued for some time asif he had _ “ as follows: You are my sultan and master; _ from answering your question,—No, dear brother, said the sultan, you must answer me; I will take no denial. Schahzenan, not being able to with- ~ te. been meditating, and contriving what he should answer; but at last replies but, excuse me, I beseech you, a7 stand these pressing instances, answered, Well, then, brother, I will satisfy — f you, since you command me; and having told him the story of the queen of Samarcande’s treachery: This, says he, was the cause of my grief; judge, Cee a “whether I had not reason enough to give myself up to it. Oh! my brother, says the sultan, what a horrible story do you tell me! _ I commend you for punishing the traitors who offered you such an outrage, < Nobody caf blame you for that action: and, for my part, had thecase been ~ mine, I should scarce have been so moderate as you. I would not have eae satisfied myself with the life of one woman; I verily think I should have — “sacrificed a thousand to my fury. I cease now to wonder at your melan- _ choly, Ovheaven! what a strange adventure! Nor do I believe the like — ever befell any man but yourself, But, in short, I must bless God, who has _ comforted you; and since I doubt not but your consolation is well ground- — fa ed, be so good as to let me know what it is, and conceal nothing fromme = Lr = Sie Sete Se eR > ee ee Seed ip a ey ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, - Schahzenan was not so easily prevailed upon in this point, as he had been _ in the other, because of his brother’s concern in it; but being obliged to _ yield to his pressing instances, answered, I must obey you, then, since your command is absolute; yet I am afraid that my obedience will occasion your trouble to be greater than ever mine was, What you say, answers Schah- iar, serves only to increase my curiosity. Make haste to discover the se- cret, whatever it be.—The king of Tartary gave him the particulars of all that he had seen, of the ungoverned passion of the sultaness and her ladies. oes After having been witness to those infamous actions, says he, I believed all ‘women to be naturally inclined thereto; and that they could not resist their inclination. Being of this opinion, it seemed to me to be an unaccount- able weakness in men to place any confidence in their fidelity. ‘This re- flection brought on many others; and, in short, I thought the best thing I could do was to make myself easy. It cost me some pains, indeed, but at - last I effected it; and if you will take my advice, you will follow my ex- ~ ample. ~~ What! says the sultan, is the sultaness of the Indies capable of prosti- ‘ _ tuting herself in so base a manner? No, brother, I cannot believe what you say, except I saw it with my own eyes; yours must needs have deceived - you: the matter is so important, that I must be satisfied of it myself. Dear brother, answers Schahzenan, that you may without much difficulty. Ap- point another hunting match; and at night when we are out of town, let _ yon and me return alone to my apartments; I am certain the next day you _ will see what Isaw. ‘The sultan, approving the stratagem, immediately appointed a new hunting match; and that same day the tents were set up ~ ab the place appointed. Next day the two princes set out, and staid at the place of encampment _tillnight. They then returned to the city, and went to Schahzenan’s apart- ment. ‘They had scarce placed themselves in the window, but the secret gate opened, the sultaness and her ladies entered the garden with the blacks, and she, having called Masoud, the sultan saw more than enough to con- ~~ vince him of his misfortune. O heavens! cried he, what an indignity! what horror! Can the wife ofa -» sovereign, such as I am, be capable of such an infamous action? Alas! _-my brother, continues he (embracing the king of Tartary) let us both re- ~ nounce the world; honour is banished out of it; let us abandon our domi- nions and grandeur; let us go into foreign countries, where we may lead -. an obscure life, and conceal our misfortunes. Schahzenan did not at all approve. of this resolution, but did not think fit to contradict Schahriar in the heat of his passion. Dear brother, says he, I am ready to follow you _ whither you please: but promise me that you will return, if we can meet _ with any one that is more unhappy than ourselves, I agree to it, says the _ sultan, but doubt much whether we shall. Having said thus, they secretly left the palace. They travelled as long as it was day, and lay the first night under trees, and next morning they went on till they came to a fine _ meadow upon the bank of the sea, where they sat down under a large tree to refresh themselves. They had not sat long, before they heard a terrible ery, which filled them with fear; then the sea opening, there arose up something like a _ great black column, which reached almost to the clouds. This redoubled _ their fear, made them rise speedily, and climb up into the tree to hide themselves. They had scarce got up, still looking to the place from whence * ~ ARABIAN ‘NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. ee iba See ee Ne the noise came, and where the sea opened, when they observed that the — black column advanced towards the shore. They could not at first think what it could be; but in a little time they found that it was one of those _ malignant genies that are mortal enemies to mankind, and are always doing them mischief, He was black, of a prodigious stature, and carried - on his head a great glass box, shut with four locks of fine steel. He en- - tered the meadow with his burden, which he laid down at the foot of the tree where the two princes were, who looked upon themselves to be dead ~ -men., Meanwhile the genie sat down by his box, and opening it with four ‘keys that he had at his girdle, there came out a lady magnificently appa- relled, of a majestic stature, and a complete beauty. The monster made — her sit down by him, and eyeing her with an amorous look: Lady, says he, my charming mistress, whom I carried off on your wedding-day, and _. have loved so constantly ever since, let me sleep a few moments by you, — _, Having spoke thus, he laid down his huge head upon the lady’s knees, and _ stretching out his legs, which reached as far as the sea, he fell asleep, and snored so ) that he made the banks echo again. ~ The lady looking up to the tree, saw the two princes, and made a sign — to them to come down without making any noise. But they made signs to her that they were afraid of the genie, and would fain have been excused, Upon which, laying the monster's head softly on the ground, she ordered them to come down, and if they did not make haste, threatened to awake the genie, and bid him kill them. rs These words did so much intimidate the princes that they began tocome © - down with all possible precaution, lest they should awake the genie, Then the lady took them by the hand, and going alittle farther with them, © made a very urgent proposal to them. At first they rejected it, but she obliged them to accept it by her threats. Having obtained what she de- sired, she perceived that each of them had a ring on his finger, which she — demanded of them. As soon as she received them, she went and took a box out of the bundle, where her toilet was, and pulled out a string of Other rings, of all sorts, which she shewed them, and said, These are the ~ rings of all the men to whom I have granted my favours. ‘There are full fourscore and eighteen of them, and I asked yours to make up the hundred. So that, continued she, I have a hundred gallants already, notwithstand- _ ing the ‘vigilance of this wicked genie, who never leavesme. He may lock. me up in this glass box, and hide me in the bottom of the sea: I find a _ _ way to cheat his care. "You may see by this, that when a woman has forined a project, there is no husband or lover that can hinder her putting ~ it into execution, Men had better not put their wives under such re-. straint, as it only serves to teach them cunning. Having spoken thus to them, she put their rings upon the same string with the Test, and sitting down by the monster, as before, laid his head again upon her lap, and made a sign for the princes to be gone. _ They returned immediately by the same way they came, and when they — were out of sight of the lady and genie, Schahriar says to Schahzenan, — Well, brother, “what do you think of this adventure? Has not the genie a very faithful mistress? Yes, brother, answers the king of Great Tartary;_ and you must also agree that the monster is more unfortunate, and more — _ to be pitied than we. Therefore, since we have found what we sought for, let us return to our dominions, and let not this hinder us from marrying : egain, ‘For my part, I know a method by which to riheed inviolable the — “ we S ; = 2 Bet Sn Poser re eines : ie. arse Oe PE Re Pe oe MESS Se Bee ee aN | 8 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, _ . fidelity that my wife owes me. I will say no more of it at present, but -- you will hear of it in a little time, and I am sure you will follow my ex- -_ ample. The sultan agreed with his brother; and continuing their jour- ney, they arrived in the camp the third night after they left it. -. ‘The news of the sultan’s return being spread, the courtiers came betimes ~ in the morning to wait on him. He told them he would go no farther, and -— ordered them to return speedily to his palace. ~~ — --As soonas he arrived, he commanded the sultaness to be bound before him, and ordered the grand vizier to strangle her, who accordingly did so _ without inquiring into her crime, The enraged prince did not stop here, _. but eut off the heads of all the sultaness’s ladies with his ownhand. After ~. this rigorous punishment, being persuaded that no woman was chaste, he __ resolved.to wed one every night, and have her strangled next morning. __. Having imposed this cruel law upon himself, he swore that he would ob- serve it immediately after the departure of the king of Tartary, who speed- ~ “ily took leave of him, laden with magnificent. presents. - ~Schahzenan being gone, Schahriar orderedhis grand vizier to bring him __ the daughter of one of his generals, The vizier obeyed; the sultan lay _‘-with her, and putting her next morning into his hands again, in order to be strangled, commanded him to get him another next night. Whatever - reluctance the vizier had, as he owed blind obedience to the sultan, he was _— forced to submit. He brought him then the daughter of asubaltern, whom he also cut off next day. After her he brought a citizen’s daughter; and, ina word, there was every day a maid married, and a wife murdered, ~~ The grand vizier, who was the executioner of this horrid injustice, - “against his will, had two daughters, the eldest called Scheherazade, and the ~~ youngest Dinarzade. The latter was a lady of very great merit; but the -. - elder had courage, wit, and penetration infinitely above her sex. She ~ read much, and had such a prodigious memory, that she never forgot any thing she had read, She had successfully applied herself to philosophy, _. physic, history, and the liberal arts; and for verse exceeded the best poets of her time. Besides this, she was a perfect beauty, and all her fine quali- - fications were crowned by solid virtue. | ‘The vizier passionately loved a daughter so worthy of his tender affec- -- tion; and one day, as they were discoursing together, she says to him, - Father, I have one favour to beg of you, and most humbly pray you to ~~ grant it me.—I will not refuse it, answers he, provided it be just and -_ reasonable.—I have a design, says she, to stop the course of that barbarity ~- which the sultan exercises upon the families of this city—Your design, daughter, replies the vizier, is very commendable; but how do you pre- -_ tend to effect it? —Father, says Scheherazade, since by your means the - sultan makes every day a new marriage, I conjure you to procure me the honour of his bed. ‘The vizier could not hear this without horror. © hea- ~ ven! replied he, have you lost your senses, daughter, that you make such ~~ a dangerous request to me? You know the sultan has sworn by his soul — that he will never lie above one night with the same woman, and to order - her to be killed the next morning; and would you have me propose you to - him?—Dear father, replies the daughter, I know the risk I run; but that does not frighten me. IfI perish, my death will be glorious; and if J _ succeed, I shall do my country. an important piece of service—No. no, - says the vizier, whatever you can represent to engage me to let you throw _ yourself into that horrible danger, do not think that ever I will agree to it, sae = i Te ean age) : se , z b < ‘ yes si , hc ios a on i ee ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, “ee : ee : When the sultan shall order me to: strike my poinard into your heart, - -alas! I must obey him-; and what an employment is that for a father! - Once more, father, says Scheherazade, grant me the favour I beg.—Your stubbornness, replies the vizier, will make me angry ; why will you run — 2 headlong to your ruin? Scheherazade, in spite of all the advice of her — father, was determined in her purpose. She slept with the sultan, and. next morning an hour before day, Dinarzade, having slept in the same ° room, being awake, begged her sister to tell her one of her fine stories. ~ Scheherazade, instead of answering her sister, asked leave of the sul- ae who consenting, she addressed thus :— THE FIRST NIGHT. THE MERCHANT AND THE GENIE. 5: : Srr, there was formerly a merchant who had a great estate in lands, goods, andmoney. He had abundance of deputies, factors, and slaves, One day, being under the necessity of going a long journey, he took horse, and put @ pormanteau behind him with some biscuits and dates, because he hada great desert to pass over, where he could have no provisions, He arrived without any accident at the end of his j journey; and, having dispatched his _ affairs, took horse again, in order to return home. ‘The fourth day of his journey, being in want of refreshment, he alighted — s from his horse, and sitting down by a fountain, took some biscuits and dates | ~ _ out of his portmanteau; and, as he eat his dates, threw the shells about on | both sides of him. When he had done eating, being agood Mussulman, he washed his hands, his face, and said his prayers. He was still on his we sdea S ~ when he saw a genie appear, all white with rage, and of a monstrous bulk; who, advancing towards him with a scimitar in his hand, spoke to him with a terrible voice, thus: Rise up, that I may kill thee, as thou hast killed my _ son. ‘The merchant, being frightened at the hideous shape of the monster ~ answered that he had not killed his son, nor ever seen him. What! re- — plies the genie, did not you take dates out of your portmanteau; and, as you ate them, did not you throw the shells on both sides? I did all that tae i say, answers the merchant. Then, replies the genie, I tell thee thou _ ast killed my son; and the way was thus; when you threw your nutshells - ‘about, my son was passing by, and you threw one of them into his eye, — which. killed him; therefore I must kill thee. Ah! my lord, pardon me, cries the merchant; for, if I have killed your son, it was accidentally; 3 - therefore suffer me to live, No, no, says the genie, I must kill thee, since _- thon hast killed my son. The genie then threw the merchant Spon the | _ ground, and lifted up his scimitar to cut off his head. As Scheherazade had spoken these words, perceiving it was day, and _ knowing that the sultan rose betimes in the morning, she held her peace, - in _ Qh! sister, says Dinarzade, what a wonderful story : is this! The remain- * der of it, says Scheherazade, is more surprising; and you will be of my “ mind, if ‘the sultan will let me live this day, and permit me to tell it out the next night, Schahriar, who had listened to Scheherazade with plea-— sure, says to himself, I will stay till to-morrow, for I can at any time put: hee to death, when she has made an end of her story; so having resolved”, Pg oe es tb Vist Se mea ih ¥ ’ akik ie Ae ape 5 A 10 « ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. _ not to take away Scheherazade’s life that day, he rose and went to prayers, and then called his council. aS eae - All this while the grand vizier was terribly uneasy. Instead of sleep- ing, he spent the night in sighs and groans, bewailing the lot of his daugh- ter, of whom he believed that he himself should be the executioner: but he was agreeably surprised, when he saw the prince enter the council-cham- ber without giving him the fatal orders he expected. ‘The sultan spent the day in regulating his affairs; and at night went to bed with Scheherazade. Next morning, before day, Dinarzade made the same request as before; and, with the consent of the sultan, Scheherazade continued the story of the genie and merchant, as follows :— . When the merchant saw that the genie was going to cut off hishead, he _ eried out aloud, and begged of him to let him return home, to bid his wife _ and children adieu, and to settle his affairs; promising to return again at me the endofa year. The genie, after making him take a solemn oath tore- turn in a year’s time, allowed him to depart. The merchant. mounted his horse, and set forward on his journey. On arriving at home, his wife and children were overjoyed to see him return safe; but he was so full of sorrow, that he could not return their congra- tulations. The wife perceiving his dejection, importuned him so much as - -tothe reason, that at last he told her of the fatal oath he had taken to re- _ turn to the genie in a year’s time, and that the genie would then kill him. - This sad news made the wife and children break out into doleful lamen- tations, and the wretched man mixed his tears with theirs. _ Next morning the merchant applied himself to put his affairs in order; paid his debts; made presents to his friends; gave alms to the poor; set all his slaves at liberty; and restored to his wife all that was due to her by contract of marriage. In short, he did every thing that a person about to leave this world could be expected to do. _ At Jast the year expired, and go he must. He put his burial-clothesin his portmanteau; and, after taking an affecting leave of his wife and chil- - dren, he set forward on his journey, and arrived at the place where he pro- mised to meet the genie on the day appointed. He alighted, and sitting himself down by the fountain, waited the coming ofthe genie. As helan- guished in cruel expectation, a good old man, leading a bitch, appeared, and drew near him: they saluted one another; after which the old man _- gays to him, Brother, may I ask you why you are come into this desert - place? It is not safe to stay long. _ The merchant satisfied his curiosity, and told him the adventure which _ obliged him to be there. The old man listened to him with astonishment, and when he had done, said, I will be witness of your interview with the ae _ genie; and sitting down by the merchant, they talked together. But I - see day, says Scheherazade, and must leave off; but the best of the story - istocome. The sultan, resolving to hear the end of it, suffered her to live that day also. - Nore.—The readers of these Tales were tired, in the former edition, with the inter. ruption Dinarzade gave them: this defect is now remedied; and they will meet — _ Arabian author’s design, who first made this collection: and for this purpose we _ retained his method in what has preceded, Scheherazade goes on now alwayg — without being interrupted. With no more interruptions at the end of every night. It is sufficient to know the a & A i caer A F fe, ep Baie i ae athe _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. | ; Thre Scheherazade continued the story of the merchant and genie, asfollows:— ~ __ Sir, while the merchant and the old man that led the bitch were talking, they saw another old man coming to them followed by two black dogs: after they had saluted one another, he asked them what they did in’ that place. ‘The old man with the bitch told him the adventure of the mer- chant and the genie, with all that had passed between them, particularly — - the merchant’s oath, Digi The second old man, thinking it also worth his curiosity, likewise sat down by them; and they had scarce begun to talk together, but there came a third old man, who addressing himself to the two former, asked « why the merchant looked so melancholy. They told him the reason of it, which appeared so extraordinary to him, that he resolved to be witness to ~ the result; and sat down with them, In a little time they perceived in the field a thick vapour, like a cloud — of dust raised by a whirlwind, advancing towards them, which vanished | _all of a sudden, and thenthe genie appeared; who without saluting them, © came up to the merchant with a drawn scimitar, and, taking him by the - arm, says, Get thee up, that I may kill thee, as thou didst my son. The ‘merchant and the three old men being frightened, began to lament, and to fill the air with their cries. When the old man that led the bitch, saw the genie lay hold of the merchant, and about to kill him, he threw himself at the feet of the mon- ster, and says to him: Prince of genies, I most humbly request you tosus- pend your anger, and do me the favour to hear me. I will tell you the history of my life, and of the bitch you see; and if you think it more won- — derful and surprising than the adventure of the merchant you are going to _ kill, I hope you will pardon the poor unfortunate man the third of his ‘crime. The genie took some time to consult upon it, but answered at last, Well then, I agree to it. | THE HISTORY OF THE FIRST OLD MAN AND THE BITCH. I shall begin then, says the oldman; listen to me, I pray you, with at- tention. This bitch you see is my cousin; nay, what is more, my wife, - she was only twelve years of age when I married her. “ft We lived together twenty years, without any children. The desire of having children made me buy a slave, by whom I had a son, who was ex- tremely promising. My wife, being jealous, conceived a hatred for both - mother and child, but concealed it so well, that I did not know it till it ~ was too late. Meantime my son grew up, and was ten years old, when I was obliged - to undertake a journey. Before I went, I recommended to my wife the slave and her son, and prayed her to take care of them during my ab- sence, which was for a whole year. She made use of that time to satisfy her hatred; she applied herself to magic; and when she knew enough of _ that diabolical art, the wretch carried my son to a desolate place, where, _ by her enchantments, she changed him into a calf, and gave him to my ___ farmer to fatten, she likewise changed the slave into a cow, and gave her - -alsoto my farmer. < At my return, I asked for the mother and child: Your slave, says she, is dead; and for your son, I know not what is become of him: I have not en him these two months, I wastroubled at the death of the slave; but A VE 15, BS ah f ~ a ee Be : - ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS, — a : : 7 _ my son having only disappeared, I was in hopes he would return in a lit- . tle time. However, eight months passed, and I heard nothing of him. ~ . When the festival of the great Bairam happened, to celebrate the same, I ~~ sent to my farmer for one of the fattest cows to sacrifice, and he sent me ~ one accordingly. I tied her; but as I was going to sacrifice her, she bel- _ ~ lowed pitifully, and I could perceive streams of tears run from her eyes. - This seemed to me very extraordinary; and finding myself, in spite of all __Icould do, seized with pity, I could not find in my heart to give her the __- blow, but ordered my farmer to get me another. _-_ My wife, who was present, enraged at my compassion, cries out, What - do you do, husband? Sacrifice that cow; your farmer has not one fitter _ for that use. Out of complaisance to my wife, I put the mall into the _. farmer’s hands, and bade him take and sacrifice her himself, for her tears -~ -and bellowings pierced my heart. . ‘The farmer, less compassionate than I, sacrificed her; and when he _ flayed her, found her to be nothing but bones, though to us she seemed - very fat. Take her to yourself, says I to the farmer, and if you have a very fat calf, bring it me in her stead. Soon after he came with a very fat calf. Though I knew not that the calf was my son, yet I could not forbear being moved at the sight of him. On his part, as soon as he saw me, he made so great an effort to come to me, that he broke his cord, -. threw himself at my feet, as if he would excite my compassion; and did as much as was possible for him to do, to signify that he was my son, ~~ - J was more surprised and affected with this action than with the tears __ of the cow; nature did its duty. Go, says I to the farmer, carry home __. that calf, take great care of him, and bring me another in his place im- he smediately. — .-. As soon as my wife heard me say so, she immediately cried out, What ~. do you do, husband? Take my advice; sacrifice no other calfbut that, I -.. took the knife, and was going to strike it into my son’s throat; when, -_ turning his eyes, bathed with tears, in a languishing manner, towards me, .. he affected me so, that I had not strength to sacrifice him, but let the knife ___ fall, and told my wife positively that 1 would have another calfto sacrifice, promising that I would sacrifice him against the Bairam next year, Next morning my farmer desired to speak with me alone; I come, says he, to tell you a piece of news. I have a daughter that has some skill in - ‘magic: yesterday, as I carried back the calf which you would not sacrifice, _. [ perceived she laughed when she saw him, and in a moment after fell a » weeping. Jasked her why she acted two such contrary parts. Father, ~ replies she, the calf you bring back is our landlord’s son: I laughed for joy - to see him still alive, and I wept at the remembrance of the sacrifice that - was made of his mother, who was changed into a cow. These two meta- _ morphoses were made by the enchantment of our master’s wife, who hated - the mother and son. __ At these words, I leave you to think, my lord genie, how much I was - surprised: I went immediately with my farmer, to speak to his daughter _ myself. As soon as I came, I went forthwith to the stall where my son _ was; he could not answer my embraces, but received them in such a man- ~ ner as fully convinced me he was my son. -* The farmer’s daughter came. Ah, says I, if you can restore my son, I will make you mistress ofall my fortune. She replied to me, smiling, you - axe our master, and I know very well what Lowe to you; but I cannot re- Pe! arr S be ss IS atest = Soh test RS eo Ses Sut ee Ger age So 436 ‘store your. son to his former. shape but on two conditions: the first i is, that you give him for my husband; and the second is, that you allow meto — punish the person who changed him intoacalf, For the first, says I, I agree — toit with all my heart. As to what relates to my wife, I also agree toit:a - person that has been capable of committing such a criminal action, deserves - yery well to be punished: only I’must pray you not to take her life. SS 2 --Then the maid took a vessel full of water, pronounced words over it that - Idid not understand, and addressing herself to the calf, Ocalf, says she, if thou wast created by the Almighty and Sovereign Master of the world such as thou appearest at this time, continue in that form; but if thou be ~ aman, and art changed into a calf by enchantment, return to thy natural “shape, by the permission of the sovereign Creator. As she spoke these words, she threw water upon him, and in an instant he recovered his first shape. _. My son, my dear son, cried I, immediately embracing him with sach a transport of j joy that I knew not what I was doing; it is Heaven that has . sent us this young maid to take off the horrible charm by which you were~ enchanted, and to avenge the injury done to you and yourmother. Idoubt — “not but, in acknowledgment, you will take your deliverer to wife, as [have — promised. He consented to it with j joy; but before they were married, she changed my wife into a bitch; and this is she yon see here. Since that time my son is become a widower, and gone totravel; and, it: being several years since I heard of him, I am come abroad to inquire after i him, This is the history of myself and this bitch; is it notone of themost = wonderful and surprising that can be? I agree it is, says the genie, and” . Upon that account I forgive the merchant a third of his crime. - When the first old man, sir, continued the sultaness, had finished his story, the second, who led the two black dogs, addressed himself tothe —~—_ - genie, and says to him: Iam going to tell you what happened tome and =~ these two black dogs you see by me, and Lam certain you will saythatmy = story is yet more surprising than that which you have just nowheard; but © when Ihave told it you, I hope you will be pleased to pardon the merchant es the second third of his crime. Yes, replies the genie, provided your story surpass that of the bitch. Bee. ARABIAN NIGHTS “ENTERTAINMENTS, THE STORY OF THE SECOND OLD MAN, AND THE TWO BLACK DOGS. | Great prince of genies, says the old man, you must know that we are threé brothers, I and the two black dogs you see. Our father left each of us one thousand sequins; with that sum we became merchants, port, where we landed, and had a very great vent for our goods. I, espe- cially, sold mine so well, that I gained ten to one; and we bought commo- ~dities of that country, to transport and sell in our own, ~ When we were ready to embark, in order to return, I met, upon the banks of the sea, a lady handsome enough, but poorly clad: she came up to me presently, kissed my hand, prayed me with the greatest earnestness ima- ginable to marry her, and take her along with me. I made some diffi- culty to agree to it: but she said so many things to persuade me that I ought to make no objection to her poverty, and that I should have all the _ reason in the world to be satisfied with her.conduct, that I yielded; and -after having married her, [ took her on board, and we set sail. During the navigation, I found the wife I had taken had so many good qualities, that I loved her every day moreand more. In the meantime, my two brothers, who had not managed their affairs so well as I did mine, envied my pros- | _perity, and their fury carried them so far, as to conspire against my life; so that one night, when my wife and I were asleep, they threw us both into ho athe sea, Sey Ss reneaees My wife wasa fairy, and could not be drowned ; but for me, itis certain - I had been lost without her help. I had scarcely fallen into the water, - when she took me up, and carried me to anisland. When it was day, the _ fairy said to me, Yousee, husband, that by saving your life, I have not re- _ warded you illfor your kindness tome, You must know, that I am a fairy, -- and that being upon the bank of the sea, when you were going to embark, I found I had a strong inclination for you; I had a mind to try your good- ness, and presented myself before you in that disguise wherein you saw me, You have dealt very generously with me, and Iam mighty glad to “3 have found an opportunity of testifylng my acknowledgments to you: but ~ = Sry : : 504 == SE Nga aes eee of , Pong tee i meee : =< : am incensed against your brothers, and nothing will satisfy me but their ves. : abv ag! ___ I pacified the fairy by good words; and as soon as I had spoken them, she transported me in an instant from the island where we were, to the i f PEPE SIE ST ope y : ¥ & ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERT 3 ~ roof of my own house, and disappeared in a moment. I went down, and dug up the three thousand sequins I had hid. I went afterwards to the _ _-place where my shop was, which I opened, and was complimented bythe — merchants, my neighbours, upon my return. When I went to my house, I perceived two black dogs, which came to me in a very submissive man- ner: I knew not what it meant, but the fairy, who appeared immediately, says to me, Husband, do not be surprised to see those two black dogs; . they are your two brothers; I have condemned them to remain five years in that shape. _ Now the five years being out, I am travelling in quest of her; and as I passed this way, I met this merchant, and the good old man that led the bitch, This is my sad history, O prince of genies: do not you think it — very extraordinary? I own it, says the genie, and upon that account re- mit the merchant the second third of the crime. As soon as the second old man had finished his story, the third began, and made the like demand of the genie, with the first two. The genie made him the same promise he had done the other two. ‘The third old man told his story to the genie: I cannot tell it you because it isnotcome, to my knowledge; but I know that it did so much exceed the two former stories, in the variety of wonderful adventures, that the genie was as- tonished at it; and no sooner heard the end of it, but he said to the third _ old man, I remit the other third part of the merchant’s crime upon the ac- - count of your story. He is very much obliged to all three of you, for having delivered him out of this danger by your stories; without which, he had not now been in the world: and having spoken thus, he disap- eared. y The merchant failed not to give his three deliverers the thanks he owed them; after which, he bade them adieu, and each of them went on his way. The merchant returned to his wife and children, and passed the - rest of his days with them in peace, THE STORY OF THE FISHERMAN. Sir, there was a very ancient fisherman, so poor that he could scarce earn enough to maintain himself, his wife, and three children. He went every day to fish; and imposed it as alaw upon himself, not to cast his » nets above four times a day. He went one morning by moonlight, and coming to the sea-bank, undressed himself, and cast in his nets. Ashe | drew them towards the shore, he found them very heavy, and thought he had a very good draught of fish, at which he rejoiced within himself; but_ in a moment after, perceiving that instead of fish, there was nothing in his nets but the carcass of an ass, he was greatly vexed. When the fisherman, vexed to have made such a sorry draught, had ' mended his nets, he threw them in asecond time; and when he drew them, found a great deal of resistance; but he found nothing except a pannier fall of gravel and slime. O Fortune! cries he, with a lamentable tone, be - not angry at me, nor persecute a wretch who prays thee to spare him. I ~ came hither from my house to seek for my livelihood, and thou pronouncest ~ death against me. ; eS ‘16 Rs ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS, Having finished this complaint, he threw away the pannier in a frets and ~ washing his nets from the slime, cast them the third time, but brought up - _ nothing except stones, shells and mud. Nobody can express his disorder. However, when day began to appear, he did not forget to say his prayers, like a good Mussulman. -- Having finished his prayers, he cast his nets a fourth time; and when he thought it was time, he drew them, but instead of fish, found nothing in BT them but a vessel of yellow copper, that by its weight seemed to be full of - _~ . something; and he observed that it was shut up and sealed with lead, having the impression of a seal upon it. I will sell it, says he, to the founder; and with the money arising from the product, buy a measure of '. corn. The impression of the seal upon the leaden cover, made him think ~- there was something precious in it. To try this, he took a knife, and < opened it with very little labour. He set it before him; and while he looked upon it attentively, there came out a very thick smoke, which ob- liged him to retire two or three paces from it. “The smoke mounted to the clouds, and extending itself along the sea, - and upon the shore, formed.a great mist, which we may well imagine did. - Inightily astonish the fisherman, When the smoke was allout of the ves- ~ sel, it re-united itself, and became a solid body, of which there was formed & genie twice as high as the greatest of giants. Solomon, cried the genie immediately, Solomon, the great prophet, par- oe pardon; I will never more oppose your will: I will obey all your eS commands. The fisherman, when he heard these words of the genie, recovered his courage, and said to him, Thou proud spirit, what is that you talk? It-igs 27 | above eighteen hundred years since the prophet Solomon died, and we are. now at the endof time. Tell me your history, and how you came to be shut up in this vessel, The genie, turning to the fisherman with a fierce look, says, Speak to me more civilly, before I kill thee. I have only one favour to grant thea = -. And what is that? says the fisherman. It is, answers the genie, to give. __thee thy choice in what manner thou wouldst have me take thy life. But. wherein have I offended you? replies the fisherman: is this your reward _ ___ for the good service I have done you? I cannot treat you otherwise, says __. the genie; and that you may be convinced of it, hearken to my story. I am one of those rebellious spirits that opposed themselves to the will _-_ of Heaven; all the other genies owned Solomon, the great prophet, and --. submitted to him. Solomon, the son of David, commanded me to quit _ - my way of living, to acknowledge his power, and to submit myself to his commands. I bravely refused to obey, and told him, I would rather ex- pose myself to his resentments, than swear fealty, and submit to him as he required. To punish me, he shut me up in this copper vessel; and to make sure of me, that I should not break my prison, he stamped, "him _ self, upon this leaden cover, his seal, with the great name of God engraven him, with orders to throw me into the sea. During the first hundred years’ imprisonment, I swore that if any one would deliver ‘me before the hundred years expired, I would make him. : ich even after his death; but that century ran out. During the second,. I made an oath, that I would open all the treasures of the earth to any — ~ One that should set me at liberty. In the third, I promised to make my a6 --upon it. Then he gave the vessel to one of the genies who SPECS tos) Se ake ARABIAN NIGUTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, : yas deliverer a potent monarch, to be always near him as a spirit, and to grant him every day three demands, of what nature soever they might be; but this century ran out. At last, being angry, to find myself a prisoner so long, I swore, that if afterwards any one should deliver me, I would kill him without pity, and grant him no other favour, but to choose what kind of death he would die; and therefore, since you have delivered me to-day, Ar give you that choice. _ Necessity is the mother of invention. The fisherman bethought himself of a stratagem. Since I must die, then, says he to the genie, I submit to the will of Heaven; but before I choose the manner of my death, I conjure you, by the great name which was engraven upon the seal of the prophet memon, the son of David, to answer me truly the question I am going to ask you, The genie, finding himself obliged to a positive answer by this adjura-— tion, trembled; and replied to the fisherman, Ask what thou wilt, but — make haste. __ ~The fisherman says to him, I would know if you were actually in this vessel. Dare you swear it by the name of the great God? Yes, replied _the genie, I do swear by that great name that I was, and it is a certain truth. In good faith, answered the fisherman, I cannot believe you, unless - you show it me, Upon which the body of the genie was dissolved, and changed itself into smoke, extending itself as formerly upon the sea-shore; and then at last, being gathered together, it began to re-enter the vessel till nothing was left out; and immediately a voice came forth, which said tothe fisherman, Well now, incredulous fellow, I am all in the vessel: do not you believe » Me now? The fisherman, instead of answering the genie, took the cover of lead, and having speedily shut the vessel, Genie, cries he, now it is your turn to beg my favour, and to choose which way I shall put thee to death: bu not so; it is better that I should throw you into the sea. ‘ The genie, enraged at these expressions, did all he could to get ou of the vessel again, but it was not possible for him to do it; for the im- . pression of Solomon’s seal prevented him: so perceiving the fisherman had got the advantage of him, he thought fit to dissemble his anger. » Fisher- man, says he, in a pleasant tone, take heed you do not what you say; for what.I spoke to you before was only by way of jest, and you are to take it no otherwise. O genie! replies the fisherman, thou wast but a moment ago the greatest of all genies, and now art the least of them. ‘Thou art a mere traitor, continues the fisherman: I should deserve to lose my life, if I were such a fool as to trust thee; thou wilt not fail to treat me in the same manuer, as a certain Grecian king treated the physician Douban. It is a story I have a mind to tell thee, therefore listen to it. THE STORY OF THE GRECIAN KING, AND THE PHYSICIAN DOUBAN, There was in the country of Zouman, in Persia, a king, who wasall over ‘leprous, and his physicians in vain endeavoured his cure; and when they were at their wits’ end what to prescribe to him, a very able physician, ~ called Douban, arrived at his court. _. This physician had learned his science in Greek, Persian, Turkish, _ Arabian, Latin, Syrian, and Hebrew books; and besides that, he was an © B 3 ae Se oe ie AnABTAN. NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, eerie “expert philosopher, and fully understood all sorts of plants id ee As soon as he was informed of the king’s distemper, he found a way to — present himself to him, Sir, says he, I know that all your majesty’s phy- sicians have not been able to cure you of the leprosy; but, if you will do _ me the honour to accept my services, I will engage to cure you without drenches, or external applications. The king listened to what he said, and answered, If you be able to per- form what 7 you promise, I will enrich you and your posterity. The physician retired to his quarters, and made a mallet, hollow within, and at the handle he putin his drugs. He also made a ball in such a manner as suited his purpose, with which, next morning, he went to pre- sent himself before the king, and, falling down at his feet, kissed the ver irs round. = The fisherman, speaking always to the genie, whom he kept shut up in his vessel, went on thus: The physician Douban rose up, and, after a pro- - found reverence, said to the king, he judged it meet that his majesty should © take horse, and go to the place where he used to play at mall, The king did so, and when he arrived there, the physician came to him with the mall, -and said to him, Sir, exercise yourself with this mall, and strike the ball with it until you find your hands and your body in a sweat. When the medicine I have put in the handle of the mall is heated with your hand, it » will penetrate your whole body; and as-soon as you shall sweat, you may leave off the exercise, for then the medicine will have had its effect. AS soon as you are returned to your palace, go into the bath, and cause your- self to be well washed and rubbed; then go to bed, and, when you rise to- morrow, you will find yourself cured, Lhe king took the mall, and struck the ball, which was returned by his : officers that played with him: he struck it again, and played so long till his hand and his whole body were in a sweat. Uponthis, the king lett off — He was very well after; and next morning, when he arose, he perceived, with as much wonder as joy, that his leprosy was cured, and his body as success of the new medicine, came thither betimes, and when they saw the play, and returned to his palace, entered the bath, and observed very ex-- ~ actly what his physician had prescribed him. re clean as if he had never been attacked with that distemper. Assoon ashe - . _. » was dressed, he came into the hall of public audience, where he mounted _ his throne, and showed himself to his courtiers, who, longing to know the wey ee king perfectly cured, did all of them express amighty j joy forit. The phy-—~ _ sician Donban, entering the hall, bowed himself before the throne, with his - face to the eround, The king g, perceiving him, called him, made him sit — -- down by his side, and showed him to the assembly, and gave him all the. commendation he deserved. The Grecian king, says the fisherman to the genie, was not satisfied with ‘$ having admitted the physician Douban to his table, but towards night, when _ he was about dismissing the company, he caused him to be clad ina long rich ~ robe, like unto those which his favourites usually wore inhis presence; and besides that, he ordered him two thousand sequins. But this king hada grand vizier, that was avaricious, and envious: he could not see without — envy the presents which were given to the physician, whose other merits _ - had begun to make him jealous; and therefore he resolved to lessen himin - the king’s esteem. ‘To effect this, he went to the king, and told him, in — private, that he had some advice to give him, which was of the greatest _ a ay wee tk oa Recs _ left before the parrot, so that the reflections of the candle might shine on- eee ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, oat _ dangerous for a monarch to put confidence in a man whose fidelity he never tried. Though you heap favours upon the physician Douban, and show him all the familiarity that may be, your majesty does not know but he may be atraitor at the same time, and:cometo court on purpose to kill you. From whom have you this, answered the king, that you dare tell it me? Con- sider to whom you speak, and that you advance a thing which I shall not easily believe. Sir, replied the vizier, I am very well informed of what I ~ eoncernment, The king having asked what it was, Sir, said he, it is : very 7 _have had the honour to represent to your majecty; therefore do notlet your = _ dangerous confidence grow to a farther height. No, no, vizier, replies the king, I am certain that this man, whom you treat as a villain and a: trai-. - tor, is one of the best and most virtuous men in the world; and there isno man I love so much. Instead of listening to you, I tell you that from this day forward I will give this great man a pension of athousand sequins per month, for his life. I perceive it is his virtue which raises your envy, but do not think that I will be unjustly possessed with prejudice against him, ~ [remember too well what a vizier said to king Sinbad, his master, to pre- a ‘vent his putting to death the prince, his son. What the Grecian king said about king Sinbad, raised the vizier’s cu- riosity, who says to him, I pray your majesty to pardon me,if [havethe ~—— - boldness to demand of you what the vizier of king Sinbad said to his mas- — ter, to divert him from cutting off the prince his son. ‘The Grecian king -had the complaisance to satisfy him, ‘That vizier, says he, after having represented to king Sinbad that he ought to beware, lest, on the accusa- tion of a mother-in-law, he should commit an action which he might after- wards repent of, told him this story :— STORY OF THE HUSBAND AND THE PARROT, 5 3 ‘ 5 A certain man had a fair wife, whom he loved so dearly, that he could : scarce allow her to be out of his sight. One day, being obliged to go _abroad, he came to a place where all sorts of birds were “sold, and there | : “bought a parrot, which not only spoke very well, but could also give an account of every thing that was done before it. He brought it ina cage — to his house, prayed his wife to put it in the chamber; and to take care of it during a journey he was obliged to undertake. At his return, he took care to ask the parrot what had paca in his ab- sence; and the bird told him things that gave him occasion to upbraid his. wife. She thought some of her slaves had betrayed her, but all of them . swore they had been faithful to her; and they all agreed that it musthave — been the parrot that had told tales, Upon this, the wife bethought herself of a way how she might remove her husband’s jealousy, and at the same time revenge herself on the par-— rot, which she effected thus. Her husband being gone another journey, she commanded a slave, in the night time, to turn a hand-mill under the parrot’s cage; she ordered another to throw water, in form of rain, over _ the cage; and a third to take a glass, and turn it to the right and to the its face. The slaves spent great part of the night in doing what their mistress commanded them, and acquitted themselves very dexterously. - Next night the husband returned, and examined the parrot again about - what had passed during his absence, The bird answered, Good master, x awe Oem Xx rie Se de 90 = ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTATNMENTS. the lightning, thunder, and rain did so disturb me all night, that I cannot tell how much I suffered by it. The husband, who knew that there had been neither thunder, lightning, nor rain that night, fancied that the par- rot, not having.told him the truth in this, might also have lied to him in the other; upon which he took it out of the cage, and threw it with so much force to the ground, that he killed it. -Yet afterwards he understood by his neighbours, that the poor parrot had not lied to him, when it gave him an account of his wife’s base conduct, which made him repent that he had killed it. When the Grecian king, says the fisherman to the genie, had finished the story of the parrot; And you, vizier, adds he, because of the hatred you bear to the physician Douban, who never did you any hurt, youwould have me cut him off; but I will take care of that, for fear I should repent it, as the husband did the killing of his parrot. The mischievous vizier was too much concerned to effect the ruin of the physician Douban, to stop here. Sir, says he, the death of the parrot was but a trifle, but why should your fear of wronging an innocent man hinder your putting this physician to death? When the business in ques- tion is to secure the life of a king, bare suspicion ought to pass for cer- tainty; but, sir, this is not an uncertain thing; the physician Douban has certainly a mind to assassinate you. It is not envy which makes me his enemy; it is only my zeal, and the concern I have for preserving your ma- jesty’s life, that makes me give you my advice in a matter of this import- ance. If it be false, I deserve to be punished in the same manner as a vizier was formerly punished.—What had the vizier done, says the Grecian king, to deserve punishment ?—lI will inform your majesty of that, says. the yizier, if you will be pleased to hear me. THE STORY OF THE VIZIER THAT WAS PUNISHED. There was a king, says the vizier, who had a son that loved hunting. He allowed him to divert himself that way very often; but gave orders to his grand vizier to attend him constantly, and never to lose sight of him. One hunting-day, the prince, who thought the vizier followed him, pur- sued the game so far, that he was quite left alone. He endeavoured to return the same way he came, to find out the vizier, who had not been careful enough to follow him, and so wandered farther. Whilst he rode up and down, he met by the way-side a handsome lady, ~ who wept bitterly. He asked who she was, and how she came to be alone in that place.—I am, says she, daughter to an Indian king. As I was _ taking the air on horseback, I fell from my horse, who is run away, and I know not what is become of him. The young prince asked her to get up behind him, which she willingly did. “ As they passed by the ruins of a house the lady signified a desire to alight. The prince suffered her to alight; then he alighted himself, and went near the ruins with his horse in his hand. But you may judge how much he was surprised, when he heard the lady within say these words: “Be glad, my children, I bring you a handsome young man, and very fat;” and other voices, which answered immediately, “ Mamma, where is he, that we may eat him presently, for we are very hungry!” ; The prince heard enough to convince him of his danger, and then he - perceived that the lady, who called herself daughter to an Indian king, y ZA te “i was an Ogress; so that the prince, being frighteried, mounted his horse as soon as he could, and rode off with all possible haste. He happily found his way again, and arrived safe and sound at his father’s court, to whom he gave a particular account of the danger he had been in. through the _ -vizier’s neglect: upon which the king, being incensed against the minister, ordered him to be immediately strangled. | Sir, continued the Grecian king’s vizier, to return to the physician Douhan, if you do not take care, the confidence you put in him will be fatal to you: I am very well assured, that he is a spy sent by your ene-. mies to attempt your majesty’s life. He has cured you, you will say: but alas! who can be sure of that? He has, perhaps, cured you only in ap- pearance, and not radically: who knows but the medicine he has given you may, in time, have pernicious effects? The Grecian king, who had naturally very little sense, was not able to discover the wicked design of his vizier, nor had he firmness enough to persist in his firstopinion. This discourse staggered him: Vizier, says he, thou art in the right: he may be come on purpose to take away my life, which he may easily do by the very smell of some of his drugs, When the vizier found the king in such a temper, Sir, says he, the surest - and speediest method you can take to secure your life, is to send imme- _ diately for the physician Douban, and order his head to be cnt off as soon as he comes. In truth, says the king, I believe that is the way we must take to prevent his design. When he had spoken thus, he called for one of his officers, and ordered him to go for the physician; who, knowing no- thing of the king’s design, came to the palace in haste. _ Know you, says the king, when he saw him, why I sent for you? No, sir, answered he, I wait till your majesty be pleased to inform me. I sent for you, replied the king, to rid myself of you, by taking your life. Sir, says the physician, why would your majesty take away my life? What crime have I committed? Iam informed, by good hands, replies the king, that you came to my court only to attempt my life; but to pre- vent you, I will be sure of yours. Give the blow, says he to the execu- tioner, who was present, and deliver me froma perfidious wretch, who came hither on purpose to assassinate me. . When the physician heard this cruel order, Is it thus, replies he, that you reward me for curing you? Alas! sir, cries he, prolong my days, and God will prolong yours; but do not put me to death, lest God treat you in the same manner. j The Grecian king, instead of having regard to the prayers of the physi- cian, cruelly replied to him, No, no; I must of necessity cut you off; otherwise you may take my life away with as much snbtlety as you cured me. The physician, melting into tears, and bewailing himself sadly for _ being so ill rewarded by the king, prepared for death; the executioner bound up his eyes, tied his hands, and went to draw his scimitar. The physician being on his knees, his eyes tied up, and ready to receive the fatal blow, addressed himself once more to the king. Sir, says he, since your majesty will not revoke the sentence of death, I beg, at least, that you will give me leave to return to my house to give orders about my burial, to bid farewell to my family, to give alms, and to bequeath my books to those who are capable of making a good use of them. I have __ one particularly, I would present to your majesty. Well, replies the king, __ why is that book so precious as you talk of? Sir, says the physician, be- a ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. oe DA GS a oats RS ee dig whe Nghe ye pas ee < a ae ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, cause it contains an infinite number of curious things; of which the chief ~ - 4s, that when you have cut off my head, if your majesty will give yourself” the trouble to open the book at the sixth leaf, and read the third line of the left page, the head will answer all the questions you ask it. The king, -_ being curious to see such a wonderful thing, deferred his death till the - next day, and sent him home under a strong guard. The physician, during that time, put his affairs in order; and the report being spread, that an unheard-of prodigy was to happen after his death, ~ the viziers, emirs, officers of the guard, and, in a word, the whole court, ___ repaired next day to the hall of audience, that they might be witnesses of it. __. The physician Douban was soon brought in, and advanced to the foot of the throne, with a great book in his hand: there he called for a basin, upon which he laid the cover that the book was wrapped in; and presented the book to the king. Sir, says he, take that book, if you please: and as _ soon as my head is cut off, order that it be put into the basin upon the cover of the book; as soon as itis put there, the blood will stop: then open the book, and my head will answer your questions: but, sir, says he, per- mit me once more to implore your majesty’s clemency. Your prayers, answers the king, are in vain; and were it for nothing but to hear your -- head speak after your death, it is my will you should die. _. _ His head was so dexterously cut off, that it fell into the basin; and was no sooner laid upon the cover of the book, but the blood stopped: then, to - the great surprise of the king, and all the spectators, it opened its eyes, and said, Sir, will your majesty be pleased to openthe book? The king opened it, and finding that one leaf was as it were glued to another, that he might ~ turn it with the more ease, he put his finger to his mouth, and wet it with | spittle. He did so till he came to the sixth leaf; and finding no writing _ on the place where he was bid to look for it, Physician, said he to the head, © here is nothing written. Turn over some more leaves, replies the head. _ y ~The king continued to turn over, putting always his finger to his mouth until the poison, with which each leaf was imbued, came to its effect. The prince finding himself, all of a sudden, taken with an extraordinary fit, his - eye-sight failed, and he fell down at the foot of his throne in great con- - yvulsions. : as When the physician Douban, or rather his head, saw that the poison had - taken effect, and that the king had but a few moments to live: Tyrant, it ‘cried, now you see how princes are treated, who abusing their authority, cut off innocent men: God punishes soon or late their injustice and cruelty. _ Searce had the head spoken those words, when the the king fell down dead, and the head itself lost what life it had. As soon as the fisherman had concluded the history of the Grecian king and his physician Douban, he made the application to the genie, whom he ~~ still kept shut up in the vessel. If the Grecian king, says he, would have _ gnffered the physician to live, God would also have suffered him to live; but he rejected his most humble prayers; and it is the same with thee, O genie. Could I have prevailed with thee to grant me the favour I de- manded, I should now have had pity upon thee. Hear me one word more, - eries the genie: I promise to do thee no hurt; nay, far from that, I will show thee-a way how thou mayest become exceeding rich. ae _ The hope of delivering himself from poverty prevailed with the fisher- . man. I could listen to thee, says he, were there any credit to be given to thy word. Swear to me, by the great name of God, that thou wilt faith- fully perform what thou promisest, and I will open the vessel, nae i f . r > ONE aD Miers Saar Oil ke La aha eae Oe Bie a SO he ap ae ae Sree MT Dog NCR Sy bP es Soe al ee RS aS Oe + ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, =i <2 _ he genie swore to him, and the fisherman immediately. took offthe — covering of the vessel. At that very instant the smokecame out; andthe — genie, having resumed his form as before, the first thing he did wastokick - the vessel into the sea. This action frightened the fisherman. mee Gd ___. The genie laughed at the fisherman’s fear, and answered, No, fisherman, be not afraid; I only did it to divert myself, and to see if thou wouldst — - be alarmed at it: but to persuade thee that I am in earnest, take thy net and follow me. As he spoke those words, he walked before the fishers. ~ man, who, having taken up his nets, followed him, but with some distrust, _+ They passed by the town, and came to the top of amountain, fromwhence _ they descended into a vast plain, which brought them to agreat pondthat — ~ Jay betwixt four hills. = ores - When they came to the side of the pond, the genie says to the fisher- — _ man, Cast in thy nets, and take fish. The fisherman did not doubt to — catch some, because he saw a great number in the pond; but he was ex- —_™ - tremely surprised, when he found they were of four colours, that is tosay, white, red, blue, and yellow. He threw in his nets, and brought out one _~ - of each colour: having never seen the like, he could not butadmirethem, —_ - Carry those fish, says the genie to him, and present them to the sultan: — _ he-will give you more money for them than ever you had in your life. You may come every day to fish in this pond; andI give you warning not to throw in your nets above once a-day. re The fisherman, being resolved to follow the genie’s advice exactly, re- __ _ turned to the town, very well satisfied with his fish. He went straight up | - to the sultan’s palace, to present him his fish. a - Sir, I leave it to your majesty to think how much the sultan was sur- _ prised when he saw the four fishes which the fisherman presented him; he _ took them up one after another, and beheld them with attention: and, after having admired them for a long time, Take those fishes, says he to his prime vizier, and carry them to the fine cook-maid that the emperor of the Greeks has sent me. I cannot imagine but they must be as good as they are fine: and give the fisherman four hundred pieces of gold. - _ The fisherman; who had never scen so much cash in his life-time, could - scarce believe his own.good fortune, until he found it to be real, when he provided necessaries for his family with it. Be - As soon as the cook had gutted the fishes, she put them upon thefirein ~ a frying-pan, with oil, and when she thought them fried enough on one ~— side, she turned them upon the other; but scarce were they turned, when the wall of the kitchen opened, and in comes a young lady of wonderful. ~~ beauty and comely size. She came towards the frying-pan, and striking _ one of the fishes with the end of a rod, says, Fish, fish, art thou in thy ~ _ duty? The fish having answered nothing, she repeated those words, and - then the four fishes lifted up their heads all together, and said to her, Yes, ~_ yes: if you reckon, we reckon; ifyou pay your debts, we pay ours; ifyou fly, we overcome, and are content. As soon as they had finished those — - words, the lady overturned the frying-pan, and entered again into the open part of the wall, which shut immediately, and became as it was ~ before. ; pea ae The cook-maid was mightily frightened at this; and coming a little to herself, went to take up the fishes that fell upon the hearth, butfoundthem - blacker than coal, and not fit to be carried to the sultan, She was. ~ ___ grievously troubled at it, and fell a-weeping most bitterly. RE rane / eg.” cx 4 2 Fk Re F, ¥. f f y ES SF eee mn SEN ie © as x f ° gee joes - Speers heS _ ; ) By : A gd ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Whilst she was thus bewailing herself, in comes the grand_ vizier, and — asked her if the fishes were ready. She told him all that had happened, which astonished him mightily; but without speaking a word of it to the sultan, he invented an excuse that satisfied him, and sending immediately , — for the fisherman, bade him bring four more such fish; for a misfortune ~ _ had befallen the others. The fisherman, in order to excuse himself from _ bringing them that very day, told the vizier he had a great way to go for them, but would certainly bring them to-morrow. Accordingly the fisherman went away by night, and coming to the pond, threw in his nets betimes next morning, took four such fishes as the former, and brought them to the vizier at the hour appointed. The minister took them himself, carried them to the kitchen, and, shutting himself up all alone with the cook-maid, she gutted them, aud put them on the fire, as she had done the four others the day before; when they were fried on the one side, and she had turned them upon the other, the kitchen wall opened, and the same lady came in, with the rod in her hand, struck one of the fishes, spoke to it as before, and all four gave her the same answer. After the four fishes had answered the young lady, she overturned the | frying-pan with her rod, and retired into the same place of the wall from whence she came out, the grand vizier being witness of what passed. This is too surprising and extraordinary, says he, to be concealed from the sultan. I will inform him of this prodigy; which he did. The sultan being much surprised, sent for the fisherman, and said to him, Friend, cannot you bring me four more such fishes? The fisherman replied, If your majesty will be pleased to allow me three days’ time, I will do it, Having obtained his time, he went to the pond immediately, and at the - first throwing in of his net he took four such fishes, and brought them to the sultan, who ordered him other four hundred pieces of gold. As soon as the sultan had the fish, he ordered them to be carvied into the closet, with all that was necessary for frying them; and having shut himself up there with his vizier, that minister gutted them, put them in the pan upon the fire, and when they were fried on one side, turned them upon the other: then the wall of the closet opened; but instead of the young lady, there came out a black in the habit of a slave, and of a gigantic stature, with a great green baton in his hand. He advanced towards the pan, and - touching one of the fishes with his baton, says to it with a terrible voice, Fish, art thouin thy duty? At these words the fishes raised up their - heads, and answered, Yes, yes, we are: If you reckon, we reckon; if you __ pay your debts, we pay ours; if you fly, we overcome, and are content. The fishes had no sooner finished those words, but the black threw the pan into the middle of the closet, and reduced the fishes to a coal. Have ing done this, he retired fiercely, and entering again into the hole of the _ wall, it shut, and appeared just as it was before. After what I have seen, _ says the sultan to the vizier, it will not be possible for me to be easy inmy mind. He sent for the fisherman; and when he came, said to him, Fisher- ~~ man, the fishes you have brought us make me very uneasy: where did _ you catch them? Sir, answers he, I fished for them in a pond situated be- -twixt four hills, beyond the mountain that we see from hence. The sul- tan asked the fisherman how far the pond might be from the palace. The s ‘fisherman answered, it was not above three hours’ journey. Upon this assurance, the sultan commanded all his court to take horse, and the é OP ee f fisherman served them for a guide. They allascended the mountain; and at the foot of it they saw, to their great surprise, a vast plain, that nobody had observed till then; and at last they came to a pond, which they found actually to be situated betwixt four hills, as the fisherman had said. The water of it was so transparent, that they observed all the fishes to be like © those which the fisherman had brought to the palace. The sultan demanded of his emirs and all his courtiers, if it was possi- ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. | Eases re ble they had never seen this pond, which was within so little a way ofthe . town. They all answered, that they had never so much as heard of it. _ Since you all agree, says he, that you never heard of it, and as I am no less astonished than you are at this novelty, I am resolved not to return to my palace, till I know how this pond came hither, and why all the fish in it are of four colours. The sultan then ordered his court to encamp, which, when they had done, he put on a suit fit for walking, and took his scimitar; and, as soon as he saw that all was quiet in the camp, he set out alone, and went over one of the hills without much difficulty; he found the descent still more easy; and when he came to the plain, walked on till the sun arose; and: _ then he saw before him, at a considerable distance, a great building. When he came near, he found it was a castle, of fine black polished mar- ble, and covered with fine steel, as smooth as a looking-glass. Being | ‘mightily pleased that he had so speedily met with something worthy of his curiosity, he stopped before the front of the castle, and considered it with - abundance of attention. He afterwards came up to the gate, which had two leaves, one of them open, He knocked at first softly, and waited for some time; but seeing: nobody, and supposing they had not heard him, he knocked harder the ' second time; but neither seeing nor hearing any body, he knocked again and again; but nobody appearing, it surprised him extremely; for he could not think, that a castle so well in repair was without inhabitants, At last he entered; and when he came within the porch, he cried, Is there nobody here to receive a stranger, who comes in for some refreshment as — - he passes by? He repeated the same two or three times; but nobody an- swered. This silence increased his astonishment: he came intoa spacious court; and looking on every side, to see if he could perceive any body, he saw no living thing. The sultan, perceiving nobody in the court, entered the great halls, which were hung with silk tapestry: the alcoves and sofas were covered _ with stuffs of Mecca; and the porches with the richest stuffs of the Indies, mixed with goldand silver. He came afterwards into an admirable saloon, in the middle of which there was a great fountain, with a lion of massy. gold at each corner: water issued at the mouths of the four lions; and this water, as it fell, formed diamonds and pearls, that very well answered a jet of water, which, springing from the middle of the fountain, rose as high — almost as the bottom of a cupola, painted after the Arabic manner. Being tired with walking, he sat down in an open closet, which had a ‘view over the garden, and there reflecting upon what he had already seen, and did then-see, all of a sudden he heard the voice of one complaining, accompanied with lamentable cries. The sultan, being affected with those pitiful cries, rose up, and made towards the place where he heard the voice: and when he came to the gate of a great hall, he opered it, and saw a handsome young man, richly habited, sat uponathrone, Melancholy — | ~~ | Se yt Bn APN pn SP Res Pope oe LD . ieee a on. Sg Ef Ee pe AE SESE sees aoa TRS LDN? na EEL: AE ht MD Pee Bele ge ee 06 -—i«i«‘“CSS”SCARABIAN NIGHTS” ENTERTAINMENTS. - was painted in his looks. The sultan drew near, and saluted him: the . young man returned him his salute by a low bow with his head; but not being able to rise up, he says to the sultan, My lord, I am very well satis- fied that you deserve I should rise to receive you, and do you all possible honour; but Iam hindered from doing so by a very sad reason, and therefore Z hope that you will not take it ill. My lord, replies the sultan, being drawn hither by your complaints, and afflicted by your grief, I come to offer you ‘my help: would to God that it lay in my power to ease you of your trou- ple! I would do my utmost to effect it. I flatter myself that you would _ willingly tell me the history of your misfortunes, The young man began to weep bitterly. O, how inconstant is fortune! cried he: she takes pleasure to pull down those men she has raised up, Where are they who enjoy quietly the happiness which they hold of her, - and whose day is always clear and serene? At these words, lifting up his gown, he showed the sultan that he was a man only from the head to the girdle, and that the other half of his body was black marble. : The sultan was strangely surprised when he saw the deplorable condition of the young man, That which you show me, says he, as it fills me with horror, whets my curiosity so, that Iam impatient to hear your history, which, no-doubt, is very strange; and I am persuaded that the pond and the fishes make some part of it; therefore I conjure you to tellitme. I - will not refuse you this satisfaction, replies the young man; though I can- not do it without renewing my grief. j . THE HISTORY OF THE YOUNG KING OF THE BLACK ISLES. ~ You-must know, my lord, continued he, that my father, who was called vs — Mahmoud, was king of this country. This is the kingdom of the Black Isles, which takes its name from the four little neighbouring mountains; for those mountains were formerly isles: the capital, where the. king, my - father, had his residence, was where that pond you now see is. The sequel of my history will inform you of all those changes. Se _- The king, my father, died when he was seventy years of age. I had no sooner succeéded him, but I married, and the lady I chose to share the ~~ royal dignity with me was my cousin. We lived happily for five years, at the end of which time, I perceived the queen, my cousin, had no more de- is a ' - light in me. * “One day, while she was at the bath, I found myself sleepy after dinner, ~ and laid down upon a sofa: two of the ladies came and sat down by me, _ They thought I was fast asleep, and spoke very low; but I only shut my eyes, and heard every word they said. ~~ One of them says to the other, Is not the queen much in the wrong, not _ - to love snch an amiable prince as this? Ay, certainly, replies the other; for: | my part, I do not understand it, and I know not why she goes out every night, and leaves him alone. _ Is it possible that he does not perceive it? - Alas! says the first, how would you have him to perceive it? She mixes every evening in his drink the juice of a certain herb, which makes him ‘sleep so sound all night, that. she has time to go where she pleases; and a3 .— day begins to appear, she comes and lies down by him again, and awakes him by the smell of something she puts under his nose. _ You may guess, my lord, how much I was surprised at this discourse, Ba thy hat SR SPT Fn Ola, Cras ow rT Fh, Se rR Ban elk! A Oa a Th b 7 Pe ¥ . ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. oh) pay ve __~ yet whatever emotions it made, I had command enough overmyselftodis- es semble, and feigned myself to awake without having heard one word of it. __ The queen returned from the bath: we supped together; and, before we —~ _. went to bed, she presented me with a cupful of such water as I wasaccus- — - tomed to drink; but, instead of putting it to my mouth, I went to a win- _ dow that stood open, and threw out the water so privately, that she didnot - perceive it; and I put the cup into her hands, to persuade her that [had ~~ drunk it. We went to bed together; and, soon after, thinking that I was asleep, she got up with so little precaution, that she said, soloud that couldhear, _ it distinctly, Sleep, and may you never wake again! She dressed herself speedily, and went out of the chamber. As soon as she was gone out, [I _ got up, dressed me in haste, took my scimitar, and followed her so quiek, + that-I soon heard the sound of her feet before me. She passed through __ several gates, which opened on her pronouncing some magical words; and — _the last she opened was that of agarden, which she entered. I stopped at that gate, that she might not perceive me, She entered a little wood, whose walks were guarded by thick palisadoes. I went thither by another way; ___ and, slipping behind the palisadoes, I saw her walking there with aman, I heard her say thus to her gallant:—I do not deserve to be upbraided by _ you for want of diligence; you know very well what hinders me: but ifall — ~~ the marks of love that I have already given you benot enough,lamready = to give you greater marks of it: you need not but command me. Iwill, if you desire it, before sun-rising, change this great city, and this fine palace, into frightful ruins, which shall be inhabited by nothing but wolves, | _ owls, and ravens. : ee As the queen had finished these words, her gallant and she came to the » end of the walk, turned toenter another, and passed before me. I had al- ready drawn my scimitar; and her gallant being next me, I struck himin — the neck, and made him fall to the ground: Ithought Thad killed him, _ and therefore retired speedily, without making myself known to thequeen, The blow I had given her gallant would have been mortal, but she pre- served his life by enchantment; yet in such a manner that he couldnotbe said to be either dead or alive. As Icrossed the garden Iheard thequeen ery out lamentably. I returned to her apartment, and went to bed; and being satisfied with having punished the villain that did me the injury, _ I went to sleep; and when I awakened next morning, found the queen lying by me. Seca I cannot tell whether she slept or not; but Igot up without making any noise, and went to my closet, and dressed myself. I afterwards went and = held my council; and at my return, the queen was clad in mourning, _ She presented herself before me, and said, Sir, I come to beg your majesty ~~ not to be surprised to see me in this condition: three afilicting pieces of news, I have just now received all at once, are the causes of my excessive 3 grief, of which the tokens you see are very faint resemblances, Alast what is that news, madam? said I. The death of the queen, my dear mother, answers she; that of the king, my father, and that of oneofmy — brothers. . oI I was not ill pleased that she made use of this pretext to hide the true _eause of her grief. Madam, says I, I am so far from blaming your grief, that I assure you I am willing to bear what share of it is proper forme. =~ ~ §he spent a whole year in mourning, and afilicting herself, At theend = < > > 2 ys? , y Siosipne, © coe teat ha st a, es, Aig Kee we Rie 98 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, of that time, she begged me to build a burying-place for herself within the bounds of the palace, where she would continue, she told me, to the end of her days. I agreed to it, and she built a stately palace, with a cupola, and called it the Palace of Tears. When it was finished, she caused her gallant to be brought thither, from the place where she had caused him to -_ be carried the same night that I wounded him. Yet, with all her enchantments, she could not cure the wretch; he was not only unable to walk, and to help himself, but had also lost the use of his speech; and gave no sign of life only by his looks, Every day the queen made him two long visits: I was very well informed of this, but pretended to know nothing of it. One day I went out of curiosity to the Palace of Tears, to see how the queen employed herself; and going to a place where she could not see me, I heard her speak thus to her gallant:— I am afflicted to the highest degree to see you in this condition: I am as sensible as yourself, of the tormenting grief you endure; but, dear soul, I ‘always speak to you, and you do not answer me. How long will you be silent? speak only one word. - I must confess, my lord, I was enraged at these and many other en- dearing words; for, in short, this gallant, so much doated upon, was not ~ such a one as you would imagine him to have been; he wasa black Indian, ~ a native of that country. I say, I was so enraged at that discourse, that I discovered myself all of a sudden, and addressing the tomb in my turn, O tomb! cried I, why do you not swallow up that monster in nature, or, rather, why do you not swallow up the gallant and his mistress? I had scarcely finished these words, when the queen, who sat by the black, rose up like a fury. Ah, cruel man! says she, thou art the cause of my grief: do not think but I know it. I have dissembled it but too long; it is thy barbarous hand which has brought the object of my love to this lamentable condition; and thou art so hard-hearted as to come and insult a despairing lover. Yes, said I, in a rage, it is I who chastised that monster, according to his desert; and I ought to have treated thee in the same manner. As I spoke these words, I drew out my scimitar, and lifted up my hand to - punish her; but she, steadfastly beholding me, said, with a jeering smile, ‘Moderate thy anger. At the same time, she pronounced words I did not understand; and afterwards added, By virtue of my enchantments I command thee immediately to become half marble and half man. In- stantly, my lord, I became what you see me, already a dead man among the living, and a living man among the dead. After this cruel magician, unworthy of the name of a queen, had meta- morphosed me thus, and brought me into this hall; by another enchant- ment she destroyed my capital, which was very flourishing, and made a pond and desert field of it, which you may have seen; the fishes of four co- lours in the pond, are the four sorts of people that inhabited the place: the white are the Musselmen; the red the Persians; the blue the Chris- tians; and the yellow the Jews, ‘The four little hills were the four islands - that gave name to this kingdom. The magician, to add to my affliction, _ told me, with her own mouth, those effects of her rage. Her revenge is not satisfied with the destruction of my dominions and the metamorphosis of my person; she comes every day, and gives me over my naked shoul- ders a hundred blows, which makes me all over blood; and when she has done so, covers me with a coarse stuff of goat’s hair, and throws over it _ this robe of brocade that you see, not to do me honour, but to mock me, _ ae > — re. - > ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. i os}: sae _ At this part of the discourse, the young king could not withhold his _ tears; and the sultan’s heart was so pierced with the relation, that he could — not speak one word to comfort him, At length he says to him, Tell me whither this perfidious magician retires, and where her unworthy gallant may be. My lord, replies the prince, her gallant, as I have already told — you, is in the Palace of Tears, in a tomb in form of a dome, and that pa- lace joins to this. I cannot precisely tell whither she retires; but every day, at sun-rising, she goes to see her gallant, after having executed her bloody vengeance upon me. She carries him the drink with which she has hitherto prevented his dying, and always complains of his never speak- ing to her. O unfortunate prince! says the sultan, you can never enough be be- wailed. Nobody can be more sensibly touched with your condition than Tam. There is nothing wanting but one thing, that revenge which is due tc you: andI will omit nothing that can be done to procure it. While the sultan discoursed upon this subject with the young prince, he told him who he was, and for what end he entered the castle; and thought on a way to revenge him. They agreed upon the measures they were to take for effecting their design, but deferred their execution till the next day. _ In the mean time, the sultan took some rest; but the poor young prince passed the night without sleep, as usual, having never slept since he was . enchanted. Next morning, the sultan got up before day; and, in order to execute his design, went to the Palace of Tears. He found it enlightened with an infinite number of flambeaux, and a delicious scent issued from several boxes of fine gold of admirable workmanship. As soonas he saw the bed — sie where the black lay, he killed the wretch without resistance, dragged his - corpse into the court, and threw it into a well. After this, he went and lay down in the black’s bed, and took his scimitar with him under the _ counterpane, ; The magician arrived in a little time: she first went into the chamber, where her husband was, stripped him, and beat him in a most barbarous manner. The poor prince filled the palace with his lamentations, but the © cruel woman would not give over till she had given him a hundred blows. After the enchantress had given the king, her husband, a hundred blows, she put on again his covering of goat’s hair, and his brocade gown over “all: she went afterwards to the Palace of Tears; and as she entered the | same, she renewed her tears and lamentations; then approaching the bed, where she thought her gallant was, Alas! says she, My soul, my life, will © you always be silent? My soul! speak one word to me at least, I conjure you. The sultan, counterfeiting the language of the blacks, answered the queen, There is no force or power but in God alone, who is almighty. At these words the enchantress gave a great shout, to signify her excessive — joy. My dear lord, cries she, is it certain that I hear you, and that you speak to me? Unhappy wretch, said the sultan, art thou worthy that I should answer thy discourse? Alas! replies the queen, why do you re- proach me thus? The cries, replied he, the groans and tears of thy hus- band, whom thou treatest every day with so much indignity and barbarity, hinder me from sleep night and day. I should have been cured long ago, and have recovered the use of my speech, hadst thou disenchanted him. This is the cause of my silence, of which you complain, Very well, says the enchantress; to pacify you, I am ready to do what you command me: i ‘$0 A RABTAN rats? = 4 eet eat : Ena ghia = Sek ae Pie, By ‘ 23H fa ENTERTAINMENTS, and would you that I restore him ashe was? Yes, replies the sultan; make haste, that I be no more disturbed with his cries. _ The enchantress immediately took a cup of water and pronounced words over it, which caused it to boil. She went afterwards to the hall to her husband, and threw the water upon him saying, If the Creator of all thinss . did form thee as at present, do not change; but if thou art in that condi-- tion by virtue of my enchantment, resume thy natural shape. She had - scarcely spoken these words, when the prince, restored to his former con- dition, rose up with all imaginable joy, and returned thanks to God. The - enchantress then said to him, Get thee gone from this castle, and never return here on pain of death. The young king, without replying a word, retired to a remote place, where he immediately expected the success of the design which the sultan had begun so happily. Meanwhile the en- chantress returned to the Palace of Tears; and supposing that she still - spoke to the black, says, Dear lover, I have done what you ordered. The sultan continued to counterfeit the language of the blacks. That which you have just now done, said he, signifies nothing to my cure; you have only eased me of part of my disease; you must cut it up by the roots. My lovely black, replies she, what do you mean by theroots? Unfortunate ~ woman, replies the sultan, do not you understand that I mean the town and 4 its inhabitants, which thou hast destroyed? The fishes every night at mid-_ ~_- night raise their heads out of the pond, and cry for vengeance against thee -andme. Go speedily, restore things as they were, and atthy return] will . give thee my hand, and thou shalt help me to rise. - The enchantress, filled with hopes, cried ont in a transport of joy, My heart, my soul, you shall soon be restored to yourhealth. Accordingly she went that moment; and when she came tothe pond, she took a little water in her hand, and sprinkling it, pronounced some words over the fishes and the pond, and the city was restored that very minute. The houses and ~ shops were immediately filled with their inhabitants, who found all things as they were before the enchantment. As soon as she had made this wonderful change, she returned with all diligence to the Palace of Tears, that she might reap the fruits of it. My dear lord, cries she, as she entered, I come to rejoice with you for the re- turn of your health; Ihave done all that you required me; then, pray, rise, ‘and give me yourhand. Come near, says the sultan, still counterfeiting the ~ language ofthe blacks. Shedid so. You are not near enough, replies he: come nearer, She obeyed. Then he rose up, and seized her by the arm so suddenly, that she had not time to know whoit was, and witha blow of his scimitar he cut her in two, This being done, he left the carcass upon the place; and went to seek the young king of the Black Isles, and when he found him, Prince, says he, embracing him, rejoice; you have nothing to fear now; your cruel enemy is dead. _ The young prince returned thanks to the sultan, in such a manner as | ‘showed that he was thoroughly sensible of the kindness that he had done him, and, in acknowledgment, wished him a long life and all happiness. You may henceforth, says the sultan, dwell peaceably in your capital, ex- cept you will go to mine, which is so near, where you shall be very wel- come. Potent monarch, to whom I am so much indebted, replies the king, _you think, then, that you are very near your capital? Yes, says the sul- tan, I know it is not above four or five hours’ journey. It willtake youa whole year’s journey, says the prince: I do believe, indeed, that youcame _ - a ahs ars “aes coe a “hithes Ronn your ¥ capital in the time you spoke of, because mine was en- chanted; but since the enchantment is taken off, things are changed: how= : ever, this shall not- hinder me from following you, were it to the utmost corners of the earth, of wit and good-humour. One morning, as he was at the place where he _ usually plied, with a great basket, waiting for employment, a handsome young lady, covered with a great muslin veil, came to him, and said, with ~ v - being done, she commanded him to follow her; and as she went on, the — The young prince was wholly taken up in making preparations for his _ journey, which were finished in.three weeks’ time, to the regret of his ARABIAN NIGHTS? ‘ENTERTAINMENTS. ¥ oe 4 ee court and subjects, who agreed to receive at his hands one of his nearest kindred for a king. At last the sultan and young prince began their journey, with a hun- dred camels laden with inestimable riches from the treasury of the young king, followed by fifty handsome gentlemen on horseback. Tifey had a very happy journey; and when the sultan, who had sent couriers to give — - advice of his delay, came near his capital, the principal officers he left — _ there came to receive him. The inhabitants came out also in great crowds, — receiving him with mighty acclamations, Next day after his arrival, the sultan gave all his conrtiers a very ample ; - account of all things, which had detained him so long. He acquainted is _ them with having adopted the king of the four Black Islands; and, as an acknowledgment | of their loyalty, he rewarded each of them according to their rank, And for the fisherman, as he was the first cause of the delves of the.young prince, the sultan gave him a plentiful estate, which made him and his family happy the rest of his days, THE STORY OF THE THREE CALENDERS, SONS OF KINGS; AND OF THE FIVE LADIES OF BAGDAD. In the reign of Caliph Haroun Alraschid, there was at Bagdad, a porter, who, notwithstanding his mean and laborious business, was a fellow a pleasant air, Hark ye, porter, take your basket, and follow me. The porter, charmed with those few words, pronounced i in soagreeable a man- ner, took his basket immediately, and followed the lady, saying, O happy day? a day of good luck! ra The lady stopped presently before a gate, and knocked: a Christian, with a venerable long white beard, opened the gate, and she put money into his hand, without speaking one word; but the Christian, who knew what she wanted, went in, and brought a large jug of excellent wine. Take this jug, says the lady to the porter, and put itin your basket. This porter said still, O happy day! this is a day of ‘agreeable surprise and joy. After buying fruit, spices, and confectionaries, which quite filled the _ porter’s basket, they walked till they came to a magnificent house, whose | & 3 front was adorned with fine columns, and which had a gate of ivory: there they stopped, and the lady knocked softly. A lady came to open the gate, and appeared so beautiful to him, that i moe -he was perfectly surprised, or rather so much struck with her charms, _ that he was like. to have let his basket fall; for he had never seen any beauty that came near her, 3 3 Sat Sree ' \ - = %. “cA 2p ee ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. The lady, who brought the porter with her, perceiving his disorder, and the occasion of it, diverted herself with it; and took so much pleasure to examine his looks, that she forgot the gate was opened. Upon this, the beautiful lady says to her, Pray, sister, come in: what do you stay for? do - not you see this poor man so heavy loaded, that he is scarce able to stand under it? When she entered with the porter, the lady who opened the gate shutit; — and all three, after having gone through a very fine porch, came into a spa- cious court encompassed with an open gallery, which had a communica- -tion with several apartments on a floor, and extraordinarily magnificent. There was at the farther end of the court a sofa, richly adorned, with a throne of amber in the middle of it, supported by four columns of ebony, enriched with diamonds and pearls of an extraordinary size, and covered with red satin, embroidered with Indian gold, of admirable workmanship. ‘The porter, though very heavy laden, could not but admire the magnificence of this house, and the excellent order that every thing was placed in; but that which particularly captivated his attention, was a third lady, who seemed to be a greater beauty than the second, and was sat upon the throne just now mentioned: she came down from it as soon as she saw the two former ladies, and advanced towards them. This lady was called Zobeide, and was the chief; she who opened the gate was called Safie, and Amine was the name of her who went to buy the provisions. ‘Zobeide said to the two ladies, when she came to them, Sisters, do not you see that this honest man is like to sink under his burden? why do not youn ease him of it? Then Amine and Safie took the basket, the one before © and the other behind, and Zobeide also lent her hand, and all three set it on the ground; then emptied it: and when they had done, the beautiful Amine took out money, and paid the porter. The porter, very well satisfied with the money he had received, was to have taken up his basket, and be gone; buthe could not tell how to think on it; do what he could, he found himself stopped by the pleasure of see- ing three such beauties, who appeared to him equally charming; for Amine, having now laid aside her veil, was as handsome as either of them. Zobeide thought at first that the porter stayed only to take his breath; but, perceiving that he remained too long, What do you wait for? says she; are you not well enough paid? and, turning to Amine, says, Sister, give him something more, that he may depart satisfied. Madam, replies the porter, it is not that which stays me; Iam over and above paid. Iam sensible that I am unmannerly to stay longer than I ought; but I hope you ~ will be so good as to pardon me, if I tell you, that I am astonished to see that there is no man with three ladies of such extraordinary beauty; and you know that a company of women without men is as melancholy a thing as company of men without women. The ladies fell a-laughing at the porter’s discourse ; after which, Zobeide says to him very gravely, Friend, you are alittle too bold; and though you do not deserve that I should enter into particulars with you, yet lam willing to tell you, that we are three sisters, who do our business so secretly, that no- body knows any thing of it. We have, too, great reasons to be cautious of - acquainting indiscreet persons with it. My ladies, replies the porter, by your very air, I judged at first that you were persons of extraordinary merit, ‘ ‘and I conceive that I am not mistaken: though fortune has not given me wealth enough to raise me above my mean profession, yet I have not failed — - ~ = Seen RS IE os, ees eR 5 = ia e Wt . ‘ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. | to cultivate my mind as much as I could, by reading books of science and history. A secret with me is as sure as if it were in a closet, whose key was lost, and the door sealed up. The porter, notwithstanding his rhetoric, must, in all probability, have retired in confusion, if Amine had not taken his part, and said to Zobeide and Safie, My dear sisters, I conjure you to let him stay with us: I need not tell you that he will divert us; you see well enough that he is capable of that. I must needs tell you, that without he had been very willing as well as nimble, and hardy enough to follow me, I could not have done so much business in so little a time. At these words of Amine, the porter - Was so much transported with joy, that he fell on his knees, kissed the ground at the feet of that charming person, and, raising himself up, says, Most beautiful lady, you began my good fortune to-day, and now you complete it by this generous action: I cannot enough testify my acknow- ledgment of it. _ obeide then said, My friend, in consenting that you stay with us, I Mnust forewarn you, that it is not only on condition that you keep secret what we have required you, but also that you observe exactly the rules of good manners and civility. In the mean time, the charming Amine put ~ _ off the apparel she went abroad with, put on her night-gown that she might be more at ease, and covered the table, which she furnished with several sorts of meat, and upon a sideboard she set bottles of wine and cups of gold: soon.after, the ladies took their places, and made the porter sit down by them, who was overjoyed to see himself at table with three — such admirable beauties. After they had eat a little, Amine, who sat next _ the sideboard, took up a bottle and cup, filled out wine, and drank. first __ herself, according to the custom of the Arabians; then she filled the cup to her sisters, who drank in course as they sat; and at last she filled it the fourth time to the porter, who, as he received it, kissed Amine’s hand, and, ~ before he drank, sung a song. In short, they were extraordinary merry all the time of dinner, ‘The day being almost spent, Safie spoke in the name of the three ladies; and said to the porter, Arise, and be gone; it is time for you to depart: but the porter, not willing to leave such good company, cried, Alas! ladies, whither do you command me to go in the condition Iam in? I am quite beside myself, by what I have seen since J came hither; and, having also drunk above my ordinary, I shall never find the way home, Allow me this night to recover myself, in any place where you please, for no less time is necessary for me to come to myself; but, go - when I wiil, I shall leave the best part of myself behind me. ‘ Amine pleaded a second time for the porter, saying, Sisters, let us keep him, to pass away the remaining part of the night. Zobeide answered, ’ We can refuse you nothing, sister; then turning to the porter, said, We are willing once more to grant your request; but upon this new condition, that, whatever we do in your presence, relating to ourselves, or any thing - else, take heed you do not once open your mouth to ask the reason of it; for if you ask questions about that which does not belong to you, you may come to know that which will be no way pleasing to you: beware there- _ fore, and do not be too curious to dive into the motives of our actions. _ Madam, replied the porter, I promise to observe this condition with such _ exactness, that you shall have no cause to reproach me with the breaking - it, and far less to punish my indiscretion, To show you, says Zobeide, _ with a serious countenance, that what we demand of you is not a new — ¢> tas ~ * ji Sey 8, = SS eke ’ ‘+ ~~) > eas << > eax rs vow yoga ‘ — Ns She ott Poe ie we “d rs ~ A] + Sa . ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. aes - thing among us, rise up, and read what is over our gate in the inside. ‘The porter went thither and read these words, written in large characters of gold:—He, who speaks of things that do not concern him, shall hear of — ae things that will not please him. Returning again to the three sisters, La- _ dies, says he, I give you my oath, that you shall never hear me speak any thing which does not concern me, or wherein you may have any concern. This agreement being made, Amine brought in supper, and sat down with her sisters and the porter. ‘They began to eat and drink, sing and repeat verses. The ladies took pleasure to fuddle the porter, under pre- text of causing him to drink their healths; and abundance of witty sen- tences passed on both sides. In short, as they were all in the best hu- mour in the world, they heard a knocking at the gate. When the ladies - heard the knocking, they all three got up to open the gate; but Satie, to whom this office did particularly belong, was the nimblest; which her other two sisters perceiving, sat down, till she came back to acquaint them who it could be that had any business with them so late. Safie returning, said, Sisters, we have here a fine opportunity to pass a good part of the night with much satisfaction; and if you be of the same mind with me, we shall not let it slip. There are’three calenders at our gate, at least they appear to be such by their habit: but that which you will most admire is, they are, all blind of the right eye, and have their heads, beards, and eye-brows shaved;*and, as they say, are but just come to Bagdad, where they never were before; and it being night, and not knowing where to find any lodg- - ing, they happened by chance to knock at this gate, and pray us, for the love of Heaven, to have compassion on them, and receive them into the house. My dear sisters, are you content that they come in? Zobeide and Amine made some difficulty to grant Safie’s request, for reasons they knew well enough: but she having so great a desire to obtain this favour, they could not refuse her. Go then, says Zobeide, and bring them in; but do not forget to acquaint them that they must not speak of | any thing which does not concern them, and cause them to read what is written over the gate. Safie ran out with a great deal of joy, andina little while after returned with the three calenders in her company. At their entrance they made a profound bow to the ladies, who rose up to receive them; and told them most obligingly that they were very welcome. After the calenders had eat and drunk liberally, they signified to the ladies that they had a great desire to entertain them with a concert of music, if they had any instruments in the house, and would cause them to be brought them. They willingly accepted the proffer; and fair Safie, — going to fetch them, returned again in a moment, and presented them , with a flute of her own country’s fashion, another of the Persian sort, and atabor. Each man took the instrument he liked, and all three began to play a tune. The ladies, who knew the words of a merry song that suited the air, joined the concert with their voices. At the height of this diversion, and when the company was in the midst of their jollity, somebody knocks at the gate: Safie left off singing, and went to see who it was. But, sir, says Scheherazade to the sultan, it is fit your majesty should know why this knocking happened so late at the _ jadies’ house, and the reason was this: the Caliph Haroun Alraschid was accustomed to walk abroad in disguise very often by night, that he might see with his own eyes every thing was quiet’ in the city, and that no dis- orders were committed in it, : eS ee ts ARATIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, _ 35 + palace, all disguised in merchants’ habits; and passing through the street where the ladies dwelt, he heard the sound of music, and great fits of laughter; upon which he commanded the vizier to knock, because he would go in to know the reason of that jollity. The vizier told him, in vain, that it was some women a merry-making; that without question their heads were warm with wine, and that it would not be proper he ~ should expose himself to be affronted by them; besides, it was not yet an unlawful hour, and therefore he ought not to disturb them in their mirth, No matter, said the caliph: I command youto knock. So it was that the grand vizier Giafar knocked at the ladies’ gate by the caliph’s order, Safie opened the gate; and the vizier said, Madam, we are three merchants > This night the caliph went out pretty early on his rambles, accompanied — with Giafar his grand vizier, and Mesrour the chief of the ecunuchs of his - of Mossoul, that arrived about ten days ago with rich merchandise, which ~__ we have in a warehouse at a khan, or inn, where we have also our lodging. We happened this day to be with a merchant of this city, who invited us — to a treat at his house, where we had a splendid entertainment; and the wine having put us in humour, he sent for a company of dancers: night being come on, and the music and dancers making a great noise, the watch came by in the mean time, caused the gate to be opened, and some of the company to be taken up; but we had the good fortune to escape, by getting over a wall. Now, saith the vizier, being strangers, and some- What overcome with wine, we are afraid of meeting another, or perhaps the same watch, before we get home to our khan, which lies a good way from hence; besides, when we come there, the gates will be shut, and not opened until morning. Wherefore, madam, hearing, as we passed this way, the sound of music, we supposed you were not yet going to rest, and made bold to knock at your gate, to beg the favour of lodging ourselves in the house till morning. Safie told them that she was not mistress of _ the house; but if they would have a minute’s patience, she would return with an answer. _ Safie acquainted her sisters with the matter, who considered for some time what to conclude upon; but being naturally of a good disposition, and having granted the same favour to the three calenders, they at last con- sented to let them in. _ The caliph, his grand vizier, and the chief of the eunuchs, being intro- duced by the fair Safie, very courteously saluted the ladies and the calenders: the ladies returned them the like civilities, supposing them to be merchants, Zobeide, as the chief, says to them with a grave and serious countenance, which was natural to her, You are welcome: but before I proceed farther, I hope you will not take it ill if we desire one favour of you, Alas! said the vizier, what favour? We can refuse nothing to such fair ladies, Zo- beide replied, It is, that you would only have eyes but no tongues; that you put no questions tous about the reason of any thing that does not con- cern you, lest you come to hear of things that will not please you. Madam, replied the vizier, you shall be obeyed. Upon this, they allsat down; and the company being united, they drank to the health of the new comers, While Giafar entertained the ladies in discourse, the caliph could not for- 3 _ bear to admire their extraordinary beauty, graceful behaviour, pleasant hu- mour and ready wit; on the other hand, nothing was more surprising to him than the calenders being all three blind of the right eye. He would gladly have been informed of this singularity; but the conditions so lately A = ; bm eg is I OR wT he ee Ae See eee ee He on Re aT 4 4 nas mi ha et a, aay A » “ ad ’ wie Fas . et Sa : et Badge . is a et) ; i 36 = ARABIAN NICHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, imposed upon himself and his companions would not allow him to speak. This, with the richness of the furniture, the exact order of every thing, and neatness of the place, made him to think it was some enchanted ground. Zobeide now arose, and, taking Amine by the hand, said, Pray, sister, _ rise up, for the company will not take it illif we use our freedom; and their presence need not to hinder our performance of what we are wont to do. Amine, understanding her sister’s meaning, rose up from her seat, ~ carried away the dishes, the tables, the flasks, and cups. Safie was not idle, but swept the room, put every thing again in its place, snuffed the can~ "dies, and put fresh aloes and ambergris to them, and then prayed the calen- ders to sit down upon the sofa on one side, and the caliph with his two com- -panions on the other. As to the porter, she says to him, Get up, and pre- . pare yourself to serve in what we are going about: a man like you, thas - ‘is one of the family, ought not to be idle. The porter, being somewhat re- covered from his wine, gat up immediately; and, having tied the sleeve of — his gown to his belt, answered, Here am I, ready to obey your commands in any thing. That is very well, replied Safie: stay till you are spoken to; you shall not be idle very long. A little time after, Amine came in with a chair, which she placed in the middle of the room, and so went to — _ a closet, which, haying opened, she beckoned to the porter, and says to | him, Come hither, and help me; which he obeying, entered the closet, and returned immediately, leading two black bitches, with each of them acol- lar and chain; they looked as if they had been severely whipped with - rods, and he brought them into the middle of the room. Then Zobeide, rising from her seat, between the calenders and the ca-— liph, marched very gravely towards the porter: Come on, says she, witha great sigh: let us perform our duty. Then, tucking up her sleeves above her elbows, and receiving a rod from Safie, Porter, says she, deliver one of the bitches to my sister Amine, and come to me with the other. The porter did as he was commanded: the bitch that he held in his ~ hand, began to cry, and, turning towards Zobeide, held her head up in a— begging posture; but Zobeide, having no regard to the sad countenance of the bitch, which would have moved pity, nor her cries, that sounded through all the house, whipped her with a rod, till she was out of breath; and having spent her strength, that she could strike no more, she threw — - down the rod, and, taking the chain from the porter, lifted up the bitch by the paws, and looking upon her with a sad and pitiful countenance, they both wept: after which, Zobeide, with her_ handkerchief, wiped the tears - from the bitch’s eyes, kissed her, returned the chain to the porter, bade him carry her to the place whence he took her, and bring her the other. ‘The porter led back the whipped bitch to the closet; and receiving the other from Amine, presented her to Zobeide, who bade the porter hold her as he did the first, took up the rod, and treated her after the same manner: and when she had wept over her, dried her eyes, and kissed her, returned — her to the porter; but lovely Amine spared him the trouble of leading her back into the closet, and did it herself. The three calenders, and the ca- jiph with his companions, were extremely surprised at this execution, and could not comprehend why Zobeide, after having so furiously whipped _ those two bitches, that by the Mussalman religion are reckoned uncican ~ animals, should cry with them, wipe off their tears, and kiss them. After Zobeide sat down, the whole company was silent for a while: at. last, Safie, sitting on a chair in the middle of the room, spoke to her sis- _ that where the bitches were, and brought out a case covered with yellow satin, richly embroidered with gold and green silk: she came near Safie, te ter Amine, Dear Sister, I conjure you to rise up: you know well enough what I would say. Amine arose, and went into another closet, near to and opened the case, from whence she took out a lute, and presented it to _ her; and after some time spent in tuning it, Safie began to play, and, ac- ~ companying it with her voice, she sang a song about the torments that ab- sence creates to lovers, with so much sweetness, that it charmed the caliph and allthe company. Having sung with a great deal of passion and ac- tion, she said to lovely Amine, Pray take it, sister, for I can do no more; my voice fails me; oblige the company with a tuneand a song inmy room. Very willingly, replied Amine, who taking the lute from her sister Safie, - Sat down in her place. Amine, after a small trial, to see whether the instrument was in tune, _-played and sung almost as long upon the same sabject, but with so much oblige them to satisfy us; and if they refuse it by fair means, we are in a - vehemency, and was so much affected, or rather transported with the — words of the song, that her strength failed her, Zobeide, willing to testify her satisfaction, said, Sister, you have done wonders; and we may easily see that yon have a feeling of the grief that you have expressed so much tothe life. Amine was prevented from answer- ing this civility; her heart being so sensibly touched at the same moment, that she was obliged, for air, to uncover her neck and breast, which did not appear so fair as might have been expected from such a lady as she; but on the contrary, black and full of scars, which frighted all the spec-_ tators. However, this gave her no ease, but she fell into a fit. “When Zobeide and Satie ran to help their sister, one of the calenders could not forbear to say, We had better have slept in the streets than have — come hither, had we thought to have seen snch spectacles. The caliph, who heard this, came up to him and the other calenders, and asked them what might be the meaning of all this. They answered, Sir, we know no more than you do, ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, __ Bay ui This increased the caliph’s astonishment. It may be, says he, this other i man that is with you may know something of it. One of the calenders made a sign for the porter to come near; and asked him, whether he knew why those two black bitches had been whipped, and why Amine’s bosom was so scarred, Sir, said the porter, I can swear by heaven, that if yoa - know nothing of all this, I know as little as you do. The caliph and his company, as well as the calenders, supposed the porter - had been one of the family, and hoped he could inform them of what they. desired to know; but finding he could not, and resolving te satisfy-his curiosity, cost what it would, he says to the rest, Look ye, we are here ~ seven men, and have but three women to deal with: let us try if we can condition to force them to it. The grand vizier Giafar was against this method, and showed the caliph what might be the consequence of it; but without discovering the prince to the calenders, addressed him as if he had been a merchant, thus:—Sir, consider, I pray you, that our reputation lies at stake: you know very well upon what conditions these ladies were ready to receive us, and we also agreed to them, What will they say of us if we break them? We shail — be still more to blame if any mischief befal us; for it is not likely that they would demand such a promise of us, if they did not know themselves in a condition to make us repent the breaking of it, , : e ra ¥:, O ba iad "ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. Here the vizier took the caliph aside, and whispered to him thus:—Sir, the night will soon be at an end; and if your majesty will only be pleased to have so much patience, I will take those ladies to-morrow morning, and - bring them before your throne, where you may be informed of all you desire to know. Though this advice was very judicious, the caliph re- jected it, bad the vizier hold his tongue, and said he would not stay till then, but would have satisfaction in the matter presently. The next business was to know who should carry the message. The caliph endeavoured to prevail with the calenders to speak first, but they excused themselves; and at last they agreed that the porter should be the man: and as they were consulting how to word this fatal question, Zobeide returned from her sister Amine, who was recovered of her fit, drew near them, and having overheard them speaking pretty loud, and with some passion, said, Gentlemen, what is the subject of your discourse? what are you disputing about? : The porter answered immediately, Madam, these gentlemen pray you to let them understand wherefore you wept over your two bitches after you whipped them so severely? and how that lady’s bosom, who lately fainted away, came to be so full of scars? This is what I am ordered to ask in their name. At these words, Zobeide looked with a stern countenance; and, turning towards the caliph and the rest of the company, Is this true, gentlemen, “says she, that you have given him orders to ask me this question? All of them, except Giafar, who spoke not a word, answered Yes. On which she told them, in a tone that sufficiently expressed her resentment, Before we granted you the favour of being received into our house, and to prevent all occasion of trouble from you, because we are alone, we did it upon con~ dition that you should not speak ofany thing that did not concern you, lest you might come to hear that which would not please you; and yet, after having received and entertained you as well as possibly we could, you make no scruple to break your promise. It is true that our easy temper has oce casioned this; but that shall not excuse you; for your proceedings are very unhandsome. As she spoke these words, she gave three hard knocks with her foot; and, clapping her hands as often together, cried, Come quick. ~ Upon this, a door flew open, and seven strong, sturdy black slaves, with _scimitars in their hands, rushed in. Every one seized a man, threw him on the ground, and dragged him into the middle of the room, in order to cub — off his head. » . We may easily conceive what a fright the caliph was in: he then repent- ed, but too late, that he had not taken his vizier’s advice. In the mean time ‘this unhappy prince, Giafar, Mesrour, the porter, and the ealenders, were ‘upon the point of losing their lives by their indiscreet curiosity: but before they would strike the fatal blow, one of the slaves says to Zobeide and her sisters, High, mighty, and adorable mistresses, do you command us to cut their throats? Stay, says Zobeide, I must examine them first. The fright- ened porter interrupted her thus: In the name of heaven, do not make me die for another man’s crime. I am innocent; they are to blame. Zobeide, notwithstanding her anger, could not but laugh within herself at the porter’s lamentation; but, without answering him, she spoke a se- ~~ cond time to the rest:—Answer me, says she, and tell me who you are, - otherwise you shall not live one moment longer. I cannot believe you to be honest men, nor persons of authority or distinction in your own coun- a pe eas pn *- 5 ~ SNES Pte WS ‘Hur We GN seh tees Nia ds ean x ee Sigh pte <= _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 89 tee tries; for if you were, you would have been more modest and more re- spectful to us. / * Then, turning to the calenders, and seeing them all three blind of one eye, she asked if they were brothers. One ofthem answered: No, madam, no otherwise than as we are calenders; that is to say, as we observe the same rules, Were you born blind of the right eye? asked she. No, ma- dam, answered he; I lost my eye in such a surprising adventure, that it would be instructive to every body, were it in writing. After this misfor- tune, I shaved my beard and eyebrows, and took the habit of a calender, - which I now wear. : _Zobeide asked the other two calenders the same question, and had the same answer; but he who spoke last, added, Madam, to show you that we are no common fellows, and that you may have some consideration for us, be pleased to know, that we are all three the sons of kings, and though we ~ © _ never met together till this evening, yet we have had time enough to make _ that known to one another; and I assure you, that the kings, from whom _ we derive our being, made some noise in the world. ‘ At this discourse, Zobeide assuaged her anger, and said to the slaves, . Give them their liberty awhile, butstay here. ‘Those who tell us their his- ‘ tory, and the occasion of their coming, do them no hurt; let them go where they please; but do not spare those who refuse to give us that satisfaction, The porter, understanding that he might rid himself of his danger by_ telling his history, spoke first, and said, Madam, you know my history already, and the occasion of my coming hither; so that what I have to say will be very short. My lady, your sister there, called me this morning, at the place where I plied as porter to see if any body would employ me, that I might get my bread: I followed her to a vintner’s, then to a herb- . woman’s, then to one that sold oranges, lemons, and citrons, then toa / grocer’s, next to a confectioner’s, and a druggist’s, with my basket upon ~ my head as full as I was able to carry it; then I came hither, where you had the goodness to let me continue till now; a favour that I shall never. _ forget. This, madam, is my history. After him, one of the three calenders, directing his speech to Zobeide, — as the principal of the three ladies, and the person that commanded hime; 8a to speak, began his story thus:— THE STORY OF THE FIRST CALENDER, A KING'S SON. Madam, in order to inform you how I lost my right eye, and why I was obliged to put myself into a calender’s habit, I must tell you, that I ama king’s son born: my father had a brother that reigned as he did, over a neighbouring kingdom; and the prince his son, and I, were almost of an age. & “ After Ihad learned my exercises, and the king my father granted me — such liberty as suited my dignity, 1 went usually every year to see my — uncle, at whose court I diverted myself during a month or two, and then — returned again to my father. These several journeys gave occasion of | contracting a very firm and particular friendship between the prince my cousin and myself. The last time I saw him, he received me with oreater’ demonstrations of tenderness than he had done at any time before; and re-. ‘solving one day to give me a treat, he made great preparations for that — it _ purpose, We continued a long time at table; and atter we had both Supe SPs v east. Sows MENG Mea ae LS Misrteatitie ¥ en RE Fea oy PII ON Lee wn ris ate tte eg Sr ea oe nL” Oia a eis eo cco Se cae er = ripe %, wie 7 eee eh ae Soma Soh wane ahaa po Ree ene noe De gee : < hot e 3 A x: are Mi oy OX rte. ¥ Ee = = = :: AOS eS ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, =~ ss ped very well, Cousin, says he, you will hardly be able to guess how ET have becn employed since your last departure from hence, now about @ - year past. I have had a great many men at work to perfect a design I have in my'mind: I have caused an edifice to be built, which is now x - ~ finished, so as one may dwell in it: you will not be displeased if I show it you; but, first, you are to promise me, upon oath, that you will keep my . secret, according to the confidence I repose in you. oP “I very readily took the oath required of me: upon which he says to me, Stay here till Ireturn; I will be with you ina moment: and accordingly ~ he came with a lady in his hand, of singular beauty, and magnificently ap- pareled: he did not discover who she was, neither did I think it was man- - ners in me to make inquiry. We sat down again with this lady at table, - where we continued some time; at last, the prince said, Cousin, we must lose no time; therefore pray oblige me by taking this lady along with you, and conduct her to such a place, where you will seea tomb newly built in form ofa dome: you will easily know it; the gate is open; go in there to- gether, and tarry till I come, which will be very speedily. ~~ Being true to my oath, I made no farther inquiry, but took the lady by the hand; and, by the directions which the prince my cousin had given me, I brought her to the place, by the light of the moon, without missing one step of the way. We were scarcely got thither, when we saw the prince following after, carrying a little pitcher with water, a hatchet, and a little bag with plaster. The hatchet served him to break down the empty sepulchre in the mid- dle of the tomb: he took away the stones one after another, and laid them ina corner. When all this was taken away, he digged up the ground, where I saw a trap-door under the sepulchre, which he lifted up, ‘and underneath perceived the head of a staircase leading into a vault. Then my cousin, speaking to the lady, said, Madam, it is by this way that _ we go to the place I told you of. Upon which the lady drew nigh, and - went down, and the prince began to follow after; but turning first to me, ; said, My dear cousin, I am infinitely obliged to you for the trouble you _~ have been at: I thank you; adieu. I cried, Dear cousin, what is the meaning of this?—Be content, replied he: you may return back the same way you came. es Madam, says the calender to Zobeide, I could get nothing farther from him, but was obliged to take leave of him.. Next morning when I awaked, I began to reflect upon what befell me the night before; and, after recol- -_ lecting all the circumstances of such a singular adventure, I fancied it was 3 nothing but a dream. Being full of these thoughts, I sent to see if the prince, my cousin, was ready to receive a visit from me; but when they brought me back word that he did not lie in his owp lodgings that night, they knew not what was become of him, and were in much tronble about it, [ conceived that the strange event of the tomb was but too true. You must know that all this while the king, my uncle, was absent, and had been a-hunting for several days: I grew weary of staying for him; and left his palace, and set out towards my father’s court, from which I had never been ~ _ so long absent before. I left the ministers of the king, my uncle, in great trouble to think what was become of the prince, my cousin; but, because of the oath I had made to keep his secret, I durst not tell any one of what -. Thad seen or knew. : _ Tarrived at my father’s capital, the usual place of his residence, where, _ Fort bes °F be ‘S as ae + al . Ph ~*~ = 7, \ tw eed a < o. a =a & eee US fae ” 5 ae” RN 5 LR pe Se tee Po eagles we 2 a eebae Nos re tS ak ste > ie nal = : Cris ae: cee a rage 2 St ho hee 1s Bee ‘ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS, | Oe ee - contrary to custom, I found a great guard at the gate of the palace, who— surrounded me as I entered. I asked the reason; and the commanding - officer replied, Prince, the army has proclaimed the grand vizier king in- stead of your father, who is dead; and I take you prisoner in the name of the new king. At these words the guards laid hold of me, and carried me before the tyrant. This rebel vizier had entertained a mortal hatred against me for a long time, upon this account: When I was a stripling, I loved to shoot with a_ eross-bow; and being one day upon the terrace of the palace with my bow, a bird happened to come by, I shot, but missed him; and the ball, by mis- fortune, hit the vizier, who was taking air upon the terrace of his own house, and put out one ofhis eyes. As soon as [understood it, Inotonly __ sent to make my excuse to him, but did itin person; yet he always resent- ed it, and, as opportunity offered, made me sensible of it. But now, ma- dam, that he had me in his power, he expressed his resentment in a very barbarous manner; for he came to me like a madman, as soon as ever he saw me, and, thrusting his finger into my right eye, pulled it out himself; _ and so, madam, I became blind of one eye. But the usurper’s cruelty did not stop here: he ordered me to be shut up in a box; and commanded the executioner to carry me into the coun- try, to cut off my head, and leave me to be devoured by the birds of prey. - The headsman and another carried me thus shut up, on horseback, into the country, in order to execute the usurper’s barbarous sentence; but, by my prayers and tears, I moved the executioner’s compassion. Go, says he to me, get you speedily out of the kingdom, and take heed of ever _ returning to it; otherwise you will certainly meet your own ruin, and be - the cause of mine. I thanked him for the favour he did me; and as soon as I was left alone, I comforted myself for the loss of my eye, by consider- ing that I had very narrowly escaped a much greater danger. : Being in such a condition, I could not travel far at atime. I retired to remote places while it was day, and travelled as far by night asmy strength would allow me. At last, I arrived in the dominion of the king, = my uncle, and came to his capital. es I gave him a long detail of the tragical cause of my return, and of the sad condition he saw mein. Alas! cried he, was it not enough forme — to have lost my son, but must I have also news of the death of a brother I loved so dearly, and see you also reduced to this deplorable condition? — At these words, the unfortunate father burst out into tears, and was so ni much afflicted, that, pitying his grief, it was impossible for meto keep the - secret any longer: so that, notwithstanding my oath to the prince my cousin, I told the king his father all that I knew. eye ~ His majesty listened to me with some sort of comfort; and when I had 5 done, Nephew, says he, what you tell me gives me some hope. I knew that my son ordered that tomb to be built, and I can guess pretty near to the place; and with the idea you still have of it, I fancy we shall find it: but since he ordered it to be built privately, and you took your oath to _ keep his secret, I am of opinion, that we ought to go in quest of it alone, = without saying any thing. We both of us disguised ourselves, and went out by a door of the gar- ‘den which opened into the field, and soon found what we sought for. We entered, and found the iron trap pulled down upon the entrance of the . Staircase; we had much ado to raise it, because the prince had fastened it r « ot | a - Dee aed oe 7 ” 7 + Res Ne gS anes ies eB PP Na 5 42, , ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. - on the inside with the water and mortar, formerly mentioned; but at last we did get it up. The king my uncle went down first; I followed, and we went down” about fifty steps. When we came to the foot of the stairs, we found a sort of antechamber, full of a thick smoke and ill scent, which obscured the lamp, that gave a very faint light. From this antechamber, we came into another, very large, supported by eas great columns, and lighted by several branched candlesticks; there wasa cistern in the middle, and provisions of several sorts standing on one side; but we were very much surprised to see nobody. Before us there ap- peared a high sofa, which we mounted by several steps; and over this, there appeared a very large bed, with the curtains drawn close. ‘The king went up, and, opening the curtains, perceived the prince his son, and the lady, in bed together; but burnt and changed to a coal, as if they had been — thrown into a great fire, and taken out again before they were consumed, _ But that which surprised me most of all was, that though this spectacle filled me with horror, the king my uncle, instead of testifying his sorrow to see the prince his son in such a frightful condition, spit on his face, and said to him with anger, This is the punishment of this world, but that of the other will last to eternity; and, not content with this, he pulled off — his sandal, and gave his son a great blow on the cheek with it, I cannot enough express how much I was astonished, when I saw the king my uncle abuse the prince his son thus, after he was dead. Sir, said I, whatever griefthis dismal sight is capable of impressing upon me, I am forced to suspend it, on purpose to ask your majesty what crime the prince my cousin may have committed, that his corpse should deserve this sort of treatment. Nephew, replied the king, I must tell you, that my son, ~ who is unworthy of that name, loved his sister from his infancy, and soshe. did him. I did not hinder their growing love, because I did not foresee _the pernicious consequences of it. This tenderness increased as they grew in years, and came to such a head, that I dreaded the end of it. At last, — I applied such remedies as were in my power: I not only gave my son a — severe reprimand in private, laying before him the foulness of the passion he was entertaining, and the eternal disgrace he would bring upon my fa- mily, if he persisted in such criminal courses; but I also represented the same thing to my daughter; and, besides, Ishut her up so close, that she could have no conversation with her brother. My son, being persuaded of his sister's constancy, on pretence of build- ing a tomb, caused this subterraneous habitation to be made, in hopes to find, one day or other, an opportunity to possess himself of that object which was the cause of his flame, and to bring her hither. He laid hold on the time of my absence, to enter by force into the place of his sister’s confinement; but that isa thing which my honour would not suffer me to make public: and after so damnable an action, he came and enclosed ‘himself and her in this place, which he has supplied, as you see, with all _ sorts of provisions, that he might enjoy his detestable pleasures for a long ‘time, which ought to be a subject of horror to all the world: but God, - that would not suffer such an abomination, has justly punished them both. At these words he melted into tears, and I joined mine with his, After a while, casting his eyes upon me, Dear nephew, cried he, em- bracing me, if I have lost that unworthy son, I shall happily find in you | what will better supply his place, ra aie ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 43.. We went up the same stairs again, and departed at last from that dis- Mal place. We let down again the trap-door, and covered it with earth, and such other materials as the tomb was built of, on purpose to hide, as - much as lay in our power, so terrible an effect of the wrath of God. We had not been very long got back to the palace, unperceived by any one, before we heard a confused noise of trumpets, drums, and other in- struments of war. Wesoon understood by the thick clouds of dust, which almost darkened the air, that it was the arrival of a formidable army; and it proved to be the same vizier that had dethroned my father, and usurped his throne, who, with a vast number of troops, was also come to possess himself of that of the king, my uncle. That prince, who then had only his usual guards about him, could not _ Yesist so many enemies: they invested the city; and the gates being opened to them without any resistance, they very soon became masters of the city; and broke into the palace where the king my uncle was, who defended | himself till he was killed, and sold his life at a dear rate. For my part I fought as well as I could for a while; but, seeing we were forced to sub- mit to a superior power, I thought on my retreat and safety, which I had the good fortune to effect by some backways, and got to one of the king’s servants, on whose fidelity I could depend. Being thus surrounded with sorrows, and persecuted by fortune, I had recourse to a stratagem, which was the only means I had left to save my _ life: I caused my beard and eyebrows to be shaved; and, putting ona _ calender’s habit, I passed unknown by any, out of the city; after that, by We ee I found it easy to get out of my uncle’s kingdom, by taking the _ bye-roads. I avoided passing through towns, until I was got into the empire of the mighty governor of the Mussulmans, the glorious and renowned Caliph Haroun Alraschid, when I thought myself out of danger; and, consider- ing what I was to do, I resolved to come to Bagdad, intending to throw myself at the monarch’s feet, whose generosity is every where applauded. After a journey of several months, I arrived yesterday at the gate of this city, into which I entered about the dusk of the evening; and stand- ing still a little while to revive my spirits, and to consider on which hand I was to turn, this other calender you see here next to me, came also along: he saluted me, and IThim. You appear, said I, to be astranger as I am.—You are not mistaken, replied he. He had no sooner returned this answer, but this third calender you see there, overtook us: he saluted — us, and told us he was a stranger newly come to Bagdad; so that as bre- thren we joined together, resolving not to separate from one another. Meanwhile it was late, and we knew not where to seek alodging in the city, where we had no acquaintance, nor had ever been before: but good fortune having brought us before your gate, we made bold to knock, when you received us with so much kindness, that we are incapable of returning you suitable thanks. This madam,’said he, is, in obedience to your com- mands, the account I have to give you why I lost my right eye, wherefore my head and eyebrows are shaved, and how I came to be with you at this _ present time. _ It is enough, said Zobeide: you may retire to what place you think fit. The calender made his excuse, and begged the ladies’ leave to stay till he had heard the relations of his two comrades; Whom I cannot, says he, leave — with honour; and till he might also hear those of the three other persong _ that were in company. , hs : mex i Cr hon er Ae ee Re ers ty ree AE coe “44. ~~~ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, = Ze The story of the first calender being finished, the second calender began, addressing his speech to Zobeide. — s ” STORY OF THE SECOND CALENDER, A KING'S SON. Madam, said he, to show you by what strange accident I became blind of the right eye, I must of necessity give you the whole account of my life. . I was scarce past my infancy, when the king my father, (for you must- know, madam, I am a prince by birth,) perceived that I was endowed with a great deal of sense, and spared nothing that was proper for improving if: he employed all the men in his dominions, that excelled in arts and sciences, to be constantly about me. No sooner had I learned to read and write, but Ilearned the Alcoran from the beginning to end by heart. I was not satisfied with the knowledge alone of all that had any relation to our religion, but made also a particu- lar search into our histories. But one thing, which I was mightily in love with, and succeeded in to admiration, was, to form the characters of our - Arabian language, wherein I surpassed all the writing-masters of our king- dom, that had acquired the greatest reputation. Fame did me more honour than I deserved; for she had not only spread the renown of my parts through all the dominions of the king my father, but carried it as far as the Indian court, whose potent monarch, desirous to see me, sent an ambassador with rich presents, to demand me of my father, who was extremely glad of this embassy for several reasons: he was per- suaded that nothing could be more commendable in a prince of my ave, ~ than to travel, and see foreign courts; so I departed with the ambassador. When we had travelled about a month, we discovered at a distance a great cloud of dust, and after that we saw very soon fifty horsemen, well armed, that were robbers, coming towards us at full gallop. As we had ten horses laden with baggage and other presents, that Iwas - to carry to the Indian sultan from the king my father, and as my retinue ‘was but small, you may easily judge that these robbers came boldly up to us: and not being in a posture to make any opposition, we told them that — we were ambassadors belonging to the sultan of the Indies, and hoped they would attempt nothing contrary to that respect which was due to us, think- - ing to save our equipage and our lives: but the robbers most insolently re- plied, For what reason would you have us show any respect of the sultan, ~ ‘your master? We arenone of his subjects, nor are we upon his territories, _ And having spoken thus, they surrounded and fell upon us. I defended myself as long as I could; but finding myself wounded, and seeing the ambassador, with his servants and mine lying on the ground, I separated myself from the crowd, made use of what strength was yet remaining in my horse, who was very much wounded, and rode away as fast as he could carry me; but he happening all of asudden to fall under me, by weariness -— and’loss of blood, he died immediately. I got rid of him in a trice; and finding that I was not pursued, it made me judge the robbers were not willing to quit the booty they had got. £2, ~ When [ had bound up my wound, which was not dangerous, I marched on the rest of the day, and arrived at the foot of a mountain, where I per- _ ceived a passage into a cave: I went in, and stayed there that night with little satisfaction, after I had eaten some fruits that I gathered by the way, - I continued my journey for several days following, without finding any 5 > * x at ‘ewe =t -! eA >. p, AS Ste SS 2S ~< mes an ate ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. ue Ae place of abode; but after a month’s time, I came to a large town well in-- habited. I entered into the town to inform myself where I was, and ad-. dressed myself to atailor that was at work in his shop, who, perceiving by my air, that I was a person of more note than my outward appearance bespoke me to be, made me sit down by him, and asked me who I was, from whence J came, and what had brought me thither? Idid not conceal any thing of all that had befallen me, nor made I any scruple to discover my quality. - The tailor listened with attention to my words; but after I had done ‘speaking, instead of giving me any consolation, he augmented my sorrow. Take heed, says he, how you discover to any person what you have de- clared to me; for the prince of this country is the greatest enemy that the ‘king your father has, and he will certainly do you some mischict, when he comes to hear of your being in this city. I returned the tailor thanks for his good advice, and assured him that his favours should never be forgot- _ ten by me; and as he believed I could not but be hungry, he caused them _to bring me something to eat, and offered me at the same time a lodging in his house, which I accepted. Some days after, finding me pretty well -recovered of the fatigue I had endured by a long and tedious journey, he asked me, if I had learned any thing whereby I might get a livelihood, aud not be burdensome to any man. I told him that I understood the laws, _ both human and divine; that I wasa grammarian and poet; and, above all, that I understood writing perfectly well. By all this, says he, you will not be able, in this country, to purchase yourself one morsel of bread; nothing is of less use here than those sciences. But if you will be advised _ by me, says he, dress yourself in a labourer’s habit; and since you appear ~ to be strong, and of a good constitution, you shall go into the next forest, and cut down fire-wood, which you may bring to the market to be sold; _ and I can assure you, it will turn to so good an account, that you may live - by it, without dependence upon any man, I will take care to supply you with a rope and a hatchet. The day following, the tailor brought me a rope, a hatchet,-and a short coat, and recommended me to some poor people that gained their bread after the same manner, that they might take me into their company. me They conducted me to the wood; and the first day I brought in as much ~ upon my head as brought me half a piece of gold, which is the money of that country; for though the wood is not far distant from the town, yet it is - ‘was very scarce there, by reason that few or none would be at the trouble to goand cut it. I gained a good sum of money in a short time, and re- tats my tailor what he had advanced for me. I continued this way of i ving for a whole year; and one day, when by chance I had gone farther into the wood than usual, I happened to light on a very pleasant place, where I began to cut down wood; and in pulling up the root of a tree, I espied an iron ring fastened to a trap-door of the same metal. I took away the earth that covered it, and, having lifted it up, saw stairs, down which I went with my axe in my hand, Se ~ When I was come to the bottom of the stairs, I found myself in a large palace. I went forward along a gallery supported by pillars of jasper, the bases and chapters of massy gold, This palace was as light as if it had been above ground; and, looking around, I saw a lady of noble and free air, coming towards me. Being desirous to spare the lady the trouble to come to me, I made haste to meet hers and, as I was saluting her with a ‘ a Vr Se i 3 = > coe cr ee ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. — low bow, she asked me, What are you? aman or a genic? A man, mas _ dam, said I: I have no correspondence with genies. By what adventure, said she, fetching a deep sigh, are youcome hither? I have lived here these twenty-five years, and never saw any man but yourself during that time. I gave her a true account by what strange accident she saw me, the son of a king, in such a condition as I then appearedin her presence; and how I had discovered the entrance into that magnificent prison, where I had found her, but in an uneasy condition, according to appearance, Alas! prince, said she, sighing, vou have just cause to believe this rich and pom- ae. pous prison cannot be otherwise than a most wearisome abode; the most _ charming place in the world being dreary when we are detained there contrary to our will. It is not impossible that you may have heard of the great Epitimarus, king of the Isle of Ebene, so called from that precious wood it produces in abundance. Iam the princess his daughter. The king my father had chosen for me a husband, a prince, that was my cousin; but on my wedding-night, in the midst of the rejoicing there was in the court and the capital city of the kingdom of the Isle of Ebene, before I was _ given to my spouse, a genie took me away. I fainted at the moment, and lost all my senses! but when I came to myself again, I found myself in , | this place. Every ten days the genie comes hither to le with me one night, which he never exceeds; and the excuse he makes for it is, that he is married to another wife, who would grow jealous, if she came to know how unfaithful he was to her. Meanwhile, if I have occasion for him by day or night, as soon as I touch a talisman, which is at the entrance into my chamber, the genie appears. It is now the fourth day since he was here, and I do not expect him before the end of six more; so, if you please, you may stay five days, and keep me company; and I will endea- vour to entertain you according to your quality and merit. I thought myself too fortunate, to have obtained so great a favour without asking it, to refuse so obliging a proffer. The princess made me go into a bagnio, and when. I came forth, instead of my own clothes, I found another very costly suit, which I did not esteem so much for its richness, as that it made me look worthy to be in her company. We sat down on a sofa, covered with rich tapestry; and she covered a table with several dishes of delicate meats. We ate together, passed the remaining part of the day with very much satisfaction, and at night she received me to her bed. The next day at dinner she brought ina bottle of old wine, the most ex- cellent that ever was tasted, and out of complaisance, she drank some part of it with me. When my head grew hot with the agreeable liquor, Fair princess, said I, you have been too long thus buried alive: come, follow me, and enjoy the real day, of which you have been deprived so many years, _ Prince, replied she, with a smile, leave off this discourse: if you, out of ten days, will grant me nine, and resign the last to the genie, the fairest day — that ever was would be nothing in my esteem. Princess, said I, it is the fear of the genie that,makes you speak thus: for my part, I value him so little, that I will break his talisman with the conjuration that is written about it, in pieces, Let him comethen: I will expect him; and how brave soever he be, I will make him feel the weight of my arm. I swear solemnly, _ that I will extirpate all the genies in the world, and him first. The prin- cess, who knew the consequence, conjured me not to touch the talisman: for that would be a means, said she, to ruin both you andme. The fuines of the wine did not suffer me to hearken to her reasons; but I gave the talis- man a kick with my foot and broke it in several pieces, ea at aa z . A St he < ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 47 The talisman was no sooner broken, but the palace began to shake, and was ready to fall, with a hideous noise like thunder, accompanied with flashes of lightning, and a great darkness. This terrible noise in a mo- ment dispelled the fumes of wine, and made me sensible, but too late, of the folly I had committed, Princess, cried I, what means all this? She answered in a fright, Alas! _ you are undone, if you do not escape presently. I followed her advice, and my fears were so great that I forgot my hat- chet and cords, I was scarcely got to the stairs by which I came down, when the enchanted palace. opened at once, and made a passage for the Ne genie. He asked the princess, in great anger, What has happened to you? and why did you call me?—A qualm in my stomach, said the princess, made me fetch this bottle which you see here, out of which I drank twice _ or thrice, and by mischance made a false step, and fell upon the talisman, which is broken; and that is all the matter, At this answer the furious genie told her, You are a false woman and a liar, How came that axe and those ropes there?—I never saw them till this moment, said the princess. Your coming in this impetuous manner has, it may be, forced them up in some place as you came along, and so brought them hither without your knowing it. __ The genie made no answer but what was accompanied with reproaches and blows, of which Iheard the noise. Icould not endure to hear the piti- _ ful cries and shouts of the princess, socruelly abused. I had already laid off the suit she had made me put on, and took my own, whichI had laid on the stairs, the day before, when I came out of the bagnio. I made haste up stairs, being so much the more full of sorrow and compassion, as I had been the cause of so great a misfortune. I let down the trap-door, cover- ed it again with earth, and returned to the city. _ My landlord, the tailor, was very much rejoiced to see me. Your ab- sence, said he, has disquieted me very much, by reason you had entrusted | me with the secret of your birth, and I knew not what tothink. Ithanked him for his zeal and affection, and retired to my chamber, where [reproached myself a thousand times for my excessive imprudence, : While I was thus giving myself over to melancholy thoughts, the tailor came in, and told me, An old man, said he, whom I do not know, brings me here your hatchet and cords, which he found in his way, as he tells me; and understood by your comrades, that go along with you to the woods, that you lodgehere. Come out, and speak to him, for he will deliver them to none but yourself. At this discourse I changed colour, and fell a trem- bling. While the tailor was asking me the reason, my chamber-door open- _ ed at once; and the old man, having no patience to stay, appeared to us _ with my hatchet and cords. This was the genie, the ravisher of the fair _ princess of the Isle of Ebene, who had thus disguised himself after he had treated her with the utmost barbarity. Iam a genié, said he, son of the daughter of Ebis, prince of genies, Is not this your hatchet? and are not these your cords? : _ After the genie had put the question to me, he gave me no time to an- swer; but he grasped me by the middle, dragged me out of the chamber, _ and, mounting the air, carried me up as high as the skies; and descended _ again in like manner to the earth, which he caused to open with a knock of his foot, and so sank down at once, where I found myself in the en- _ chanted palace, before the fair princess of the Isle of Ebene, But, alas! — j = i a S a vi a he ; . fe a's ye le oe at Samat of 4 Ann Ss ta te ee eet aN eS SPP ES see f Rees is 2 ey eee Sart taag et oe EA gia i ee ase”

ey Ari * = > : SR Sor Se Sis 4s eee ne PO ota UE ee | eae ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. = what a spectacle was there! Isaw that which pierced me to the heart: this poor princess was quite naked, all in blood, and upon the ground, more like one dead than alive, with her cheeks all bathed in tears. Perfidious wretch! said the genie to her, pointing at me, is not this your gallant? She cast her languishing eyes at me, and answered mournfully, I do not know him: I never saw him till this moment. What! said the genie: heis the cause of thy being inthe condition thou art justly in; and yet darest thou say thou dost not know him? IfI do not know him, said the princess, would you have me make alie on purpose toruin him? O,then, said the genie, pulling out a scimitar, and presenting it to the princess, ifyou never saw him before, take the scimitar, and cut off hishead, Alas! replied the princess, how is it possible that I should execute what you would force me to do? My strength is so far spent, that I cannot lift my arm; andif — I could, how should I have the heart to take away an innocent man’s life, and one I do not know? This refusal, said the genie to the princess, suffi- _ ciently informs me of your crime. Upon which, turning to me, And thou, — said he, dost thou not know her? Lanswered the genie, How should I know her, that never saw heritillnow? If that be so, said he, take the scimitar, and cut off her head. On this con- dition I will set thee at liberty; for then I shall be convinced that thou didst never see her till this very moment, as thou sayest thyself. With all my heart, replied I, and took the scimitar in my hand. Do not think, madam, that I drew near to the fair princess of the Isle of Ebene, to be the execu- tioner of the genie’s barbarity: I did it only to demonstrate by my beha- viour, as much as possible, that as she had shown her resolution to sacri- fice her life for my sake, I would not refuse to sacrifice mine for hers, The princess, notwithstanding her pain and suffering, understood my meaning, which she signified by an obliging look, and made me under- stand her willingness to die for me; and that she was satisfied to see how - willing I was also to die for her. Upon this I stepped back, and threw — the scimitar on the ground, I shall forever, says Ito the genie, be hateful — to mankind, should I be so base as to murder a lady like this. Do with me as you please, since I amin your power: I cannot obey your barbarons commands. ; I see, said the genie, that you both outbrave me, and insult my jealousy; — but both of you shall know, by the treatment I give you, what I am ca- pable of doing. At these words, the monster took up the scimitar, and _ cut off one of her hands; which left her only so much life, as to give me a token with the other, that she bade me for ever adieu, and expired. I then asked the genie why he made me languish in expectation of death, Strike, cried I; for I am ready to receive the mortal blow, and expect it as the greatest favour you can bestow. Look ye, says he, how genies treat their wives whom they suspect of unfaithfulness: she has received thee here; and were I certain that she had put any farther affront upon. me, I would make thee die this minute; but I will content myself to trans- _ form thee into a dog, ape, lion, or bird; take thy choice of any of these: I will leave it to thyself. <5 Me These words gave me some hopes. O genie, said I, moderate your passion; and since you will not take away my life, give it me generously. I shall always remember your clemency, if you pardon me, as one of the best men in the world pardoned one of his neighbours that bore hima mortal hatred. The genie asked me what had passed between those two - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. 49 e ‘neighbours; and said, he would have patience till he heard the story, a a which I told him thus:— STORY OF THE ENVIOUS MAN, AND OF HIM THAT HE ENVIED. In a considerable town, two persons dwelt next door to one another: — one of them conceived such a violent hatred against the other, that he who was hated resolved to remove his dwelling farther off,. being persuaded — - that their being neighbours was the only cause from whence this animosity Z arose; therefore he sold his house, and what goods he had left, and retired — to the capital of that kingdom, which was not far distant. He boughta - little plot of ground which lay about half a league from the city; he had _ ahouse, with a fine garden, anda pretty spacious court, wherein was a | “deep well which was not in use. The honest man having made this pur- chase, put on a dervise’s or monk’s habit, to lead a retired life, and caused _ several cells to be made in the house, where, in ashort time, he established _ numerous society of dervises: he came soon to be publicly known by his virtue, through which he acquired the esteem of a great many people, _ who came from afar to recommend themselves to his prayers; and all _ those who came to live with him, published what blessings they received through his means, The great reputation of this honest man having spread to the town from whence he came, it touched the envious man so much to the quick, that he left his house and affairs, with a resolution to go and ruin him. With _ this intent, he went to the new convent of dervises, of which his former neighbour was the head, who received him with all imaginable tokens of friendship. The envious man told him that he was come on purpose to communicate a business of importance to him, which he could not do but ‘in private; and in order that nobody shall hear us, let us, says he, take a walk in your court; and, seeing night begins to draw on, command your dervises to retire to their cells. The head of the dervises-did as he was required. When the envious man saw that he was alone with this good man, he began to tell him his errand, walking side by side in the court, until he saw his opportunity; and getting the good man near the brink of _ the well, he gave him a thrust, and pushed him into it, without any body’s _ being witness to so wicked an action, Having done thus, he marched off - immediately, got out at the gate of the convent, without being known to any on¢, and came home to his own house. - This old well was inhabited by fairies and genies, which happened ~ luckily for the relief of the head of the convent; for they received and _. Supported him to the bottom, so that he got no hurt. He perceived well enough that there was something extraordinary in his fall, which must otherwise have cost him his life; whereas he neither saw nor felt anything, But he soon heard a voice, which said, Do you know what honest man this _ 4s, to whom we have done this piece of service? Another voice answered, No. To which the first replicd, Then I will tell you. This man, out of charity, the greatest that ever was known, left the town he lived in, and has established himself in this place, in hopes to cure one of his neighbours of the envy he had conceived against him: he has acquired such a general esteem, that the envious man, not able to endure it, came hither on pur- pose to ruin him, which he would have done, had it not been for the as- > _ Sistance which we have given this honest man; whose reputation is so +. Mert taiad D Z t SpA Se 3 ret ae eae Sa my 60 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. great, that the sultan, who keeps his residence in the neighbouring city, — was to pay him a visit to-morrow, and to recommend the princess, his — daughter, to his prayers. ‘Another voice asked, What need has the princess of the dervise’s . prayers? To which the first answered, You do not know, it seems, that. she is possessed by Genie Maimoun, the son of Dimdim, who is fallen in _ love with her: but I know well how this good head of the dervises may — cure her, and I will tell it you. He has a black cat in his convent, witha — white spot at the end of her tail, let him only pull seven hairs out of this white spot, burn them, and smoke the princess’s head with the fume, she — will not only be presently cured, but beso safely delivered from Maimoun, ~ the son of Dimdim, that he will never dare to come near her a second ~ time. SS The head of the dervises remembered every word of the discourse be- © tween the fairies and the genies. The next morning, by break of day, when he could discern one thing from another, the well being broken down in several places, he crept out with ease. ‘ The other dervises, who had been seeking for him, were rejoiced to see him: he gave them a brief account of the wickedness of that man to whom he had given so kind a reception the day before, and retired into his cell. It was not long before the black cat, of which the fairies and the genies had made mention in their discourses the night before, came to fawn upon her master, as she was accustomed to do. He took her up, and pulled seven hairs from the white spot that was upon her tail, and laid them aside for his use when occasion should serve. The sun was not high, when the sultan arrived at the gate of the con- vent. He commanded his guards to halt, whilst he with his principal offi- cers went in. ‘The dervises received him with profound respect. + The sultan called their head aside, and said, Good sheich, it may be you know already the cause of my coming hither. Yes, sir, replies he, very | gravely; it is the disease of the princess which procures me this honour, that I have not deserved. That is the very thing, replies the sultan. Sir, said the good man, if your majesty will be pleased to let her come hither, I am in hopes, through God’s assistance and favour, she will return in per- fect health. | The prince, transported with joy, sent immediately to fetch his daugh- — ter, who very soon appeared, but masked soas her face wasnotseen, The _ ehief of the dervises caused a pallto be held over her head; andhehadno sooner thrown the seven tufts of hair upon the burning coals, butthegenie gave a great cry, without any thing being seen, and left the princess at li- © berty; upon which, she took off the veil from her face, saying, Where am I, and who brought me hither? At which words, the sultan, overcome with ~ excess of joy, embraced his daughter: he also kissed the chief of the der — vises’ hands; and said to his officers, Tell me what reward does he de- serve that has thus cured my daughter? They all cried, he deserves her in foe marriage. This is what [had in my thoughts, said the sultan; andI make him my son-in-law from this moment. Some time after, the prime vizier died, and the sultan conferred the place on the dervise. ‘The sultan him- self died without heirs male; upon which the honest man was declared an acknowledged sultan by general consent. Mae The honest dervise, being one day in the midst of his courtiers ona _mmarch, espied the envious man among-a crowd of people; and,callingone _ EN DSN ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, et pe - of the viziers that attended him, whispered in his ear thus: Go, bring me that man you seethere; but donot frighten him, The vizier obeyed; and _ when the envious man was brought into his presence, the sultan said, Friend, I am extremely glad to see you. Upon which, he called an offi- cer: Go immediately, says he, and cause to be paid this man out of my treasury one hundred pieces of gold: let him have also twenty loads of the richest merchandise in my store-houses, and a sufficient guard to conduct him to his house. After he had given this charge to the officer, he bade the envious man farewell, and proceeded on his march, . When [ had finished the recital of this story to the genie, I made the application to himself thus: O genie, you see here, that this bountiful sul- tan did not content himself to have forgotten the design ofthe envious man . to take away his life, but treated him kindly, and sent him back with all the favours which I just now related. In short, I made use of all my elo- quence, praying him to imitate sucha good example, and to grant me par- don; but it was impossible for me to move his compassion. All that I can do for thee, said he, is, that I will not take thy life: do not fiatter thyself that I will send thee safe and sound back. With that he laid violent hands on me, and carried me across the vault of the sub- terraneous palace, which opened to give him passage. He flew up with me so high, that the earth seemed to be only a little white cloud; from thence he came down again like lightning, and alighted upon the ridge of @ mountain. There he took up a handful of earth, muttered some words which I did - not understand, and threw it upon me. Leave the shape of a man, says he to me, and take that of an ape. He vanished immediately, and left me alone, transformed into_an ape, overwhelmed with sorrow, in a strange. country, not knowing if I was near unto or far from my father’s dominions, I went down from the height of the mountain, and came into a plain country, which took me a month’s time to travel through; and thenI came to a coast of the sea, It happened then to bea great calm, and I espieda — vessel about half a league from the shore: I would not lose this good op- portunity, but broke off a large branch from a tree, which I carried with me to the sea-side, and set myself astride upon it, with a stick in each hand to serve me for oars, I launched out in this posture, and advanced near the ship. When Iwas nigh enough to be known, the seamen and passengers that were upon the deck thought it an extraordinary spectacle, and all of them looked upon me _ with great astonishment, In the meantime I got aboard, and laying hold of a rope, I jumped upon the deck. The merchants, being both superstitious and scrupulous, believed I should Occasion some mischief to their voyage if they received me: they therefore resolved to kill me. Some of them would not have failed to execute their ‘design, if I had not got to that side where the captain was, when I threw ' Thyself at his feet, and took him by the coat in a begging posture. This __ action, together with the tears which he saw gush from my eyes, moved his compassion; so that he took me into his protection; threatened to be re- _venged on him that should do me the least hurt; and he himself made very Mauch of me: and on my part, though I had no power to speak, I did, by My gestures, show all possible signs of gratitude. . : The wind that succeeded the calm was gentle and favourable, and did not alter for fifty days, but brought us safe to the port ofa fine town well peo- _ pled, and of great trade, where we came to an anchor Xa Ey ea 4 . eS er a es On eh pd de 7 < ya pays eee oa : = 3 : Z Seated tog 5 = a9 Psi | 62 : _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, =| Our vessel was speedily surrounded with a number of boats, full of peo- plc; and among the rest, some of the officers came on board, desiring to speak. with the merchants, in the name ofthe sultan, ‘The merchants appearing, one of the officers told them, The sultan, our master, has commanded us to acquaint ybdu, that he is glad of your safe arrival, and prays you to take the - trouble, every one of you, to write some lines upon this roll of paper; and - that his design by this may be understood, you must know that he had a_ prime vizier, who, besides a great capacity to manage affairs, understood writing to the highest perfection, This minister is lately dead, at which the sultan is very much troubled; and since he can never behold his writ- ing without admiration, he has made a solemn vow not to give the place to. any man but to him that can write as well as he did. Those merchants that believed they could write well enough to pretend to this high dignity, wrote one.after another what they thought fit. After they had done, I advanced, and took the roll out of the gentleman’s hand; but all the people, especially the merchants, cried out, He will tear it, or © . throw it into the sea; till they saw how properly I held the roll, and made a sign that I would write inmy turn: then their fears turned into admira- . tion. However, since they had never seen an ape that could write, they of- _ fered to snatch the roll out of my hand; but the captain took my part once more. Let himalone, said he; suffer himto write: if he only scribbles the paper, I promise you that I will punish him on the spot; if, on the contrary, he writes well, Ido declare that Iwill ownhim asmy son. Itook the pen, and wrote, before I had done, six sorts of hands used among the Arabians, and each specimen containing an extemporary distich or quatrain in praise ofthe sultan. When I had done, the officers took the roll, and carried it to the sultan, The sultan took little notice of any of the other writings, but considered mine, which was so much to his liking, that he said to the officers, Take — the finest horse in my stable, with the richest harness, and a robe of the most sumptuous brocade, to put upon that person who wrote these six hands, and bring him hither tome, At this command the officers could not forbear laughing. ‘The sultan grew angry at their boldness, and was — ready to punish them till they told him, Sir, we humbly beg your majesty’s _ pardon: these hands are not written by a man, but by an ape. What do _ you say? says the sultan: those admirable characters, are they not written by the hands of aman? No, sir, replied the officers, we do assure your majesty, that it was an ape who wrote them in our presence. The sultan was too much surprised at this account not to desire a sight of me; and | _ therefore said, Do what I command you, and bring me speedily this won- derful ape. The officers returned to the vessel, and showed the captain their order, who answered, The sultan’s commands must be obeyed. Whereupon they clothed me with that rich brocade robe, and carried me ashore, where they set me on horseback, whilst the sultan waited for me at his palace witha — ) great number of courtiers, whom he gathered together to do me the more honour. I found the prince seated on his throne, in the midst of the grandees. I made my bow three times very low, and at last kneeled and kissed the ground before him, and afterwards sat down in my seat in the posture of an ape. ~The sultan dismissed his courtiers, and none remained by him but his chief of the eunuchs, a little young slave, and myself. He went from his Se Sede oe at * Z ~~ 7 See Se ee Tytae Fanci a Mae Lats Kee oe re ee < eae ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, | 53 Oe chamber of audience into his own apartment, where he ordered dinner to. be brought. As he sat at table, he gave me a sign to come near and eat with him: to show my obedience, I kissed the ground, stood up, sat me down at table, and ate with discretion, and moderately. ey After dinner, the sultan caused them to bring in a chess-board, and asked me by a sign if I understood that game, and would play with him, I kissed the ground, and laying my hand upon my head, signified that I was ready to receiye that honour. He won the first game, but I won the_ - second and third. So many things appearing to the sultan far beyond ' whatever any one had either seen or known of the behaviour or knowledge of apes, he would not be the only witness of these prodigies himself; but, having a daughter, called the Lady of Beauty, to whom the head of the : eunuchs then present was governor;—Go, said the sultan to him, and bid your lady come hither; I am willing she should have a share in my . i ' pleasure. The eunuch went, and immediately brought the princess, who had her face uncovered; but she was no sooner got into the room, than she put on her veil, and said to the sultan, Sir, your majesty must needs have for- gotten yourself: I am very much surprised that your majesty has sent for me to appear among men, How, daughter! said the sultan, you do not know what you say. Here is nobody but the little slave, the eunuch your governor, and myself, who have the liberty to see your face; and yet you lower your veil, and would make me a criminal in having sent for you hither. Sir, said the princess, that ape you see before you is a young prince, son of a great king: he has been metamorphosed into an ape by — Se enchantment. The sultan, astonished at this discourse, turned towards ‘me, and spoke no more by signs, but in plain words, asking me if what ~ his daughter said was true. As I could not speak, I put my hand to my | head to signify that what the princess said was true. Upon this the sul-_ tan said again to his daughter, How do you know that this prince has - been transformed by enchantment into an ape? Sir, replied the Lady of Beauty, your majesty may remember, that when I was past my infancy, I had an old lady waited on me: she was a most expert magician, and ‘taught me seventy rules in magic, by virtue of which I know all enchanted _ persons at first sight: who they are, and by whom they have been en- chanted; therefore do not wonder if I forthwith relieve this prince, in spite of the enchantments, from that which hinders him from appearing _ in your sight what he naturally is. Daughter, said the sultan, I did not believe you to have understood so much; but since it is so, you can dispel — the prince’s enchantment. Yes, sir, said the princess, I can restore him - to his first shape again. Do it, then, said the sultan: you cannot do me ~ a greater pleasure; for I will have him to be my vizier, and he shall marry you. Sir, said the princess, I am ready to obey you in all you shall be pleased to command. The princess made us all, viz. the sultan, the master of the eunuchs, the little slave, and myself, to go down into a private court adjoining to the palace, and there left us under a gallery that went round it, She- placed herself in the middle of the court, where she made a great circle, and within it she wrote several words in Arabic characters, some of them _ ancient, and others of those which they call the character of Cleopatra. When she had finished, and prepared the circle as she thought fit, she placed herself in the centre of it, where she began adjurations, and re- 2 gt 4) 1 * oy. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. _ peated verses out of the Alcoran. The air grew insensibly dark as if it had been night, and the whole world about to be dissolved. We found - ourselves struck with a panic fear; and this fear increased the more, when _ we saw the genie, the son of the daughter of Ebis, appear all of a sudden in the shape of a lion of a frightful size. ; As soon as the princess perceived this monster; You dog, said she, in- - stead of creeping before me, dare you present yourself in this shape, think- ing to frighten me? And thou, replied the lion, art thou not afraid to break the treaty, which was solemnly made and confirmed between us by oath, not to wrong or do one another hurt? O, thou cursed creature! re- plied the princess, I can justly reproach thee for so doing. The lion an- swered fiercely, Thou shalt quickly have thy reward for the trouble thou hast given me toreturn, With that he opened his terrible mouth, and ran at her to devour her; but she being on her guard, leaped backward; got time to pull out one of her hairs; and, by pronouncing three or four words, changed herself into a sharp sword, wherewith she cut the lion through the middle in two pieces. The two parts of the lion vanished, and the head only was left, which changed itself into a large scorpion. Immediately the princess turned herself into a serpent, and fought the scor- pion; who, finding himself worsted, took the shape of an eagle, and flew away: but the serpent at the same time, took also the shape of an eagle that was black and much stronger, and pursued him, so that we lost sight of them both. Some time after they had disappeared, the ground opened before us, and - out of it came forth a cat, black and white, with her hair standing upright, and keeping a fearful mewing: a black wolf followed her close, and gave her no time to rest. The cat, being thus hard beset, changed herself into a worm, and being nigh to a pomegranate, that had accidentally fallen from a tree, pierced it in an instant, and hid itself; but the pomegranate swelled immediately as big as a gourd, which, mounting up to the top of the gallery, fell down again into the court, and broke into several pieces. The wolf, who had in the meantime transformed itself into a cock, fell a-picking up the seeds of the pomegranate one after another; but, finding no more, he came towards us with his wings spread, making a great noise, as if he would ask us whether there was any more seed. There was one lying on the brink of the canal, which the cock perceiving, as he went back, ran speedily thither; but just as he was going to pick it up, the seed rolled into the river, and turned into a little fish. The cock jumped into the river, and was turned into a pike,’that pursued the small fish: they continued both under water above two hours, and we knew not what became of them; but all of asudden, we heard terrible cries which made us to quake, and a little while after we saw the genie and princess all in flames. They threw flashes of fire out of their mouths at one another, until they came to it hand in hand: and the genie, having got loose from the princess, came to the gallery where we stood, and blew flames >of fire uponus, We had all perished, if the princess, running to ourassist- ance, had not forced him by her efforts to retire and defend himself against her; yet notwithstanding all her diligence, she could not hinder the sultan’s beard from being burnt, and his face spoiled, the chief ofthe eunuchs from being stifled and burnt on the spot, nor aspark from entering my right eye, and making it blind. ‘The sultan and I expected nothing but death, when y Mane + ataere 3 3 : ae s 5 ae! Nei Stt ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, ae 8 _ weheard acry, Victory! victory! and all of asudden the princess appear- ed in her natural shape, but the genie was reduced to a heap of ashes. The princess came near to us; and, that she might not lose time, called for a cup of cold water, which the young slave, who had got no damage, brought her, She took it, and, after pronouncing some words over it, threw it upon me, saying, If thou art become an ape by enchantment, change thy shape, and take that of aman, whichthou hadst before. These words were hardly uttered, when I became a man, as I was before, one eye only ex~ cepted. _ I was preparing myself to give thanks to the princess, but she prevented » me by addressing her father thus: Sir, I have got the victory over the genie, as your majesty may see; but it isa victory that costs me:dear: I have but a few minutes to live, and you will not have the satisfaction to ‘make the match you intended: the fire has pierced me during the terrible ~ combat, and I find it consumes me by degrees. ‘This would not have hap- pened, had I perceived the last of the pomegranate seeds, and swallowed it, as I did the others, when I was changed into a cock. ‘The genie had fled - thither, as to his last entrenchment, and upon thatthe success of the com- bat depended, which would have been successful, and without danger to me, _ This slip obliged me to have recourse to fire, and to fight with those mighty arms, as I did between heaven and earth in your presence; for, in spite of all his redoubtable art and experience, I made the genie to know, that I understood more than he, Ihave conquered and reduced him to ashes; but I cannot escape death, which is approaching. The sultan suffered the princess to go on with the recital of her combat: and when she had done, he spoke to her ina tone that sufficiently testified his grief, My daughter, said he, you see in what condition your fatheris, — alas! I wonder that I am yet alive. Your governor, the eunuch, is dead; and the prince, whom you have delivered from his enchantment, has lost one of his eyes. In the meantime, while. we were striving to outdo one another in grief, the princess cried, I burn! O, I burn! She found that the fire, which con- sumed her, had at last seized upon her whole body, which made her still to cry, I burn, until death had made an end of her intolerable pains. The effect of that was so extraordinary, that in a few moments she was wholly © _ reduced to ashes as was the genie. | tee The grief which the sultan conceived for the loss of his daughter, threw him into a fit of sickness, which confined him to his chamber for a whole month, He had not fully recovered strength when he sent for me, Prince, said he, hearken to the orders that I now give you: it will cost you your life, if you do not put them in execution. TI have constantly lived in perfect felicity, and was never crossed by any accident; but by your arrival all the happiness I possessed is vanished; my daughter is _ dead, her governor is no more, and it is through a miracle that I am yet — alive. You are the cause of all those misfortunes, for which it is impossi- | ble to be comforted; therefore depart from hence in peace, but without farther delay; for I myself must perish if you stay any longer: I am per- suaded, that your presence brings mischief along with it, This is all I _ have to say to you. Depart, and take care of ever appearing again in my dominions: there is no consideration whatsoever that shall hinder me from making you repent of it. Iwas going to speak, but he stopped my _ mouth by words full of anger; and so I was obliged to remove from his ~ se nee a OS et be ign el SABES Se ge peer OE ea 7 ae Sb pO Sb SO an et as So Clad sages ; at sae ee see BED, Brey = = 25 Pg Rs “tee ‘ cakes B67 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. palace, rejected, banished, thrown off by all the world, and not ‘knowing er, what would become of me. Before I left the city, I went into a bagnio, where I caused my beard and eyebrows to be shaved, and put on a ca- ~ lender’s habit. Ibegan my journey, and passed through many countries without making myself known; at last I resolved to come to Bagdad, in hopes to get myself introduced to the commander of the faithful, to move his compassion by giving him an account of my strange adventures, I came hither this evening, and the first man I met was this calender, our brother, that spoke before me. When the second calender made an end of his story, Zobeide, to whom he had addressed his speech, told him, It is very well: you may go which ‘way you please; I give you leave: but instead of departing, he also peti- ‘tioned the lady to show him the favour she had vouchsafed to the first ca- lender, and went and sat down by him. ‘The third calender, perceiving it was his turn to speak, addressed his’ - speech, as the rest had done, to Zobeide, and began in this manner: STORY OF THE THIRD CALENDER, A KING’S SON. Most honourable lady, my name is Agib; and I am the son of a king, called Cassib. After his death, I took possession of his dominions, and the first thing I did was to visit the provinces; I afterwards began to fit out and man my whole fleet, and went to my islands to gain the hearts of ‘my subjects by my presence, and to confirm them in their loyalty. These voyages giving me some taste for navigation, I took so much pleasure in it, that I resolved to make some discoveries beyond my islands: to which end I caused ten ships to be fitted out, embarked on board them, and set — - gail. first night the wind became contrary, and withal so boisterous, that we ja Our voyage was very successful for forty days together, but on the forty- were like to have been lost in the storm. About break of day, the wind grew calm, and the clouds were dispersed. After ten days more sailing, a seaman was sent to look out for land from the mainmast head. He gave notice, that on starboard and larboard he could see nothing but the sky - and the sea, which bounded the horizon; but just before us, upon the stem, he saw a great blackness. - The pilot changed colour at this relation; and throwing his turban on the deck with one hand, and beating his breast with the other, cried, QO, air, we are all lost; not one of us will escape; and with all my skill, it is not in my power to prevent it. I asked him what reason he had thus to ’ despair. He told me, The tempest which we have outlived, has brought ~us'so far out of our course, that to-morrow about noon we shall come near to that black place, which is nothing else but the black mountain, that is ‘a mine of adamant, whichat this minute draws all your fleet towards it by __ virtue of the iron and nails that are in your ships; and when we come to-- morrow at a certain distance, the strength of the adamant will have such | a force, that all the nails will be drawn out of the sides and bottoms ofthe — ships, and fastened to the mountain, so that your vessels will fall to pieces . - and sink to the bottom; andas the adamant has avirtue to attract all iron to it, whereby its attraction becomes stronger, this mountain on the side _ of the sea is all covered over with nails, drawn out of an infinite number of vessels that have perished by it; and this preserves and augments its — virtue at the same time, iat she pers Meher on peer Sane Ssh ete ain hte Ae gaa al cD Me Oy a grees SORE MB Fae Pa RATS 1 Te a Ege aes X ri hale seta k: AS hate ee tec E ahs ratte ED elt eee ott ae = : = ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Sin oe “This mountain, continued the pilot, is very rugged; on thetop ofitthero - is a dome of fine brass, supported by pillars of the same, and upon the top __ of that dome, there stands a horse of the same metal, with a rider on his back, who has a plate of lead fixed to his breast, upon which some talis- - . manic characters are engraven. Sir, the tradition is, that this statue is the chief cause that so many ships and men have been lost and sunk in this ‘place; and that it will ever continue to be fatal to all that have the misfor- tune to come near it, until such time as it shall be thrown down. The next morning we perceived the black mountain very plain, and the » - idea we had conceived of it made it appear more frightful than it was. About on noon we were come so near, that we found what the pilot had foretold to _ be true, for we saw all the nails and iron about the ships fly towards the - mountain, where they fixed, by the violence of the attraction, with a hor- rible noise: the ships split asunder and sunk into the sea, which was so - deep about that place, that we could nct sound it. All my people were _ drowned; but God had mercy on me, and permitted me to save myself by ~~ means of a plank, which the wind drove ashore just at the foot of the moun- ~~ tain. I did not receive the least hurt; and my good fortune brought me = - toa landing-place where there were steps that went uptothe topofthe mountain, At the sight of these steps, I gave thanks to God, and recommended ‘myself to his holy protection, as I began to mount the steps, which were so - Narrow, rugged, and hard to get up, that, had the wind blown ever so lit- tle, it would have thrown me down into the sea; but, at last, I got to the _ top, without any accident. I cameto the dome, and, kneeling on the ground, '- gave God thanks for his mercies to me. I passed the night under the dome, and in my sleep, an old grave man ‘appeared to me, and said, Hearken, Agib, as soon asthouart awake, digup —- the ground under thy feet: thou shalt find a bow of brass, andthreearrows = of lead, that are made under certain constellations, to deliver mankind from so many calamities that threaten them. Shoot the three arrows at the statue, and the rider shall fall into the sea; but the horse will fall down by thy side, which thou must bury in the same place from whence thou - tookest the bow and arrows. This being done, the sea will swell andrise = up to the top of the mountain: when it is come up so high, thou shalt see a boat with one man and an oar in each hand. This man is also of metal, different from that thou hast thrown down: step on board to him, with- ~. out mentioning the name of God, and let him conduct thee. He will in | : ten days bring thee into another sea, where thou shalt find an opportu- ut nity to get home to thy country, safe and sound, provided, as I have told me thee, thou dost not mention the name of God during the whole voyage. ae ~ These were the contents of the old man’s discourse. WhenITawoke,I was very much comforted by the vision, and did not fail to observe every thing that he had commanded me. I took the bow and arrows out of the ground, shot them at the horseman, and with the third arrow I overthrew = him, and he fell into the sea, as the horse did by my side, which I buried = ~ in the place where I took the bow and arrows; and, in the meantime, the — sea swelled, and rose up by degrees, When it came as high as the foot of the dome that stood upon the top of the mountain, I saw afar offaboat rowing towards me, and I returned God thanks that every thing hadsuc- = _ ¢eeded according to my dream, At last the boat came ashore, andI saw - the man was made of metal, as I had dreamed, I stepped aboard, and | . aa Sas, PEM OG ary! Shs S9e a Pema tT SOR wie ME aie Aree y ate hoe ts seine er ee oa we a oe e ane LR Aie one ot 58 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, took care not to pronounce the name of God; neither spoke I one word. = I sat down, and the man of metal began to row off from the mountain: he rowed without ceasing till the ninth day, when I saw some islands, ~ which overjoyed me so much, that I forgot the caution, and said, God’s name be blessed! the Lord be praised! I had no sooner spoken these words, but the boat sunk with the man of metal, leaving me upon the surface. I swam the remaining part of the day towards the land which appeared nearest me. A very dark night succeeded; and not knowing whereabouts I was, I swam at a venture, I “was nearly exhausted, when a wave as big as a mountain threw me on a flat, where it left me, and drew back. I made haste to get ashore, fearing another wave might wash me back again. Next morning, I found I was © got upon a little desert island: and, shortly after, looking towards the sea, © I saw a vessel coming from the main land, before the wind, directly to the island. I.doubted not but they were coming to anchor there: and being uncertain what sort of people they might be, I got up into a very thick tree, to hide myself, and from whence I might safely view them. The vessel came into a little creek, where ten slaves landed, carrying a spade and other instruments fit for digging up the ground: they went towards the middle of the island, when I saw them stop and dig the ground a long while, after which I thought I saw them lift up a trap-door. They re- turned to the vessel, and unloaded several sorts of provisions and furni- - ture, which they carried to the place where they had broken the ground, -and so went downward, which made me suppose it was a subterranean dwelling. Isaw them once more go to the ship, and return with an old man, who led a very handsome young man in his hand, of about fourteen or fifteen years of age: they all went down at the trap-door; and being come up again, they let down the trap-door, covered it with earth, and re- _ turned to the ship; but I saw nothing of the young man: which made me suppose they had left him in the subterranean dwelling. The old man and the slaves being aboard, the vessel got under sail, and steered its course towards themain land. When I perceived they were at such a distance that they could not see me, I came down from the tree, and went directly to the place where I had seen the ground broken. I removed the earth by degrees, till I found a stone that was two or three feet square: I lifted it up, and saw it covered the head ofthe stairs, which » were also of stone; I went down, and came into a large room, where there © was laid a foot-carpet, and a couch covered with tapestry, and cushions of rich stuff, upon which the young man sat. I saw all this by the light of- two tapers, The young man was startled at the sight of me; but I told him not to be afraid, for I would not hurt him; on the contrary, I would do all in my power to serve him: and begged him to let me know the rea- | son of his being in that place. The youth recovered himself at these words, and prayed me, with a smiling countenance, to sit down by him; which, when I had done, he said, Sir, I am to acquaint you with a matter so odd in itself, that it cannot but surprise you. My father is a merchant jeweller, and has acquired, through his inge- ae nuity in his calling, a great estate. He had been married a long while, and was without issue; when he understood by a dream that he should have a son, though his life would be but short, at which he was very much concerned when he awaked. Some days after, my mother acquainted him that she was with child, and the time which she supposed to be that _ $ , to. Np ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, | 59 of her conception agreed exactly with the day of his dream. She was * brought to bed of me at the end of nine months, which occasioned great _ joy in the family. My father, who had observed the very moment of my, birth, consulted astrologers about my nativity, who told him, that I should live very happy till the age of fifteen, when I should be in danger of losing my life, and hardly be able to escape it; but if my good destiny preserved _ me beyond that time, I should live to grow very old. It will be then, said they, when the statue of brass, that stands upon the top of the mountain © -of adamant, shall be thrown down into the sea by prince Agib, son of king Cassib; and, as the stars prognosticate, your son shall be killed fifty days afterwards by that prince. As the event of this part of the prediction © about the statue agreed exactly with my father’s dream, it afflicted him so - much that he was struck to the very heart with it. In the meantime, he took all imaginable care of my education until this present year, which is the fifteenth of my age; and he had notice given him yesterday that the statue of brass had been thrown into the sea about ten days ago, by ‘that prince I told you of. This news has cost him so many tears, and has - alarmed him so much, that he looks not like himself. Upon these predictions of the astrologers, he has sought, by all means possible, to falsify my horoscope, and to preserve my life. It is not long since he took the precaution to build me this subterranean habitation to ~ hide me in, till the expiration of the fifty days after the throwing down of _ the statue; and therefore, since this has happened ten days ago, he came hastily hither to hide me, and promised, at the end of forty days, to come _ again and fetch me out, ‘This, my lord, is what I have to say to you. * While the jeweller’s son was telling me this story, I laughed in myself at those astrologers who had foretold that I should take away his life; but I took care not to tell him I was the very Agib whom he dreaded, lest I should put him into a fright, and took as much care not to give him any cause to suspect it. We passed the time in several discourses till night came on; and after supper we went to bed. The next day, when we got up, I held the basin and water to him; [ also provided dinner, and set it on the table in due time: after we had -- done, I invented a play to divert ourselves, not only for that day, but for those that followed. I prepared supper after the same manner as I had prepared dinner; and having supped, we went to bed as formerly. We had time enough to contract friendship: I found he loved me; and for my part, Thad so great a respect for him, that I have often said to myself, _ Those astrologers, who predicted to his father that his son should die by my hand, were impostors; for it is not possible that I should commit so _ base an action. In short, madam, we spent thirty-nine days in the plea -santest manner that could be in a place like that under ground. _ The fortieth day appeared: and in the morning, when the young man awaked, he says to me, with a transport of joy that he could not restrain, Sir, this is the fortieth day, and I am not dead, thanks to God and your good company. My father will not fail to be here anon, to give youa testimony of his gratitude for it, and shall furnish you with all that is necessary for your return to your country; but in the meantime, said he, _ I beg you to get ready some water very warm, to wash my whole body in _ that portable bagnio, that I may clean myself, and change my clothes, to _ receive my father more cheerfully. I set the water on the fire; and when it was hot, put it into the move- 60 | "ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, = able bagnio. ‘The youth went in, and I myself washed and rubbed him. At last he came out, and laid himself down in his bed that I had prepared, 2 and I covered him with the bed-clothes. After he had slept awhile, he- awaked, and said, Dear sir, pray do me the favour to fetch me a melon — and some sugar, that I may eat some, and refresh me. Out of several melons that remained, I took the best, and laid it on a plate; and because I could not find a knife to cut it with, Lasked the young man if he knew where there was one. ‘There is one, said he, upon this cornice over your head: I accordingly saw it there; and made so much — haste to reach it, that while I had it in my hand, my foot became entang- led in the covering, I fell most unhappily upon the young man, and the ; knife ran into his heart in a minute. After this misfortune, I would have embraced death without any reluct- ance, had it presented itself to me. But, considering with myself that all my tears and sorrows would not bring the young man to lite again, and. that, the forty days being expired, I might be surprised by his father, I quitted the subterranean dwelling, laid down the great stone upon the en~ try of it, and covered it with earth. I had scarce done, when casting my eyes upon the sea towards the main land, I perceived the vessel coming to fetch home the young man. I be- - gan then to consider what I had best do, I said to myself, iffam seenby — the old man, he will certainly lay hold on me, and perhaps cause me to be massacred by his slaves, There happened to be near that subterranean habitation, a large tree thick with leaves, which I thought fit to hide me in. I got into it, and was no sooner fixed in a place where I could not be seen, but 1 saw the vessel come to the same place where she lay the first time. The old man and his slaves landed immediately, and advanced towards the subterranean dwelling, with countenances that showed some hope; but when they saw the earth had been newly removed, they changed colour, — _ particularly the old man. They lifted the stone and went down; they called the young man by his name; but he not answering, their fears in- creased: they went down to seek him; and at length found him lying upon the bed with the knife in his heart, for I had not power to take it out. At» this sight, they cried out lamentably: and the old man fell down ina swoon. ‘The slaves, to give him air, brought him up in their arms, and laid him at the foot of the tree where I was; but notwithstanding all the pains they took to recover him, the unfortunate father continued a long _ while in that condition; but at last he came to himself. Then the slaves brought up his son’s corpse dressed in his bestapparel; and when they had made agrave, they put himinto it. The oldman, supported by two slaves, and his face all covered with tears, threw the first earth upon him; after - which, the slaves filled up the grave. This being done, all the furniture was brought out from under ground, and, with the remaining provisions, put on board the vessel: the old man, overcome with sorrow, and not being able to stand, was laid upon a sort of litter, and carried to the ship, which put forth to sea, and in a short time sailed quite out of sight. : - After the old man and his slaves.were gone with the vessel, I was left » alone upon the island. I lay that night in the subterrranean dwelling, — = ~ which they had shut up; and when day came I walked round the isle,and — stopped in such places as I thought most vroper to repose in when Thad es > s oa eee a ‘J 5 Say » Ores ee ee Cc ia%4 a tee as a eT? Ses *) ee an a , J -— » nee Ae Ey Stare ARES aa H Sian rience ha Poy RC Shaan = p * 2 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, : 61 ‘nedd, I led this wearisome life for a month together; after which I per- . _ecived the sea to be mightily fallen, the island to be much larger, and the main land seemed to be drawing nearer to me. In effect, the water grew so low, that there was but a small stream between me and terra firma. I crossed it, and the water did not come above the middle of my leg. At last, I got upon ground; and when at a good distance from the sea, I saw a good way before me something like a great fire, which gave me some ‘comfort; but when I came near, I found my error, and saw, that what I had taken to be fire, was a castle of copper, which the beams of the sun ‘made look at a distance as if it had been in flames, I stopped near the castle, and sat down to admire its admirable struc- ture, and to rest awhile. I had not sat long, before I saw ten handsome young men coming along, as if they had been taking a walk; but that which most surprised me was, that they were all blind of the right eye: they accompanied an old man, who was very tall, and ofa venerable aspect, I could not but wonder at the sight of so many half-blind men all toze~- ther, and every one of the same eye. As I was thinking in my mind by what adventure all these men could have come together, they came up to me, and seemed to be mightily glad to see me. After the first compli- ments were passed, they inquired what had brought me hither. I told them my history would be somewhat tedious, but if they would take the trouble to sit down, I would satisfy their request. They did so; and Ire- lated to them all that had happened unto me since I left my kingdom, which filled them with astonishment. After I had ended my discourse, the young gentlemen prayed me to go ‘down with them into the castle: Laccepted the offer, and we passed through -agreat many halls, antechambers, bed-chambers, and closets, very well fur- nished, and arrived at last in a spacious hall, where there were ten small blue sofas set round, and separate from one another; upon which they sat “by day, and slept by night. In the middle of this round there stood an eleventh sofa, not so high as the rest, but of the same colour, upon which the old man above-mentioned sat down, and the young gentlemen made use of theotherten. Oneof the young men says tome, Comrade, sit down upon the carpet in the middle of the room, and do not inquire into any thing that concerns us, nor the reason why we are blind of the right eye: _ be content with what you see, and let not your curiosity go any farther. The old man, having sata little while, rose up and went out; but he re- turned in a minute or two, and brought in supper to those ten gentlemen; distributed to each man his portion by himself, and likewise brought me ‘mine, which I ate by myself, as the rest did; and when supper was almost. done, he presented to each a cup of wine. They thought my story so ex~- traordinary, that they made me repeat it after supper; and this gave occasion ‘to discourses that lasted a good part of the night. One of the gentlemen, _ observing that it was late, said to the old man, You see it is time to go to bed, and you do not bring us that with which we may acquit ourselves of our duty. At these words, the old man arose, and went into a closet, from whence he brought upon his head ten basins, one after another, all cover- cs With blue stuif: he set one before every gentleman, together with a _ light. _. They uncovered the basins, in which there were ashes, coal-dust, and> Jamp-black; they mixed all together, and rubbed and bedaubed their faces _ with it in. such a manner that they looked frightful, After having thus a Vin wet ye ae # 62 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, blacked themselves, they fell a weeping and lamenting, beating their heads 3 and breasts, and cried continually, This is the fruit of our idleness and de- bauches. They continued thus almost the whole night; and when they — left off, the old man brought them water, with which they washed their faces and hands; they changed also their clothes, which were spoiled, and put on other; so that they did not look in the least as ifthey had been ‘ doing so strange an action. After we got up next day, we went out to walk; and then I said, Gen- tlemen, I declare to you, that I must renounce that law which you pre- scribed to me last night, for I cannot observe it. Whatever misfortune befalls ma, I cannot forbear asking why you bedaubed your faces with black; and how it comes that each of you has but one eye? ‘To these inquiries they answered nothing, but that it was none of my business to ask such questions, and that I should do well to hold my peace. We passed that day in discourses upon different subjects; and when night was come, and every man had supped, the old man brought in the — _blue basins, and the young gentlemen bedaubed their faces, wept and beat ~ themselves, crying, This is the fruit of our idleness and debauches, as be- fore, and continued the same actions the following night. At last, not being able to resist my curiosity, I earnestly prayed them to satisfy me, or to show me how to return to my own kingdom. One of the gentlemen answered, in behalf of the rest, Do not wonder at our conduct in regard to- yourself, and that hitherto we have not granted your request; it is out of - mere kindness, to prevent you the sorrow of being reduced to the same condition with us. Ifyou have a mind to try our unfortunate destiny, you - need but speak, and we will give you the satisfaction you desire. I told them I was resolved on it, let come what will. Once more, said the same gentleman, we advise you to restrain your curiosity: it will cost you the loss of your right eye. No matter, said I; I declare to you, that if such a misfortune befall me, I will not impute it to you, but to myself, The ten gentlemen, perceiving that I was so positive in my resolution, took a sheep and killed it; and after they had taken off the skin, present-~ ed me with the knife, telling me it would be useful to me on a certain oc- casion, which they should tell me of presently | We must sew you up in > this skin, said they, and then leave you; upon which a fowl of a monstrous © size, called a roc, will appear in the air, and taking you to be a sheep, will come down upon you, and carry you up to the very sky; but let not that frighten you: he will come down with you again, and lay you onthe — top of a moutain. When youfind yourself upon the ground, cut the skin with the knife, and throw it off. As soon as the roc sees you, he will fly away for fear, and leave you at liberty. Do not stay, but walk on tillyou come toa prodigious castle, all covered with plates of gold, large emer- — alds, and other precious stones; go up to the gate, which always stands open, and walk in. Wehave been in the castle as long as we have been here; we will tell you nothing of what we saw, or what befel us there; you will learn it of yourself; all that we can inform you is, that it hascost -_ each of us our right eye; and the penance you have been witness to, is what we are obliged to do because we have been there. When the gentlemen had ended this discourse, I wrapped myselfin the — sheep’s skin, held fast the knife that was given me, and after those young — i gentiemen had been at the trouble to sew the skin about me, they retired _ into the hall, and left me onthe place. The roc they had spoken of was Sti roak : aE 5 ae a i pie aes aaa “a ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS, 63 _ not long a-coming: he fell down upon me, took me up between his talons like a sheep, and carried me to the top of the mountain. When I found myself upon the ground, I made use of the knife, cut the skin, and throw- _ ing it off, the roc at the sight of me flew away. ‘The roc is a white bird of a monstrous size: his strength is such, that he can lift up elephants from ae plains, and carry them to the top of mountains, where he feeds upon them. Being impatient till I reached the castle, I lost no time, but made so much haste, that I got thither in half a day’s journey; and I must say, that I found it surpassed the description they had given me of it. The gate being open, I entered into a court that was square, and so large, that there were round it ninety-nine gates of wood of sanders and aloes, with one of gold, without counting those of several magnificent staircases that led up to apartments above, besides many more I could not see. I sawa door standing open just before me, through which I entered into a large hall, where I found forty young ladies of such perfect beauty, that imagi- nation could not go beyond it: they were all most sumptuously apparel- led; and assoon as they saw me, rose up, and, without expecting my com- pliments, said to me, with demonstrations of joy, Noble sir, you are very welcome. And one spoke to me in the name of the rest, thus: We have been in expectation a long while of such a gentleman as you: your mien assures us that you are master of all the good qualities we could wish for; and we hope you will not find our company disagreeable or unworthy of yours. They forced me, notwithstandin g all the opposition Icould make, to sit down on a scat that was higher than theirs; and though I signified ‘that I was uneasy, That is your place, said they; you are at present our lord, master, and judge, and we are your slaves, ready to obey your com- -Iands. After entertaining me in the most sumptuous manner, they desired an account of my travels. I gave them a full relation of my adventures, which lasted till night came on, when supper was brought in: and after ‘supper, music and dancing was kept up until it was past midnight. At length one of the ladies says to me, You are doubtless wearied by the journey you have made to-day; it is time for you to go to rest: your lodging is prepared; but, before you depart, make choice of any of us you like best to be your companion. I answered, that I was unable to make any choice, since they were all equally beautiful, witty, and worthy of my respects and service; and I would not be guilty of so much incivility as to prefer one before another. The same lady answered, We assure you, that the,good fortune of her whom you choose shall cause no jealousy; for we are agreed among ourselves, that every one of us shall have the same honour, till it go round; and when forty days are past, to begin again: therefore make your free choice. I was obliged to yield to their persuasions, and offered my hand to the lady that spoke: she, in return, gave me hers, and we were conducted to a sumptuous apartment, where they left us; and then every one retired. I was scarce dressed next morning, when all the other thirty-nine ladies ‘came into my chamber, all in other dresses than they had the day before, They bade me good-morrow, and inquired after my health; after that they carried me to a bagnio, where they washed me themselves, and, whe- ther I would or no, served me in everything I stood in need of, We passed the whole day almost constantly at table; and when it was 5) roe ‘ a > ; sa te 64 s ARABIAN NIGHTS? ENTERTAINMENTS. hie ine : a Se bed-time, they prayed me again to make choice of one of them to keep — me company. In short, madam, not to weary you with repetitions, I must — tell you, that I continued a whole year among those forty ladies, and re- ceived them into my bed one after another; and during all the time OF: this voluptuous life, we met not with the least kind of trouble. Whenthe year was expired, I was strangely surprised, that these forty ladies, in- — stead of appearing with their usual cheerfulness, to ask me how I did, entered one morning into my chamber all in tears. They embraced me with great tenderness, one after another, saying, Adieu, dear prince, adieu! for we must leave you. Their tears affected me: I prayed them to tell me the reason of their grief, and of the separation they spoke of. Instead of returning a direct answer, Would to God, said they, we had never seen or known you! Several gentlemen have honoured us with their company before you; but never one of them had that sweetness, that pleasantness _ of humour, and merit which you have: we know not how to live without you. After they had spoken these words, they began to weep bitterly. My dear ladies, said I, be so kind as not to keep mein suspense any more. ~ Tell me the cause of your sorrow. ; oe O, then, said one of them, to satisfy you, we must acquaint you that — we are all princesses, daughters of kings: we live here together in sucha “manner as you have seen; but at the end of every year we are obliged to be absent forty days upon indispensable duties, which we are not per- ae mitted to reveal; afterwards we return again tothis castle. Yesterday was _ _ the last of the year, and we must leave you this day, which is the cause ef our grief. Before we depart, we will leave you the keys of every thing, ~ especially those belonging to the hundred doors, where you will find _ enongh to satisfy your curiosity, and to sweeten your solitude during our absence: but for your own welfare, and our particular concern in you, we recommend unto you to forbear opening the golden door; for if you do, — we shall never see you again: and the fear of this augments our gricf; therefore take heed that you do not give way to indiscreet curiosity,- for you will do yourself a considerable prejudice. Weconjure you, theretore, not to.commit this fault, but to let us have the comfort of finding you here again after forty days. We would willingly carry the key of the golden — door along with us, but that it would be an affront to a prince like you, — to question your discretion and modesty. I promised myself not to forget the important advice they had given ~ me, nor to open the golden door; but as I was permitted to satisfy my curiosity in every thing else, I took the first of the keys of the other doors, _ _ which were hung in good order. I opened the first door, and came into an orchard, which I believe the universe could not equal: I could not imagine that any thing could sur- pass it, but that which our religion promises us after death: the symmetry, — the neatness, and admirable order of the trees, the abundance and diver- sity of a thousand unknown fruits, their freshness and beauty ravished | my sight. Icould never be weary of looking at and admiring so sweet a place; and I should never have left it, had I not conceived a greater idea of the other things I had not seen. I went out at last with my mind — filled with those wonders: I shut that door, and opened the next. ee Instead of an orchard, I found a flower-garden, which was no less ex-_ traordinary in its kind: it contained a spacious plot, not.watered so pro- — fusely as the former, but with greater nicety, furnishing no more water — - - wi Sa, ~ a ~ ior. " 7% —_— > ss ae * Vine a a A a c 2 pa See, z s “a ARABIAN NIGNTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. peg _ “than just what each flower required. The roses, jessamines, violets, dills, hyacinths, wild-flowers, tulips, crow-foots, pinks, lilies, and an infinite _ number of flowers, which do not grow in other places but at certain times, "were there flourishing all at once: and nothing could be more delicious than the fragrant smell of this garden. I opened the third door, where I found a large aviary, paved with mar- » ble of several fine colours that were not common, The cage was made of _ sanders and wood of aloes: it contained a vast number of nightingales, - goldfinches, canary-birds, larks, and other rare singing birds which I never heard of; and the vessels that held their sced and water were of the most precious jasper oragate. After examining this beautiful place all through, I shunt the door, and went to my chamber, resolving to openall the rest of — - the doors the days following, excepting that of gold. I failed not to open a fourth door next day; and if what I had seen be- fore was capable of surprising me, that which I saw then put me in per- fect ecstacy. I went into a large court surrounded with buildings of an _. admirable structure, the description of which I will pass by to avoid _ prolixity. This building had forty doors wide open, and through each of them was an entrance into a treasury, several of which were of greater value than the largest kingdoms. The first contained heaps of pearls; and what is - almost incredible, the number of those stones which are most precious, and as large as pigeons’ eggs, exceeded the number of those of the ordi- "Mary size: in the second treasury there were diamonds, carbuncles, and '. rubies: in the third there were emeralds: in the fourth there were ingots _ of gold: in the fifth, money: in the sixth, ingots of silver: in the two fol- lowing there was also money. The rest contained amethysts, chrysolytes, _ topazes, opals, turquoises, and hyacinths, with all the other stones un- known to us, without mentioning agate, jasper, cornelian, and coral, of - which there was a storehouse filled, not only with branches, but whole trees, I shall not stay, madam, to tell you the particulars of all the other rare and precious things I saw the days following; I shall only tell you, that thirty-nine days afforded me but just as much time as was necessary to open ninety-nine doors, and to admire all that presented itself to my view; so that there was only the hundredth door left, the opening of which J] - was forbidden, -I was come to the fortieth day after the departure of those charming princesses: and had I but retained so much power over myself as I ought to have had, I should have been this day the happiest of all mankind, whereas I am now the most unfortunate. They were to return . next day, and the pleasure of seeing them again ought to have restrained — _ my curiosity; but through my weakness, which I shall ever repent, 1 yielded to the temptations of the evil spirit, who gave me no rest till I had _ thrown myself into those misfortunes that I have since undergone. <3 I opened the fatal door which I had promised not to meddle with; and- _ had not moved my foot to go in, when a smell that was pleasant enough, _ but contrary to my constitution, made me faint away: nevertheless, I came _ to myself again; and, instead of taking this warning to shut the door, and _ forbear satisfying my curiosity, I went in, after I had stood some time in ' the air to carry off the scent, which did not incommode me any more. _ Among a great many objects that engaged my attention, I perceived a ~ black horse of the handsomest and best shape that ever was seen. I went oe ie tas ~ = J Sale we oa in SEEN See, SS Bs = nearer, the better to observe him, and found he had a saddle’ and bridle of massy gold, curiously wrought. The one side of his trough was filled with clean barley and sesseems, and the other with rose-water. I took him by the bridle, and led him forth to view him by the light: I got upon - his back, and would have had him move; but he not stirring, I whipped him with a switch, and he had no sooner felt the stroke, than he began to neigh with a horrible noise; and extending his wings, which I had not seen be- fore, he flew up with me into the air quite out of sight. I thought of: nothing then but to sit fast; and, considering the fear that seized upon me, I sat very well. He afterwards flew down again towards the earth; and, lighting upon the terrace of a castle, without. giving me any time to get off, he shook me out of the saddle, with such force, that he made me fall behind him, and with the end of his tail struck out my right eye. Thus I became blind of one eye, and then I began to remember the predictions of the ten young gentlemen. The horse flew again out of — sight. I got up, very much troubled at the misfortune I had brought upon myself, I walked upon the terrace, covering my eye with one of my hands, for it pained me exceedingly; and then came down, and en- tered into the hall, which I knew presently by the ten sofas in a circle and the eleventh in the middle lower than the rest, to be the same castle, from whence I was taken away bythe roc. The ten half-blind gentlemen were not in the hall when I came in, but came soon after with the old — man: they were not at all surprised to see me again, nor at the loss of my eye: but said, We are sorry that we cannot congratulate you upon your. return as we could have desired; but we are not the cause of your mis- fortune. We would gladly receive you among us to do such penance as ~ we do, but our number is complete: therefore depart from hence, and go. to the court at Bagdad, where you shall meet with him that can decide ~ =. Ar pas ’ S 2 7 Pe 4 > a ASRAST. cy an SRC ee Se 2 4 = O02 > ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. et ae your destiny. They told me the way I was to travel, and so Tleft them. . On the road I caused my beard and eyebrows to be shaved, and assum- ed a calender’s habit. I have had a long journey; but at last arrived this — : evening in this city, where I met these my brother calenders at the gate, being strangers as well as myself. We wondered much at one another, to see that we were all three blind of the same eye; but we had not leisure to discourse long of our common calamities: we had only so much time as , to come hither to implore those favours which you have been generously pleased to grant us. The third calender having finished this relation of his adventures, Zo- beide addressed her speech to him and his fellow-calenders thus: Go wher-> - ever you think fit; you are all three at liberty. But one of them answer- ed, Madam, we beg you to pardon our curiosity, and permit us to hear those gentlemen’s stories who have not yet spoken. Then the lady turned to that side, where the caliph, the vizier Giafar, and Mesrour stood, whom she knew not; but said to them, It is now your turn to tell me your ad- ventures; therefore speak. The grand vizier Giafar, who had always been the spokesman, repeated r the same story as he had told to Safie, before they were allowed to enter the house. rect Zobeide, having heard this discourse, seemed to hesitate upon what she ih should say; which the calenders perceiving, prayed her to grant the same | favour to the Mossoul merchants as she had done tothem. Well, then, said she, I give my consent; for you shall all be equally obliged to me: 1 a y = ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTHRTAINMENTS, 67 pardon you all, provided you depart immediately out of this house, and go whither yon please, : _ on Zobeide having given this command in a tone that signified she would be obeyed, the caliph, the vizier, Mesrour, the three calenders, and the porter, departed, without saying one word; for the presence of the seven slaves with their weapons kept them in awe. When they were out of the house, and the door shut, the caliph said to the calenders, without making ~ himself known, You, gentlemen strangers, that are newly come to town, which way do you design to £0, since it is not yet day? It is that which perplexes us, sir, said they. Follow us, replied the caliph, and we will bring you out of danger. After saying these words, he whispered to the vizier, Take them along with you, and to-morrow morning bring them to me: I will cause their history to be put in writing, for it deserves a place in the annals of my reign, The vizier Giafar took the three calenders along with him, the porter went to his quarters, and the caliph and Mes- rour returned to the palace. Next morning, the caliph being in his council-chamber, says: Vizier, the affairs that we have to consider at present are not very pressing: that of the three ladies and the two black bitches js much more so. My mind ' cannot be at ease till I be thoroughly satisfied in all those matters that have surprised me so much. Go, bring these ladies and the calenders at the same time: make haste, and remember that I impatiently expect your return, The vizier made haste to obey, and went to the ladies, to whom he com- municated, in a civil way, the orders he had to bring them before the ca- liph, without taking any notice of what had passed the night before at their house. The ladies put on their veils, and went with the vizier: as he passed by _his own house, he took the three calenders along with him, and they, in the meantime, had got notice that they had both seen and spoken with _ the caliph, without knowing him. This prince, that he might keep a due decorum before all the officers of his court who were then present, made _ those ladies be placed behind the hanging of the door of the room that was next his bed-chamber, and kept the three calenders by him. When the ladies were placed, the caliph turned towards them, and said, Ladies, when I shall acquaint you that I came last night, disguised in a merchant’s habit, into your house, it will certainly alarm you, and make ~ you fear that you offended me; and perhaps you believe that I have sent for you for no other end but to show some marks of my resentment: but be not afraid; you may rest assured that I have forgotten all that is past, and am very well satisfied with your conduct. Ihave only sent for you to know who you are; and to ask you for what reason one of you, after severely whipping the two black bitches, did weep with them; and I am no less curious to know why another of you has her bosom full of scars, _ Though the caliph pronounced these words very distinctly, and the three ladies heard him well enough, yet the vizier Giafar, out of ceremony, re- “peated them over again. _ , Zobeide, after the caliph by his discourse had encouraged her, satisfied his curiosity in this manner:— 68 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. — THE STORY OF ZOBEIDE. Commander of the Faithful, says she, the relation which I am about to | give your majesty, is one of the strangest that ever was heard. The two | black bitches and myself are sisters by the same father and mother; and1I shall acquaint you by what strange accident they came to be metamor- phosed. ‘The two ladies that live with me, and are now here, are also my sisters by the father’s side, but by another mother: the name of her who has the scars on her breast, is Amine, the other is Safie, and mine is Zo- beide. . After our father’s death, the estate that he left us was equally divided among us; and as soon as these two sisters received their portions, they went from me to live with their mother. My other two sisters and mysclf stayed with our mother, who was then alive, and when she died, left each of us a thousand sequins. As soon as we received our portions, the two _ elder, (for I am the youngest) being married, followed their husbands, and left me alone. Some time after, my eldest sister’s husband sold all that he had, and with the money and my sister’s portion, they went both into Africa, where her husband, by riotous living and debauchery, spent all; and, finding himself reduced to poverty, he found a pretext for divorcing my sister, and put her away. Ee She returned to this city; and having suffered incredible hardships by the way, came tome in so lamentable acondition, that it would have mov-_ ed the hardest heart to compassion. Ireceived her with all the tenderness she could expect; and, inquiring into the cause of her sad condition, she told me with tears how inhumanly her husband had dealt by her. Weliv- _ ed very comfortably together for some months; and, as we were often dis- coursing together about our third sister, and wondering we heard no news of her, she came in as bad a condition as the elder: her husband had treat- ed her after the same manner, and I received her likewise with the same affection I had done the former. Some time after, my two sisters, on pretence that they would not be | chargeable to me, told me they had thoughts of marrying again. Itriedto _ persuade them against it, but all my persuasion was in vain; they were re- ~ solved to marry, and so they did: but, after some months were passed, they came back again, and begged my pardon a thousand times for not following my advice. You are the youngest sister, said they, and abun- dantly more wise than we; but if you will vouchsafe to receive us once more into your house, and account us your slaves, we will never commit such a fault again. My answer was, Dear sisters, come again, and take part of what I have. Upon this, I embraced them again, and we lived to- gether as we did formerly. ea. We continued thus a whole year in perfect love and tranquillity; and secing that God had increased my small stock, I projected a voyage by sea, to hazard somewhat in trade. To this end, I went with my two sisters to ‘Balsora, where I bought a ship ready fitted for sea, and laded her with such _merchandise as I brought from Bagdad. We set sail witha fair wind, and — soon got through the Persian Gulf; and when we got into the ocean, we > steered our course for the Indies, and saw land the twentieth day. It was a very high mountain, at the bottom of which we saw a great town; and, — having a fresh gale, we soon reached the harbour, where we cast anchor, Dd sa Hogs =~ Paes _. ARABIAN NIGMTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, ee Ni I went ashore in the boat myself; and, making directly to the gate of the town, Isaw there a great number of men upon guard, some sitting and others standing, with batons in their hands; but perceiving they had no mo- ‘tion, nay, not so much as with theireyes, I took courage, and went nearer, and then found they were all turned into stones, I entered the town, and passed through several streets, where there stood every where men in se- ~ veral postures, but all unmoveable and petrified. On that side the mer- - chants lived, I found most of the shops shut; and in such as were open, I - likewise found the people petrified. Being come into a vast square in the heart of the city, I perceived a great gate covered with plates of gold, the two leaves of which stood open, anda curtain of silk stuff seemed to be drawn before it: I also saw a lamp hanging over the gate. I entered the gate, and was still more surprised when I saw none but the guards in the porches, all petrified; some standing, some sitting, and some lying. I crossed over a large court, where I saw a stately building just before ~ me, the windows of which were enclosed with gates of massy gold: Tlook- ed upon it to be the queen’s apartment, and went into a large hall, where stood several black eunuchs turned into stone. I went from thence into a room richly hung and furnished, where I perceived a lady in the same manner: I knew her to be the queen by the crown of gold that hung over her head, and a necklace of pearls about her neck, each of them as big asa > -Trut. I went out of the chamber where the petrified queen was, and came into - a large room, where there was a throne of massy gold, raised several steps ~ above the floor, and enriched with large enchased emeralds, and a bed upon the throne of rich stuff, embroidered with pearls. That which surprised me more than all the rest, was a sparkling light which came above the bed. _ Being curious to know from whence it came, [mounted the steps, and, lifting ~ up my head, I saw a diamond as big as the egg ofan ostrich lying upona low stool: it was so pure, that I could not find the least blemish init; and — it sparkled so bright, that I could not endure the lustre of it when I sawit by day. i fared many other rooms equally splendid, and I was so much taken with the sight of all these wonderful things, that I forgot myself, and did not think on the ship or my sisters: my whole design was to satisfy my cu- riosity: meantime night came on, which put me in mind that it was time to retire. Iwas for returning by the same way I came in, but I could not find it. Ilost myselfamong the apartments; and finding that I was come back | again to that large room, where the throne, the couch, the large diamond, and the torches stood, I resolved to make a night’s lodging there, and to depart the next morning betimes, to get aboard my ship. I laid myself down upon the couch, not without some dread at being alone in a wild ~ place; and could not sleep. About midnight, I heard a voice, like that of a man, reading the Alco- _ran, after the same manner, and in the same tone, as we read it in our mosques. Being extremely glad to hear it, I got up immediately, and, tak- ing a torch in my hand to light me, I passed from one chamber to another ~on that side where the voice came from. Icame tothe closet-door, where 1 stood still, no wise doubting that it came from thence, I set down my | ‘torch upon the ground; and, looking through a window, I found it to be an oratory. ; : I saw a little earpet laid down, like those we have to kneel upon when TAM - 4 aS eee ae a .~f PN iy eee =X > 7 a x ere 7, = é x z. x 70 ~ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. we say prayers; and a comely young man sat upon this carpet, reading — the Alcoran, which lay before him upon a desk, with great devotion. I ’ wondered how it came to pass that he should be the only living creature © in a town where all the people were turned into stones; and I did not doubt but there was something in it very extraordinary. The door being only half-shut, I opened it, and went in, and, standing ~ upright before the niche, I said this prayer aloud: Praise be to God, who has favoured us with a happy voyage; and may he be graciously pleased to protect us in the same manner, until we arrive again in our own coun- try! Hear me,O Lord! and grant my request. The young man cast his eyes upon me, and said, My good lady, pray let me know who you are, and what has brought you to this desolate city? : I told him in a few words from whence I came, what made me under- take the voyage, and how I safely arrived at the port after twenty days’ sailing; and when I had done, I told him how much [ was struck with the frightful desolation which I had seen in all places as I came along. Madam, says the young man, you have given me to understand you have’ the knowledge of a true God, by the prayer you have just now addressed tohim. I will acquaint you with the most remarkable effects of his great- ness and power. You must know, that this city was the metropolis of a mighty kingdom, over which the king my father reigned. That prince, his whole court, the inhabitants of the city, and all his other subjects, were Magi, worshippers of fire, and of Nardoun, the ancient king of the giants, who rebelled against God. Now, though I was begotten and born of an idolatrous father and mother, I had the good fortune in my youth to have a& woman governess, who was a good Mussulman: I had the Alcoran by heart, and understood the explanation of it perfectly well. | Dear prince, would she oftentimes say, there is but one true God; take heed that you do not acknowledge and adore any other. She happened to die, but not before she had perfectly instructed me in all that was necessary to con-, vince me of the Mussulman religion. After her death, I persisted with constancy in the belief I was in; and I abhor the false god Nardoun, and the adoration of fire. : It is about three years and some months ago, that a thundering voice —_ was heard all on a sudden so distinctly through the whole city, that no- body could miss hearing it. The words were these: Inhabitants, abandon the worship of Nardoun and of fire, and worship the only God, who shows | mercy! This voice was heard three years successively, but nobody was converted; so the last day of the year, at four o’clock in the morning, all the inhabitants in general were changed in an instant into stone, every one in the same condition and posture they happened then to bein. The king my father had the same fate, for he was metamorphosed into a black _ stone, as he is to beseenatthis palace; and the queen my mother had the like destiny. Iam the only*person that did not suffer under that heavy judgment; and ever since I have continued to serve God with more fer- : vency than before. I am persuaded, dear lady, that he has sent you hi. ther for my comfort, for which I render him infinite thanks; for this soli- tary life is very uneasy. Prince, said I, there is no doubt but Providence has brought me into your port, to present you with an opportunity of withdrawing from this dismal place; itis impossible you can stay any longer in a city where all aS. BSE. mf See “oy. f Me the objects you see must renew your grief: my vessel is at your service, where you may absolutely command as you shall think fit. He accepted the offer, and we discoursed the remaining part of the night about our embarkment. As soon as it was day, we left the palace, and came aboard _ - my ship, where we found my sisters, the captain, and the slaves, all very much troubled for my absence. After I had presented my sisters to the ee a t} 3 2 _ ae 3 ye 0G - é f “5 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. _ aL: prince, I told them what had hindered my return to the vessel the day be-_ fore; how I had met with the young prince; his story, and the cause of _. the desolation of so fine a city. . The seamen were taken up several days in unloading the merchandize I brought along with me, and embarking, instead of that, all the precious things in the palace, as jewels, gold, andmoney. Weleft the furniture and ° goods, which consisted of an infinite quantity of plate, &c. because our vessel could not carry it. After we had loaded the vessel with what we thought fit, we took such provisions and water aboard as were necessary for ie voyage. At last weset sail, with a wind as favourable as we could WISE. _ » The young prince, my sisters, and myself, enjoyed ourselves for some ~ time very agreeably: but, alas! this good understanding did not last long; for my sisters grew jealous of the friendship between the prince and me, and maliciously asked me one day, what we should do with him when we came to Bagdad. I answered them, I will take him for my husband; and upon that, said, turning to the prince, Sir, I humbly beg of you to give - your consent; for, as soon as we come to Bagdad, I design to offer you — my person to be your slave, to do you all the service that is in my power, and resign myself wholly to your commands. The prince answered, I know not, madam, whether you be in jest or no; but, for my own part, I seriously declare, before these ladies, your sisters, that from this moment I heartily accept your offer, not with any intention to have you as a slave, but as my lady and mistress; nor will I pretend to have any power over your actions, At these words, my sisters changed colour; and I could perceive afterwards that they did not love me as for- merly. : We were come into the Persian Gulf, and not far from Balsora, where I hoped, considering the fair wind, we might have arrived the day following; but, in the night, when I was asleep, my sisters watched their time, and threw me overboard: they did the same to the prince, who was drowned, ~ I swam some minutes on the water; but by good fortune, or rather mira-_ cle, I felt ground. I went towards a black place, that, by what I could discern in the dark, seemed to be land, and actually was flat on the coast, which, when day came, I found to be a desert island, lying about twenty — _ miles from Balsora. I laid myself down in a shade; and soon after I saw a winged serpent, very large and long, coming towards me, wriggling to the right and to the | left, and hanging iy his tongue, which made me think he had got some hurt. I arose, and saw a serpent larger than he, following him, holding - him by the tail, and endeavouring to devour him. I had compassion on him; and had the boldness and courage to take up a stone that by chance . lay by me; and threw it at the great serpent with allmy strength, which I hit on the head and killed. The other, finding himself at liberty, took to his wings, and flew away. I looked a long while after him in the air, as, _ being an extraordinary thing; but he flew out of my sight; and I lay down again in another place in the shade, and fell asleep, Beet a rt?) on 2 ee ae yas M4 Ne Sa Oe ee OTe cee ee ae Se FR a bo ree ap ate eg - atts pees: Ser Sea ae aR LS Sah Re belie Mii AES CPT he ae Pas ae : iy ee 4 Se Set sonore te ORGS hr a os Bey yy Yee sl Se SS 2 serge ae * 9 7 ES ca Fe e = 5 Fae : *, $ RG Baba x 3 5 > : oS, ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, When I awaked, judge how I was surprised to see a black woman by —__ me, of a lively and agreeable complexion, who held two bitches, tied toge- ther in her hand, of the same colour. I sat up, and asked her who she _ was: I am, said she, the serpent, whom you delivered not long since from my mortal enemy. I knew not how to acknowledge the great kindness you did me, but by doing what Ihave done. I knew the treachery of your _ sisters; and, torevenge youonthem, as soonas I was set at liberty by your ~ generous assistance, I called several of my companions together, fairies like myself: we have carried all the lading that was in your vessel into — your storehouses in Bagdad, and afterwards sunk it. : These two black bitches are your sisters, whom I have transformed into this shape: but this punishment is not sufficient; for I will have you to treat them after such a manner as I shall direct. At those words, the fairy took me fast under one of her arms, and the | two bitches in the other, and carried me to my house at Bagdad, whereI found all the riches which were laden on board my vessel in my store- houses. Before she left me, she delivered me the two bitches, and told me, If you will not be changed into a bitch as they are, Lordain you, in _ the name of him that governs the sea, to give each of your sistersevery night a hundred lashes with a rod, for the punishment of the crime they have committed against your person, and the young prince they have —_— drowned. Iwas forced to promise that I would obey her order. Since that time I have whipped them every night, though with regret, whereof your majesty has been a witness. If there be any thing else with relation to myself, that you desire to be informed of, my sister Amine will give you the full discovery of it, by the relation of her story. After the caliph had heard Zobeide with a great deal of astonishment, _ he desired his grand vizier to pray fair Amine to acquaint him wherefore § her breast was marked with so many scars. je Upon this, Amine addressed herself to the caliph, and began her story after this manner, THE STORY OF AMINE, Commander of the Faithful, says she, to avoid repeating what your majesty has already heard by my sister’s story, I shall only add, that after my mother had taken a house for herself to live in during her widowhood, she gave me in marriage, with the portion my father left me, to a gentle- man that had one of the best estates in this city. : I had scarce been a year married, whenI became a widow, and was left | in possession of all my husband’s estate, which amounted to ninety thou- sand sequins. The interest of this money was sufficient to maintainme very honourably. One day, a servant came and told me that a lady de- ~~ sired to speak to me. I ordered the lady to enter: she was a person well = stricken in years. She saluted me by kissing the ground, and said, kneel- ing, Dear lady, I must acquaint you that Ihave a daughter, anorphan, __ who is to be married this day: she and I are both strangers, and haveno — acquaintance at all in this town; therefore, most beautiful lady, if you q would vouchsafe to honour the wedding with your presence we shall be infinitely obliged to you; because the ladies of your country will then know that we are not looked upon here as despicable wretches, when they shall come to understand that a lady of your quality did us that honour, ~ A ‘ . mae . fe sok on Mee Seas Fare inns - ‘ . IR = tak ot pee ay ~ i ee sre = > S This poor woman’s Ciscourse moved my compassion. Good woman, said _ I, do not afflict yourself; I am willing to grant you the favour you desire: tell me what place I must come to, and I will meet you as soon as Tam - dressed. Madam, said she, it will be time enough when I come tocall you ~ in the evening: so farewell, till I have the honour of seeing you again. ~ When night drew on, the old woman came to call me, with a counten- ance full of joy: she kissed my hands, and said, My dear lady, the rela- ‘tions of my son-in-law, who are the principal ladies of the town, are now met together: you may come when you please; I am ready to wait on you. We went immediately, she going before; and I followed her, with | a good number of my maids and slaves very well dressed. We stopped — in a large street, newly swept and watered, at a large gate with a lantern before it, by the light of which I could read this inscription over the gate — in golden letters, Here is the abode of everlasting pleasure and content. The old woman knocked, and the gate was opened immediately. He They brought me to the lower end of the court, into a large hall, where IT was received by a young lady of admirable beauty: she came up to me, and after having embraced me, made me sit down by her upon a sofa, _ where there was a throne of precious wood, beset with diamonds. Madam, said she, you are brought hither to assist at a wedding; but I hope this marriage will prove otherwise than what you expected. I havea brother, ~ one of the handsomest men in the world: he has fallen so much in love with the fame of your beauty, that his fate depends wholly upon you: and. he will be the unhappiest of men if you do not take pity on him, If my prayers, madam, can prevail, I shall join them with his, and humbly beg ou will not refuse the offer of being his wife. . " After the death of my husband, I had no thought of marrying again, but— Thad no power to refuse the offer made by so charming a lady. As soon - as Thad given consent by silence, accompanied with a blush, the young lady clapped her hands, and immediately a closet-door opened, out of which _ came a young man of a majestic air, and such graceful behaviour, that I thought myself happy to have made so great a conquest. He sat down by me; and by the discourse we had together, I found that his merits far ex- ceeded the account his sister had given me of him. When she saw that we were satisfied one with another, she clapped her hands a second time, and out came a cadis or scrivener, who wrote our contract of marriage, signed it himself, and caused it to be attested by four witnesses he brought along with him. The only thing that my new spouse made me ‘ promise was, that I should not be seen, or speak with any other man but himself; and he vowed to me, upon that condition, that [should have no rea- son to complain of him. Our marriage was concluded after this manner; go that I became the principal actress of a wedding, whereunto Iwas only invited as a guest. After we had been married a month, I had occasion for some stuffs: I ‘asked my husband’s leave to go out and buy them, which he granted; and I took that old woman along with me, of whom I spoke before, and two of my own female slaves. When we came to the street where the merchants dwell, the old woman said, Dear mistress, since you want silk stuff, I must carry you to a young: merchant of my acquaintance: he has all sorts, and it will prevent you __wearying yourself by going from one shop to another. I was easily per- ‘suaded ; and we entered intoa shop belonging toa young merchant, Isat a ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, = 1 eae 6 NE BS ee pos & q 7452 : ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. down, and bade the old woman desire him to show me the finest silk stuffs ag he had: the woman bade me speak myself: but I told her it was one of the — articles of my marriage-contract, not to speak to any man but my husband, — which I ought to keep. The merchant showed me several stuffs, of which one pleased me better than the rest: I bade her ask the price. He answered the old woman, af will not sell it for gold or money, but I will make her a present of it, if she will give me leave tokiss hercheek. Ibade the old woman tell him that he was very rude to propose such athing: but instead of obeying me, she said, What the merchant desires of you is no such great matter; you need not speak, but only present him your cheek, and the business will soon be done, The stuff pleased me so much, that I was foolish enough to take her ad- vice. The old woman and my slaves stood up that nobody should see if, — and I put up my veil; but instead of a kiss, the merchant bit me till the — blood came. The pain and surprise was so great, that I fell down in a swoon, and con- tinued in it so long, that the merchant had time to shut his shop, and fly for it.’ When I came to myself, I found my cheek all bloody; the old wo- man and my slaves took care to cover it with my veil, that the people that came about us could not perceive it, but supposed it to be only a fainting fit, The old woman endeavoured to comfort me: and when we got home applied a remedy, so that I came to myself, and went to bed. My husband came to me at night, and, seeing my head bound up, asked ~ the reason. I told him I had the head-ache, and hoped he would inquire no farther; but he took a candle, and saw my cheek was hurt. How comes “this wound? said he. I told him, as I was going to seek for that stuff he gave me leave to buy, a porter, carrying a load of wood, came so close by me as I went through a narrow street, that one of the sticks gave mea rubon my cheek; but it is not muchhurt, This put my husband into such a pas- sion, that he vowed he would to-morrow give orders to the lieutenant of the. police to seize upon all those brutes of porters, and cause them to be hang- ed. Being afraid of occasioning the death of so many innocent persons, I | told him, Sir, I should be sorry that so great a piece of injustice should be committed: pray do not doit. Then tell me sincerely, said he, how came you by this wound? I answered, that it came through the inadvertency of a broom-seller upon an ass, who, coming behind me, and looking another way, his ass gave me such a push, that I fell down, and hurt my cheek upon some glass. Is itso? said my husband: then to-morrow morning, before sun-rising, the grand vizier Giafar shall have an account of this in- solence, and he shall cause all the broom-sellers to be put to death. For the love of God, sir, said I, let me beg of you to pardon them, for they are not guilty. How, madam! said he; what is it I must believe? Speak, for I am absolutely resolved to know the truth from your own mouth. Sir, — said I, I was taken with the giddiness, and fell down; and that is the whole matter. At these last words, my husband lost all patience. O! cries he, I have v _ given ear to your lies too long. With that, clapping his hands, in came | ‘three slaves: Pull her out of bed, said he, and lay her in the middle of the floor. The slaves obeyed his orders, one holding me by the head, another by the feet. He commanded the third to fetch him a scimitar; = and when he had brought it, Strike, said he, cut her in two in the middle, and then throw her into the Tigris to feed the fishes, Thisis the punishment - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 75- I give to those to whom I have given my heart, if they falsify their promise. When he saw that the slave made no haste to obey his orders, Why do you not strike? said he. Madam, then said the slave, you are near the last mo- ment of your life; consider if you have anything to dispose of before you die. I begged leave to speak one word, which was granted me. I lifted _- up my head, and, looking wistfully to my husband, -Alas, said I, to what - condition.am J reduced! must I then die in the prime of my youth? My | _ husband was not at all moved, but commanded the slave to proceed to ex- . ecution, The old woman, that had been his nurse, came in just at that moment, fell down upon her knees, and endeavoured to appease his wrath, “My son, said she, since I have been your nurse, and brought you up, let” me beg the favour of you to grant me her life. What will not the world. say of such a bloody rage? She spoke these words in so pathetic a man- ner, accompanied with tears, that she gained upon him at last. Well, then, says he to his nurse, for your sake I will spare her life; but she shall carry some marks along with her, to make her remember her crime. With that, one of the slaves, by his orders, gave me so many plows, as hard as he could strike, with a little cane, upon my side and breast, that he fetched both skin and flesh away, so that I lay senseless, After that, he caused the same slaves, the executioners of his fury, to carry me into a house, where the old woman took care of me. I kept my bed four months: atlast Irecovered; but the scars you saw yesterday, against my will, have remained ever since. ‘As soon as I was able to walk and go abroad, I resolved to go to the ~ house which was my own by my first husband; but I could not find the place. My second husband, in the heat of his wrath, was not content to have razed it to the ground, but caused all the street where it stood to be pulled down. . Being desolate, and deprived of every thing, I had recourse to my dear sister Zobeide, who gave your majesty Just now an account of her adven- tures: to her I made known my misfortune; she received me with her accustomed goodness, and advised me to bear it with patience. We gave _ | God thanks, who had brought us together again, resolving to live a single oe Ve ee ~ life, and never to separate any more; for we have enjoyed this peaceable way of living a great many years: and, as it was my business to mind the ‘affairs of the house, I always took pleasure to go myself and buy what we wanted. I happened to go abroad yesterday, and the things I bought I caused to be brought home by a porter, who proved to be a sensible and jocose fellow, and we kept him by us for a little diversion. Three calen- ders happened to come to our door, as it began to grow dark, and prayed us to give them shelter until next morning: we gave them entrance, but upon certain conditions, which they agreed to: and, after we had made them sit down at the table by us, they gave us a concert of music after their fashion, and at the same time we heard a knocking at our gate. These were three merchants of Mossoul, men of a very good mien, who ~ begged the same favour which the calenders had obtained before: we consented to it upon the same conditions, but neither of them kept their promise; and though we had power as well as justice on our side to punish them, yet we contented ourselves with demanding from them the history of their lives, and subsequently bounded our revenge with dismissing them after they had done, and depriving them of the lodging they demanded. _ The caliph, having satisfied his curiosity, thought himself obliged to give PRS PS - v= © Be) a ee Se * “| si aa Si yt eee SN > 4 eta ge Re op ree s ae a iF. be pre Snes : Rs ey Ee a oa ya ee ftp t CBS WA ea i : = ieee 3 x ie i o. rr NS 76 _ ss ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, — some marks of grandeur and generosity to the calender princes, and also ~ to give the three ladies some proofs of his bounty. He himself, without = making use of his minister the grand vizier, spoke to Zobeide; Madam, om this fairy, that showed herself to you in the form of a serpent, and imposed such a rigorous command upon you, did she not tell you where her place of abode was? or, rather, did she not promise to see you, and restore those bitches to their natural shape? Commander of the Faithful, answered Zobeide, I forgot to tell your majesty, that the fairy left with me a bundle of hair, saying, that her pre- sence would one day stand me in stead; and then, if I only burnt two tufts of this hair, she would be with me in amoment. Madam, says the caliph, where is the bundle of hair? She answered, I always carry it about me; upon which she pulled it out, opened the case a little where it was, and showed it. Well, then, said the caliph, let us make the fairy come hither: you could not call her in a better time, for I long to see her. -Zobeide having consented to it, fire was brought in, and she threw the whole bundle of hair into it: the palace began to shake at that very in~ - stant, and the fairy appeared before the caliph in the shape of a lady very. richly dressed. Commander of the Faithful, said she to the prince, you see I am ready to come and receive your commands. The lady, who gave me this call by your order, did me a particular piece of service: to make my gratitude appear, I revenged her of her sisters’ inhumanity, by changing them into. bitches; but if your majesty commands it, I will restore them to their tormer shape. = Handsome fairy, said the caliph, you cannot do me a greater pleasure. But, besides, I have another boon to ask in favour of that lady, who has had such cruel usage from an unknown husband; oblige me with the name of this barbarous fellow, that could not be contented to exercise his hor- rible cruelty upon her person, but has also, most unjustly, taken from her all the substance she had. To serve your majesty, answered the fairy, I will restore the two bitches. to their former state: and I will cure the lady of her scars, that it shall never appear she was so beaten; and at last, I will tell you who it was that did it. ; : The caliph sent for the two bitches from Zobeide’s house; and when they came, a glass of water was brought to the fairy: she pronounced some words over it, which nobody understood; then throwing some part — of it upon Amine, and the rest upon the bitches, the latter became two la- dies of surprising beauty, and the scars that were upon Amine vanished away. After which, the fairy said to the caliph, Commander of the Faith- ful, I must now discover to you the unknown husband you inquire after: he is very nearly related to yourself; for it is prince Amin, your eldest son, who, falling passionately in love with this lady, he, by an-intrigue, got her brought to his house, where he married her. As to the strokeshe —_ caused to be given her, he is in some measure excusable; for the lady his — spouse had been a little too easy, and the excuses she had made were ¢ca- pable of making him believe she was more faulty than she really was. ‘This is all I can say to satisfy your curiosity; and at these words she sa- luted the caliph, and vanished. ess The caliph, being filled with admiration, did such things as will perpe- _ {uate his memory to allages. First, he sent for his son Amin, and told him~ cot ed atin ES a nage Sn NT 7 ap we. > 7 ee Ae wees BS, : } 4 sf cs x Se 7 Pes Se ‘ os tae, | =e F .) = Sy ~ ¢ ke . ecb gn Ah Mita ~ ARABIAN NIGHTS? ENTERTAINMENTS, — : brother, according to the manner of the Arabians when they are familiar one with another, he asked his name and employment. Signor, answered he, my name is Hindbad, and I am a porter. Iam very glad to see you, replied Sindbad; but I should wish to hear from your own mouth, what it was you said a while ago in the street. ; Hindbad, being surprised at the question, hung down his head, and replied, Sindbad, I confess that my weariness put me out of humour, and occa- sioned me to speak some indiscreet words, which [beg you to pardon. O, do not think I am so unjust, replies Sindbad, to resent such athingas that: _ I consider your condition; and instead of upbraiding you with your com- plaints, Iam sorry for you; but I must rectify your mistake concerning myself, You think, no doubt, that I have acquired, without labour and _ trouble, the ease and conveniency which I now enjoy: but do not mistake yourself; I did not attain to this happy condition, without enduring more =~ trouble of body and mind, for several years, than can well be imagined, . ~ Yes, gentlemen, adds he, speaking to the whole company, I can assure you, my troubles were so extraordinary, that they were capable of discouraging the most covetous man from undertaking such voyages as I made, to acquire riches, Perhaps you have not heard a distinct account of the wonderful ad- ventures and dangers I met with in my seven voyages; and, since I have this opportunity, I am willing to give you a faithful account of them, not doubting but it will be acceptable. And because Sindbad was to tell his story particularly upon the porter’s - account, he ordered his burden to be carried to the place appointed, and began thus:— 3 STORY OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR. His First Voyage. My father left mea considerable estate, most part of which I spent in de- bauches during my youth; but I perceived my error, and called to mind that riches were perishable. I remembered the saying of the great Solo- mon, which I frequently heard from my father, That death ismore tolerable than poverty. Being struck with those reflections, I gathered together the ruins of my estate, and sold all my moveables in the public market to the highest bidder: then I entered into a contract with some merchants that ! traded by sea; I took the advice ofsuch as I thought most capable of giv- ing it to me, and resolving to improve what money I had, I went to Balsora, a port inthe Persian Gulf, and embarked with several merchants, who join- ed me in fitting out a ship on purpose. We set sail, and steered our course towards the East Indies, through the Persian Gulf. At first I was troubled with the sea-sickness, bus speedily recovered my health, and was not afterwards visited with that disease. * On our voyage we touched at severalislands, where we sold or exchanged our goods. One day, whilst under sail, we were becalmed near a little island, even almost with the surface of the water, which resembled a green — meadow. ‘The captain ordered his sails to be furled, and suffered such . persons as had.a mind, to land upon the island, amongst whom I was one, — But while we were diverting ourselves with eating and drinking, the — island trembled all of a sudden, and shook us terribly. ; They perceived the trembling of the island on board the ship, and called to us to re-embark speedily, or we should all be lost; for what we took for - ¥ & / ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. 19 “an island, was only the back of a whale. The nimblest got into the sloops others betook themselves to swimming; but, for my part, I was still upon the back of the whale, when he dived into the sea, and I had time only to catch hold of a piece of wood, that we had brought out of the ship to make a fire. Meanwhile the captain, having received those on board who were in the sloop, and taken up some of those that swam, resolved to improve the favourable gale that was just risen; and, hoisting his sails, pursued his yoyage, so'that it was impossible to recover the ship. Thus was I exposed to the mercy of the waves, and struggling for my life all the rest of the day and the following night. Next morning I found my strength gone, and despaired of saving my life, when a wave threw me happily against an island. The bank was high and rugzed; so that I should scarcely have got up, had it not been for some roots of trees, which fortune seemed to have preserved in this place for my safety. Being got _ up, I lay down upon the ground half dead, until such time as the sun ap- peared; then, though I was very feeble, both by reason of my hard labour and want of victuals, I crept along to look for some herbs fit to eat; and had not only the good luck to find some, but likewise a spring of excellent water, which contributed much torecover me. After this, I advanced far- ther into the island, and came at last intoa fine plain, where I perceiveda horse feeding at a great distance. WhenI came near, I perceived it to be @ very fine mare tied to a stake. Whilst I looked upon her, I heard the voice of a man from under ground, who immediately appeared to me, and asked me who Iwas. Igave himan account of my adventure; after which ° _ taking me by the hand, he led ‘me into a cave, where there were several — _ Other people, no less amazed to see me than I was to see them, I ate some victuals which they offered me; ard then having asked them what they didin sucha desert place, they answered; that they were grooms belonging to king Mihrage, sovereign of the island; and that every year, at the same season, they brought hither the king’s mares, and fastened them as I saw that mare, until they were covered by a horse that came out of the sea, who, after he had done so, endeavoured to destroy the mare; but they hindered him by their noise, and obliged him to return to the sea: after which they carried home the mare, whose foals they kept for the king’s use, and called sea-horses. Whilst they entertained me thus, the horse came out of the sea, as they told me, covered the mare, and afterwards would have devoured her; but upon a great noise being made by the grooms, he left her, and went back to the sea. Next morning they returned with the mares to the capital of theisland, took me with them, and presented me to king Mihrage. He asked who I was; by what adventure I came into his dominions; and after I had satis- fied him, he told me he was much concerned for my misfortune, and at the _ Same time ordered that I should want nothing. Being a merchant, I frequented men of my own profession, and particu- ” larly inquired for those who were strangers, if perhaps I might hear any news from Bagdad, or find an opportunity to return thither; for king Mihrage’s capital is situated on the bank of the sea, and has a fine har- bour, where ships arrive daily from the different quarters of the world. _ There belongs to this king an island, named Cassel: they assured me that _ every night a noise of drums was heard there, whence the mariners fancied _ that it was the residence of Dagial. I had a great mind to see this won- _ derful place; and in my way thither saw fishes of a hundred and two hun- 'f Wes > § eee ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. ty ie ay be, ees Ae ead REP DE ie Sa sk Niet gs tne ee Pe a ea, * 5. SR : EE age m ee *« - i See age aaa. Be otas Sot town Sse phate «Fh i nea cas Sigs a efag SPR ae pee EE dred cubits long. I saw likewise other fishes about a cubit in length, that — had heads like owls. . . nee As I was one day at the port after my return, a ship arrived; and as soon as she cast anchor, they began to unload her, and the merchants-on board ordered their goods to be carried into the magazine. As I cast my eye upon some bales, and looked to the name, I found my own, and per- ceived the bales to be the same that I had embarked at Balsora. I also knew the captain: but being persuaded that he believed me to be drowned, I went and asked him whose bales these were. He replied, that they be- - longed to a merchant of Bagdad, called Sindbad, who went to sea with — him; but one day, being near an islandgas,fas thought, he went ashore with several other passengers upon this fie ed island, which was only — a monstrous whale that lay asleep upon thesurface of the water: but as soon as he felt the heat of the fire they/had kindled “on his back to dress some victuals, he began to@move, and dived under water: most of the per- . sons who were upon him pérished, and among them unfortunate Sindbad. ~ Those bales belonged to him, and I am resolved to trade with them untilI - “meet with some of his family, to whom I may returngthe profit. Captain, — says I, I am that Sindbad whom you thought to be dead: those bales are - mine. - persuaded that I 8 No ch knew me, made me seat When the captain heard me speak thus, he would not believe me, but said I wished to impose on him. Then I told him how I escaped, and by what adventure I met with the grooms of king Mihrage, who brought me tohis court, <&% ° g He began to abate of his diffidence win my discourse, and was soon heat; for there ¢ame people from his ship, who at compliments, and testified a great deal of joy to. see me alive. At last _ -had all things completed, I presented them to the king, and put themupon - one of his horses.. His majesty mountedimmediately, and was somightily pleased with them, that he testified his satisfaction by large presents to me. As I made my court very exactly tothe king, he says to me one dav, Sind-. ee. © Se 88 ss ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Oo a Fe Pe eae he por eo Male Re eee ee re arp Fe le OE Sao eA ES Daeg SYS eS = 8 igo ; Sy, Aba ae a & 7 ~ - SE Ona * Pee Ea ee bad, I love thee; and all my subjects who know thee treat thee according — | to my example. I have one thing to demand of thee, which thou must — grant. Sir, answered I, there is nothing but what I will.do, as a mark of. my obedience to your majesty, whose power over me is absolute. I have a mind thou shouldst marry, replies he, that thou mayst stay inmy domi- nions, and think no more of thy own country. I dared not resist the prince’s will, and he gave me one of the ladies of his court, anoble, beautiful, chaste, ‘and rich lady. The ceremonies of marriage being over, I went and dwelt with the lady, and for some time we lived in perfect harmony. One day, the wife of one of my neizhbours, with whom I had contracted a very strict friendship, fell sick and died. I went tosee and comfort him. in his affliction; and finding him swallowed up with sorrow, I said to him as soon as I saw him, God preserve you, and grant you a long life. Alas! replies he, how do you think I should obtain that favour you wish me? I have not many hours to live; for I must be buried this day with my wife. This is a law which our ancestors established in this island, and always ob- served inviolably: the living husband is interred with the dead wife, and must submit to this law. While he was entertaining me with an account of this barbarous custom, his kindred, friends, and neighbours came in a ‘body to assist at the funeral. They put on the corpse the woman’s richest apparel, as if it had been her wedding-day, and dressed her with all her jewels; then they put her into an open coffin, and lifting it up, began their — march to the place of burial. The husband walked at the head of thecom- — pany, and followed the corpse. They went up to a high mountain, and when they came thither, took up a great stone, which covered the mouth ofa - very deep pit, and let down the corpse, with allits apparel and jewels. Then the husband, embracing his kindred and friends, suffered himself to be put ~ into another open coffin, without resistance, with a pot of water and seven little loaves, and was let down in the same manner they let down his wife, The mountain was pretty long, and reached to the sea, The ceremony. 3 being over, they covered the hole again with the stone, and returned. I could not forbear speaking my thoughts of this matter to the king. Sir, says I, I cannot enough wonder at the strange custom in this country of burying the living with the dead. I have been a great traveller, and — seen many countries, but never heard of so cruel a law. What do you mean, Sindbad? says the king: it is a common law; I shall be interred with the queen my wife, if she die first. But, sir, says I, may I presume » _ to demand of your majesty, if strangers be obliged to observe this law? Without doubt, replies the king, (smiling at the occasion of my question) they are not exempted, if they be married in this island. oie - I went home very, melancholy at this answer; for the fear of my wife dying first, and that I should be interred alive, occasioned me to have very mortifying reflections. I trembled, however, at every little indisposition of ~™y wife; but, alas! in a little time my fears came upon me all at once; - for she fell sick and died in a few days. You may judge of my sorrow: to be interred alive seemed to be as de- plorable an end as to be devoured by cannibals: but I must submit; the ‘king and all his court would honour the funeral with their presence, and | _ the most, considerable people of the city did the like. Whenallwasready — for the ceremony, the corpse was put into a coffin, with all her jewels and _ the living wife with the dead husband. Nothing can save-me; every one _ magnificent apparel, The cavalcade was begun ; and, as second actorin etree rh. ey ee é sand ee rbst ft { b ¢ \ Koay re ‘ bend out ai SS Tee ae chic ei tN Oe a eee Tl ra tian: a fy ee Pees essay on the minds of the spectators: I addressed myself to the king in this doleful tragedy, I went next to the corpse, with my eyes full of tears, - bewailing my deplorable fate. Before I came to the mountain, I madean ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, =| 89 - the first place, and then to all those who were round me; and, bowing be- — see fore them to the earth, to kiss the border of their garments, I prayed them to have compassion uponme, Consider, said J, that I am a stranger, and ought not to be subject to this rigorous law; and that I have another wife and child in my own country. It was to no purpose for me to speak thus; _ no soul was moved at it: on the contrary, they made haste to let down my wife’s corpse into the pit, and put me down the next moment in an open coffin, with a vessel full of water, and seven loaves, In short, the fatal ceremony being performed, they covered up the mouth of the pit, alge standing the excess of my grief, and my lamentable cries. As I came near the bottom, I discovered, by help of the light that came 5 from above, the nature of this subterranean lace: it was a vast long cave, and might be about fifty fathoms deep. I immediately smelled an insuf- ferable stench, proceeding from the multitude of dead corpses which I saw on the right and left; nay, I fancied that I heard some of them sigh out their last. However, when I got down, I immediately left my coffin, and getting at a distance from the corpses, held my nose, and lay down upon the ground, where [ stayed a longtime bathed in tears. After many sad reflections, I still felt an inclination to live, and to do all I could to pro- long my days. I went groping about, with my nosestopped, for the bread and water that was in my coffin, and took some of it. I lived for some days upon it, which being all spent, at last I prepared for death, As I was thinking of death, I heard the stone lifted from the mouth of © the cave, and immediately the corpse of a man was letdown. Whenmen ~ are reduced to necessity, it is natural for them to come to extreme resolu- tions. While they let down the woman, I approached the place where the ' coffin was to be put; and as soon as I perceived they were covering the mouth of the cave, I gave the unfortunate wretch two or three great blows over the head with a large bone that I found, and killed her. I commit- ted this inhuman action merely for the sake of her bread and water that | was in her coffin, and thus I had provisions for some days more. When — that was spent, they let down another dead woman and a live man: IF killed the man in the same manner; and, as a good luck would have it for me, there was then a sort of mortality in the town, so that by this means I did not want for provisions. One day, as I had despatched another woman, I heard something walk- ing, and blowing or panting as it walked. I advanced towards that side from whence I heard the noise; and, upon my approach, the thing puffed - and blew harder, as if it had been running away from me: I followed the covered that it came through a hole of the rock, large enough for a man noise, and the thing seemed to stop sometimes, but always fled and blew as I approached. T followed it so long and so far, till at last I perceived a light, resembling a star: I went on “towards that light; and at last dis- _ to get out at. When I was recovered from my surprise, 1 found the thing which I had followed to be a creature which came out of the sea, and was _ accustomed to enter at that hole to feed upon the dead carcases, I returned to this dark place again, and groped about among the biers for all the diamonds, rubies, pearls, gold bracelets, and rich stuffs I could find: these I brought 1 to the shore, and tying them up neatly into bales = > Wwe ? ~— — ~ ie phe As re rin «. i aN at ROAR 24 A 90 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. with the cords that let down the coffins, I laid them together upon the bank, waiting till some ship passed by. After two or three days, I _per- ceived a ship that had but just come out of the harbour, and passed near the place where I was: I made a sign with the linen of my turban, and ~ ~ ealled to them as loud asI could; they heard me, and sent a boat to bring me on board. When tie mariners asked by what misfortune I came thi- ther, I told them that I had suffered shipwreck two days ago, and made shift to get ashore with the goods they saw. When I came to the ship, the captain was so well pleased to have saved me, and so much taken up with his own affairs, that he also took the story of my pretended ship- _wreck upon trust, and generously refused some jewels which I offered _ | him. se At last I arrived happily at Bagdad with infinite riches, of which it is needless to trouble you with the detail. Out of thankfulness to God for his mercies, I gave great alms for the entertainment of many mosques, and for the subsistence of the poor, and employed myself wholly in enjoying — my kindred and friends, and making good cheer with them. Here Sindbad finished the relation of his fourth voyage. He gave anew : 3 present of a hundred sequins to Hindbad, whom he prayed to return the next day, at the same hour, to dine with him, and to hear the story of his fifth voyage. Next morning, when they all met, they sat down at table; and when dinner was over, Sindbad began the relation of his fifth voyage. FIFTH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR. The pleasures I enjoyed had again charms enough to make me forget all the troubles and calamities I had undergone, without curing me of my inclination to make new voyages; therefore I bought goods, ordered them to be packed up and loaded, and set out with them for the best seaports; — and there, that I might not be obliged to depend upon a captain, but have a ship at my own command, I stayed till one was built on purpose, at my ~ own charge. When the ship was ready, I went on board with my goods; but not having enough to load her, I took on board several merchants of different nations with their merchandise. We sailed with the first fair wind; and, after along navigation, the first _ ' place we touched at was a desert island where we found an egg of a roc, equal in bigness with that I formerly mentioned: there was a young roc in it just ready to be hatched, and the bill of it began to appear. The merchants, whom I had taken on board my ship, and who landed — with me, broke the egg with hatchets, and made a hole in it, from whence they pulled out the young roc piece after piece, and roasted it. Ihad earnestly dissuaded them from meddling with the egg; but they would not listen to me. Scarce had they made an'end of their treat, when there appeared in the air, at a considerable distance from us, two great clouds. The cap- tain whom [I hired to sail my ship, knowing by experience what it meant, cried that it was the he and the she roc that belonged to the young one, and pressed us to re-embark with all speed. _We made haste to doso, and set sail with all possible diligence. In the meantime the two rocs approached with a frightful noise, which they redoubled when they saw the egg broken, and their young one gone: — aote ania oS: “fi Biase tees: & 4 2 Vihep oe phe oars ae eee Plage ty Ae SER IES) ccs - 2 J but having a mind to avenge themselves, they flew back towardsthe place - ae Sn i oe x 5 = ¥ z : S Ax, Re ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMEN'’S. ~ 91 from whence they came, and disappeared for some time; while we made all the sail we could, to prevent that which unhappily befell us. The two rocs returned, and each of them carried between their talons a Stone, or rather a rock of a monstrous size. When they came directly over my ship, they hovered, and one of them let fall a stone; but by the dexte- rity of the steersman, who turned the ship with the rudder, it missed us; and falling by the side of the ship into the sea, divided the water so, that we almost could see the bottom. The other roc, to our misfortune, threw _ the stone so exactly on the middle of the ship, that it split it in a thou- sand pieces. The mariners and passengers were all killed by the stone, or sunk. I myself had the last fate; but as I came up again, I caught hold, by good fortune, of a piece of the wreck, and swimming sometimes with one hand and sometimes with the other, but always holding fast my board, the wind and tide being in my favour, I came to an island whose bank was very steep: I overcame that difficulty, however, and got ashore, I sat down on the grass, to recover myself a little from the fatigue, after _ which I got up, and went into the island to view it. It seemed to bea delicious garden; I found trees every where, some of them bearing green, and others ripe fruits, and streams of fresh pure water, with pleasant wind- ings and turnings. I eat of the fruits, which I found excellent; and drank of the water, which was very pleasant. s Night being come, I lay down upon the grass, in a convenient place enough; but I could not sleep an hour at atime, my mind was so dis- turbed with the fear of being alone in so desert a place. After spending - great part of the night in fretting, I got up and walked among the trees, but not without apprehensions of danger. When I was a little advanced into the island, I saw an old man, who to me seemed very weak and feeble. _ I went towards him, and saluted him; but he only bowed his head a little, 4 + _ One day, I found in my way several calabashes that had fallen from a _ tree; I took a large one, and after cleaning it, pressed into it some juice of Lasked him what he did there; but instead of answering me, he made a sign for me to take him upon my back and carry him over the brook, sige nitying that it was to gather fruit, ; i believed him really to stand in need of my help: so I took him upon my back: and having carried him over, bade him get down, and for that end stooped, that he might get off with ease; but instead of that, the old man, who to me appeared very decrepit, clasped his legs nimbly about my neck, and then I perceived his skin to be like that of acow. He sat astride me upon my shoulders, and held my throat so tight, that I thought he would have strangled me, the fright of which made me faint away, and fall down. Notwithstanding my fainting, the ill-natured old fellow kept fast about my neck, but opened his legs alittle, to give me time to recover my breath. When I had done so, he thrust one of his feet against my stomach, and struck me so rudely on the side with the other, that he forced me to rise up against my will. Being got up, he made me walk under the trees, and forced me now and then to stop and eat such fruit as we found. He never left me all day; and when I lay down to rest by night, he laid himself down with me, holding always fast about my neck, Every morning he pushed me to make me awake, and afterwards obliged me to get up and walk, and pressed me with his feet, You may judge, then, gentlemen, what trouble I was in, to be charged with a burden, trom which I could no way free myself. pa) : Si: Bigs : Sy 92 "ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 2s stst—S grapes, which abounded in the island. Having filled the calabash, I setit — in a convenient place; and coming hither again some daysafter, I tookup my calabash, and setting it to my mouth, found the wine to be so good, — that it made me presently not only forget my sorrow, but I grew vigorous, ~ The old man, perceiving the effect which this drink had upon me, and that I carried him with more ease than I did before, madea sign for metogive him the calabash; and the liquor pleasing his palate, he drank it all off, — There being enough of it to fuddle him he became drunk immediately, and the fumes getting up into his head, he began to sing after his manner, and _ to move briskly upon my shoulders. His jolting about made him vomit, and he loosened his legs from about me by degrees; so finding that he did not press me as before, I threw him upon the ground, where he lay with-_ out motion; and then I took up a great stone, with which I crushed his head to pieces. oes se I was extremely rejoiced to be freed thus for ever from this cursed old _ fellow, and walked upon the bank of the sea, where I met the crew of a ship — -that had cast anchor to take in water, and refresh themselves. They were - — extremely surprised to see me, and to hear the particulars of my adven- tures. You fell, said they, into the hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and > are the first that ever escaped strangling by him: he never left thosehehad ~ once made himself master of, till he destroyed them, ; _ After having informed me of these things, they carried me with them to - the ship; the captain received me with great satisfaction, when they told him © what had befallen me. He put out again to sea; and after some days’ sail, © we arrived at the harbour of a great city, whose houses were built with good stone. One of the merchants of the ship, who had taken me into his friendship, obliged me to go along with him, and carried me to a place appointed for a retreat for foreign merchants. fe gave me a great bag; and, having re-- commended me to some people of the town who used to gather cocoas, he — desired them to take me with them to do the like: Go, says he, followthem, and do as you see them do, and do not separate from them; otherwise you — endanger your life. Having thus spoken, he gave me provisions for the journey, and I went with them. 2 Wecame to a great forest oftrees, extremely straight and tall; and their — trunks were so smooth that it was not possible for any man to climb up to the branches that bore the fruit. Allthe trees were cocoa-trees; and when we entered the forest, we saw a great number of apes of several sizes, that fled as soon as they perceived us, and climbed up to the tops of the trees _-with surprising swiftness. : The merchants with whom I was, gathered stones, andthrew thematthe apes on the tops of the trees. Idid the same; and the apes out of revenge threw cocoa-nuts at us as fast, and with such gestures, as sufficiently tes- tified their anger and resentment. We gathered up the cocoas, and from = time to time threw stones to provoke the apes; so that by this stratagem —_ we filled our bags with cocoa-nuts, which it had been impossible for us to have done otherwise. = When we had gathered our number, we returned to the city, where the _ cna who sent me to the forest gave me the value of the cocoas [ rought. See _ The vessel in which I came sailed with the merchants, who loaded her. with cocoas. I expected the arrival of another, which landed speedily fur RES SEP ae yes Tae erate ony Sa OL Pa ne baat sig) j wh & : * - % ne s 4 » > i ae a ‘an a aa tae Tine Tees ~~ Pa SS aie fsa Rs Tig TG rata ar a OC Oe eh ae ol oa ed Folate : oe ne + - ESE aa aie WSN Pre eh ae Sie beat mdi } eo at CS Bae : Tay rahe a RR j 4 rer f phys ro ee ee - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, | 93 _ the like loading. I embarked on board the same all the cocoas that be- longed to me; and when she was ready to sail, I went and took leave of the - merchant who had been so kind to me; for he could not embark with me, ee because he had not finished his affairs. We set sail towards those islands where pepper grows in great plenty. From whence we went to the isle of Comari, where the best sort of wood of aloes grows, I exchanged my cocoas in these islands for pepper and wood _ Ofaloes, and went with the other merchants a pearl-fishing. LI hired divers, _ who fetched me up those that were very large and pure. I embarked joy- 23 fully in a vessel, that happily arrived at Balsora; from whence I returned to Bagdad, where I made vast sums of my pepper, wood of aloes, and pearls, When Sindbad had finished his story, he ordered one hundred sequins to Hindbad, who retired with all the other guests: but next morning the same company returned to dine with rich Sindbad; who, after having treated ~ them as formerly, gave the following account of his sixth voyage. SIXTH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR. Pe Gentlemen, says he, after a year’s rest, I prepared for a sixth voyage, not- . _ withstanding the prayers of my kindred and friends, who did all that was 2% possible to prevent me. Instead of taking my way to the Persian Gulf, I travelled once more _ through several provinces of Persia and the Indies, and arrived at a sea- port, where I embarked aboard a ship, the captain of which was resolved on a long voyage. _ it was very long indeed, but at the same time so unfortunate, that the captain and pilot lost their course, so that they knew not where they were. _ They found it at last, but we had no ground to rejoice atit. We were all ' seized with extraordinary fear, when we saw the captain quit his post, and ery out. He threw offhis turban, pulled the hair of his beard, and beat his Rig head like a madman. We asked him the reason, and he answered, We are in the most dangerous place in all the sea; a rapid current carries the ship along withit; and we shall all perish in lessihan a quarter of an hour. At _ these words he ordered the sails to be changed; but all the ropes broke, .and the ship, without any possibility of helping it, was carried by the cur-— rent to the foot of an inaccessible mountain, where she was ran ashore and _ broke to pieces, yet so as we saved our lives, our provisions, and the best of our goods. The mountain, at the foot of which we were cast, was the coast of a very dong and large island. This coast was covered all over with wrecks; and by the vast number of men’s bones we saw every where, and which filled us with horror, we concluded that abundance of people had died there: it Tague _ is also incredible to tell what a quantity of goodsand riches we foundcast ashore there. All these objects served only to augment our grief, Where- _ as, in all other places, rivers ran from their channels into the sea, here a s ‘great river of fresh water runs out of the sea into a dark cave, whose en- _ tyance is very wide and large. What is most remarkable in this place is, that the stones of the mountain are of crystal, rabies, and other precious i _ Stones. Here is also asort of fountain of pitch and bitumen, that runs into Cite _. the sea, which the fishes swallow, and then vomit it up again turned into _ ambergris; and this the waves throw upon the beach in great quantities. _ Here also grow trees most of which are wood of aloes, equal in goodness to _ those of Comari, z cs eR Sis ae =~ > VPS on eae Ae aS ie Se oh pict A Mise nda Oo ‘ ora e Y y’ pte: Soc Nee ees é Set Bs Ae EA EA Peay a “ARABIAN NIGHTS? ENTERTAINMENTS, ae - We continued upon shore like men out of their senses, and expected death every day. At first we divided our provisions as equally as we could, and so every one lived a longer or a shorter while, according to their temperance, and the use they made of their provisions, ‘Those who died first, were interred by the rest; and as for my part, I paid the last — : duty to all my companions. Nor are you to wonder at this; for, besides that I husbanded the provisions that fell to my share better than they, I had provisions of my own, which I did not share with my comrades; yet, when I buried the last, I had so little remaining, that I thought it could not hold out long; so that I dug a grave, resolving to lie down in it, be- cause there was none left alive to inter me. OD, But it pleased God once more to take compassion on me, and put it in my mind to go to the bank of the river, which ran into the greatest cave; where, considering the river with great attention, I said to myself, this ri- ver which runs thus under ground, must come out somewhere or other, If I make a float, and leave myself to the current, it will bring me to some inhabited country, or drown me: if I be drowned, I lose nothing, but only — change one manner of death for another; and if I get out of this fatal place, I shall not only avoid the sad fate of my comrades, but perhaps find some new occasion of enriching myself. After this, I immediately went to work ona float, I made it of good large pieces of timber and cables, — for I had choice of them, and tied them together so strong, that I madea — very solid little float. When I had finished it, I loaded it with some bales: of rubies, emeralds, ambergris, rock crystal, and rich stuffs. Having ba- lanced all my cargo exactly, and fastened them well to the float, | wenton ~ boar@ it with two little oars that I had made; and leaving it to the course of the river, I resigned myself to the will of God. As soon as I came into the cave, I lost all light, and the stream carried me I knew not whither. Thus I sailed some days in perfect darkness, and once found the arch so low, that it very nigh broke my head, which made me very cautious afterwards to avoid the like danger. All this while I eat nothing but what was just necessary to Support nature; yet, notwith- standing this frugality, all my provisions were spent. Then a pleasing sleep seized upon me; I cannot tell how long it continued; but, when I awaked, I was surprised to find myself in the middle of a vast country, at the brink of a river, where my float was tied, amidst a great number of _ negroes. I got up as soon as I saw them, and saluted them. They spoke to me, but I did not understand their language. I was so transported with joy, that I knew not whether I was asleep or awake; but being per- suaded that I was not asleep, I recited the following words in Arabic aloud: Call upon the Almighty, and he will help thee; thou needest not ~ perplex thyself about any thing else: shut thy eyes; and while thou art asleep, God will change thy bad fortune into good. One of the blacks, who understood Arabic, hearing me speak thus, came towards me, and said, Brother, do not be surprised at us; we are inhabi- tants of this country, and came hither to-day to water our fields, by dig- 3, ging little canals from this river, which comes out of the neighbouring — ~ Mountain. We, observing something floating upon the water, went speed- ily to see what it was, when perceiving your float, one of us swam into the yng river, and brought it hither, where we fastened it, aS you see, until you _ ‘Should awake. Pray tell us your history, for it must be extraordinary, I begged of them first to give me something to eat, and then I would satis- 4 af eS ae Pega SLY anaes § on tog WO ere oes a ‘arr? tn No -- ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, © «95 _ fy their curiosity. They gave me several sorts of food; and when I had satisfied my hunger, I gave them a true account of all that had befallen me, which they listened to with admiration. As soon as I had finished my discourse, they told me, by the person who spoke Arabic, that it was one of the most surprising stories they ever heard, and that I must go along with them and tell it to their king myself. I told themI was ready to do Whatever they pleased. They immediately sent for a horse, which was brought them in a little time; and, having made me get upon him, some of them walked before — me to show me the way, and the rest took my float and cargo, and followed me. We marched thus all together till we came to the city of Serendib, for it was in that island where I landed. The blacks presented me to their king. Iapproached his throne, and prostrated myself at his feet and Kissed the earth, ‘he prince ordered me to rise up, and made me come . up and sit down near him. — He first asked me my name, and I answered, © ‘They call me Sindbad the sailor, because of the many voyages I have undertaken; and Tam a citizen of Bagdad. But, replies he, how came you into my dominions, and from whence came you last? . T concealed nothing from the king; I told him all that I have now told - you: and his majesty was so surprised and charmed with it, that he com= manded my adventures to be written in characters of gold, and laid up in thé archives of the kingdom, At last my float was brought him, and the bales opened in his presence; he admired the quantity of wood of aloes and ambergris, but, above all, the rubies and emeralds, for he had none in his treasury that came near them. Observing that he looked upon my jewels with pleasure, and yiewed the most remarkable among them one after another, I fell prostrate at his feet, and took the liberty to say to him, Sir, not only my person is at your majesty’s service, but the cargo of the float; and I would beg of you to dispose of it as your own. He answered me with a smile, Sindbad, I will take care not to covet any thing of yours, nor to take any thing from you that God has given you; far from lessening your wealth, I design to aug- - ‘Ment it, and will not let you go out of my dominions without marks of liberality. All the answer I returned was prayers for the prosperity of that prince, and commendations of his generosity and bounty. Hecharged one of his officers to take care of me, and ordered people to serve me at his own charge. The officer was very faithful in the execution of his or- ders, and made all the goods to be carried to the lodgings provided for me, I went every day at a set hour to make my court to the king, and spent the rest of my time in seeing the city, and what was most worthy my cu- -Tiosity. I made, by way of devotion, a pilgrimage to the place where® Adam was confined after his banishment from paradise, and had the curi- Osity to go to the top of it. When I came back to the city, I prayed the king to allow me to return fo my country, which he granted me in the most obliging and most ho-- ‘nourable manner. He would needs force arich present upon me; and when I went to take my leave of him, he gave me one much more considerable, and at the same time charged me with a letter for the commander of the faithful, our sovereign, saying to me, I pray you give this present for me, and - this letter, to Caliph Haroun Alraschid, and assure him of my friendship. I took the present and letter in a very respectful manner, and promised _ his majesty punctually to execute the commission with which he was © oS ae y . % 4 ¥ » 4 Sy _ A scree Spider ia aise aS 96 "ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, - pleased to honour me. Before I embarked, this prince sent to seek for” _ the captain and the merchants that were to go with me, and ordered them to treat me with all possible respect. The ship set sail; and, after a long and successful navigation, we land- ed at Balsora, from whence I went to Bagdad, where the first thing I did 3 was to acquit myself of my commission. z I took the king of Serendib’s letter, and went to present myself at the gate of the commander of the faithful. I gave an account of the reason of my coming, and was immediately conducted to the throne of the ca- liph: I made my reverence by prostration, and, after a short speech, gave him the letter and present. When he had read what the king of Serendib wrote to him, he asked me, if that prince were really so rich and potent — _as he had said in his letter. I prostrated myself a second time, and rising again, Commander of the faithful, says I, I can assure your majesty he doth not exceed the truth on that head; I am a witness of it. The | wisdom of that king, says he, appears in his letter; andalter what youtell — me, I must confess that his wisdom is worthy of his people, and his peo-— ple deserve so wise a prince. Having spoken thus, he discharged me, and sent me home with a rich present. = - Sindbad left off speaking, and his company retired, Hindbad having first received one hundred sequins; and.next day. they returned to hear the relation of his seventh and last voyage, as follows:— SEVENTH AND LAST VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR. Being returned from my sixth voyage, I absolutely laid aside all thoughts of travelling any farther: so that 1 thought of nothing but to pass the rest of my days in quiet. One day, as I was treating a parcel of my friends, one of my servants came and told me that an officer of the ca- — liph asked for me. I rose from the table and went to him. The caliph, says he, has sent me to tell you, that he must speak with you. I followed the officer to the palace: where, being presented to the caliph, I saluted him by prostrating myself at his feet. Sindbad, says he to me, I stand in need of you; you must do me the service to carry my answer and present © to the king of Serendib: it is but just I should return his civility. This command of the caliph to me was like a clap of thunder. Com- mander of the faithful, replied I, I am ready to do whatever your majesty shall think fit to command me; but I beseech you most humbly to consi- ~ der what I have undergone: I have also made a vow never to go out of Bagdad. I tried all in my power to excuse myself, but perceiving that the caliph insisted upon it, I submitted, and told him that I was willing to — obey. He was very well pleased at it, and ordered me athousand sequins — for the charge of.my journey. I prepared for my departure in a few days; and as soon as the caliph’s — letter and present were delivered to me, I went to Balsora, where I em- — barked, and had a very happy voyage. I arrived at the isle of Serendib, — where I acquainted the kiny’s ministers with my commission, and prayed them to get me a speedy audience. They did so; and I was conducted ‘to the palace in an honourable manner, where I saluted the king by pros- tration, according to custom, That prince knew me immediately, and testified very great joy to see me. O Sindbad, says he, you are welcome; — I swear to you I have many times thought of you since you went hence; — ee yang! see a fia x ne EO EN Ll ee ee Se Pd eek / Met a wt Se as he ee ’ a ae at. Se J y x Bd a Aa oa apa. Oe ; “ } wa ig 3 i > = = ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 97 I bless the day upon which we seeone another once more, I made my _ compliments to him, and after having thanked him for his kindness to me, I delivered him the caliph’s letter and present, which was very splendid and costly; he received them with all imaginable satisfaction, ; The king of Serendib was mightily pleased that the caliph answered his friendship, A little time after this audience, I solicited leave to depart, and obtained the same with much difficulty: I got it, however, at last; and the king, when he discharged me, made me a very considerable pre- sent. I embarked immediately to return to Bagdad, but had not the good fortune to arrive there as I hoped: God ordered it otherwise. Three or four days after my departure, we were attacked by corsairs, who easily seized upon our ship, because it was a vessel of no force. Some of the crew offered resistance, which cost them their lives; but for me and the rest, who were not so imprudent, the corsairs saved us on purpose tomake slaves of us. We were all stripped; and instead of our own clothes, they gave us sorry rags, and carried us into a remote island, where they sold us, I fell into the hands of a rich merchant, who, as soon as he bought me, carried me to his house, treated me well, and clad me handsomely fora slave. Some days after, not knowing who I was, he asked me if I under- stood any trade; I answered, that I was no mechanic, but a merchant; and that the corsairs, who sold me, robbed me ofall I had. Buttell me, replies he, can you shoot with a bow? I answered, that the bow was one of my exercises in my youth, and I had not yet forgotit. He then gave mea bow and arrows, and taking me behind him u pon the elephant, carried me toa vast forest some leagues from the town. We went a great way into the forest; and when he thought to stop, he bade me alight: then showing me @ great tree, Climb up that tree, says he, and shoot at the elephants as you see them pass by, for there is a prodigious number of them in this forest; and if any of them fall, come and give me notice of it, Having spoken thus, he left me victuals, and returned to the town, and I continued upon the tree all night. | I saw no elephant during that night; but next morning, as soon as the © sun was up, I sawa greatnumber. I shot several arrows among them, and at last one of the elephants fell; the rest retired immediately, and left me at liberty to go and acquaint my patron with my booty. WhenIhadtold him the news, he gave mea good meal, commended my dexterity, and caressed me mightily. We went afterwards together to the forest, where we dug a hole for the elephant: my patron designed to return when it was rotten, and to take its teeth, &c. to trade with. I continued this game for two months, and killed an elephant every day. One morning, as I looked for the elephants, I perceived, with an extreme amazement, that instead of passing by me across the forest as usual, they stoppec, and came to me with a horrible noise, in such numbers, that the earth was covered with them, and shook under them. At this frichtful spectacle I continued immoveable; and was so much frightened, that my bow and arrows fell out of my hand. : My fears were not in vain; for after the elephants had stared upon me some time, one of the largest of them pat his trunk round the root of the tree, and pulled so strong, that he plucked it up, and threw it on the ground, I fell with the tree; and the elephant taking me up with his trunk, laid me on his back, where I sat more like one dead than alive. He put himself ‘afterwards at the head of the rest, who followed him in troops, and carried G Ai co Sade ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, as me to a place where he laid me down on the ground, and retired with all _ his companions. After having lain some time, and seeing the elephants = gone, I got up, and found I was upon a long and broad hill, covered all — over with the bones and teeth ofelephants. I confess to you, that thisob- — ject furnished me with abundance of reflections. I admired the instinct of © those animals; I doubted not but it was their burying place, and they car- ried me thither on purpose to tell me that I should forbear to persecute them, since I did it only for their teeth. I did not stay on the hill, but turned towards the city, and after having travelled a day anda night I ~ came to my patron, As soon as my patron saw me, Ah, poor Sindbad, says he, I was in great trouble to know what was become of you. I have béen at the forest, where — ‘I found a tree newly pulled up, and a bow and arrows on the ground; and after having sought for you in vain, I despaired of ever seeing you more. Pray, tell me what befell you, and by what good hap youarealive, I satis- fied his curiosity, and going both of us next morning tothe hill, he found, to his great joy, that what I told him was true, We loaded the elephant upon which we came with as many teeth as he could carry; and when we were returned, Brother, says my patron, for I will treat you no more as a slave, after having made sucha discovery as will enrich me, God bless you with all happiness and prosperity: I declare before him that I give you your liberty. But do not think I pretend to have rewarded you by giving you your liberty, I will also give you considerable riches, “eS Lo this obliging discourse, I replied, Patron, God preserve you. Your a giving me my liberty is enough to discharge what you owe me; and I de- sire no other reward for the service I have had the good fortune to do to — you and your city, but leave to return to my own country. Very well, says he; the Mocon will in a little time bring ships for ivory: I will send’ — you home then, and give you wherewith to bear your charges, I thanked — him again for my liberty, and his good intentions towards me. a The ships arrived at last, and my patron himself having made choice of the ship wherein I was to embark, he loaded half of it with ivory on my _ account; he laid in provisions in abundance for my passage, and besides, — obliged me to accept a present of the curiosities of the country, of great value. After I had returned him a thousand thanks for all his favours, I went aboard. We set sail; and as the adventure which procured me this ~ liberty was very extraordinary, I had it continually in my thoughts,- a All my fatigues ended at last, and I came safe to Bagdad. I went im- os mediately to call upon the caliph, and gave him an-account of my em- — -bassy. ‘That prince told me he had been uneasy by reason I vas so long ~~ returning, but that he always hoped God would preserve me. When I ~ told him the adventure of the elephants, he seemed to be much surprised _ at it, and would never have given credit to it had he not known my sin- | cerity, He reckoned this story, and the other relations I had given him, 3 to be so curious, that he ordered one of his secretaries to write them in cha- Ge racters of gold, and lay them up in histreasury. I retired very well satis- fied with the honours I received, and the presents which he gave me; and — after that, I gave up myself wholly to my tamily, kindred, and friends, Sindbad here finished the relation of his seventh and last voyage ; and ~ then addressing himself to Hindbad, Well, friend, says he, did you ever — hear of any person that suffered so much as I have done, or of any mortal — that has gone through so many perplexities? Is it not reasonable that, af- — fae ili steel WS data dP 4 - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 99 fer all this, I should enjoy a quiet and pleasant life? Ashe said this. Hind- bad drew near to him, and kissing his hand, said, I must acknowledge, sir, that you have gone through terrible dangers: my trials are not com- parable to yours; if they afflict me for a time, I comfort myself with the thoughts of the profit I get by them. Sindband gave him a hundred sc- ‘Quins more, received him into the number of his friends, and desired him — to quit his porter’s employment, and come and dine every day with him, that he might all his days have reason to remember Sindbad the sailor. Scheherazade, perceiving it was not yet day, continued her discourse, and began another story. . THE THREE APPLES. Sir, said she, the caliph Haroun Alraschid one day commanded the grand vizier Giafar to come to his palace the night following. The grand vizier being come at the hour appointed, the caliph, he, and Mesrour the chief of the eunuchs, disguised themselves so as they could not be known, and went out all three together. As they entered a small street, they perceived, by the light of the moon, a tall man, with a white beard, who carried nets on his head, and'a club in his hand, Honest man, said the vizier, who art thou? The old man replied, Sir, I am a fisher, but one of the poorest and most miserable of the trade; I went from my house about noon to go a fishing, and from that time to this have not been able to catch one fish. i The caliph said to the fisherman, Hast thou the courage to go back and cast thy net once more? We will give thee a hundred sequins for what thou shalt bring up. The fisherman took the caliph at his word; and, with him, Giafar, and Mesrour, returned to the Tygris; and, throwing in his net, when he drew it again, brought up a trunk, close shut, and very heavy. The caliph made the grand vizier pay him a hundred sequins im- mediately, and sent him away. Mesrour carried the trunk to the palace. When it was opened, they found in it a large basket made of palm-leaves; | and they took out of it a bundle bound about with rope; which being untied, they found, to their great amazement, the corpse of a young lad y, whiter ‘than snow, all cut in pieces. Your majesty may imagine, a great deal better than Iam able to express it, the astonishment of the caliph at this dreadful spectacle: his surprise _. Was instantly changed into passion, and darting an angry look at the _ Vizier, Ah! thou wretch, said he, is this your inspection into the actions of my people? Do they commit such impious murders under thy ministry in my capital city, and throw my subjects into the Tygris, that they may ery for vengeance against me at the day of judgment? If thou dost not _ Speedily revenge the murder of this woman, by the death of her murderer, _ I swear, by Heaven, that I will cause thee to be hanged, and forty more of thy kindred, I will allow thee no more, said the calfph, than three days to make inquiries; therefore look to it. _ The vizier Giafar went home in great confusion of mind. He ordered : the police to make strict search for the criminal; they were not idle, for. they were no less concerned in this matter than the vizier, But all their endeavours amounted to nothing: what pains soever they took they could not find out the murderer, _ The third day being come, the caliph asked the vizier for the murderer, 4 100 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, He answered, with tears in his eyes, Commander of the faithful, I have not found any person that could give me the least account of him. The caliph, full of fury and rage, gave him many reproachful words, and or- dered that he and forty Bermecides* more should be hanged up at the ~ gate of the palace, : Nothing could prevent the execution of this prince’s too severe and irrevocable sentence; and the lives of the most honest people in the city were just going to be taken away, when a young man, of handsome mien and good apparel, pressed through the crowd till he came where the grand vizier was, and after he had kissed his hand, said, Most excellent vizier, you are not guilty of the crime for which you stand here. It was I who — murdered the lady that was thrown into the Tygris. As the vizier was about to answer him, a tall man, pretty well in years, forced his way up to him, saying, Sir, do not believe what this young man tells you; I killed that lady who was found in the trunk, and this punish- ment ought only to fall upon me.—Sir, said the young man to the vizier, I do protest that I am he who committed this vile act, and nobody else had any hand in it.—My son, said the old man, it is despair that brought you hither, and you would anticipate your destiny. The controversy between the old man and the young one obliged the _ grand vizier Giafar to carry them both before the caliph, which the judge — criminal consented to, being very glad to serve the vizier; who, when he - came before the prince, spake after this manner: Commander of the faith- ful, I have brought here before your majesty this old man and this young man, who both confess themselves to be the sole murderers of the lady. Go, said the caliph to the grand vizier, and cause them both to be hanged. - —At these words the young man spoke again,—I swear by the great God, who has raised the heavens so high, that Iam the man who killed the lady, cut her in quarters, and threw her into the Tygris about four days ago. The caliph being surprised at this oath, believed him; especially since the old man made no answer to this. Whereupon, turning to the young man, Thou wretch, said he, what was it that made thee commit that detestable crime, and what is it that moves thee to offer thyself voluntarily to die ?—-Commander of the faithful, said he, if all that has passed between that lady and me were set down in writing, it would bea history that might be very useful for other men. I command thee then to relate it, said the caliph, The young man obeyed, and began thus:— THE STORY OF THE LADY THAT WAS MURDERED, AND OF THE YOUNG MAN HER HUSBAND. 4 _ Your majesty may be pleased to know that this murdered lady was my ‘ wife, the daughter of this old man you see here, who is my own uncle by my father’s sides She was not above twelve years old when he gave her to me, and it is now eleven yearsago. I have three children by her, all boys, yet alive; and I must do her that justice to say, that she never gave me the least occasion for offence. ; About two months ago she fell sick. After a month she began to grow better, and hada mind togotothebath. Before she went out of the house, : vizier was descended, i pimeermecides were @ family that came out of Persia, and from them the grand — % - { I | y # Xe a : r 7,2 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. 101 Cousin, said she, (for so she used to call me) I Jong for some apples;—if you could get me any, you would please me extremely. I went immediately to seek for apples, but I could not get one, though I offered to pay a sequin a-piece. The next day Ihad no better success than the day before; only I met an old gardener, who told me that I could not : expect to find apples any where but in your majesty’s garden at Balsora, — As I loved my wife passionately, I dressed myself ina traveller’s habit, and _ after [had told her my design, I went to Balsora, and returned at the end of fifteen days, with three apples, which cost me a sequin a-piece. As soon as I came home, I presented them to my wife; but her longing was over, so she satisfied herself with receiving them, and laid them down by her, Some few days after, I was sitting in myshop, and saw an ugly, tall, black slave come in, with an apple in his hand, which I knew to be one of those I had brought from Balsora. Icalled to him, and said, Good slave, pr’ythee tell me where thou hadst this apple. It is a present, said he, smiling, from my mistress. I went to see her to-day, and found her out of order. _Isaw three apples lying by her, and asked her where she had them. She told me the good man her husband had made a fortnight’s journey on purpose for them, and brought them her. We had a collation together; and when I | took my leave of her, I brought away this apple that you see. This discourse put me out of my senses, Iran home with all speed, and, going tomy wife’s chamber, looked immediately for the apples; and seeing only a couple, asked what was become of the third. Then my wife, per- ceiving there were but two, answered me coldly, Cousin, I know not what -is become of it. Atthis answer I did verily believe what the slave told me to be true; and, at the same time, giving myself up to madness and jea- lousy, I drew my knife from my girdle, and thrust it into the unfortunate creature’s throat. I afterwards cut off her head, and divided her body into four quarters, which I packed up in a bundle, and when night came, I threw it into the Tygris. At my return, I found my eldest son sitting at my gate, weeping very sore, I asked him the reason: Father, said he, I took this morning from my mother, without her knowledge, one of those three apples you brought her, and kept it a long while; but, as I was playing some time ago in the strect, a tall slave that went by snatched it out of my hands, and carried it with him, I demanded it back, and besides told him, that it belonged to my mother, who was sick, and that you had made a fortnight’s journey to fetch it; but he would not restore it. I have since been walking with- out the town, expecting your return, to pray you, dear father, not to tell my mother, lest it should make her worse. , My son’s discourse afflicted me beyond all measure. I then found my- self guilty of an enormous crime, and repented too late of having so easily believed the calumnies of a wretched slave, who, from what he had Jearnt of my son, invented that fatal lie. My uncle here present came just at the time to see his daughter: I concealed nothing from him; and declared myself the greatest criminal in the world. Instead of reproaching me, he joined his tears with mine, aud we wept three days together without intermission. This, commander of the faithful, is the sincere confession your majesty commanded from me, You have heard now all the circumstances of my crime, and I most humbly beg of you to order the punishment due for it. The caliph was very much astonished at the young man’srelation, But x * CONROE Ra fh Lt Set Nye OR AE ey ew 5 ahens edly en NE Mate me teh Si acees = ~ 2 Be aSes | = e > An TOS ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, — Sh See this just prince, finding he was rather to be pitied than condemned, began to speak in his favour: This young man’s crime, said he, is pardonable before God, and excusable with men. The wicked slave is the sole cause of this murder—it is he alone that must be punished; wherefore, said he, _ looking upon the grand vizier, I give you three days’ time to find him out; two sequins to the little lady your daughter. _ began the story thus; if you do not bring him within that space, you shall die in his stead.— The unfortunate Giafar departed from his presence, and retired to his house with tears in his eyes, persuading himself he had but three daysto ~ live; for he was so fully persuaded that he should not find the slave, that he made not the least inquiry about him. The third day being come, he prepared himself to die with courage, ~ He took leave of his wife and children, and bid them the last farewell. At last the messenger came from the caliph to tell him that he was out _ of all patience, having heard nothing from him, nor concerning the negro slave whom he had commanded him to search for; I am therefore ordered, said he, to bring you before his throne, The afilicted vizier made ready to follow the messenger; but as he was going out, they brought him his qoungest daughter, about five or six years of age, to receive his last blessing. As he kissed her, he perceived she had somewhat in her bosom, that looked bulky, and had a sweet scent. My dear little one, said he, what hast thou”in thy bosom? My dear father, said she, it is an apple, upon which is written the name of our lord and master the caliph; our slave . Rihan sold it to me for two sequins, ; _ At these words apple and slave, the grand vizier cried out with surprise, — intermixed with joy; and putting his hand into the child’s bosom, pulled _ out the apple. He caused the slave to be brought immediately; and when | : he came, Rascal, said he, where hadst thou that apple? My lord, said — the slave, the other day, as I was going along a street, where three or four _ small children were at play, one of them having it in his hand, I snatched — it from him, and carried it away. The child ran after me, telling me it was none of his own, but belonged to his mother, who was sick, and that aa his father, to save her longing, had made along journey, and brought a home three apples, whereas this was one, which he had taken from -his — mother without her knowledge. He said what he could to make me give it him back, but I would not; and so I brought it home, and sold it for — Giafar carried the slave along with him; and when he came before the’ caliph, he gave that prince an exact account of all that the slave had told him, and the chance that had brought him to the discovery of his crime. __ The caliph told the vizier, that since his slave had been the occasion of ~ a strange accident, he deserved an exemplary punishment, Sir, I must own it, said the vizier, but his guilt is not irremissible. I remember a | strange story of a vizier of Cairo, called Noureddin Ali, and Bedreddin a Hassan, of Balsora; and since your majesty delights to hear such things, _ Tam ready to tell it, upon condition that, if your majesty finds it more ~~ astonishing than that which gives me occasion to tell it, you will be pleased — to pardon my slave. Iam content, said the caliph, Upon this, Giafar — Te = oF oye = ES ee wee et, Ee oe ak Bee Fre ee rye et E b a 3 ; 7 z: BS Sp . Se ip te ML LS % a Be Res 5 cs ag rx THE STORY OF NOUREDDIN ALI AND BEDREDDIN HASSAN. Sir, there was in former days a sultan of Egypt, a strict observer of justice, gracious, merciful, and liberal; and his valour made him terrible to his neighbours. This sultan had a vizier, who was prudent, wise, sazacious, and well Versed in other sciences, This minister had two sons, very handsome men, and who in every thing followed his own footsteps: the eldest was called Schemseddin Mohammed, and the younger Nou- reddin Ali: the last especially was endowed with all the good qualities that any man could have. The vizier their father being dead, the sultan sent for them; and after he had caused them both to put on the usual robes of a vizier, I am as sorry, says he, for the loss of your father as your- selves; and because I know you live together, and love one another en- tirely, I will bestow his dignity upon you conjointly; go and imitate your | father’s conduct, - The two new yiziers humbly thanked the sultan, and went home to their house, to make due preparation for their father’s interment. They did not go abroad for a month, and then went to court, where they appeared — continually on council-days: when the sultan went out hunting, one of the brothers went along with him, and this honour they had by turns. One evening, as they were talking after supper, the next day being the elder brother’s turn to go to hunt with the sultan, he said to his younger bro- ther, Since neither of usis yet married, and that we live so lovingly toge- ther, a thought is come into my head: let us both marry on one day, and let us choose two sisters out of some family that may suit our quality: what do you think of this fancy? I must tell you, brother, answered Nou- reddin Ali, that it is very suitable to our friendship; there cannot be abet- ter thought: for my part, I am ready to agree to anything you shall think fit, But hold, this is not all, says Schemseddin Mohammed; my fancy carries me farther, Suppose both our wives should conceive the first night of our marriage, and should happen to be brought to bed on one day, yours of a son, and mine of a daughter, we will give them to one another _ in marriage when they come to age. Nay, says Noureddin Ali aloud, I must acknowledge that this project is admirable; such a marriage will perfect our union, and I willingly consent to it. But then, brother, says he farther, if this marriage should happen, would you expect that my son » should settle a jointure on your daughter? There’s no difficulty in that, re- plied‘the elder; for I am persuaded, that, besides the usual articles of the ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, = = +. 108. marriage contract, you will not fail to promise in his name at least three... thousand sequins, three good manors, and three slaves. No, said the young~ - er, I will not consent to that; are we not brethren, and equal in title and dignity? Do not you and I both know what is just? The male being no- bler than the female, it is your part to give a large dowry with your daughter. By what I perceive, you are a man that would have your busi- ness done at another man’s charge. f : Although Noureddin Ali spoke these words in jest, his brother, being of an ill temper, was offended at it; and, falling into a passion, A mischief upon your son, said he, since you prefer hint before my daughter: I won-_ - der you had so much confidence, as to believe him worthy of her; you Must needs have lost your judgment, to think you are my equal, and say 104. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, we are colleagues; I would have you to know, you fool, that since you are s0 impudent, I would not marry my daughter to your son, though you would give him more than you are worth; and, were I not to-morrow, says he, to attend the sultan, I would treat you according as you de- serve; but, at my return, I shall make you sensible that it does not become a younger brother to speak so insolently to his elder brother, as you have done tome. Upon this he retired to his apartment, and his brother went to bed. Schemseddin Mohammed rose very early next morning, and went to the palace to attend the sultan, who went to hunt about Cairo, near the pyra- mids. As for Noureddin Ali, he was very uneasy all the night; and con- sidering that it would not be possible for him to live longer with a brother who treated him with so much haughtiness, he provided a good mule, fur- nished himself with money, jewels, provisions, and victuals; and, having. told his people that he was going on a private journey for two or three days, he departed. When he was out of Cairo, he rode by the desert towards Arabia; but his mule happening to tire by the way, he was forced to continue his jour- ney on foot. A courier that was going to Balsora, by good fortune over- taking him, took him up behind him, As soon as the courier came to Balsora, Noureddin Ali alighted, and returned him thanks for his kind-~ ness. As he went about to seek for a lodging, he saw a person of quality with a great retinue coming along, to whom all the people showed a mighty respect, and stood till he passed by, and Noureddin Ali stopped among the rest. This was the grand vizier to the sultan of Balsora, who walked through the city to see that the inhabitants kept good order and discipline. This minister, casting his eye by chance on Noureddin Ali, foundsome- ~~ _ thing extraordinary in his aspect, asked him who he was, and from whence ~ he came, Sir, said Noureddin Ali, I am an Egyptian, born at Cairo, and have left my country because of the unkindness of anear relation; and am resolved to travel through the world, and rather to die than return home again. ‘The grand vizier, who was a reverend old gentleman, after hear- ing those words, says to him, Son, beware, do not pursue your design, _ there is nothing but misery in the world; you are not sensible of the hard- os ships you must endure: come, follow me; I may perhaps make you for- get the thing that has forced you to leave your own country. Noureddin Ali followed the grand vizier, who soon perceived his good — qualities, and fell so much in love with him, that one day he says to him in private, My son, I am, as you see, so far gone in years, that there is no likelihood I shall live much longer. Heaven has bestowed only onedaugh- | ter upon me, who is as beautiful as you are handsome, and now fit for mar-- riage: several people of the greatest quality at this court have desired her for their sons, but I could not grant their request. I have a love for you, and think you so worthy to be received into my family, that, preferring you before all those that have sought her, I am ready to accept you for my son-in-law, If you like the proposal, I will acquaint the sultan my mas- — ter that I have adopted you by this marriage, and I will pray him to grant you the reversion of my dignity of grand vizier in the kingdom of Balso- ra: in the meantime, nothing being more requisite for me than ease in my old age, I will not only put you in possession of my estate, but leave the — administration of public affairs to your management, When the grand vizier had made an end of this kind and generous pro-) 5 x fy Pe : EGS : . ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, _ 105. posal, Noureddin Ali fell at his feet, and, expressing himself in terms that demonstrated his joy and gratitude, told the vizier, that he was at his com- — mand in every thing. Upon this, the vizier sent for his chief domestics, ordered them to furnish the great hall of his palace, and prepare a great feast: he afterwards sent to invite the nobility of the court and city to honour him with their company; and when they were all met, (Noureddin Ali having now told him who he was,) he said to those lords, for he thought it proper to speak thus, on purpose to satisfy those of them to whom hehad réfused his alliance; I am now, my lords, about to discover a thing to you, which hitherto I have kept secret:—I have a brother, who is grand. vizier to the sultan of Egypt, as I am tothe sultan of this kingdom: this brother has but one son, whom he would not marry to the court of Evypt, but sent him to marry my daughter, that both ourbranches may bere-united. His son is this young gentleman I here present to you, who is to be my son- in-law: I hope you will do me the honour to be present at his wedding, which I am resolved to celebrate this day. The noblemen, who could not take it ill that he preferred his nephew before all the great matches that had been proposed to him, said, that he had very good reason for what he _ did, that they were willing to be witnesses to the ceremony, and wished that God might prolong his days to enjoy the satisfaction of the happy match, The lords met at the vizier of Balsora’s house, and, having testified their satisfaction at the marriage of his daughter with Noureddin Ali, sat down to dinner} which lasted along while. The notaries came in with the mar- Tiage-contract, and the chief lords signed it; and when the company de- parted, the grand vizier ordered his servants to prepare a bagnio and have every thing in readiness for Noureddin Ali to bathe. He had fine new linen, and every thing else provided for him in the most curious manner, When he had washed and dried himself, he was going to put on his former apparel, but had an extraordinary rich suit brought him. After convers- ing some time with the grand vizier, his father-in-law, Noureddin took his leave, and went to his spouse’s apartment. It is remarkable, that Schem- seddin Mohammed happened also to marry at Cairo the very same day that this marriage was solemnized at Balsora: the particulars of which are as. follows: After Noureddin Ali left Cairo, with an intention never to return, Schemseddin Mohammed, his elder brother, who was going out hunting with the sultan of Egypt, did not come back for amonth. Schemseddin, at his return, ran to Noureddin Ali’s apartment; but was much surprised when he understood that, under pretence of taking a journey for two or three. days, he went away on a mule the same day that the sultan went out hunt- ing, and had never appeared since. it vexed him so much the more, because he did not doubt but the hard words he had given him were the cause of his going away; he sent a mes- - senger in search of him, who went to Damascus, and as far as Aleppo; but Noureddin was then at Balsora. When the courier returned, and brought word that he heard no news of him, Schemseddin Mohammed intended to make further inquiry after him in other parts; and, in the meantime, hay- ing a fancy to marry, he was united to the daughter of one of the greatest lords in Cairo, upon the same day his brother married the daughter of the ‘grand vizier of Balsora. ; But this was not all; at the end of nine months, Schemseddin Moham- med’s wife was brought to bed of a daughter at Cairo, and on the same day ‘ + 3 PE ~ ae fos 5 ee MS 106 = ~ ~~—— ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. | | Noureddin’s wife brought forth a son at Balsora, who was called Bedred- din Hassan, The grand vizier of Balsora testified his joy by gifts and pub- lic entertainments for the birth of his grandson; and to show his son-in- _ law the great esteem hé had for him, he went to the palace, and most - humbly begged of the sultan to grant Noureddin Ali his office, that he might have the comfort before his death to see his son-in-law made grand — Vizier in his stead. The sultan, who had taken a great liking to Noured- — din, readily granted his father-in-law’s request, and caused Neureddin im- mediately to put on the robe of the grand vizier. The next day, when the father saw his son-in-law preside in council, as he himself had done, and perform all the offices of a grand vizier, his joy was complete. The old gentleman died about four years after, with great satisfaction to see a branch . of his family that promised so fair to support the grandeur of it. Noureddin Ali performed the last duty to him with all possible love and gratitude; and as soon as his son Bedreddin Hassan had attained to seven years of age, he provided him a most excellent tutor, who taught him such ~ things as became his birth, After Bedreddin Hassan had been two years © under the tuition of his master, who taught him perfectly to read, he learn- _ ed the Alcoran by heart. His father Noureddin Ali put him afterwards - under other tutors, by whom his mind was cultivated to such a degree, that when he was twelve years of age he had no more occasion for them; and then, as his physiognomy promised wonders, he was admired by all that — looked upon him, His father, proposing to make him capable of supplying his place, spared no cost for that end, and brought him up to business of the greatest mo- ment, on purpose to qualify him betimes; in short, he omitted nothing to — advance a son he loved so well, But ashe began to enjoy the fruits of his labour, he was all of a sudden taken with a violent fit of sickness; and finding himself past recovery, disposed himself to die like a good Mussul- man. _ In that last and precious moment, he forgot not his son Bedreddin, but called for him, and said, My son, you see this world is transitory; thereis — nothing durable, but that which I shall speedily go to: you must, therefore, — from henceforth begin to fit yourself for this change, as I have done; you must prepare for it without murmuring, .and so as to have no trouble of ~~ conscience for not acting the part of a real honest man. Iam, says he,a native of Keypt; my father, your grandfather, was first minister to the sule © tan of that kingdom: I myself had the honour to be vizier to the same sul- — _tan, and so has my brother, your uncle, who, I suppose, is yet alive; his name is Schemseddin Mohammed. I was obliged to leave him, andcome ~ into this country, where I have raised myself to the high dignity which I now enjoy: but you will understand all those matters more fully bya ma- | nuscript that I shall give you. At the same time, Noureddin Ali pulled out his pocket-book, which he — had written with his own hand, and carried always about him, and giving — a ‘it to Bedreddin Hassan, take it, said he, and read it at your leisure; you will find, among other things, the day of my marriage, and that of your — birth: these are-such circumstances as perhaps you may hereafter have occasion to know; therefore you must keep it very carefully, Thatvery mo- ment, Noureddin Ali fainted, so that it was thought he would have expir- . ed: bub he came to himself again, and gave to his son Bedreddin allthe _ pete - = a re. ik De F- “5 ‘ ——, err 2, > ‘ "5 vou - eS at ee i - _ . ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, ror! @AOte advice which lay in his power, until the last moment of his breath, and Se when he was dead, he was magnificently interred. ; Bedreddin Hassan of Balsora, for so he was called, because born in that town, was so overwhelmed with grief for the death of his father, that in- stead of a month’s time to mourn, according to custom, he kept himself close ‘shut up in tears and solitude about two months, without seeing anybody, or so much as going abroad to pay his duty to the sultan of Balsora; who, being displeased at this neglect, looked upon it asa slight put upon his — “court and person, suffered his passion to prevail, and, in his fury, called for the new grand vizier, (for he had created one as soon as Noureddin Ali died.) commanded him to go to the house of the deceased, and seize upon it, with all his other houses, lands, and effects, without leaving anything for Bedreddin Hassan, and to bring him prisoner along with him, The new grand vizier, accompanied with a great many messengers be- longing to the palace, justices, and other officers, went immediately to ex- ecute his mission: but one of Bedreddin Hassan’s slaves, happening acci- - dentally to come into the crowd, no sooner understood the vizier’s errand, but he ran before in all haste to give his master warning. He found him my ‘Sitting in the porch of his house, as melancholy as if his father had but. newly been dead. He fell down at his feet, out of breath, and, after he had kissed the hem of his garment, cried out; My lord, save yourself immedi- : ately. Bedreddin Hassan, lifting up his head, asked, What isthe matter? - My lord, said he, there is no time to be lost; the sultan is horribly incen- ~ sed against you, and has sent people to take all you have, and also to seize — your person. ‘ _ The words of this faithful and affectionate slave put Bedreddin Hassan into great confusion. May not I have so much time, said he, as to take ~ _- some money and jewels along with me? No, sir, replied the slave; the grand vizier will be here this moment; begone immediately; save yourself, Bedreddin Hassan rose up from his sofa in all haste, put his feet into his» sandals, and, after he had covered his head with the tail of his gown, that his face might not be known, fled, without knowing which way to go. The first thought that came into his head, was to get out of the next ~ gate with all speed. He ran without stopping till he came to the public Tis churchyard; and since it was growing dark, he resolved to pass that night on his father’s tomb, It was a large edifice in form of a dome, which Nou- reddin Ali built when he was alive. Bedreddin met a very rich Jew by the way, who was a banker and merchant, and was returning fromaplace _ where his affairs had called him, to the city. The Jew, knowing Bedreddin, halted, and saluted him very courteous- ly, saying, My lord, dare I be so bold as to ask whither you are going at this time of night alone, and so much troubled? Has anything disquieted you? Yes, said Bedreddin; a while ago I was asleep, and my father ap- peared to me in a dream, looking very fiercely upon me, as if he were ex- traordinarily angry: I started out of my sleep very much frightened, and came out immediately to go and pray upon his tomb, My lord, said the Jew, (who did not know the true reason why Bed- reddin left the town,) your father of happy memory, and my good lord, had store of merchandise in several vessels, which are yet at sea, and be- long to you; I beg the favour of you to grant me the first refusal of them before any other merchant, I am able to lay down ready money for all _ the goods that are in your ships; and to begin, if you will give me those ae < 4 ~ 108 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, | that happen to come in the first ship that arrives in safety, I will pay you - down, in part of payment, a thousand sequins: and, drawing out a bag from under his gown, he showed it him sealed up with one seal. Bedreddin Hassan, being banished from home, and dispossessed of all - that he had in the world, looked upon this proposal of the Jew as a fa- vour from heaven, and therefore accepted it with a great deal of joy. My lord, said the Jew, then you sell unto me for a thousand sequins the lad- + ing of the first of your ships that shall arrive in port? Yes, answered Bed- | reddin, I sell it to you for a thousand sequins; it is done: upon this the’ Jew delivered him the bag of a thousand sequins, and offered to count them; but Bedreddin Hassan saved him the trouble, and said he would trust his word. Since it is so, my lord, said he, be pleased to favour me with a small note in writing of the bargain we have made: and having said this, he pulled his ink-horn from his girdle, and taking a small reed out of it, neatly cut for writing, he presented it to him, with a piece of pa- per he took out of his letter-case; and, whilst he held the ink-horn, Bed- reddin Hassan wrote these words:— “ This writing is to testify, that Bedreddin Hassan, of Balsora, has sold to Isaac the Jew, for the sum of one thousand sequins, received in hand, the lading of the first of his ships that shall arrive in this port, BEDREDDIN Hassay, of Balsora.” - This note he delivered to the Jew, who put it in his letter-case, and then _took his leave of him. _ While Isaac pursued his journey to the city, Bedreddin made the best of his way to his father Noureddin Ali’s tomb. When he came to it, he bowed his face to the ground, and, with his eyes full of tears, deplored his * miserable condition, and sighed and mourned, till, overcome with heavi- ness, he stretched himself all along upon the floor, and fell asleep. He had not slept long before a genie, who had retired to that church- yard during the day, and was intending, according to custom, to range - about the world at night, espied this young man in Noureddin Ali’stomb: ae entered, and, finding Bedreddin lying on his back, was surprised at his eauty. When the genie had attentively considered Bedreddin Hassan, he took ” a flight into the air, where meeting by chance with a fairy, they saluted — one another; after which he said to her, Pray descend with me into the church-yard where I stay, and I will show you a prodigious beauty, which is worthy*your admiration as well as mine. The fairy consented, and they both*descended in an instant; and came into the tomb. ook ye, said the genie to the fairy, showing her Bedreddin Hassan, Did you ever see a young man of a better shape, and more beautiful than this? _The fairy, having attentively observed Bedreddin, returned to the ge-- : nie: I must confess, said she, he is a very handsome man; but I just now _ came from seeing an object at Cairo more admirable than this; and if you ~ will hear me, I will tell you a strange story concerning her. You wiil very much oblige me in so doing, answered the geme. You must know, then, said the fairy, that the sultan of Egypt has a vizier, called Schem- seddin Mohammed, who has a daughter of about twenty years of age, the most beautiful and complete person that ever was known. ‘The sultan, having heard of this young lady’s beauty, sent the other day for her fa- ther, and told him, I understand you have a daughter to marry; I havea > ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. 109 mind to marry her: will not you consent to it? The vizier, who did not expect this proposal, was troubled at it; and, instead of accepting it joy- fully, which another in his place would certainly have done, he answered the sultan, May it please your majesty, I most humbly beseech you to par- don me if I do not agree to your request. You know I had’a_ brother called Noureddin Ali, who had the honour, as well as myself, to be one of your viziers; we had some difference together, which was the cause of his _leaving me on a sudden; and since that time I have had no account of _ him till within these four days, when I heard he died at Balsora, being grand vizier to the sultan of that kingdom. He has left ason behind him; and there having been an agreement between us to match our children to- gether, if ever he had any, Lam persuaded he intended the match when he died; and being desirous to fulfil the promise on my part, I conjure your majesty to grant me leave: you have in your court many other lords, who have daughters as well as I, on whom you may be pleased to bestow that honour. The sultan of Egypt, provoked at this-bold denial of Schemseddin Mo- hammed, said to him in a passion, which he could not restrain, Is this the way you requite my proposal to stoop so low as to desire your alliance? I know how to revenge your daring to prefer another to me; and I swear that your daughter shall be married to the most contemptible and ugly of all my slaves; and having spoken those words, he angrily bade the vizier be gone; who went home to his house full of confasion and much troubled. This very day the sultan sent for one of his grooms who was hump-back- ed, big-bellied, crook-legged, and as ugly as a hobgoblin; and, after hay- ing commanded Schemseddin Mohammed to consent to marry his daugh- ter to this ghastly slave, he caused the contract to be made out, and sign- ed by witnesses in his own presence. The preparations for this fantas- tical wedding are all ready, and this very moment all the slaves belonging to the lords of the court of Egypt are waiting at the door of a bagnio, each with a flambeau in his hand, for the crook-backed groom, who is bathing himself, to go along with his bride, who is already dressed to receive him; and when I departed from Cairo, the ladies, met for that purpose, were going to conduct her in all her nuptial attire to the hall, where she is to “receive her hump-backed bridegroom, and is this minute now expecting him: I have seen her, and do assure you, that no person can look upon her without admiration. When the fairy left off speaking, the genie said to her, Whatever you think or say, I cannot he persuaded that the girl’s beauty exceeds that. of this young man. I will not dispute it with you, answered the fairy: for I must confess he deserves to be married to that charming creature, whom they design for Hump-back: andI think it adeed worthy of us, to obstruct the sultan of Egypt’s injustice, and put this young gentleman in the room of the slave. You are in the right, answered the genie; I am extremely obliged to you for so good a thought; let us deceive him. Anew not. He was going to cry out, and to ask were he was; but tho yes The fairy and the genie having thus concerted what they had to do, the genie lifted up Bedreddin Hassan gently; and with an inconceivable swift- - ness carried him through the air, and set him down at the door ofa public- house next to the bagnio, whence Hump-back was to come with the train of slaves that waited for him, Bedreddin Hassan awaked that very mo- ment, and was mightily surprised to find himself inthe middle of a city he pS wm ne i male iS TEI i? eit het Bet 5 a De RE oe MA ~ Pe. 5 : : Abe aie aS tier TiO: ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, “genie touched him gently on the shoulder, and forbade hin to speak a word. ‘Then he put a torch in his hand, and bade him go and mix with the crowd at the bagnio-door: Follow them till youcome into a hall, where they are going to celebrate a marriage. The bridegroom isa hump-back~ — ed fellow, and by that you will easily know him. Put yourself at the right hand as you go in, and then immediately open the purse of sequins you have in your bosom, and distribute among the musicians and dancers a they go along. Bedreddin Hassan, coming near to the musicians and the men and wo- men dancers, who went just before the bridegroom, pulled out, time after time, whole handsful of sequins, which he distributed among them: and as he thus gave his money with an unparalleled grace and engaging mien, all those that received it cast their eyes upon him; and, after they had a fall > view of his face, they found him so handsome and comely, that they could — not look off again. At last they came to Schemseddin Mohammed’s gate, who was Bedred- din Hassan’s uncle, and little thought his nephew wasso near. The door- 3 keepers, to prevent any disorder, kept back all the slaves that carried torches, and would not letthem comein. Bedreddin was likewise refused; but the musicians, who had free entrance, stood still, and protested that they would not go in if they hindered him from going with them. He is not one of the slaves, said they; look upon him, you will soon be satished - as to that: he is certainly a young stranger, who is curious to see the ce- remonies observed at weddings in this city; and, saying this, they put him in the midst of them, and carried him in, whether the porters would or no; — they took his torch out of his hand, and gave it to the first. they met, | Having brought him into the hall, they placed him at the right hand of the ~ ral oo FLOP Oe Le TI PTL EM ee en eee hoor el hump-backed bridegroom, who sat near the vizier’s daughter, on a throne ‘i richly adorned. She appeared very lovely in all her dresses, but inherface there was nothing to be seen but vexation and mortal grief. The cause of _ this was easy to be guessed at, when she had by hera bridegroom so very deformed and so unworthy of her love. a When they saw Bedreddin Hassan come into the room, they all fixed their eyes upon him, and, admiring his shape and behaviour, and the beauty of his face, they could not forbear looking at him. When he was seated, every one left thcir seat, and came near to him to have a full view of his face; and almost all of them, as they turned to their seats, found them-~ selves moved with tender passion. z . The disparity between Bedreddin Hassan and the hump-backed groom, who made sucha horrible figure, occasioned a murmuring among thecom- pany, insomuch that the ladies cried out, We must give our bride to this handsome young gentleman, and not to this ugly hump-back: nor did they rest here, but uttered imprecations against the sultan, who, abusing his absolute power, would unite ugliness and beauty together. They did also upbraid the bridegroom, so as they put him out of countenance, to the _ great satisfaction of the spectators, whose shouts for some time puta stop — to the concert of music in the hall. At last the musicians began again, and the women who dressed the bride came all about her. . _- When the ceremony of changing habits was passed, the musicians ceas- ed, and retired, but made a sign to Bedreddin Hassan to stay behind, — The ladies did the same, and all went home, but those that belonged to — the house. The bride went into a closet, whither her women followed to me ~~ 4 ~ undress her; and none remained in the hall but the hump-backed groom, Bedreddin Hassan, and some of the domestics, Hump-back, who was furiously mad at Bedreddin, suspecting him to be his rival, gave him a cross look, and said, And thou, what dost thou wait for? Why art thou not gone as well as the rest? Begone. Bedred- din, having no pretence to stay, withdrew, not knowing what to do with himself: but he was not gone out of the porch, when the genie and fairy Met and stopped him, Whither are you going? said the fairy; stay, for Hump-back is not in the hall, he is gone out about some business: you have nothing to do but return, and introduce yourself into the bride’s chamber, As soon as you are alone with her, tell her boldly that youare her husband; that the sultan’s intention was only to make sport with the groom: and, to make this pretended bridegroom some amends, you had caused to be prepared for him, in the stable, a good dish of cream: and _ then tell her all the fine things you can think of to persuade her; for being - 80 handsome as you are, little persuasion will do. While the fairy thus encouraged Bedreddin, and instructed him how he should behave himself, Hump-back was really gone out of the room; for the genie went to him in the shape of a great cat, mewing at a most fear- fulrate. The fellow called to the cat, and clapped his hands to make her flee; but, instead of that, the cat stood upon her hinder feet, staring with her eyes like fire, looking fiercely at him, mewing louder than she did at first, and growing bigger, till she was as large as an ass. At this sight, Hump-back would have cried out for help, but his fear was so great, that he stood gaping, and could not utter one word; and, that he might have no time to recover, the genie changed himself immediately into a large _ buffalo and in this shape called to him with a loud voice that redoubled his fear, Thou hump-backed villain! At these words the affrighted groom cast himself on the ground, and covering his face with his gown, that he might not see this dreadful beast, Sovereign prince of buffaloes, said he, what is it you want with me? Woe be to thee! replies the genie; hast thou the boldness to venture to marry my mistress? O my lord, said Hump-~back, I pray youto pardon me; if I am guilty, it 1s through ignor- ance. I did not know that this lady had a buffalo for her sweetheart: - command me in any thing you please, I give you my oath thatlam ready to obey you. By death, replied the genie, if thou goest out from hence, or speakest a word till the sun rises, I will crush thy head to pieces; and then i give thee leave to go from hence. I warn thee to make dispatch, and not to look back; but if thou hast the impudence to return, it shall cost thee thy life. When the genie had done speaking, he transformed himself into the shape of a man, took Hump-back by the legs, and, after having set him against the wall with his head downwards, If thou stir, said he, before the sun rise, as I have told thee already, I will take thee by the heels again, and dash thy head in a thousand pieces against the wall, To return to Bedreddin Hassan: he, being prompted by the genie and the presence of the fairy, got into the hall again, from whence he slipped - into the bride-chamber, where he sat down, expecting the success of liis adventure, After a while, the bride arrived, conducted by an old ma- tron, who came no farther than the door, without looking to see if it was -Hump-back or another; and then locked the door and retired, . The young bride was mightily surprised, instead of Hump-back to find Bedreddin Hassan, who came up to her with the best grace in the world, meee : ’ : : : SS ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, eon Tikes : ip pbb ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, an What! my dear friend, said she, by your being here at this time of night. you must be my husband’s comrade? No, madam, said Bedreddin, Iam — _ of another sort of quality than that ugly Hump-back: But, said she, you do not consider that you speak degradingly of my husband. He your husband! madam, replies he, can you retain those thoughts so long? Be convinced of your mistake, madam; for so much beauty must never be sacrificed to the most contemptible of all mankind: it is I, madam, that am the happy mortal for whom it is reserved. The sultan had a mind to make himself merry, by putting this trick upon the vizier, your father; but he chose me to be your real husband. You might have observed how the ladies, the musicians, the dancers, your women, and all the servants of your family, were pleased with this comedy. We have sent this hump-~— backed fellow to his stable again, where he is just now eating a dish of cream; and you may rest assured that he will never appear any more be- — fore your eyes. At this discourse, the vizier’s daughter put on a gay air, which made — her so handsome, that Bedreddin was perfectly charmed with her. : I did not expect, said she, to meet with so pleasing a surprise; and I — had condemned myself to live unhappy all my days; but my good fortune is so much the greater, that I possess in you a man that is worthy of my tenderest affection. Having spoken thus, she undressed herself, and steppedinto bed. Bed- reddin Hassan, overjoyed to see himself possessor of so many charms, made haste to follow her, and laid his clothes upon a chair, with the bag — that he got from the Jew, which, notwithstanding all the money he had pulled out, was still full. He likewise took off his turban, and put on a night-cap that had been ordained for Hump-back, and so went to bed in me shirt and drawers, His drawers were of blue satin, tied with a lace of gold. Whilst the two lovers were asleep, the genie, who had met again with — the fairy, told her, that it was high time to finish what was begun, and so ; successfully carried on hitherto; then let us not be overtaken by daylight, — which will soon appear; go you and bring off the young man again with- ~ out awaking him. The fairy went into the bedchamber, where the two lovers were fast — asleep, and took up Bedreddin Hassan just as he was, that is to say,inhis — shirt and drawers; and, in company with the genie, with a wonderful — swiftness flew away with him to the gates of Damascus in Syria, where — they arrived just at the time when the officers of the mosques, appointed — for that end, were calling the people to come to prayers at break of day. _ The fairy laid Bedreddin Hassan softly on the ground, and, leaving him ~ close by the gate, departed with the genie. a The gate of the city being opened, and a great many people assembled — to get out, they were mightily surprised to see Bedreddin Hassan lyingin — his shirt and drawers upon the ground. ae A small puff of wind, happening to blow at the same time, uncovered — his breast, which was whiter than snow. Every one being struck with admiration at the fineness of his complexion, they spoke so loud that it — awoke the young man. His surprise was as great as theirs, when hefound himself at the gate of a city where he had never been before, and encom- ¥ passed by a crowd of people gazing at him. Gentlemen, said he, forGod’s sake tell me where I am, and what you would have of me? One of tho — oY ‘ (ft ‘ ah y 7 : are s 2 oo 3 re it tees Let = a has to Ae Re een ig oe AC tie Wee st Tak tae i My es i Sees de 2 che tid Zé » crowd spoke to him, saying, Young man, the gates of the’city were just now opened, and, as we came out, we found you lying here in this condi- tion. Have you lain here all night? And do not you know that. you are at one of the gates of Damascus? At one of the gates of Damascus! an- pty Bedreddin; sure you mock me; when I laid down last night I was at Cairo. Z My son, says an old gentleman to him, you know not what you say. How is it possible that you, being this morning at Damascus, could be last night at Cairo? It is true, for all that, said Bedreddin; for I swear to you that I was all day yesterday at Balsora. He had no sooner said these words, than all the people fell into a fit of laughter, and cried out, Heisa fool, he is a madman! There were some, however, that pitied him because of his youth; and one among the company said tohim, My son, you must certainly be crazed; you do not consider what you say: is it possible that a man could yesterday be at Balsora, the same night at Cairo, and next morning at Damascus? Sure you sleep still; come, rouse up your spirits, What I say, answered Bedreddin Hassan, is so true, that last night Iwas | married in the city of Cairo, All those that laughed before, could not forbear laughing again, when he said so. ; After Bedreddin Hassan had confidently affirmed that all he said was true, he rose up to go to town; and every one that followed him, called out, A madman, a fool! In this perplexity of mind, the young gentleman happened to come before a pastry-cook’s shop, and went into it to avoid the rabble. This pastry-cook had formerly been captain toa troop of Arabian robbers who plundered the caravans; and though he had become -& citizen of Damascus, where he behaved himself to every one’s content, yet he was dreaded by all those who knew him; wherefore, as soon as he came out to the rabble that followed Bedreddin, they dispersed. The pastry- cook, seeing them all gone, asked him what he was, and who brought him ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 113s Sree thither. Bedreddin Hassan told him all, not concealing his birth, nor the | ~ death of his father, the grand vizier. Your history is one of the most surprising, said the pastry-cook; but if you will follow my advice, you shall let no man know those matters you have revealed to me, but patiently wait till Heaven shall think fitto putan _ end to your misfortunes; you shall be free to stay with me till then: and, ~ since I have no children, I will own you for my son, if you consent to it. Though this adoption was below the son of a grand vizier, Bedreddin was glad to accept of the pastry-cook’s proposals, judging it the best thing he could do, considering his then circumstances. The cook clothed him, called witnesses, and went before a notary, where he acknowledged him for hisson. After this, Bedreddin stayed with him by the name of Hassan, and learned the pastry-trade, Whilst this passed at Damascus, Schemseddin Mohammed’s daughter awoke, and, finding Bedreddin gone out of bed, supposed he had arisen softly for fear of disturbing her, but would soon return. Asshe was in ex- pectation of him, her father the vizier came and knocked at her chamber- . door, He called her by her name; and she, knowing him by his voice, immediately got up, and opened the door; she kissed his hand, and re- _ ceived him with such satisfaction as surprised the vizier. Unhappy wretch! said he, in a passion, do you appear before me thus? After the hideous _ Sacrifice you have just consummated, can you sce me with so much batisfaction? ; H - sake, sir, do not reproach me wrongfully; itis not the hump-backed fellow, - 114. ——*~*«~S:*~*:C A RATAN NIGHTS” ENTERTAINMENTS ee) OSS aN AT Coa | ( 2 Ba L * es Py The new bride, seeing her father angry at her, said to him, For God's whom I abhor more than death, that I have married; it is a charming ae young gentleman who is my real husband, At these words the vizier lost all patience, and fell into aterrible passion. Ah! wicked woman, sayshe, you will make me distracted. It is you, father, said she, that puts meout - of my. senses by your incredulity. I tell you once more that I did not bed. with that hump-backed monster, but with a handsome young gentleman, who has large eyes and black eyebrows, and who, I believe, is not far oi” Schemseddin Mohammed went out to seek him; but, instead of seeing” is him, was mightily surprised to find Hump-back with his head on the — ‘ground, and his heels uppermost, as the genie had set him against the — wall. What is the meaning of this? said he to Hump-back, Stand upon your legs. Iwill take care how Ido that, said Hump-back, who knew the vizier. Know, Sir, that when Icame hither last night, on asudden a black ~~ ' Te Od ON Oe - cat appeared to me, and in an instant grew as big as a buffalo: I have not ~ forgot what he said to me; therefore you may go about your business, and —— leave me here. The vizier, instead of going away, took him by the heels, and made him get up. The Hump-back ran as fast as he could to the palace, and presented himself to the sultan, who laughed heartily when he told him ~ 4 the story how the genie had served him, toe Schemseddin Mohammed returned to his daughter’s chamber in great. a perplexity. He saw Bedreddin’s clothes lying, as he-had pulled them otf; 4 ‘and took up the turban to examine it, Seeing something sewed between. the stuff and lining, he called for scissors, and having unripped it, found the paper which Noureddin Ali gave Bedreddin his son as he was dying, — who had it put in his turban for more security. Schemseddin Mohammed, having opened the paper, knew his brother Noureddin’s hand, and found this inscription, ‘For my son Bedreddin Hassan.’ Before he could make ~ any reflections upon it, his daughter delivered him the bag that lay under his clothes, which he likewise opened, and found it full of sequins; for, as 1 told you before, notwithstanding all the liberality of Bedreddin, it was — still kept full by the genie and fairy. He read these following words upon _ a note in the bag, ‘A thousand sequins belonging to Isaac the Jew > and © these lines underneath, which the Jew wrote before he parted from Beds, reddin Hassan, ‘ Delivered to Bedreddin Hassan, for the cargo of the first — eo of those ships that formerly belonged to Noureddin Ali, his father, of wor-_~ thy memory, sold unto me uponits arrival inthis place.’ He had scarcely read these words, when he gave a shout, and fainted away. ae The vizier Schemseddin Mohammed, being recovered from his fit, bythe help of his daughter and the women she called to her assistance, Daugh- ter, said he, do not frighten yourself at this accident: the reason ofit is such as you can scarcely believe; your bridegroom is your cousin, the son o Noureddin Ali; the thousand sequins in the bag put me in mind ofa quar-_ relI had with my dear brother: itis without doubt the dowry he gives you, | He looked over the book from one end to the other, where he found th date of his brother’s arrival at Balsora, of his marriage, and of the birth o Bedreddin Hassan; and, when he compared the same with the day of his own marriage and the birth of his daughter at Cairo, he admired how every thing did agree so exactly. ; Oe This happy discovery put him in such a transport of joy, that he took w the book, with the ticket andthe bag, and showed them to the sultan, wh dang a 5 . - 4 2 GS) ae x as i ed <>~ POR a aR ge Ae x sae -- “ARABIAN NIGHTS” ENTERTAINMENTS, Cibo pardoned what was past, and was so much pleased with the relation of this adventure, that he caused it, with all its circumstances, to be put in writing for the use of posterity. Meanwhile the vizier Schemseddin Mohammed could not comprehend the reason why his nephew did not appear: he expected him every moment, and was impatient to have him in his arms. After he had expected him seven days in vain, he searched for him through all Cairo, but could hear rio news of him; which perplexed him very much, This is the strangest adventure, said he, that man ever met with; and not knowing what alter- ation might happen, he thought fit to draw up in writing, with his own hand, after what manner the wedding had been solemnized; how the hail and his daughter’s bedchamber were furnished, and other circumstances. He likewise made the turban, the bag, and the rest of Bedreddiu’s things, ges into a bundle, and locked them up. ee After some days were past, the vizier’s daughter perceived herself with child, and was brought to bed of a son after nine months, A nurse was provided for the child, besides other women and slaves to wait upon him; and his grandfather called him Agib. When young Agib had attained the age of seven, the vizier, instead of teaching him to read at home, put him to school with a master who was in great esteem: and two slaves were ordered to wait upon him. Agib considered his schoolfellows as his infe- riors, and treated them with so much contempt and insolence, that they complained to the schoolmaster; who said, I will shew you a way to mor- tify him, so that he shall never torment you any more; nay, I believe it —_ will make him leave the school: when he comes again to-morrow, and you — have a mind to play together, set yourselves round him, and do one of you call out, Come, let us play, but upon condition, that each who desires to play, shall tell his own name, and the names of his fatherand mother; and they who refuse it shall be esteemed bastards, and not suffered to play in our company. Next day, when they were gathered together, they failed not to follow their master’s instructions: they placed themselves round Agib, and one of them called out, Let us begin a play, but on condition, that he who cannot tell his own name, and that of his father and mother, shall not play atall, They all cried out, and so did Agib, We consent to it. Then he that spoke first, asked every one the question; and all fulfilled the condi- tion, except Agib, who answered, My name is Agib; my motheris called the Lady of Beauty, and my father Schemseddin Mohammed, vizier to the sultan. At these words all the children cried out, Agib, That is not the name of your father, but your grandfather. A curse on you, said he in a passion; what! dare you say that the vizier Schemseddin Mohammed is not my father? No, no, cried they with great laughter, he is your grand- father, and you shall not play with us; nay, we will take care how we come into your company. Having spoken thus, they all left him, which mortified Agib so much, that he wept. The schoolmaster, who was near, and heard all that passed, came just at the nick of time, and, speaking to Agib, said, Agib, do not you know that the vizier Schemseddin Mohammed is none of yonr father, but your grandfather, and the father of your mother, the Lady of Beauty? We know not the name of your father any more than you do. ‘This is hard upon | you, and ought to teach you to treat your schoolfellows with less haughti- ness than you have done hitherto. Little Agib, being nettled at this, ran oe 33 “fat A 116 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. hastily out of the school, and went home crying. He camestraight to his mother’s chamber, who, being alarmed to see him thus grieved, asked him _ the reason. When he came to himself, Mother, said he, for the love of God, be © pleased to tell me who is my father. My son, said she, Schemseddin Mo- hammed, who every day makes so much of you, is your father. You do not tell me the truth, said he; he is your father, and none of mine: but whose son am I? At this question, the Lady of Beauty began to shed tears; repining bitterly at the loss of so lovely a husband as Bedreddin. _ Whilst the Lady of Beauty and Agib were both weeping, the vizier enter- ed, who demanded the reason of their sorrow. The lady told him the: shame that Agib had undergone at school: which so much afilicted the vizier, that he joined his tears with theirs; and, judging from this, that the misfortune which had happened to his daughter was the common discourse of the town, he was quite out of patience. ; Being thus afflicted, he went to the sultan’s palace, and, falling pros- trate at his feet, most humbly prayed him to give him leave to make a journey into the provinces of the Levant, and particularly to Balsora, in search of his nephew, Bedreddin Hassan; for he could not bear any longer that the people of the city should believe a genie had got his daugh- ter with child. The sultan was much concerned at the vizier’s affliction, _ approved of his resolution, and gave him leave to go: he caused a pass- _ port also to be written for him, praying, in the most obliging terms that could be, all kings and princes, in whose dominions the said Bedreddin might sojourn, to grant that the vizier might bring him along with him. Schemseddin Mohammed, having wished the sultan all manner of pros- perity, took his leave, and went home to his house, where he disposed every thing for his journey; and the preparations for it were carried on with so much diligence, that, in four days after, he left the city, accompa-- nied by his daughter, the Lady of Beauty, and his grandson, They tra- velled nineteen days without stopping any where; but, on the twentieth, arriving at a very pleasant mead, at a small distance from the gate of Da- mascus, they stopped there, and pitched their tents upon the banks of a iver. The vizier Schemseddin Mohammed declared he would stay in that pleasant place two days, and pursue his journey onthethird. Inthe — meantime, he gave leave to his retinue to go to Damascus; andalmostall — — of them made use of it. The beautiful lady, desiring her son Agib might | share in the satisfaction of viewing that celebrated city, ordered the black ~ eunuch, that acted in the quality of his governor, to conduct him thither, and take care he came to no harm. Agib, in magnificent apparel, went along with the eunuch, who had a large cane in hishand. They had no sooner entered the city, than Agib, fair and glorious as the day, attracted the eyes of the people, who flock- ed round about him and the eunuch. By chance they passed by the shop where Bedreddin Hassan was; and there the crowd was so great that they were forced to halt. The pastry-cook, who had adopted Bedreddin Hassan, had died some years before, and left him his shop and all his estate; so Bedreddin be- came master of the shop, and managed the pastry-trade so dexterously, — 2 that he gained great reputation in Damascus. Bedreddin, seeing so great — : a crowd before his door, gazing attentively upon Agib and the blackeu- _ nuch, stepped out to see them himself, ee yet ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Liye: Bedreddin Hassan, having cast his eyes particularly upon Agib, pre- sently found himself moved, he knew not how, nor for what. He was not struck, like the people, with the shining beauty of the boy; it was another cause, unknown to him, that gave rise to the trouble and commotion he was in: it was the spring and force of the blood that worked in this ten- der father, who, laying aside all business, made up to Agib, and, with an engaging air, said to him, My little lord, who hast won my soul, be so kind as to come into my shop, and eat a bit of such fare as I have, that during that time I may have the pleasure of admiring you at my ease. After much opposition on the part of the eunuch, Bedreddin prevailed; and Agib and the eunuch went into his shop. Bedreddin Hassan was overjoyed in having obtained what he had so passionately desired. I am making, said he, cream-tarts, and you must, with submission, eat some of them: I am persuaded you will find them very good; for my own mother, who makes them incomparably well, taught me how to make them, and the people send to buy them of me from all quarters of thetown. This said, he took a cream-tart out of the oven, and, after strewing upon it some pomegranate kernels and sugar, set it before Agib, who found it very delicious. Another was served up to the eunuch, and he gave tle same judgment. While they were both eating, Bedreddin Hassan noticed Agib very at- tentively; and, after looking upon him again and again, it came into his mind, that, for any thing he knew, he might have such ason by his charm- ing wife, from whom he had been so soon and so cruelly separated; and the very thought drew tears from his eyes, He was thinking to have put some questions to Agib about his journey to Damascus; but the child had no time to gratify his curiosity, for the eunuch, pressing him to return to his grandfather’s tents, took him away as soon as he had done eating. Bedreddin kept up the pastry-trade at Damascus, and his uncle Schem- seddin Mohammed went from thence three days after his arrival. He went by way of Emaus, Hanah, and Halep: then crossed the Euphrates, and, after passing through Mardin, Moussoul, Sengier, Diarbekir, and several other towns, arrived at last at Balsora; and, immediately after his arrival, desired audience of the sultan, who was no sooner informed of Schemsed- din’s quality, than he gave him audience, received him very favourably, and asked him the occasion of his journey to Balsora. Sir, replied the vi- zier Schemseddin Mohammed, I come to know what is become of the son of ~ Noureddin Ali, my brother, who has had the honour to serve your majes- ty. Noureddin Ali, said the sultan, has been dead along while; as for his — son, all I can tell you of him is, that he disappeared all on a sudden, about two months after his father’s death, and nobody has seen him since; _ but his mother, who is daugnter of one of my viziers, is still alive. Schem- | seddin Mohammed desired leave of the sultan to see her, and carry her to Egypt; and, having obtained his request, without tarrying till the next day for the satisfaction of seeing her, inquired after her place of abode, and that very hour went to her house, accompanied with her daughter and grand- son. The widow of Noureddin Ali lived in the same place where her husband © had lived, Athis entry, he asked tospeak with his sister-in-law, and was told by her servants that she was in a small edifice in the form of a dome, ' which they showed to him in the middle of a very spacious court. This tender mother used to spend the greatest part of the day and night in that si aad gs ON ee a yess ; at sh ee pia: ARABIAN NIGHTS” ENTERTAINMENTS. ~~ Hie oe oy 4 < 122 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. _ coeg his own house, where he ordered the chest to be taken down, but not to ~ be opened till farther orders. While his retinue were unloading theother _ - camels, he took Bedreddin’s mother and his daughter aside, and address- ed himself to the latter: God be praised, said he, my child, for this happy — . o*casion of meeting your cousin and your husband. You remember what - order your chamber was in on your wedding-night. Go, and put every thing in the very same order they were then in, His daughter went joy- _ fully about her father’s orders; and he, at the same time, began to put things in the hall in the same order they were when Bedreddin Hassan ~ was there with the sultan of Egypt’s hump-backed groom. When every- ~~ thing was put to rights in the hall, the vizier went to his daughter’s cham- ber, and put in their due place Bedreddin’s clothes, with the purse of se-_ quins: this done, he said to the beautiful lady, Undress yourself,my child, and go to bed. As soon as Bedreddin enters your room, complain of his being from you so long, and tell him that, when you awoke, you were as= tonished that you did not find him by you. Press him to come to bed again: and to-morrow morning you will divert your mother-in-law and me, in telling us what passes between you and himthisnight. Thevizier — then retired from his daughter’s apartment. la Schemseddin Mohammed ordered his domestics to depart out of the hall, excepting two or three, whom he ordered to stay there. These he — commanded to go and take Bedreddin out of the chest, to strip him tohis ~— shirt and drawers, to conduct him in that condition to the hall, to leave ae him there all alone, and to shut the door upon him. a Bedreddin Hassan, though overwhelmed with grief, had been asleep — all the time; insomuch that the vizier’s domestics had taken him out of the chest, and stripped him before he awaked; and carried him so sudden- | ly into the hall, that they did not give him time to bethink himself where he was. When he found himself all alone in the hall, he looked round which he found open, he espied, within, his own clothes, in the same place he remembered to have left them on his wedding night. My God! said — he, rubbing his eyes, am I asleep or awake? E The beautiful lady, who, in the meantime, was diverting herself with his _ astonishment, opened the curtains of her bed all on a sudden, and, bend- ing her head forward, My dear lord, said she, with a soft tender air, what - do you do at the door? Prithee come to bed again. You have been out © of bed a long time. Bedreddin Hassan’s countenance changed, when he — - perceived that the lady who spoke to him was the charming person that he had lain with before: so he entered the room, and went to the place where his clothes lay and the purse of sequins; and,after examining them — very carefully, By the living God, cried he, these are things that I can by — no means comprehend! Then he stepped towards the bed, and said to his lady, Pray, madam, tell me, is it long since I left you? The question, an- — swered she, surprises me. Did not you rise from me but now? Madam, replied Bedreddin, I remember, indeed, to have been with you, but I re- member, at the same time, that I have lived, since, ten years at Damas- cus: now, if I was actually in bed with you this night, I cannot have been from you long. My lord, cries she, perhaps you dreamed when you — ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS 128 thought yoa were at Damascus. Upon this, Bedreddin laughed out heartily, and said, What a comical fancy is this! I assure you, madam, this dream of mine will be very pleasant to you. Do but imagine, if you please, that I was at the gate of Damascus in my shirt and drawers, as I . am here now; that I entered the town with the halloo of a mob that fol- i owed and insulted me; that I fled to a pastry-cook’s, who adopted me, taught me his trade, and left me all he had when he died; that, after his ae death, I kept the shop, In short, madam, I had an infinity of other ad-- | ventures, too tedious to recount; and it was not amiss that I awaked, for == they were going to nail me to astake. O-Lord! and for what, cried the - ~ lady, feigning astonishment, would they have used you so cruelly? Sure~ ~ ly you must have committed some enormous crime. Not in the least, ree plied; Bedreddin it was for nothing in the world but a mere trifle, the most a ridiculous thing you can think of: all the crime I was charged with, was” selling a cream-tart that had no pepper in it. As forthat matter, saidthe- — beautiful lady, laughing heartily, I must say they did you great injustice. Ah! madam, replied he, that was not all: for this cursed cream-tart was every thing in my shop broken to pieces, myself bound and fettered, and flung into a chest, where I lay so close, that methinksI am there still. In ve, fine, a carpenter was called for, and he was ordered to get ready a stake forme. But, thanks be to God, all those things are no more than a dream. Bedreddin was not easy all night. He awaked from time to time, and put the question to himself, whether he dreamed or was awake. He dis- trusted his felicity; and to be sure whether it was true or not, opened the curtains and looked round the room. Iam not mistaken sure, said he; this is the chamber where I entered instead of the hump-backed groom of | . the stables: and I am now in bed with the fair lady who was designed © ~ for him. Daylight, which then appeared, had not dispelled his uneasiness, ~~ when the vizier, Schemseddin Mohammed, his uncle, knocked at the door, = and at the same time went in to bid him good- morrow. gee: _ Bedreddin Hassan was extremely surprised to see, all on a sudden,a —™ man that he knew so well, and that now appeared with a quite different air from that with which he pronounced the terrible sentence of death against him, Ah! cried Bedreddin, it was you that condemned mesoun- justly to a manner of death, the thoughts of which make me shrink still, and all for acream-tart without pepper. ‘The vizier felltolaughing; and, to put him out of suspense, told him how, by the ministry of a genie, he had been at his house, and married his daughter, instead of the sultan’s groom of the stables: then he acquainted him that he had discovered him to be his nephew by a book written by the hand of Noureddin Ali: and, pursuant to that discovery, had gone from Cairo to Balsora in quest of him, My dear nephew, added he, with embraces and all the marks of ten- derness, { ask you pardon for all I have made you wndergo since I disco- vered you: I had a mind to bring you to my house before I told you your. happiness, which ought now to be so much the dearer to you, that it hag cost you so much perplexity and affliction. To atone for all your afflic- ~ tions, comfort yourself with the joy of being in the company of those who ought to be dearest to you. While you are dressing yourself, I will go — and acquaint your mother, who is beyond measure impatient to see you; and will likewise bring your son to you, whom you saw at Damascus, | and for whom you showed so much affection, without knowing him. bates Ta aay ot 4 124 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, = No words are of sufficient energy to express the joy of Bedreddin, when ie he saw his mother and his son. These three embraced, and shewed all — the transports that love and a moving tenderness couldinspire. The mo- ther spoke to Bedreddin in the most moving terms; she mentioned the grief she had felt for his long absence, and the tearsshe hadshed. Little Agib, instead of flying from his father’s embraces, as at Damascus, reccived | them with all the marks of pleasure; and Bedreddin Hassan, divided be- tween two objects so worthy of his love, thought he could not give suffi- cient marks of his affection. While this passed at Schemseddin Mohammed’s, the vizier was gone to the palace, to give the sultan an account of the happy success of his voy- age: and the sultan was so charmed with the recital of the story, that he ordered it to be taken down in writing, and carefully preserved among the archives of the kingdom. After Schemseddin’s return to his house, hav- ing prepared a noble feast, he sat down to table with his family, and all — the household passed the day in mirth and rejoicing, THE STORY OF THE LITTLE HUNCHBACEK. There was in former times at Casgar, upon the utmost skirts of Tar-. tary, a tailor, that had a pretty wife, whom he sincerely loved, and was reciprocally loved by her. One day, as he sat at work, a little hunchback came and sat down at the shop-door, and fell a-singing, and at the same time played upon the tabor. The tailor invited him in, and the tailor’s wife covered the table; so they sat down to supper, and had a dish of fish set before them: unluckily the crooked gentleman swallowed a large bone, of which he died ina few minutes. They were mightily frightened at the | accident, fearing that, if the justiciary magistrates came to hear of it, they would be punished as assassins. However, the husband found an expe- dient to get rid of the corpse: he considered there was a Jewish doctor that lived just by, and so formed a project, in the execution of which his — wife and he took the corpse, the one by the feet, and the other by the — head, and carried it to the physician’s house. They knocked at the door, from which ascended a steep pair of stairs to his chamber, As soon as _ they had knocked, the servant-maid came down without any light, and, opening the door, asked what they wanted. Prithee go up again, says the tailor, and tell your master we have brought him a man that is very sick, — and wants his advice. Here, says he, putting a piece of money into her hand, give him that beforehand. While the servant was gone up to ac- quaint her master, the tailor and his wife conveyed the hunchbacked corpse to the head of the stairs, and, leaving it there, scoured off. ae The maid having told the doctor that a man and a woman stayed for him at the door, desiring he would come down and look upon a sick man _ they had brought with them; and the maid, clapping the money she ‘had received into his hand, the doctor was transported with joy: being paid od beforehand, he thought it was a good chap, and should not be neglected, Rede Light, light! cries he to the maid; follow me nimbly. However, without staying for the light, he went to the stairs-head, in such haste, that, stum- bling against the corpse, he gave it such a kick as made it tumble quite | down to the stairs-foot, A light,a light! cries he to the maid; quick, quick: at last the maid came with the light, and so he went down stairs with her; and when he saw the stumbling-block he had kicked down was adead man, — es : ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 125 _ he was so frightened that he invoked Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Esdras, and all the other prophets of his law. Unhappy man that I am! said he; what made me offer to come down without a light? I have even made an end of the fellow that was brought to be cured. But, notwithstanding the perplexity and jeopardy he was in, he had the precaution to shut his door, for fear any one passing by in the street should observe the mischance of which he reckoned himself the author. Then he, took the corpse into his wife’s chamber; at which she was greatly shocked, Alas! cried she, what a sad mischance is this! Why, how did you kill this man? That is not the question, replies the Jew: our business is to find out a remedy for such a shocking accident. The doctor and his wife consulted together how to get rid of the dead corpse that night. His wife said, [have a thought come into my head; let us carry this corpse to the leads of our house, and tumble it down the chimney into the house of the Mussulman, our next neighbour. The Jewish doctor approving of the expedient, his wife and he took the little hunchback up to the roof of the house; and, clapping the ropes under his armpits, let him down the chimney into the Mus- sulman purveyor’s chamber so softly and dexterously, that it stood upright against the wall as if he had been alive. When they found he stood firm, - they pulled up the ropes, and left the gentleman in that posture. They were scarce down into their chamber, when the purveyor went into his, being just come from a wedding-feast, with a lantern in his hand. He was mightily surprised, when, by the light of his lantern, he descried a man standing upright in his chimney; and, apprehending it was a robber, he took a good lusty cane, and makin up to the hunchback, falls foul upon him, and gives him a good many swinging thwacks with his cane. Upon that the corpse fell down, running its nose against the ground, and the purvey- or redoubled his blows. But, observing the body not to move, he stood to consider alittle; and, then perceiving it wasa dead corpse, fear succeeded his anger. Wretched man thatI am! said he; what haveI done? Lhave _ carried my revenge too far. As soon as he uttered these words, he took the little crooked corpse upon his shoulders, and carried him out of doors to the end of the street, where he set him upright, resting against a shop, | _ and so trudged home again, without looking behind him, A few minutes before the break of day, a Christian merchant, having sat up all night debauching, stepped out of his house to bathe. However, as he came to the end of the street, he stopped upon some occasion, and lean- ed against the shop where the purveyor had put the hunchbacked corpse, and the corpse being jostled, tumbled upon the merchant’s back. ‘The merchant, thinking it was a robber that came to attack him, knocked him down with a great box on the ear, and, after redoubling his blows, cried out, Thieves! The outcry alarmed the watch, who came up immediately; and finding a Christian beating a Turk, they interfered, and seized hold of the merchant. They then lifted up the hunchback, but, finding he was dead, without any further ceremony, they charged the Christian with mur- dering him; and straightway took him before the judge. _ The judge, having heard the report of the watch, and viewed the corpse, interrogated the merchant upon it; and he could not deny the crime, though he had not committed it, The judge, considering that little Hunchback belonged to the sultan, for he was one of his buffoons, would not put him to death till he knew the sultan’s pleasure. For this end, he went to the __ palace, and acquainted the sultan with what had happened, and received - > ann ~ ova) % ay 3 Lee _ xe *% SN Se - +c Cag 126° - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, == ~ from the sultan this answer, I have no mercy to shew to a Christian that = killsa Mussulman: go, do your office. Uponthis the judge ordered agib- —_ bet to be erected, and sent criers all over the city, to proclaim that they were about to hang a Christian for killing a Mussulman. In fine, the — _ merchant was brought out of gaol to the foot of the gallows; and the — ii c SH rio pent x Due. ca i, ET, hangman, having put the rope about his neck, was going to give hima = swing, when the sultan’s purveyor, pushing through thecrowd, madeupto the gibbet, calling to the hangman to stop, for that the Christian had not committed the murder, but himself had done it. Upon that the sheriff, who attended the execution, put interrogatories to the purveyor, who told him every circumstance of his killing little Hunchback, and conveying his a corpse to the place where the Christian merchant found him. ae % The sultan of Casgar’s purveyor having publicly charged himself with the - q death of the little hunchbacked man, the sheriffcould not avoid doing jus- tice to the merchant. Let the Christian go, said he, and hang this manin his room, since it appears by his own confession that he is guilty. There- — upon the hangman released the merchant, and clapped the rope round the purveyor’s neck; but, just when he was going to pull him up, he heard the voice of the Jewish doctor, earnestly entreating him tosuspend the execu= _ tion, and make room for him to come and throw himself at the gallow’s foot. When he appeared before the judge, My lord, said he, this Mussul- _ man you are going to hang isnot guilty: allthe guiltlies atmy door, He _ bax . j { ¢ fogs : in et eae ey Te t o] 1S fie FO “ Spee ad a ea ee ‘ WI F ey a ee le rey tv cae Deeg a Re ae Pe > ‘then related how he had unintentionally knocked him down stairs, killed — him, and then conveyed him into the purveyor’s house. The chief justice, being persuaded that the Jewish doctor was the mur- derer, gave orders to the executioner to seize him, and release the purvey- or. Accordingly, the doctor was just going to be hung up, when the tai- lor appeared, crying to the executioner, to hold his hand, and make room for him, that he might come and make his confession to the lord justice. Room being made, My lord, said he to the judge, you have narrowly escap- ed taking away the lives of three innocent persons; but if youwillhavethe ~~ patience to hear me, I will discover to you the real murderer of thecrook- backed man: if his death is to be expiated by another’s, that must be ey mine. ‘The tailor then gave an account how the hunchback was choked =~ whilst at supper at his house; and of he and his wife carrying the body — : to the doctor’s,. Let the Jewish doctor go, said the judge, and hangup ~ the tailor, since he confesses the crime. The executioner, having dismissed the doctor, made every thing ready to tie up the tailor. a While the executioner was making ready to hang up the tailor, thesul- A ek tan of Casgar, wanting the company of his crooked jester, asked where he was: and one of his officers told him the whole story. Upon this intelli- gence, the sultan of Casgar sent a hussar tothe place of execution. Bring” the arraigned persons before me immediately; and bring thecorpse of poor ‘Hunchback, that Imay seehim once more. Accordingly the hussar went, and happened to arrive at the place of execution at the same time that the _ executioner was going to tie up the tailor. So he cried aloud to theexecu- Se, ae tan ae eee ee tioner to suspend the execution: the hangman, knowing the hussar, did not dare to proceed, but untied the tailor, and then the hussar acquainted ~~ the judge with the sultan’s pleasure: sothe judge obeyed,and went straight ~~ to the palace, accompanied by the tailor, the Jewish doctor, and the Chris- ar tian merchant; and made four of his men carry the hunchback corpse along with them, a ee oa - a ye ae Omt > wo ££ ave ow, ae , ESA er Se Sr rae Sn era en ii a AA ps2 is Sad penne eae iad aie aes he é Se ee ts af 3 aa = d — ’ rs 4 S = Aas ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 127 When they appeared before the sultan, the judge gave him a faithful re- lation of what he knew of the story of the hunchbacked man. The sultan found the story so uncommon, that he ordered his private historians to write it, with its circumstances. Then addressing himself to the audience, Did you ever hear, said he, such a surprising story as this, that has happened upon the account of my little crooked buffoon? Then the Christian merchant, after falling down and saluting the earth with his forehead, spoke in the following manner: Most puissant monarch, I know astory yet more astonishing, if your majesty would give me leave to tell you. Well, said the sultan, I give you leave, So the Christian merchant told his story, which was very inferior tothat of the little Hunchback; and the sultan was much exasperated at his con-_ sidering his story as wonderful as that of his little buffoon; declaring that, if none of them told a better story, they should all suffer death, Then the Mussulman purveyor told his story, which pleased the sultan no bet- ter than the other; and he told them they should die, if there was not a better story told than that of his little Hunchback. The Jewish doctor was the next who told his story, which pleased the sultan better than the others that he had heard; but he still persisted in their death, if there was not a better story related, The tailor now stepped forward, and begged _. leave to tell his story, which he did, as follows. THE STORY TOLD BY THE TAILOR. A citizen of this city did me the honour, two days ago, to invite me to a treat, which he was to give to his friends, yesterday morning. Accord- — ingly I went pretty early, and found there twenty persons. ‘The master of the house was gone out upon some business; but in a very little time he came home, and brought with him a young man, a stranger, very well dressed, and very handsome, but lame. When he came in, we all rose, and, out of respect to the master of the house, in- vited the young gentleman to sit down with us upon the sofa.. He was going to sit down; but all on a sudden, spying a barber in our company, he flew backwards and made towards the door, The master of the house, surprised at the action, stopped him, Where are you going? said he: I brought you along with me to do me the honour of being my guest among _the rest of my friends; and here you are no sooner got into my house, but yourun away again, Sir, saidthe young man, for God’s sake do not stop ee let me go: I cannot, without horror, look upon that abominable arber. . ~ We were all surprised to hear the young man speak so, continued the tailor; and we began to have a very bad opinion of the barber, without knowing what ground the young man had for what he said. The master of the house entreated the stranger to tell us what reason he had for hat- ing the barber. Gentlemen, said the young man, you must know this- cursed barber is the cause of my being lame, and falling under the cruel- est accident that any one can imagine; for this reason, I have made an. oath to avoid allthe places where he dwells. It was for this reason that I left Bagdad, where he then was; and travelled so far to settle in this _ _ eity, in the heart of Great Tartary,a place where I flattered myself Ishould _ hever see him: and now, after all, contrary to my expectation, I find him a here. This obliges me, gentlemen, against my will, to deprive myself of © =o pe ag i> tars - 4 - [28 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. ~ i the honour of being merry with you. This said, he would have left us; — but the master entreated him to stay. and tell the cause of his aversion for: the barber, who all this while looked down, and. said never a word: we © joined with the master of the house in requesting him to stay: and at last the young man, giving way to our entreaties, sat down upon the sofa; and, after turning his back to the barber, that he might not see him, gave us the following account :— “$ My father’s quality might have entitled him to the highest posts in the city of Bagdad, but he always preferred a quiet life to all the honours he might deserve. I was his only child; and when he died, I was already” educated, and of age to dispose of the plentiful. fortune he had left me; which I did not squander away foolishly, but applied to such cases that every body respected me for my conduct. I had not yet been disturbed with passion; I was so far from beingsen- sible of love, that I acknowledge, perhaps to my shame, that I cautiously avoided the conversation of women. One day, walking in the streets, [ saw a great company of ladies before me; and, that I might not meet © them, turned down a narrow lane just by, and sat down upona bench by _ a door. I sat over against a window where there stood a pot with pretty flowers; and I had my eyes fixed upon this, when all on a sudden the win- dow opened, and a voung lady appeared, whose beauty was dazzling. She . cast her eyes immediately upon me; and, in watering the flower-pot with a hand whiter than alabaster, looked upon me with a smile, that inspired - me with as much love for her as I had formerly an aversion to all women. Alter having watered all her flowers, and darted upon me a glance full ofa charms that quite pierced my heart, she shut the window again, and so left me in inconceivable trouble and disorder. I should have dwelt upon these thoughts some time, if a noise that arose in the streets had not brought me to myself. Alarmed with the noise, I~ turned my head in a rising “posture, and saw it was the upper cadi of the _ city, mounted on a mule, and attended by five or six servants: he alight- ed at the door of that house where the young lady had opened the win- dow, and went in there; from whence I concluded he was the young lady’ s father. I went home in a different sort of humour from what I brought with me; tossed with a passion which was so much the more violent as I had never felt its assaults before. In fine, I went to bed with a violent fever —— upon me, which all the family were greatly concerned at. ; My relations began to despair of my life, when a certain old lady of our acquaintance, hearing I was ill, came to see me. She considered and ¢x- amined every thing with great ‘attention, and dived, I do not know how, into the real cause rot my illness. Then she took my relations aside, ands és! desired they would all retire out of the room but herself. . When the room was clear, she sat down on the side of my bed: My child, said she, you are very obstinate in concealing hitherto the cause of — your ‘illness; but you have no occasion to reveal it to me: I have experi- ence enough to penetrate into a secret; you will not disown it yourself — when I tell you it is love that makes you sick. I can find a way to cure you, if you will but let me know who that happy lady is that couldmove a heart so insensible as yours. me The old lady, having talked to me in this fashion, paused, expectingmy ae answer; but, though what she had said made a strong impression a” : ne f one re Se PR peti, & - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, . 129 ~ me, I durst not lay open to her the bottom of my heart: I only turned to her, and fetched a deep sigh, without saying any thing. Is it bashful- ness, said she, that keeps you from speaking? or is it. for want of confi- dence in me? Do you doubt of the effect of my promise? In short, the good old lady told me so many things more, that I broke silence, declared to her my evil, pointed out to her the place where I had seen the object which caused it, and unravelled all the circumstances of my adventure. If you succeed, said I, and procure me the felicity of seeiny that charming beauty, and revealing to her the passion with which I bura for her, you may depend upon it I willbe grateful. My son, said the old woman, I know the lady you speak of; she is, as you judged right, the daughter of the first cadi.of the city: I think the handsomest, comeliest lady in Bagdad: but what I most hesitate atis, that she is very proud, and of difficult access. Would to God you had loved any other lady! then I — should not have so many difficulties to accomplish my aim; time only is required: in the meantime, do you take heart, and trust in me. The old woman took leave of me; and, as I weighed within myself all the obstacles she had been talking of, the fear of her not succeeding in her enterprise inflamed my illness. Next day she came again, and I read in — her countenance that she had no favourable news to impart; in effect she spoke thus: My child, I was not mistaken in the matter; Ihave somewhat else to conquer besides the vigilance of a father; you love an indifferent, insensible girl, that takes pleasure in making every one burn with love that — suffer themselves to be charmed by her; when she has once gained that point, she will not deign them the least comfort: she heard me with plea- sure, when I spoke of nothing but the torment she made you undergo; but I no sooner began to enter upon the influencing her to allow you to see her and converse with her, but, with a terrible look, You are very bold, said she, tomake sucha proposal to me! I forbid you ever to see mc again with such discourse in your mouth. Do not let this cast you down, continued she; I am not easily disheart- ened; and, if your patience does but hold out, I am hopeful I shall effect my purpose. To shorten my story, said the young man, this good pro- curess made several attempts on my behalf with the proud enemy of my rest; the fret I thereby underwent, inflamed my distemper to that degree, that my physicians gave me quite over: so that I was looked upon as a dead man, when the old woman came to give me life. That nobody might hear what was said, she whispered in my ear, Remember now, you owe me a present for the good newsI bring you: these words produced a mar- vellous effect; I raised myself to sit up in the bed, and, with transports, made answer, You shall not be without a present; but what is the news yor bring me? Dear sir, said she, you shall not die, this time; I shall speedily have the pleasure to see you in perfect health, and very well satisfied with me. Yesterday being Monday, I went to see the lady you love, and found her ina very good humour: I put on a sad countenance, heaving many sighs, and began to squeeze out some tears, My good mother, said she, What is the matter with you? Why are you socast down? Alas! my dear and honourable lady, said I, Ihave been just now with the young gentle- man I spoke to you of, the other day: his business is done; he is giving up _his life for the love of you; itis a great injury, I will assure you,andthere ~- isa great deal of cruelty on your side, You remember well how rigorously you treated me the last time I was x = I AY save his life now, though you should take pity on him. This is just what ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINNENTS, here, when I was offering to speak to you. of ‘his illness, and to propose res 4 -means to rescue him from the danger he was in: when I took leave of: you, @ I went straight to hishouse, and he no sooner knew by my countenance that ~_ Thad brought no favourable answer, than his distemper increased: from .that'time, madam, he became worse, and I do not know whether youcan T said to her, continued the old woman. ‘The fear of your death alarmed her, and I saw her face change colour. Is it true what you say? said she. ss _ Has he actually no other disease but what is occasioned by the love of . ~ me? Ah! madam, said I, that is too true; would it were false! Do you — believe, said she, that the hope of seeing me would contribute any thing to rescue him from the danger he is in? Perhaps it may, said I; and, if ~~ you will give me orders, I will try the remedy. Well, said she, sighing, make him hope to see me; but he can pretend to no other favours from me, unless he aspires to marry me, and my father gives his consent to it. Ma- dam, replied I, your goodness overcomes me: I will go and see the young gentleman, and tell him he is to have the pleasure of aninterview with you. __ | The most proper time I can think of, said she, for granting him that favour, - a is next Friday, at the time of noon-prayers: let him take care to observe when my father goes out, and then plant himself over against the house, if his health permits him to come abroad. When he comes, I shall see _ 4 before my father returns. _ deliver you from all mischance; may his grace always go along with you. ~~ I told you, and so you may readily judge I only want to be shaved: cond, him through my window, and shallcome down and open the door tohim: We can then converse together during prayer-time; but he must be gone. ~ It is now Tuesday, continued the old gentlewoman; you~ have from hence to Friday to recruit your strength, and make the necessary disposi- tions for the interview. While the good old gentlewoman was telling her — Set story, I felt my illness decrease, or rather, by the time she had done, I wa found myself perfectly well. i; When the lady was gone, I found I had strength enough to get up; — =: ae my relations, finding me so well, complimented me upon it, andwent nome. 7 ee On Friday morning, the old woman came, just when I was dressing my- self, and laying out the finest clothes I had. I do not ask you, says she, how you do; what you are about is intimation enough of your health; but will not you bathe before you go to the first cadi’s house? That will take ie up too much time, said I; I will content myself with calling a barber, to’ ~~ get my head and beard shaved. Presently I ordered one of my slaves to call a barber that could do his business cleverly and expeditiously. ee _ The slave brought me this wretch you see here; who camein, and, af-— aa ter saluting me, Sir, said he, you look as if you were not well. I told — him I was just recovered from a fit of sickness, I wish, said he,Godmay Luge eon Bs ech T hope, said I, he will grant your wish, for which I am very much obliged _ to you. Since you are recovered from a fit of sickness, said he, I pray — God preserve your health: but now pray let me know what service I am to do; Ihave brought my razors and my lancets; do you desire to be — shaved orto be bled? I replied, I am just recovered from a fit of sickness, Ease he id mt ait vita make haste, do not lose time in prattling, for I am in haste, and have an engagement precisely at noon. ay The barber spent much time in opening his case and preparing his Ta-_ rt of 2 Cree, a 6 oe errr eh ARABIAN RIGHTS’ ENTERTAINSENTS, ae Zors. In tead of putting water into the basin, he took a very handsome astrolabe out of his budget, and went very gravely out of my roum to the: middle of the yard, to take the height of the sun: then he returned with the same grave pace, and, entering my room, Sir, said he, you will be pleased to know this day is Friday, the 18th of the month Saffar, in the year 653 from the retreat of our great prophet from Mecca to Medina, ana in the year 7320 of the epocha of the great Iskender with two horns; and the conjunction of Mars and Mercury signifies that you cannot choose a: _ better time than this very day and this very hour for being shaved. But, on the other hand, the same conjunction is a bad presage to you. I[learn from thence, that this day you run a great risk, not indeed of losing your life, but of an inconvenience which will attend you while you live. You are obliged to me for the advice I now give you to take care to avoid it: I should be sorry if it befell you. You may guess, gentlemen, how vexed I was for having fallen into the hands of such a prattling impertinent barber; what an unseasonable ad- venture it was for a lover preparing for an interview! I was quite angry. Ido not trouble my head, said I, in anger, with your advice and predic- tions; I did not call you to consult your astrology; you came hither to shave me; so pray shave me, or begone, and I will call another barber, Sir, said he, with a dulness that put me out of all patience, what reasou have you to be angry with me? You do not know that all barbers are not like me; and that you would scarce find such another, if you made it your | business to search. You only sent for a barber, but here, in my person, you have the best barber in Bagdad, an experienced physician, a very profound chemist, an infallible astrologer, a finished grammarian, a com- plete orator, a subtile logician; a mathematician, perfectly well versed in geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and all the divisions of algebra; an his- torian, fully master of the histories of all the kingdoms of the universe; besides, I know all parts of philosophy; I have all the traditions upon my finger’s ends. Iam poet, I am architect: nay, whatis itlam not? There is nothing in nature hidden from me. Your deceased father, to whose memory I pay a tribute of tears every time I think of him, was fully con- vinced of my merit; he was fond of me, and spoke of me in all compa~- nies as the greatest man in the world: out of gratitude and friendship for - him, [ am willing to do good for you, to take you under my protection, and guard you from all evils that your stars may threaten. When I heard this stuff, I could not forbear laughing, notwithstanding my anger. You impertinent prattler, said I, will you have done, and be- gin to shave me? Sir, replied the barber to me, you affront me in calling me a prattler; on the contrary, all the world gives me the honourable title of Silent. I had six brothers that you might justly have called prattlers, and that you may know them the better, the name of the first was Bac- bouc; of the second, Backbarah; of the third, Bacbac; of the fourth, Alcouz; of the fifth, Alnaschar: of the sixth, Schacabac: these indeed were imper- tinent noisy fellows; but for me, who am a younger brother, Iam grave and concise in my discourses, Gentlemen, were [ to tell you ot all the tricks, subterfuges, artifices, — and other means used by this cursed barber to annoy and detain me, you would be surprised that I did not sacrifice him to my just resentment. To be brief, then, that prattling impudent wretch kept me in a state of mind bordering on distraction for the space of two or three hours: never 132. ARABIAN NGUTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, keeping his tongue still fora moment. He would give me a specimen of his abilities in singing and dancing, making such a discordant noise, and cutting such grotesque capers, that [ could not forbear laughing heartily, notwithstanding my anger. I did all in my power, both by threats and entreatics, to get him to finish shaving me; telling him that I hada party of gentlemen to meet at a certain hour: then he bethought him that he — had some friends coming to dine with him, and that he had neglected to provide any thing for their accommodation. To pacify him, and to in- duce him to be more expeditious in shaving me, I promised to give him ° some choice provisions and wine, wherewith to entertain his friends, He pretended to be very grateful for my kindness, and expressed his thank- fulness in such fulsome flattery, that I was quite disgusted withhim. And here a new dilemma came over me: he declared he would accompany me to the place where I was going; saying that he should be enabled to amuse the company better than any other person. ‘Those words, gentlemen, made me very uneasy. How shall I get rid of this cursed barber? thought I to myself. If I do not check him severely, we shall never have done contesting. Besides, I heard then the first call to noon-prayers, and it was time for me to go. In fine, I resolved to say- nothing at all, and appear as if J consented to his proposal. By that time he had done shaving me: thenI said to him, Take some of my servants to carry these provisions along with you, and return hither; I will stay for you, and shall not go without you: at last he went, and I dressed myself nimbly. I heard the last call to prayers, and made haste to set out; but the malicious barber, jealous of my intention, went with my servants only within sight of his house, and stood there till he saw them enter; and then hid himself at the turning ofa street, with intent to observe and follow me: in short, when I arrived at the cadi’s door, I looked back, and saw him at the head of the street, which greatly distressed me. The cadi’s door was half open; and, as I went in, I saw an old woman waiting for me, who, after she had shut the door, conducted me to the cham- ber of the young lady I was in love with; but we had scarce begun our interview, when we heard a noise in the street. The young lady put her head to the window, and saw through the grating that it was the cadi, her father, returning already from prayers... Atthe same time, Ilooked through — the window, and saw the barber sitting over against the house, in the same place from where I had seen the young lady before. * I had then two things to fear; the arrival of the cadi, and the presence ~ of the barber. The young lady mitigated my fear of the first, by assuring me the cadi came but very seldom to her chamber; and, as she had fore- seen that this misadventure might happen, she had contrived away tocon- .- vey me out safe; but the indiscretion of the accursed barber made me very uneasy; and you shall hear this my uneasiness was not without ground, As soon as the cadi was come in, he caned one of his slaves that deserved. it: the slave made horrid shouts, which were heard in the street; the bar- ber thought it was I that cried out, and that I was maltreated. Preposses- — sed with this thought, he screamed out most fearfully, rent his clothes, threw dust upon his head, and called the neighbourhood to his ass.stance: the neighbours came, and asked what ailed him, and what relief he wanted that they could give: Alas! cried he, they are assassinating my master; and, without saying any more, he ran all the way to my house with the very same cry in his mouth; from thence he returned, followed by all my 2 ae ee ms ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 133 domestics, armed with batons. They knocked with inconceivable fury at . the cadi’s door, and the cadisent a slave to see what the matter was: but the slave, being frightened, returned to his master, saying, Sir, above ten thousand men are going to break into your house by force. ' Immediately the cadi himself ran, opened the door, and asked what they wanted. His venerable presence could not inspire them with respect: they insolently said to him, You cursed cadi, you dog of a cadi, what reason have you to assassinate our master? What has he done to you? Good people, replied the cadi, for what should I assassinate your master, whom I do not know, and who has done no offence? My house is open to you; come, see, andsearch. You bastinadoed him, said the barber; [heard his cries not abovea minuteago, There is no occasion for so many words, re- plied the cadi, nor to make so great a noise: if what you say is true, goin and find him out; I give you free liberty. Thereupon the barber and my — domestics rushed into the house like furies, and looked for me all about. When I heard what the barber said to the cadi, I sought for a place to hide myself, and could find nothing but a great empty trunk, in which I lay down, and shutit upon me. The barber, after he had searched every where, came into the chamber where I was, and, opening the trunk, as soon as he saw me, he took it upon his head, and carried it away. He came down a high staircase into the court, which he went through very speedily, and got into the street: while he carried me, the trunk unhap- pily opened, and I leaped out into the street with so much haste that I hurt my leg,so that I have been lame ever since. I was notsensible how bad it was at first, and therefore got up quickly to get away from the peo- ple, who laughed at me: but the cursed barber followed me close, crying, Stay, sir, why do you run so fast? Did I not tell you truly that you would expose your life by your obstinate refusal to let me go with you? See now what has happened to you by your own fault. Thus the wretched barber cried aloud in the street. I entered into a khan or inn, the chamberlain of which knew me; and, finding him at the gate, whither the noise had brought him, I wished him to hinder that madman from coming in after me. He promised to do so, and was as good as his word; and, after the chamberlain shut the gate, the barber continued telling the mob what great service he had done me: thus I rid myself of that troublesome fel- low. I desired the chamberlain to let me have an apartment, until I was cured; and he did so. After I was cured, I resolved to leave Bagdad, and came hither; in hopes that I should not meet with that pernicious tarber in a country so far from my own; and yet I have found him amongst you; do not be surprised, then, at my haste to be gone: youmay ~ eusily judge how unpleasant to me the sight of a man is, who was the oc- _ casion of my lameness, and of my being reduced to the melancholy ne- cessity of living so far from my kindred, friends, and country. When he had spoken these words, the young man rose up and went out, When the young man was gone, continued the tailor, we were all asto- nished at the story, and, turning to the barber, told him he was very much in the wrong, if what we had just now heard was true. The barber en- deavoured to clear himself from all blame, by assuring us that he did it all with the intention of serving the young gentleman. But, says he, this is what one gets by serving unthankful people. He accuses me of being a prattling fellow, whichis a mere slander. Of seven brothers there are of us, I am he who speaks theleast, and haye most wit for my share; and to ty 134 - ~—S ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, == ttst—~—s persuade you of it, gentlemen, I need only tell my own story and theirs; {lonour me, I beseech you, with your attention. i THE STORY OF THE BARBER. In the reign of the caliph Monstancer Billah, continues he, ten high- waymen infested the roads about Bagdad, and for a long time committed unheard-of robberies and cruelties: the caliph, having notice of this, seit - for the judge of police, some days before the feast of Bairam, and ordered him, on pain of death, to bring all the ten to him. The judge of the po- lice used so much diligence, and sent so many people in pursuit of the ten — robbers, that they were taken on the day of Bairam. I was walking then on the banks of the Tigris, and saw ten men richly apparelled go into a boat: I might have known they were robbers, had I observed the guards that were withthem; but I looked only to them, and, thinking they were — people that had a mind to spend the festival day in jollity, I entered the boat with them, without saying one word, in hopes they would allow me to be one of the company. We went down the Tigris, and landed before | the caliph’s palace. When we came out of the boat, we were surrounded _ i by a new troop of the judge‘f the police’s guard, who tied us all, and carried us before the caliph. I suffered myself to be tied as well as the rest, without speaking one word: for to what purpose should I have — spoken or made any resistance? I was with the robbers, and that was — enough to make them believe me to be one. When we came before the caliph, he ordered the ten highwaymen’s ~ heads to be cut off immediately. The executioner drew us up ina file _ within reach of his arm, and, by good fortune, I wasthe last. He cut off — the heads. of the ten highwaymen, beginning at the first, and, when he ~ came to me, he stopped. The caliph perceiving that he didnot meddle with me, he grew angry: Did not I command thee, says he, to cutoff the heads of ten highwaymen, and why hast thou cut off but nine? Com- ~ “mander of the Faithful, says he, here are ten corpses upon the gronnd, and as many heads which I cut off; your majesty may countthem. When the caliph saw himself that what the executioner said was true, he looked upon me with amazement; and, perceiving that 1 had not the face of a hi¢hwayman, said to me, Good old man, how came youto be among” | those wretches who have deserved athousand deaths? Ianswered, Com- anander of the Faithful, this morning, I saw those ten persons, whose- chastisement is a proof of your majesty’s justice, take boat: I embarked with them, thinking they were men going to a treat, to celebrate this day, which is the most remarkable in our religion. The caliph could not forbear laughing at my adventure; and admired Ba . my discretion and constant silence. Commander of the Faithful, said I, I make a particular profession of holding my peace, and, upon that ace count, I have acquired the glorious title of Silent; thus I am called, to ‘ae distinguish me from my six brothers: this is the effect of my philosophy. I am very glad, said the caliph, smiling, that they gave you a title which you so well deserve, and know how to make such good use of; but, tell me, what sort of men were your brothers? were they like you? By no means, said I; they were all of them more given to prattling; and, as to their persons, there was still a greater difference betwixt them and me: __ the first was hunchbacked, the second had rotten teeth, the third had but Soe a a ' ~ eA Te ee ane eye, the fourth was blind, the fifth had his ents cut, and the sixth had hare-lips. ‘They had each such adventures as would inform you of their characters, had I the honour to tell them to your majesty: and, since the caliph seemed to desire no better than that I should tell him their stories, I went on without his order, ‘ . e THE STORY OF THE BARBER'S ELDEST BROTHER. Sir, said I, my eldest brother, whose name was Bacbouc the Hunchback, was a tailor by trade. When he.came out of his apprenticeship, he hired a shop over against a mill; and, having but little business, he could scarcely maintain himself; the miller, on the contrary, was very wealthy, and had a very handsome wife. One day, as my brother was at work in his shop, he lifted up his head, and saw the miller’s wife looking out of the window, and was charmed with her beauty: the woman took no notice of him, | -_ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, === — «1:95 but shut the window, and came no more to it all that day; while the poor — : tailor did nothing but lift up his eyes towards the mill all day long. The third day the miller’s wife cast her eyes on him by chance, and surprised _ him as he was gazing at her, of which she presently knew the reason. No sooner did the miller’s wife perceive my brother’s mind, but, instead of being vexed at it, she resolved to make it her diversion: she looked upon him with a smiling countenance, and my brother looked upon her in the same manner. She had a piece of very fine stuff, which she wrap- _ ped up in a fine embroidered silk handkerchief, and sent it by a young . slave that she had; who went to the tailor’s shop, and said to him, My mis- tress prays you to make her a suit of this stuff according to this pattern: she changes her clothes often, so that her custom will be profitable to _-you. My brother doubted not but the miller’s wife loved him; and being of this opinion, charged the slave to tell her mistress, that he would lay aside all work for hers, and that the suit should be ready next morning, The young slave came next morning to see if the suit was ready; and a Bacbouc gave it to her neatly folded up. The slave went some steps, as if she intended to go away; and then coming back, whispered to my bro- ther, I had forgot part of my commission: my mistress charged me-to compliment you in her name, and to ask how you passed the night: as’ - for her, poor woman, she loves you so mightily that she could not sleep. Tell her, answers my silly brother, I have so strong a passion for her, that these four nights I have not slept one wink, About a quarter of an hour after, the slave returned to my brother with : - # piece of satin: My mistress, says she, is very well pleased with her suit, ‘nothing in the world can fit her better; and, since it is very fine, she would not wear it without a new petticoat, and she prays youto make her _ one as soon as you can of this piece of satin, It is enough, says Bachboue; I will do it before Ileaye my shop: you shall have it in the evening, The petticoat was soon made, and the slave came for it, but brought the _ tailor no money, neither for the trimming he had bought for the suit, nor _ for his labour: in the meantime this unfortunate lover had eat nothing all — that day, and was forced to borrow money at night to pay for his supper, Next morning, as soon as he arrived at his shop, the young slave came to tell him that the miller wanted tospeakto him, My mistress, says she, has told him so much good of you, when she showed him your work, that he has a mind you should work also for him, My brother was easily per % GT eee ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, hp ecat ee ek suaded, and went to the mill with the slave. The miller received him = | ieee? AS PS pe a et very kindly, and showing him a piece of cloth, told him he wanted shirts, bade him make twenty of that cloth, and give him again what was over and above. My brother had work enough for five or six days to make twenty shirts him as many pairs of drawers: when they were finished, Bacbouc carried them to the miller, who asked him what he must have for his pains. My brother answered, he would be content with twenty drachms of silver. The miller immediately called the young slave, and bade her bring him -for the miller, who afterwards gave him another piece of cloth to make» the weights to see if his money was right: the slave, who had her lesson, — looked upon my brother with an angry countenance, to signify to him tha he would spoil all if he took any money. He knew her meaning, and refused to take any, though he wanted it so much, that he was forced to borrow money to buy the thread that sewed the shirts and drawers. When he left the miller, he came to me to borrow money to live on, and told me they did not pay him. I gave him some copper money I had in my pocket, and upon that he subsisted for some days, The miller’s wife was not only greedy, but ill-natured: for not content to cheat my brother of his due, she provoked her husband to revenge himself upon him for making love to her, which they accomplished thus, The miller invited Bacbouc one night to supper, and, after having given him a very sorry treat, says to him, Brother, it is too late for you to go home; you had best stay here all night: and then he carried him to a place in the mill where there was a bed; there he left him, and went to bed with his wife. About the middle of the night, the miller comes to my brother, and says, Neighbour, are you asleep? My mule is ill, and I have a great deal of corn to grind; you will do me a mighty kindness if _ you will turn the mill in her stead. Bacbouc told him he was ready to do him that piece of service if he would show him how. Then the miller tied him by the middle in the mule’s place, and, whipping him over the back, says to him, Go, neighbour. Ho! says my brother, why do you ~~ beat me? It is to make you go brisk, says the miller, for without a whip _ my mule won’t go. Bacbouc was amazed at this sort of treatment, but durst not complain. When he had gone five or six rounds, he would fain have rested, but the miller gave hima dozen of sound lashes, saying, Courage, neighbour, do not stop, pray: you must go on without taking your breath, otherwise you will spoil my meal. The miller obliged my brother to turn the mill all night. About break of day, he left him without untying him, and went to his wife’s chamber, Bacbouc continued there for some time, and at last the young slave came and untied him. Ah! says the treacherous wretch, how my mistress and I bemoaned you! she had no hand in this wicked trick which her husband has put upon you. Unhappy Bacbouc answered her never a word, he was so much fatigued with work and blows, but crept home to his house, re- solving never to think more on the miller’s wife. The telling of this story, says the barber, made the caliph laugh. Go home, says he to me; I have ordered something to be given you instead of the good dinner you expected. Commander of the Faithful, says I, I pray. your majesty to stay till I tell the story of my other brothers. The | | caliph having signified by his silence that he was willing to hear me, J went on thus, 3 aft UN sats se ae hack Ze aes ~ ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS, © a6. Y8Z THE STORY OF THE BARBER’S SECOND BROTHER, My second brother, who was called Backbarah the Toothless, going one Gay through the city, met an old woman in a bye-street, who came to him and said, [ want one word with you; pray stop one moment. © He did so, and asked her what she would have. If you will come along with me, said she, I will bring you into a stately palace, where you shall see a lady as fair as the day: she will receive you with abundance of pleasure, and give you a treat with excellent wine; I need say no more to you. Butis what you say true? replied my brother. Iam no lying hussy, replied the old woman; I say nothing to you but what is true. But hark, I have something to ask of you: you must be wise, you must speak but little, and you must be mighty complaisant.- Backbarah agreed to all this; the old woman went before, and he followed. They came to the gate of a great palace, where there was abundance of officers and domestics; some of them would have stopped my brother; but no sooner did the old woman speak to them but they let him pass: then, turning to my brother, she says to him, You must remember that the young lady I bring you to, loves good nature and modesty, and cannot endure to be contradicted: if you please ~ her in that, you may be sure to obtain of her what you please. Backba- rah thanked her for this advice, and promised to follow it. She brought him into a fine apartment, and bade him stay a moment till she went to tell the young lady of his arrival. My brother, who had never been in such a stately palace before, gazed upon the fine things that he saw; and, judging of his good fortane by the magnificence of the palace, was_ scarcely able to contain himself for joy. By-and-byc he heard a great noise occasioned by a troop of merry slaves who came towards him with loud fits of laughter, and in the middle of them he perceived a young lady of extraordinary beauty, who was easily known to be their mistress by the respect they paid her. Backbarah, who expected private conversation with the lady, was extremely surprised when he saw so much company with her. In the meantime, the slaves put | on ‘a grave countenance when they drew near; and when the young lady came up to the sofa, my brother rose up and made her a low bow. She took the upper-end, prayed him to sit down, and said to him with a smiling countenance, I am glad to see you, and wish you all the happi- ness you can desire. Madam, replies Backbarah, I cannot desire a greater happiness than to be in your company. You seem to be of a good hu- mour, says she, and to have a mind that we should pass the time pleasant- ly together. : She forthwith commanded a collation to be brought, and after feasting and entertaining my brother in a very sumptuous manner, she called for music, Then they had aconcert of music; after which, dancing was kept up until they were tired. Then the lady sat down, and would have my © brother beside her; when she began toying with him, pinching him, and taking many other liberties; and, at last, she gave him a sound box on the ear. This was rather too much; my brother grew angry, and would have gone awey, but the young lady apologized, and embraced him so lovingly, that he was pacified. They then perfumed him with wood of aloes and tose-water, which made my brother beside himself, After many other 138 =————ss ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, — e j _ “ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. TAL 1; but.we have all engaged upon oath to confess nothing, except we be bastinadoed; so that, if you would know our crime, you need only order us to be bastinadoed, and begin with me, The robber, being under the bastinado, had the courage to bear twenty or thirty blows; when, seeming to be overcome with pain, he first opened one eye, and then the other; and, crying out for mercy, begged the judge would put a stop to the blows. The judge, perceiving that he looked upon him with his eyes open, was much surprised at it, and says to him, Rogue, what isthe meaning of this miracle? Sir, replied the highwayman, I will discover to you an important secret, if you will pardon me, and give me, as a pledge that you will keep your word, the seal-ring which youhave on your finger. The judge agreed to it, gave him his ring, and promised him pardon. Upon this, says the highwayman, I must confess to you, sir, that [ and my three comrades do all of us see very well: we feigned our--— selves to be blind, that we might freely enter people’s houses, and into women’s apartments, where we might abuse their frailty, I must farther confess to you, that by this trick we have gathered together 10,000 jrachms. This day I demanded of my partners 2500, that belonged to me as my share: but they refused, because I told thein I would leave them, and they were afraid I should accuse them: upon my pressing still to have my share, they all three fell upon me; for which I appeal to those people who brought us before you. I expect from your justice that you will make them deliver me the 2500 drachms which are my due; and, if you have a mind that my comrades should confess the truth, you must order them three times as many blows as I have had, and you will find that they will open their eyes as well as I did. All that my brother could say was in vain; his comrades and he re- ceived each of them 200 blows. The judge looked when they should have opened their eyes, and ascribed to their obstinacy what really they could not do. All the while, the highwayman said to the blind men, Poor fools that you are, open your eyes, and do not suffer yourselves to be killed with blows: then, addressing himself to the judge, he says, I perceive, sir, that they will be maliciously obstinate to the last, and will never open their eyes. They have a mind certainly to avoid the shame of reading their own condemnation in the face of every one that looks uponthem; it were. better, if you think fit, to pardon them, and send some person along with me for the 10,000 drachms they have hid. The judge did so, gave the highwayman 2500 drachms, and kept the rest to himself; and, as for my brother and his two companions, he thought he showed them a great deal of pity by sentencing them only to be ba- nished. As soon asI heard what befel my brother, Iran afterhim: hetold me his misfortune, and I brought him back secretly to the town. Thus I finished the sad adventure of my honest blind brother. The caliphlaugh- ed at it as much as at those he had heard before, and ordered again that something should be given me; but, without staying for it, I began the story of my fourth brother, ‘THE STORY OF THE BARBER’S FOURTH BROTHER, _ Alcouz was the name of the fourth brother, who came to lose one of his eyes, upon an occasion that I shall acquaint your majesty with by-and- bye: he was a butcher by profession. One day, when he was in his shop, ee; = 4 _. ey ee 08. STP CRs fh at ats ot a tee Sellen ane acl ge a ae SO Leh Si lees 2 Steyn ga SR ES ayo 142 si“ SSO ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINWENTS, = an old man, with a long white beard, came and bought six poundsofmeat — of him, gave him money for it, and went his way. My brother thought — the money so fine, so white, and so well coined, that he put it apart by itself: the same old man came every day for five months together, ‘bought a like quantity of meat, and paid for it in the same sort of money, “which my broth:>r continued to lay apart by itself. _ At the end of five months, Alcouz, having a mind tobuy a parcel of sheep, _ and to pay for them in this fine money, opened his trunk; but, instead of — _ finding his money, was extremely surprised to see nothing but a parcel of — leaves, clipped round, in the place where he had laid it, which astonished - my brother. Oh! cried he, weeping, that the treacherous fellow would come now with his hypocritical looks, He had scarce done speaking, when —_ he saw him coming at a distance, ran to him, and laid handsonhim: Mus- ~ sulmen, cries he, as loud as he could, help! hear what a cheat this wicked _ fellow has put upon me; and at the same time told a great crowd of peo. ple, who came about him, the whole story. When he had done, the old man, without any passion, says to him very gravely, You would do well | _to let me go, for fear I should be a greater affront upon you, whichITam ~~ not willing to be. How, says my brother, what have you to say against — me? You would have me to tell it then? says the old man; and, turning to the people, says to them, Know, good people, that this fellow, instead of ~~ selling mutton, as he ou:sht to do, sells man’s flesh; this very minute that — I am speaking to him, there is a man with his throat cut hung up in his shop likea sheep: do any of you go thither, and see if what I say be not true, Before my brother had opened his trunk, he had just killed asheep, dress- éd it, and exposed it in the shop, according to custom: he protested that - what the old man said was false; but, notwithstanding all his protestations, the mob would go to see whether the matter was true. They obliged my brother to quit the old man, laid hold of him, and ranlike madmentohis — shop, where they saw a man murdered and hung up, as the old man had told them; for he was a magician, and deceived the eyes of the people. At this spectacle, one of those who held Alcouz gave him a blow with his fist; and, at the same time, the old man gave him another blow, which beat out one of his eyes, and every body that could get near him beat him; and ~ not content with that, they carried him before the judge, withthe pretend- ed carcass of the man to be evidence against him. The judge heard the ~~ accusation against my brother, but would not believe a word of the story of the money exchanged into leaves, called my brother a cheat, told him he would believe his own eyes, and ordered him to have five hundred blows. He afterwards made him tell him where his money was, and took it all _ from him, and banished him for ever. mah My brother retired to a remote place, where he lay concealed tillhe was cured of the blows with which his back was terribly mauled. Whenhe was _ able to walk, he went toa town where nobody knew him; andtherehetook a lodging, from-whence he seldom went out: but being weary of his life, he went to walk in one of the suburbs, where all of a sudden he hearda _ great noise of horsemen coming behind him. He was then by chance near — the gate of a great house, and fearing, after what had befallen him, that these horsemen were pursuing him, he opened the gate in order to hide — himself; and, after he had shut it, he came into a great court, where im- _~ mediately two servants came and took him by the neck, and said, Heaven. be praised that you are come of your own accord to surrender yourself to ee ee at, . 2 2, ean . Fae al - Se 5 ee ue ; ie tis; you have frightened us so much these three last nights that we could — not sleep; nor would you have spared our lives if you could have come at us. Good people, says my brother, I know not what you mean; you cer- tainly take me for another. No, no, replied they; you and your comrades are great robbers: you were not content to rob our master of all that he had, and to reduce him to beggary, but you had a mind to take his life, alan A ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Nar oat Se Let us see if you have not a knife about you, which you had in your hand ~ when you pursued us last night: and having said this, they searched him, and found he had a knife. Ho! ho! cried they, laying hold of him, and dare you say you are not arobber? They fell upon him, trod him under foot, took away his clothes, and tore his shirt. Then seeing the scars on his back, O dog, said they, redoubling their blows, would you have us be=. lieve you are an honest man when your back shows us the contrary? The two servants then carried him before ajudge, and asked him how he durst be so bold as to go into their house and pursue them with a drawn knife. Sir, replied poor Alcouz, [am the most innocent person in the world: nobody deserves more compassion. Sir, replies one of the domestics, will you listen to the robber who enters people’s houses to plunder and murder them? If you will not believe us, only look upon his own back, and, when he said so, he uncovered my brother’s back, and showed it to the judge, who, without any other information, commanded immediately 100 lashes to be given him over his shoulders, and made him afterwards be carricd through the town on a camel, with one crying before him, Thus are such men punished that enter people’s houses by force. After having treated _ him thus, they banished him from the town, and forbade him ever to return to it again: some people, who met him after the second misfortune, brought me word where he was; and I went and fetched him to Bagdad privately, . and gave him all the assistance I could. Here the barber concluded the story of his fourth brother. THB STORY OF THE BARBER’S FIFTH BROTHER, Alnaschar, as long as our father lived, was very lazy; instead of working for his living, he used to go begging in the evening, and _to live next day _ upon what he got. Our father died at a very old age, and left amone us 700 drachms of silver: we divided them equally among us, so that each of 4 us had 100 to our share. Alnaschar, who had never so much money be-~ | fore in his lifetime, was very much perplexed to know what he should do with it. He consulted a long time with himself, and at last resolved to — day. it out in glasses, bottles, and other. glass work, which he bought. of a great merchant. He put all in an open basket, and chose a very little shop, where he sat with the basket before him, and his back against the wall, expecting somebody would come and buy his ware. In this posture he sat with his eyes fixed on his basket, and began to rave and talk of the amount of profit he would be able to make of his basket of glass; saying that he should make 200 drachms of it; and so kept increas- ing the profits until he had made10, 000. With this he wouldturn jew- _ eller, and buy a great estate. He kept accumulating his profits in imagi- nation until he had made 100,000 drachms. When he had got so much, he would demand the grand vizier’s daughter in marriage; for, says he, _ the vizier will be proud of such an alliance. Then he would furnish a _ -house with all the costly materials imaginable; and make splendid pre- 14455 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. sents to the vizier and his daughter. In short, every thing splendid that this poor weak simpleton’s brain could think of, was to be his portion. After he had married the grand vizier’s daughter, he would treat her with. coldness and neglect; and she, to conciliate her lord and master, would use all her endeavours by coaxing andembracing, to engage his affections; and would even go down on her knees. Bat, says he, I willspurn her from Ey me with disdain. My brother was so full of these chimerical visions, that he acted with his foot as if she had been really before him, and by misfortune he gave such a push tohis basket and glasses, that they were thrown down into the street, and broken in a thousand pieces. A tailor, who was his neighbour, and heard his extravagant discourse, fell into a great fit of laughter when he saw the basket fall. Oh! what an _ unworthy fellow art thou! says he to my brother: ought you not to be ashamed to abuse thus a young spouse who gave you no cause of com- plaint? You must be a very brutish fellow to despise the tears and charms of such a beautiful lady. Were I the vizier your father-in-law, I would order you an hundred lashes, and send you through the town with your = character written on your forehead. My brother, on this fatal accident, came to himself, and, perceiving that he had brought this misfortune upon himself by his insupportable pride, he beat his face, tore his clothes, and. cried so loud, that the neighbours came about him; and the people, who _ were going to their noon-prayers, stopped to know what was the matter. ’ A lady of note passing by, upon a mule with rich caparisons, my brother’s condition moved her compassion: she asked who he was, and what was — the matter with him. They told her that he was a poor man, who had ~ laid out the little money he had in buying a basket of glasses, and that the basket falling, all his glasses were broken. ‘The lady immediately turned to an eunuch who attended her, and says to him, Give the poor man what you have about you. The eunuch obeyed, and put into my brother’s hands five hundred pieces of gold. Alnaschar was like to die of joy when he received it; he gave a thousand blessings to the lady; and, shutting up his shop, where he had no more occasion to sit, he went a2 to his house. While he was making deep reflections upon his good luck, he heard one : knock at his door: before he opened, he asked who it was: and, knowing by the voice that it was a woman, he lether in. My son, says she, [have a favour to beg of you: the hoar of prayer is come; pray be so kind as let me wash myself, that I may be fit to say my prayers. My brother looked upon her, and saw that she was a woman well advanced in years: though he knew her not, he granted what she required, and then sat down again, being still full of his new adventure: he put his gold in a long straight purse, proper to carry at his girdle. The old woman, in the. & meantime, said her prayers; and, when she had done, came to my bro- ther, and thanked him for his civility. Being meanly clad,and veryhum- ; ble to him, he thought she asked alms; upon which he offered two pieces of gold. The old woman stepped back in a sort of surprise, as if my brother had done her an injury. Heavens! says she, what isthe meaning , of this? Is it possible, sir, says she, that you took me for an impudent beggar? Did you think I came so boldly into your house to ask alms? Take back your money; I have no need of it, thanks to Heaven, I be~ ~ * De sol ke oe ones w ye et oS See eee? ee Oe ere ee ee hg. ee cote. ~~ a : Bi ae = Ae EE ae 4 Eee ee DUPAGE S So JY Sik PEK Was SP -ie+ ‘ ae eo fam a So at =? one, 3,3 co eee pet oe ey ene Ff asst ees ; ; Gr ar e 662 aa ag 5. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 145 long to a young lady of this city, who is a charming beauty, and very rich; she lets me want for nothing, : __ My brother asked her if she could not procure him the honour of seeing — that lady. With all my heart, replied she; she will be very well satisfied Pig SHS to marry, and put you in possession of her estate, by making you master of her person; take up your money, and follow me. My brother took his five hundred pieces of gold, and followed the old woman: she walked before him, and he followed at a distance, to the gate of a great house, where she knocked. He came up to her just as a young Greek slave. opened the gate. The old woman made him enter first, went across a court very well paved, and introduced him into a hall, the furniture of which confirmed him in the good opinion he had conceived of the mistress of the house, He speedily saw the young lady come in, whose beauty and rich apparel perfectly surprised him: he got up as soon as he saw her. The lady, with a smiling countenance, prayed him to sit down again, and placed herself by him: she told him she was very glad to see him; and, having spoken some engaging words to him, says, We do not sit here at our ease: come, give me your hand. At these words she presented him hers, and carried him into an inner chamber, where she entertained him for some time: then she left him, bidding him stay, she would be with him ina moment, He expected her; but instead of the lady, came ina great black slave, with a scimitar in his hand, who stripped him, carried off his gold, and gave him several cuts with his scimitar. My unhappy brother — fell to the ground, where he lay without motion, though he still had the use of his senses. The black, thinking him to be dead, asked for salt; the Greek slave brought him a basin full; they rubbed my brother’s wounds with it, who had so much command of himself, notwithstanding the in- tolerabie pain it put him to, that he lay still, without giving any sign of — life. The black and the Greek slave being retired, the old woman, who. drew my brother into the snare, came and dragged him by the feet to a trap-door, which she opened, and threw him into a place under-ground ~ among the corpses of several other people that had been murdered. The salt rubbed into his wounds preserved his life, and he recovered strength __. by degrees, so that he was able to walk: after two days, he opened the trap _ during the night, and, finding a proper place in the court to hide himself, continued there till break of day, when he came tome for shelter, and told me of his adventures. : In a month’s time he was perfectly cured of his wounds, by medicines ~ _ that I gave him, and resolved to avenge himself: to this end he took a ___ bag, large enough to contain five hundred pieces of gold, and filled it with pieces of glass. __ My brother fastened the bag of glass about him, disguised himself like an old woman, and took a scimitar under his gown. One morning he met the old woman walking through the town to seek her prey: he comes up ___ to her, and, counterfeiting a woman’s voice, says to her, Can you lend me~ _ a pair of scales? Iam a woman newly come from Persia, have brought _- five hundred pieces of gold with me, and would know if they will hold out according to your weight. Good woman, answers the old hag, follow me: —- Iwill bring you to my son, who changes money, and will weigh them him- _ $self, to save you thetrouble. My brother followed her to the house where ’- she carried him the first time, and the Greek slave opened the door. is The old woman carried my brother to the hall, where she bid him stay . Ratut see aK | ¥ ‘ nw ac } f 146 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, a moment till she called her son. The pretended son came, and proved — to be the villainous black slave. Come old woman, says he to my bro- ther, rise and follow me. Alnaschar got up, followed him, and, drawing — his scimitar, gave him such a dexterous blow behind on the neck as cut off his head; which he took in one hand, and dragging the corpse with the other, threw them both into the place under-ground before mentioned. - He also served the Greek slave and the old woman in the same manner. There remained only the lady, who knew nothing of what had passed. He sought her out, and found her in a chamber, where she was ready to sink when she saw him, She begged her life, which he generously grant- ed. Madam, says he, how could you live with such wicked people as I have sojustly revenged myself upon now? Iam, says she, wife to an honest merchant; and the cursed old woman, whose wickedness I did not =e know, used sometimes to come and see me. Madam, says she to me one day, we have a very fine wedding at our house, which you will be pleased _ to see if you give us the honour of your company. I was persuaded by — her to put on my best apparel, and took with me an hundred pieces of gold. I followed her: she brought me to this house, where the black has kept me since by force, and I have been three years here to my very great sorrow. By the trade which that cursed black followed, replies my bro- — ther, he must have gathered together a vast deal of riches, There is e so much, says she, that you will be made rich for ever, if you can carry it _ off. Follow me, and you shall see them, says she. Alnaschar followed “! her to a chamber, where she showed him several coffers full of gold,which he beheld with admiration: Go, says she, fetch people enough to carry it all off. My brother needed not to be bid twice; he went out, and stayed — only till he got ten men together, and he brought them with him, and WAS #75} much surprised to find the gate open, but more so when he found the — i lady and the coffers all gone; for she, being more diligent than he, car-. ai ried them all off. However, being resolved not to return empty-handed, ad he carried off all the goods he could find in the house, which was a great deal more than enough to make up the five hundred pieces of gold he was robbed off: but when he went out of the house, he forgot to shut the gate. The neighbours, who saw my brother and the porters come and go, went | and acquainted the magistrate with it; forthey looked upon my brother’s conduct as suspicious. Alnaschar slept well enough all night; but the next morning, when he came out of his house, he found twenty of the — Magistrate’s men, who seized him. Come along with us, said they; our master would speak with you. le When the officers brought him before the magistrate, he asked him where he had the goods which he carried home last night. My brothertold him — the whole story without disguise, from the old woman coming into his house — to say her prayers, to the time the lady made her escape, after he had killed — the black, the Greek slave, and the old woman: and as for what he had ie carried to his house, he prayed the judge to leave him part of it for the five — hundred pieces of gold that he was robbed of, \ a The judge, without promising him any thing, sent his officers to bring off all, and, having put the goods into his own wardrobe, commanded my bro- ther to quit the town immediately, and never to return. Alnaschar obey= ed without murmuring, and left that town to go to another. By the way he met with highwaymen, who stripped him naked; and when the ill news — was brought to me, Icarried him a suit, and brought him in secretly a ain ‘ v ; , \ - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, __ 147 to the town, where I took the like care of him as I did of his other brothers, / THE STORY OF THE BARBER’S SIXTH BROTHER, Tam now only to tell the story of my sixth brother, called Schacabac, with hare-lips. At first he was industrious enough to improve the hundred drachms of silver which fell to his share, and became very well off; but a reverse of fortune forced him to beg his bread, which he did with a great deal of dexterity. One day, as he passed by a magnificent house, whose _ high gate showed a very spacious court, where there was a multitude of servants, he went to one of them, and asked him to whom that house be- longed. Good man, replies the servant, whence do you come, that you ask me such a question? Does not all that you see make you understand that it is the palace of a Barmecide? Go in, said he, and address yourself to the master of the house; he will send you back satisfied. My brother, who expected no such civility, thanked the porters, and, with r their permission, entered the palace, which was so large that it took hima considerable time to reach the Barmecide’s apartment, where he saw a venerable man with a long white beard sitting at the upper end of an al- cove; whence he concluded him to be the master of the house, and in ef- fect it was the Barmecide himself, who said to my brother, in a very civil manner, that he was welcome, and asked him what he wanted. My lord, answers my brother, in a begging tone, I am a poor man, who stands in need of the help of such rich and generous persons as yourself. He could not have addressed himself to a fitter person than this lord, who had athou- ~ sand good qualities, The Barmecide seemed to be astonished at my brother’s answer; - and putting forth his hands to his stomach, as if he would rend his clothes for grief, Is it possible, cries he, that Iam at Bagdad, and that such a man as you is so poor as you say? This is what must never be. My brother, fancying that he was going to give him some singular mark of his bounty, blessed him a thousand times, and wished him all sorts ofhappiness, It shall not be said, replied the Barmecide, that I will abandon you, nor will - I have you to leave me, Sir, replied my brother, I have not tasted a bit to-day. Isthat true, replied the Barmecide, that you are fasting till now? Alas for thee, poor man! He is ready to die for hunger; ho, boy, cries he, with a loud voice, bring a basin and water presently, that we may wash our hands. Though no boy appeared that my brother saw, neither with water nor basin, the Barmecide fell a rubbing his hands, as if one had poured water upon them, and bade my brother come and wash with him. Schacabac judged by that, that the Barmecide loved to be merry: and he himself understanding raillery, and knowing that the poor must be com- _ plaisant to the rich, if they would have any thing from them, he came for- ward, and did as he did. € Come on, said the Barmecide, let us have something to eat; then he called to his servants, and ordered them to bring in some victuals, but no servants appeared; yet he pretended that meat was on the table, and in- . yited my brother to sit down and partake of the feast: my brother, in or- ° - der to humour him, sat down, and pretended to eat as he did, praising the victuals all the time. Thus did they continue feasting, in imagination, on ae the choicest viands that could be thought of, until my brother declared + 148. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, | _ that he could eat no more. Then the Barmecide called for the dessert, which came in the same manner as the meat; and consisted (in idea) cf the finest fruits. After they had satiated themselves with the dessert, _ the Barmecide called for wine; but my brother begged to be excused from _ drinking wine, saying that he should perhaps commit himself: but the Barmecide would take no denial, and offered my brother a glass, which he pretended to drink off; praising it for its good quality. Schacabac kept drinking glass after glass, until he feigned to be drunk, and took up his hand, and gave the Barmecide such a box on the ear as made him fall _ down; he lifted up his hand to give him another blow, but the Barmecide, | holding up his hand to ward it off, cries. to him, What, are you mad? Then my brother, making as if he had come to himself again, says, my lord, you have been so good as to admit your slave into your house, and given him a great treat; you should have been satisfied with makiug me eat, and not oblige me to drink wine; for I told you, beforehand, that it might occasion me to come short in my respect for you: Iam very much troubled at it, and beg you a thousand pardons, Scarce had he finished _ these words, when the Barmecide, instead of being in arage, began lanzh-. ing with all his might. It is a long time, says he, that I wanted a man of your character, ~ ee The Barmecide caressed Schacabac mightily, and said, I not only for- “give the blow you gave me, but I am willing henceforward we should bee friends, and that you take my house for your home: you have been so complaisant as to accommodate yourself to my humour, and have hadthe ~~ patience to bear out the jest to the last; we will now eat in good earnest, When he had finished these words, he clapped his hands,and commanded __ his-‘servants, who then appeared, to cover the table, which was speedily done, and my brother was treated with all those good things in reality =~ which he ate before in fancy. At last they brought wine, and at the ae same time a number of handsome slaves, richly apparelled, came in,and sang some agreeable airs to their musical instruments. i The Barmecide found my brother to be a man of so much wit and un-- mg derstanding, that, in a few days after, he trusted him with his houschold ~ _ 4 and all his affairs, My brother acquitted himself very well in that employ- — 4 ment for twenty years; at the end of which time this ¢-nerous Barmecide. 4 died, and leaving no heirs, all his estate was confiscated to the use of the - aa prince: upon which my brother was reduced to his first condition, and joined a caravan of pilgrims going to Mecea, designing toaccomplish that pilgrimage upon their charity; but by misfortune the caravan was ate tea tacked, and plundered by a number of Bedouins, superior to that of the pilgrims. My brother was then taken as a slave by one of the Bedouins, . who put him under the bastinado for several days, to oblige him to ran- som himseif, Schacabac protested to him that it was all in vain, I AM ty your slave, says he; you may dispose of me as you please; but I declare ~ to you, that I am extremely poor, and not able to redeem myself, _The= > & Bedouin, being disappointed of his ransom, to revenge himself, took his knife, and slit my brother’s lip. E > ae The Bedouin had a handsome wife, and frequently, when he went on his ee, courses, he left my brother along with her, and then she used all her en- deavours to comfort my brother under the rigour ofthis slavery; she gave _ him tokens enough that she loved him, but he durst not yield to her pas- sion, for fearhe should repentit, She had so great acustomoftoyingand = Mt = ee Ae Ne it A Be ok vl ok ae ede ee ae | eh a eS Se (or — a oe “- a Stee x tiga Ea Maa tral, St et TS 3 as Fah weet iat) rs 4 : Key Dee Sg ete aed Par En Sn =; ; = cee x oo oe 3 ; . 7 RKC ae = aa 4 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 449 " jesting with the miserable Schacabac, whenever she saw him, that one day she happened to do it in the presence of her husband. My brother, with-— - out taking notice that he observed them, so his stars would have it, jested : likewise with her. The Bedouin, immediately supposing that they lived to- gether in a criminal manner, fell upon my brother in a rage; and afterhe ~~ had mangled him in a barbarous manner, he carried him on a camel to the 2 top of a desert mountain, where he left him. The mountain was on the a way to Bagdad, so that the passengers who passed that way gave me an account of the place where he was, I went thither speedily, where I found-~ the unfortunate Schacabac, in a deplorable condition: I gave him what help ~ he stood in need of, and brought him back to the city. This was what I told to the caliph Monstancer Billah, adds the barber: that prince applauded me with new fits of laughter. Now, says he, I can- not doubt but they justly give you the surname of Silent. Nobody cansay the contrary; for certain reasons, however, I command you to depart the town immediately, and let me hear no more of yourdiscourses. I yield- ed to necessity, and went to travel several years in far countries. Iunder- - stood at last that the caliph was dead. I returned to Bagdad, where I found not one of my brethren alive. It was on my return to this town, that I did the important service to the same young man, which you have. heard. The tailor made an end of telling the sultan of Casgar the history of the lame young man and the barber of Bagdad, after the manner I had the honour to tell your majesty. When the barber had finished his story, we found the young man was not to blame for calling him a great prattler. We sat down to table, and were merry together till afternoon-prayers; when all the company departed, and I went to my shop: then it was time for me to return home. . It was during this interval that Hunchback came half drunk before my shop, where he sang and played the tabor. Ithought by carrying himhome ~~ with me I should divert my wife, therefore I brought him along. My wife | gave us a dish of fish, and I presented Hunchback with some, which he eat R without taking notice of a bone. THe fell down dead before us; and, after haying in vain essayed to help him, in the trouble and fear occasioned us by this unlucky accident, we carried the corpse out, and dexterously lodz- ed him with the Jewish doctor. The Jewish doctor put him into the cham- ber of the purveyor, and the purveyor carried him forth into the street where it was believed the merchant had killed him. This, sir, adds the tailor, is . wliat I had to say to satisfy your majesty, who must pronounce whether we be worthy of mercy or wrath, life or death. The sultan of Casgar looked with a contented air, and gave the tailor and his comrades their lives. I cannot but acknowledge, says he, that I _ am more amazed with the history of the young cripple, with that of the barber, and with the adventures of his brothers, than with the story of my ~ jester; but, before I send you all four away, and before we bury Hunch- back, I would see the barber, who is the cause that I have pardoned you. At the same time, he sent a sergeant with the tailor to goand find him. _ The sergeant and the tailor went immediately, and brought the barber, whom they presented to the sultan. The barber wasanold man of ninety — years, his ears hanging down, and he hada very long nose. The sultan — -__ could not forbear laughing when he sawhim. Silent man, says he to hii, understand that you know wonderful storics; will you tell me some of ‘ y 150 — ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, them ? Sir, answered the barber, let us forbear the stories, if you. please, — a at present. I most humbly beg your majesty to permitme to ask what that Christian, that Jew, that Mussulman, and that dead Hunchback, who lies on the ground, do here before your majesty ? a The sultan of Casgar was so complaisant as to satisfy the barber’s cu- riosity: he commanded them totell him the story of Hunchback which he earnestly wished for. When the barber heard it, he shook his head, as if he would say, there was something under, which he did not understand. Truly, cries he, this is a surprising story, but I am willing to examine Hunchback a little closely. He drew near him, sat down on the ground, and took his head between his knees; and after he had looked upon him steadfastly, he fell into a great fit oflaughter. As soonashecame to him- self, It is said, cries he, and not without reason, that no man dies without a cause. If ever any history deserved to be writ in letters of gold, it is this of Hunchback. . At this allthe people looked on the barber as a buffoon, or a doting old man, Silent man, says the sultan, speak tome: why doyoulaughso hard ?» Sir, answered the barber, I swear by your majesty’s good humour, that Hunchback is not dead ; he is yet alive, and I shall be willing to pass fora madman if I do not let you see it this minute. Havingsaid these words, — he took a box, wherein he had several medicines that he carried about him to make use of on occasions; and he took a small phial with balsam, with ~ which he rubbed Hunchback’s neck a long time ; then he took out of his case a neat iron instrument, which he put betwixt his teeth, and, afterho had opened his mouth, he thrust down his throata small pair of pincers, with which he took out a bit of fish-bone, which he showed to all the peo- ’ ple. Immediately Hunchback sneezed, stretched forth his arms and feet, and gave several other signs of life. The sultan of Casgar, and those with him, who were witnesses of this operation, were less surprised to see Hunchback revive, after he had passed a whole night, and great part of the day, without giving any signs of life, than at the merit and capacity of the barber who performed this ; and nots withstanding all his faults, began to look upon himas agreat person. The sultan, ravished with joy and admiration, ordered the story of Hunchback » to be written down, with that of the barber, that the memory of it might, as it deserved, be preserved for ever. Nor did he stop here: but, that the tailor, Jewish doctor, purveyor, and Christian merchant, might remem- berthe adventure which the accident of Hunchback had occasioned them, © with pleasure, he did not send them away till he had given each of thema_ very rich robe, with which he caused them to be clothed in his presence, As for the barber, he honoured him witha great pension, and kept him near his person, Thus the sultaness finished this long train of adventures, to which the _ pretended death of Hunchback gave occasion, She promised to. relate another very interesting story, the next night, if the sultan would give her leave. ‘The sultan expressed by his silence that he was willing to hear another story ; and Scheherazade, the next night, commenced as follows: THE STORY OF ABOULHASSAN ALI EBN BECAR, AND SCHEMSELNTHAR, FAVOURITE OF CALIPH HAROUN ALRASCHID. In the reign of the caliph Haroun Alraschid, there was at Bagdad a druggist called Aboulhassan Ebn Thaher, avery richand handsome man, ~ se EIS a aah > ie a oe fol ae tp tS Ka. Jama al ie - Gms ? ke ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. 3 151 He had more wit and politeness than those of his profession generally have. The caliph, who knew his merit, had an entire confidence in him. He had so great an esteem for him, that he entrusted him with the care to provide the ladies, his favourites, with all things they stood in. need of. He chose for them their clothes, furniture, and jewels, with admirable judgment. His good qualities, and the favour of the caliph, made the sons of emirs, and other officers of the first rank, court his company; his house was the rendezvous of all the nobility ofthe court. But, among the _ young lords that went daily to visit him, there was one, with whom he contracted a particular friendship, called Aboulhassan Ali Ebn Becar, originally of an ancient royal family of Persia, ‘This family continued at ~ Bagdad ever since the Mussulman made a conquest of that kingdom. Nature seemed to have taken pleasure to endow this young prince with many of the rarest qualities of body and mind. He was so reserved and modest, that he advanced nothing till after he had taken all possible pre- cautions to avoid giving any ground for suspicion that he preferred his : opinion to that of others, Being such a person as I have represented him, we need not wonder at Ebn ‘Thaher distinguishing him from all the other young noblemen of the court, most of whom had vices contrary to his virtues. One day, when the prince was with Eba Thaher, there came a lady mounted on a piebald” mule, i the midst of six slaves, who accompanied her on foot, all very handsome, as far as could be judged by their air, and through the veils which covered their faces. The lady came to buy something; and, when — she had spoken to Ebn Thaher, she entered his shop, which was very neat and large,-and he received her with all the marks of the most profound respect, entreating her to sit down, and showing her with his hand the most honourable place, In the meantime, the prince of Persia, not being willing to let such an occasion pass, to show his good breeding and courtly temper, beat up the cushion of cloth of gold, for the lady to lean on; after which he retired speedily, that she might sit down; and having saluted her, by kissing the tapestry under her feet, he rose, and stood at the lower end of the sofa, It being her custom to be free with Ebn Thaher, she lifted up her veil, __ and then discovered to the prince of Persia such an extraordinary beauty, — Z that he was struck with it to the heart. She quickly perceived the con= quest she had made; and this discovery served to inflame her the more towards him. She rose up, went to Ebn Thaher, and, after she had whis- pered to him the cause of her coming, she asked the name and country of _ the prince. Madam, answered Ebn Thaher, this young nobleman’s name is Aboulhassan Ali Edn Becar, and he is a prince of the blood royal, The lady was ravished to the heart, that the person she alreaily loved 80 passionately was of so high a quality. You will oblige me much, adds __ she, to make me acquainted with this young nobleman. When I send _this woman, says she, pointing to one of her slaves, to give you notice to come and visit me, pray bring him along with you; Ishall be very glad for _ him to view the magnificence of my house, that he may see that avarice does not reign at Bagdad among persons of quality. You know very well ; what I mean; do not fail; otherwise I shall be very angry with you, and ie Mever come hither again while I live. Ebn Thaher was amanoftoo much ___ penetration not to perceive the lady’s mind by these words. My prin- __—-¢ess, my queen, replied he, God preserve me from ever giving you any oc- ’g. Slee e _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. _ “casion of anger against me: I shall always make it a law to obey yonr commands. At this answer the lady bowed to Ebn Thaher, and bade him farewell; and, after she had given a favourab‘e look to the prince of Per- sia, she remounted her mule, and went away. a4 The prince of Persia was so deeply in love with the lady, that he looked after her as far as he could see her: and a long time after she was out of “oe sight, he still looked that way. He then asked Ebn Thaher who she was, My lord, answers Ebn Thaher, this isthe famous Schemselnihar, the prin- cipal favourite of the caliph our master, and the Commander of the Faithful __ loves, or rather adores her; he gave me express orders to furnish her with all that she asked of me, and to anticipate as much as possible every thing — that she can desire. = While the prince of Persia was consecrating his heart to fair Schem- _ i! selnihar, this lady, when she came home, thought upon a way how she _ might see and have free converse with him. She no sooner entered her ~ palace, than she sent to Hon Thaher the woman she had shown him, and in whom she had put all her confidence, to tell him to come and see her without delay, and to bring the prince of Persia with him. The slave came to Ebn Thaher’s shop while he was speaking with the prince, and endeavouring to dissuade him, by very strong arguments, from loving the -Caliph’s favourite. When she saw them together,»Gentlemen, says she to them, my honourable mistress Schelmselnihar, the chief favourite of the -Commander of the Faithful, entreats you to come to her palace, where she waits for you. Hbn Thaher, to testify his obedience, got up immediately, without answering the slave, and followed her, and the prince also went -along with them. They followed the slave, who went a little beforethem, - and entered after her into the caliph’s palace, and joined her at the gate. of Schemselnihar’s little palace, which was ready open. She introduced them into a great hall, where she prayed them to sit down. ae The prince of Persia thought himself in one of those delicious palaces _ that are promised to us in the other world. Never had he beheld such o splendour before; every thing was gold and silver, and precious stones, Be When Ebn Thaher and the prince had satiated their curiosity a little in — admiring the beauties of this enchanted place, they sat down to a sump- 2 tuous repast, which consisted of every delicacy that could be thought of — — When they had partaken of this delicious refreshment, handsome slaves brought two gold basins full of odoriferous water, to wash themselves in. - pee dee Oe edie ae After this they were conducted into a spacious saloon of marvellous strac- ture, where their ears were saluted with melodious music from a company of young ladies richly apparelled. The prince was in raptures at every thing he saw and heard; but his longing eyes would often turn in search >. of Schemselnihar, who had not yet made her appearance. After the _ concert had ceased, there came twenty young ladies, richly apparelled, . m8 and ten black slaves, carrying a throne of silver, which they setdown;anl 5 the young ladies ranged themselves on each side of the throne. ‘These musi¢e then commenced again, and forthwith came twenty more young fe- ~_ ‘males, clad in robes of silver, with instruments of music in their hands, ine who played and sang as they came along; then came ten black female a slaves, and after them Schemselnihar, followed by other ten female slaves, _ The favourite was easily distinguished, for her dress was one blaze of dia- ~ monds, pearls, and other precious stones. She came forward, and took _ her seat upon the silver throne. a Baca a Sas oh he 4 iE Fon S r «ave Dae & Sx to esas ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, =~ 158" As soon as the prince of Persia saw Schemselnihar, he could look upon. nothing else. We cease inquiring, says he to Ebn Thaher, after what we seck, when once we see it ; and there is no doubt left remaining, when once the truth makes itself manifest. Do you see this charming beauty ? She is the cause of all the sufferings which I undergo; but I will never forbear blessing her, how lasting soever they may be. Atthe sight ofthis object lam not my own master : my soulis disturbed and rebels, and I fancy it has a mindtoleaveme, Gothen, my soul, I allowthee; but let it be for the - welfare and preservation of this weak body. It is you, cruel Ebn Thaher, who are the cause of this disorder: you thought todo me great service in bringing me hither, and I perceive I am only come tocomplete my ruin. Pardon me, sayshe, interrupting himself, Iam mistaken ; I was willing to come, and can blame nobody but myself; and at these words he broke out into tears, I am very well pleased, says Ebn Thaher, that youdo me jus- tice: when I told you at first that Schemselnihar was the caliph’s chief | favourite, did it on purpose toprevent that fatal passion whichyouplease yourself with entertaing in your breast. Allthat yousee hereoughttodis- — - engage you, and you ought to think on nothing but acknowledgment for the honour which Schemselnihar was willing todo you, by ordering me | to bring you with me, Callin then your wandering reason, and put your- self in a condition to appear before her as good breeding requires, For,I — assure you, were the matter to begin again, I would take other mea- sures; but, since the thing is done, I wish we may not repent it. What. I have farther to say to you is this, that love is a traitor, who may throw you into a pit you will never get out of. Ebn Thaher and the prince of Persia had this conversation apart to themselves ; but Schemselnihar fixed her eyes on the prince of Persia;an‘l they spoke to one another in a silent language, intermixed with sighs; by - which, in a few moments, they spoke more than they could have done by oe words in a great deal of time. The more Schemselnihar looked uponthe _. . prince, the more she found by his looks that he was in love with her; and, a being thus persuaded of his passion, thought herself the happiest wo- man inthe world, At last she turned her eyes from him, to command the women who began to sing first to come near: they got up, and, whilst they advanced, the black women, who came out of the walk into which _ they had retired, brought their seats, and set them nearthewindow,in _ the jet of the dome where Ebn Thaher and the prince of Persia stood, : and their seats were so disposed on each side of the favourite’s throne, that they formed a semicircle. The women, who were sitting before she came, took each of them = their places again, with the permission of Schemselnihar, who ordered a them by sign. That charming favourite chose one of those women to. ‘sing, who, after she had spent some moments in tuningher lute, played a song, the meaning whereof was, that two lovers who entirely loved | one another, whose affection was boundless, their hearts, thoughin two - bodies, were one and the same ; and, when anything opposed their desire, could say, with tears in their eyes, If we love because we find one another amiable, ought we to be blamed for this? Let destiny bear the blame. Schemselnihar discovered so well by her eyes and gestures that those — sayings ought to be applied tu her and the prince of Persia, that he could not contain himself, but arose and came toa balustrade, which he leaned ~ upon, and obliged one of the women who came to sing to observe him, - 154 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. — When she was near him, Follow me, says he to her, and do me the fa- vour to accompany with your lutea song which you shall hear forthwith. —_ Then he sang with an air so tender and passionate, as perfectly expressed the violence of his love. As soon as he had done, Schemselnihar, follow- . ing his example, said to one of the women, Follow me, likewise, and ac- company my voice: at the same time, she sang after such a manner as did farther pierce the heart of the prince of Persia, who answered her by @ new air as passionate as the former, These two lovers declared their — mutual affection by their songs. Schemselnihar yielded to the force of hers: she arose from the throne, and advanced towards the door of the hall, The prince, who knew her design, arose immediately, and went to- wards her in all haste. They met at the door, wherethey took oneano- ther by the hand, and embraced with so much passion that they fainted, — and would have fallen, if the women who followed them had not helped them up. They supported them, and carried them to asofa, where they were brought to themselves again by throwing odoriferous water upon their faces, and by giving them things to smell, Bi When they came tothemselves, the first thing that Schemselnihar did, was to look about; and turning towards the prince of Persia, who sat by her, and looking upon him with some sort of confusion, after what had passed betwixt them, says to him, Sir, Iam very well assured you love me, and how great soever your love may be to me, you need not doubt ‘ . but mine is as great towards you. But let us not flatter ourselves; for though we both agree, yet I see nothing for you and me but trouble,im- patience, and tormenting grief. ‘There is no other remedy for ourevils, but to love one another constantly, to refer ourselves to the disposal of Heaven, and to wait till it shall determine our destiny. Madam, replies ~~ the prince of Persia, you will do me the greatest injustice in the world, — if you doubt but one moment of the continuance of my love. It is so united to my soul, that I can justly say it makes the best part ofit,and that I shall persevere in it after death, Pains, torments, obstacles, no- thing shall be capable of hindering me from loving you. Having said ~ these words, he shed tears in abundance, and Schemselnihar was not able to restrain hers. | a After this she took a lute from one of her women, and sang to it in such a passionate manner, that she seemed to be out of herself; the prince _ of Persia stood with his eyes fixed upon her, asif he had been enchanted. _ As these things passed, her trusty slave arrived all ina fright; and, ad=- dressing herself to her mistress, says, Madam, Mesrour and two other offi- cers, with several eunuchs that attend them, are atthe gate,and wantto speak with you from the caliph. When the prince of Persia and Ebn ' Whaher heard these words, they changed colour, and began to tremble, as if they had been undone; but Schemselnihar, who perceived it, re- covered their courage by asmile. . + After Schemselnihar had quieted the prince of Persia and Ebn Tha- ~ her’s fears, she ordered the slave, her confidant, to go and entertain Mes- rour and the two other officers tillshe wasin acondition to receive them, and send to her to bring them in. Immediately she ordered allthe win- dows of the saloon to be shut, and the painted cloth on the side of the ~ garden to be let down: and, after having assured the prince and Ebn Thaher that they might continue there without any fear,she went outat the gate leading to the garden, and shut.it upon them; but whatever ere * el RE re pe oN > Sete waa fr: ry en erie i a % re a = bes ‘ = ¢ 1 - ae) say ", : ‘ , i 3 ¥ - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. 155 surance she had given them of their being safe, they were desperately afraid all the while they were there. 7 As soon as Schemselnihar was in the garden with the woman who had - followed ker, she ordered all the seats which served the women who played on the instruments to be set near the window, where the prince of _ Persia and Eben Thaher heard them: and having gotthings in order, she sat down upon a silver throne: then she sent notice by the slave, her con- filant, to bring in the chief of the eunuchs and his subaltern officers with him, They appeared, followed by twenty black eunuchs, all handsomely clothed, with scimitars by their sides, and gold belts, of four inches broad. As soon as ever they perceived the favourite Schemselnihar at a distance, they made her a profound reverence, which she returned them from her throne. When they came near, she got up, and went to meet Mesrour, who came first. She asked what news he brought. He an. — swered, Madam, the Commander of the Faithful has sent me to signify, that he cannot live any longer without seeing you; he designs to come and see you to-night, and I come beforehand to give you notice, that you may be ready to receive him. Upon this discourse of Mesrour, the favourite Schemselnihar pros- trated herself to the ground, as a mark of the submission with which she received the caliph’s order: when she rose up again, she said, Pray tell the Commander of the Faithful that I shall always reckon it my glory, to execute his majesty’s commands, and that his slave will do her utmost to receive him with all the respect that is due to him. At the same time, she ordered the slave, her confidant, to tell the black women appointed for that service, to get the palace ready to receive the caliph: and, dismiss- ing the chief of the eunuchs, says to him, You see it requires some time to get all things ready, therefore I pray you to take care that his ma- jesty may have a little patience, that, when he arrives, he may not find things out of order. The chief of the eanuchs and his retinue being gone, Schemselnihar re- turned to the saloon, extremely concerned at the necessity she was under of sending back the prince of Persia sooner than she thought to have done. She came up to him with tears in her eyes, which heightened Ebn ~ Thaher’s fear, who thought it no good omen. Madam, says the prince to- her, I perceive you are come to tell me that we must part: provided there be nothing moreto dread. I hope Heaven will give me the patience which is necessary to support your absence. Alas! my dear heart, my dear soul, replies tender-hearted Schemselnihar, how happy do I think you, and how unhappy do I think myself, when I compare your lot with my sad destiny; no doubt you will suffer by my absence, but that is all, and you may comfort yourself with hopes of seeing me again; but, as for me, just Heaven! what a terrible trial I am brought to! I must not only be deprived of the sight of the only person whom I love, but I must be tor- mented with the sight of one whom you have made hateful to me. Her tears and sighs hindered her from proceeding; and the prince of Persia would have replied to her, but his own grief, and that of his mistress, made him incapable of doing it. } “Ebn Thaher, whose chief business was to get out of the palace, was obliged to comfort them, and to exhort them to have patience; but the trusty slave interrupted them, saying to Schemselnihar, Madam, you have ~ ‘no time to lose; theeunuchsbegin to arrive, and you know the caliph will ” Las TAS 8 OP en Sa ge Oe 156° —“—s™”:sS A RRABYANN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, == = > be here immediately. O heaven! how cruel is this separation, cries the favourite. Make haste, says she to the confidant, carry them both to the — gallery which looks into the garden on the one side, and to the Tigris on aa the other; and when the night grows dark, let them out by the back gate, — that they may retire with safety. Having spoken thus, she tenderly em-— ‘e braced the prince of Persia, without being able to say one word more; and as went to meet the caliph, in such a disorder as cannot be imagined. mae In the meantime, the trusty slave carried the prince and Ebn Thaher os to the gallery, as Schemselnihar had appointed; and, having brought them in, left them there, and shut the door upon them: after having as- ~ : sured them that they had nothing to fear, and that she would come for them when it was time. a A great light, which came all on a sudden from the side of the garden covered with them: they played upon their instruments, and made a charming concert. The favourite no sooner saw the prince appear, than a she advanced and prostrated herself at his feet. The caliph was ravished — a to see Schemselnibar: Rise, madam, says he to her, come near; I am an- <8 gry that I should have deprived myself so long of the pleasure of seeing ~~ you. As he spoke this, he took her by the hand, and, after abundance of ae tender expressions, he went and sat down upon a silver throne, which “8 Schemselnihar caused to be brought for him, and she sat down upona seat before him, and the twenty women made a circle round them upon — ; other seats, while the young eunuchs, who carried flambeaux, dispersed na themselves at a certain distance from one another, that the caliph might enjoy the cool of the evening the better. Bs When the caliph sat down, he looked round him, and beheld with much * a satisfaction a great many other lights than those flambeaux the youngeu- thereat, and demanded the reason. It was done on purpose to surprise him; for he had no sooner spoken, than the windows were all open at — once, and he saw it illuminated within and without, in a much better man- ner than ever he had seen it before. Charming Schemselnihar, cries he, — at this sight, I understand you would have me to know there are as fine — nights as days; after what I have seen,I cannot disown it. hid The caliph had ordered one of the women, who was near him, to play * upon her lute, and she began to sing: the words that she sang were very —- passionate; and the caliph was persuaded that she sang thus by order of Schemselnihar, who had frequently entertained him with the like testi- monies of her affection; therefore he interpreted all in his own favour. But this was not now Schemselnihar’s meaning: she applied it to her dear Ali Ebn Becar, and was so sensibly touched with grief, to have befor her an object whose presence she could no longer enjoy, that she fainted, — te Catan Nagi Pea eR eS ag Se mtg ts oan S 5 Reg ey — ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. PR 3 and fell backwards upon her seat, which having no arms to support her, she must have fallen down, had not some of the women helped her in time ; after which, they took her up, and carried herinto the saloon. Kbn Thaher, who was in the gallery, surprised at this accident, turned to- _ wards the prince of Persia; but, instead of seeing him stand and look | through the window as before, he was extremely amazed to see him fall down at his feet, without motion, Ebn Thaher was in this perplexity, when Schemselnihar’s confilant opened. the gallery door, and came in, | out of breath, as one who knew not where she was. Come speedily, cries _ she, that I may let you out; allis in confusion here, and I fear this will he the last of our days. Ah! how would you have us goP replies Eba © Thaher, with a mournful voice: come near, I pray you, and see what a condition the prince of Persiais in. When theslavesaw him inaswoon, she ran for water. At last, the prince of Persia, after they had thrown water on his face, recovered his spirits. Prince, says Hbn Thaher to him, we run the risk of being destroyed if we stay here any longer; let us therefore endeavour to save our lives. He was so feeble, that he could not rise alone; Ebn~ Thaher and the confidant lent him their hands, and supported him on each side, They came to a little iron gate, which opened towards the - T'gris, went out at it, and came to the side of a little canal, which had communication with the river. The confidant clapped her hands, and immediately a little boat appeared, and came towards them with one rower. Ali ibn Becar and his comrade went aboard, and the trusty slave stayed at the side of the canal. As soon as the prince sat down in the boat, he stretched one hand towards the palace, and laid his other upon his heart: Dear object of my soul, cries he, reccive my faith with this hand, while I assure you with the other that my heart shall for ever pre- serve the fire with which it burnsfor you. Inthe mean time, the boat- man rowed with all his might, and Schemselnihar’s trusty slave accom- panied the prince of Persia and Ebn Thaher, walking along the side of the canal, untilthey came to the Tigris; and when she could go no fur- ther, she took her farewell of them, and returned. a The prince of Persia continued very feeble. Ebn Thaher comforted him, and exhorted him to take courage. At last they got out of the boat: but the prince had so little strength that he could not walk, which. put Ebn Thaher into great perplexity, He remembered he had a friend in the neighbourhood, and carried the prince thither with great difficulty. His,friend received them very cheerfully, and when he had made them sit down, he asked them where they had been so late. Kbn Thaher an- swered him, I was this evening with a man that owed mea considerable sum of money, and designed to go along voyage: I was unwilling to lose time to find him, and by the way I met with this young nobleman whom you see, and to whom I am under a thousand obligations; for, knowing my debtor, he would needs do me the favour to go along with me. In our return home, this good lord, for whom I have all possible respect, was attacked by a sudden distemper, which made me take the liberty to call at. your house, flattering myself that you would be pleased to give us quarters for thenight. His friend understood by this that they desired to go to bed, Upon which he conducted them to an apartment, where he left them. = _ Though the prince of Persia slept, he had troublesome dreams, which 2 | “te “ a = < a * = ies g . Sine Rez 158 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. represented Schemselniharin a swoon at the caliph’s feet, and increased: his affliction. Ebn Thaher was very impatient to be at home, anddoubt- ed not but his family was in great trouble, because he never used to lie abroad. Herose, and departed earlyin the morning, after he had taken leave of his friend, who rose at break of day tosay his prayers. At last he came home; and the first thing the prince of Persia did, who had walked so far with much trouble, was to lie down upon a sofa, as weary as if he had gonea long journey. Being not in a condition to go home, — Ebn Thaher ordered a chamber to be made ready for him, and sent to acquaint his friends with his condition, and where he was. a As soon as Ebn Thaher had time to recollect himself, he told his family all that passed at Schemselnihar’s palace, and concluded by thanking God, who had delivered him from the danger he wasin, The prince of _ Persia’s principal domestics came to receive his orders at Ebn Thaher’s — * house; and in a little time there arrived several of his friends, who had notice of his indisposition. Next day his distemper seemed toincrease:’ upon this, Ebn Thaher did not oppose his going home, but took care to accompany him thither; and, when he was with him alone in his cham- ber, he represented to him all those arguments which might influence him to a generous endeavour to overcome that passion, which, in the end, would neither prove lucky to himself nor to the favourite. Ah! dearEbn Thaher, cries the prince, how easy it is for you to give this advice, but how hard it is for me to follow it! Iam sensible of its importance, but I am not able to profit by it. You cannot do me a greater favour than to “inform me of the destiny of my dear Schemselnihar, when you hear any news of her: the uncertainty I am in concernin g her fate, and the mortal apprehensions her fainting has occasioned in me, keeps me in this lan- guishing condition you reproach me with. My lord, answered Ebn Tha- her, you have reason to hope that her fainting was not attended with — any bad consequences; her confidant will quickly come and inform me of the issue ; and as soon as I know the particulars, I will not failto ~ af impart them. Pee Ebn Thaher left the prince in this hope, and returned home, where he expected Schemselnihar’s confidant all the rest of the day, butin vain: |. nor did she come next day. His uneasiness to know the state of the oe prince of Persia’s health would not suffer him to stay any longer without seeing him: so he went to his lodgings to exhort him to patience, and = found him lying on his bed as sick as ever, surrounded by agreat many of his friends, and several physicians, Who made use of all their art to) 45% discover the cause of his distemper. aa His friends and physicians retired one after another, sothat Ebn Tha- her, being alone with him, came near his bed to ask him how he did since ee he sawhim. I must tell you, answers the prince, that my passion, which continullay gathers new strength, and theuncertainty of the lovely Schem- selnihar’s destiny, augments my distemper every moment, and castsme into such a condition as afflicts my kindred and friends, and breaks the measures of my physicians, who do not understand it. Have you seen her confidant ? What said she to you? Ebn Thaher answered, thathehad not seen her yet; and no sooner had he told the prince of Persia this sad news, than the tears came from his eyes; and he could not answer one word, his heart was so oppressed. Wise Ebn Thaher, says he, whenhe =. had recovered his speech, I may well hinder my tongue from revealing — a ee tS tx Le ae al be PR ee SR pee cae gl eee ON oP iar ree ek Sean ee Fes ee ERT Le I} S Aa ee ay at ace LAP fe r : ~ en! 4 \ SH : s - } ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, x 159 the secrets of my heart, but I have no power over my tears, upon such a direful subject 2s Schemselnihar’s danger ; if that adorable and only ob- ject of my desires be no longer in the world, I shall not be one moment after her. Reject so afflicting a thought, replied Ebn Thaher ; Schemsel- nihar is yet alive, you need not doubt it: ifyou heard no news of her it is because she could find no occasion to send to you, and I hope you will hear from herto-day, To this headded several other comfortable things, - and then retired, Ebn Thaher was scarce at his own house, when Schemselnihar’s confi- dant arrived with a melancholy countenance, which he reckoned a bad omen. He asked news of her mistress, Tell me yours first, says the confidant; for I was in great trouble to see the prince of Persia go away in that condition, Ebn Thaher told her all that she desired to know ; and when he had done, the slave began her discourse: If the prince of Persia, says she, has suffered, and does still suffer for my mistress, she suffers no less for him, After I departed from you, continues she, I returned to the saloon, where I found Schemselnihar not yet recovered from her swoon, notwithstanding all the help they endeavoured to give her, The caliph was sitting near her, with all the signs of real grief. It was almost mid- night before she came to herself. The caliph, who had the patience to wait all the while, was very glad of her recovery, and asked Schemselni- har the cause of herdistemper, As soon asshe heard him speak, she en- deavoured to recover her seat ; and after she had kissed his feet before he could hinder her, Sir, says she, I have reason to complain of Heaven, that - it did not allow me to expire at your majesty’s feet, to testify thereby how sensible I am of your favours, J am persuaded you love me, says the caliph to her, and I command _you to preserve yourself for my sake, You have probably exceeded in something to-day, which has occasioned this indisposition ; take heed, I pray you ; abstain from it for the future; Iam very glad to see you bet- ter; and I advise you to stay here to-night, and not to return to your chamber, for fear the motion disturb you. Upon this he commanded a little wine to be brought her, in order to strengthen her ; and then, taking his leave of her, returned to his apartment. : As soon as the caliph had gone, my mistress gave me a sign to come nearher. She asked me earnestly concerning you: I assured her that you had been gone a long time, which made her easy as to that matter. Next morning, because she was not commodiously lodged in the saloon, J helped her to her chamber, where she no sooner arrived, than all the physicians of the palace came to see her, by order of the caliph who was not long in coming himself, The medicines which the physicians pres- cribed for Schemselnihar were to no purpose, because they were ignorant of the cause of her distemper, and the presence of the caliph augmented it, She got a little rest, however, this night; and, as soon as she awoke, she charged me to come to you to hear news of the prince of Persia, I have already informed you of his case, said Ebn Thaher; so return to your mistress, and assure her that the prince of Persia waits fornews from her with the like impatience that she does from him, Ebn Thaher, who had but just come from the prince of Persia’s lodg- _ ings, thought it not convenient to return so soon, and neglect his own im- portant affairs, and therefore went not tillthe evening. The prince was _ alone, and no better than in the morning. Ebn Thaher, says be to him,» Pr — - , ee pe Se em ay Senet eek, So ae Sg ae eh FT a>. Ye So PET pha Preaey a tarts (AN, Pye eg ceria 2 * - 000 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, va 3 Se ot *~ es cr te < AN i ey ; is 162 ARABIAN NiGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, ea important affair, and fancying that he knew the cause, he asked what Schemselnihar’s confidant wanted withhim, Ebn Thaher, being struck with this question, would have dissembled ; and told him, that it was tor a trifle she came so frequently to him. You do not tell me the truth, says the jeweller; and give me ground to think, by your dissimulation, ~ that this trifle is a more important affair than at first I thought it to be. Ebn Thaher, perceiving that his friend pressed him so much, says to him, It is true that it is an affair of the greatest consequence. I recommend it to you to keep the secret; for you will easily judge, by what lam going to tell you, how important it is to keep it. After this preamble, he told” him the amour between Schemselnihar and the prince of Persia. You know, continued he, in what esteem I am at court, in the city, and with lords and ladies of the greatest quality: what a disgrace would it be for me, should this rash intrigue come to be discovered? But what do I say ? Should not I and my family be quite destroyed ? This is the thing which perplexes my mind; but I have just now come to such a resolve as I ought to make: I will go immediately and satisfy my creditors, and re- cover my debts, and, when J have secured my estate, will retire to Balso- ra, and stay till the tempest, that I foresee, blows over. The jeweller was extremely surprised at what Ebn Thaher told him. What you say to me, says he, is of so great importance, that I cannot un- derstand how Schemselnihar and the prince have been capable to aban- don themselvesto such a violent amour: whatinclination soever they may have for one another, instead of yielding to it, they ought to resist it, and — _ make a better use of their reason. How deplorable is their blindness! I perceive all the consequences of it as well as you: but youare wise and prudent, and I approve of your resolution: this is the only way to deliver yourself from the fatal events which you have reason to tear, After this, the jeweller rose up, and took his leave of Ebn Thaher, Before the jeweller retired, Ebn Thaher conjured him, by the friendship — betwixt them, to speak nothing of this to any body. Be not afraid, says the jeweller; I will keep this secret, on peril of my life. Two days after, the jeweller went to Ebn Thaher’s shop, and, seeing it ie shut, he doubted not but he had executed the design he spoke of; but, to be sure, he asked a neighbour if he knew why it was shut. The neigh- bour answered, that he knew not, unless Ebn Thaher was gone a journey. The business that obliged him to come abroad was of no consequence; so that he neglected it: and, though he had noknowledge of the prince of Persia, but only by having sold kim some jewels, he went straight to his house. He addressed himself to one of the servants, and prayed him to tell his master that he desired to speak with him about a busi- — ness of very great importance. The servant returned immediately to the jeweller, and introduced him to the prince’s chamber, who was lean- ing on a sofa, with his head upon a cushion. As soon as the prince saw _ him, he rose up to receive him, said he was welcome, and entreated him to sit down; asked him if he could serve him in any thing, or if he came to tell him any thing concerning himself. Prince, answers the jeweller, though I have not the honour to be particularly acquainted with you, yet the desire of testifying my zeal has made me take the liberty to come _ to your house, to impart to you some news that concerns you, I hope you will pardon my boldness, because of my good intention. ‘Aiter this introduction, the jeweller entered upon the matter, and pur- ‘ Sides ay SEE AR ies be ae et Shea SOR ice sae aX at AA ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. | 168 Sued it thus: Prince, I shall have the honour to tell you, that it isa long time since the conformity of humour, and several affairs we had together, united Ebn Thaher and me into strict friendship: I know you are ac- quainted with him, and that he has been employed in obliging you in all that he could. I am informed of this from himself, for he keeps nothing secret from me, nor I from him. I went just now to his shop, and was surprised to find it shut: I addressed myself to one of his neighbours to ask the reason; he answered me thattwo days ago Ebn Thaher took his leave of him and other neighbours, offering them his services at Balsora, whither he is gone, said he, about an affair of great importance. Not being satisfied with this answer, the concern that 1 have for whatever belongs to him, determined me to come and ask if you knew any thing particular concerning this his sudden journey. At this discourse, which the jeweller accommodated to the subject, that he might come the better to his design, the prince of Persia changed colour, and looked so as made the jeweller sensible that he was afflicted with the news. I am surprised at what you inform me, says he; there _ could not a greater misfortune befall me. The prince continued some moments swallowed up with those melan- choly thoughts, At last he lifted up his head, and calling one of his servants, Go, sayshe, to Ebn Thaher’s house, and ask any of his domes- tics if he be gone to Balsora; run, and come back quickly, and tell me ~ what you hear. The prince’s servant returned, and reported that he had spoken with one of Ebn Thaher’s servants, who assured him that he had gone two days before to Balsora. As I came from Ebn Thaher’s house, adds the servant, a slave, well arrayed, came to me, and after she had asked me it. I had the honour to belong to you, she told me she wanted to speak with you, and begged at the same time that she might come along with me: she is in the outerchamber, and I believe she has a letter to givefrom some — person of note. The prince commanded the servant to bring herin: he doubted not but it was Schemselnihar’s confidant slave, as indeed it was. The jeweller knew who she was, having seen her several times at Ebn Thaher’s. house: she could not have come in a better time to hinder the prince from despair. She saluted him, and the prince of Persia did like- wise salute Schemselnihar’s confidant, The jeweller arose as soon as he saw her appear, and stepped aside, to leave them at liberty to speak together. The confidant, after she had conversed some time with the prince, took her leave, and departed, The jeweller, having taken his place again near the prince, says to him, smiling, I see, prince, you have important affairs at the caliph’s palace, The prince of Persia was astonished and alarmed at this discourse, and said to the jeweller, Why do you judge that I have affairs at the caliph’s palace? I judge, replied the jeweller, by the slave who is gone forth. And to whom, think you, belongs this slave? replied the prince. To Schemselnihar, the caliph’s favourite, answered the jeweller: I know that Schemselnihar keeps nothing secret from this slave; and I have seen her go and come for several days along the streets, and seem very much troubled, as I thought; I imagined that it avas for some affair of consequence concerning her mistress, The jeweller’s words did much trouble the prince of Persia, He re. mained silent for some time, not knowing what to answer, At last he . Sper es SAS te SS pert” an ne Fe RS SS NA een ag a ey ee, eee Pye aS. : = ae STS dg Sk, Re ae so he og ho Nae 164 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, an began, and said to the jeweller, You have told me those things which a mike me believe that you know yet more than you have acquainted me __ ‘with: it will tend much to my quiet ifI be perfectly informed; Iconjure — you, therefore, not to dissemble with me. 5 Tie jeweller then told the prince how Ebn Thaher had intrusted tho secret of his amour with Schemselnihar to him; and that he would invio- ~~ lably keep the secret, He also offered his services in the room of Ebn — Thaher; and the prince, after some hesitation, accepted his offer. They continued their conversation for some time, and consulted toge- ther about convenient means to maintain the prince’s correspondence wit ve Schemselnihar. At last the jeweller arose; and, after having again pray- z ed the prince of Persia to have an entire confidence in him, he retired, The jeweller, in returning to his house, perceived before him a letter which somebody had dropped in the street. He took it, andsince it was not sealed, he opened and read it. a While the jeweller was conversing with the prince of Persia, the confi- dant had time to return to the palace, and tell her mistress the ill news of Ebn Thaher’s departure. Schemselnihar immediately wrote this let- ter, and sent back her confidant with it to the prince of Persia, but she neglizently dropped it. is When he had read it, he perceived the slave, who soughtit witha great deal of uneasiness, looking about everywhere. He closed itagainquick- ly, and put it in his bosom; but the slave took notice of it, and ran to — him: Sir, says she, I have dropped a letter, which you had just nowin _ your hand; I beseech you be pleased to restore it. The jeweller, taking no notice that he heard her, continued his way till he caine tohis house, He did not shut the door behind him, that the confidant, who followed him, might come in. — Before the jeweller answered the confidant, he made her sitdown; and ~~ then he said to her, Is not this letter from Schemselnihar, and is it not di- © rected to the prince of Persia? The slave, who expected no such ques- tion, blushed. The question puzzles you, replies he; but I assureyou, 1 do not propose it rashly. As soon as I knew certainly that Ebn Thaher was gone from Bagdad, I went to present myself to the prince, in whose house you found me, to inform him of this news, and to offer him the —_ same service which he did him; and, provided you put the same confi- dence in me that you did in Ebn Thaher, you may serve yourself very well by my assistance. Inform your mistress of what I have told you, and assure her that, if I should die for engaging in so dangerous an-in= ~ trigue, I will not repent having sacrificed myself fortwolovers so worthy — of one another, iat The confidant, after having heard the jeweller with great satisfaction, — begged him to pardon the ill opinion she had conceived of him out ofthe _ zeal she had for her mistress. I am extremely glad, adds she, that — Schemselnihar and the prince have found you, who area man fit tosup- — ply Ebn Thaher’s place. pa After the confidant had testified to the jeweller her joy to see him 80 — well disposed to serve Schemselnihar and the prince of Persia, thejewel- ler took the letter out of his bosom, and restored it to her, saying, Go, carry it quickly to the prince of Persia; and come back this way, that I may see the answer, J orget not to give him an account of our conver~ sation. The confidant took the letter, and carried it to the prince who wae ae j : bk ea veds « je: answered it immediately. She returned to the jeweller’s house to show him the answer. aes After the jeweller had read this letter, he gave it again to the confi- dant; who said, when she was going away, I willtell my mistress to put the same confidence in you she did in Ebn Thaher: you shall hear of me -to-morrow. Accordingly next day she returned witha pleasant counte- — nance. Your very looks, says he to her, inform methat you have brought Schemselnihar to what you wished for. That is true, says the confidant, and you shall hear how I effected it, I found yesterday, continues she, Schemselnihar expecting me with impatience: I gave her the prince of Persia’s letter, and she read it with tears in her eyes: and when she had done I saw that she had abandoned herself to her ordinary sorrows. Ma- dam, said I to her, itis doubtless bn Thaher’s removal that troubles — . you ; but suffer me to conjure you, in the name of God, to trouble your- self no farther concerning that matter. We have found another, who of- fers to oblige you with as much zeal, and what is yet more important with greater courage. Then I spoke to her of you, continues the slave, and acquainted her with the motive which made you go to the prince of Per- sia’s house ; inshort, I assured her that you would inviolably keep the se- cret betwixt her and the prince of Persia, and that you were resolved to favour their amours with all your might. She seemed to me to be much — relieved by my discourse. I therefore beg you will come with me to see my mistress. The jeweller hearkened to the confidant’s discourse, and got up to fol- low her; but notwithstanding his natural courage, he was seized with such terror, that his whole body trembled. In the condition you are in, - gays she, I perceive it will be better for you to stay at home, and that — Schemselnihar take other measures to see you. It is not to be doubted but that, to satisfy her desire, she will come hither herself. ‘The case being so, sir, 1 would not have you go; I am persuaded it will not be long sa - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Be fc ere you see her yourself. The confidant foresaw this very well; for sheno : sooner informed Schemselnihar of the jeweller’s fear, than she made ready to go to his house. .Just before she set out, however, she considered that it would be bet- ; ter to send the confidant again to the jeweller, to desire him to apprise the prince of Persia of the wish of Schemselnihar to see him ; and for them to concert measures for that purpose. ‘The confidant therefore returned to — the jeweller’s, and delivered her mistress’s wishes. ‘The jeweller told © — her that he would attend to Schemselnihar’s wishes. I think, says the ‘confidant, this house will be convenient enough for their interview. I could receive them very well here, replied he, but Ithink they will have more liberty in another house of mine, where nobody livesat present ; I will quickly furnish it for receiving them, Since the matter is so, replied the confidant, there remains nothing for me to do, but to make Schem- selnihar consent to it. I will go and tell her, and return speedily with an answer, ; She was as diligent as her promise, and, returning to the jeweller, told _ him that her mistress would not fail to keep the appointment in the even- ing. In the meantime she gave himapurse of money, and told him it was to prepareacollation. He sent her immediately to the house where the lovers were to meet, that she might know whither to bring her mis- tress; and, when she was gone, he went to borrow from his friends yeg- i | air bite oaviek Seen Ave A ese oie t ~ iF ; Z . nan : 3 Bey pe ‘ 166 fs ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. sels of gold and silver, tapestry, rich cushions, and other furniture, with which he furnished the house very magnificently ; and, when he had put E all things in order, he went to the prince of Persia, : 4 You may easily conceive the prince of Persia's Joy, when he told him =~ that he came to conduct him to the house he had prepared to receive him =~ and Schemselnihar, This news made him forget all his former trouble, He put on a magnificent robe, and went, without his retinue, alongwith the jeweller, who led him through several bye-streets that nobody might z observe him, and at last brought him to the house, where they discoursed = together until Schemselnihar came. They did not stay long for this passionate lover. She came after even- ing prayers, with her confidant and two other slaves. One cannot ex- press the excess of joy that seized those two lovers when they saw oné another; it ig altogether impossible. They sat down together upon a a sofa, looking upon one another for some time, without being able to speak, they were so much overjoyed ; but when their speech returned to them, they soon made up for their silence. They expressed themselves with so much tenderness, as made the jeweller, the confidant, andthetwo _ other slaves, weep. The jeweller, however, restrained his tears, to think : upon the collation which he brought. ‘The lovers ate and dranka little, — after which they sat down again upon the sofa. Schemselnihar asked the jeweller if he had a lute, or any other instrument. The jeweller, who took ‘care to provide all that might please them, brought hera lute. She took some time to tune it, and then played. While Schemselnihar was charming the prince of Persia, and expres- sing her passion by words extempore, a great noise was heard; and im- mediately the slave which the jeweller had brought with him, appeared all ina fright, and came to tell him that some people were breaking up the gate; thathe asked who it was, but, instead ofan answer, the blows : were redoubled. The jeweller, being alarmed, left Schemselnihar and the prince to goand inform himself of the truth of this bad news. There — was already got into the court a company of men armed with bayonets =~ and scimitars, who had entered privily ; and, having broken up the gate, came straight towards him. He stood close toa wall for fear of his life, % and saw ten of them pass without being perceived by them; and, finditg = he could give no great help to the prince of Persia and Schemselnihar, he =~ satisfied himself with bewailing them, and so fied for refuge to a neigh- - bour’s house, who was not yet gone to bed. He did not doubt but this unexpected violence was by the caliph’s order, who, he thought, had been informed of his favourite’s meeting with the prince of Persia. He heard a great noise in his own house, which continued till midnight; and, when all was quiet, as he thought, he prayed his neighbour to lend him ascim- itar; and, being thusarmed, went on till he came to the gate of hisown house : he entered the court full of fear, and perceived a man, who asked him who he was: he knew by his voice that it was his own slave. How didst thou do, says he, to avoid being taken by the watch ? Sir, answered, — the slave, I hid myself ina corner of the court, and I went outassoonas I heard the noise cease; but it was not the watch who broke into our house; they were highwaymen, who, within these few days, have robbed another in this neighbourhood. They have doubtless had notice of the ‘rich furniture you brought hither, and had that in their view. Ear The jeweller thought his slave’s conjectures probable enough. Hevi- - Re aie Set Redeem Star estas Se ‘ee - rit a eas ' Ave: are e oy . ~. Se ‘ne’ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. We gy SOU ee ~ sited the house, and saw that the highwaymen had taken all the furnituro — out of the chamber where he received Schemselnihar and her lover; that they had also carried off the vessels of gold and silver, and, in a word had left nothing. Waiting till day, the jeweller ordered theslave to mend the gate of the house, which was broken up, as well as he could; after which, he returned -.. to his ordinary house with his slave, making sad reflections upon what had befallen him. Ebn Thaher, says he to himself, has been wiser than I; he foresaw the misfortune into which I have blindly thrown myself: would to God I had never meddled in this intrigue, which I fear will cost me my lite, / . About noon, one of his slaves came to tell him there was a man at the gate, whom he knew not, that desired tospeak with him. The jeweller, not willing to receive a stranger in his house, rose up, and went to speak with him, Though you do not know me, says the man, yet I know you, and I am come to talk with you about an important affair. The jeweller prayed him to comein, No, answered thestranger: if you please, rather take the trouble to go with me to your other house. How know you, re- plied the jeweller, that Ihave another house ? I know well enough, an- swered the stranger: follow me, and do not fearany thing: Ihave some- thing to communicate to you which will please you. The jeweller went immediately with him; and, after he had considered by the way howthe house they were going to was robbed, he said to him that it was not fit to receive him. : When they were before the house, and the stranger saw the gate half broken down, he says to the jeweller, [see you have told me the truth; I will carry you toa place which will be more convenient, When he said this, he went on, and walked allthe rest of the day without stopping. . The jeweller, being weary with walking, vexed to see night approach, and _ that the stranger had walked all day without acquainting him where he ~ was going, began to lose his patience. Then thcy came to a path which led them to the Tigris, and, as soon as they came to the river, they em- barked in a little boat, and went over. Then the stranger led thejewel- — ler through a long street, where he had never been before; and, after he had brought him through I know not how many bye-streets, he stopped at _— agate which heopened. He caused the jeweller to go in, and then he shut and bolted the gate witha hugeiron bolt, and conducted him toa chamber, where there were ten other men, all of them as great strangerg to the jeweller as he that brought him thither. These ten men received the jeweller without any compliments; and bade him sit down, They waited for their leader to go to supper; and, as soon as he came, it wasserved up. They washed their hands, obliging the jeweller to do thelike, andto sitattable withthem. After supper, — the man asked him if he knew whom he spoke to. He answered, No, and thathe knew not the place he wasin, Tell me your last night’s adven- ture, saidthey to him, andconceal nothing from us. The jeweller, being — astonished at thisdiscourse, answered, Gentlemen, itis probable youknow ~ it already. That is true, repliedthey ; the young man and the young lady, who were at your house yesterday, told it us ; but we would know it from your mouth, The jeweller needed no more to inform him that he spoke tothe highwaymen who had broken up and plundered his house, Gen- tlemen, says he, Iam much troubled for that young man and the lady: 3 = ieee ye ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, = ae aR can you tell me any thing of them? They answered, Be not alarmed for. them; they are safe enough, and in good health; and then shewed him — two closets, where they assured him they were separately shut up. ae The jeweller, being encouraged at this, and overjoyed to hear that the = prince of Persia and Schemselnihar were safe, resolved to engage the _ thieves yet farther in their interest, For this purpose, he commended | — them, and gave them a thousand benedictions. Gentlemen, said he, I must confess I have not the honour of knowing you; yet it is no small — happiness to me that Iam not wholly unknown to you; andIcannever ~— be sufficiently grateful for the favours which that knowledge has procured me at your hands. * 1 After the jeweller had secured, as he thought, the thieves’ secrecy, he made no scruple to relate to them the whole amour of the prince of Per- sia and Schemselnihar, from the beginning of it to the time he received. them into his house. The thieves were greatly astonished at the surpris- ing particulars they heard, and could not forbear crying out, How! is it. possible that the young man should be the illustrious Ali Ebn Becar, — prince of Persia, and the young lady, the fair and celebrated beauty Schemselnihar? The jeweller assured them nothing was more certain, = Upon this assurance of their quality, the thieves went immediately,one —_ after another, and threw themselves at their feet, imploring their pardon, and begging them to believe they would never have offered any violence to their persons, had- they but known who they were; and that, seeing they did not, they would, by their future conduct, do their best endea- vours to make some recompense, at least, for the crime they had thus ig- ~ a: -norantly committed. They thenturned to the jeweller, and told himthey — _were sorry they could not restore to him all that had been taken from him, some part of it being out of their possession; but, as for what re- mained, if he would content himself with his plate, it should be forthwith — put into his hands, The jeweller was overjoyed at the favour done him; easily go to their respective homes, The three took the oath required, Be. carried them to the other side. P Whilst the prince, Schemselnihar, and the jeweller, were landing, they heard a noise, as of horse-guards, that were coniing towards them, The thieves no sooner perceived the danger, than they took to their oars, and — were over on the other side of the river in an instant. The commander __ of the brigade demanded of the prince, of Schemselnihar, and the jewel- ler, who they were, and whereabouts they lived. This demand surprised — them strangely, and embarrassed them so much, that none of them could — answer; till Schemselnihar, taking the commander aside, told- him frank- ly who she was: which he no svoner came to know, than he alighted, paid both her and the company great respect, and caused two boats to be got — ready for their service. et When the boats were come, he put Schemselnihar into one, and the prince of Persia and the jeweller into the other, with two of his peoplein as we Me es aE ots SP OG a ee eee te Oe ay A > Stee ys c ert y iy ~ each boat; they had orders to accompany them whithersoever they wero _ bound. Being aboard, the two boats took different routes; and, after some further trouble and inconvenience, the prince arrived at his own house, very much fatigued and distressed. After some time, the prince recovered a little, yet he continued so weal, he could not openhis mouth. He answered only by sighs, and that even to his nearest relations who spoke to him, He remained in the same condition till next morning, when the jeweller (who had stayed at _ his house allnight) came to take leave of him. His answer was only os with a wink, and holding forth his right hand; but, when hesaw he was laden with the bundle of plate which the thieves had restored to him, he made asign that his servants should carry it for him to his own house. The jeweller had been expected home with great impatience by his fa- mily, the day he went forth with a man that came to ask for him, and whom he did not know; but now he was quite given over, and it was no . longer doubted but some fatal disaster had befallen him, His wife, chil- dren, and servants, were under continual grief, and lamented him almost night and day; but at length, when they came to see him again, their joy was so great they could hardly contain themselves; yet they were still troubled to find that his countenance was extremely altered from what it had been before, insomuch that he washardly to be recognized. Finding himself something out of order, he continued within doors for two days, and would admit only one of his intimate friends to visit him. _ The third day, perceiving himself somewhat better, he thoughthe might ‘get strength by going abroad; and therefore went to the shop of a rich friend of his, with whom he continued long in discourse. As he was rising “to go home, he observed a woman that made a sign to him, and whom _ he presently knew to be the confidant of Schemseinihar. He walked ashort distance, and entered a mosque, where she followed him. Both the jeweller and confidant expressed a great deal of joy at secing each other after the strange adventure occasioned by the thieves, and their reciprocal concern for each other’s welfare. ‘ The jeweller would needs have her relate to him how she escaped with the two slaves, and what she knew of Schemselnihar from the time he had left her; butso great were her importunities to know what had happened to him from the time of their unexpected separation, that he found him- celf obliged to satisfy her, Having finished what she had desired, he told her he expected she would oblige him in her turn, which she did in the following manner: When first I saw the thieves, said she, imagined, before Irightly cone sidered, that they were of the caliph’s guard, who, being informed of the escape of Schemselnihar, were sent to take away the lives of the prince, and of us all; but, being convinced of the error of that thought, [imme- diately got up to the leads of your house, at the same time that the thieves entered the chamber where the prince and Schemselnihar were, and was - goon after followed by that lady’s two slaves. From leads to leads, we came at last to a house of very honest people, who received us with a great deal of civility, and with whom we lodged that night. Next morn- ning, after we had returned thanks to the master of the house for our good usuage, we returned to Schemselnihar’s hotel, where we entered in great disorder, and the rather, because we could not learn the fate of the two ‘unfortunate lovers. The other women of Schemselnihar were astonished =~ ey = Seas ys F wo ire ae 2 ~3* i Be Tet cons ir tae Ne : Gee ¥ 2 ale m LER S _ was x i : é - te _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, _ 169: Pe eee ed OF at AONE LE et ote a aye yet a me FO ta ee *) ee Dee : Py ieee ee Bs ie Bear ae, : pee i . Shas 5 ‘ BET : PG ENS Te 4 ints » = - = ees i ee g Ke? 170. = *—<(st*=“‘«‘“ SK RRABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. ie sig to see me return without their lady. We told them we had left her at a — lady’s house, one of her friends, and that she would send for us when she had a mind to come home; with which excuse they seemed well satisfied. For my part, I spent the day in great uneasiness, and, when night came, opening a little back gate, I espied a boat driven-along by the | stream. Calling to the waterman, I desired him to row up the river, and see if he could meet a lady; and, if he found her, to bring her along with him, The two slaves and I waited impatiently for his return, and at length, about midnight, we saw the boat coming down with two men in™ it, and a woman lying along the stern. When the boat was come up, the ~ two men helped the woman to rise, and then it was that I knew her for Schemselnihar, I rejoiced so greatly to see her, that my joy cannot be expressed. ), I gave my hand to Schemselnihar to help her out of the boat: she had no small occasion for my assistance, for she could hardly stand. When | she was ashore, she whispered me in the ear in an aMicted tone, and bade me go and take a purse of a thousand pieces of gold, and give it to the _ soldiers that had waited on her. I did as I was commanded, leaving her to be supported by the two slaves; and, having paid the waterman, shut the back door. I then followed my lady, said the confidant to the jeweller; who was hardly got up to her chamber before I overtook her. We undressed her, and put her to bed, where she had not been long, before she was ready to — give up the ghost; in which condition she continued the remainder ofthe night, The day following, the other women expressed a great desire to ~ see her; but I told them she had been greatly fatigued, and wanted rest _ torestore herto her strength, We, nevertheless (the other two slavesand T) gave her all the assistance we possibly could, and she reasonably ex- pect, She persisted in taking nothing that we offered her; and we must have despaired of her life, if I had not at last persuaded her to drink a _ spoonful or two of wine, which had a sensible effect on her: by mere im- portunity, we at length prevailed with her to eat, also. When she came to the use of her speech, (for she had hitherto only — mourned, groaned, and sighed,) I begged of her to tell me how she had escaped out of the hands of the thieves. Why should you require of me, said she, with a profound sigh, what will but renew my grief? Would to — God the thieves had taken away my life rather than preserved it, since thereby my misfortunes would have had an end; whereas I now but live to increase my torments, oe I trust in heaven, added she, with a shower of tears, no harm has hap- pened to the prince and his friend since our separation; and I donot doubt but the prince’s concern for me is equal to mine for him. The jeweller, to whom we have been so much obliged, ought to be recompensed for the _ loss he has sustained upon our account. Do not you, therefore, fail, says she, (speaking to me) to take two purses of a thousand pieces of gold in each, and carry them to him to-morrow morning in my name: and at the same time, be sure to inqnire after the prince’s welfare. . i When my good mistress had done speaking, I endeavoured, as to the last article of inquiring into the prince’s welfare, tocalm her mind, which was in some disorder, and to persuade her not to yield so much to love, since the danger she had but lately escaped, would be soon brought’on - again by such an indulgence; she bade me hold my tongue, and do whag — ~ Phe Geen f iss, . 3 > Susie WEN pep aA oS aa eS ak Saal 2 Fi 9) WET pees ea ol ey BE Kea Soha bg ie sa Ek: Bafa teers Nd ee as Ria whet Cie vy SEU : ‘ al he ge TS ie ee + ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. ee es 171 she had commanded me. Iwas obliged to be silent, and am-come hither * to obey her commands, without any further scruple. I have been at your ‘house, and, not finding you at home, was about to have gone to wait on the prince of Persia, but did not dare to attempt so great a journey. I have left the two purses with a particular friend of mine; and, if you will have but patience, I will go and fetch them immediately. The con- fidant returned quickly to the jeweller in the mosque, where she had left him. She gave him the two purses, and bade him accept them for het lady’s sake. The jeweller was very thankful for this present, and agreed with the confidant, that she should findhim at the first place she had seen him at, whenever she had occasion to impart any commands from Schem- selnihar, orto know any thing of the prince of Persia: and so they parted. The jeweller returned home very well satisfied, not only that he had got wherewithal plentifully to make up his losses, but also to think that no person in Bagdad could possibly know of the prince and Schemselni- | har’s being together in the house at the time it was robbed. He indulged in this hope, and forgot all his past danger; and next morning set out to _wait on the prince of Persia. The prince’s domestics told the jeweller, at his arrival, that he came in a very good time to make their lord speak, for they had not been able to get a word out of him, ever since he was there last. They introduced him softly into his chamber, and he found him in such a condition as raised his pity. He was lying upon his bed, with his eyelids shut; but when the jeweller saluted him, and exhorted him to take courage, he faintly opened his eyes, and looked upon him with such an aspect as sufficiently declared the greatness of his affliction. He never- theless took and grasped him by the hand, to testify his friendship; and he told him, in a faint and weak tone, that he was extremely obliged to him, for coming so far to seek one that was so exceedingly unhappy and miserable. The jeweller said many things to comfort him, but with very little ef- fect. When the room was clear, the prince, being recovered a little, says to the jeweller, In conjunction with my misfortune that distracts me, I have been exceedingly concerned to think what you have suffered on my account; and as it is but just I should make you what recompense I can, so I shall be sure to take the first occasion of doing it. However, at pre- sent, begging only your pardon a thousand times, I must conjure you to _ tell me whether you have learned any thing of Schemselnihar, since I had the misfortune to be parted from her. Here the jeweller, upon the confi- dant’s information, related to him all that he knew of Schemselnihar’s ar- rival at her hotel, her state of health from the time he had left her, and how she had sent her confidant to inquire after his highness’s welfare. To all this, the prince only replied with sighs and tears, Then he made an effort to get up, and, being assisted by the jeweller, made shift to rise. Being upon his legs, he called his servants, and bade them open his wardrobe, whither he went in person; and, having caused several bun- dles of rich goods and plate to be packed up, he ordered them to be car-~ ried to the jeweller’s house. The jeweller would fain have withstood this kind offer; but, although he represented that Schemselnihar had already made him more than sufficient amends for what he had lost, the prince would be obeyed. The jeweller thought himself obliged to make all pos- sible acknowledgments, and protested how mnch he was confounded at his highness’s liberality. He would have taken his leave, but the princg ‘ okt os ’ ia \ SEA Sees © ae SRR ery: Sees be epee " ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 2° would not let him; so they passed away in discourse a good part of the night. Next morning, the jeweller returned home in expectation of see-. ing the confidant; and she came some few hours after, but all in tears, — and in great affliction. He asked her, with great earnestness, what was _ the matter. She answered, that Schemselnihar, the prince, herself, and he, were all ruined. He demanded how.- Hear the sad news, said she, — as it was told me, just upon entering our hotel, after [had left you. Schemselnihar had, it seems, for some fault, chastised one of theslaves you saw with her in your other house; and the slave, enraged at the ill- Bre. treatment, ran presently away, and, finding the gate open, went forth; so that we have just reason to believe she has discovered all to aeunuch e : Ss of the guard, who gave her protection, as we have since heard. ae But this is not all: the other slave, her companion, is fled too, and has) taken refuge in the caliph’s palace; so that we may well fear she has acted her part in this discovery; for, just as I came away, the caliph had — sent twenty of his eunuchs for Schemselnihar, and they had carried her to the palace. I just found means to come and tell you this; yet I fear no good will come of it: but, above all, I recommend it to you as a secret, And I think it would be most convenient for you to go and acquaint the prince with the whole affair, to the end he may be ready, on all occasions, a P and contribute what he is able, to the common cause. Saying this, she ran away in great haste, without speaking a word more, or staying for see any answer. ge What answer, however, could the jeweller have made, in the deplor- a ‘able condition he was in? He stood still, as if he was thunderstruck, and. had not a word to say. He was, nevertheless, sensible that the affair res a quired expedition, and therefore, immediately, went to give the prince an | OE tax account of it. He addressed himself to him with an air that sufficiently 5 showed the bad news he had brought him. Prince, said he, arm your-— — self with courage and patience, and prepare to receive the most terrible = assault that was ever yet made on your nature. Se Then the jeweller told him all that he had learned from the confidant: ae You see, continued he, your destruction is inevitable if you delay. Up! — rise, save yourself by flight, for the time is precious, You, of all men, just not expose yourself to the anger of the caliph; and should, much less, confess anything in the midst of torments. Sia At these words, the prince was almost ready to expire through grief, affliction, and fear: however, he recovered himself, and demanded of the parted, in company with the jeweller, and suchservants as he had chosen, They travelled all that day and the day following, without stopping, ~ until at length, about the dusk of the evening, both their horses andthem- selves being greatly fatigued, they alighted to refresh themselves. They had hardly sat down, before they found themselves surrounded and ag- + , > Be, * «ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. | eth oe es saulted by a huge knot of thieves. They defended their lives for some time courageously; but, at length, the prince’s servants being all killed, both he and the jeweller were obliged to yield at discretion. The thieves however, spared their lives; but, after they had seized on the horses and bagzage, they took away their clothes, and left them naked. ~ Being in this condition, and the thieves gone from them, the prince said to the jeweller, What is to be done, my friend, in this conjuncture? Let us-stay no longer here, replies the jeweller, but go and look out for some. -place where we may be concealed and relieved. No, let me rather die, , said the prince; for what signifies it whether I die here or elsewhere; for ~~ die I know I must very shortly! It may be this very minute that we are talking. Schemselnihar is no more; and why should I endeavour to live after she is dead? The jeweller, at length, prevailed on him to do as he said; and they had not gone far, before they came to a mosque, which, being open, they entered, and passed there the remainder of the night. At daybreak, a man came into the mosque to his devotions. When he had ended his prayer, and was turning to go out, he perceived the prince and the jeweller, who were sitting in a corner to conceal themselves, He - came up to them; and, after having saluted them with a great deal of ci- ‘vyility, said, By what [ perceive, gentlemen, you seem to be strangers. ¥ The jeweller answered, You are not deceived, sir; we have been robbed to-night in coming from Bagdad, and are retired hither for shelter: if you _ can relieve us in our necessities, we should be very much obliged to you, for we know not any body here to make our addresses to. The man an- - swered, If you shall think fit to come along with me to my house, I will ~ do what I can for you, The jeweller answered, We are ready to follow a you whither you please; all that we make a difficulty about, is to appear” & . ; i 2 bs .. thus naked. Let not that trouble you, said the man: we will find where- __withal to clothe you, I warrant you; and they were no sooner got to the - house, than he brought forth a very handsome suit for each of them. _ Next, as he thought they must needs be very hungry, and have a mind to go to bed, he had several plates of meat brought outto them byaslave; — but they ate little, especially the prince, who was so dejected and dispirit- : ~ ed, as to give the jeweller cause to fear he would die. Then they went to - ed, and their host left them to their repose; but they were no sooner laid down, than the jeweller was forced to call him again, to assist at the death ofthe prince. He found him breathe short, and with difficulty; which gave him just reason to fear he had not long to live. Coming near him, the prince said, It is done, and I am glad you are here by, to be witness of my last words. I quit this life with a great deal of satisfaction; but T ~_ need not tell you the reason, for you know it too well already. All the _ regret I have, is, that I cannot die in the arms of my dearest mother, wno has always loved me with a tenderness not to be expressed, and for whom -- [had a reciprocal affection: she will undoubtedly not be a little grieved | 3 that she could not close my eyes, and bury me with her own hands; but E let her know how I was concernei at this, and desire her in my name to have my corpse transported to Bagdad, that she may have an opportunity to bedew my tomb with her tears, and assist my -departed soul with her prayers. He then took notice of the master of the house, and thanked ~ him for the several favours he had received from him, desiring him to let his body be deposited with him, till such time as it should becarried away- he turned aside, and expired, : 03 pu =} p = 62 a = r=”) eae Bs. ae ; ive SEG. = TS Det 55 fut ' ¢ ae Loe ug 6 aSE Sate ra Ree ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Next day after the prince’s death, the jeweller took the opportunity 3 of a numerous caravan that was going to Bagdad, and arrived there, some time after in safety. He first went home to change his clothes, and then hastened to the prince’s palace, where everybody was surprised to sce their lord was not comewith him. He desired them to acquaint the prince’s mother, that he must needs speak with her immediately; and it was not long before he was introduced to her, whom he found in a hall, with several of her women about her. Madam, said he to her, with an air that sufficiently denoted his ill news, God preserve your highness, and showerdown the choicest of his blessings upon you: you cannot be igno- rant that it is He alone that disposes of us all at his pleasure. : The princess would not give him leave to go on, but cried out, Alas you bring me the deplorable news of my son’s death. At which words, she and her women set up such a hideous outcry, as soon brought fresh | tears into the jeweller’s eyes. She thus tormented and grieved herself a long while, before she would suffer the unfortunate messenger to go on. However, at length, she gave a truce to her sighs and groans, and begged ~ of him to continue the fatal relation, without concealing from her the least circumstance. He did as she commanded; and, when he had done, she farther demanded of him, if her son, the prince, had not given him in charge something more particular, He assured her his last words were, that it was the greatest concern to him, that he must die so far distant from his dear mother; yet he earnestly entreated that she would be pleased to have his corpse transported to Bagdad. Accordingly, next morning, at break of day, the princess set out, with her women, and great part of her slaves, to bring her son’s body to her own palace. The jeweller, having taken leave of her, returned home, very sad and melancholy, to think he had lost so-good a friend, and so accomplished a prince, in the flower of his age. As he came near his own house, de- jected and musing, on a sudden, lifting up his eyes, he saw a woman standing before him; he presently knew her to be the confidant, who had stood there, grieving, some time, that she could notseehim. At thesight | of her, his tears began to flow afresh, but he said nothing to her; and going into his own house, she followed him. They sat down, when the jeweller, beginning the dismal discourse, — asked the confidant, with a deep sigh, if she had heard nothing of the death — of the prince of Persia, and if it was on that account that she grieved. Alas! answered she; what! is that charming prince then dead? He has not lived long after his dear Schemselnihar. Beauteous souls! continued she, in whatsoever place ye now are, ye ought to be pleased that your — loves will no more be interrupted. Your bodies were before an obstacle to your wishes; but now, being delivered from them, ye may unite as closely as you please. i The jeweller, who had heard nothing of Schemselnihar’s death, and had 2 not observed the confidant was in mourning, through his excessive grief that blinded him, was now anew afilicted, to hear this farther bad news. — Is Schemselnihar then dead? cried he, in great astonishment. She is- dead, replied the confidant, weeping afresh; and it is for her I wear these be weeds. The circumstances of her death were extraordinary, continued © she; therefore it is requisite you should know them: but, before I give zou an account of them, I beg you to let me know those of the prince of ersia, whom, in conjunction with my dearest friend and mistress, I shall t ar foe oi a nay H sue: 2 ty. 4 . a, 2 TS ee pia ear oS Ora A py We ei eT a : i ee , Ree pSe3 9 S ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, SOSTES lament as long as I live. The jeweller then gave the confidant that sa- tisfaction she desired; and, after he had told her all, even the departure of the prince’s mother to bring her son’s body to Bagdad, she beran and said, You have not forgot, I suppose, that I told you the caliph had sent for Schemselnihar to his palace; and it is true, as we had all the reason in‘the world to believe, he had been informed of the amour between her and tie prince, by the two slaves, whom he had examined apart. Now you will be apt to imagine he must of necessity be exceedingly enraged at Schemselnihar, and discover many tokens of jealousy and revenge against the prince: but I must tell you, he had neither one nor the other; and lamented only his dear mistress’s forsaking him, which he, in some measure, attributed to himself, in giving her so much freedom to walk about the city without his eunuchs, ‘This was all the resentment he showed, This interview between the caliph and Schemselnihar, continued the Confidant, was whilst I was come to speak to you: but I had no sooner left you, than I went to my dear mistress again, and was an eye-witness to what happened afterwards. I found her in the apartment I told you of; and, as she thought I came from you, she came up to me, and, whis- pering me in the ear, said, I am much obliged to you for the service you have been doing me, but fear it will be the last. The caliph was introduced at night with the sound of instruments our women played upon, and the collation was immediately served up. He ~ took his mistress by the hand, and made her sit down with him on the sofa; which she did with that regret, that she expired some few minutes after: in short, she was hardly seated, when she fell backwards, which the -ealiph believed to be only a swoon, and so we all thought; but, when we - endeavoured to bring her to herself, we found she was quite gone, which, you may imagine, not a little afflicted us. The caliph did her the honour to weep over her, not being able to refrain from tears; and, before he left the room, ordered all the musical instruments to be broken, which was immediately executed. For my part, I stayed with her corpse all nicht, and next morning bathed her with my tears, and dressed her for her fu- ~neral, The caliph had her interred soon after, in a magnificent tomb he had erected for her in her lifetime, in a place she had desired to be buried in, Now, since you tell me, said she, the prince of Persia’s body is to be - brought to Bagdad, I will use my best endeavours that he shall be interred in the same tomb, which may be some satisfaction at least to two such faithful lovers. The jeweller was somewhat surprised at this resolution of the confidant’s, and said, Certainly you do not consider that this enter- prise is ina manner impossible, for the caliph will be sure never to suffer it. Do not you be concerned at that, replies she; for you will undoubt- _edly be of another opinion, after I have told you that the caliph has given — liberty to all her slaves in general, with a considerable pension to each for their subsistence; and, as to me in particular, has honoured me with the charge of my mistress’s tomb, and allotted me an annual inco:ne for my maintenance. Moreover, you must needs think the caliph, who was not ignorant of the amour between Schemselnihar and the prince, as I have already told you, will not be a whit concerned, if now, after her _ death, he be buried with her. _ To all this, the jeweller had not a word to say, yet earnestly entreated 176 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. the confidant to conduct him to her mistress’s tomb, that he might say his prayers over her. When he came in sight of it, he was not a little surprised to find a vast number of people, of both sexes. that were come thither from all parts of Bagdad. By reason he could not come near the tomb, he said his prayers at a distance; and then, going to the confidant, _ who was waiting hard by, he said to her, Lam altogether of a contrary opinion to what I was just now; for now I am so far from thinking that ~ what you just now proposed cannot be put in-execution, that you and Eng need only tell abroad what we know of the amour of this unfortunate — couple, and how the prince died much about the same time with his mis- | tress, and is now being brought up to be buried; and the people will - bring the thing about, and not suffer that two such faithful lovers should be separated when dead, whom nothing could divide in affection, whilst they lived. As he said, it came to pass: for, as soon as it came to be known that the corpse was within a day’s journey of the city, the inha- bitants almost of all sorts went forth, and met it above twenty miles off, _ and afterwards marched before it till it came to the city-gate; where the confidant, waiting for that purpose, presented herself before the prince’s mother, and begged of her, in the name of the whole city, that she would 4, be pleased to consent that the bo lies of the two lovers, who had but one ~ x heart whilst they lived, especially during their amour, might be buriedin - the same tomb, now they were dead. The princess immediately consent- _ ed; so the corpse of the prince, instead of being deposited in his own burying-place, was laid by Schemselnihar’s side, after it had been carried along in procession, at the heal of an infinite number of people of all comm ditions and degrees ; nay, from that time, all the inhabitants of the re- nowned city of Bagdad, and even strangers, from all such parts of the ~ world as honoured the Mahometan religion, have a mighty veneration for that tomb, and pay their devotion at it as often as opportunity gives — them leave. It would much have surprised your highness to have seen the large number of people, (the devotees and believers in the faith of Moham- med,) Mussulmen from Europe, Asia, Africa, and every other known 4 quarter of the globe, who came at the time of their burial to pay. their devotions to the memory of the two lovers, the prince and Schemselni- — har, as they were laid side by side in the ground consecrated by the pe- * eculiar rites of the faith in which the Great Mahomet, the Prophet of Mecca, believed and taught. In the deep devotion of their faith, the | pilgrims to the tomb underwent numberless hardships with a cheerful- _ ness and willingness that astonished many of the inhabitants of Bag- dad ; but such was their respect and esteem for the two unfortunate loyers that they deemed no service on their part of an irksome and wearisome character. It was not an uncommon thing to see the old man of eighty years, with his white flowing beard blowing about his weather-beaten features, marked by the hand of time, toiling up the steeps of the district outside the city, footscre and haggard, and the Mahomedan warrior, who had bled on many a hard-fought field, strng- giing on side by side. Then there were the Mamelukes of Egypt, thi fierce Turkish soldier, the wild-looking Arab, and the robber of the Be- douin Arab tribe ; as they came in groups of a dozen or a score, they — laughed and chatted in the peculiar patois of their nation, each tryimmg ’ a ecg x ae ROR. cee By lpn ” ep ey Ls Be he my a F PF halls Se SES fies -. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. Lela ‘who could be the first to kneel in devotion beneath the marble columns of the handsome tomb which had been placed over the remains of the once handsome form of Schemselnihar, and the worthy Ali Ebn Becar, the renowned and beloved /prince of the extensive and mighty Eastern kingdom of Persia, os * This, sir, says Scheherazade, is what I have to relate to your majesty. concerning the amour of the fair Schemselnihar, mistress to the caliph Haroun Alraschid, and the worthy Ali Ebn Becar, prince of Persia, a he sultaness, with the permission of the sultan, commenced the following story, the next night. THE STORY OF THE SLEEPER AWAKENED. In the reign of the Caliph Haroun Alraschid, there lived, at Bugdad, a very rich merchant, who, having married a woman advanced in years, had but one son, whom he named Abon Hassan, and educated with great re-_ straint, When his son was thirty years old, the merchant died, and left him his sole heir, and master of great riches, which his father had amassed together by much frugality and close attention to business, __ Abon Hassan, whose views and inclinations were very different, from those of his futher, determined to make another use of his wealth; for, as - his father had never allowed him any money but what was just necessary for subsistence, and he had always envied those young persons, of his _ age, who wanted for nothing, and who debarred themselves from none of those pleasures to which youth are too much addicted, he resolved, in his turn, to distinguish himself by extravagances proportionable to his fortune. - To this end he divided his riches into two parts; with one half he bought louses in town, and land in the country, with a promise to himself never to touch the income of his estate, which was considerable enough to live upon very handsomely, but lay it all by as he received it: with the other tialf, which consisted of ready money, he designed to make himsclf amends for the time he had lost in the severe restraint in which his father had ale ~ ~ Ways kept him, With this intent, Abon Hassan formed a society, ina few days, with peo- ple of his age and condition; and thought of nothing but how to make their tine pass agreeably, Every day, he gave them splendid entertainments, at which the most delicate meats were served up, and the most exquisite ~wines flowed in plenty; while concerts of the best vocal and instrumental _ music, by performers of both sexes, heightened their pleasures; and this young band of debauchees, with the glasses in their hands, joined their ~ songs with the music, thus forming a concert with the instruments; and these feasts generally ended with balls, to which the best dancers of Bag- dad, of both sexes, were invited. These entertainments, renewed every day, were so expensive to Abon Hassan, that he could not support the ex- travagance above a year; and the great sum which he had consecrated to - his prodigality, and the year, ended together, As soon as he left off keep- i:ig this table, his friends forsook him; whenever they saw him, they avoid- el him; and, if by chance he met any of them, and went to stop them, they always excused themselves, on some pretence or other, M : o : 4 178 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. Nae ~! x on Abon Hassan determined to try the temper of his friends, by pretending that he had spent all his estate, and had nothing for himand his motherto subsist on. He accordingly went to one who had ever professed the sin- cerest friendship for him, while he was feastingsand revelling at his table; but when Abon Hassan told him the state ofhis affairs, and desired him to advance him a little money, in order that he might embark in some busi- ness, so as to be enabled to provide for himself and his mother, this pre- - tended friend showed himself in his true colours: he looked on him con- temptuously, told him he knew nothing about him, and bid him begone about his business. He then visited several other friends, but met with the same reception from all of them. He returned homein astate of mind =~ better to be conceived than described; and took every precaution to avoid falling into the same inconvenience; taking an oath never to give an in- habitant of Bagdad any entertainment again while he lived. He drew the strong box, in which he had put the rents he had received from his estate, from the place where he had placed it in reserve, and put it in the room of that he had emptied; and resolved to take out, every day, no more than was sufficient to defray the expense of a single person to sup with him, ~ who, according to the oath he had taken, was not to be any man of Bag- 93 dad, but a stranger, that came into Bagdad the same day, and must take his leave of him the next morning, after one night’s meal. set According to this project, Abon Hassan took care, every morning, to pro- vide whatever was necessary for this treat; and, towards the close of the = evening, went and satat the end of Bagdad bridge; and, assoon ashesaw a stranger, of whatever rank or condition he was, he accosted him civilly, and invited him to sup and lodge with him that night; and, after having informed him of the law he had imposed upon himself, tookhim home with him. The repast with which Abon Hassan regaled his guests, was nob costly, but always sufficient, with plenty of good wine; and generally lasted till the night was pretty well advanced: whenhe sent away his guest, the oe next morning, he always said, God preserve you from all sorrow wherever you go: when I invited you yesterday to come and sup with me, Tin- formed you of the law I have imposed on myself: therefore, do not takeib ill if I tell you that we must never see one another again, nor drink toge- ~ ther, either at home or in any other house, for reasons best known to my- self, so God conduct you. & He had acted for along time in this manner, when, one afternoon, alittle before sun-set, as he sat upon the bridge, according to custom, the caliph — Haroun Alraschid came by, but so disguised that it wasimpossible toknow — him; for that monarch, though his chief ministers and officers of justice acquitted themselves of their duty very punctually, would nevertheless in= form himself of every thing; and, for that purpose, often disguised himself — in different ways, and walked through the city and suburbs of Bagdad, sometimes one way and sometimesanother. That day, being the firstofthe ~ month, he was dressed like a merchant of Moussel, who had just dis- — embarked, and was followed by a tall stout blacix slave. } Be As the caliph had, in his disguise, a grave and respectful air, Abon Has- san, whathought him to be a Moussel merchant, rose up, and, after having saluted him witha graceful air, and kissed his hand, said to hin, Sir, I con= gratulate you on your happy arrival; I beg you to do me the honour togo _ and sup with me, and repose yourself at my house this night, after the fa- tigue of your voyage; and to oblige him not to refuse him that favour, he a SF ir} ARABIAN NiGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. = = = =——:179 told him his custom of entertaining the first stranger he met with. The caliph found something so oddand singular in Abon Hassan’s taste, that he was very desirous to know the bottom ofit ; and, without quitting the cha- racter of a merchant, told him that he had only to lead the way, and he was ready to follow him. _Abon Hassan, who knew not that the guest, whom chance presented to him, was so very much above him, treated the caliph as his equal, carried him home, and led him into a room very neatly furnished, where he sat ~ him on asofa, in the most honourable place. Supper was ready, and the cloth laid. Abon Hassan’s mother, who took upon herself the care of the - kitchen, set up three dishes: the first was a capon and four large pullets, which were set in the middle: the second and third, placed on each side, were a fat roasted goose and broiled pigeons. This was all; but they were good of the kind, and well flavoured, with proper sauces. | __ _ Abon Hassan sat down, over against his guest ; and he and the caliph be- 3 gan to eat heartily of what they liked best, without speaking or drinking, according to the custom of thecountry. When they had done eating, the caliph’s slave brought them water to wash their hands ; and, in the mean- time, Abon Hassan’s mother cleared the table, and brought up a dessert of all the various sorts of fruit then in season, as grapes, peaches, apples, pears, and various pastes of dried almonds, &c. As soon as it was dark, wax candles were lighted ; and Abon Hassan, after charging his mother to take care of the caliph’s slave, set bottles and glasses on the table. The: caliph and Abon Hassan then. sat drinking and conversing ; and, at each ‘ glass, Abon Hassan gave a sprightly toast or sentiment, and indulged in : many witty expressions. yay : The caliph, who was naturally lively, was mightily delighted with these __ gallies of Abon Hassan’s, and took great pleasure in promoting drinking ; often asking for wine, thinking that, when it began to work, he might, by his conversation, satisfy his curiosity. In order, therefore, to attain his end, he asked him his name, his business, and how he spent his life. Abon Hassan, to satisfy him, told him his name and his whole history ; giving’ him an account how he had divided the estate his father left him, one half of which he designed to spend; of the manner in which he had spent his time and money for a year after his father’s death, in treating his friends ; and of the ungrateful return they made for all his kindness : he also informed the caliph of the resolution he had taken, never to entertain an inhabitant of Bagdad, but to give, every night, entertamment to a stranger, who must depart the next morning. am The caliph was very well satistied with this information, and said to Abon Hassan, I cannot enough eammend the measures you have taken, E and the prudence with which you have acted, by forsaking your debauch- o ery,—a conduct rarely to be met with in young persons ; and I esteem _ a you the more for being so faithful to yourself. i: r In this manner the caliph and Abon Hassan conversed together, drink- ing, and talking of indifferent pleasant subjects, till the night was pretty far advanced ; when the caliph, pretending to be fatigued alter his journey, told his host he stood in need . a little rest. But, added he, as 1 would not deprive you of yours, on my account, before we part (because to-mor- row I may be gone before you are stirring), I should be glad to show you have shown me, ‘The only thing that troubles me is, that 1 know not he Pelt ae. ’ ey Peeing e oor Se a ft ae RAAT - ae 1 = Sct "oe ‘ ‘i ‘ how sensible I am of your civility, and the good cheer and hospitality you Se 7 : : 2s ~ 180s: ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Soe which way to make you any acknowledgment. I beg of you, therefore, — ~ to let me understand how I may do it, and you shall see I will not be un- — grateful; for, it is impossible that a man like you must have some business, ~ some want, or wish for something agreeable to you. Speak freely, and open your mind; for, though I am but a merchant, it may be in my power es to oblige you myself, or by some friend. To these offers of the caliph, Abon- — Hassan, taking him still for a Moussel merchant, replied, I am very well per- _ suaded, my good sir, that it is not out of compliment that you make me - these gencrous tenders; but, upon the word of an honest man, I assure -you, I have nothing that troubles ine, no business, nor desires, and I ask nothing of any body. I have not the least ambition, as I told you before; and am satisfied with my condition: therefore, [can only thank you for your obliging proffers, and the honour you have done meto come and take aslight repast with me. Yet I must tell you, pursued Abon Hassan, there is one thing gives me uncasiness, without, however, disturbing my rest. You must know, the town of Bagdad is divided into quarters, in each of which there is a mosque, with an iman to perform prayers at certain hours, at the head of the quarter which assembles there. ie iman of the divi- sion I live in is a great old man, of an austere countenance, and the great- est hypocrite in the world. Four old men of this neighbourhood, who are ‘people of the same stamp, meet regularly every day at this iman’s house, There they vent their slander, calumny, and malice, against me and the whole quarter, to the disturbance of the peace of the neighbourhood, and =~ the promotion of discussion. Well, I suppose, said the caliph, you wish to have astop put to this dis- order, You have guessed right, answered Abon Hassan: and the only thing I should pray for, would be to be caliph but for one day, in the stead ~ of our sovereign lord and master’ Haroun Alraschid, the commander of the — ~ faithful. What would you do if you were? said the caliph, I wonld make — examples of them, answered Abon Hassan, to the satisfaction of all honest men. I would punish the four old men with each a hundred bastinadoes — on the soles of their feet, and the iman with four hundred, to teach them not to disturb and abuse their neighbours any more. ear The caliph was extremely well pleased with this thought of Abon Has- san’s; and, as he loved adventures, he longed to make this a very singular. one, Indeed, said he, I approve very much of your wish, which, I see, proceeds from an upright heart, that cannot bear to see the malice of wicked people go unpunished: I could like to see it take effect; and if is not so impossible a thing as you may imagine. Iam persuaded that the ~~ caliph would willingly put his authority, for twenty-four hours, into your™ hands, ifhe knew your wise intentions, and the good use you wouldmake of it. But let us leave off talking; it is almost midnight, and time to go ~ to bed. With all my heart, said Abon Hassan, I would not be any hin-_ derance to vour going to rest; but there is still some wine in the bottle, and, if you please, we will drink it off first, and then retire. The only thing i that I haveto recommend to you is, that, when you go out in the morning, eae if Lam not up, you will not leave the door open, but give yourself the trou-— : ble of shutting it after you. This the caliph promised to do; and, while | Abon Hassan was talking, took the bottle and two glasses, and filled his” own, first, saying, Here is acup of thanks to you; and then, filling the other, — put into it, artfully, a little powder, which he had about him, and, giving it to Abon Hassan, said, You have taken the pains to fill it for me all this Gi ane. ig re at "ARARIAN Nrarrs’ ENTERTAINMENTS, === s«18L night, and it is the least I can do to save you the trouble once: I beg you s to take this glass; drink it off for my sake. . a . _ Abon Hassan took the glass; and, to show his guest with how much plea- oe sure he received the honour he did him, whipt it off at once; but had es scarcely set the glass upon the table, ere the powder began to work, and * he fell into so sound a sleep, that his head knocked against his knees so ._ suddenly, that the caliph could not helplaughing. Thecaliphorderedthe - slave he had brought along with him, and who came again into the room as soon as he had supped, and had been there to receive his orders, to take him upon his back, and follow him; but, to be sure to observe the house, ~ that he might know it again, when he was ordered to bring him back: and in this same manner, the caliph, followed by the slave, with Abon Hassan upon his back, went out of the house, but without shutting the door after him, as Abon Hassan desired him; and went directly to his palace, and, by “ a private door into his own apartment, where all the officers of his cham- ber were waiting for him, whom he ordered to undress Abon Hassan, and — put him in his bed, which they immediately performed. ‘Then the caliph sent for all the officers and ladies of the palace, and said By to them, I would have all those whose business it is to attend my levee, A wait to-morrow morning upon this man, who lies in my bed, and pay the _ same respect to him as to myself, and obey him in whatever he commands; let him be refused nothing that he asks for, and be spoken to and answered in every thing he says or does, as if he were the commander of the faithful. In short, I expect that you look upon him as the true caliph and com- man der of the faithful, without regarding me; and, above allthings, mistake not in the least circumstance. 328 The officers and ladies, who presently understood that the caliph had a a mind to divert himself, answered him by low bows, and then withdrew; — - every one preparing to contribute, to the best of their power, to perform _ their respective parts adroitly. . . The caliph, returning to his palace, sent for the grand vizier. Giafar, said — he, I have sent for you to instruct you, and to prevent your being sur- = prised to-morrow when you come to audience, to see this man, that is laid 9 here in my bed, seated on my throne, in my royal robes; accost him witb i. the same reverence and respect you pay to myself; observe and punctually . execute whatever he bids you do, the same as if I commanded you. 4 After the grand vizier retired, the caliph went to bed in another apart- - ment, and gave Mesrour, the chief of his eunuchs, the orders which he ws a to execute, that every thing might succeed as he intended, to gratify the — a wish of Abon Hassan: that he might see how Abon Hassan would use the a power and authority of caliph, for the short time he desired to have it. i Above all, he charged him not to fail to awake him at the usualhour, before _ ee he awakened Abon Hassan, because he had a mind to be present when he aM arose, ; eu! i Mesrour failed not to do as the caliph had commanded; and, as soon as — the caliph went into the room where Abon Hassan lay, he place! himself — in a little raised closet, from whence he could see all that passed. Allthe officers and ladies, who were to attend Abon Hassan’s levee, went in, at the — same time, and took their posts according to their rank, with great silence, —_ and ready to acquit themselves of their respective duties, as if it were the caliph who was going to rise. ; ; fee As it was just day-break, and time to rise to morning prayer beforesun- Lee 7 * rate Fes ote us Mig? re \ tt 1aQ ' ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. ae rise, the officer that stood nearest the head of the bed, puta sponge steeped — in vinegar to Abon Hassan’s nose, who, presently turning his head about, —_—- without opening his eyes, with a little effort discharged a kind of phlegm, which was received in a little golden basin, before it fell on the carpet, This was the usual effect of the caliph’s powder; the sleep lasted longer or shorter, in proportion tothe dose. When Abon Hassan laid downhishead on the bolster, he opened his eyes; and, by the small day-light that appeared, | he found himself in a large handsome room, magnificently furnished, the ceciling of which was finely painted in the Arabesque pattern, adorned with vases of gold and silver, and the floor covered with rich silk tapestry, and surrounded by a great many young and handsome ladies, many of them having instruments of music in their hands, and black eunuchs richly clothed, all standing with great modesty and respect. Aftercasting hiseyesonthe if covering of the bed, he perceived it was cloth of gold, richly embossed with pearls and diamonds; and, by the bed, lay, onacushion, ahabit of thesame stuffs and trimmings, with a caliph’s turban. ee At the sight of these glittering objects, Abon Hassan was in the most inexpressible confusion and amazement, and looked upon all he saw as a dream; yet sucha dream ashe wished it notto be. So, said he to himself, I am caliph; but, added he, recollecting himself, it is only a dream, the ef- — fect of the wish I entertained my guest with, last night; andthen heturned himself about, and shut his eyes to sleep again. At the same time, the cu- a nuch said, very respectfully, Commander of the faithful, it is time for your. majesty to rise to prayers; the morning begins to advance. Then the young ladies of the palace prostrated themselves with their faces tothe ground, before Abon Hassan; and those who had the instruments of music in their hands wished him a good morrow, by a concert of soft flutes, hautboys, theorboes, and other harmonious instruments, with which he was enchanted, and in such an ecstacy, that he knew not wherehe was, nor whether he was himself; but reverting to his first idea, he still doubted = whether what he saw and heard wasa dream or reality. Heclapthishands before his eyes, and, lowering his head, said to himself, What means allthis? Where am I? and to whom does this palace belong? What can these eu- nuchs, handsome well-dressed officers, beautiful ladies, and musicians, ag mean? How is it possible for me to distinguish whether Iam in my right senses, or in a dream? eA When he took his hands from his eyes, opened them, and lifted up his head, the sun shone fuliin at the chamber window; and, at that instant, Mesrour, the chief of the eunuchs, came in, prostrated himself before Abon ——_ Hassan, and said, Commander of the faithful, your majesty will excuseme for representing to you that you used not torise so late, and that the time of prayer is over, At this discourse of Mesrour, Abon Hassan was verily persuaded that he was neither asleep nor in adream; but, at the same time, was not less embarrassed and confused, under this uncertainty, what steps. _ to take; at last, looking earnestly at Mesrour, said he to him, in a serious tone, Who is it you speak to, and call the commander of the faithful? Ido not know you, and you must mistake me for somebody else. ~ Any person but Mesrour would have been dashed at these questions of Abon Hassan’s; but he had been so well instructed by the caliph, that he <= 4% played his part to a wonder. My worthy lord and master, said he, yout majesty only speaks thus to try me: 1s not your majesty the commander Of the taithful, monarch of the world from East to West, and vicar, on earth. — aa ie mee oar © ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. 183 to the prophet sent of God? Mesrour, your poor slave, has not forgotten _ you, after so many years that he has had the honour and happiness to serve and pay his respects to your majesty. Abon Hassan burst out a laughing at these words of Mesrour’s, and fell backwards upon the bolster, which pleased the caliph so much that he would have laughed asloud himself if he had not been afraid of putting a stop, too soon to the pleasant scene he promised himself. -Abon Has- san, when he had tired himself with laughing, sat up again; and, after surveying again the splendour with which he was surrounded, he called to a lady that stood nearest him, to come and bite his finger, to convince him whether he was asleep or awake; the lady did as he desired her, and bit so hard that she put him to violent pain. Snatching his hand — quickly back again, he said, I find I amawake, and notasleep, By what miracle am I become caliph ina night’s time? ‘This is, certainly, the ~~ most strange and surprising thing in the world ! : The chief of the eunuchs, perceiving that Abon Hassan had a mind to rise, offered him his hand, and helped him to get out of bed. No sooner were his feet set on the floor, but the chamber rang again with the re- peated acclamations of the officers and ladies, who cried out altogether, Commander of the faithful, God give your majesty a good day! At which Abon Hassan wasin ecstacy. Presently some of the officers be- gan to dress him; and, when they had done, Mesrour led him through . all the eunuchs and ladies, who were on both sides, quite to the council chamber door, which was opened by one of the officers, Mesrour walked before him to the foot of the throne, where he stopped, and putting one hand under one arm, while another officer who followed, did the same by the other, they helped him toascend the throne. Abon Hassan sat down ~ amidst the acclamations of theemirs, viziers, officers, and all the other at- tendants, The caliph, in the meantime, came out of the closet where he was hid, and went into another, which looked into the council-hall, from whenee he could see and hear all that passed in council, where his grand vizier - presided in his place, when he was prevented by illness from attending in person, What pleased him highly, was to see Abon Hassan fill his throne with almost as much gravity as himself, Wk The whole council made their obeisance to the throne; and, as soon as silence was proclaimed, the grand vizier prostrated himselt before the throne, and proceeded, according to the order of papers in his hand, to make his report of affairs, which at that time, were of very little conse- quence, But, before the grand vizier had finished his report, Abon Has- san perceived the judge of the police, whom he knew by sight, sitting in his place: Stop, said he to the grand vizier, interrupting him: I have an order of consequence to give to the judge of the police. Judge of the police, suid Abon Hassan, go immediately to such a quarter in such a street, where you will find a mosque, and seize the iman of the mosque, and four old grey-beards, and give each of the old mena hundred buasti- nadoes witha thick cane, and theiman fourhundred, Afterthat,mount - them all five, clothed inrags, upon camels, with their faces to the tails, and lead them through the whole city, with acrier before them, who shall ‘proclaim, with a loud voice, ‘‘lhis is the punishment of all those who trouble their heads with other people’s affiirs, and make it their business © to create disturbances and misunderstandings in familiesintheir neigh- _bourhood, and do them all the mischiefin their power.’ Myintention is, ee - rites of his quarter. In the meantime, the grand vizier went on with his ed, Abon Hassan was when he entered that stately hall. After surveying ‘s _the wonders with which he was surrounded, he sat downat the table; and _ _ would have six of the ladies to sit down with him, three on each side; — Se sea ate OF 184 -——Ss« ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, eave also, that you enjoin them to leave that quarter, and never set foot in ft more; and, while your lieutenant is conducting them through the town, _ return, and give me an account of the execution of my orders. The judge of the police laid his hand upon his head, to show his obedience to execute ~ _ that order, on pain of losing his head if he failed, and, prostrating himself ~~ a second time, went away. ef The caliph was extremely well pleased at the firmness with which this _— order was given; and perceived that Abon Hassan was resolved not to lose the opportunity of punishing the iman and the other four old hypo- report, and had just finished, when the judge of the police came back from — executing his commission. He prostrated himself before the throne, and ~ delivered to the pretended caliph a paper, signifying that he had obeyed his orders. Abon Hassan took the paper, and, perceiving that the witnesses were all persons whom he knew, he appeared satisfied and well pleased, Then, Abon Hassan, addressing himself to the grand vizier, said, Go to _ the high treasurer for a purse of a thousand pieces of gold, and carry if to the mother of one Abon Hassan, who is known by the name of the debauchee; she lives in the same quarter to which I sent the judge of the — ‘police. Go, and return immediately. The grand vizier, after laying his hand upon his head, and prostrating himself before the throne, went tothe high treasurer, who gave him the money, which he ordered a slave to take, and to follow him to Abon Hassan’s mother, to whom he gave it, saying only, the caliph makes you this present. During the grand vizier’s absence, > the judge of the police made the usual report of his office, which lasted till —__ the vizier returned. As soon as he came into the council-chamber, and - had assured Abon Hassan he had executed his orders, Mesrour, the chief — Be - of the eunuchs, who returned to the palace after he had conducted Abon Hassan to the council, came again, and made a sign tothe viziers, the emirs, and other officers, that the council was over, and that they might — all retire; which they did, by making the same prostration at the foot of the tlirone as when they entered. a Abon Hassan sat not long on the caliph’s throne, but came down from it, supported in the same manner as he went up, by Mesrour and another officer of the eanuchs, who attended him back again to the apartment from whence he came, preceded all the way by the grand vizier. Aftera short time, he was conducted into an inner apartment, where there wasa@ table spread; and a band of musicians immediately began a concert of vocal and instrumental music, with which Abon Hassan was so charmed and transported, that he could not tell what to think of all he saw and heard, The table was spread with massy gold plates and dishes, andthe hall was scented with the spices and amber with which the meat was sea- soned; and seven young and most beautiful ladies, dressed in the richest habits of the most vivid colours, stood round this table, each with a fanin — her hand, to fan Abon Hassan when at dinner. If ever mortal wascharm- - ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, —SS——S~=«CL SS hee was Sugar Cane. The many soft things he said upon their names showed much it increased the esteem which the caliph (who saw every thing) already felt for him. ‘ When the ladies saw that Abon Hassan had done eating, one of them "Said to the eunuchs who waited, The commander of the faithful will go into the hall where the dessert is,—bring some water; upon which they all rose from the table, and taking from the eunuch, one a gold basin, another ‘an ewer of the same metal, and a third a towel, kneeled down before Abon Hassan, and presented them to him to wash his hands; who, as soon ashe had done, got up, and, afteran eunuch had opened the door, went, preceded by Mesrour, who never left him, into another hall, as large as the former, adorned with paintings by the best masters, and furnished with gold and silver vessels, carpets, and other rich furniture. There seven different bands ~ _ of music began a concert as soon as Abon Hassan appeared. In this hall _» there was a table covered with dried sweetmeats, and the choicest and most exquisite fruits of the season, raised in pyramids, in seven gold basins; and _ Seven ladies more beautiful than the others standing round it each with a _ fan in her hand. __ Abon Hassan viewed these new objects with increased admiration; and, sitting down at the table, would have the ladies to sit down with him, say- ing many tender things, and helping them to the delicacies that were placed before them, After he had feasted his eyes and his palate with what he saw, day bezan to draw to a close; and Abon Hassan was conducted into. another hall, much more superb and magnificently furnished, lighted with _ Wax candles, in seven great gold lustres, which gave a glorious light. The dike was not seen in the other halls, because it was not necessary, Abon - Hassan found the same number of musicians here, as he had done in the other halls, performing in concerts in the most lively manner, and seem- ing to inspire greater joy; and he saw as many ladies standing round a - table covered with seven gold basins filled with cakes, dried sweetmeats, and all such things as were proper to promote drinking. There he saw, i which he had not observed in an y of the other halls, a beaufet, which was set out with seven large silver flagons, full of the choicest wines, and by them seven crystal glasses of the finest workmanship, Hitherto, in theother halls, Abon Hassan drank nothing but water, according to the custom ob-- _ served at Bagdad, from the highest to the lowest, and at the caliph’s court, — never to drink wine till the evening; all who transgress this rnle being ac- counted debauchees, and dare not show themselves in the day-time, As soon as Abon Hassan entered this hall, he went to the table, and sat down, and was a long time in a kind of ecstacy, at the sight of those seven. ladies who surrounded him, and were much more beautiful than all he be- held in the other halls. He was very desirous to know all their names; — but, as the music played then so loud, and particularly the tambour, that he could not hear them speak, he clapped his hands asa sizn for them to leave ~ him to be a man of sprightly wit; and it is not to be conceived how very ~ off playing, and a profound silence ensued. Then, taking by thehandthe ~- lady who stood on the right next to him, he made her sit down by him, and, presenting her with a cake, asked her name, Commander of the faithful, said the lady, I am called Cluster of Pearls, No name, replied ~ _ Abon Hassan, could have more properly expressed your worth; and,indeed, _ your teeth exceed the finest pearls. Cluster of Pearls, added he, since that _ 4s your name, oblige me with a glass of wine from your fair hand,andtake 4 es Ser Os > ~ « Se Wie > ae ee et aes at Seige g « : OP a ey Se ofan ee vip eee 186 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 2 another with me. The lady went presently to the beaufet, and brought him a glass of wine, which she presented to him witha pleasantair. Abon Hassan took the glass with a smile, and, looking passionately upon her, said, Cluster of Pearls, I drink your health; I desire you to fill out as much for yourself, and pledge me. She ran to the beaufet, and returned witha glass in her hand; but, before she drank, she sang asong, which charmed = him as much by the sweetness of her voice as by its novelty. ‘ae After Abon Hassan had drunk, he made another lady sit down, and, ~ presenting her with what she chose in tne basins, asked her name, which — she told him was Morning star. Your bright eyes, said he, ssine with ~ greater lustre than that star whose name you bear.—Do me the pleasure to bring me some wine; which she did with the best grace in the world. Then, turning to the third lady, whose name was Delight, he ordered her to do the same, and so on, to the seventh, to the extreme satisfaction of | the caliph. When they had all filled him a glass round, Cluster of Pearls, whom he had just addressed, went to the beaufet, poured out a glass of wine, and putting in a pinch of the same powder the caliph had used the night before, presented it to Abon Hassan: Commander of the faithful, — said she, I beg of your majesty to take this glass of wine, and, before you _ ’ drink it off, do me the favour to hear a song I have made to-day, and which, I flatter myself, will not displease you, I never sung it before this evening. With all my heart, said Abon Hassan, taking the glass; and, as commander of the faithful, I command you tosingit; for lam persuaded” that so beautiful a lady as yourself, cannot make a song which does not abound with wit and pleasantry. The lady took a lute, and, tuning it to her voice, sang with so much justness, grace, and expression, that Abon” _ Hassan was in perfect ecstacy all the time, and was so much delighted, that he ordered her to sing it again, and was as much charmed with it as at first. \ ae When the lady had done, Abon Hassan drank off his glass; and, turn- ing his head towards her, to give her those praises which he thought due — to her, was prevented by the powder, which operated so suddenly, that his — mouth was wide open, and his eyes close shut; and, dropping his headon the table, like a man overcome with slecp, he slept as profoundly asthe day before, at the same time, the caliph gave him the powder, One ofthe ladies stood ready to catch the glass, which fell out of hishand; and then — the caliph, who took a greater satisfaction in this scene than he had pro-~ mised himself, and was all along a spectator of what had passed,came into the hall to them, averjoyed at the success of his plan, He ordered _ Abon Hassan to be dressed again in his own clothes, and to be carried ~ back again to his own house, by the same slave that brought him; charg- ing him to lay him on a sofa in the same room, without making any noise, — and to leave the door open when he came away. Se The slave took Abon Hassan upon his shoulder, and carried him home by a back-door of the palace, placed him in his own house, as he was ordered, and returned with speed, to acquaint the caliph what he had done. Well, said the caliph, Abon Hassan wished only to be caliph for one day, to punish the iman of the mosque of his quarter, and the four _ sheiks or old men who had displeased him: I have procured him the means of doing this, and he ought to be content. In the meantime, Abon —— Hassan, who was laid upon his sofa by the slave, slept till very late the next morning, When the powder was worked off, Abon Hassan waked — - ho Sa 6H ih Ie oe ts pes Te aly 1 ae ee Si < ~ + en | be SY: a Pn bie ae ” Teo POR ieee SI GE Ie Rl Ds4 i pie | x é 5 a 2 vy 4 Vote dba Ss x ‘ 4 : % _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 187 and opened his eyes, and, finding himself at home, was in the utmost sur- prise: Cluster of Pearls! Morning Star! Coral Lips! Moon Face! cried he, calling the ladies of the palace by their names, as he remembered them; where are you? come hither, Abon Hassan called so loud, that his mother, who was in her Own apart- ment, heard, and, running to him, upon the noise he made, said, What ails you, son? What has happened to you? At these words, Abon Hassan lifted up his head; and, looking haughtily at his mother, said, Good wo- ‘man! who is it you call son?—Why you, answered his mother, very mildly; - are not you Abon Hassan, my son? I your son! old trull! replied Abon Hassan; you are a liar, and know not what you say! Tam not Abon Has- san, I tell you, but the commander of the faithful! - Hold your tongue, son, answered the mother; one would think you are & fool to hear you talk thus.—You are an old fool yourself, replied Abon Hassan: I tell you oncemore I am the commander ofthe faithful, and God’s Vicar onearth! Ah! child, cricd the mother, isit possible that I should bear you utter such words that show you are distracted? What evil genius pos- __ Sesses you to make you talk at this rate? For Heaven’s sake, let us leave ‘off this discourse; recommend yourself to God, for fear some misfortune should happen to us; let us talk of something else, JI will tell you what - happened yesterday, in our quarter, to the iman of the mosque, and the four ‘Sheiks our neighbours: the Judge of the police came and seized them, and gave each of them I know not how many stripes, while a crier proclaimed thas that was the punishment of all those who troubled themselves about other people’s business, and employed themselves in setting their neigh- _-bours at variance: he afterwards led them through all the streets, and or- _ dered them uever to come into our quarter again, Abon Hassan’s mother little thought her son had any share in this adventure, and therefore turned’ the discourse on Purpose to put him out of the conceit of being the com- mander of the faithful; but, instead of effacing that idea, she rather recall- ed it, and impressed it more deeply in his imagination that it was not imaginary, but real, Abon Hassan no sooner heard this relation, but he cried out, I am nei- ther thy son, nor Abon Hassan, but certainly the commander of the true — believers, I cannot doubt of it, after what you have told me. Know then . that it was by my order that the iman and the four sheiks were punished; and I tell you I am certainly the commander of the faithful. The mother, who could not divine or imagine why her son so strenuously and positively maintained himself to be caliph, never disputed but that he had lost his senses, when she found he insisted so much upon a thing that was so in- credible; and in this thought, said, I pray God, son, to have mercy upon _, you! Pray, do not talk so madly, These remonstrances only enraged Abon Ps the more; and he was so provoked at his mother, that he said, Old woinan, I have bid you once already to hold your tongue. If you do not, I shall rise and give you cause to repent it all your life-time, Iam the ca- liph and the commander of the true believers; and you ought to believeme when I say so, Then the good woman, percciving that he was more distracted than ever, abandoned herself to tears; and, beating her face and breast, expressed the utmost grief and astonishment to see her son in that terrible state. Abon ~ Hassan, instead of being appeased, and being moved by his mother’s tears, on the contrary, lost all the respect due trom a son to his mother, and get- ~~ 138-3 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, ting up hastily, and laying hold of a cane, ran to his mother in great fury and, in a threatening manner, said, Tell me presently, wicked woman, who ~ Iam. I do not believe, son, replied she, looking at him tenderly, and void _of fear, that you are so abandoned by God as not to know vour mother, — ‘who brought you into the world, and to mistake yourself. You areindeed my son, Abon Hassan, and are very much in the wrong to arrogate tO yourself the title which belongs only to our sovereign lord the caliph Ha- roun Alraschid, after the noble and generous present the monarch made us yesterday. In short, I forgot to tell you that the grand vizier Giafar came to me yesterday, and, putting a purse of a thousand pieces of go. — into my hands, bid me pray for the commander of the faithful, who made~ me that present. me At those words, Abon Hassan grew quite mad, The circumstance ofthe caliph’s liberality his mother told him of, persuaded him more than ever —_ that be was caliph, remembering that he had sent the vizier. Well, old hag, cried he, will you be convinced, when I tell you I sent youthose thou- sand pieces of gold by my grand vizier Giafar, who obeyed my commands, __ as I was commander of the faithful? But, instead of believing me, you~ endeavour to distract me by your contradiction, and maintain with obstinacy — e that [am your son; but you shall not go long unpunished. After these ~ words, he was so unnatural, in the height of his frenzy, as to beat her cruelly with his cane. ie ; The poor mother, who could not have thought that her son would ~ come so soon from words to blows, called out for help, so loud, that the — neighbours ran in to her assistance. Abon Hassan continued to beat her; — at every stroke asking her if he was the commander of the faithful, To which she always answered tenderly, that he was her son, See By the time the neighbours came in, Abon Hassan’s rage began to abate, The first who entered the room got between him and his mother, and taking — the cane out of his hand, said to him, What are you doing, Abon Hassan? — Have you lost all fear of God, and vour reason? Did ever a son, so well brought up as you, dare to strike hismother? Are younotashamed soto’ treat yours, who loves you so tenderly? I neither know jer nor yon, and will not know her, said Abon Hassan. Iam not Abon Haasan, I am commander of the faithful; and will make you know it to your cost, At this discourse, the neighbours no longer doubted that he was mad: andy Ge to prevent his being guilty of the like actions, seized him, notwithstanding = his resistance, and bound him hand and foot. Bat, though apparently dis- — _ ¥E abled from doing any mischief, they did not choose to leave him alone with ~ his mother. ‘Two of them ran forthe keeper of the hospital for mad folks, who came presently, with chains, handeuffs, a whip, and agreat many at- tendants, When they entered the room, Abon Hassan, who little expected such treatment, strugeled to unloose himself; but, after the keeper had | oor ae fey Re a ie ARABIAN NiGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. 189 — __ Abon Hassan’s mother went every day to see her son, and could not for- _ bear crying to see him fall away daily, and to hear him sigh and complain at the hardships heendured, In short, his shoulders, back, and sides, were so black and bruised, that he could not turn himself, By degrees, those strong and lively ideas which Abon Hassan entertained, of having been clothed inthe caliph’s habit, and having exercised his authority, and been og punctually obeyed and treated like the true caliph, and which persuaded him, when he awoke, that he was so, all began to wear away insensibly; and he believed it all to be a dream, Abon Hassan was taken up with these thoughts and reflections, when his mother came to see him. She found him so much altered and emaciated, that she let fall a torrent of tears; in the midst of which she salated him as she used to do, and he returned her salute, which he had never doae be- fore, since he had been in the hospital, This she looked upon to bea zood sign. Well, my son, said she, wiping her tears, how do you do, and how do you find yourself? Have you renounced all those whims and fancies Which the devil has put into your head? Indeed,- mother, replied Abon Hassan, very rationally and calmly, and in a tone expressive of his grief _ for the excesses he had been transported to against her, lacknowledge my ~ error, and beg of you to forgive the execrable crime which I have been guilty of towards you, and which I detest. I ask pardon, also, of my neighbours that Ihave abused. I have been deceived by a dream; but by so extraordinary a one, and so like the truth, that I venture to affirm any __ other person, to whom suchathing might have happened, would have been * guilty of as great or greater extravagancies. _ ~ At these sensible words, the tears of sorrow and affliction which the . mother of Abon Hassan had so long shed, were changed into those of joy, _ to find her son so well recovered. My son, cried she, transported with y ' pleasure, my satisfaction and comfort to hear you talk so reasonably are in- _ expressible; and it gives me as much joy as if I had brought you into the 7 world a second time; but I must tell you my opinion upow this adventure, : ‘ } * ee ws and observe one thing which you may not havetaken notice of: thestranger that you brought home with you one evening to sup with you, went away without shutting your chamber-door after him, as you desired him; ve - I believe, gavé the devil an Opportunity to enter, and throw you into thas — _ horrible illusion you were in, Be You have found out the source of my misfortunes, answered Abon Has- _ san. It was that very night I had this dream which turned my brain, I __ bid the merchant expressly to shut the door after him; and now I find he ' did not doit. Iam persuaded, as well as you, the devil, finding it open, _ came in, and filled my head full of these fancies, But since, mother, you see I am, by the grace of God, so well recovered, for Gol’s sake get me out of this heilish place, and deliver me from the hand of this executioner, - who will infallibly shorten my days if I stay here any lonzer. ‘Tae mo- - ther, glad to hear her son was so well cured of his foolish imagination of being caliph, went immediately to the keeper, and, assuring him that he ‘was very sensible and well, he came and examined him, and released him _ in her presence. When Abon Hassan went home, tie stayed within doors some days, to , recover his health by better living than he had foundin the hospital, But, ~ when he had recovered his strength, and felt no more effect of the harsh _ treatment he had suifered in his confinement, he bogan to be weary of spend- ~ Tipe A + ~~ =t. Se AS Oe Nee Ey ERE AE Pe oe A EE eee soak ea Vial Upse fe. peat the = a3 : “ Mpa Vind = me A cemenviae IC WT aL ae 190 _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, ing hisevenings alone. He presently entered again upon thesame way of _ living as before ; which was, to provide enough every day toregalea new stranger at night. Bie pier The day on which Abon Hassanrenewed his custom of going; about sun- set, to the foot of Bagdad bridge, to stop the first stranger that offered, and ~ desired him to do him the honour of supping with him, happened to be the first day of the month, which was the day that the caliph always set apart to go in disguise out of some of thecity gates, to observe with hisown eyes ~ what was committed contrary to the good government of the city, as he _ had established and regulated it in the beginning ofhis reign. He had not been long arrived at the bridge, and sat himself ona bench which was fixed to the parapet, when, looking about him he perceived the caliph __ disguised again like a Moussel merchant, and followed by the same slave, The caliph, who hada mind to carry on the diversion he had received by Abon Hassan, had taken care to inform himself of allthathad happen- ed when Abon Hassan awakened at home, and conceived agreat pleasure at the relation given him, especially. at his being sent toa madhouse, and _ the treatment he received there. But, as this monarch was bothjust and _ generous, and had taken a great liking to Abon Hassan, as capable of contributing further to his amusement, and had doubted whether, after Se: renouncing his pretended character of caliph, he would return to hig ay usual manner of living, he designed, with a view toget him nearerto him, to dress himself again like a merchant of Moussel, the better to execute his plan. He perceived Abon Hassan at the same time that he _ saw him, and presently guessed that he was angry with him, and wanted _ to shun him. ‘lhis made him walk close tothe parapet Abon Hassan lean- ae ed over ; and when he came nigh him, he put his head over to look him _ inthe face. Ho, brother Abon Hassan, said he, is it you? I greet you! Give me leave to embrace you! NotI, replied Abon Hassan, briskly, without looking at the pretended Moussel merchant; I do not greet yous I will have neither your greeting nor your embraces. Go along! use What! answered the caliph, do you not know me? Doyounotremem= _ ber the evening we spent together at your house this day month, where you did me the honour to treat me very generously ? No, replied Abon Hassan, in the same tone, I donot know you, nor what you talk about; go, I say again, about your business. AS _ Ab! brother Abon Hassan, replied the caliph, embracing him, I donot __ Intend to part with you in this manner, since I have had the good fortune to meet with youa second time: you must exercise the same hospitality towards me again, that you showed me a month ago, when I had the hon- ‘i our to drink with you. I have protested against it, said Abon Hassan, and have too much power over myself, not to receive a second time such an unlucky manas you. You know the proverb, ‘Take up your drum and be gone.’ Make the application to yourself. How often must T repeat it? God be with you! You have been the cause of my misfor- tune, and I will not venture myself with you again, My good friend) Abon Hassan, said the caliph, embracing him again, you treat me ina ~~ way I little expected, I beg of you not to talk to mein this harsh manner _ but be persuaded of my friendship. Dome the favour totellwhathas — happened to you; for I assure you, I-wished you well, and stilldoso; and | would be glad of an opportunity to make any amends forthe trouble] have caused you, if it has been really my fault. Abon Hassan yielded ve ; to the pressing instances of the caliph, and bid him sit down by him, tre SpA yes zr » = 5 2s Mit. <* ee. ee yy Dastonrts ba ire ag hee & Ser ees Se * Pern OF x ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 191 “The caliph then sat down by Abon Hassan, and he told himall that had happened to him, from his waking in the palace, to his waking again in his own house. He expressed great sorrow for having been carried away by his rage so as to lift hishand against his mother. The caliph, when he had heard his story, could not forbear laughing, notwithstanding the sorrowful countenance of Abon Hassan, At this, Abon Hassan was much hurt, and said, What! do youlaugh at my troubles? Look here! and then he showed him his back, which was ali over scars, from the whipping he had got while inthe madhouse. The caliph could not behold this without horror, He pitied poor Abon Hassan, and was sorry he had carried the jest so far, Come, rise, dear brother, said he to him very seriously, and embracing him heartily in his arms; let us go to your house, and I will endeavour to make you amends for all your misfortunes, . Abon Hassan, notwithstanding his resolution and oath never to admit the same stranger a second time, could not resist the caresses of the caliph, whom he always took for a merchant of Moussel. I will consent, said he, __ if you will swear to shut my door after you, that the devil may not come in to distract my brain again. The caliph promised that he would; upon ~ which they both got up, walked towards the city, and, followed by the caliph’s slave, reached Abon Hassan’s house by the time it was dark, As soon as Abon Hassan entered the doors, he called for his mother and - for candles, and desired his guest to sit down on a sofa, and then placed himself by him, A little time after, supper was brought up, and they both fell to without ceremony, When they had done, Abon Hassan’s mother ~ cleared the table, set on a small dessert of fruit, wine, and glasses, by her son; withdrew, and appeared no more. Abon Hassan first filled his own glass, and then the caliph’s; and, after they had drunk some time, and talked of indifferent matters, the caliph, perceiving that his host grew warm ' with liquor, began to talk of love, and asked him if he had ever felt that assion. : Brother, replied Abon Hassan, familiarly, thinking his guest was his equal, _Inever looked upon love or marriage but asa slavery, to which I was always unwilling to submit; and must own to you that I never loved any thing but good cheer and good wine; in short, to divert and entertain myself agree- ably with my friends. Yet I do not tell you that Iam so indifferent to marriage or incapable of attachment, if I could meet witha woman of such beauty and sweetness of temper as her I saw in my dream on that fatal night I first received you into my house, and you, to my misfortune, left my door open; who would pass the whole night with me, drinking, singing, vand playing on some instrument, and in agreeable conversation, and who would study to please and divert me: I believe, on the contrary, I should change my indifference into a perfect attachment to such a person, and I think I should live very happily with her. The conversation lasted a long time, and the caliph, seeing Abon Hassan had drunk up to the pitch he de- ~ honest man: I warrant I will find you one that shall please you. Then, taking Abon Hassan’s glass, and putting a pinch of the same powder into it again, filled him up a bumper, and, presenting it to him, said, Come, let us drink beforehand the fair lady’s health, who is to make you happy. I am sure you will like her. ¢ __ Abon Hassan took the glass, laughing, and, shaking his head, said, be it so; since you desire it, I cannot be guilty of so great a piece of incivility, SEI I ee Ta ee ST eee eR MR ns ey sired, said, Let mealone, since you have the same good taste as every other _ f nor FP disohlive a est of so mache merit in Sek a erifling ‘matter,’ L - drink the lady’s health you promise me, though I am very. well ‘iurceet as I am, and do not rely on your promise. Bit, no soonerhad Abon Has- san drunk off this bumper, than he was seized with as deep a sleep as be- fore; and the caliph ordered the same slave to take him and carry him to the palace. The slave did so, and the caliph, who did not intend to send — back Abon Hassan as before, shut the our after him, as he had promised — him, and followed them, ce When they arrived at the palace, the caliph ordered Abon Hassan tobe tes laid on a sofa, in the fourth hall, from whence he was carried home fast — asleep a month before; but first, he bid them pat him on the same habit which he acted the caliph i in, which was done forthwith before him, Hea then sent every body to bed, and charged all the eunuchs, officers, ladies, — . and musicians, who were in ‘the hall when he drank the last glass of wine es which had put him to sleep, to be there by day-break, and to take care to act their parts well when he should awake. He then went to bed, charg- — ing Mesrour to awake him before they went into the hall, that he might conceal himself in the closet as before. ea Mesrour, at the hour appointed, awakened the caliph, who immediately ~ rose, and went to the hall where Abon Hassan lay fast asleep; and, when — he had placed himself in his closet, Mesrour and the other officers, ladieg and musicians, who waited for him, went in, and placed themselves a a the sofa, so as not to hinder the caliph from. seeing what passed, and no- ~ ticing all his actions. Tings being thus disposed, and the caliph’s powder having had its ef. é fect, Abon ‘Hassan began to awake, without opening his eyes, and threw sh off the phlegm, which wasreceived in a gold basin as before. In that mo-_ ment, the seven bands of musicians joined their charming voices to thee sound of hautboys, fifes, flutes, and other instruments, forming a very agree- able concert. Abon Hassan was in great surprise to hear that deli; ehtfal harmony; but when he opened his eyes, and saw the ladies and~ officers ; about him, whom he-thought he knew again, his amazement increased. Tae hall that he was in seemed to be the same he saw in his first dream; and he observed the same lustres, and the same furniture and ornaments. — aes pencer’ ceased, to give the eatipe an opportunity of attending to the. ¢ The ete Mates and all the officers of the chamber, waited in pro- found and respectful silence. Abon Hassan bit his finger, and cried, loud enough for the caliph to hear him, Alas! I am fallen again into the same dream and illusion that happened ‘to me a month ago, and must expéct avain the bastinado and iron cage at the madhouse, Almighty God! ad ded he, I commit myself into the hands of thy divine providence, After these words, Abon Hassan closed his eyes, and remained some time thouzhtful and very much perplexed. Then he rose up, and gaze about the 1 room; exclaiming, several times, God have merey on.me! God~ have mercy on me! surely this is alla dream, Then Strengthof Hearts, one of the ladies whom he had seen before, approached, and, sitting down on the sofa by him, said, Commander of the faithful, it is time to rise t prayers, Abon Hassan then cried out, Begone, Sutant I am not the Com Mander of the faithful! Iam Abon Hassan! The caliph, who saw him all the time, and heard what hesaid, began laughing so heartily, that’ he had much ado to forbear bursting into loud laughter, ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 193, -Abon Hassan laying himself down again, and shutting his eyes, the same lady again said, Commander of the faithful, since your majesty does not rise, after we have, according to our duty, informed you it was day, and the dispatch of business requires your presence, we shall use the liberty you give usin such cases. Then taking him by one arm, and calling to one of the other ladiesto do the same by the other, they lifted him up, and carried him into the middle of the hall, where they set him down, and all — taking hanis, danced and skipped round him, while the music played and rattled in his ears, ae Abon Hassan was in an inexpressible_ perplexity of mind, and said, What! am I indeed caliph, and commander of the faithful? And in the uncertainty he was’in, would have said something more, but the music was so loud that he could not be heard. At last he made a sign to String of Pearls and Morning Star, two of the ladies who were dancing, that he wanted to speak with them; upon which they forbore, and went to him, Do not lie now, said he, but tell me truly who I am. Commander of the faithful, replied Morning Star, your majesty means either to surprise us, by asking this question, as if you did not know that you are commander of the faithful, and the Vicar, on earth, of the prophet of God, master of both worlds, that whereon we now are, and that tocome after death;’or else you must have had some very extraordinary dream last. night, which has made you forget who you are; which may very well be, considering that\your majesty has slept longer last night than ordinary; however, if you will give me leave, I will refresh your memory with what passed yesterday. Then she told him how he went to the council, pun- ished the iman and the four old men, and sent a present, by his grand vi- zicr, of a thousand pieces of gold to the mother of one Abon Hassan; what he did in the inner part of the palace, and what passed in the three halls, From that time your majesty has continued, contrary to custom, ina sound sleep until now. Strength of Hearts, all your other slaves, and the officers present, can confirm what I say. . The confidence with which the lady assured Abon Hassan that all she said was truth, and that he had never been out of the hall since that time, made him not know what to believe, but bewildered his senses, O Heaven! said he to himself, am I Abon Hassan, or the Commander of the faithful? Al- mighty God! enlighten my derstanding, and inform me of the truth, that I may know what to trust to. Thenhe uncovered his shoulders, and showed _ the ladies the livid weals of the blows he had received. Look, said he; judge whether these strokes could come to me in a dream, or when I was asleep, For my part, I can affirm that they were real blows; I feel the smart of them yet, and that is a testimonial! there is no room to doubt. Now if I have re- ceived those strokes in my sleep, it is the most extraordinary thing in the world, and surpasses my comprehension, In this uncertainty, Abon Hassan called to one of the officers that stood round him: Come hither, said he, and bite the tip of my ear, that I may know whether I am asleep orawake. The officer obeyed him, and bit so hard, that he made him cry out horribly- the music struck up at the same time; and the officers and ladies all began to sing, dance, and skip about Abon Hassan, and made sucha noise, that he was in perfect enthusiasm, and played a thou- sand tricks, He tore off his caliph’s habit, threw off his turban, and jump- _ ed.up in his shirt and drawers, and, taking hold of two ladies’ hands, fell to _ dancing and singing, and jumping and cutting capers, so that the caliph Rae N a in the manner they were used, and not me: I wash my hands,ofit. It was _ you who have been the cause of all my disorders and sufferings: in hort, you — are the aggressor, and I the injured person. ee Indeed, you are in the right of it, Abon Hassan, answered the caliph, — laughing all the while; but to comfort you, and make you amends for all — S _ your troubles, I call Heaven to witness, I am ready and willing te make you what reparation you please to ask, After these words, he camfe out of the — closet into. the hall, and ordered one of the most magnificent habits to be brought, and commanded the ladies to dress Abon Hassan in it; and, when they had done so, he said, embracing him, Thou art my brother: ask what — thou wilt, and thou shalt have it. sae Commander of the faithfal, replied Abon Hassan, I beg of your majesty to do me the favour to tell me what you did to disturb my brain in this manner, and what was your design? for it is a thing of the greatest importance for me to know, that I may perfectly recover my senses. ae The caliph then told him the whole proceeding: how it was his custom to _ go through the city in disguise: and that he wasdisguised as a Moussel mer- chant the night when he invited him to supper; of Abon Hassan’s desire to ~ be caliph for one day, and of the wish of the caliph to gratify him; how he — had put the powder into lfis wine, and had him conveyed to the palace: in ~ _ short, he told him how the whole proceedings had been managed. But, says the caliph, I never imagined that you could have suffered so much as you ~ have done; and, as I have a great regard for you, I will do every thing to comfort you, and make you forget your sufferings: think of what I can d to please you, and ask me boldly what you wish. es Commander of the faithful, replied Abon Hassan, how great soever my tortures may have been, they are all blotted out of my remembrance, as soon as I understand my sovereign lord and master had any share in them, I doubt not in the least of your majesty’s bounty; but, as interest neve governed me, and you give me leave to ask a favour, I beg that it may that of having access to your person, to have the happiness of admiring all my life-time, your grandeur. <1 ae _ This last proof of disinterestedness in Abon Hassan, completed the es teem the caliph had entertained for him. I am pleased with your reques said the caliph, and grant you free access to my person, at all times an all hours, At the same time, he assigned him an apartment in the pala and, in regard to his pension, told him that he would not have him app ity =< 4m with the money she got for them, and what she could get by spinning cot- ton, thought to maintain herself and her son. Aladdin, who was now no ae longer restrained by the fear of a father, and who cared solittle forhismo- ther, that whenever she chid him he would fly in her face, gave himselfen- tirely over to dissipation, and was never out of the streets from his com- ~~ panions. In this situation, he was one day playing, according to custom, in the street, with his vagabond troop, and a stranger, passing by, stood still =~ to observe him. i The stranger was a famous magician, called, by the writer of this story, the African magician; and by that name I shall call him with the more propriety, as he was a native of Africa, and had been but two days come from thence, : When the African magician, who was a good physiognomist, had o served in Aladdin’s countenance something which was absolutely neces= sary for the execution of the design he came about, he inquired artfully — about his family, who he was, and what were his inclinations; and, when A he had learned all he desired to know, he went up to him, and taking him aside from his comrades, said to him, Child, was not your father called Fak a ante Ae ate ee Peete at? | a: > s / ‘ = - : = * - 4 5 . aa He J os ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 197. Mustapha the tailor ?—Yes, sir, answered Aladdin, but he has been dead along time. At these words, the African magician threw his arms about Aladdin’s. neck, and kissed him several times with tears in his*eyes, Aladdin, who - observed his tears, asked him, what made himweep. Alas! my son,cried the African magician, with a sigh, how can I forbear? I am your uncle; ai good father was my own brother. Then he asked Aladdin, putting is hand into his purse, where his mother lived; and, as soon as Aladdin '. had informed him, he gave him a handful of small money, saying to him, Go, my son, to your mother, give my love to her, and tell her that I will come and see her to-morrow, if I have time, that I may have the satisfac- tion of seeing where my good brother lived so long, and ended his days. As soon as the African magician left his new-adopted nephew, Aladdin ran to his mother, overjoyed at the money his uncle had given him. Mo- ther, said he, have I an uncle? No, child, replied his mother, you have no uncle by your father’s side or mine. I am just now come, answered Alad- din, from a man who says he is my uncle by my father’s side, assuring me that he is his brother. He cried and kissed me, when I told him my fa- ther was dead: and to show you that what I tell you is truth, added he, pulling out the money, see what he has given me; _ he charged me to give his love to you, and to tell you, if he has any time to-morrow, he will come and pay you a Visit. The mother and son talked no more then of the African magician; but the next day, Aladdin’s uncle found him playing in another part of the town with other children, and, embracing him as before, put two pieces of gold into his hand, and said to him, Carry this, child, to your mother, and tell her that I will come and see her to-night, and bid her get us some- thing for supper; but first show me the house where you live. After Aladdin had showed the African magician the house, he carried the - two pieces of gold to his mother, and, when he had told her of his uncle’s in- tention, she went out and bought provisions; and, considering she wanted various vessels, she went and borrowed them of her neighbours. Inthe even- ing somebody knocked at the door, which Aladdin immediately opened; and the magician came in, loaded with wine and all sorts of fruits, which he had brought for a dessert. Afterthe African magician had given what he brought into Aladdin’s hands, he saluted the mother, and desired her to show him the place where his bro- ther Mustapha used to sit on the sofa; and when she had so done, he pre- sently fell down and kissed it several times, crying out, with tears in his eyes, My poor brother! how unhappy am I, not to have come soon enough to give you one last embrace! Aladdin’s mother desired him to sit down in the same place, but he would not. No, said he, I shall take care how I do that; but give me leave to sit here over against it, that, if I am deprived of the satisfaction of seeing the master of a family so dear to me, I may at least have the pleasure of seeing the place where he used to sit. Aladdin’s mo- ther pressed him no farther, but left him at his liberty to sit where he pleased. _ When the magician had made choice of a place, and sat down, he began ~ to enter into discourse with Aladdin’s mother: telling her not to be surprised _ at not knowing him, as he had been forty years absent from that part of the country, He then inquired all particulars relating to his brother; which _ AlJaddin’s mother answered to his satisfaction, He-also asked what busi- ness Aladdin was; but his mother gave such a sorry account of Aladdin, A wie ~. to him: Comealong, my dear child, said he, and I will show you fine things. “Ain, You see what I have done by vir tugs O. Gs olen | ARABIAN NIGHTS” ENTERTAINMENTS, that the uncle pretended to be quite shocked at him. The magician rohiaes ‘ af since Aladdin did not like work, he would take a shop and furnish it him oe with all kinds of rich silk stuffs; which greatly pleased Aladdin. After par- taking of the supper, and promising to call again the next day, the magician — took leave of the mother and son, and retired. eee, He came again, the next day, as he promised, and took Aladdin with him, 7 saying he would buy hima suit of clothes, which he did: clothing him from — head to foot ina very rich dress, which made Aladdin almost beside himself with joy. The magician then took Aladdin about the town, showing himall- that was worth seeing, and treating him with cakes and fruit. Towardseven- — ing, the magician took Aladdin home; and, when his mother saw him in his new dress, she was quite delighted, and returned the magician many thanks for his kindness. The magician said that Aladdin wasa good boy,andhe ~~ thought that he would yet do very well. But, saidthe magician,lamsorry ~ for one thing, which is, that I cannot perform to-morrow what I promised, © because it is Friday, and the shops will be shut up, and therefore we cannot hire or furnish one; we willletit alone tillSaturday. But Iwill call on him to-morrow, and take him to walk in the gardens, where Peele of the best “fashion generally walk. The African magician then took his leave ofthe —_ mother and son, and retired. sh Aladdin rose earl y in the morning and dressed himself, to be ready against his uncle called onhim; and, when he saw him coming, he took leave of his mother, and ran to meet ‘him. The magician caressed Aladdin when hecame ~ Then he led him out at one of the crates of the city, to some large houses, or — rather palaces, to each of which belonged beautiful gardens, They kept walk- — ing on, the magician diverting Aladdin, by showing him all the fine things that they passed, until they got a considerable distance fromthe city. The mavician then sat down, and pulled out some cakes and fruit, of which he and Aladdin partook, They then pursued their journey, the magician tell- ing Aladdin that they had not much farther to go. After they had walked some time longer, Aladdin complained of being tired, when the magician en- — couraged him by telling him that they had but a few steps farther to go, _, At Tast they came between two mountains, of moderate height and equal size, divided by a narrow valley, which was the place where “the magician — intended to bring Aladdin, to putinto execution a design that had brought — him from Africato China, We will go no farther now, said he to Aladdin, I will show you here some very extraordinary things, and what nobody ever saw before; “which, when you haveseen, you willthank me for: but, while I strike fire, do you gather up all the loose sticks you can see, to kindlea fire | with. Aladdin found there somany dried sticks, that before the magician had lighted a match, he had gathered upa great heap. The magician “presently set them on fire, and when they were all ina blaze, the magician threw in some incense he had about him, which raised acloud of smoke: this he dis- persed on each side, by pronouncing several magical words, which Aladdin did not understand. At the same time, the earth trembled a little, and opened just before the. magician and Aladdin, and discovered a stone about half a yard squar laid horizontally, with a brass ring fixed to the middle of it, to raise- _up by. Aladdin was so friehtened at what he saw, that he would have ru away. When the magician saw that he was come to himself, he said EE aR its a Steer ira = es oe Naphaet egeS| % ‘ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. | 199:==* Perel _ 5 ; a % eed ie ms oY ; r i: , pronounced.. -Know then, that under this stone there is hid a treasure, - which is destined to be yours, and which will make you richer than the greatest monarch in the world; this is so true, that no other person is per- . ‘mitted to touch this stone, and to pull it up and go in; for I am forbid ever to touch it, or set foot in this treasure when it is opened; so you must, Without fail, punctually execute what I tell you, for it is a matter of great consequence both to you and me. tte Aladdin, amazed at all he saw and heard the magician say of the trea- - sure which was tomake him happy for ever, said to the magician, Well, uncle, what isto be done? Command me: Iam ready to obey you. Jam overjoyed, child, said the African magician, embracing him, to see you take the resolution; come, take hold of the ring, and lift up that stone, Aladdin did as the magician bade him, and raised the stoae, with a great deal of ease. When the stone was pulled up, there appeared a cavity of 2.8 about three or four feet deep, with a little door, and steps to go down lower. Observe, my son, said the African magician, what I am going to say to you: go down into that cave, and, when you are at the bottom of those steps, you will find a door open, which will lead you into a large vaulted place, divided into three great halls, in each of which you will see four large brass vessels placed on each side, full of gold and silver, but take _ care you do not meddle with them. Before you go into the first hall,be sure you tuck up your gown, and wrap it well about you, then go through | the second into the third, without stopping.—Above all things, have a care” that you do not touch the walls, so much as with your clothes; for, if you do, you will die instantly. At the end of the third hall, you will find a door which leads into a garden planted with fine-trees loaded with fruits: <=: walk directly across the garden by a path which will lead you to five steps, that will bring you upon a terrace, where you will see a niche before you, and in that niche alighted lamp. Take the lamp down, and put it ont; when you have thrown away the wick, and poured out the liquor, put itin, your breast, and bring it to me. Do not be afraid that the liquor willspoil > your clothes, for it is not oil, and the lamp will be dry as soon as it is thrown out. If you have a mind to any of the fruit of the garden, you may gather as much as you please. 2 aes ae “After these words, the magician drew a ring off his finger, and put it eas upon oue of Aladdin’s, telling him that it was a preservative against all evil, whilehe observed what he had prescribed to him, After this instruc- — on tion, he said, Go down boldly, child, and we shall both berich allourlives. Aladdin jumped into the cave, went down the steps, and found the three — hails just as the African magician had described them.—He went through them with all the precaution the fear of death could inspire, if be failed to” observe all that he was told, very carefully; crossed the garden without ~~ stopping, took down the lamp from the niche, threw out the wick and the = ligour, and, as the magician told him, put itin his bosom. Aladdin also - took care to fill his pockets with the fruit, as he thought it; but which were = precious stones of inestimable value, : 3 ie. a » 4 Aladdin returned through the three halls with the same precaution, and c made all the haste he could, that he might not make his uncle wait; and : soon arrived at the mouth of the cave, where the African magician expect- oe _. edhim with the utmost impatience. As soon as Aladdin saw him, he . ~ e2|. cried out, Pray, uncle, lend me your hand to help me out. Give me the e. lamp first, replied the magician; it will be troublesome to you. Tadeed, e ak ae ee pe Barty Bh ae aii ey eee T 200 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 2 oF > < SS a ee Oy wea : Path aa) < % uncle, answered Aladdin, I cannot now: it is not troublesome to me; _ but I willas soonasIamup, The African magician was so obstinate, that he would have the lamp before he would help him up; and Aladdin refused to give it him till he was out of the cave. The African magician, provoked at this obstinate refusal of the lad, flew into a terrible passion, and threw a little of his incense into the fire, which he took care to keep. in, and no sooner pronounced two magical words, but the stone which had closed the mouth of the cave, moved into its place, with the earth over it, in the same manner as it lay at the arrival of the magician and Aladdin, This action of the African magician’s plainly showed him to be neither Aladdin’s uncle, nor Mustapha the tailor’s brother, but a true African, a native of that part of the world. For, as Africa is a country whose inha- bitants delight most in magic of any other in the whole world, he had ap- plied himself to it from his youth; and, after about forty years’ experience in enchantments, he had found out that there was in the world a wonder- ful lamp, the possession of which would render him more powerful than any monarch in the world, if he could obtain it; and, by a late operation. of geomancy, he found out that this lamp lay concealed in a subterraneous place in the midst of China, in the situation, with allthe circumstances, al- ready described. Fully persuaded of the truth of this discovery, heset out from the farthest part of Africa, and, after a Jong and fatiguing journey, came to the town nearest to this treasure. But, though he had a certain knowledge of the place where the lamp was, he was not permitted to take’ it himself, nor to enter the subterraneous place where it was, but must re- ceive it from the hands of another person. For this reason, he addressed himself to Aladdin, whom he looked upon as a young lad of no conse- quence, and fit to serve his purpose; resolving, as soon as he got the lamp into his hands, to sacrifice poor Aladdin to his avarice and wickedness, by making the fumigation mentioned before, and saying those two magical words, the effect of which was to remove the stone into its place again, that ee he might have no witness of the transaction. But his too great precipitation in executing his wicked intentionon poor — Aladdin, and his fear lest somebody should come that way during this dis- . pute, and discover what he wished to keep secret, produced an effect quite contrary to what he proposed to himself. "When the African Magician saw » that all his great hopes were frustrated for ever, he returned that same day _ E to Africa; but went quite round the town, and at some distance from ity _ forfear lest some persons, who had seen him walk out with the boy, seeing — him come back without him, should entertain any jealousy of him, and stop him, According to all appearances, there was no prospect of Aladdin being any more heard of. But the magician, when he contrived his death, had forgotten the ring he put on his finger, which preserved him, though he _ knew not its virtue, When he found himself buried alive, he cried, and called out to his uncle, - ee to tell him he was ready to give him the lamp; but all in vain, since his erics could not be heard by him; and he remained in this dark abode. Aladdin remained in this state two days, without eating or drinking; and, on the third day, looked upon death as inevitable.-—Clasping hishands with — an entire resignation to the will of God, he said, There is no strength or power but in the great and high God. In this action of joining his hands, %, +d a ~* Tt - aN OE ‘ i Brey ie Lyk Ree TAGS gees 4 StS ets ee. , Ted he rubbed the ring which the magician put on his finger, and of which he i a 32 Sr a, ivy ~ © / | ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. Ser eee knew not yet the virtue; and immediately a genie of an enormous size and frightful look, rose out of the earth, his head reaching the vault, and said to him, What wouldst thou have with me? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all who have the ring on thy finger; I, and the other slaves of that ring. | At another time, Aladdin, who had not been used to such visions, would have been go frightened, that he would not have been able to speak at the sight of so extraordinary a figure; but the danger he was in made him answer, - without hesitation, Whoever thou art, deliver me from this place, if thou art. able. He had no sooner made an end of these words, but the earth opened, and he found himself on the very spot where the magician first brought him. It was some time before Aladdin’s eyes could bear the light, after having _ been so long in total darkness; but, after he had endeavoured by degrees tc support it, and began to look about him, he was very much surprised to find the earth open, and could not comprehend how he had got so soon out of ~ its bowels. ‘Then, turning himself about towards the town, he perceived it in the midst of the gardens that surrounded it, and knew the way back by which the magician had brought him to it; then, returning God thanks to ~ see himself once more in the world, where he never more expected to be, he made the best of hisway home. When he got within his mother’s door, the joy to see her, and his faintness for want of sustenance for three days, made him faint, and he remained for a long time as dead. Assoon ashe recovered, the first words he spoke, were, Pray, mother, give me something to eat, for I have not put a morsel of any thing into my mouth these three days. His mother brought what she had, and set it before him. My son, said she, be not tooeager, for it is dangerous: eat but little at a time, and take care of rourself. Aladdin took his mother’s advice, and ate and drank moderately. Wen he had done, Mother, said he to her, I cannot help complaining of you, for abandoning me so easily to the discretion of a man who had a design to kill me, and who, at this very moment, thinks my death certain. You believed he was my uncle, but I must tell you, mother, he is a rogue, and a cheat, and only did’ what he did, and make me all those promises, to accomplish my | death. You shall judge of it yourself, when you have heard all that passed, from the time I left you, till he came to the execution of his wicked design. Then Aladdin began to tell his mother all that had happened to him from Friday, when the magician took him to see the palaces and gardens about the town, and what fell out in the way, till he came to the place between the two mountains, where the great prodigy was to be performed; how, with incense which the magician threw into the fire, and some magical words he pronounced, the earth opened, and discovered a cave, which led to an in- estimable treasure. How he went down to fetch the lamp; and when he would not give it tothe magician, he caused him to be buried alive in the cave, Aladdin’s mother, heard with so much patience as not to interrupt him, this surprising and wonderful relation, notiithstanding it could be no small afiliction toa mother who loved her son tenderly; but yet, in the most moving part, which discovered the perfidy of the African magician, she.could not _ help showing, by marks of the greatest indignation, how much she detested ‘him; anc, when Aladdin had finished his story, she broke out into a thou- sand reproaches against that vile impostor. ; Aladdin, who had not had a wink of sleep while he was in the subterra- neous abode, slept very heartily all that night, and never waked till the next 20 ts _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, | relies’ _ morning; when the first thing that he said to his mother was, he wanted __ something to eat, and that she could not do hima greater pleasure than to give him his breakfast. Alas! child, said she, I have not a bit of bread to. give you; you ate up all the provisions I had in the house, yesterday. Mo- © ther, replied Aladdin, give me the lamp I brought home yesterday; Iwillgo and sell it, and the money I shall get for it will serve both for breakfast. ~ and dinner, and perhaps supper too. ge Aladdin’s mother took the lamp, and said to her son, Here it is, but it is very dirty; if it was a little cleaner, I believe it would bring something — more. She took a little fine sand and water to clean it; but had no sooner — begun to rub it, but in an instant a hideous genie, of gigantic size, ap- - peared before her, and said to her, in a voice like thunder, What wouldst See _ thou have? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave ofallthose — who have that lamp in their hands; I, and the other slaves of the lamp. Aladdin’s mother was not able to speak at the sight of this frightful genie, but fainted away; when Aladdin, without losing time for reflection, —_- snatched the lamp out of his mother’s hands, and said to the genie boldly, © Nae Tam hungry; bring me something to eat. The genie disappeared imme- diately, and, in an instant returned, with a large silver basin on his head, | and twelve covered plates of the same metal, which contained some excel- lent meats; six large white loaves on two other plates, and two bottles of Wine, and two silver cups in each hand. All these things he placed upon — a table, and disappeared; and all this was done before Aladdin’s mother came out of her swoon. gee Aladdin went presently and fetched some water, and threw it in her face, to recover her: whether that, or the smell of the. meats the genie — -procured, brought her to life again, it was not long before she came to. ~ herself. Mother, said Aladdin, do not mind this; it is nothing at all; get — up, and come and eat; here is what will put you in spirits, and at the’ : same time satisfy my extreme hunger; do not let such fine meat be cold, — but fall to... \ ieee His mother was very much surprised to see the great basin, twelve plates, _ six loaves, and the two bottles and cups, and to smell the delicious odour — which exhaled from the plates. Child, said she to Aladdin, to whom are ae we obliged for this great plenty and liberality? Has the sultan been made acquainted with our poverty, and hadcompassion on us? Itis no matter, mother, said Aladdin; let us sit down and eat; for you have almost as ~ much need of a good breakfast as myself; when we have done, I will tell you. Accordingly both mother and son sat down, and ate with the better 4 stomach, as the table was so well furnished. After they had eaten a hearty breakfast, Aladdin told his mother how the lamp had been the means of providing such a delicious repast. a By the next night, they had eaten all the provisions the genie had brought; and, the next day, Aladdin, who could not bear the thoughts of hunger, took one of the silver plates under his coat, and went out early to sell it and, addressing himself to aJew, whom he met in the streets, took aside, and, pulling out the plate, asked him if he would buy it, The cu ning Jew took the plate and examined it, and no sooner found it was good silver, but he took a piece of gold out of his purse, and gave it him, though ~ it was but the sixtieth part of the worth of the plate. Aladdin took he Z _ money very eagerly, and, as soon as he got it in his pocket, retired, 3 Betore Aladdin went home to his mother, he called at a baker’s, b ~~ = ie eae ee BOOS Wink ee EP Sette Ge OR Ae = SET ae ENT Sse i eat ee ae ee Fe A an foe aa eo Sort lise Sa ot age oe : Pies aoe eae one te oY 2 ad c 2 2 a loaf, changed his money, and went home, and gave the rest to his mo-_ ther, who went and bought provisions enough to last them some time. After this manner they lived, till Aladdin had sold the twelve plates, one - at a time, to the Jew, for the same money; who, after the first time, durst not offer him less, for fear of losing so good a chap. When he had sold the last plate, he had recourse to the basin, which weighed ten times” as much as the plate, and would have carried it to the old purchaser, but that » it was too large and cumbersome; therefore he was obliged to bring him home with him to his mother’s, where, after the Jew had examined the weight of the basin, he laid down ten pieces of gold, with which Aladdin was very well satisfied. wes They lived on these ten pieces, in afrugal manner, a long while; and Aladdin, who had been used to an idle life, left. off playing with young lads of his own age, ever since his adventure with the African magician. When all the money was spent, Aladdin had again recourse to the lamp. He took it in his hand, looked for the same place where his mother had rubbed it with the sand, and rubbed it also, andthe genie immediately ap- peared, and said, What wouldst thou have? I am ready to obey thee as_ thy slave, and the slave of all those who have that lamp in their hands; I, and the other slaves of the lamp. Iam hungry, said Aladdin; bring me something to eat, The genie disappeared, and presently returned with a basin, and the same number of covered plates, &c. and set them down on a table, and vanished again, Aladdin’s mother, knowing what her son was going to do, went out at that time about some business, on purpose to avoid being in the way when the genie came; and, when she returned, which was not long before, and found the table and sideboard so furnished a second time, was almost as mach surprised as before, at the prodigious effect of the lamp. However, she sat down with her son, and, when they had eaten as much as they had a mind to, she set enough by to last them two or three days. As soon as Aladdin found that their provisions and money were spent, he took one of these plates, and went to look for his Jew chapman again; but, passing by a goldsmith’s shop, who had the character of a very fair: and honest man, the goldsmith, perceiving him, called to him, and said, My lad, I have often observed you go by, loaded as you are at present, and talk with such a Jew, and then come back again empty-handed, I ima- gine that you carry something that you sell to him; but perhaps you do not know what a rogue he is, that he is the greatest scoundrel among all the Jews, and is so well known, that nobody will have anything to do with him, What I tell you is for your own good. If you will show me what you now carry, and it is to be sold, I will give you the full worth of it; or I will direct you to other merchants who will not cheat you, The hopes — of getting more money for his plate, induced Aladdin to pull it from under his coat, and show it to the goldsmith. The goldsmith took a pair of scales, weighed the plate, and, after he had told Aladdin how much an ounce of fine silver contained and was. worth, he demonstrated that his plate was worth, by weight, sixty pieces of gold, which be paid him down immediately. Though Aladdin and his mother had an inexhaustible treasure of money in their lamp, and might ‘with the same fragality as before, except that Aladdin went more neat; ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 203... Be as for his mother, ske wore no clothes but what she earned by spinning - ‘have had whatever they had a mind to every time it failed, yet they lived » erase SETA \: = . Ln Pic, MMs ede 1 A: Myort Sy Ay” 4. —) “Oe ies ~ Ra es Ningetaaeen Daag bot \y J us yO Ver, A. : 5 ~ ~ 0 : eae Mee vate x x nox ~ j ioe 85 = tes oe , Ss 7 eee a AR eg Nae eRe 204° 5: ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. cotton. After their manner of living, we may easily suppose that the money Aladdin had sold the plates and basins for was suflicient to mains — tain them some time. They went on for many years by the help of the — prodace Aladdin, from time to time, made of his lamp. ee One day, as Aladdin was walking about the town, he heard an order of 2 the sultan’s published, for all people to shut up their shops and houses, — and keep within doors, while the princess Badroulboudour, the sultan’s daughter, went to the baths and back again, This public order inspired Aladdin with a great curiosity to see the princess’s face, which he could not do without getting into the house of some acquaintance, and looking through a window; but this did not satisfy him, when he considered that the princess, when she went to the baths, had a veil on; but, to gratify his — curiosity, he presently thought of a scheme which succeeded; that was, — to place himself behind the door of the bath, which was so situated that he could not fail of seeing her face. Aladdin had not waited long before the princess came, and he could see her plainly through a chink of the door without being seen. She was at- tended by a great crowd of ladies, slaves, and eunuchs, who walked on each side and behind her. When she came within three or four paces from the door, she took off her veil, and gave Aladdin an opportunity ofa- full look at her, ae After the princess had passed by Aladdin, and entered the baths, he re- ES mained some time astonished, and in a kind of ecstacy, retracing and imprinting the idea of so charming an object deeply on his mind. But at ant last, considering that the princess was gone past him, and that, when she returned from the bath, her back would be towards him, and then veiled, he resolved to quit his post and go home. But when he came there, he — could not conceal his uneasiness so well but that. his mother perceived it, and was very much surprised to see him so much more thoughtful and melancholy than usual; and asked him what had happened to make him _ 80, or if he was ill. Aladdin returned her no answer, but sat carelessly down on the sofa, and remained in the same condition, full of the image of Badroulboudour. His mother, who was dressing supper, pressed him no more. When it was ready, she set it on the table before him; but, per- = * ceiving that he gave no attention to it, she bade him eat, and had much _ 3 ado to persuade him to change his place; and, when he did, he ate much less than usual, ae After supper, she asked him again, why he was somelancholy, butcould get no information; and he determined to go to bed, rather than give her a the least satisfaction, Aladdin sat next day on the sofa, over against his mother, and, as she was spinning cotton, he spoke to her in these words; __ I perceive, mother, that my silence yesterday has very much troubled you. I was not, nor am I, sick, as I fancy you believed; but I can tell you that what I felt then, and now endure, is worse than any disease. BB It was not known in this quarter of the town, and therefore youcould ~ know nothing of it, that the princess Badroulboudour, the sultan’s daugh- ter, was to go the baths, efter dinner. I heard this as I walked about the ay town, and an order was issued, that, to pay all the respect that was dueto __ that princess, all the shops should be shut upin her way thither, andevery” body keep within doors, to leave the streets free for her and her attend- ants, As I was not then far from the baths, I had a great curiosity to see the princess’s face; and, as it occurred to me that the princess, when shg Brae - * y i ¥ “ARARIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. ss: 205 _¢ame nigh the bath, would pull her veil off, I resolved to get behind the door, You know the situation of the door, and may imagine that I must have a full view of her, if it happened as I expected. The princess threw off her veil; and I had the happiness of seeing her lovely face, with the greatest satisfaction imaginable. This, mother, was the cause of my me- lancholy and silence yesterday: I love the princess with so much violence, that I cannot express it; and, as my lively passion increases every mo-_ ment, I cannot live without the possession of the amiable princess Bad- Se laa and am resolved to ask her in marriage of the sultan, her ) ather. Indeed, son, replied the mother, seriously, Icannothelp telling you that you have quite forgot yourself; and if you would put this resolution of yours in execution, I do not see who you can get to venture to propose it for you. You yourself, replied he, immediately. I go to the sultan! an- swered his mother, amazed and surprised. I shall take care how I engage in such an affair. Why, who are you, son, continued she, that you can have the assurance to think of your sultan’s daughter? Have you forgot that your father was one of the poorest tailors in the capital, and I am of no betterextraction? And do not you know that sultans never marry their daughters but to princes, sons of sultans, like themselves? Mother, answered Aladdin, I have already told you that I foresaw all that you have said, or can say: and tell you again, that neither your discourse nor your remonstrances shall make me change my mind. I have told you that you must ask the princess Badroulboudour in marriage for me: itisa favour I desire of you, with all the respect Lowe you; and I beg of you not to refuse me, unless you would rather see me in my grave, than by so doing give me new life. The good old woman was very much embarrassed, when she found Aladdin so obstinately persisting in so foolish ascheme; and used all kinds of arguments to persuade him to give up his design. After she had talked some time, she concluded thus: Nobody ever goes toask a favour of the sultan, without a present; for by a present they have this advantage, that if for some particular reasons the favour is denied, they are sure to be heard. But what presents have you tomake? And if you had any that was worthy the least attention of so great a monarch, what proportion could it bear to the favour you wouldask? Therefore, reflect well on what you are about, and consider that you aspire to a thing which is impossible for you to obtain. Aladdin heard very calmly all that his mother could say to endeavour to dissuade him from his design, and, after he had weighed her representation in all points, made answer: own, mother, itis great rashness in me to pre- sume to carry my pretensions so far; and a great want of consideration to ask you, with so much heat and precipitancy, to go and make the proposal of my marriage to the sultan, without first taking proper measures to pro- eure a favourable reception; and therefore beg your pardon. As to what - you say about the present, I agree with you, and own that I never thought of it; but as to what you say that I have nothing fit to present him with, do not you think, mother, that what I brought home with me that day on which I was delivered from an inevitable death, may be an agreeable pre- - sent? I mean those things which we did not know the value of, but which now Ican tell you, are all jewels of inestimable value, and fit for the greatest monarch. You have a large porcelain dish fit to hold them; fetch it, and let us see how they will look, when we have ranged them according to their different colours. Bah Bet Hem iF a . _ . Aladdin’s mother fetched the china dish, and he took the jewels out af. - gance, condescended to his request. As it was now late, and the time of — ab eee Eel Si ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, the two purses in which he had kept them, and placed them in the dish, But the brightness and lustre they had in the day-time, and the variety of colours, so dazzled the eyes both of mother and son, that they were aston- ished beyond measure; for they had only seen them by the light ofa lamp; for though Aladdin had seen them hang on the, trees like fruit, beautiful to the eye, yet, as he was but a boy, he did not take much notice of them; but looked on them only as trinkets. - After they had admired the beauty of this present, some time, Aladdin said to his mother, Now you cannot excuse yourself from going to thesultan, under the pretext of not having a present to — make him, since here is one which will gain you a favourable reception. _ She used a great many arguments to endeavour to make him change his mind; but the charms of the princess Badroulboudour had made too great an impression on his heart to dissuade him from his design, Aladdin persist- ed in desiring his mother to execute his resolution; and she, as much out ~ of tenderness as for fear he should be guilty of a greater piece of extrava- day for going to thesultan’s palace was passing, it was put off till the next day. The mother and son talked of different matters the remaining part of the day: and, at night, Aladdin and his mother parted, to goto bed. But. violent love, and the great prospect of so immense a fortune, had so much © possessed the son’s thoughts, that he could not rest as well as he could have — wished, He rose at day-break, and went presently and awakened his mo- ther, pressing her to get herself dressed to go to the sultan’s palace, and to. get in first, as the grand vizier, the other viziers, and all the great officers x of state, went in to take their seats in the divan, where the sultan always assisted in person, 4 _Aladdin’s mother did all her son desired. She took the china dish, in which they had put the jewels, the day before, tied up in two napkins, one. finer than the other, which was tied at four corners for more easy carriage and set forward for the sultan’s palace, to the great satisfaction of Alad- din. When she came to the gates, the grand vizier, and the other vizicrs, and most distinguished lords of the court, were just gone in; and, notwith- ~~ standing the crowd of people who had business at the divan was extraor- dinarily great, she got into the divan, which was a large spacious hall, the entry into which was very magnificent. She placed herself just before the sultan, grand vizier, and the great lords who sat in the council, oa his right — and left hand, Several causes were called, according to their order, and pleaded and adjudged, until the time the divan generally broke up, when the sultan, rising, dismissed the council, and returned to his apartment. Aladdin’s mother, secing the sul:an rise and retire, and all the people go away, judged rightly that he would not come again that day, and resolved _to go home. When Aladdin saw her return with the present designed for the sultan, he knew not at first what to think of her success, and, in the fear he was in, lest she should bring him some ill news, he had not cou- tage enough to ask her any questions, till his mother, who had never 3 foot in the sultan’s palace before, and knew not what was every day pra tised there, freed him from his embarrassment, and said to him, witha great deal of simplicity, Son, I have seen the sultan, and am very well persuad he has seen me too; for I placed myself just before him, and nothing coul hinder him from seeing me; but he was so much taken up with ail t) who talked, on all sides of him, that I pitied him, and wondered at his "ARABIAN sions’ “ENTERT MISMENTS, =. mit bs k 2 re es Be PRD eee Tae “ * Lik fis Sep % suddenly, and would not hear a. great many who were prepared to speak to him, but went away. But there is no harm done; I will go again to- morrow; perhaps the sultan may not be so very. busy. Though Aladdin’s passion was very violent, he was forced to be satisfied with this excuse, and to fortify himself with patience. The next morning, she went to the sultan’s palace with the present, as early as the day before, but, when she came there, she found the gates of the divan shut, and urderstood that the council sat but every other day, — therefure she must come again the next. This news she carried to her ~son, whose only relief was to guard himself with patience, She went six times afterwards on the day appointed, placed herself always directly be- fore the sultan, but with as little success as the first time; and might have perhaps come a thousand times to as little purpose, if the sultan himself had not taken a particular notice of her: for it is very probable that only _ those who came with petitions approached the sultan, and each pleaded his cause in its turn, and Aladdin’s mother was not one of them. One day, at last, after the council was broken up, when thesultan was returned to his own apartment, he said to his grand vizier, I have forsome time ob- served a certain woman, who comes constantly every day that I go into council, and has something wrapped up in a napkin: she always stands up from the beginning to the breaking up of the council, and affects to place herself just before me, If this woman comes again next council-day, do not fail to call her, that - Imay hear what she has to say. The grand vizier made answer by kiss- - ing his hand, and lifting it up above his head, signifying his willingness to lose it if he failed, By this time, Aladdin’s mother was so mach used to go to the council, and stand before the sultan, that she did not think it ~~ any trouble: so the next council-day she went to the divan, and placed ~ herself before the sultan as usual; and before the grand vizier had made his report of business, the sultan perceived her, and, compassionating her for having waited so long, he said to the vizier, Before youenter upon any business, remember the woman I spoke to you about; bid her come near, and let us hear and dispatch her business frst. The grand vizier imme- diately called the chief of the officers, and, pointing to her, bid him go to- that woman, and tell her to come before the sultan, The chief of the officers went to Aladdin’s mother, and, at a sign he gave her, she followed him to the foot of the sultan’s throne, where he lett her, and retired to his place by the grand vizier, Aladdin’s mother bowed her head down to the .carpet which covered the steps of the throne, and re- mained in that posture till the sultan bid her rise, which she had no sooner done, than the sultan said to her, Good woman, I have observed you to stand a long time, from the beginning to the rising of the divan: what 2 business brings you here? At these words, Aladdin’s mother prostrated © herself a second time; and, when she got up again, said, Monarch of mo- -narchs, before I tell your majesty the extraordinary and almost incredible business. which brings me before your high throne, I beg of you to pardon the boldness or rather impudence of the demand I am going to make. In. _ order to give her the more freedom to explain herself, the sultan ordered ~ every body to go out of the divan but the grand vizier, and then told her _ that she might speak without restraint. Aladdin’s mother said, I beg of. - your majesty, if you should think my demand the least injurious or offen- 907 = : i shies to ey ons At last, I believe he was heartily tired, 01 herose up 908” ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, | Aare eae sive, to assure me first of your pardon and forgiveuess. Well, replied tha sultan, I will forgive you, be it what it will, and no hurt shall come toyous — speak boldly, ‘ ee When Aladdin’s mother had taken all these precautions, for fear of the sultan’s anger, she told him faithfully how Aladdin had seen the princess Badroulboudour, the violent love that fatal sight had inspired him with, the declaration he had made to her of it when he came home,and whatre- presentations she had made him to dissuade him from a passion no lessin- _ jurious, said she, to your majesty, as sultan, than to the princess, your daughter. But, continued she, my son, instead of taking my advice and reflecting on his boldness, was so obstinate as to persevere in it, and to — threaten me with some desperate act, if I refused to come and ask the prin- cess in marriage of your majesty. ie: The sultan hearkened to this discourse with a great deal of mildness, without showing the least anger or passion; but, before he gave her any answer, he asked her what she had brought tied up in that napkin. She took the china dish, which she had set down at the foot of the throne, be- fore she prostrated herself before him: she untied it, and presented it to” the sultan. The sultan’s amazementand surprise were inexpressible, when he saw so many large, beautiful, and valuable jewels collected in one dish. - After he had admired and handled all the jewels, one after another, he turned about to his grand vizier, and showing him the dish, said, Look here, and confess that your eyes never beheld any thing so rich and beau- tiful before, The vizier was charmed, Well, continued the sultan, what sayest thou tosuch a present? Isit not worthy ofthe princess, my daughter? — These words put the grand vizier into a strange agitation. The sultan had, some time before, signified to him his intention of bestowing the prin- cess, his daughter, ona son of his: therefore he was afraid, and not without grounds, that the sultan, dazzled by so rich and extraordinary a present, might change his mind. Thereupon, going to him, and whispering himin | the ear, he said to him, Sir, I cannot but own that the present is worthy of the princess; and I beg of your majesty to grant me three months before you come to a resolution. I hope, before that time, my son, on wham you have had the goodness to look with a favourable eye, will be able to make a nobler present than Aladdin, who is an entire stranger to your majesty. The sultan, though he was very well persuaded that it was not possible for the vizier to provide so considerable a present for his son to make the princess, yet he hearkened to him, and granted him that favour. So, turn- - ing about to Aladdin’s mother, he said to her, Good woman, go home, and tell your son that I agree to the proposal you have made me; but I cannot '. marry the princess my daughter till some furniture I design for her be got ready, which cannot be finished these three months; but, at the expiration of that time, come again. i Aladdin’s mother returned home mach more overjoyed than she could — have imagined; for she looked upon her access to the sultan as a thing im- possible. Aladdin, when he saw his mother returning, said, Well, mother, may I entertain any hopes, or must I die with despair? When she pulled off her veil, and had sat herself down on the sofa by him, she said to him, Not to keep you long in suspense, son, I will begin by telling you that, in- — stead of thinking of dying, you have every reason to be very well satisfied. — Then, pursuing her discourse, she told him how that she had an audience — before every body else, the precautions she had taken, lest she should have ~ & 3 ~ < t 1 ¥ = z _ \ yas ey ee ; : ee s* y : r & _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 205 displeased the sultan, by making the proposal of marriage between him and ‘the princess Badroulboudour, and the favourable answer she had from the sultan’sown mouth; and that, as far as she could judge, the present wrought that powerful effect. But, when I least expected it, said she, and he was going to give me an answer, the grand vizier whispered him in the ear, and I was afraid it might be some obstacle to his good intentions towards us. Aladdin thought himself the most happy of all men at hearing this news, and thanked his mother for all the pains she had taken in the pursuit of this affair, the good success of which was of so great importance to his peace, When two of the three months were past, his mother, one evening, gcing to light the lamp, and finding no oil in the house, went out to buy some; and, when she came into the city, found a general rejoicing. The streets were crowded with officers, in habits of ceremony, mounted on horses richly caparisoned, each attended by a great many footmen. Aladdin’s — mother asked the oil-merchant what was the meaning of all those doings. Whence came you, good woman, said he, that you don’t know that the grand vizier’s son is to marry the princess Badroulboudour, the sultan’s daughter, to-night? This was news cnough for Aladdin’s mother. She ran, tillshe was quite out of breath, home to her son, who little suspected any such thing. Child, cried she, you are undone! You depended upon the sultan’s fine promises, but they willcome to nothing. This night, the grand vizier’s son is to marry the princess Badroulboudour. Shethen related how she had heard it; sothat, from all circumstances, he had no reason to doubt tlie truth of what she said. At this account, Aladdin was thunderstruck. Any other man would have sunk under the shock; but a secret motive of jealousy soon roused his spirits, and he bethought himself of the lamp, which had till then been ~ so useful to him; and, without venting his rage in empty words against the sultan, the vizier, or his son, he only said, Perhaps, mother, the vizier’s son may not be so happy to-night as he promises himself: while I go into my chamber a moment, do you go and get supper ready. When Aladdin had got into his chamber, he took the lamp, and rubbed it in the same place as before; and immediately the genie appeared, and said to him, What wouldst thou have? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all those who have the lamp in their hands; I and the other slaves of the lamp. Hear me, said Aladdin; you have hitherto brought me whatever I wanted as to provisions; but now ~ I have business of the greatest importance for you to execute, Ihave demanded the princess Badroulboudour in marriage of the sultan, her fa- ther; he promised her to me, but only asked three months’ time; and, instead of keeping that promise, has, this night, before the expiration of that time, married her to the grand vizier’s son, I have just heard this, and have no doubt of it. What I ask of you is, that, as soonas the bride | and bridegroom are in bed, you bring them both hither in their bed. . Master, replied the genie, I will obey you. _ Aladdin went down stairs, and supped with his mother, with the same tranquillity of mind as usual; and afterwards returned to his own cham- ber again, and left his mother to go to bed; but he, for his part, sat up till the genie had executed his orders. ; In the meantime, every thing was prepared with the greatest magnifi- cence in the sultan’s palace, to celebrate the princess’s nuptials; and the - evening was spent with all the usual ceremonies and great rejoicings, till 0 \ ~— 10 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, “midnight, when the grand vizier’s son, on a signal given him by the chief — of the princess’s eunuchs, slipped away from the company, and was intro- duced by that officer into the princess’s apartment, where the nuptial bed — was prepared. He went to bed first, and, in a little time after, the sultan-~ _ ess, accompanied by her own women, and those of the princess, brought thes: bride, who, according to the custom of new married ladies, made great re- _ sistance. The sultaness herself helped to undress her, put her into bed by “i akind of violence; and, after having kissed her, and wished her good-night, — retired with all the women. = No sooner was the door shut, but the genie, as the faithful slave of the _ lamp, without giving the bridegroom the least time to caress his bride, to — the great amazement of them both, took up the bed, and transported it in an instant into Aladdin’s chamber, where he set it down. sah. Aladdin, who waited impatiently for this moment, did not suffer the vi- — zier’s son to remain long in bed with the princess, Take this new-married — man, said he to the genie, and shut him upin the house of office, and come _ again to-morrow morning after day-break. The genie presently took the — - yizier’s son out of bed, and carried nim in his shirt whither Aladdin bid — him; and, after he had breathed upon him, which prevented his stirring, be left him there. ei Great as was Aladdin’s love for the princess Badroulboudour, he did not talk much to her when they were alone; but only said, with a passionate — air, Fear nothing, adorable princess: you are here in safety; for, notwith-- ~ standing the violence of my passion, which your charms have kindled, it shal ‘never exceed the bounds of the profound respect I owe you. : The princess gave very little attention to what Aladdin could say. — The fright and amazement of so unexpected an adventure, had put herinto such a condition, that he could not get one word from her. However, he wi 2 dressed himself, and got into the vizier’s son’s place, and lay with his ba : to the princess, putting a sabre between himself and her, to show that he- deserved to be punished, if he attempted anything against her honour. ae Aladdin had no occasion, the next morning, to rub the lamp to call th genie; he came at the hour appointed, and said to him, I am here, master; what are your commands? Go, said Aladdin, fetch the vizier’s son out of the place where you left him, and put him into his bed again, and carry to the sultan’s palace. The genie presently returned with the vizier’s son Aladdin took up his sabre, the bridegroom was laid by the princess, and, an instant, the nuptial-bed was transported into the same chamber of th palace from whence it had been brought. ae As soon as the genie had set down the nuptial-bed in its proper place the sultan, curious to know how the princess his daughter had spent the — wedding-night, opened the door to bid her good morning. ‘Tie grand vi- — _ gier’s son, who was almost perished with cold, by standing in his shirt night, and had not had time to warm himself in bed, no sooner heard t door open, but he got out of bed, and ran into the wardrobe, where heh undressed himself the night befere. The sultan went tothe bed-side, ed the princess between the eyes, according to custom, wished her a go morrow, and asked her, smiling, how she had passed the night, She cz at him a sorrowful look, expressive of great affliction or great dissatish tion. He said afew words to her; but, findiny- that he could not get word from her, he attributed it to her modesty, andretired. Neverthel he suspected that there was something extraordinary in this silence; 4 AT Reds OL nee Be) x ipa UP BARS SY wetires- vas ay aS cea ha Ro 2 SS Na Si) ROR Ca ORL aS oS re Sg if ne Bie ane : WAS e Tap rate Es eg ea = io . : 24 ; ey < ae ==34 Ae end ‘ i: - z = > rs Sane SS Z > se i Cae ek Pleo Pe ie aks . 5 ¥ a : “Sea thereupon went immediately to the sultaness’s apartment, andtold herin = _ what state he found the princess, and how she received him. Sir, said the sultaness, your majesty ought not to be surprised at this behaviour: all -hew-married people always have a reserve about them the next day ; but “I will go and see her, added she; I am very much deceived if she re- ceives me in the same manner. her ats __ As soon as the sultaness was dressed, she went to the princess’s apart- ment, who was stillin bed. She undrew the curtain, wished her good- morrow, and kissed her. But how great was her surprise when she re- turnednoanswer. How comesit, child, said the sultaness, that you do not return my caresses? Ought you to treat your mother after this manner ? And do you think Ido not know what may have happened in your cir- cumstances ? I am apt to believe you do not think so, and something ex- traordinary has happened : come, tell me freely, and leave me no longer in a painful suspense. At last the princess Badroulboudour broke silence with a greatsigh, and | said, Alas ! madam, most honoured woman, forgive me if I have tailed in the respect I owe you. My mindis so full of the extraordinary things which have befallen me this night, that Ihave not yet recovered my amaze- ment and fright, and scarce know myself. Then she told her how, the in- stant after she and her husband were in bed, the bed was transported into a dark dirty room, where he was taken from her and carried away, where ~~ she knew not ; and she was left alone with a young man, who, afterhe had r said something to her, which her fright did not permit her to hear, laid himself down by her, in her husband’s place, but first put his sabre between them; and, inthe morning, her husband was brought to her again, and the bed was transported back to her own chamber, in an instant. 2 The sultaness heard all the princess told her, very patiently, but would not believe it. You did well, child, said she, not to speak of thisto your | father; take care not to mention it to anybody; for you will certainly be thought mad, if you talk at this rate. Madam, replied the princess, I can assure you I am in my right senses: ask my husband, and he will tell you the same story. I will, said the sultaness; but if he should talk in the 3 same manner, I shall not be better persuaded of the truth. - ~~ Then she went to the vizier’s son, to know of him something of what _ __the princess had told her; but he, thinking himself highly honoured to be _ allied to the sultan, resolved to disguise the matter. Son-in-law, said the ; sultaness, are you as much infatuated as your wife? Madam, replied the s vizier’s son, may I be so bold as to ask the reason of thit question? Oh! that is enough, answered the sultaness; I ask no moro, I see you are wiser _ than she, : Aladdin, who was well aequainted with what passed in the palace, never _ disputed but the new-marricd couple were to lie together again that night, _ notwithstanding the troublesome adventure of the night before; and, there- fore, having as great an inclination to disturb them, he had recourse to his __Jamp, and, when the genie appeared, and offered his services, he said to him, The grand vizier’s son and the princess Badroulboudour are to lie | together again to-night: go, and, as soon as they are in bed, bring them _ hither, as thou didst yesterday. The genie obeyed Aladdin, as faithfully and exactly as the day before: the grand vizier’s son passed the night as coldly and disagreeably as before; and the princess had the mortification €gain to have Aladdin for her bedfellow, with the sabre between them. a; ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, © “~ + POR DI wr Meee ~ aati Reh Ox Wal) ae ee See ae: ys 512 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, ~~ The genie, according to Aladdin’s orders, came, the next morning, and brought the bridegroom, and laid him by his bride, and then carried the bed and new-married couple back again to the palace, The sultan, after the reception the princess Badroulboudour had given him the day before, was very anxious to know how she passed the second night, and, therefore, went into her chamber as early as the morning be- ~ fore. The grand vizier’s son, more ashamed and mortified with the ill success of this last night, no sooner heard him coming, but he jumped out of bed, and ran hastily into the wardrobe. The sultan went to the prine cess’s bed-side, and, after the caresses he had given her, as on the former — morning, bid her good-morrow. Well, daughter, he said, are youin a a better humour than you were yesterday morning? Still the princess was silent, and the sultan perceived her to be more troubled, in greater confu- ~ sion than before, and doubted not but that something extraordinary was thing. ‘The sultan felt all the extreme uneasiness so surprising an adven- ture must have given the princess. Daughter, said he, you are verymuch to blame for not telling me this yesterday, since it concerns me as much ~— as yourself. ee As soon as the sultan got back to his own apartment, he sent for the grand vizier. Vizier, said he, have you seen your son, and has henottold you anything? The vizier replied, No. Then the sultan related all that — the princess Badroulboudour had told him, and afterwards said, I do not © doubt but that my daughter, has told me the truth; but, nevertheless, I~ should be glad to have it confirmed by your son; therefore, go and ask him how it was. 4 on The grand vizier went immediately to his son, and communicated to him what the sultan had told him, and enjoined him to conceal nothing a from him, but to tell him the whole truth. I will disguise nothing from you, father, replied the son, for indeed, all that the princess saysis trues) but what relates particularly to myself she knows nothing of. He then — told his father how he had passed the two nights in a kind of privy, almost starved to death; and begged of the grand vizier to get the sul'an to an- ~ nul the marriage. hy Notwithstanding the grand vizier’s ambition to have his son allied to the sultan, the firm resolution he saw he had formed to be separated from the princess, made him not think it proper to propose to him to have @ little patience for a few days, to see if this disappointment would not have an end: but left him, to go and give the sultan an account of what he had told him, assuring him that all was but too true, and begged of himto give his son leave to retire from the palace; alleging, for an excuse, that it was not just that the princess should be a moment longer exposed to so terrible a persecution upon his son’s account. The grand vizier found no great difficulty to obtain what he asked. From that instant, the _ sultan, who had determined it already, gave orders to put a stop to all rm & Pl ep : a ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. : 213 joicings in the palace and town, and sent expresses to all parts of his do- minion, to countermand his first orders; and, in a short time, all rejoicings ceased, This sudden and unexpected change gave rise, both in the city and kingdom, to various speculations and inquiries: but nobody but Alad- din knew the secret. He rejoiced within himself for the happy success procured for him by his lamp, which now he had no more occasion to rub, to produce the genie to prevent the consummation of the marriage, which he had certain information was broken off, and that his rival had left the palace. Nevertheless, Aladdin waited till the three months were completed, which the sultan had appointed for the consummation of the marriage be- tween the princess Badroulboudour and himself; but, the next day, he sent his mother to the p ilace, to remind the sultan of his promise. Aladdin’s mother went to the palace, as her son had bid her, and stood before the divan, in the same place as before. The sultan had no sooner cast his eyes upon her, but he knew her again, and remembered her business, and how long he had put her off: therefore, when the grand vizier was be- ginning to make his report, the sultan interrupted him, and said, Vizier, I see the good woman who made methe present, some months ago; forbear your report till I hear what she has to say. ae " Aladdin’s mother came to the foot of the throne, and prostrated herself as usual, and, when she rose up again, the sultan asked her what she would — have. Sir, said she, I come to represent to your majesty, in the name of - my son, Aladdin, that the three months, at the end of which you ordered ~ me to come again, are expired; and to beg of you to remember your pro- mise. The sultan was very much perplexed, and knew not what to answer. Te consulted with bis grand vizier, who advised him to setso high a value upon the princess, that Aladdin would not be able to come up toit. The sultan, approving of the grand vizier’s advice, turned about to Aladdin’s mother, and, after some reflection, said to her, Good woman, I will fulfil my promise, as soon as your son shall send me forty basins of massy gold, primful of the same things you have already made me a present of, and carried by the like number of black slaves, who shall be led by as many handsome and well-made white slaves, all dressed magnificently. On these conditions, I am ready to bestow the princess, my daughter, on him; therefore, good woman, go and tell him so, and [ will wait till you bring me his answer, Aladdin’s mother prostrated herself a second time before the sultan’s throne, and retired. When she came home, she said to her son, Indeed, cuild, I would not have you think any farther of your marriage with the princess Badroulboudour, The sultan received me very kindly, and I be- lieve he was well inclined to you; but, if Iam not very much deceived, the grand vizier has made him change his mind, as you will guess from what I have to tell you. Then she gave her son an exact account of what _ the sultan said to her, and the conditions on which he consented to the match. Afterwards she said to him, The sultan expects your answer im- _ mediately; but, continued she, laughing, I believe he may wait long enough, Not so long, mother, as you imagine, replied Aladdin; the sultan is mis-. taken if he thinks, by this exorbitant demand, to prevent my entertaining thoughts of the princess. I expected greater difficulties, and that he would have set a higher price upon that incomparable princess, As soon as Alad- | acces 2 ge 3k hee ‘ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, = din’s mother was gone out to market, Aladdin took up the lamp, and rub- _- ping it, the genie appeared, and offered his service, as usual, ‘The sultan, said Aladdin to him, gives me the princess his daughter in Marriage: but — ~ demands first of me, forty Jarge basins of massy gold, brimful of the fruits _ of the garden from whence I took this lamp you are slave to; and these he- expects to have carried by as many black slaves, each preceded by a young handsome well-made white slave, richly clothed. Go, and fetch me this © pécsent as soon as possible, that I may send it to him before the divan | breaks up. The genie told him his command should be immediately obey- ee ~. ed, and disappeared. i eae : In a little time afterwards, the genie returned with forty slaves, each b al ing on his head a basin of massy gold, of twenty marks weight, full pearls, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, all larger and more beautiful thar those presented to the sultan before. Each basin was covered with sil- ver stuff, embroidered with flowers of gold: all these, and the white slaves, quite filled the house, which was but a small one, and the little court bee _ fore it, and the little garden behind. The genie asked Aladdin if he had - any other commands, Aladdin telling him he wanted nothing farther then, the genie disappeared. sot ‘ When Aladdin’s mother came from market, she was in a great surp to see so many people, and such vast riches. As soon as she had laid dow her provisions, she was going to pull off her veil; but Aladdin preven her, and said, Mother, let us lose no time: but, before the sultan and divan rise, [ would have you return to the palace, and go with this pre as the dowry he asked for the princess Badroulboudour, that he may j by my diligence and exactness, of the ardent and sincere zeal-I ha oy procure myself the honour of this alliance. Without waiting for his mo ther making areply, Aladdin opened the street-door, and made the slay walk out; a white slave followed always by a black one, with a basin on his - head. When they were all gone out, the mother followed the last black slave, and he shnt the door, and then retired to his chamber, full of hopes” that the sultan, after this present, which was such as he required, would _at length receive him as his son-in-law. As soon as the first slave had arrived at the palace-gate, the porte . formed themselves in order, and took him for a king, by the richness anl— magnificence of his, habit, and were going to kiss the hem of his garment; but the slave, who was instructed by the genie, prevented them, and said, We are only slaves: our master will appear at a proper time, ae ae As the sultan, who had been informed of their march and coming tothe © palace, had given orders for them to be admitted when they came, they inct with no obstacle, but went into the divan, in good order, one part fil-~ ing to the right, and the other to the left, After they were all entered, and — had formed a great semicircle before the sultan’s throne, the black slaves _ laid the basins on the carpet, and prostrated themselves, touching the car- pet with their foreheads, and, at the same time, the white slaves did the same, When they all rose again, the black slaves uncovered the basins, and th all stood, with their aris crossed over their breasts, with great modesty. __ In the meantime, Aladdin’s mother advanced to the foot of the throne, and, having paid her respects, said to the sultan, Sir, my son Aladdin _Sensibdle this present, which he has sent your majesty, is much below t princess Badroulboudour’s worth; but hopes, nevertheless, that your Jesty will accept of it, and make it agreeable to the princess, wi ap we ‘a, - re se tS Ye: Sos 4 =) i. Be . ie ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. 2153S greater confidence, that he has endeavoured to conform to the conditions you were pleased to impose on him. The sultan was not able to give the least attention to this compliment of Aladdin’s mother. The moment he cast his eyes on the forty basins, brimful of the most precious, brilliant, and beautiful jewels he had ever seen, and the four-score slaves, who ap- peared, by the comeliness of their persons, and the richness. and magnifi- cence of their dresses, like so many kings, he was so struck that he could not recove his admiration; but, instead of answering the compliment igM@ether, addressed himself to the grand vizier, who could not, @sultag, comprehend from whence such a profusion of ], vizier, said he, aloud, who do you think it can lex@m ordinary a present, and neither of us know? lhe princess Badroulboudour, my daughter? y his envy and grief to see a stranger preferred aay oe bre his son, durst not disguise his senti- — laddin’s present was more than sufficient fe that great alliance; therefore, adopting the this answer; I am so far, sir, from having o has made your majesty so noble a pre- sur you would do him, that I should be bold More, if I were not persuaded that the greatest trea- not to be put in a balance with the princess, your Mitan made no longer hesitation; but to send Aladdin’s mother th all the satisfaction she could desire, he said to her, Good woman, gogerd tell your son that I wait to receive him with open arms, and em- i £ (ce him; and the morc haste he makes to come and receive the princess; = mi daughter, from my hands, the greater pleasure he willdome, Assoon — — -as“Aladdin’s mother retired; the sultan put an end to the audience for that day; and, rising from his throne, ordered that the princess’s eunuchsshould come and carry those basins into their mistress’s apartment, whither he went. himself'to examine them with her at his leisure. The four-score slaves were not forgotten, but were conducted into the palace; and, some time after, the sultan, telling the princess Badroulboudour of their magnificent - — appearance, ordered them to be brought before her apartment, that she might see, through the lattices, whether he exaggorated in his account of - - them. at? | In the meantime, Aladdin’s mother got home, and showed, in her air ~~ and countenance, the good news she brought her son. My sor, said she to him, you have now all the reasons in the world to be pleased: the sul- | tan, with the approbation of the whole court, has declared that you are worthy to possess the princess Badroulboudour, and waits to embrace you, and conclude your marriage; therefore, you must think of making some ; preparations for that interview, that may answer the high opinion he has” _ a formed of your person; and, after the wonders I have seen you do, lam | ersuaded nothing can be wanting. Ai : Aladdin, charmed with this news, and full of the object which possessed _ this soul, made his mother very little reply, but retired to his chamber, -_. There, after he had rubbed his lamp, the obedient genie appeared. Genie, é said Aladdin, I want to bathe immediately; and you must afterwards pro- -_ yide me with the richest and most magnificent habit ever worn by a monarch. No sooner were the words out of his mouth, but the genie ” “© * aa * ‘ a & - x ; ee » - " ~~ - P. ; : ‘ j en SER Sa Reon paste he} ; 216. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. rendered him, as well as himself, invisible, and transported him into a os bath of the finest marble of all sorts of colours; where he was undressed, without seeing by whom, in a neat and spacious hall. From the hall he was led to the bath, which was of a moderate heat, and he was there rubs _ bed and washed with all sorts of scented water. After he had passed through several degrees of heat, he came out, quite a different man from what he was before. His skin was clear, white, and red, and his body lightsome and free; and, when he returned into the hall, he found, instead of his own, a suit, the magnificence of which very much surprised him, The genie helped him to dress, and, when he had done, transported him back to his own chamber, where he asked him if he had any other com- mands, Yes, answered Aladdin; I expect you should bring me, as soon as possible, a horse, that surpasses in beauty and goodness the best in the sultan’s stables, with a saddle, bridle, and housing, and other accoutre- ments, worth a million of money, I want also twenty slaves, as richly a clothed as those who carried the present to the sultan, to walk by my side, and follow me, and twenty more such to go before me in two ranks, Be- sides these, bring my mother six women slaves to wait on her, as richly dressed as any of the princess Badroulboudour’s, each loaded with a com> plete suit fit for any sultaness, I want also ten thousand pieces of gold in ag ten purses, Go, and make haste. As soon as Aladdin had given these orders, the genie disappeared, and — presently returned with the horse, the forty slaves, ten of whom carried — each a purse with one thousand pieces of gold, and six women slaves, each — carrying on her head a different dress for Aladdin’s mother, wrapped up in silver stuff; and presented them all to Aladdin. Of the ten purses, — Aladdin took but four, giving them to his mother, telling her those were to supply her with necessaries; the other six he left in the hands of the — - slaves who brought them, with an order tothrow them by handfulsamong the people, as they went to the sultan’s palace, When Aladdin had thus settled matters, he told the genie he would call _ % 3 for him when he wanted him, and thereupon the genie disappeared. Alad- din immediately mounted his horse, and began his march in the order we have already described; and, though he never was on a horse’s back be- _ fore, he appeared with such extraordinary grace, thatthe most experienced horseman would not have taken him for a novice. The streets through which he was to pass, were almost instantly filled with an innumerable ae concourse of people, who made the air echo with their acclamations, es- pecially every time the six slaves, who carried the purses, threw handfuls of gold into the street. As soon as the sultan perceived Aladdin, he was — no less surpriscd to see him more richly and magnificently clothed than ever he had been himself, than at his good mien, fine shape, and a certain air of unexpected grandeur, yery different from the meanness his mother appeared in. Bat, notwithstanding, his amazement and surprise did not hinder him from rising from off his throne, and descending two or three steps quick enough to prevent, Aladdin’s throwing himself at his feet. He embraced him with all the demonstrations of friendship. After this Cle vility, Aladdin would have cast himself at his feet again; but he heldhim fast by the hand, and obliged him to sit between him and the grand Vizier, a After conversing together a short time, the sultan gave a signal, and immediately the air echoed with the sound of trumpets, hautboys, and other musical instruments; and, at the same time, the sultan led Aladdin — “~ a ie : Re: a / aes be see oe ov. > ey 2 Pies > into a magnificent hall, where there was prepared a noble feast. The sul- tan and Aladdin eat by themselves, the grand vizier and the great lords of the court, according to their dignity and rank, waited allthe time. After the feast, the sultan sent for the chief judge of the capital, and ordered him to draw up immediately a contract of marriage between the princess Badroulboudour, his daughter, and Aladdin. When the judge had drawn up the contract in all the requisite forms, the sultan asked Aladdin if he would stay in the palace, and solemnize the ecremonies of marriage, that day. To which he answered, Sir, though great is my impatience to enjoy your majesty’s goodness, yet I beg of you ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. D7 \ to give me leave to defer it till I have built a palace fit to receive the prin-— cess in; I therefore desire you to grant me a convenient spot of ground near your palace, that I may come the more frequently to pay my respects to you; and I will take care to have it finished with all diligence. Son, said the sultan, take what ground you think proper: there is land enough before my palace. After these words, he embraced Aladdin again, who took his leave with as much politeness as if he had been bred, and always lived at court. Aladdin mounted his horse again, and returned home in the same order he came, with the acclamations of the people, who wished him all happi- ness and prosperity. As soon as he dismounted, he retired to his own chamber, took the lamp, and called the genie as before, who, in the usual manner, made him a tender of his service, Genie, said Aladdin, I would have you build me, as soon as youcan, a palace over-against, and at a pro- per distance from, the sultan’s, fit to receive my spouse, the princess Bad- roulboudour, I leave the choice of the materials to you; that is to say, porphyry, jasper, agate, lapis lazuli, and the finest marble, of the most varied colours, and of the rest of the building. But I expect that, in the highest © story of this palace, you shall build me a large hall with a dome, and four equal fronts; and that, instead of layers of bricks, the walls be made of © massy gold and silver, laid alternately: that each front shall contain six windows, the lattices of all which shall be so enriched with art and sym- metry, with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, that they shall exceed every thing of the kind that has ever been seen in the world. You understand Hh I mean: therefore go about it, and come and tell me when all is nished. By the time Aladdin had instructed the genie with his intentions re- specting the building of his palace, the sun was set. The next morning, by break of day, Aladdin, whose love for the princess would not let him sleep, was no sooner up, but the genie presented himself, and said, Sir, your palace is finished; come and see how you like it. Aladdin had no sooner signified his consent, but the genie transported him thither in an instant, and he found it so much beyond his expectation, that he could not enough admire it, The genie led him through all the apartments, where he met with nothing but what was rich and magnificent, with officers and slaves, all dressed according to their rank, and the services to which they were ap- ginted, When Aladdin had examined the palace from top to bottom, and par- . ticularly the hall with the four-and-twenty windows, and found it much be- ond whatever he could have imagined, he said to the genie, Genie, no one can be better satisfied than I am; and, indeed, I should be very much to plame if I found any fault, There is only one thing wanting, which I for- va es MG . ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, = - apartment designed for the princess, a carpet of fine velvet for her to walk - in the midst of the offizers that surrounded him, and she was charmed with _ sired, exeeuted that minute. xe brought her, By the time the sultan came from the council, Aladdin had ie the princess, towards evening, to her palace. As for Aladdin, he mounted _ her, accosting her, and saluting her respectfully, if I have the misfortune t _ lovely a princess, and my sultan’s daughter, I must tell you that you ough - re got to mention; that is, to lay from the sultan’s palace to the door of the upon. The genie immediately disappeared, and Aladdin saw what he de- : When the porters, who had always been used to an open prospect,came to open the gates, they were amazed to find it obstructed, and toseeacar- pet of velvet spread for a great way. They did not immediately see what =~ it meant; but when they could discern Aladdin’s palace distinctly, their surprise was increased. ‘The news of so extraordinary a wonder was pre- sently spread through the palace. The grand vizier, who came soon after — the gates were open, was no less amazed than other people at this novelty, — but ran and acquainted the sultan, and endeavoured to make him believe —__ it to be all enchantment. Vizier, replied the sultan, why will you haveit to be enchantment? You know, as well as I, that it is Aladdin’s palace ow which I gave him leave to build, to receive my daughter in, After the proof we have had of his riches, can we think it strange that he should build a palace in so short a time? e. prepared his mother to go to the palace with her slaves, and desired her, if — she saw the sultan, to tell him she came to do herself the honour to attend ~ hishorse, and took leave of his paternal house for ever; taking care not to — forget his wonderful lamp, by the assistance of which he had reaped such advantages, and arrived at the utmost height of his wishes; and went to the palace in the same pomp as the day before. ee Aladdin’s mother was reccived in the palace with honour, and intro- — duced into the princess Badroulboudour’s apartment, by the chief of the eunuchs, As soon as the princess saw her, she went and saluted her,and — desired her to sit down on her sofa; and, while her women made an end of dressing her, and adorned her with the jewels Aladdin had presented her with, a noble collation was served up. =e When it was night, the princess took her leave of the sultan, her father; EPs their adieus were tender, and accompanied with tears. They embraced each other several times; and, at last, the princess left her ownapartment, aud set forward for Aladdin’s palace, with his mother on her lefthand, followed by a hundred women slaves, dressed with surprising magnificence. All the bands of music, which played from the time of Aladdin’s mother’s — arrival, joined together, led the way, followed by a hundred chiaoux, and ~ the like number of black eunuchs, in two files, with their officers at their ~ head. Four hundred of the sultan’s young pages carried flambeaux on each side, which, together with the illuminations of the sultan’s and Alad- | din’s palaces, made it as light as day. - ae “At length the princess arrived at the new palace. Aladdin ran with ~ all imaginable joy to receive her at the entrance of the apartment appoint-~ ed for him. His mother had taken care to point him out to the princess, his person as soon as she saw him, Adorable princess, said Aladdin to have displeased you by my boldness, in aspiring to the possession of s — ae a Mi 5 k NA FS: +2 peed, te z : ‘ beets ane ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENT, 219° 4 i Se. to blame your bright eyes and charms, not me. Prince, (as I may now call - -you,) answered the princess, I am obedient to the will of my father; and . it is enough for me to have seen you, to tell you that I obey without re- _ luctance. ’ Then Aladdin led the princess to the place appointed for her; and, as “soon as she and his mother were sat down, a band of the most harmonious instruments, accompanied with the voices of beautiful ladies, began a con- cert, which lasted, without intermission, to the end of the repast. The princess was so charmed, that she declared she never heard any thing like it in the sultan her father’s court; but she knew not that these musicians were fairies chosen by the genie, slave of the lamp. - When the supper was ended, and the table taken away, there entered a company of dancers, who danced, according to the custom of the country, several figure dances, ending with a dancing man and woman, who per- formed their parts with surprising lightness and _ agility, and showed all the address they were capable of, About midnight, Aladdin, according to tle custom of that time in China, rose up, and presented his hand to the princess Badroulboudour to dance with her, and to finish the ceremonies of their nuptials. They danced with so good a grace, that they were the admiration of all the company. When they left off, Aladdin did not let the princess’s hand go, but led her to the apartment where the nuptial bed was prepared. The princess’s women helped to undress her, and pat her to bed: Aladdin’s officers did the same by him; and then all retired, ‘Thus ended the ceremonies and rejoicings at the marriage of Aladdin with the princess Badroulboudour., The next morning, when Aladdin awoke, his valets-de-chambre present- ed themselves to dress him, and brought him another habit, as rich and magnificent as that he wore the day before. Then he ordered one of the horses appointed for his use to be got ready, mounted him, and went, in the midst of a large troop of slaves, to the sultan’s palace. The sultan re- ceived flim with the same honours as before, embraced him, placed him on tlie throne near him, and ordered in breakfast. Aladdin replied, I beg your majesty willl dispense with me from accepting that honour to-day; I came to ask you to come and take a repast in the princess’s palace, at~- tended by your grand vizier and all the lords of your court. The sultan consented with pleasure, rose up immediately, and, as it was not far off, went thither on foot. . The nearer the sultan approached Aladdin’s palace, the more he was struck with its beauty, but was much more amazed when he entered it; and could not forbear breaking out into exclamations of approbation, But, ‘when he came into the hall with the four-and-twenty windows, into which Aladdin had invited him, and had seen the ornaments, and, above all, cast » his eyes on the windows, enriched with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, all . large perfect stones; and, when Aladdin had observed to him that it was as rich on the outside, he was so much surprised that he remained some time motionless. After he had recovered from his astonishment, he pro- ceeded to view the other splendours of the palace; and every fresh hall he went into increased his wonder and admiration, After the sultan had sa - tiated his curiosity a little, with viewing this unrivalled palace, Aladdin led him into the hall where the princess was; and she received him in such a manner as convinced her father that she was highly gratified with her ‘marriage. They then sat down to a sumptuous repast, and the sultan was ¥ +. a SF a ae te ots i] 2 a Pre 1, ~~ : 2 ~ . ‘ 3 arg ih nt ‘ai , : . f z r 920—Ci«;. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. => “ in raptures with the choice delicacies of which he partook. Indeed,he —~ could never give over talking of and praising what he had seen in this wonderful palace. : ee Aladdin received these praises from the sultan with a great deal of mo-- desty, and replied in these words: Sir, it is a great honour to me tode- serve your majesty’s good will and approbation, and, I assure-you, I shall study to deserve them more. ‘The sultan returned to his palace as he came, but would not let Aladdin go back with him. When hecamethere, _ he found his grand vizier waiting for him, to whom he related the won- ders he had been a witness of, with the utmost admiration, and, in such terms as left the minister no room to doubt but that the fact was asthe ~~ sultan related it; though he was the more confirmed in his belief that — Aladdin’s palace was the effect of enchantment, as he told the sultan, the first moment he saw it. oy alee All this time Aladdin did not confine himself in his palace, but took = care to appear once or twice a-week in the town, by going sometimes to one mosque, and sometimes to another, to prayers, or to pay a visit tothe = grand vizier, who affected to pay his court to him on certain days, or to do the principal lords of the court the honour to return their visits, affgr he had regaled them at his palace. Every time he went out, he caused = two slaves, who walked by the side of his horse, to throw handfuls ofmo- ney among the people, as he passed through the streets and squares, which were generally, on these occasions, crowded. . Besides, no one came to hig palace gates to ask alms, but returned satisfied with his liberality."In short, = he so divided his time, that not a week passed, but ‘Aladdin went either once or twice a hunting, sometimes in the environs of the city, sometimes farther off; at which time, the villages through which he passed, felt the =~ effects of his gencrosity, which gained him the love and blessings of the re people; and it was common for them to swear by his hand, LE ‘Aladdin had behaved himself after this manner for several yeafs, when the African magician, who undesignedly had been the instrument of raise ing him to so high a pitch of fortune, bethought himself of him, in Affica, | ee whither, after his expedition, he returned: and, though he was almost persuaded that Aladdin died miserably in the subterraneous abode, where he left him, yet he had the curiosity to inform himself about his end, with =~ certainty; and, as he was a great geomancer, he took, out of acupboard,a square covered box, which he made use-of in his geomantic observations, Pe, ~ pg ATT then sat himself down on his sofa, set it before him, and uncovered it. Af- | ae ter he had prepared and levelled the sand which was in it, with aninten- tion to discover whether or no Aladdin died in the subterraneous abode, cast the points, drew the figures, and formed a horoscope, by which, when = ey ae Ff Seth Sem Oot as 5) set P : ~ A \ ee ARABIAN NIGHTS’? ENTERTAINMENTS, s 221 himself and horse, till he arrived at the capital of China, He alighted, took up his lodging in a khan, and stayed there the remainder of the day and the night, to refresh himself after so long a journey. ~ The next day, his first object was to inquire what people said of Alad- din; and, taking a walk through the town, he went to the most public and frequented places, where the people of the best distinction met to drink a certain warm liquor, which he had drunk often when he was there before. As soon as he had sat down, he was presented with a glass of it, which he took; but, listening at the same time to the discourse of the company on each side of him, he heard them talking of Aladdin’s palace. When he had drunk off his glass, he joined them; and, taking this opportunity, he asked them particalarly what palace that was they spoke so advantageously of, From whence come you? said the person to whom he addressed him- self; you must, certainly, be a stranger, not to have seen or heard talk of prince Aladdin’s palace, (for he was called so after his marriage with the princess Badroulboudour). I do not say, continued the man, that it is one of the wonders of the world, but that it is the only wonder of the world; since nothing so grand, rich, and magnificent, was ever seen. Cer- tainly, you must have come from a great distance, not to have heard of it; it must have been talked of all over the world. Go and see it, and then judge whether I have told you more than the truth, The person to whom the African magician addressed himself, took a pleasure in showing him the way to Aladdin’s palace, and he got up, and went thither instantly. When he came to the palace, and had examined it on all sides, he doubted not but that Aladdin had made use of the lan.p to build it, ‘The next thing was to know where the lamp was; if Aladdin carried it about with him, or where he kept it; and this he was to discover _ by an operation of geomancy. A& soon as he entered hislodging, he took his square box of sand, which he always carried along with him when he travelled, and, after he had performed some operations, he knew that the lamp was in Aladdin’s palace; and, sopgreat was his joy at the discovery, that hecould hardly contain himself. - The magician heard that’ Aladdin was gone out a hunting for eight days, and said to himself, This is atopportunity I ought by no means to let slip, but will make the best use_of it. To that end he went to a maker and seller of lamps, and asked him for a dozen copper lamps. The master of the shop told him he had not so many by him, but, if he would have pa- tience fillthe next day, he would get him so many against any time he had a mind to have them, The magician appointed his time, and bid him take care that they should be handsome and well polished. After pro- mising to pay him well, he returned to his inn. The next day, the magi- cian called for the twelve lamps, paid the man his full price for them, put them into a basket which he brought on purpose, and, with the basket hanging on his arm, went directly to Aladdin’s palace; and, when he \ came neat it, he began erying, Who will change old lamps for new ones? - -He repeated this so often, walking backwards and forwards about the princess Badroulboudour’s palace, that the princess, who was then in the _ hall with the four-and-twenty windows, hearing a man cry something, and not being able to distinguish his words, by reason of the hooting of the is children, and the increasing mob about him, sent one of her wome nslaves ~ —* down to know what he cried. -_- ‘The slave was not long before she returned, and ran into the hall, laugh- re basket on his arm, full of fine new lamps, ask to change them for old ones? — ‘a i oe _ "ARABIAN NrgrrTs® ENTERTAINMENTS. a eee ing so heartily, that the princess could not forbear herself, Well, gigwtor, said the princess, will you tell me what you laugh at? Madam, answered the slave, laughing still, who can forbear laughing to see a fool, with a The children and mob, crowding about him so that he can hardly stir, make all the noise they can by deriding him, Another woman slave, hearing — ee ~ } this, said, Now you speak of lamps, I know not whether the princess may have observed, but there is an old one upon the cornice, and, whoever owns it, will not be sorry to find a new one in its stead. : ia The lamp this slave spoke of was Aladdin’s wonderful lamp, which -he, for fear of losing it, had laid upon the cornice, before he went to hunt, The princess Badroulboudour, who knew not the value of this lamp, ant the interest that Aladdin, not to mention herself, had to keep it sate from. every body else, entered into the pleasantry, and bid an eunuch take it, and go and make the exchange. The eunuch obeyed, and went out ofthe hall, and no sooner got to the palace gates, but he saw the African magi- ~~ -cian, called to him, and, showing him the old lamp, said to him, Give me > a new lamp for this, The magician never doubted but this was the lamp si ~~ he wanted. There could be no other such in this palace, where all was gold or silver. He snatched it eagerly out of the eunuch’s hand, and, thrusting it as far as he could into his breast, offered him his basket, and bid him choose which he liked best. The eunuch picked out one, and car-— ried it to the princess Badroulboudour, ae As soon as the magician got out of the square between the two palaces, he skulked down the streets which were the least frequented; and,having no more occasion for his lamps or his basket, set all down in the midst of ~ a street where nobody saw him; then, scouring down another street or" .two, he walked till he came to one of the city gates, and, pursuing hisway through the suburbs, which were very long, got into the fields, andturned =~ into a road which led to a lonely remote place, where he stopped for a time to execute the design he came about, never caring for hishorse, which he left at the khan, but thinking. himself perfectly compensated by the treasure he had acquired. <0 In this place, the African magician passed the remainder of the day, till- the darkest time of night, when he pulled the lamp out of his breast, and rubbed it, At that summons, the genie appeared, and said, What wouldst thou have? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of allthose — mi who have that lamp in their hands; both I and the other slaves of the — sat = S ae Say lamp. I command thee, replied the magician, to transport meimmediately, E _ and the palace which thou and the other slaves of the lamp have builtin this town, such as it is, and with all the people in it, to sucha place in Africa, . The genie made no reply, but, with the assistance of the other — genies, the slaves of the lamp, transported him and the palace entire, im= prise of the sultan. ean As soon as the sultan rose the next morning, according to custom, he went into his closet, to have the pleasure of contemplating and admiring Aladdin’s palace; but, when he first looked that way, and, instead of apa- lace, saw an empty space, such as it was before the palace was built, he — thonght he was mistaken, and rubbed his eyes; he looked again, and saw) nothing more the second time than the first, though the weather was very pe Six te SES Aer a Saari oars ARADTAN NIGHTS? ENTERTAINMENTS. — LORS SBOE ay s = fine, the sky clear, and the day-break, beginning to appear, made all ob- jects very distinct, -At last he retired to his apartment, not without look- — ing behind him before he quitted the spot, and ordered the grand vizier to be fetched in all haste: and, in the meantime, sat down; his mind agi- ‘tated by so many different thoughts, that he knew not what to re- solve on. The grand vizier did not make the sultan wait long for him, but came with so much precipitation, that neither he nor his attendants, as they passed by, missed Aladdin’s palace; neither did the porters, when they — opened the palace gates, observe any alteration. When he came into the sultan’s presence, le said to him, Sire, the haste. 5 - in which your majesty sent for me, makes me believe something veryex- traordinary has happened, since you know this is council-day, and I shall not fail attending you there very soon. Indeed, said the sultan, it is some- thing very extraordinary, as you say, and you will allow it to be so: tell ~ me what has become of Aladdin’s palace? Go into my closet, and tell me if you can see it. The grand vizier went into the closet, whcre he was struck with no less amazement than the sultan had been. When he was well assured that there was not the least appearance of the palace, he returned to the sultan, ‘Well, said the sultan, have you seen Aladdin’s palace? Sire, answeredthe ~ vizier, your majesty may remember that I had the honour to tell you that. that palace, which was the subject of your admiration, with all its immense riches, was only the work of magic and a magician; but your majesty would - not pay the least attention to what I said. ~ The sultan flew into a great passion. Where is that impostor, that wicked wretch, said he, that I may have his head cut off immediately ? Sire, replied the grand vizier, it is some days since he came to take his leave of your majesty: he ought to be sent to, to know what is become of his palace, since he cannot be ignorant of what has been transacted, This is too great an indulgence, replied the sultan; go and order a detachment of thirty horse to bring him to me, loaded with chains. The grand vizier svent, and gave orders for a detachment of thirty horse, and instructed the officer who commanded them, how they were to act, that Aladdin might not escape them, .The detachment pursued their orders; and, about five or six leagues from the town, met him returning from hunting. The offi- cer went up to him, and told him that the sultan was so impatient to see — him, that he had sent him to accompany him home. Aladdin had not the least suspicion of the true reason of their meeting him, but pursued ‘his way hunting; but, when he came within halfa league of the city, the detachment surrounded him, and the officer addressed him- self to him, and said, Prince Aladdin, it is with great regret that Ideclare to you the sultan’s order to arrest you, and to carry you before him as a criminal. I beg of you not to take it ill that we acquit ourselves of our: ~ duty, and to forgive us, Aladdin was carried before the sultan, who waited for him, attended by the grand vizier, in a balcony; and, as sooa as hesaw. -. > him, he ordered the executioner, who waited there on purpose, to cut off his head, Before the executioner struck the blow, Aladdin begged the ee ' sultan to inform him of his crime. The sultan then asked what had be- come of his palace and his daughter. Aladdin was thunderstruck when he could not see his palace; and begged of the sultan to allow him forty — ie ~ pre fe * OF be Re Lp ee ee a ey z a : aH: : 4; REE Be Pe Peat eS ODE ie ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, days’ time, to enable him to find his palace. The sultan granted his re- quest; telling him that, if he did not succeed, his head should answer for it. Aladdin went out of the sultan’s presence, with great humiliation, and in a condition worthy of pity. He crossed the courts of the palace, hang- ing down his head, and in so great confusion that he durst not lift up his eyes. For three days he rambled about the city, without coming to any resolution, or eating anything but what some good people forced him to take out of charity. At last, as he could no longer, in his unhappy con- dition, stay in a city where he had formerly made so fine a figure, he quit- ted it, and took the road to the country;, and, after he had traversed several — fields in a frightful uncertainty, at the approach of night, he came toa ~ river side, There, possessed by his despair, he was just going to throw himself into the river, but, as a good Mussulman, true to his religion, he thought he could not do it without first saying his prayers. Goingtopre~ — pare himself, he went first to the river side to wash his hands and face, ac-. cording to custom. But that place being deep and slippery, by reason of the water beating against it, he slid down, and had certainly fallen into the river, but for a little rock which projected about two feet out of the . earth, Happily also for him, he still had on the ring which the African magician put on his finger, before he went down into the subterraneous — abode to fetch the precious lamp, which had not beentakenfromhim. In slipping down the bank, he rubbed the ring so hard by holding onthe'rock, ~*~ that immediately the same genie appeared whom he saw in thecave where the magician left him, What wouldst thou have? said the genie Iam ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all those that have that— ring on their finger; both I and the other slaves of the ring. 2 FE Aladdin, agreeably surprised at_an apparition he so little expected in the despair he was in, replied, Save my life, genie, a second time, either by showing me the place where the palace I have caused to be built now _ Stands, or immediately transport jt back where it first stood. What you — command me, answered the genie, is not inmy power, Iam onlytheslave of the ring; you must address yourself to the slave of the lamp. Ifit be — so, replied Aladdin, I command thee, by the power of the ring, to trans- port me to the place where my palace stands, in what part of the world — soever it is, and set me down under the princess Badroulboudour’s win- -— dow. ‘These words were no sooner out of his mouth, but the genie trans- _ ported him into Africa, to the midst of a large meadow, where his palace stood, a small distance from a great city; and set him exactly under the windows of the princess’s apartment, andthenleft him. Allthis wasdone almost in an instant. Aladdin, notwithstanding the darkness of the night, knew his palace, and the princess Badroulboudour’s apartment again very _ well; but, as the night was far advanced, and all was quiet in the palace, he retired to some distance, and fell asleep at the foot of a large tree. ii The next morning, as soon as day appeared, Aladdin was agreeably awakened, not only by the singing of the birds which had roosted in the tree under which he had passed the night, but all those which perched in the thick trees of the palace garden. When he cast his eyes on that won- — 35 ~ derful edifice, he felt an inexpressible joy, to think he should soon bemas- _ ter of it again, and once more possess his dear princess Badroulboudour, Pleased with these hopes, he immediately got up, went towards the prin- cet cess’s apartment, and walked some time under her window, in expectation — fee of her rising, that he might see her. During this expectation, he began to vi ie a bos Tee De SE + ¢ 235 ‘consider with himself from whence the cause of his misfortune proceeded; and, after mature reflection, he no longer doubted that it was owing to his having put his lamp out of his sight. ‘ The princess Badroulboudour rose earlier that morning than she had ' done since her transportation into Africa by the magician, whose presénce she was forced to support once a day, because he was master of the palace; but she had always treated him so harshly, that he dared not reside in it. _ As she was dressing, one of the women, looking through the window, per- © ceived Aladdin, and presently ran and told her mistress, The princess, ~ = who could not believe the news, went that moment herself to the window, and, seeing Aladdin, immediately opened it, ‘The noise the princess made in opening the window, made Aladdin turn his head that way, who, know- ing the princess, saluted her with an air that expressed his joy. To lose no time, said she to him, I have sent to have the private door opened for you: enter, and come up. : The private door, which was just under the princess’s apartment, was soon opened, and Aladdin was conducted up into the princess’s chamber. _ It was impossible to express the joy of those lovers at seeing each other, after a separation which they both thought was for ever, Aladdin, re- suming the discourse, said, I beg of you, princess, in God’s name, before we talk of any thing else, to tell me what is become of an old lamp which I left upon the cornice, in the hall of the four-and-twenty windows, before I went to hunt, Alas! dear husband, answered the princess, I am afraid our misfortune is owing to that lamp; and what grieves me most is, that L have been the cause of it. Princess, replied Aladdin, do not blame your- sel{, since it was entirely my fault, and I ought to have taken more care of it. Then the princess Badroulboudour gave Aladdin an account how she changed the old lamp for a new one, which she ordered to be fetched, that he might see it, and how the next morning she found herself in the un- known country they were then in, which, she was told, was Africa, by the _ traitor who had transported her thither by his magic art. aieca Princess, said Aladdin, interrup‘ing her, you have informed me who the ~ ~ .traitor is, by telling me we are in Africa, He is the most perfidious of all - men; but this is neither a time nor place to give you a full account of his villanies, I desire you only to tcil me what he has done with the lamp, and where he has put it. He carries it carefully wrapt up in his bosom, said the princess, and this I can assure you, because he pulled it out be- fore me, and showed it to me in triumph. When they had talked some time longer, Aladdin took his leave of the princess, and went to the next town,.and purchased a certain powder at the druggist’s shop. He then returned to the palace, where he waited not long at the private door, When he came into the princess’s apartment, he said to her, Princess, perhaps the aversion you tell me you have for’ your ravisher may be an objection to your executing what I'am going to propose to you; but give me leave to tell yor, it is proper that you should. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS at this juncture dissemble a little, and do violence to your inclinations, if ~ you would deliver yourself from him, and give my lord the sultan your father the satisfaction of seeing you again, i$ If you will tke my advice, continued he, dress yourself this moment in one of your richest habits, and, when the African magician comes, make - no difficulty to give him the best reception; receive him with an open ez phate ECE ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, countenance, without affectation or constraint, yet soas that, if there fe-- E mains any cloud of affliction he may imagine time will dissipate it. In oe your conversation, let him understand that you strive to forget me; and, that he may be the more fully convinced of your sincerity, invite him to _ sup with you, and give him to understand you should begladtotastesome of the best wines of his country. He will presently go to fetch you some. During his absence, put into one of the cups like that you are accustomed re to drink out of, this powder, and, setting it by, charge the slaveyoudesign that night to attend you, upon a signal you shall agree upon with her, to — bring that cup to you. When the magician and you have eatenand drunk a3 much as you choose, let her bring you the cup, and change cups with 7 him. He will take it as so great a favour, that he will not refuse you,and —— will empty the cup; but no sooner will he have drunk it off, than you will see him fall backwards. Ifyou have any reluctance to drink out of his cup, you may pretend only to do it without fear of being discovered; for _ the effect of the powder will be so quick, that he will not have time cnough to know whether you drink or not. . Peak, When Aladdin had finished, I own, answered the princess, I shall do myself great violence in consenting to make the magician such advances” -s as I see are absolutely necessary for me to make; but what cannot one ~ resolve to do against a cruel enemy? I will therefore follow your advice, — since both my repose and yours depend on it. After the princess had ~ agreed to the measures proposed by Aladdin, he took his leave of her,and went and spent the rest of the day in the neighbourhood of the palace, till: _ it was night, when he might safely return to the private door. it _ The princess Badroulboudour, who was not only inconsolable to be se= parated from her dear husband, whom she loved from the first moment, and still continued to love more out of inclination than duty, but also from if the sultan her father, who had always shown a tender and parental love —_ for her, had, ever since that cruel separation, lived in great neglect of her person. She had almost, as one may say, forgot the neatness so becoming persons of her sex and quality, particularly after the first: time the magi- cian paid her a visit; and she understood, by some of the women, who ~ knew him again, that it was he who took the old lamp in exchange for a | new one, which notorious cheat made the sight of him more abhorred. However, the opportunity of taking the revenge he deserved, sooner than _ she durst hope for, made her resolve to gratify Aladdin, As soon, there-— fore, as he was gone, she sat down at her toilet, and was dressed by her — women to the best advantage, in the richest habit, most suitable to her — design. Her girdle was of the finest and largest diamonds set in gold, »— Ls es, a) ee +, a SAN bys ny Mir Se ie ee 4s) Fete FR pe monds and rubies intermixed, answered admirably to the richness of the girdle and necklace. ; ee. When the princess Badroulboudour was completely dressed, she con-_ sulted her glass and women upon her adjustment; and, when she found — she wanted no charms to flatter the foolish passion of the African mugi- “i Doras 4: cian, she sat down ona sofa, expecting his arrival. me tk 2 «6 - hates The magician came, at the usual hour; and, as soon as he entered the ~ great hall, where the princess waited to receive him, she rose up in all si ; ee a sie ‘Rak ae aes Te ee SS ere. we re Po ee oe RN DS Ae 5 - se r ht Ra = . be ery BAI DS Ee ~ > KES z “ ¥ > 5 aa Veet PORE Aen We A =e se ager 2 < 2 aye aT as oo 3 id “9 Anse. Pay A oll ee Soe ae : a = ~ - P pee ie her charms, and pointed with her hand to the most honourable place, waiting till he sat down, that she might sit at the same time, which was a piece of civility she had never shown him before. The African magician, dazzled more with the lustre of the princess’s surprised, ‘The majestic and graceful air with which she received him, so _ Opposite to her former behaviour, quite confounded him. > When he was sat down, the princess, to free him from his embarrass- ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Be) yb eyes than the glittering of the jewels which adorned her, was very much _ ment, broke silence first; looking at him all the time ina manner sufficient — to make him believe he was not so odious to heras she had given himto understand before; she said to him, You are doubtless amazed to find me ~. so much altered to-day from what I used to be; but your surprise will not be so great when I acquaint you that Iam naturally of a disposition ~ so opposite to melancholy and grief, sorrow and uneasiness, that I always —. strive to put them as far away as possible, when I find that the subject of them is past, I have reflected on what you told me of Aladdin’s fate, and know the sultan my father’s temper so well, that Iam persuaded, with you, that Aladdin could not escape the terrible effects of his rage: where- fore should I continue to lament him all my life; my tears cannot recall — him. For this reason, after I have paid all the duties my love requires of © me to his memory, now he is in the grave, I think I oucht to endeavour to comfort mysclf, ‘These are the motives of the change you see in me; and, to begin to cast off all melancholy, I am resolved to banish it entirely, | ~and, persuaded you will bear me company to-night, I have ordered a sup- per to be prepared; but, as I have no wines but of China, I have a great - desire to taste of the product of Africa, where I now am, and doubt not you will get some of the best. The African magician, who looked upor the happiness of coming so soon and so easily into the princess Badroul- bsudour's good graces as impossible, could not think of words expressive enough to testify how sensible he was of her favours: but, to put an end the sooner to a vonversation which would have embarrassed him, if he had engaged farther in it, he turned it upon the w.nes of Africa, and said, of all the advantages Africa can boast, that of producing the most excellent wines is one of the principal. I have a vessel of seven years old, which has never been broached; and it is indced not praising it too much to say it is the finest in the world. If my princess, added he, will give me leave, ~ I will go and fetch two bottles, and return again immediately. I should be sorry to give you that trouble, replied the princess: youhad better send forthem. It is necessary I should go myself, answered the African ma- gician; for nobody but myself knows where the key of the cellar is laid, ~ or has the secret to unlock the door. If it be so, said the princess, make haste back again; for the longer you stay, the greater will be my impa- tience, and we shall sit down to supper as soon as you come back. The African magician, full of hopes of his expected happiness, rather — ig | flew than ran, and returned quickly with the wine, The princess, not doubting in the least but he would make haste, put with her own hand the powder Aladdin gave her into the cup that was set apart for that pur- ose. ‘They sat down atthe table, opposite to each other, the magician’s the table, and said to him, If you please, I will entertain you with a con- . back towards the beaufet. The princess presented him with the best at — cert of vocal and instrumental music: but, as we-are only two, I think a : FF ee OS A ee tae! CF 5 ee - eee } STE EE ores Zieh aj ae ¥> ty sak A aie ‘3. Ne ie PS LSOM vem e ; fA. hte x 958 ARABIAN NIGHTS" ENTERTAINMENTS. / = ‘ é : E - ee : 9 a conversation may be more agreeable, This the magician took as a new. favour. After they had eaten some time, the princess called for some wine, and Pf drank the magician’s health; and afterwards said to him, Indeed you were in the right to.commend your wine, since I never tasted any so delicious in my life. Charming princess, said he, holding in his hand the cup which had been presented to him, my wine becomes more exquisite by your ap- probation of it. Then drink my health, replied the princess; you will find I understand wines. He drank the princess’s health, and, returning the cup, said, 1 think myself happy, princess, that I reserved this wine for so good an occasion; and I own I never drank any so excellent in every respect. = When they had drunk two or three cups more a-picce, the princess, who had completely charmed the African magician by her civility and oblig- ing behaviour, gave the, signal to the slave who served them with wine, — bidding her bring the cup which had been filled for herself, and at the same time bring the magician a full cup. When they both had their cups in ‘their hands, she said to him, I know not hdw you here express your loves, when drinking together as we are: with us, in China, the lover and his mis- tress reciprocally exchange cups, and drink each other’s health: at the same time she presented to him the cup which was in her hand, and held out her hand to receive his. He, for his part, hastened to make the ex- change with the more pleasure, because he looked upon this favour as the most certain token of an entire conquest over the princess, which raised — his happiness to its height. Before he drank, he said to her, with the cup — in his hand, Indeed, princess, we Africans are not so refined in the art of love as you Chinese; aud instructing me in a lesson I was ignorant of, in- \ forms me how sensible I ought to be of the favour doneme. Ishallnever, — lovely princess, forget my recovering, by drinking out of your cup, that life, which your cruelty, had it continued, would have made me despair of. The princess Badroulboudour, who began to be tired with this barefaced declaration of the African magician, interrupted him, and said, Let us drink oa first, and then say what you will afterwards; and at the same time set the cup to her lips, while the African magiciar, who was eager to get his wine off first, drank up the very last drop. In finishing it, he had reclined his head back to show his eagerness, and remained some time in that state. — The princess kept her cup at hor lips, till she saw his eyes turnin his head, and he fell backwards lifeless. The princess had no occasion to order the back-door to be opened to i Aladdin, for her women were so disposed, from the great hall to the foot of the staircasc, that the word was no sooner given that the African ma- — — gician was fallen backwards, but the door opened, that instant. As soon — as Aladdin entered the hall, he saw the magician stretched backwards on tae sofa, The princess Badroulboudour rose from her seat, and ran over-_ joyed to him to embrace him; but he stopped her, and said, Princess, itis not yet time; oblige me by retiring to your apartment, and let me be left _ alone a moment, while I endeavour to transport you back to China, as soon as you were brought from thence. _ When the princess, her women, and eunuchs, were gone out of thehall, — _ Aladdin shut the door, and, going directly to the dead body of the magi- — cian, opened his vest, and took out the lamp carefully wrapt up, asthe prin= cess told him, and unfolding and rubbing it, the genie immediately ap- WY er ; Ure » ea 7 vey rot % e ies i ; Poa! < ns wes = : % . x Witten er fe _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. — fae es ee peared. Genie, said Aladdin, I have called thee to command thee, on the part of thy good mistress, this lamp, to transport this palace presently into China, to the same place from whence it was. brought hither. The genie _ bowed his head, in token of obedience, and disappeared. Immediately the palace was transported into China, and its removal was only felt by two little shocks, the one when it was lifted up, the other when it wasset down, and both in a very short interval of time. Aladdin went down to the princess’s apartment, and, embracing her, said, I can assure you, princess, that your joy and mine will be complete to-morrow morning. ‘The princess, who had not quite supped, guessing that Aladdin might be hungry, ordered the meats that were served up in uhe great hall, and were scarce touched, to be brought down, The prin- cess and Aladdin eat as much as they thought tit, and drank, in like man- ner, of the African magician’s old wine; during which time their discourse ~ could not be any otherwise than satisfactory: and then they retired to their own chamber, From the time of the transportation of Aladdin’s palace, and of the prin- - - cess Badroulboudour in it, the sultan, that princess’s father, was inconso- lable for the loss of her, ashe considered it. He hardly slept, night or day; and, instead of taking measures to avoid every thing that could keep up his affliction, he, on the contrary, indulged it; for whereas, before, he used to go every morning into his closet to please himself with that agreeable. prospect, he went now many times in the day to renew his tears, and plunge himself into the deepest melancholy, by the idea of no more seeing that which once gave him so much pleasure, and reflecting how he had lost what was most dear to him in this world. The very morning of the return of Aladdin’s palace, the sultan went, by break of day, into his closet to indulge his sorrows. Collected in himself, — and in a pensive mood, he cast his eyes, in a melancholy manner, towards he place where he remembered the palace once stood, expecting only to see an open space; but, perceiving that vacancy filled up, he at first ima-_~ gined it to be the effect of a fog; but, looking more attentively, he was convinced, beyond the power of doubt, that it was his son-in-law’s palace, - Then joy and gladness succeeded to sorrow and grief, He returned im- mediately into his apartment, and ordered a horse to be saddled and brought to him in all haste, which he mounted that instant, thinking he could not make haste enough to get to Aladdin’s palace, Aladdin, who- foresaw what would happen, rose that morning by day-break, put on one of the most magnificent habits his wardrobe afforded, and went up into the hall of twenty-four windows, from whence he perceived the sultan coming, and got down soon enough to receive him at the foot of the great stair- case, and to help him to dismount. Aladdin, said the sultan, I cannot speak to you till I have seen and embraced my daughter, He led the sultan into the princess Badroulboudour’s apartment, who, having been told by him, when he rose, that she was no longer in Africa, but in China, and in the capital of the sultan her father, had just done dressing herself. The sultan embraced her, with his face bathed in tears: of joy; and the princess, on her side, gave him all the testimonies of the extreme pleasure the sight of him gave her. . -'The sultan was some time before he could open his lips, so great was his surprise and joy to find his daughter again, after he had given her up for lost; and the princess, after seeing her father, let fall tearsofjoy. At last as : ARABIAN NIGHTS 1 ENTERTAINMENTS, Bie ager the saltin toke silence, atid said, I would believe, daughter, your joy 100 -see me makes you seem so little changed, as ifno misfortune had befallen oe you; for a large palace cannot be so suddenly transported as yours. has: . been, without great fright and terrible anguish. I would have youtell me all that has happened, ‘and conceal nothing from me, The princess, ‘who © took great pleasure in giving the sultan the satisfaction he demanded, said, - sir, if [ appear so little altered, I beg of your majesty to consider that ies received new life, yesterday morning, by the presence of my dear husband — and deliverer, Aladdin, whom I looked upon and bewailed as lost to me; _- and the happiness of seeing and embracing whom has almost recovered me to my former state of health. But my greatest trouble was to find iny- — self forced from your majesty and my dear husband; not only in respeet _ to the inclination I bore to my husband, but from the uneasiness I laboured under besides, for fear that he, though innocent, should feel the effects of your anger, to which, I knew, he was left exposed. I suffered but littl ~ from the insolence of the wretch who had carried me off; for, having se-— cured the ascendant over him, I always put a stop to his disagreeable dis- course, and was as little constrained as I am at present. = As to what relates to my transportation, Aladdin had no hand in it: myself am the innocent cause of it. To persuade the sultan of the truth = of what she said, she gave him a full account how the African magician disguised himself like a seller of lamps, and offered to change newones for © old ones; and how she amused herself in making that exchange, being entirely ignorant of the secret and importance of that lamp; how the pa- — lace and herself were carried away and transported into Africa, with Re a. African magician, who was recollected by two of her women, and the cu- — nuch who made the exchange of the lamp, when he had the boldness to . pay her the first visit, after the success of his audacious enterprise, to pro~ -. . pose himself for her husband; how ite persecuted her till Aladdin’s ar- rival; how he and she concerted measures together to get the lamp from s him again, which he carried about him; and “the success they had, and — particularly by her dissimulation, inviting him to supper, and giving him: the cup with the powder prepared forhim, For the rest, added she, leave it to Aladdin to give you an account. Ey Aladdin had not much to tell the sultan, but only said, When the pri- — _ vate door was opened, I went up into the great hall, where I found the — magician lying dead on the sofa; as I thought it not proper for the prin-- cess to stay there any longer, I desired her to go down into her own apart= _ a ment, with her women and eunuchs, As soon as I was alone, and had — taken the lamp out of the magician’s breast, I made use of thesame’Secret — he had done, to remove the palace, and carry off the princess; and, by that 2 2a Sy means, the palace was brought into the same place where it stood before; a and I have the happiness to. bring back the princess to your majesty, as” you commanded me. But that your majesty may not think that Li impose — Bi upon you, if you will give yourself the trouble to go up into the hall, you — ‘shall see the magician punished as he deserved. ae The sultan, to be assured of the truth, rose up instantly, ané wens Ww) = into the hall, where, when he saw the A‘rican magician dead, and his face - already livid by the strength of the poison, he embraced Aladdin with ie " great tenderness, and said, My son, be not displeased at my proceedings _ Re against you; they arose from my paternal love, and, therefore, you ought — to forgive the excess tow hich it hurried me. Sir, replied Aladais have ; € ~ not the least réason to complain of your majesty’s conduct, since y i Fe ION Brees RC os : ‘ hee: se Sosa. hy f ese Mea aks SI APEC «TOR Martyn SS Dey, me Sere nothing but what your duty required of you. This infamous magician, the basest of men, was the sole cause of my misfortune. When your ma-— SLAs ny o> ~ - “jesty has leisure, I will give you an account of another villanous action. he was guilty of to me, which was no less black and base than this, from which I was preserved, by the grace of God, in a very particular manner. I will take an opportunity, and that very shortly, replied the sultan, to - hear it; but, in the meantine, let us think only of rejoicing, and the re~ moval of this odious object. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, =—-i(atsi ou did | Aladdin ordered the magician’s dead carcase to be removed, and thrown. on the dunghill, for the birds and beasts to prey upon, In the meantime, the sultan commanded the drums, trumpets, cymbals, and other instru- ments of music, to announce the public joy, and a feast of ten days to be proclaimed for joy of the returu of the princess Badroulboudour and - Aladdin with his palace. - Within a few years afterwards, the sultan died at a good old age, and, as _ he left no male children, the princess Badroulboudour, as lawful heiress of the crown, succeeded him, and communicating the power to Aladdin, they reigned together many years, and left a numerous and illustrious posterity behind them. ~ Gir, said the sultaness Scheherazade, after she had finished the story of the Wonderful Lamp, your majesty without doubt has observed, in the | person of the African magician, a man abandoned to an unbounded pas-. - sion for possessing immense treasures, by the most unworthy means, On. the contrary, your majesty sees, in Aladdin, a person of mean birth raised to the regal dignity, by making use of the same treasures which came to_ him without his seeking, but just as he had occasion for them to compass the end proposed. ‘The sultan of the Indies signified to his spouse, the sultaness, that “he was very much delighted with the prodigies he had heard of the Wonderful Lamp, and that the stories which she told him every night gave him a great deal of pleasure. Indeed they were all di-. ~ yerting, and, for the most part, seasoned with a good moral. The sultaness, highly gratified with what the sultan said, told him that she had nearly exhausted her store, but she would endeavour to amuse him with another story, if he would be so kind as to permit her. Thesul-— tan gladly gave his consent, and Scheherazade commenced as follows:— THE ADVENTURES OF COGIA HASSAN ALHABBAL, As the Caliph Haroun Alraschid and his grand vizier, Giafar, wereone day walking through the town, they saw the splendid palace of Cogia > Hassan Alhabbal, of whom they learned the particulars of his prosperity. Two friends, said he citizens of Bagdad, can testify the truth of what I shal! tell you, and to whom, after God, I owe my prosperity. These two friends are called, the one Saadi, the other Saad. Saa Pc _ who is very rich, was always of opinion that no man could be happy in this world, without great riches, to live independent of every one. Saad was of another opinion; he agreed that riches were necessary in without any farsher attachment to worldly goods than what were necessary - in life, and to do good withal. _Saad_himself is one of this number, and- lives very happily and contented in his station; and, though Saadi is in- _ life, but maintained that the happiness of a man’s life consisted in virtue, 232 ae ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, =~ Sean finitely more rich, their friendship is very sincere, and the richest.sets no — 4 more value on himself than the other, They never had any other dis- — _ pute but on this point; in all other things their union has been very strict. One day, as they were talking upon this subject, as I have since beenin- _ formed by them both, Saadi affirmed that poverty proceeded from men’s _ being born poor, or spending their fortunes in luxury and debauchery, or Re by some of those unforeseen fatalities which are not extraordinary, eT. Saad could not come into his sentiments. The way, said he, which you propose to make a poor man rich, is not so certain as you imagine, Your — plan is very hazardous, and I can bring many good arguments against your opinions, but that they will carry us too far, I believe, with as much pro-- ability, that a poor man may become rich by other means, as well as by; “is money. “eae _ Saad, replied Saadi, I see we shall not come to any determination by my: 25 persisting in opposing my opinion against thine. I will make an experi- — ‘ment to convince you, by giving, for example, a sum of money to some artizan, whose ancestors from father to son have always been poor, and — : lived only from day to day, and died as arrant beggars as they were born. If I have not the success I expect, you shall try if you will have better by the means you shall use. Some days after the dispute, these two friends 4 ~ # happened to walk out together, and passed through the street where I Was at work in my stall, at my trade of rope-making, which I learnt of MY: Ay father, who learnt of his, and he of his ancestors; and by my dress and equipage it was no hard matter to guess at my poverty. BA Saad, remembering Saadi’s engagement, said, If you have not forgot what you said to me, there is a man, pointing tome, whom I can remember ak a long time working at his trade of rope-making, and in the same poverty: he is a worthy subject for your liberality, and a proper person for youto — = aay Me ide Sat inake your experiment upon. : te The two friends came to me, and Saadi, wishing me peace, asked me my 48 name, I returned their salutation, and answered their question, saying to him, Sir, my name is Hassan; but, by reason of my trade, I am commonly — ye known by the name of Hassan Alhabbal. yp Hassan, replied Saadi, as there is no trade but what a man may liveby, I doubt not but yours produces enough for you to live well; and Iam ~ amazed that, the long time you have worked at your trade, you have not. Bae: | saved enough to lay in a good stock of hemp to extend your manufacture, _and employ more hands, by the profit of whose work you would soon in- | ¢rease your income, ae Sir, replied I, you will beno longer amazed Ihave not saved money, and © - taken the way you mention to become rich, when you come to know that, let me work as hard as I can from morning till night, I can hardly get. Cren, not one of whom is old enough to be of the least assistance to me. 5 ea When I had given Saadi this account, he said to me, Hassan, ifIshould — a: make you a present cf a purse of two hundred pieces of gold, would not you make a good use of it? And do not you believe that, with such asum, you could become soon as rich as the principal of your profession? Ci Sir, replied I, you seem to be so good a gentleman, that I am persuaded -you would not banter me, but that the offer you make me is serious; and a I dare say, without presuming too much upon myself, that a much less - 64m would be sufficient to make me not only as rich as the principal ofour — + 3 Piece, - (ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, - 2 DBae - profession, but that in time I should be richer than all of them in this city together, though Bagdad is so large and populous. De The’ generous Saadi pulled a purse out of his bosom, and, putting it into my hands, said, Here, take this purse; you will find it contains two hun- dred pieces of gold: I pray God bless you with them, and give you grace to make the good use of them I desire; and believe me, my friend Saad, whom you se here, and I, shall both take great pleasure in finding they may contribute towards making you more happy than you now are, . When I had got the purse, the first thing I did was to put it into my bosom; but the transport of my joy was so great, and Iwas so much pene- trated with gratitude, that my speech failed me, and I could give my be- nefactor no other tokens of my gratitude, than to catch hold of the hem of his garment and kiss it; but he drew it from me; and he and his friend pursued their walk. As soon as they were gone, I returned to my work again; and my first thought was, what I should do with my purse to keep it safe. Ihad in. my poor house neither box or cupboard to lock it up in, nor any other place. where I could be sure it would not be discovered, if I hid it, In this perplexity, as. I had been used, like many good people of my sort, to put the little money I had in the folds of my turban, I left my work, and went into the house, under pretence of wrapping my turban up anew. And I took such precautions, that neither my wife nor children saw what I was doing. But first, I laid aside ten pieces of gold for present neces- saries, and wrapt the rest up in the folds of the linen which went about my cap, ‘he principal expense I was at, that day, was to lay ina good stock of hemp, and afterwards, as my family had eaten no flesh meat a long time, I went to the shambles, and bought something for supper. - As I was carrying the meat I had bought, home in my hand, a famished kite flew upon me, and would have taken away my meat, if I had not held it very fast; but, alas! I had better parted with it than lost my money; the faster I held my meat, the more the bird struggled to get it, drawing me sometimes on one side, and sometimes on another; but would not quit the prize, till, unfortunately, by my efforts, the turban fell on the ground. The kite immediately let go his hold, and, seizing on my turban before I could pick it up, flew away with it, I cried out so loud, that I frightened ali the men, women, and children in the neighbourhood, who joined their shouts and cries to make the kite quit his hold; for by that means these sort of voracious birds are often forced to quit their prey. But our cries — did not frighten this kite; he carried off my turban, and we soon lost sight of him before he dropt it, and it would have been in vain for me to fatigue myself with running after him. I went home very melancholy at the loss of my turban and money. I was obliged to buy a new turban, which diminished the small remainder of — the ten pieces; for I had laid out a deal in hemp. ‘The little that was left was not sufficient to give me reason to gratify the great hopes | had con- ceived, While the remainder of the ten pieces lasted, my little family and _ L lived the better for it; but I soon relapsed into the same poverty, andthe same inability to extricate myself from wretchedness, However, I never murmured nor repined. God, said I, was pleased to give me riches when I least expected them; he has thought fit to take them from me again al- most at the same time, because it so pleased him, and they were at his dis- _ posal; yet I will praise his name for all the benefits I have received, as it ‘ XN 234 part cc) A GTAN Nraurs® ) ENTERTAINMENTS, kites, some of which he affirmed he knew to be true; insomuch that. he — neither my wife nor children within, I pulled out my money, pb ten ~ was his good pleasure; and submit myself, as I have ever done hitherto, to his will. 6 These were my sentiments, while my wife, from whom I could not keep secret the loss I had sustained, was inconsolable. ea About six months after this my misfortune, the two friends walking. 2 through that part of the town where I lived, the neighbourhood put Saad ‘ts in mind of me. : When they entered my stall, Saadi was so much amazed at the little ale 2 teration he saw in me, that he could not speak when he came up to me ~ ' Well, Hassan, said Saad, we do not ask you how affairs go since we saw a you last; without doubt they are in a better train. Gertlemen, replied I, addressing myself to them both, I have the great :- mortification to tell you that your desires, wishes, and hopes, as well as_ niine, have not had the success you had reason to expect, and I promised myself; you will searcely believe the extraordinary adventure that has be- fallen me. Then I related to them my adventures, with the same circum=_ 2 stance I had the honour to tell your majesty. Saadi rejected my discourse, —— and said, Hassan, you joke with me, and would deceive me; for what you — say isa thing incredible, What have kites to do with turbans? They only — search for something to satisfy their hunger, You would not be so miser- 2 able, but because you deserve it, and render yourself unworthy of any ae = £ action done to you, Su, replied I, I will bear ail these reproaches, and am ready to bear as < many more, if they were more severe, and all with the more patience, ‘be- = ~ cause I do not think I deserve them. as Saad took my part, and told Saadi a great many as surprising storios of is ras pulled his purse out of his bosom, and counted out two hundred pieces of gold into my hand, which I put into my bosom for want of a purse. When Sadi had told me out that sum, he said to me, Hassan, I make you a pre-_ sent of these two hundred pieces: but take care to put them in a safer place, that you may not lose them so unfortunately as you have done the. ae others, and employ them in such a manner that they may procure you the _ = advantazes that the others would have done, = As soon as they were gone, I left off work and went home, and, finding © pieces by, and wrapt up the rest in-a clean linen cloth, tying it fast with a : knot; but then I was to consider where I should hide this linen cloth, that — ‘it might be safe. After I had considered some time, I bethought me of lay= ing it at the bottom of a great earthen vessel full of bran, which stood in a an ‘corner, where I imagined ‘neither my wife nor children would look into. — aah My wife came home soon after, and, as I had but very little hemp in the a house, I told her-I should go out to ‘buy some, Without saying anything to her about the two friends, While I was out, a sand-man passed through our street, and called, sand, “ho! My wife, who wanted some, called him: but, as she had no money, § she % asked him if he would make an exchange of some sand for some. bran, The sand-man asked to see the bran. My wife showed him the pot; the bargain was made; she had the scouring sand, and the sand-man took thee pot ‘and bran along with him. Not long after, I came home, loaded with as much hemp as I could carry, \ - = : ‘ ‘ gee ee ae 2 i ty aes we. é shes es aot ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, ss 244 the turban to be that which the kite flew away with. AfterI had examined — it well, and turned it about, I said to my guests, Gentlemen, have you me- ~ mories good enough to remémber the turban I had on, the day you did me _ the honour first to speak to me? I do not think, said Saad, that either my friend or I gave any attention to it; but if the hundred and ninety pieces _ Of gold are in it, we cannot donbt of it. Sir, replied I, there is no doubt but it is the same turban; for, besides that I know it very well, I feel by the weight it is too heavy to be any other, and you will perceive this, if you give yourself the trouble to take itin your hand. Then, after taking out the birds, and giving them to the children, I put ifjinto his hands, and he gave it to Saadi.—Indeed, said Saadi, I believe it to be your turban, which I shall be better convinced of when I see the hundred and ninety pieces of gold. Now sir, added I, taking the turban again, observe very well, before I tonch it, that it is of no very fresh date in the tree; and the state in which YOu seest, and the.nest so neatly made in it, without having been touched by the hand of man, are sufficient proofs that the kite dropt or laid it in the tree ever since that day he took it from me; and the branches hindered it from falling to the ground, I then pulled off the linen cloth which was wrapped about the cap of the turban, and took out the purse, which Saadi knew to be the same he gave me. I emptied it on the carpet before them, and said, There, gentlemen, there isthe money; count it, and sce if it be right; which Saad did, and found it to be a hundred and ninety pieces of gold. Then Saadi, who could - not deny so manifest a truth, addressing himself to me, said, I agree, Co- gia Hassan, that this money could not serve to enrich you; but the other hundred and ninety pieces, which you would make me believe you hid in a pot of bran, might.—Sir, I have told you the truth in regard to both sums: you would not have me retract, to make myself a liar. In the evening, we all mounted on horseback, and_ got to Bagdad hy moonlight, two hours after, followed by one of my slaves, | __ At happened, by I know not what negligence of my servants, that we « were then out of oats, and the storehouses were all shut up; when one of my slaves, seeking about the neighbourhood for some, met with a pot of bran in a shop, bought the bran, and brought the pot along with him; pro- mising to carry it back again the next day. The slave emptied the bran into the manger, and, dividing it with his hands among the horses, felt a - linen cloth tied up, and very heavy: he brought thecloth to me, in the con- dition that he found it, and presented it to me; telling me that it might . perhaps be the cloth he had often heard me talk of among my friends, Overjoyed, I said to my two benefactors, Gentlemen, it has pleased God’ that you should not part from me before you were fully convinced of the truth of what I have assured you. There are the other hundred and nine- ty pieces of gold which you gave me, continued I, addressing myself to . Saadi: I know it very well by the cloth, which I tied up with my own hands; and then I told outthe money before them. I ordered the pot pre- . sently to be brought to me, and knew it to be the Same; and sent to my “wife to ask if she recognised it, ordering them to say nothing to her of ' what had happened. She knew it immediately, and sent me word that it was the same vase she had exchanged full of bran for the scouring earth, Saadi readily submitted, and renounced his incredulity; and said to Saad _ yield to you, and acknowledge that inoney is not always the means of becoming rich, Pra jar Q ~ Sie noe =. ey cae S a BAD 2 ARABIAN RyGHTS! ‘ENTERTAINMENTS, “When Saadi had done, I said to him, I dare not propose to Be you the three hundred and eighty pieces of gold, which it has pleased God — should be found, to undeceive you as to the opinion of my honesty. Iam - persuaded that you did not give them tome, with an intentionthat I should return them; and, for my part, [ ought to be very well content with what Providence has sent me from other quarters, and I do not design to make ~ use of them; but, if you approve of it, to-morrow I will give them to the poor, that God may bless us both, E The caliph Haroun Alraschid was so attentive to Cogia Hassan’s story, — that he had not perceived the end of it but by his silence. Cogia Hassan,. said he, I have not for a long time heard anything that has given me so much pleasure, to see the wonderful ways by which God gave thee thy: riches, to make thee happy in this world. Thou oughtest to continue to ~ return him thanks, by the good use thou makest of his blessings, I am glad Ican tell thee that the same diamond which made thy fortune is now in my treasury; and, for my part, I am happy to know how it came there: — but, because there may remain in Saadi some doubts of the singalarity of — this diamond, which I look upon to be the most precious and valuable ~ thing I am master of, I would have you carry him with Saad to my trva- .surer, who shall show it thein, to remove Saadi’s unbelief, and to let. him see that mone y is not theonly certain means of making a poor man richin -a short time, without taking a great deal of pains. Iwould also have you ~ to tell the keeper of my treasury this story, that he may get it pnt into : writing, and that it may be kept with the diamond. S At the conclusion of this stor y the sultan signified to Scheberiats es that he was much pleased with the tale of Cogia Hassan Alhabbal’s. — prosperity, and informed her he would be glad to hear the story she had® — prepared to relate the following night, which was :— oh ey THE STORY OF ALI BABA AND THEFORTY ROBBERS DESTROYED BY A SLAVE, — In a town in Persia, there lived two brothers, one named Cassim, the other Ali Baba. Their father left them no great property; but as he had divi- ded it equally between them, it should seem their fortune would have boc | i. et but chance directed otherwise. ae Cassim married a wife, who, soon after their marriage, became hairese Ah: . to a plentiful estate. Ali Baba, on the other hand, who married a woinan — as poor as himself, lived in a very mean habitation, and had no other means | 4 ie to maintain his wife and children but his daily labour, by cutting wood — in a forest near the town, and bringing it upon three asses, which were his whole substance, to town, to sell. ; One day, when Ali Baba was in the forest, and had just cnt wood | iy enough to load his asses, he saw at a distance a great cloud of dust, which — 4 seemed to approach towards him, He observed it very attentively, and | distinguished a large body of horse coming briskly on; and, though they S ~ did-not talk of robbers in that country, Ali Baba began to think that they 4 might prove so; and he was resolved to save himself, He climbed up a. large thick tree, from whence he could see all that passed , without being seen; and this tree stood at the bottom ofa single rock, which: was very high ‘above it, and so steep and craggy that nobody could climb it, wee "This troop came to the foot of this rock, and there dismounted. Ali Baba counted forty of them,. and, by their look and equiped never doubt _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, 243 ed they were thieves. Nor was he mistaken in his opinion; for they were _ * a troop of Banditti, who, without doing any hurt to the neighbourhood, —_— robbed at a distance, and made that place their rendezvous; and what confirmed him in this opinion was, every man unbridled his horse, and tied him_to some shrub or other, and hung about his neck a bag of corn, which> ~ they brought behind them, Then each of them took his portmanteau, which seemed to Ali Baba to be full of gold and silver, by their weight. . One, who was most personable amongst them, and whom he took to be their captain, came with his portmanteau on his back, under the tree in which Ali Baba was hid, and, making his way through some shrubs, pro- nounced these words so distinctly, Open, Sesame,* that Ali Baba heard. him, As soon as the captain of the robbers had uttered these words, a door. opened; and, after he had made all his troop to go in before him, he followed. them, and the door shut again of itself, At last the door opened again, and the robbers came out. As the cap- tain went in last, he came out first, and stood to see them all pass by him; ys and then Ali Baba heard him make the door close, by pronouncing these words, Shut, Sesame. Every man went and bridled his horse; and they returned the same way as they came, 2s Ali Baba followed them with his eyes as far as he could see them; and after that stayed a considerable time before he came down: rememberiny the words the captain of the robbers made use of to cause the door to oper and shut, he had the curiosity to try if his pronouncing it would have the ies same effect. Accordingly he went among the shrubs, and, perceiving the door concealed behind them, he stood before it, and said, Open, Sesame. The door instantly flew wide open. Aon Ali Baba, who expected a dark dismal place, was very much surprise] to see it well lighted and spacious, cut out by men’s hands in form of it vault, which received the light from an opening in the top of the rock, cut : in like manner. He saw all sorts of provisions and rich balesof merchan- dize, above all, gold and silver in great heaps, and money in great leather urses, ‘ Ali Baba went immediately into the cave, and as soon as he was in, the door shut again, But this did not disturb him, because he knew the secret _ to open it again. He never regarded the silver, but made the best use of. his time in carrying out as much of the gold coin, which was in bags, at several times, as he thought his three asses could carry. When he had done, he collected his asses, and when he had loaded them with the bags, Jaid the wood on them in such a manner that they could not be seen, When he had done, he stood before the door, and, pronouncing the words,. — Siut, Sesame, the door closed after him, for it had shut of itself while he was within, and remained open while he was out. : “ When Ali Baba got home, he carried the bags into his house, and ranged them in order before his wife, who, finding them full of money, suspected _. that her husband had been robbing, But he told her the whole adventure, from the beginning to the end; and, above all, recommended it to her to keep it secret. : BE __ The wife would count the money, piece by piece. Wife, replied Ali _ Baba, you will never have done. I will go and dig a hole, and bury it; there is no time to be lost. You are in the right of it, husband, replied the wife; but let us know, as nigh as possible, how much we have. I will is ** Sesame” is asort of corn, . x ‘c = 4 4 544 “ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, Petey go and borrow a small measure, in the neighbourhood, and measure its Awhile you dig the hole. eID: Away the wife ran to her brother-in-law, Cassim, who lived just by, but was not then at home; and, addressing herself to his wife, desired her to lend her a measure, for a little while. Her sister-in-law bid her stay a lit- ~ tle, and she would readily fetch one. ‘The sister-in-law did so, but, as - she knew very well Ali Buba’s poverty, she was curious to know what sort of grain his wife wanted to measure, and bethought herself of artfully putting some snet at the bottom of the measure, and brought it to her with an excuse, that she was sorry that she had made her stay so long, but that she could not find it sooner. : Ali Baba’s wife went home, and measured the gold: she then went to tell her husband, who had almost finished digging the hole. While Ali Baba was burying the gold, his wife carried the measure back to her sis- ter-in-law again, but without taking notice that a piece of gold stuck at the bottom, As soon as Ali Baba was gone, Cassim’s wife was in an in- expressible surprise to find a piece of gold stuck.to it, Envy immediately possessed her breast. What! said she, has Ali Baba gold so plentiful as to measure it? When Cassim came home, his wife said to him, Cassim, you think your- self rivh, but you are much mistaken; Ali Baba is infinitely richer than~ you; he does not count his money, but measures it. Cuassim desired her to explain the riddle, which she did by telling him the stratagem she had. made use of to make the discovery, and showed him the piece of money, which was so old a coin that they could not tell in what prince’s reign it was coined. Cassim, instead of being pleased at his brother’s prosperity, conceived a mortal jealousy, and could not sleep all that night for it, but went to him in the morning, before sunrise. Now Cassim, after he married the rich wi- dow, never treated Ali Baba as a brother, but forgot him, Ali Baba, said he, accosting him, you are very reserved in your affairs: you pretend to be miserably poor, and yet you measure gold. How, brother! replied Ali Baba; I do not know what you mean: explain yourself. Do not pretend ignorance, replied Cassim, showing him the piece of gold his wife had given him. How many of these pieces, added he, have you? My wife found this — | at the bottom of the measure you borrowed yesterday. By this discourse, Ali Baba perceived that Cassim and his wife, through _ his own wife’s folly, knew what they had so much reason to keep secret; — but wi.at was done could not be recalled: therefore, without showing the least surprise or trouble, he confessed all, and told his brother all he de- sired, and even the very words he was to make use of to go into the cave, and to come out again. Cassim rose the next morning, a long time before the sun, and set out. With ten mules loaded with great chests, which he designed to fill; and fol- Jowed the road which Ali Baba had told him, He was not long before he came to the rock, and found out the place by the tree, and other marks his _ brother had given. When he came to the door, he pronounced these words, Open, Sesame, and it opened; and, when he wasin, shut again, He laidas many bags of gold as he could carry away at the door, and coming, at last, to open the door, his thoughts were so full of the great riches he should pos- sess, that he could not think of the necessary word; but instead of Sesame, uot open, but remained fast shut, ( said, Open, Barley, and was very much amazed to find that the door did 3 Ai > Trte + 4 Pg ‘ 2 Z - : ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. _ 245 - Cassim was so frightened at the danger he was in, that, the more he en-__ _ deavoured to remember the word Sesame, the more his memory was con- founded, and he had as much forgotten it as if he had never heard itin his life before, In this miserable condition we will leave him, bewailing his fate, and undeserving of pity. About noon, the robbers returned to their cave, and, at some distance — from it, saw Cassim’s mules straggling about the rock, with great chests on their backs. Alarmed at this novelty, they galloped full speed to the eave, And, while some of them searched about the rock, the captain and_ the rest went directly to the door, and, pronouncing the words, it opened. Cassim, who heard the noise of the horses’ feet from the middle of the cave, never doubted of the coming of the robbers, and his approaching death; but was resolved to muke one effort to escape from them. To this end he stood ready at the door, and no sooner heard the word Sesame, which he had forgotten, and saw the door open, but he jumped briskly out, and threw the captain down, but could not escape the other robbers, who, - with their sabres, soon deprived him of life. The first care of the robbers, after this, was to go into the cave, They found all the bags which Casssim had brought to the door, and carried them all back again to their places, without perceiving what Ali Baba had taken away before, Then, holding a council, and deliberating upon this matter, they yuessed that Cassim, when he was in, could not get out again; but they could not imagine how he got in, In short, none of them could ima- gine which way he entered; for they were all persuaded that nobody knew their secret; little imagining that Ali Baba had watched them. Bat, how- ever it happened, it was a matter of the greatest importance to them to se- cure their riches. They agreed therefore to cut Cassim’s body into four — quarters, and to hang two on one side, and two on the other, within the door of the cave, to terrify any person that should attempt the same thing. They had no sooner taken this resolution, but they executed it; and, when they had nothing more to detain them, they left the place of their retreat, well closed. % In the meantime, Cassim’s wife was very uneasy when night came, and her husband was not returned. She ran to Ali Baba, in a terrible fright, and said, I believe, brother-in-law, that you know that Cassim, your bro- ther, is gone to the forest, and upon what account: it is now night, and he isnot returned; I am afraid some misfortune has come to him. Ali Baba told her that she need not frighten herself, for that certainly Cassim did not think it proper to come into the town till the night should be pretty far advanced. | Cassim’s wife went home again, and waited patiently till midnight. Then her fears redoubled with grief the more sensible, because she was forced to keep it secret from the neighbourhood, She spent all that night in weep-- ing; and, as soon as it was day, went to her brother and sister-in-law, tell- ing them, by her tears, the cause of her comirg. Ali Baba went immediately, with his three asses, to the forest; and, when — he came near the rock, he was very much surprised to see some blood spilt _ by the coor; but, when he had pronounced the word, and the door opened, — he was much more startled at the dismal sight of his brother’s quarters, He was not long in determining how he should pay the last duties to his _ brother, and went.into the cave, to find something to wrap them in, and loaded-ono of his asses with them, and covered them over with wood, The = ~ <7 ot pia ie beet Ss “sg tga 5 ¥ 4 7 ~ Soh ese, oe a ey > : . : (246. ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, _ other two asses he loaded with bags of gold, covering them with woodalso as before; and then, bidding the door shut, came away; but wassocautious — as to stop some time at the end of the forest, that he might not go into the town before night. When he came home, he drove the two asses loaded with gold into his little yard, and leftthe care of unloading them to his wife, m while he led the other to his sister-in-law’s, ae Ali Baba knocked at the door, which was opened by Morgiana, a cun- - nie, intelligent slave, fruitful in inventions to insure success in the most diticult undertakings: and Ali Babaknew herto besuch. When he came into the court, taking Morgiana aside, he said to her, The first thing I ask of you is an inviolable secrecy, which, you will find, is necessary both for your mistress’s sake and mine. Your master’s body is contained in these two bundles, and our business is, to bury him asif he died anatural death, Go tell your- mistress I want to speak with her; and mind what I say tO... you. Morgiana went to her mistress, and Ali Baba followed fer, Well, 5: brother, said she, with great impatience, what news do you bring me of Myo > 4 ~ husband? Sister, answered Ali Baba, I cannot tell you anything before ~ .— you hear my story from the beginning to the end, without speaking a word; for it is of as great importance to you as to me, to keep what has happened secret, ‘Then Ali Baba told his sister the success of his journey, till he came to the finding of Cassim’s body. Now, said he, sister, I have. some- thing to tell you, which will afflict you much the more, because it is what you so little expect; but it cannot now be remedied: and if anything can _ : comfort you, I offer to put that little which God hath sent me, to what you ~ have, and marry you: assuring you that my wife will not be jealous, and - that we: shall live happily together. If this proposal is agreeable to you, we must think of acting so as that my brother had died a natural death, - 2 I think you may leave the management of it to Morgiana, and I will con- tribute all that lies in my power. pre What could Cassim’s widow do better than accept of this proposal? For : though her first husband had left behind him plentiful substance, this see cond was much richer, and by the discovery ofthis treasure might be much more so, Instead of rejecting the offer, she looked upon it asa reasonable motive tocomfort her; and, drying up her tears, which began to flow abun- dantly, and suppressing the outcries usual with women who have lost their ~ husbands, showed Ali Baba she approved of his proposal. Ali Baba left the widow, and recommended to Morgiana to act her part well, and then - returned home with his ass. As Ali Baba and his wife were often seen to go between Cassim’s and their own house all that day, and to seem melancholy, nobody was surprised in the evening to hear the lamentable shrieks and cries of Cassim’s wife and > Sa Morgiana, who told it every where that her master was dead. . a __ The next morning, Morgiana, who knew a certain old cobbler, went to = him, and put a piece of yold into his hand. Well, said Baba Mustapha, =~ which was his name, looking onthe gold; this is good hansel: what must L _ do for it? Iam ready, bg _ Baba Mustapha, said Morgiana, you must take with you your sewing tackle, and go with me; but L mast tell you, I shall blindfold you when you come to such a place, eS Oh! oh! replied Baba Mustapha, you would have me do something ~~ against my conscience or against my honour. God forbid! said Morgiana, | putting another piece of gold into his hand: only come along with me,and X f) phone on A eR TR TA eek Ae aaa SS eh See ue! < e Ss Sg Ae ee ee: te m i fe = i a> oh Sa SON vie alpen Dies ai ‘ 3x 5 Saag TEA > eet A ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, = 247 fear nothing. Baba Mustapha went with Morgiana, who, after she had ee bound his eyes with a handkerchief, at the place she told him of, carried | him to her deceased master’s house, and never unloosed his eyes till he came into the room where she had put the corpse together. Baba Musta- _ pha, said she, yon must make haste, and sew these quarters together; and, ~ when you have done, I will give you another piece of gold. After Baba Mustapha had done, she blindfolded him again, gave hima third piece of gold, as she promised, recommending secrecy to him, carried ‘him back to the place where she first bound his eyes, pulled off the band- age, and let him go home, but watched him that he returned to his stall. Not long after, the joiner, according to Ali Baba’s orders, brought the ~~ evffin, which Morgiana, that he might find out nothing, received at the door, and helped Ali Baba to put the body into it; and, as soonas he had nailed it up, she went to the mosque to tell the iman they were ready. Four neighbours carried the corpse on their shoulders, to the burying- — ground, In this manner Cassim’s melancholy death was concealed and bushed up between Ali Baba, his wife, Cassim’s widow, and Morgiana, — with so much contrivance, that nobody in the city had the least knowledge or suspicion of it. ‘Three or four days after the funeral, Ali Babaremoved his goods to his brother’s widow’s house; but the money he had taken from the robbers he conveyed thither by night; and, soon after, the mar- - riage with his sister-in-law was published, and, as these marriages are com- mon in our religion, nobody was surprised. Let us now leave Ali Baba to enjoy the_beginning of his good fortune, and return to the forty robbers. They came again at the appointed time to visit their retreat in the fo- rest; but how great was their surprise to find Cassim’s body taken away, and some of their bags of gold. All that we can think of this loss which we have sustained, said the captain, is, that the thief whom we have surprised = - had the secret of opening the door, and we came luckily as he was coming out; but, his body being removed, and with it some of our money, plainly 3 { shows, that he has an accomplice; and, as it is likely that there were but = be! rowly after the other. What say you to it, my lads? two who had got this secret, and one has been caught, we must look nar- — - All the robbers thought the captain’s proposal so reasonable, that they apne must lay all other enterprises aside, to follow this closely, and not give it up till they had succeeded. I expected no less, said the captain, from your ~ “ courage and bravery; but, first of all, one of you who is bold, artful, and enterprising, must go into the town dressed like a traveller and, stranger, | _ and exert all his contrivance to try if he can hear any talk of the strange. ~~ death of the man whom we have killed as he deserved, and to endeavour to find out who he was, and where he lived. Upon this, one of the robbers.» took this business upon himself; and, alter he had received great commen-_ dations from the captain and his comrades, he disguised himself so that nobody would take him for what he was; and, that night, went into the — town just at day-break; and walked up and down till he came to Baba Mustapha’s stall, which was always open. before any of the shops of the — ~ town. The robber saluted him, bidding him good-morrow; and, perceiv- ing that he was very old, he said, Honest man, you begin to work very ~ _ early: is it possible that any one of your age can see so well? _ Certainly, replied Baba Mustapha; old as I am, I have extraordinary — ; good eyes; and you will not doubt it when I tell you that I sewed a dead ~ body together, in a place where I had not so much light as 1 have now. 4 > 248 ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, The robber was overjoyed to think that he had addressed himself, at his first coming into the town, to a man who gave him the intelligence he wanted, without asking him. A dead body! replied he, with amazement, to make him explain himself. What could you sew up a dead body for? added he: you mean, you sewed up his winding-sheet, No, no, answered Baba Mustapha, I know-what I say; you want to have me speak out, but you shall know no more, The robber pulled out a piece of gold, and, putting it into Baba Musta- pha’s hand, said to him, I do not want to know your secret, though I can- assure you I would not divulge it, if you trusted me with it. The only thing which I desire of you, is to do me the favour to show the house where you stitched up the dead body. ; If I would do you that favour which you ask of me, replied Baba Mus- tapha, I assure you I cannot. I was carried to a certain place, where they first blinded me, and then led me to the house, and brought me back again after the same manner; therefore you see the impossibility of doing what you desire. pat Well, replied the robber, you may remember a little of the way that you were led blindfold. Come, let me blind your eyes at thesame place. We will walk together by the same way and turnings; perhaps you may re- member some part; and, as everybody ought to be paid for his trouble, there is another piece of gold for you. : The two pieces of gold were great temptations to Baba Mustapha, I cannot assure you, said he to the robber, that I remember the way exact- ly; but, since you desire it, I will try what I can do. At these words, - Baba Mustapha rose up, and led the robber to the place where Morgiana _ bound his eyes. The robber, who had his handkerchief ready, tied it over | _ of Ali Baba’s house, for something, and, coming home again, seeing the _ mark the robber had made, she stopped to observe it. Waat is the mean; his eyes, and walked by him till he stopped, partly leading him, and partly guided by him. I think, said Baba Mustapua, I went no farther; and he had now stopped directly at Cassim’s house, where Ali Baba lived then; upon which the thief, before he pulled off the band, marked the door with a piece of chaik, which he had ready in his hand, The robber, finding he could discover no more from Baba Mustapha, — thanked him for the trouble he had given him, and left him to go. back to © his stall, while he returned to the forest, persuaded that he should be very well received. . A little after the robber and Baba Mustapha parted, Morgiana went out ing of this mark? saidshe toherself: somebody intends my masterno good, or else some boy has been playing the rogue with it: with whatever inten- tion it was done, added she, it is good to guard against the worst. Ac- — cordingly she wentand fetched a piece of chalk, and marked two or three doors on each side, in the same manner, without saying a word to her mas- ter or mistress, ; | In the meantime the thief rejoined his troop again in the forest, and told them the good success he had. All the robbers listened to him with the. utmost satisfaction; when the captain, aftercommending his diligence, ad- dressing himself to them all, said, Comrades, we have no time tolose: lef — us all set off well armed, without its appearing who we are; and that we may not give any suspicion, let one or two go privately into the town to- gether, and appoint the rendezvous in the great square; and in t met pea ie ie Be Tey A its Pe aie di te f & ~ +27 he mean . ~~. 950 ARABIAN NIGUTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, and the necessity of applying a speedy remedy, without Lol conceived ordered them to buy nineteen mules, and thirty: eight large leather j jars, ie one full of oil, andthe other empty. , In two or three days’ time, the robbers purchased the mules anda jars; and the captain having put one of his men into each, with the weapons which he thought fit, leaving open room for them to breathe, he rubbed the jars, on the outside, with oil from the full vessel. ie Things being thus prepared, when the nineteen mules were loaded with - thirty-seven robbers in jars and the jar of oil, the captain, as their driver, set out with them, and reached the town by the dusk of the ev ening, as he — “antended. He led them through the streets till he came to Ali Baba’s, at— whose door he designed to have knocked; but was prevented by his sit- ‘ting there, after supper, to take a little fresh air. He stopped his mules, — addressed himself to him, and said, I have brought some oil here, a great way, to sell at to-morrow’s market; and it is now so late that I do not “know where to lodge. If I should not be troublesome to you, do me the — favour to let me pass the night with you, and Ishall be very much obliged to you. Ali Baba told the captain he should be welcome, and immediate- ly opened his gates for the mules to go into the yard. He then went to— Morgiana, to bid her get a good hot supper for his guest, and make hima good bed. Ali Baba, not conient to keep company “with the man who had _ a design on his life, till supper was ready, continued talking with him till — it was ended. While Ali Baba went into the kitchen to speak to Morgiana, the captain — went into the yard, under pretence of looking at his mules, Ali Baba, af- s ter charging Morgiana afresh to take great care of his guest, said to her, — ‘To-morrow morning I design to go to the bath, before day: take care my — bathing linen be ready, and. give them to Abdalla, which was the slave's name, and make me some good broth, against I come back, After this, . he« went to bed. i: In the meantime, the captain of the robbers went from the stable togive - his people orders what to do; and said to each man, As soon as I throw | some stones out of the chamber window where I lie, do not fail to cut the jar open and come out, and I will be presently with you. After this, he — returned into the kitchen, and Morgiana, taking up a light, conducted him to his chamber; and he, to avoid any suspicion, put the light out soonaf- ~ _ ter, and laid himself down in his clothes. 2 Morgiana, remembering Ali Baba’s orders, got his bathing linen ready, and ordered Abdalla, who was not then gone to bed, to set on the pot for - = the broth; but, while she scummed the pot, the lamp went out, and there — Was no more oil in the house, nor any candles. What to do she did not know, for the broth must be made, Abdalla, seeing her very uneasy, said do not fret and teaze yourself, but go into the yard, and take some oil out: s of one of the jars. a Morgiana thanked Abdalla for his advice; and, while he went to betes ee she took the oil-pot, and went into the yard; and, as she came nigh shee a first jar, the robber within said softly, Is it time? “aig Any other slave but Morgiana, so surprised as she was to find a man in “ss a jar, instead of the oil she wanted, would have made such a noise as to have given an alarm, which would have been attended with ill consequences; — whereas Morgiana, apprehending immediately the importance of keeping Be. the secret, and the danger Ali Baba, his family, and she herself, were in, - ee : mS ere a ty rs 4 = += = Sy - Bs < © atom et 4 abe 5Y te, : + 5 eS s ~y a a 4 2 2 = < , — R + eu ‘ 3 - = f- yaa = * =e Z se -at once the means, and, collecting herself, without showing the least emo- tion, answered, Not yet, but presently. She went in this manner to all the jars, giving the same answer, till she came to the jar of oil. By this means, Morgiana found that her master, Ali Baba, who thought that he had entertained an oil merchant, had admitted thirty-eight robbers into his house; looking on this pretended merchant as their captain. She made what haste she could to fill her oil-pot, and returned into her kitchen, | Where, as soon as she had lighted her lamp, she took a great kettle, and. Went again to the oil jar, filled the kettle, ‘and set it on a great wood fire ~ to boil; and, as soon as it boiled, went and poured enough into every jarto . stifle and destroy the robber within. When this action was executed, withont any noise, as she had projected, —_ she returned into the kitchen with the empty kettle, and shut the door; and, having put out the great fire she kad made to boil the oil, and leaving just enough to make the broth, put out also the lamp, and remained silent; resolving not to go to bed till she had observed what was to follow, through a window of the kitchen which opened into the yard, as far as the dark- hess of the night permitted. She had not waited a quarter of an hour, before the captain of the rob- bers waked, got up, and:gave the signal, by throwing little stones, several of which hit the jars, as he doubted not by the sound they gave. ‘Thenhe listened, and not hearing or perceiving anything whereby he could judge that his companions stirred, he went softly down into the yard, and, going to the first jar, and asking the robber, whom he thought alive, if he was asleep, he smelled the hot boiled oil, which sent forth a steam out of the jar, and - knew thereby that his plot to murder Ali Baba and plunder his house was discovered. Examining all the jars, one after another, he found that all his gang were dead; and, by the oil he missed outof the last jar, he guess- ed at the means and manner of their deaths. Enraged to despair at hay- ing failed in his design, he climbed over the garden wall, and escaped. Ali Baba rose before day, and, followed by his slave, went to the baths, entirely ignorant of the amazing accident that had happened at home; for — «Morgiana did not think it right to wake him before, for fear of losing her Opportunity; and afterwards she thought it needless to disturb him, When he returned from the baths, and the sun had risen, he was very _ ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, DI Cae eS 5 es much surprised to see the oil jars, and that the merchant was not gone with the mules, He asked Morgiana, who opened the door, and had let all things stand as they were, that he might see them, the reason of it, My good master, answered she, God preserve you and all your family! you Will be better informed of what you wish to know, when you have seen what I have to show you, if you will give yourself the trouble to follow me, Ali Baba followed her; and, when she brought him into the yard, she ~~ bid him look into the first jar, and see if there was any oil, Ali Baba did so, and, seeing a man, started back frightened, and cried out, Do not be afraid, said Morgiana; the man you see there can neither do you nor any body clse any harm, He is dead. Look in all the other jars. “Ali Baba examined all the other jars, and when he came to that which. had the oil in it, he found it prodigiously sunk, and stood for some time mo- - tionless; sometimes looking on the jars, and sometimes on Morgiana, with- ~ out saying a word, so great was his surprise: at last, when he bad reco- vered himself, he said, And what is become of the merchant? ‘>- . ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS. linen ready, and gave them to Abdalla; afterwards I set on the pot for the | broth, and, as I was skimming the pot, ‘the lamp, for want of oil, went out, © and, as there was not a drop more in the house, I looked for a candle, but ~ could not find one. I took the oil pot, and went directly to the jar which stood nearest tome: whenI came to it, I heard a voice within it say, Is it time ? Without being dismayed, and comprehending immediately the - malicious intention of the pretended oil merchant, I answered, Not yet, — but presently. ThenI went to the next, and another voice asked me the — same question, and I returned the same answer ; and so on, till I came to the last, which I found full of oil, with which I filled my pot. ; When I considered that there were thirty-seven robbersin the yard, who ~ only waited fora signal to be given by the captain, whom you took to be — an oil merchant, and entertained so handsomely, I thought there was no ~ time to be lost : I carried my pot of oil into the kitchen, lighted the lamp, and afterwards took the biggest kettle I had, went and filled it up with oil and set it on the fire to boil, and then went and poured as much into each: jar as was sufficient to prevent them from executing the pernicious design they came about ; after this I retired into the kitchen, and waited, at the — window, to know what measures the pretended merchant would take. After I had watched some time for the signal, he threw some stonesout of the window against the jars ; and, neither hearing nor perceiving any- body stirring, after throwing three times, he came down, and I saw him go to every jar, after which, through the darkness of the night, I lost sight of him. Tunis, said Morgiana, is the account you asked of me; and Iam convinced it is the consequence of an observation which I had made for ~ two or three days before, but did not think fit to acquaint you with ; for, when I came in one morning early, I found our street-door marked with white chalk, and the next morning with red; and both times, without — knowing what was the intention of those chalks, I marked two or three — neighbours’ doors on each hand after the same manner. _If you reflect on © this, and what has since happened, you will find it to be a plot ofthe . _ robbers of the forest, of whose gang there are two wanting, and now they ~ are reduced to three: all this shows that they had sworn your destruction — and it is proper you should stand upon your guard, while there is one of _ them alive; for my part, I shall not neglect any thing necessary to your — preservation, as I am in duty bound. es When Mat ‘giana had left off speaking, Ali Baba was so sensible of the great service she had done him, that he said to her, I will not die without rewarding you as you deserve: I-owe my life to you ; and, for the first token of my acknowledgment, I give you your liberty from this moment, till I can complete your recompenseas I intend, Ali that we have to do — is to bury the bodies of these pests of mankind immediately, and with all the secrecy imaginable, that nobody may suspect what is become of them. - : But that, Abdalla and I will undertake. ; Ali Baba’s garden was very long, and shaded, at the farther end, ay a great number of large trees. Under these trees he and the slave went and _ dug atrench, long and wide enough to hold all the robbers, and, as ie earth was light, they were not long doing it. In the meantime, the captain of ‘the forty robbers returned to the forest, in most inconceivable mortification ; and entered thecave, not being able, x all the way from the town, to come to any resolution what to do. to Al Baba.- The loneliness of the dark place seemed frightful to him. vie is (ae s = Tee ae c = “ m . ’ 4 = ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, | - 953 are you, my brave lads, cried he, old companions of my watchings, inroads, and labour? What can I do without you? I will undertake that mysclf, which I could not accomplish with so powerful assistance; and, when I have taken care to secure this treasure from being pillaged, I will provide for it new masters and successors after me, who shall preserve and augment it to all posterity. This resolution being taken, he was not ata loss how to exe oie cute it; but full of hopes, he slept all that night very quietly. When he waked, early next morning, as he had proposed, he dressed him- self, went to the town, and took a lodging in a khan. The next thing that the captain had to do was to provide himself witha horse, to convey a great many sorts of rich stuffs and fine linen to hislodg~ ing, which he did by a great many journeys to the forest, but with all the necessary precautions imaginable, to conceal the place whence he brought them. In order to dispose of the merchandizes, when he hadamassed them together, he took a furnished shop, which happened to be opposite to that which was Cassim’s, which Ali Baba’s son had not long occupied, He took upon him the name of Cogia Houssain; and, as a new comer, was, according to custom, extremely civil and complaisant to all the mer-~ chants, his neighbours. And as Ali Baba’s son was young and handsome, and a man of good’sense, and was often obliged to converse with Cogia Houssain, he soon made them acquainted with him. He strove to culti- vate his friendship, more particularly when, two or three days after he was settled, he recognized Ali Baba, who came to see his son, and stopped to talk with him as he was accustomed to do; and, when he was gone, -he learnt from his son who he was. He increased his assiduities, caressed him after the most engaging manner, madc him some small presents, and often asked him to dine and sup with him; and treated him very handsomely. Ali Baba’s son did not care to lie under such obligation to Cogia Hous- sain, without making the like return; but was so much straitened for want of room in his house, that he could not entertain him so well as he wished; and therefore acquainted his father, Ali Baba, with his intention, and told him that it did not look well for him to receive such favours from Cogia Houssain, without inviting him again. : Ali Baba took the treat upon himself. Son, said he, to-morrow get Co- ‘gia Houssain to take a walk with you after dinner, and, as you come back, © pass by my door, and callin, I will go and order Morgiana to provide-a supper. The next day, after dinner, Ali Baba’s son and Cogia Houssain met, by appointment, and took their walk, and asthey returned, Ali Baba’s son led Cogia Houssain through the street where his father lived; and, when they came to the house, he stopped and knocked at the door. This, sir, ‘said he, is my father’s house; who, upon the account I have given him of your friendship, charged me to procure him the honour of your acquaint- ance, Aui Baba received Cogia Houssain with a smiling countenance, and in the most obliging manner he could wish. Pans Cogia Houssain returned the compliment, and after alittle more conver= sation on different subjects, he offered to take his leave; when Ali Baba, stopping him, said, I beg you would do me the honour to sup with me, Sir, replied Cogia Houssain, I am thoroughly persuaded of your good-will; and if I ask the favour of you not to take it ill that I do not accept of your — obliging invitation, I beg of you to believe that it does not proceed from any slight or intention to affront, but from a certain reason, which you. _ would approve of, if you knew it, * / - be! Rees _ ARABIAN NIGUTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, ‘table. If that is the only reason, said Ali Baba, it ought not to deprive — - rations for exccuting one of the boldest acts which could be thought on, - - guest, as we do sometimes when he is alone. hall, who, when she came to the door, made a low curtsey, with a delibera ° Ww i _ “ i i 9A 2.0 2A Cie SB pees whe ea I ie, ee . nto’ S f - tea eS af Ye gk Tea em Me ele f Tee chi pen ae a A OR CUPRA can ee fe Mean OY Np eet ale aot Poeegem rte ie oe CEN Poe ae ERC EM AN ee) - = = ‘a Py i ee ene Se te Vee a a. And what may that reason be, sir? replied Ali Baba, if I may be sobold _ as to ask you. It is, answered Cogia Houssain, that I can eat no victuals that have any salt in them: therefore, judge how I should look at your: me of the honour of vour company at supper; for, in the first place, there is no salt ever put into my bread; and, for the meat we-shall have to-night, I promise you there shall be none. : eee Ali Baba then went into the kitchen, and ordered Morgiana to put no Sait to the meat that was to be dressed, that night. Le Morgiana obeyed, though with no little reluctance, and had a curiosity _ to see this man who eat no salt. To this end, she helped to carry up the~ dishes; and, looking at Cogia Houssain, knew him, at the first sight, tobe the captain of the robbers, notwithstanding his disguise; and, examining — him very carefully, perceived that he had a dagger hid under his garment, _ I am not in the least amazed, said she to herself, that this wicked wretch, _ Who is my master’s greatest enemy, would eat no salt with him, since he intends to assassinate him; but I will prevent him. ee When Morgiana had sent up the supper, she made the necessary prepa- tee Ne Sa ae ed opps wee: E if » “hog = and had just done, when Abdalla came again for the dessert of fruit, which — she carried up, and set upon the table: after that, she set alittle table and mo Ar Sp trane zo three glasses by Ali Baba, and went ont, sae oe Then the pretended Cogia Houssain thought he had a favourable op- a portunity to kill Ali Baba. I will, said he to himself, make the fatherand — \. son both drunk; and then the son, whose life I intend to spare, will not > be able to prevent my stabbing his father to the heart; and, while the slaves are at supper, or asleep in the kitchen, I can make my escape over the ~ gardens, as before, Le Instead of going to supper, Morgiana, who penetrated into theintentions. — of the counterfeit Cogia Houssain, would not give him leave to put his vil- = lainous design in execution, but dressed herself neatly with a suitable head- dress like a dancer, girded her waist with a silver-gilt girdle, to which there hung a poniard with a hilt and guard of the same metal, and put a hand- some mask on her face. When she had thus disguised herself, she said to — Abdalla, Take your tabor, and let us go and divert our master and his son’s ey 122s TERE bow Abdalla took his tabor, and played before Morgiana all the way into the air, to make herself taken notice of, and by way of asking leave to show what she could do. Abdalla, seeing that his master had a mind to say. something, left off playing. Come in, Morgiana, said Ali Baba, and let ok Cogia Houssain see what you can do, that he may tell us what he thinks — a of you. # ; : ie 2 After Morgiana had danced several dances, she drew the poniard, and Se holding it in her hand, danced a dance, in which she outdid herself, by the . . se a ; Many different figures and light movements, and the surprising leaps. and ~~ wonderful exertions, with which she accompanied it. Sometimes she pres > sented the poniard to one’s breast, and sometimes to another’s, and often- times seeming to strike her own. At last, as if she was out of breath, she snatched the tabor from Abdalla, with her left hand, and, holding the dag- ie ger in her right, presented the other side of the tabor, after the manner of those who get-a livelihood by dancing, and solicit the liberality of. ee An Pass f = z= Se, COR ae SS a a he Lr ao pla Gl se SE ea y = i ao VAN C bc i ; at, SEr mpm ne Sees od ¥ eats iia - SACKS Z S a ra ae sia % gts? Gti ": : > Bt : % = - ; eee ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS, —_- 250 ftators. Ali Baba put a piece of gold into the tabor, as did also his son; and Cogia Houssain, seeing that she was come to him, had pulled his purse out of his bosom to make her a present; but, while he was putting hishand > into it, Morgiana, with a courage and resolution worthy of herself, plunged the poniard into his heart. Ali Biba and his son, frightened at this action, cried out aloud. Un- happy wretch! exclaimed Ali Baba, what have you done to ruin me and my family? It was to preserve you, not to ruin you, answered Morgiana; for see here, said she, (opening Cogia Houssain’s garment, and showing the dagger), what an enemy you had entertained! Look well at him, and you | will find him to be both the pretended oil-merchant, and the captainofthe gang of forty robbers, : aoe Ali Baba, who immediately felt the new obligation he had to Morgiana, for saving his life a second time, embraced her: Morgiana, said he, I[gave you your liberty, and then promised you that my gratitude should notstop _ there, but that I would soon complete it. The time is come forme togive you a proof of it, by making you my daughter-in-law. Then, addressing himself to-his son, he said to him, B believe you, son, to be so. dutiful a child, that you will not refuse Morgiana for your wife. Consider that, by marrying her, you marry the support of my family and your own. The son readily consented to the marriage; not only because he would _ not disobey his father, but that his inclination prompted him to it. A few days afterwards, Ali Baba celebrated the nuptials of his son and Morgiana, with great solemnity and a sumptuous feast. Ali Baba forbore, a long time after this marriage, from going again to the _ robbers’ cave, from the time he brought away his brother Cassim andsome _ bags of gold on thrce asses, for fear of finding them there, and being suY= 4-7 prised by them. He kept away, after the death of the thirty-seven robbers and their captain, supposing the other two robbers, whom he could get no account of, might be alive. 3 But, at the year’s end, when he found they had notmadeany attemptto disturb him, he had the curiosity to make another journey; taking the ne- — ~ * cessary precautions for his safety. He mounted his horse; and, when he - came to the cave, and saw no footsteps of men or horses, he looked upon it asa good sign. He alighted off his horse, and tied him to a tree; and, -~ presenting himself before the door, and pronouncing these words, Open, Se- same, the door opened. He went in, and by the condition he found things — in, he judged that nobody had been there since the false Cogia Hossain, — ‘when he fetched the goods for his shop, and that the gang of forty robbers was completely destroyed, and never doubted he was the only person in the world who had the secret of opening the cave, and that allthe treasure - - was solely at his disposal; and, having brought with him a wallet, into - which he put as much gold as his horse would carry, he returned to town. Afterwards, Ali Baba carried his son to the cave, taught him the secret, _ which they handed down to their posterity; and, using their good fortune with moderation, lived in great honour and splendour, serving the greatest Offices of the city. : ? Tre sultan of the Indies could not but admire the prodigious and inex- Pat haustible memory of the sultaness his wife, who had entertained him so _ many nights with so many different stories, ee | ne ~ yg = O66) 3s ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS, Bee Many entertaining nights had passed away in these innocent amuse- ments, which contributed so much towards removing the sultan’s un- happy prejudice against the fidelity of women. His temper was soften- ed. He was convinced of the merit and great wisdom of the sultaness Scheherazade. _He remembered with what courage she exposed: herself voluntarily to be his wife, without fearing the death to which she knew. __ she subjected herself, as the many sultanesses did before her. us These considerations, and many other good qualities he knew her to — be mistress of, induced him at last to forgive her, I see, lovely Sche- herazade, said he, that you can never be at a loss for these sort of little stories which have so diverted me.. You have appeased my anger. I freely renounce, in your favour, the cruel law I had imposed on myself, I restore you completely to my favour, and will have you to be looked =~ on as the deliverer of the many damsels I had resolved to have sacri- ee ficed to my unjust resentment. The sultaness cast herself at his feeti= and embraced them tenderly, with all the marks of the most lively and perfect gratitude. ine? The grand vizier was the first that learned’ this agreeable news from the sultan’s own mouth. It presently was carried to the city, towns, - and provinces ; and gained the sultan, and the lovely Scheherazade, his - consort, universal applause, and the blessings of all the people of the ~ large empire of the Indies. 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