The "Aldine" Edition of

 The Arabian Nights Entertainments

 Illustrated by S. L. Wood

 FROM THE TEXT OF DR. JONATHAN SCOTT

 In Four Volumes

 Volume 1

 Only 500 copies of the Small Paper Edition are printed for America, of which this is No. 217

 London Pickering and Chatto 1890

 The Publishers' Preface. 

This, the "Aldine Edition" of "The Arabian NightsEntertainments, " forms the first four volumes of a proposedseries of reprints of the Standard works of fiction which haveappeared in the English language. 

It is our intention to publish the series in an artistic way, well illustrating a text typographically as perfect as possible. The texts in all cases will be carefully chosen from approvededitions. 

The series is intended for those who appreciate well printed andillustrated books, or who are in want of a handy and handsomeedition of such works to place upon their bookshelves. 

The exact origin of the Tales, which appear in the Arabic as "TheThousand and One Nights, " is unknown. The Caliph Haroon alRusheed, who, figures in so lifelike a manner in many of thestories, was a contemporary of the Emperor Charlemagne, and thereis internal evidence that the collection was made in the Arabiclanguage about the end of the tenth century. 

They undoubtedly convey a picturesque impression of the manners, sentiments, and customs of Eastern Mediaeval Life. 

The stories were translated from the Arabic by M. Galland andfirst found their way into English in 1704, when they wereretranslated from M. Galland's French text and at once becameexceedingly popular. 

This process of double translation had great disadvantages; itinduced Dr. Jonathan Scott, Oriental Professor, to publish in1811, a new edition, revised and corrected from the Arabic. 

It is upon this text that the present edition is formed. 

It will be found free from that grossness which is unavoidable ina strictly literal translation of the original into English; andwhich has rendered the splendid translations of Sir R. Burton andMr. J. Payne quite unsuitable as the basis of a popular edition, though at the same time stamping the works as the two mostperfect editions for the student. 

The scholarly translation of Lane, by the too strict an adherenceto Oriental forms of expression, and somewhat pedantic renderingof the spelling of proper names, is found to be tedious to a verylarge number of readers attracted by the rich imagination, romance, and humour of these tales. 

 Contents of Volume I. 

The Ass, the Ox, and the Labourer. THE MERCHANT AND THE GENIE. The Story of the First Old Man and the Hind. The Story of the Second old Man and the Two Black Dogs. THE STORY OF THE FISHERMAN. The Story of the Grecian King and the Physician Douban. The Story of the Husband and the Parrot. The Story of the Vizier that was Punished. The History of the Young King of the Black Isles. STORY OF THE THREE CALENDERS, SONS OF SULTANS; AND OF THE FIVE LADIES OF BAGDAD. The History of the First Calender. The Story of the Second Calender. The Story of the Envious Man, and of him that he Envied. The History of the Third Calender. The Story of Zobeide. The Story of Amene. THE STORY OF SINBAD THE VOYAGER. The First Voyage. The Second Voyage. The Third Voyage. The Fourth Voyage. The Fifth Voyage. The Sixth Voyage. The Seventh and Last Voyage. THE THREE APPLES. The Story of the Lady who was Murdered, and of the Young Man her Husband. The Story of Noor ad Deen Ali and Buddir ad Deen Houssun. THE HISTORY OF GANEM, SON OF ABOU AYOUB, AND KNOWN BY THE SURNAME OF LOVE'S SLAVE. 

 The Arabian Nights Entertainments. 

The chronicles of the Sassanians, ancient kings of Persia, whoextended their empire into the Indies, over all the adjacentislands, and a great way beyond the Ganges, as far as China, acquaint us, that there was formerly a king of that potentfamily, who was regarded as the most excellent prince of histime. He was as much beloved by his subjects for his wisdom andprudence, as he was dreaded by his neighbours, on account of hisvelour, and well-disciplined troops. He had two sons; the elderShier-ear, the worthy heir of his father, and endowed with allhis virtues; the younger Shaw-zummaun, a prince of equal merit. 

After a long and glorious reign, this king died; and Shier-earmounted his throne. Shaw-zummaun, being excluded from all sharein the government by the laws of the empire, and obliged to livea private life, was so far from envying the happiness of hisbrother, that he made it his whole business to please him, and inthis succeeded without much difficulty. Shier-ear, who hadnaturally a great affection the prince his brother, gave him thekingdom of Great Tartary. Shaw-zummaun went immediately and tookpossession of it, and fixed the seat of his government atSamarcand, the metropolis of the country. 

After they had been separated ten years, Shier-ear, being verydesirous of seeing his brother, resolved to send an ambassador toinvite him to his court. He made choice of his prime vizier forthe embassy, and sent him to Tartary, with a retinue answerableto his dignity. The vizier proceeded with all possible expeditionto Samarcand. When he came near the city, Shaw-zummaun wasinformed of his approach, and went to meet him attended by theprincipal lords of his court, who, to shew the greater honour tothe sultan's minister, appeared in magnificent apparel. The kingof Tartary received the ambassador with the greatestdemonstrations of joy; and immediately asked him concerning thewelfare of the sultan his brother. The vizier having acquaintedhim that he was in health, informed him of the purpose of hisembassy. Shaw-zummaun was much affected, and answered: "Sagevizier, the sultan my brother does me too much honour; nothingcould be more agreeable to me, for I as ardently long to see himas he does to see me. Time has not diminished my friendship morethan his. My kingdom is in peace, and I want no more than tendays to get myself ready to return with you. There is thereforeno necessity for your entering the city for so short a period. Ipray you to pitch your tents here, and I will order everythingnecessary to be provided for yourself and your attendants. " Thevizier readily complied; and as soon as the king returned to thecity, he sent him a prodigious quantity of provisions of allsorts, with presents of great value. 

In the meanwhile, Shaw-zummaun prepared for his journey, gaveorders about his most important affairs, appointed a council togovern in his absence, and named a minister, of whose wisdom hehad sufficient experience, and in whom he had entire confidence, to be their president. At the end of ten days, his equipage beingready, he took leave of the queen his wife, and went out of townin the evening with his retinue. He pitched his royal pavilionnear the vizier's tent, and conversed with him till midnight. Wishing once more to see the queen, whom he ardently loved, hereturned alone to his palace, and went directly to her majesty'sapartments. But she, not expecting his return, had taken one ofthe meanest officers of her household to her bed. 

The king entered without noise, and pleased himself to think howhe should surprise his wife who he thought loved him withreciprocal tenderness. But how great was his astonishment, when, by the light of the flambeau, he beheld a man in her arms! Hestood immovable for some time, not knowing how to believe his owneyes. But finding there was no room for doubt, "How!" said he tohimself, "I am scarcely out of my palace, and but just under thewalls of Samarcand, and dare they put such an outrage upon me?Perfidious wretches! your crime shall not go unpunished. As aking, I am bound to punish wickedness committed in my dominions;and as an enraged husband, I must sacrifice you to my justresentment. " The unfortunate prince, giving way to his rage, thendrew his cimeter, and approaching the bed killed them both withone blow, their sleep into death; and afterwards taking them up, he threw them out of a window into the ditch that surrounded thepalace. 

Having thus avenged himself, he returned to his pavilion withoutsaying one word of what had happened, gave orders that the tentsshould be struck, and everything made ready for his journey. Allwas speedily prepared, and before day he began his march, withkettle-drums and other instruments of music, that filled everyonewith joy, excepting the king; he was so much afflicted by thedisloyalty of his wife, that he was seized with extrememelancholy, which preyed upon his spirits during the whole of hisjourney. 

When he drew near the capital of the Indies, the sultan Shier-ear andall his court came out to meet him. The princes were overjoyed to seeone another, and having alighted, after mutual embraces and othermarks of affection and respect, remounted, and entered the city, amidst the acclamations of the people. The sultan conducted hisbrother to the palace provided for him, which had a communication withhis own by a garden. It was so much the more magnificent as it was setapart as a banqueting-house for public entertainments, and otherdiversions of the court, and its splendour had been lately augmentedby new furniture. 

Shier-ear immediately left the king of Tartary, that he mightgive him time to bathe, and to change his apparel. As soon as hehad done, he returned to him again, and they sat down together ona sofa or alcove. The courtiers out of respect kept at adistance, and the two princes entertained one another suitably totheir friendship, their consanguinity, and their long separation. The time of supper being come, they ate together, after whichthey renewed their conversation, which continued till Shier-ear, perceiving that it was very late, left his brother to repose. 

The unfortunate Shaw-zummaun retired to bed. Though theconversation of his brother had suspended his grief for sometime, it returned again with increased violence; so that, insteadof taking his necessary rest, he tormented himself with thebitterest reflections. All the circumstances of his wife'sdisloyalty presented themselves afresh to his imagination, in solively a manner, that he was like one distracted being able tosleep, he arose, and abandoned himself to the most afflictingthoughts, which made such an impression upon his countenance, asit was impossible for the sultan not to observe. "What, " said he, "can be the matter with the king of Tartary that he is somelancholy? Has he any cause to complain of his reception? No, surely; I have received him as a brother whom I love, so that Ican charge myself with no omission in that respect. Perhaps itgrieves him to be at such a distance from his dominions, or fromthe queen his wife? If that be the case, I must forthwith givehim the presents I designed for him, that he may return toSamarcand. " Accordingly the next day Shier-ear sent him part ofthose presents, being the greatest rarities and the richestthings that the Indies could afford. At the same time heendeavoured to divert his brother every day by new objects ofpleasure, and the most splendid entertainments. But these, instead of affording him ease, only increased his sorrow. 

One day, Shier-ear having appointed a great hunting-match, abouttwo days journey from his capital, in a place that abounded withdeer, Shaw-zummaun besought him to excuse his attendance, for hishealth would not allow him to bear him company. The sultan, unwilling to put any constraint upon him, left him at hisliberty, and went a-hunting with his nobles. The king of Tartarybeing thus left alone, shut himself up in his apartment, and satdown at a window that looked into the garden. That deliciousplace, and the sweet harmony of an infinite number of birds, which chose it for their retreat, must certainly have divertedhim, had he been capable of taking pleasure in anything; butbeing perpetually tormented with the fatal remembrance of hisqueen's infamous conduct, his eyes were not so much fixed uponthe garden, as lifted up to heaven to bewail his misfortune. 

While he was thus absorbed in grief, a circumstance occurredwhich attracted the whole of his attention. A secret gate of thesultan's palace suddenly opened, and there came out of it twentywomen, in the midst of whom walked the sultaness, who was easilydistinguished from the rest by her majestic air. This princessthinking that the king of Tartary was gone a-hunting with hisbrother the sultan, came with her retinue near the windows of hisapartment. For the prince had so placed himself that he could seeall that passed in the garden without being perceived himself. Heobserved, that the persons who accompanied the sultaness threwoff their veils and long robes, that they might be more at theirease, but he was greatly surprised to find that ten of them wereblack men, and that each of these took his mistress. Thesultaness, on her part, was not long without her gallant. Sheclapped her hands, and called "Masoud, Masoud, " and immediately ablack descended from a tree, and ran towards her with greatspeed. 

Modesty will not allow, nor is it necessary, to relate whatpassed between the blacks and the ladies. It is sufficient tosay, that Shaw-zummaun saw enough to convince him, that hisbrother was as much to be pitied as himself. This amorous companycontinued together till midnight, and having bathed together in agreat piece of water, which was one of the chief ornaments of thegarden, they dressed themselves, and re-entered the palace by thesecret door, all except Masoud, who climbed up his tree, and gotover the garden wall as he had come in. 

These things having passed in the king of Tartary's sight, filledhim with a multitude of reflections. "How little reason had I, "said he, "to think that none was so unfortunate as myself? It issurely the unavoidable fate of all husbands, since even thesultan my brother, who is sovereign of so-many dominions, and thegreatest prince of the earth, could not escape. Such being thecase, what a fool am I to kill myself with grief? I am resolvedthat the remembrance of a misfortune so common shall never moredisturb my peace. "

From that moment he forbore afflicting himself. He called for hissupper, ate with a better appetite than he had done since hisleaving Samarcand, and listened with some degree of pleasure tothe agreeable concert of vocal and instrumental music that wasappointed to entertain him while at table. 

He continued after this very cheerful; and when he was informedthat the sultan was returning, went to meet him, and paid him hiscompliments with great gaiety. Shier-ear at first took no noticeof this alteration. He politely expostulated with him for notbearing him company, and without giving him time to reply, entertained him with an account of the great number of deer andother game they had killed, and the pleasure he had received inthe chase. Shaw-zummaun heard him with attention; and being nowrelieved from the melancholy which had before depressed hisspirits, and clouded his talents, took up the conversation in histurn, and spoke a thousand agreeable and pleasant things to thesultan. 

Shier-ear, who expected to have found him in the same state as hehad left him, was overjoyed to see him so cheerful: "Dearbrother, " said he, "I return thanks to heaven for the happychange it has wrought in you during my absence. I am indeedextremely rejoiced. But I have a request to make to you, andconjure you not to deny me. " "I can refuse you nothing, " repliedthe king of Tartary; "you may command Shaw-zummaun as you please:speak, I am impatient to know what you desire of me. " "Ever sinceyou came to my court, " resumed Shier-ear, "I have found youimmersed in a deep melancholy, and I have in vain attempted toremove it by different diversions. I imagined it might beoccasioned by your distance from your dominions, or that lovemight have a great share in it; and that the queen of Samarcand, who, no doubt, is an accomplished beauty, might be the cause. Ido not know whether I am mistaken in my conjecture; but I mustown, that it was for this very reason I would not importune youupon the subject, for fear of making you uneasy. But withoutmyself contributing anything towards effecting the change, I findon my return that your mind is entirely delivered from the blackvapour which disturbed it. Pray do me the favour to tell me whyyou were so melancholy, and wherefore you are no longer so. "

The king of Tartary continued for some time as if he had beenmeditating and contriving what he should answer; but at last replied, "You are my sultan and master; but excuse me, I beseech you, fromanswering your question. " "No, dear brother, " said the sultan, "youmust answer me, I will take no denial. " Shaw-zummaun, not being ableto withstand these pressing entreaties, replied, "Well then, brother, I will satisfy you, since you command me;" and having told him thestory of the queen of Samarcand's treachery "This, " said he, "was thecause of my grief; judge whether I had not sufficient reason for mydepression. "

"O! my brother, " said the sultan, (in a tone which shewed whatinterest he took in the king of Tartary's affliction), "what ahorrible event do you tell me! I commend you for punishing thetraitors who offered you such an outrage. None can blame you forwhat you have done. It was just; and for my part, had the casebeen mine, I should scarcely have been so moderate. I could nothave satisfied myself with the life of one woman; I should havesacrificed a thousand to my fury. I now cease to wonder at yourmelancholy. The cause was too afflicting and too mortifying notto overwhelm you. O heaven! what a strange adventure! Nor do Ibelieve the like ever befell any man but yourself. But I mustbless God, who has comforted you; and since I doubt not but yourconsolation is well-grounded, be so good as to inform me what itis, and conceal nothing from me. " Shaw-zummaun was not so easilyprevailed upon in this point as he had been in the other, on hisbrother's account. But being obliged to yield to his pressinginstances, answered, "I must obey you then, since your command isabsolute, yet I am afraid that my obedience will occasion yourtrouble to be greater than my own. But you must blame yourself, since you force me to reveal what I should otherwise have buriedin eternal Oblivion. " "What you say, " answered Shier-ear, "servesonly to increase my curiosity. Discover the secret, whatever itbe. " The king of Tartary being no longer able to refuse, relatedto him the particulars of the blacks in disguise, of theungoverned passion of the sultaness, and her ladies; nor did heforget Masoud. After having been witness to these infamousactions, he continued, "I believed all women to be naturallylewd; and that they could not resist their inclination. Being ofthis opinion, it seemed to me to be in men an unaccountableweakness to place any confidence in their fidelity. Thisreflection brought on many others; and in short, I thought thebest thing I could do was to make myself easy. It cost me somepains indeed, but at last I grew reconciled; and if you will takemy advice, you will follow my example. "

Though the advice was good, the sultan could not approve of it, butfell into a rage. "What!" said he, "is the sultaness of the Indiescapable of prostituting herself in so base a manner! No, brother, Icannot believe what you state unless I beheld it with my own eyes. Yours must needs have deceived you; the matter is so important that Imust be satisfied of it myself. " "Dear brother, " answeredShaw-zummaun, "that you may without much difficulty. Appoint anotherhunting-match, and when we are out of town with your court and mine, we will rest under our tents, and at night let you and I returnunattended to my apartments. I am certain the next day you will see arepetition of the scene. " The sultan approving the stratagem, immediately appointed another hunting-match. And that same day thetents were pitched at the place appointed. 

The next day the two princes set out with all their retinue; theyarrived at the place of encampment, and stayed there till night. Shier-ear then called his grand vizier, and, without acquaintinghim with his design, commanded him during his absence to sufferno person to quit the camp on any presence whatever. As soon ashe had given this order, the king of Grand Tartary and he tookhorse, passed through the camp incognito, returned to the city, and went to Shaw-zummaun's apartment. They had scarcely placedthemselves in the window whence the king of Tartary had beheldthe scene of the disguised blacks, when the secret gate opened, the sultaness and her ladies entered the garden with the blacks, and she having called to Masoud, the sultan saw more than enoughfully to convince him of his dishonour and misfortune. 

"Oh heavens!" he exclaimed, "what indignity! What horror! Can thewife of a sovereign be capable of such infamous conduct? Afterthis, let no prince boast of being perfectly happy. Alas! mybrother, " continued he, embracing the king of Tartery, "let usboth renounce the world, honour is banished out of it; if itflatter us one day, it betrays us the next. Let us abandon ourdominions, and go into foreign countries, where we may lead anobscure life, and conceal our misfortunes. " Shaw-zummaun did notat all approve of this plan, but did not think fit to contradictShierear in the heat of his passion. "Dear brother, " he replied, "your will shall be mine. I am ready to follow you whithersoeveryou please: but promise me that you will return, if we meet withany one more unhappy than ourselves. " "To this I agree, " said thesultan, "but doubt much whether we shall. " "I am not of youropinion in this, " replied the king of Tartary; "I fancy ourjourney will be but short. " Having thus resolved, they wentsecretly out of the palace. They travelled as long as day-lightcontinued; and lay the first night under trees. They arose aboutbreak of day, went on till they came to a fine meadow on theseashore, that was be-sprinkled with large trees They sat downunder one of them to rest and refresh themselves, and the chiefsubject of their conversation was the infidelity or their wives. 

They had not rested long, before they heard a frightful noisefrom the sea, and a terrible cry, which filled them with fear. The sea then opened, and there arose something like a great blackcolumn, which reached almost to the clouds. This redoubled theirterror, made them rise with haste, and climb up into a tree tobide themselves. They had scarcely got up, when looking to theplace from whence the noise proceeded, and where the sea hadopened, they observed that the black column advanced, windingabout towards the shore, cleaving the water before it. Theycould not at first think what this could mean, but in a littletime they found that it was one of those malignant genies thatare mortal enemies to mankind, and are always doing themmischief. He was black and frightful, had the shape of a giant, of a prodigious stature, and carried on his head a large glassbox, fastened with four locks of fine steel. He entered themeadow with his burden, which he laid down just at the foot ofthe tree where the two princes were concealed, who gavethemselves over as lost. The genie sat down by his box, andopening it with four keys that he had at his girdle, there cameout a lady magnificently appareled, of a majestic stature, andperfect beauty. The monster made her sit down by him, and eyeingher with an amorous look, said, "Lady, nay, most accomplished ofall ladies who are admired for their beauty, my charmingmistress, whom I carried off on your wedding-day, and have lovedso constantly ever since, let me sleep a few moments by you; forI found myself so very drowsy that I came to this place to take alittle rest. " Having spoken thus, he laid down his huge head uponthe lady's knees, and stretching out his legs, which reached asfar as the sea, he fell asleep presently, and snored so loud thathe made the shores echo. 

The lady happening at this time to look up, saw the two princesin the tree, and made a sign to them with her hand to come downwithout making any noise. Their fear was extreme when they foundthemselves discovered, and they prayed the lady, by other signs, to excuse them. But she, after having laid the monster's headsoftly on the ground, rose up and spoke to them, with a low buteager voice, to come down to her; she would take no denial. Theyinformed her by signs that they were afraid of the genie, andwould fain have been excused. Upon which she ordered them to comedown, and threatened if they did not make haste, to awaken thegenie, and cause him to put them to death. 

These words so much intimidated the princes, that they began todescend with all possible precaution lest they should awake thegenie. When they had come down, the lady took them by the hand, and going a little farther with them under the trees, made them avery urgent proposal. At first they rejected it, but she obligedthem to comply by her threats. Having obtained what she desired, she perceived that each of them had a ring on his finger, whichshe demanded. As soon as she had received them, she pulled out astring of other rings, which she shewed the princes, and askedthem if they knew what those jewels meant? "No, " said they, "wehope you will be pleased to inform us. " "These are, " she replied, "the rings of all the men to whom I have granted my favours. There are fourscore and eighteen, which I keep as memorials ofthem; and I asked for yours to make up the hundred. So that Ihave had a hundred gallants already, notwithstanding thevigilance of this wicked genie, who never leaves me. He may lockme up in this glass box and hide me in the bottom of the sea; butI find methods to elude his vigilance. You may see by this, thatwhen a woman has formed a project, there is no husband or loverthat can prevent her from putting it in execution. Men had betternot put their wives under such restraint, as it only serves toteach them cunning. " Having spoken thus to them, she put theirrings on the same string with the rest, and sitting down by themonster, as before, laid his head again upon her lap, end made asign to the princes to depart. 

They returned immediately the way they had come, and when theywere out of sight of the lady and the genie Shier-ear said toShaw-zummaun "Well, brother, what do you think of this adventure?Has not the genie a very faithful mistress? And do you not agreethat there is no wickedness equal to that of women?" "Yes, brother, " answered the king of Great Tartary; "and you must alsoagree that the monster is more unfortunate, and more to be pitiedthan ourselves. Therefore, since we have found what we soughtfor, let us return to our dominions, and let not this hinder usfrom marrying. For my part, I know a method by which to preservethe fidelity of my wife inviolable. I will say no more atpresent, but you will hear of it in a little time, and I am sureyou will follow my example. " The sultan agreed with his brother;and continuing their journey, they arrived in the camp the thirdnight after their departure. 

The news of the sultan's return being spread, the courtiers camebetimes in the morning before his pavilion to wait his pleasure. He ordered them to enter, received them with a more pleasant airthan he had formerly done, and gave each of them a present. Afterwhich, he told them he would go no farther, ordered them to takehorse, and returned with expedition to his palace. 

As soon as he arrived, he proceeded to the sultaness's apartment, commanded her to be bound before him, and delivered her to hisgrand vizier, with an order to strangle her, which wasaccordingly executed by that minister, without inquiring into hercrime. The enraged prince did not stop here, but cut off theheads of all the sultaness's ladies with his own hand. After thisrigorous punishment, being persuaded that no woman was chaste, heresolved, in order to prevent the disloyalty of such as he shouldafterwards marry, to wed one every night, and have her stranglednext morning. Having imposed this cruel law upon himself, heswore that he would put it in force immediately after thedeparture of the king of Tartary, who shortly took leave of him, and being laden with magnificent presents, set forward on hisjourney. 

Shaw-zummaun having departed, Shier-ear ordered his grand vizierto bring him the daughter of one of his generals. The vizierobeyed. The sultan lay with her, and putting her next morninginto his hands again in order to have her strangled, commandedhim to provide him another the next night. Whatever reluctancethe vizier might feel to put such orders in execution, as he owedblind obedience to the sultan his master, he was forced tosubmit. He brought him then the daughter of a subaltern, whom healso put to death the next day. After her he brought a citizen'sdaughter; and, in a word, there was every day a maid married, anda wife murdered. 

The rumour of this unparalleled barbarity occasioned a generalconsternation in the city, where there was nothing but crying andlamentation. Here, a father in tears, and inconsolable for theloss of his daughter; and there, tender mothers dreating lesttheir daughters should share the same fate, filling the air withcries of distress and apprehension. So that, instead of thecommendation and blessings which the sultan had hitherto receivedfrom his subjects, their mouths were now filled withimprecations. 

The grand vizier who, as has been already observed, was theunwilling executioner of this horrid course of injustice, had twodaughters, the elder called Scheherazade, and the youngerDinarzade. The latter was highly accomplished; but the formerpossessed courage, wit, and penetration, infinitely above hersex. She had read much, and had so admirable a memory, that shenever forgot any thing she had read. She had successfully appliedherself to philosophy, medicine, history, and the liberal arts;and her poetry excelled the compositions of the best writers ofher time. Besides this, she was a perfect beauty, and all heraccomplishments were crowned by solid virtue. 

The vizier loved this daughter, so worthy of his affection. Oneday, as they were conversing together, she said to him, "Father, I have one favour to beg of you, and most humbly pray you togrant it. " "I will not refuse, " answered he, "provided it be justand reasonable. " "For the justice of it, " resumed she, "there canbe no question, and you may judge of this by the motive whichobliges me to make the request. I wish to stop that barbaritywhich the sultan exercises upon the families of this city. Iwould dispel those painful apprehensions which so many mothersfeel of losing their daughters in such a fatal manner. " "Yourdesign, daughter, " replied the vizier "is very commendable; butthe evil you would remedy seems to me incurable. How do youpropose to effect your purpose?" "Father, " said Scheherazade, "since by your means the sultan makes every day a new marriage, Iconjure you, by the tender affection you bear me, to procure methe honour of his bed. " The vizier could not hear this withouthorror. "O heaven!" he replied in a passion, "have you lost yoursenses, daughter, that you make such a dangerous request? Youknow the sultan has sworn, that he will never lie above one nightwith the same woman, and to command her to be killed the nextmorning; would you then have me propose you to him? Consider wellto what your indiscreet zeal will expose you. " "Yes, dearfather, " replied the virtuous daughter, "I know the risk I run;but that does not alarm me. If I perish, my death will beglorious; and if I succeed, I shall do my country an importantservice. " "No, no, " said the vizier "whatever you may offer toinduce me to let you throw yourself into such imminent danger, donot imagine that I will ever consent. When the sultan shallcommand me to strike my poniard into your heart, alas! I mustobey; and what an employment will that be for a father! Ah! ifyou do not dread death, at least cherish some fears of afflictingme with the mortal grief of imbuing my hands in your blood. ""Once more father, " replied Scheherazade, "grant me the favour Isolicit. " "Your stubbornness, " resumed the vizier "will rouse myanger; why will you run headlong to your ruin? They who do notforesee the end of a dangerous enterprise can never conduct it toa happy issue. I am afraid the same thing will happen to you asbefell the ass, which was well off, but could not remain so. ""What misfortune befell the ass?" demanded Scheherazade. "I willtell you, " replied the vizier, "if you will hear me. "

 The Ass, the Ox, and the Labourer. 

A very wealthy merchant possessed several country-houses, wherehe kept a large number of cattle of every kind. He retired withhis wife and family to one of these estates, in order to improveit under his own direction. He had the gift of understanding thelanguage of beasts, but with this condition, that he should not, on pain of death, interpret it to any one else. And this hinderedhim from communicating to others what he learned by means of thisfaculty. 

He kept in the same stall an ox and an ass. One day as he satnear them, and was amusing himself in looking at his children whowere playing about him, he heard the ox say to the ass, "Sprightly, O! how happy do I think you, when I consider the easeyou enjoy, and the little labour that is required of you. You arecarefully rubbed down and washed, you have well-dressed corn, andfresh clean water. Your greatest business is to carry themerchant, our master, when he has any little journey to make, andwere it not for that you would be perfectly idle. I am treated ina very different manner, and my condition is as deplorable asyours is fortunate. Daylight no sooner appears than I am fastenedto a plough, and made to work till night, which so fatigues me, that sometimes my strength entirely fails. Besides, the labourer, who is always behind me, beats me continually. By drawing theplough, my tail is all flayed; and in short, after havinglaboured from morning to night, when I am brought in they give menothing to eat but sorry dry beans, not so much as cleansed fromdirt, or other food equally bad; and to heighten my misery, whenI have filled my belly with such ordinary stuff, I am forced tolie all night in my own dung: so that you see I have reason toenvy your lot. "

The ass did not interrupt the ox; but when he had concluded, answered, "They that called you a foolish beast did not lie. Youare too simple; you suffer them to conduct you whither theyplease, and shew no manner of resolution. In the mean time, whatadvantage do you reap from all the indignities you suffer. Youkill yourself for the ease, pleasure, and profit of those whogive you no thanks for your service. But they would not treat youso, if you had as much courage as strength. When they come tofasten you to the stall, why do you not resist? why do you notgore them with your horns, and shew that you are angry, bystriking your foot against the ground? And, in short, why do notyou frighten them by bellowing aloud? Nature has furnished youwith means to command respect; but you do not use them. Theybring you sorry beans and bad straw; eat none of them, only smelland then leave them. If you follow my advice, you will soonexperience a change, for which you will thank me. "

The ox took the ass's advice in very good part, and owned he wasmuch obliged to him. "Dear Sprightly, " added he, "I will not failto do as you direct, and you shall see how I will acquit myself. "Here ended their conversation, of which the merchant lost not aword. 

Early the next morning the labourer went for the ox. He fastenedhim to the plough and conducted him to his usual work. The ox, who had not forgotten the ass's counsel, was very troublesome anduntowardly all that day, and in the evening, when the labourerbrought him back to the stall, and began to fasten him, themalicious beast instead of presenting his head willingly as heused to do, was restive, and drew back bellowing; and then madeat the labourer, as if he would have gored him with his horns. Ina word, he did all that the ass had advised him. The dayfollowing, the labourer came as usual, to take the ox to hislabour; but finding the stall full of beans, the straw that hehad put in the night before not touched, and the ox lying on theground with his legs stretched out, and panting in a strangemanner, he believed him to be unwell, pitied him, and thinkingthat it was not proper to take him to work, went immediately andacquainted his master with his condition. The merchant perceivingthat the ox had followed all the mischievous advice of the ass, determined to punish the latter, and accordingly ordered thelabourer to go and put him in the ox's place, and to be sure towork him hard. The labourer did as he was desired. The ass wasforced to draw the plough all that day, which fatigued him somuch the more, as he was not accustomed to that kind of labour;besides he had been so soundly beaten, that he could scarcelystand when he came back. 

Meanwhile, the ox was mightily pleased; he ate up all that was inhis stall, and rested himself the whole day. He rejoiced that hehad followed the ass's advice, blessed him a thousand times forthe kindness he had done him, and did not fail to express hisobligations when the ass had returned. The ass made no reply, sovexed was he at the ill treatment he had received; but he saidwithin himself, "It is by my own imprudence I have brought thismisfortune upon myself. I lived happily, every thing smiled uponme; I had all that I could wish; it is my own fault that I ambrought to this miserable condition; and if I cannot contrivesome way to get out of it, I am certainly undone. " As he spoke, his strength was so much exhausted that he fell down in hisstall, as if he had been half dead. 

Here the grand vizier, himself to Scheherazade, and said, "Daughter, you act just like this ass; you will expose yourselfto destruction by your erroneous policy. Take my advice, remainquiet, and do not seek to hasten your death. " "Father, " repliedScheherazade, "the example you have set before me will not induceme to change my resolution. I will never cease importuning youuntil you present me to the sultan as his bride. " The vizier, perceiving that she persisted in her demand, replied, "Alas!then, since you will continue obstinate, I shall be obliged totreat you in the same manner as the merchant whom I beforereferred to treated his wife a short time after. "

The merchant understanding that the ass was in a lamentablecondition, was desirous of knowing what passed between him andthe ox, therefore after supper he went out by moonlight, and satdown by them, his wife bearing him company. After his arrival, heheard the ass say to the ox "Comrade, tell me, I pray you, whatyou intend to do to-morrow, when the labourer brings you meat?""What will I do?" replied the ox, "I will continue to act as youtaught me. I will draw back from him and threaten him with myhorns, as I did yesterday: I will feign myself ill, and at thepoint of death. " "Beware of that, " replied the ass, "it will ruinyou; for as I came home this evening, I heard the merchant, ourmaster, say something that makes me tremble for you. " "Alas! whatdid you hear?" demanded the ox; "as you love me, withhold nothingfrom me, my dear Sprightly. " "Our master, " replied the ass, "addressed himself thus to the labourer: Since the ox does noteat, and is not able to work, I would have him killed to-morrow, and we will give his flesh as an alms to the poor for God's sake, as for the skin, that will be of use to us, and I would have yougive it the currier to dress; therefore be sure to send for thebutcher. ' This is what I had to tell you, " said the ass. "Theinterest I feel in your preservation, and my friendship for you, obliged me to make it known to you, and to give you new advice. As soon as they bring you your bran and straw, rise up and eatheartily. Our master will by this think that you are recovered, and no doubt will recall his orders for killing you; but, if youact otherwise, you will certainly be slaughtered. "

This discourse had the effect which the ass designed. The ox wasgreatly alarmed, and bellowed for fear. The merchant, who heardthe conversation very attentively, fell into a loud fit oflaughter. His wife was greatly surprised, and asked, "Pray, husband, tell me what you laugh at so heartily, that I may laughwith you. " "Wife, " replied he, "you must content yourself withhearing me laugh. " "No, " returned she, "I will know the reason. ""I cannot afford you that satisfaction, " he, "and can only informyou that I laugh at what our ass just now said to the ox. Therest is a secret, which I am not allowed to reveal. " "What, "demanded she "hinders you from revealing the secret?" "If I tellit you, " replied he, "I shall forfeit my life. " "You only jeerme, " cried his wife, "what you would have me believe cannot betrue. If you do not directly satisfy me as to what you laugh at, and tell me what the ox and the ass said to one another, I swearby heaven that you and I shall never bed together again. "

Having spoken thus, she went into the house, and seating herselfin a corner, cried there all night. Her husband lay alone, andfinding next morning that she continued in the same humour, toldher, she was very foolish to afflict herself in that manner; thatthe thing was not worth so much; that it concerned her verylittle to know while it was of the utmost consequence to him tokeep the secret: "therefore, " continued he, "I conjure you tothink no more of it. " "I shall still think so much of it, "replied she, "as never to forbear weeping till you have satisfiedmy curiosity. " "But I tell you very seriously, " answered he, "that it will cost me my life if I yield to your indiscreetsolicitations. " "Let what will happen, " said she, "I do insistupon it. " "I perceive, " resumed the merchant, "that it isimpossible to bring you to reason, and since I foresee that youwill occasion your own death by your obstinacy, I will call inyour children, that they may see you before you die. " Accordinglyhe called for them, and sent for her father and mother, and otherrelations. When they were come and had heard the reason of theirbeing summoned, they did all they could to convince her that shewas in the wrong, but to no purpose: she told them she wouldrather die than yield that point to her husband. Her father andmother spoke to her by herself, and told her that what shedesired to know was of no importance to her; but they couldproduce no effect upon her, either by their authority orintreaties. When her children saw that nothing would prevail todraw her out of that sullen temper, they wept bitterly. Themerchant himself was half frantic, and almost ready to risk hisown life to save that of his wife, whom he sincerely loved. 

The merchant had fifty hens and one cock, with a dog that gavegood heed to all that passed. While the merchant was consideringwhat he had best do, he saw his dog run towards the cock as hewas treading a hen, and heard him say to him: "Cock, I am sureheaven will not let you live long; are you not ashamed to ad thusto-day?" The cock standing up on tiptoe, answered fiercely: "Andwhy not to-day as well as other days?" "If you do not know, "replied the dog, "then I will tell you, that this day our masteris in great perplexity. His wife would have him reveal a secretwhich is of such a nature, that the disclosure would cost him hislife. Things are come to that pass, that it is to be feared hewill scarcely have resolution enough to resist his wife'sobstinacy; for he loves her, and is affected by the tears shecontinually sheds. We are all alarmed at his situation, while youonly insult our melancholy, and have the impudence to divertyourself with your hens. "

The cock answered the dog's reproof thus: "What, has our masterso little sense? he has but one wife, and cannot govern her, andthough I have fifty, I make them all do what I please. Let himuse his reason, he will soon find a way to rid himself of histrouble. " "How?" demanded the dog; "what would you have him do?""Let him go into the room where his wife is, " resumed the cock, "lock the door, and take a stick and thrash her well; and I willanswer for it, that will bring her to her senses, and make herforbear to importune him to discover what he ought not toreveal. " The merchant had no sooner heard what the cock said, than he took up a stick, went to his wife, whom he found stillcrying, and shutting the door, belaboured her so soundly, thatshe cried out, "Enough, husband, enough, forbear, and I willnever ask the question more. " Upon this, perceiving that sherepented of her impertinent curiosity, he desisted; and openingthe door, her friends came in, were glad to find her cured of herobstinacy, and complimented her husband upon this happy expedientto bring his wife to reason. 

"Daughter, " added the grand vizier, "you deserve to be treated asthe merchant treated his wife. "

"Father, " replied Scheherazade, "I beg you would not take it illthat I persist in my opinion. I am nothing moved by the story ofthis woman. I could relate many, to persuade you that you oughtnot to oppose my design. Besides, pardon me for declaring, thatyour opposition is vain; for if your paternal affection shouldhinder you from granting my request, I will go and offer myselfto the sultan. " In short, the father, being overcome by theresolution of his daughter, yielded to her importunity, andthough he was much grieved that he could not divert her from sofatal a resolution, he went instantly to acquaint the sultan, that next night he would bring him Scheherazade. 

The sultan was much surprized at the sacrifice which the grandvizier proposed to make. "How could you", said he, "resolve tobring me your own daughter?" "Sir, " answered the vizier, "it isher own offer. The sad destiny that awaits her could notintimidate her; she prefers the honour of being your majesty'swile for one night, to her life. " "But do not act under amistake, vizier, " said the sultan; "to-morrow when I placeScheherazade in your hands, I expect you will put her to death;and if you fail, I swear that your own life shall answer. " "Sir, "rejoined the vizier "my heart without doubt will be full of griefto execute your commands; but it is to no purpose for nature tomurmur. Though I am her father, I will answer for the fidelity ofmy hand to obey your order. " Shier-ear accepted his minister'soffer, and told him he might bring his daughter when he pleased. 

The grand vizier went with the intelligence to Schcherazade, whoreceived it with as much joy as if it had been the most agreeableinformation she could have received. She thanked her father forhaving so greatly obliged her; and perceiving that he wasoverwhelmed with grief, told him for his consolation, that shehoped he would never repent of having married her to the sultan;and that, on the contrary, he should have reason to rejoice athis compliance all his days. 

Her business now was to adorn herself to appear before the sultan; butbefore she went, she took her sister Dinarzade apart, and said to her, "My dear sister, I have need of your assistance in a matter of greatimportance, and must pray you not to deny it me. My father is going toconduct me to the sultan; do not let this alarm you, but hear me withpatience. As soon as I am in his presence, I will pray him to allowyou to lie in the bride-chamber, that I may enjoy your company thisone night more. If I obtain that favour, as I hope to do, remember toawake me to-morrow an hour before day, and to address me in these orsome such words: 'My sister, if you be not asleep, I pray you thattill day-break, which will be very shortly, you will relate to me oneof the entertaining stories of which you have read so many. ' I willimmediately tell you one; and I hope by this means to deliver the cityfrom the consternation it is under at present. " Dinarzade answeredthat she would with pleasure act as she required her. 

The grand vizier conducted Schcherazade to the palace, andretired, after having introduced her into the sultan's apartment. As soon as the sultan was left alone with her, he ordered her touncover her face: he found her so beautiful that he was perfectlycharmed; but perceiving her to be in tears, demanded the reason. "Sir, " answered Scheherazade, "I have a sister who loves metenderly, and I could wish that she might be allowed to pass thenight in this chamber, that I might see her, and once more bidher adieu. Will you be pleased to allow me the consolation ofgiving her this last testimony of my affection?" Shier-ear havingconsented, Dinarzade was sent for, who came with all possibleexpedition. 

An hour before day, Dinarzade failed not to do as her sister hadordered. "My dear sister, " cried she, "if you be not asleep, Ipray that until daybreak, which will be very shortly, you willtell me one of those pleasant stories you have read. Alas! thismay perhaps be the last time that I shall enjoy that pleasure. "

Scheherazade, instead of answering her sister, addressed herselfto the sultan: "Sir, will your majesty be pleased to allow me toafford my sister this satisfaction?" "With all my heart, " repliedthe sultan. Scheherazade then bade her sister attend, andafterwards, addressing herself to Shier-ear, proceeded asfollows. 

 THE MERCHANT AND THE GENIE. 

There was formerly a merchant who possessed much property inlands, goods, and money, and had a great number of clerks, factors, and slaves. He was obliged from time to time to visithis correspondents on business; and one day being under thenecessity of going a long journey on an affair of importance, hetook horse, and carried with him a wallet containing biscuits anddates, because he had a great desert to pass over, where he couldprocure no sort of provisions. He arrived without any accident atthe end of his journey; and having dispatched his affairs, tookhorse again, in order to return home. 

The fourth day of his journey, he was so much incommoded by theheat of the sun, and the reflection of that heat from the earth, that he turned out of the road, to refresh himself under sometrees. He found at the root of a large tree a fountain of veryclear running water. Having alighted, he tied his horse to abranch, and sitting down by the fountain, took some biscuits anddates out of his wallet. As he ate his dates, he threw the shellscarelessly in different directions. When he had finished hisrepast, being a good Moosulmaun, he washed his hands, face, andfeet, and said his prayers. Before he had finished, and while hewas yet on his knees, he saw a genie, white with age, and of amonstrous bulk, advancing towards him with a cimeter in his hand. The genie spoke to him in a terrible voice: "Rise, that I maykill thee with this cimeter, as thou hast killed my son;" andaccompanied these words with a frightful cry. The merchant beingas much alarmed at the hideous shape of the monster as at histhreatening language, answered him, trembling, "Alas! my goodlord, of what crime can I be guilty towards you, that you shouldtake away my life?" "I will, " replied the genie, "kill thee, asthou hast killed my son. " "Heavens, " exclaimed the merchant, "howcould I kill your son? I never knew, never saw him. " "Did not yousit down when you came hither?" demanded the genie: "did you nottake dates out of your wallet, and as you ate them, did not youthrow the shells about in different directions?" "I did all thatyou say, " answered the merchant, "I cannot deny it. " "If it beso, " resumed the genie, "I tell thee that thou hast killed myson; and in this manner: When thou wert throwing the shellsabout, my son was passing by, and thou didst throw one into hiseye, which killed him; therefore I must kill thee. " "Ah! my lord!pardon me!" cried the merchant. "No pardon, " exclaimed the genie, "no mercy. Is it not just to kill him that has killed another?""I agree it is, " replied the merchant, "but certainly I neverkilled your son; and if I have, it was unknown to me, and I didit innocently; I beg you therefore to pardon me, and suffer me tolive. " "No, no, " returned the genie, persisting in hisresolution, "I must kill thee, since thou hast killed my son. "Then taking the merchant by the arm, he threw him with his faceon the ground, and lifted up his cimeter to cut off his head. 

The merchant, with tears, protested he was innocent, bewailed hiswife and children, and supplicated the genie, in the most movingexpressions. The genie, with his cimeter still lifted up, had thepatience to hear his unfortunate victims to the end of hislamentations, but would not relent. "All this whining, " said themonster, "is to no purpose; though you should shed tears ofblood, they should not hinder me from killing thee, as thou hastkilled my son. " "What!" exclaimed the merchant, "can nothingprevail with you? Will you absolutely take away the life of apoor innocent?" "Yes, " replied the genie, "I am resolved. "

As soon as she had spoken these words, perceiving it was day, andknowing that the sultan rose early in the morning to say hisprayers, and hold his council, Scheherazade discontinued herstory. "Dear sister, " said Dinarzade, "what a wonderful story isthis!" "The remainder of it, " replied Scheherazade "is moresurprising, and you will be of this opinion, if the sultan willbut permit me to live over this day, and allow me to proceed withthe relation the ensuing night. " Shier-ear, who had listened toScheherazade with much interest, said to himself, "I will waittill to-morrow, for I can at any time put her to death when shehas concluded her story. " Having thus resolved not to putScheherazade to death that day, he rose and went to his prayers, and to attend his council. 

During this time the grand vizier was in the utmost distress. Instead of sleeping, he spent the night in sighs and groans, bewailing the lot of his daughter, of whom he believed he shouldhimself shortly be the executioner. As, with this melancholyprospect before him, he dreaded to meet the sultan, he wasagreeably surprised when he found the prince entered the councilchamber without giving him the fatal orders he expected. 

The sultan, according to his custom, spent the day in regulatinghis affairs; and when the night had closed in, retired withScheherazade. The next morning before day, Dinarzade failed notto call to her sister: "My dear sister, if you be not asleep, Ipray you till day-break, which is very near, to go on with thestory you began last night. " The sultan, without waiting forScheherazade to ask his permission, bade her proceed with thestory of the genie and the merchant; upon which Scheherazadecontinued her relation as follows. [FN: In the original workScheherazade continually breaks off to ask the sultan to spareher life for another day, that she may finish the story she isrelating. As these interruptions considerably interfere with thecontinued interest of the stories, it has been deemed advisableto omit them. ]

When the merchant saw that the genie was going to cut off hishead, he cried out aloud to him, "For heaven's sake hold yourhand! Allow me one word. Have the goodness to grant me somerespite, to bid my wife and children adieu, and to divide myestate among them by will, that they may not go to law after mydeath. When I have done this, I will come back and submit towhatever you shall please to command. " "But, " said the genie, "ifI grant you the time you ask, I doubt you will never return?" "Ifyou will believe my oath, " answered the merchant, "I swear by allthat is sacred, that I will come and meet you here without fail. ""What time do you require then?" demanded the genie. "I ask ayear, " said the merchant; "I cannot in less settle my affairs, and prepare myself to die without regret. But I promise you, thatthis day twelve months I will return under these trees, to putmyself into your hands. " "Do you take heaven to be witness tothis promise?" said the genie. "I do, " answered the merchant, "and you may rely on my oath. " Upon this the genie left him nearthe fountain, and disappeared. 

The merchant being recovered from his terror, mounted his horse, and proceeded on his journey, glad on the one hand that he hadescaped so great a danger, but grieved on the other, when hereflected on his fatal oath. When he reached home, his wife andchildren received him with all the demonstrations of perfect joy. But he, instead of returning their caresses, wept so bitterly, that his family apprehended something calamitous had befallenhim. His wife enquire reason of his excessive grief and tears;"We are all overjoyed, " said she, "at your return; but you alarmus by your lamentations; pray tell us the cause of your sorrow. ""Alas!" replied the husband, "I have but a year to live. " He thenrelated what had passed betwixt him and the genie, and informedher that he had given him his oath to return at the end of theyear, to receive death from his hands. 

When they heard this afflicting intelligence, they all began tolament in the most distressing manner. His wife uttered the mostpiteous cries, beat her face, and tore her hair. The children, all in tears, made the house resound with their groans; and thefather, not being able to resist the impulse of nature, mingledhis tears with theirs: so that, in a word, they exhibited themost affecting spectacle possible. 

On the following morning the merchant applied himself to put hisaffairs in order; and first of all to pay his debts. He madepresents to his friends, gave liberal alms to the poor, set hisslaves of both sexes at liberty, divided his property among hischildren, appointed guardians for such of them as were not ofage; and after restoring to his wife all that was due to her bytheir marriage contract, he gave her in addition as much as thelaw would allow him. 

At last the year expired, and he was obliged to depart. He puthis burial clothes in his wallet; but when he came to bid hiswife and children adieu, their grief surpassed description. Theycould not reconcile their minds to the separation, but resolvedto go and die with him. When, however, it became necessary forhim to tear himself from these dear objects, he addressed them inthe following terms: "My dear wife and children, I obey the willof heaven in quitting you. Follow my example, submit withfortitude to this necessity, and consider that it is the destinyof man to die. " Having thus spoken, he went out of the hearing ofthe cries of his family; and pursuing his journey, arrived on theday appointed at the place where he had promised to meet thegenie. He alighted, and seating himself down by the fountain, waited the coming of the genie, with all the sorrow imaginable. Whilst he languished under this painful expectation, an old manleading a hind appeared and drew near him. After they had salutedone another, the old man said to him, "Brother, may I ask why youare come into this desert place, which is possessed solely byevil spirits, and where consequently you cannot be safe? From thebeautiful trees which are seen here, one might indeed suppose theplace inhabited; but it is in reality a wilderness, where it isdangerous to remain long. "

The merchant satisfied his curiosity, and related to him theadventure which obliged him to be there. The old man listenedwith astonishment, and when he had done, exclaimed, "This is themost surprising thing in the world! and you are bound by the mostinviolable oath. However, I will be witness of your interviewwith the genie. " He then seated himself by the merchant, and theyentered into conversation. 

"But I see day, " said Scheherazade, "and must leave off; yet thebest of the story is to come. " The sultan resolving to hear theend of it, suffered her to live that day also. 

The next morning Dinarzade made the same request to her sister asbefore: "My dear sister, " said she, "if you be not asleep, tellme one of those pleasant stories that you have read. " But thesultan, wishing to learn what followed betwixt the merchant andthe genie, bade her proceed with that, which she did as follows. 

Sir, while the merchant and the old man who led the hind wereconversing, they saw another old man coming towards 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 thehind told him the adventure of the merchant and genie, with allthat had passed between them, particularly the merchant's oath. He added, that it was the day agreed on, and that he was resolvedto stay and see the issue. 

The second old man thinking it also worth his curiosity, resolvedto do the same, and took his seat by them. They had scarcelybegun to converse together, when there arrived a third old manleading a mule. He addressed himself to the two former, and askedwhy the merchant who sat with them looked so melancholy? Theytold him the reason, which appeared to him so extraordinary, thathe also resolved to witness the result; and for that purpose satdown with them. 

In a short time they perceived a thick vapour, like a cloud ofdust raised by a whirlwind, advancing towards them. When it hadcome up to them it suddenly vanished, and the genie appeared;who, without saluting them, went to the merchant with a drawncimeter, and taking him by the arm, said, "Get thee up, that Imay kill thee, as thou didst my son. " The merchant and the threeold men began to lament and fill the air with their cries. 

When the old man who led the hind saw the genie lay hold of themerchant, and about to kill him, he threw himself at the feet ofthe monster, and kissing them, said to him, "Prince of genies, Imost humbly request you to suspend your anger, and do me thefavour to hear me. I will tell you the history of my life, and ofthe hind you see; and if you think it more wonderful andsurprising than the adventure of the merchant, I hope you willpardon the unfortunate man a third of his offence. " The genietook some time to deliberate on this proposal, but answered atlast, "Well then, I agree. "

 The Story of the First Old Man and the Hind. 

I shall begin my story then; listen to me, I pray you, withattention. This hind you see is my cousin; nay, what is more, mywife. She was only twelve years of age when I married her, sothat I may justly say, she ought to regard me equally as herfather, her kinsman, and her husband. 

We lived together twenty years, without any children. Herbarrenness did not effect any change in my love; I still treatedher with much kindness and affection. My desire of havingchildren only induced me to purchase a slave, by whom I had ason, who was extremely promising. My wife being jealous, cherished a hatred for both mother and child, but concealed heraversion so well, that I knew nothing of it till it was too late. 

Mean time my son grew up, and was ten years old, when I wasobliged to undertake a long journey. Before I went, I recommendedto my wife, of whom I had no mistrust, the slave and her son, andprayed her to take care of them during my absence, which was tobe for a whole year. She however employed that time to satisfyher hatred. She applied herself to magic, and when she had learntenough of that diabolical art to execute her horrible design, thewretch carried my son to a desolate place, where, by herenchantments, she changed him into a calf, and gave him to myfarmer to fatten, pretending she had bought him. Her enmity didnot stop at this abominable action, but she likewise changed theslave into a cow, and gave her also to my farmer. 

At my return, I enquired for the mother and child. "Your slave, "said she, "is dead; and as for your son, I know not what isbecome of him, I have not seen him this two months. " I wasafflicted at the death of the slave, but as she informed me myson had only disappeared, I was in hopes he would shortly return. However, eight months passed, and I heard nothing of him. Whenthe festival of the great Bairam was to be celebrated, I sent tomy farmer for one of the fattest cows to sacrifice. Heaccordingly sent me one, and the cow which was brought me provedto be my slave, the unfortunate mother of my son. I bound her, but as I was going to sacrifice her, she bellowed piteously, andI could perceive tears streaming from her eyes. This seemed to mevery extraordinary, and finding myself moved with compassion, Icould not find in my heart to give her a blow, but ordered myfarmer to get me another. 

My wife, who was present, was enraged at my tenderness, andresisting an order which disappointed her malice, she cried out, "What are you doing, husband? Sacrifice that cow; your farmer hasnot a finer, nor one fitter for the festival. " Out of deferenceto my wife, I came again to the cow, and combating my compassion, which suspended the sacrifice, was going to give her the fatalblow, when the victim redoubling her tears, and bellowing, disarmed me a second time. I then put the mallet into thefarmer's hands, and desired him to take it and sacrifice herhimself, for her tears and bellowing pierced my heart. 

The farmer, less compassionate than myself; sacrificed her; butwhen he flayed her, found her to be nothing except bones, thoughto she seemed very fat. "Take her yourself, " said I to him, "dispose of her in alms, or any way you please: and if you have avery fat calf, bring it me in her stead. " I did not enquire whathe did with the cow, but soon after he had taken her away, hereturned with a fat calf. Though I knew not the calf was my son, yet I could not forbear being moved at the sight of him. On hispart, as soon as he beheld me, he made so great an effort to comenear me, that he broke his cord, threw himself at my feet, withhis head against the ground, as if he meant to excite mycompassion, conjuring me not to be so cruel as to take his life;and did as much as was possible for him, to signify that he wasmy son. 

I was more surprised and affected with this action, than with thetears of the cow. I felt a tender pity, which interested me onhis behalf, or rather, nature did its duty. "Go, " said I to thefarmer, "carry home that calf, take great care of him, and bringme another in his stead immediately. "

As soon as my wife heard me give this order, she exclaimed, "Whatare you about, husband? Take my advice, sacrifice no other calfbut that. " "Wife, " I replied, "I will not sacrifice him, I willspare him, and pray do not you oppose me. " The wicked woman hadno regard to my wishes; she hated my son too much to consent thatI should save him. I tied the poor creature, and taking up thefatal knife, was going to plunge it into my son's throat, whenturning his eyes bathed with tears, in a languishing manner, towards me, he affected me so much that I had not strength tokill him. I let the knife fall, and told my wife positively thatI would have another calf to sacrifice, and not that. She usedall her endeavours to persuade me to change my resolution; but Icontinued firm, and pacified her a little, by promising that Iwould sacrifice him against the Bairam of the following year. 

The next morning my farmer desired to speak with me alone. "Icome, " said he, "to communicate to you a piece of intelligence, for which I hope you will return me thanks. I have a daughterthat has some skill in magic. Yesterday, as I carried back thecalf which you would not sacrifice, I perceived she laughed whenshe saw him, and in a moment after fell a weeping. I asked herwhy she acted two such opposite parts at one and the same time. 'rather, ' replied she, 'the calf you bring back is our landlord'sson; I laughed for joy to see him still alive, and wept at theremembrance of the sacrifice that was made the other day of hismother, who was changed into a cow. These two metamorphoses weremade by the enchantments of our master's wife, who hated both themother and son. ' This is what my daughter told me, " said thefarmer, "and I come to acquaint you with it. "

I leave you to judge how much I was surprised. I went immediatelyto my farmer, to speak to his daughter myself. As soon as Iarrived, I went forthwith to the stall where my son was kept; hecould not return my embraces, but received them in such a manner, as fully satisfied me he was my son. 

The farmer's daughter then came to us: "My good maid, " said I, "can you restore my son to his former shape?" "Yes, " she replied, "I can. " "Ah!" said I, "if you do, I will make you mistress ofall my fortune. " She answered me, smiling, "You are our master, and I well know what I owe to you; but I cannot restore your sonto his former shape, except on two conditions: the first is, thatyou give him to me for my husband; and the second, that you allowme to punish the person who changed him into a calf. " "As to thefirst, " I replied, "I agree with all my heart: nay, I promise youmore, a considerable fortune for yourself, independently of whatI design for my son: in a word, you shall see how I will rewardthe great service I expect from you. As to what relates to mywife, I also agree; a person who has been capable of committingsuch a criminal action, justly deserves to be punished. I leaveher to your disposal, only I must pray you not to take her life. ""I am going then, " answered she, "to treat her as she treatedyour son. " "To this I consent, " said I, "provided you first ofall restore to me my son. "

The damsel then took a vessel full of water, pronounced over itwords that I did not understand, and addressing herself to thecalf, "O calf, if thou west created by the almighty and sovereignmaster of the world such as thou appearest at this time, continuein that form; but if thou be a man, and art changed into a calfby enchantment, return to thy natural shape, by the permission ofthe sovereign Creator. " As she spoke, she threw water upon him, and in an instant he recovered his natural form. 

"My son, my dear son, " cried I, immediately embracing him withsuch a transport of joy that I knew not what I was doing, "it isheaven that hath sent us this young maid, to remove the horriblecharm by which you were enchanted, and to avenge the injury doneto you and your mother. I doubt not but in acknowledgment youwill make your deliverer your wife, as I have promised. " Hejoyfully consented; but before they married, she changed my wifeinto a hind; and this is she whom you see here. I desired shemight have this shape, rather than another less agreeable, thatwe might see her in the family without horror. 

Since that time, my son is become a widower, and gone to travel. It being now several years since I heard of him, I am come abroadto inquire after him; and not being willing to trust anybody withmy wife, till I should return home, I thought fit to take hereverywhere with me. 

"This is the history of myself and this hind: is it not one ofthe most wonderful and surprising?" "I admit it is, " said thegenie, "and on that account forgive the merchant one third of hiscrime. "

When the first old man had finished his story, the second, wholed the two black dogs, addressed the genie, and said: "I amgoing to tell you what happened to me, and these two black dogsyou see by me; and I am certain you will say, that my story isyet more surprising than that which you have just heard. But whenI have done this, I hope you will be pleased to pardon themerchant another third of his offence. " "I will, " replied thegenie, "provided your story surpass that of the hind. " Then thesecond old man began in this manner--

 The Story of the Second old Man and the Two Black Dogs. 

Great prince of genies, you must know that we are three brothers, the two black dogs and myself. Our father, when he died, lefteach of us one thousand sequins. With that sum, we all becamemerchants. A little time after we had opened shop, my eldestbrother, one of these two dogs, resolved to travel and trade inforeign countries. With this view, he sold his estate, and boughtgoods suited to the trade intended to follow. 

He went away, and was absent a whole year. At the expiration ofthis time, a poor man, who I thought had come to ask alms, presented himself before me in my shop. I said to him, "God helpyou. " He returned my salutation, and continued, "Is it possibleyou do not know me?" Upon this I looked at him narrowly, andrecognised him: "Ah, brother, " cried I, embracing him, "how couldI know you in this condition?" I made him come into my house, andasked him concerning his health and the success of his travels. "Do not ask me that question, " said he; "when you see me, you seeall: it would only renew my grief, to relate to you theparticulars of the misfortunes I have experienced since I leftyou, which have reduced me to my present condition. "

I immediately shut up my shop, and taking him to a bath, gave himthe best clothes I had. Finding on examining my books, that I haddoubled my stock, that is to say, that I was worth two thousandsequins, I gave him one half; "With that, " said I, "brother, youmay make up your loss. " He joyfully accepted the present, andhaving repaired his fortunes, we lived together, as before. 

Some time after, my second brother, who is the other of these twodogs, would also sell his estate. His elder brother and myselfdid all we could to divert him from his purpose, but withouteffect. He disposed of it, and with the money bought such goodsas were suitable to the trade which he designed to follow. Hejoined a caravan, and departed. At the end of the year hereturned in the same condition as my other brother. Having myselfby this time gained another thousand sequins, I made him apresent of them. With this sum he furnished his shop, andcontinued his trade. 

Some time after, one of my brothers came to me to propose that Ishould join them in a trading voyage; I immediately declined. "You have travelled, " said I, "and what have you gained by it?Who can assure me, that I shall be more successful than you havebeen?" It was in vain that they urged open me all theconsiderations they thought likely to gain me over to theirdesign, for I constantly refused; but after having resisted theirsolicitations five whole years, they importuned me so much, thatat last they overcame my resolution. When, however, the timearrived that we were to make preparations for our voyage, to buythe goods necessary to the undertaking, I found they had spentall, and had not one dirhem left of the thousand sequins I hadgiven to each of them. I did not, on this account, upbraid them. On the contrary, my stock being still six thousand sequins, Ishared the half of it with them, telling them, "My brothers, wemust venture these three thousand sequins, and hide the rest insome secure place: that in case our voyage be not more successfulthan yours was formerly, we may have wherewith to assist us, andto enable us to follow our ancient way of living. " I gave each ofthem a thousand sequins, and keeping as much for myself, I buriedthe other three thousand in a corner of my house. We purchasedgoods, and having embarked them on board a vessel, which wefreighted betwixt us, we put to sea with a favourable wind. 

After two months sail, we arrived happily at port, where welanded, and had a very good market for our goods. I, especially, sold mine so well, that I gained ten to one. With the produce webought commodities of that country, to carry back with us forsale. 

When we were ready to embark on our return, I met on the sea-shore alady, handsome enough, but poorly clad. She walked up to megracefully, kissed my hand, besought me with the greatest earnestnessimaginable to marry her, and take her along with me. I made somedifficulty to agree to this proposal; but she urged so many things topersuade me that I ought not to object to her on account of herpoverty, and that I should have all the reason in the world to besatisfied with her conduct, that at last I yielded. I ordered properapparel to be made for her; and after having married her, according toform, I took her on board, and we set sail. I found my wife possessedso many good qualities, that my love to her every day increased. Inthe mean time my two brothers, who had not managed their affairs assuccessfully as I had mine, envied my prosperity; and suffered theirfeelings to carry them so far, that they conspired against my life;and one night, when my wife and I were asleep, threw us both into thesea. 

My wife proved to be a fairy, and, by consequence, a genie, sothat she could not be drowned; but for me, it is certain I musthave perished, without her help. I had scarcely fallen into thewater, when she took me up, and carried me to an island. When dayappeared, she said to me, "You see, husband, that by saving yourlife, I have not rewarded you ill for your kindness to me. Youmust know, that I am a fairy, and being upon the sea-shore, whenyou were going to embark, I felt a strong desire to have you formy husband; I had a mind to try your goodness, and presentedmyself before you in disguise. You have dealt generously by me, and I am glad of an opportunity of returning my acknowledgment. But I am incensed against your brothers, and nothing will satisfyme but their lives. "

I listened to this discourse with admiration; I thanked the fairythe best way I could, for the great kindness she had done me;"But, Madam, " said I, "as for my brothers, I beg you to pardonthem; whatever cause of resentment they have given me, I am notcruel enough to desire their death. " I then informed her what Ihad done for them, but this increased her indignation; and sheexclaimed, "I must immediately pursue those ungrateful traitors, and take speedy vengeance on them. I will destroy their vessel, and sink them into the bottom of the sea. " "My good lady, "replied I, "for heaven's sake forbear; moderate your anger, consider that they are my brothers, and that we ought to returngood for evil. "

I pacified her by these words; and as soon as I had concluded, she transported me in a moment from the island to the roof of myown house, which was terraced, and instantly disappeared. Idescended, opened the doors, and dug up the three thousandsequins I had formerly secreted. I went afterwards to my shop, which I also opened; and was complimented by the merchants, myneighbours, upon my return. When I went back to my house, Iperceived there two black dogs, which came up to me in a verysubmissive manner: I could not divine the meaning of thiscircumstance, which greatly astonished me. But the fairy, whoimmediately appeared, said, "Husband, be not surprised to seethese dogs, they are your brothers. " I was troubled at thisdeclaration, and asked her by what power they were sotransformed. "I did it, " said she, "or at least authorised one ofmy sisters to do it, who at the same time sunk their ship. Youhave lost the goods you had on board, but I will compensate youanother way. As to your two brothers, I have condemned them toremain five years in that shape. Their perfidiousness too welldeserves such a penance. " Having thus spoken and told me where Imight hear of her, she disappeared. 

"The five years being now nearly expired, I am travelling in questof her; and as I passed this way, I met this merchant, and thegood old man who led the hind, and sat down by them. This is myhistory, O prince of genies! do not you think it veryextraordinary?"

"I own it is, " replied the genie, "and on that account I remit themerchant the second third of the crime which he has committed againstme. "

As soon as the second old man had finished, the third began hisstory, after repeating the request of the two former, that thegenie would pardon the merchant the other third of his crime, provided what he should relate surpassed in singularity ofincidents the narratives he had already heard. The genie made himthe same promise as he had given the others. 

The third old man related his story to the genie; and it exceededthe two former stories so much, in the variety of wonderfuladventures, that the genie was astonished; and no sooner heardthe conclusion, than he said to the old man, "I remit the otherthird of the merchant's crime on account of your story. He isgreatly obliged to all of you, for having delivered him out ofhis danger by what you have related, for to this he owes hislife. " Having spoken thus he disappeared, to the greatcontentment of the company. 

The merchant failed not to make due acknowledgment to hisdeliverers. They rejoiced to see him out of danger; and biddinghim adieu, each of them proceeded on his way. The merchantreturned to his wife and children, and passed the rest of hisdays with them in peace. 

 THE STORY OF THE FISHERMAN. 

There was an aged fisherman, who was so poor, that he couldscarcely as much as would maintain himself, his wife, and threechildren. He went every day to fish betimes in the morning; andimposed it as a law upon himself, not to cast his nets above fourtimes a-day. He went one morning by moon-light, and coming to theseaside, undressed himself, and cast in his nets. As he drew themtowards the shore, he found them very heavy, and thought he had agood draught of fish, at which he rejoiced; but in a momentafter, perceiving that instead of fish his nets contained nothingbut the carcass of an ass, he was much vexed. 

When the fisherman had mended his nets, which the carcass of theass had broken in several places, he threw them in a second time;and when he drew them, found a great deal of resistance, whichmade him think he had taken abundance of fish; but he foundnothing except a basket full of gravel and slime, which grievedhim extremely. "O fortune!" cried he, with a lamentable tone, "benot angry with me, nor persecute a wretch who prays thee to sparehim. I came hither from my house to seek for my livelihood, andthou pronouncest against me a sentence of death. I have no othertrade but this to subsist by: and notwithstanding all my care, Ican scarcely provide what is absolutely necessary for my family. But I am to blame to complain of thee; thou takest pleasure topersecute honest people, and to leave great men in obscurity, while thou shewest favour to the wicked, and advancest those whohave no virtue to recommend them. "

Having finished this complaint, he fretfully threw away thebasket, and washing his nets from the slime, cast them the thirdtime; but brought up nothing, except stones, shells, and mud. Nolanguage can express his disappointment; he was almostdistracted. However, when day began to appear, he did not forgetto say his prayers, like a good Moosulmaun, and he added to themthis petition: "Lord, thou knowest that I cast my nets only fourtimes a day; I have already drawn them three times, without theleast reward for my labour: I am only to cast them once more; Ipray thee to render the sea favourable to me, as thou didst toMoses. "

The fisherman having finished this prayer, cast his nets thefourth time; and when he thought it was proper, drew them asformerly, with great difficulty; but instead of fish, foundnothing in them but a vessel of yellow copper, which from itsweight seemed not to be empty; and he observed that it was shutup and sealed with lead, having the impression of a seal upon it. This turn of fortune rejoiced him; "I will sell it, " said he, "tothe founder, and with the money buy a measure of corn. " Heexamined the vessel on all sides, and shook it, to try if itscontents made any noise, but heard nothing. This circumstance, with the impression of the seal upon the leaden cover, made himthink it inclosed something precious. To try this, he took aknife, and opened it with very little labour. He turned the mouthdownward, but nothing came out; which surprised him extremely. Heplaced it before him, but while he viewed it attentively, therecame out a very thick smoke, which obliged him to retire two orthree paces back. 

The smoke ascended to the clouds, and extending itself along thesea and upon the shore formed a great mist, which we may wellimagine filled the fisherman with astonishment. When the smokewas all out of the vessel, it re-united and became a solid body, of which was formed a genie twice as high as the greatest ofgiants. At the sight of a monster of such an unwieldy bulk, thefisherman would fain have fled, but was so frightened, that hecould not move. 

"Solomon, " cried the genie immediately, "Solomon, the greatprophet, pardon, pardon; I will never more oppose your will, Iwill obey all your commands. "

When the fisherman heard these words of the genie, he recoveredhis courage, and said to him, "Thou proud spirit, what is it yousay? It is above eighteen hundred years since the prophet Solomondied, and we are now at the end of 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, said. "Thou must speak to me with more respect; thou art a presumptuousfellow to call me a proud spirit. " "Very well, " replied thefisherman, "shall I speak to you more civilly, and call you theowl of good luck?" "I say, " answered the genie, "speak to me morerespectfully, or I will kill thee. " "Ah!" replied the fisherman, "why would you kill me? Did I not just now set you at liberty, and have you already forgotten my services?" "Yes, I rememberit, " said the genie, "but that shall not save thy life: I haveonly one favour to grant thee. " "And what is that?" asked thefisherman. "It is, " answered the genie, "to give thee thy choice, in what manner thou wouldst have me put thee to death. " "Butwherein have I offended you?" demanded the fisherman. "Is thatyour reward for the service I have rendered you?" "I cannot treatthee otherwise, " said the genie; "and that thou mayest know thereason, hearken to my story. "

"I am one of those rebellious spirits that opposed the will ofheaven; nearly all the other genies owned Solomon, the greatprophet, and yielded to his authority. Sabhir and I were the onlytwo that would never be guilty of a mean submission: and toavenge himself, that great monarch sent Asaph, the son ofBarakhia, his chief minister, to apprehend me. That wasaccordingly done. Asaph seized my person, and brought me by forcebefore his master's throne. 

"Solomon, the son of David, commanded me to acknowledge hispower, and to submit to his commands: I bravely refused, and toldhim, I would rather expose myself to his resentment, than swearfealty as he required. To punish me, he shut me up in this coppervessel; and that I might not break my prison, he himself stampsupon this leaden cover, his seal with the great name of Godengraver upon it. He then gave the vessel to one of the genieswho had submitted, with orders to throw me into the sea, which tomy sorrow were executed. 

"During the first hundred years of my imprisonment, I swore thatif any one should deliver me before the expiration of thatperiod, I would make him rich, even after his death: but thatcentury ran out, and nobody did me that good office. During thesecond, I made an oath, that I would open all the treasures ofthe earth to any one that might set me at liberty; but with nobetter success. In the third, I promised to make my deliverer apotent monarch, to be always near him in spirit, and to grant himevery day three requests, of what nature soever they might be:but this century passed as well as the two former, and Icontinued in prison. At last being angry, or rather mad, to findmyself a prisoner so long, I swore, that if afterwards any oneshould deliver me, I would kill him without mercy, and grant himno other favour but to choose the manner of his death; andtherefore, since thou hast delivered me to-day, I give thee thatchoice. "

This discourse afflicted the fisherman extremely: "I am veryunfortunate, " cried he, "to come hither to do such a kindness toone that is so ungrateful. I beg you to consider your injustice, and revoke such an unreasonable oath; pardon me, and heaven willpardon you; if you grant me my life, heaven will protest you fromall attempts against your own. " "No, thy death is resolved on, "said the genie, "only choose in what manner you will die. " Thefisherman perceiving the genie to be resolute, was extremelygrieved, not so much for himself, as on account of his threechildren; and bewailed the misery they must be reduced to by hisdeath. He endeavoured still to appease the genie, and said, "Alas! be pleased to take pity on me, in consideration of theservice I have done you. " "I have told thee already, " replied thegenie, "it is for that very reason I must kill thee. " "That isstrange, " said the fisherman, "are you resolved to reward goodwith evil? The proverb says, 'That he who does good to one whodeserves it not is always ill rewarded. ' I must confess, Ithought it was false; for certainly there can be nothing morecontrary to reason, or the laws of society. Nevertheless, I findnow by cruel experience that it is but too true. " "Do not losetime, " interrupted the genie; "all thy reasonings shall notdivert me from my purpose: make haste, and tell me what kind ofdeath thou preferest?"

Necessity is the mother of invention. The fisherman bethoughthimself of a stratagem. "Since I must die then, " said he to thegenie, "I submit to the will of heaven; but before I choose themanner of my death, I conjure you by the great name which wasengraver upon the seal of the prophet Solomon, 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 thisadjuration, trembled; and replied to the fisherman, "Ask whatthou wilt, but make haste. "

The fisherman then said to him, "I wish to know if you wereactually in this vessel: Dare you swear it by the name of thegreat God?" "Yes, " replied the genie, "I do swear by that greatname, that I was. " "In good faith, " answered the fisherman, "Icannot believe you; the vessel is not capable of holding one ofyour size, and how should it be possible that your whole bodyshould lie in it?" "I swear to thee, notwithstanding, " repliedthe genie, "that I was there just as you see me here: Is itpossible, that thou cost not believe me after the solemn oath Ihave taken?" "Truly not I, " said the fisherman; "nor will Ibelieve you, unless you go into the vessel again. "

Upon which the body of the genie dissolved and changed itselfinto smoke, extending as before upon the sea shore; and at last, being collected, it began to re-enter the vessel, which itcontinued to do by a slow and equal motion, till no part remainedout; when immediately a voice came forth, which said to thefisherman, "Well now, incredulous fellow, I am in the vessel, donot you believe me now?"

The fisherman, instead of answering the genie, took the cover oflead, and having speedily replaced it on the vessel, "Genie, "cried he, "now it is your turn to beg my favour, and to choosewhich way I shall put you to death; but not so, it is better thatI should throw you into the sea, whence I took you: and then Iwill build a house upon the shore, where I will reside and givenotice to all fishermen who come to throw in their nets, tobeware of such a wicked genie as thou art, who hast made an oathto kill him that shall set thee at liberty. "

The genie, enraged at these expressions, struggled to set himselfat liberty; but it was impossible, for the impression ofSolomon's seal prevented him. Perceiving that the fisherman hadgot the advantage of him, for he thought fit to dissemble hisanger; "Fishermen, " said he, "take heed you do not what youthreaten; for what I spoke to you was only by way of jest. " "Ogenie!" replied the fisherman, "thou who wast but a moment agothe greatest of all genies, and now art the least of them, thycrafty discourse will signify nothing, to the sea thou shaltreturn. If thou hast been there already so long as thou hast toldme, thou may'st very well stay there till the day of judgment. Ibegged of thee in God's name not to take away my life, and thoudidst reject my prayers; I am obliged to treat thee in the samemanner. "

The genie omitted nothing that he thought likely to prevail withthe fisherman: "Open the vessel, " said he, "give me my liberty, and I promise to satisfy thee to thy own content. " "Thou art atraitor, " replied the fisherman, "I should deserve to lose mylife, if I were such a fool as to trust thee: thou wilt not failto treat me in the same manner as a certain Grecian king treatedthe 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 Yunaun or Greece, a king who wasleprous, and his physicians had in vain endeavoured his cure;when a very able physician, named Douban, arrived at his court. 

This physician had learnt the theory of his profession in Greek, Persian, Turkish, Arabic, Latin, Syriac, and Hebrew books; he wasan experienced natural philosopher, and fully understood the goodand bad qualities of plants and drugs. As soon as he was informedof the king's distemper, and understood that his physicians hadgiven him over, he found means to present himself before him. "Iknow, " said he, after the usual ceremonials, "that your majesty'sphysicians have not been able to heal you of the leprosy; but ifyou will accept my service, I will engage to cure you withoutpotions, or external applications. "

The king listened to what he said, and answered, "If you be ableto perform what you promise, I will enrich you and yourposterity. Do you assure me that you will cure my leprosy withoutpotion, or applying any external medicine?" "Yes, Sire, " repliedthe physician, "I promise myself success, through God'sassistance, and to-morrow, with your majesty's permission, I willmake the trial. "

The physician returned to his quarters, made a hollow mace, andat the handle he put in his drugs; he made also a ball in such amanner as suited his purpose, with which next morning hepresented himself before the king, and falling down at his feet, kissed the ground. 

The physician Douban rose up, and after a profound reverence, said tothe king, he judged it meet that his majesty should take horse, and goto the place where he used to play at mall. The king did so, and whenhe arrived there, the physician came to him with the mace, and said, "Exercise yourself with this mace, and strike the ball until you findyour hands and body perspire. When the medicine I have put up in thehandle of the mace is heated with your hand, it will penetrate yourwhole body; and as soon as you perspire, you may leave off theexercise, for then the medicine will have had its effect. Immediatelyon your return to your palace, go into the bath, and cause yourself tobe well washed and rubbed; then retire to bed, and when you riseto-morrow you will find yourself cured. "

The king took the mace, and struck the ball, which was returnedby his officers who played with him; he played so long, that hishands and his whole body were in a sweat, and then the medicineshut up in the handle of the mace had its operation, as thephysician had said. Upon this the king left off play, returned tohis palace, entered the bath, and observed very exactly hisphysician had prescribed to him. 

The next morning when he arose, he perceived with equal wonderand joy, that his leprosy was cured, and his body as clean as ifit had never been affected. As soon as he was dressed, he cameinto the hall of audience, where he ascended his throne, andshewed himself to his courtiers: who, eager to know the successof the new medicine, came thither betimes, and when they saw theking perfectly cured, expressed great joy. The physician Doubanentering the hall, bowed himself before the throne, with his faceto the ground. The king perceiving him, made him sit down by hisside, presented him to the assembly, and gave him all thecommendation he deserved. His majesty did not stop here: but ashe treated all his court that day, made him eat at his tablealone with him. 

The Grecian king was not satisfied with having admitted thephysician Douban to his table, but caused him to be clad in arich robe, ordered him two thousand pieces of gold, and thinkingthat he could never sufficiently acknowledge his obligations tohim, continued every day to load him with new favours. But thisking had a vizier, who was avaricious, envious, and naturallycapable of every kind of mischief. He could not behold withoutenvy the presents that were given to the physician, whose othermerits had already begun to make him jealous, and he thereforeresolved to lessen him in the king's esteem. To effect this, hewent to the king, and told him in private, that he had someinformation of the greatest consequence to communicate. The kinghaving asked what it was? "Sire, " said he, "it is highlydangerous for a monarch to confide in a man whose fidelity he hasnever tried. Though you heap favours upon the physician Douban, your majesty does not know that he is a traitor, sent by yourenemies to take away your life. " "From whom, " demanded the king, "have you the suggestion which you dare pronounce? Consider towhom you are speaking, and that you are advancing what I shallnot easily believe. " "Sire, " replied the vizier, "I am wellinformed of what I have had the honour to reveal to your majesty;therefore do not rest in dangerous security: if your majesty beasleep, be pleased to awake; for I once more repeat, that thephysician Douban left his native country, and came to settlehimself at your court, for the sole purpose of executing thehorrible design which I have intimated. "

"No, no, vizier, " interrupted the king; "I am certain, that thisphysician, whom you suspect to be a villain and a traitor, is oneof the best and most virtuous of men. You know by what medicine, or rather by what miracle, he cured me of my leprosy: If he hadhad a design upon my life, why did he save me then? He neededonly to have left me to my disease; I could not have escaped it, as life was fast decaying. Forbear then to fill me with unjustsuspicions: instead of listening to you, I tell you, that fromthis day forward I will give that great man a pension of athousand pieces of gold per month for his life; nay, though Iwere to share with him all my riches and dominions, I shouldnever pay him sufficiently for what he has done. I perceive it tobe his virtue that raises your envy; but do not think I will beunjustly prejudiced against him. I remember too well what avizier said to king Sinbad, his master, to prevent his putting todeath the prince his son. "

What the Grecian king said about king Sinbad raised the vizier'scuriosity, who said, "I pray your majesty to pardon me, if I havethe boldness to ask what the vizier of king Sinbad said to hismaster to divert him from putting the prince his son to death. "The Grecian king had the condescension to satisfy him: "Thatvizier, " said he, "after having represented to king Sinbad, thathe ought to beware, lest on the accusation of a mother-in-law heshould commit an action of which he might afterwards repent, toldhim this story. "

 The Story of the Husband and the Parrot. 

A certain man had a beautiful wife, whom he loved so dearly, thathe could scarcely allow her to be out of his sight. One day, someurgent affairs obliging him to go from home, he went to a placewhere all sorts of birds were sold, and bought a parrot, whichnot only spoke well, but could also give an account of everything that was done in its presence. He brought it in a cage tohis house, desired his wife to put it in his chamber, and takecare of it during his absence, and then departed. 

On his return, he questioned the parrot concerning what had passedwhile he was from home, and the bird told him such things as gave himoccasion to upbraid his wife. She concluded some of her slaves hadbetrayed her, but all of them swore they had been faithful, and agreedthat the parrot must have been the tell-tale. 

Upon this, the wife began to devise how she might remove herhusband's jealousy, and at the same time revenge herself on theparrot. Her husband being gone another journey, she commanded aslave in the night-time to turn a hand-mill under the parrot'scage; she ordered another to sprinkle water, in resemblance ofrain, over the cage; and a third to move a looking-glass, backward and forward against a candle, before the parrot. Theslaves spent a great part of the night in doing what theirmistress desired them, and acquitted themselves with much skill. 

Next night the husband returned, and examined the parrot againabout what had passed during his absence. The bird answered, "Good master, the lightning, thunder, and rain so much disturbedme all night, that I cannot tell how much I suffered. " Thehusband, who knew that there had been neither thunder, lightning, nor rain in the night, fancied that the parrot, not having spokentruth in this, might also have lied in the other relation; uponwhich he took it out of the cage, and threw it with so much forceto the ground that he killed it. Yet afterwards he understoodfrom his neigbours, that the poor parrot had not deceived him inwhat it had stated of his wife's base conduct, made him repentthat he had killed it. 

When the Grecian king had finished the story of the parrot, headded, "And you, vizier, because of the hatred you bear to thephysician Douban, who never did you any injury, you would have mecut him off; but I will beware lest I should repent as thehusband did after killing his parrot. "

The mischievous vizier was too desirous of effecting the ruin ofthe physician Douban to stop here. "Sir, " said he, "the death ofthe parrot was but a trifle, and I believe his master did notmourn for him long: but why should your fear of wronging aninnocent man, hinder your putting this physician to death? Is itnot sufficient justification that he is accused of a designagainst your life? When the business in question is to secure thelife of a king, bare suspicion ought to pass for certainty; andit is better to sacrifice the innocent than to spare the guilty. But, Sir, this is not a doubtful case; the physician Douban hascertainly a mind to assassinate you. It is not envy which makesme his enemy; it is only my zeal, with the concern I have forpreserving your majesty's life, that makes me give you my advicein a matter of this importance. If the accusation be false, Ideserve to be punished in the same manner as a vizier formerlywas. " "What had the vizier done, " demands the Grecian king, "todeserve punishment?" "I will inform your majesty, " said thevizier, "if you will be pleased to hear me. "

 The Story of the Vizier that was Punished. 

There was a king who had a son that loved hunting. He allowed himto pursue that diversion often; but gave orders to his grandvizier always to attend him. 

One hunting day, the huntsman having roused a deer, the prince, who thought the vizier followed him, pursued the game so far, andwith so much earnestness, that he separated himself from thecompany. Perceiving he had lost his way he stopped, andendeavoured to return to the vizier; but not knowing the countryhe wandered farther. 

Whilst he was thus riding about, he met on his way a handsomelady, who wept bitterly. He stopped his horse, and enquired whoshe was, how she came to be alone in that place, and what shewanted. "I am, " replied she, "the daughter of an Indian king. AsI was taking the air on horseback, in the country, I grew sleepy, and fell from my horse, who is run away, and I know not what isbecome of him. " The young prince taking compassion on her, requested her to get up behind him, which she willingly did. 

As they were passing by the ruins of a house, the lady expresseda desire to alight. The prince stopped, and having put her down, dismounted himself, and went near the building, leading his horseafter him. But you may judge how much he was surprised, when heheard the pretended lady utter these words: "Be glad, mychildren, I bring you a young man for your repast;" and othervoices, which answered immediately, "Where is he, for we are veryhungry?"

The prince heard enough to convince him of his danger. Heperceived that the lady, who called herself the daughter of anIndian king, was one of those savage demons, called Gholes, wholive in desolated places, and employ a thousand wiles to surprisepassengers, whom they afterwards devour. The prince instantlyremounted his horse, and luckily escaped. 

The pretended princess appeared that very moment, and perceivingshe had missed her prey, exclaimed, "Fear nothing, prince: Whoare you? Whom do you seek?" "I have lost my way, " replied he, "and am endeavouring to find it. " "If you have lost your way, "said she, "recommend yourself to God, he will deliver you out ofyour perplexity. "

After the counterfeit Indian princess had bidden the young princerecommend himself to God, he could not believe she spokesincerely, but thought herself sure of him; and therefore liftingup his hands to heaven, said, "Almighty Lord, cast shine eyesupon me, and deliver me from this enemy. " After this prayer, theghole entered the ruins again, and the prince rode off with allpossible haste. He happily found his way, and arrived safe at thecourt of his father, to whom he gave a particular account of thedanger he had been in through the vizier's neglect: upon whichthe king, being incensed against that minister, ordered him to beimmediately strangled. 

"Sir, " continued the Grecian king's vizier, "to return to thephysician Douban, if you do not take care, the confidence you putin him will be fatal to you; I am very well assured that he is aspy sent by your enemies to attempt your majesty's life. He hascured you, you will say: but alas! who can assure you of that? Hehas perhaps cured you only in appearance, and not radically; whoknows but the medicine he has given you, may in time havepernicious effects?"

The Grecian king was not able to discover the wicked design ofhis vizier, nor had he firmness enough to persist in his firstopinion. This discourse staggered him: "Vizier, " said he, "thouart in the right; he may be come on purpose to take away my life, which he may easily do by the smell of his drugs. "

When the vizier found the king in such a temper as he wished, "Sir, " said he, "the surest and speediest method you can take tosecure your life, is to send immediately for the physicianDouban, and order his head to be struck off. " "In truth, " saidthe king, "I believe that is the way we must take to frustratehis design. " When he had spoken thus, he called for one of hisofficers, and ordered him to go for the physician; who, knowingnothing of the king's purpose, came to the palace in haste. 

"Knowest thou, " said the king, when he saw him, "why I sent forthee?" "No, Sir, " answered he; "I wait till your majesty bepleased to inform me. " "I sent for thee, " replied the king, "torid myself of thee, by taking away thy life. "

No man can express the surprise of the physician, when he heardthe sentence of death pronounced against him. "Sir, " said he, "why would your majesty take my life? What crime have Icommitted?" "I am informed, " replied the king, "that you came tomy court only to attempt my life; but to prevent you, I will besure of yours. Give the blow, " said he to the executioner, whowas present, "and deliver me from a perfidious wretch, who camehither on purpose to assassinate me. "

When the physician heard this cruel order, he readily judged thatthe honours and presents he had received from the king hadprocured him enemies, and that the weak prince was imposed on. Herepented that he had cured him of his leprosy; but it was now toolate. "Is it thus, " asked the physician, "that you reward me forcuring you?" The king would not hearken to him, but a second timeordered the executioner to strike the fatal blow. The physicianthen had recourse to his prayers; "Alas, Sir, " cried he, "prolongmy days, and God will prolong yours; do not put me to death, lestGod treat you in the same manner. "

The fisherman broke off his discourse here, to apply it to thegenie. "Well, genie, " said he, "you see that what passed betwixtthe Grecian king and his physician Douban is acted just now byus. "

The Grecian king, continued he, instead of having regard to theprayers of the physician, who begged him to spare his life, cruelly replied, "No, no; I must of necessity cut you off, otherwise you may assassinate with as much art as you cured me. "The physician, without bewailing himself for being so illrewarded by the king, prepared for death. The executioner tiedhis hands, and was going to draw his cimeter. 

The courtiers who were present, being moved with compassion, begged the king to pardon him, assuring his majesty that he wasnot guilty of the crime laid to his charge, and that they wouldanswer for his innocence: but the king was inflexible. 

The physician being on his knees, his eyes tied up, and ready toreceive the fatal blow, addressed himself once more to the king:"Sir, " said he, "since your majesty will not revoke the sentenceof death, I beg, at least, that you would give me leave to returnto my house, to give orders about my burial, to bid farewell tomy family, to give alms, and to bequeath my books to those whoare capable of making good use of them. I have one particularly Iwould present to your majesty; it is a very precious book, andworthy of being laid up carefully in your treasury. " "What isit, " demanded the king, "that makes it so valuable?" "Sir, "replied the physician, "it possesses many singular and curiousproperties; of which the chief is, that if your majesty will giveyourself the trouble to open it at the sixth leaf, and read thethird line of the left page, my head, after being cut off, willanswer all the questions you ask it. " The king being curious, deferred his death till next day, and sent him home under astrong guard. 

The physician, during that time, put his affairs in order; andthe report being spread, that an unheard of prodigy was to happenafter his death, the viziers, emirs, officers of the guard, and, in a word, the whole court, repaired next day to the hall ofaudience, that they might be witnesses of it. 

The physician Douban was brought in, and advancing to the foot ofthe throne, with a book in his hand, he called for a basin, andlaid upon it the cover in which the book was wrapped; thenpresenting the book to the king, "Take this, " said he, "and aftermy head is cut off, order that it be put into the basin upon thatcover; as soon as it is placed there, the blood will stop; thenopen the book, and my head will answer your questions. But permitme once more to implore your majesty's clemency; for God's sakegrant my request, I protest to you that I am innocent. " "Yourprayers, " answered the king, "are in vain; and were it fornothing but to hear your head speak after your death, it is mywill you should die. " As he said this, he took the book out ofthe physician's hand, and ordered the executioner to do his duty. 

The head was so dexterously cut off that it fell into the basin, and was no sooner laid upon the cover of the book than the bloodstopped; then to the great surprise of the king, and all thespectators, its eyes, and said, "Sir, will your majesty bepleased to open the book?" The king proceeded to do so; butfinding that the leaves adhered to each other, that he might turnthem with more ease, he put his finger to his mouth, and wettedit with spittle. He did thus till he came to the sixth leaf, andfinding no writing on the place where he was desired to look forit, "Physician, " said he, "there is nothing written. " "Turn oversome more leaves, " replied the head. The king went on, puttingalways his finger to his mouth, until the poison with which eachleaf was imbued, coming to have its effect, the prince foundhimself suddenly taken with an extraordinary fit, his eye-sightfailed, and he fell down at the foot of the throne in violentconvulsions. 

When the physician Douban, or rather his head, saw that thepoison had taken effect, and that the king had but a few momentsto live; "Tyrant, " it cried, "now you see how princes aretreated, who, abusing their authority, cut off innocent men: Godpunishes soon or late their injustice and cruelty. " Scarcely hadthe head spoken these words, when the king fell down dead, andthe head itself lost what life it had. 

As soon as the fisherman had concluded the history of the Greekking and his physician Douban, he made the application to thegenie, whom he still kept shut up in the vessel. "If the Grecianking, " said he, "had suffered the physician to live, God wouldhave continued his life also; but he rejected his most humbleprayers, and the case is the same with thee, O genie! Could Ihave prevailed with thee to grant me the favour I supplicated, Ishould now take pity on thee; but since, notwithstanding theextreme obligation thou west under to me, for having set thee atliberty, thou didst persist in thy design to kill me, I amobliged, in my turn, to be equally hard-hearted to thee. "

"My good friend fisherman, " replied the genie, "I conjure theeonce more, not to be guilty of such cruelty; consider, that it isnot good to avenge one's self, and that on the other hand, it iscommendable to do good for evil; do not treat me as Imamaformerly treated Ateca. " "And what did Imama to Ateca?" enquiredthe fisherman. "Ho!" says the genie, "if you have a mind to beinformed, open the vessel: do you think that I can be in anhumour to relate stories in so strait a prison? I will tell youas many as you please, when you have let me out. " "No, " said thefisherman, "I will not let thee out; it is in vain to talk of it;I am just going to throw thee into the bottom of the sea. " "Hearme one word more, " cried the genie; "I promise to do thee nohurt; nay, far from that, I will shew thee a way to becomeexceedingly rich. "

The hope of delivering himself from poverty, prevailed with thefisherman. "I could listen to thee, " said he, "were there anycredit to be given to thy word; swear to me by the great name ofGod, that you will faithfully perform what you promise, and Iwill open the vessel; I do not believe you will dare to breaksuch an oath. "

The genie swore to him, upon which the fisherman immediately tookoff the covering of the vessel. At that instant the smokeascended, and the genie having resumed his form, the first thinghe did was to kick the vessel into the sea. This action alarmedthe fisherman. "Genie, " said he, "will not you keep the oath youjust now made? And must I say to you, as the physician Doubansaid to the Grecian king, suffer me to live, and God will prolongyour days. "

The genie laughed at the fisherman's fear, and answered, "No, fisherman, be not afraid, I only did it to divert myself, and tosee if thou wouldst be alarmed at it: but to convince thee that Iam in earnest, take thy nets and follow me. " As he spoke thesewords, he walked before the fisherman, who having taken up hisnets, followed him, but with some distrust. They passed by thetown, and came to the top of a mountain, from whence theydescended into a vast plain, which brought them to a lake, thatlay betwixt four hills. 

When they reached the side of the lake, the genie said to thefisherman, "Cast in thy nets, and catch fish;" the fisherman didnot doubt of taking some, because he saw a great number in thewater; but he was extremely surprised, when he found they were offour colours, that is to say, white, red, blue, and yellow. Hethrew in his nets, and brought out one of each colour. Havingnever seen the like before, he could not but admire them, andjudging that he might get a considerable sum for them, he wasvery joyful. "Carry those fish, " said the genie to him, "andpresent them to thy sultan; he will give thee more money forthem. Thou mayest come every day to fish in this lake; but I givethee warning not to throw in thy nets above once a day, otherwisethou wilt repent. " Having spoken thus, he struck his foot uponthe ground, which opened, and after it had swallowed him upclosed again. 

The fisherman being resolved to follow the genie's advice, forbore casting in his nets a second time; and returned to thetown very well satisfied; and making a thousand reflections uponhis adventure. He went immediately to the sultan's palace, tooffer his fish. 

The sultan was much surprised, when he saw the four fish whichthe fisherman presented. He took them up one after another, andviewed them with attention; and after having admired them a longtime, "Take those fish, " said he to his vizier, "and carry themto the cook, whom the emperor of the Greeks has sent me. I cannotimagine but that they must be as good as they are beautiful. "

The vizier, carried them as he was directed, and delivering themto the cook, said, "Here are four fish just brought to thesultan; he orders you to dress them:" he then returned to thesultan his master, who ordered him to give the fisherman fourhundred pieces of gold of the coin of that country, which he didaccordingly. 

The fisherman, who had never seen so much money, could scarcelybelieve his good fortune, but thought the whole must be a dream, until he found it otherwise, by being able to provide necessariesfor his family with the produce of his fish. 

As soon as the sultan's cook had gutted the fish, she put themupon the fire in a frying-pan, with oil, and when she thoughtthem fried enough on one side, she turned them upon the other;but, O monstrous prodigy! scarcely were they turned, when thewall of the kitchen divided, and a young lady of wonderful beautyentered from the opening. She was clad in flowered satin, afterthe Egyptian manner, with pendants in her ears, a necklace oflarge pearls, and bracelets of gold set with rubies, with a rodin her hand. She moved towards the frying-pan, to the greatamazement of the cook, who continued fixed by the sight, andstriking one of the fish with the end of the rod, said, "Fish, fish, are you in duty?" The fish having answered nothing, sherepeated these words, and then the four fish lifted up theirheads, and replied, "Yes, yes: if you reckon, we reckon; if youpay your debts, we pay ours; if you fly, we overcome, and arecontent. " As soon as they had finished these words, the ladyoverturned the frying-pan, and returned into the open part of thewall, which closed immediately, and became as it was before. 

The cook was greatly frightened at what had happened, and cominga little to herself, went to take up the fish that had fallen onthe hearth, but found them blacker than coal, and not fit to becarried to the sultan. This grievously troubled her, and she fellto weeping most bitterly. "Alas!" said she, "what will become ofme? If I tell the sultan what I have seen, I am sure he will notbelieve me, but will be enraged against me. "

While she was thus bewailing herself, the grand vizier entered, and asked her if the fish were ready? She told him all that hadoccurred, which we may easily imagine astonished him; but withoutspeaking a word of it to the sultan, he invented an excuse thatsatisfied him, and sending immediately for the fisherman, bid himbring four more such fish, for a misfortune had befallen theothers, so that they were not fit to be carried to the sultan. The fisherman, without saying any thing of what the genie hadtold him, in order to excuse himself from bringing them that day, told the vizier, he had a great way to go for them, but wouldcertainly bring them on the morrow. 

Accordingly the fisherman went away by night, and coming to thelake, threw in his nets betimes next morning, took four fish likethe former, and brought them to the vizier, at the hourappointed. The minister took them himself, carried them to thekitchen, and shutting himself up with the cook, she gutted them, and put them on the fire, as she had done the four others the daybefore. When they were fried on one side, and she had turned themupon the other, the kitchen wall again opened, and the same ladycame in with the rod in her hand, struck one of the fish, spoketo it as before, and all four gave her the same answer. 

After the four fish had answered the young lady, she overturnedthe frying-pan with her rod, and retired into the wall. The grandvizier, being witness to what had passed: "This is too wonderfuland extraordinary, " said he, "to be concealed from the sultan; Iwill inform him of this prodigy. "

The sultan, being much surprised, sent immediately for thefisherman, and said to him, "Friend, cannot you bring me fourmore such fish?" The fisherman replied, "If your majesty will bepleased to allow me three days, I will do it. " Having obtainedhis time, he went to the lake immediately, and at the firstthrowing in of his net, he caught four fish, and brought themdirectly to the sultan; who was so much the more rejoiced, as hedid not expect them so soon, and ordered him four hundred piecesof gold. As soon as the sultan had the fish, he ordered them tobe carried into his closet, with all that was necessary forfrying them; and having shut himself up with the vizier, theminister gutted them, put them into the pan, and when they werefried on one side, turned them upon the other; then the wall ofthe closet opened, but instead of the young lady, there came outa black, in the habit of a slave, and of a gigantic stature, witha great green staff in his hand. He advanced towards the pan, andtouching one of the fish with his staff, said with a terriblevoice, "Fish, are you in your duty?" At these words, the fishraised up their heads, and answered, "Yes, yes; we are: if youreckon, we reckon; if you pay your debts, we pay ours; if youfly, we overcome, and are content. "

The fish had no sooner finished these words, than the black threwthe pan into the middle of the closet, and reduced the fish to acoal. Having done this, he retired fiercely, and entering againinto the aperture, it closed, and the wall appeared just as itdid before. 

"After what I have seen, " said the sultan to the vizier, "it willnot be possible for me to be easy: these fish, without doubt, signify something extraordinary. " He sent for the fisherman, andwhen he came, said to him, "Fisherman, the fish you have broughtus, make me very uneasy; where did you catch them?" "Sir, "answered he, "I fished for them in a lake situated betwixt fourhills, beyond the mountain that we see from hence. " "Knowst thounot that lake?" said the sultan to the vizier. "No, " replied thevizier. "I never so much as heard of it, although I have forsixty years hunted beyond that mountain. " The sultan asked thefisherman, how far the lake might be from the palace? Thefisherman answered, it was not above three hours journey; uponthis assurance, the sultan commanded all his court to take horse, and the fisherman served them for a guide. They all ascended themountain, and at the foot of it they saw, to their greatsurprise, a vast plain, that nobody had observed till then, andat last they came to the lake, which they found to be situatedbetwixt four hills as the fisherman had described. The water wasso transparent, that they observed all the fish to be like thosewhich the fisherman had brought to the palace. 

The sultan stood upon the bank of the lake, and after beholdingthe fish with admiration, demanded of his courtiers, if it werepossible they had never seen this lake, which was within so shorta distance of the town. They all answered, that they had never somuch as heard of it. 

"Since you all agree that you never heard of it, and as I am noless astonished than you are, at this novelty, I am resolved notto return to my palace till I learn how this lake came here, andwhy all the fish in it are of four colours. " Having spoken thus, he ordered his court to encamp; and immediately his pavilion andthe tents of his household were planted upon the banks of thelake. 

When night came, the sultan retired under his pavilion, and spoketo the grand vizier thus: "Vizier, my mind is uneasy: this laketransported hither; the black that appeared to us in my closet, and the fish that we heard speak; all these things so much excitemy curiosity, that I cannot resist my impatient desire to have itsatisfied. To this end, I am resolved to withdraw alone from thecamp, and I order you to keep my absence secret: stay in mypavilion, and to-morrow morning, when the emirs and courtierscome to attend my levee, send them away, and tell them, that I amsomewhat indisposed, and wish to be alone; and the following daystell them the same thing, till I return. "

The grand vizier endeavoured to divert the sultan from thisdesign; he represented to him the danger to which he might beexposed, and that all his labour might perhaps be in vain: but itwas to no purpose; the sultan was resolved. He put on a suit fitfor walking, and took his cimeter; and as soon as he found thatall was quiet in the camp, went out alone, and passed over one ofthe hills without much difficulty; he found the descent stillmore easy, and when he came to the plain, walked on till the sunarose, and then he saw before him, at a considerable distance, avast building. He rejoiced at the sight, in hopes of receivingthere the information he sought. When he drew near, he found itwas a magnificent palace, or rather a strong castle, of blackpolished marble, and covered with fine steel, as smooth as glass. Being highly pleased that he had so speedily met with somethingworthy his curiosity, he stopped before the front of the castle, and considered it with attention. 

He then advanced towards the gate, which had two leaves, one ofthem open; though he might immediately have entered, yet hethought it best to knock. This he did at first softly, and waitedfor some time; but seeing no one, and supposing he had not beenheard, he knocked harder the second time, and after that heknocked again and again, but no one yet appearing, he wasexceedingly surprised; for he could not think that a castle insuch repair was without inhabitants. "If there be no one in it, "said he to himself, "I have nothing to fear; and if it beinhabited, I have wherewith to defend myself. "

At last he entered, and when he came within the porch, he cried, "Is there no one here to receive a stranger, who comes in forsome refreshment as he passes by?" He repeated the same words twoor three times; but though he spoke very loud, he was notanswered. The silence increased his astonishment: he came into aspacious court, and looked on every side for inhabitants, butdiscovered none. 

The sultan entered the grand halls, which were hung with silktapestry, the alcoves and sofas were covered with stuffs ofMecca, and the porches with the richest stuffs of India, mixedwith gold and silver. He came afterwards into a superb saloon, inthe middle of which was a fountain, with a lion of massy gold ateach angle: water issued from the mouths of the four lions; andas it fell, formed diamonds and pearls, resembling a jet d'eau, which springing from the middle of the fountain, rose nearly tothe top of a cupola painted in Arabesque. 

The castle, on three sides, was encompassed by a garden, withparterres of flowers, shrubbery, and whatever could concur toembellish it; and to complete the beauty of the place, aninfinite number of birds filled the air with their harmoniousnotes, and always remained there, nets being spread over thegarden, and fastened to the palace to confine them. The sultanwalked from apartment to apartment, where he found every thingrich and magnificent. Being tired with walking, he sat down in averandah or arcade closet, which had a view over the garden, reflecting what he had already seen, and then beheld: whensuddenly he heard the voice of one complaining, in lamentabletones. He listened with attention, and heard distinctly thesewords: "O fortune! thou who wouldst not suffer me longer to enjoya happy lot, forbear to persecute me, and by a speedy death putan end to my sorrows. Alas! is it possible that I am still alive, after so many torments as I have suffered!"

The sultan rose up, advanced toward the place whence he heard thevoice; and coming to the door of a great hall, opened it, and sawa handsome young man, richly habited, seated upon a throne raiseda little above the ground. Melancholy was painted on hiscountenance. The sultan drew near, and saluted him; the young manreturned his salutation by an inclination of his head, not beingable to rise, at the same time saying, "My lord, I should rise toreceive you; but am hindered by sad necessity, and therefore hopeyou will not be offended. " "My lord, " replied the sultan, "I ammuch obliged to you for having so good an opinion of me: as tothe reason of your not rising, whatever your apology be, Iheartily accept it. Being drawn hither by your complaints, andafflicted by your grief, I come to offer you my help; would toGod that it lay in my power to ease you of your trouble! I woulddo my utmost to effect it. I flatter myself that you will relateto me the history of your misfortunes; but inform me first of themeaning of the lake near the palace, where the fish are of fourcolours? whose this castle is? how you came to be here? and whyyou are alone?"

Instead of answering these questions, the young man began to weepbitterly. "How inconstant isfortune!" cried he; "she takes pleasure to pull down those shehad raised. Where are they who enjoy quietly the happiness whichthey hold of her, and whose day is always clear and serene?"

The sultan, moved with compassion to see him in such a condition, prayed him to relate the cause of his excessive grief. "Alas! mylord, " replied the young man, "how is it possible but I shouldgrieve, and my eyes be inexhaustible fountains of tears?" Atthese words, lifting up his robe, he shewed the sultan that hewas a man only from the head to the girdle, and that the otherhalf of his body was black marble. 

The sultan was much surprised, when he saw the deplorablecondition of the young man. "That which you shew me, " said he, "while it fills me with horror, excites my curiosity, so that Iam impatient to hear your history, which, no doubt, must beextraordinary, and I am persuaded that the lake and the fish makesome part of it; therefore I conjure you to relate it. You willfind some comfort in so doing, since it is certain, that theunfortunate find relief in making known their distress. " "I willnot refuse your request, " replied the young man, "though I cannotcomply without renewing my grief. But I give you notice beforehand, to prepare your ears, your mind, and even your eyes, forthings which surpass all that the imagination can conceive. "

 The History of the Young King of the Black Isles. 

You must know that my father, named Mahmoud, was king of thiscountry. This is the kingdom of the Black Isles, which takes itsname from the four small neighbouring mountains; for thesemountains were formerly isles: the capital where the king myfather resided was situated on the spot now occupied by the lakeyou have seen. The sequel of my history will inform you of thosechanges. 

The king my father died when he was seventy years of age; I hadno sooner succeeded him, than I married, and the lady I chose toshare the royal dignity with me, was my cousin. I had so muchreason to be satisfied with her affection, and, on my part, lovedher with so much tenderness, that nothing could surpass theharmony and pleasure of our union. This lasted five years, at theend of which time, I perceived the queen, my cousin, ceased todelight in my attentions. 

One day, after dinner, while she was at the bath, I found myselfinclined to repose and lay down upon a sofa. Two of her ladies, who were then in my chamber, came and sat down, one at my head, and the other at my feet, with fans in their hands to moderatethe heat, and to prevent the flies from disturbing me. Theythought I was asleep, and spoke in whispers; but as I only closedmy eyes, I heard all their conversation. 

One of them said to the other, "Is not the queen wrong, not tolove so amiable a prince?" "Certainly, " replied the other; "I donot understand the reason, neither can I conceive why she goesout every night, and leaves him alone!" "Is it possible that hedoes not perceive it?" "Alas!" said the first, "how should he?she mixes every evening in his liquor, the juice of a certainherb, which makes him sleep so sound all night, that she has timeto go where she pleases, and as day begins to appear, she comesand lies down by him again, and wakes him by the smell ofsomething she puts under his nostrils. "

You may guess, my lord, how much I was surprised at thisconversation, and with what sentiments it inspired me; yet, whatever emotion it excited, I had sufficient self-command todissemble, and feigned to awake without having heard a word. 

The queen returned from the bath, we supped together and shepresented me with a cup full of such water as I was accustomed todrink; but instead of putting it to my mouth, I went to a windowthat was open, and threw out the water so quickly, that she didnot perceive it, and returned. 

We went to bed together, and soon after, believing that I wasasleep, she got up with so little precaution, that she said loudenough for me to hear her distinctly, "Sleep on, and may younever wake again!" She dressed herself, and went out of thechamber. 

As soon as the queen my wife was gone, I dressed myself in haste, took my cimeter, and followed her so quickly, that I soon heardthe sound of her feet before me, and then walked softly afterher, for fear of being heard. She passed through several gates, which opened upon her pronouncing some magical words, and thelast she opened was that of the garden, which she entered. Istopt at this gate, that she might not perceive me, as she passedalong a parterre; then looking after her as far as the darknessof the night permitted, I saw her enter a little wood, whosewalks were guarded by thick palisadoes. I went thither by anotherway, and concealing myself behind the palisadoes of a long walk, I saw her walking there with a man. 

I did not fail to lend the most attentive ear to their discourse, and heard her address herself thus to her gallant: "I do notdeserve to be reproached by you for want of diligence. You wellknow the reason; but if all the proofs of affection I havealready given you be not sufficient to convince you of mysincerity, I am ready to give you others more decisive: you needbut command me, you know my power; I will, if you desire it, before sun-rise convert this great city, and this superb palace, into frightful ruins, inhabited only by wolves, owls, and ravens. If you would have me transport all the stones of those walls sosolidly built, beyond mount Caucasus, or the bounds of thehabitable world, speak but the word, and all shall be changed. "

As the queen finished these words she and her lover came to theend of the walk, turned to enter another, and passed before me. Ihad already drawn my cimeter, and her lover being next me, Istruck him on the neck, and brought him to the ground. Iconcluded I had killed him, and therefore retired speedilywithout making myself known to the queen, whom I chose to spare, because she was my kinswoman. 

The wound I had given her lover was mortal; but by herenchantments she preserved him in an existence in which he couldnot be said to be either dead or alive. As I crossed the gardento return to the palace, I heard the queen loudly lamenting, andjudging by her cries how much she was grieved, I was pleased thatI had spared her life. 

As soon as I had reached my apartment, I went to bed, and beingsatisfied with having punished the villain who had injured me, fell asleep; and when I awoke next morning, found the queenlying. I cannot tell you whether she slept or not; but I arose, went to my closet, and dressed myself. I afterwards held mycouncil. At my return, the queen, clad in mourning, her hairdishevelled, and part of it torn off, presented herself beforeme, and said; "I come to beg your majesty not to be surprised tosee me in this condition. My heavy affliction is occasioned byintelligence of three distressing events which I have justreceived. " "Alas! what are they, madam?" said I. "The death ofthe queen my dear mother, " she replied, "that of the king myfather killed in battle, and of one of my brothers, who hasfallen down a precipice. "

I was not displeased that she used this pretext to conceal thetrue cause of her grief, and I concluded she had not suspected meof being the author of her lover's death. "Madam, " said I, "sofar from blaming, I assure you I heartily commiserate yoursorrow. I should feel surprise if you were insensible to suchheavy calamities: weep on; your tears are so many proofs of yourtenderness; but I hope that time and reflection will moderateyour grief. "

She retired into her apartment, where, giving herself wholly upto sorrow, she spent a whole year in mourning and lamentation. Atthe end of that period, she begged permission to erect a buryingplace for herself, within the bounds of the palace, where shewould continue, she told me, to the end of her days: I consented, and she built a stately edifice, crowned by a cupola, which maybe seen from hence, and called it the Palace of Tears. When itwas finished, she caused her lover to be conveyed thither, fromthe place to which she had caused him to be carried the night Iwounded him: she had hitherto prevented his dying, by potionswhich she had administered to him; and she continued to conveythem to him herself every day after he came to the Palace ofTears. 

Yet, with all her enchantments, she could not cure him; he wasnot only unable to walk or support himself, but had also lost theuse of his speech, and exhibited no sign of life except in hislooks. Though the queen had no other consolation but to see him, and to say to him all that her senseless passion could inspire, yet every day she made him two long visits. I was well apprisedof this, but pretended ignorance. 

One day my curiosity induced me to go to the Palace of Tears, toobserve how the princess employed herself, and from a place whereshe could not see me, I heard her thus address her lover: "I amafflicted to the highest degree to behold you in this condition;I am as sensible as yourself of the tormenting pain you endure;but, dear soul, I am continually speaking to you, and you do notanswer me: how long will you remain silent? Speak only one word:alas! the sweetest moments of my life are these I spend here inpartaking of your grief. I cannot live at a distance from you, and would prefer the pleasure of having you always before me, tothe empire of the universe. "

At these words, which were several times interrupted by her sighsand sobs, I lost all patience: and discovering myself, came up toher, and said, "Madam, you have wept enough, it is time to giveover this sorrow, which dishonours both; you have too muchforgotten what you owe to me and to yourself. " "Sire, " said she, "if you have any kindness or compassion for me left, I beseechyou to put no restraint upon me; allow me to indulge my grief, which it is impossible for time to assuage. "

When I perceived that my remonstrance, instead of restoring herto a sense of duty, served only to increase her anguish, I gaveover and retired. She continued every day to visit her lover, andfor two whole years abandoned herself to grief and despair. 

I went a second time to the Palace of Tears, while she was there. I concealed myself again, and heard her thus address her lover:"It is now three years since you spoke one word to me; you answernot the proofs I give you of my love by my sighs andlamentations. Is it from insensibility, or contempt? O tomb! hastthou destroyed that excess of affection which he bare me? Hastthou closed those eyes that evinced so much love, and were all mydelight? No, no, this I cannot think. Tell me rather, by whatmiracle thou becamest the depositary of the rarest treasure theworld ever contained. "

I must confess, my lord, I was enraged at these expressions; for, in truth, this beloved, this adored mortal, was by no means whatyou would imagine him to have been. He was a black Indian, one ofthe original natives of this country. I was so enraged at thelanguage addressed to him, that I discovered myself, andapostrophising the tomb in my turn; I cried, "O tomb! why dostnot thou swallow up that monster so revolting to human nature, orrather why dost not thou swallow up both the lover and hismistress?"

I had scarcely uttered these words, when the queen, who sat bythe black, rose up like a fury. "Miscreant!" said she "thou artthe cause of my grief; do not think I am ignorant of this, I havedissembled too long. It was thy barbarous hand that brought theobjets of my fondness into this lamentable condition; and thouhast the cruelty to come and insult a despairing lover. " "Yes, "said I, in a rage, "it was I that chastised that monster, according to his desert; I ought to have treated thee in the samemanner; I now repent that I did not; thou hast too long abused mygoodness. " As I spoke these words, I drew out my cimeter, andlifted up my hand to punish her; but regarding me stedfastly, shesaid with a jeering smile, "Moderate thy anger. " At the sametime, she pronounced words I did not understand; and afterwardsadded, "By virtue of my enchantments, I command thee to becomehalf marble and half man. " Immediately, my lord, I became whatyou see, a dead man among the living, and a living man among thedead. 

After the cruel sorceress, unworthy of the name of queen, hadmetamorphosed me thus, and brought me into this hall, by anotherenchantment she destroyed my capital, which was very flourishingand populous; she annihilated the houses, the public places andmarkets, and reduced the site of the whole to the lake and desertplain you have seen; the fishes of four colours in the lake arethe four kinds of inhabitants of different religions, which thecity contained. The white are the Moosulmauns; the red, thePersians, who worship fire; the blue, the Christians and theyellow, the Jews. The four little hills were the four islandsthat gave name to this kingdom. I learned all this from theenchantress, who, to add to my affliction, related to me theseeffects of her rage. But this is not all; her revenge not beingsatisfied with the destruction of my dominions, and themetamorphosis of my person, she comes every day, and gives meover my naked shoulders a hundred lashes with a whip until I amcovered with blood. When she has finished this part of mypunishment, she throws over me a coarse stuff of goat's hair, andover that this robe of brocade, not to honour, but to mock me. 

When he came to this part of the narrative, the young king couldnot restrain his tears; and the sultan was himself so affected bythe relation, that he could not find utterance for any words ofconsolation. Shortly after, the young king, lifting up his eyesto heaven, exclaimed, "Mighty creator of all things, I submitmyself to thy judgments, and to the decrees of thy providence: Iendure my calamities with patience, since it is thy will thingsshould be as they are; but I hope thy infinite goodness willultimately reward me. "

The sultan, greatly moved by the recital of this affecting story, and anxious to avenge the sufferings of the unfortunate prince, said to him, "Inform me whither this perfidious sorceressretires, and where may be found her vile paramour, who isentombed before his death. " "My lord, " replied the prince, "herlover, as I have already told you, is lodged in the Palace ofTears, in a superb tomb constructed in the form of a dome: thispalace joins the castle on the side in which the gate is placed. As to the queen, I cannot tell you precisely whither she retires, but every day at sun-rise she goes to visit her paramour, afterhaving executed her bloody vengeance upon me; and you see I amnot in a condition to defend myself. She carries to him thepotion with which she had hitherto prevented his dying, andalways complains of his never having spoken to her since he waswounded. "

"Prince, " said the sultan, "your condition can never besufficiently deplored: no one can be more sensibly affected byyour misfortunes than I am. Never did any thing so extraordinarybefall any man, and those who write your history will have theadvantage of relating what surpasses all that has hitherto beenrecorded. One thing only is wanting; the revenge to which you areentitled, and I will omit nothing in my power to effect it. "

In his subsequent conversation with the young prince, the sultantold him who he was, and for what purpose he had entered thecastle; and afterwards informed him of a mode of revenge which hehad devised. They agreed upon the measures they were to take foraccomplishing their design, but deferred the execution of it tillthe following day. In the mean time, the night being far spent, the sultan took some rest; but the young prince passed the nightas usual, without sleep, having never slept since he wasenchanted, still indulging some hopes of being speedily deliveredfrom his misery. 

Next morning the sultan arose with the dawn, and prepared toexecute his design, hiding his upper garment, which mightencumber him; he then proceeded to the Palace of Tears. He foundit lighted up with an infinite number of flambeaux of white wax, and perfumed by a delicious scent issuing from several censers offine gold of admirable workmanship. As soon as he perceived thebed where the black lay, he drew his cimeter, and withoutresistance deprived him of his wretched life, dragged his corpseinto the court of the castle, and threw it into a well. Afterthis, he went and lay down in the black's bed, placed his cimeterunder the covering, and waited to complete his design. 

The queen arrived shortly after. She first went into the chamberof her husband, the king of the Black Islands, stripped him, andwith unexampled barbarity gave him a hundred stripes. Theunfortunate prince filled the palace with his lamentations, andconjured her in the most affecting tone to take pity on him; butthe cruel wretch ceased not till she had given the usual numberof blows. "You had no compassion on my lover, " said she, "and youare to expect none from me. "

After the enchantress had given the king, her husband, a hundredblows with the whip, she put on again his covering of goat'shair, and his brocade gown over all; she went afterwards to thePalace of Tears, and as she entered renewed her tears andlamentations: then approaching the bed, where she thought herparamour lay, "What cruelty, " cried she, "was it to disturb thesatisfaction so tender and passionate a lover as I am? O cruelprince, who reproachest me that I am inhuman, when I make theefeel the effects of my resentment! Does not thy barbarity surpassmy vengeance? Traitor! in attempting the life of the object whichI adore, hast thou not robbed me of mine? Alas!" said she, addressing herself to the sultan, conceiving him to be the black"My sun, my life, will you always be silent! Are you resolved tolet me die, without affording me the comfort of hearing againfrom your own lips that you love me? My soul, speak one word tome at least, I conjure you. "

The sultan, as if he had awaked out of a deep sleep, andcounterfeiting the pronunciation of the blacks, answered thequeen with a grave tone, "There is no strength or power but inGod alone, who is almighty. " At these words the enchantress, whodid not expect them, uttered a loud exclamation of joy. "My dearlord, " cried she, "do not I deceive myself; is it certain that Ihear you, and that you speak to me?" "Unhappy woman, " said thesultan, "art thou worthy that I should answer thee?" "Alas!"replied the queen, "why do you reproach me thus?" "The cries, "returned the sultan, "the groans and tears of thy husband, whomthou treatest every day with so much indignity and barbarity, prevent my sleeping night or day. Hadst thou disenchanted him, Ishould long since have been cured, and have recovered the use ofmy speech. This is the cause of my silence, of which youcomplain. " "Well, " said the enchantress, "to pacify you, I amready to execute your commands; would you have me restore him?""Yes, " replied the sultan; "make haste to set him at liberty, that I be no longer disturbed by his lamentations. "

The enchantress went immediately out of the Palace of Tears; shetook a cup of water, and pronounced some words over it, whichcaused it to boil, as if it had been on the fire. She afterwardsproceeded to the young king her husband, and threw the water uponhim, saying, "If the creator of all things did form thee as thouart at present; or if he be angry with thee, do not change; butif thou art in that condition merely by virtue of myenchantments, resume thy natural shape, and become what thou westbefore. " She had scarcely spoken these words, when the prince, finding himself restored to his former condition, rose up andreturned thanks to God. The enchantress then said to him, "Getthee from this castle, and never return on pain of death. " Theyoung king, yielding to necessity, went away from theenchantress, without replying a word; and retired to a remoteplace, where he patiently awaited the event of the design whichthe sultan had so happily begun. Meanwhile, the enchantressreturned to the Palace of Tears, and supposing that she stillspoke to the black, said, "Dear love, I have done what yourequired; nothing now prevents your rising and giving me thesatisfaction of which I have so long been deprived. "

The sultan, still counterfeiting the pronunciation of the blacks, said, "What you have now done is by no means sufficient for mycure; you have only removed a part of the evil; you must cut itup by the root. " "My lovely black, " resumed the queen, "what doyou mean by the root?" "Wretched woman, " replied the sultan, "understand you not that I allude to the town, and itsinhabitants, and the four islands, destroyed by thy enchantments?The fish every night at midnight raise their heads out of thelake, and cry for vengeance against thee and me. This is the truecause of the delay of my cure. Go speedily, restore things totheir former state, and at thy return I will give thee my hand, and thou shalt help me to arise. "

The enchantress, inspired with hope from these words, cried outin a transport of joy, "My heart, my soul, you shall soon berestored to your health, for I will immediately do as you commandme. " Accordingly she went that instant, and when she came to thebrink of the lake, she took a little water in her hand, andsprinkling it, had no sooner pronounced some words over the fishand the lake, than the city was immediately restored. The fishbecame men, women, and children; Mahummedans, Christians, Persians, or Jews; freemen or slaves, as they were before: everyone having recovered his natural form. The houses and shops wereimmediately filled with their inhabitants, who found all thingsas they were before the enchantment. The sultan's numerousretinue, who found themselves encamped in the largest square, were astonished to see themselves in an instant in the middle ofa large, handsome, well-peopled city. 

To return to the enchantress: As soon as she had effected thiswonderful change, she returned with all expedition to the Palaceof Tears, that she might receive her reward. "My dear lord, "cried she, as she entered, "I come to rejoice with you in thereturn of your health: I have done all that you required of me, then pray rise, and give me your hand. " "Come near, " said thesultan, still counterfeiting the pronunciation of the blacks. Shedid so. "You are not near enough, " he continued, "approachnearer. " She obeyed. He then rose up, and seizing her by the armso suddenly, that she had not time to discover him, he with ablow of his cimeter cut her in two, so that one half fell one wayand the other another. This done he left the body on the spot, and going out of the Palace of Tears, went to seek the young kingof the Black Isles, who waited for him with great impatience. When he found him, "Prince, " said he, embracing him, "rejoice;you have now nothing to fear; your cruel enemy is dead. "

The young prince returned thanks to the sultan in a manner thatsufficiently the sincerity of his gratitude, and in return wishedhim long life and happiness. "You may henceforward, " said thesultan, "dwell peaceably in your capital, unless you willaccompany me to mine, which is near: you shall there be welcome, and have as much honour and respect shown you as if you were inyour own kingdom. " "Potent monarch, to whom I am so muchindebted, " replied the king, "you think then that you are nearyour capital?" "Yes, " said the sultan, "I know it is not abovefour or five hours' journey. " "It will take you a whole year toreturn, " said the prince "I do indeed believe that you camehither from your capital in the time you mention, because minewas enchanted; but since the enchantment is taken off, things arechanged: however, this shall not prevent my following you, wereit to the utmost corners of the earth. You are my deliverer, andthat I may give you proofs of my acknowledging this during mywhole life, I am willing to accompany you, and to leave mykingdom without regret. "

The sultan was extremely surprised to understand that he was sofar from his dominions, and could not imagine how it could be. But the young king of the Black Islands convinced him beyond apossibility of doubt. Then the sultan replied, "It is no matter;the trouble of returning to my own country is sufficientlyrecompensed by the satisfaction of having obliged you, and byacquiring you for a son; for since you will do me the honour toaccompany me, as I have no child, I look upon you as such, andfrom this moment appoint you my heir and successor. "

The conversation between the sultan and the king of the BlackIslands concluded with most affectionate embraces, after whichthe young prince employed himself in making preparations for hisjourney, which were finished in three weeks, to the great regretof his court and subjects, who agreed to receive at his hands oneof his nearest kindred for their monarch. 

At length, the sultan and the young prince began their journey, with a hundred camels laden with inestimable riches from thetreasury of the young king, followed by fifty handsome gentlemenon horseback, perfectly well mounted and dressed They had apleasant journey; and when the sultan, who had sent couriers togive advice of his delay, and of the adventure which hadoccasioned it, approached his capital, the principal officerscame to receive him, and to assure him that his long absence hadoccasioned no alteration in his empire. The inhabitants also cameout in great crowds, received him with acclamations, and madepublic rejoicings for several days. 

The day after his arrival the sultan gave all his courtiers avery ample account of the circumstances, which, contrary to hisexpectation, had detained him so long. He acquainted them withhis having adopted the king of the Four Black Islands, who waswilling to leave a great kingdom, to accompany and live with him;and, in reward for their loyalty, he made each of them presentsaccording to their rank. 

As for the fisherman, as he was the first cause of thedeliverance of the young prince, the sultan gave him a plentifulfortune, which made him and his family happy the rest of theirdays. 

 STORY OF THE THREE CALENDERS, SONS OF SULTANS; AND OF THE FIVE LADIES OF BAGDAD. 

In the reign of Caliph Haroon al Rusheed, there was at Bagdad, aporter, who, notwithstanding his mean and laborious business, wasa fellow of wit and good humour. One morning as he was at theplace where he usually plyed, with a great basket, waiting foremployment, a handsome young lady, covered with a great muslinveil, accosted him, and said with a pleasant air, "Hark you, porter, take your basket and follow me. " The porter, charmed withthese words, pronounced in so agreeable a manner, took his basketimmediately, set it on his head, and followed the lady, exclaiming, "O happy day, O day of good luck!"

In a short time the lady stopped before a gate that was shut, andknocked: a Christian, with a venerable long white beard, openedit; and she put money into his hand, without speaking; but theChristian, who knew what she wanted, went in, and in a littletime, brought a large jug of excellent wine. "Take this jug, "said the lady to the porter, "and put it in your basket. " Thisbeing done, she commanded him to follow her; and as sheproceeded, the porter continued his exclamation, "O happy day!This is a day of agreeable surprise and joy. "

The lady stopped at a fruit-shop, where she bought several sortsof apples, apricots, peaches, quinces, lemons, citrons, oranges;myrtles, sweet basil, lilies, jessamin, and some other flowersand fragrant plants; she bid the porter put all into his basket, and follow her. As she went by a butcher's stall, she made himweigh her twenty five pounds of his best meat, which she orderedthe porter to put also into his basket. At another shop, she tookcapers, tarragon, cucumbers, sassafras, and other herbs, preserved in vinegar: at another, she bought pistachios, walnuts, filberts, almonds, kernels of pine-apples, and such other fruits;and at another, all sorts of confectionery. When the porter hadput all these things into his basket, and perceived that it grewfull, "My good lady, " said he, "you ought to have given me noticethat you had so much provision to carry, and then I would havebrought a horse, or rather a camel, for the purpose; for if youbuy ever so little more, I shall not be able to bear it. " Thelady laughed at the fellow's pleasant humour, and ordered himstill to follow her. 

She then went to a druggist, where she furnished herself with allmanner of sweet-scented waters, cloves, musk, pepper, ginger, anda great piece of ambergris, and several other Indian spices; thisquite filled the porter's basket, and she ordered him to followher. They walked till they came to a magnificent house, whosefront was adorned with fine columns, and had a gate of ivory. There they stopped, and the lady knocked softly. 

While the young lady and the porter waited for the opening of thegate, the porter made a thousand reflections. He wondered thatsuch a fine lady should come abroad to buy provisions; heconcluded she could not be a slave, her air was too noble, andtherefore he thought she must needs be a woman of quality. Justas he was about to ask her some questions upon this head, anotherlady came to open the gate, and appeared to him so beautiful, that he was perfectly surprised, or rather so much struck withher charms, that he had nearly suffered his basket to fall, forhe had never seen any beauty that equalled her. 

The lady who brought the porter with her, perceiving hisdisorder, and knowing the cause, was greatly diverted, and tookso much pleasure in watching his looks, that she forgot the gatewas opened. "Pray, Sister, " said the beautiful portress, "comein, what do you stay for? Do not you see this poor man so heavyladen, that he is scarcely able to stand. "

When she entered with the porter, the lady who had opened thegate shut it, and all three, after having passed through asplendid vestibule, entered a spacious court, encompassed with anopen gallery, which had a communication with several apartmentsof extraordinary magnificence. At the farther end of the courtthere was a platform, richly furnished, with a throne of amber inthe middle, supported by four columns of ebony, enriched withdiamonds and pearls of an extraordinary size, and covered withred satin embroidered with Indian gold of admirable workmanship. In the middle of the court there was a fountain, faced with whitemarble, and full of clear water, which was copiously supplied outof the mouth of a lion of brass. 

The porter, though heavy laden, could not but admire themagnificence of this house, and the excellent order in whichevery thing was placed; but what particularly captivated hisattention, was a third lady, who seemed to be more beautiful thanthe second, and was seated upon the throne just mentioned; shedescended as soon as she saw the two others, and advanced towardsthem: he judged by the respect which the other ladies showed her, that she was the chief, in which he was not mistaken. This ladywas called Zobeide, she who opened the gate Safie, and she whowent to buy the provisions was named Amene. 

Zobeide said to the two ladies, when she came to them, "Sisters, do not you see that this honest man is ready to sink under hisburden, why do not you ease him of it?" Then Amene and Safie tookthe basket, the one before and the other behind; Zobeide alsoassisted, and all three together set it on the ground; thenemptied it; and when they had done, the beautiful Amene took outmoney, and paid the porter liberally. 

The porter was well satisfied with the money he had received; butwhen he ought to have departed, he could not summon sufficientresolution for the purpose. He was chained to the spot by thepleasure of beholding three such beauties, who appeared to himequally charming; for Amene having now laid aside her veil, proved to be as handsome as either of the others. What surprisedhim most was, that he saw no man about the house, yet most of theprovisions he had brought in, as the dry fruits, and the severalsorts of cakes and confections, were adapted chiefly for thosewho could drink and make merry. 

Zobeide thought at first, that the porter staid only to takebreath, but perceiving that he remained too long, "What do youwait for, " said she, "are you not sufficiently paid?" And turningto Amene, she continued, "Sister, give him something more, thathe may depart satisfied. " "Madam, " replied the porter, "it is notthat which detains me, I am already more than paid for myservices; I am sensible that I act rudely in staying longer thanI ought, but I hope you will the goodness to pardon me, when Itell you, that I am astonished not to see a man with three ladiesof such extraordinary beauty: and you know that a company ofwomen without men is as melancholy as a company of men withoutwomen. " To this he added several other pleasant things, to provewhat he said, and did not forget the Bagdad proverb, "That thetable is not completely furnished, except there be four incompany:" and so concluded, that since they were but three, theywanted another. 

The ladies fell a laughing at the porter's reasoning; after whichZobeide gravely addressed him, "Friend, you presume rather toomuch; and though you do not deserve that I should enter into anyexplanation with you, I have no objection to inform you that weare three sisters, who transact our affairs with so much secrecythat no one knows any thing of them. We have but too much reasonto be cautious of acquainting indiscreet persons with ourcounsel; and a good author that we have read, says, 'Keep thy ownsecret, and do not reveal it to any one. He that makes his secretknown it no longer its master. If thy own breast cannot keep thycounsel, how canst thou expect the breast of another to be morefaithful?'"

"My ladies, " replied the porter, "by your very air, I judged atfirst that you were persons of extraordinary merit, and Iconceive that I am not mistaken. Though fortune has not given mewealth enough to raise me above my mean profession, yet I havenot omitted to cultivate my mind as much as I could, by readingbooks of science and history; and allow me, I beseech you, tosay, that I have also read in another author a maxim which I havealways happily followed: 'We conceal our secret from such personsonly as are known to all the world to want discretion, and wouldabuse our confidence; but we hesitate not to discover it to theprudent, because we know that with them it is safe. ' A secret inmy keeping is as secure as if it were locked up in a cabinet, thekey of which is lost, and the door sealed up. "

Zobeide perceiving that the porter was not deficient in wit, butthinking he wished to share in their festivity, answered him, smiling, "You know that we have been making preparations toregale ourselves, and that, as you have seen, at a considerableexpense; it is not just that you should now partake of theentertainment without contributing to the cost. " The beautifulSafie seconded her sister, and said to the porter, "Friend, haveyou never heard the common saying, 'If you bring something withyou, you shall carry something away, but if you bring nothing, you shall depart empty?'"

The porter, notwithstanding his rhetoric, must, in allprobability, have retired in confusion, if Amene had not takenhis part, and said to Zobeide and Safie, "My dear sisters, Iconjure you to let him remain; I need not tell you that he willafford us some diversion, of this you perceive he is capable: Iassure you, had it not been for his readiness, his alacrity, andcourage to follow me, I could not have done so much business, inso short a time; besides, where I to repeat to you all theobliging expressions he addressed to me by the way, you would notfeel surprised at my taking his part. "

At these words of Amene, the porter was so transported with joy, that he fell on his knees, kissed the ground at her feet, andraising himself up, said, "Most beautiful lady, you began my goodfortune to-day, and now you complete it by this generous conduct;I cannot adequately express my acknowledgments. As to the rest, ladies, " said he, addressing himself to all the three sisters, "since you do me so great an honour, do not think that I willabuse it, or look upon myself as deserving of the distinction. No, I shall always look upon myself as one of your most humbleslaves. " When he had spoken these words he would have returnedthe money he had received, but Zobeide ordered him to keep it. "What we have once given, " said she, "to reward those who haveserved us, we never take back. My friend, in consenting to yourstaying with us, I must forewarn you, that it is not the onlycondition we impose upon you that you keep inviolable the secretwe may entrust to you, but we also require you to attend to thestrictest rules of good manners. " During this address, thecharming Amene put off the apparel she went abroad with, andfastened her robe to her girdle that she might act with thegreater freedom; she then brought in several sorts of meat, wine, and cups of gold. Soon after, the ladies took their places, andmade the porter sit down by them, who was overjoyed to seehimself seated with three such admirable beauties. After they hadeaten a little, Amene took a cup, poured some wine into it, anddrank first herself; she then filled the cup to her sisters, whodrank in course as they sat; and at last she filled it the fourthtime for the porter, who, as he received it, kissed Amene's hand;and before he drank, sung a song to this purpose. That as thewind bears with it the sweet scents of the perfumed places overwhich it passes, so the wine he was going to drink, coming fromher fair hands, received a more exquisite flavour than itnaturally possessed. The song pleased the ladies much, and eachof them afterwards sung one in her turn. In short, they were allvery pleasant during the repast, which lasted a considerabletime, and nothing was wanting that could serve to render itagreeable. The day drawing to a close, Safie spoke in the name ofthe three ladies, and said to the porter, "Arise, it is time foryou to depart. " But the porter, not willing to leave goodcompany, cried, "Alas! ladies, whither do you command me to go inmy present condition? What with drinking and your society, I amquite beside myself. I shall never find the way home; allow methis night to recover myself, in any place you please, but gowhen I will, I shall leave the best part of myself behind. "

Amene pleaded the second time for the porter, saying, "Sisters, he is right, I am pleased with the request, he having alreadydiverted us so well; and, if you will take my advice, or if youlove me as much as I think you do, let us keep him for theremainder of the night. " "Sister, " answered Zobeide, "we canrefuse you nothing;" and then turning to the porter, said, "Weare willing once more to grant your request, but upon this newcondition, that, whatever we do in your presence relating eitherto ourselves or any thing else, you do not so much as open yourmouth to ask the reason; for if you put any questions respectingwhat does not concern you, you may chance to hear what you willnot like; beware therefore, and be not too inquisitive to pryinto the motives of our actions. 

"Madam, " replied the porter, "I promise to abide by thiscondition, that you shall have no cause to complain, and far lessto punish my indiscretion; my tongue shall be immovable on thisoccasion, and my eye like a looking-glass, which retains nothingof the objets that is set before it. " "To shew you, " said Zobeidewith a serious countenance, "that what we demand of you is not anew thing among us, read what is written over our gate on theinside. "

The porter went and read these words, written in large charactersof gold: "He who speaks of things that do not concern him, shallhear things that will not please him. " Returning again to thethree sisters, "Ladies, " said he, "I swear to you that you shallnever hear me utter a word respecting what does not relate to me, or wherein you may have any concern. "

These preliminaries being settled, Amene brought in supper, andafter she had lighted up the room with tapers, made of aloe-woodand ambergris, which yield a most agreeable perfume, as well as adelicate light, she sat down with her sisters and the porter. They began again to eat and drink, to sing, and repeat verses. The ladies diverted themselves in intoxicating the porter, underpretext of making him drink their healths, and the repast wasenlivened by reciprocal flashes of wit. When they were all in thebest humour possible, they heard a knocking at the gate. 

When the ladies heard the knocking, they all three got up to openthe gate; but Safie was the nimblest; which her sistersperceiving, they resumed their seats. Safie returning, said, "Sisters, we have a very fine opportunity of passing a good partof the night pleasantly, and if you agree with me, you will notsuffer it to go by. There are three calenders at our gate, atleast they appear to be such by their habit; but what willsurprise you is, they are all three blind of the right eye, andhave their heads, beards, and eye-brows shaved. They say, theyare but just come to Bagdad, where they never were before; itbeing night, and not knowing where to find a lodging, theyhappened by chance to knock at this gate, and pray us, for thelove of heaven, to have compassion on them, and receive them intothe house. They care not what place we put them in, provided theymay be under shelter; they would be satisfied with a stable. Theyare young and handsome, and seem not to want spirit. But I cannotwithout laughing think of their amusing and uniform figure. " HereSafie laughed so heartily, that the two sisters and the portercould not refrain from laughing also. "My dear sisters, " saidshe, "you will permit them to come in; it is impossible but thatwith such persons as I have described them to be, we shall finishthe day better than we began it; they will afford us diversionenough, and put us to no charge, because they desire shelter onlyfor this night, and resolve to leave us as soon as day appears. "

Zobeide and Amene made some difficulty to grant Safie's request, for reasons which she herself well knew. But being very desirousto obtain this favour, they could not refuse her; "Go then, " saidZobeide, "and bring them in, but do not forget to acquaint themthat they must not speak of any thing which does not concernthem, and cause them to read what is written over the gate. "Safie ran out with joy, and in a little time after returned withthe three calenders. 

At their entrance they made a profound obeisance to the ladies, who rose up to receive them, and told them courteously that theywere welcome, that they were glad of the opportunity to obligethem, and to contribute towards relieving the fatigues of theirjourney, and at last invited them to sit down with them. 

The magnificence of the place, and the civility they received, inspired the calenders with high respect for the ladies: but, before they sat down, having by chance cast their eyes upon theporter, whom they saw clad almost like those devotees with whomthey have continual disputes respecting several points ofdiscipline, because they never shave their beards nor eye-brows;one of them said, "I believe we have got here one of our revoltedArabian brethren. "

The porter having his head warm with wine, took offence and witha fierce look, without stirring from his place, answered, "Sityou down, and do not meddle with what does not concern you: haveyou not read the inscription over the gate? Do not pretend tomake people live after your fashion, but follow ours. "

"Honest man, " said the calender, "do not put yourself in apassion; we should be sorry to give you the least occasion; onthe contrary, we are ready to receive your commands. " Upon which, to put an end to the dispute, the ladies interposed, and pacifiedthem. When the calenders were seated, the ladies served them withmeat; and Safie, being highly pleased with them, did not let themwant for wine. 

After the calenders had eaten and drunk liberally, they signifiedto the ladies, that they wished to entertain them with a concertof music, if they had any instruments in the house, and wouldcause them to be brought: they willingly accepted the proposal, and fair Safie going to fetch them, returned again in a moment, and presented them with a flute of her own country fashion, another of the Persian, and a tabor. Each man took the instrumenthe liked, and all three together began to play a tune The ladies, who knew the words of a merry song that suited the air, joinedthe concert with their voices; but the words of the song madethem now and then stop, and fall into excessive laughter. 

In the height of this diversion, when the company were in themidst of their jollity, a knocking was heard at the gate; Safieleft off singing, and went to see who it was. The caliph Haroonal Rusheed was frequently in the habit of walking abroad indisguise by night, that he might discover if every thing wasquiet in the city, and see that no disorders were committed. 

This night the caliph went out on his rambles, accompanied byJaaffier his grand vizier, and Mesrour the chief of the eunuchsof his palace, all disguised in merchants' habits; and passingthrough the street where the three ladies dwelt, he heard thesound of music and fits of loud laughter; upon which he commandedthe vizier, to knock, as he wished to enter to ascertain thereason. The vizier, in vain represented to him that the noiseproceeded from some women who were merry-making, that withoutquestion their heads were warm with wine, and that it would notbe proper he should expose himself to be affronted by them:besides, it was not yet an unlawful hour, and therefore he oughtnot to disturb them in their mirth. "No matter, " said the caliph, "I command you to knock. " Jaaffier complied; Safie opened thegate, and the vizier, perceiving by the light in her hand, thatshe was an incomparable beauty, with a very low salutation said, "We are three merchants of Mossoul, who arrived here about tendays ago with rich merchandise, which we have in a warehouse at acaravan-serai, where we have also our lodging. We happened thisevening to be with a merchant of this city, who invited us to hishouse, where we had a splendid entertainment: and the wine havingput us in good humour, he sent for a company of dancers. Nightbeing come on, and the music and dancers making a great noise, the watch, passing by, caused the gate to be opened and some ofthe company to be taken up; but we had the good fortune to escapeby getting over the wall. Being strangers, and somewhat overcomewith wine, we are afraid of meeting that or some other watch, before we get home to our khan. Besides, before we can arrivethere the gates will be shut, and will not be opened tillmorning: wherefore, hearing, as we passed by this way, the soundof music, we supposed you were not yet going to rest, and madebold to knock at your gate, to beg the favour of lodgingourselves in the house till morning; and if you think us worthyof your good company, we will endeavour to contribute to yourdiversion to the best of our power, to make some amends for theinterruption we have given you; if not, we only beg the favour ofstaying this night in your vestibule. "

Whilst Jaaffier was speaking, Safie had time to observe thevizier, and his two companions, who were said to be merchantslike himself, and told them that she was not mistress of thehouse; but if they would have a minute's patience, she wouldreturn with an answer. 

Safie made the business known to her sisters, who considered forsome time what to do: but being naturally of a good disposition, and having granted the same favour to the three calenders, theyat last consented to let them in. 

The caliph, his grand vizier, and the chief of the eunuchs, beingintroduced by the fair Safie, very courteously saluted the ladiesand the calenders. The ladies returned their salutations, supposing them to be merchants. Zobeide, as the chief, addressedthem with a grave and serious countenance, which was natural toher, and said, "You are welcome. But before I proceed farther, Ihope you will not take it ill if we desire one favour of you. ""Alas!" said the vizier, "what favour? We can refuse nothing tosuch fair ladies. " Zobeide continued, "It is that, while here, you would have eyes, but no tongues; that you question us not forthe reason of any thing you may see, and speak not of any thingthat does not concern you, lest you hear what will by no meansplease you. "

"Madam, " replied the vizier, "you shall be obeyed. We are notcensorious, nor impertinently curious; it is enough for us tonotice affairs that concern us, without meddling with what doesnot belong to us. " Upon this they all sat down, and the companybeing united, they drank to the health of the new-comers. 

While the vizier, entertained the ladies in conversation, thecaliph could not forbear admiring their extraordinary beauty, graceful behaviour, pleasant humour, and ready wit; on the otherhand, nothing struck him with more surprise than the calendersbeing all three blind of the right eye. He would gladly havelearnt the cause of this singularity; but the conditions solately imposed upon himself and his companions would not allowhim to speak. These circumstances, with the richness of thefurniture, the exact order of every thing, and the neatness ofthe house, made him think they were in some enchanted place. 

Their conversation happening to turn upon diversions, and thedifferent ways of making merry; the calenders arose, and dancedafter their fashion, which augmented the good opinion the ladieshad conceived of them, and procured them the esteem of the caliphand his companions. 

When the three calenders had finished their dance, Zobeide arose, and taking Amene by the hand, said, "Pray, sister, arise, for thecompany will not be offended if we use our freedom, and theirpresence need not hinder the performance of our customaryexercise. " Amene understanding her sister's meaning, rose fromher seat, carried away the dishes, the flasks and cups, togetherwith the instruments which the calenders had played upon. 

Safie was not idle, but swept the room, put every thing again inits place, trimmed the lamps, and put fresh aloes and ambergristo them; this being done, she requested the three calenders tosit down upon the sofa at one side, and the caliph with hiscompanions on the other: then addressing herself to the porter, she said, "Get up, and prepare yourself to assist us in what weare going to do; a man like you, who is one of the family, oughtnot to be idle. " The porter, being somewhat recovered from hiswine, arose immediately, and having tied the sleeve of his gownto his belt, answered, "Here am I, ready to obey your commands. ""Very well, " replied Safie, "stay till you are spoken to; and youshall not be idle long. " A little time after, Amene came in witha chair, which she placed in the middle of the room; and thenwent towards a closet. Having opened the door, she beckoned tothe porter, and said, "Come hither and assist me. " He obeyed, andentered the closet, and returned immediately, leading two blackbitches, each of them secured by a collar and chain; theyappeared as if they had been severely whipped with rods, and hebrought them into the middle of the apartment. 

Zobeide, rising from her seat between the calenders and thecaliph, moved very gravely towards the porter; "Come, " said she, heaving a deep sigh, "let us perform our duty:" she then tuckedup her sleeves above her elbows, and receiving a rod from Safie, "Porter, " said she, "deliver one of the bitches to my sisterAmene, and bring the other to me. "

The porter did as he was commanded. Upon this the bitch that heheld in his hand began to howl, and turning towards Zobeide, heldher head up in a supplicating posture; but Zobeide, having noregard to the sad countenance of the animal, which would havemoved pity, nor to her cries that resounded through the house, whipped her with the rod till she was out of breath; and havingspent her strength, threw down the rod, and taking the chain fromthe porter, lifted up the bitch by her paws, and looking upon herwith a sad and pitiful countenance, they both wept: after which, Zobeide, with her handkerchief, wiped the tears from the bitch'seye, kissed her, returned the chain to the porter, desired him tocarry her to the place whence he took her, and bring her theother. The porter led back the whipped bitch to the closet, andreceiving the other from Amene, presented her to Zobeide, whorequested him to hold her as he had done the first, took up therod, and treated her after the same manner; and when she had weptover her, she dried her eyes, kissed her, and returned her to theporter: but Amene spared him the trouble of leading her back intothe closet, and did it herself. The three calenders, with thecaliph and his companions, were extremely surprised at thisexhibition, and could not comprehend why Zobeide, after having sofuriously beaten those two bitches, that by the moosulmanreligion are reckoned unclean animals, should weep with them, wipe off their tears, and kiss them. They muttered amongthemselves, and the caliph, who, being more impatient than therest, longed exceedingly to be informed of the cause of sostrange a proceeding, could not forbear making signs to thevizier to ask the question: the vizier turned his head anotherway; but being pressed by repeated signs, he answered by others, that it was not yet time for the caliph to satisfy his curiosity. 

Zobeide sat still some time in the middle of the room, where shehad whipped the two bitches, to recover herself of her fatigue;and Safie called to her, "Dear sister, will you not be pleased toreturn to your place, that I may also aft my part?" "Yes, sister, " replied Zobeide; and then went, and sat down upon thesofa, having the caliph, Jaaffier, and Mesrour, on her righthand, and the three calenders, with the porter, on her left. 

After Zobeide had taken her seat, the whole company remainedsilent for some time; at last, Safie, sitting on a chair in themiddle of the room, spoke to her sister Amene, "Dear sister, Iconjure you to rise; you know what I would say. " Amene rose, andwent into another closet, near to that where the bitches were, and brought out a case covered with yellow satin, richlyembroidered with gold and green silk. She went towards Safie andopened the case, from whence she took a lute, and presented it toher: and after some time spent in tuning it, Safie began to play, and accompanying the instrument with her voice, sung a song aboutthe torments that absence creates to lovers, with so muchsweetness, that it charmed the caliph and all the company. Havingsung with much passion and action, she said to Amene, "Pray takeit, sister, for my voice fails me; oblige the company with atune, and a song in my stead. " "Very willingly, " replied Amene, who, taking the lute from her sister Safie, sat down in herplace. 

Amene played and sung almost as long upon the same subject, butwith so much vehemence, and was so much affected, or rathertransported, by the words of the song, that her strength failedher as she finished. 

Zobeide, desirous of testifying her satisfaction, said, "Sister, you have done wonders, and we may easily see that you feel thegrief you have expressed in so lively a manner. " Amene wasprevented from answering this civility, her heart being sosensibly touched at the moment, that she was obliged, for air, touncover her neck and bosom, which did not appear so fair as mighthave been expected; but, on the contrary, were black and full ofscars, which surprised and affected all the spectators. However, this gave her no ease, for she fell into a fit. 

When Zobeide and Safie had run to help their sister, one of thecalenders could not forbear saying, "We had better have slept inthe streets than have come hither to behold such spectacles. " Thecaliph, who heard this, came to him and the other calenders, andasked them what might be the meaning of all this? They answered, "We know no more than you do. " "What, " said the caliph, "are younot of the family? Can you not resolve us concerning the twoblack bitches and the lady that fainted away, who appears to havebeen so basely abused?" "Sir, " said the calenders, "this is thefirst time of our being in the house; we came in but a fewminutes before you. "

This increased the caliph's astonishment: "Probably, " said he, "this man who is with you may know something of the matter. " Oneof the calenders beckoned the porter to come near; and asked him, whether he knew why those two black bitches had been whipped, andwhy Amene's bosom was so scarred. "Sir, " said the porter, "I canswear by heaven, that if you know nothing of all this, I know aslittle as you do. It is true, I live in this city, but I neverwas in the house until now, and if you are surprised to see me Iam as much so to find myself in your company; and that whichincreases my wonder is, that I have not seen one man with theseladies. "

The caliph and his company, as well as the calenders, hadsupposed the porter to be one of the family, and hoped he wouldhave been able to give them the information they sought; butfinding he could not, and resolving to satisfy his curiosity, thecaliph said to the rest, "We are seven men, and have but threewomen to deal with; let us try if we can oblige them to explainwhat we have seen, and if they refuse by fair means, we are in acondition to compel them by force. "

The grand vizier Jaaffier objected to this, and shewed the caliphwhat might be the consequence. Without discovering the prince tothe calenders, he addressed him as if he had been a merchant, andsaid, "Consider, I pray you, that our reputation is at stake. Youknow the conditions on which these ladies consented to receiveus, and which we agreed to observe; what will they say of us ifwe break them? We shall be still more to blame, if any mischiefbefall us; for it is not likely that they would have extortedsuch a promise from us, without knowing themselves to be in acondition to punish us for its violation. "

Here the vizier took the caliph aside, and whispered to him, "Thenight will soon be at an end, and if your majesty will only bepleased to have so much patience, I will to-morrow morning bringthese ladies before your throne, where you may be informed of allthat you desire to know. " Though this advice was very judicious, the caliph rejected it, desired the vizier to hold his tongue, and said, he would not wait so long, but would immediately havehis curiosity satisfied. 

The next business was to settle who should carry the message. Thecaliph endeavoured to prevail with the calenders to speak first;but they excused themselves, and at last they agreed that theporter should be the man: as they were consulting how to wordthis fatal question, Zobeide returned from her sister Amene, whowas recovered of her fit. She drew near them, and havingoverheard them speaking pretty loud, said, "Gentlemen, what isthe subject of your conversation? What are you disputing about?"

The porter answered immediately, "Madam, these gentlemen beseechyou to inform them why you wept over your two bitches after youhad whipped them so severely, and how the bosom of that lady wholately fainted away came to be so full of scars? These are thequestions I am ordered to ask in their name. "

At these words, Zobeide put on a stern countenance, and turningtowards the caliph and the rest of the company, "Is it true, gentlemen, " said she, "that you desired him to ask me thesequestions?" All of them, except the vizier Jaaffier, who spokenot a word, answered, "Yes. " On which she exclaimed, in a tonethat sufficiently expressed her resentment, "Before we grantedyou the favour of receiving you into our house, and to preventall occasion of trouble from you, because we are alone, weimposed the condition that you should not speak of any thing thatdid not concern you, lest you might hear that which would notplease you; and yet after having received and entertained you, you make no scruple to break your promise. It is true that oureasy temper has occasioned this, but that shall not excuse yourrudeness. " As she spoke these words, she gave three stamps withher foot, and clapping her hands as often together, cried, "Comequickly:" upon this, a door flew open, and seven black slavesrushed in; every one seized a man, threw him on the ground, anddragged him into the middle of the room, brandishing a cimeterover his head. 

We may easily conceive the caliph then repented, but too late, that he had not taken the advice of his vizier, who, withMesrour, the calenders and porter, was from his ill-timedcuriosity on the point of forfeiting his life. Before they wouldstrike the fatal blow, one of the slaves said to Zobeide, and hersisters: "High, mighty, and adorable mistresses, do you commandus to strike off their heads?" "Stay, " said Zobeide, "I mustexamine them first. " The frightened porter interrupted her thus:"In the name of heaven, do not put me to death for another man'scrime. I am innocent; they are to blame. " "Alas!" said he, weeping, "how pleasantly did we pass our time! those blindcalenders are the cause of this misfortune; there is no town inthe world but suffers wherever these inauspicious fellows come. Madam, I beg you not to destroy the innocent with the guilty, andconsider, that it is more glorious to pardon such a wretch as Iam, who have no way to help myself, than to sacrifice me to yourresentment. "

Zobeide, notwithstanding her anger, could not but laugh withinherself at the porter's lamentation: but without replying to him, she spoke a second time to the rest; "Answer me, and say who youare, otherwise you shall not live one moment longer: I cannotbelieve you to be honest men, or persons of authority ordistinction in your own countries; for if you were, you wouldhave been more modest and more respectful to us. "

The caliph, naturally warm, was infinitely more indignant thanthe rest, to find his life depending upon the command of a woman:but he began to conceive some hopes, when he found she wished toknow who they all were; for he imagined she would not put him todeath, when informed of his quality; therefore he spoke with alow voice to the vizier, who was near him, to declare itspeedily: but the vizier, more prudent, resolved to save hismaster's honour, and not let the world know the affront he hadbrought upon himself by his own imprudence; and thereforeanswered, "We have what we deserve. " But if he had intended tospeak as the caliph commanded him, Zobeide would not have allowedhim time: for having turned to the calenders, and seeing them allblind with one eye, she asked if they were brothers. One of themanswered, "No, madam, no otherwise than as we are calenders; thatis to say, as we observe the same rules. " "Were you born blind ofthe right eye, " continued she? "No, madam, " answered he; "I lostmy eye in such a surprising adventure, that it would beinstructive to every body were it in writing: after thatmisfortune I shaved my beard and eyebrows, and took the habit ofa calender which I now wear. "

Zobeide asked the other two calenders the same question, and hadthe same answers; but the last who spoke added, "Madam, to shewyou that we are no common fellows, and that you may have someconsideration for us, be pleased to know, that we are all threesons of sultans; and though we never met together till thisevening, yet we have had time enough to make that known to oneanother; and I assure you that the sultans from whom we deriveour being were famous in the world. "

At this discourse Zobeide suppressed her anger, and said to theslaves, "Give them their liberty a while, but remain where youare. Those who tell us their history, and the occasion of theircoming, do them no hurt, let them go where they please; but donot spare those who refuse to give us that satisfaction. "

The three calendars, the caliph, the grand vizier, Jaaffier, theeunuch Mesrour, and the porter, were all in the middle of thehall, seated upon a carpet in the presence of the three ladies, who reclined upon a sofa, and the slaves stood ready to dowhatever their mistresses should command. 

The porter, understanding that he might extricate himself fromdanger by telling his history, spoke first, and said, "Madam, youknow my history already, and the occasion of my coming hither; sothat what I have to say will be very short. My lady, your sister, called me this morning at the place where I plyed as porter tosee if any body would employ me, that I might get my bread; Ifollowed her to a vintner's, then to a herb-shop, then to onewhere oranges, lemons, and citrons were sold, then to a grocer's, next to a confectioner's, and a druggist's, with my basket uponmy head as full as I was able to carry it; then I came hither, where you had the goodness to suffer me to continue till now, afavour that I shall never forget. This, madam, is my history. "

When the porter had done, Zobeide said to him, "Depart, let ussee you here no more. " "Madam, " replied the porter, "I beg you tolet me stay; it would not be just, after the rest have had thepleasure to hear my history, that I should not also have thesatisfaction of hearing theirs. " And having spoken thus, he satdown at the end of the sofa, glad at heart to have escaped thedanger that had frightened him so much. After him, one of thethree calenders directing his speech to Zobeide, as the principalof the three ladies, began thus:

 The History of the First Calender. 

Madam, in order to inform you how I lost my right eye, and why Iwas obliged to put myself into a calender's habit, I must tellyou, that I am a sultan's son born: my father had a brother whoreigned over a neighbouring kingdom; and the prince his son and Iwere nearly of the same age. 

After I had learned my exercises, the sultan my father granted mesuch liberty as suited my dignity. I went regularly every year tosee my uncle, at whose court I amused myself for a month or two, and then returned again to my father's. These journeys cemented afirm and intimate friendship between the prince my cousin andmyself. The last time I saw him, he received me with greaterdemonstrations of tenderness than he had done at any time before;and resolving one day to give me a treat, he made greatpreparations for that purpose. We continued a long time at table, and after we had both supped; "Cousin, " said he, "you will hardlybe able to guess how I have been employed since your lastdeparture from hence, about a year past. I have had a great manymen at work to perfect a design I have formed; I have caused anedifice to be built, which is now finished so as to be habitable:you will not be displeased if I shew it you. But first you are topromise me upon oath, that you will keep my secret, according tothe confidence I repose in you. "

The affection and familiarity that subsisted between us would notallow me to refuse him any thing. I very readily took the oathrequired of me: upon which he said to me, "Stay here till Ireturn, I will be with you in a moment;" and accordingly he camewith a lady in his hand, of singular beauty, and magnificentlyapparelled: he did not intimate who she was, neither did I thinkit would be polite to enquire. We sat down again with this ladyat table, where we continued some time, conversing uponindifferent subjects; and now and then filling a glass to eachother's health. After which the prince said, "Cousin, we mustlose no time; therefore pray oblige me by taking this lady alongwith you, and conducting her to such a place, where you will seea tomb newly built in form of a dome: you will easily know it;the gate is open; enter it together, and tarry till I come, whichwill be very speedily. "

Being true to my oath, I made no farther enquiry, but took thelady by the hand, and by the directions which the prince mycousin had given me, I brought her to the place. We were scarcelygot thither, when we saw the prince following us, carrying apitcher of water, a hatchet, and a little bag of mortar. 

The hatchet served him to break down the empty sepulchre in themiddle of the tomb; he took away the stones one after another, and laid them in a corner; he then dug up the ground, where I sawa trap-door under the sepulchre, which he lifted up, andunderneath perceived the head of a staircase leading into avault. Then my cousin, speaking to the lady, said, "Madam, it isby this way that we are to go to the place I told you of:" uponwhich the lady advanced, and went down, and the prince began tofollow; but first turning to me, said, "My dear cousin, I aminfinitely obliged to you for the trouble you have taken; I thankyou. Adieu. " "Dear cousin, " I cried, "what is the meaning ofthis?" "Be content, " replied he; "you may return the way youcame. "

I could get nothing farther from him, but was obliged to take myleave. As I returned to my uncle's palace, the vapours of thewine got up into my head; however, I reached my apartment, andwent to bed. Next morning, when I awoke, I began to reflect uponwhat had happened, and after recollecting all the circumstancesof such a singular adventure, I fancied it was nothing but adream. Full of these thoughts, I sent to enquire if the prince mycousin was ready to receive a visit from me; but when theybrought word back that he did not lie in his own lodgings thatnight, that they knew not what was become of him, and were inmuch trouble in consequence, I conceived that the strange eventof the tomb was too true. I was sensibly afflicted, and went tothe public burying-place, where there were several tombs likethat which I had seen: I spent the day in viewing them one afteranother, but could not find that I sought for, and thus I spentfour days successively in vain. 

You must know, that all this while the sultan my uncle wasabsent, and had been hunting for several days; I grew weary ofwaiting for him, and having prayed his ministers to make myapology at his return, left his palace, and set out towards myfather's court. I left the ministers of the sultan my uncle ingreat trouble, surmising what was become of the prince: butbecause of my oath to keep his secret, I durst not tell them whatI had seen. 

I arrived at my father's capital, where, contrary to custom, Ifound a numerous guard at the gate of the palace, who surroundedme as I entered. I asked the reason, and the commanding officerreplied, "Prince, the army has proclaimed the grand vizier, instead of your father, who is dead, and I take you prisoner inthe name of the new sultan. " At these words the guards laid holdof me, and carried me before the tyrant: I leave you to judge, madam, how much I was surprised and grieved. 

This rebel vizier, had long entertained a mortal hatred againstme; for this reason. When I was a stripling, I loved to shootwith a cross-bow; and being one day upon the terrace of thepalace with my bow, a bird happening to come by, I shot butmissed him, and the ball by misfortune hit the vizier, who wastaking the air upon the terrace of his own house, and put out oneof his eyes. As soon as I understood this, I not only sent tomake my excuse to him, but did it in person: yet he never forgaveme, and, as opportunity offered, made me sensible of hisresentment. But now that he had me in his power, he expressed hisfeelings; for he came to me like a madman, as soon as he saw me, and thrusting his finger into my right eye, pulled it out, andthus I became blind of one eye. 

But the usurper's cruelty did not stop here; he ordered me to beshut up in a machine, and commanded the executioner to carry meinto the country, to cut off my head, and leave me to be devouredby birds of prey. The executioner conveyed me thus shut up intothe country, in order to execute the barbarous sentence; but bymy prayers and tears, I moved the man's compassion: "Go, " said heto me, "get you speedily out of the kingdom, and take heed ofreturning, or you will certainly meet your own ruin, and be thecause of mine. " I thanked him for the favour he did me; and assoon as I was left alone, comforted myself for the loss of myeye, by considering that I had very narrowly escaped a muchgreater evil. 

Being in such a condition, I could not travel far at a time; Iretired to remote places during the day, and travelled as far bynight as my strength would allow me. At last I arrived in thedominions of the sultan my uncle, and came to his capital. 

I gave him a long detail of the tragical cause of my return, andof the sad condition he saw me in. "Alas!" cried he, "was it notenough for me to have lost my son, but must I have also news ofthe death of a brother I loved so dearly, and see you reduced tothis deplorable condition?" He told me how uneasy he was that hecould hear nothing of his son, notwithstanding all the enquiry hecould make. At these words, the unfortunate father burst intotears, and was so much afflicted, that pitying his grief, it wasimpossible for me to keep the secret any longer; so that, notwithstanding my oath to the prince my cousin, I told thesultan all that I knew. 

His majesty listened to me with some sort of comfort, and when Ihad done, "Nephew, " said he, "what you tell me gives me somehope. I knew that my son ordered that tomb to be built, and I canguess pretty nearly the place; and with the idea you still haveof it, I fancy we shall find it: but since he ordered it to bebuilt privately, and you took your oath to keep his secret, I amof opinion, that we ought to go in quest of it without otherattendants. " But he had another reason for keeping the mattersecret, which he did not then tell me, and an important one itwas, as you will perceive by the sequel of my story. 

We disguised ourselves and went out by a door of the garden whichopened into the fields, and soon found what we sought for. I knewthe tomb, and was the more rejoiced, because I had formerlysought it a long time in vain. We entered, and found the irontrap pulled down at the head of the staircase; we had greatdifficulty in raising it, because the prince had fastened itinside with the water and mortar formerly mentioned, but at lastwe succeeded. 

The sultan my uncle descended first, I followed, and we went downabout fifty steps. When we came to the foot of the stairs, wefound a sort of antechamber, full of thick smoke of an ill scent, which obscured the lamp, that gave a very faint light. 

From this antechamber we came into another, very large, supportedby columns, and lighted by several branched candlesticks. Therewas a cistern in the middle, and provisions of several sortsstood on one side of it; but we were much surprised not to seeany person. Before us there appeared a high estrade, which wemounted by several steps, and upon this there was a large bed, with curtains drawn. The sultan went up, and opening thecurtains, perceived the prince his son and the lady in bedtogether, but burnt and changed to cinder, as if they had beenthrown into a fire, and taken out before they were consumed. 

But what surprised me most was, that though this spectacle filledme with horror, the sultan my uncle, instead of testifying hissorrow to see the prince his son in such a condition, spat on hisface, and exclaimed, with a disdainful air, "This is thepunishment of this world, but that of the other will last toeternity;" and not content with this, he pulled off his sandal, and gave the corpse of his son a blow on the cheek. 

I cannot adequately express how much I was astonished when I sawthe sultan my uncle abuse his son thus after he was dead. "Sir, "said I, "whatever grief this dismal sight has impressed upon me, I am forced to suspend it, to enquire of your majesty what crimethe prince my cousin may have committed, that his corpse shoulddeserve such indignant treatment?" "Nephew, " replied the sultan, "I must tell you, that my son (who is unworthy of that name)loved his sister from his infancy, as she did him: I did notcheck their growing fondness, because I did not foresee itspernicious consequence. This tenderness increased as they grew inyears, and to such a height, that I dreaded the end of it. Atlast, I applied such remedies as were in my power: I not onlygave my son a severe reprimand in private, laying before him thehorrible nature of the passion he entertained, and the eternaldisgrace he would bring upon my family, if he persisted; but Ialso represented the same to my daughter, and shut her up soclose that she could have no conversation with her brother. Butthat unfortunate creature had swallowed so much of the poison, that all the obstacles which by my prudence I could lay in theway served only to inflame her love. 

"My son being persuaded of his sister's constancy, on presence ofbuilding a tomb, caused this subterraneous habitation to be made, in hopes of finding one day or other an opportunity to possesshimself of that objets which was the cause of his flame, and tobring her hither. He took advantage of my absence, to enter byforce into the place of his sister's confinement; but this was acircumstance which my honour would not suffer me to make public. And after so damnable an action, he came and shut himself up withher in this place, which he has supplied, as you see, with allsorts of provisions, that he might enjoy detestable pleasures, which ought to be a subject of horror to all the world; but God, who would not suffer such an abomination, has justly punishedthem both. " At these words, he melted into tears, and I joinedmine with his. 

After a while, casting his eyes upon me, "Dear nephew, " cried he, embracing me, "if I have lost that unworthy son, I shall happilyfind in you what will better supply his place. " The reflectionshe made on the doleful end of the prince and princess hisdaughter made us both weep afresh. 

We ascended the stairs again, and departed at last from thatdismal place. We let down the trap door, and covered it withearth, and such other materials as the tomb was built of, onpurpose to hide, as much as lay in our power, so terrible aneffect of the wrath of God. 

We had not been long returned to the palace, unperceived by anyone, but we heard a confused noise of trumpets, drums, and otherinstruments of war. We soon understood by the thick cloud ofdust, which almost darkened the air, that it was the arrival of aformidable army: and it proved to be the same vizier that haddethroned my father, and usurped his place, who with a vastnumber of troops was come to possess himself of that also of thesultan my uncle. 

My uncle, who then had only his usual guards about him, could notresist so numerous an enemy; they invested the city, and thegates being opened to them without any resistance, soon becamemasters of it, and broke into the palace where my uncle defendedhimself, and sold his life at a dear rate. I fought as valiantlyfor a while; but seeing we were forced to submit to a superiorpower, I thought on my retreat, which I had the good fortune toeffect by some back ways, and got to one of the sultan's servantson whose fidelity I could depend. 

Being thus surrounded with sorrows and persecuted by fortune, Ihad recourse to a stratagem, which was the only means left me tosave my life: I caused my beard and eye-brows to be shaved, andputting on a calender's habit, I passed, unknown by any, out ofthe city; after that, by degrees, I found it easy to quit myuncle's kingdom, by taking the bye-roads. 

I avoided passing through towns, until I had reached the empireof the mighty governor of the Moosulmauns, the glorious andrenowned caliph Haroon al Rusheed, when I thought myself out ofdanger; and considering what I was to do, I resolved to come toBagdad, intending to throw myself at the feet of that monarch, whose generosity is renowned throughout the world. "I shall movehim to compassion, " said I to myself, "by the relation of myuncommon misfortunes, and without doubt he will take pity on apersecuted prince, and not suffer me to implore his assistance invain. "

In short, after a journey of several months, I arrived yesterdayat the gate of this city, into which I entered about the dusk ofevening; and stopping a little while to consider which way I wasto turn, another calender came up; he saluted me, and I him: "Youappear, " said I, "to be a stranger, as I am. " "You are notmistaken, " replied he. He had no sooner returned this answer, than a third calender overtook us. He saluted us, and told us hewas a stranger newly come to Bagdad; so that as brethren wejoined together, resolving not to separate from one another. 

It was now late, and we knew not where to seek a lodging in thecity, where we had never been before. But good fortune havingbrought us to your gate, we made bold to knock, when you receivedus with so much kindness, that we are incapable of renderingsuitable thanks. "This, madam, " said he, "is, in obedience toyour commands, the account I was to give how I lost my right eye, wherefore my beard and eye-brows are shaved, and how I came to bewith you at this time. "

"It is enough, " said Zobeide; "you may retire to what place youthink fit. " The calender begged the ladies' permission to staytill he had heard the relations of his two comrades, "Whom Icannot, " said he, "leave with honour;" and that he might alsohear those of the three other persons in company. 

The story of the first calender seemed wonderful to the wholecompany, but especially to the caliph, who, notwithstanding theslaves stood by with their cimeters drawn, could not forbearwhispering to the vizier "Many stories have I heard, but neverany that equalled in surprising incident that of the calender. "Whilst he was saying this, the second calender began, addressinghimself to Zobeide. 

 The Story of the Second Calender. 

Madam, to obey your commands, and to shew you by what strangeaccident I became blind of the right eye, I must of necessitygive you the account of my life. 

I was scarcely past my infancy, when the sultan my father (foryou must know I am a prince by birth) perceived that I wasendowed with good natural ability, and spared nothing proper forimproving it. 

No sooner was I able to read and write, but I learned the Koraunfrom beginning to end by heart, that admirable book, whichcontains the foundation, the precepts, and the rules of ourreligion; and that I might be thoroughly instructed in it, I readthe works of the most approved divines, by whose commentaries ithad been explained. I added to this study, that of all thetraditions collected from the mouth of our prophet, by the greatmen that were contemporary with him. I was not satisfied with theknowledge of all that had any relation to our religion, but madealso a particular search into our histories. I made myselfperfect in polite learning, in the works of poets, andversification. I applied myself to geography, chronology, and tospeak the Arabian language in its purity; not forgetting in themeantime all such exercises as were proper for a prince tounderstand. But one thing which I was fond of, and succeeded in, was penmanship; wherein I surpassed all the celebrated scribes ofour kingdom. 

Fame did me more honour than I deserved, for she not only spreadthe renown of my talents through all the dominions of the sultanmy father, but carried it as far as the empire of Hindoostan, whose potent monarch, desirous to see me, sent an ambassador withrich presents: my father, who rejoiced at this embassy forseveral reasons, was persuaded, that nothing could be moreimproving to a prince of my age than to travel and visit foreigncourts; and he wished to gain the friendship of the Indianmonarch. I departed with the ambassador, but with no greatretinue. 

When we had travelled about a month, we discovered at a distancea cloud of dust, and under that we saw very soon fifty horsemenwell armed, who were robbers, advancing towards us at full speed. 

As we had ten horses laden with baggage, and presents to thesultan of Hindoostan, from my father, and my retinue was butsmall, you may easily judge that these robbers came boldly up tous; and not being in a posture to make any opposition, we toldthem, that we were ambassadors, and hoped they would attemptnothing contrary to the respect due to such sacred characters, thinking by this means to save our equipage and our lives: butthe robbers most insolently replied, "For what reason would youhave us shew any respect to the sultan your master? We are noneof his subjects, nor are we upon his territories:" having spokenthus, they surrounded and fell upon us: I defended myself as longas I could; but finding myself wounded, and seeing the ambassadorwith his attendants and mine lying on the ground, I made use ofwhat strength was yet remaining in my horse, who was also verymuch wounded, and rode away as fast as he could carry me; but heshortly after, from weariness and the loss of blood, fell downdead. I cleared myself from him unhurt, and finding that I wasnot pursued, judged the robbers were not willing to quit thebooty they had obtained. 

Here you see me, alone, wounded, destitute of help, and in a strangecountry. I durst not take the high road, fearing I might fall againinto the hands of these robbers. When I had bound up my wound, whichwas not dangerous, I walked on the rest of the day, and arrived at thefoot of the mountain, where I perceived a passage into a cave; I wentin, and staid there that night with little satisfaction, after I hadeaten some fruits that I had gathered by the way. 

I continued my journey for several days following, withoutfinding any place of abode: but after a month's time, I came to alarge town well inhabited, and situated so much the moreadvantageously, as it was surrounded by several streams, so thatit enjoyed perpetual spring. 

The pleasant objects which then presented themselves to my viewafforded me some joy, and suspended for a time the sorrow withwhich I was overwhelmed. My face, hands, and feet were black andsun-burnt; and, by my long journey, my boots were quite worn out, so that I was forced to walk bare-footed; and besides, my clotheswere all in rags I entered the town to inform myself where I was, and addressed myself to a tailor that was at work in his shop;who, perceiving by my air that I was a person of more note thanmy outward appearance bespoke, made me sit down by him, and askedme who I was, from whence I came, and what had brought methither? I did not conceal anything that had befallen me, normade I any scruple to discover my quality. 

The tailor listened to me with attention; but after had donespeaking, instead of giving me any consolation, he augmented mysorrow: "Take heed, " said he, "how you discover to any personwhat you have related to me; for the prince of this country isthe greatest enemy your father has, and he will certainly do yousome mischief, should he hear of your being in this city. " I madeno doubt of the tailor's sincerity, when he named the prince: butsince that enmity which is between my father and him has norelation to my adventures, I pass it over in silence. 

I returned the tailor thanks for his advice, expressed himselfdisposed to follow his counsel, and assured him that his favoursshould never be forgotten. He ordered something to be brought forme to eat, and offered me at the same time a lodging in hishouse, which I accepted. Some days after, finding me tolerablywell recovered of the fatigue I had endured by a long and tediousjourney, and reflecting that most princes of our religion appliedthemselves to some art or calling that might be serviceable tothem upon occasion, he asked me, if I had learned any whereby Imight get a livelihood, and not be burdensome to others? I toldhim that I understood the laws, both divine and human; that I wasa grammarian and poet; and above all, that I could write withgreat perfection. "By all this, " said 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 willbe advised by me, dress yourself in a labourer's habit; and sinceyou appear to be strong, and of a good constitution, you shall gointo the next forest and cut fire-wood, which you may bring tothe market to be sold; and I can assure you this employment willturn to so good an account that you may live by it, withoutdependence upon any man; and by this means you will be in acondition to wait for the favourable minute, when heaven shallthink fit to dispel those clouds of misfortune that thwart yourhappiness, and oblige you to conceal your birth; I will take careto supply you with a rope and a hatchet. "

The fear of being known, and the necessity I was under of gettinga livelihood, made me agree to this proposal, notwithstanding themeanness and hardships that attended it. The day following thetailor brought me a rope, a hatchet, and a short coat, andrecommended me to some poor people who gained their bread afterthe same manner, that they might take me into their company. Theyconducted me to the wood, and the first day I brought in as muchupon my head as procured me half a piece of gold, of the money ofthat country; for though the wood was not far distant from thetown, yet it was very scarce, by reason that few would be at thetrouble of fetching it for themselves. I gained a good sum ofmoney in a short time, and repaid my tailor what he had advancedto me. 

I continued this way of living for a whole year. One day, havingby chance penetrated farther into the wood than usual, I happenedto light on a pleasant spot, where I began to cut; and in pullingup the root of a tree, I espied an iron ring, fastened to a trapdoor of the same metal. I took away the earth that covered it, and having lifted it up, discovered a flight of stairs, which Idescended with my axe in my hand. 

When I had reached the bottom, I found myself in a palace, andfelt great consternation, on account of a great light whichappeared as clear in it as if it had been above ground in theopen air. I went forward along a gallery, supported by pillars ofjasper, the base and capitals of messy gold: but seeing a lady ofa noble and graceful air, extremely beautiful, coming towards me, my eyes were taken off from every other objets. 

Being desirous to spare the lady the trouble of coming to me, Ihastened to meet her; and as I was saluting her with a lowobeisance, she asked me, "What are you, a man or a genie?" "Aman, madam, " said I; "I have no correspondence with genies. " "Bywhat adventure, " said she, fetching a deep sigh, "are you comehither? I have lived here twenty-five years, and you are thefirst man I have beheld in that time. "

Her great beauty, which had already smitten me, and the sweetnessand civility wherewith she received me, emboldened me to say, "Madam, before I have the honour to satisfy your curiosity, giveme leave to tell you, that I am infinitely gratified with thisunexpected meeting, which offers me an occasion of consolation inthe midst of my affliction; and perhaps it may give me anopportunity of making you also more happy than you are. " Irelated to her by what strange accident she beheld me, the son ofa sultan, in such a condition as I appeared in her presence; andhow fortune had directed that I should discover the entrance intothat magnificent prison where I had found her, according toappearance, in an unpleasant situation. 

"Alas! prince, " said she, sighing once more, "you have just causeto believe this rich and pompous prison cannot be otherwise thana most wearisome abode: the most charming place in the worldbeing no way delightful when we are detained there contrary toour will. It is not possible but you have heard of the sultan ofthe isle of Ebene, so called from that precious wood which itproduces in abundance; I am the princess his daughter. 

"The sultan, my father, had chosen for me a husband, a prince whowas my cousin; but on my wedding-night, in the midst of therejoicings of the court and capital, before I was conducted to myhusband, a genie took me away. I fainted with alarm, and when Irecovered, found myself in this place. I was long inconsolable, but time and necessity have accustomed me to see and receive thegenie. Twenty-five years I have continued in this place, where, Imust confess, I have all that I can wish for necessary to life, and also every thing that can satisfy a princess fond of dressand splendour. 

"Every ten days, " continued the princess, "the genie comeshither, and remains with me one night, which he never exceeds;and the excuse he makes for it is, that he is married to anotherwife, who would grow jealous if she should know his infidelity. Meanwhile, if I have occasion for him by day or night, as soon asI touch a talisman, which is at the entrance into my chamber, thegenie appears. It is now the fourth day since he was here, and Ido not expect him before the end of six more; so, if you please, you may stay five days, and I will endeavour to entertain youaccording to your quality and merit. " I thought myself toofortunate, to have obtained so great a favour without asking, torefuse so obliging an offer. The princess made me go into a bath, the most commodious, and the most sumptuous imaginable; and whenI came forth, instead of my own clothes I found another verycostly suit, which I did not esteem so much for its richness, asbecause it made me appear worthy to be in her company. We satdown on a sofa covered with rich tapestry, with cushions of therarest Indian brocade; and some time after she covered a tablewith several dishes of delicate meats. We ate, and passed theremaining part of the day with much satisfaction, as also theevening, together. 

The next day, as she contrived every means to please me, shebrought in, at dinner, a bottle of old wine, the most excellentthat ever was tasted, and out of complaisance drank some part ofit with me. When my head grew warm with the agreeable liquor, "Fair princess, " said I, "you have been too long thus buriedalive; follow me, enjoy the real day, of which you have beendeprived so many years, and abandon this artificial thoughbrilliant glare. " "Prince, " replied she, with a smile, "leavethis discourse; if you out of ten days will grant me nine, andresign the last to the genie, the fairest day would be nothing inmy esteem. " "Princess, " said I, "it is the fear of the genie thatmakes you speak thus; for my part, I value him so little, that Iwill break in pieces his talisman, with the conjuration that iswritten about it. Let him come, I will expect him; and how braveor redoubtable soever he be, I will make him feel the weight ofmy arm: I swear solemnly that I will extirpate all the genies inthe world, and him first. " The princess, who knew theconsequence, conjured me not to touch the talisman. "For thatwould be the means, " said she, "of ruining both you and me; Iknow what belongs to genies better than you. " The fumes of thewine did not suffer me to hearken to her reasons; but I gave thetalisman a kick with my foot, and broke it in several pieces. 

The talisman was no sooner broken than the palace began to shake, and seemed ready to fall, with a hideous noise like thunder, accompanied with flashes of lightning, and alternate darkness. This terrible noise in a moment dispelled the fumes of my wine, and made me sensible, but too late, of the folly I had committed. "Princess, " cried I, "what means all this?" She answered, withoutany concern for her own misfortune, "Alas! you are undone, if youdo not fly immediately. "

I followed her advice, but my fears were so great, that I forgotmy hatchet and cords. I had scarcely reached the stairs by whichI had descended, when the enchanted palace opened at once, andmade a passage for the genie: he asked the princess in greatanger, "What has happened to you, and why did you call me?" "Aviolent spasm, " said the princess, "made me fetch this bottlewhich you see here, out of which I drank twice or thrice, and bymischance made a false step, and fell upon the talisman, which isbroken, and that is all. "

At this answer, the furious genie told her, "You are a falsewoman, and speak not the truth; how came that axe and those cordsthere?" "I never saw them till this moment, " said the princess. "Your coming in such an impetuous manner has, it may be, forcedthem up in some place as you came along, and so brought themhither without your knowing it. "

The genie made no other answer but what was accompanied withreproaches and blows, of which I heard the noise. I could notendure to hear the pitiful cries of the princess so cruellyabused. I had already taken off the suit she had presented to me, and put on my own, which I had laid on the stairs the day before, when I came out of the bagnio: I made haste upstairs, the moredistracted with sorrow and compassion, as I had been the cause ofso great a misfortune; and by sacrificing the fairest princess onearth to the barbarity of a merciless genie, I was becoming themost criminal and ungrateful of mankind. "It is true, " said I, "she has been a prisoner these twenty-five years; but, libertyexcepted she wanted nothing that could make her happy. My follyhas put an end to her happiness, and brought upon her the crueltyof an unmerciful devil. " I let down the trap-door, covered itagain with earth, and returned to the city with a burden of wood, which I bound up without knowing what I did, so great was mytrouble and sorrow. 

My landlord, the tailor, was very much rejoiced to see me: "Yourabsence, " said he, "has disquieted me much, as you had entrustedme with the secret of your birth, and I knew not what to think; Iwas afraid somebody had discovered you; God be praised for yourreturn. " I thanked him for his zeal and affection, but not a worddurst I say of what had passed, nor of the reason why I came backwithout my hatchet and cords. 

I retired to my chamber, where I reproached myself a thousandtimes for my excessive imprudence: "Nothing, " said I, "could haveparalleled the princess's good fortune and mine, had I forborneto break the talisman. "

While I was thus giving myself over to melancholy thoughts, thetailor came in and said, "An old man, whom I do not know, bringsyour hatchet and cords, which he found in his way as he tells me, and says he understood from your comrades that you lodge here;come out and speak to him, for he will deliver them to none butyourself. "

At these words I changed colour, and fell a trembling. While thetailor was asking me the reason, my chamber-door opened, and theold man, having no patience to stay, appeared to us with myhatchet and cords. This was the genie, the ravisher of the fairprincess of the isle of Ebene, who had thus disguised himself, after he had treated her with the utmost barbarity. "I am agenie, " said he, speaking to me, "son of the daughter of Eblis, prince of genies: is not this your hatchet, and are not theseyour cords?"

After the genie had put the question to me, he gave me no time toanswer, nor was it in my power, so much had his terrible aspectdisordered me. He grasped me by the middle, dragged me out of thechamber, and mounting into the air, carried me up to the skieswith such swiftness, that I was not able to take notice of theway he conveyed me. He descended again in like manner to theearth, which on a sudden he caused to open with a stroke of hisfoot, and sunk down at once, when I found myself in the enchantedpalace, before the fair princess of the isle of Ebene. But, alas!what a spectacle was there! I saw what pierced me to the heart;this poor princess was quite naked, weltering in her blood, andlaid upon the ground, more like one dead than alive, with hercheeks bathed in tears. 

"Perfidious wretch!" said the genie to her, pointing at me, "isnot this your gallant?" She cast her languishing eyes upon me, and answered mournfully, "I do not know him, I never saw him tillthis moment. " "What!" said the genie, "he is the cause of thybeing in the condition thou art justly in; and yet darest thousay thou cost not know him?" "If I do not know him, " said theprincess, "would you have me lie on purpose to ruin him?" "Ohthen, " said the genie, pulling out a cimeter and presenting it tothe princess, "if you never saw him before, take this, and cutoff his head. " "Alas, " replied the princess, "how is it possiblethat I should execute such an act? My strength is so far spentthat I cannot lift up my arm; and if I could, how should I havethe heart to take away the life of an innocent man, and one whomI do not know?" "This refusal, " said the genie to the princess, "sufficiently informs me of your crime. " Upon which, turning tome, "And thou, " said he, "dost thou not know her?"

I should have been the most ungrateful wretch, and the mostperfidious of all mankind, if I had not strewn myself as faithfulto the princess as she had been to me, who had been the cause ofher misfortunes. I therefore answered the genie, "How should Iknow her, when I never saw her till now?" "If it be so, " said he, "take the cimeter and cut off her head: on this condition I willset thee at liberty, for then I shall be convinced that thou hastnever seen her till this moment, as thou gayest. " "With all myheart, " replied I, and took the cimeter in my hand. 

Do not think, madam, that I drew near to the fair princess of theisle of Ebene to be the executioner of the genie's barbarity. Idid it only to demonstrate by my behaviour, as much as possible, that as she had strewn her resolution to sacrifice her life formy sake, I would not refuse to sacrifice mine for hers. Theprincess, notwithstanding her pain and suffering, understood mymeaning; which she signified by an obliging look, and made meunderstand her willingness to die for me; and that she wassatisfied to see how ready I was also to die for her. Upon this Istepped back, and threw the cimeter on the ground. "I should forever, " said I to the genie, "be hateful to all mankind were I tobe so base as to murder, not only a person whom I do not know, but a lady like this, who is already on the point of expiring: dowith me what you please, since I am in your power; I cannot obeyyour barbarous commands. "

"I see, " said the genie, "that you both out-brave me, and insultmy jealousy; but both of you shall know by my treatment of you ofwhat I am capable. " At these words the monster took up thecimeter and cut off one of her hands, which left her only so muchlife as to give me a token with the other that she bade me forever adieu. For the blood she had lost before, and that whichgushed out then, did not permit her to live above one or twomoments after this barbarous cruelty; the sight of which threw meinto a fit. When I was come to myself again, I expostulated withthe 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 show me. " Butinstead of agreeing to that, "Behold, " said he, "how genies treattheir wives whom they suspect of unfaithfulness; she has receivedthee here, and were I certain that she had put any furtheraffront upon me, I would put thee to death this minute: but Iwill content myself with transforming thee into a dog, ape, lion, or bird; take thy choice of any of these, I will leave it tothyself. "

These words gave me some hopes of being able to appease him: "Ogenie, " said I, "moderate your passion, and since you will nottake away my life, give it me generously. I shall always rememberyour clemency, if you pardon me, as one of the best men in theworld pardoned one of his neighbours that bore him a mortalhatred. " The genie asked me what had passed between those twoneighbours, and said, he would have patience till he heard thestory, which I related to him; and I believe, madam, you will notbe displeased if I now repeat it. 

 The Story of the Envious Man, and of him that he Envied. 

In a considerable town two persons dwelt in adjoining houses. Oneof them conceived such a violent hatred against the other, thatthe hated party resolved to remove to a distance, being persuadedthat their being neighbours was the only cause of this animosity;for though he had done him several pieces of service, he foundthat his hatred was not diminished; he therefore sold his house, with what goods he had left, and retired to the capital city of akingdom which was not far distant. Here he bought a little spotof ground, which lay about half a league from the city; where hehad a convenient house, with a garden, and a pretty spaciouscourt, wherein there was a deep well, which was not in use. 

The honest man having made this purchase put on a dervise'shabit, intending to lead a retired life, and caused several cellsto be made in the house, where in a short time he established anumerous society of dervises. He soon came to be publicly knownby his virtue, through which he acquired the esteem of manypeople, as well of the commonalty as of the chief of the city. Inshort, he was much honoured and courted by all ranks. People camefrom afar to recommend themselves to his prayers; and all whovisited him, published what blessings they received through hismeans. 

The great reputation of this honest man having spread to the townfrom whence he had come, it touched the envious man so much tothe quick, that he left his house and affairs with a resolutionto ruin him. With this intent he went to the new convent ofdervises, of which his former neighbour was the head, whoreceived him with all imaginable tokens of friendship. Theenvious man told him that he was come on purpose to communicate abusiness of importance, which he could not do but in private; and"that nobody may hear us, let us, " said he, "take a walk in yourcourt; and seeing night begins to draw on, command your dervisesto retire to their cells. " The chief of the dervises did as hewas required. 

When the envious man saw that he was alone with this good man, hebegan to tell him his errand, walking side by side in the court, till he saw his opportunity; and getting the good man near thebrink of the well, he gave him a thrust, and pushed him into it, without being seen by any one. Having done thus, he returned, gotout at the gate of the convent without being known, and reachedhis own house well satisfied with his journey, being fullypersuaded that the object of his hatred was no more; but he foundhimself mistaken. 

This old well was inhabited by fairies and genies, which happenedluckily for the relief of the head of the convent; for theyreceived and supported him, and carried him to the bottom, sothat he got no hurt. He perceived that there was somethingextraordinary in his fall, which must otherwise have cost him hislife; but he neither saw nor felt anything. He soon heard avoice, however, which said, "Do you know what honest man this is, to whom we have done this piece of service?" Another voiceanswered, "No. " To which the first replied, "Then I will tellyou. This man out of charity, the purest ever known, left thetown he lived in, and has established himself in this place, inhopes to cure one of his neighbours of the envy he had conceivedagainst him; he had acquired such a general esteem, that theenvious man, not able to endure it, came hither on purpose toruin him; and he would have accomplished his design, had it notbeen for the assistance we have given this honest man, whosereputation is so great, that the sultan, who keeps his residencein the neighbouring city, was to pay him a visit to-morrow, torecommend the princess his daughter to his prayers. "

Another voice asked, "What need had the princess of the dervise'sprayers?" To which the first answered, "You do not know, itseems, that she is possessed by genie Maimoun, the son of Dimdim, who is fallen in love with her. But I well know how this goodhead of the dervises may cure her; the thing is very easy, and Iwill explain it to you. He has a black cat in his convent, with awhite spot at the end of her tail, about the bigness of a smallpiece of Arabian money; let him only pull seven hairs out of thewhite spot, burn them, and smoke the princess's head with thefume, she will not only be immediately cured, but be so safelydelivered from Maimoun, the son of Dimdim, that he will neverdare to approach her again. "

The head of the dervises remembered every word of theconversation between the fairies and the genies, who remainedsilent the remainder of the night. The next morning, as soon asdaylight appeared, and he could discern the nature of hissituation, the well being broken down in several places, he saw ahole, by which he crept out with ease. 

The other dervises, who had been seeking for him, were rejoicedto see him; he gave them a brief account of the wickedness of theman to whom he had given so kind a reception the day before, andretired into his cell. Shortly after the black cat, which thefairies and the genies had mentioned the night before, came tofawn upon her master, as she was accustomed to do; he took herup, and pulled seven hairs from the white spot that was upon hertail, and laid them aside for his use when occasion should serve. 

Soon after sunrise the sultan, who would leave no means untriedthat he thought likely to restore the princess to perfect health, arrived at the gate of the convent. He commanded his guards tohalt, whilst he with his principal officers went in. The dervisesreceived him with profound respect. 

The sultan called their chief aside, and said, "Good Sheik, youmay probably be already acquainted with the cause of my visit. ""Yes, Sir, " replied he gravely, "if I do not mistake, it is thedisease of the princess which procures me this unmerited honour. ""That is the real case, " replied the sultan. "You will give menew life if your prayers, as I hope they may, restore mydaughter's health. " "Sir, " said the good man, "if your majestywill be pleased to let her come hither, I am in hopes, throughGod's assistance and favour, that she will be effectually cured. "

The prince, transported with joy, sent immediately for hisdaughter, who soon appeared with a numerous train of ladies andeunuchs, but veiled, so that her face was not seen. The chief ofthe dervises caused a pall to be held over her head, and he hadno sooner thrown the seven hairs upon the burning coals, than thegenie Maimoun, the son of Dimdim, uttered a great cry, andwithout being seen, left the princess at liberty; upon which, shetook the veil from her face, and rose up to see where she was, saying, "Where am I, and who brought me hither?" At these wordsthe sultan, overcome with excess of joy, embraced his daughter, and kissed her eyes; he also kissed the chief of the dervises'hands, and said to his officers, "What reward does he deservethat has thus cured my daughter?" They all cried, "He deservesher in marriage. " "That is what I had in my thoughts, " said thesultan; "and I make him my son-in-law from this moment. " Sometime after the prime vizier died, and the sultan conferred theplace on the dervise. The sultan himself also died without heirsmale; upon which the religious orders and the militia consultedtogether, and the good man was declared and acknowledged sultanby general consent. 

The honest dervise, having ascended the throne of his father-in-law, as he was one day in the midst of his courtiers on a march, espied theenvious man among the crowd that stood as he passed along, and callingone of the viziers that attended him, whispered him in his ear, "Go, bring me that man you see there; but take care you do not frightenhim. " The vizier obeyed, and when the envious man was brought into hispresence, the sultan said, "Friend, I am extremely glad to see you. "Upon which he called an officer, "Go immediately, " said he, "and causeto be paid to this man out of my treasury, one hundred pieces of gold:let him have also twenty loads of the richest merchandize in mystorehouses, and a sufficient guard to conduit him to his house. "After he had given this charge to the officer, he bade the envious manfarewell, and proceeded on his march. 

When I had finished the recital of this story to the genie, themurderer of the princess of the isle of Ebene, I made anapplication of it to himself: "O genie!" said I, "this bountifulsultan was not satisfied with merely overlooking the design ofthe envious man to take away his life, but also treated himkindly, and sent him back loaded with the favours I haveenumerated. " In short, I employed all my eloquence to persuadehim to imitate so good an example, and to grant me pardon; but itwas impossible to move his compassion. 

"All that I can do for thee, " said he, "is, to grant thee thylife; but do not flatter thyself that I will allow thee to returnsafe and well; I must let thee feel what I am able to do by myenchantments. " So saying, he seized me violently, and carried methrough the arched roof of the subterraneous palace, which openedto give him passage; he ascended with me into the air to such aheight, that the earth appeared like a little white cloud; hethen descended again like lightning, and alighted upon the summitof a mountain. 

Here he took up a handful of earth, and pronouncing, or rathermuttering, some words which I did not understand, threw it uponme. "Quit, " said he, "the form of a man, and take that of anape. " He instantly disappeared, and left me alone, transformedinto an ape, and overwhelmed with sorrow in a strange country, not knowing whether I was near or far from my father's dominions. 

I descended the mountain, and entered a plain level country, whichtook me a month to travel over, and then I came to the sea-side. Ithappened at the time to be perfectly calm, and I espied a vessel abouthalf a league from the shore: unwilling to lose so good anopportunity, I broke off a large branch from a tree, carried it intothe sea, and placed myself astride upon it, with a stick in each handto serve me for oars. 

I launched out in this posture, and rowed towards the ship. WhenI had approached sufficiently near to be seen, I exhibited to theseamen and passengers on the deck an extraordinary spectacle, andall of them regarded me with astonishment. In the meantime I goton board, and laying hold of a rope, jumped upon the deck, buthaving lost my speech I found myself in great perplexity: andindeed the risk I ran was not less than when I was at the mercyof the genie. 

The merchants, being both superstitious and scrupulous, thoughtif they received me on board I should be the occasion of somemisfortune to them during their voyage. On this account one ofthem said, "I will destroy him with a blow of this handspike;"another, "I will shoot an arrow through his body;" and a third, "Let us throw him into the sea. " Some one of them would not havefailed to carry his threat into execution had I not gone to thecaptain, thrown myself at his feet, and taken hold of his skirtin a supplicating posture. This action, together with the tearswhich he saw gush from my eyes, moved his compassion. He took meunder his protection, threatened to be revenged on any one thatwould do me the least hurt, and loaded me with a thousandcaresses. On my part, though I had not power to speak, I showedby my gestures every mark of gratitude in my power. 

The wind that succeeded the calm was not strong, but favourable;it continued to blow in the same direction for fifty days, andbrought us safe to the port of a city, well peopled, and of greattrade, the capital of a powerful state, where we came to anchor. 

Our vessel was instantly surrounded with an infinite number ofboats full of people, who came to congratulate their friends ontheir safe arrival, or to inquire for those they had left behindthem in the country from whence they had come, or out ofcuriosity to see a ship that had performed so long a voyage. 

Amongst the rest, some officers came on board, desiring in thename of the sultan to speak with the merchants. The merchantsappearing, one of the officers told them, "The sultan our masterhath commanded us to acquaint you, that he rejoices in your safearrival, and beseeches each of you to take the trouble to write afew lines upon this roll. That you may understand the design ofthis request, you must know that we had a prime vizier, whobesides possessing great abilities for the management of publicaffairs could write in the highest perfection. This minister afew days since died. The event has greatly affected the sultan;and since he can never behold his writing without admiration, hehas made a solemn vow, not to give the place to any one whocannot write equally well. Many have presented specimens of theirskill; but to this day, no one in the empire has been judgedworthy to supply the vizier's place. "

Those of the merchants who thought they could write well enoughto aspire to this high dignity, wrote one after another what theythought fit. After they had done, I advanced, and took the rollout of the gentleman's hand; but all the people, especially themerchants, cried out, that I would tear it, or throw it into thesea, till they saw how properly I held the roll, and made a signthat I would write in my turn: their apprehensions then changedinto wonder. However, as they had never seen an ape that couldwrite, and could not be persuaded that I was more ingenious thanothers of my kind, they wished to take the roll out of my hand;but the captain took my part once more. "Let him alone, " said he, "allow him to write. If he only scribbles the paper, I promiseyou that I will immediately punish him. If, on the contrary, hewrites well, as I hope he will, because I never saw an ape soclever and ingenious, and so quick of apprehension, I declarethat I will adopt him as my son. " Perceiving that no one opposedmy design, I took the pen, and wrote six sorts of hands usedamong the Arabians, and each specimen contained an extemporarydistich or quatrain in praise of the sultan. My writing not onlyexcelled that of the merchants, but was such as they had notbefore seen in that country. When I had done, the officers tookthe roll, and carried it to the sultan. 

The sultan took little notice of any of the writings, exceptmine, which pleased him so much that he said to the officers, "Take the finest horse in my stable, with the richest trappings, and a robe of the most sumptuous brocade to put on the person whowrote the six hands, and bring him thither. " At this command theofficers could not forbear laughing. The sultan was incensed attheir rudeness, and would have punished them had they notexplained: "Sir, " said they, "we humbly beg your majesty'spardon: these hands were not written by a man, but by an ape. ""What do you say?" exclaimed the sultan. "Those admirablecharacters, are they not written by the hands of a man?" "No, Sir, " replied the officers; "we assure your majesty that it wasan ape, who wrote them in our presence. " The sultan was too muchsurprised at this account not to desire a sight of me, andtherefore said, "Do what I command you, and bring me speedilythat wonderful ape. "

The officers returned to the vessel and shewed the captain theirorder, who answered, "The sultan's command must be obeyed. "Whereupon they clothed me with the rich brocade robe, and carriedme ashore, where they set me on horseback, whilst the sultanwaited for me at his palace with a great number of courtiers, whom he gathered together to do me the more honour. 

The procession commenced; the harbour, the streets, the publicplaces, windows, terraces, palaces, and houses, were filled withan infinite number of people of all ranks, who flocked from everypart of the city to see me; for the rumour was spread in amoment, that the sultan had chosen an ape to be his grand vizier, and after having served for a spectacle to the people, who couldnot forbear to express their surprise by redoubling their shoutsand cries, I arrived at the sultan's palace. 

I found the prince on his throne in the midst of the grandees; Imade my obeisance three times very low, and at last kneeled andkissed the ground before him, and afterwards took my seat in theposture of an ape. The whole assembly viewed me with admiration, and could not comprehend how it was possible that an ape shouldso well understand how to pay the sultan his due respect; and hehimself was more astonished than any. In short, the usualceremony of the audience would have been complete, could I haveadded speech to my behaviour; but apes never speak, and theadvantage I had of having been a man did not now yield me thatprivilege. 

The sultan dismissed his courtiers, and none remained by him butthe chief of the eunuchs, a little young slave, and myself. Hewent from his chamber of audience into his own apartment, wherehe ordered dinner to be brought. As he sat at table he made me asign to approach and eat with them: to shew my obedience I kissedthe ground, arose, and placed myself at the table, and ate withdiscretion and moderation. 

Before the table was cleared, I espied a standish, which I made asign to have brought me; having got it, I wrote upon a largepeach some verses expressive of my acknowledgment to the sultan;who having read them after I had presented the peach to him, wasstill more astonished. When the things were removed, they broughthim a particular liquor, of which he caused them to give me aglass. I drank, and wrote upon the glass some new verses, whichexplained the state I was reduced to, after many sufferings. Thesultan read these likewise, and said, "A man that was capable ofdoing so much would be above the greatest of his species. "

The sultan caused to be brought to him a chessboard, and asked meby a sign if I understood that game, and would play with him? Ikissed the ground, and laying my hand upon my head, signifiedthat I was ready to receive that honour. He won the first game, but I won the second and third; and perceiving he was somewhatdispleased at my success, I made a quatrain to satisfy him; inwhich I told him that two potent armies had been fightingfuriously all day, but that they concluded a peace towards theevening, and passed the remaining part of the night very amicablytogether upon the field of battle. 

So many circumstances appearing to the sultan beyond whatever hadeither been seen or known of the cleverness or sense of apes, hedetermined not to be the only witness of these prodigies himself, but having a daughter, called the Lady of Beauty, on whom thechief of the eunuchs, then present, waited; "Go, " said the sultanto him, "and bid your lady come hither: I am desirous she shouldshare my pleasure. "

The eunuch went, and immediately brought the princess, who hadher face uncovered; but she had no sooner come into the room, than she put on her veil, and said to the sultan, "Sir, yourmajesty must needs have forgotten yourself; I am surprised thatyour majesty has sent for me to appear among men. " "How, daughter!" said the sultan, "you do not know what you say: thereis no one here, but the little slave, the eunuch your governor, and myself, who have the liberty to see your face; and yet youlower your veil, and blame me for having sent for you. " "Sir, "said the princess, "your majesty shall soon understand that I amnot in the wrong. That seeming ape is a young prince, son of apowerful sultan, and has been metamorphosed into an ape byenchantment. A genie, son of the daughter of Eblis, hasmaliciously done him this wrong, after having cruelly taken awaythe life of the princess of the isle of Ebene. "

The sultan, astonished at this declaration, turned towards me, and speaking no more by signs, but in plain words, asked me, ifwhat his daughter said was true? Finding I could not speak, I putmy hand to my head' to signify that what the princess spoke wascorrect. Upon this the sultan said again to his daughter, "How doyou know that this prince has been transformed by enchantmentsinto an ape?" "Sir, " replied the Lady of Beauty, "your majestymay remember that when I was past my infancy I had an old ladywho waited on me; she was a most expert magician, and taught meseventy rules of magic, by virtue of which I can, in thetwinkling of an eye, transport your capital into the midst of thesea, or beyond mount Caucasus. By this science I know allenchanted persons at first sight: I know who they are, and bywhom they have been enchanted; therefore do not be surprised if Ishould forthwith relieve this prince, in spite of theenchantments, from that which prevents his appearing in yoursight in his natural form. " "Daughter, " said the sultan, "I didnot believe you to have understood so much. " "Sir, " replied theprincess, "these things are curious and worth knowing; but Ithink I ought not to boast of them. " "Since it is so, " said thesultan, "you can dispel the prince's enchantment. " "Yes, sir, "said the princess, "I can restore him to his original shape. " "Doit 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 that youshould be pleased to command me. "

The princess, the Lady of Beauty, went into her apartment, andbrought thence a knife, which had some Hebrew words engraven onthe blade: she made the sultan, the master of the eunuchs, thelittle slave, and myself, descend into a private court of thepalace, and there left us under a gallery that went round it. Sheplaced herself in the middle of the court, where she made a greatcircle, and within it she wrote several words in Arabiancharacters, some of them ancient. 

When she had finished and prepared the circle as she thought fit, she placed herself in the centre of it, where she beganincantations, and repeated verses of the Koraun. The air grewinsensibly dark, as if it had been night, and the whole worldwere about to be dissolved: we found ourselves struck withconsternation, and our fear increased when we saw the genie, theson of the daughter of Eblis, appear suddenly in the shape of alion of a gigantic size. 

As soon as the princess perceived this monster, "Dog, " said she, "instead of creeping before me, dare you present yourself in thisshape, thinking to frighten me?" "And thou, " replied the lion, "art thou not afraid to break the treaty which was solemnly madeand confirmed between us by oath, not to wrong or do one anotherany injury?" "Wretch, " replied the princess, "I justly mayreproach thee with having done so. " The lion answered fiercely, "Thou shalt quickly have thy reward for the trouble thou hastgiven me:" with that he opened his monstrous jaws, and sprangforward to devour her; but she, being on her guard, stepped back, got time to pull out one of her hairs, and by pronouncing threeor four words, changed it into a sharp sword, with which she cutthe lion in two through the middle. 

The two parts of the lion disappeared, while the head changedinto a large scorpion. Immediately the princess turned herselfinto a serpent, and fought the scorpion, who, finding himselfworsted, took the shape of an eagle, and flew away: but theserpent at the same time took also the shape of an eagle, thatwas black and much stronger, and pursued him, so that we lostsight of them both. 

Some time after they had disappeared, the ground opened beforeus, and out of it came forth a black and white cat, with her hairstanding on end, and mewing in a frightful manner; a black wolffollowed close after her, and gave her no time to rest. The cat, being thus hard pressed, changed into a worm, and being near apomegranate accidentally fallen from a tree on the side of acanal which was deep, but not broad, pierced the pomegranate inan instant, and hid itself, but the pomegranate swelledimmediately, and became as big as a gourd, which, mounting up tothe roof of the gallery, rolled there for some time backward andforward; it then fell down again into the court, and broke intoseveral pieces. 

The wolf had in the meanwhile transformed itself into a cock, andnow fell to picking up the seeds of the pomegranate one afteranother; but finding no more, he came towards us with his wingsspread, making a great noise, as if he would ask us whether therewere any more seed. There was one lying on the brink of thecanal, which the cock perceiving as he went back, ran speedilythither; but just as he was going to pick it up, the seed rolledinto the river, and turned into a little fish. 

The cock leaped into the river, turned into a pike, and pursuedthe small fish; they continued both under water above two hours, and we knew not what was become of them, but suddenly we heardterrible cries, which made us tremble, and a little while afterwe saw the genie and princess all in flames. They threw flashesof fire out of their mouths at each other, till they came toclose combat; then the two fires increased, with a thick burningsmoke which mounted so high that we had reason to apprehend itwould set the palace on fire. But we very soon had a morepressing occasion of fear, for the genie having got loose fromthe princess, came to the gallery where we stood, and blew flamesof fire upon us. We must all have perished had not the princess, running to our assistance, forced him to retire, and defendhimself against her; yet, notwithstanding all her exertions, shecould not hinder the sultan's beard from being burnt, and hisface scorched, the chief of the eunuchs from being stifled, and aspark from entering my right eye, and making it blind. The sultanand I expected but death, when we heard a cry of "Victory!Victory!" and instantly the princess appeared in her naturalshape, but the genie was reduced to a heap of ashes. 

The princess approached us, and hastily called for a cup-full ofwater, which the young slave, who had received no hurt, broughther. She took it, and after pronouncing some words over it, threwit upon me, saying, "If thou art become an ape by enchantment, change thy shape, and take that of a man which thou hadstbefore. " These words were hardly uttered, when I again became aman, in every respect as I was before my transformation, excepting the loss of my eye. 

I was prepared to return the princess my thanks, but sheprevented me by addressing herself to her father: "Sir, I havegained the victory over the genie, as your majesty may see; butit is a victory that costs me dear; I have but a few minutes tolive, and you will not have the satisfaction to make the matchyou intended; the fire has pierced me during the terrible combat, and I find it is gradually consuming me. This would not havehappened, had I perceived the last of the pomegranate seeds, andswallowed it, as I did the others when I was changed into a cock:the genie had fled thither as to his last intrenchment, and uponthat the success of the combat depended, which would have beensuccessful, and without danger to me. This oversight obliged meto have recourse to fire, and to fight with those mighty arms asI did, between heaven and earth, in your presence; for, in spiteof all his redoubtable art and experience, I made the genie knowthat I understood more than he; I have conquered and reduced himto ashes, but I cannot escape death, which is approaching. "

The sultan suffered the princess, the Lady of Beauty, to go onwith the recital of her combat, and when she had done, addressedher in a tone that sufficiently testified his grief; "Mydaughter, " said he, "you see in what condition your father is;alas! I wonder that I am yet alive! Your governor, the eunuch, isdead, and the prince whom you have delivered from his enchantmenthas lost one of his eyes. " He could say no more, for his tears, sighs, and sobs, deprived him of the power of utterance. 

Suddenly the princess exclaimed, "I burn! I burn!" She found thatthe fire had at last seized upon her vital parts, which made herstill cry "I burn!" until death had put an end to her intolerablepains. The effect of that fire was so extraordinary, that in afew moments she was wholly reduced to ashes, as the genie hadbeen. 

I cannot tell you, madam, how much I was grieved at so dismal aspectacle; I had rather all my life have continued an ape or adog, than to have seen my benefactress thus miserably perish. Thesultan being afflicted all that can be imagined, cried piteously, and beat himself on his head and breast, until being quiteovercome with grief, he fainted away, which made me fear for hislife. In the mean time, the eunuchs and officers came running atthe sultan's lamentations, and with much difficulty brought himto himself. It was not necessary that the prince or myself shouldrelate the circumstances of the adventure, to convince them ofthe affliction it had occasioned us. The two heaps of ashes, towhich the princess and the genie had been reduced, were asufficient demonstration. The sultan was hardly able to stand, but was under the necessity of being supported to his apartment. 

When the knowledge of this tragical event had spread through thepalace and the city, all the people bewailed the misfortune ofthe princess, the Lady of Beauty, and commiserated the sultan'saffliction. Public mourning was observed for seven days, and manyceremonies were performed. The ashes of the genie were throwninto the air, but those of the princess were collected into aprecious urn, to be preserved, and the urn was deposited in asuperb mausoleum, constructed for that purpose on the spot wherethe princess had been consumed. 

The grief of the sultan for the loss of his daughter confined himto his chamber for a whole month. Before he had fully recoveredhis strength he sent for me: "Prince, " said he, "attend to thecommands I now give you; your life must answer if you do notcarry them into execution. " I assured him of exalt obedience;upon which he went on thus: "I have constantly lived in perfectfelicity, but by your arrival all the happiness I possessed hasvanished; my daughter is dead, her governor is no more, and it isonly through a miracle that I am myself yet alive You are thecause of all these misfortunes, under which it is impossible thatI should be comforted; depart hence therefore in peace, withoutfarther delay, for I must myself perish if you remain any longer. I am persuaded that your presence brings misfortune with it. Depart, and take care never to appear again in my dominions. Noconsideration whatever shall hinder me from making you repentyour temerity should you violate my injunction. " I was going tospeak, but he prevented me by words full of anger; and I wasobliged to quit the palace, rejected, banished, an outcast fromthe world. Before I left the city I went into a bagnio, here Icaused my beard and eyebrows to be shaved, and put on acalender's habit. I began my journey, not so much deploring myown miseries, as the death of the two fair princesses, of which Ihave been the occasion. I passed through many countries withoutmaking myself known; at last I resolved to come to Bagdad, inhopes of getting myself introduced to the commander of thefaithful, to move his compassion by relating to him myunfortunate adventures. I arrived this evening, and the first manI met was this calender, our brother, who spoke before me. Youknow the remaining part, madam, and the cause of my having thehonour to be here. 

When the second calender had concluded his story, Zobeide, towhom he had addressed his speech, said, "It is well, you are atliberty. " But instead of departing, he also petitioned the ladyto shew him the same favour vouchsafed to the first calender, andwent and sat down by him. 

 The History of the Third Calender. 

My story, most honourable lady, very much differs from what youhave already heard. The two princes who have spoken before mehave each lost an eye by the pure effects of their destiny, butmine I lost through my own fault, and by hastening to seek my ownmisfortune, as you shall hear by the sequel of the story. 

My name is Agib, and I am the son of a sultan who was calledCassib. After his death I took possession of his dominions, andcontinued in the city where he had resided. It is situated on thesea-coast, has one of the finest and safest harbours in theworld, an arsenal capable of fitting out for sea one hundred andfifty men of war, besides merchantmen and light vessels. Mykingdom is composed of several fine provinces upon the main land, besides a number of valuable islands, which lie almost in sightof my capital. 

My first object was to visit the provinces: I afterwards causedmy whole fleet to be fitted out, and went to my islands to gainthe hearts of my subjects by my presence, and to confirm them intheir loyalty. These voyages gave me some taste for navigation, in which I took so much pleasure, that I resolved to make somediscoveries beyond my own territories; to which end I caused tenships to be fitted out, embarked, and set sail. 

Our voyage was very pleasant for forty days successively, but onthe forty-first night the wind became contrary, and withal soboisterous that we were near being lost: about break of day thestorm abated, the clouds dispersed, and the weather became fair. We reached an island, where we remained two days to take in freshprovisions; and then put off again to sea. After ten days' sailwe were in hopes of seeing land, for the tempests we hadexperienced had so much abated my curiosity, that I gave ordersto steer back to my own coast; but I perceived at the same timethat my pilot knew not where we were. Upon the tenth day, aseaman being sent to look out for land from the mast head, gavenotice that on starboard and larboard he could see nothing butsky and sea, but that right a-head he perceived a greatblackness. 

The pilot changed colour at this account, and throwing his turbanon the deck with one hand, and beating his breast with the other, cried, "Oh, Sir, we are all lost; not one of us can escape; andwith all my skill it is not in my power to effect ourdeliverance. " Having spoken thus, he lamented like a man whoforesaw unavoidable ruin; his despondence threw the whole ship'screw into consternation. I asked him what reason he had thus todespair? He exclaimed, "The tempest has brought us so far out ofour course, that to-morrow about noon we shall be near the blackmountain, or mine of adamant, which at this very minute draws allyour fleet towards it, by virtue of the iron in your ships; andwhen we approach within a certain distance, the attraction of theadamant will have such force, that all the nails will be drawnout of the sides and bottoms of the ships, and fasten to themountain, so that your vessels will fall to pieces and sink. 

"This mountain, " continued the pilot, "is inaccessible. On thesummit there is a dome of fine brass, supported by pillars of thesame metal, and on the top of that dome stands a horse, likewiseof brass, with a rider on his back, who has a plate or lead fixedto his breast, upon which some talismanic characters areengraver. Sir, the tradition is, that this statue is the chiefcause why so many ships and men have been lost and sunk in thisplace, and that it will ever continue to be fatal to all thosewho have the misfortune to approach, until it shall be throwndown. "

The pilot having finished his discourse, began to weep afresh, and all the rest of the ship's company did the same. I had noother thought but that my days were there to terminate. In themean time every one began to provide for his own safety, and tothat end took all imaginable precaution; and being uncertain ofthe event, they all made one another their heirs, by virtue of awill, for the benefit of those that should happen to be saved. 

The next morning we distinctly perceived the black mountain. About noon we were so near, that we found what the pilot hadforetold to be true; for all the nails and iron in the ships flewtowards the mountain, where they fixed, by the violence of theattraction, with a horrible noise; the ships split asunder, andtheir cargoes sunk into the sea. All my people were drowned, butGod had mercy on me, and permitted me to save myself by means ofa plank, which the wind drove ashore just at the foot of themountain. I did not receive the least hurt, and my good fortunebrought me to a landing place, where there were steps that led upto the summit of the mountain. 

At the sight of these steps, for there was not a space of groundeither on the right or left whereon a man could set his foot, Igave thanks to God; and recommended myself to his holyprotection, as I began to ascend the steps, which were so narrow, that had the wind raged it would have thrown me into the sea. But, at last, I reached the top, without accident. I went intothe dome, and kneeling on the ground, gave God thanks for hismercies. 

I passed the night under the dome. In my sleep an old grave manappeared to me, and said, "Hearken, Agib; as soon as thou artawake dig up the ground under thy feet: thou wilt find a bow ofbrass, and three arrows of lead, that are made under certainconstellations, to deliver mankind from the many calamities thatthreaten them. Shoot the three arrows at the statue, and therider will fall into the sea, but the horse will fall by thyside; thou must bury it in the place where thou findest the bowand arrows: this being done, the sea will swell and rise to thefoot of the dome. When it has come so high, thou wilt perceive aboat with one man holding an oar in each hand; this man is alsoof metal, but different from that thou hast thrown down; step onboard, but without mentioning the name of God, and let himconduct thee. He will in ten days' time bring thee into anothersea, where thou shalt find an opportunity to return to thycountry, provided, as I have told thee, thou dost not mention thename of God during the whole voyage. "

This was the substance of the old man's discourse. When I awoke Ifelt much comforted by the vision, and did not fail to observeeverything that he had commanded me. I took the bow and arrowsout of the ground, shot at the horseman, and with the third arrowI overthrew him; he fell into the sea, and the horse fell by myside; I buried it in the place whence I took the bow and arrows. In the mean time, the sea swelled and rose up by degrees. When itcame as high as the foot of the dome upon the top of themountain, I saw, afar off, a boat rowing towards me, and Ireturned God thanks that everything succeeded according to mydream. 

At last the boat made land, and I perceived the man was made ofmetal, as I had dreamt. I stept aboard, and took great heed notto pronounce the name of God, neither spoke I one word. I satdown, and the man of metal began to row off from the mountain. Herowed without ceasing till the ninth day, when I saw someislands, which gave me hopes that I should escape all the dangerthat I feared. The excess of my joy made me forget what I wasforbidden: "Blessed be God, " said I; "God be praised. "

I had no sooner spoken these words, than the boat sunk with theman of metal, leaving me upon the surface. I swam the remainingpart of the day towards that land which appeared nearest. A verydark night succeeded, and not knowing where I was, I swam atrandom. My strength at last began to fail, and I despaired ofbeing able to save myself, but the wind began to blow hard, and awave vast as a mountain threw me on a flat, where it left me, andretreated. I made haste ashore, fearing another wave might washme back. The first thing I did was to strip, wring the water outof my clothes, and lay them on the dry sand, which was still warmfrom the heat of the day. 

Next morning the sun dried my clothes; I put them on, and wentforward to discover what sort of country I was in. I had notwalked far before I found I was upon a desert, though a verypleasant, island, as it displayed several sorts of trees and wildshrubs bearing fruit; but I perceived it was far from thecontinent, which much diminished the joy I felt at having escapedthe danger of the seas. Nevertheless, I recommended myself to Godand prayed him to dispose of me according to his will. Immediately after, I saw a vessel coming from the main land, before the wind, directly towards the island. I doubted not butthey were coming to anchor there; and being uncertain what sortof people they might be, whether friends or foes, I thought itnot safe to be seen. I got up into a very thick tree, from whenceI might safely view them. The vessel came into a little creek, where ten slaves landed, carrying a spade and other instrumentsfor digging up the ground. They went towards the middle of theisland, where I saw them stop, and dig for a considerable time, after which I thought I perceived them lift up a trap door. Theyreturned again to the vessel, and unloaded several sorts ofprovisions and furniture, which they carried to the place wherethey had been digging: they then descended, which made me supposeit led to a subterraneous dwelling. 

I saw them once more go to the ship, and return soon after withan old man, who led in his hand a handsome lad of about fourteenor fifteen years of age. They all descended when the trap doorhad been opened. After they had again come up, they let down thetrap door, covered it over with earth, and returned to the creekwhere the ship lay, but I saw not the young man in their company. This made me believe that he had staid behind in thesubterraneous place, a circumstance which exceedingly surprisedme. 

The old man and the slaves went on board, and getting the vesselunder weigh, steered their course towards the main land. When Iperceived they had proceeded to such a distance that I could notbe seen by them, I came down from the tree, and went directly tothe place where I had seen the ground broken. I removed the earthby degrees, till I came to a stone that was two or three feetsquare. I lifted it up, and found that it covered the head of aflight of stairs, which were also of stone. I descended, and atthe bottom found myself in a large room, furnished with a carpet, a couch covered with tapestry, and cushions of rich stuff, uponwhich the young man sat, with a fan in his hand. These things, together with fruits and flower-pot standing about him, I saw bythe light of two wax tapers. The young man, when he perceived mewas considerably alarmed; but to quiet his apprehensions, I saidto him as I entered, "Whoever you are, Sir, do not fear; asultan, and the son of a sultan, as I am, is not capable of doingyou any injury: on the contrary, it is probable that your gooddestiny may have brought me hither to deliver you out of thistomb, where it seems you have been buried alive, for reasons tome unknown. But what surprises me (for you must know that I havebeen witness to all that hath passed since your coming into thisisland), is, that you suffered yourself to be entombed in thisplace without any resistance. "

The young man felt assured at these words, and with a smilingcountenance requested me to take a seat by him. When I hadcomplied, he said "Prince, I am to acquaint you with what willsurprise you by its singularity. 

"My father is a merchant jeweller, who, by his industry andprofessional skill, has acquired considerable property. He hasmany slaves, and also agents, whom he employs as supercargoes inhis own ships, to maintain his correspondence at the severalcourts, which he furnishes with precious stones. 

"He had been long married without having issue, when it wasintimated to him in a dream that he should have a son, though hislife would be but short; at which he was much concerned when heawoke. Some days after, my mother acquainted him that she waswith child, and what she supposed to be the time of herconception agreed exactly with the day of his dream. At the endof nine months she was brought to bed of me; which occasionedgreat joy in the family. 

"My father, who had observed the very moment of my birth, consulted astrologers about my nativity; and was answered, 'Yourson shall live happily till the age of fifteen, when his lifewill be exposed to a danger which he will hardly be able toescape. But if his good destiny preserve him beyond that time, hewill live to a great age. It will be' (said they) 'when thestatue of brass, that stands upon the summit of the mountain ofadamant, shall be thrown into the sea by prince Agib, son of kingCassib; and, as the stars prognosticate, your son will be killedfifty days afterwards by that prince. '

"My father took all imaginable care of my education until thisyear, which is the fifteenth of my age. He had notice given himyesterday, that the statue of brass had been thrown into the seaabout ten days ago. This news alarmed him much. 

"Upon the prediction the astrologers, he sought by all meanspossible to falsify my horoscope, and to preserve my life. Hetook the precaution to form this subterranean habitation to hideme in, till the expiration of the fifty days after the throwingdown of the statue; and therefore, as it is ten days since thishappened, he came hastily hither to conceal me, and promised atthe end of forty days to return and fetch me away. For my ownpart I am sanguine in my hopes, and cannot believe that princeAgib will seek for me in a place under ground, in the midst of adesert island. "

While the jeweller's son was relating this story, I laughed atthe astrologers who had foretold that I should take away hislife; for I thought myself so far from being likely to verifytheir prediction, that he had scarcely done speaking, when I toldhim with great joy, "Dear Sir, trust in the goodness of God, andfear nothing; consider it as a debt you had to pay; but that youare acquitted of it from this hour. I rejoice that after myshipwreck I came so fortunately hither to defend you against allwho would attempt your life. I will not leave you till the fortydays have expired, of which the foolish astrologers have made youapprehensive; and in the mean while I will do you all the servicein my power: after which, with leave of your father and yourself, I shall have the benefit of getting to the main land in yourvessel; and when I am returned into my kingdom, I will rememberthe obligations I owe you, and endeavour to demonstrate mygratitude by suitable acknowledgments. "

This discourse encouraged the jeweller's son, and inspired himwith confidence. I took care not to inform him I was the veryAgib whom he dreaded, lest I should alarm his fears, and usedevery precaution not to give him any cause to suspect who I was. We passed the time in various conversation till night came on. Ifound the young man of ready wit, and partook with him of hisprovisions, of which he had enough to have lasted beyond theforty days, though he had had more guests than myself. Aftersupper we conversed for some time; and at last retired to bed. 

The next morning, when he arose, I held the basin of water tohim; I also provided dinner, and at the proper time placed it onthe table: after we had dined I invented a play for ouramusement, not only for that day, but for those that followed. Iprepared supper after the same manner as I had done the dinner;and having supped, we retired to bed as before. We had sufficienttime to contrast mutual friendship and esteem for each other. Ifound he loved me; and I on my part regarded him with so muchaffection, that I often said to myself, "Those astrologers whopredicted to his father that his son should die by my hand wereimpostors; for it is not possible that I could commit so base acrime. " In short, madam, we spent thirty-nine days in thepleasantest manner possible in this subterraneous abode. 

The fortieth day appeared: and in the morning, when the young manawoke, he said to me with a transport of joy that he could notrestrain, "Prince, this is the fortieth day, and I am not dead, thanks to God and your good company. My father will not fail tomake you, very shortly, every acknowledgment of his gratitude foryour attentions, and will furnish you with every necessaryaccommodation for your return to your kingdom: but, " continuedhe, "while we are waiting his arrival, I beg you will provide mesome warm water in that portable bath, that I may wash my bodyand change my dress, to receive my father with the more respect. "

I set the water on the fire, and when it was hot poured it intothe moveable bath; the youth went in, and I both washed andrubbed him. At last he came out, and laid himself down in his bedthat I had prepared. After he had slept a while, he awoke, andsaid, "Dear prince, pray do me the favour to fetch me a melon andsome sugar, that I may eat some to refresh me. "

Out of several melons that remained I took the best, and laid iton a plate; and as I could not find a knife to cut it with, Iasked the young man if he knew where there was one. "There isone, " said he, "upon this cornice over my head:" I accordinglysaw it there, and made so much haste to reach it, that, while Ihad it in my hand, my foot being entangled in the carpet, I fellmost unhappily upon the young man, and the knife pierced hisheart. 

At this spectacle I cried out with agony. I beat my head, myface, and breast; I tore my clothes; I threw myself on the groundwith unspeakable sorrow and grief! "Alas!" I exclaimed, "therewere only some hours wanting to have put him out of that dangerfrom which he sought sanctuary here; and when I thought thedanger past, then I became his murderer, and verified theprediction. But, O Lord!" said I, lifting up my face and my handsto heaven, "I intreat thy pardon, and if I be guilty of hisdeath, let me not live any longer. "

After this misfortune I would have embraced death without anyreluctance, had it presented itself to me. But what we wish, whether it be good or evil, will not always happen according toour desire. Nevertheless, considering that all my tears andsorrows would not restore the young man to life, and, the fortydays being expired, I might be surprised by his father, I quittedthe subterranean dwelling, laid down the great stone upon theentrance, and covered it with earth. 

I had scarcely done, when, casting my eyes upon the sea towardsthe main land, I perceived the vessel coming to fetch away theyoung man. I began then to consider what I had best do. I said tomyself, "If I am seen by the old man, he will certainly seize me, and perhaps cause me to be massacred by his slaves, when he hasdiscovered that his son is killed: all that I can allege tojustify myself will not convince him of my innocence. It isbetter then to withdraw while it is in my power, than to exposemyself to his resentment. "

There happened to be near a large tree thick with leaves, which Iascended in hopes of concealment, and was no sooner fixed in aplace where I could not be perceived, than I saw the vessel cometo the creek where she lay the first time. 

The old man with his slaves landed immediately, and advancedtowards the subterranean dwelling, with a countenance that shewedsome hope; but when they saw the earth had been newly removed, they changed colour, particularly the old man. They lifted up thestone, and went down; they called the young man by his name, buthe not answering, their fears increased. They proceeded to seekhim; and at length found him lying upon the bed with the knife inhis heart, for I had not power to take it out. At this sight theycried out lamentably, which increased my sorrow: the old man felldown in a swoon. The slaves, to give him air, brought him up intheir arms, and laid him at the foot of the tree where I wasconcealed; but notwithstanding all the pains they took to recoverhim, the unfortunate father continued a long while insensible, and made them more than once despair of his life; but at last hecame to himself. The slaves then brought up his son's corpse, dressed in his best apparel, and when they had made a grave theyburied it. The old man, supported by two slaves, and his facecovered with tears, threw the first earth upon the body, afterwhich the slaves filled up the grave. 

This being done, all the furniture was brought up, and, with theremaining provisions, put on board the vessel. The old man, overcome with sorrow, and not being able to stand, was laid upona litter, and carried to the ship, which stood out to sea, and ina short time was out of sight. 

After the old man and his slaves were gone, I was left alone uponthe island. I lay that night in the subterranean dwelling, whichthey had shut up, and when the day came, I walked round theisland, and stopped in such places as I thought most proper forrepose. 

I led this wearisome life for a whole month. At the expiration ofthis time I perceived that the sea had receded; that the islandhad increased in dimensions; the main land too seemed to bedrawing nearer. In fact, the water sunk so low, that thereremained between me and the continent but a small stream, which Icrossed, and the water did not reach above the middle of my leg. I walked so long a way upon the slime and sand that I was veryweary: at last I got upon more firm ground, and when I hadproceeded some distance from the sea, I saw a good way before mesomething that resembled a great fire, which afforded me somecomfort; for I said to myself, I shall find here some persons, itnot being possible that this fire should kindle of itself. As Idrew nearer, however, I found my error, and discovered that whatI had taken for a fire was a castle of red copper, which thebeams of the sun made to appear at a distance like flames. 

I stopped in the neighbourhood of the castle, and sat down toadmire its noble structure, and to rest myself. Before I hadtaken such a view of this magnificent building as it deserved, Isaw ten handsome young men coming along, as if they had beentaking a walk; but what surprised me was, that they were allblind of the right eye. They were accompanied by an old man, whowas very tall, and of a venerable aspect. 

I could not suppress my astonishment at the sight of so many halfblind men in company, and every one deprived of the same eye. AsI was conjecturing by what adventure these men could cometogether, they approached, and seemed glad to see me. After thefirst salutations, they inquired what had brought me thither. Itold them my story would be somewhat tedious, but if they wouldtake the trouble to sit down, I would satisfy their curiosity. They did so, and I related to them all that had happened to mesince I had left my kingdom, which filled them with astonishment. 

After I had concluded my account, the young gentlemen prayed meto accompany them into the castle. I accepted their offer, and wepassed through a great many halls, ante-chambers, bed-chambers, and closets, very well furnished, and came at last into aspacious hall, where there were ten small blue sofas set round, separate from one another, on which they sat by day and slept atnight. In the middle of this circle stood an eleventh sofa, notso high as the rest, but of the same colour, upon which the oldman before-mentioned sat down, and the young gentlemen occupiedthe other ten. But as each sofa could only contain one man, oneof the young men said to me, "Comrade, sit down upon that carpetin the middle of the room, and do not inquire into anything thatconcerns us, nor the reason why we are all blind of the righteye; be content with what you see, and let not your curiosityextend any farther. "

The old man having sat a short time, arose, and went out; but hereturned in a minute or two, brought in supper, distributed toeach man separately his proportion, and likewise brought me mine, which I ate apart, as the rest did; and when supper was almostended, he presented to each of us a cup of wine. 

They thought my story so extraordinary, that they made me repeatit after supper, and it furnished conversation for a good part ofthe night. One of the gentlemen observing that it was late, saidto the old man, "You do not bring us that with which we mayacquit ourselves of our duty. " At these words the old man arose, and went into a closet, and brought out thence upon his head tenbasins, one after another, all covered with blue stuff; he placedone before every gentleman, together with a light. 

They uncovered their basins, which contained ashes, coal-dust, and lamp-black; they mixed all together, and rubbed and bedaubedtheir faces with it in such a manner as to make themselves lookvery frightful. After having thus blackened themselves, they weptand lamented, beating their heads and breasts, and cryingcontinually, "This is the fruit of our idleness and debauches. "

They continued this strange employment nearly the whole of thenight, and when they left off, the old man brought them water, with which they washed their faces and hands; they changed alltheir clothes, which were spoiled, and put on others; so thatthey exhibited no appearance of what they had been doing. 

You may judge how uneasy I felt all this time. I wished athousand times to break the silence which had been imposed uponme, and ask questions; nor was it possible for me to sleep thatnight. 

The next day, soon after we had arisen, we went out to walk, andthen I said to them, "Gentlemen, I declare to you, that I mustrenounce the law which you prescribed to me last night, for Icannot observe it. You are men of sense, you have convinced methat you do not want understanding; yet, I have seen you do suchactions as none but madmen could be capable of. Whatevermisfortune befalls me, I cannot forbear asking, why you bedaubedyour faces with black? How it has happened that each of you hasbut one eye? Some singular circumstance must certainly be thecause; therefore I conjure you to satisfy my curiosity. " To thesepressing instances they answered only, that it was no business ofmine to make such inquiries, and that I should do well to hold mypeace. 

We passed that day in conversation upon indifferent subjects; andwhen night was come and every man had supped, the old man broughtin the blue basins, and the young gentlemen as before bedaubedtheir faces, wept and beat themselves, crying, "This is the fruitof our idleness and debauches, " and continued the same actionsthe following night. At last, not being able to resist mycuriosity, I earnestly prayed them to satisfy me, or to shew mehow to return to my own kingdom; for it was impossible for me tokeep them company any longer, and to see every night such an oddexhibition, without being permitted to know the reason. 

One of the gentlemen answered on behalf of the rest, "Do notwonder at our conduit in regard to yourself, and that hitherto wehave not granted your request: it is out of kindness, to save youthe pain of being reduced to the same condition with ourselves. If you have a mind to try our unfortunate destiny, you need butspeak, and we will give you the satisfaction you desire. " I toldthem I was resolved on it, let what would be the consequence. "Once more, " said the same gentleman, "we advise you to restrainyour curiosity: it will cost you the loss of your right eye. " "Nomatter, " I replied; "be assured that if such a misfortune befallme, I will not impute it to you, but to myself. "

He farther represented to me, that when I had lost an eye I mustnot hope to remain with them, if I were so disposed, becausetheir number was complete, and no addition could be made to it. Itold them, that it would be a great satisfaction to me never topart from such agreeable gentlemen, but if there were a necessityfor it, I was ready to submit; and let it cost me what it would, I begged them to grant my request. 

The ten gentlemen perceiving that I was so fixed in myresolution, took a sheep, killed it, and after they had taken offthe skin, presented me with a knife, telling me it would beuseful to me on an occasion which they would soon explain. "Wemust sew you in this skin, " said they, "and then leave you; uponwhich a bird of a monstrous size, called a roc, will appear inthe air, and taking you for a sheep, will pounce upon you, andsoar with you to the sky: but let not that alarm you; he willdescend with you again, and lay you on the top of a mountain. When you find yourself on the ground, cut the skin with yourknife, and throw it off. As soon as the roc sees you, he will flyaway for fear, and leave you at liberty. Do not stay, but walk ontill you come to a spacious castle, covered with plates of gold, large emeralds, and other precious stones: go up to the gate, which always stands open, and walk in. We have each of us been inthat castle; but will tell you nothing of what we saw, or whatbefell us there; you will learn by your own experience. All thatwe can inform you is, that it has cost each of us our right eye, and the penance which you have been witness to, is what we areobliged to observe in consequence of having been there. Thehistory of each of us is so full of extraordinary adventures, that a large volume would not contain them. But we cannot explainourselves farther. "

When the gentleman had thus spoken, I wrapt myself in the sheep'sskin, held fast the knife which was given me; and after the younggentlemen had been at the trouble to sew the skin about me, theyretired into the hall, and left me alone. The roc they spoke ofsoon arrived; he pounced upon me, took me in his talons like asheep, and carried me up the summit of the mountain. 

When I found myself on the ground, I cut the skin with the knife, and throwing it off, the roc at the sight of me flew sway. Thisroc is a white bird, of a monstrous size; his strength is such, that he can lift up elephants from the plains, and carry them tothe tops of mountains, where he feeds upon them. 

Being impatient to reach the castle, I lost no time; but made somuch haste, that I got thither in half a day's journey, and Imust say that I found it surpassed the description they had givenme of its magnificence. 

The gate being open, I entered a square court, so large thatthere were round it ninety-nine gates of wood of sanders andaloes, and one of gold, without reckoning those of several superbstaircases, that led to apartments above, besides many more whichI could not see. The hundred doors I spoke of opened into gardensor store-houses full of riches, or into apartments whichcontained many things wonderful to be seen. 

I saw a door standing open just before me, through which Ientered into a large hall. Here I found forty young ladies ofsuch perfect beauty as imagination could not surpass: they wereall most sumptuously appareled. As soon as they saw me theyarose, and without waiting my salutations, said to me, withdemonstrations of joy, "Noble Sir, you are welcome. " And one thusaddressed me in the name of the rest, "We have long been inexpectation of such a gentleman as you; your mien assures us, that you are master of all the good qualities we can desire; andwe hope you will not find our company disagreeable or unworthy ofyours. "

They obliged me, notwithstanding all the opposition I could make, to sit down on a seat that was higher than their own; and when Iexpressed my uneasiness, "That is your place, " said they, "youare at present our lord, master, and judge, and we are yourslaves, ready to obey your commands. "

Nothing, madam, so much astonished me, as the solicitude andeagerness of those fair ladies to do me all possible service. Onebrought hot water to wash my feet, a second poured sweet scentedwater on my hands; others brought me all kinds of necessaries, and change of apparel; others again brought in a magnificentcollation; and the rest came with glasses in their hands to fillme delicious wines, all in good order, and in the most charmingmanner possible. I ate and drank; after which the ladies placedthemselves about me, and desired an account of my travels. I gavethem a full relation of my adventures, which lasted till nightcame on. 

When I had finished my narrative to the forty ladies, some ofthem who sat nearest me staid to keep me company, whilst therest, seeing it was dark, rose to fetch tapers. They brought aprodigious number, which by the wonderful light they emittedexhibited the resemblance of day, and they disposed them with somuch taste as to produce the most beautiful effect possible. 

Other ladies covered a table with dry fruits, sweetmeats, andeverything proper to relish the liquor; a side-board was set outwith several sorts of wine and other liquors. Some of the ladiesbrought in musical instruments, and when everything was ready, they invited me to sit down to supper. The ladies sat down withme, and we continued a long while at our repast. They that wereto play upon the instruments and sing arose, and formed a mostcharming concert. The others began a kind of ball, and danced twoand two, couple after couple, with admirable grace. 

It was past midnight ere these amusements ended. At length one ofthe ladies said to me, "You are doubtless wearied by the journeyyou have taken to-day; it is time for you to retire to rest; yourlodging is prepared: but before you depart choose which of us youlike best to be your bedfellow. " I answered, "That I knew not howto make my own choice, as they were all equally beautiful, witty, and worthy of my respects and service, and that I would not beguilty of so much incivility as to prefer one before another. "

The lady who had spoken to me before answered, "We are very wellsatisfied of your civility, and find it is your fear to createjealousy among us that occasions your diffidence; but let notthis hinder you. We assure you, that the good fortune of her whomyou choose shall cause no feeling of the kind; for we are agreedamong ourselves, that every one of us shall in her turn have thesame honour; and when forty days are past, to begin again;therefore make your selection, and lose no time to take therepose you need. " I was obliged to yield to their entreaties, andoffered my hand to the lady who spoke, and who, in return, gaveme hers. We were conducted to a sumptuous apartment, where theyleft us; and then every one retired to her own chamber. 

I was scarcely dressed next morning, when the other thirty-nineladies came into my chamber, all in different dresses from thosethey had worn the day before: they bade me good-morrow, andinquired after my health. After which they conveyed me to a bath, where they washed me themselves, and whether I would or no, served me with everything I needed; and when I came out of thebath, they made me put on another suit much richer than theformer. 

We passed the whole day almost constantly at table; and when itwas bed-time, they prayed me again to make choice of one of themfor my companion In short, madam, not to weary you withrepetitions, I must tell you that I continued a whole year amongthose forty ladies, and received them into my bed one afteranother: and during all the time of this voluptuous life, we metnot with the least kind of trouble. When the year was expired, Iwas greatly surprised that these forty ladies, instead ofappearing with their usual cheerfulness to ask me how I did, entered my chamber one morning all in tears. They embraced mewith great tenderness one after another, saying, "Adieu, dearprince, adieu! for we must leave you. " Their tears affected. Iprayed them to tell me the reason of their grief, and of theseparation they spoke of. "Fair ladies, let me know, " said I, "ifit be in my power to comfort you, or if my assistance can be anyway useful to you. " Instead of returning a direct answer, "Would, " said they, "we had never seen or known you! Severalgentlemen have honoured us with their company before you; butnever one of them had that comeliness, that sweetness, thatpleasantness of humour, and that merit which you possess; we knownot how to live without you. " After they had spoken these words, they began to weep bitterly. "My dear ladies, " said I, "have thekindness not to keep me any longer in suspense: tell me the causeof your sorrow. " "Alas!" said they, "what but the necessity ofparting from you could thus afflict us? Perhaps we shall neversee you more; but if it be your wish we should, and if youpossess sufficient self-command for the purpose, it is notimpossible but that we may again enjoy the pleasure of yourcompany. " "Ladies, " I replied, "I understand not what you mean;pray explain yourselves more clearly. "

"Well, " said one of them, "to satisfy you, we must acquaint youthat we are all princesses, daughters of kings. We live heretogether in the manner you have seen; but at the end of everyyear we are obliged to be absent forty days upon indispensableduties, which we are not permitted to reveal: and afterwards wereturn again to this castle. Yesterday was the last of the year;to day we must leave you, and this circumstance is the cause ofour grief. Before we depart we will leave you the keys ofeverything, especially those of the hundred doors, where you willfind enough to satisfy your curiosity, and to relieve yoursolitude during our absence. But for your benefit, and our ownpersonal interests, we recommend you to forbear opening thegolden door; for if you do we shall never see you again; and theapprehension of this augments our grief. We hope, nevertheless, that you will attend to our advice; your own peace, and thehappiness of your life, depends upon your compliance; thereforetake heed. If you suffer yourself to be swayed by a foolishcuriosity, you will do yourself a considerable injury. We conjureyou to avoid the indiscretion, and to give us the satisfactionfinding you here again at the end of forty days. We wouldwillingly take the key of the golden door with us; but that itwould be an affront to a prince like you to question yourdiscretion and firmness. "

This speech of the fair princesses grieved me extremely. Iomitted not to declare how much their absence would afflict me. Ithanked then for their good advice, assuring them that I wouldfollow it, and expressed my willingness to perform what was muchmore difficult, to secure the happiness of passing the rest of mydays with ladies of such beauty and accomplishments. We separatedwith much tenderness, and after I had embraced them all, theydeparted, and I remained alone in the castle. 

The agreeableness of their company, their hospitality, theirmusical entertainments, and other amusements, had so muchabsorbed my attention during the whole year, that I neither hadtime nor desire to see the wonders contained in this enchantedpalace. I did not even notice a thousand curious objects thatevery day offered themselves to my view, so much was I charmed bythe beauty of those ladies, and the pleasure they seemed to takein promoting my gratification. Their departure sensibly afflictedme; and though their absence was to be only forty days, it seemedto me an age to live without them. 

I determined not to forget the important advice they had givenme, not to open the golden door; but as I was permitted tosatisfy my curiosity in everything else, I took the first of thekeys of the other doors, which were hung in regular order. 

I opened the first door, and entered an orchard, which I believethe universe could not equal. I could not imagine any thing tosurpass it, except that which our religion promises us afterdeath. The symmetry, the neatness, the admirable order of thetrees, the abundance and diversity of unknown fruits, theirfreshness and beauty, delighted my senses. 

Nor must I omit to inform you, that this delicious orchard waswatered in a very particular manner. There were channels soartificially and proportionately dug, that they carried water inconsiderable quantities to the roots of such trees as requiredmuch moisture. Others conveyed it in smaller quantities to thosewhose fruits were already formed: some carried still less tothose whose fruits were swelling, and others carried only so muchas was just requisite to water those which had their fruits cometo perfection, and only wanted to be ripened. They far exceededin size the ordinary fruits of our gardens. Lastly, thosechannels that watered the trees whose fruit was ripe had no moremoisture than just what would preserve them from withering. 

I should never have tired in examining and admiring so delightfula place; nor have left it, had I not conceived a still higheridea of the other things which I had not seen. I went out at lastwith my mind filled with the wonders I had viewed: I shut thedoor, and opened the next. 

Instead of an orchard, I found here a flower garden, which was noless extraordinary in its kind. It contained a spacious plot, notwatered so profusely as the former, but with greater niceness, furnishing no more water than just what each flower required. Theroses, jessamines, violets, daffodils, hyacinths, anemonies, tulips, pinks, lilies, and an infinite number of flowers, whichdo not grow in other places but at certain times, were thereflourishing all at once, and nothing could be more delicious thanthe fragrant smell which they emitted. 

I opened the third door, and found a large aviary, paved withmarble of several fine and uncommon colours. The trellis work wasmade of sandal wood and wood of aloes. It contained a vast numberof nightingales, gold-finches, canary birds, larks, and otherrare singing-birds, which I had never heard of; and the vesselsthat held their seed and water were of the most precious jasperor agate. 

Besides, this aviary was so exceedingly neat, that, consideringits extent, I judged there must be not less than a hundredpersons to keep it clean; but all this while not one appeared, either here or in the gardens I had before examined; and yet Icould not perceive a weed, or any thing superfluous or offensiveto sight. The sun went down, and I retired, charmed with thechirping notes of the multitude of birds, who then began to perchupon such places as suited them for repose during the night. Iwent to my chamber, resolving on the following days to open allthe rest of the doors, excepting that of gold. 

The next day I opened the fourth door. If what I had seen beforewas capable of exciting my surprise, what I now beheldtransported me into perfect ecstacy. I entered a large courtsurrounded with buildings of an admirable structure, thedescription of which I will omit, to avoid prolixity. 

This building had forty doors, all open, and through each of themwas an entrance into a treasury: several of these treasuriescontained as much wealth as the largest kingdoms. The first wasstored with heaps of pearls: and, what is almost incredible, thenumber of those stones which are most precious, and as large aspigeons' eggs, exceeded the number of those of the ordinary size. In the second treasury, there were diamonds, carbuncles, andrubies; in the third, emeralds; in the fourth, ingots of gold; inthe fifth, money; in the sixth, ingots of silver; and in the twofollowing, money. The rest contained amethysts, chrysolites, topazes, opals, turquoises, and hyacinths, with all the otherstones known to us, without mentioning agate, jasper, cornelian, and coral, of which there was a store house filled, not only withbranches, but whole trees. 

Filled with astonishment and admiration at the view of all theseriches, I exclaimed, "If all the treasures of the kings of theuniverse were gathered together in one place, they could notequal the value of these. How fortunate am I to possess all thiswealth with so many admirable princesses!"

I will not tire you, madam, with a detail of all the otherobjects of curiosity and value which I discovered on thefollowing day. I shall only say, that thirty-nine days affordedme but just as much time as was necessary to open ninety-ninedoors, and to admire all that presented itself to my view, sothat there was only the hundredth door left, which I wasforbidden to open. 

The fortieth day after the departure of those charming princessesarrived, and had I but retained so much self-command as I oughtto have had, I should have been this day the happiest of allmankind, whereas now I am the most unfortunate. They were toreturn the next day, and the pleasure of seeing them again oughtto have restrained my curiosity: but through my weakness, which Ishall ever repent, I yielded to the temptations of the evilspirit, who allowed me no rest till I had involved myself in themisfortunes I have since suffered. 

I opened that fatal door! But before I had moved my foot toenter, a smell pleasant enough, but too powerful for my senses, made me faint away. However, I soon recovered: but instead oftaking warning from this incident to close the door, and restrainmy curiosity, after waiting some time for the external air tocorrect the effluvia of the place, I entered, and felt myself nolonger incommoded. I found myself in a spacious vaultedapartment, the pavement of which was strewed with saffron. It wasilluminated by several large tapers which emitted the perfume ofaloes and ambergris, and were placed in candlesticks of solidgold. This light was augmented by gold and silver lamps, burningperfumed oils of various kinds. 

Among the many objects that attracted my attention was a blackhorse, of the most perfect symmetry and beauty that ever wasbeheld. I approached in order the better to observe him, andfound he had on a saddle and bridle of massive gold, curiouslywrought. One part of his manger was filled with clean barley andsesame, and the other with rose-water. I laid hold of his bridle, and led him out to view him by daylight. I mounted, andendeavoured to make him move: but finding he did not stir, Istruck him with a switch I had taken up in his magnificentstable. He had no sooner felt the blow, than he began to neigh ina most horrible manner, and extending his wings, which I had notbefore perceived, flew up with me into the air. My thoughts werefully in keeping my seat; and considering the fear that hadseized me, I sat well. At length he directed his course towardsthe earth, and lighted upon the terrace of a castle, and, withoutgiving me time to dismount, shook me out of the saddle with suchforce, as to throw me behind him, and with the end of his tail hestruck out my eye. 

Thus it was I became blind of one eye. I then recollected thepredictions of the ten young gentlemen. The horse again tookwing, and soon disappeared. I got up much vexed at the misfortuneI had brought upon myself. I walked upon the terrace, covering myeye with one of my hands, for it pained me exceedingly, and thendescended, and entered into a hall. I soon discovered by the tensofas in a circle, and the eleventh in the middle, lower than therest, that I was in the castle whence I had been carried by theroc. 

The ten young gentlemen were not in the hall when I entered; butcame in soon after, attended by the old man. They seemed not atall surprised to see me, nor at the loss of my eye; but said, "Weare sorry that we cannot congratulate you on your return, as wecould wish; but we are not the cause of your misfortune. " "Ishould do you wrong, " I replied, "to lay it to your charge; Ihave only myself to accuse. " "If, " said they, "it be a subject ofconsolation to the afflicted to know that others share theirsufferings, you have in us this alleviation of your misfortune. All that has happened to you we have also endured; we each of ustasted the same pleasures during a year; and we had stillcontinued to enjoy them, had we not opened the golden door, whenthe princesses were absent. You have been no wiser than we, andhave incurred the same punishment. We would gladly receive youinto our company, to join with us in the penance to which we arebound, and the duration of which we know not. But we have alreadystated to you the reasons that render this impossible: depart, therefore, and proceed to the court of Bagdad, where you willmeet with the person who is to decide your destiny. " After theyhad explained to me the road I was to travel, I departed. 

On the road I caused my beard and eye-brows to be shaven, andassumed a calender's habit. I have had a long journey, but atlast I arrived this evening, and met these my brother calendersat the gate, being strangers as well as myself. We were mutuallysurprised at one another, to see that we were all blind of thesame eye; but we had not leisure to converse long on the subjectof our misfortunes. We have only had time enough to bring ushither, to implore those favours which you have been generouslypleased to grant us. 

The third calender having finished this relation of hisadventures, Zobeide addressed him and his fellow calenders thus:"Go wherever you think proper, you are at liberty. " But one ofthem answered, "Madam, we beg you to pardon our curiosity, andpermit us to hear the stories of those gentlemen who have not yetspoken. " Then the lady turned to the caliph, the vizier Jaaffier, and Mesrour, and said to them, "It is now your turn to relateyour adventures, therefore speak. "

The grand vizier who had all along been the spokesman, answeredZobeide: "Madam, in order to obey you, we need only repeat whatwe have already said. We are merchants of Moussol come to Bagdadto sell our merchandize, which lies in the khan where we lodge. We dined today with several other persons of our condition, at amerchant's house of this city; who, after he had treated us withchoice dainties and excellent wines, sent for men and womendancers, and musicians. The great noise we made brought in thewatch, who arrested some of the company, and we had the goodfortune to escape: but it being already late, and the door of ourkhan shut up, we knew not whither to retire. We chanced as wepassed along this street to hear mirth at your house, which madeus determine to knock at your gate. This is all the account thatwe can give you, in obedience to your commands. "

Zobeide having heard this statement, seemed to hesitate what tosay, which the calenders perceiving, prayed her to grant the samefavour to the three Moussol merchants as she had done to them. "Well then, " said she, "you shall all be equally obliged to me; Ipardon you all, provided you immediately depart. "

Zobeide having given this command in a tone that signified shewould be obeyed, the caliph, the vizier Mesrour, the threecalenders, and the porter departed, without saying one word: forthe presence of the seven slaves with their weapons awed theminto silence. As soon as they had quitted the house, and the gatewas closed after them, the caliph said to the calenders, withoutmaking himself known, "You gentlemen, who are newly come to town, which way do you design to go, since it is not yet day?" "It isthis, " they replied, "that perplexes us. " "Follow us, " resumedthe caliph, "and we will convey you out of danger. " He thenwhispered to the vizier, "Take them along with you, and tomorrowmorning bring them to me; I will cause their history to be put inwriting, for it deserves a place in the annals of my reign. "

The vizier Jaaffier took the three calenders along with him; theporter went to his quarters, and the caliph and Mesrour returnedto the palace. The caliph went to bed, but could not sleep, beingperplexed by the extraordinary things he had seen and heard. Butabove all, he was most concerned to know the history of Zobeide;what reason she could have to be so severe to the two blackbitches, and why Amene had her bosom so scarred. Day began toappear whilst he was thinking upon these things; he arose andwent to his council chamber, and sat upon his throne. 

The grand vizier entered soon after, and paid his respects asusual. "Vizier, " said the caliph, "the affairs that we have toconsider at present are not very pressing; that of the threeladies and the two black bitches is the most urgent: my mindcannot rest till I am thoroughly satisfied, in all those mattersthat have so much surprised me. Go, bring those ladies and thecalenders at the same time; make haste, and remember that Iimpatiently expect your return. "

The vizier who knew his master's quick and fiery temper, hastenedto obey, and went to the ladies, to whom he communicated, in acivil way, the orders with which he was charged, to bring thembefore the caliph, without taking any notice of what had passedthe night before at their house. 

The ladies put on their veils, and went with the vizier As hepassed his own house, he took along with him the three calenders, who in the interval had learnt that they had seen and spoken withthe caliph, without knowing him. The vizier conducted them to thepalace with so much expedition, that the caliph was much pleased. This prince, that he might observe proper decorum before theofficers of his court who were then present, ordered that theladies should be placed behind the hangings of the door which ledto his own chamber, and placed the three calenders near hisperson, who, by their respectful behaviour, sufficiently evincedthat they were not ignorant before whom they had the honour toappear. 

When the ladies were thus disposed of, the caliph turned towardsthem, and said, "When I acquaint you that I was last night inyour house, disguised in a merchant's habit, you may probably bealarmed, lest you may have given me offence; you may perhapsbelieve that I have sent for you for no other purpose than toshew some marks of my resentment; but be not afraid; you may restassured that I have forgotten all that has past, and am wellsatisfied with your conduct. I wish that all the ladies of Bagdadhad as much discretion as you evinced before me. I shall alwaysremember the moderation with which you acted, after the rudenessof which we were guilty. I was then a merchant of Moussol, but amat present Haroon al Rusheed, the fifth caliph of the glorioushouse of Abbas, and hold the place of our great prophet. I haveonly sent for you to know who you are, and to ask for what reasonone of you, after severely whipping the two black bitches, weptwith them? And I am no less curious to know, why another of youhas her bosom so full of scars. "

Though the caliph pronounced these words very distinctly, thethree ladies heard him well enough, yet the vizier out ofceremony, repeated them. 

Zobeide, after the caliph by his address had encouraged her, began thus:

 The Story of Zobeide. 

Commander of the faithful, the relation which I am about to giveyour majesty is singularly extraordinary. The two black bitchesand myself are sisters by the same father and mother; and I shallacquaint you by what strange accident they came to bemetamorphosed. The two ladies who live with me, and are now here, are also my sisters by the father's side, but by another mother:she that has the scars upon her breast is named Amene; the nameof the other is Safie, and my own Zobeide. 

After our father's death, the property that he left was equallydivided among us, and as soon as these two sisters received theirportions, they left me to live with their mother. My other twosisters and myself stayed with our mother, who was then alive, and who when she afterwards died left each of us a thousandsequins. As soon as we had received our portions, the two eldest(for I am the youngest) married, and left me alone. Some timeafter, my eldest sister's husband sold all that he had, and withthat 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, found a pretext fordivorcing my sister, and put her away. 

She returned to this city, and having suffered incrediblehardships by the way, came to me in so lamentable a conditionthat it would have moved the hardest heart to compassion tobehold her. I received her with every possible tenderness, andinquiring into the cause of her distress, she told me with tearshow inhumanly her husband had behaved towards her. Hermisfortunes affected me: and I mingled my tears with hers. I tookher to a bath, clothed her with my own apparel, and thusaddressed her: "Sister, you are the elder, and I esteem you as mymother: during your absence, God has blest the portion that fellto my share, and the employment I follow of breeding silk-worms. Assure yourself there is nothing I have but is at your service, and as much at your disposal as my own. "

We lived very comfortably together for some months. As we wereone day conversing about our third sister, and wondering wereceived no intelligence of her, she came in as bad a conditionas the eldest: her husband had treated her after the same manner;and I received her likewise with the same affection as I had donethe former. 

Some time after, my two sisters, on presence that they would notbe chargeable to me, told me they intended to marry again. Iobserved, that if putting me to expense was the only reason, theymight lay those thoughts aside, and be welcome to remain: forwhat I had would be sufficient to maintain us all three, in amanner answerable to our condition. "But, " I added, "I ratherbelieve you wish to marry again; I shall feel much surprised ifsuch be the case. After the experience you have had of the littlesatisfaction there is in wedlock, is it possible you dare venturea second time? You know how rare it is to meet with a husbandperfectly virtuous and deserving. Believe what I say, and let uslive together as comfortably as we can. " All my persuasion was invain; they were resolved to marry, and soon accomplished theirwishes. But after some months were past, they returned again, andbegged my pardon a thousand times for not following my advice. "You are our youngest sister, " said they, "but abundantly morewise than we; if you will vouchsafe to receive us once more intoyour house, and account us your slaves, we shall never commit asimilar fault again. " My answer was, "Dear sisters, I have notaltered my mind with respect to you since we last parted: comeagain, and take part of what I have. " Upon this I embraced them, and we lived together as before. 

We continued thus a whole year in perfect love and harmony. Seeing that God had increased my small stock, I projected avoyage, to embark some of it in a commercial speculation. To thisend, I went with my two sisters to Bussorah, where I bought aship ready fitted for sea, and laded her with such merchandise asI had carried with me from Bagdad. We set sail with a fair wind, and soon cleared the Persian gulf; when we had reached the opensea, we steered our course to the Indies; and the twentieth daysaw land. It was a very high mountain, at the bottom of which weperceived a great town: having a fresh gale, we soon reached theharbour, and cast anchor. 

I had not patience to wait till my sisters were dressed to goalong with me, but went ashore alone in the boat. Making directlyto the gate of the town, I saw there a great number of men uponguard, some sitting, and others standing with sticks in theirhands; and they had all such dreadful countenances that I wasgreatly alarmed; but perceiving they remained stationary, and didnot so much as move their eyes, I took courage, and went nearer, when I found they were all turned into stones. I entered the townand passed through several streets, where at different intervalsstood men in various attitudes, but all motionless and petrified. In the quarter inhabited by the merchants I found most of theshops shut, and in such as were open I likewise found the peoplepetrified. 

Having reached a vast square, in the heart of the city, Iperceived a large folding gate, covered with plates of gold, which stood open; a curtain of silk stuff seemed to be drawnbefore it: a lamp hung over the entrance. After I had surveyedthe building, I made no doubt but it was the palace of the princewho reigned over that country: and being much astonished that Ihad not met with one living creature, I approached in hopes tofind some. I lifted up the curtain, and was surprised atbeholding no one but the guards in the vestibule all petrified;some standing, some sitting, and some lying. 

I came to a large court, where I saw before me a statelybuilding, the windows of which were inclosed with gates of messygold: I concluded it to be the queen's apartments. I entered; andin a large hall I found several black eunuchs turned into stone. I went from thence into a room richly furnished, where Iperceived a lady in the same situation. I knew it to be thequeen, by the crown of gold on her head, and a necklace of pearlsabout her neck, each of them as large as a nut; I approached herto have a nearer view of it, and never beheld a finer objets. 

I stood some time admiring the riches and magnificence of theroom; but above all, the carpet, the cushions, and the sofas, which were all ornamented with Indian stuff of gold, andrepresentations of men and beasts in silver, admirably executed. 

I quitted the chamber where the petrified queen was, and passedthrough several other apartments and closets richly furnished, and at last came into a large room, where there was a throne ofmassive gold, raised several steps above the floor, and enrichedwith large enchased emeralds, and upon the throne there was a bedof rich stuff embroidered with pearls. What surprised me most wasa sparkling light which came from above the bed. Being curious toknow whence it proceeded, I ascended the steps, and lifting up myhead, saw a diamond as large as the egg of an ostrich, lying upona low stool; it was so pure, that I could not find the leastblemish in it, and it sparkled with so much brilliancy, that whenI saw it by day-light I could not endure its lustre. 

At the head of the bed there stood on each side a lightedflambeau, but for what use I could not comprehend; however, itmade me imagine that there was some living creature in thisplace; for I could not believe that the torches continued thusburning of themselves. Several other rarities detained mycuriosity in this room, which was inestimable in value, were itonly for the diamond I mentioned. 

The doors being all open, or but half shut, I surveyed some otherapartments, that were as beautiful as those I had already seen. Ilooked into the offices and store-rooms, which were full ofriches. In short, the wonders that everywhere appeared so whollyengrossed my attention, that I forgot my ship and my sisters, andthought of nothing but gratifying my curiosity. In the mean timenight came on, which reminded me that it was time to retire. Iproposed to return the way I had entered, but I could not findit; I lost myself among the apartments; and perceiving I was comeback again to the large room, where the throne, the couch, thelarge diamond, and the torches stood, I resolved to take mynight's lodging there, and to depart the next morning early, toget aboard my ship. I laid myself down upon a couch, not withoutsome dread to be alone in a desolate place; and this fearhindered my sleep. 

About midnight I heard a voice like that of a man reading theKoraun, after the same manner, and in the same tone as it is readin our mosques. Being extremely glad to hear it, I immediatelyarose, and taking a torch in my hand, passed from one chamber toanother on that side from whence the sound proceeded. I came tothe closet-door, and stood still, not doubting that it came fromthence. I set down my torch upon the ground, and looking througha window, found it to be an oratory. It had, as we have in ourmosques, a niche, to direct us whither we are to turn to say ourprayers: there were also lamps hung up, and two candlesticks withlarge tapers of white wax burning. 

I saw a little carpet laid down like those we have to kneel uponwhen we say our prayers, and a comely young man sat on thiscarpet reading with great devotion the Koraun, which lay beforehim on a desk. At this sight I was transported with admiration. Iwondered how it came to pass that he should be the only livingcreature in a town where all the people were turned into stones, and I did not doubt but there was something in the circumstancevery extraordinary. 

The door being only half shut, I opened it, went in, and standingupright before the niche, I repeated this prayer aloud: "Praisebe to God, who has favoured us with a happy voyage, and may he begraciously pleased to protect us in the same manner, until wearrive again in our own country. Hear me, O Lord, and grant myrequest. "

The young man turned his eyes towards me, and said, "My goodlady, pray let me know who you are, and what has brought you tothis desolate city? And, in return, I will you who I am, what hashappened to me, why the inhabitants of this city are reduced tothe state you see them in, and why I alone am safe in the midstof such a terrible disaster. "

I told him in a few words whence I had come, what had made meundertake the voyage, and how I safely arrived at the port aftertwenty days' sailing; when I had done, I prayed him to performhis promise, and told him how much I was struck by the frightfuldesolation which I had seen in the city. 

"Lady, " said the young man, "have patience for a moment. " Atthese words he shut the Koraun, put it into a rich case, and laidit in the niche. I took that opportunity to observe him, andperceiving in him so much good nature and beauty, I felt emotionsI had never known before. He made me sit down by him, and beforehe began his discourse, I could not forbear saying, with an airthat discovered the sentiments I felt, "Amiable sir, dear objectof my soul, I can scarcely have patience to wait for an accountof all these wonderful objects that I have seen since I came intoyour city; and my curiosity cannot be satisfied too soon:therefore pray, sir, let me know by what miracle you alone areleft alive among so many persons that have died in so strange amanner. "

"Madam, " said the young man, "by the prayer you just nowaddressed to him, you have given me to understand that you have aknowledge of the true God. I will acquaint you with the mostremarkable effect of his greatness and power. You must know, thatthis city was the metropolis of a mighty kingdom, over which thesultan my father reigned. That prince, his whole court, theinhabitants of the city, and all his other subjects, were magi, worshippers of fire, and of Nardoun, the ancient king of thegiants, who rebelled against God. 

"But though I was born of an idolatrous father and mother, I hadthe good fortune in my youth to have a governess who was a goodMoosulmaun. 'Dear prince, ' would she oftentimes say, 'there isbut one true God; take heed that you do not acknowledge and adoreany other. ' She taught me to read Arabic, and the book she gaveme to study was the Koraun. As soon as I was capable ofunderstanding it, she explained to me all the passages of thisexcellent book, and infused piety into my mind, unknown to myfather or any other person. She happened to die, but not beforeshe had perfectly instructed me in all that was necessary toconvince me of the truth of the Moosulmaun religion. After herdeath I persisted with constancy in the belief of its divinity:and I abhor the false god Nardoun, and the adoration of fire. 

"About three years and some months ago, a thundering voice wassuddenly sounded so distinctly, through the whole city, thatnobody could miss hearing it. The words were these: 'Inhabitants, abandon the worship of Nardoun, and of fire, and worship the onlyGod who shews mercy. '

"This voice was heard three years successively, but no one wasconverted. On the last day of that year, at four o'clock in themorning, all the inhabitants were changed in an instant intostone, every one in the condition and posture they happened to bein. The sultan, my father, shared the same fate, for he wasmetamorphosed into a black stone, as he is to be seen in thispalace, and the queen, my mother, had the like destiny. 

"I am the only person who did not suffer under that heavyjudgment, and ever since I have continued to serve God with morefervency than before. I am persuaded, dear lady, that he has sentyou hither for my comfort, for which I render him infinitethanks; for I must own that this solitary life is extremelyirksome. "

All these expressions, and particularly the last, greatlyincreased my love for him. "Prince, " said I, "there is no doubtbut Providence has brought me into your port, to afford you anopportunity of withdrawing from this dismal place. The ship Icame in may serve in some measure to convince you that I am insome esteem at Bagdad, where I have left considerable property;and I dare engage to promise you sanctuary there, until themighty commander of the faithful, vicegerent to our prophet whomyou acknowledge, shew you the honour that is due to your merit. This renowned prince lives at Bagdad, and as soon as he isinformed of your arrival in his capital, you will find that it isnot in vain to implore his assistance. It is impossible you canstay any longer in a city where all the objects you behold mustrenew your grief: my vessel is at your service, where you mayabsolutely command as you shall think fit. " He accepted theoffer, and we conversed the remainder of the night concerning ourembarkation. 

As soon as it was day we left the palace, and went aboard myship, where we found my sisters, the captain, and the slaves, allmuch troubled at my absence. After I had presented my sisters tothe prince, I told them what had hindered my return the daybefore, how I had met with the young prince, his story, and thecause of the desolation of so fine a city. 

The seamen were taken up several days in unlading the merchandizeI brought with me, and embarking in its stead all the preciousthings in the palace, such as jewels, gold, and money. We leftthe furniture and goods, which consisted of an infinite quantityof plate, &c. , because our vessel could not carry it, for itwould have required several vessels more to convey to Bagdad allthe riches that we might have chosen to take with us. 

After we had laden the vessel with what we thought mostdesirable, we took such provisions and water aboard as werenecessary for our voyage (for we had still a great deal of thoseprovisions left that we had taken in at Bussorah); at last we setsail with a wind as favourable as we could wish. 

The young prince, my sisters and myself, enjoyed ourselves forsome time very agreeably. But alas! this good understanding didnot last long, for my sisters grew jealous of the friendshipbetween the prince and myself, and maliciously asked me one day, what we should do with him when we came to Bagdad? I perceivedimmediately that they put this question on purpose to discover myinclinations; therefore, resolving to put it off with a jest, Ianswered, "I will take him for my husband;" and upon that, turning myself to the prince, said, "Sir, I humbly beg of you togive your consent, for as soon as we come to Bagdad I desire tooffer you my person to be your slave, to do you all the servicethat is in my power, and to resign myself wholly to yourcommands. "

The prince replied, "I know not, madam, whether you be in jest orno; but for my 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 andmistress: nor will I pretend to have any power over youractions. " At these words my sisters changed colour, and I couldperceive afterwards that they did not love me as before. 

We entered the Persian gulf, and had come within a short distanceof Bussorah (where I hoped, considering the fair wind, we mighthave arrived the day following), when in the night, while I wasasleep, my sisters watched their opportunity, and threw meoverboard. They did the same to the prince, who was drowned. Ifloated some minutes on the water, and by good fortune, or rathermiracle, I felt ground. I went towards a dark spot, that, by whatI could discern, seemed to be land, and proved to be a flat onthe coast, which, when day appeared, I found to be a desertisland, lying about twenty miles from Bussorah. I soon dried myclothes in the sun, and as I walked along I found several kindsof fruit, and likewise fresh water, which gave me some hopes ofpreserving my life. 

I had just laid myself down to rest in a shade, when I perceiveda very large winged serpent coming towards me, with an irregularwaving movement, and hanging out its tongue, which induced me toconclude it had received some injury. I instantly arose, andperceived that it was pursued by a larger serpent which had holdof its tail, and was endeavouring to devour it. This periloussituation of the first serpent excited my pity, and instead ofretreating I assumed courage to take up a stone that lay near me, and to throw it with all my strength at the other, which I hitupon the head and killed. The other, finding itself at liberty, took wing and flew away. I looked after it for some time till itdisappeared. I then sought another shady spot for repose, andfell asleep. 

Judge what was my surprise when I awoke, to see standing by me ablack woman of lively and agreeable features, who held in herhand two bitches of the same colour, fastened together. I sat up, and asked her who she was? "I am, " said she, "the serpent whomyou lately delivered from my mortal enemy. I did not know in whatway I could better requite the important services you haverendered me than by what I have just done. The treachery of yoursisters was well known to me, and to avenge your wrongs, as soonas I was liberated by your generous assistance, I called togetherseveral of my companions, fairies like myself, conveyed into yourstorehouses at Bagdad all the lading of your vessel, andafterwards sunk it. 

"These two black bitches are your sisters, whom I havetransformed into this shape. But this punishment will notsuffice; and my will is that you treat them hereafter in the wayI shall direst. "

As soon as she had thus spoken the fairy took me under one of herarms, and the two bitches under the other, and conveyed us to myhouse in Bagdad; where I found in my storehouses all the richeswith which my vessel had been laden. Before she left me, shedelivered to me the two bitches, and said, "If you would not bechanged into a similar form, I command you, in the name of himthat governs the sea, to give each of your sisters every nightone hundred lashes with a rod, as the punishment of the crimethey have committed against yourself, and the young prince, whomthey have drowned. " I was forced to promise obedience. Since thattime I have whipped them every night, though with regret, whereofyour majesty has been a witness. My tears testify with how muchsorrow and reluctance I perform this painful duty; and in thisyour majesty may see I am more to be pitied than blamed. If therebe any thing else relating to myself that you desire to know, mysister Amene will give you full information in the relation ofher story. 

After the caliph had heard Zobeide with much astonishment, hedesired his grand vizier to request Amene to acquaint himwherefore her breast was disfigured with so many scars. 

Amene addressed herself to the caliph, and began her story afterthis manner:

 The Story of Amene. 

Commander of the faithful, to avoid repeating what your majestyhas already heard in my sister's story, I shall only add, thatafter my mother had taken a house for herself to live in, duringher widowhood, she gave me in marriage, with the portion myfather left me, to a gentleman who had one of the best estates inthe city. 

I had scarcely been a year married when I became a widow, and wasleft in possession of all my husband's property, which amountedto 90, 000 sequins. The interest of this money was sufficient tomaintain me very honourably. When the first six months of mymourning was over, I caused to be made for me ten differentdresses, of such magnificence that each came to a thousandsequins; and at the end of the year I began to wear them. 

One day, while I was alone engaged in my domestic affairs, I wastold that a lady desired to speak to me. I gave orders that sheshould be admitted. She was a person advanced in years; shesaluted me by kissing the ground, and said to me kneeling, "Dearlady, excuse the freedom I take to trouble you, the confidence Ihave in your charity makes me thus bold. I must acquaint yourladyship that I have an orphan daughter, who is to be marriedthis day. She and I are both strangers, and have no acquaintancein this town; which much perplexes me, for we wish the numerousfamily with whom we are going to ally ourselves to think we arenot altogether unknown and without credit: therefore, mostbeautiful lady, if you would vouchsafe to honour the wedding withyour presence, we shall be infinitely obliged, because the ladiesof our country, when informed that a lady of your rank has strewnus this respect, will then know that we are not regarded here asunworthy and despised persons. But, alas! madam, if you refusethis request, how great will be our mortification! we know notwhere else to apply. "

This poor woman's address, which she spoke with tears, moved mycompassion. "Good woman, " said I, "do not afflict yourself, Iwill grant you the favour you desire; tell me whither I must go, and I will meet you as soon as I am dressed. " The old woman wasso transported with joy at my answer, that she kissed my feetbefore I had time to prevent her. "My compassionate lady, " saidshe, rising, "God will reward the kindness you have shewed toyour servants, and make your heart as joyful as you have madetheirs. You need not at present trouble yourself; it will be timeenough for you to go when I call for you in the evening. Sofarewell, madam, till I have the honour to see you again. "

As soon as she was gone, I took the suit I liked best, with anecklace of large pearls, bracelets, pendents for my ears, andrings set with the finest and most sparkling diamonds; for mymind presaged what would befall me. 

When the night closed in, the old woman called upon me, with acountenance full of joy. She kissed my hands, and said, "My dearlady, the relations of my son-in-law, who are the principalladies of the city, are now met together; you may come when youplease; I am ready to conduct you. " We immediately set out; shewalked before me, and I was followed by a number of my women andslaves properly dressed for the occasion. We stopt in a widestreet, newly swept and watered, at a spacious gate with a lamp, by the light of which I read this inscription in golden lettersover the entrance: "This is the everlasting abode of pleasure andjoy. " The old woman knocked, and the gate was opened immediately. 

I was conducted towards the lower end of the court, into a largehall, where I was received by a young lady of admirable beauty. She drew near, and after having embraced me, made me sit down byher upon a sofa, on which was raised a throne of precious woodset with diamonds. "Madam, " said she, "you are brought hither toassist at a wedding; but I hope it will be a different weddingfrom what you expected. I have a brother, one of the handsomestmen in the world: he is fallen so much in love with the fame ofyour beauty, that his fate depends wholly upon you, and he willbe the unhappiest of men if you do not take pity on him. He knowsyour quality, and I can assure you he is in no respect unworthyof your alliance. If my prayers, madam, can prevail, I shall jointhem with his, and humbly beg you will not refuse the proposal ofbeing his wife. "

After the death of my husband I had not thought of marryingagain. But I had no power to refuse the solicitation of socharming a lady. As soon as I had given consent by my silence, accompanied with a blush, the young lady claps her hands, andimmediately a closet-door opened, out of which came a young manof a majestic air, and so graceful a behaviour, that I thoughtmyself happy to have made so great a conquest. He sat down by me, and I found from his conversation that his merits far exceededthe eulogium of his sister. 

When she perceived that we were satisfied with one another, sheclaps her hands a second time, and out came a Cauzee, who wroteour contract of marriage, signed it himself, and caused it to beattested by four witnesses he brought along with him. The onlycondition that my new husband imposed upon me was, that I shouldnot be seen by nor speak to any other man but himself, and hevowed to me that, if I complied in this respect, I should have noreason to complain of him. Our marriage was concluded andfinished after this manner; so I became the principal actress ina wedding to which I had only been invited as a guest. 

About a month after our marriage, having occasion for somestuffs, I asked my husband's permission to go out to buy them, which he granted; and I took with me the old woman of whom Ispoke before, she being one of the family, and two of my ownfemale slaves. 

When we came to the street where the merchants reside, the oldwoman said, "Dear mistress, since you want silk stuffs, I musttake you to a young merchant of my acquaintance, who has a greatvariety; and that you may not fatigue yourself by running fromshop to shop, I can assure you that you will find in his what noother can furnish. " I was easily persuaded, and we entered a shopbelonging to a young merchant who was tolerably handsome. I satdown, and bade the old woman desire him to shew me the finestsilk stuffs he had. The woman desired me to speak myself; but Itold her it was one of the articles of my marriage contract notto speak to any man but my husband, which I ought to keep. 

The merchant shewed me several stuffs, of which one pleased mebetter than the rest; but I bade her ask the price. He answeredthe old woman, "I will not sell it for gold or money, but I willmake her a present of it, if she will give me leave to kiss hercheek. " I ordered the old woman to tell him, that he was veryrude to propose such a freedom. But instead of obeying me, shesaid, "What the merchant desires of you is no such great matter;you need not speak, but only present him your cheek. " The stuffpleased me so much, that I was foolish enough to take her advice. The old woman and my slaves stood up, that nobody might see, andI put up my veil; but instead of kissing me, the merchant bit meso violently as to draw blood. 

The pain and my surprise were so great, that I fell down in aswoon, and continued insensible so long, that the merchant hadtime to escape. When I came to myself, I found my cheek coveredwith blood: the old woman and my slaves took care to cover itwith my veil, that the people who came about us could notperceive it, but supposed I had only had a fainting fit. 

The old woman who accompanied me being extremely troubled at thisaccident, endeavoured to comfort me. "My dear mistress, " saidshe, "I beg your pardon, for I am the cause of this misfortune, having brought you to this merchant, because he is my countryman:but I never thought he would be guilty of such a villainousaction. But do not grieve; let us hasten home, I will apply aremedy that shall in three days so perfectly cure you, that notthe least mark shall be visible. " The fit had made me so weak, that I was scarcely able to walk. But at last I got home, where Iagain fainted, as I went into my chamber. Meanwhile, the oldwoman applied her remedy; I came to myself, and went to bed. 

My husband came to me at night, and seeing my head bound up, asked me the reason. I told him I had the head-ache, which Ihoped would have satisfied him, but he took a candle, and saw mycheek was hurt: "How comes this wound?" said he. Though I did notconsider myself as guilty of any great offence, yet I could notthink of owning the truth. Besides, to make such an avowal to ahusband, I considered as somewhat indecorous; I therefore said, "That as I was going, under his permission, to purchase some silkstuff, a porter, carrying a load of wood, came so near to me, ina narrow street, that one of the sticks grazed my cheek; but hadnot done me much hurt. " This account put my husband into aviolent passion. "This act, " said he, "shall not go unpunished. Iwill to-morrow order the lieutenant of the police to seize allthose brutes of porters, and cause them to be hanged. " Fearful ofoccasioning the death of so many innocent persons, I said, "Sir, I should be sorry so great a piece of injustice should becommitted. Pray refrain; for I should deem myself unpardonable, were I to be the cause of so much mischief. " "Then tell mesincerely, " said he, "how came you by this wound. " I answered, "That it was occasioned by the inadvertency of a broom-sellerupon an ass, who coming behind me, while he was looking anotherway, his ass came against me with so much violence, that I felldown, and hurt my cheek upon some glass. " "If that is the case, "said my husband, "to-morrow morning, before sun-rise, the grandvizier Jaaffier shall be informed of this insolence, and causeall 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 notguilty. " "How, madam, " he demanded, "what then am I to believe?Speak, for I am resolved to know the truth from your own mouth. ""Sir, " I replied, "I was taken with a giddiness, and fell down, and that is the whole matter. "

At these words my husband lost all patience. "I have, " said he, "too long listened to your falsehoods. " As he spoke he clappedhis hands, and in came three slaves: "Pull her out of bed, " saidhe, "and lay her in the middle of the floor. " The slaves obeyed, one holding me by the head, another by the feet; he commanded thethird to fetch a cimeter, and when he had brought it, "Strike, "said he, "cut her in two, and then throw her into the Tygris. This is the punishment I inflict on those to whom I have given myheart, when they falsify their promise. " When he saw that theslave hesitated to obey him, "Why do you not strike?" said he. "What do you wait for?"

"Madam, " said the slave then, "you are near the last moment ofyour life, consider if you have any thing to dispose of beforeyou die. " I begged permission to speak one word, which wasgranted me. I lifted up my head, and casting an affectionate lookon my husband, said, "Alas! to what a condition am I reduced!must I then die in the prime of my youth!" I could say no more, for my tears and sighs choked my utterance. My husband was not atall moved, but, on the contrary, went on to reproach me; and itwould have been in vain to attempt a reply. I had recourse tointreaties and prayers; but he had no regard to them, andcommanded the slaves to proceed to execution. The old woman, whohad been his nurse, came in just at that moment, fell down uponher knees, and endeavoured to appease his wrath. "My son, " saidshe, "since I have been your nurse and brought you up, let me begthe favour of you to grant me her life. Consider, that he whokills shall be killed, and that you will stain your reputation, and forfeit the esteem of mankind. What will the world say ofsuch sanguinary violence?" She spoke these words in such anaffecting manner, accompanied with tears, that she prevailed uponhim at last to abandon his purpose. 

"Well then, " said he to his nurse, "for your sake I will spareher life; but she shall bear about her person some marks to makeher remember her offence. " When he had thus spoken, one of theslaves, by his order, gave me upon my sides and breast so manyblows, with a little cane, that he tore away both skin and flesh, which threw me into a swoon. In this state he caused the sameslaves, 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;at last I recovered: the scars which, contrary to my wish, yousaw yesterday, have remained ever since. 

As soon as I was able to walk, and go abroad, I resolved toretire to the house which was left me by my first husband, but Icould not find the site whereon it had stood. My second husband, in the heat of his resentment, was not satisfied with thedemolition of that, but caused every other house in the samestreet to be razed to the ground. I believe such an act ofviolence was never heard of before; but against whom could Icomplain? The perpetrator had taken good care to conceal himself. But suppose I had discovered him, is it not easily seen that hisconduct must have proceeded from absolute power? How then could Idare to complain?

Being left thus destitute and helpless, I had recourse to my dearsister Zobeide, whose adventures your majesty has just heard. Toher I made known my misfortune; she received me with heraccustomed goodness, and advised me to bear my ambition patience. "This is the way of the world, " said she, "which either robs usof our property, our friends, or our lovers; and some times ofall together. " In confirmation of her remark, she at the sametime gave me an account of the loss of the young prince, occasioned by the jealousy of her two sisters. She told me alsoby what accident they were transformed into bitches: and in thelast place, after a thousand testimonials of her love towards me, she introduced me to my youngest sister, who had likewise takensanctuary with her after the death of her mother. 

Having returned our grateful acknowledgments to God for havingthus brought us together, we resolved to preserve our freedom, and never again to separate. We have now long enjoyed thistranquil life. As it was my business to manage the affairs of thehouse, I always took pleasure in going myself to purchase what wewanted. I happened to go abroad yesterday for this purpose, andthe things I bought I caused to be carried home by a porter, whoproving to be a sensible and jocose fellow, we kept with us for alittle diversion. Three calenders happened to come to our door asit began to grow dark, and prayed us to give them shelter tillthe next morning We admitted them upon certain conditions whichthey agreed to observe; and after we had made them sit at tablewith us, they in their own way entertained us with a concert ofmusic. At this time we heard knocking at our gate. This proceededfrom three merchants of Moussol, men of good appearance, whobegged the same favour which the calenders had obtained before. We consented upon the same conditions, but neither of them kepttheir promise. Though we had power, as well as justice on ourside, to punish them, yet we contented ourselves with demandingfrom them the history of their lives; and afterwards confined ourrevenge to dismissing them, after they had done, and denying themthe asylum they requested. 

The caliph was well pleased to be thus informed of what hedesired to know; and publicly expressed his admiration of what hehad heard. 

The caliph having satisfied his curiosity, thought himselfobliged to shew his generosity to the calender princes, and alsoto give the three ladies some proof of his bounty. He himself, without making use of his minister, the grand vizier, spoke toZobeide. "Madam, did not this fairy, that shewed herself to youin the shape of a serpent, and imposed such a rigorous commandupon you, tell you where her place of abode was? Or rather, didshe not promise to see you, and restore those bitches to theirnatural shape?"

"Commander of the faithful, " answered Zobeide, "I forgot to tellyour majesty that the fairy left with me a bundle of hair, saying, that her presence would one day be of use to me; andthen, if I only burnt two tufts of this hair, she would be withme in a moment, though she were beyond mount Caucasus. " "Madam, "demanded the caliph, "where is the bundle of hair?" She answered, "Ever since that time I have been so careful of it, that I alwayscarry it about me. " Upon which she pulled it out, opened the casewhich contained it, and shewed it to him. "Well then, " said thecaliph, "let us bring the fairy hither; you could not call her ina better time, for I long to see her. "

Zobeide having consented, fire was brought in, and she threw thewhole bundle of hair into it. The palace at that instant began toshake, and the fairy appeared before the caliph in the form of alady very richly dressed. 

"Commander of the faithful, " said she to the prince, "you see Iam ready to receive your commands. The lady who gave me this callby your order did me essential service. To evince my gratitude, Irevenged her of her sisters' inhumanity, by changing them tobitches; but if your majesty commands me, I will restore them totheir former shape. "

"Generous fairy, " replied the caliph, "you cannot do me a greaterpleasure; vouchsafe them that favour, and I will find some meansto comfort them for their hard penance. But besides, I haveanother boon to ask in favour of that lady, who has had suchcruel usage from an unknown husband. As you undoubtedly know allthings, oblige me with the name of this barbarous wretch, whocould not be contented to exercise his outrageous and unmanlycruelty upon her person, but has also most unjustly taken fromher all her substance. I only wonder how such an unjust andinhuman action could be performed under my authority, and even inmy residence, without having come to my knowledge. "

"To oblige your majesty, " answered the fairy, "I will restore thetwo bitches to their former state, and I will so cure the lady ofher scars, that it shall never appear she was so beaten; and Iwill also tell you who it was that abused her. "

The caliph sent for the two bitches from Zobeide's house, andwhen they came, a glass of water was brought to the fairy by herdesire. She pronounced over it some words which nobodyunderstood; then throwing some part of it upon Amene, and therest upon the bitches, the latter became two ladies of surprisingbeauty, and the scars that were upon Amene disappeared. Afterwhich the fairy said to the caliph, "Commander of the faithful, Imust now discover to you the unknown husband you enquire after. He is very nearly related to yourself, for it is prince Amin, your eldest son, who falling passionately in love with this ladyfrom the fame of her beauty, by stratagem had her brought to hishouse, where he married her. As to the blows he caused to begiven her, he is in some measure excusable; for the lady hisspouse had been a little too easy, and the excuses she had madewere calculated to lead him to believe she was more faulty thanshe really was. This is all I can say to satisfy your curiosity. "At these words she saluted the caliph, and vanished. 

The prince being filled with admiration, and having muchsatisfaction in the changes that had happened through his means, acted in such a manner as will perpetuate his memory to all ages. First, he sent for his son Amin, told him that he was informed ofhis secret marriage, and how he had ill-treated Amene upon a veryslight cause. Upon this the prince did not wait for his father'scommands, but received her again immediately. 

After which the caliph declared that he would give his own heartand hand to Zobeide, and offered the other three sisters to thecalenders, sons of sultans, who accepted them for their brideswith much joy. The caliph assigned each of them a magnificentpalace in the city of Bagdad, promoted them to the highestdignities of his empire, and admitted them to his councils. 

The chief Cauzee of Bagdad being called, with witnesses, wrotethe contracts of marriage; and the caliph in promoting by hispatronage the happiness of many persons who had suffered suchincredible calamities, drew a thousand blessings upon himself. 

 THE STORY OF SINBAD THE VOYAGER. 

In the reign of the same caliph Haroun al Rusheed, whom I havealready mentioned, there lived at Bagdad a poor porter calledHindbad. One day, when the weather was excessively hot, he wasemployed to carry a heavy burden from one end of the town to theother. Being much fatigued, and having still a great way to go, he came into a street where a refreshing breeze blew on his face, and the pavement was sprinkled with rose-water. As he could notdesire a better place to rest and recruit himself, he took offhis load and sat upon it, near a large mansion. 

He was much pleased that he stopped in this place; for theagreeable smell of wood of aloes, and of pastils that came fromthe house, mixing with the scent of the rose-water, completelyperfumed and embalmed the air. Besides, he heard from within aconcert of instrumental music, accompanied with the harmoniousnotes of nightingales, and other birds, peculiar to the climate. This charming melody, and the smell of several sorts of savourydishes, made the porter conclude there was a feast, with greatrejoicings within. His business seldom leading him that way, heknew not to whom the mansion belonged; but to satisfy hiscuriosity, he went to some of the servants, whom he saw standingat the gate in magnificent apparel, and asked the name of theproprietor. "How, " replied one of them, "do you live in Bagdad, and know not that this is the house of Sinbad, the sailor, thatfamous voyager, who has sailed round the world?" The porter, whohad heard of this Sinbad's riches, could not but envy a man whosecondition he thought to be as happy as his own was deplorable:and his mind being fretted with these reflections, he lifted uphis eyes to heaven, and said loud enough to be heard, "Almightycreator of all things, consider the difference between Sinbad andme! I am every day exposed to fatigues and calamities, and canscarcely get coarse barley-bread for myself and my family, whilsthappy Sinbad profusely expends immense riches, and leads a lifeof continual pleasure. What has he done to obtain from thee a lotso agreeable? And what have I done to deserve one so wretched?"Having finished his expostulation, he struck his foot against theground, like a man absorbed in grief and despair. 

Whilst the porter was thus indulging his melancholy, a servantcame out of the house, and taking him by the arm, bade him followhim, for Sinbad, his master, wanted to speak to him. 

Sir, your majesty may easily imagine, that the repining Hindbadwas not a little surprised at this compliment. For, consideringwhat he had said, he was afraid Sinbad had sent for him to punishhim: therefore he would have excused himself, alleging, that hecould not leave his burden in the middle of the street. ButSinbad's servants assured him they would look to it, and were sourgent with him, that he was obliged to yield. 

The servants brought him into a great hall, where a number ofpeople sat round a table, covered with all sorts of savourydishes. At the upper end sat a comely venerable gentleman, with along white beard, and behind him stood a number of officers anddomestics, all ready to attend his pleasure. This personage wasSinbad. The porter, whose fear was increased at the sight of somany people, and of a banquet so sumptuous, saluted the companytrembling. Sinbad bade him draw near, and seating him at hisright hand, served him himself, and gave him excellent wine, ofwhich there was abundance upon the sideboard. 

When the repast was over, Sinbad addressed his conversation toHindbad; and calling him brother, according to the manner of theArabians, when they are familiar one with another, enquired hisname and employment. 

"My lord, " answered he, "my name is Hindbad. " "I am very glad tosee you, " replied Sinbad; "and I daresay the same on behalf ofall the company: but I wish to hear from your own mouth what itwas you lately said in the street. " Sinbad had himself heard theporter complain through the window, and this it was that inducedhim to have him brought in. 

At this request, Hindbad hung down his head in confusion, andreplied, "My lord, I confess that my fatigue put me out ofhumour, and occasioned me to utter some indiscreet words, which Ibeg you to pardon. " "Do not think I am so unjust, " resumedSinbad, "as to resent such a complaint. I consider yourcondition, and instead of upbraiding, commiserate you. But I mustrectify your error concerning myself. You think, no doubt, that Ihave acquired, without labour and trouble, the ease andindulgence which I now enjoy. But do not mistake; I did notattain to this happy condition, without enduring for severalyears more trouble of body and mind than can well be imagined. Yes, gentlemen, " he added, speaking to the whole company, "I canassure you, my troubles were so extraordinary, that they werecalculated to discourage the most covetous from undertaking suchvoyages as I did, to acquire riches. Perhaps you have never hearda distinct account of my wonderful adventures, and the dangers Iencountered, in my seven voyages; and since I have thisopportunity, I will give you a faithful account of them, notdoubting but it will be acceptable. "

As Sinbad wished to relate his adventures chiefly on the porter'saccount, he ordered his burden to be carried to the place of itsdestination, and then proceeded. 

 The First Voyage. 

I inherited from my father considerable property, the greaterpart of which I squandered in my youth in dissipation; but Iperceived my error, and reflected that riches were perishable, and quickly consumed by such ill managers as myself. I fartherconsidered, that by my irregular way of living I wretchedlymisspent my time; which is, of all things, the most valuable. Iremembered the saying of the great Solomon, which I hadfrequently heard from my father; That death is more tolerablethan poverty. Struck with these reflections, I collected theremains of my fortune, and sold all my effects by public auction. I then entered into a contract with some merchants, who traded bysea. I took the advice of such as I thought most capable ofassisting me: and resolving to improve what money I had, I wentto Bussorah, and embarked with several merchants on board a shipwhich we had jointly fitted out. 

We set sail, and steered our course towards the Indies, throughthe Persian gulf, which is formed by the coasts of Arabia Felixon the right, and by those of Persia on the left, and, accordingto common opinion is seventy leagues wide at the broadest place. The eastern sea, as well as that of the Indies, is very spacious. It is bounded on one side by the coasts of Abyssinia, and is4, 500 leagues in length to the isles of Vakvak. At first I wastroubled with the sea-sickness, but speedily recovered my health, and was not afterwards subject to that complaint. 

In our voyage we touched at several islands, where we sold orexchanged our goods. One day, whilst under sail, we were becalmednear a small island, but little elevated above the level of thewater, and resembling a green meadow. The captain ordered hissails to be furled, and permitted such persons as were soinclined to land; of this number I was one. 

But while we were enjoying ourselves in eating and drinking, andrecovering ourselves from the fatigue of the sea, the island on asudden trembled, and shook us terribly. 

The trembling of the island was perceived on board the ship, andwe were called upon to re-embark speedily, or we should all belost; for what we took for an island proved to be the back of asea monster. The nimblest got into the sloop, others betookthemselves to swimming; but for myself I was still upon the backof the creature, when he dived into the sea, and I had time onlyto catch hold of a piece of wood that we had brought out of theship to make a fire. Meanwhile, the captain, having receivedthose on board who were in the sloop, and taken up some of thosethat swam, resolved to improve the favourable gale that had justrisen, and hoisting his sails pursued his voyage, so that it wasimpossible for me to recover the ship. 

Thus was I exposed to the mercy of the waves. I struggled for mylife all the rest of the day and the following night. By thistime I found my strength gone, and despaired of saving my life, when happily a wave threw me against an island, The bank was highand rugged; so that I could scarcely have got up, had it not beenfor some roots of trees, which fortune seemed to have preservedin this place for my safety. Having reached the land, I lay downupon the ground half dead, until the sun appeared. Then, though Iwas very feeble, both from hard labour and want of food, I creptalong to find some herbs fit to eat, and had the good luck notonly to procure some, but likewise to discover a spring ofexcellent water, which contributed much to recover me. After thisI advanced farther into the island, and at last reached a fineplain, where at a great distance I perceived a horse feeding. Iwent towards it, fluctuating between hope and fear, for I knewnot whether in advancing I was more likely to endanger or topreserve my life. As I approached, I perceived it to be a veryfine mare, tied to a stake. Whilst I was admiring its beauty, Iheard from beneath the voice of a man, who immediately appeared, and asked me who I was? I related to him my adventure, afterwhich, taking me by the hand, he led me into a cave, where therewere several other people, no less amazed to see me than I was tosee them. 

I partook of some provisions which they offered me. I then askedthem what they did in such a desert place? to which theyanswered, that they were grooms belonging to Maha-raja, sovereignof the island; that every year, at the same season, they broughtthither the king's mares, and fastened them as I had seen, untilthey were covered by a sea-horse, who afterwards endeavoured todestroy the mares; but was prevented by their noise, and obligedto return to the sea. The mares when in foal were taken back, andthe horses thus produced were kept for the king's use, and calledseahorses. They added, that they were to return home on themorrow, and had I been one day later, I must have perished, because the inhabited part of the island was at a great distance, and it would have been impossible for me to have got thitherwithout a guide. 

While they entertained me thus, the horse came out of the sea, asthey had told me, covered the mare, and afterwards would havedevoured her; but upon a great noise made by the grooms, he lefther, and plunged into the sea. 

Next morning they returned with their mares to the capital of theisland, took me with them, and presented me to the Maha-raja. Heasked me who I was, and by what adventure I had come into hisdominions? After I had satisfied him, he told me he was muchconcerned for my misfortune, and at the same time ordered that Ishould want nothing; which commands his officers were so generousand careful as to see exactly fulfilled. 

Being a merchant, I frequented men of my own profession, andparticularly enquired for those who were strangers, that perchance Imight hear news from Bagdad, or find an opportunity to return. For theMaha-raja's capital is situated on the sea-coast, and has a fineharbour, where ships arrive daily from the different quarters of theworld. I frequented also the society of the learned Indians, and tookdelight to hear them converse; but withal, I took care to make mycourt regularly to the Maha-raja, and conversed with the governors andpetty kings, his tributaries, that were about him. They put a thousandquestions respecting my country; and I being willing to inform myselfas to their laws and customs, asked them concerning every thing whichI thought worth knowing. 

There belongs to this king an island named Cassel. They assuredme that every night a noise of drums was heard there, whence themariners fancied that it was the residence of Degial. Idetermined to visit this wonderful place, and in my way thithersaw fishes of 100 and 200 cubits long, that occasion more fearthan hurt; for they are so timorous, that they will fly upon therattling of two sticks or boards. I saw likewise other fish abouta cubit in length, that had heads like owls. 

As I was one day at the port after my return, a ship arrived, andas soon as she cast anchor, they began to unload her, and themerchants on board ordered their goods to be carried into thecustomhouse. As I cast my eye upon some bales, and looked to thename, I found my own, and perceived the bales to be the same thatI had embarked at Bussorah. I also knew the captain; but beingpersuaded that he believed me to be drowned, I went, and askedhim whose bales these were? He replied, that they belonged to amerchant at Bagdad, called Sinbad, who came to sea with him; butone day, being near an island, as was supposed, he went ashore, with several other passengers, upon this island, which was only amonstrous fish, that lay asleep upon the the sur-face of thewater: but as soon as he felt the heat of the fire they hadkindled upon his back, to dress some victuals, began to move, anddived under water. Most of the persons who were upon himperished, and among them the unfortunate Sinbad. Those balesbelonged to him, and I am resolved to trade with them until Imeet with some of his family, to whom I may return the profit. "Iam that Sinbad, " said I, "whom you thought to be dead, and thosebales are mine. "

When the captain heard me speak thus, "Heavens!" he exclaimed, "whom can we trust in these times? There is no faith left amongmen. I saw Sinbad perish with my own eyes, as did also thepassengers on board, and yet you tell me you are that Sinbad. What impudence is this? To look on you, one would take you to bea man of probity, and yet you tell a horrible falsehood, in orderto possess yourself of what does not belong to you. " "Havepatience, " replied I; "do me the favour to hear what I have tosay. " "Very well, " said he, "speak, I am ready to hear you. " ThenI told him how I had escaped, and by what adventure I met withthe grooms of Maha-raja, who had brought me to his court. 

His confidence began to abate upon this declaration, and he wasat length persuaded that I was no cheat: for there came peoplefrom his ship who knew me, paid me great compliments, andexpressed much joy at seeing me alive. At last he recollected mehimself, and embracing me, "Heaven be praised, " said he, "foryour happy escape. I cannot express the joy it affords, me; thereare your goods, take and do with them as you please. " I thankedhim, acknowledged his probity, and in requital, offered him partof my goods as a present, which he generously refused. 

I took out what was most valuable in my bales, and presented themto the Maha-raja, who, knowing my misfortune, asked me how I cameby such rarities. I acquainted him with the circumstance of theirrecovery. He was pleased at my good luck, accepted my present, and in return gave me one much more considerable. Upon this, Itook leave of him, and went aboard the same ship, after I hadexchanged my goods for the commodities of that country. I carriedwith me wood of aloes, sandal, camphire, nutmegs, cloves, pepper, and ginger. We passed by several islands, and at last arrived atBussorah, from whence I came to this city, with the value of100, 000 sequins. My family and I received one another with allthe transports of sincere affection. I bought slaves of bothsexes, and a landed estate, and built a magnificent house. Thus Isettled myself, resolving to forget the miseries I had suffered, and to enjoy the pleasures of life. 

Sinbad stopped here, and ordered the musicians to proceed withtheir concert, which the story had interrupted. The companycontinued enjoying themselves till the evening, and it was timeto retire, when Sinbad sent for a purse of 100 sequins and givingit to the porter, said, "Take this, Hindbad, return to your home, and come back to-morrow to hear more of my adventures. " Theporter went away, astonished at the honour done, and the presentmade him. The account of this adventure proved very agreeable tohis wife and children, who did not fail to return thanks to Godfor what providence had sent him by the hand of Sinbad. 

Hindbad put on his best apparel next day, and returned to thebountiful traveller, who received him with a pleasant air, andwelcomed him heartily. When all the guests had arrived, dinnerwas served, and continued a long time. When it was ended, Sinbad, addressing himself to the company, said, "Gentlemen, be pleasedto listen to the adventures of my second voyage; they deserveyour attention even more than those of the first. " Upon whichevery one held his peace, and Sinbad proceeded. 

 The Second Voyage. 

I designed, after my first voyage, to spend the rest of my daysat Bagdad, as I had the honour to tell you yesterday; but it wasnot long ere I grew weary of an indolent life. My inclination totrade revived. I bought goods proper for the commerce I intended, and put to sea a second time with merchants of known probity. Weembarked on board a good ship, and after recommending ourselvesto God, set sail. We traded from island to island, and exchangedcommodities with great profit. One day we landed in an islandcovered with several sorts of fruit-trees, but we could seeneither man nor animal. We went to take a little fresh air in themeadows, along the streams that watered them. Whilst somediverted themselves with gathering flowers, and other fruits, Itook my wine and provisions, and sat down near a stream betwixttwo high trees, which formed a thick shade. I made a good meal, and afterwards fell asleep. I cannot tell how long I slept, butwhen I awoke the ship was gone. 

I was much alarmed at finding the ship gone. I got up and lookedaround me, but could not see one of the merchants who landed withme. I perceived the ship under sail, but at such a distance, thatI lost sight of her in a short time. 

I leave you to guess at my melancholy reflections in this sadcondition: I was ready to die with grief. I cried out in agony;beat my head and breast, and threw myself upon the ground, whereI lay some time in despair, one afflicting thought beingsucceeded by another still more afflicting. I upbraided myself ahundred times for not being content with the produce of my firstvoyage, that might have sufficed me all my life. But all this wasin vain, and my repentance too late. 

At last I resigned myself to the will of God. Not knowing what todo, I climbed up to the top of a lofty tree, from whence I lookedabout on all sides, to see if I could discover any thing thatcould give me hopes. When I gazed towards the sea I could seenothing but sky and water; but looking over the land I beheldsomething white; and coming down, I took what provision I hadleft, and went towards it, the distance being so great, that Icould not distinguish what it was. 

As I approached, I thought it to be a white dome, of a prodigiousheight and extent; and when I came up to it, I touched it, andfound it to be very smooth. I went round to see if it was open onany side, but saw it was not, and that there was no climbing upto the top as it was so smooth. It was at least fifty pacesround. 

By this time the sun was about to set, and all of a sudden thesky became as dark as if it had been covered with a thick cloud. I was much astonished at this sudden darkness, but much more whenI found it occasioned by a bird of a monstrous size, that cameflying toward me. I remembered that I had often heard marinersspeak of a miraculous bird called Roc, and conceived that thegreat dome which I so much admired must be its egg. In short, thebird alighted, and sat over the egg. As I perceived her coming, Icrept to the egg, so that I had before me one of the legs of thebird, which was as big as the trunk of a tree. I tied myselfstrongly to it with my turban, in hopes that the roc next morningwould carry me with her out of this desert island. After havingpassed the night in this condition, the bird flew away as soon asit was daylight, and carried me so high, that I could not discernthe earth; she afterwards descended with so much rapidity that Ilost my senses. But when I found myself on the ground, I speedilyuntied the knot, and had scarcely done so, when the roc, havingtaken up a serpent of a monstrous length in her bill, flew away. 

The spot where it left me was encompassed on all sides bymountains, that seemed to reach above the clouds, and so steepthat there was no possibility of getting out of the valley. Thiswas a new perplexity: so that when I compared this place with thedesert island from which the roc had brought me, I found that Ihad gained nothing by the change. 

As I walked through this valley, I perceived it was strewed withdiamonds, some of which were of a surprising bigness. I tookpleasure in looking upon them; but shortly saw at a distance suchobjects as greatly diminished my satisfaction, and which I couldnot view without terror, namely, a great number of serpents, somonstrous, that the least of them was capable of swallowing anelephant. They retired in the day-time to their dens, where theyhid themselves from the roc their enemy, and came out only in thenight. 

I spent the day in walking about in the valley, resting myself attimes in such places as I thought most convenient. When nightcame on, I went into a cave, where I thought I might repose insafety. I secured the entrance, which was low and narrow, with agreat stone to preserve me from the serpents; but not so far asto exclude the light. I supped on part of my provisions, but theserpents, which began hissing round me, put me into such extremefear, that you may easily imagine I did not sleep. When dayappeared, the serpents retired, and I came out of the cavetrembling. I can justly say, that I walked upon diamonds, withoutfeeling any inclination to touch them. At last I sat down, andnotwithstanding my apprehensions, not having closed my eyesduring the night, fell asleep, after having eaten a little moreof my provision. But I had scarcely shut my eyes, when somethingthat fell by me with a great noise awaked me. This was a largepiece of raw meat; and at the same time I saw several others falldown from the rocks in different places. 

I had always regarded as fabulous what I had heard sailors andothers relate of the valley of diamonds, and of the stratagemsemployed by merchants to obtain jewels from thence; but now Ifound that they had stated nothing but truth. For the fact is, that the merchants come to the neighbourhood of this valley, whenthe eagles have young ones, and throwing great joints of meatinto the valley, the diamonds, upon whose points they fall, stickto them; the eagles, which are stronger in this country than anywhere else, pounce with great force upon those pieces of meat, and carry them to their nests on the precipices of the rocks tofeed their young: the merchants at this time run to their nests, disturb and drive off the eagles by their shouts, and take awaythe diamonds that stick to the meat. 

Until I perceived the device I had concluded it to be impossiblefor me to get from this abyss, which I regarded as my grave; butnow I changed my opinion, and began to think upon the means of mydeliverance. 

I began to collect together the largest diamonds I could find, and put them into the leather bag in which I used to carry myprovisions. I afterwards took the largest of the pieces of meat, tied it close round me with the cloth of my turban, and then laidmyself upon the ground with my face downward, the bag of diamondsbeing made fast to my girdle. 

I had scarcely placed myself in this posture when the eaglescame. Each of them seized a piece of meat, and one of thestrongest having taken me up, with the piece of meat to which Iwas fastened, carried me to his nest on the top of the mountain. The merchants immediately began their shouting to frighten theeagles; and when they had obliged them to quit their prey, one ofthem came to the nest where I was. He was much alarmed when hesaw me; but recovering himself, instead of enquiring how I camethither began to quarrel with me, and asked, why I stole hisgoods? "You will treat me, " replied I, "with more civility, whenyou know me better. Do not be uneasy, I have diamonds enough foryou and myself, more than all the other merchants together. Whatever they have they owe to chance, but I selected for myselfin the bottom of the valley those which you see in this bag. " Ihad scarcely done speaking, when the other merchants camecrowding about us, much astonished to see me; but they were muchmore surprised when I told them my story. Yet they did not somuch admire my stratagem to effect my deliverance, as my couragein putting it into execution. 

They conducted me to their encampment, and there having opened mybag, they were surprised at the largeness of my diamonds, andconfessed that in all the courts which they had visited they hadnever seen any of such size and perfection. I prayed themerchant, who owned the nest to which I had been carried (forevery merchant had his own), to take as many for his share as hepleased. He contented himself with one, and that too the least ofthem; and when I pressed him to take more, without fear of doingme any injury, "No, " said he, "I am very well satisfied withthis, which is valuable enough to save me the trouble of makingany more voyages, and will raise as great a fortune as I desire. "

I spent the night with the merchants, to whom I related my storya second time, for the satisfaction of those who had not heardit. I could not moderate my joy when I found myself deliveredfrom the danger I have mentioned. I thought myself in a dream, and could scarcely believe myself out of danger. 

The merchants had thrown their pieces of meat into the valley forseveral days. And each of them being satisfied with the diamondsthat had fallen to his lot, we left the place the next morning, and travelled near high mountains, where there were serpents of aprodigious length, which we had the good fortune to escape. Wetook shipping at the first port we reached, and touched at theisle of Roha, where the trees grow that yield camphire. This treeis so large, and its branches so thick, that one hundred men mayeasily sit under its shade. The juice, of which the camphire ismade, exudes from a hole bored in the upper part of the tree, isreceived in a vessel, where it thickens to a consistency, andbecomes what we call camphire; after the juice is thus drawn out, the tree withers and dies. 

In this island is also found the rhinoceros, an animal less thanthe elephant, but larger than the buffalo. It has a horn upon itsnose, about a cubit in length; this horn is solid, and cleftthrough the middle, upon this may be seen white lines, representing the figure of a man. The rhinoceros fights with theelephant, runs his horn into his belly, and carries him off uponhis head but the blood and the fat of the elephant running intohis eyes, and making him blind, he falls to the ground; and then, strange to relate! the roc comes and carries them both away inher claws, for food for her young ones. 

I pass over many other things peculiar to this island, lest Ishould be troublesome to you. Here I exchanged some of mydiamonds for merchandize. From hence we went to other islands, and at last, having touched at several trading towns of thecontinent, we landed at Bussorah, from whence I proceeded toBagdad. There I immediately gave large presents to the poor, andlived honourably upon the vast riches I had brought, and gainedwith so much fatigue. 

Thus Sinbad ended the relation of the second voyage, gave Hindbadanother hundred sequins, and invited him to come the next day tohear the account of the third. The rest of the guests returned totheir homes, and came again the following day at the same hour, and one may be sure the porter did not fail, having by this timealmost forgotten his former poverty. When dinner was over, Sinbaddemanded attention, and gave them an account of his third voyage, as follows. 

 The Third Voyage. 

I soon lost in the pleasures of life the remembrance of theperils I had encountered in my two former voyages; and being inthe flower of my age, I grew weary of living without business, and hardening myself against the thought of any danger I mightincur, went from Bagdad to Bussorah with the richest commoditiesof the country. There I embarked again with some merchants. Wemade a long voyage, and touched at several ports, where wecarried on a considerable trade. One day, being out in the mainocean, we were overtaken by a dreadful tempest, which drove usfrom our course. The tempest continued several days, and broughtus before the port of an island, which the captain was veryunwilling to enter; but we were obliged to cast anchor. When wehad furled our sails, the captain told us, that this, and someother neighbouring islands, were inhabited by hairy savages, whowould speedily attack us; and though they were but dwarfs, yetour misfortune was such, that we must make no resistance, forthey were more in number than the locusts; and if we happened tokill one of them, they would all fall upon us and destroy us. 

This account of the captain, continued Sinbad put the wholecompany into great consternation and we soon found that what hehad told us was but too true; an innumerable multitude offrightful savages, about two feet high, covered all over with redhair, came swimming towards us, and encompassed our ship. Theyspoke to us as they came near, but we understood not theirlanguage; they climbed up the sides of the ship with such agilityas surprised us. We beheld all this with dread, but withoutdaring to defend ourselves, or to divert them from theirmischievous design. In short, they took down our sails, cut thecable, and hauling to the shore, made us all get out, andafterwards carried the ship into another island from whence theyhad come. All voyagers carefully avoided the island where theyleft us, it being very dangerous to stay there, for a reason youshall presently hear; but we were forced to bear our afflictionwith patience. 

We went forward into the island, where we gathered some fruitsand herbs to prolong our lives as long as we could; but weexpected nothing but death. As we advanced, we perceived at adistance a vast pile of building, and made towards it. We foundit to be a palace, elegantly built, and very lofty, with a gateof ebony of two leaves, which we forced open. We entered thecourt, where we saw before us a large apartment, with a porch, having on one side a heap of human bones, and on the other a vastnumber of roasting spits. We trembled at this spectacle, andbeing fatigued with travelling, fell to the ground, seized withdeadly apprehension, and lay a long time motionless. 

The sun set, and whilst we were in the lamentable condition Ihave described, the gate of the apartment opened with a loudcrash, and there came out the horrible figure of a black man, astall as a lofty palm-tree. He had but one eye, and that in themiddle of his forehead, where it looked as red as a burning coal. His fore-teeth were very long and sharp, and stood out of hismouth, which was as deep as that of a horse. His upper lip hungdown upon his breast. His ears resembled those of an elephant, and covered his shoulders; and his nails were as long and crookedas the talons of the greatest birds. At the sight of so frightfula giant, we became insensible, and lay like dead men. 

At last we came to ourselves, and saw him sitting in the porchlooking at us. When he had considered us well, he advancedtowards us, and laying his hand upon me, took me up by the napeof my neck, and turned round as a butcher would do a sheep'shead. After having examined me, and perceiving me to be so leanthat I had nothing but skin and bone, he let me go. He took upall the rest one by one, and viewed them in the same manner. Thecaptain being the fattest, he held him with one hand, as I woulddo a sparrow, and thrust a spit through him; he then kindled agreat fire, roasted, and ate him in his apartment for his supper. Having finished his repast, he returned to his porch, where helay and fell asleep, snoring louder than thunder. He slept thustill morning. As to ourselves, it was not possible for us toenjoy any rest, so that we passed the night in the most painfulapprehension that can be imagined. When day appeared the giantawoke, got up, went out, and left us in the palace. 

When we thought him at a distance, we broke the melancholysilence we had preserved the whole of the night, and filled thepalace with our lamentations and groans. Though we were severalin number, and had but one enemy, it never occurred to us toeffect our deliverance by putting him to death. This enterprizehowever, though difficult of execution, was the only design weought naturally to have formed. 

We thought of several other expedients, but determined upon none;and submitting ourselves to what it should please God to orderconcerning us, we spent the day in traversing the island, supporting ourselves with fruits and herbs as we had done the daybefore. In the evening we sought for some place of shelter, butfound none; so that we were forced, whether we would or not, toreturn to the palace. 

The giant failed not to return, and supped once more upon one ofour companions, after which he slept, and snored till day, andthen went out and left us as before. Our situation appeared to usso dreadful, that several of my comrades designed to throwthemselves into the sea, rather than die so painful a death; andendeavoured to persuade the others to follow their example. Uponwhich one of the company answered, "That we were forbidden todestroy ourselves: but even if that were not the case, it wasmuch more reasonable to devise some method to rid ourselves ofthe monster who had destined us to so horrible a fate. "

Having thought of a project for this purpose, I communicated itto my comrades, who approved it. "Brethren, " said I, "you knowthere is much timber floating upon the coast; if you will beadvised by me, let us make several rafts capable of bearing us, and when they are done, leave them there till we find itconvenient to use them. In the mean time, we will carry intoexecution the design I proposed to you for our deliverance fromthe giant, and if it succeed, we may remain here patientlyawaiting the arrival of some ship to carry us out of this fatalisland; but if it happen to miscarry, we will take to our rafts, and put to sea. I admit that by exposing ourselves to the fury ofthe waves, we run a risk of losing our lives; but is it notbetter to be buried in the sea than in the entrails of thismonster, who has already devoured two of our number?" My advicewas approved, and we made rafts capable of carrying three personson each. 

We returned to the palace towards the evening, and the giantarrived shortly after. We were forced to submit to seeing anotherof our comrades roasted. But at last we revenged ourselves on thebrutish giant in the following manner. After he had finished hiscursed supper, he lay down on his back, and fell asleep. As soonas we heard him snore, according to his custom, nine of theboldest among us, and myself, took each of us a spit, and puttingthe points of them into the fire till they were burning hot, wethrust them into his eye all at once, and blinded him. The painmade him break out into a frightful yell: he started up, andstretched out his hands, in order to sacrifice some of us to hisrage: but we ran to such places as he could not reach; and afterhaving sought for us in vain, he groped for the gate, and wentout, howling in agony. 

We quitted the palace after the giant, and came to the shore, where we had left our rafts, and put them immediately to sea. Wewaited till day, in order to get upon them, in case the giantshould come towards us with any guide of his own species, but wehoped if he did not appear by sun-rising, and gave over hishowling, which we still heard, that he would prove to be dead;and if that happened to be the case, we resolved to stay in thatisland, and not to risk our lives upon the rafts: but day hadscarcely appeared, when we perceived our cruel enemy, accompaniedwith two others almost of the same size, leading him; and a greatnumber more coming before him at a quick pace. 

We did not hesitate to take to our rafts, and put to sea with allthe speed we could. The giants, who perceived this, took up greatstones, and running to the shore, entered the water up to themiddle, and threw so exactly, that they sunk all the rafts butthat I was upon; and all my companions, except the two with me, were drowned. We rowed with all our might, and got out of thereach of the giants. But when we got out to sea, we were exposedto the mercy of the waves and winds, and tossed about, sometimeson one side, and sometimes on another, and spent that night andthe following day under the most painful uncertainty as to ourfate; but next morning we had the good fortune to be thrown uponan island, where we landed with much joy. We found excellentfruit, which afforded us great relief, and recruited ourstrength. 

At night we went to sleep on the sea-shore but were awakened bythe noise of a serpent of surprising length and thickness, whosescales made a rustling noise as he wound himself along. Itswallowed up one of my comrades, notwithstanding his loud cries, and the efforts he made to extricate himself from it; dashing himseveral times against the ground, it crushed him, and we couldhear it gnaw and tear the poor wretch's bones, though we had fledto a considerable distance. The following day, to our greatterror, we saw the serpent again, when I exclaimed, "O heaven, towhat dangers are we exposed! We rejoiced yesterday at havingescaped from the cruelty of a giant and the rage of the waves, now are we fallen into another danger equally dreadful. "

As we walked about, we saw a large tall tree upon which wedesigned to pass the following night, for our security; andhaving satisfied our hunger with fruit, we mounted it according. Shortly after, the serpent came hissing to the foot of the tree;raised himself up against the trunk of it, and meeting with mycomrade, who sat lower than I, swallowed him at once, and wentoff. 

I remained upon the tree till it was day, and then came down, more like a dead man than one alive, expecting the same fate withmy two companions. This filled me with horror, and I advancedsome steps to throw myself into the sea; but the natural love oflife prompting us to prolong it as long as we can, I withstoodthis dictate of despair, and submitted myself to the will of God, who disposes of our lives at his pleasure. 

In the mean time I collected together a great quantity of smallwood, brambles, and dry thorns, and making them up intofaggots, made a wide circle with them round the tree, and alsotied some of them to the branches over my head. Having done this, when the evening came, I shut myself up within this circle, withthe melancholy satisfaction, that I had neglected nothing whichcould preserve me from the cruel destiny with which I wasthreatened. The serpent failed not to come at the usual hour, andwent round the tree, seeking for an opportunity to devour me, butwas prevented by the rampart I had made; so that he lay till day, like a cat watching in vain for a mouse that has fortunatelyreached a place of safety. When day appeared, he retired, but Idared not to leave my fort until the sun arose. 

I felt so much fatigued by the labour to which it had put me, andsuffered so much from his poisonous breath, that death seemedmore eligible to me than the horrors of such a state. I came downfrom the tree, and, not thinking of the resignation I had thepreceding day resolved to exercise, I ran towards the sea, with adesign to throw myself into it. 

God took compassion on my hopeless state; for just as I was goingto throw myself into the sea, I perceived a ship at aconsiderable distance. I called as loud as I could, and takingthe linen from my turban, displayed it, that they might observeme. This had the desired effect; the crew perceived me, and thecaptain sent his boat for me. As soon as I came on board, themerchants and seamen flocked about me, to know how I came intothat desert island; and after I had related to them all that hadbefallen me, the oldest among them said to me, they had severaltimes heard of the giants that dwelt in that island, that theywere cannibals, and ate men raw as well as roasted; and as to theserpents, they added, that there were abundance in the islandthat hid themselves by day, and came abroad by night. Afterhaving testified their joy at my escaping so many dangers, theybrought me the best of their provisions; and the captain, seeingthat I was in rags, was so generous as to give me one of his ownsuits. We continued at sea for some time, touched at severalislands, and at last landed at that of Salabat, where sandal woodis obtained, which is of great use in medicine. We entered theport, and came to anchor. The merchants began to unload theirgoods, in order to sell or exchange them. In the mean time, thecaptain came to me, and said, "Brother, I have here some goodsthat belonged to a merchant, who sailed some time on board thisship, and he being dead, I design to dispose of them for thebenefit of his heirs, when I find who they are. " The bales hespoke of lay on the deck, and shewing them to me, he said, "Thereare the goods; I hope you will take care to sell them, and youshall have factorage. " I thanked him for thus affording me anopportunity of employing myself, because I hated to be idle. 

The clerk of the ship took an account of all the bales, with thenames of the merchants to whom they belonged. And when he askedthe captain in whose name he should enter those he had given methe charge of; "Enter them, " said the captain, "in the name ofSinbad. " I could not hear myself named without some emotion; andlooking stedfastly on the captain, I knew him to be the personwho, in my second voyage, had left me in the island where I fellasleep, and sailed without me, or sending to see for me. But Icould not recollect him at first, he was so much altered since Ihad seen him. 

I was not surprised that he, believing me to be dead, did notrecognize me. "Captain, " said I, "was the merchant's name, towhom those bales belonged, Sinbad?" "Yes, " replied he, "that washis name; he came from Bagdad, and embarked on board my ship atBussorah. One day, when we landed at an island to take in waterand other refreshments, I knew not by what mistake, I sailedwithout observing that he did not re-embark with us; neither Inor the merchants perceived it till four hours after. We had thewind in our stern, and so fresh a gale, that it was not thenpossible for us to tack about for him. " "You believe him then tobe dead?" said I. "Certainly, " answered he. "No, captain, " Iresumed; "look at me, and you may know that I am Sinbad, whom youleft in that desert island. "

The captain, continued Sinbad, having considered me attentively, recognized me. "God be praised, " said he, embracing me; "Irejoice that fortune has rectified my fault. There are yourgoods, which I always took care to preserve. " I took them fromhim, and made him the acknowledgments to which he was entitled. 

From the isle of Salabat, we went to another, where I furnishedmyself with cloves, cinnamon, and other spices. As we sailed fromthis island, we saw a tortoise twenty cubits in length andbreadth. We observed also an amphibious animal like a cow, whichgave milk; its skin is so hard, that they usually make bucklersof it. I saw another, which had the shape and colour of a camel. 

In short, after a long voyage, I arrived at Bussorah, and fromthence returned to Bagdad, with so much wealth that I knew notits extent. I gave a great deal to the poor, and bought anotherconsiderable estate in addition to what I had already. 

Thus Sinbad finished the history of his third voyage; gaveanother hundred sequins to Hindbad, invited him to dinner againthe next day, to hear the story of his fourth voyage. Hindbad andthe company retired; and on the following day, when theyreturned, Sinbad after dinner continued the relation of hisadventures. 

 The Fourth Voyage. 

The pleasures and amusements which I enjoyed after my thirdvoyage had not charms sufficient to divert me from another. Mypassion for trade, and my love of novelty, again prevailed. Itherefore settled my affairs, and having provided a stock ofgoods fit for the traffic I designed to engage in, I set out onmy journey. I took the route of Persia, travelled over severalprovinces, and then arrived at a port, where I embarked. Wehoisted our sails, and touched at several ports of the continent, and some of the eastern islands, and put out to sea: we wereovertaken by such a sudden gust of wind, as obliged the captainto lower his yards, and take all other necessary precautions toprevent the danger that threatened us. But all was in vain ourendeavours had no effect; the sails were split in a thousandpieces, and the ship was stranded; several of the merchants andseamen were drowned and the cargo was lost. 

I had the good fortune, with several of the merchants andmariners, to get upon some planks, and we were carried by thecurrent to an island which lay before us. There we found fruitand spring water, which preserved our lives. We staid all nightnear the place where we had been cast ashore, without consultingwhat we should do; our misfortune had so much dispirited us thatwe could not deliberate. 

Next morning, as soon as the sun was up, we walked from theshore, and advancing into the island, saw some houses, which weapproached. As soon as we drew near, we were encompassed by agreat number of negroes, who seized us, shared us among them, andcarried us to their respective habitations. 

I, and five of my comrades, were carried to one place; here theymade us sit down, and gave us a certain herb, which they madesigns to us to eat. My comrades not taking notice that the blacksate none of it themselves, thought only of satisfying theirhunger, and ate with greediness. But I, suspecting some trick, would not so much as taste it, which happened well for me; for inlittle time after, I perceived my companions had lost theirsenses, and that when they spoke to me, they knew not what theysaid. 

The negroes fed us afterwards with rice, prepared with oil ofcocoa-nuts; and my comrades, who had lost their reason, ate of itgreedily. I also partook of it, but very sparingly. They gave usthat herb at first on purpose to deprive us of our senses, thatwe might not be aware of the sad destiny prepared for us; andthey supplied us with rice to fatten us; for, being cannibals, their design was to eat us as soon as we grew fat. Thisaccordingly happened, for they devoured my comrades, who were notsensible of their condition; but my senses being entire, you mayeasily guess that instead of growing fat, as the rest did, I grewleaner every day. The fear of death under which I laboured, turned all my food into poison. I fell into a languishingdistemper, which proved my safety; for the negroes, having killedand eaten my companions, seeing me to be withered, lean, andsick, deferred my death. 

Meanwhile I had much liberty, so that scarcely any notice was taken ofwhat I did, and this gave me an opportunity one day to get at adistance from the houses, and to make my escape. An old man, who sawme, and suspected my design, called to me as loud as he could toreturn; but instead of obeying him, I redoubled my speed, and quicklygot out of sight. At that time there was none but the old man aboutthe houses, the rest being abroad, and not to return till night, whichwas usual with them. Therefore, being sure that they could not arrivetime enough to pursue me, I went on till night, when I stopped to resta little, and to eat some of the provisions I had secured; but Ispeedily set forward again, and travelled seven days, avoiding thoseplaces which seemed to be inhabited, and lived for the most part uponcocoa-nuts, which served me both for meat and drink. On the eighth dayI came near the sea, and saw some white people like myself, gatheringpepper, of which there was great plenty in that place. This I took tobe a good omen, and went to them without any scruple. 

The people who gathered pepper came to meet me as soon as theysaw me, and asked me in Arabic who I was, and whence I came? Iwas overjoyed to hear them speak in my own language, andsatisfied their curiosity, by giving them an account of myshipwreck, and how I fell into the hands of the negroes. "Thosenegroes, " replied they, "eat men, and by what miracle did youescape their cruelty?" I related to them the circumstances I havejust mentioned, at which they were wonderfully surprised. 

I staid with them till they had gathered their quantity ofpepper, and then sailed with them to the island from whence theyhad come. They presented me to their king, who was a good prince. He had the patience to hear the relation of my adventures, whichsurprised him; and he afterwards gave me clothes, and commandedcare to be taken of me. 

The island was very well peopled, plentiful in everything, andthe capital a place of great trade. This agreeable retreat wasvery comfortable to me after my misfortunes, and the kindness ofthis generous prince completed my satisfaction. In a word, therewas not a person more in favour with him than myself; and, consequently, every man in court and city sought to oblige me; sothat in a very little time I was looked upon rather as a nativethan a stranger. 

I observed one thing, which to me appeared very extraordinary. All the people, the king himself not excepted, rode their horseswithout saddle, bridle, or stirrups. This made me one day takethe liberty to ask the king how it came to pass? His majestyanswered, that I talked to him of things which nobody knew theuse of in his dominions. 

I went immediately to a workman, and gave him a model for makingthe stock of a saddle. When that was done, I covered it myselfwith velvet and leather, and embroidered it with gold. Iafterwards went to a smith, who made me a bit, according to thepattern I shewed him, and also some stirrups. When I had allthings completed, I presented them to the king, and put them uponone of his horses. His majesty mounted immediately, and was sopleased with them, that he testified his satisfaction by largepresents. I could not avoid making several others for theministers and principal officers of his household, who all ofthem made me presents that enriched me in a little time. I alsomade some for the people of best quality in the city, whichgained me great reputation and regard. 

As I paid my court very constantly to the king, he said to me oneday, "Sinbad, I love thee; and all my subjects who know thee, treat thee according to my example. I have one thing to demand ofthee, which thou must grant. " "Sir, " answered I, "there isnothing but I will do, as a mark of my obedience to your majesty, whose power over me is absolute. " "I have a mind thou shouldstmarry, " replied he, "that so thou mayst stay in my dominions, andthink no more of thy own country. " I durst not resist theprince's will, and he gave me one of the ladies of his court, noble, beautiful, and rich. The ceremonies of marriage beingover, I went and dwelt with my wife, and for some time we livedtogether in perfect harmony. I was not, however, satisfied withmy banishment, therefore designed to make my escape the firstopportunity, and to return to Bagdad; which my presentsettlement, how advantageous soever, could not make me forget. 

At this time the wife of one of my neighbours, with whom I hadcontrasted a very strict friendship, fell sick, and died. I wentto see and comfort him in his affliction, and finding himabsorbed in sorrow, I said to him as soon as I saw him, "Godpreserve you and grant you a long life. " "Alas!" replied he, "howdo you think I should obtain the favour you wish me? I have notabove an hour to live. " "Pray, " said I, "do not entertain such amelancholy thought; I hope I shall enjoy your company manyyears. " "I wish you, " he replied, "a long life; but my days areat an end, for I must be buried this day with my wife. This is alaw which our ancestors established in this island, and it isalways observed inviolably. The living husband is interred withthe dead wife, and the living wife with the dead husband. Nothingcan save me; every one must submit to this law. "

While he was giving me an account of this barbarous custom, the veryrelation of which chilled my blood, his kindred, friends, andneighbours, came in a body to assist at the funeral. They dressed thecorpse of the woman in her richest apparel, and all her jewels, as ifit had been her wedding-day; then they placed her on an open coffin, and began their march to the place of burial. The husband walked atthe head of the company, and followed the corpse. They proceeded to ahigh mountain, and when they had reached the place of theirdestination, they took up a large stone, which covered the mouth of adeep pit, and let down the corpse with all its apparel and jewels. Then the husband, embracing his kindred and friends, suffered himselfto be put into another open coffin without resistance, with a pot ofwater, and seven small loaves, and was let down in the same manner. The mountain was of considerable length, and extended along thesea-shore, and the pit was very deep. The ceremony being over, theaperture was again covered with the stone, and the company returned. 

It is needless for me to tell you that I was a most melancholyspectator this funeral, while the rest were scarcely moved, thecustom was to them so familiar. I could not forbear communicatingto the king my sentiment respecting the practice: "Sir, " I said, "I cannot but feel astonished at the strange usage observed inthis country, of burying the living with the dead. I have been agreat traveller, and seen many countries, but never heard of socruel a law. " "What do you mean, Sinbad?" replied the king: "itis a common law. I shall be interred with the queen, my wife, ifshe die first. " "But, Sir, " said I, "may I presume to ask yourmajesty, if strangers be obliged to observe this law?" "Withoutdoubt, " returned the king (smiling at the occasion of myquestion), "they are not exempted, if they be married in thisisland. "

I returned home much depressed by this answer; for the fear of mywife's dying first, and that I should be interred alive with her, occasioned me very uneasy reflections. But there was no remedy; Imust have patience, and submit to the will of God. I trembledhowever at every little indisposition of my wife. Alas! in alittle time my fears were realized, for she fell sick, and died. 

Judge of my sorrow; to be interred alive, seemed to me asdeplorable a termination of life as to be devoured by cannibals. It was necessary, however, to submit. The king and all his courtexpressed their wish to honour the funeral with their presence, and the most considerable people of the city did the same. Whenall was ready for the ceremony, the corpse was put into a coffin, with all her jewels and her most magnificent apparel. Theprocession began, and as second actor in this doleful tragedy, Iwent next the corpse, with my eyes full of tears, bewailing mydeplorable fate. Before we reached the mountain, I made anattempt to affect the minds of the spectators: I addressed myselfto the king first, and then to all those that were round me;bowing before them to the earth, and kissing the border of theirgarments, I prayed them to have compassion upon me. "Consider, "said I, "that I am a stranger, and ought not to be subject tothis rigorous law, and that I have another wife and children inmy own country. " Although I spoke in the most pathetic manner, noone was moved by my address; on the contrary, they ridiculed mydread of death as cowardly, made haste to let my wife's corpseinto the pit, and lowered me down the next moment in an opencoffin, with full of water and seven loaves. In short, the fatalceremony being performed, they covered over the mouth of the pit, notwithstanding my grief and piteous lamentations. 

As I approached the bottom, I discovered by the aid of the littlelight that came from above the nature of this subterranean place, it seemed an endless cavern, and might be about fifty fathomdeep. I was annoyed by an insufferable stench proceeding from themultitude of bodies which I saw on the right and left; nay, Ifancied that I heard some of them sigh out their last. However, when I got down, I immediately left my coffin, and getting at adistance from the bodies, held my nose, and lay down upon theground, where I stayed a considerable time, bathed in tears. Atlast, reflecting on my melancholy case, "It is true, " said I, "that God disposes all things according to the degrees of hisprovidence; but, unhappy Sinbad, hast thou any but thyself toblame that thou art brought to die so strange a death? Would toGod thou hadst perished in some of those tempests which thou hastescaped! then thy death had not been so lingering, and soterrible in all its circumstances. But thou hast drawn all thisupon thyself by thy inordinate avarice. Ah, unfortunate wretch!shouldst thou not rather have remained at home, and quietlyenjoyed the fruits of thy labour?"

Such were the vain complaints with which I filled the cave, beating my head and breast out of rage and despair, andabandoning myself to the most afflicting thoughts. Nevertheless, I must tell you, that instead of calling death to my assistancein that miserable condition, I felt still an inclination to live, and to do all I could to prolong my days. I went groping about, with my nose stopped, for the bread and water that was in mycoffin, and took some of it. Though the darkness of the cave wasso great that I could not distinguish day and night, yet I alwaysfound my coffin again, and the cave seemed to be more spaciousand fuller of bodies than it had appeared to be at first. I livedfor some days upon my bread and water, which being all spent, Iat last prepared for death. 

As I was thinking of death, I heard the stone lifted up from themouth of the cave, and immediately the corpse of a man was letdown When reduced to necessity, it is natural to come to extremeresolutions. While they let down the woman I approached the placewhere her coffin was to be put, and as soon as I perceived theywere again covering the mouth of the cave, gave the unfortunatewretch two or three violent blows over the head, with a largebone; which stunned, or, to say the truth, killed her. Icommitted this inhuman action merely for the sake of the breadand water that was in her coffin, and thus I had provision forsome days more. When that was spent, they letdown another deadwoman, and a living man; I killed the man in the same manner, and, as there was then a sort of mortality in the town, bycontinuing this practice I did not want for provisions. 

One day after I had dispatched another woman, I heard somethingtread, and breathing or panting as it walked. I advanced towardsthat side from whence I heard the noise, and on my approach thecreature puffed and blew harder, as if running away from me. Ifollowed the noise, and the thing seemed to stop sometimes, butalways fled and blew as I approached. I pursued it for aconsiderable time, till at last I perceived a light, resembling astar; I went on, sometimes lost sight of it, but always found itagain, and at last discovered that it came through a hole in therock, large enough to admit a man. 

Upon this, I stopped some time to rest, being much fatigued withthe rapidity of my progress: afterwards coming up to the hole, Igot through, and found myself upon the sea shore. I leave you toguess the excess of my joy: it was such, that I could scarcelypersuade myself that the whole was not a dream. 

But when I was recovered from my surprise, and convinced of thereality of my escape, I perceived what I had followed to be acreature which came out of the sea, and was accustomed to enterthe cavern and feed upon the bodies of the dead. 

I examined the mountain, and found it to be situated betwixt thesea and the town, but without any passage to or communicationwith the latter; the rocks on the sea side being high andperpendicularly steep. I prostrated myself on the shore to thankGod for this mercy, and afterwards entered the cave again tofetch bread and water, which I ate by daylight with a betterappetite than I had done since my interment in the dark cavern. 

I returned thither a second time, and groped among the coffinsfor all the diamonds, rubies, pearls, gold bracelets, and richstuffs I could find; these I brought to the shore, and tying themup neatly into bales, with the cords that let down the coffins, Ilaid them together upon the beach, waiting till some ship mightappear, without fear of rain, for it was then the dry season. 

After two or three days, I perceived a ship just come out of theharbour, making for the place where I was. I made a sign with thelinen of my turban, and called to the crew as loud as I could. They heard me, and sent a boat to bring me on board, when theyasked by what misfortune I came thither; I told them that I hadsuffered shipwreck two days before, and made shift to get ashorewith the goods they saw. It was fortunate for me that thesepeople did not consider the place where I was, nor enquire intothe probability of what I told them; but without hesitation tookme on board with my goods. When I came to the ship, the captainwas so well pleased to have saved me, and so much taken up withhis own affairs, that he also took the story of my pretendedshipwreck upon trust, and generously refused some jewels which Ioffered him. 

We passed by several islands, and among others that called theisle of Bells, about ten days' sail from Serendib, with a regularwind, and six from that of Kela, where we landed. This islandproduces lead mines, Indian canes, and excellent camphire. 

The king of the isle of Kela is very rich and powerful, and theisle of Bells, which is about two days journey in extent, is alsosubject to him. The inhabitants are so barbarous that they stilleat human flesh. After we had finished our traffic in thatisland, we put to sea again, and touched at several other ports;at last I arrived happily at Bagdad with infinite riches, ofwhich it is needless to trouble you with the detail. Out ofgratitude to God for his mercies, I contributed liberally towardsthe support of several mosques, and the subsistence of the poor, gave myself up to the society of my kindred and friends, enjoyingmyself with them in festivities and amusements. 

Here Sinbad finished the relation of his fourth voyage, whichappeared more surprising to the company than the three former. Hemade a new present of one hundred sequins to Hindbad, whom herequested to return with the rest next day at the same hour todine with him, and hear the story of his fifth voyage. Hindbadand the other guests took their leave and retired. Next morningwhen they all met, they sat down at table, and when dinner wasover, Sinbad began the relation of his fifth voyage as follows. 

 The Fifth Voyage. 

The pleasures I enjoyed had again charms enough to make me forgetall the troubles and calamities I had undergone, but could notcure me of my inclination to make new voyages. I therefore boughtgoods, departed with them for the best sea-port; and there, thatI might not be obliged to depend upon a captain, but have a shipat my own command, I remained till one was built on purpose, atmy own charge. When the ship was ready, I went on board with mygoods; but not having enough to load her, I agreed to take withme several merchants of different nations with their merchandize. 

We sailed with the first fair wind, and after a long navigationthe first place we touched at was a desert island, where we foundan egg of a roe, equal in size to that I formerly mentioned. There was a young roc it just ready to be hatched, and its billhad begun to appear. 

The merchants whom I had taken on board, and who landed with me, broke the egg with hatchets, and made a hole in it, pulled outthe young roc piecemeal, and roasted it. I had earnestlyintreated them not to meddle with the egg, but they would notlisten to me. 

Scarcely had they finished their repast, when there appeared inthe air at a considerable distance from us two great clouds. Thecaptain whom I had hired to navigate my ship, knowing byexperience what they meant, said they were the male and femaleroc that belonged to the young one, and pressed us to re-embarkwith all speed, to prevent the misfortune which he saw wouldotherwise befall us. We hastened on board, and set sail with allpossible expedition. 

In the mean time, the two roes approached with a frightful noise, which they redoubled when they saw the egg broken, and theiryoung one gone. They flew back in the direction they had come, and disappeared for some time, while we made all the sail wecould to endeavour to prevent that which unhappily befell us. 

They soon returned, and we observed that each of them carried betweenits talons stones, or rather rocks, of a monstrous size. When theycame directly over my ship, they hovered, and one of them let fall astone, but by the dexterity of the steersman it missed us, and fallinginto the sea, divided the water so that we could almost see thebottom. The other roe, to our misfortune, threw his messy burden soexactly upon the middle of the ship, as to split it into a thousandpieces. The mariners and passengers were all crushed to death, orsunk. I myself was of the number of the latter; but as I came upagain, I fortunately caught hold of a piece of the wreck, and swimmingsometimes with one hand, and sometimes with the other, but alwaysholding fast my board, the wind and the tide favouring me, I came toan island, whose shore was very steep. I overcame that difficulty, however, and got ashore. 

I sat down upon the grass, to recover myself from my fatigue, after which I went into the island to explore it. It seemed to bea delicious garden. I found trees everywhere, some of thembearing green, and others ripe fruits, and streams of fresh purewater running in pleasant meanders. I ate of the fruits, which Ifound excellent; and drank of the water, which was very light andgood. 

When night closed in, I lay down upon the grass in a convenientspot, but could not sleep an hour at a time, my mind beingapprehensive of danger. I spent best part of the night in alarm, and reproached myself for my imprudence in not remaining at home, rather than undertaking this last voyage. These reflectionscarried me so far, that I began to form a design against my life;but daylight dispersed these melancholy thoughts. I got up, andwalked among the trees, but not without some fears. 

When I was a little advanced into the island, I saw an old man, who appeared very weak and infirm. He was sitting on the bank ofa stream, and at first I took him to be one who had beenshipwrecked like myself. I went towards him and saluted him, buthe only slightly bowed his head. I asked him why he sat so still, but instead of answering me, he made a sign for me to take himupon my back, and carry him over the brook, signifying that itwas to gather fruit. 

I believed him really to stand in need of my assistance, took himupon my back, and having carried him over, bade him get down, andfor that end stooped, that he might get off with ease; butinstead of doing so (which I laugh at every time I think of it)the old man, who to me appeared quite decrepit, clasped his legsnimbly about my neck, when I perceived his skin to resemble thatof a cow. He sat astride upon my shoulders, and held my throat sotight, that I thought he would have strangled me, theapprehension of which make me swoon and fall down. 

Notwithstanding my fainting, the ill-natured old fellow kept fastabout my neck, but opened his legs a little to give me time torecover my breath. When I had done so, he thrust one of his feetagainst my stomach, and struck me so rudely on the side with theother, that he forced me to rise up against my will. Havingarisen, he made me walk under the trees, and forced me now andthen to stop, to gather and eat fruit such as we found. He neverleft me all day, and when I lay down to rest at night, laidhimself down with me, holding always fast about my neck. Everymorning he pushed me to make me awake, and afterwards obliged meto get up and walk, and pressed me with his feet. You may judgethen, gentlemen, what trouble I was in, to be loaded with such aburden of which I could not get rid. 

One day I found in my way several dry calebashes that had fallenfrom a tree. I took a large one, and after cleaning it, pressedinto it some juice of grapes, which abounded in the island;having filled the calebash, I put it by in a convenient place, and going thither again some days after, I tasted it, and foundthe wine so good, that it soon made me forget my sorrow, gave menew vigour, and so exhilarated my spirits, that I began to singand dance as I walked along. 

The old man, perceiving the effect which this liquor had upon me, and that I carried him with more ease than before, made me a signto give him some of it. I handed him the calebash, and the liquorpleasing his palate, he drank it all off. There being aconsiderable quantity of it, he became drunk immediately, and thefumes getting up into his head, he began to sing after hismanner, and to dance with his breech upon my shoulders. Hisjolting made him vomit, and he loosened his legs from about me bydegrees. Finding that he did not press me as before, I threw himupon the ground, where he lay without motion; I then took up agreat stone, and crushed his head to pieces. 

I was extremely glad to be thus freed for ever from thistroublesome fellow. I now walked towards the beach, where I metthe crew of a ship that had cast anchor, to take in water. Theywere surprised to see me, but more so at hearing the particularsof my adventures. "You fell, " said they, "into the hands of theold man of the sea, and are the first who ever escaped stranglingby his malicious tricks. He never quitted those he had once madehimself master of, till he had destroyed them, and he has madethis island notorious by the number of men he has slain; so thatthe merchants and mariners who landed upon it, durst not advanceinto the island but in numbers at a time. "

After having informed me of these things, they carried me withthem to the ship; the captain received me with great kindness, 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 greatcity, the houses of which were built with hewn stone. 

One of the merchants who had taken me into his friendship invitedme to go along with him, and carried me to a place appointed forthe accommodation of foreign merchants. He gave me a large bag, and having recommended me to some people of the town, who used togather cocoa-nuts, desired them to take me with them. "Go, " saidhe, "follow them, and act as you see them do, but do not separatefrom them, otherwise you may endanger your life. " Having thusspoken, he gave me provisions for the journey, and I went withthem. 

We came to a thick forest of cocoa-trees, very lofty, with trunksso smooth that it was not possible to climb to the branches thatbore the fruit. When we entered the forest we saw a great numberof apes of several sizes, who fled as soon as they perceived us, and climbed up to the top of the trees with surprising swiftness. 

The merchants with whom I was, gathered stones and threw them atthe apes on the trees. I did the same, and the apes out ofrevenge threw cocoa-nuts at us so fast, and with such gestures, as sufficiently testified their anger and resentment. We gatheredup the cocoa-nuts, and from time to time threw stones to provokethe apes; so that by this stratagem we filled our bags withcocoa-nuts, which it had been impossible otherwise to have done. 

When we had gathered our number, we returned to the city, wherethe merchant, who had sent me to the forest, gave me the value ofthe cocoas I brought: "Go on, " said he, "and do the like everyday, until you have got money enough to carry you home. " Ithanked him for his advice, and gradually collected as manycocoa-nuts as produced me a considerable sum. 

The vessel in which I had come sailed with some merchants, wholoaded her with cocoa-nuts. I expected the arrival of another, which anchored soon after for the like loading. I embarked in herall the cocoa-nuts I had, and when she was ready to sail, tookleave of the merchant who had been so kind to me; but he couldnot embark with me, because he had not finished his business atthe port. 

We sailed towards the islands, where pepper grows in greatplenty. From thence we went to the isle of Comari, where the bestspecies of wood of aloes grows, and whose inhabitants have madeit an inviolable law to themselves to drink no wine, and sufferno place of debauch. I exchanged my cocoa in those two islandsfor pepper and wood of aloes, and went with other merchants apearl-fishing. I hired divers, who brought me up some that werevery large and pure. I embarked in a vessel that happily arrivedat Bussorah; from thence I returned to Bagdad, where I made vastsums of my pepper, wood of aloes, and pearls. I gave the tenth ofmy gains in alms, as I had done upon my return from my othervoyages, and endeavoured to dissipate my fatigues by amusementsof different kinds. 

When Sinbad had finished his story, he ordered one hundredsequins to be given to Hindbad, who retired with the otherguests; but next morning the same company returned to dine withrich Sinbad; who, after having treated them as formerly, requested their attention, and gave the following account of hissixth voyage. 

 The Sixth Voyage. 

Gentlemen, you long without doubt to know, how, after having beenshipwrecked five times, and escaped so many dangers, I couldresolve again to tempt fortune, and expose myself to newhardships? I am, myself, astonished at my conduct when I reflectupon it, and must certainly have been actuated by my destiny. Butbe that as it may, after a year's rest I prepared for a sixthvoyage, notwithstanding the intreaties of my kindred and friends, who did all in their power to dissuade me. 

Instead of taking my way by the Persian gulf, I travelled oncemore through several provinces of Persia and the Indies, andarrived at a sea-port, where I embarked in a ship, the captain ofwhich was bound on a long voyage. It was long indeed, and at thesame time so unfortunate, that the captain and pilot lost theircourse. They however at last discovered where they were, but wehad no reason to rejoice at the circumstance. Suddenly we saw thecaptain quit his post, uttering loud lamentations. He threw offhis turban, pulled his beard, and beat his head like a madman. Weasked him the reason, and he answered, that he was in the mostdangerous place in all the ocean. "A rapid current carries theship along with it, and we shall all perish in less than aquarter of an hour. Pray to God to deliver us from this peril; wecannot escape, if he do not take pity on us. " At these words heordered the sails to be lowered; but all the ropes broke, and theship was carried by the current to the foot of an inaccessiblemountain, where she struck and went to pieces, yet in such amanner that we saved our lives, our provisions, and the best ofour goods. 

This being over, the captain said to us, "God has done whatpleased him. Each of us may dig his grave, and bid the worldadieu; for we are all in so fatal a place, that none shipwreckedhere ever returned to their homes. " His discourse afflicted ussensibly, and we embraced each other, bewailing our deplorablelot. 

The mountain at the foot of which we were wrecked formed part ofthe coast of a very large island. It was covered with wrecks, andfrom the vast number of human bones we saw everywhere, and whichfilled us with horror, we concluded that multitudes of people hadperished there. It is also incredible what a quantity of goodsand riches we found cast ashore. All these objects served only toaugment our despair. In all other places, rivers run from theirchannels into the sea, but here a river of fresh water runs outof the sea into a dark cavern, whose entrance is very high andspacious. What is most remarkable in this place is, that thestones of the mountain are of crystal, rubies, or other preciousstones. Here is also a sort of fountain of pitch or bitumen, thatruns into the sea, which the fish swallow, and evacuate soonafterwards, turned into ambergris: and this the waves throw up onthe beach in great quantities. Trees also grow here, most ofwhich are wood of aloes, equal in goodness to those of Comari. 

To finish the description of this place, which may well be calleda gulf, since nothing ever returns from it, it is not possiblefor ships to get off when once they approach within a certaindistance. If they be driven thither by a wind from the sea, thewind and the current impel them; and if they come into it when aland-wind blows, which might seem to favour their getting outagain, the height of the mountain stops the wind, and occasions acalm, so that the force of the current carries them ashore: andwhat completes the misfortune is, that there is no possibility ofascending the mountain, or of escaping by sea. 

We continued upon the shore in a state of despair, and expecteddeath every day. At first we divided our provisions as equally aswe could, and thus every one lived a longer or shorter time, according to his temperance, and the use he made of hisprovisions. 

Those who died first were interred by the survivors, and I paidthe last duty to all my companions: nor are you to wonder atthis; for besides that I husbanded the provision that fell to myshare better than they, I had some of my own which I did notshare with my comrades; yet when I buried the last, I had solittle remaining, that I thought I could not long survive: I duga grave, resolving to lie down in it, because there was no oneleft to inter me. I must confess to you at the same time, thatwhile I was thus employed, I could not but reproach myself as thecause of my own ruin, and repented that I had ever undertakenthis last voyage. Nor did I stop at reflections only, but hadwell nigh hastened my own death, and began to tear my hands withmy teeth. 

But it pleased God once more to take compassion on me, and put itin my mind to go to the bank of the river which ran into thegreat cavern. Considering its probable course with greatattention, I said to myself, "This river, which runs thus underground, must somewhere have an issue. If I make a raft, and leavemyself to the current, it will convey me to some inhabitedcountry, or I shall perish. If I be drowned, I lose nothing, butonly change one kind of death for another; and if I get out ofthis fatal place, I shall not only avoid the sad fate of mycomrades, but perhaps find some new occasion of enriching myself. Who knows but fortune waits, upon my getting off this dangerousshelf, to compensate my shipwreck with usury. "

I immediately went to work upon large pieces of timber andcables, for I had choice of them, and tied them together sostrongly, that I soon made a very solid raft. When I hadfinished, I loaded it with some bulses of rubies, emeralds, ambergris, rock-crystal, and bales of rich stuffs. Havingbalanced my cargo exactly, and fastened it well to the raft, Iwent on board with two oars that I had made, and leaving it tothe course of the river, resigned myself to the will of God. 

As soon as I entered the cavern, I lost all light, and the streamcarried me I knew not whither. Thus I floated some days inperfect darkness, and once found the arch so low, that it verynearly touched my head, which made me cautious afterwards toavoid the like danger. All this while I ate nothing but what wasjust necessary to support nature; yet, notwithstanding myfrugality, all my provisions were spent. Then a pleasing stuporseized upon me. I cannot tell how long it continued; but when Irevived, I was surprised to find myself in an extensive plain onthe brink of a river, where my raft was tied, amidst a greatnumber of negroes. I got up as soon as I saw them, and salutedthem. They spoke to me, but I did not understand their language. I was so transported with joy, that I knew not whether I wasasleep or awake; but being persuaded that I was not asleep, Irecited the following words in Arabic aloud: "Call upon theAlmighty, he will help thee; thou needest not perplex thyselfabout 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, be not surprised to see us, we are inhabitants of this country, and came hither to-day towater our fields, by digging little canals from this river, whichcomes out of the neighbouring mountain. We observed somethingfloating upon the water, went to see what it was, and, perceivingyour raft, one of us swam into the river, and brought it thither, where we fastened it, as you see, until you should awake. Praytell us your history, for it must be extraordinary; how did youventure yourself into this river, and whence did you come?" "Ibegged of them first to give me something to eat, and then Iwould satisfy their curiosity. They gave me several sorts offood, and when I had satisfied my hunger, I related all that hadbefallen me, which they listened to with attentive surprise. Assoon as I had finished, they told me, by the person who spokeArabic and interpreted to them what I said, that it was one ofthe most wonderful stories they had ever heard, and that I mustgo along with them, and tell it their king myself; it being tooextraordinary to be related by any other than the person to whomthe events had happened. I assured them that I was ready to dowhatever they pleased. "

They immediately sent for a horse, which was brought in a littletime; and having helped me to mount, some of them walked beforeto shew the way, while the rest took my raft and cargo andfollowed. 

We marched till we came to the capital of Serendib, for it was inthat island I had landed. The blacks presented me to their king;I approached his throne, and saluted him as I used to do thekings of the Indies; that is to say, I prostrated myself at hisfeet. The prince ordered me to rise, received me with an obligingair, and made me sit down near him. He first asked me my name, and I answered, "People call me Sinbad the voyager, because ofthe many voyages I have undertaken, and I am a citizen ofBagdad. " "But, " resumed he, "how came you into my dominions, andfrom whence came you last?"

I concealed nothing from the king; I related to him all that Ihave told you, and his majesty was so surprised and pleased, thathe commanded my adventures to be written in letters of gold, andlaid up in the archives of his kingdom. At last my raft wasbrought in, and the bales opened in his presence; he admired thequantity of wood of aloes and ambergris, but, above all, therubies and emeralds, for he had none in his treasury thatequalled them. 

Observing that he looked on my jewels with pleasure, and viewedthe most remarkable among them one after another, I fellprostrate 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 ofthe raft, and I would beg of you to dispose of it as your own. "He answered me with a smile, "Sinbad, I will take care not tocovet any thing of yours, or to take any thing from you that Godhas given you; far from lessening your wealth, I design toaugment it, and will not let you quit my dominions without marksof my liberality. " All the answer I returned were prayers for theprosperity of that nobly minded prince, and commendations of hisgenerosity and bounty. He charged one of his officers to takecare of me, and ordered people to serve me at his own expence. The officer was very faithful in the execution of his commission, and caused all the goods to be carried to the lodgings providedfor me. 

I went every day at a set hour to make my court to the king, andspent the rest of my time in viewing the city, and what was mostworthy of notice. 

The isle of Serendib is situated just under the equinoctial line;so that the days and nights there are always of twelve hourseach, and the island is eighty parasangs in length, and as manyin breadth. 

The capital stands at the end of a fine valley, in the middle ofthe island, encompassed by mountains the highest in the world. They are seen three days' sail off at sea. Rubies and severalsorts of minerals abound, and the rocks are for the most partcomposed of a metalline stone made use of to cut and polish otherprecious stones. All kinds of rare plants and trees grow there, especially cedars and cocoa-nut. There is also a pearl-fishing inthe mouth of its principal river; and in some of its valleys arefound diamonds. I made, by way of devotion, a pilgrimage to theplace where Adam was confined after his banishment from Paradise, and had the curiosity to go to the top of the mountain. 

When I returned to the city, I prayed the king to allow me toreturn to my own country, and he granted me permission in themost obliging and most honourable manner. He would needs force arich present upon me; and when I went to take my leave of him, hegave me one much more considerable, and at the same time chargedme with a letter for the commander of the faithful, oursovereign, saying to me, "I pray you give this present from me, and this letter to the caliph, and assure him of my friendship. "I took the present and letter in a very respectful manner, andpromised his majesty punctually to execute the commission withwhich he was pleased to honour me. Before I embarked, this princesent for the captain and the merchants who were to go with me, and ordered them to treat me with all possible respect. 

The letter from the king of Serendib was written on the skin of acertain animal of great value, because of its being so scarce, and of a yellowish colour. The characters of this letter were ofazure, and the contents as follows:

"The king of the Indies, before whom march one hundred elephants, who lives in a palace that shines with one hundred thousandrubies, and who has in his treasury twenty thousand crownsenriched with diamonds, to caliph Haroon al Rusheed. 

"Though the present we send you be inconsiderable, receive ithowever as a brother and a friend, in consideration of the heartyfriendship which we bear for you, and of which we are willing togive you proof. We desire the same part in your friendship, considering that we believe it to be our merit, being of the samedignity with yourself. We conjure you this in quality of abrother. Adieu. "

The present consisted first, of one single ruby made into a cup, about half a foot high, an inch thick, and filled with roundpearls of half a drachm each. 2. The skin of a serpent, whosescales were as large as an ordinary piece of gold, and had thevirtue to preserve from sickness those who lay upon it. 3. Fiftythousand drachms of the best wood of aloes, with thirty grains ofcamphire as big as pistachios. 4. A female slave of ravishingbeauty, whose apparel was all covered over with jewels. 

The ship set sail, and after a very successful navigation welanded at Bussorah, and from thence I went to Bagdad, where thefirst thing I did was to acquit myself of my commission. 

Scheherazade stopped, because day appeared, and next nightproceeded thus. 

I took the king of Serendib's letter, and went to present myselfat the gate of the commander of the faithful, followed by thebeautiful slave, and such of my own family as carried thepresents. I stated the reason of my coming, and was immediatelyconducted to the throne of the caliph. I made my reverence, and, after a short speech, gave him the letter and present. When hehad read what the king of Serendib wrote to him, he asked me, ifthat prince were really so rich and potent as he representedhimself in his letter? I prostrated myself a second time, andrising again, said, "Commander of the faithful, I can assure yourmajesty he doth not exceed the truth. I bear him witness. Nothingis more worthy of admiration than the magnificence of his palace. When the prince appears in public, he has a throne fixed on theback of an elephant, and marches betwixt two ranks of hisministers, favourites, and other people of his court; before him, upon the same elephant, an officer carries a golden lance in hishand; and behind the throne there is another, who stands upright, with a column of gold, on the top of which is an emerald half afoot long, and an inch thick; before him march a guard of onethousand men, clad in cloth of gold and silk, and mounted onelephants richly caparisoned. 

"While the king is on his march, the officer, who is before him on thesame elephant, cries from time to time, with a loud voice, 'Behold thegreat monarch, the potent and redoubtable sultan of the Indies, whosepalace is covered with one hundred thousand rubies, and who possessestwenty thousand crowns of diamonds. Behold the monarch greater thanSolomon, and the powerful Maha-raja. ' After he has pronounced thosewords, the officer behind the throne cries in his turn, 'This monarch, so great and so powerful, must die, must die, must die. ' And theofficer before replies, 'Praise be to him who lives for ever. '

"Farther, the king of Serendib is so just, that there are nojudges in his dominions. His people have no need of them. Theyunderstand and observe justice rigidly of themselves. "

The caliph was much pleased with my account. "The wisdom of thatking, " said he, "appears in his letter, and after what you tellme, I must confess, that his wisdom is worthy of his people, andhis people deserve so wise a prince. " Having spoken thus, hedismissed me, and sent me home with a rich present. 

Sinbad left off, and his company retired, Hindbad having firstreceived one hundred sequins; and next day they returned to hearthe relation of his seventh and last voyage. 

 The Seventh and Last Voyage. 

Being returned from my sixth voyage, said Sinbad, I absolutelylaid aside all thoughts of travelling; for, besides that my agenow required rest, I was resolved no more to expose myself tosuch risks as I had encountered; so that I thought of nothing butto pass the rest of my days in tranquillity. One day as I wastreating my friends, one of my servants came and told me that anofficer of the caliph's enquired for me. I rose from table, andwent to him. "The caliph, " he said, "has sent me to tell you, that he must speak with you. " I followed the officer to thepalace, where being presented to the caliph, I saluted him byprostrating myself at his feet. "Sinbad, " said he to me, "I standin need of your service; you must carry my answer and present tothe king of Serendib. It is but just I should return hiscivility. "

This command of the caliph was to me like a clap of thunder. "Commander of the faithful, " I replied, "I am ready to dowhatever your majesty shall think fit to command; but I beseechyou most humbly to consider what I have undergone. I have alsomade a vow never to go out of Bagdad. " Hence I took occasion togive him a full and particular account of all my adventures, which he had the patience to hear out. 

As soon as I had finished, "I confess, " said he, "that the thingsyou tell me are very extraordinary, yet you must for my sakeundertake this voyage which I propose to you. You will only haveto go to the isle of Serendib, and deliver the commission which Igive you. After that you are at liberty to return. But you mustgo; for you know it would not comport with my dignity, to beindebted to the king of that island. " Perceiving that the caliphinsisted upon my compliance, I submitted, and told him that I waswilling to obey. He was very well pleased, and ordered me onethousand sequins for the expences of my journey. 

I prepared for my departure in a few days, and as soon as thecaliph's letter and present were delivered to me, I went toBussorah, where I embarked, and had a very happy voyage. Havingarrived at the isle of Serendib, I acquainted the king'sministers with my commission, and prayed them to get me speedyaudience. They did so, and I was conducted to the palace in anhonourable manner, where I saluted the king by prostration, according to custom. That prince knew me immediately, andtestified very great joy at seeing me. "Sinbad, " said he, "youare welcome; I have many times thought of you since you departed;I bless the day on which we see one another once more. " I made mycompliment to him, and after having thanked him for his kindness, delivered the caliph's letter and present, which he received withall imaginable satisfaction. 

The caliph's present was a complete suit of cloth of gold, valuedat one thousand sequins; fifty robes of rich stuff, a hundred ofwhite cloth, the finest of Cairo, Suez, and Alexandria; a vesselof agate broader than deep, an inch thick, and half a foot wide, the bottom of which represented in bass relief a man with oneknee on the ground, who held bow and an arrow, ready to dischargeat a lion. He sent him also a rich tablet, which, according totradition, belonged to the great Solomon. The caliph's letter wasas follows:

"Greeting, in the name of the sovereign guide of the right way, from the dependent on God, Haroon al Rusheed, whom God hath setin the place of vicegerent to his prophet, after his ancestors ofhappy memory, to the potent and esteemed Raja of Serendib. 

"We received your letter with joy, and send you this from ourimperial residence, the garden of superior wits. We hope when youlook upon it, you will perceive our good intention and be pleasedwith it. Adieu. "

The king of Serendib was highly gratified that the caliphanswered his friendship. A little time after this audience, Isolicited leave to depart, and had much difficulty to obtain it. I procured it however at last, and the king, when he dismissedme, made me a very considerable present. I embarked immediatelyto return to Bagdad, but had not the good fortune to arrive thereso speedily as I had hoped. God ordered it otherwise. 

Three or four days after my departure, we were attacked bycorsairs, who easily seized upon our ship, because it was novessel of force. Some of the crew offered resistance, which costthem their lives. But for myself and the rest, who were not soimprudent, the corsairs saved us on purpose to make slaves of us. 

We were all stripped, and instead of our own clothes, they gaveus sorry rags, and carried us into a remote island, where theysold us. 

I fell into the hands of a rich merchant, who, as soon as hebought me, carried me to his house, treated me well, and clad mehandsomely for a slave. Some days after, not knowing who I was, he asked me if I understood any trade? I answered, that I was nomechanic, but a merchant, and that the corsairs, who sold me, hadrobbed me of all I possessed. "But tell me, " replied he, "can youshoot with a bow?" I answered, that the bow was one of myexercises in my youth. He gave me a bow and arrows, and, takingme behind him upon an elephant, carried me to a thick forest someleagues from the town. We penetrated a great way into the wood, and when he thought fit to stop, he bade me alight; then shewingme a great tree, "Climb up that, " said he, "and shoot at theelephants as you see them pass by, for there is a prodigiousnumber of them in this forest, and if any of them fall, come andgive me notice. " Having spoken thus, he left me victuals, andreturned to the town, and I continued upon the tree all night. 

I saw no elephant during that time, but next morning, as soon asthe sun was up, I perceived a great number. I shot several arrowsamong them, and at last one of the elephants fell, when the restretired immediately, and left me at liberty to go and acquaint mypatron with my booty. When I had informed him, he gave me a goodmeal, commended my dexterity, and caressed me highly. We wentafterwards together to the forest, where we dug a hole for theelephant; my patron designing to return when it was rotten, andtake his teeth to trade with. 

I continued this employment for two months, and killed anelephant every day, getting sometimes upon one tree, andsometimes upon another. One morning, as I looked for theelephants, I perceived with extreme amazement, that, instead ofpassing by me across the forest as usual, they stopped, and cameto me with a horrible noise, in such number that the plain wascovered, and shook under them. They encompassed the tree in whichI was concealed, with their trunks extended, and all fixed theireyes upon. At this alarming spectacle I continued immoveable, andwas so much terrified, that my bow and arrows fell out of myhand. 

My fears were not without cause; for after the elephants hadstared upon me some time, one of the largest of them put histrunk round the foot of the tree, plucked it up, and threw it onthe ground; I fell with the tree, and the elephant taking me upwith his trunk, laid me on his back, where I sat more like onedead than alive, with my quiver on my shoulder. He put himselfafterwards at the head of the rest, who followed him in troops, carried me a considerable way, then laid me down on the ground, and retired with all his companions. Conceive, if you can, thecondition I was in: I thought myself in a dream. After havinglain some time, and seeing the elephants gone, I got up, andfound I was upon a long and broad hill, almost covered with thebones and teeth of elephants. I confess to you, that this objectfurnished me with abundance of reflections. I admired theinstinct of those animals; I doubted not but that was theirburying place, and that they carried me thither on purpose totell me that I should forbear to persecute them, since I did itonly for their teeth. I did not stay on the hill, but turnedtowards the city, and, after having travelled a day and a night, I came to my patron. I met no elephant in my way, which made methink they had retired farther into the forest, to leave me atliberty to come back to the hill without any obstacle. 

As soon as my patron saw me; "Ah, poor Sinbad, " exclaimed he, "Iwas in great trouble to know what was become of you. I have beenat the forest, where I found a tree newly pulled up, and a bowand arrows on the ground, and after having sought for you invain, I despaired of ever, seeing you more. Pray tell me whatbefell you, and by what good chance thou art still alive. " Isatisfied his curiosity, and going both of us next morning to thehill, he found to his great joy that what I had told him wastrue. We loaded the elephant which had carried us with as manyteeth as he could bear; and when we were returned, "Brother, "said my patron, "for I will treat you no more as my slave, afterhaving made such a discovery as will enrich me, God bless youwith all happiness and prosperity. I declare before him, that Igive you your liberty. I concealed from you what I am now goingto tell you. 

"The elephants of our forest have every year killed us a greatmany slaves, whom we sent to seek ivory. For all the cautions wecould give them, those crafty animals destroyed them one time orother. God has delivered you from their fury, and has bestowedthat favour upon you only. It is a sign that he loves you, andhas some use for your service in the world. You have procured meincredible wealth. Formerly we could not procure ivory but byexposing the lives of our slaves, and now our whole city isenriched by your means. Do not think I pretend to have rewardedyou by giving you your liberty, I will also give you considerableriches. I could engage all our city to contribute towards makingyour fortune, but I will have the glory of doing it myself. "

To this obliging declaration I replied, "Patron, God preserveyou. Your giving me my liberty is enough to discharge what youowe me, and I desire no other reward for the service I had thegood fortune to do to you and your city, but leave to return tomy own country. " "Very well, " said he, "the monsoon will in alittle time bring ships for ivory. I will then send you home, andgive you wherewith to bear your charges. " I thanked him again formy liberty and his good intentions towards me. I staid with himexpecting the monsoon; and during that time, we made so manyjourneys to the hill, that we filled all our warehouses withivory. The other merchants, who traded in it, did the same, forit could not be long concealed from them. 

The ships arrived at last, and my patron, himself having madechoice of the ship wherein I was to embark, loaded half of itwith ivory on my account, laid in provisions in abundance for mypassage, and besides obliged me to accept a present of somecuriosities of the country of great value. After I had returnedhim a thousand thanks for all his favours, I went aboard. We setsail, and as the adventure which procured me this liberty wasvery extraordinary, I had it continually in my thoughts. 

We stopped at some islands to take in fresh provisions. Ourvessel being come to a port on the main land in the Indies, wetouched there, and not being willing to venture by sea toBussorah, I landed my proportion of the ivory, resolving toproceed on my journey by land. I made vast sums of my ivory, bought several rarities, which I intended for presents, and whenmy equipage was ready, set out in company with a large caravan ofmerchants. I was a long time on the way, and suffered much, butendured all with patience, when I considered that I had nothingto fear from the seas, from pirates, from serpents, or from theother perils to which I had been exposed. 

All these fatigues ended at last, and I arrived safe at Bagdad. Iwent immediately to wait upon the caliph, and gave him an accountof my embassy. That prince said he had been uneasy, as I was solong in returning, but that he always hoped God would preserveme. When I told him the adventure of the elephants, he seemedmuch surprised, and would never have given any credit to it hadhe not known my veracity. He deemed this story, and the otherrelations I had given him, to be so curious, that he ordered oneof his secretaries to write them in characters of gold, and laythem up in his treasury. I retired well satisfied with thehonours I received, and the presents which he gave me; and eversince I have devoted myself wholly to my family, kindred, andfriends. 

Sinbad here finished the relation of his seventh and last voyage, and then addressing himself to Hindbad, "Well, friend, " said he, "did you ever hear of any person that suffered so much as I havedone, or of any mortal that has gone through so manyvicissitudes? Is it not reasonable that, after all this I shouldenjoy a quiet and pleasant life?" As he said this, Hindbad drewnear to him, and kissing his hand, said, "I must acknowledge, sir, that you have gone through many imminent dangers; mytroubles are not comparable to yours: if they afflict me for atime, I comfort myself with the thoughts of the profit I get bythem. You not only deserve a quiet life, but are worthy of allthe riches you enjoy, because you make of them such a good andgenerous use. May you therefore continue to live in happiness andjoy till the day of your death!" Sinbad gave him one hundredsequins more, received him into the number of his friends, desired him to quit his porter's employment, and come and dineevery day with him, that he might have reason to remember Sinbadthe voyager. 

 THE THREE APPLES. 

The Caliph Haroon al Rusheed one day commanded the grand vizierJaffier to come to his palace the night following. "Vizier, " saidhe, "I will take a walk round the town, to inform myself whatpeople say, and particularly how they are pleased with myofficers of justice. If there be any against whom they have causeof just complaint, we will turn them out, and put others in theirstead, who shall officiate better. If, on the contrary, there beany that have gained their applause, we will have that esteem forthem which they deserve. " The grand vizier being come to thepalace at the hour appointed, the caliph, he, and Mesrour thechief of the eunuchs, disguised themselves so that they could notbe known, and went out all three together. 

They passed through several places, and by several markets. Asthey entered a small street, they perceived by the light of themoon, a tall man, with a white beard, who carried nets on hishead, and a staff in his hand. "To judge from his appearance, "said the caliph, "that old man is not rich; let us go to him andinquire into his circumstances. " "Honest man, " said the vizier, "who art thou?" The old man replied, "Sir, I am a fisher, but oneof the poorest and most miserable of the trade. I went from myhouse about noon a fishing, and from that time to this I have notbeen able to catch one fish; at the same time I have a wife andsmall children, and nothing to maintain them. "

The caliph, moved with compassion, said to the fisherman, "Hastthou the courage to go back and cast thy net once more? We willgive thee a hundred sequins for what thou shalt bring up. " Atthis proposal, the fisherman, forgetting all his day's toil, tookthe caliph at his word, and returned to the Tigris, accompaniedby the caliph, Jaaffier, and Mesrour; saying to himself as hewent, "These gentlemen seem too honest and reasonable not toreward my pains; and if they give me the hundredth part of whatthey promise, it will be an ample recompence. "

They came to the bank of the river, and the fisherman, havingthrown in his net, when he drew it again, brought up a trunkclose shut, and very heavy. The caliph made the grand vizier payhim one hundred sequins immediately, and sent him away. Mesrour, by his master's order, carried the trunk on his shoulder, and thecaliph was so very eager to know what it contained, that hereturned to the palace with all speed. When the trunk was opened, they found in it a large basket made of palm-leaves, shut up, andthe covering of it sewed with red thread. To satisfy the caliph'simpatience, they would not take time to undo it, but cut thethread with a knife, and took out of the basket a package wraptup in a sorry piece of hanging, and bound about with a rope;which being untied, they found, to their great amazement, thecorpse of a young lady, whiter than snow, all cut in pieces. 

The astonishment of the caliph was great at this dreadfulspectacle. His surprise was instantly changed into passion, anddarting an angry look at the vizier, "Thou wretch, " said he, "isthis your inspection into the actions of my people? Do theycommit such impious murders under thy ministry in my capital, andthrow my subjects into the Tigris, that they may cry forvengeance against me at the day of judgment? If thou dost notspeedily avenge the murder of this woman, by the death of hermurderer, I swear by heaven, that I will cause thee and fortymore of thy kindred to be impaled. " "Commander of the faithful, "replied the grand vizier, "I beg your majesty to grant me time tomake enquiry. " "I will allow thee no more, " said the caliph, "than three days. "

The vizier Jaaffier went home in great perplexity. "Alas!" saidhe "how is it possible that in such a vast and populous city asBagdad, I should be able to detect a murderer, who undoubtedlycommitted the crime without witness, and perhaps may be alreadygone from hence? Any other vizier than I would take some wretchedperson out of prison, and cause him to be put to death to satisfythe caliph; but I will not burden my conscience with such abarbarous action; I will rather die than preserve my life by thesacrifice of another innocent person. "

He ordered the officers of the police and justice to make strictsearch for the criminal. They sent their servants about, and theywere not idle themselves, for they were no less concerned in thismatter than the vizier. But all their endeavours were to nopurpose; what pains soever they took they could not discover themurderer; so that the vizier concluded his life to be lost. 

The third day being arrived, an officer came to the unfortunateminister, with a summons to follow him, which the vizier obeyed. The caliph asked him for the murderer. He answered, "Commander ofthe faithful, I have not found any person that could give me theleast account of him. " The caliph, full of fury and rage, gavehim many reproachful words, and ordered that he and fortyBermukkees should be impaled at the gate of the palace. 

In the mean while the stakes were preparing, and orders were sentto seize forty Bermukkees in their houses; a public crier wassent about the city by the caliph's order, to cry thus: "Thosewho have a desire to see the grand vizier Jaaffier impaled, withforty of his kindred, let them come to the square before thepalace. "

When all things were ready, the criminal judge, and many officersbelonging to the palace, having brought out the grand vizier withthe forty Bermukkees, set each by the stake designed for him. Themultitude of people that filled the square could not withoutgrief and tears behold this tragical sight; for the grand vizierand the Bermukkees were loved and honoured on account of theirprobity, bounty, and impartiality, not only in Bagdad, butthrough all the dominions of the caliph. 

Nothing could prevent the execution of this prince's severe andirrevocable sentence, and the lives of the most deserving peoplein the city were just going to be sacrificed, when a young man ofhandsome mien pressed through the crowd till he came up to thegrand vizier, and after he had kissed his hand, said, "Mostexcellent vizier, chief of the emirs of this court, and comforterof the poor, you are not guilty of the crime for which you standhere. Withdraw, and let me expiate the death of the lady that wasthrown into the Tigris. It is I who murdered her, and I deserveto be punished for my offence. "

Though these words occasioned great joy to the vizier, yet hecould not but pity the young man, in whose look he saw somethingthat instead of evincing guilt was engaging: but as he was aboutto answer him, a tall man advanced in years, who had likewiseforced his way through the crowd, came up to him, saying, "Do notbelieve what this young man tells you, I killed that lady who wasfound in the trunk, and this punishment ought only to fall uponme. I conjure you in the name of God not to punish the innocentfor the guilty. " "Sir, " said the young man to the vizier, "I doprotest that I am he who committed this vile act, and nobody elsehad any concern in it. " "My son, " said the old man, "it isdespair that brought you hither, and you would anticipate yourdestiny. I have lived a long while in the world, and it is timefor me to be gone; let me therefore sacrifice my life for yours. ""Sir, " said he again to the vizier, "I tell you once more I amthe murderer; let me die without delay. "

The controversy between the old and the young man induced thegrand vizier to carry them both before the caliph, to which thejudge criminal consented, being glad to serve the vizier. When hecame before the prince, he kissed the ground seven times, andspake after this manner: "Commander of the faithful, I havebrought here before your majesty this old and this young man, each of whom declares himself to be the sole murderer of thelady. " The caliph asked the criminals which of them it was thatso cruelly murdered the lady, and threw her into the Tigris? Theyoung man assured him it was he, but the old man maintained thecontrary. "Go, " said the caliph to the grand vizier, "and causethem both to be impaled. " "But, Sir, " said the vizier, "if onlyone of them be guilty, it would be unjust to take the lives ofboth. " At these words the young man spoke again, "I swear by thegreat God, who has raised the heavens so high, that I am the manwho killed the lady, cut her in pieces, and about four days agothrew her into the Tigris. I renounce my part of happinessamongst the just at the day of judgment, if what I say be nottruth; therefore I am he that ought to suffer. " The caliph beingsurprised at this oath, believed him; especially since the oldman made no answer. Whereupon, turning to the young man, "Wretch, " said he, "what made thee commit that detestable crime, and what is it that moves thee to offer thyself voluntarily todie?" "Commander of the faithful, " said he, "if all that has pastbetween that lady and me were set down in writing, it would be ahistory that might be useful to other men. " "I command thee thento relate it, " said the caliph. The young man obeyed, and beganhis history. 

 The Story of the Lady who was Murdered, and of the Young Man her Husband. 

Commander of the faithful, this murdered lady was my wife, daughter of this old man, who is my uncle by the father's side. She was not above twelve years old, when eleven years ago he gaveher to me. I have three children by her, all boys, yet alive, andI must do her the justice to say, that she never gave me theleast occasion for offence; she was chaste, of good behaviour, and made it her whole business to please me. And on my part Iardently loved her, and in every thing rather anticipated thanopposed her wishes. 

About two months ago she fell sick; I took all imaginable care ofher, and spared nothing that could promote her speedy recovery. After a month thus passed she began to grow better, and expresseda wish to go to the bath. Before she went, "Cousin, " said she(for so she used to call me out of familiarity), "I long for someapples; if you would get me any, you would greatly please me. Ihave longed for them a great while, and I must own it is come tothat height, that if I be not satisfied very soon, I fear somemisfortune will befall me. " "I will cheerfully try, " said I, "anddo all in my power to make you easy. "

I went immediately round all the markets and shops in the town toseek for apples, but I could not get one, though I offered to paya sequin a piece. I returned home much dissatisfied at myfailure; and for my wife, when she returned from the bagnio, andsaw no apples, she became so very uneasy, that she could notsleep all night. I got up by times in the morning, and wentthrough all the gardens, but had no better success than the daybefore; only I happened to meet an old gardener, who told me, that all my pains would signify nothing, for I could not expectto find apples any where but in your majesty's garden atBussorah. As I loved my wife passionately, and would not neglectto satisfy her, I dressed myself in a traveller's habit, andafter I had told her my design, went to Bussorah, and made myjourney with such speed, that I returned at the end of fifteendays with three apples, which cost me a sequin apiece, for asthere were no more left, the gardener would not let me have themfor less. As soon as I came home, I presented them to my wife, but her longing had ceased, she satisfied herself with receivingthem, and laid them down by her. In the mean time she continuedsickly, and I knew not what remedy to procure for her relief. 

Some few days after I returned from my journey, sitting in myshop in the public place where all sorts of fine stuffs are sold, I saw an ugly, tall, black slave come in, with an apple in hishand, which I knew to be one of those I had brought fromBussorah. I had no reason to doubt it, because I was certainthere was not one to be had in Bagdad, nor in any of the gardensin the vicinity. I called to him, and said, "Good slave, pr'ytheetell me where thou hadst this apple?" "It is a present" (said he, smiling) "from my mistress. I went to see her to-day, and foundher out of order. I saw three apples lying by her, and asked herwhere she had them. She told me the good man, her husband, hadmade a fortnight's journey on purpose, and brought them to her. We had a collation together; and, when I took my leave of her, Ibrought away this apple. "

This account rendered me distracted. I rose, shut up my shop, ranhome with all speed, and going to my wife's chamber, lookedimmediately for the apples, and seeing only two, asked what wasbecome of the third. My wife, turning her head to the place wherethe apples lay, and perceiving there were but two, answered mecoldly, "Cousin, I know not what is become of it. " At this replyI was convinced what the slave had told me was true; and givingmyself up to madness and jealousy, drew my knife from my girdle, and thrust it into the unfortunate creature's throat. Iafterwards cut off her head, and divided her body into fourquarters, which I packed up in a bundle, sewed it up with athread of red yarn, put all together in a trunk, and when nightcame, carried it on my shoulder down to the Tigris, where I sunkit. 

The two youngest of my children were asleep, the third was out;but at my return, I found him sitting by my gate, weeping. Iasked him the reason; "Father, " said he, "I took this morningfrom my mother, without her knowledge, one of those three applesyou brought her, and kept it a long while; but, as I was playingsome time ago with my little brother in the street, a tall slavepassing by snatched it out of my hands, and carried it away. Iran after him, demanding it back, and besides told him, that itbelonged to my mother, who was sick; and that you had made afortnight's journey to procure it; but all to no purpose, hewould not restore it. And as I still followed him, crying out, heturned and beat me, and then ran away as fast as he could fromone lane to another, till at length I lost sight of him. I havesince been walking without the town expecting your return, topray you, dear father, not to tell my mother of it, lest itshould make her worse!" When he had thus spoken he fell a weepingagain more bitterly than before. 

My son's account afflicted me beyond measure. I then found myselfguilty of an enormous crime, and repented too late of having soeasily believed the calumnies of a wretched slave, who, from whathe had learnt of my son, had invented that fatal falsehood. 

My uncle here present came just at that time to see his daughter, but instead of finding her alive, understood from me that she wasdead, for I concealed nothing from him; and without staying forhis censure, declared myself the greatest criminal in the world. 

Upon this, instead of reproaching me, he joined his tears withmine, and we together wept three days without intermission, hefor the loss of a daughter whom he had loved tenderly; and I forthe loss of a beloved wife, of whom I had deprived myself in socruel a manner by giving too easy credit to the report of a lyingslave. 

This, commander of the faithful, is the sincere confession yourmajesty required from me. You have now heard all thecircumstances of my crime, and I must humbly beg of you to orderthe punishment due for it; how severe soever it may be, I shallnot in the least complain, but esteem it too easy and light. 

The caliph was much astonished at the young man's relation. Butthis just prince, finding he was rather to be pitied thancondemned, began to speak in his favour: "This young man'scrime, " said he, "is pardonable before God, and excusable withmen. The wicked slave is the sole cause of this murder; it is healone that must be punished: wherefore, " continued he, lookingupon the grand vizier, "I give you three days' time to find himout; if you do not bring him within that space, you shall die inhis stead. " The unfortunate Jaaffier, had thought himself out ofdanger, was perplexed at this order of the caliph; but as hedurst not return any answer to the prince, whose hasty temper heknew too well, he departed from his presence, and retiredmelancholy to his house, convinced that he had but three days tolive; for he was so fully persuaded that he should not find theslave, that he made not the least enquiry after him. "Is itpossible, " said he, "that in such a city as Bagdad, where thereis an infinite number of negro slaves, I should be able to findhim out that is guilty? Unless God be pleased to interpose as hehath already to detest the murderer, nothing can save my life. "

He spent the first two days in mourning with his family, who satround him weeping and complaining of the caliph's cruelty. Thethird day being arrived, he prepared himself to die with courage, as an honest minister, and one who had nothing to trouble hisconscience; he sent for notaries and witnesses' who signed hiswill. After which he took leave of his wife and children, andbade them farewell. All his family were drowned in tears, so thatthere never was a more sorrowful spectacle. At last a messengercame from the caliph to tell him that he was out of all patience, having heard nothing from him concerning the negro slave whom hehad commanded him to search for; "I am therefore ordered, " saidthe messenger, "to bring you before his throne. " The afflictedvizier, obeyed the mandate, but as he was going out, they broughthim his youngest daughter, about five or six years of age, toreceive his last blessing. 

As he had a particular affection for that child, he prayed themessenger to give him leave to stop a moment, and taking hisdaughter in his arms, kissed her several times: as he kissed her, he perceived she had something in her bosom that looked bulky, and had a sweet scent. "My dear little one, " said he, "what hastthou in thy bosom?" "My dear father, " she replied, "it is anapple which our slave Rihan sold me for two sequins. "

At these words apple and slave, the grand vizier, uttered anexclamation of surprise, intermixed with joy, and putting hishand into the child's bosom, pulled out the apple. He caused theslave, who was not far off, to be brought immediately, and whenhe came, "Rascal, " said he, "where hadst thou this apple?" "Mylord, " replied the slave, "I swear to you that I neither stole itin your house, nor out of the commander of the faithful's garden;but the other day, as I was passing through a street where threeor four children were at play, one of them having it in his hand, I snatched it from him, and carried it away. The child ran afterme, telling me it was not his own, but belonged mother, who wassick; and that his father, to satisfy her longing, had made along journey, and brought home three apples, whereof this wasone, which he had taken from his mother without her knowledge. Hesaid all he could to prevail upon me to give it him back, but Irefused, and so brought it home, and sold it for two sequins tothe little lady your daughter. "

Jaaffier could not reflect without astonishment that themischievousness of a slave had been the cause of an innocentwoman's death, and nearly of his own. He carried the slave alongwith him, and when he came before the caliph, gave the prince anexact account of what the slave had told him, and the chancewhich led him to the discovery of his crime. 

Never was any surprise so great as that of the caliph, yet hecould not refrain from falling into excessive fits of laughter. At last he recovered himself, and with a serious air told thevizier, that since his slave had been the occasion of murder, hedeserved an exemplary punishment. "I must own it, " said thevizier, "but his guilt is not unpardonable: I remember thewonderful history of a vizier, of Cairo, and am ready to relateit, upon condition that if your majesty finds it more astonishingthan that which gives me occasion to tell it, you will be pleasedto pardon my slave. " "I consent, " said the caliph; "but youundertake a hard task, for I do not believe you can save yourslave, the story of the apples being so very singular. " Uponthis, Jaaffier began his story thus:

 The Story of Noor ad Deen Ali and Buddir ad Deen Houssun. 

Commander of the faithful, there was formerly a sultan of Egypt, a strict observer of justice, gracious, merciful, and liberal, and his valour made him terrible to his neighbours. He loved thepoor, and protected the learned, whom he advanced to the highestdignities. This sultan had a vizier, who was prudent, wise, sagacious, and well versed in all sciences. This minister had twosons, who in every thing followed his footsteps. The eldest wascalled Shumse ad Deen Mahummud, and the younger Noor ad Deen Ali. The latter was endowed with all the good qualities that man couldpossess. 

The vizier their father being dead, the sultan caused them bothto put on the robes of a vizier, "I am as sorry, " said he, "asyou are for the loss of your father; and because I know you livetogether, and love one another cordially, I will bestow hisdignity upon you conjointly; go, and imitate your father'sconduct. "

The two new viziers humbly thanked the sultan, and retired tomake due preparation for their father's interment. They did notgo abroad for a month, after which they repaired to court, andattended their duties. When the sultan hunted, one of thebrothers accompanied him, and this honour they had by turns. Oneevening as they were conversing together after a cheerful meal, the next day being the elder brother's turn to hunt with thesultan, he said to his younger brother, "Since neither of us isyet married, and we live so affectionately together, let us bothwed the same day sisters out of some family that may suit ourquality. What do you think of this plan?" "Brother, " answered theother vizier, "there cannot be a better thought; for my part, Iwill agree to any thing you approve. " "But this is not all, " saidthe elder; "my fancy carries me farther: Suppose both our wivesshould conceive the first night of our marriage, and shouldhappen to be brought to bed on one day, yours of a son, and mineof a daughter, we will give them to each other in marriage. ""Nay, " said Noor ad Deen aloud, "I must acknowledge that thisprospect is admirable; such a marriage will perfect our union, and I willingly consent to it. But then, brother, " said hefarther, "if this marriage should happen, would you expect thatmy son should settle a jointure on your daughter?" "There is nodifficulty in that, " replied the other; "for I am persuaded, thatbesides the usual articles of the marriage contract, you will notfail to promise in his name at least three thousand sequins, three landed estates, and three slaves. " "No, " said the younger"I will not consent to that; are we not brethren, and equal intitle and dignity? Do not you and I know what is just? The malebeing nobler than the female, it is your part to give a largedowry with your daughter. By what I perceive, you are a man thatwould have your business done at another's charge. "

Although Noor ad Deen spoke these words in jest, his brotherbeing of a hasty temper, was offended, and falling into a passionsaid, "A mischief upon your son, since you prefer him before mydaughter. I wonder you had so much confidence as to believe himworthy of her; you must needs have lost your judgment to thinkyou are my equal, and say we are colleagues. I would have you toknow, that since you are so vain, I would not marry my daughterto your son though you would give him more than you are worth. "This pleasant quarrel between two brothers about the marriage oftheir children before they were born went so far, that Shumse adDeen concluded by threatening: "Were I not to-morrow, " said he, "to attend the sultan, I would treat you as you deserve; but atmy return, I will make you sensible that it does not become ayounger brother to speak so insolently to his elder as you havedone to me. " Upon this he retired to his apartment in anger. 

Shumse ad Deen rising early next morning, attended the sultan, who went to hunt near the pyramids. As for Noor ad Deen, he wasvery uneasy all night, and supposing it would not be possible tolive longer with a brother who had treated him with so muchhaughtiness, he provided a stout mule, furnished himself withmoney and jewels, and having told his people that he was going ona private journey for two or three days, departed. 

When out of Cairo, he rode by way of the desert towards Arabia;but his mule happening to tire, was forced to continue hisjourney on foot. A courier who was going to Bussorah, by goodfortune overtaking him, took him up behind him. As soon as thecourier reached that city, Noor ad Deen alighted, and returnedhim thanks for his kindness. As he went about to seek for alodging, he saw a person of quality with a numerous retinue, towhom all the people shewed the greatest respect, and stood stilltill he had passed. This personage was grand vizier, to thesultan of Bussorah, who was passing through the city to see thatthe inhabitants kept good order and discipline. 

This minister casting his eyes by chance on Noor ad Deen Ali, perceiving something extraordinary in his aspect, looked veryattentively upon him, and as he saw him in a traveller's habit, stopped his train, asked him who he was, and from whence he came?"Sir, " said Noor ad Deen, "I am an Egyptian, born at Cairo, andhave left my country, because of the unkindness of a nearrelation, resolved to travel through the world, and rather to diethan return home. " The grand vizier, who was a good-natured man, after hearing these words, said to him, "Son, beware; do notpursue your design; you are not sensible of the hardships youmust endure. Follow me; I may perhaps make you forget themisfortunes which have forced you to leave your own country. "

Noor ad Deen followed the grand vizier, who soon discovered hisgood qualities, and conceived for him so great an affection, thatone day he said to him in private, "My son, I am, as you see, sofar gone in years, that it is not probable I shall live muchlonger. Heaven has bestowed on me only one daughter, who is asbeautiful as you are handsome, and now fit for marriage. Severalnobles of the highest rank at this court have sought her fortheir sons, but I would not grant their request. I have anaffection for you, and think you so worthy to be received into myfamily, that, preferring you before all those who have demandedher, I am ready to accept you for my son-in-law. If you like theproposal, I will acquaint the sultan my master that I haveadopted you by this marriage, and intreat him to grant you thereversion of my dignity of grand vizier in the kingdom ofBussorah. In the mean time, nothing being more requisite for methan ease in my old age, I will not only put you in possession ofgreat part of my estate, but leave the administration of publicaffairs to your management. "

When the grand vizier had concluded this kind and generousproposal, Noor ad Deen fell at his feet, and expressing himselfin terms that demonstrated his joy and gratitude, assured him, that he was at his command in every way. Upon this the viziersent for his chief domestics, ordered them to adorn the greathall of his palace, and prepare a splendid feast. He afterwardssent to invite the nobility of the court and city, to honour himwith their company; and when they were all met (Noor ad Deenhaving made known his quality), he said to the noblemen present, for he thought it proper to speak thus on purpose to satisfythose to whom he had refused his alliance, "I am now, my lords, to discover a circumstance which hitherto I have keep a secret. Ihave a brother, who is grand vizier to the sultan of Egypt. Thisbrother has but one son, whom he would not marry in the court ofEgypt, but sent him hither to wed my daughter in order that bothbranches of our family may be united. His son, whom I knew to bemy nephew as soon as I saw him, is the young man I now present toyou as my son-in-law. I hope you will do me the honour to bepresent at his wedding, which I am resolved to celebrate thisday. " The noblemen, who could not be offended at his preferringhis nephew to the great matches that had been proposed, allowedthat he had very good reason for his choice, were willing to bewitnesses to the ceremony, and wished that God might prolong hisdays to enjoy the satisfaction of the happy match. 

The lords met at the vizier of Bussorah's palace, havingtestified their satisfaction at the marriage of his daughter withNoor ad Deen Ali, sat down to a magnificent repast, after which, notaries came in with the marriage contrast, and the chief lordssigned it; and when the company had departed, the grand vizierordered his servants to have every thing in readiness for Noor adDeen Ali, to bathe. He had fine new linen, and rich vestmentsprovided for him in the greatest profusion. Having bathed anddressed, he was perfumed with the most odoriferous essences, andwent to compliment the vizier, his father-in-law, who wasexceedingly pleased with his noble demeanour. Having made him sitdown, "My son, " said he, "you have declared to me who you are, and the office you held at the court of Egypt. You have also toldme of a difference betwixt you and your brother, which occasionedyou to leave your country. I desire you to make me your entireconfidant, and to acquaint me with the cause of your quarrel; fornow you have no reason either to doubt my affection, or toconceal any thing from me. "

Noor ad Deen informed him of every circumstance of the quarrel; atwhich the vizier, burst out into a fit of laughter, and said, "This isone of the strangest occurrences I ever heard. Is it possible, my son, that your quarrel should rise so high about an imaginary marriage? Iam sorry you fell out with your elder brother upon such a frivolousmatter; but he was also wrong in being angry at what you only spoke injest, and I ought to thank heaven for that difference which hasprocured me such a son-in-law. But, " continued the vizier, "it islate, and time for you to retire; go to your bride, my son, sheexpects you: to-morrow, I will present you to the sultan, and hope hewill receive you in such a manner as shall satisfy us both. " Noor adDeen Ali took leave of his father-in-law, and retired to his bridalapartment. 

It is remarkable that Shumse ad Deen Mahummud happened also tomarry at Cairo the very same day that this marriage wassolemnized at Bussorah, the particulars of which are as follow:

After Noor ad Deen Ali left Cairo, with an intention never toreturn, his elder brother, who was hunting with the sultan ofEgypt, was absent for a month; for the sultan being fond of thechase, continued it often for so long a period. At his return, Shumse ad Deen was much surprised when he understood, that underpresence of taking a short journey his brother departed fromCairo on a mule the same day as the sultan, and had neverappeared since. It vexed him so much the more, because he did notdoubt but the harsh words he had used had occasioned his flight. He sent a messenger in search of him, who went to Damascus, andas far as Aleppo, but Noor ad Deen was then at Bussorah. When thecourier returned and brought no news of him, Shumse ad Deenintended to make further inquiry after him in other parts; but inthe meantime matched with the daughter of one of the greatestlords in Cairo, upon the same day in which his brother marriedthe daughter of the grand vizier, of Bussorah. 

At the end of nine months the wife of Shumse ad Deen was broughtto bed of a daughter at Cairo, and on the same day the lady ofNoor ad Deen was delivered of a son at Bussorah, who was calledBuddir ad Deen Houssun. 

The grand vizier, of Bussorah testified his joy for the birth ofhis grandson by gifts and public entertainments. And to shew hisson-in-law the great esteem he had for him, he went to thepalace, and most humbly besought the sultan to grant Noor ad DeenAli his office, that he might have the comfort before his deathto see his son in-law made grand vizier, in his stead. 

The sultan, who had conceived a distinguished regard for Noor adDeen when the vizier, had presensed him upon his marriage, andhad ever since heard every body speak well of him, readilygranted his father-in-law's request, and caused Noor ad Deenimmediately to be invested with the robe and insignia of thevizarut, such as state drums, standards, and writing apparatus ofgold richly enamelled and set with jewels. 

The next day, when the father saw his son-in-law preside incouncil, as he himself had done, and perform all the offices ofgrand vizier, his joy was complete. Noor ad Deen Ali conductedhimself with that dignity and propriety which shewed him to havebeen used to state affairs, and engaged the approbation of thesultan, and reverence and affection of the people. 

The old vizier of Bussorah died about four years afterwards withgreat satisfaction, seeing a branch of his family that promisedso fair to support its future consequence and respectability. 

Noor ad Deen Ali, performed his last duty to him with allpossible love and gratitude. And as soon as his son Buddir adDeen Houssun had attained the age of seven years, provided him anexcellent tutor, who taught him such things as became his birth. The child had a ready wit, and a genius capable of receiving allthe good instructions that could be given. 

After Buddir ad Deen had been two years under the tuition of hismaster, who taught him perfectly to read, he learnt the Koran byheart. His father put him afterwards to other tutors, by whom hismind was cultivated to such a degree, that when he was twelveyears of age he had no more occasion for them. And then, as hisphysiognomy promised wonders, he was admired by all who saw him. 

Hitherto his father had kept him to study, but now he introducedhim to the sultan, who received him graciously. The people whosaw him in the streets were charmed with his demeanour, and gavehim a thousand blessings. 

His father proposing to render him capable of supplying hisplace, accustomed him to business of the greatest moment, onpurpose to qualify him betimes. In short, he omitted nothing toadvance a son he loved so well. But as he began to enjoy thefruits of his labour, he was suddenly seized by a violent fit ofsickness; and finding himself past recovery, disposed himself todie a good Mussulmaun. 

In that last and precious moment he forgot not his son, butcalled for him, and said, "My son, you see this world istransitory; there is nothing durable but in that to which I shallspeedily go. You must therefore from henceforth begin to fityourself for this change, as I have done; you must prepare for itwithout murmuring, so as to have no trouble of conscience for nothaving acted the part of a really honest man. As for yourreligion, you are sufficiently instructed in it, by what you havelearnt from your tutors, and your own study; and as to whatbelongs to an upright man, I shall give you some instructions, ofwhich I hope you will make good use. As it is a necessary thingto know one's self, and you cannot come to that knowledge withoutyou first understand who I am, I shall now inform you. 

"I am a native of Egypt; my father, your grandfather, was firstminister to the sultan of that kingdom. I had myself the honourto be vizier, to that sultan, and so has my brother, your uncle, who I suppose is yet alive; his name is Shumse ad Deen Mahummud. I was obliged to leave him, and come into this country, where Ihave raised myself to the high dignity I now enjoy. But you willunderstand all these matters more fully by a manuscript that Ishall give you. "

At the same time, Noor ad Deen Ali gave to his son a memorandumbook, saying, "Take and read it at your leisure; you will find, among other things, the day of my marriage, and that of yourbirth. These are circumstances which perhaps you may hereafterhave occasion to know, therefore you must keep it verycarefully. "

Buddir ad Deen Houssun being sincerely afflicted to see hisfather in this condition, and sensibly touched with hisdiscourse, could not but weep when he received the memorandumbook, and promised at the same time never to part with it. 

That very moment Noor ad Deen fainted, so that it was thought hewould have expired; but he came to himself again, and spoke asfollows:

"My son, the first instruction I give you, is, Not to makeyourself familiar with all sorts of people. The way to live happyis to keep your mind to yourself, and not to tell your thoughtstoo easily. 

"Secondly, Not to do violence to any body whatever, for in thatcase you will draw every body's hatred upon you. You ought toconsider the world as a creditor, to whom you owe moderation, compassion, and forbearance. 

"Thirdly, Not to say a word when you are reproached; for, as theproverb says, 'He that keeps silence is out of danger. ' And inthis case particularly you ought to practice it. You also knowwhat one of our poets says upon this subject, 'That silence isthe ornament and safe-guard of life'; That our speech ought notto be like a storm of hail that spoils all. Never did any man yetrepent of having spoken too little, whereas many have been sorrythat they spoke so much. 

"Fourthly, To drink no wine, for that is the source of all vices. 

"Fifthly, To be frugal in your way of living; if you do notsquander your estate, it will maintain you in time of necessity. I do not mean you should be either profuse or niggardly; forthough you have little, if you husband it well, and lay it out onproper occasions, you will have many friends; but if on thecontrary you have great riches, and make but a bad use of them, all the world will forsake you, and leave you to yourself. "

In short, the virtuous Noor ad Deen continued till the lastaspiration of his breath to give good advice to his son; and whenhe was dead he was magnificently interred. 

Noor ad Deen was buried with all the honours due to his rank. Buddir ad Deen Houssun of Bussorah, for so he was called, becauseborn in that city, was with grief for the death of his father, that instead of a month's time to mourn, according to custom, hekept himself shut up in tears and solitude about two months, without seeing any body, or so much as going abroad to pay hisduty to his sovereign. The sultan being displeased at hisneglect, and looking upon it as a alight, suffered his passion toprevail, and in his anger, called for the new grand vizier, (forhe had created another on the death of Noor ad Deen), commandedhim to go to the house of the deceased, and seize upon it, withall his other houses, lands, and effects, without leaving anything for Buddir ad Deen Houssun, and to confine his person. 

The new grand vizier, accompanied by his officers, wentimmediately to execute his commission. But one of Buddir ad DeenHoussun's slaves happening accidentally to come into the crowd, no sooner understood the vizier's errand, than he ran before togive his master warning. He found him sitting in the vestibule ofhis house, as melancholy as if his father had been but newlydead. He fell down at his feet out of breath, and alter he hadkissed the hem of his garment, cried out, "My lord, save yourselfimmediately. " The unfortunate youth lifting up his head, exclaimed, "What news dost thou bring?" "My lord, " said he, "there is no time to be lost; the sultan is incensed against you, has sent to confiscate your estates, and to seize your person. "

The words of this faithful and affectionate slave occasionedBuddir ad Deen Houssun great alarm. "May not I have so muchtime, " said he, "as to take some money and jewels along with me?""No, Sir, " replied the slave, "the grand vizier, will be herethis moment; be gone immediately, save yourself. " The unhappyyouth rose hastily from his sofa, put his feet in his sandals, and after he had covered his head with the skirt of his vest, that his face might not be known, fled, without knowing what wayto go, to avoid the impending danger. 

He ran without stopping till he came to the public burying-ground, andas it was growing dark, resolved to pass that night in his father'stomb. It was a large edifice, covered by a dome, which Noor ad DeenAli, as is common with the Mussulmauns, had erected for his sepulture. On the way Buddir ad Deen met a Jew, who was a banker and merchant, and was returning from a place where his affairs had called him, tothe city. 

The Jew, knowing Buddir ad Deen, stopped, and saluted him verycourteously. 

Isaac the Jew, after he had paid his respects to Buddir ad DeenHoussun, by kissing his hand, said, "My lord, dare I be so boldas to ask whither you are going at this time of night alone, andso much troubled? Has any thing disquieted you?" "Yes, " saidBuddir ad Deen, "a while ago I was asleep, and my father appearedto me in a dream, looking very fiercely upon me, as if muchdispleased. I started out of my sleep in alarm, and came outimmediately to go and pray upon his tomb. "

"My lord, " said the Jew (who did not know the true reason whyBuddir ad Deen had left the town), "your father of happy memory, and my good lord, had store of merchandize in several vessels, which are yet at sea, and belong to you; I beg the favour of youto grant me the refusal of them before any other merchant. I amable to pay down ready money for all the goods that are in yourships: and to begin, if you will give me those that happen tocome in the first that arrives in safety, I will pay you down inpart of payment a thousand sequins, " and drawing out a bag fromunder his vest, he shewed it him sealed up with one seal. 

Buddir ad Deen Houssun being banished from home, and dispossessedof all that he had in the world, looked on this proposal of theJew as a favour from heaven, and therefore accepted it with joy. "My lord, " said the Jew, "then you sell me for a thousand sequinsthe lading of the first of your ships that shall arrive in port?""Yes, " answered Buddir ad Deen, "I sell it to you for a thousandsequins; it is done. " Upon this the Jew delivered him the bag ofa thousand sequins, and offered to count them, but Buddir ad Deensaid he would trust his word. "Since it is so, my lord, " said he, "be pleased to favour me with a small note of the bargain we havemade. " As he spoke, he pulled the inkhorn from his girdle, andtaking a small reed out of it neatly cut for writing, presentedit to him with a piece of paper. Buddir ad Deen Houssun wrotethese words:

"This writing is to testify, that Buddir ad Deen Houssun ofBussorah, has sold to Isaac the Jew, for the sum of one thousandsequins, received in hand, the lading of the first of his shipsthat shall arrive in this port. "

This note he delivered to the Jew, after having stamped it withhis seal, and then took his leave of him. 

While Isaac pursued his journey to the city, Buddir ad Deen madethe best of his way to his father's tomb. When he came to it, heprostrated himself to the ground, and, with his eyes full oftears, deplored his miserable condition. "Alas!" said he, "unfortunate Buddir ad Deen, what will become of thee? Whithercanst thou fly for refuge against the unjust prince whopersecutes thee? Was it not enough to be afflicted by the deathof so dear a father? Must fortune needs add new misfortunes tojust complaints?" He continued a long time in this posture, butat last rose up, and leaning his head upon his father'stombstone, his sorrows returned more violently than before; sothat he sighed and mourned, till, overcome with heaviness, hesunk upon the floor, and drops asleep. 

He had not slept long, when a genie, who had retired to thecemetery during the day, and was intending, according to hiscustom, to range about the world at night, entered the sepulchre, and finding Buddir ad Deen lying on his back, was surprised athis beauty. 

When the genie had attentively considered Buddir ad Deen Houssun, he said to himself, "To judge of this creature by his beauty, hewould seem to be an angel of the terrestrial paradise, whom Godhas sent to put the world in a flame by his charms. " At last, after he had satisfied himself with looking at him, he tool; aflight into the air, where meeting by chance with a perie, theysaluted one another; after which he said to her, "Pray descendwith me into the cemetery, where I dwell, and I will shew you abeauty worthy your admiration. " The perie consented, and bothdescended in an instant; they came into the tomb. "Look, " saidthe genie, shewing her Buddir ad Deen Houssun, "did you ever seea youth more beautiful?"

The perie having attentively observed Buddir ad Deen, replied, "Imust confess that he is a very handsome man, but I am just comefrom seeing an objets at Cairo, more admirable than this; and ifyou will hear me, I will relate her unhappy fate. " "You will verymuch oblige me, " answered the genie. "You must know then, " saidthe perie, "that the sultan of Egypt has a vizier, Shumse ad DeenMahummud, who has a daughter most beautiful and accomplished. Thesultan having heard of this young lady's beauty, sent the otherday for her father, and said, 'I understand you have a daughterto marry; I would have her for my bride: will not you consent?'The vizier, who did not expect this proposal, was troubled, andinstead of accepting it joyfully, which another in his placewould certainly have done, he answered the sultan: 'May it pleaseyour majesty, I am not worthy of the honour you would confer uponme, and I most humbly beseech you to pardon me, if I do notaccede to your request. You know I had a brother, who had thehonour, as well as myself, to be one of your viziers: we had somedifference together, which was the cause of his leaving mesuddenly. Since that time I have had no account of him tillwithin these four days, that I heard he died at Bussorah, beinggrand vizier to the sultan of that kingdom. 

"'He has left a son, and there having been an agreement betweenus to match our children together, I am persuaded he intendedthat match when he died; and being desirous to fulfil the promiseon my part, I conjure your majesty to grant me permission. '

"The sultan of Egypt, provoked at this denial of his vizier saidto him in anger which he could not restrain: 'Is this the way inwhich you requite my condescension in stooping so low as todesire your alliance? I know how to revenge your presumption indaring to prefer another to me, and I swear that your daughtershall be married to the most contemptible and ugly of my slaves. 'Having thus spoken, he angrily commanded the vizier to quit hispresence. The vizier retired to his palace full of confusion, andoverwhelmed in despair. 

"This very day the sultan sent for one of his grooms, who ishump-backed, big-bellied, crook legged, and as ugly as ahobgoblin; and after having commanded the vizier to marry hisdaughter to this ghastly slave, he caused the contract to be madeand signed by witnesses in his own presence. The preparations forthis fantastical wedding are all ready, and this very moment allthe slaves belonging to the lords of the court of Egypt arewaiting at the door of a bath, each with a flambeau in his hand, for the crook-back groom, who is bathing, to go along with themto his bride, who is already dressed to receive him; and when Ideparted from Cairo, the ladies met for that purpose were goingto conduct her in her nuptial attire to the hall, where she is toreceive her hump-backed bridegroom, and is this minute expectinghim. I have seen her, and do assure you, that no person canbehold her without admiration. "

When the perie left off speaking, the genie said to her, "Whatever youthink or say, I cannot be persuaded that the girl's beauty exceedsthat of this young man. " "I will not dispute it with you, " answeredthe perie; "for I must confess he deserves to be married to thatcharming creature, whom they design for hump-back; and I think it werea deed worthy of us to obstruct the sultan of Egypt's injustice, andput this young gentleman in the room of the slave. " "You are in theright, " answered the genie; "I am extremely obliged to you for so gooda thought; let us deceive him. I consent to your revenge upon thesultan of Egypt; let us comfort a distressed father, and make hisdaughter as happy as she thinks herself miserable. I will do my utmostendeavours to make this project succeed, and I am persuaded you willnot be backward. I will be at the pains to carry him to Cairo beforehe awakes, and afterwards leave it to your care to carry himelsewhere, when we have accomplished our design. "

The perie and the genie having thus concerted what they had to do, thegenie lifted up Buddir ad Deen Houssun gently, and with aninconceivable swiftness conveyed him through the air and set him downat the door of a building next to the bath, whence hump-back was tocome with a train of slaves that waited for him. Buddir ad Deen awoke, and was naturally alarmed at finding himself in the middle of a cityhe knew not; he was going to cry out, but the genie touched him gentlyon the shoulder, and forbad him to speak. He then put a torch in hishand, saying, "Go, and mix with the crowd at the door of the bath;follow them till you come into a hall, where they are going tocelebrate a marriage. The bridegroom is a hump-backed fellow, and bythat you will easily know him. Put yourself at the right hand as yougo in, open the purse of sequins you have in your bosom, distributethem among the musicians and dancers as they go along; and when youare got into the hall, give money also to the female slaves you seeabout the bride; but every time you put your hand in your purse, besure to take out a whole handful, and do not spare them. Observe to doeverything exactly as I have desired you; be not afraid of any person, and leave the rest to a superior power, who will order matters as hethinks fit. "

Buddir ad Deen, being well instructed in all that he was to do, advanced towards the door of the bath. The first thing he did wasto light his torch at that of a slave; and then mixing among themas if he belonged to some noblemen of Cairo, he marched along asthey did, and followed humpback, who came out of the bath, andmounted a horse from the sultan's own stable. 

Buddir ad Deen coming near to the musicians, and men and womendancers, who went just before the bridegroom, pulled out timeafter time whole handfuls of sequins, which he distributed amongthem: and as he thus gave his money with an unparalleled graceand engaging mien, all who received it fixed their eyes upon him;and after they had a full view of his face, they found him sohandsome that they could not withdraw their attention. 

At last they came to the gates of the vizier who little thoughthis nephew was so near. The doorkeepers, to prevent any disorder, kept back all the slaves that carried torches, and would notadmit them. Buddir ad Deen was likewise refused; but themusicians, who had free entrance, stood still, and protested theywould not go in, if they hindered him from accompanying them. "Heis not one of the slaves'" said they; "look upon him, and youwill soon be satisfied. He is certainly a young stranger, who iscurious to see the ceremonies observed at marriages in thiscity;" and saying thus, they put him in the midst of them, andcarried him with them in spite of the porters. They took historch out of his hand, gave it to the first they met, and havingbrought him into the hall, placed him at the right hand of thehump-backed bridegroom, who sat near the vizier's daughter on athrone most richly adorned. 

She appeared very lovely, but in her face there was nothing to beseen but vexation and grief. The cause of this was easily to beguessed, when she had by her side a bridegroom so very deformed, and so unworthy of her love. The nuptial seat was in the midst ofan estrade. The ladies of the emirs, viziers, those of thesultan's bed-chamber, and several other ladies of the court andcity, were placed on each side, a little lower, every oneaccording to her rank, and richly dressed, holding a large waxtaper in her hands. 

When they saw Buddir ad Deen Houssun, all fixed their eyes uponhim, and admiring his shape, his behaviour, and the beauty of hisface, they could not forbear looking upon him. When he was seatedevery one deft their seats, came near him to have a full view ofhis face, and all found themselves moved with love andadmiration. 

The disparity between Buddir ad Deen Houssun and the hump-backedgroom, who made such a contemptible figure, occasioned greatmurmuring among the company; insomuch that the ladies cried out, "We must give our bride to this handsome young gentleman, and notto this ugly humpback. " Nor did they rest here, but utteredimprecations against the sultan, who, abusing his absolute power, would unite ugliness and beauty together. They also mocked thebridegroom, so as to put him out of countenance, to the greatsatisfaction of the spectators, whose shouts for some time put astop to the concert of music in the hall. At last the musiciansbegan again, and the women who had dressed the bride surroundedher. 

Each time that the bride retired to change her dress, she on herreturn passed by hump-back without giving him one look, and wenttowards Buddir ad Deen, before whom she presented herself in hernew attire. On this occasion, Buddir ad Deen, according to theinstructions given him by the genie, failed not to put his handsin his purse, and pulled out handfuls of sequins, which hedistributed among the women that followed the bride. Nor did heforget the players and dancers, but also threw money to them. Itwas pleasant to see how they pushed one another to gather it up. They shewed themselves thankful for his liberality. 

When the ceremony of changing habits was passed, the music ceasedand the company retired. The bride repaired to the nuptialchamber, whither her attendants followed to undress her, and noneremained in the hall but the hump-back groom, Buddir ad Deen, andsome of the domestics. 

Hump-back, who was enraged at Buddir ad Deen, suspecting him tobe his rival, gave him a cross look, and said, "And thou, whatdost thou wait for? Why art thou not gone as well as the rest?Depart!" Buddir ad Deen having no pretence to stay, withdrew, notknowing what to do with himself. But before he got out of thevestibule, the genie and the perie met and stopped him. "Whitherare you going?" said the perie; "stay, hump-back is not in thehall, return, and introduce yourself into the bride's chamber. Assoon as you are alone with her, tell her boldly that you are herhusband, that the sultan's intention was only to make sport withthe groom. In the mean time we will take care that the hump-backshall not return, and let nothing hinder your passing the nightwith your bride, for she is yours and not his. "

While the perie thus encouraged Buddir ad Deen, and instructedhim how he should behave himself, hump-back had really gone outof the room for a moment. The genie went to him in the shape of amonstrous cat, mewing at a most fearful rate. Hump-back called tothe cat, he clapped his hands to drive her away, but instead ofretreating, she stood upon her hinder feet, staring with her eyeslike fire, looking fiercely at him, mewing louder than she did atfirst, and increasing in size till she was as large as an ass. Atthis sight, hump-back would have cried out for help, but his fearwas so great, that he stood gaping and could not utter one word. That he might have no time to recover, the genie changed himselfimmediately into a large buffalo, and in this stripe called tohim, with a voice that redoubled his fear, "Thou hump-backedvillain!" At these words the affrighted groom cast himself uponthe ground, and covering his face with his vest, that he mightnot see this dreadful beast, "Sovereign prince of buffaloes, "said he, "what is it you want of me?" "Woe be to thee, " repliedthe genie, "hast thou the presumption to venture to marry mymistress?" "O my lord, " said hump-back, "I pray you to pardon me, if I am guilty, it is through ignorance. I did not know that thislady had a buffalo to her sweetheart: command me in anything youplease, I give you my oath that I am ready to obey you. " "Bydeath, " replied the genie; "if thou goest out from hence, orspeakest a word till the sun rises, I will crush thy head topieces. I warn thee to obey, for if thou hast the impudence toreturn, it shall cost thee thy life. " When the genie had donespeaking, he transformed himself into the shape of a man, tookhump-back by the legs, and after having set him against the wallwith his head downwards, "If thou stir, " said he, "before the sunrise, as I have told thee already, I will take thee by the heelsagain, and dash thy head in a thousand pieces against the wall. "

To return to Buddir ad Deen. Prompted by the genie and thepresence of the perie, he returned to the hall, from whence heslips into the bride-chamber, where he sat down, expecting thesuccess of his adventure. After a while the bride arrived, conducted by an old matron, who came no farther than the door, without looking in to see whether it were hump-back or anotherthat was there, and then retired. 

The beautiful bride was agreeably surprised to find instead ofhump-back a handsome youth, who gracefully addressed her. "What!my dear friend, " said she, "by your being here at this time ofnight you must be my husband's comrade?" "No, madam, " said Buddirad Deen, "I am of another quality than that ugly hump-back. ""But, " said she, "you do not consider that you speak degradinglyof my husband. " "He your husband, " replied he: "can you retainthose thoughts so long? Be convinced of your mistake, for so muchbeauty must never be sacrificed to the most contemptible ofmankind. It is I that am the happy mortal for whom it isreserved. The sultan had a mind to make himself merry, by puttingthis trick upon the vizier your father, but he chose me to beyour real husband. You might have observed how the ladies, themusicians, the dancers, your women, and all the servants of yourfamily, were pleased with this comedy. We have sent hump-back tohis stable again. "

At this discourse the vizier's daughter (who was more like onedead than alive when she came into the bride-chamber) put on agay air, which made her so handsome, that Buddir ad Deen wascharmed with her graces. 

"I did not expect, " said she, "to meet with so pleasing asurprise; and I had condemned myself to live unhappy all my days. But my good fortune is so much the greater, that I possess in youa man worthy of my tenderest affection. "

Buddir ad Deen, overjoyed to see himself possessor of so manycharms, retired with his bride, and laid his vesture aside, withthe bag that he had from the Jew; which, notwithstanding all themoney he had dispersed, was still full. 

Towards morning, while the two lovers were asleep, the genie, who hadmet again with the perie, said, "It is time to finish what we have sosuccessfully carried on; let us not be overtaken by day-light, whichwill soon appear; go you and bring off the young man again withoutawaking him. "

The perie went into the bed-chamber where the two lovers werefast asleep, took up Buddir ad Deen in his under vest anddrawers; and in company with the genie with wonderful swiftnessfled away with him to the gates of Damascus in Syria, where theyarrived just at the time when the officers of the mosques, appointed for that end, were calling the people to prayers atbreak of day. The perie laid Buddir ad Deen softly on the ground, close by the gate, and departed with the genie. 

The gate of the city being opened, and many people assembled, they were surprised to see a youth lying in his shirt and drawersupon the ground. One said, "He has been hard put to it to getaway from his mistress, that he could not get time to put on hisclothes. " "Look, " said another, "how people expose themselves;sure enough he has spent most part of the night in drinking withhis friends, till he has got drunk, and then, perhaps, havingoccasion to go out, instead of returning, is come this length, and not having his senses about him, was overtaken with sleep. "Others were of another opinion; but nobody could guess what hadbeen the real occasion of his coming thither. 

A small puff of wind happening to blow at this time, uncoveredhis breast, which was whiter than snow. Every one being struckwith admiration at the fineness of his complexion, they spoke soloud that they awaked him. 

His surprise was as great as theirs, when he found himself at thegate of a city where he had never been before, and encompassed bya crowd of people gazing at him. "Inform me, " said he, "for God'ssake, where I am, and what you would have?" One of the crowdspoke to him saying, "Young man, the gates of the city were justnow opened, and as we came out we found you lying here in thiscondition: have you lain here all night? and do not you know thatyou are at one of the gates of Damascus?" "At one of the gates ofDamascus!" answered Buddir ad Deen, "surely you mock me. When Ilay down to sleep last night I was at Cairo. " When he had saidthis, some of the people, moved with compassion for him, exclaimed, "It is a pity that such a handsome young man shouldhave lost his senses;" and so went away. 

"My son, " said an old man to him, "you know not what you say. Howis it possible that you, being this morning at Damascus, could belast night at Cairo?" "It is true, " said Buddir ad Deen, "and Iswear to you, that I was all day yesterday at Bussorah. " He hadno sooner said this than all the people fell into a fit oflaughter, and cried out, "He's a fool, he's a madman. " There weresome, however, that pitied him because of his youth; and oneamong the company said to him, "My son, you must certainly becrazed, you do not consider what you say. Is it possible that aman could yesterday be at Bussorah, the same night at Cairo, andthis morning at Damascus? Surely you are asleep still, come rouseup your spirits. " "What I say, " answered Buddir ad Deen Houssun, "is so true that last night I was married in the city of Cairo. "All those who laughed before, could not forbear again at thisdeclaration. "Recollect yourself, " said the same person who spokebefore; "you must have dreamt all this, and the fancy stillpossesses your brain. " "I am sensible of what I say, " answeredthe young man. "Pray can you tell me how it was possible for meto go in a dream to Cairo, where I am very certain I was inperson, and where my bride was seven times brought before me, each time dressed in a different habit, and where I saw an uglyhump backed fellow, to whom they intended to give her? Besides, Iwant to know what is become of my vest, my turban, and the bag ofsequins I had at Cairo?"

Though he assured them that all these things were matters offact, yet they could not forbear to laugh at him: which put himinto such confusion, that he knew not what to think of all thoseadventures. 

After Buddir ad Deen Houssun had confidently affirmed all that hesaid to be true, he rose up to go into the town, and every onewho followed him called out, "A madman, a fool. " Upon this somelooked out at their windows, some came to their doors, and othersjoined with those that were about him, calling out as they did, "A madman;" but not knowing for what. In this perplexity theaffrighted young man happened to come before a pastry-cook'sshop, and went into it to avoid the rabble. 

This pastry-cook had formerly been captain to a troop of Arabianrobbers, who plundered the caravans; and though he was become acitizen of Damascus, where he behaved himself to every one'ssatisfaction, yet he was dreaded by all who knew him; wherefore, as soon as he came out to the rabble who followed Buddir ad Deen, they dispersed. 

The pastry-cook asked him who he was, and what brought himthither. Buddir ad Deen told him all, not concealing his birth, nor the death of his father the grand vizier. He afterwards gavehim an account why he had left Bussorah; how, after he had fallenasleep the night following upon his father's tomb, he foundhimself when he awoke at Cairo, where he had married a lady; andat last, in what amazement he was, when he found himself atDamascus, without being able to penetrate into all thosewonderful adventures. 

"Your history is one of the most surprising, " said the pastry-cook;"but if you will follow my advice, you will let no man know thosematters you have revealed to me, but patiently wait till heaven thinksfit to put an end to your misfortunes. You shall be welcome to staywith me till then; and as I have no children, I will own you for myson, if you consent; after you are so adopted, you may freely walk thecity, without being exposed any more to the insults of the rabble. "

Though this adoption was below the son of a grand vizier, Buddir adDeen was glad to accept of the pastry-cook's proposal, judging it thebest thing he could do, considering his circumstances. The cookclothed him, called for witnesses, and went before a notary, where heacknowledged him for his son. After this, Buddir ad Deen lived withhim under the name of Houssun, and learned the pastry-trade. 

While this passed at Damascus, the daughter of Shumse ad Deenawoke, and finding Buddir ad Deen gone, supposed he had risensoftly for fear of disturbing her, but would soon return. As shewas in expectation of him, her father the vizier, (who was vexedat the affront put upon him by the sultan) came and knocked ather chamber-door, to bewail her sad destiny. He called her by hername, and she knowing him by his voice, immediately got up, andopened the door. She kissed his hand, and received him with somuch pleasure in her countenance, that she surprised the vizierwho expected to find her drowned in tears, and as much grieved ashimself. "Unhappy wretch!" said he in a passion, "do you appearbefore me thus? after the hideous sacrifice you have justconsummated, can you see me with so much satisfaction?"

The new bride seeing her father angry at her pleasantcountenance, said to him, "For God's sake, sir, do not reproachme wrongfully; it is not the hump-back fellow, whom I abhor morethan death, it is not that monster I have married. Every bodylaughed him to scorn, and put him so out of countenance, that hewas forced to run away and hide himself, to make room for a nobleyouth, who is my real husband. " "What fable do you tell me?" saidShumse ad Deen, roughly. "What! Did not crook-back lie with youtonight?" "No, sir, " said she, "it was the youth I mentioned, whohas large eyes and black eyebrows. " At these words the vizier, lost all patience, and exclaimed in anger, "Ah, wicked woman! youwill make me distracted!" "It is you, father, " said she, "thatput me out of my senses by your incredulity. " "So, it is nottrue, " replied the vizier, "that hump-back----" "Let us talk nomore of hump-back, " said she, "a curse upon hump-back. Father, Iassure you once more, that I did not bed with him, but with mydear spouse, who, I believe, is not far off. "

Shumse ad Deen went out to seek him, but, instead of seeingBuddir ad Deen, was surprised to find hump-back with his head onthe ground, and his heels uppermost, as the genie had set himagainst the wall. "What is the meaning of this?" said he; "whoplaced you thus?" Crookback, knowing it to be the vizieranswered, "Alas! alas! it is you then that would marry me to themistress of a genie in the form of a buffalo. "

Shumse ad Deen Mahummud, when he heard hump-back speak thus, thought he was raving, bade him move, and stand upon his legs. "Iwill take care how I stir, " said hump-back, "unless the sun berisen. Know, sir, that when I came last night to your palace, suddenly a black cat appeared to me, and in an instant grew asbig as a buffalo. I have not forgotten what he enjoined me, therefore you may depart, and leave me here. " The vizier insteadof going away, took him by the heels, and made him stand up, whenhump-back ran off, without looking behind him; and coming to thepalace presented himself to the sultan, who laughed heartily wheninformed how the genie had served him. 

Shumse ad Deen returned to his daughter's chamber, moreastonished than before. "My abused daughter, " said he, "can yougive me no farther light in this miraculous affair?" "Sir, "replied she, "I can give you no other account than I have donealready. Here are my husband's clothes, which he put off lastnight; perhaps you may find something among them that may solveyour doubt. " She then shewed him Buddir ad Deen's turban, whichhe examined narrowly on all sides, saying, "I should take this tobe a vizier's turban, if it were not made after the Bussorahfashion. " But perceiving something to be sewed between the stuffand the lining, he called for scissors, and having unripped it, found the paper which Noor ad Deen Ali had given to his son uponhis deathbed, and which Buddir ad Deen Houssun had sewn in histurban for security. 

Shumse ad Deen having opened the paper, knew his brother's hand, and found this superscription, "For my son Buddir ad DeenHoussun. " Before he could make any reflections upon it, hisdaughter delivered him the bag, that lay under the garments, which he likewise opened, and found it full of sequins: for, notwithstanding all the liberality of Buddir ad Deen, it wasstill kept full by the genie and perie. He read the followingwords upon a note in the bag: "A thousand sequins belonging toIsaac the Jew. " And these lines underneath, which the Jew hadwritten, "Delivered to my lord Buddir ad Deen Houssun, for thecargo of the first of those ships that formerly belonged to thenoble vizier, his father, of blessed memory, sold to me upon itsarrival in this place. " He had scarcely read these words, when hegroaned heavily, and fainted away. 

The vizier Shumse ad Deen being recovered from his fit by the aidof his daughter, and the women she called to her assistance;"Daughter, " said he, "do not alarm yourself at this accident, occasioned by what is scarcely credible. Your bridegroom is yourcousin, the son of my beloved and deceased brother. The thousandsequins in the bag reminds me of a quarrel I had with him, and iswithout the dowry he gives you. God be praised for all things, and particularly for this miraculous adventure, whichdemonstrates his almighty power. " Then looking again upon hisbrother's writing, he kissed it several times, shedding abundanceof tears. 

He looked over the book from beginning to end. In it he found thedate of his brother's arrival at Bussorah, of his marriage, andof the birth of his son; and when he compared them with the dayof his own marriage, and the birth of his daughter at Cairo, hewondered at the exact coincidence which appeared in everycircumstance. 

The happy discovery put him into such a transport of joy, that hetook the book, with the ticket of the bag, and shewed them to thesultan, who pardoned what was past, and was so much pleased withthe relation of this adventure, that he caused it with all itscircumstances to be put in writing for the information ofposterity. 

Meanwhile, the vizier. Shumse ad Deen could not comprehend thereason why his nephew did not appear; he expected him everymoment, and was impatient to receive him to his arms. After hehad waited seven days in vain, he searched through all Cairo, butcould procure no intelligence of him, which threw him into greatperplexity. "This is the strangest occurrence, " said he, "thatever happened. " In order to certify it, he thought fit to draw upin writing with his own hand an account of the manner in whichthe wedding had been solemnized; how the hall and his daughter'sbed-chamber were furnished, with the other circumstances. Helikewise made the turban, the bag, and the rest of Buddir adDeen's raiment into a bundle, and locked them up. 

After some days were past, the vizier's daughter perceivedherself pregnant, and after nine months was brought to bed of ason. A nurse was provided for the child, besides other women andslaves 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 amaster who was in great esteem; and two slaves were ordered towait upon him. Agib used to play with his schoolfellows, and asthey were all inferior to him in rank, they shewed him greatrespect, according to the example of their master, who many timeswould pass by faults in him that he would correct in his otherpupils. This indulgence spoiled Agib; he became proud andinsolent, would have his play-fellows bear all from him, andwould submit to nothing from them, but be master every where; andif any took the liberty to thwart him, he would call them athousand names, and many times beat them. 

In short, all the scholars grew weary of his insolence, andcomplained of him to their master. He answered, "That they musthave patience. " But when he saw that Agib grew still more andmore overbearing, and occasioned him much trouble, "Children, "said he to his scholars, "I find Agib is a little insolentgentleman; I will shew you how to mortify him, so that he shallnever torment you any more. Nay, I believe it will make him leavethe school. When he comes again to-morrow, place yourselves roundhim, and let one of you call out, 'Come, let us play, but uponcondition, that every one who desires to play shall tell his ownname, and the names of his father and mother; they who refuseshall be esteemed bastards, and not be suffered to play in ourcompany. '"

Next day when they were gathered together, they failed not tofollow their master's instructions. They placed themselves roundAgib, and one of them called out, "Let us begin a play, but oncondition that he who cannot tell his own name, and that of hisfather and mother, shall not play at all. " They all cried out, and so did Agib, "We consent. " Then he that spoke first askedevery one the question, and all fulfilled the condition exceptAgib, who answered, "My name is Agib, my mother is called thelady of beauty, and my father Shumse ad Deen Mahummud, vizier tothe sultan. "

At these words all the children cried out, "Agib, what do yousay? That is not the name of your father, but your grandfather. ""A curse on you, " said he in a passion. "What! dare you say thatthe vizier is not my father?" "No, no, " cried they with greatlaughter, "he is your grandfather, and you shall not play withus. Nay we will take care how we come into your company. " Havingspoken thus, they all left him, scoffing him, and laughing amongthemselves, which mortified Agib so much that he wept. 

The schoolmaster who was near, and heard all that passed, cameup, and speaking to Agib, said, "Agib, do not you know that thevizier is not your father, but your grandfather, and the fatherof your mother the lady of beauty? We know not the name of yourfather any more than you do. We only know that the sultan wasgoing to marry your mother to one of his grooms, a humpbackfellow; but a genie lay with her. This is hard upon you, butought to teach you to treat your schoolfellows with lesshaughtiness. "

Agib being nettled at this, ran hastily out of the school. Hewent directly sobbing to his mother's chamber, who being alarmedto see him thus grieved, asked the reason. He could not answerfor tears, so great was his mortification, and it was long ere hecould speak plain enough to repeat what had been said to him, andhad occasioned his sorrow. 

When he came to himself. "Mother, " said he "for the love of Godbe pleased to tell me who is my father?" "My son, " she replied, "Shumse ad Deen Mahummud, who every day caresses you so kindly, is your father. " "You do not tell me truth, " returned Agib; "heis your father, and none of mine. But whose son am I?" At thisquestion, the lady of beauty calling to mind her wedding night, which had been succeeded by a long widowhood, began to shedtears, repining bitterly at the loss of so handsome a husband asBuddir ad Deen. 

Whilst the lady of beauty and Agib were both weeping, the vizierentered, who demanded the reason of their sorrow. The lady toldhim the shame Agib had undergone at school, which so muchaffected the vizier that he joined his tears with theirs, andjudging from this that the misfortune which had happened to hisdaughter was the common discourse of the town, he was mortifiedto the quick. 

Being thus afflicted, he went to the sultan's palace, and fallingprostrate at his feet, most humbly intreated permission to make ajourney in search of his nephew Buddir ad Deen Houssun. For hecould not bear any longer that the people of the city shouldbelieve a genie had disgraced his daughter. 

The sultan was much concerned at the vizier's affliction, approved his resolution, and gave him leave to travel. He causeda passport also to be written for him, requesting in thestrongest terms all kings and princes in whose dominions Buddirad Deen might sojourn, to grant that the vizier might conduct himto Cairo. 

Shumse ad Deen, not knowing how to express his gratitude to thesultan, fell down before him a second time, while the floods oftears he shed bore sufficient testimony to his feelings. At last, having wished the sultan all manner of prosperity, he took hisleave and returned to his house, where he disposed every thingfor his journey; and the preparations were carried on with somuch diligence, that in four days after he left the city, accompanied with his daughter the lady of beauty, and hisgrandson Agib. 

They travelled nineteen days without intermission; but on thetwentieth, arriving at a pleasant mead, a small distance from thegate of Damascus, they halted, and pitched their tents upon thebanks of a river which fertilizes the vicinity, and runs throughthe town, one of the pleasantest in Syria, once the capital ofthe caliphs; and celebrated for its elegant buildings, thepoliteness of its inhabitants, and the abundance of itsconveniences. 

The vizier declared he would stay in that pleasant place twodays, and pursue his journey on the third. In the mean time hegave his retinue leave to go to Damascus; and almost all of themmade use of it: some influenced by curiosity to see a city theyhad heard so much of, and others by the opportunity of vendingthe Egyptian goods they had brought with them, or buying stuffs, and the rarities of the country. The beautiful lady desiring herson Agib might share in the satisfaction of viewing thatcelebrated city, ordered the black eunuch, who acted in qualityof his governor, to conduct him thither. 

Agib, in magnificent apparel, went with the eunuch, who had alarge cane in his hand. They had no sooner entered the city, thanAgib, fair and glorious as the day, attracted the eyes of thepeople. Some got out of their houses to gain a nearer andnarrower view of him; others put their heads out of the windows, and those who passed along the street were not satisfied instopping to look upon him, but kept pace with him, to prolong thepleasure of the agreeable sight: in fine, there was not a personthat did not admire him, and bestow a thousand benedictions onthe father and mother that had given being to so fine a child. Bychance the eunuch and he passed by the shop of Buddir ad DeenHoussun, and there the crowd was so great, that they were forcedto halt. 

The pastry-cook who had adopted Buddir ad Deen Houssun had diedsome years before, and left him his shop and all his property, and he conducted the pastry trade so dexterously, that he hadgained great reputation in Damascus. Buddir ad Deen seeing sogreat a crowd before his door, who were gazing so attentivelyupon Agib and the black eunuch, stepped out to see them himself. 

Having cast his eyes upon Agib, Buddir ad Deen found himselfmoved, he knew not how, nor for what reason. He was not strucklike the people with the brilliant beauty of the boy; anothercause unknown to him gave rise to the uneasiness and emotion hefelt. It was the force of blood that wrought in this tenderfather; who, laying aside his business, made up to Agib, and withan engaging air, said to him: "My little lord, who hast won mysoul, be so kind as to come into my shop, and eat a bit of suchfare as I have; that I may have the pleasure of admiring you atmy ease. " These words he pronounced with such tenderness, thattears trickled from his eyes. Little Agib was moved when he sawhis emotion; and turning to the eunuch, said, "This honest manspeaks in such an affectionate manner, that I cannot avoidcomplying with his request; let us step into his house, and tastehis pastry. " "It would be a fine thing truly, " replied the slave, "to see the son of a vizier go into a pastry-cook's shop to eat;do not imagine that I will suffer any such thing. " "Alas! mylord, " cried Buddir ad Deen, "it is cruelty to trust the conductof you in the hands of a person who treats you so harshly. " Thenapplying himself to the eunuch, "My good friend, " continued he, "pray do not hinder this young lord from granting me the favour Iask; do not put such mortification upon me: rather do me thehonour to walk in along with him, and by so doing, you will letthe world know, that, though your outside is brown like achestnut, your inside is as white. Do you know, " continued he, "that I am master of the secret to make you white, instead ofbeing black as you are?" This set the eunuch a laughing, and thenhe asked what that secret was. "I will tell you, " replied Buddirad Deen, who repeated some verses in praise of black eunuchs, implying, that it was by their ministry that the honour ofprinces and of all great men was secured. The eunuch was socharmed with these verses, that, without further hesitation, hesuffered Agib to go into the shop, and went in with him himself. 

Buddir ad Deen Houssun was overjoyed at having obtained what hehad so passionately desired, and, falling again to the work hehad discontinued "I was making, " said he, "cream-tarts; and youmust, with submission, eat of them. I am persuaded you will findthem good; for my own mother, who made them incomparably well, taught me, and the people send to buy them of me from allquarters of the town. " This said, he took a cream-tart out of theoven, and after strewing upon it some pomegranate kernels andsugar, set it before Agib, who found it very delicious. 

Another was served up to the eunuch, and he gave the samejudgment. 

While they were both eating, Buddir ad Deen viewed Agib veryattentively; and after looking upon him again and again, it cameinto his mind that possibly he might have such a son by hischarming wife, from whom he had been so soon and so cruellyseparated; and the very thought drew tears from his eyes. Heintended to have put some questions to little Agib about hisjourney to Damascus; but the child had no time to gratify hiscuriosity, for the eunuch pressing him to return to hisgrandfather's tent, took him away as soon as he had done eating. Buddir ad Deen Houssun, not contented with looking after him, shut up his shop immediately, and followed him. 

Buddir ad Deen Houssun ran after Agib and the eunuch, andovertook them before they had reached the gate of the city. Theeunuch perceiving he followed them, was extremely surprised: "Youimpertinent fellow, " said he, with an angry tone, "what do youwant?" "My dear friend, " replied Buddir ad Deen, "do not troubleyourself; I have a little business out of town, and I must needsgo and look after it. " This answer, however, did not at allsatisfy the eunuch, who turning to Agib, said, "This is all owingto you; I foresaw I should repent of my complaisance; you wouldneeds go into the man's shop; it was not wisely done in me togive you leave. " "Perhaps, " replied Agib, "he has real businessout of town, and the road is free to every body. " While thispassed they kept walking together, without looking behind them, till they came near the vizier's tents, upon which they turnedabout to see if Buddir ad Deen followed them. Agib, perceiving hewas within two paces of him, reddened and whitened alternately, according to the different emotions that affected him. He wasafraid the grand vizier his grandfather should come to know hehad been in the pastry shop, and had eaten there. In this dread, he took up a large stone that lay at his foot and throwing it atBuddir ad Deen, hit him in the forehead, and wounded him so thathis face was covered with blood. The eunuch gave Buddir ad Deento understand, he had no reason to complain of a mischance thathe had merited and brought upon himself. 

Buddir ad Deen turned towards the city staunching the blood ofthe wound with his apron, which he had not put off. "I was afool, " said he within himself, "for leaving my house, to take somuch pains about this brat; for doubtless he would never haveused me after this manner, if he had not thought I had some illdesign against him. " When he got home, he had his wound dressed, and softened the sense of his mischance by the reflection thatthere was an infinite number of people upon the earth, who wereyet more unfortunate than he. 

Buddir ad Deen kept on the pastry-trade at Damascus, and hisuncle Shumse ad Deen Mahummud went from thence three days afterhis arrival. He went by way of Emaus, Hanah, and Halep; thencrossed the Euphrates, and after passing through Mardin, Moussoul, Singier, Diarbeker, and several other towns, arrived atlast at Bussorah. Immediately after his arrival he desiredaudience of the sultan, who was no sooner informed of his qualitythan he admitted him to his presence, received him veryfavourably, and inquired the occasion of his journey to Bussorah. "Sire, " replied the vizier "I come to know what is become of theson of my brother, who has had the honour to serve your majesty. ""Noor ad Deen Ali, " said the sultan, "has been long dead; as forhis son, all I can tell you of him is, that he disappearedsuddenly, about two months after his father's death, and nobodyhas seen him since, notwithstanding all the inquiry I ordered tobe made. But his mother, who is the daughter of one of myviziers, is still alive. " Shumse ad Deen Mahummud desired leaveof the sultan to take her to Egypt; and having obtainedpermission, without waiting till the next day, inquired after herplace of abode, and that very hour went to her house, accompaniedwith his daughter and his grandson. 

The widow of Noor ad Deen Ali resided still in the same placewhere her husband had lived. It was a stately fabric, adornedwith marble pillars: but Shumse ad Deen did not stop to view it. At his entry he kissed the gate, and the piece of marble uponwhich his brother's name was written in letters of gold. He askedto speak with his sister-in-law, and was told by her servants, that she was in a small building covered by a dome, to which theydirected in the middle of a very spacious court. This tendermother used to spend the greatest part of the day and night inthat room which she had built as a representation of the tomb ofher son Buddir ad Deen Houssun, whom she supposed to be deadafter so long an absence. She was pouring tears over his memorialwhen Shumse ad Deen entering, found her buried in the deepestaffliction. 

He made his compliment, and after beseeching her to suspend hertears and sighs, informed her he had the honour to be herbrother-in-law, and acquainted her with the reason of his journeyfrom Cairo to Bussorah. 

Shumse ad Deen Mahummud, after acquainting his sister-in-law withall that had passed at Cairo on his daughter's wedding-night, andinforming her of the surprise occasioned by the discovery of thepaper sewed up in Buddir ad Deen's turban, presented to her Agiband the beautiful lady. 

The widow of Noor ad Deen, who had still continued sitting like awoman dejected, and weaned from the affairs of this world, nosooner understood by his discourse that her dear son, whom shelamented so bitterly, might still be alive, than she arose, andrepeatedly embraced the beautiful lady and her grandchild Agib;and perceiving in the youth the features of Buddir ad Deen, dropstears different from what she had been so long accustomed toshed. She could not forbear kissing the youth, who, for his part, received her embraces with all the demonstrations of joy he wascapable of shewing. "Sister, " said Shumse ad Deen, "it is time todry your tears, and suppress your sighs; you must think of goingwith us to Egypt. The sultan of Bussorah gives me leave to carryyou thither, and I doubt not you will consent. I am in hopes weshall at last find out your son my nephew; and if we do, thehistory of him, of you, of my own daughter, and of my ownadventures, will deserve to be committed to writing, andtransmitted to posterity. "

The widow of Noor ad Deen heard this proposal with pleasure, andordered preparations to be made for her departure. While theywere making, Shumse ad Deen desired a second audience, and aftertaking leave of the sultan, who dismissed him with ample marks ofrespect, and gave him a considerable present for himself, andanother of great value for the sultan of Egypt, he set out fromBussorah once more for the city of Damascus. 

When he arrived in the neighbourhood of Damascus, he ordered histents to be pitched without the gate, at which he designed toenter the city; and gave out he would tarry there three days, togive his suit rest, and buy up curiosities to present to thesultan of Egypt. 

While he was employed in selecting the finest stuffs which theprincipal merchants had brought to his tents, Agib begged theblack eunuch his governor to carry him through the city, in orderto see what he had not had leisure to view before; and to inquirewhat was become of the pastry cook whom he had wounded. Theeunuch complying with his request, went along with him towardsthe city, after leave obtained of the beautiful lady his mother. 

They entered Damascus by the Paradise-gate, which lay next to thetents of the vizier They walked through the great squares and thepublic places where the richest goods were sold, and took a view ofthe superb mosque at the hour of prayer, between noon and sun-set. When they passed by the shop of Buddir ad Deen Houssun, whom theystill found employed in making cream tarts, "I salute you sir, " saidAgib; "do you know me? Do you remember you ever saw me before?" Buddirad Deen hearing these words, fixed his eyes upon him, and recognizinghim (such was the surprising effect of paternal love!), felt the sameemotion as when he saw him first; he was confused, and instead ofmaking any answer, continued a long time without uttering a word. Atlength, recovering himself, "My lord, " said he, "be so kind as to comeonce more with your governor into my house, and taste a cream-tart. Ibeg your lordship's pardon, for the trouble I gave you in followingyou out of town; I was at that time not myself, I did not know what Idid. You drew me after you, and the violence of the attraction was sosoft, that I could not withstand it. "

Agib, astonished at what Buddir ad Deen said, replied: "There isan excess in the kindness you express, and unless you engageunder oath not to follow me when I go from hence, I will notenter your house. If you give me your promise, and prove a man ofyour word, I will visit you again to-morrow, since the vizier mygrandfather, is still employed in buying up rarities for apresent to the sultan of Egypt. " "My lord, " replied Buddir adDeen, "I will do whatever you would have me. " This said, Agib andthe eunuch went into the shop. 

Presently after, Buddir ad Deen set before them a cream-tart, that was full as good as what they had eaten before; "Come, " saidAgib, "sit down by me, and eat with us. " Buddir ad Deen sat down, and attempted to embrace Agib, as a testimony of the joy heconceived upon sitting by him. But Agib pushed him away, desiringhim not to be too familiar. Buddir ad Deen obeyed, and repeatedsome extempore verses in praise of Agib: he did not eat, but madeit his business to serve his guests. When they had done, hebrought them water to wash, and a very white napkin to wipe theirhands. Then he filled a large china cup with sherbet, and putsnow into it; and offering it to Agib, "This, " said he, "issherbet of roses; and I am sure you never tasted better. " Agibhaving drunk of it with pleasure, Buddir ad Deen took the cupfrom him, and presented it to the eunuch, who drank it all off atonce. 

In fine, Agib and his governor having fared well, returned thanksto the pastry-cook for their good entertainment, and movedhomewards, it being then late. When they arrived at the tents ofShumse ad Deen Mahummud, Agib's grandmother received him withtransports of joy: her son ran always in her mind, and inembracing Agib, the remembrance of him drew tears from her eyes. "Ah, my child!" said she, "my joy would be perfect, if I had thepleasure of embracing your father as I now embrace you. " She madeAgib sit by her, and put several questions to him, relating tothe walk he had been taking with the eunuch; and when hecomplained of being hungry, she gave him a piece of cream-tart, which she had made for herself, and was indeed very good: shelikewise gave some to the eunuch. 

Agib no sooner touched the piece of cream-tart that had been setbefore him, than he pretended he did not like it, and left it uncut;and Shubbaunee (which was the eunuch's name) did the same. The widowof Noor ad Deen Ali observed with regret that her grandson did notlike the tart. "What!" said she, "does my child thus despise the workof my hands? Be it known to you, no one in the world can make suchbesides myself and your father, whom I taught. " "My good mother, "replied Agib, "give me leave to tell you, if you do not know how tomake better, there is a pastry-cook in this town that outdoes you. Wewere at his shop, and ate of one much better than yours. "

On hearing this, the grandmother, frowning upon the eunuch, said, "How now, Shubbaunee, was the care of my grandchild committed toyou, to carry him to eat at pastry-shops like a beggar?" "Madam, "replied the eunuch, "it is true, we did stop a little while andtalked with the pastry-cook, but we did not eat with him. ""Pardon me, " said Agib, "we went into his shop, and there ate acream-tart. " Upon this, the lady, more incensed against theeunuch than before, rose in a passion from the table, and runningto the tent of Shumse ad Deen, informed him of the eunuch'scrime; and that in such terms, as tended more to inflame thevizier than to dispose him to excuse it. 

The vizier who was naturally passionate, did not fail on this occasionto display his anger. He went forthwith to his sister-in-law's tent, and said to the eunuch, "Wretch, have you the impudence to abuse thetrust I repose in you?" Shubbaunee, though sufficiently convicted byAgib's testimony, denied the fact still. But the child persisting inwhat he had affirmed, "Grandfather, " said he, "I can assure you we notonly ate, but that so very heartily, that we have no occasion forsupper: besides, the pastry-cook treated us also with a great bowl ofsherbet. " "Well, " cried Shumse ad Deen, "after all this, will youcontinue to deny that you entered the pastry-cook's house, and atethere?" Shubbaunee had still the impudence to swear it was not true. "Then you are a liar, " said the vizier "I believe my grandchild; butafter all, if you can eat up this cream-tart I shall be persuaded youhave truth on your side. "

Though Shubbaunee had crammed himself up to the throat before, heagreed to stand that test, and accordingly took a piece of tart;but his stomach rising against it, he was obliged to spit it outof his mouth. Yet he still pursued the lie, and pretended he hadover-eaten himself the day before, and had not recovered hisappetite. The vizier irritated with all the eunuch's frivolouspresences, and convinced of his guilt, ordered him to be soundlybastinadoed. In undergoing this punishment, the poor wretchshrieked out aloud, and at last confessed the truth; "I own, "cried he, "that we did eat a cream-tart at the pastry cook's, andthat it was much better than that upon the table. "

The widow of Noor ad Deen thought it was out of spite to her, andwith a desire to mortify her, that Shubbaunee commended thepastry-cook's tart; and accordingly said, "I cannot believe thecook's tarts are better than mine; I am resolved to satisfymyself upon that head. Where does he live? Go immediately and buyme one of his tarts. " The eunuch repaired to Buddir ad Deen'sshop, and said, "Let me have one of your cream-tarts; one of ourladies wants to taste them. " Buddir ad Deen chose one of thebest, and gave it to the eunuch. 

Shubbaunee returned speedily to the tents, gave the tart to Noorad Deen's widow, who, snatching it greedily, broke a piece off;but no sooner put it to her mouth, than she cried out and swoonedaway. The vizier was extremely surprised at the accident; hethrew water upon her face, and was very active in recovering her. As soon as she came to herself, "My God!" cried she, "it mustneeds be my son, my dear Buddir ad Deen who made this tart. "

When the vizier Shumse ad Deen heard his sister-in-law say, thatthe maker of the tart, brought by the eunuch, must needs be herson, he was overjoyed; but reflecting that his joy might provegroundless, and the conjecture of Noor ad Deen's widow be false, "Madam, " said he, "do you think there may not be a pastry-cook inthe world, who knows how to make cream-tarts as well as yourson?" "I own, " replied she, "there may be pastry-cooks that canmake as good tarts as he; but as I make them in a peculiarmanner, and only my son was let into the secret, it mustabsolutely be he that made this. Come, my brother, " added she ina transport, "let us call up mirth and joy; we have at last foundwhat we have been so long looking for. " "Madam, " said the vizieranswer, "I entreat you to moderate your impatience, for we shallquickly know the truth. All we have to do, is to bring thepastry-cook hither; and then you and my daughter will readilydistinguish whether he be your son or not. But you must both beconcealed so as to have a view of Buddir ad Deen while he cannotsee you; for I would not have our interview and mutual discoveryhappen at Damascus. My design is to delay the discovery till wereturn to Cairo. "

This said, he left the ladies in their tent, and retired to hisown; where he called for fifty of his men, and said to them:"Take each of you a stick in your hands, and follow Shubbaunee, who will conduct you to a pastry-cook in this city. When youarrive there, break and dash in pieces all you find in the shop:if he demand the reason of your outrage, only ask him in returnif it was not he that made the cream-tart that was brought fromhis house. If he answer in the affirmative, seize his person, fetter him, and bring him along with you; but take care you donot beat him, nor do him the least harm. Go, and lose no time. "

The vizier's orders were immediately executed. The detachment, conducted by the black eunuch, went with expedition to Buddir adDeen's house, broke in pieces the plates, kettles, copper pans, and all the other moveables and utensils they met with, andinundated the sherbet-shop with cream and comfits. Buddir adDeen, astonished at the sight, said with a pitiful tone, "Pray, good people, why do you serve me so? What is the matter? Whathave I done?" "Was it not you, " said they, "that sold this eunuchthe cream-tart?" "Yes, " replied he, "I am the man; and who saysany thing against it? I defy any one to make a better. " Insteadof giving him an answer, they continued to break all round them, and the oven itself was not spared. 

In the mean time the neighbours took the alarm, and surprised tosee fifty armed men committing such a disorder, asked the reasonof such violence; and Buddir ad Deen said once more to therioters, "Pray tell me what crime I have committed to deservethis usage?" "Was it not you, " replied they, "that made thecream-tart you sold to the eunuch?" "Yes, yes, it was I, " repliedhe; "I maintain it is a good one. I do not deserve thistreatment. " However, without listening to him, they seized hisperson, and, snatching the cloth off his turban, tied his handswith it behind his back, and, after dragging him by force out ofhis shop, marched off. 

The mob gathering, from compassion to Buddir ad Deen, took hispart; but officers from the governor of the city dispersed thepeople, and favoured the carrying off of Buddir ad Deen, forShumse ad Deen Mahummud had in the mean time gone to thegovernor's house to acquaint him with the order he had given, andto demand the interposition of force to favour the execution; andthe governor, who commanded all Syria in the name of the sultanof Egypt, was unwilling to refuse any thing to his master'svizier. 

It was in vain for Buddir ad Deen to ask those who carried himoff, what fault had been found with his cream-tart: they gave himno answer. In short, they conducted him to the tents, and madehim wait there till Shumse ad Deen returned from the governor ofDamascus. 

Upon the vizier's return, the pretended culprit was broughtbefore him. "My lord, " said Buddir ad Deen, with tears in hiseyes, "pray do me the favour to let me know wherein I havedispleased you. " "Why, you wretch, " exclaimed the vizier "was itnot you that made the cream-tart you sent me?" "I own I am theman, " replied Buddir ad Deen, "but pray what crime is that?" "Iwill punish you according to your deserts, " said Shumse ad Deen, "it shall cost you your life, for sending me such a sorry tart. ""Ah!" exclaimed Buddir ad Deen, "is it a capital crime to make abad cream-tart?" "Yes, " said the vizier "and you are to expect noother usage from me. "

While this interview lasted, the ladies, who were concealedbehind curtains, saw Buddir ad Deen, and recognized him, notwithstanding he had been so long absent. They were sotransported with joy, that they swooned away; and when theyrecovered, would fain have run up and fallen upon his neck, butthe promise they had made to the vizier of not discoveringthemselves, restrained the tender emotions of love and of nature. 

Shumse ad Deen having resolved to set out that night, ordered thetents to be struck, and the necessary preparations to be made forhis journey. He ordered Buddir ad Deen to be secured in a sort ofcage, and laid on a camel. The vizier and his retinue began theirmarch, and travelled the rest of that night, and all the nextday, without stopping In the evening they halted, and Buddir adDeen was taken out of his cage, in order to be served with thenecessary refreshments, but still carefully kept at a distancefrom his mother and his wife; and during the whole expedition, which lasted twenty days, was served in the same manner. 

When they arrived at Cairo, they encamped in the neighbourhood ofthe city; Shumse ad Deen called for Buddir ad Deen, and gaveorders, in his presence, to prepare a stake. "Alas!" said Buddirad Deen, "what do you mean to do with a stake?" "Why, to impaleyou, " replied Shumse ad Deen, "and then to have you carriedthrough all the quarters of the town, that the people may havethe spectacle of a worthless pastry-cook, who makes cream-tartswithout pepper. " This said, Buddir ad Deen cried out soludicrously, that Shumse ad Deen could hardly keep hiscountenance: "Alas!" said he, "must I suffer a death as cruel asit is ignominious, for not putting pepper in a cream-tart?"

"How, " said Buddir ad Deen, "must I be rifled; must I be imprisoned ina chest, and at last impaled, and all for not putting pepper in acream-tart? Are these the actions of Moosulmauns, of persons who makea profession of probity, justice, and good works?" With these words heshed tears, and then renewing his complaint; "No, " continued he, "never was a man used so unjustly, nor so severely. Is it possiblethey should be capable of taking a man's life for not putting pepperin a cream-tart? Cursed be all cream-tarts, as well as the hour inwhich I was born! Would to God I had died that minute!"

The disconsolate Buddir ad Deen did not cease his lamentations;and when the stake was brought, cried out bitterly at the horridsight. "Heaven!" said he, "can you suffer me to die anignominious and painful death? And all this, for what crime? notfor robbery or murder, or renouncing my religion, but for notputting pepper in a cream tart. "

Night being then pretty far advanced, the vizier ordered Buddirad Deen to be conveyed again to his cage, saying to him, "Staythere till to-morrow; the day shall not elapse before I giveorders for your death. " The chest or cage then was carried awayand laid upon the camel that had brought it from Damascus: at thesame time all the other camels were loaded again; and the viziermounting his horse, ordered the camel that carried his nephew tomarch before him, and entered the city with all his suit. Afterpassing through several streets, where no one appeared, hearrived at his palace, where he ordered the chest to be takendown, but not opened till farther orders. 

While his retinue were unlading the other camels, he took Buddirad Deen's mother and his daughter aside; and addressed himself tothe latter: "God be praised, " said he, "my child, for this happyoccasion of meeting your cousin and your husband! You remember, of course, what order your chamber was in on your wedding night:go and put all things as they were then placed; and if yourmemory do not serve you, I can aid it by a written account, whichI caused to be taken upon that occasion. "

The beautiful lady went joyfully to execute her father's orders; andhe at the same time commanded the hall to be adorned as when Buddir adDeen Houssun was there with the sultan of Egypt's hunch-backed groom. As he went over his manuscript, his domestics placed every moveable inthe described order. The throne was not forgotten, nor the lighted waxcandles. When every thing was arranged in the hall, the vizier wentinto his daughter's chamber and put in their due place Buddir adDeen's apparel, with the purse of sequins. This done, he said to thebeautiful lady, "Undress yourself, my child, and go to bed. As soon asBuddir ad Deen enters your room, complain of his being from you solong, and tell him, that when you awoke, you were astonished you didnot find him by you. Press him to come to bed again; and to-morrowmorning you will divert your mother-in-law and me, by giving us anaccount of your interview. " This said, he went from his daughter'sapartment, and left her to undress herself and go to bed. 

Shumse ad Deen Mahummud ordered all his domestics to depart thehall, excepting two or three, whom he desired to remain. These hecommanded to go and take Buddir ad Deen out of the cage, to striphim to his under vest and drawers, to conduct him in thatcondition to the hall, to leave him there alone, and shut thedoor upon him. 

Buddir ad Deen, though overwhelmed with grief, was asleep sosoundly, that the vizier's domestics had taken him out of thechest and stripped him before he awoke; and they carried him sosuddenly into the hall, that they did not give him time to seewhere he was. When he found himself alone in the hall, he lookedround him, and the objects he beheld recalling to his memory thecircumstances of his marriage, he perceived, with astonishment, that it was the place where he had seen the sultan's groom of thestables. His surprise was still the greater, when approachingsoftly the door of a chamber which he found open, he spied hisown raiments where he remembered to have left them on his weddingnight. "My God!" said he, rubbing his eyes, "am I asleep orawake?"

The beautiful lady, who in the mean time was diverting herselfwith his astonishment, opened the curtains of her bed suddenly, and bending her head forward, "My dear lord, " said she, with asoft, tender air, "what do you do at the door? You have been outof bed a long time. I was strangely surprised when I awoke in notfinding you by me. " Buddir ad Deen was enraptured; he entered theroom, but reverting to all that had passed during a ten years'interval, and not being able to persuade himself that it couldall have happened in the compass of one night, he went to theplace where his vestments lay with the purse of sequins; andafter examining them very carefully, exclaimed, "By Allah theseare mysteries which I can by no means comprehend!" The lady, whowas pleased to see his confusion, said, once more, "My lord, whatdo you wait for?" He stepped towards the bed, and said to her, "Is it long since I left you?" "The question, " answered she, "surprises me. Did not you rise from me but now? Surely your mindis deranged. " "Madam, " replied Buddir ad Deen, "I do assure youmy thoughts are not very composed. I remember indeed to have beenwith you, but I remember at the same time, that I have sincelived ten years at Damascus. Now, if I was actually in bed withyou this night, I cannot have been from you so long. These twopoints are inconsistent. Pray tell me what I am to think; whethermy marriage with you is an illusion, or whether my absence fromyou is only a dream?" "Yes, my lord, " cried she, "doubtless youwere light-headed when you thought you were at Damascus. " Uponthis Buddir ad Deen laughed heartily, and said, "What a comicalfancy is this! I assure you, madam, this dream of mine will bevery pleasant to you. Do but imagine, if you please, that I wasat the gate of Damascus in my shirt and drawers, as I am herenow; that I entered the town with the halloo of a mob whofollowed and insulted me; that I fled to a pastry cook whoadopted me, taught me his trade, and left me all he had when hedied; that after his death I kept a shop. In fine, I had aninfinity of other adventures, too tedious to recount: and all Ican say is, that it was well that I awoke, for they were going toimpale me!" "And for what, " cried the lady, feigningastonishment, "would they have used you so cruelly? Surely youmust have committed some enormous crime. " "Not the least, "replied Buddir ad Deen; "it was for nothing but a mere trifle, the most ridiculous thing you can imagine. All the crime I wascharged with, was selling a cream-tart that had no pepper in it. ""As for that matter, " said the beautiful lady laughing heartily, "I must say they did you great injustice. " "Ah!" replied he, "that was not all. For this cursed cream-tart was every thing inmy shop broken to pieces, myself bound and fettered, and flunginto a chest, where I lay so close, that methinks I am therestill, but thanks be to God all was a dream. "

Buddir ad Deen was not easy all night. He awoke from time to time, andput the question to himself, whether he dreamed or was awake. Hedistrusted his felicity; and, to be sure whether it was true or not, looked round the room. "I am not mistaken, " said he; "this is the samechamber where I entered instead of the hunch-backed groom of thestables; and I am now in bed with the fair lady designed for him. "Day-light, which then appeared, had not yet dispelled his uneasiness, when the vizier Shumse ad Deen, his uncle, knocked at the door, and atthe same time went in to bid him good morrow. 

Buddir ad Deen was extremely surprised to see a man he knew sowell, and who now appeared with a different air from that withwhich he pronounced the terrible sentence of death against him. "Ah!" cried Buddir ad Deen, "it was you who condemned me sounjustly to a kind of death, the thoughts of which make meshudder, and all for a cream-tart without pepper. " The vizierfell a laughing, and to put him out of suspense, told him how, bythe ministry of a genie (for hunch-back's relation made himsuspect the adventure), he had been at his palace, and hadmarried his daughter instead of the sultan's groom of thestables; then he acquainted him that he had discovered him to behis nephew by the memorandum of his father, and pursuant to thatdiscovery had gone from Cairo to Bussorah in quest of him. "Mydear nephew, " added he, embracing him with every expression oftenderness, "I ask your pardon for all I have made you undergosince I discovered you. I resolved to bring you to my palacebefore I told you your happiness; which ought now to be so muchthe dearer to you, as it has cost you so much perplexity anddistress. To atone for all your afflictions, comfort yourselfwith the joy of being in the company of those who ought to bedearest to you. While you are dressing yourself I will go andacquaint your mother, who is beyond measure impatient to see you;and will likewise bring to you your son, whom you saw atDamascus, and for whom, without knowing him, you shewed so muchaffection. "

No words can adequately express the joy of Buddir ad Deen, whenhe saw his mother and his son. They embraced, and shewed all thetransports that love and tenderness could inspire. The motherspoke to Buddir ad Deen in the most moving terms; she mentionedthe grief she had felt for his long absence, and the tears shehad shed. Little Ajib, instead of flying his father's embraces, as at Damascus, received them with all the marks of pleasure. AndBuddir ad Deen Houssun, divided between two objects so worthy ofhis love, thought he could not give sufficient testimonies of hisaffection. 

While this passed, the vizier was gone to the palace, to give thesultan an account of the happy success of his travels; and thesultan was so moved with the recital of the story, that heordered it to be taken down in writing, and carefully preservedamong the archives of the kingdom. After Shumse ad Deen's returnto his palace, he sat down with his family, and all the householdpassed the day in festivity and mirth. 

The vizier Jaaffier having thus concluded the story of Buddir adDeen, told the caliph that this was what he had to relate to hismajesty. The caliph found the story so surprising, that withoutfarther hesitation he granted his slave Rihan's pardon; and toconsole the young man for the grief of having unhappily deprivedhimself of a woman whom he had loved so tenderly, married him toone of his slaves, bestowed liberal gifts upon him, andmaintained him till he died. 

 THE HISTORY OF GANEM, SON OF ABOU AYOUB, AND KNOWN BY THE SURNAME OF LOVE'S SLAVE. 

There was formerly at Damascus a merchant, who had by care andindustry acquired great wealth, on which he lived in a veryhonourable manner. His name was Abou Ayoub, and he had one sonand a daughter. The son was called Ganem, but afterwards surnamedLove's slave. His person was graceful, and the excellentqualities of his mind had been improved by able masters. Thedaughter's name was Alcolom, signifying Ravisher of hearts, because her beauty was so perfect that whoever saw her could notavoid loving her. 

Abou Ayoub died, and left immense riches: a hundred loads ofbrocades and other silks that lay in his warehouse were the leastpart. The loads were ready made up, and on every bale was writtenin large characters, "For Bagdad. "

Mahummud, the son of Soliman, surnamed Zinebi, reigned at thattime at Damascus, the capital of Syria. His kinsman, Haroon alRusheed, had bestowed that kingdom on him as his tributary. 

Soon after the death of Abou Ayoub, Ganem conversed with hismother about their domestic affairs, and concerning the loads ofmerchandize in the warehouse, asked her the meaning of what waswritten upon each bale. "My son, " answered his mother, "yourfather used to travel sometimes into one province, and sometimesinto another; and it was customary with him, before he set out, to write the name of the city he designed to repair to on everybade. He had provided all things to take a journey to Bagdad, andwas on the point of setting out, when death"----She had not powerto finish; the lively remembrance of the loss of her husbandwould not permit her to say more, and drew from her a shower oftears. 

Ganem could not see his mother so sensibly affected, withoutbeing equally so himself. They continued some time silent; but atlength he recovered himself, and as soon as he found his mothercalm enough to listen to him, said, "Since my father designedthese goods for Bagdad, I will prepare myself to perform thatjourney; and I think it will be proper for me to hasten mydeparture, for fear those commodities should perish, or that weshould lose the opportunity of selling them to the bestadvantage. "

Abou Ayoub's widow, who tenderly loved her son, was muchconcerned at this resolution, and replied, "My dear child, Icannot but commend you for designing to follow your father'sexample; but consider, that you are too young, inexperienced, andunaccustomed to the fatigue of travelling. Besides, can you thinkof leaving me, and adding to that sorrow with which I am alreadyoppressed? Is it not better to sell those goods to the merchantsof Damascus, and take up with a moderate profit, than exposeyourself to the danger of perishing?"

It was in vain for her to oppose Ganem's resolution by thestrongest arguments; they had no weight with him. An inclinationto travel, and to accomplish himself by a thorough knowledge ofthe world, urged him to set out, and prevailed over all hismother's remonstrances, her entreaties, and even her tears. Hewent to the market where slaves were sold, and bought such aswere able-bodied, hired a hundred camels, and having provided allother necessaries, entered upon his journey, with five or sixmerchants of Damascus, who were going to trade at Bagdad. 

Those merchants, attended by their slaves, and accompanied byseveral other travellers, made up such a considerable caravan, that they had nothing to fear from the Bedouin Arabs, who make ittheir only profession to range the country; and attack andplunder the caravans when they are not strong enough to repulsethem. They had no other difficulty to encounter, than the usualfatigues of a long journey, which were easily forgotten when theycame in sight of the city of Bagdad, where they arrived insafety. 

They alighted at the most magnificent and most frequented khan inthe city; but Ganem chose to be lodged conveniently, and byhimself. He only left his goods there in a warehouse for theirgreater security, and hired a spacious house in theneighbourhood, richly furnished, having a garden which was verydelightful, on account of its many waterworks and shady groves. 

Some days after this young merchant had been settled in hishouse, and perfectly recovered of the fatigue of his journey, hedressed himself richly, and repaired to the public place, wherethe merchants met to transact business. A slave followed him, carrying a parcel of fine stuffs and silks. 

The merchants received Ganem very courteously, and their syndic, or chief, to whom he first made application, bought all hisparcel, at the price set down in the ticket annexed to everypiece of stuff. Ganem continued his trade so successfully, thathe every day sold all the goods he exposed. 

He had but one bale left, which he had caused to be carried fromthe warehouse to his own house; he then went to the publicrendezvous, where he found all the shops shut. This seemedsomewhat extraordinary to him and having asked the cause, he wastold, that one of the first merchants, whom he knew, was dead, and that all his brother traders were gone to his funeral. 

Ganem inquired for the mosque, where prayer was to be said, andwhence the body was to be conducted to the grave; and having beeninformed, sent back his slave with the goods, and walked towardsthe mosque. He got thither before the prayers were ended, whichwere said in a hall hung with black satin. The corpse was takenup, and followed by the kindred, the merchants, and Ganem, to theplace of burial, which was at some distance without the city. Itwas a stone structure, in form of a dome, purposely built toreceive the bodies of all the family of the deceased, and beingvery small, they had pitched tents around, that all the companymight be sheltered during the ceremony. The monument was opened, and the corpse laid in it, after which it was shut up. Then theimam, and other ministers of the mosque, sat down in a ring oncarpets, in the largest tent, and recited the rest of theprayers. They also read the Fateah, or introductory chapter ofthe Koraun, appointed for the burial of the dead. The kindred andmerchants sat round, in the same manner, behind the ministers. 

It was near night before all was ended: Ganem who had notexpected such a long ceremony, began to be uneasy, and the moreso, when he saw meat served up, in memory of the deceased, according to the custom of the Mahummedans. He was also told thatthe tents had been set up not only against the heat of the sun, but also against the evening dew, because they should not returnto the city before the next morning. These words perplexed Ganem. "I am a stranger, " said he to himself, "and have the reputationof being a rich merchant; thieves may take the opportunity of myabsence, and rob my house. My slaves may be tempted by sofavourable an opportunity; they may run away with all the gold Ihave received for my goods, and whither shall I go to look forthem?" Full of these thoughts, he ate a few mouthfuls hastily, and slipped away from the company. 

He made all possible haste; but, as it often happens that themore a man hurries the less he advances, he went astray in thedark, so that it was near midnight when he came to the city gate;which, to add to his misfortune, was shut. This was a freshaffliction to him, and he was obliged to look for some convenientplace in which to pass the rest of the night till the gate wasopened. He went into a burial-place, so spacious, that it reachedfrom the city to the very place he had left. He advanced to somehigh walls, which enclosed a small field, being the mausoleum ofa family, and in which there was a palm-tree. Ganem, finding thatthe burial-place where the palm-tree grew was open, went into it, and shut the door after him. He lay down on the grass and triedto sleep; but his uneasiness at being absent from home would notpermit him. He got up, and after having passed before the doorseveral times, opened it, without knowing why, and immediatelyperceived at a distance a light, which seemed to come towardshim. He was startled at the sight, closed the door, which hadnothing to secure it but a latch, and got up as fast as he couldto the top of the palm-tree; looking upon that as the safestretreat under his present apprehensions. 

No sooner was he up, than by the help of the light which hadalarmed him, he plainly perceived three men, whom, by theirhabit, he knew to be slaves, enter into the burial-place. One ofthem advanced with a lantern, and the two others followed him, loaded with a chest, between five and six feet long, which theycarried on their shoulders. They set it down, and then one of thethree slaves said to his comrades, "Brethren, if you will beadvised by me, we will leave the chest here, and return to thecity. " "No, no, " replied another, "that would not be executingour mistress's orders; we may have cause to repent not doing aswe were commanded. Let us bury the chest, since we are enjoinedso to do. " The two other slaves complied. They began to breakground with the tools they had brought for that purpose. Whenthey had made a deep trench, they put the chest into it, andcovered it with the earth they had taken out, and then departed. 

Ganem, who from the top of the palm-tree had heard every word theslaves had spoken, could not tell what to think of the adventure. Heconcluded that the chest must contain something of value, and that theperson to whom it belonged had some particular reasons for causing itto be buried in the cemetery. He resolved immediately to satisfy hiscuriosity, came down from the palm-tree, the departure of the slaveshaving dissipated his fear, and fell to work upon the pit, plying hishands and feet so well, that in a short time he uncovered the chest, but found it secured by a padlock. This new obstacle to the satisfyingof his curiosity was no small mortification to him, yet he was notdiscouraged, but the day beginning then to appear, he saw severalgreat stones about the burial-place. He picked out one, with which heeasily knocked off the padlock, and then with much impatience openedthe chest. Ganem was strangely surprised, when, instead of money, hediscovered a young lady of incomparable beauty. Her fresh and rosycomplexion, and her gentle regular breathing, satisfied him she wasalive, but he could not conceive why, if she were only asleep, she hadnot awaked at the noise he made in forcing off the padlock. Her habitwas so costly, with bracelets and pendants of diamonds, and a necklaceof pearls, so large, that he made not the least doubt of her being oneof the principal ladies of the court. At the sight of so beautiful anobject, not only compassion and natural inclination to relieve personsin danger, but something more powerful, which Ganem could not thenaccount for, prevailed on him to afford the unfortunate beauty all theassistance in his power. 

He first shut the gate of the burial-place, which the slaves hadleft open; then, returning, took the lady in his arms, and laidher on the soft earth which he had thrown off the chest. As soonas she was exposed to the air, she sneezed, and, by the motion inturning her head, there came from her mouth a liquor, with whichher stomach seemed to have been loaded; then opening and rubbingher eyes, she with such a voice as charmed Ganem, whom she didnot see, cried out, "Zohorob Bostan, Shijher al Mirjaun, CasabosSouccar, Nouron Nihar, Nagmatos Sohi, Nonzbetos Zaman, why do younot answer? where are you?" These were the names of six femaleslaves that used to wait on her. She called them, and wonderedthat nobody answered; but at length looking about, and perceivingshe was in a burial-place, was seized with fear. "What, " criedshe, much louder than before, "are the dead raised? Is the day ofjudgment come? What a wonderful change is this from evening tomorning?"

Ganem did not think fit to leave the lady any longer in herperplexity, but presented himself before her with all possiblerespect, and in the most courteous manner. "Madam, " said he, "Iam not able to express my joy at having happened to be here to doyou the service I have, and to offer you all the assistance youmay need under your present circumstances. "

In order to persuade the lady to repose confidence in him, he, inthe first place, told her who he was, and what accident hadbrought him to that place. Next he acquainted her with the comingof the three slaves, and how they had buried the chest. The lady, who had covered her face with her veil as soon as Ganem appeared, was extremely sensible of the obligations she owed him. "I returnthanks to God, " said she "for having sent so worthy a person asyou are to deliver me from death; but since you have begun socharitable a work, I conjure you not to leave it imperfect. Letme beg of you to go into the city, and provide a muleteer, tocome with his mule, and carry me to your house in this chest;for, should I go with you on foot, my dress being different fromthat of the city ladies, some one might take notice of it, andfollow me, which it highly concerns me to prevent. When I shallbe in your house, I will give you an account of myself; and inthe mean time be assured that you have not obliged an ungratefulperson. "

Before the young merchant left the lady, he drew the chest out ofthe pit, which he filled up with earth, laid her again in thechest, and shut it in such a manner, that it did not look as ifthe padlock had been forced off; but for fear of stifling her, hedid not put it quite close, leaving room for the admittance ofair. Going out of the burial-place, he drew the door after him;and the city gate being then open, soon found what he sought. Hereturned with speed to the burial place, and helped the muleteerto lay the chest across his mule, telling him, to remove allcause of suspicion, that he came to that place the night before, with another muleteer, who, being in haste to return home, hadlaid down the chest where he saw it. 

Ganem, who, since his arrival at Bagdad, had minded nothing buthis business, was still unacquainted with the power of love, andnow felt its first attacks. It had not been in his power to lookupon the young lady without being dazzled; and the uneasiness hefelt at following the muleteer at a distance, and the fear lestany accident might happen by the way that should deprive him ofhis conquest, taught him to unravel his thoughts. He was morethan usually delighted, when, being arrived safe at home, he sawthe chest unloaded. He dismissed the muleteer, and having causeda slave to shut the door of his house, opened the chest, helpedthe lady out, gave her his hand, and conducted her to hisapartment, lamenting how much she must have endured in such closeconfinement. "If I have suffered, " said she, "I have satisfactionsufficient in what you have done for me, and in the pleasure ofseeing myself out of danger. "

Though Ganem's apartment was very richly furnished, the lady didnot so much regard its appearance, as she did the handsomepresence and engaging mien of her deliverer, whose politeness andobliging behaviour heightened her gratitude. She sat down on asofa, and to give the merchant to understand how sensible she wasof the service done her, took off her veil. Ganem on his part wassensible of the favour so lovely a lady did in uncovering herface to him, or rather felt he had already a most violent passionfor her. Whatever obligations she owed him, he thought himselfmore than requited by so singular a favour. 

The lady dived into Ganem's thoughts, yet was not at all alarmed, because he appeared very respectful. He, judging she might haveoccasion to eat, and not willing to trust any but himself withthe care of entertaining so charming a guest, went out with aslave to an eating-house, to give directions for anentertainment. From thence he went to a fruiterer, where he chosethe finest and best fruit; buying also the choicest wine, and thesame bread that was eaten at the caliph's table. 

As soon as he returned home, he with his own hands made a pyramidof the fruit he had bought, and serving it up himself to the ladyin a large dish, of the finest china-ware, "Madam, " said he, "bepleased to make choice of some of this fruit, while a more solidentertainment, and more worthy yourself, is preparing. " He wouldhave continued standing before her, but she declared she wouldnot touch any thing, unless he sat down and ate with her. Heobeyed; and when they had eaten a little, Ganem observing thatthe lady's veil, which she laid down by her on a sofa, wasembroidered along the edge with golden letters, begged herpermission to look on the embroidery. The lady immediately tookup the veil, and delivered it to him, asking him whether he couldread? "Madam, " replied he, with a modest air, "a merchant wouldbe ill-qualified to manage his business if he could not at leastread and write. " "Well, then, " said she, "read the words whichare embroidered on that veil, which gives me an opportunity oftelling you my story. "

Ganem took the veil, and read these words, "I am yours, and youare mine, thou descendant from the prophet's uncle. " Thatdescendant from the prophet's uncle was the caliph Haroon alRusheed, who then reigned, and was descended from Abbas, Mahummud's uncle. 

When Ganem perceived these words, "Alas! madam, " said he, in amelancholy tone, "I have just saved your life, and this writingis my death! I do not comprehend all the mystery; but itconvinces me I am the most unfortunate of men. Pardon, madam, theliberty I take, but it was impossible for me to see you withoutgiving you my heart. You are not ignorant yourself, that it wasnot in my power to refuse it you, and that makes my presumptionexcusable. I proposed to myself to touch your heart by myrespectful behaviour, my care, my assiduity, my submission, myconstancy; and no sooner have I formed the flattering design, than I am robbed of all my hopes. I cannot long survive so greata misfortune. But, be that as it will, I shall have thesatisfaction of dying entirely yours. Proceed, madam, I conjureyou, and give me full information of my unhappy fate. "

He could not utter those words without letting fall some tears. The lady was moved; but was so far from being displeased at thedeclaration he made, that she felt secret joy; for her heartbegan to yield. However, she concealed her feelings, and as ifshe had not regarded what Ganem had said. "I should have beenvery cautious, " answered she, "of shewing you my veil, had Ithought it would have given you so much uneasiness; but I do notperceive that what I have to say to you can make your conditionso deplorable as you imagine. "

"You must understand, " proceeded she, "in order to acquaint youwith my story, that my name is Fetnah (which signifiesdisturbance), which was given me at my birth, because it wasjudged that the sight of me would one day occasion manycalamities. Of this you cannot be ignorant, since there is nobodyin Bagdad but knows that the caliph, my sovereign lord and yours, has a favourite so called. 

"I was carried into his palace in my tenderest years, and I havebeen brought up with all the care that is usually taken with suchpersons of my sex as are destined to reside there. I made nolittle progress in all they took the pains to teach me; and that, with some share of beauty, gained me the affection of the caliph, who allotted me a particular apartment adjoining to his own. Thatprince was not satisfied with such a mark of distinction; heappointed twenty women to wait on me, and as many eunuchs; andever since he has made me such considerable presents, that I sawmyself richer than any queen in the world. You may judge by whatI have said, that Zobeide, the caliph's wife and kinswoman, couldnot but be jealous of my happiness. Though Haroon has all theregard imaginable for her, she has taken every possibleopportunity to ruin me. 

"Hitherto I had secured myself against all her snares, but atlength I fell under the last effort of her jealousy; and, had itnot been for you, must now have been exposed to inevitable death. I question not but she had corrupted one of my slaves, who lastnight, in some lemonade, gave me a drug, which causes such a deadsleep, that it is easy to dispose of those who have taken it; forthat sleep is so profound, that nothing can dispel it for thespace of seven or eight hours. I have the more reason to judgeso, because naturally I am a very bad sleeper, and apt to wake atthe least noise. 

"Zobeide, the better to put her design in execution, has availedherself of the absence of the caliph, who went lately to puthimself at the head of his troops, to chastise some neighbouringkings, who have formed a league of rebellion. Were it not forthis opportunity, my rival, outrageous as she is, durst not havepresumed to attempt any thing against my life. I know not whatshe will do to conceal this action from the caliph, but you seeit highly concerns me that you should keep my secret. My lifedepends on it. I shall be safe in your house as long as thecaliph is from Bagdad. It concerns you to keep my adventureprivate; for should Zobeide know the obligation I owe you, shewould punish you for having saved me. 

"When the caliph returns, I shall not need to be so much upon myguard. I shall find means to acquaint him with all that hashappened, and I am fully persuaded he will be more earnest thanmyself to requite a service which restores me to his love. "

As soon as Haroon al Rusheed's beautiful favourite had donespeaking, Ganem said, "Madam, I return you a thousand thanks forhaving given me the information I took the liberty to desire ofyou; and I beg of you to believe, that you are here in safety;the sentiments you have inspired are a pledge of my secrecy. 

"As for my slaves, they may perhaps fail of the fidelity they oweme, should they know by what accident and in what place I had thehappiness to find you. I dare assure you, however, that they willnot have the curiosity to inquire. It is so natural for young mento purchase beautiful slaves, that it will be no way surprisingto them to see you here, believing you to be one, and that I havebought you. They will also conclude that I have some particularreasons for bringing you home as they saw I did. Set your heart, therefore, at rest, as to that point, and remain satisfied thatyou shall be served with all the respect that is due to thefavourite of so great a monarch as our sovereign the caliph. Butgreat as he is, give me leave, madam, to declare, that nothingcan make me recall the present I have made you of my heart. Iknow, and shall never forget, 'that what belongs to the master isforbidden to the slave;' but I loved you before you told me thatyou were engaged to the caliph; it is not in my power to overcomea passion which, though now in its infancy, has all the force ofa love strengthened by a perfect of situation. I wish your augustand most fortunate lover may avenge you of the malice of Zobeide, by calling you back to him; and when you shall be restored to hiswishes, that you may remember the unfortunate Ganem, who is noless your conquest than the caliph. Powerful as that prince is, Iflatter myself he will not be able to blot me out of yourremembrance. He cannot love you more passionately than I do; andI shall never cease to love you into whatever part of the world Imay go to expire, after having lost you. "

Fetnah perceived that Ganem was under the greatest ofafflictions, and his situation affected her; but considering theuneasiness she was likely to bring upon herself, by prosecutingthe conversation on that subject, which might insensibly lead herto discover the inclination she felt for him; "I perceive, " saidshe, "that this conversation gives you too much uneasiness; letus change the subject, and talk of the infinite obligation I oweyou. I can never sufficiently express my gratitude, when Ireflect that, without your assistance, I should never again havebeheld the light of the sun. "

It was happy for them both, that somebody just then knocked atthe door; Ganem went to see who it was, and found it to be one ofhis slaves come to acquaint him that the entertainment was ready. Ganem, who, by way of precaution, would have none of his slavescome into the room where Fetnah was, took what was brought, andserved it up himself to his beautiful guest, whose soul wasravished to behold what attention he paid her. 

When they had eaten, Ganem took away, as he had covered thetable; and having delivered all things at the door of theapartment to his slaves, "Madam, " said he to Fetnah, "you may nowperhaps desire to take some rest; I will leave you, and when youhave reposed yourself, you shall find me ready to receive yourcommands. "

Having thus spoken, he left her, and went to purchase twowomen-slaves. He also bought two parcels, one of fine linen, and theother of all such things as were proper to make up a toilet fit forthe caliph's favourite. Having conducted home the two women-slaves, hepresented them to Fetnah, saying, "Madam, a person of your qualitycannot be without two waiting-maids, at least, to serve you; bepleased to accept of these. "

Fetnah, admiring Ganem's attention, said, "My lord, I perceiveyou are not one that will do things by halves: you add by yourcourtesy to the obligations I owe you already; but I hope I shallnot die ungrateful, and that heaven will soon place me in acondition to requite all your acts of generosity. "

When the women-slaves were withdrawn into a chamber adjoining, hesat down on the sofa, but at some distance from Fetnah, in tokenof respect. He then began to discourse of his passion. "I darenot so much as hope, " said he, "to excite the least sensibilityin a heart like yours, destined for the greatest prince in theworld. Alas! it would be a comfort to me in my misfortune, if Icould but flatter myself, that you have not looked upon theexcess of my love with indifference. " "My lord, " answered Fetnah"Alas! madam, " said Ganem, interrupting her at the word lord, "this is the second time you have done me the honour to call melord; the presence of the women-slaves hindered me the first timefrom taking notice of it to you: in the name of God, madam, donot give me this title of honour; it does not belong to me; treatme, I beseech you, as your slave: I am, and shall never cease tobe so. "

"No, no, " replied Fetnah, interrupting him in her turn, "I shallbe cautious how I treat with such disrespect a man to whom I owemy life. I should be ungrateful, could I say or do any thing thatdid not become you. Leave me, therefore, to follow the dictatesof my gratitude, and do not require of me, that I shouldmisbehave myself towards you, in return for the benefits I havereceived. I shall never be guilty of such conduct; I am toosensible of your respectful behaviour to abuse it; and I will nothesitate to own, that I do not regard your care withindifference. You know the reasons that condemn me to silence. "

Ganem was enraptured at this declaration; he wept for joy, andnot being able to find expressions significant enough, in his ownopinion, to return Fetnah thanks, was satisfied with telling her, that as she knew what she owed to the caliph, he, on his part, was not ignorant "that what belongs to the master is forbidden tothe slave. "

Night drawing on, he rose up to fetch a light, which he broughtin himself, as also a collation. 

They both sat down at table, and at first complimented each otheron the fruit as they presented it reciprocally. The excellence ofthe wine insensibly drew them both to drink; and having drunk twoor three glasses, they agreed that neither should take anotherglass without first singing some air. Ganem sung verses extempore, expressive of the vehemence of his passion; and Fetnah, encouraged by his example, composed and sung verses relating toher adventure, and always containing something which Ganem mighttake in a sense favourable to himself; except in this, she mostexactly observed the fidelity due to the caliph. The collationcontinued till very late, and the night was far advanced beforethey thought of parting. Ganem then withdrew to anotherapartment, leaving Fetnah where she was, the women slaves he hadbought coming in to wait upon her. 

They lived together in this manner for several days. The youngmerchant went not abroad, unless upon of the utmost consequence, and even for that took the time when the lady was reposing; forhe could not prevail upon himself to lose a moment that might bespent in her company. All his thoughts were taken up with hisdear Fetnah, who, on her side, gave way to her inclination, confessed she had no less affection for him than he had for her. However, fond as they were of each other, their respect for thecaliph kept them within due bounds, which still heightened theirpassion. 

Whilst Fetnah, thus snatched from the jaws of death, passed hertime so agreeably with Ganem, Zobeide was not without someapprehensions in the palace of Haroon al Rusheed. 

No sooner had the three slaves, entrusted with the execution ofher revenge, carried away the chest, without knowing what itcontained, or so much as the least curiosity to inquire (beingused to pay a blind obedience to her commands), than she wasseized with a tormenting uneasiness; a thousand perplexingthoughts disturbed her rest; sleep fled from her eyes, and shespent the night in contriving how to conceal her crime. "Myconsort, " said she, "loves Fetnah more than ever he did any ofhis favourites. What shall I say to him at his return, when heinquires of me after her?" Many contrivances occurred to her, butnone were satisfactory. Still she met with difficulties, and knewnot where to fix. There lived with her a lady advanced in years, who had bred her up from her infancy. As soon as it was day, shesent for her, and having entrusted her with the secret, said, "Mygood mother, you have always assisted me with your advice; ifever I stood in need of it, it is now, when the business beforeyou is to still my thoughts, distracted by a mortal anxiety, andto show me some way to satisfy the caliph. "

"My dear mistress, " replied the old lady, "it had been muchbetter not to have run yourself into the difficulties you labourunder; but since the thing is done, the best consolation is tothink no more of it. All that must now be thought of, is how todeceive the commander of the believers; and I am of opinion, thatyou should immediately cause a wooden image resembling a deadbody to be carved. We will shroud it up in linen, and when shutup in a coffin, it shall be buried in some part of the palace;you shall then immediately cause a marble mausoleum to be built, in the form of a dome, over the burial place, and erect a tomb, which shall be covered with embroidered cloth, and set about withgreat candlesticks and large wax tapers. There is another thing, "added the old lady, "which ought not to be forgotten; you mustput on mourning, and cause the same to be done by your own andFetnah's women, your eunuchs, and all the officers of the palace. When the caliph returns, and sees you all and the palace inmourning, he will not fail to ask the occasion of it. You willthen have an opportunity of insinuating yourself into his favour, by saying, it was out of respect to him that you paid the lasthonours to Fetnah, snatched away by sudden death. You may tellhim, you have caused a mausoleum to be built, and, in short, thatyou have paid all the last honours to his favourite, as he wouldhave done himself had he been present. His passion for her beingextraordinary, he will certainly go to shed tears upon her grave;and perhaps, " added the old woman, "he will not believe she isreally dead. He may, possibly, suspect you have turned her out ofthe palace through jealousy, and look upon all the mourning as anartifice to deceive him, and prevent his making inquiries afterher. It is likely he will cause the coffin to be taken up andopened, and it is certain he will be convinced of her death, assoon as he shall see the figure of a dead body buried. He will bepleased with all you shall have done, and express his gratitude. As for the wooden image, I will myself undertake to have it cutby a carver in the city, who shall not know the purpose for whichit is designed. As for your part, madam, order Fetnah's woman, who yesterday gave her the lemonade, to give out, among hercompanions, that she has just found her mistress dead in her bed;and in order that they may only think of lamenting, withoutoffering to go into her chamber, let her add, she has alreadyacquainted you with the circumstance, and that you have orderedMesrour to cause her to be buried. "

As soon as the old lady had spoken, Zobeide took a rich diamondring out of her casket, and putting it on her finger, andembracing her in a transport of joy, said, "How infinitely am Ibeholden to you, my good mother! I should never have thought ofso ingenious a contrivance. It cannot fail of success, and Ibegin to recover my peace. I leave the care of the wooden figureto you, and will go myself to order the rest. "

The wooden image was got ready with as much expedition as Zobeidecould have wished, and then conveyed by the old lady herself intoFetnah's bed-chamber, where she dressed it like a dead body, andput it into a coffin. Then Mesrour, who was himself deceived byit, caused the coffin and the representation of Fetnah to becarried away, and buried with the usual ceremonies in the placeappointed by Zobeide, the favourite's women weeping andlamenting, she who had given her the lemonade setting them anexample by her cries and lamentations. 

That very day Zobeide sent for the architect of the palace, and, according to orders, the mausoleum was finished in a short time. Such potent princesses as the consort of a monarch, whose powerextended from east to west, are always punctually obeyed inwhatsoever they command. She soon put on mourning with all thecourt; so that the news of Fetnah's death was quickly spread overthe city. 

Ganem was one of the last who heard of it; for, as I have beforeobserved, he hardly ever went abroad. Being, however, at lengthinformed of it, "Madam, " said he to the caliph's fair favourite, "you are supposed in Bagdad to be dead, and I do not question butthat Zobeide herself believes it. I bless heaven that I am thecause, and the happy witness of your being alive; would to God, that, taking advantage of this false report, you would share myfortune, and go far from hence to reign in my heart! But whitherdoes this pleasing transport carry me? I do not consider that youare born to make the greatest prince in the world happy; and thatonly Haroon al Rusheed is worthy of you. Supposing you couldresolve to give him up for me, and that you would follow me, ought I to consent? No, it is my part always to remember, 'thatwhat belongs to the master is forbidden to the slave. '"

The lovely Fetnah, though moved by the tenderness of the passionhe expressed, yet prevailed with herself not to encourage it. "Mylord, " said she to him, "we cannot obstruct the momentary triumphof Zobeide. I am not surprised at the artifice she uses toconceal her guilt: but let her go on; I flatter myself thatsorrow will soon follow her triumph. The caliph will return, andwe shall find the means privately to inform him of all that hashappened. In the mean time let us be more cautious than ever, that she may not know I am alive. I have already told you theconsequences to be apprehended from such a discovery. "

At the end of three months the caliph returned to Bagdad withglory, having vanquished all his enemies. He entered the palacewith impatience to embrace Fetnah; but was amazed to see all theofficers in mourning; and his concern was redoubled when, approaching the apartment of Zobeide, he beheld that princesscoming to meet him in mourning with all her women. He immediatelyasked her the cause, with much agitation. "Commander of thebelievers, " answered Zobeide, "I am in mourning for your slaveFetnah; who died so suddenly that it was impossible to apply anyremedy to her disorder. " She would have proceeded, but the caliphdid not give her time, being so agitated at the news, that heuttered a feeble exclamation, and fainted. On recovering himself, he, with a feeble voice, which sufficiently expressed his extremegrief, asked where his dear Fetnah had been buried. "Sir, " saidZobeide, "I myself took care of her funeral, and spared no costto make it magnificent. I have caused a marble mausoleum to bebuilt over her grave, and will attend you thither if you desire. "

The caliph would not permit Zobeide to take that trouble, butcontented himself to have Mesrour to conduct him. He went thither justas he was, in his camp dress. When he saw the tomb, the wax-lightsround it, and the magnificence of the mausoleum, he was amazed thatZobeide should have performed the obsequies of her rival with so muchpomp; and being naturally of a jealous temper, suspected his wife'sgenerosity and fancied his mistress might perhaps be yet alive; thatZobeide, taking advantage of his long absence, might have turned herout of the palace, ordering those she had entrusted to conduct her, toconvey her so far off that she might never more be heard of. This wasall he suspected; for he did not think Zobeide wicked enough to haveattempted the life of his favourite. 

The better to discover the truth himself, he ordered the tomb tobe removed, and caused the grave and the coffin to be opened inhis presence; but when he saw the linen wrapped round the woodenimage, he durst not proceed any farther. This devout caliphthought it would be a sacrilegious act to suffer the body of thedead lady to be touched; and this scrupulous fear prevailed overhis love and curiosity. He doubted not of Fetnah's death. Hecaused the coffin to be shut up again, the grave to be filled, and the tomb to be made as it was before. 

The caliph thinking himself obliged to pay some respect to thegrave of his favourite, sent for the ministers of religion, theofficers of the palace, and the readers of the Koraun; and, whilst they were collecting together, he remained in themausoleum, moistening with his tears the marble that covered thephantom of his mistress. When all the persons he had sent forwere come, he stood before the tomb, and recited long prayers;after which the readers of the Koraun read several, chapters. 

The same ceremony was performed every day for a whole month, morning and evening, the caliph being always present, with thegrand vizier, and the principal officers of the court, all ofthem in mourning, as well as the caliph himself, who all the timeceased not to honour the memory of Fetnah with his tears, andwould not hear of any business. 

The last day of the month, the prayers and reading of the Koraunlasted from morning till break of day the next morning. Thecaliph, being tired with sitting up so long, went to take somerest in his apartment, and fell asleep upon a sofa, between twoof the court ladies, one of them sitting at the bed's-head, andthe other at the feet, who, whilst he slept, were working someembroidery, and observed a profound silence. 

She who sat at the bed's-head, and whose name was Nouron-Nihar, perceiving the caliph was asleep, whispered to the other, calledNagmatos Sohi, "There is great news! The commander of thebelievers our master will be overjoyed when he awakes, and hearswhat I have to tell him; Fetnah is not dead, she is in perfecthealth. " "O heavens!" cried Nagmatos Sohi, in a transport of joy, "is it possible, that the beautiful, the charming, theincomparable Fetnah should be still among the living?" Sheuttered these words with so much vivacity, and so loud, that thecaliph awoke. He asked why they had disturbed his rest? "Alas! mysovereign lord, " answered the slave, "pardon me thisindiscretion; I could not without transport hear that Fetnah isstill alive; it caused such emotion in me, as I could notsuppress. " "What then is become of her, " demanded the caliph, "ifshe is not dead?" "Chief of the believers, " replied the other, "Ithis evening received a note from a person unknown, written withFetnah's own hand; she gives me an account of her melancholyadventure, and orders me to acquaint you with it. I thought fit, before I fulfilled my commission, to let you take some fewmoments' rest, believing you must stand in need of it, after yourfatigue; and----"

"Give me that note, " said the caliph, interrupting her eagerly, "you were wrong to defer delivering it to me. "

The slave immediately presented to him the note, which he openedwith much impatience, and in it Fetnah gave a particular accountof all that had befallen her, but enlarged a little too much onthe attentions of Ganem. The caliph, who was naturally jealous, instead of being provoked at the inhumanity of Zobeide, was moreconcerned at the infidelity he fancied Fetnah had been guilty oftowards him. "Is it so?" said he, after reading the note; "theperfidious wretch has been four months with a young merchant, andhas the effrontery to boast of his attention to her. Thirty daysare past since my return to Bagdad, and she now thinks of sendingme news of herself. Ungrateful creature! whilst I spend the daysin bewailing her, she passes them in betraying me. Go to, let ustake vengeance of a bold woman, and that bold youth who affrontsme. " Having spoken these words, the caliph rose, and went into ahall where he used to appear in public, and give audience to hiscourt. The first gate was opened, and immediately all thecourtiers, who were waiting without, entered. The grand vizier, came in, and prostrated himself before the throne. Then rising, he stood before his master, who, in a tone which denoted he wouldbe instantly obeyed, said to him, "Jaaffier, your presence isrequisite, for putting in execution an important affair I amabout to commit to you. Take four hundred men of my guards withyou, and first inquire where a merchant of Damascus lives whosename is Ganem, the son of Abou Ayoub. When you have learnt this, repair to his house, and cause it to be razed to the foundations;but first secure Ganem, and bring him hither, with my slaveFetnah, who has lived with him these four months. I will punishher, and make an example of that insolent man, who has presumedto fail in respell to me. "

The grand vizier, having received this positive command, made alow prostration to the caliph, having his hand on his head, intoken that he would rather lose it than disobey him, anddeparted. The first thing he did, was to send to the syndic ofthe dealers in foreign stuffs and silks, with strict orders tofind out the house of the unfortunate merchant. The officer hesent with these orders brought him back word, that he hadscarcely been seen for some months, and no man knew what couldkeep him at home, if he was there. The same officer likewise toldJaaffier where Ganem lived. 

Upon this information, that minister, without losing time, went to thejudge of the police, whom he caused to bear him company, and attendedby a great number of carpenters and masons, with the necessary toolsfor razing a house, came to Ganem's residence; and finding it stooddetached from any other, he posted his soldiers round it, to preventthe young merchant's making his escape. 

Fetnah and Ganem had just dined: the lady was sitting at a windownext the street; hearing a noise, she looked out through thelattice, and seeing the grand vizier, approach with hisattendants, concluded she was their object as well as Ganem. Sheperceived her note had been received, but had not expected such aconsequence, having hoped that the caliph would have taken thematter in a different light. She knew not how long the prince hadbeen returned from his campaign, and though she was acquaintedwith his jealous temper, yet apprehended nothing on that account. However, the sight of the grand vizier, and the soldiers made hertremble, not indeed for herself, but for Ganem: she did notquestion clearing herself, provided the caliph would but hearher. As for Ganem, whom she loved less out of gratitude thaninclination, she plainly foresaw that his incensed rival might beapt to condemn him, on account of his youth and person. Full ofthis thought, she turned to the young merchant and said, "Alas!Ganem, we are undone. " Ganem looked through the lattice, and wasseized with dread, when he beheld the caliph's guards with theirnaked cimeters, and the grand vizier, with the civil magistrateat the head of them. At this sight he stood motionless, and hadnot power to utter one word. "Ganem, " said the favourite, "thereis no time to be lost; if you love me, put on the habit of one ofyour slaves immediately, and disfigure your face and arms withsoot. Then put some of these dishes on your head; you may betaken for a servant belonging to the eating house, and they willlet you pass. If they happen to ask you where the master of thehouse is, answer, without any hesitation, that he is within. ""Alas! madam, " answered Harem, concerned for himself than forFetnah, "you only take care of me, what will become of you?" "Letnot that trouble you, " replied Fetnah, "it is my part to look tothat. As for what you leave in this house, I will take care ofit, and I hope it will be one day faithfully restored to you, when the caliph's anger shall be over; but at present avoid hisfury. The orders he gives in the heat of passion are alwaysfatal. " The young merchant's affliction was so great, that heknew not what course to pursue, and would certainly have sufferedhimself to be seized by the caliph's soldiers, had not Fetnahpressed him to disguise himself. He submitted to her persuasions, put on the habit of a slave, daubed himself with soot, and asthey were knocking at the door, all they could do was to embraceeach other tenderly. They were both so overwhelmed with sorrow, that they could not utter a word. Thus they parted. Ganem wentout with some dishes on his head: he was taken for the servant ofan eating-house, and no one offered to stop him. On the contrary, the grand vizier, who was the first that met him, gave way andlet him pass, little thinking that he was the man he looked for. Those who were behind the grand vizier, made way as he had done, and thus favoured his escape He soon reached one of the gates, and got clear of the city. 

Whilst he was making the best of his way from the grand vizier, that minister came into the room where Fetnah was sitting on asofa, and where there were many chests full of Ganem's clothes, and of the money he had made of his goods. 

As soon as Fetnah saw the grand vizier, come into the room, shefell upon her face, and continuing in that posture, as it were toreceive her death; "My lord, " said she, "I am ready to undergothe sentence passed against me by the commander of the believers;you need only make it known to me. " "Madam, " answered Jaaffier, falling also down till she had raised herself, "God forbid anyman should presume to lay profane hands on you. I do not intendto offer you the least harm. I have no farther orders, than tointreat you will be pleased to go with me to the palace, and toconduct you thither, with the merchant that lives in this house. ""My lord, " replied the favourite, "let us go; I am ready tofollow you. As for the young merchant, to whom I am indebted formy life, he is not here, he has been gone about a month since toDamascus, whither his business called him, and has left thesechests you see under my care, till he returns. I conjure you tocause them to be carried to the palace, and order them to besecured, that I may perform the promise I made him to take allpossible care of them. "

"You shall be obeyed, " said Jaaffier, and immediately sent forporters, whom he commanded to take up the chests, and carry themto Mesrour. 

As soon as the porters were gone, he whispered the civilmagistrate, committing to him the care of seeing the house razed, but first to cause diligent search to be made for Ganem, who, hesuspected, might be hidden, notwithstanding what Fetnah had toldhim. He then went out, taking her with him, attended by the twoslaves who waited on her. As for Ganem's slaves, they were notregarded; they ran in among the crowd, and it was not known whatbecame of them. 

No sooner was Jaaffier out of the house, than the masons andcarpenters began to demolish it, and did their business soeffectually, that in a few hours none of it remained. But thecivil magistrate, not finding Ganem, after the strictest search, sent to acquaint the grand vizier, before that minister reachedthe palace. "Well, " said Haroon al Rusheed, seeing him come intohis closet, "have you executed my orders?" "Yes, " answeredJaaffier "the house Ganem lived in is levelled with the ground, and I have brought you your favourite Fetnah; she is at yourcloset door, and I will call her in, if you command me. As forthe young merchant, we could not find him, though every place hasbeen searched, and Fetnah affirms that he has been gone a monthto Damascus. "

Never was passion equal to that of the caliph, when he heard thatGanem had made his escape. As for his favourite, believing thatshe had been false to him, he would neither see nor speak to her. "Mesrour, " said he to the chief of the eunuchs, who was thenpresent, "take the ungrateful and perfidious Fetnah, and shut herup in the dark tower. " That tower was within the precinct of thepalace, and commonly served as a prison for the favourites whoany way offended the caliph. 

Mesrour being used to execute his sovereign's orders, howeverunjust, without making any answer, obeyed this with somereluctance. He signified his concern to Fetnah, who was the moregrieved because she had assured herself, that the caliph wouldnot refuse to speak to her. She was obliged to submit to her hardfate, and to follow Mesrour, who conducted her to the dark tower, and there left her. 

In the mean time, the enraged caliph dismissed his grand vizier, and only hearkening to his passion, wrote the following letterwith his own hand to the king of Syria, his cousin and tributary, who resided at Damascus. 

"This letter is to inform you, that a merchant of Damascus, whosename is Ganem, the son of Abou Ayoub, has seduced the mostamiable of my women slaves, called Fetnah, and is fled. It is mywill, that when you have read my letter, you cause search to bemade for Ganem, and secure him. When he is in your power, youshall cause him to be loaded with irons, and for three dayssuccessively let him receive fifty strokes of the bastinado. Thenlet him be led through all parts of the city by a crier, proclaiming, 'This is the smallest punishment the commander ofthe believers inflicts on him that offends his lord, anddebauches one of his slaves. ' After that you shall send him to meunder a strong guard. It is my will that you cause his house tobe plundered; and after it has been razed, order the materials tobe carried out of the city into the middle of the plain. Besidesthis, if he has father, mother, sister, wives, daughters, orother kindred, cause them to be stripped; and when they arenaked, expose them three days to the whole city, forbidding anyperson on pain of death to afford them shelter. I expect you willwithout delay execute my command. "

The caliph having written this letter, dispatched it by anexpress, ordering him to make all possible speed, and to takepigeons along with him, that he might the sooner hear what hadbeen done by Mahummud Zinebi. 

The pigeons of Bagdad have this peculiar quality, that fromwherever they may be carried to, they return to Bagdad as soon asthey are set at liberty, especially when they have young ones. Aletter rolled up is made fast under their wing, and by that meansadvice is speedily received from such places as it is desired. 

The caliph's courier travelled night and day, as his master'simpatience required; and being come to Damascus, went directly toking Zinebi's palace, who sat upon his throne to receive thecaliph's letter. The courier having delivered it, Mahummudlooking at it, and knowing the hand, stood up to shew hisrespect, kissed the letter, and laid it on his head, to denote hewas ready submissively to obey the orders it contained. He openedit, and having read it, immediately descended from his throne, and without losing time, mounted on horseback with the principalofficers of his household. He sent for the civil magistrate; andwent directly to Ganem's house, attended by all his guards. 

Ganem's mother had never received any letter from him since hehad left Damascus; but the other merchants with whom he went toBagdad were returned, and all of them told her they had left herson in perfect however, seeing he did not return, she could notbut be persuaded that he was dead, and was so fully convinced ofthis in her imagination, that she went into mourning. Shebewailed Ganem as if she had seen him die, and had herself closedhis eyes: never mother expressed greater sorrow; and so far wasshe from seeking any comfort, that she delighted in indulging hergrief. She had caused a dome to be built in the middle of thecourt belonging to her house, in which she placed a tomb. Shespent the greatest part of the days and nights in weeping underthat dome, as if her son had been buried there: her daughter boreher company, and mixed her tears with hers. 

It was now some time since they had thus devoted themselves tosorrow, and the neighbourhood, hearing their cries andlamentations, pitied such tender relations, when king MahummudZinebi knocked at the door, which being opened by a slavebelonging to the family, he hastily entered the house, inquiringfor Ganem, the son of Abou Ayoub. 

Though the slave had never seen king Zinebi, she guessed by hisretinue that he must be one of the principal officers ofDamascus. "My lord, " said she, "that Ganem you inquire for isdead; my mistress, his mother, is in that monument, lamentinghim. " The king, not regarding what was said by the slave, causedall the house to be diligently searched by his guards for Ganem. He then advanced towards the monument, where he saw the motherand daughter sitting on a mat, and their faces appeared to himbathed in tears. These poor women immediately veiled themselves, as soon as they beheld a man at the door of the dome; but themother, knowing the king of Damascus, got up, and ran to castherself at his feet. "My good lady, " said he, "I was looking foryour son, Ganem, is he here?" "Alas! sir, " cried the mother, "itis a long time since he has ceased to be: would to God I had atleast put him into his coffin with my own hands, and had had thecomfort of having his bones in this monument! O my son, my dearson!" She would have said more, but was oppressed with suchviolent sorrow that she was unable to proceed. 

Zinebi was moved; for he was a prince of a mild nature, and hadmuch compassion for the sufferings of the unfortunate. "If Ganemalone be guilty, " thought he to himself, "why should the motherand the daughter, who are innocent, be punished? Ah! cruel Haroonal Rusheed! what a mortification do you put upon me, in making methe executioner of your vengeance, obliging me to persecutepersons who have not offended you. "

The guards whom the king had ordered to search for Ganem, cameand told him their search had been vain. He was fully convincedof this; the tears of those two women would not leave him anyroom to doubt. It distracted him to be obliged to execute thecaliph's order. "My good lady, " said he to Ganem's mother, "quitthis monument with your daughter, it is no place of safety foryou. " They went out, and he, to secure them against any insult, took off his own robe, and covered them both with it, biddingthem keep close to him. He then ordered the populace to be let into plunder, which was performed with the utmost rapaciousness, and with shouts which terrified Ganem's mother and sister themore, because they knew not the reason. The rabble carried offthe richest goods, chests full of wealth, fine Persian and Indiancarpets, cushions covered with cloth of gold and silver, fineChina ware; in short, all was taken away, till nothing remainedbut the bare walls of the house: and it was a dismal spectaclefor the unhappy ladies, to see all their goods plundered, withoutknowing why they were so cruelly treated. 

When the house was plundered, Mahummud ordered the civilmagistrate to raze the house and monument; and while that wasdoing, he carried away the mother and daughter to his palace. There it was he redoubled their affliction, by acquainting themwith the caliph's will. "He commands me, " said he to them, "tocause you to be stripped, and exposed naked for three days to theview of the people. It is with the utmost reluctance that Iexecute such a cruel and ignominious sentence. " The kingdelivered these words with such an air, as plainly made it appearhis heart was really pierced with grief and compassion. Thoughthe fear of being dethroned prevented his following the dictatesof his pity, yet he in some measure moderated the rigour of thecaliph's orders, by causing large shifts, without sleeves, to bemade of coarse horse-hair for Ganem's mother, and his sister. 

The next day, these two victims of the caliph's rage werestripped of their clothes, and their horse-hair shifts put uponthem; their head-dress was also taken away, so that theirdishevelled hair hung floating on their backs. The daughter hadthe finest hair, and it hung down to the ground. In thiscondition they were exposed to the people. The civil magistrate, attended by his officers, were along with them, and they wereconducted through the city. A crier went before them, who everynow and then cried, "This is the punishment due to those who havedrawn on themselves the indignation of the commander of thebelievers. "

Whilst they walked in this manner along the streets of Damascus, with their arms and feet naked, clad in such a strange garment, and endeavouring to hide their confusion under their hair, withwhich they covered their faces, all the people were dissolved intears; more especially the ladies, considering them as innocentpersons, as they beheld them through their lattice windows, andbeing particularly moved by the daughter's youth and beauty, theymade the air ring with their shrieks, as they passed before theirhouses. The very children, frightened at those shrieks, and atthe spectacle that occasioned them, mixed their cries with thegeneral lamentation. In short, had an enemy been in Damascus, putting all to fire and sword, the consternation could not havebeen greater. 

It was near night when this dismal scene concluded. The motherand daughter were both conducted back to king Mahummud's palace. Not being used to walk bare-foot, they were so spent, that theylay a long time in a swoon. The queen of Damascus, highlyafflicted at their misfortunes, notwithstanding the caliph'sprohibition to relieve them, sent some of her women to comfortthem, with all sorts of refreshments and wine, to recover theirspirits. 

The queen's women found them still in a swoon, and almost pastreceiving any benefit by what they offered them. However, withmuch difficulty they were brought to themselves. Ganem's motherimmediately returned them thanks for their courtesy. "My goodmadam, " said one of the queen's ladies to her, "we are highlyconcerned at your affliction, and the queen of Syria, ourmistress, has done us a favour in employing us to assist you. Wecan assure you, that princess is much afflicted at yourmisfortunes, as well as the king her consort. " Ganem's motherentreated the queen's women to return her majesty a thousandthanks from her and her daughter, and then directing herdiscourse to the lady who spoke to her, "Madam, " said she, "theking has not told me why the chief of the believers inflicts somany outrages on us: pray be pleased to tell us what crimes wehave been guilty of. " "My good lady, " answered the other, "theorigin of your misfortunes proceeds from your son Ganem. He isnot dead, as you imagine. He is accused of having seduced thebeautiful Fetnah, the best beloved of the caliph's favourites;but having, by flight, withdrawn himself from that prince'sindignation, the punishment is fallen on you. All condemn thecaliph's resentment, but all fear him; and you see king Zinebihimself dares not resist his orders, for fear of incurring hisdispleasure. All we can do is to pity you, and exhort you to havepatience. "

"I know my son, " answered Ganem's mother; "I have educated himcarefully, and in that respect which is due to the commander ofthe believers. He cannot have committed the crime he is accusedof; I dare answer for his innocence. But I will cease to murmurand complain, since it is for him that I suffer, and he is notdead. O Ganem!" added she, in a transport of affection and joy, "my dear son Ganem! is possible that you are still alive? I am nolonger concerned for the loss of my fortune; and how harsh andunjust soever the caliph's orders may be, I forgive him, providedheaven has preserved my son. I am only concerned for my daughter;her sufferings alone afflict me; yet I believe her to be so gooda sister as to follow my example. "

On hearing these words, the young lady, who till then hadappeared insensible, turned to her mother, and clasping her armsabout her neck, "Yes, dear mother, " said she, "I will alwaysfollow your example, whatever extremity your love for my brothermay reduce us to. "

The mother and daughter thus interchanging their sighs and tears, continued a considerable time in such moving embraces. In themean time the queen's women, who were much affected at thespectacle, omitted no persuasions to prevail with Ganem's motherto take some sustenance. She ate a morsel out of complaisance, and her daughter did the like. 

The caliph having ordered that Ganem's kindred should be exposedthree days successively to the sight of the people, in thecondition already mentioned, the unhappy ladies afforded the samespectacle the second time next day, from morning till night. Butthat day and the following, the streets, which at first had beenfull of people, were now quite empty. All the merchants, incensedat the ill usage of Abou Ayoub's widow and daughter, shut uptheir shops, and kept themselves close within their houses. Theladies, instead of looking through their lattice windows, withdrew into the back parts of their houses. There was not aperson to be seen in the public places through which thoseunfortunate women were carried. It seemed as if all theinhabitants of Damascus had abandoned their city. 

On the fourth day, the king resolving punctually to obey thecaliph's orders, though he did not approve of them, sent criersinto all quarters of the city to make proclamation, strictlycommanding all the inhabitants of Damascus, and strangers, ofwhat condition soever, upon pain of death, and having theirbodies cast to the dogs to be devoured, not to receive Ganem'smother and sister into their houses, or give them a morsel ofbread or a drop of water, and, in a word, not to afford them theleast support, or hold the least correspondence with them. 

When the criers had performed what the king had enjoined them, that prince ordered the mother and the daughter to be turned outof the palace, and left to their choice to go where they thoughtfit. As soon as they appeared, all persons fled from them, sogreat an impression had the late prohibition made upon all. Theyeasily perceived that every body shunned them; but not knowingthe reason, were much surprised; and their amazement was thegreater, when coming into any street, or among any persons, theyrecollected some of their best friends, who immediately retreatedwith as much haste as the rest. "What is the meaning of this, "said Ganem's mother; "do we carry the plague about us? Must theunjust and barbarous usage we have received render us odious toour fellow-citizens? Come, my child, " added she, "let us departfrom Damascus with all speed; let us not stay any longer in acity where we are become frightful to our very friends. "

The two wretched ladies, discoursing in this manner, came to oneof the extremities of the city, and retired to a ruined house topass the night. Thither some Mussulmauns, out of charity andcompassion, resorted to them after the day was shut in. Theycarried them provisions, but durst not stay to comfort them, forfear of being discovered, and punished for disobeying thecaliph's orders. 

In the mean time king Zinebi had let fly a pigeon to give thecaliph an account of his exact obedience. He informed him of allthat had been executed, and conjured him to direct what he wouldhave done with Ganem's mother and sister. He soon received thecaliph's answer in the same way, which was, that he should banishthem from Damascus for ever. Immediately the king of Syria sentmen to the old house, with orders to take the mother anddaughter, and to conduct them three days' journey from Damascus, and there to leave them, forbidding them ever to return to thecity. 

Zinebi's men executed their commission, but being less exacttheir master, in the strict performance of the caliph's orders, they in pity gave the wretched ladies some small pieces of money, and each of them a scrip, which they hung about their necks, tocarry their provisions. 

In this miserable state they came to the first village. Thepeasants' wives flocked about them, and, as it appeared throughtheir disguise that they were people of some condition, askedthem what was the occasion of their travelling in a habit thatdid not seem to belong to them. Instead of answering thequestion, they fell to weeping, which only served to heighten thecuriosity of the peasants, and to move their compassion. Ganem'smother told them what she and her daughter had endured; at whichthe good countrywomen were sensibly afflicted, and endeavoured tocomfort them. They treated them as well as their poverty wouldpermit, took off their horse-hair shifts, which were very uneasyto them, and put on them others which they gave them, with shoes, and something to cover their heads, and save their hair. 

Having expressed their gratitude to those charitable women, Jalibal Koolloob and her mother departed from that village, takingshort journeys towards Aleppo. They used at dusk to retire nearor into the mosques, where they passed the night on the mat, ifthere was any, or else on the bare pavement; and sometimes restedin the public places appointed for the use of travellers. As forsustenance, they did not want, for they often came to placeswhere bread, boiled rice, and other provisions are distributed toall travellers who desire it. 

At length they came to Aleppo, but would not stay there, andcontinuing their journey towards the Euphrates, crossed theriver, and entered Mesopotamia, which they traversed as far asMoussoul. Thence, notwithstanding all they had endured, theyproceeded to Bagdad. That was the place they had fixed theirthoughts upon, hoping to find Ganem, though they ought not tohave fancied that he was in a city where the caliph resided; butthey hoped, because they wished it; their affection for himincreasing instead of diminishing, with their misfortunes. Theirconversation was generally about him, and they inquired for himof all they met. But let us leave Jalib al Koolloob and hermother, and return to Fetnah. 

She was still confined closely in the dark tower, since the daythat had been so fatal to Ganem and herself. However, disagreeable as her prison was to her, it was much less grievousthan the thoughts of Ganem's misfortune, the uncertainty of whosefate was a killing affliction. There was scarcely a moment inwhich she did not lament him. 

The caliph was accustomed to walk frequently at night within theenclosure of his palace, for he was the most inquisitive princein the world, and sometimes, by those night-walks, came to theknowledge of things that happened in his court, which wouldotherwise never have reached his ear. One of those nights, in hiswalk, he happened to pass by the dark tower, and fancying heheard somebody talk, stops, and drawing near the door to listen, distinctly heard these words, which Fetnah, whose thoughts werealways on Ganem, uttered with a loud voice: "O Ganem, toounfortunate Ganem! where are you at this time, whither has thycruel fate led thee? Alas! it is I that have made you wretched!why did you not let me perish miserably, rather than afford meyour generous relief? What melancholy return have you receivedfor your care and respect? The commander of the faithful, whoought to have rewarded, persecutes you; and in requital forhaving always regarded me as a person reserved for his bed, youlose your fortune, and are obliged to seek for safety in flight. O caliph, barbarous caliph, how can you exculpate yourself, whenyou shall appear with Ganem before the tribunal of the SupremeJudge, and the angels shall testify the truth before your face?All the power you are now invested with, and which makes almostthe whole world tremble, will not prevent your being condemnedand punished for your violent and unjust proceedings. " HereFetnah ceased her complaints, her sighs and tears putting a stopto her utterance. 

This was enough to make the caliph reflect. He plainly perceived, that if what he had heard was true, his favourite must beinnocent, and that he had been too hasty in giving such ordersagainst Ganem and his family. Being resolved to be rightlyinformed in an affair which so nearly concerned him in point ofequity, on which he valued himself, he immediately returned tohis apartment, and that moment ordered Mesrour to repair to thedark tower, and bring Fetnah before him. 

By this command, and much more by the caliph's manner ofspeaking, the chief of the eunuchs guessed that his masterdesigned to pardon his favourite, and take her to him again. Hewas overjoyed at the thought, for he respected Fetnah, and hadbeen much concerned at her disgrace; therefore flying instantlyto the tower, "Madam, " said he to the favourite, with such an airas expressed his satisfaction, "be pleased to follow me; I hopeyou will never more return to this melancholy abode: thecommander of the faithful wishes to speak with you, and I drawfrom this a happy omen. "

Fetnah followed Mesrour, who conducted her into the caliph'scloset. She prostrated herself before him, and so continued, herface bathed in tears. "Fetnah, " said the caliph, without biddingher rise, "I think you charge me with violence and injustice. Whois he, that, notwithstanding the regard and respell he had forme, is in a miserable condition? Speak freely, you know thenatural goodness of my disposition, and that I love to dojustice. "

By these words the favourite was convinced that the caliph hadheard what she had said, and availed herself of so favourable anopportunity to clear Ganem. "Commander of the true believers, "said she, "if I have let fall any word that is not agreeable toyour majesty, I most humbly beseech you to forgive me; but hewhose innocence and wretched state you desire to be informed ofis Ganem, the unhappy son of Abou Ayoub, late a rich merchant ofDamascus. He saved my life from a grave, and afforded me asanctuary in his house. I must own, that, from the first momenthe saw me, he perhaps designed to devote himself to me, andconceived hopes of engaging me to admit his love. I guessed atthis, by the eagerness which he shewed in entertaining me, anddoing me all the good offices I so much wanted under thecircumstances I was then in; but as soon as he heard that I hadthe honour to belong to you, 'Ah, madam, ' said he, 'that whichbelongs to the master is forbidden to the slave. ' From thatmoment, I owe this justice to his virtue to declare, hisbehaviour was always suitable to his words. You, commander of thetrue believers, well know with what rigour you have treated him, and you will answer for it before the tribunal of God. "

The caliph was not displeased with Fetnah for the freedom ofthese words; "But may I, " said he, "rely on the assurance yougive me of Ganem's virtue?" "Yes, " replied Fetnah, "you may. Iwould not for the world conceal the truth from you; and to proveto you that I am sincere, I must make a confession, which perhapsmay displease you, but I beg pardon of your majesty beforehand. ""Speak, daughter, " said Haroon al Rusheed, "I forgive you all, provided you conceal nothing from me. " "Well, then, " repliedFetnah, "let me inform you, that Ganem's respectful behaviour, joined to all the good offices he did me, gained him my esteem. Iwent further yet: you know the tyranny of love: I felt sometender inclination rising in my breast. He perceived it; but farfrom availing himself of my frailty, and notwithstanding theflame which consumed him, he still remained steady in his duty, and all that his passion could force from him were the words Ihave already repeated to your majesty, 'That which belongs to themaster is forbidden to the slave. '"

This ingenuous confession might have provoked any other man thanthe caliph; but it completely appeased that prince. He commandedher to rise, and making her sit by him, "Tell me your story, "said he, "from the beginning to the end. " She did so, withartless simplicity, passing slightly over what regarded Zobeide, and enlarging on the obligations she owed to Ganem; but aboveall, she highly extolled his discretion, endeavouring by thatmeans to make the caliph sensible that she had been under thenecessity of remaining concealed in Ganem's house, to deceiveZobeide. She concluded with the young merchant's escape, whichshe plainly told the caliph she had compelled him to, that hemight avoid his indignation. 

When she had done speaking, the caliph said to her, "I believeall you have told me; but why was it so long before you let mehear from you? Was there any need of staying a whole month aftermy return, before you sent me word where you were?" "Commander ofthe true believers, " answered Fetnah, "Ganem went abroad so veryseldom, that you need not wonder we were not the first that heardof your return. Besides, Ganem, who took upon him to deliver theletter I wrote to Nouron Nihar, was a long time before he couldfind an opportunity of putting it into her own hands. "

"It is enough, Fetnah, " replied the caliph; "I acknowledge myfault, and would willingly make amends for it, by heaping favourson the young merchant of Damascus. Consider, therefore, what Ican do for him. Ask what you think fit, and I will grant it. "Hereupon the favourite fell down at the caliph's feet, with herface to the ground; and rising again, said, "Commander of thetrue believers, after returning your majesty thanks for Ganem, Imost humbly entreat you to cause it to be published throughoutyour do minions, that you pardon the son of Abou Ayoub, and thathe may safely come to you. " "I must do more, " rejoined theprince, "in requital for having saved your life, and the respecthe has strewn for me, to make amends for the loss of his fortune. In short, to repair the wrong I have done to himself and hisfamily, I give him to you for a husband. " Fetnah had no wordsexpressive enough to thank the caliph for his generosity: shethen withdrew into the apartment she had occupied before hermelancholy adventure. The same furniture was still in it, nothinghad been removed; but that which pleased her most was, to findGanem's chests and bales, which Mesrour had received the caliph'sorders to convey thither. 

The next day Haroon al Rusheed ordered the grand vizier, to causeproclamation to be made throughout all his dominions, that hepardoned Ganem the son of Abou Ayoub; but this proved of noeffect, for a long time elapsed without any news of the youngmerchant. Fetnah concluded, that he had not been able to survivethe pain of losing her. A dreadful uneasiness seized her mind;but as hope is the last thing which forsakes lovers, sheentreated the caliph to give her leave to seek for Ganem herself;which being granted, she took a purse containing a thousandpieces of gold, and went one morning out of the palace, mountedon a mule from the caliph's stables, very richly caparisoned. Black eunuchs attended her, with a hand placed on each side ofthe mule's back. 

Thus she went from mosque to mosque, bestowing her alms among thedevotees of the Mahummedan religion, desiring their prayers forthe accomplishment of an affair, on which the happiness of twopersons, she told them, depended. She spend the whole day and thethousand pieces of gold in giving alms at the mosques, andreturned to the palace in the evening. 

The next day she took another purse of the same value, and in the likeequipage as the day before, went to the square of the jewellers'shops, and stopping at the gateway without alighting, sent one of herblack eunuchs for the syndic or chief of them. The syndic, who was amost charitable man, and spent above two-thirds of his income inrelieving poor strangers, sick or in distress, did not make Fetnahwait, knowing by her dress that she was a lady belonging to thepalace. "I apply myself to you, " said she, putting the purse into hishands, "as a person whose piety is celebrated throughout the city. Idesire you to distribute that gold among the poor strangers yourelieve, for I know you make it your business to assist those whoapply to your charity. I am also satisfied that you prevent theirwants, and that nothing is more grateful to you, than to have anopportunity of relieving their misery. " "Madam, " answered the syndic, "I shall obey your commands with pleasure; but if you desire toexercise your charity in person, and will be pleased to step to myhouse, you will there see two women worthy of your compassion; I metthem yesterday as they were coming into the city; they were in adeplorable condition, and it moved me the more, because I thought theywere persons of rank. Through all the rags that covered them, notwithstanding the impression the sun has made on their faces, Idiscovered a noble air, not to be commonly found in those people Irelieve. I carried them both to my house, and delivered them to mywife, who was of the same opinion with me. She caused her slaves toprovide them good beds, whilst she herself led them to our warm bath, and gave them clean linen. We know not as yet who they are, because wewish to let them take some rest before we trouble them with ourquestions. "

Fetnah, without knowing why, felt a curiosity to see them. Thesyndic would have conducted her to his house, but she would notgive him the trouble, and was satisfied that a slave should shewher the way. She alighted at the door, and followed the syndic'sslave, who was gone before to give notice to his mistress, shebeing then in the chamber with Jalib al Koolloob and her mother, for they were the persons the syndic had been speaking of toFetnah. 

The syndic's wife being informed by the slave, that a lady fromthe palace was in her house, was hastening to meet her; butFetnah, who had followed the slave, did not give her time: on hercoming into the chamber, the syndic's wife prostrated herselfbefore her, to express the respect she had for all who belongedto the caliph. Fetnah raised her up, and said, "My good lady, Idesire you will let me speak with those two strangers thatarrived at Bagdad last night. " "Madam, " answered the syndic'swife, "they lie in those beds you see by each other. " Thefavourite immediately drew near the mother's, and viewing hercarefully, "Good woman, " said she, "I come to offer you myassistance: I have considerable interest in this city, and may beof service to you and your companion. " "Madam, " answered Ganem'smother, "I perceive by your obliging offers, that Heaven has notquite forsaken us, though we had cause to believe it had, afterso many misfortunes as have befallen us. " Having uttered thesewords, she wept so bitterly that Fetnah and the syndic's wifecould not forbear letting fall some tears. 

The caliph's favourite having dried up hers, said to Ganem'smother, "Be so kind as to tell us your misfortunes, and recountyour story. You cannot make the relation to any persons betterdisposed to use all possible means to comfort you. " "Madam, "replied Abou Ayoub's disconsolate widow, "a favourite of thecommander of the true believers, a lady whose name is Fetnah, isthe occasion of all our misfortunes. " These words were like athunderbolt to the favourite; but suppressing her agitation andconcern, she suffered Ganem's mother to proceed in the followingmanner: "I am the widow of Abou Ayoub, a merchant of Damascus; Ihad a son called Ganem, who, coming to trade at Bagdad, has beenaccused of carrying off Fetnah. The caliph caused search to bemade for him every where, to put him to death; but not findinghim, he wrote to the king of Damascus, to cause our house to beplundered and razed, and to expose my daughter and myself threedays successively, naked, to the populace, and then to banish usout of Syria for ever. But how unworthy soever our usage hasbeen, I should be still comforted were my son alive, and I couldmeet with him. What a pleasure would it be for his sister and meto see him again! Embracing him we should forget the loss of ourproperty, and all the evils we have suffered on his account. Alas! I am fully persuaded he is only the innocent cause of them;and that he is no more guilty towards the caliph than his sisterand myself. "

"No doubt of it, " said Fetnah, interrupting her there, "he is nomore guilty than you are; I can assure you of his innocence; forI am that very Fetnah, you so much complain of; who, through somefatality in my stars, have occasioned you so many misfortunes. Tome you must impute the loss of your son, if he is no more; but ifI have occasioned your misfortune, I can in some measure relieveit. I have already justified Ganem to the caliph; who has causedit to be proclaimed throughout his dominions, that he pardons theson of Abou Ayoub; and doubt not he will do you as much good ashe has done you injury. You are no longer his enemies. He waitsfor Ganem, to requite the service he has done me, by uniting ourfortunes; he gives me to him for his consort, therefore look onme as your daughter, and permit me to vow eternal duty andaffection. " Having so said, she bowed down on Ganem's mother, who was so astonished that she could return no answer. Fetnahheld her long in her arms, and only left her to embrace thedaughter, who, sitting up, held out her arms to receive her. 

When the caliph's favourite had strewn the mother and daughterall tokens of affection, as Ganem's wife, she said to them, "Thewealth Ganem had in this city is not lost, it is in my apartmentin the palace; but I know all the treasure of the world cannotcomfort you without Ganem, if I may judge of you by myself. Bloodis no less powerful than love in great minds; but why should wedespair of seeing him again? We shall find him; the happiness ofmeeting with you makes me conceive fresh hopes. Perhaps this isthe last day of your sufferings, and the beginning of a greaterfelicity than you enjoyed in Damascus, when Ganem was with you. "

Fetnah would have proceeded, but the syndic of the jewellers coming ininterrupted her: "Madam, " said he to her, "I come from seeing a verymoving object, it is a young man, whom a camel-driver had just carriedto an hospital: he was bound with cords on a camel, because he had notstrength enough to sit. They had already unbound him, and werecarrying him into the hospital, when I happened to pass by. I went upto the young man, viewed him attentively, and fancied his countenancewas not altogether unknown to me. I asked him some questionsconcerning his family and his country; but all the answers I could getwere sighs and tears. I took pity on him, and being so much used tosick people, perceived that he had need to have particular care takenof him. I would not permit him to be put into the hospital; for I amtoo well acquainted with their way of managing the sick, and amsensible of the incapacity of the physicians. I have caused him to bebrought to my own house, by my slaves; and they are now in a privateroom where I placed him, putting on some of my own linen, and treatinghim as they would do myself. "

Fetnah's heart beat at these words of the jeweller, and she felta sudden emotion, for which she could not account: "Shew me, "said she to the syndic, "into the sick man's room; I should beglad to see him. " The syndic conducted her, and whilst she wasgoing thither, Ganem's mother said to Jalib al Koolloob, "Alas!daughter, wretched as that sick stranger is, your brother, if hebe living, is not perhaps in a more happy condition. "

The caliph's favourite coming into the chamber of the sickstranger, drew near the bed, in which the syndic's slaves hadalready laid him. She saw a young man, whose eyes were closed, his countenance pale, disfigured, and bathed in tears. She gazedearnestly on him, her heart beat, and she fancied she beheldGanem; but yet she would not believe her eyes. Though she foundsomething of Ganem in the objets she beheld, yet in otherrespects he appeared so different, that she durst not imagine itwas he that lay before her. Unable, however, to withstand theearnest desire of being satisfied, "Ganem, " said she, with atrembling voice, "is it you I behold?" Having spoken these words, she stopped to give the young man time to answer, but observingthat he seemed insensible; "Alas! Ganem, " added she, "it is notyou that I address! My imagination being overcharged with yourimage, has given to a stranger a deceitful resemblance. The sonof Abou Ayoub, however indisposed, would know the voice ofFetnah. " At the name of Fetnah, Ganem (for it was really he)opened his eyes, sprang up, and knowing the caliph's favourite;"Ah! madam, " said he, "by what miracle" He could say no more;such a sudden transport of joy seized him that he fainted away. Fetnah and the syndic did all they could to bring him to himself;but as soon as they perceived he began to revive, the syndicdesired the lady to withdraw, lest the sight of her shouldheighten his disorder. 

The young man having recovered, looked all around, and not seeingwhat he sought, exclaimed, "What is become of you, charmingFetnah? Did you really appear before my eyes, or was it only anillusion?" "No, sir, " said the syndic, "it was no illusion. Itwas I that caused the lady to withdraw, but you shall see heragain, as soon as you are in a condition to bear the interview. You now stand in need of rest, and nothing ought to obstruct yourtaking it. The situation of your affairs is altered, since youare, as I suppose, that Ganem, in favour of whom the commander ofthe true believers has caused a proclamation to be made inBagdad, declaring, that he forgives him what is passed. Besatisfied, for the present, with knowing so much; the lady, whojust now spoke to you, will acquaint you with the rest, thereforethink of nothing but recovering your health; I will contributeall in my power towards it. " Having spoke these words, he leftGanem to take his rest, and went himself to provide for him suchmedicines as were proper to recover his strength, exhausted byhard living and toil. 

During this time Fetnah was in the room with Jalib al Koollooband her mother, where almost the same scene was acted over again;for when Ganem's mother understood that the sick stranger whomthe syndic had brought into his house was Ganem himself, she wasso overjoyed, that she also swooned away, and when, with theassistance of Fetnah and the syndic's wife, she was again come toherself, she would have arisen to go and see her son; but thesyndic coming in, hindered her, representing that Ganem was soweak and emaciated, that it would endanger his life to excite inhim those emotions, which must be the consequence of theunexpected sight of a beloved mother and sister. There was nooccasion for the syndic's saying any more to Ganem's mother; assoon as she was told that she could not converse with her son, without hazarding his life, she ceased insisting to go and seehim. Fetnah then said, "Let us bless Heaven for having brought usall together. I will return to the palace to give the caliph anaccount of these adventures, and tomorrow morning I will returnto you. " This said, she embraced the mother and the daughter, andwent away. As soon as she came to the palace, she sent Mesrour torequest a private audience of the caliph, which was immediatelygranted; and being brought into the prince's closet, where he wasalone, she prostrated herself at his feet, with her face on theground, according to custom. He commanded her to rise, and havingmade her sit down, asked whether she had heard any news of Ganem?"Commander of the true believers, " said she, "I have been sosuccessful, that I have found him, and also his mother andsister. " The caliph was curious to know how she had discoveredthem in so short a time, and she satisfied his inquiries, sayingso many things in commendation of Ganem's mother and sister, hedesired to see them as well as the young merchant. 

Though Haroon al Rusheed was passionate, and in his heatsometimes guilty of cruel actions; yet he was just, and the mostgenerous prince in the world, when the storm of anger was over, and he was made sensible of the wrong he had done. Havingtherefore no longer cause to doubt but that he had unjustlypersecuted Ganem and his family, and had publicly wronged them, he resolved to make them public satisfaction. "I am overjoyed, "said he to Fetnah, "that your search has proved so successful; itis a real satisfaction to me, not so much for your sake as for myown. I will keep the promise I have made you. You shall marryGanem, and I here declare you are no longer my slave; you arefree. Go back to that young merchant, and as soon as he hasrecovered his health, you shall bring him to me with his motherand sister. "

The next morning early Fetnah repaired to the syndic of thejewellers, being impatient to hear of Ganem's health, and tellthe mother and daughter the good news she had for them. The firstperson she met was the syndic, who told her that Ganem had restedwell that night; and that his disorder proceeding altogether frommelancholy, the cause being removed, he would soon recover hishealth. 

Accordingly the son of Abou Ayoub was speedily much amended. Rest, and the good medicines he had taken, but above all thedifferent situation of his mind, had wrought so good an effect, that the syndic thought he might without danger see his mother, his sister, and his mistress, provided he was prepared to receivethem; because there was ground to fear, that, not knowing hismother and sister were at Bagdad, the sight of them mightoccasion too great surprise and joy. It was therefore resolved, that Fetnah should first go alone into Ganem's chamber, and thenmake a sign to the two other ladies to appear, when she thoughtit was proper. 

Matters being so ordered, the syndic announced Fetnah's coming tothe sick man, who was so transported to see her, that he wasagain near fainting away, "Well, Ganem, " said she, drawing nearto his bed, "you have again found your Fetnah, whom you thoughtyou had lost for ever. " "Ah! madam, " exclaimed he, eagerlyinterrupting her, "what miracle has restored you to my sight? Ithought you were in the caliph's palace; he has doubtlesslistened to you. You have dispelled his jealousy, and he hasrestored you to his favour. "

"Yes, my dear Ganem, " answered Fetnah, "I have cleared myselfbefore the commander of the true believers, who, to make amendsfor the wrong he has done you, bestows me on you for a wife. "These last words occasioned such an excess of joy in Ganem, thathe knew not for a while how to express himself, otherwise than bythat passionate silence so well known to lovers. At length hebroke out in these words: "Beautiful Fetnah, may I give credit towhat you tell me? May I believe that the caliph really resignsyou to Abou Ayoub's son?" "Nothing is more certain, " answered thelady. "The caliph, who before caused search to be made for you, to take away your life, and who in his fury caused your motherand your sister to suffer a thousand indignities, desires now tosee you, that he may reward the respect you had for him; andthere is no question but that he will load your family withfavours. "

Ganem asked, what the caliph had done to his mother and sister, which Fetnah told him; and he could not forbear letting fall sometears at the relation, notwithstanding the thoughts which arosein his mind at the prospect of being married to his mistress. Butwhen Fetnah informed him, that they were actually in Bagdad, andin the same house with him, he appeared so impatient to see them, that the favourite could no longer defer giving him thesatisfaction; and accordingly called them in. They were at thedoor waiting for that moment. They entered, went up to Ganem, andembracing him in their turns, kissed him a thousand times. Whattears were shed amidst those embraces! Ganem's face was bathedwith them, as well as his mother's and sisters; and Fetnah letfall abundance. The syndic himself and his wife were so moved atthe spectacle, that they could not forbear weeping, norsufficiently admire the secret workings of Providence which hadbrought together into their house four persons, whom fortune hadso cruelly persecuted. 

When they had dried up their tears, Ganem drew them afresh, bythe recital of what he had suffered from the day he left Fetnah, till the moment the syndic brought him to his house. He toldthem, that having taken refuge in a small village, he there fellsick; that some charitable peasants had taken care of him, butfinding he did not recover, a camel-driver had undertaken tocarry him to the hospital at Bagdad. Fetnah also told them allthe uneasiness of her imprisonment, how the caliph, having heardher talk in the tower, had sent for her into his closet, and howshe had cleared herself. In conclusion, when they had relatedwhat accidents had befallen them, Fetnah said, "Let us blessHeaven, which has brought us all together again, and let us thinkof nothing but the happiness that awaits us. As soon as Ganem hasrecovered his health, he must appear before the caliph, with hismother and sister; but I will go and make some provision forthem. "

This said, she went to the palace, and soon returned with a pursecontaining a thousand pieces of gold, which she delivered to thesyndic, desiring him to buy apparel for the mother and daughter. The syndic, who was a man of a good taste, chose such as werevery handsome, and had them made up with all expedition. Theywere finished in three days, and Ganem finding himself strongenough, prepared to go abroad; but on the day he had appointed topay his respects to the caliph, while he was making ready, withhis mother and sister, the grand vizier, Jaaffier came to thesyndic's house. 

He had come on horseback, attended by a great number of officers. "Sir, " said he to Ganem, as soon as he entered, "I am come fromthe commander of the true believers, my master and yours; theorders I have differ much from those which I do not wish torevive in your memory; I am to bear you company, and to presentyou to the caliph, who is desirous to see you. " Ganem returned noother answer to the vizier's compliment, than by profoundlybowing his head, and then mounted a horse brought from thecaliph's stables, which he managed very gracefully. The motherand daughter were mounted on mules belonging to the palace, andwhilst Fetnah on another mule led them by a bye-way to theprince's court, Jaaffier conducted Ganem, and brought him intothe hall of audience. The caliph was sitting on his throne, encompassed with emirs, viziers, and other attendants andcourtiers, Arabs, Persians, Egyptians, Africans, and Syrians, ofhis own dominions, not to mention strangers. 

When the vizier had conducted Ganem to the foot of the throne, the young merchant paid his obeisance, prostrating himself withhis face to the ground, and then rising, made a handsomecompliment in verse, which, though the effusion of the moment, met with the approbation of the whole court. After hiscompliment, the caliph caused him to approach, and said, "I amglad to see you, and desire to hear from your own mouth where youfound my favourite, and all that you have done for her. " Ganemobeyed, and appeared so sincere, that the caliph was convinced ofhis veracity. He ordered a very rich vest to be given him, according to the custom observed towards those who are admittedto audience. After which he said to him, "Ganem, I will have youlive in my court. " "Commander of the true believers, " answeredthe young merchant, "a slave has no will but his master's, onwhom his life and fortune depend. " The caliph was highly pleasedwith Ganem's reply, and assigned him a considerable pension. Hethen descended from his throne, and causing only Ganem and thegrand vizier, follow him, retired into his own apartment. 

Not questioning but that Fetnah was in waiting, with Abou Ayoub'swidow and daughter, he caused them to be called in. Theyprostrated themselves before him: he made them rise; and was socharmed by Jalib al Koolloob's beauty, that, after viewing hervery attentively, he said, "I am so sorry for having treated yourcharms so unworthily, that I owe them such a satisfaction as maysurpass the injury I have done. I take you to wife; and by thatmeans shall punish Zobeide, who shall become the first cause ofyour good fortune, as she was of your past sufferings. This isnot all, " added he, turning towards Ganem's mother; "you arestill young, I believe you will not disdain to be allied to mygrand vizier, I give you to Jaaffier, and you, Fetnah, to Ganem. Let a cauzee and witnesses be called, and the three contracts bedrawn up and signed immediately. " Ganem would have represented tothe caliph, that it would be honour enough for his sister to beone of his favourites; but he was resolved to marry her. 

Haroon thought this such an extraordinary story, that he orderedhis historiographer to commit it to writing with all itscircumstances. It was afterwards laid up in his library, and manycopies being transcribed, it became public. 

End of Volume 1. 

 The "Aldine" Edition of

 The Arabian Nights Entertainments

 Illustrated by S. L. Wood

 FROM THE TEXT OF DR. JONATHAN SCOTT

 In Four Volumes

 Volume 2

 London Pickering and Chatto 1890

 Contents of Volume II. 

The Story of the Little Hunch-Back The Story Told by the Christian Merchant The Story Told by the Sultan of Casgar's Purveyor The Story Told by the Jewish Physician The Story Told by the Tailor The Story Told by the Barber The Story Told by the Barber's Eldest Brother The Story Told by the Barber's Second Brother The Story Told by the Barber's Third Brother The Story Told by the Barber's Fourth Brother The Story Told by the Barber's Fifth Brother The Story Told by the Barber's Sixth Brother

The History of Aboulhassen Ali Ebn Ecar, and Schemselnihar, Favourite of Caliph Haroon Al Rusheed

The Story of the Loves of Kummir Al Zummaun, Prince of the Islesof the Children ofKhaledan, and of Badoura, Princess of China

The Story of the Princes Amgiad and Assad The Story of the Prince Amgiad and a Lady of the City ofMagicians

The Story of Noor Ad Deen and the Fair Persian

 THE STORY OF THE LITTLE HUNCH-BACK. 

There was in former times at Casgar, on the extreme boundaries ofTartary, a tailor who had a pretty wife, whom he affectionatelyloved, and by whom he was beloved with reciprocal tenderness. Oneday while he was at work, a little hunch-back seated himself atthe shop door and began to sing, and play upon a tabor. Thetailor was pleased with his performance, and resolved to take himto his house to entertain his wife: "This little fellow, " saidhe, "will divert us both this evening. " He accordingly invitedhim, and the other readily accepted the invitation: so the tailorshut up his shop, and carried him home. Immediately after theirarrival the tailor's wife placed before them a good dish of fish;but as the little man was eating, he unluckily swallowed a bone, which, notwithstanding all that the tailor and his wife could do, choked him. This accident greatly alarmed them both, dreading, ifthe magistrates should hear of it, that they would be punished asmurderers. However, the husband devised a scheme to get rid ofthe corpse. He reflected that a Jewish doctor lived just by, andhaving formed his plan, his wife and he took the corpse, the oneby the feet and the other by the head, and carried it to thephysician's house. They knocked at the door, from which a steepflight of stairs led to his chamber. The servant maid came downwithout any light, and opening the door, asked what they wanted. "Have the goodness, " said the tailor, "to go up again, and tellyour master we have brought him a man who is very ill, and wantshis advice. Here, " continued he, putting a piece of money intoher hand, "give him that beforehand, to convince him that we donot mean to impose. " While the servant was gone up to inform hermaster, the tailor and his wife hastily conveyed the hunchbackedcorpse to the head of the stairs, and leaving it there, hurriedaway. 

In the mean time, the maid told the doctor, that a man and womanwaited for him at the door, desiring he would come down and lookat a sick man whom they had brought with them, and clapped intohis hand the money she had received. The doctor was transportedwith joy; being paid beforehand, he thought it must needs be agood patient, and should not be neglected. "Light, light, " criedhe to the maid; "follow me quickly. " As he spoke, he hastily rantowards the head of the stairs without waiting for a light, andcame against the corpse with so much violence that heprecipitated it to the bottom, and had nearly fallen with it. "Bring me a light, " cried he to the maid; "quick, quick. " At lastshe brought one, and he went down stairs with her; but when hesaw that what he had kicked down was a dead man, he was sofrightened, that he invoked Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Esdras, and allthe other prophets of his nation. "Unhappy man that I am, " saidhe, "why did I attempt to come without a light! I have killed thepoor fellow who was brought to me to be cured: doubtless I am thecause of his death, and unless Esdras's ass come to assist me, Iam ruined: Mercy on me, they will be here out of hand, and dragme out of my house for a murderer. "

Notwithstanding the perplexity and confusion into which he wasthrown, he had the precaution to shut his door, for fear any onepassing by should observe the accident of which he reckonedhimself to be the author. He then took the corpse into his wife'schamber, who was ready to swoon at the sight. "Alas, " cried she, "we are utterly ruined and undone, unless we can devise someexpedient to get the corpse out of our house this night. If weharbour it till morning we are lost. What a deplorable misfortuneis this! What have you done to kill this man?" "That is not nowthe question, " replied the Jew; "our business at present is, tofind a remedy for the evil which threatens us. "

The doctor and his wife consulted how to dispose of the corpsethat night. The doctor racked his brain in vain, he could notthink of any stratagem to relieve his embarrassment; but hiswife, who was more fertile in invention, said, "A thought is justcome into my head; let us carry the corpse to the terrace of ourhouse, and throw it down the chimney of our Mussulmaunneighbour. "

This Mussulmaun was one of the sultan's purveyors for furnishingoil, butter, and articles of a similar nature, and had a magazinein his house, where the rats and mice made prodigious havoc. 

The Jewish doctor approving the proposed expedient, the wife andhe took the little hunch-back up to the roof of the house; andclapping ropes under his arm-pits, let him down the chimney intothe purveyor's chamber so dexterously that he stood uprightagainst the wall, as if he had been alive. When they found he hadreached the bottom, they pulled up the ropes, and left the corpsein that posture. They were scarcely got down into their chamber, when the purveyor, who had just returned from a wedding feast, went into his room, with a lanthorn in his hand. He was not alittle surprised to discover a man standing in his chimney; butbeing a stout fellow, and apprehending him to be a thief, he tookup a stick, and making straight up to the hunch-back, "Ah!" saidhe, "I thought the rats and mice ate my butter and tallow; but itis you who come down the chimney to rob me? However, I think youwill have no wish to come here again. " Upon this he attackedhunch-back, and struck him several times with his stick. Thecorpse fell down flat on the ground, and the purveyor redoubledhis blows. But, observing that the body did not move, he stood alittle time to regard it; and then, perceiving it to be dead, fear succeeded his anger. "Wretched man that I am, " said he, "what have I done! I have killed a man; alas, I have carried myrevenge too far. Good God, unless thou pity me my life is gone!Cursed, ten thousand times accursed, be the fat and the oil thatoccasioned me to commit so criminal an action. " He stood pale andthunderstruck; he fancied he already saw the officers come todrag him to condign punishment, and could not tell whatresolution to take. 

The sultan of Casgar's purveyor had never noticed the littleman's hump-back when he was beating him, but as soon as heperceived it, he uttered a thousand imprecations against him. "Ah, thou cursed hunch-back, " cried he, "thou crooked wretch, would to God thou hadst robbed me of all my fat, and I had notfound thee here. I then should not have been thrown into thisperplexity on account of this and thy vile hunch. Ye stars thattwinkle in the heavens, give your light to none but me in thisdangerous juncture. " As soon as he had uttered these words, hetook the crooked corpse upon his shoulders, and carried it to theend of the street, where he placed it in an upright postureagainst a shop; he then returned without once looking behind him. 

A few minutes before day-break, a Christian merchant, who wasvery rich, and furnished the sultan's palace with variousarticles, having sat up all night at a debauch, happened to comefrom his house in this direction on his way to the bath. Thoughhe was intoxicated, he was sensible that the night was far spent, and that the people would soon be called to morning prayers; hetherefore quickened his pace to get to the bath in time, lestsome Mussulmaun, in his way to the mosque, should meet him andcarry him to prison for a drunkard. When he came to the end ofthe street, he had occasion to stop by the shop where thesultan's purveyor had put the hunch-backed corpse; which beingjostled by him, tumbled upon the merchant's back. The merchantthinking he was attacked by a robber, knocked it down, and afterredoubling his blows, cried out "Thieves!"

The outcry alarmed the watch, who came up immediately, andfinding a Christian beating a Mussulmaun (for hump-back was ofour religion), "What reason have you, " said he, "to abuse aMussulmaun in this manner?" "He would have robbed me, " repliedthe merchant, "and jumped upon my back in order to take me by thethroat. " "If he did, " said the watch, "you have revenged yourselfsufficiently; come, get off him. " At the same time he stretchedout his hand to help little hump-back up, but observing he wasdead, "Oh!" said he, "is it thus that a Christian dares toassassinate a Mussulmaun?" So saying, he laid hold of theChristian, and carried him to the house of the officer of thepolice, where he was kept till the judge was stirring, and readyto examine him. In the mean time, the Christian merchant becamesober, and the more he reflected upon his adventure, the lesscould he conceive how such slight blows of his fist could havekilled the man. 

The judge having heard the report of the watch, and viewed thecorpse, which they had taken care to bring to his house, interrogated the Christian merchant, who could not deny thecrime, though he had not committed it. But the judge consideringthat little hump-back belonged to the sultan, for he was one ofhis buffoons, would not put the Christian to death till he knewthe sultan's pleasure. For this end he went to the palace, andacquainted the sultan with what had happened; and received thisanswer: "I have no mercy to show to a Christian who kills aMussulmaun. " Upon this the judge ordered a stake to be prepared, and sent criers all over the city to proclaim that they wereabout to impale a Christian for killing a Mussulmaun. 

At length the merchant was brought to the place of execution; andthe executioner was about to do his duty, when the sultan'spurveyor pushed through the crowd, calling to him to stop forthat the Christian had not committed the murder, but he himselfhad done it. Upon that, the officer who attended the executionbegan to question the purveyor, who told him every circumstanceof his having killed the little hunchback, and how he hadconveyed his corpse to the place where the Christian merchant hadfound it. "You were about, " added he, "to put to death aninnocent person; for how can he be guilty of the death of a manwho was dead before he touched him? It is enough for me to havekilled a Mussulmaun without loading my conscience with the deathof a Christian who is not guilty. "

The sultan of Casgar's purveyor having publicly charged himselfwith the death of the little hunchbacked man, the officer coulddo no less than execute justice on the merchant. "Let theChristian go, " said he to the executioner, "and impale this manin his stead, since it appears by his own confession that he isguilty. " Thereupon the executioner released the merchant, andseized the purveyor; but just as he was going to impale him, heheard the voice of the Jewish doctor, earnestly intreating him tosuspend the execution, and make room for him to approach. 

When he appeared before the judge, "My lord, " said he, "thisMussulmaun you are going to execute is not guilty. I am thecriminal. Last night a man and a woman, unknown to me, came to mydoor with a sick man; my maid went and opened it without a light, and received from them a piece of money with a commission to comeand desire me, in their name, to step down and look at thepatient. While she was delivering her message, they conveyed thesick person to the stair-head, and disappeared. I went, withoutstaying till my servant had lighted a candle, and in the darkhappened to stumble upon the sick person, and kick him downstairs. At length I saw he was dead, and that it was the crookedMussulmaun whose death you are now about to avenge. My wife and Itook the corpse, and, after conveying it up to the roof of thepurveyor, our next neighbour, whom you were going to put to deathunjustly, let it down the chimney into his chamber. The purveyorfinding it in his house, took the little man for a thief, andafter beating him concluded he had killed him. But that it wasnot so you will be convinced by this my deposition; I am the soleauthor of the murder; and though it was committed undesignedly, Iam resolved to expiate my crime, that I may not have to chargemyself with the death of two Mussulmauns. "

The chief justice being persuaded that the Jewish doctor was themurderer, gave orders to the executioner to seize him and releasethe purveyor. Accordingly the doctor was just going to beimpaled, when the tailor appeared, crying to the executioner tohold his hand, and make room for him, that he might come and makehis confession to the chief judge. Room being made, "My lord, "said he, "you have narrowly escaped taking away the lives ofthree innocent persons; but if you will have the patience to hearme, I will discover to you the real murderer of the crook backedman. If his death is to be expiated by another, that must bemine. Yesterday, towards the evening, as I was at work in myshop, and was disposed to be merry, the little hunch-back came tomy door half-drunk, and sat down. He sung a little, and so Iinvited him to pass the evening at my house. He accepted theinvitation and went in with me. We sat down to supper and I gavehim a plate of fish; but in eating, a bone stuck in his throat, and though my wife and I did our utmost to relieve him, he diedin a few minutes. His death afflicted us extremely, and for fearof being charged with it, we carried the corpse to the Jewishdoctor's house and knocked. The maid came and opened the door; Idesired her to go up again and ask her master to come down andgive his advice to a sick person whom we had brought along withus; and withal, to encourage him, I charged her to give him apiece of money, which I put into her hand. When she was gone, Icarried the hunch-back up stairs, and laid him upon the uppermoststep, and then my wife and I made the best of our way home. Thedoctor coming, threw the corpse down stairs, and concludedhimself to be the author of his death. This being the case, "continued he, "release the doctor, and let me die in his stead. "

The chief justice, and all the spectators, wondered at thestrange events which had ensued upon the death of the littlehunch-back. "Let the Jewish doctor go, " said the judge, "andseize the tailor, since he confesses the crime. It is certainthis history is very uncommon, and deserves to be recorded inletters of gold. " The executioner having dismissed the doctorprepared to impale the tailor. 

While the executioner was making ready to impale the tailor, thesultan of Casgar, wanting the company of his crooked jester, askedwhere he was; and one of his officers told him; "The hunch-back, Sir, whom you inquire after, got drunk last night, and contrary to hiscustom slipped out of the palace, and went strolling about the city, and this morning was found dead. A man was brought before the chiefjustice, and charged with the murder of him; but when he was going tobe impaled, up came a man, and after him another, who took the chargeupon themselves and cleared one another, and the judge is nowexamining a third, who gives himself out for the real author of themurder. "

Upon this intelligence the sultan of Casgar sent an officer tothe place of execution. "Go, " said he, "with all expedition, andtell the judge to bring the accused persons before me immediatelyand bring also the corpse of poor hunch-back, that I may see himonce more. " Accordingly the officer went, and happened to arriveat the place of execution at the very time that the executionerhad laid his hands upon the tailor. He called aloud to him tosuspend the execution. The executioner knowing the officer, didnot dare to proceed, but released the tailor; and then theofficer acquainted the judge with the sultan's pleasure. Thejudge obeyed, and went directly to the palace accompanied by thetailor, the Jewish doctor, and the Christian merchant; and madefour of his men carry the hunch-backed corpse along with him. 

When they appeared in the sultan's presence, the judge threwhimself at the prince's feet and after recovering himself, gavehim a faithful relation of what he knew of the story of thehunch-backed man. The story appeared so extraordinary to thesultan, that he ordered his own historian to write it down withall its circumstances. Then addressing himself to the audience;"Did you ever hear, " said he, "such a surprising event as hashappened on the account of my little crooked buffoon?" TheChristian merchant, after falling down, and touching the earthwith his forehead, spoke as follows: "Most puissant monarch, Iknow a story yet more astonishing than this; if your majesty willgive me leave, I will relate it. The circumstances are such, thatno one can hear them without emotion. " "Well, " said the sultan, "you have my permission:" and the merchant went on as follows:

 The Story told by the Christian Merchant. 

Sir, before I commence the recital of the story you havepermitted me to relate, I beg leave to acquaint you, that I havenot the honour to be born in any part of your majesty's empire. Iam a stranger, born at Cairo in Egypt, a Copt by nation, and byreligion a Christian. My father was a broker, and realizedconsiderable property, which he left me at his death. I followedhis example, and pursued the same employment. While I wasstanding in the public inn frequented by the corn merchants, there came up to me a handsome young man, well dressed, andmounted on an ass. He saluted me, and pulling out a handkerchief, in which he had a sample of sesame or Turkey corn, asked me howmuch a bushel of such sesame would fetch. 

I examined the corn the young man shewed me, and told him it wasworth a hundred dirhems of silver per bushel. "Pray, " said he, "look out for some merchant to take it at that price, and come tome at the Victory gate, where you will see a khan at a distancefrom the houses. " So saying, he left me the sample, and I shewedit to several merchants, who told me, that they would take asmuch as I could spare at a hundred and ten dirhems per bushel, sothat I reckoned on getting ten dirhems per bushel for mycommission. Full of the expectation of this profit, I went to theVictory gate, where I found the young merchant expecting me, andhe took me into his granary, which was full of sesame. He hadthen a hundred and fifty bushels, which I measured out, andhaving carried them off upon asses, sold them for five thousanddirhems of silver. "Out of this sum, " said the young man, "thereare five hundred dirhems coming to you, at the rate of tendirhems per bushel. This I give you; and as for the rest whichpertains to me, take it out of the merchants' hands, and keep ittill I call or send for it, for I have no occasion for it atpresent. " I answered, it should be ready for him whenever hepleased to demand it; and so, kissing his hand, took leave ofhim, with a grateful sense of his generosity. 

A month passed before he came near me: then he asked for the sumhe had committed to my trust. I told him it was ready, and shouldbe counted to him immediately. He was mounted on his ass, and Idesired him to alight, and do me the honour to eat a mouthfulwith me before he received his money. "No, " said he, "I cannotalight at present, I have urgent business that obliges me to beat a place just by; but I will return this way, and then take themoney which I desired you would have in readiness. " This said, hedisappeared, and I still expected his return, but it was a fullmonth before I saw him again. "This young merchant, " thought I, "has great confidence in me, leaving so great a sum in my handswithout knowing me; any other man would have been afraid I shouldhave run away with it. " To be short, he came again at the end ofthe third month, and was still mounted on his ass, but morehandsomely dressed than before. 

As soon as I saw the young man, I intreated him to alight, andasked him if he would not take his money? "There is no hurry, "said he, with a pleasant easy air, "I know it is in good hands; Iwill come and take it when my other money is all gone. Adieu, "continued he, "I will return towards the end of the week. " Withthat he struck the ass, and soon disappeared. "Well, " thought I, "he says he will see me towards the end of the week, but he maynot perhaps return for a great while; I will make the most I canof his money, which may bring me much profit. "

As it happened, I was not deceived in my conjecture; for it was afull year before I saw my young merchant again. He then appearedas richly appareled as before, but seemed to have something onhis spirits. I asked him to do me the honour to walk into myhouse. "For this time, " replied he, "I will: but on thiscondition, that you shall put yourself to no extraordinary chargeon my account. " "I will do just as you please, " said I, "only dome the favour to alight and walk in. " Accordingly he complied. Igave orders to have a repast prepared, and while this was doing, we entered into conversation. All things being ready, we satdown. I observed he took the first mouthful with his left hand, and not with the right. I was at a loss what to think of this. "Ever since I have known this young man, " said I inwardly, "hehas always appeared very polite; is it possible he can do thisout of contempt? What can be the reason he does not use his righthand?"

After we had done eating, and every thing was taken away, we satupon a sofa, and I presented him with a lozenge by way of dainty;but still he took it with his left hand. I said to him, "Pardon, Sir, the liberty I take in asking you what reason you have fornot using your right hand? Perhaps you have some complaint inthat hand. " Instead of answering, he heaved a deep sigh, andpulling out his right arm, which he had hitherto kept under hisvest, shewed me, to my great astonishment, that it had been cutoff. "Doubtless you were displeased, " said he, "to see me feedmyself with the left hand; but I leave you to judge, whether itwas in my power to do otherwise. " "May one ask, " said I, "by whatmischance you lost your right hand?" Upon that he burst intotears, and after wiping his eyes, gave me the following relation. 

You must know that I am a native of Bagdad, the son of a richmerchant, the most eminent in that city for rank and opulence. Ihad scarcely launched into the world, when falling into thecompany of travellers, and hearing their wonderful accounts ofEgypt, especially of Grand Cairo, I was interested by theirdiscourse, and felt a strong desire to travel. But my father wasthen alive, and would not grant me permission. At length he died;and being then my own master, I resolved to take a journey toCairo. I laid out a large sum of money in the purchase of severalsorts of fine stuffs of Bagdad and Moussol and departed. 

Arriving at Cairo, I went to the khan, called the khan ofMesrour, and there took lodgings, with a warehouse for my bales, which I had brought with me upon camels. This done, I retired tomy chamber to rest, after the fatigue of my journey, and gavesome money to my servants, with orders to buy some provisions anddress them. After I had eaten, I went to view the castle, somemosques, the public squares, and the other most remarkableplaces. 

Next day I dressed myself, and ordered some of the finest andrichest of my bales to be selected and carried by my slaves tothe Circassian bazaar, whither I followed. I had no sooner mademy appearance, than I was surrounded with brokers and criers whohad heard of my arrival. I gave patterns of my stuffs to severalof the criers, who shewed them all over the bazaar; but none ofthe merchants offered near so much as prime cost and carriage. This vexed me, and the criers observing I was dissatisfied, said, "If you will take our advice, we will put you in a way to sellyour goods without loss. "

The brokers and the criers, having thus promised to put me in away of losing nothing by my goods, I asked them what course theywould have me pursue. "Divide your goods, " said they, "amongseveral merchants, they will sell them by retail; and twice aweek, that is on Mondays and Thursdays, you may receive whatmoney they may have taken. By this means, instead of losing, youwill turn your goods to advantage, and the merchants will gain byyou. In the mean while you will have time to take your pleasureabout the town or go upon the Nile. "

I took their advice, and conducted them to my warehouse; fromwhence I brought all my goods to the bazaar, and there dividedthem among the merchants whom they represented as most reputableand able to pay; and the merchants gave me a formal receiptbefore witnesses, stipulating that I should not making anydemands upon them for the first month. 

Having thus regulated my affairs, my mind was occupied withordinary pleasures. I contracted acquaintance with divers personsof nearly the same age with myself, which made the time passagreeably. After the first month had expired, I began to visit mymerchants twice a week, taking with me a public officer toinspect their books of sale, and a banker to see that they paidme in good money, and to regulate the value of the several coins. Every pay-day, I had a good sum of money to carry home to mylodging at the khan of Mesrour. I went on other days to pass themorning sometimes at one merchant's house, and sometimes at thatof another. In short, I amused myself in conversing with them, and seeing what passed in the bazaar. 

One Monday, as I was sitting in a merchant's shop, whose namewas Buddir ad Deen, a lady of quality, as might easily beperceived by her air, her apparel, and by a well-dressed slaveattending her, came into the shop, and sat down by me. Herexternal appearance, joined to a natural grace that shone in allher actions, prepossessed me in her favour, and inspired me witha desire to be better acquainted with her. I know not whether sheobserved that I took pleasure in gazing on her, and whether thisattention on my part was not agreeable to her; but she let downthe crepe that hung over the muslin which covered her face, andgave me the opportunity of seeing her large black eyes; whichperfectly charmed me. In fine, she inflamed my love to the heightby the agreeable sound of her voice, her graceful carriage insaluting the merchant, and asking him how he did since she hadseen him last. 

After conversing with him some time upon indifferent subjects, shegave him to understand that she wanted a particular kind of stuff witha gold ground; that she came to his shop, as affording the best choiceof any in all the bazaar; and that if he had any such as she askedfor, he would oblige her in showing them. Buddir ad Deen producedseveral pieces, one of which she pitched upon, and he asked for iteleven hundred dirhems of silver. "I will, " said she, "give you yourprice for it, but I have not money enough about me; so I hope you willgive me credit till to-morrow, and in the mean time allow me to carryhome the stuff. I shall not fail, " added she, "to send you tomorrowthe eleven hundred dirhems. " "Madam, " said Buddir ad Deen, "I wouldgive you credit with all my heart if the stuff were mine; but itbelongs to the young man you see here, and this is the day on which wesettle our accounts. " "Why, " said the lady in surprise, "do you use meso? Am not I a customer to your shop And when I have bought of you, and carried home the things without paying ready money for them, did Iin any instance fail to send you your money next morning?" "Madam, "said the merchant, "all this is true, but this very day I haveoccasion for the money. " "There, " said she, throwing the stuff to him, "take your stuff, I care not for you nor any of the merchants. You areall alike; you respect no one. " As she spoke, she rose up in anger, and walked out. 

When I saw that the lady walked away, I felt interested on herbehalf, and called her back, saying, "Madam, do me the favour toreturn, perhaps I can find a way to satisfy you both. " Shereturned, saying, it was on my account that she complied. "Buddirad Deen, " said I to the merchant, "what is the price you musthave for this stuff that belongs to me?" "I must have, " repliedhe, "eleven hundred dirhems, I cannot take less. " "Give it to thelady then, " said I, "let her take it home with her; I allow ahundred dirhems profit to yourself, and shall now write you anote, empowering you to deduct that sum upon the produce of theother goods you have of mine. " In fine, I wrote, signed, and gavehim the note, and then delivered the stuff to the lady. "Madam, "said I, "you may take the stuff with you, and as for the money, you may either send it to-morrow or the next day; or, if youwill, accept it as a present from me. " "Pardon me, " returned she, "I mean no such thing. You treat me with so much politeness, thatI should be unworthy to appear in the world again, were I to omitmaking you my best acknowledgments. May God reward you, by anincrease of your fortune; may you live many years after I amdead; may the gate of paradise be open to you when you remove tothe other world, and may all the city proclaim your generosity. "

These words inspired me with some assurance. "Madam, " I replied, "I desire no other reward for the service I have done you thanthe happiness of seeing your face; which will repay me withinterest. " I had no sooner spoken than she turned towards me, took off her veil, and discovered to me a wonderful beauty. Ibecame speechless with admiration. I could have gazed upon herfor ever; but fearing any one should observe her, she quicklycovered her face, and letting down the crepe, took up the pieceof stuff, and went away, leaving me in a very different state ofmind from that in which I had entered the shop. I continued forsome time in great confusion and perplexity. Before I took leaveof the merchant, I asked him, if he knew the lady; "Yes, " saidhe, "she is the daughter of an emir. "

I went back to the khan of Mesrour, and sat down to supper, butcould not eat, neither could I shut my eyes all the night, whichseemed the longest in my life. As soon as it was day I arose, inhopes of once more beholding the object that disturbed my repose:and to engage her affection, I dressed myself much richer than Ihad done the day before. 

I had but just reached Buddir ad Deen's shop, when I saw the ladycoming in more magnificent apparel than before, and attended byher slave. When she entered, she did not regard the merchant, butaddressing herself to me, said, "Sir, you see I am punctual to myword. I am come for the express purpose of paying the sum youwere so kind as to pass your word for yesterday, though you hadno knowledge of me. Such uncommon generosity I shall neverforget. "

"Madam, " said I, "you had no occasion to be in such haste; I waswell satisfied as to my money, and am sorry you should putyourself to so much trouble. " "I had been very unjust, " answeredshe, "if I had abused your generosity. " With these words she putthe money into my hand, and sat down by me. 

Having this opportunity of conversing with her, I determined toimprove it, and mentioned to her the love I had for her; but sherose and left me very abruptly, as if she had been angry with thedeclaration I had made. I followed her with my eyes as long asshe continued in sight; then taking leave of the merchant walkedout of the bazaar, without knowing where I went. I was musing onthis adventure, when I felt somebody pulling me behind, andturning to see who it was, I was agreeably surprised to perceiveit was the lady's slave. "My mistress, " said she, "I mean theyoung lady you spoke to in the merchant's shop, wants to speakwith you, if you please to give yourself the trouble to followme. " Accordingly I followed her, and found her mistress sittingwaiting for me in a banker's shop. 

She made me sit down by her, and spoke to this purpose. "Do notbe surprised, that I left you so abruptly. I thought it notproper, before that merchant, to give a favourable answer to thediscovery you made of your affection for me. But to speak thetruth, I was so far from being offended at it, that it gave mepleasure; and I account myself infinitely happy in having a manof your merit for my lover. I do not know what impression thefirst sight of me may have made on you, but I assure you, I hadno sooner beheld you than I found my heart moved with thetenderest emotions of love. Since yesterday I have done nothingbut think of what you said to me; and my eagerness to seek youthis morning may convince you of my regard. " "Madam, " I replied, transported with love and joy, "nothing can be more agreeable tome than this declaration. No passion can exceed that with which Ilove you. My eyes were dazzled with so many charms, that my heartyielded without resistance. " "Let us not trifle away the time inneedless discourse, " said she, interrupting me; "make no doubt ofyour sincerity, and you shall quickly be convinced of mine. Willyou do me the honour to come to my residence? Or if you will Iwill go to yours. " "Madam, " I returned, "I am a stranger lodgedin a khan, which is not the proper place for the reception of alady of your quality. It is more proper, madam, that I shouldvisit you at your house; have the goodness to tell me where itis. " The lady consented; "Come, " said she, "on Friday, which isthe day after to-morrow, after noon-prayers, and ask for thehouse of Abou Schama, surnamed Bercour, late master of the emirs;there you will find me. " This said, we parted; and I passed thenext day in great impatience. 

On Friday I put on my richest apparel, and took fifty pieces ofgold in my purse. I mounted an ass I had bespoken the day before, and set out, accompanied by the man who let me the ass. Idirected the owner of the ass to inquire for the house I wanted;he found it, and conducted me thither. I paid him liberally, directing him to observe narrowly where he left me, and not tofail to return next morning with the ass, to carry me again tothe khan of Mesrour. 

I knocked at the door, and presently two little female slaves, white as snow, and neatly dressed came and opened it. "Be pleasedto come in, Sir, " said they, "our mistress expects youimpatiently; these two days she has talked of nothing but you. " Ientered the court, and saw a pavilion raised seven steps, andsurrounded with iron rails that parted it from a very pleasantgarden. Besides the trees which only embellished the place, andformed an agreeable shade, there was an infinite number of othersloaded with all sorts of fruit. I was charmed with the warblingof a great number of birds, that joined their notes to themurmurings of a fountain, in the middle of a parterre enamelledwith flowers. This fountain formed a very agreeable object; fourlarge gilded dragons at the angles of the basin, which was of asquare form, spouted out water clearer than rock-crystal. Thisdelicious place gave me a charming idea of the conquest I hadmade. The two little slaves conducted me into a saloonmagnificently furnished; and while one of them went to acquainther mistress with my arrival, the other tarried with me, andpointed out to me the beauties of the hall. 

I did not wait long in the hall, ere the lady I loved appeared, adorned with pearls and diamonds; but the splendour of her eyesfar outshone that of her jewels. Her shape, which was now notdisguised by the habit she wore in the city, appeared the mostslender and delicate. I need not mention with what joy we metonce more; it far exceeded all expression. When the firstcompliments were over, we sat down upon a sofa, and thereconversed together with the highest satisfaction. We had the mostdelicious refreshments served up to us; and after eating, continued our conversation till night. We then had excellent winebrought up, and fruit adapted to promote drinking, and timed ourcups to the sound of musical instruments, joined to the voices ofthe slaves. The lady of the house sung herself, and by her songsraised my passion to the height. In short, I passed the night infull enjoyment. 

Next morning I slipped under the bolster of the bed the pursewith the fifty pieces of gold I had brought with me, and tookleave of the lady, who asked me when I would see her again. "Madam, " said I, "I give you my promise to return this night. "She seemed to be transported with my answer, and conducting me tothe door, conjured me at parting to be mindful of my promise. 

The same man who had carried me thither waited for me with hisass, which I mounted, and went directly to the khan; ordering theman to come to me again in the afternoon at a certain hour, tosecure which, I deferred paying him till that time came. 

As soon as I arrived at my lodging, my first care was to order mypeople to buy a lamb, and several sorts of cakes, which I sent bya porter as a present to the lady. When that was done I attendedto my business till the owner of the ass arrived. I then wentalong with him to the lady's house, and was received by her withas much joy as before, and entertained with equal magnificence. 

Next morning I took leave, left her another purse with fiftypieces of gold, and returned to my khan. 

I continued to visit the lady every day, and to leave her everytime a purse with fifty pieces of gold, till the merchants whom Iemployed to sell my goods, and whom I visited regularly twice aweek, had paid me the whole amount of my goods and, in short, Icame at last to be moneyless, and hopeless of having any more. 

In this forlorn condition I walked out of my lodging, not knowingwhat course to take, and by chance went towards the castle, wherethere was a great crowd to witness a spectacle given by thesultan of Egypt. As soon as I came up, I wedged in among thecrowd, and by chance happened to stand by a horseman well mountedand handsomely clothed, who had upon the pommel of his saddle abag, half open, with a string of green silk hanging out of it. Iclapped my hand to the bag, concluding the silk-twist might bethe string of a purse within: in the mean time a porter, with aload of wood upon his back, passed by on the other side of thehorse so near, that the rider was forced to turn his head towardshim, to avoid being hurt, or having his clothes torn by the wood. In that moment the devil tempted me; I took the string in onehand, and with the other pulled out the purse so dexterously, that nobody perceived me. The purse was heavy, and I did notdoubt but it contained gold or silver. 

As soon as the porter had passed, the horseman, who probably hadsome suspicion of what I had done while his head was turned, presently put his hand to his bag, and finding his purse wasgone, gave me such a blow, that he knocked me down. This violenceshocked all who saw it. Some took hold of the horse's bridle tostop the gentleman, and asked him what reason he had to strikeme, or how he came to treat a Mussulmaun so rudely. "Do not youtrouble yourselves, " said he briskly, "I had reason for what Idid; this fellow is a thief. " At these words I started up, andfrom my appearance every one took my part, and cried out he was aliar, for that it was incredible a young man such as I was shouldbe guilty of so base an action: but while they were holding hishorse by the bridle to favour my escape, unfortunately passed bythe judge, who seeing such a crowd about the gentleman onhorseback, came up and asked what the matter was. Every bodypresent reflected on the gentleman for treating me so unjustlyupon the presence of robbery. 

The judge did not give ear to all that was said; but asked thecavalier if he suspected any body else beside me? The cavaliertold him he did not, and gave his reasons why he believed hissuspicions not to be groundless. Upon this the judge ordered hisfollowers to seize me, which they presently did; and finding thepurse upon me, exposed it to the view of all the people. Thedisgrace was so great, I could not bear it, and I swooned away. In the mean time the judge called for the purse. 

When the judge had got the purse in his hand, he asked thehorseman if it was his, and how much money it contained. Thecavalier knew it to be his own, and assured the judge he had puttwenty sequins into it. Upon which the judge called me beforehim; "Come, young man, " said he, "confess the truth. Was it youthat took the gentleman's purse from him? Do not wait for thetorture to extort confession. " Then with downcast eyes, thinkingthat if I denied the fact, they, having found the purse upon me, would convict me of a lie, to avoid a double punishment I lookedup and confessed my guilt. I had no sooner made the confession, than the judge called people to witness it, and ordered my handto be cutoff. This sentence was immediately put in execution, tothe great regret of all the spectators; nay, I observed, by thecavalier's countenance, that he was moved with pity as much asthe rest. The judge would likewise have ordered my foot to be cutoff, but I begged the cavalier to intercede for my pardon; whichhe did, and obtained it. 

When the judge was gone, the cavalier came up to me, and holdingout the purse, said, "I see plainly that necessity drove you toan action so disgraceful and unworthy of such a young man as youappear. Here, take that fatal purse; I freely give it you, and amheartily sorry for the misfortune you have undergone. " Havingthus spoken, he went away. Being very weak by loss of blood, someof the good people of the neighbourhood had the kindness to carryme into a house and give me a glass of cordial; they likewisedressed my arm, and wrapped up the dismembered hand in a cloth, which I carried away with me fastened to my girdle. 

Had I returned to the khan of Mesrour in this melancholy condition, Ishould not have found there such relief as I wanted; and to offer togo to the young lady was running a great hazard, it being likely shewould not look upon me after being informed of my disgrace. Iresolved, however, to put her to the trial; and to tire out the crowdthat followed me, I turned down several by-streets, and at lastarrived at the lady's house very weak, and so much fatigued, that Ipresently threw myself down upon a sofa, keeping my right arm under mygarment, for I took great care to conceal my misfortune. 

In the mean time the lady, hearing of my arrival, and that I wasnot well, came to me in haste; and seeing me pale and dejected, said, "My dear love, what is the matter with you?" "Madam, " Ireplied, dissembling, "I have a violent pain in my head. " Thelady seemed to be much concerned, and asked me to sit down, for Ihad arisen to receive her. "Tell me, " said she, "how your illnesswas occasioned. The last time I had the pleasure to see you, youwere very well. There must be something that you conceal from me, let me know what it is. " I stood silent, and instead of ananswer, tears trickled down my cheeks. "I cannot conceive, "resumed she, "what it is that afflicts you. Have I unthinkinglygiven you any occasion of uneasiness? Or do you come on purposeto tell me you no longer love me?" "It is not that, madam, " saidI, heaving a deep sigh; "your unjust suspicion adds to mymisfortune. "

I could not think of discovering to her the true cause. Whennight came, supper was brought, and she pressed me to eat; butconsidering I could only feed myself with my left hand, I beggedto be excused upon the plea of having no appetite. "It willreturn, " said she, "if you would but discover what you soobstinately conceal from me. Your want of appetite, withoutdoubt, is only owing to your irresolution. "

"Alas! madam, " returned I, "I find I must resolve at last. " I hadno sooner spoken, than she filled me a cup full of wine, andoffering it to me, "Drink that, " said she, "it will give youcourage. " I reached out my left hand, and took the cup. 

When I had taken the cup in my hand, I redoubled my tears andsighs. "Why do you sigh and weep so bitterly?" asked the lady;"and why do you take the cup with your left hand, rather thanyour right?" "Ah! madam, " I replied, "I beseech you excuse me; Ihave a swelling in my right hand. " "Let me see that swelling, "said she; "I will open it. " I desired to be excused, alleging itwas not ripe enough for such an operation; and drank off the cup, which was very large. The fumes of the wine, joined to myweakness and weariness, set me asleep, and I slept very soundlytill morning. 

In the mean time the lady, curious to know what ailed my righthand, lifted up my garment that covered it; and saw to her greatastonishment that it was cut off, and that I had brought it alongwith me wrapped up in a cloth. She presently apprehended what wasmy reason for declining a discovery, notwithstanding all herpressing solicitation; and passed the night in the greatestuneasiness on account of my disgrace, which she concluded hadbeen occasioned only by the love I bore to her. 

When I awoke, I discerned by her countenance that she wasextremely grieved. However, that she might not increase myuneasiness she said not a word. She called for jelly-broth offowl, which she had ordered to be prepared, and made me eat anddrink to recruit my strength. After that, I offered to take leaveof her; but she declared I should not go out of her doors. "Though you tell me nothing of the matter, " said she, "I ampersuaded I am the cause of the misfortune that has befallen you. The grief that I feel on that account will soon end my days, butbefore I die, I must execute a design for your benefit. " She hadno sooner spoken, than she called for a judge and witnesses, andordered a writing to be drawn up, putting me in possession of herwhole property. After this was done, and every body dismissed, she opened a large trunk where lay all the purses I had given herfrom the commencement of our amour. "There they are all entire, "said she; "I have not touched one of them. Here is the key; takeit, for all is yours. " After I had returned her thanks for hergenerosity and goodness; "What I have done for you, " said she, "is nothing; I shall not be satisfied unless I die, to show howmuch I love you. " I conjured her, by all the powers of love, torelinquish such a fatal resolution. But all my remonstrances wereineffectual: she was so afflicted to see me have but one hand, that she sickened, and died after five or six weeks' illness. 

After mourning for her death as long as was decent, I tookpossession of all her property, a particular account of which shegave me before she died; and the corn you sold for me was part ofit. 

"What I have now told you, " said he, "will plead my excuse foreating with my left hand. I am highly obliged to you for thetrouble you have given yourself on my account. I can neversufficiently recompense your fidelity. Since I have still, thanksto God, a competent estate, notwithstanding I have spent a greatdeal, I beg you to accept of the sum now in your hand, as apresent from me. I have besides a proposal to make to you. As Iam obliged, on account of this fatal accident, to quit Cairo, Iam resolved never to return to it again. If you choose toaccompany me, we will trade together as equal partners, and sharethe profits. "

I thanked the young man for the present he had made me, and Iwillingly embraced the proposal of travelling with him, assuringhim, that his interest should always be as dear to me as my own. 

We fixed a day for our departure, and accordingly entered uponour travels. We passed through Syria and Mesopotamia, travelledover Persia, and after stopping at several cities, came at last, sir, to your capital. Some time after our arrival here, the youngman having formed a design of returning to Persia, and settlingthere, we balanced our accounts, and parted very good friends. Hewent from hence, and I, sir, continue here in your majesty'sservice. This is the story I had to relate. Does not your majestyfind it more surprising than that of the hunch-back buffoon?

The sultan of Casgar fell into a passion against the Christianmerchant. "Thou art a presumptuous fellow, " said he, "to tell mea story so little worth hearing, and then to compare it to thatof my jester. Canst thou flatter thyself so far as to believethat the trifling adventures of a young debauchee are moreinteresting than those of my jester? I will have you all fourimpaled, to revenge his death. "

Hearing this, the purveyor prostrated himself at the sultan'sfeet. "Sir, " said he, "I humbly beseech your majesty to suspendyour wrath, and hear my story; and if it appears to be moreextraordinary than that of your jester, to pardon us. " The sultanhaving granted his request, the purveyor began thus. 

 The Story told by the Sultan of Casgar's Purveyor. 

Sir, a person of quality invited me yesterday to his daughter'swedding. I went to his house in the evening at the hourappointed, and found there a large company of men of the law, ministers of justice, and others of the first rank in the city. After the ceremony was over, we partook of a splendid feast. Among other dishes set upon the table, there was one seasonedwith garlic, which was very delicious, and generally relished. Weobserved, however, that one of the guests did not touch it, though it stood just before him. We invited him to taste it, buthe intreated us not to press him. "I will take good care, " saidhe, "how I touch any dish that is seasoned with garlic; I havenot yet forgotten what the tasting of such a dish once cost me. "We requested him to inform us what the reason was of his aversionto garlic. But before he had time to answer, the master of thehouse exclaimed, "Is it thus you honour my table? This dish isexcellent, do not expect to be excused from eating of it; youmust do me that favour as well as the rest. " "Sir, " said thegentleman, who was a Bagdad merchant, "I hope you do not think myrefusal proceeds from any mistaken delicacy; if you insist on mycompliance I will submit, but it must be on this condition, thatafter having eaten, I may, with your permission, wash my handswith alkali forty times, forty times more with ashes, and fortytimes again with soap. I hope you will not feel displeased atthis stipulation, as I have made an oath never to taste garlicbut on these terms. "

As the master of the house, continued the purveyor of the sultanof Casgar, would not dispense with the merchant's partaking ofthe dish seasoned with garlic, he ordered his servants to providea basin of water, together with some alkali, the ashes, and soap, that the merchant might wash as often as he pleased. After he hadgiven these instructions, he addressed the merchant and said, "Ihope you will now do as we do. "

The merchant, apparently displeased with the constraint put uponhim, took up a bit, which he put to his mouth trembling, and atewith a reluctance that astonished us. But what surprised us yetmore was, that he had no thumb; which none of us had observedbefore, though he had eaten of other dishes. "You have lost yourthumb, " said the master of the house. "This must have beenoccasioned by some extraordinary accident, a relation of whichwill be agreeable to the company. " "Sir, " replied the merchant, "I have no thumb on either the right or the left hand. " As hespoke he put out his left hand, and shewed us that what he saidwas true. "But this is not all, " continued he: "I have no greattoe on either of my feet: I was maimed in this manner by anunheard-of adventure, which I am willing to relate, if you willhave the patience to hear me. The account will excite at onceyour astonishment and your pity. Only allow me first to wash myhands. " With this he rose from the table, and after washing hishands a hundred and twenty times, reseated himself, and proceededwith his narrative as follows. 

In the reign of the caliph Haroon al Rusheed, my father lived atBagdad, the place of my nativity, and was reputed one of therichest merchants in the city. But being a man addicted to hispleasures, and neglecting his private affairs, instead of leavingme an ample fortune, he died in such embarrassed circumstances, that I was reduced to the necessity of using all the economypossible to discharge the debts he had contracted. I at last, however, paid them all; and by care and good management my littlefortune began to wear a smiling aspect. 

One morning, as I opened my shop, a lady mounted upon a mule, andattended by an eunuch and two slaves, stopped near my door, andwith the assistance of the eunuch alighted. "Madam, " said theeunuch, "I told you you would be too early; you see there is noone yet in the bazaar: had you taken my advice, you might havesaved yourself the trouble of waiting here. " The lady looked andperceiving no shop open but mine, asked permission to sit in ittill the other merchants arrived. With this request I of coursereadily complied. 

The lady took a seat in my shop, and observing there was no onein the bazaar but the eunuch and myself, uncovered her face totake the air. I had never beheld any thing so beautiful. I becameinstantly enamoured, and kept my eyes fixed upon her. I flatteredmyself that my attention was not unpleasant to her; for sheallowed me time to view her deliberately, and only concealed herface so far as she thought necessary to avoid being observed. 

After she had again lowered her veil, she told me she wantedseveral sorts of the richest and finest stuffs, and asked me if Ihad them. "Alas! madam, " I replied, "I am but a young man justbeginning the world; I have not capital sufficient for suchextensive traffic. I am much mortified not to be able toaccommodate you with the articles you want. But to save you thetrouble of going from shop to shop, when the merchants arrive, Iwill, if you please, go and get those articles from them, andascertain the lowest prices. " She assented to this proposal, andentered into conversation with me, which I prolonged, making herbelieve the merchants that could furnish what she wanted were notyet come. 

I was not less charmed with her wit than I had been before withthe beauty of her face; but was obliged to forego the pleasure ofher conversation. I ran for the stuffs she wanted, and after shehad fixed upon what she liked, we agreed for five thousanddirhems of coined silver; I wrapped up the stuffs in a smallbundle, and gave it to the eunuch, who put it under his arm. Shethen rose and took leave. I followed her with my eyes till shehad reached the bazaar gate, and even after she had remounted hermule. 

The lady had no sooner disappeared, than I perceived that lovehad led me to a serious oversight. It had so engrossed mythoughts, that I did not reflect that she went away withoutpaying, and that I had not informed myself who she was, or whereshe resided. I soon felt sensible, however, that I wasaccountable for a large sum to the merchants, who, perhaps, wouldnot have patience to wait for their money: I went to them, andmade the best excuse I could, pretending that I knew the lady;and then returned home, equally affected with love, and with theburden of such a heavy debt. 

I had desired my creditors to wait eight days for their money:when this period had elapsed, they did not fail to dun me. I thenintreated them to give me eight days more, to which theyconsented; but the next day I saw the lady enter the bazaar, mounted on her mule, with the same attendants as before, andexactly the same hour of the day. 

She came straight to my shop. "I have made you wait some time, "said she, "but here is your money at last; carry it to thebanker, and see that it is all good and right. " The eunuch whocarried the money went along with me to the banker, and we foundit quite right. I returned, and had the happiness of conversingwith the lady till all the shops of the bazaar were open. Thoughwe talked but of ordinary things, she gave them such a turn, thatthey appeared new and uncommon; and convinced me that I was notmistaken in admiring her wit at our first interview. 

As soon as the merchants had arrived and opened their shops, Icarried to the respective owners the money due for their stuffs, and was readily intrusted with more, which the lady had desiredto see. She chose some from these to the value of one thousandpieces of gold, and carried them away as before without paying;nay, without speaking a word, or informing me who she was. Whatdistressed me was the consideration that while at this rate sherisked nothing, she left me without any security against beingmade answerable for the goods in case she did not return. "Shehas paid me, " thought I, "a considerable sum; but she leaves meresponsible for a greater, Surely she cannot be a cheat. Themerchants do not know her, they will all come upon me. " In short, my love was not so powerful as to stifle the uneasiness I felt, when I reflected upon the circumstances in which I was placed. Awhole month passed before I heard any thing of the lady again;and during that time my alarm increased. The merchants wereimpatient for their money, and to satisfy them, I was going tosell off all I had, when one morning the lady returned with thesame equipage as before. 

"Take your weights, " said she, "and weigh the gold I have broughtyou. " These words dispelled my fear, and inflamed my love. Beforewe counted the money, she asked me several questions, andparticularly if I was married. I answered I never had been. Thenreaching out the gold to the eunuch, "Let us have yourinterposition, " said she, "to accommodate our matters. " Uponwhich the eunuch fell a laughing, and calling me aside, made meweigh the gold. While I was thus occupied, the eunuch whisperedin my ear, "I know by your eyes you love this lady, and I amsurprised that you have not the courage to disclose your passion. She loves you more ardently than you do her. Do not imagine thatshe has any real occasion for your stuffs. She only makes thisher presence to come here, because you have inspired her with aviolent passion. It was for this reason she asked you if you weremarried. It will be your own fault, if you do not marry her. " "Itis true, " I replied, "I have loved her since I first beheld her;but I durst not aspire to the happiness of thinking my attachmentcould meet her approbation. I am entirely hers, and shall notfail to retain a grateful sense of your good offices in thisaffair. "

I finished weighing the gold, and while I was putting it into thebag, the eunuch turned to the lady, and told her I was satisfied;that being the word they had agreed upon between themselves. Presently after, the lady rose and took her leave; telling me shewould send her eunuch to me, and that I had only to obey thedirections he might give me in her name. 

I carried each of the merchants their money, and waited some dayswith impatience for the eunuch. At last he came. 

I received the eunuch very kindly, and inquired after hismistress's health. "You are, " said he, "the happiest lover in theworld; she is impatient to see you; and were she mistress of herown conduct, would not fail to come to you herself, and willinglypass in your society all the days of her life. " "Her noble mienand graceful carriage, " I replied, "convinced me, that she was alady beyond the common rank. " "You have not erred in yourjudgment on that head, " said the eunuch; "she is the favourite ofZobeide the caliph's wife, who is the more affectionatelyattached to her from having brought her up from her infancy, andintrusts her with all her affairs. Having a wish to marry, shehas declared to her mistress that she has fixed her affectionsupon you, and has desired her consent. Zobeide told her, shewould not withhold her consent; but that she would see you first, in order to judge if she had made a good choice; in which caseshe meant herself to defray the expenses of the wedding. Thus yousee your felicity is certain; since you have pleased thefavourite, you will be equally agreeable to the mistress, whoseeks only to oblige her, and would by no means thwart herinclination. All you have to do is to come to the palace. I amsent hither to invite you. " "My resolution is already formed, "said I, "and I am ready to follow you whithersoever you please. ""Very well, " said the eunuch; "but you know men are not allowedto enter the ladies' apartments in the palace, and you must beintroduced with great secrecy. The favourite lady has contrivedthe matter well. On your side you must act your part discreetly;for if you do not, your life is at stake. "

I gave him repeated assurances punctually to perform whatever hemight require. "Then, " said he, "in the evening, you must be atthe mosque built by the caliph's lady on the bank of the Tigris, and wait there till somebody comes to conduct you. " To this Iagreed; and after passing the day in great impatience, went inthe evening to the prayer that is said an hour and a half aftersun-set in the mosque, and remained there after all the peoplehad departed. 

Soon after I saw a boat making up to the mosque, the rowers ofwhich were all eunuchs, who came on shore, put several largetrunks into the mosque, and then retired. One of them stayedbehind, whom I perceived to be the eunuch that had accompaniedthe lady, and had been with me that morning. I saw the lady alsoenter the mosque; and approaching her, told her I was ready toobey her orders. "We have no time to lose, " said she; and openingone of the trunks, desired me to get into it, that beingnecessary both for her safety and mine. "Fear nothing, " addedshe, "leave the management of all to me. " I considered withmyself that I had gone too far to recede, and obeyed her orders;when she immediately locked the trunk. This done, the eunuch herconfidant called the other eunuchs who had brought in the trunks, and ordered them to carry them on board again. The lady and theeunuch re-embarked, and the boatmen rowed to Zobeide's apartment. 

In the meantime I reflected very seriously upon the danger towhich I had exposed myself, and made vows and prayers, though itwas then too late. 

The boat stopped at the palace-gate, and the trunks were carriedinto the apartment of the officer of the eunuchs, who keeps thekey of the ladies' apartments, and suffers nothing to enterwithout a narrow inspection. The officer was then in bed, and itwas necessary to call him up. 

The officer of the eunuchs was displeased at having his restdisturbed, and severely chid the favourite lady for coming homeso late. "You shall not come off so easily as you think, " saidhe: "not one of these trunks shall pass till I have opened it. "At the same time he commanded the eunuchs to bring them beforehim, and open them one by one. The first they took was thatwherein I lay, which put me into inexpressible fear. 

The favourite lady, who had the key, protested it should not beopened. "You know very well, " said she, "I bring nothing hitherbut what is for the use of Zobeide, your mistress and mine. Thistrunk is filled with rich goods, which I purchased from somemerchants lately arrived, besides a number of bottles of Zemzemwater sent from Mecca; and if any of these should happen tobreak, the goods will be spoiled, and you must answer for them;depend upon it, Zobeide will resent your insolence. " She insistedupon this in such peremptory terms, that the officer did not dareto open any of the trunks. "Let them go, " said he angrily; "youmay take them away. " Upon this the door of the women's apartmentwas opened, and all the trunks were carried in. 

This had been scarcely accomplished, when I heard the people cry, "Here is the caliph! Here comes the caliph!" This put me in suchalarm, that I wonder I did not die upon the spot; for as theyannounced, it proved to be the caliph. "What hast thou got inthese trunks?" said he to the favourite. "Some stuffs, " shereplied, "lately arrived, which the empress wishes to see. " "Openthem, " cried he, "and let me see them. " She excused herself, alleging the stuffs were only proper for ladies, and that byopening them, his lady would be deprived of the pleasure ofseeing them first. "I say open them, " resumed the caliph; "I willsee them. " She still represented that her mistress would be angrywith her, if she complied: "No, no, " said he, "I will engage sheshall not say a word to you. Come, come, open them, and do notkeep me waiting. "

It was necessary to obey, which gave me such alarm, that Itremble every time I recollect my situation. The caliph sat down;and the favourite ordered all the trunks to be brought before himone after another. She opened some of them; and to lengthen outthe time, displayed the beauties of each particular stuff, thinking in this manner to tire out his patience; but herstratagem did not succeed. Being as unwilling as myself to havethe trunk where I lay opened, she left that to the last. When allthe rest were viewed, "Come, " said the caliph, "let us see whatis in that. " I am at a loss to tell you whether I was dead oralive that moment; for I little thought of escaping such imminentdanger. 

When Zobeide's favourite saw that the caliph persisted in havingthis trunk opened: "As for this, " said she, "your majesty willplease to dispense with the opening of it; there are some thingsin it which I cannot shew you without your lady be present. ""Well, well, " said the caliph, "since that is the case, I amsatisfied; order the trunks to be carried away. " The words wereno sooner spoken than they were moved into her chamber, where Ibegan to revive again. 

As soon as the eunuchs, who had brought them, were gone, sheopened the trunk in which I was confined. "Come out, " said she;"go up these stairs that lead to an upper room, and wait theretill I come to you. " The door, which led to the stairs, shelocked after me; and that was no sooner done, than the caliphcame and sat down on the very trunk which had been my prison. Theoccasion of this visit did not respect me. He wished to questionthe lady about what she had seen or heard in the city. So theyconversed together some time; he then left her, and retired tohis apartment. 

When she found the coast clear, she came to the chamber where Ilay concealed, and made many apologies for the alarms she hadgiven me. "My uneasiness, " said she, "was no less than yours; youcannot well doubt of that, since I have run the same risk out oflove to you. Perhaps another person in my situation would not, upon so delicate an occasion, have had the presence of mind tomanage so difficult a business with so much dexterity; nothingless than the love I had for you could have inspired me withcourage to do what I have. But come, take heart, the danger isnow over. " After much tender conversation, she told me it wastime to go to rest, and that she would not fail to introduce meto Zobeide her mistress, some hour on the morrow, "which will bevery easy, " added she; "for the caliph never sees her but atnight. " Encouraged by these words, I slept very well, or if mysleep was interrupted, it was by agreeable disquietudes, causedby the hopes of possessing a lady blest with so much wit andbeauty. 

The next day, before I was introduced to Zobeide, her favouriteinstructed me how to conduct myself, mentioning what questionsshe would probably put to me, and dictating the answers I was toreturn. She then carried me into a very magnificent and richlyfurnished hall. I had no sooner entered, than twenty femaleslaves, advanced in age, dressed in rich and uniform habits, cameout of Zobeide's apartment, and placed themselves before thethrone in two equal rows; they were followed by twenty otheryounger ladies, clothed after the same fashion, only their habitsappeared somewhat gayer. In the middle of these appeared Zobeidewith a majestic air, and so laden with jewels, that she couldscarcely walk. She ascended the throne, and the favourite lady, who had accompanied her, stood just by her right hand; the otherladies, who were slaves, being placed at some distance on eachside of the throne. 

As soon as the caliph's lady was seated, the slaves who came infirst made a sign for me to approach. I advanced between the tworows they had formed, and prostrated myself upon the carpet thatwas under the princess's feet. She ordered me to rise, did me thehonour to ask my name, my family, and the state of my fortune; toall which I gave her satisfactory answers, as I perceived, notonly by her countenance, but by her words. "I am glad, " said she, "that my daughter, " (so she used to call the favourite lady, )"for I look upon her as such after the care I have take of hereducation, has made this choice; I approve of it, and consent toyour marriage. I will myself give orders for having itsolemnized; but I wish my daughter to remain with me ten daysbefore the solemnity; in that time I will speak to the caliph, and obtain his consent: mean while do you remain here; you shallbe taken care of. "

Pursuant to the commands of the caliph's lady, I remained tendays in the women's apartments, and during that time was deprivedof the pleasure of seeing the favourite lady: but was so wellused by her orders, that I had no reason to be dissatisfied. 

Zobeide told the caliph her resolution of marrying the favouritelady; and the caliph leaving to her the liberty to act in thebusiness as she thought proper, granted the favourite aconsiderable sum by way of settlement. When the ten days wereexpired, Zobeide ordered the contract of marriage to be drawn upand brought to her, and the necessary preparations being made forthe solemnity, the musicians and the dancers, both male andfemale, were called in, and there were great rejoicings in thepalace for nine days. The tenth day being appointed for the lastceremony of the marriage, the favourite lady was conducted to abath, and I to another. At night I had all manner of dishesserved up to me, and among others, one seasoned with garlic, suchas you have now forced me to eat. This I liked so well, that Iscarcely touched any of the other dishes. But to my misfortune, when I rose from table, instead of washing my hands well, I onlywiped them; a piece of negligence of which I had never beforebeen guilty. 

As it was then night, the whole apartment of the ladies waslighted up so as to equal the brightness of day. Nothing was tobe heard through the palace but musical instruments, dances, andacclamations of joy. My bride and I were introduced into a greathall, where we were placed upon two thrones. The women whoattended her made her robe herself several times, according tothe usual custom on wedding days; and they shewed her to me everytime she changed her habit. 

All these ceremonies being over, we were conducted to the nuptialchamber: as soon as the company retired, I approached my wife;but instead of returning my transports, she pushed me away, andcried out, upon which all the ladies of the apartment camerunning in to inquire the cause: and for my own part, I was sothunderstruck, that I stood like a statue, without the power ofeven asking what she meant. "Dear sister, " said they to her, "what has happened since we left you? Let us know, that we maytry to relieve you. " "Take, " said she, "take that vile fellow outof my sight. " "Why, madam?" I asked, "wherein have I deservedyour displeasure?" "You are a villain, " said she in a furiouspassion, "to eat garlic, and not wash your hands! Do you think Iwould suffer such a polluted wretch to poison me? Down with him, down with him on the ground, " continued she, addressing herselfto the ladies, "and bring me a bastinado. " They immediately didas they were desired; and while some held my hands, and others myfeet, my wife, who was presently furnished with a weapon, laid onme as long as she could stand. She then said to the ladies, "Takehim, send him to the judge, and let the hand be cut off withwhich he fed upon the garlic dish. "

"Alas!" cried I, "must I be beaten unmercifully, and, to completemy affliction, have my hand cut off, for partaking of a dishseasoned with garlic, and forgetting to wash my hands? Whatproportion is there between the punishment and the crime? Curseon the dish, on the cook who dressed it, and on him who served itup. "

All the ladies who had seen me receive the thousand strokes, took pity on me, when they heard the cutting off of my handmentioned. "Dear madam, dear sister, " said they to the favouritelady, "you carry your resentment too far. We own he is a manquite ignorant of the world, of your quality, and the respectthat is due to you: but we beseech you to overlook and pardon hisfault. " "I have not received adequate satisfaction, " said she; "Iwill teach him to know the world; I will make him bear sensiblemarks of his impertinence, and be cautious hereafter how hetastes a dish seasoned with garlic without washing his hands. "They renewed their solicitations, fell down at her feet, andkissing her fair hands, said, "Good madam, moderate your anger, and grant us the favour we supplicate. " She made no reply, butgot up, and after uttering a thousand reproaches against me, walked out of the chamber: all the ladies followed her, leavingme in inconceivable affliction. 

I continued thus ten days, without seeing any body but an oldfemale slave that brought me victuals. I asked her what wasbecome of the favourite lady. "She is sick, " said the old woman;"she is sick of the poisoned smell with which you infected her. Why did you not take care to wash your hands after eating of thatcursed dish?" "Is it possible, " thought I, "that these ladiescan be so nice, and so vindictive for such a trifling fault!" Iloved my wife notwithstanding all her cruelty, and could not helppitying her. 

One day the old woman told me my spouse was recovered, and goneto bathe, and would come to see me the next day. "So, " said she, "I would have you call up your patience, and endeavour toaccommodate yourself to her humour. For she is in other respectsa woman of good sense and discretion, and beloved by all theladies about the court of our respected mistress Zobeide. "

My wife accordingly came on the following evening, and accostedme thus: "You perceive that I must possess much tenderness toyou, after the affront you have offered me: but still I cannot bereconciled till I have punished you according to your demerit, innot washing your hands after eating of the garlic dish. " She thencalled the ladies, who, by her order, threw me upon the ground;and after binding me fast, she had the barbarity to cut off mythumbs and great toes herself, with a razor. One of the ladiesapplied a certain root to staunch the blood; but by bleeding andby the pain, I swooned away. 

When I came to myself, they gave me wine to drink, to recruit mystrength. "Ah! madam, " said I to my wife, "if ever I again eat ofa dish with garlic in it, I solemnly swear to wash my hands ahundred and twenty times with alkali, with ashes, and with soap. ""Well, " replied she, "upon that condition I am willing to forgetwhat is past, and live with you as my husband. "

"This, " continued the Bagdad merchant, addressing himself to thecompany, "is the reason why I refused to eat of the dish seasonedwith what is now on the table. "

The ladies applied to my wounds not only the root I mentioned, but likewise some balsam of Mecca, which they were well assuredwas not adulterated, because they had it out of the caliph's owndispensatory. By virtue of that admirable balsam, I was in a fewdays perfectly cured, and my wife and I lived together asagreeably as if I had never eaten of the garlic dish. But havingbeen all my lifetime used to enjoy my liberty, I grew weary ofbeing confined to the caliph's palace; yet I said nothing to mywife on the subject, for fear of displeasing her. However, shesuspected my feelings; and eagerly wished for liberty herself, for it was gratitude alone that made her continue with Zobeide. She represented to her mistress in such lively terms theconstraint I was under, in not living in the city with people ofmy own rank, as I had always done, that the good princess choserather to deprive herself of the pleasure of having her favouriteabout her than not to grant what we both equally desired. 

A month after our marriage, my wife came into my room withseveral eunuchs, each carrying a bag of silver. When the eunuchswere gone; "You never told me, " said she, "that you were uneasyin being confined to court; but I perceived it, and have happilyfound means to make you contented. My mistress Zobeide gives uspermission to quit the palace; and here are fifty thousandsequins, of which she has made us a present, in order to enableus to live comfortably in the city. Take ten thousand of them, and go and buy us a house. "

I quickly found a house for the money, and after furnishing itrichly, we went to reside in it, kept a great many slaves of bothsexes, and made a good figure. We thus began to live in a veryagreeable manner: but my felicity was of short continuance; forat the end of a year my wife fell sick and died. 

I might have married again, and lived honourably at Bagdad; butcuriosity to see the world put me upon another plan. I sold myhouse, and after purchasing several kinds of merchandize, wentwith a caravan to Persia; from Persia I travelled to Samarcand, and from thence to this city. 

"This, " said the purveyor to the sultan of Casgar, "is the storythat the Bagdad merchant related in a company where I wasyesterday. " "This story, " said the sultan, "has something in itextraordinary; but it does not come near that of the littlehunch-back. " The Jewish physician prostrated himself before thesultan's throne, and addressed the prince in the followingmanner: "Sir, if you will be so good as to hear me, I flattermyself you will be pleased with a story I have to tell you. ""Well spoken, " said the sultan; "but if it be not more surprisingthan that of little hunch-back, you must not expect to live. "

The Jewish physician, finding the sultan of Casgar disposed tohear him, gave the following relation. 

 The Story told by the Jewish Physician. 

When I was studying physic at Damascus, and was just beginning topractise that noble profession with some reputation, a slavecalled me to see a patient in the governor of the city's family. Accordingly I went, and was conducted into a room, where I founda very handsome young man, much dejected by his disorder. Isaluted him, and sat down by him; but he made no return to mycompliments, only a sign with his eyes that he heard me, andthanked me. "Pray, sir, " said I, "give me your hand, that I mayfeel your pulse. " But instead of stretching out his right, hegave me his left hand, at which I was extremely surprised. However, I felt his pulse, wrote him a prescription, and tookleave. 

I continued my visits for nine days, and every time I felt hispulse, he still gave me his left hand. On the tenth day he seemedto be so far recovered, that I only deemed it necessary toprescribe bathing to him. The governor of Damascus, who was by, in testimony of his satisfaction with my service, invested mewith a very rich robe, saying, he had appointed me a physician ofthe city hospital, and physician in ordinary to his house, whereI might eat at his table when I pleased. 

The young man likewise shewed me many civilities, and asked me toaccompany him to the bath. Accordingly we went together, and whenhis attendants had undressed him, I perceived he wanted the righthand, and that it had not long been cut off, which had been theoccasion of his disorder, though concealed from me; for while thepeople about him were applying proper remedies externally, theyhad called me to prevent the ill consequence of the fever whichwas on him. I was much surprised and concerned on seeing hismisfortune; which he observed by my countenance. "Doctor, " criedhe, "do not be astonished that my hand is cut off; some day orother I will tell you the cause; and in that relation you willhear very surprising adventures. "

After we had returned from the bath, we sat down to a collation;and he asked me if it would be any prejudice to his health if hewent and took a walk out of town in the governor's garden? I madeanswer, that the air would be of service to him. "Then, " said he, "if you will give me your company, I will recount to you myhistory. " I replied I was at his command for all that day. Uponwhich he presently called his servants, and we went to thegovernor's garden. Having taken two or three turns there, weseated ourselves on a carpet that his servants had spread under atree, which gave a pleasant shade. The young man then gave me hishistory in the following terms:

I was born at Moussol, of one of the most considerable familiesin the city. My father was the eldest of ten brothers, who wereall alive and married when my grandfather died. All the brotherswere childless, except my father; and he had no child but me. Hetook particular care of my education; and made me learn everything proper for my rank. 

When I was grown up, and began to enter into the world, Ihappened one Friday to be at noon-prayers with my father and myuncles in the great mosque of Moussol. After prayers were over, the rest of the company going away, my father and my unclescontinued sitting upon the best carpet in the mosque; and I satdown by them. They discoursed of several things, but theconversation fell insensibly, I know not how, upon the subject oftravelling. They extolled the beauties and peculiar rarities ofsome kingdoms, and of their principal cities. But one of myuncles said, that according to the uniform report of an infinitenumber of voyagers, there was not in the world a pleasantercountry than Egypt, on account of the Nile; and the descriptionhe gave infused into me such high admiration, that from thatmoment I had a desire to travel thither. Whatever my other unclessaid, by way of preference to Bagdad and the Tigris, in callingBagdad the residence of the Mussulmaun religion, and themetropolis of all the cities of the earth, made no impressionupon me. My father joined in opinion with those of his brotherswho had spoken in favour of Egypt; which filled me with joy. "Saywhat you will, " said he, "the man that has not seen Egypt has notseen the greatest rarity in the world. All the land there isgolden; I mean, it is so fertile, that it enriches itsinhabitants. All the women of that country charm you by theirbeauty and their agreeable carriage. If you speak of the Nile, where is there a more wonderful river? What water was everlighter or more delicious? The very slime it carries along in itsoverflowing fattens the fields, which produce a thousand timesmore than other countries that are cultivated with the greatestlabour. Observe what a poet said of the Egyptians, when he wasobliged to depart from Egypt: 'Your Nile loads you with blessingsevery day; it is for you only that it runs from such a distance. Alas! in removing from you, my tears will flow as abundantly asits waters; you are to continue in the enjoyment of itssweetnesses, while I am condemned to deprive myself of themagainst my will. '

"If you look, " added my father, "towards the island that isformed by the two greatest branches of the Nile, what variety ofverdure! What enamel of all sorts of flowers! What a prodigiousnumber of cities, villages, canals, and a thousand otheragreeable objects! If you turn your eyes on the other side, uptowards Ethiopia, how many other subjects of admiration! I cannotcompare the verdure of so many plains, watered by the differentcanals of the island, better than to brilliant emeralds set insilver. Is not Grand Cairo the largest, the most populous, andthe richest city in the world? What a number of magnificentedifices both public and private! If you view the pyramids, youwill be filled with astonishment at the sight of the masses ofstone of an enormous thickness, which rear their heads to theskies! You will be obliged to confess, that the Pharaohs, whoemployed such riches, and so many men in building them, must havesurpassed in magnificence and invention all the monarchs who haveappeared since, not only in Egypt, but in all the world, forhaving left monuments so worthy of their memory: monuments soancient, that the learned cannot agree upon the date of theirerection; yet such as will last to the end of time. I pass overin silence the maritime cities of the kingdom of Egypt, such asDamietta, Rosetta, and Alexandria, where nations come for varioussorts of grain, cloth, and an infinite number of commoditiescalculated for accommodation and delight. I speak of what I know;for I spent some years there in my youth, which I shall alwaysreckon the most agreeable part of my life. "

My uncles could make no reply, and assented to all my father hadsaid of the Nile, of Cairo, and of the whole kingdom of Egypt. Myimagination was so full of these subjects, I could not sleep thatnight. Soon after, my uncles declared how much they were struckwith my father's account. They made a proposal to him, that theyshould travel all together into Egypt. To this he assented; andbeing rich merchants, they resolved to carry with them suchcommodities as were likely to suit the market. When I found thatthey were making preparations for their departure, I went to myfather, and begged of him, with tears in my eyes, that he wouldsuffer me to make one of the party, and allow me some stock ofgoods to trade with on my own account. "You are too young, " saidhe, "to travel into Egypt; the fatigue is too great for you; and, besides, I am sure you will come off a loser in your traffic. "These words, however, did not suppress my eager desire to travel. I made use of my uncles' interest with my father, who at lastgranted me permission to go as far as Damascus, where they wereto leave me, till they had travelled through Egypt. "The city ofDamascus, " said my father, "may likewise glory in its beauties, and my son must be content with leave to go so far. " Though mycuriosity to see Egypt was very pressing, I considered he was myfather, and submitted to his will. 

I set out from Moussol in company with him and my uncles. Wetravelled through Mesopotamia, passed the Euphrates, and arrivedat Aleppo, where we stayed some days. From thence we went toDamascus, the first sight of which struck me with agreeablesurprise We lodged all together in one khan; and I had the viewof a city that was large, populous, full of handsome people, andwell fortified. We employed some days in walking up and down thedelicious gardens that surrounded it; and we all agreed thatDamascus was justly said to be seated in a paradise. At last myuncles thought of pursuing their journey; but took care, beforethey went, to sell my goods so advantageously for me, that Igained by them five hundred per cent. This sale brought me a sumso considerable, as to fill me with delight. 

My father and my uncles left me in Damascus, and pursued theirjourney. After their departure, I used great caution not to layout my money idly. But at the same time I took a stately house, built of marble, adorned with paintings of gold, silver foliage, and a garden with fine water-works. I furnished it, not so richlyindeed as the magnificence of the place deserved, but at leasthandsomely enough for a young man of my rank. It formerlybelonged to one of the principal lords of the city; but was thenthe property of a rich jewel-merchant, to whom I paid for it onlytwo sherifs a month. I had a number of domestics, and livedhonourably; sometimes I gave entertainments to such people as Ihad made an acquaintance with, and sometimes was treated by them. Thus did I spend my time at Damascus, waiting for my father'sreturn; no passion disturbed my repose, and my only employmentwas conversing with people of credit. 

One day, as I sat taking the cool air at my gate, a veryhandsome, well-dressed lady came to me, and asked if I did notsell stuffs? She had no sooner spoken the words, than she wentinto my house. 

When I saw that the lady had entered the house, I rose, andhaving shut the gate, conducted into a hall, and prayed her tosit down. "Madam, " said I, "I have had stuffs fit to be strewn toyou, but at present, I am sorry to say, I have none. " She removedthe veil from her face, and discovered such beauty as affected mewith emotions I had never felt before. "I have no occasion forstuffs, " replied she, "I only come to see you, and, if youplease, to pass the evening in your company; all I ask of you isa light collation. "

Transported with joy, I ordered the servants to bring us several sortsof fruit, and some bottles of wine. These being speedily served, weate, drank, and made merry till midnight. In short, I had not beforepassed a night so agreeably as this. Next morning I would have put tensherifs into the lady's hands, but she drew back instantly. "I am notcome to see you, " said she, "from interested motives; you therefore dome wrong. So far from receiving money from you, I must insist on yourtaking some from me, or else I will see you no more. " In speakingthis, she put her hand into her purse, took out ten sherifs, andforced me to take them, saying, "You may expect me three days henceafter sun-set. She then took leave of me, and I felt that when shewent she carried my heart along with her. "

She did not fail to return at the appointed hour three daysafter; and I received her with all the joy of a person who waitedimpatiently for her arrival. The evening and the night we spentas before; and next day at parting she promised to return thethird day after. She did not, however, leave me without forcingme to take ten sherifs more. 

She returned a third time; and at that interview, when we wereboth warm with wine, she spoke thus: "My dear love, what do youthink of me? Am I not handsome and agreeable?" "Madam, " Ireplied, "I think this an unnecessary question: the love which Ishew you ought to persuade you that I admire you; I am charmed tosee and to possess you. You are my queen, my sultaness; in youlies all the felicity of my life. " "Ah!" returned she, "I am sureyou would speak otherwise, if you saw a certain lady of myacquaintance, who is younger and handsomer than I am. She is ofsuch a pleasant lively temper, that she would make the mostmelancholy people merry: I must bring her hither; I spoke of youto her, and from the account I have given of you she is dyingwith desire to see you. She intreated me to procure her thatpleasure, but I did not dare to promise her without speaking toyou beforehand. " "Madam, " said I, "do what you please; butwhatever you may say of your friend, I defy all her charms totear my heart from you, to whom it is so inviolably attached, that nothing can disengage it. " "Be not too positive, " returnedshe; "I now tell you, I am about to put your heart to a severetrial. "

We continued together all night, and next morning at parting, instead of ten sherifs she gave me fifteen, which I was forced toaccept. "Remember, " said she, "that in two days' time you are tohave a new guest; pray take care to give her a good reception: wewill come at the usual hour. " I had my hall put in great order, and a handsome collation prepared against they came. 

I waited for the two ladies with impatience and at last theyarrived at the close of the day. They both unveiled, and as I hadbeen surprised with the beauty of the first, I had reason to bemuch more so when I saw her friend. She had regular features, anelegant person, and such sparkling eyes, that I could hardly beartheir splendour. I thanked her for the honour she did me, andentreated her to excuse me if I did not give her the receptionshe deserved. "No compliments, " replied she; "it should be mypart to make them to you, for allowing my friend to bring mehither. But since you are pleased to suffer it, let us lay asideall ceremony, and think only of amusing ourselves. "

I had given orders, as soon as the ladies arrived, to have thecollation served up, and we soon sat down to our entertainment. Iplaced myself opposite the stranger, who never ceased lookingupon me with a smiling countenance. I could not resist herconquering eyes, and she made herself mistress of my heart, without opposition. But while she inspired me with a flame, shecaught it herself; and so far from appearing to be under anyconstraint, she conversed in very free and lively language. 

The other lady, who observed us, did nothing at first but laugh. "I told you, " said she, addressing herself to me, "you would findmy friend full of charms; and I perceive you have alreadyviolated the oath you made of being faithful to me. " "Madam, "replied I, laughing as well as she, "you would have reason tocomplain, if I were wanting in civility to a lady whom youbrought hither, and who is your intimate friend; both of youmight then upbraid me for not performing duly the rites ofhospitality. "

We continued to drink; but as the wine warmed us, the strangelady and I ogled one another with so little reserve, that herfriend grew jealous, and quickly gave us a dismal proof of theinveteracy of her feelings. She rose from the table and went out, saying, she would be with us presently again: but in a fewmoments after, the lady who stayed with me changed countenance, fell into violent convulsions, and expired in my arms while I wascalling for assistance to relieve her. I went out immediately, and enquired for the other lady; when my people told me, she hadopened the street door and was gone. I then suspected what wasbut too true, that she had been the cause of her friend's death. She had the dexterity, and the malice, to put some very strongpoison into the last glass, which she gave her with her own hand. 

I was afflicted beyond measure with the accident. "What shall Ido?" I exclaimed in agony. "What will become of me?" I consideredthere was no time to lose, and it being then moon-light, Iordered my servants to take up one of the large pieces of marble, with which the court of my house was paved, dig a hole, and thereinter the corpse of the young lady. After replacing the stone, Iput on a travelling suit, took what money I had; and havinglocked up every thing, affixed my own seal on the door of myhouse. This done I went to the jewel-merchant my landlord, paidhim what I owed, with a year's rent in advance and giving him thekey, prayed him to keep it for me. "A very urgent affair, " saidI, "obliges me to be absent for some time; I am under thenecessity of going to visit my uncles at Cairo. " I took my leaveof him, immediately mounted my horse, and departed with myattendants from Damascus. 

I had a good journey, and arrived at Cairo without any accident. There I met with my uncles, who were much surprised to see me. Toexcuse myself, I pretended I was tired of waiting; and hearingnothing of them, was so uneasy, that I could not be satisfiedwithout coming to Cairo. They received me kindly, and promisedthat my father should not be displeased with me for leavingDamascus without his permission. I lodged in the same khan withthem, and saw all the curiosities of Cairo. 

Having finished their traffic, they began to talk of returning toMoussol, and to make preparations for their departure; but I, having a wish to view in Egypt what I had not yet seen, left myuncles, and went to lodge in another quarter at a distance fromtheir khan, and did not appear any more till they were gone. Theysought for me all over the city; but not finding me, supposedremorse for having come to Egypt without my father's consent hadoccasioned me to return to Damascus, without saying any thing tothem. So they began their journey, expecting to find me atDamascus, and there to take me up. 

After their departure I continued at Cairo three years, morecompletely to indulge my curiosity in seeing all the wonders of Egypt. During that time I took care to remit money to the jewel-merchant, ordering him to keep my house for me; for I designed to return toDamascus, and reside there some years longer. I had no adventure atCairo worth relating; but doubtless you will be much surprised at thatwhich befell me on my return to Damascus. 

Arriving at this city, I went to the jewel-merchant's, whoreceived me joyfully, and would accompany me to my house, to shewme that no one had entered it whilst I was absent. The seal wasstill entire upon the lock; and when I went in, I found everything in the order in which I had left it. 

In sweeping and cleaning out the hall where I had eaten with theladies, one of my servants found a gold chain necklace, with tenvery large and perfect pearls strung upon it at certaindistances. He brought it to me, when I knew it to be the same Ihad seen upon the lady's neck who was poisoned; and concluded ithad broken off and fallen. I could not look upon it withoutshedding tears, when I called to mind the lovely creature I hadseen die in such a shocking manner. I wrapped it up, and put itin my bosom. 

I rested some days to recover from the fatigues of my journey;after which, I began to visit my former acquaintance. I abandonedmyself to every species of pleasure, and gradually squanderedaway all my money. Being thus reduced, instead of selling myfurniture, I resolved to part with the necklace; but I had solittle skill in pearls, that I took my measures very ill, as youshall hear. 

I went to the bazaar, where I called a crier aside, and shewinghim the necklace, told him I wished to sell it, and desired himto show it to the principal jewellers. The crier was surprised tosee such a valuable ornament. "How beautiful, " exclaimed he, gazing upon it with admiration, "never did our merchants see anything so rich; I am sure I shall oblige them highly in shewingit to them; and you need not doubt they will set a high priceupon it, in emulation of each other. " He carried me to a shopwhich proved to be my landlord's: "Stop here, " said the crier, "Iwill return presently and bring you an answer. "

While he was running about to shew the necklace, I sat with thejeweller, who was glad to see me, and we conversed on differentsubjects. The crier returned, and calling me aside, instead oftelling me the necklace was valued at two thousand sherifs, assured me nobody would give me more than fifty. "The reason is, "added he, "the pearls are false; consider if you will part withit at that price. " I took him at his word, wanting money. "Go, "said I, "I take your word, and that of those who know better thanmyself; deliver it to them, and bring me the money immediately. "

The crier had been ordered to offer me fifty sherifs by one ofthe richest jewellers in town who had only made that offer tosound me, and try if I was well acquainted with the value of thepearls. He had no sooner received my answer, than he carried thecrier to the judge, and shewing him the necklace; "Sir, " said he, "here is a necklace which was stolen from me, and the thief, under the character of a merchant, has had the impudence to offerit to sale, and is at this minute in the bazaar. He is willing totake fifty sherifs for a necklace that is worth two thousandwhich is a clear proof of his having stolen it. "

The Judge sent immediately to seize me, and when I came beforehim, he asked me if the necklace he had in his hand was not thesame that I had exposed to sale in the bazaar. I told him it was. "Is it true, " demanded he, "that you are willing to sell it forfifty sherifs?" I answered I was. "Well, " continued he, in ascoffing way "give him the bastinado; he will quickly confessnotwithstanding his merchant's disguise, that he is only anartful thief; let him be beaten till he owns his guilt. " The painof the torture made me tell a lie; I confessed, though it was nottrue that I had stolen the necklace; and the judge ordered myhand to be cut off according to the sentence of our law. 

This made a great noise in the bazaar, and I was scarcelyreturned to my house when my landlord came. "My son, " said he, "you seem to be a young man well educated, and of good sense; howis it possible you could be guilty of such an unworthy action, asthat I hear talked of? You gave me an account of your propertyyourself, and I do not doubt but the account was just. Why didnot you request money of me, and I would have lent it you?However, after what has happened, I cannot allow you to remainlonger in my house; you must go and seek for other lodgings. " Iwas extremely troubled at this; and entreated the jeweller, withtears in my eyes, to let me stay three days longer; which hegranted. 

"Alas, " thought I, "this misfortune and affront are unsufferable;how shall I dare to return to Moussol? Nothing I can say to myfather will persuade him that I am innocent. "

Three hours after this fatal accident my house was forciblyentered by the judge's officers, accompanied by my landlord, andthe merchant who had falsely accused me of having stolen thenecklace. I asked them, what brought them there? But instead ofgiving me any answer, they bound and gagged me, calling me athousand abusive names, and telling me the necklace belonged tothe governor of Damascus, who had lost it above three yearsbefore, and that one of his daughters had not been heard ofsince. Judge of my sensations when I heard this intelligence. However, I summoned all my resolution, "I will, " thought I, "tellthe governor the truth, and it will rest with him either to putme to death, or to protect my innocence. "

When I was brought before him, I observed he looked upon me withan eye of compassion, from whence I augured well. He ordered meto be untied, and addressing himself to the jeweller who accusedme, and to my landlord: "Is this the man, " asked he, "that soldthe pearl necklace?" They had no sooner answered yes, than hecontinued, "I am sure he did not steal the necklace, and I ammuch astonished at the injustice that has been done him. " Thesewords giving me courage: "Sir, " said I, "I do assure you I amperfectly innocent. I am likewise fully persuaded the necklacenever did belong to my accuser, whom I never saw, and whosehorrible perfidy is the cause of my unjust treatment. It is true, I made a confession as if I had stolen it; but this I didcontrary to my conscience, through the force of torture, and foranother reason that I am ready to give you, if you will have thegoodness to hear me. " "I know enough of it already, " replied thegovernor, "to do you one part of the justice to which you areentitled. Take from hence, " continued he, "the false accuser; lethim undergo the same punishment as he caused to be inflicted onthis young man, whose innocence is known to myself. "

The governor's orders were immediately put in execution; thejeweller was punished as he deserved. Then the governor, havingordered all present to withdraw, said to me: "My son, tell mewithout fear how this necklace fell into your hands, concealnothing from me. " I related plainly all that had passed, anddeclared I had chosen rather to pass for a thief than to revealthat tragical adventure. "Good God, " exclaimed the governor, "thyjudgments are incomprehensible, and we ought to submit to themwithout murmuring. I receive, with entire submission, the strokethou hast been pleased to inflict upon me. " Then directing hisdiscourse to me: "My son, " said he, "having now heard the causeof your disgrace, for which I am truly concerned, I will give youan account of the affliction which has befallen myself. Knowthen, that I am the father of both the young ladies you werespeaking of. The first lady, who had the impudence to come toyour house, was my eldest daughter. I had given her in marriageat Cairo to one of her cousins, my brother's son. Her husbanddied, and she returned home corrupted by every vice too oftencontracted in Egypt. Before I took her home, her younger sister, who died in that deplorable manner in your arms, was a trulyvirtuous girl, and had never given me any occasion to complain ofher conduce. But after that, the elder sister became veryintimate with her, and insensibly made her as wicked as herself. The day after the death of the younger not finding her at home, Iasked her elder sister what was become of her; but she, insteadof answering, affected to weep bitterly; from whence I formed afatal presage. I pressed her to inform me of what she knewrespecting her sister 'Father, ' replied she, sobbing, 'I can tellyou no more than that my sister put on yesterday her richestdress, with her valuable pearl necklace, went out, and has notbeen heard of since. ' I searched for her all over the town, butcould learn nothing of her unhappy fate. In the mean time theelder, who doubtless repented of her jealous fury, becamemelancholy, and incessantly bewailed the death of her sister; shedenied her self all manner of food, and so put an end to herdeplorable days. Such is the condition of mankind! such are themisfortunes to which we are exposed! However, my son, " added he, "since we are both of us equally unfortunate, let us unite oursorrow, and not abandon one another. I will give you in marriagea third daughter I have still left, she is younger than hersisters, and in no respect imitates their conduct; besides, sheis handsomer, and I assure you is of a disposition calculated tomake you happy. You shall have no other house but mine, and, after my death, you and she shall be heirs to all my property. ""My lord, " I replied, "I am overcome by your favours, and shallnever be able to make a sufficient acknowledgment. " "Enough, "said he, interrupting me, "let us not waste time in idle words. "He then called for witnesses, ordered the contract of marriage tobe drawn, and I became the husband of his third daughter. He wasnot satisfied with punishing the jeweller, who had falselyaccused me, but confiscated for my use all his property, whichwas very considerable. As for the rest, since you have beencalled to the governor's house, you may have seen what respectthey pay me there. I must tell you further, that a persondespatched by my uncles to Egypt, on purpose to inquire for methere, passing through this city found me out last night, anddelivered me a letter from them. They inform me of my father'sdeath, and invite me to come and take possession of his propertyat Moussol. But as the alliance and friendship of the governorhave fixed me here, and will not suffer me to leave him, I havesent back the express with a power, which will secure to me myinheritance. After what you have heard, I hope you will pardon myseeming incivility during the course of my illness, in giving youmy left instead of my right hand. 

"This, " said the Jewish physician, "is the story I heard fromthe young man of Moussol. I continued at Damascus as long as thegovernor lived; after his death, being still in the vigour of myage, I had the curiosity to travel. Accordingly I went throughPersia to the Indies, and came at last to settle in this yourcapital, where I have practised physic with reputation. "

The sultan of Casgar was well pleased with this story. "I mustconfess, " said he to the Jew, "the story you have told me is verysingular; but I declare freely, that of the little hump-back is:yet more extraordinary, and much more diverting; so you are notto expect that I will give you your life, any more than the rest. I will have you all four executed. " "Pray, sir, stay a minute, "said the tailor, advancing, and prostrating himself at thesultan's feet. "Since your majesty loves pleasant stories, I haveone to tell you that will not displease you. " "Well, I will hearthee too, " said the sultan; "but do not flatter thyself that Iwill suffer thee to live, unless thou tellest me some adventurethat is yet more diverting than that of my hump-backed jester. "Upon this the tailor, as if he had been sure of success, spokeboldly to the following purpose. 

 The Story told by the Tailor. 

A citizen of this city did me the honour two days ago to inviteme to an entertainment, which he was to give to his friendsyesterday morning. Accordingly I went early, and found thereabout twenty persons. 

The master of the house was gone out upon some business, but in ashort time returned, and brought with him a young man, astranger, very well dressed, and handsome, but lame. When heentered, we all rose, and out of respect to the master of thehouse, invited the young man to sit down with us upon theestrade. He was going to comply; but suddenly perceiving a barberin our company, flew backwards, and made towards the door. Themaster of the house, surprised at his behaviour, stopped him. "Where are you going?" demanded he. "I bring you along with me todo me the honour of being my guest among the rest of my friends, and you are no sooner got into my house, than you are for runningaway. " "Sir, " replied the young man, "for God's sake do not stopme, let me go, I cannot without horror look upon that abominablebarber, who, though he was born in a country where all thenatives are white, resembles an Ethiopian; and his soul is yetblacker and more horrible than his face. "

We were all surprised to hear the young man speak in this manner, and began to have a very bad opinion of the barber, withoutknowing what ground the young man had for what he said. Nay, weprotested we would not suffer any one to remain in our company, who bore so horrid a character. The master of the house intreatedthe stranger to tell us what reason he had for hating the barber. "Gentlemen, " resumed the young man, "you must know this cursedbarber is the cause of my being lame, and having fallen into themost ridiculous and teasing situation you can imagine. For thisreason I have sworn to avoid all the places where he is, and evennot to stay in the cities where he resides. It was for thisreason that I left Bagdad, where he then dwelt; and travelled sofar to settle in this city, at the extremity of Tartary; a placewhere I flattered myself I should never see him. And now, afterall, contrary to my expectation, I find him here. This obligesme, gentlemen, against my will, to deprive myself of the honourof being merry with you. This very day I shall take leave of yourtown, and go, if I can, to hide my head where he cannot come. "This said, he would have left us, but the master of the houseearnestly intreated him to stay, and tell us the cause of hisaversion for the barber, who all this while looked down and saidnot a word. We joined with the master of the house in hisrequest; and at last the young man, yielding to ourimportunities, sat down; and, after turning his back on thebarber, that he might not see him, gave us the followingnarrative of his adventures. 

My father's quality might have entitled him to the highest postsin the city of Bagdad, but he always preferred a quiet life tothe honours of a public station. I was his only child, and whenhe died I had finished my education, and was of age to dispose ofthe plentiful fortune he had left me; which I did not squanderaway foolishly, but applied to such uses as obtained for meeverybody's respect. I had not yet been disturbed by any passion:I was so far from being sensible of love, that I bashfullyavoided the conversation of women. One day, walking in thestreets, I saw a large party of ladies before me; and that Imight not meet them, I turned down a narrow lane, and sat downupon a bench by a door. I was placed opposite a window, wherestood a pot of beautiful flowers, on which I had my eyes fixed, when the window opened, and a young lady appeared, whose beautystruck me. Immediately she fixed her eyes upon me; and inwatering the flowerpot with a hand whiter than alabaster, lookedupon me with a smile, that inspired me with as much love for heras I had formerly aversion for all women. After having wateredher flowers, and darted upon me a glance full of charms thatpierced my heart, she shut the window, and left me ininconceivable perplexity, from which I should not have recovered, if a noise in the street had not brought me to myself. I liftedup my head, and turning, saw the first cauzee of the city, mounted on a mule, and attended by five or six servants: healighted at the door of the house, where the young lady hadopened the window, and went in; from whence I concluded he washer father. I went home in an altered state of mind; agitated bya passion the more violent, as I had never felt its assaultsbefore: I retired to bed in a violent fever, at which all thefamily were much concerned. My relations, who had a greataffection for me, were so alarmed by the sudden disorder, thatthey importuned me to tell the cause; which I took care not todiscover. My silence created an uneasiness that the physicianscould not dispel, because they knew nothing of my distemper, andby their medicines rather inflamed than checked it. My relationsbegan to despair of my life, when an old lady of ouracquaintance, hearing I was ill, came to see me. She consideredme with great attention, and after having examined me, penetrated, I know not how, into the real cause of my illness. She took my relations aside, and desired all my people wouldretire out of the room, and leave her with me alone. 

When the room was clear, she sat down on the side of my bed. "Myson, " said she, "you have obstinately concealed the cause of yourillness; but you have no occasion to reveal it to me. I haveexperience enough to penetrate into a secret; you will not denywhen I tell you it is love that makes you sick. I can find a wayto cure you, if you will but inform me who that happy lady is, that could move a heart so insensible as yours; for you have thecharacter of a woman-hater, and I was not the last who perceivedthat such was your disposition; but what I foresaw has come topass, and I am now glad of the opportunity to employ my talentsin relieving your pain. "

The old lady having thus spoken, paused, expecting my answer; butthough what she had said had made a strong impression upon me, Idurst not lay open to her the bottom of my heart; I only turnedto her, and heaved a deep sigh, without replying a word. "Is itbashfulness, " said she, "that keeps you silent? Or is it want ofconfidence in me? Do you doubt the effect of my promise? I couldmention to you a number of young men of your acquaintance, whohave been in the same condition with yourself, and have receivedrelief from me. "

The good lady told me so many more circumstances that I brokesilence, declared to her my complaint, pointed out to her theplace where I had seen the object which occasioned it, andunravelled all the circumstances of my adventure. "If yousucceed, " added I, "and procure me the happiness of seeing thatcharming beauty, and revealing to her the passion with which Iburn for her, you may depend upon it I will be grateful. " "Myson, " replied the old woman, "I know the lady you speak of; sheis, as you rightly judged, the daughter of the first cauzee ofthis city: I am not surprised that you are in love with her. Sheis the handsomest and most lovely lady in Bagdad, but very proud, and of difficult access. You know how strict our judges are, inenjoining the punctual observance of the severe laws that confinewomen; and they are yet more strict in the observation of them intheir own families; the cauzee you saw is more rigid in thatpoint than any of the other magistrates. They are alwayspreaching to their daughters what a heinous crime it is to shewthemselves to men; and the girls themselves are so prepossessedwith the notion, that they make no other use of their own evesbut to conduct them along the street, when necessity obliges themto go abroad. I do not say absolutely that the first cauzee'sdaughter is of that humour; but that does not hinder my fearingto meet with as great obstacles on her side, as on her father's. Would to God you had loved any other, then I should not have hadso many difficulties to surmount. However, I will employ all mywits to compass the matter; but it requires time. In the meanwhile take courage and trust to me. "

The old woman took leave; and as I weighed within myself all theobstacles she had been talking of, the fear of her not succeedingin her undertaking inflamed my disorder. Next day she came again, and I read in her countenance that she had no favourable news toimpart. She spoke thus: "My son, I was not mistaken, I havesomewhat else to conquer besides the vigilance of a father. Youlove an insensible object, who takes pleasure in making every onemiserable who suffers himself to be charmed by her; she will notdeign them the least comfort: she heard me with pleasure, when Ispoke of nothing but the torment she made you undergo; but I nosooner opened my mouth to engage her to allow you to see her, andconverse with her, but casting at me a terrible look, 'You arevery presumptuous, ' said she, 'to make such a proposal to me; Icharge you never to insult me again with such language. '

"Do not let this cast you down, " continued she; "I am not easilydisheartened, and am not without hope but I shall compass myend. " To shorten my story, this good woman made several fruitlessattacks in my behalf on the proud enemy of my rest. The vexationI suffered inflamed my distemper to that degree, that myphysicians gave me over. I was considered as a dead man, when theold woman came to recall me to life. 

That no one might hear what was said, she whispered in my ear;"Remember the present you owe for the good news I bring you. "These words produced a marvellous effect; I raised myself up inthe bed, and with transport replied, "You shall not go without apresent; but what is the news you bring me?" "Dear sir, " said she"you shall not die; I shall speedily have the pleasure to see youin perfect health, and very well satisfied with me. Yesterday Iwent to see the lady you love, and found her in good humour. Assoon as I entered, I put on a sad countenance heaved many deepsighs, and began to squeeze out some tears. 'My good mother, 'demanded she 'what is the matter with you, why are you so castdown?' 'Alas, my dear and honourable lady, ' I replied, 'I havejust been with the young gentleman of whom I spoke to you theother day, who is dying on your account. ' 'I am at a loss toknow, ' said she, 'how you make me to be the cause of his death. How can I have contributed to it?' 'How?' replied I; 'did not youtell me the other day, that he sat down before your window whenyou opened it to water your flower-pot? He then saw that prodigyof beauty, those charms that your mirror daily represents to you. From that moment he languished, and his disorder has soincreased, that he is reduced to the deplorable condition I havementioned. '

"'You well remember, ' added I, 'how harshly you treated me at ourlast interview; when I was speaking to you of his illness, andproposing a way to save him from the threatened consequences ofhis complaint. After I left you I went directly to his house, andhe no sooner learnt from my countenance that I had brought nofavourable answer than his distemper increased. From that time, madam, he has been at the point of death; and I doubt whetheryour compassion would not now come too late to save his life. 'The fear of your death alarmed her, and I saw her face changecolour. 'Is your account true?' she asked. 'Has he actually noother disorder than what is occasioned by his love of me?' 'Ah, madam!' I replied, 'it is too true; would it were false!' 'Do youbelieve, ' said she, 'that the hopes of seeing me would at allcontribute to rescue him from his danger?' I answered, 'Perhapsit may, and if you will permit me, I will try the remedy. '?'Well, ' resumed she, sighing, 'give him hopes of seeing me; buthe must pretend to no other favours, unless he aspire to marryme, and obtains my father's consent. ' 'Madam, ' replied I. 'yourgoodness overcomes me; I will instantly seek the young gentleman, and tell him he is to have the pleasure of an interview withyou. ' 'The best opportunity I can think of, ' said she, 'forgranting him that favour, will be next Friday at the hour of noonprayers. Let him observe when my father goes out, and then, ifhis health permits him to be abroad, come and place himselfopposite the house. I shall then see him from my window, and willcome down and open the door for him: we will converse togetherduring prayer-time; but he must depart before my father returns. '

"It is now Tuesday, " continued the old lady "you have theinterval between this and Friday to recover your strength, andmake the necessary dispositions for the interview. " While thegood old lady was speaking, I felt my illness decrease, orrather, by the time she had done, I found myself perfectlyrecovered. "Here, take this, " said I, reaching out to her mypurse, which was full, "it is to you alone that I owe my cure. Ireckon this money better employed than all that I gave thephysicians, who have only tormented me during my illness. "

When the lady was gone, I found I had strength enough to get up:and my relations finding me so well, complimented me on theoccasion, and went home. 

On Friday morning the old woman came, just as I was dressing, andchoosing out the richest clothes in my wardrobe, said, "I do notask you how you are, what you are about is intimation enough ofyour health; but will not you bathe before you go?" "That willtake up too much time, " I replied; "I will content myself withsending for a barber, to shave my head. " Immediately I orderedone of my slaves to call a barber that could do his businesscleverly and expeditiously. 

The slave brought me the wretch you see here, who came, and aftersaluting me, said, "Sir, you look as if you were not well. " Itold him I was just recovered from a fit of sickness. "May God, "resumed he, "deliver you from all mischance; may his grace alwaysgo along with you. " "I hope he will grant your wish, for which Iam obliged to you. " "Since you are recovering from a fit ofsickness, " he continued, "I pray God preserve your health; butnow let me know what I am to do; I have brought my razors and mylancets, do you desire to be shaved or to be bled?" I replied, "Iam just recovered from a fit of sickness, and you may readilyjudge I only want to be shaved: come, do not lose time inprattling; for I am in haste, and have an appointment preciselyat noon. "

The barber spent much time in opening his case, and preparing hisrazors Instead of putting water into the basin, he took a veryhandsome astrolabe out of his case, and went very gravely out ofmy room to the middle of the court to take the height of the sun:he returned with the same grave pace, and entering my room, said, "Sir, you will be pleased to know this day is Friday the 18th ofthe moon Suffir, in the year 653, from the retreat of our greatprophet from Mecca to Medina, and in the year 7320 of the epochaof the great Iskender with two horns; and that the conjunction ofMars and Mercury signifies you cannot choose a better time thanthis very day and hour for being shaved. But, on the other hand, the same conjunction is a bad presage to you. I learn from it, that this day you run a great risk, not indeed of losing yourlife, but of an inconvenience which will attend you while youlive. You are obliged to me for the advice I now give you, toavoid this accident; I shall be sorry if it befall you. "

You may guess, gentlemen, how vexed I was at having fallen intothe hands of such a prattling, impertinent fellow; what anunseasonable adventure was it for a lover preparing for aninterview with his mistress! I was quite irritated. "I care not, "said I, in anger, "for your advice and predictions; I did notcall you to consult your astrology; you came hither to shave me;shave me, or begone. " "I will call another barber, sir, " repliedhe, with a coolness that put me out of all patience; "what reasonhave you to be angry with me? You do not know, that all of myprofession are not like me; and that if you made it your businessto search, you would not find such another. You only sent for abarber; but here, in my person, you have the best barber inBagdad, an experienced physician, a profound chemist, aninfallible astrologer, a finished grammarian, a complete orator, a subtle logician, a mathematician perfectly well versed ingeometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and all the refinements ofalgebra; an historian fully master of the histories of all thekingdoms of the universe. Besides, I understand all parts ofphilosophy. I have all our sacred traditions by heart. I am apoet, I am an architect; and what is it I am not? There isnothing in nature hidden from me. Your deceased father, to whosememory I pay a tribute of tears every time I think of him, wasfully convinced of my merit; he was fond of me, and spoke of mein all companies as the first man in the world. Out of gratitudeand friendship for him, I am willing to attach myself to you, totake you under my protection, and guard you from all the evilsthat your stars may threaten. "

When I heard all this jargon, I could not forbear laughing, notwithstanding my anger. "You impertinent prattler!" said I, "will you have done, and begin to shave me?"

"Sir, " replied the barber, "you affront me in calling me aprattler; on the contrary, all the world gives me the honourabletitle of Silent. I had six brothers, whom you might justly havecalled prattlers. These indeed were impertinent chatterers, butfor me, who am a younger brother, I am grave and concise in mydiscourse. "

For God's sake, gentlemen, do but suppose you had been in myplace. What could I say when I saw myself so cruelly delayed?"Give him three pieces of gold, " said I to the slave who was myhousekeeper, "and send him away, that he may disturb me no more;I will not be shaved this day. " "Sir, " said the barber, "praywhat do you mean? I did not come to seek for you, you sent forme; and as that is the case I swear by the faith of a Moosulmaun, I will not stir out of these doors till I have shaved you. If youdo not know my value, it is not my fault. Your deceased fatherdid me more justice. Every time he sent for me to let him blood, he made me sit down by him, and was charmed with hearing whatwitty things I said. I kept him in a continual strain ofadmiration; I elevated him; and when I had finished my discourse, 'My God, ' he would exclaim, 'you are an inexhaustible source ofscience, no man can reach the depth of your knowledge. ' 'My dearsir, ' I would answer, 'you do me more honour than deserve. If Isay anything that is worth hearing, it is owing to the favourableaudience you vouchsafe me; it is your liberality that inspires mewith the sublime thoughts which have the happiness to pleaseyou. ' One day, when he was charmed with an admirable discourse Ihad made him, he said, 'Give him a hundred pieces of gold, andinvest him with one of my richest robes. ' I instantly receivedthe present. I then drew his horoscope, and found it the happiestin the world. Nay I carried my gratitude further; I let himblood with cupping-glasses. "

This was not all; he spun out another harangue that was a fullhalf hour long. Tired with hearing him, and fretted at the lossof time, which was almost spent before I was half ready, I didnot know what to say. "It is impossible, " I exclaimed, "thereshould be such another man in the world who takes pleasure, asyou do, in making people mad. "

I thought I might perhaps succeed better if I dealt mildly withmy barber. "In the name of God, " said I, "leave off talking, andshave me directly: business of the last importance calls me, as Ihave already told you. " At these words he fell a laughing: "Itwould be fortunate, " said he, "if our minds were always in thesame state; if we were always wise and prudent. I am willing, however, to believe, that if you are angry with me, it is yourdisorder that has caused the change in your temper, for whichreason you stand in need of some instructions, and you cannot dobetter than follow the example of your father and grandfather. They came and consulted me upon all occasions, and I can say, without vanity, that they always highly prized my advice. Prayobserve, sir, men never succeed in their undertakings without thecounsel of persons of understanding. A man cannot, says theproverb, be wise without receiving advice from the wise. I amentirely at service, and you have only to command me. "

"What! cannot I prevail with you then, " I demanded, interruptinghim, "to leave off these long speeches, that tend to nothing butto distract my head, and detain me from my business? Shave me, Isay, or begone:" with that I started up in anger, stamping myfoot against the ground. 

When he saw I was in earnest, he said, "Sir, do not be angry, weare going to begin. " He lathered my head, and began to shave me;but had not given four strokes with his razor before he stopped, and addressed me, "Sir, you are hasty, you should avoid thesetransports that only come from the devil. I am entitled to someconsideration on account of my age, my knowledge, and my greatvirtues. "

"Go on and shave me, " said I, interrupting him again, "and talkno more. " "That is to say, " replied he, "you have some urgentbusiness to go about; I will lay you a wager I guess right. " "WhyI told you two hours ago, " I returned, "you ought to have shavedme before. " "Moderate your passion, " replied he; "perhaps youhave not maturely weighed what you are going about; when thingsare done precipitately, they are generally repented of. I wishyou would tell me what mighty business this is you are so earnestupon. I would tell you my opinion of it; besides, you have timeenough, since your appointment is not till noon, and it wantsthree hours of that yet. " "I do not mind that, " said I; "personsof honour and of their word are rather before their time thanafter. But I forget that by reasoning with you, I give into thefaults of you prattling barbers; have done, have done; shave me. "

The more haste I was in, the less speed he made. He laid down therazor, and took up his astrolabe; then laid down his astrolabe, and took up his razor again. 

The barber quitted his razor again, and took up his astrolabe asecond time; and so left me half shaved, to go and see preciselywhat hour it was. Back he came, and exclaimed, "Sir, I knew I wasnot mistaken, it wants three hours of noon. I am sure of it, orelse all the rules of astronomy are false. " "Just heaven!" criedI, "my patience is exhausted, I can bear this no longer. Youcursed barber, you barber of mischief, I can scarcely forbearfalling upon you and strangling you. " "Softly, sir, " said he, very calmly, without being moved by my anger: "are you not afraidof a relapse? Be not in a passion, I am going to shave you thisminute. " In speaking these words, he clapped his astrolabe in hiscase, took up his razor, and passing it over the strap which wasfixed to his belt, fell to shaving me again; but all the while hewas thus employed, the dog could not forbear prattling. "If youwould be pleased, sir, " said he, "to tell me what the business isyou are going about at noon, I could give you some advice thatmight be of use to you. " To satisfy the fellow, I told him I wasgoing to meet some friends at an entertainment at noon, to makemerry with me on the recovery of my health. 

When the barber heard me talk of regaling; "God bless you thisday, as well as all other days!" he cried: "you put me in mindthat yesterday I invited four or five friends to come and eatwith me as this day; indeed I had forgotten the engagement, andhave made no preparation for them. " "Do not let that troubleyou, " said I; "though I dine abroad, my larder is always wellfurnished. I make you a present of all that it contains; andbesides, I will order you as much wine as you have occasion for;I have excellent wine in my cellar; only you must hasten tofinish shaving me: and pray remember, as my father made youpresents to encourage you to speak, I give you mine to induce youto be silent. "

He was not satisfied with my promise, but exclaimed, "God rewardyou, sir, for your kindness: pray shew me these provisions now, that I may see if there will be enough to entertain my friends. Iwould have them satisfied with the good fare I make them. " "Ihave, " said I, "a lamb, six capons, a dozen chickens, and enoughto make four courses. " I ordered a slave to bring all before him, with four great pitchers of wine. "It is very well, " returned thebarber; "but we shall want fruit, and sauce for the meat. " TheseI ordered likewise; but then he left off shaving, to look overevery thing one after another; and this survey lasted almost halfan hour. I raged and stormed like a madman; but it signifiednothing, the wretch made no more haste. However, he took up hisrazor again, and shaved me for some minutes; then stoppingsuddenly, exclaimed, "I could not have believed, sir, that youwould have been so liberal; I begin to perceive that yourdeceased father lives again in you. Most certainly, I do notdeserve the favours with which you have loaded me; and I assureyou I shall have them in perpetual remembrance; for, sir, to letyou know, I have nothing but what I obtain from the generosity ofsuch gentlemen as you: in which respect, I am like to Zantout, who rubs the people in the baths; to Sali, who cries boiled peasin the streets; to Salout, who sells beans; to Akerscha, whosells greens; to Aboumecarez, who sprinkles the streets to laythe dust; and to Cassem, the caliph's lifeguard man. Of all thesepersons, not one is apt so be melancholy; they are neitherimpertinent nor quarrelsome; they are more contented with theirlot, than the caliph in the midst of his court; they are alwaysgay, ready to sing and dance, and have each of them theirpeculiar song and dance, with which they divert the city ofBagdad; but what I esteem most in them is, that they are no greattalkers, any more than your slave, that has bow the honour tospeak to you. Here, sir, is the song and dance of Zantout, whorubs the people in the baths; mind me, pray, and see if I do notimitate it exactly. "

The barber sung the song, and danced the dance of Zantout; andlet me say what I could to oblige him to finish his buffooneries, he did not cease till he had imitated, in like manner, the songsand dances of the other persons he had named. "After that, "addressing himself to me, "I am going, " said he, "to invite allthese honest men to my house; if you will take my advice you willjoin us, and disappoint your friends, who perhaps are greattalkers. They will only teaze you to death with their impertinentdiscourse, and make you relapse into a disorder worse than thatfrom which you are so lately recovered; whereas at my house youshall have nothing but pleasure. "

Notwithstanding my anger, I could not forbear laughing at thefellow's impertinence. "I wish I had no business upon my hands, "I replied, "I would accept your invitation, and go with all myheart to partake of your entertainment; but I beg to be excused, I am too much engaged; another day I shall be more at leisure, and then we will make up the same party. Come, finish shaving me, and make haste home; perhaps your friends are already arrived atyour house. " "Sir, " replied he, "do not refuse me the favour Iask of you; were you but once in our company, it would afford youso much pleasure as abundantly to compensate you for forsakingyour friends. " "Let us talk no more of that, " said I; "I cannotbe your guest. "

I found I gained no ground by mild terms. "Since you will notcome to my house, " replied the barber, "you must allow me to goalong with you: I will carry these things to my house, where myfriends may eat of them if they like, and I will returnimmediately; I would not be so uncivil as to leave you alone. Youdeserve this piece of complaisance at my hands. " "Heavens!" criedI, "then I shall not get clear of this troublesome fellow to-day. In the name of the living God, leave off your unreasonablejargon; go to your friends, drink, eat, and be merry with them, and leave me at liberty to go to mine. I must go alone, I have nooccasion for company; besides, I must needs tell you, the placeto which I go is not one where you can be received. " "You jest, sir, " said he; "if your friends have invited you to a feast, whatshould prevent you from allowing me to go with you? You willplease them, I am sure, by introducing to them a man who can talkwittily like me, and knows how to divert company. But say whatyou will, I am determined to accompany you. "

These words, gentlemen, perplexed me much. "How, " thought I, "shall I get rid of this cursed barber? If I persist incontradicting him, we shall never have done. "

Besides, I heard at this instant the first call to noon-prayers, and it was time for me to go. In fine, I resolved to say nothing, and to make as if I consented to his accompanying me. He thenfinished shaving me, and I said to him, "Take some of my servantsto carry these provisions along with you, and return hither; Iwill stay for you, and shall not go without you. "

At last he went, and I dressed myself as expeditiously as Icould. I heard the last call to prayers, and hastened to set out:but the malicious barber, who guessed my intention, went with myservants only within sight of the house and stood there till hesaw them enter it, after which he concealed himself at the cornerof the street, with an intent to observe and follow me. In fine, when I arrived at the cauzee's door, I looked back and saw him atthe head of the street which alarmed me to the last degree. 

The cauzee's door was half open, and as I went in I saw an oldwoman waiting for me, who, after she had shut the door, conductedme to the chamber of the young lady who was the object of mylove; but we had scarcely begun to converse, when we heard anoise in the streets. The young lady put her head to the window, and saw through the gate that it was her father already returningfrom prayers. At the same time I looked, and saw the barbersitting over-against the house, on the bench from which I hadfirst seen the young lady. 

I had then two things to fear, the arrival of the cauzee, and thepresence of the barber. The young lady mitigated my apprehensionon the first head, by assuring me the cauzee, came but seldom toher chamber, and as she had forseen that this misadventure mighthappen, she had contrived a way to convey me out safely: but theindiscretion of the accursed barber made me very uneasy; and youshall hear that my uneasiness was not without ground. 

As soon as the cauzee was come in, he caned one of his slaves, who had deserved chastisement. This slave made a horrid noise, which was heard in the streets; the barber thought it was I whocried out, and was maltreated. Prepossessed with this thought, heroared out aloud, rent his clothes, threw dust upon his head, andcalled the neighbourhood to his assistance. The neighbourscollected, and asked what assistance he wanted? "Alas!" cried he, "they are assassinating my master, my dear patron;" and withoutsaying anything more, he ran all the way to my house, with thevery same cry in his mouth. From thence he returned, followed byall my domestics armed with sticks. They knocked withinconceivable fury at the door, and the cauzee sent slave to seewhat was the matter; but the slave being frightened, returned tohis master, crying, "Sir, above ten thousand men are going tobreak into your house by force. "

Immediately the cauzee himself ran, opened the door, and askedwhat they wanted. His venerable presence could not inspire themwith respect. They insolently said to him, "You cursed cauzee, what reason have you to assassinate our master? What has he doneto you?" "Good people, " replied the magistrate, "for what shouldI assassinate your master, whom I do not know and who has done meno harm? my house is open to you, come and search. " "Youbastinadoed him, " said the barber; "I heard his cries not aminute ago. " "What harm could your master do to me, " replied thecauzee, "to oblige me to abuse him at that rate? Is he in myhouse? If he is, how came he in, or who could have introducedhim?" "Ah! wretched cauzee, " cried the barber, "you and your longbeard shall never make me believe you; I know your daughter is inlove with our master, and appointed him a meeting during the timeof noon-prayer, you without doubt have had notice of it, returnedhome, and surprised him, and made your slaves bastinado him: butthis your wicked action shall not pass with impunity; the caliphshall be acquainted with it, and he will give true and briefjustice. Let him come out, deliver him to us immediately; or ifyou do not, we will go in and take him out to your shame. " "Thereis no occasion for so many words, " replied the cauzee, "nor tomake so great a noise: if what you say is true, go and find himout, I give you free liberty. " Thereupon the barber and mydomestics rushed into the house like furies, and looked for meall about. 

As I heard all that the barber said to the cauzee, I sought for aplace to conceal myself, and could find nothing but a large emptytrunk, in which I lay down, and shut it upon me. The barber, after he had searched everywhere, came into the chamber where Iwas, and opened the trunk. As soon as he saw me, he took it uponhis head and carried it away. He descended a high staircase intoa court, which he crossed hastily, and at length reached thestreet door. While he was carrying me, the trunk unfortunatelyflew open, and not being able to endure the shame of beingexposed to the view and shouts of the mob who followed us, Ileaped out into the street with so much haste, that I have beenlame ever since. I was not sensible of the hurt at first, andtherefore got up quickly to avoid the people, who laughed at me;nay, I threw handfuls of gold and silver among them, and whilstthey were gathering it up, I made my escape by cross streets andalleys. But the cursed barber followed me close, crying, "Stay, sir; why do you run so fast? If you knew how much I am afflictedat the ill treatment you received from the cauzee, you, who areso generous, and to whom I and my friends are so much obliged!Did I not tell you truly, that you would expose your life by yourobstinate refusal to let me go with you? See what has happened toyou, by your own fault; and if I had not resolutely followed, tosee whither you went, what would have become of you? Whither doyou go, sir? Stay for me. "

Thus the barber cried aloud in the street it was not enough forhim to have occasioned so great a scandal in the quarter wherethe cauzee lived, but he would have it known through the wholetown. I was in such a rage, that I had a great mind to stop andcut his throat; but considering this would have perplexed mefarther, I chose another course. Perceiving that his callingafter me exposed me to vast numbers of people, who crowded to thedoors or windows, or stopped in the street to gaze at me, Ientered an inn, the chamberlain of which knew me, and finding himat the gate, whither the noise had brought him, I prayed him, forthe sake of heaven, to hinder that madman from coming in afterme. He promised to do so, and was as good as his word, but notwithout a great deal of trouble; for the obstinate barber wouldenter in spite of him, and did not retire without calling him athousand names. After the chamberlain had shut the gate, thebarber continued telling all he met what great service he haddone me. Thus I rid myself of that troublesome fellow. Afterthis, the chamberlain prayed me to tell him my adventure, which Idid, and then desired him to let me have an apartment until I wascured. "But sir, " said he, "will it not be more convenient foryou to go home?" "I will not return thither, " replied I: "for thedetestable barber will continue plaguing me there, and I shalldie of vexation to be continually teazed by him. Besides, afterwhat has befallen me to-day, I cannot think of staying any longerin this town; I must go whither my ill-fortune leads me. "Accordingly, when I was cured, I took all the money I thoughtnecessary for my travels, and divided the rest of my propertyamong my kindred. 

Thus, gentlemen, I left Bagdad, and came hither. I had ground tohope that I should not meet this pernicious barber in a countryso far from my own, and yet I find him amongst you. Be notsurprised then at my haste to be gone: you may easily judge howunpleasant to me is the sight of a man who was the occasion of mylameness, and of my being reduced to the melancholy necessity ofliving so far from my kindred, friends, and country. 

When he had spoken these words, the lame young man rose up andwent out; the master of the house conducted him to the gate, andtold him, he was sorry that he had given him, though innocently, so great a subject of mortification. 

When the young man was gone, continued the tailor, we were allastonished at the story, and turning to the barber, told him hewas very much to-blame, if what we had just heard was true. "Gentlemen, " answered he, raising up his head, which till then hehad held down, "my silence during the young man's discourse issufficient to testify that he advanced nothing that was not true:but for all that he has said to you, I maintain that I ought tohave done what I did; I leave you to be judges. Did not he throwhimself into danger, and could he have come off so well withoutmy assistance? He may think himself happy to have escaped withthe lame leg Did not I expose myself to greater danger to get himout of a house where I thought he was ill-treated? Has he anyreason to complain of and abuse me? This is what one gets byserving unthankful people. He accuses me of being a prattlingfellow, which is a mere slander: of seven brothers, I speakleast, and have most wit to my share; and to convince you ofthis, gentlemen, I need only relate my own story and theirs. Honour me, I beseech you, with your attention. "

 The Story of the Barber. 

In the reign of the caliph Mustunsir Billah, that is, seekingvictory of God, a prince so famous for his liberality towards thepoor, ten highwaymen infested the roads about Bagdad, and for along time committed unheard-of robberies and cruelties. Thecaliph, having notice of this, sent for the judge of the police, some days before the feast of Bairam, and ordered him, on pain ofdeath, to bring all the ten to him. 

The judge of the police used so much diligence, and sent so manypeople in pursuit of the ten robbers, that they were taken on thevery day of Bairam. I was walking at the time on the banks of theTigris, and saw ten men richly appareled go into a boat. Had Ibut observed the guards who had them in custody, I might haveconcluded they were robbers; but my attention was fixed on themen themselves, and thinking they were people who designed tospend the festival in jollity, I entered the boat with them, hoping they would not object to my making one of the company. Wedescended the Tigris, and landed before the caliph's palace: Ihad by this time had leisure to reflect, and to discover mymistake. When we quitted the boat, we were surrounded by a newtroop of the judge of the police's guard, who bound us all, andcarried us before the caliph. I suffered myself to be bound aswell as the rest, without speaking one word: for what would ithave availed to have spoken, or made any resistance? That hadbeen the way to have got myself ill-treated by the guards, whowould not have listened to me, for they are brutish fellows, whowill hear no reason: I was with the robbers, and that was enoughto make them believe me to be one of their number. 

When we had been brought before the caliph, he ordered the tenhighwaymen's heads to be cut off immediately. The executionerdrew us up in a file within reach of his arm, and by good fortuneI was placed last. He cut off the heads of the ten highwaymen, beginning at the first; and when he came to me, he stopped. Thecaliph perceiving that he did not strike me, grew angry: "Did notI command thee, " said he, "to cut off the heads of tenhighwaymen, and why hast thou cut off but nine?" "Commander ofthe faithful, " he replied, "Heaven preserve me from disobeyingyour majesty's orders: here are ten bodies upon the ground, andas many heads which I have cut off; your majesty may count them. "When the caliph saw that what the executioner said was true, helooked at me with amazement, and perceiving that I had not theface of a highwayman, said to me, "Good old man, how came you tobe among those wretches, who have deserved a thousand deaths?" Ianswered, "Commander of the faithful, I will make a trueconfession. This morning I saw those ten persons, whosepunishment is a proof of your majesty's justice, take boat: Iembarked with them, thinking they were men going to celebratethis day, which is the most distinguished in our religion. " Thecaliph could not forbear laughing at my adventure; and instead oftreating me as a prattling fellow, as this lame young man did, headmired my discretion and taciturnity. "Commander of thefaithful, " I resumed, "your majesty need not wonder at my silenceon such an occasion, as would have made another apt to speak. Imake a particular profession of holding my peace, and on thataccount have acquired the glorious title of Silent; by which I amdistinguished from my six brothers. This is the effect of myphilosophy; and, in a word, in this virtue consists my glory andhappiness. " "I am glad, " said the caliph, smiling, "that theygave you a title which you know so well how to use. But tell mewhat sort of men were your brothers, were they like you?" "By nomeans, " I replied; "they were all of them loquacious, pratingfellows. And as to their persons, there was still a greaterdifference betwixt them and me. The first was hump-backed; thesecond had rotten teeth; the third had but one eye; the fourthwas blind; the fifth had his ears cut off; and the sixth hadhare-lips. They had met with such adventures as would enable youto judge of their characters, had I the honour of relating themto your majesty:" and the caliph seemed desirous to hear theirseveral stories, I went on without waiting his commands. 

 The Story of the Barber's Eldest Brother. 

My eldest brother, whose name was Bacbouc the hump-back, was atailor: when he came out of his apprenticeship, he hired a shopopposite a mill, and having but very little business, couldscarcely maintain himself. The miller, on the contrary, was verywealthy, and had a handsome wife. One day as my brother was atwork in his shop, he saw the miller's wife looking out of thewindow, and was charmed with her beauty. The woman took no noticeof him, but shut her window, and made her appearance no more thatday The poor tailor did nothing all day long but lift up his eyestowards the mill. He pricked his finger oftener than once, andhis work was not very regular. At night, when he was to shut hisshop, he could scarcely tell how to do it, because he still hopedthe miller's wife would once more come to the window; but at lasthe was forced to shut up, and go home, where he passed but a veryuncomfortable night. He arose betimes in the morning, and ran tohis shop, in hopes to see his mistress; but he was no happierthan the day before, for the miller's wife did not appear at thewindow above a minute in the course of the day, but that minutemade the tailor the most amorous man that ever lived. The thirdday he had more ground of satisfaction, for the miller's wifecast her eyes upon him by chance, and surprised him as he wasgazing at her, which convinced her of what passed in his mind. 

No sooner did the miller's wife perceive my brother'sinclination, than, instead of allowing it to excite herresentment, she resolved to divert herself with it. She looked athim with a smiling countenance, and my brother returned hersmile, but in so ludicrous a way, that the miller's wife hastilyshut her window, lest her loud laughter should make him sensiblethat she only ridiculed him. Poor Bacbouc interpreted hercarriage to his own advantage, and flattered himself that shelooked upon him with pleasure. 

The miller's wife resolved to have sport with my brother: she hada piece of very fine stuff, with which she had a long timedesigned to make a vest; she wrapped it up in a fine embroideredsilk handkerchief, and sent it to him by a young slave whom shekept; who being taught her lesson, went to the tailor's shop, andtold him, "My mistress gives you her service, and prays you tomake her a vest of this stuff according to this pattern; shechanges her dress often, so that her custom will be profitable toyou. " My brother doubted not but the miller's wife loved him, andthought she had sent him work so soon after what had passedbetwixt them, only to signify that she knew his mind, andconvince him that he had obtained her favour. He charged theslave to tell her mistress, that he would lay aside all work forhers and that the vest should be ready next morning. He worked atit with so much diligence, that he finished it in the course ofthe same day. Next morning the young slave came to see if thevest was ready. Bacbouc delivered it to her neatly folded up, telling her, "I am too much concerned to please your mistress toneglect her work; I would engage her by my diligence to employ noother than myself for the time to come. " The young slave wentsome steps as if she had intended to go away, and then comingback, whispered to my brother, "I had forgotten part of mycommission; my mistress charged me to make her compliments toyou, and to ask how you passed the night; as for her, poor woman, she loves you to that degree that she could not sleep. " "Tellher, " answered my silly brother, "I have so strong a passion forher, that for these four nights I have not slept one wink. " Aftersuch a compliment from the miller's wife, my brother thought shewould not let him languish long in expectation of her favours. 

About a quarter of an hour after, the slave returned to mybrother with a piece of satin: "My mistress, " said she, "is verywell pleased with her vest, nothing in the world can fit herbetter, and as it is very handsome, she will not wear it withouta new pair of drawers; she prays you to make her one, as soon asyou can, of this piece of satin. " "Enough, " said Bacbouc, "I willdo it before I leave my shop: you shall have it in the evening. "The miller's wife shewed herself often at her window, and wasvery prodigal of her charms, to encourage my brother. You wouldhave laughed to see him work. The pair of drawers was soon made, and the slave came for it, but brought the tailor no money, neither for the trimming he had bought for the vest, nor for themaking. In the mean time, this unfortunate lover, whom they onlyamused, though he could not see it, had eaten nothing all thatday, and was forced to borrow money at night to buy his supper. Next morning, as soon as he arrived at his shop, the young slavecame to tell him that the miller wanted to speak to him. "Mymistress, " said she, "spoke to him so much in your praise, whenshe shewed him your work, that he has a mind you should work forhim also; she does this on purpose, that the connection shewishes to form betwixt you and him may crown your mutual wisheswith success. " My brother was easily persuaded, and went to themill with the slave. The miller received him very kindly, andshewed him a piece of cloth, and told him he wanted shirts, badehim make it into twenty, and return him again what was left. 

My brother had work enough for five or six days to make twentyshirts for the miller, who afterwards gave him another piece ofcloth to make him as many pair of drawers. When they werefinished, Bacbouc carried them to the miller, who asked him whathe must have for his pains. My brother answered, he would becontent with twenty dirhems of silver. The miller immediatelycalled the young slave, and bade her bring him his weights to seeif his money was right. The slave, who had her lesson, looked atmy brother with an angry countenance, to signify to him, that hewould spoil all if he took money. He knew her meaning, andrefused to take any, though he wanted it so much that he wasforced to borrow some to buy the thread to sew the shirts anddrawers. When he left the miller, he came to me to borrow moneyto purchase provisions, and told me they did not pay him. I gavehim some copper money I had in my purse, and upon that hesubsisted for some days. It is true, indeed, he lived uponnothing but broth, nor had he his fill of that. 

One day he went to the miller, who was busy at his work, andthinking my brother came for money, offered him some; but theyoung slave being present, made him another sign not to take it, which he complied with, and told the miller he did not come forhis money, but only to know how he did. The miller thanked him, and gave him an upper garment to make. Bacbouc carried it to himthe next day. When the miller drew out his purse, the young slavegave my brother the usual sign, on which he said to the miller, "Neighbour, there is no haste, we will reckon another time;" sothat the poor ninny went to his shop again, with three terribledistempers, love, hunger, and an empty purse. The miller's wifewas not only avaricious, but ill-natured; for, not content withcheating my brother of his due, she provoked her husband torevenge himself upon him for making love to her, which theyaccomplished thus. The miller invited Bacbouc one night tosupper, and after giving him a very sorry treat, said to him, "Brother, it is too late for you to return home, you had betterstay here all night, " and then took him to a place in the mill, where there was a bed; there he left him, and went to bed withhis wife. About the middle of the night, the miller came to mybrother, and said, "Neighbour, are you asleep? My mule is ill, and I have a quantity of corn to grind; you will do me a greatkindness if you will turn the mill in her stead. " Bacbouc, toshew his good nature, told him, he was ready to do him thatservice, if he would shew him how. The miller tied him by themiddle in the mule's place, and whipping him soundly over theback, said to him, "Go on, neighbour. " "Ho!" exclaimed mybrother, "why do you beat me?" "It is to make you brisk, " repliedthe miller, "for without a whip my mule will not go. " Bacbouc wasamazed at this treatment, but durst not complain. When he hadgone five or six rounds, he would fain have rested; but themiller gave him a dozen sound lashes, saying, "Courage, neighbour! do not stop, pray; you must go on without takingbreath, otherwise you will spoil my meal. "

The miller obliged my brother to turn the mill thus all night. About break of day he left him without untying him, and went tohis wife's chamber. Bacbouc continued there for some time, and atlast the young slave came and untied him. "Ah!" said thetreacherous wretch, "how my mistress and I pitied you! We had nohand in this wicked trick which her husband has played you. " Thewretched Bacbouc answered not a word, he was so much fatiguedwith work and blows; but crept home to his house, resolving neverto think more of the miller's wife. 

The telling of this story, continued the barber, made the caliphlaugh. "Go home, " said he to me, "I have ordered something to begiven you to make up for the loss of the good dinner youexpected. " "Commander of the faithful, " I replied, "I pray yourmajesty to let me stay till I have told the story of my otherbrothers. " The caliph having signified by his silence that he waswilling to hear me, I went on thus. 

 The Story of the Barber's Second Brother. 

My second brother, who was called Backbarah the Toothless, goingone day through the city, met in a distant street an old woman, who came up to him, and said, "I want one word with you, praystop a moment. " He did so, and asked what she would have. "If youhave time to come with me, " said she, "I will bring you into astately palace, where you shall see a lady as fair as the day. She will receive you with much pleasure, and treat you withexcellent wine. I need say no more. " "But is what you say true?"demanded my brother. "I am no lying hussy, " replied the oldwoman. "I say nothing to you but what is true. But hark, I havesomething to ask of you. You must be prudent, say but little, andbe extremely polite. " Backbarah agreed to all this. The old womanwent on, and he followed her. They came to the gate of a greatpalace, where there was a number of officers and domestics. Someof them would have stopped my brother, but no sooner did the oldwoman speak to them than they let him pass. Then turning to mybrother, she said to him, "You must remember that the young ladyI bring you to loves good-nature and modesty, and cannot endureto be contradicted; if you please her in these respects, you maybe sure to obtain of her what you please. " Backbarah thanked herfor this advice, and promised to follow it. 

She brought him into a superb court, answerable to themagnificence of the palace. There was a gallery round it, and agarden in the middle. The old woman made him sit down on ahandsome sofa, and bade him stay a moment, till she went toacquaint the young lady with his arrival. 

My brother, who had never been in such a stately palace before, gazed on the fine things that he saw; and judging of his goodfortune by the magnificence of the palace, he was scarcely ableto contain himself for joy. In a short time he heard a greatnoise, occasioned by a troop of merry slaves, who came towardshim with loud fits of laughter; and in the middle of them heperceived a young lady of extraordinary beauty, who was easilyknown to be their mistress by the respect they paid her. Backbarah, who expected private conversation with the lady, wasextremely surprised when he saw so much company with her. In themean time, the slaves, as they drew near, put on a gravecountenance; and when the young lady came up to the sofa, mybrother rose and made her a low obeisance. She took the upperseat, prayed him to sit down, and said to him with a smilingcountenance, "I am much pleased to see you, and wish you all thehappiness you can desire. " "Madam, " replied Backbarah, "I cannotdesire a greater happiness than to be in your company. " "You seemto be of a pleasant humour, " said she, "and to be disposed topass the time agreeably. "

She commanded a collation to be brought; and immediately a tablewas covered with several baskets of fruit and sweetmeats. Thelady sat down at the table with the slaves and my brother; and hebeing placed just opposite to her, when he opened his mouth toeat, she perceived he had no teeth; and taking notice of this toher slaves, she and they laughed heartily. Backbarah, from timeto time, lifted up his head to look at her, and perceiving herlaugh, concluded it was from the pleasure she derived from hiscompany, and flattered himself that she would speedily send awayher slaves, and remain with him alone. She guessed his thoughts, and amusing herself to flatter him in this mistake, addressed himin the most pleasant language, and presented him the best ofevery thing with her own hand. The entertainment being finished, they rose from the table; ten slaves took musical instruments, and began to play and sing, and others to dance. My brother, toplease them, danced likewise, and the lady danced with them. After they had danced some time, they sat down to take breath, and the young lady calling for a glass of wine, looked upon mybrother with a smiling countenance, to signify that she was goingto drink his health. He rose and stood while she drank. When shehad done instead of giving back the glass, she ordered it to befilled, and presented it to my brother, that he might pledge her. 

My brother took the glass from the young lady's hand, which hekissed at the same time and stood and drank to her, in return forthe favour she had done him. The lady then made him sit down byher, and began to caress him. She put her hand behind his head, and gave him some tips from time to time with her fingers:ravished with these favours, he thought himself the happiest manin the world, and felt disposed to kiss the charming lady, butdurst not take that liberty before so many slaves, who had theireyes upon him, and laughed at their lady's wanton tricks. Theyoung lady continued to tip him with her fingers, but at lastgave him such a sound box on the ear, that he grew angry; thecolour came into his face, and he rose up to remove to a greaterdistance from such a rude playfellow. Then the old woman, whobrought him thither, gave him a look, to let him know that he wasin the wrong, and that he had forgotten her advice, to be verycomplaisant. He owned his fault, and to make amends, went nearthe young lady again, pretending that he did not remove out ofany ill-humour. She drew him by the arm, made him sit down byher, and gave him a thousand malicious squeezes. Her slaves tooktheir part in the diversion; one gave poor Backbarah severalfillips on the nose with all her might; another pulled him by theears, as if she would have pulled them off; and others boxed himin a manner that might have made it appear they were not in jest. My brother bore all this with admirable patience, affecting a gayair, and looking at the old woman, said to her with a forcedsmile, "You told me, indeed, that I should find the ladyperfectly kind, pleasant, and charming; I am mightily obliged toyou!" "All this is nothing, " replied the old woman; "let her goon, you will see other things by and by. " Then the young ladysaid to him, "Brother, you are a brave man; I am glad to find youare so good-humoured and complaisant to bear with my littlecaprices, and that your humour is so conformable to mine. ""Madam, " replied Backbarah, who was charmed with this address, "Iam no more at my own disposal, I am wholly yours, you may do withme as you please. " "How you oblige me, " returned the lady, "bysuch submission! I am well pleased with you, and would have yoube so with me: bring him perfume, and rose-water. " Upon this, twoslaves went out and returned speedily, one with a silver casket, filled with the best of aloes wood, with which she perfumed him;and the other with rose-water, which she sprinkled on his faceand hands. My brother was quite enraptured with this handsometreatment. After this ceremony, the young lady commanded theslaves, who had already played on their instruments and sung, torenew their concerts. They obeyed, and while they were thusemployed, the lady called another slave, and ordered her to takemy brother with her, and do what she knew, and bring him back toher again. Backbarah, who heard this order, got up quickly, andgoing to the old woman, who also rose to accompany him and theslave, prayed her to inform him what they were to do with him. "My mistress is only curious, " replied the old woman softly; "shehas a mind to see how you look in a woman's dress, and thisslave, who is desired to take you with her, has orders to paintyour eyebrows, to cut off your whiskers, and to dress you like awoman. " "You may paint my eyebrows as much as you please, " saidmy brother, "I consent to that, because I can wash it off again;but to shave me, you know I must not permit. How can I appearabroad again without moustaches?" "Beware of refusing what isasked of you, " returned the old woman, "you will spoil yourfortune, which is now in as favourable a train as heart can wish. The lady loves you, and has a mind to make you happy; and willyou, for a nasty whisker, renounce the most delicious favoursthat man can obtain?" Backbarah listened to the old woman, andwithout saying a word went to a chamber with the slave, wherethey painted his eyebrows with red, cut off his whiskers, andwere going to do the like with his beard. My brother's patiencethen began to fail: "Oh!" said he, "I will never part with mybeard. " The slave told him, that it was to no purpose to haveparted with his whiskers, if he would not also part with hisbeard, which could never comport with "woman's dress;" and shewondered that a man, who was upon the point of being loved by thefinest lady in Bagdad, should be concerned about his beard. Theold woman threatened him with the loss of the young lady'sfavour; so that at last he allowed them to do what they would. When he was dressed in female attire, they brought him before theyoung lady, who laughed so heartily when she saw him, that shefell backward on the sofa. The slaves laughed and clapped theirhands, so that my brother was quite out of countenance. The younglady got up, and still laughing, said to him, "After so muchcomplaisance, I should be very much to blame not to love you withall my heart: but there is one thing more you must do for me, andthat is, to dance as we do. " He obeyed, and the young lady andher slaves danced with him, laughing as if they had been mad. After they had danced some time, they all fell upon the poorwretch, and did so box and kick him, that he fell down like oneout of his senses. The old woman helped him up again: and that hemight not have time to think of his ill-treatment, bade him takecourage, and whispered in his ear, that all his sufferings wereat an end, and that he was just about to receive his reward. 

The old woman continued her discourse to Backbarah thus: "Youhave only one thing more to do, and that is but a small one. Youmust know that my mistress has a custom, when she has drunk alittle, as you see she has done to-day, to let no one that sheloves come near her, except they be stripped to their shirt; andwhen they have done so, she takes a little advantage of them andbegins running before them through the gallery, and from chamberto chamber, till they catch her. This is one more of her humours:what advantage soever she takes of you, considering yournimbleness, you will soon overtake her; strip yourself then toyour shirt, undress yourself without ceremony. "

My silly brother had done too much to hesitate at anything now. He undressed himself; and in the mean time the young lady wasstripped to her shift and drawers, that she might run the morenimbly. When they were ready, the young lady took the advantageof twenty paces, and then began to run with surprising swiftness:my brother followed as fast as he could, the slaves in the meantime laughing heartily and clapping their hands. The young lady, instead of losing ground, gained upon my brother: she made himrun two or three times round the gallery, and then entering along dark passage, made her escape. Backbarah, who stillfollowed, having lost sight of her in the passage, was obliged toslacken his pace, because of the darkness of the place: at lastperceiving a light, he ran towards it, and went out at a door, which was immediately shut after him. You may imagine how he wassurprised to find himself in a street inhabited by curriers, andthey were no less surprised to see him in his shirt, his eyespainted red, and without beard or moustaches: they began to claptheir hands and shout at him, and some of them ran after him andlashed his back with leather straps. They then took him and sethim upon an ass which they met by chance, and carried him throughthe town exposed to the laughter of the people. 

To complete his misfortune, as he went by the judge's house, hewould needs know the cause of the tumult. The curriers told him, that they saw him come in that condition from the gate of theapartments of the grand vizier's women, which opened into theirstreet; upon which the judge ordered unfortunate Backbarah tohave a hundred blows with a cane on the soles of his feet, andsent him out of the town with orders never to return. 

"Thus, commander of the faithful, " said I to the caliph, "I havegiven an account of the adventure of my second brother, who didnot know that our greatest ladies divert themselves sometimes byputting such tricks upon young people, who are so foolish as tobe caught in the snare. "

The barber, without breaking off, told the story of his thirdbrother in the following manner. 

 The Story of the Barber's Third Brother. 

Commander of the faithful, my third brother, whose name wasBackbac, was blind, and his evil destiny reduced him to beg fromdoor to door. He had been so long accustomed to walk through thestreets alone, that he wanted none to lead him: he had a customto knock at people's doors, and not to answer till they opened tohim. One day he knocked thus, and the master of the house, whowas alone, cried, "Who is there?" My brother made no answer, andknocked a second time: the master of the house asked again andagain, "Who is there?" but to no purpose, no one answered; uponwhich he came down, opened the door, and asked my brother what hewanted? "Give me something for Heaven's sake, " said Backbac. "Youseem to be blind, " replied the master of the house. "Yes, to mysorrow, " answered my brother. "Give me your hand, " resumed themaster of the house. My brother did so, thinking he was going togive him alms; but he only took him by the hand to lead him up tohis chamber. Backbac thought he had been carrying him to dinewith him, as many other people had done. When they reached thechamber, the man let go his hand, and sitting down, asked himagain what he wanted? "I have already told you, " said Backbac, "that I want something for God's sake. " "Good blind man, " repliedthe master of the house, "all that I can do for you is to wishthat God may restore you your sight. " "You might have told methat at the door, " replied my brother, "and not have given me thetrouble to come up stairs. " "And why, fool, " said the man of thehouse, "do not you answer at first, when people ask you who isthere? Why do you give any body the trouble to come and open thedoor when they speak to you?" "What will you do with me then?"asked my brother. "I tell you again, " said the man of the house, "I have nothing to give you. " "Help me down the stairs then, asyou brought me up. " "The stairs are before you, " said the man ofthe house, "and you may go down by yourself if you will. " Mybrother attempted to descend, but missing a step about the middleof the stairs, fell to the bottom and hurt his head and his back:he got up again with much difficulty, and went out cursing themaster of the house who laughed at his fall. 

As my brother went out of the house, two blind men, hiscompanions, were going by, knew him by his voice, and asked himwhat was the matter? He told them what had happened; andafterwards said, "I have eaten nothing to-day; I conjure you togo along with me to my house, that I may take some of the moneythat we three have in common to buy me something for supper. " Thetwo blind men agreed, and they went home with him. 

You must know that the master of the house where my brother wasso ill used was a robber, and of a cunning and maliciousdisposition. He overheard from his window what Backbac had saidto his companions, and came down and followed them to mybrother's house. The blind men being seated, Backbac said tothem, "Brothers, we must shut the door, and take care there be nostranger with us. " At this the robber was much perplexed, butperceiving a rope hanging down from a beam, he caught hold of it, and hung by it, while the blind men shut the door, and felt aboutthe room with their sticks. When they had done, and had sat downagain in their places, the robber left his rope, and seatedhimself softly by my brother, who thinking himself alone with hisblind comrades, said to them, "Brothers, since you have trustedme with the money, which we have been a long time gathering, Iwill show you that I am not unworthy of the confidence you reposein me. The last time we reckoned, you know we had ten thousanddirhems, and that we put them into ten bags; I will shew you thatI have not touched one of them:" having so said, he put his handamong some old clothes, and taking out the bags one afteranother, gave them to his comrades, saying, "There they are; youmay judge by their weight that they are whole, or you may tellthem if you please. " His comrades answered there was no need, they did not mistrust him; so he opened one of the bags, and tookout ten dirhems, and each of the other blind men did the like. 

My brother put the bags into their place again: after which, oneof the blind men said to him, "There is no need to lay outanything for supper, for I have collected as much victuals fromgood people as will serve us all. " At the same time he took outof his bag bread and cheese, and some fruit, and putting all uponthe table, they began to eat, The robber, who sat at my brother'sright hand, picked out the best, and eat with them; but whatevercare he took to make no noise, Backbac heard his chaps going, andcried out immediately, "We are undone, there is a stranger amongus:" having so said, he stretched out his hand, and caught holdof the robber by the arm, cried out "Thieves!" fell upon him, andstruck him. The other blind men fell upon him in like manner; therobber defended himself as well as he could, and being young andvigorous, besides having the advantage of his eyes, gave furiousblows, sometimes to one, sometimes to another, and cried out"Thieves!" louder than they did. The neighbours came running atthe noise, broke open the door, and had much ado to separate thecombatants; but having at last succeeded, they asked the cause oftheir quarrel. My brother, who still had hold of the robber, cried out, "Gentlemen, this man I have hold of is a thief, andstole in with us on purpose to rob us of the little money wehave. " The thief, who shut his eyes as soon as the neighbourscame, feigned himself blind, and exclaimed, "Gentlemen, he is aliar. I swear to you by heaven, and by the life of the caliph, that I am their companion, and they refuse to give me my justshare. They have all three fallen upon me, and I demand justice. "The neighbours would not interfere in their quarrel, but carriedthem all before the judge. 

When they came before the magistrate, the robber, without stayingto be examined, cried out, still feigning himself blind, "Sir, since you are deputed to administer justice by the caliph, whomGod prosper, I declare to you that we are equally criminal, mythree comrades and I; but we have all engaged, upon oath, toconfess nothing except we be bastinadoed; so that if you wouldknow our crime, you need only order us to be bastinadoed, andbegin with me. " My brother would have spoken, but was not allowedto do so: and the robber was put under the bastinado. 

The robber being under the bastinado, had the courage to beartwenty or thirty blows; when, pretended to be overcome with pain, he first opened one eve, and then the other, and crying out formercy, begged the judge would put a stop to the blows. The judgeperceiving that he looked upon him with his eyes open, was muchsurprised, and said to him, "Rogue, what is the meaning of thismiracle?" "Sir, " replied the robber, "I will discover to you animportant secret, if you will pardon me, and give me, as a pledgethat you will keep your word, the seal-ring which you have onyour finger. " The judge consented, gave him his ring, andpromised him pardon. "Under this promise, " continued the robber, "I must confess to you sir, that I and my three comrades do allof us see very well. We feigned ourselves to be blind, that wemight freely enter people's houses, and women's apartments, wherewe abuse their weakness. I must farther confess to you, that bythis trick we have gained together ten thousand dirhems. This dayI demanded of my partners two thousand five hundred that belongedto my share, but they refused because I told them I would leavethem; and they were afraid I should accuse them. Upon my pressingstill to have my share, they fell upon me; for which I appeal tothose people who brought us before you. I expect from yourjustice, sir, that you will make them deliver me the two thousandfive hundred dirhems which is my due; and if you have a mind thatmy comrades should confess the truth, you must order them threetimes as many blows as I have had, and you will find they willopen their eyes as well as I have done. "

My brother and the other two blind men would have clearedthemselves of this horrid charge, but the judge would not hearthem: "Villains, " said he, "do you feign yourselves blind then, and, under that pretext of moving their compassion, cheat people, and commit such crimes?" "He is an impostor, " cried my brother, "and we take God to witness that none of us can see. "

All that my brother could say was in vain, his comrades and hereceived each of them two hundred blows. The judge expected themto open their eyes, and ascribed to their obstinacy what reallythey could not do. All the while the robber said to the blindmen, "Poor fools that you are, open your eyes, and do not sufferyourselves to be beaten to death. " Then addressing himself to thejudge, said, "I perceive, sir, that they will be maliciouslyobstinate to the last, and will never open their eyes. They wishcertainly to avoid the shame of reading their own condemnation inthe face of every one that looks upon them; it were better, ifyou think fit, to pardon them, and to send some person along withme for the ten thousand dirhems they have hidden. "

The judge consented to give the robber two thousand five hundreddirhems, and kept the rest himself; and as for my brother and histwo companions, he thought he shewed them pity by sentencing themonly to be banished. As soon as I heard what had befallen mybrother, I went to him; he told me his misfortune, and I broughthim back secretly to the town. I could easily have justified himto the judge, and have had the robber punished as he deserved, but durst not make the attempt, for fear of bringing myself intodanger of assassination. Thus I finished the sad adventure of myhonest blind brother. The caliph laughed at it, as much as atthose he had heard before, and ordered again that somethingshould be given me; but without staying for it, I began the storyof my fourth brother. 

 The Story of the Barber's Fourth Brother. 

Alcouz was the name of the fourth brother who lost one of hiseyes, upon an occasion that I shall have the honour to relate toyour majesty. He was a butcher by profession, and had aparticular way of teaching rams to fight, by which he gained theacquaintance and friendship of the chief lords of the country, who loved that sport, and for that end kept rams at their houses. He had besides a very good trade, and had his shop always full ofthe best meat, because he spared no cost for the prime of everysort. One day when he was in his shop, an old man with a longwhite beard came and bought six pounds of meat of him, gave himmoney for it, and went his way. My brother thought the money sopure and well coined, that he put it apart by itself: the sameold man came every day for five months together, bought a likequantity of meat, and paid for it in the same kind of money, which my brother continued to lay apart. 

At the end of five months, Alcouz having a mind to buy a lot ofsheep, and to pay for them in this money, opened his chest; butinstead of finding his money, was extremely surprised to seenothing in the place where he had laid it, but a parcel of leavesclipped round. He beat his head, and cried out aloud, whichpresently brought the neighbours about him, who were as muchsurprised as he, when he told them the story. "O!" cried mybrother, weeping, "that this treacherous old fellow would comenow with his hypocritical looks!" He had scarcely spoken, when hesaw him at a distance; he ran to him, and laid hands on him;"Moosulmauns, " cried he, as loud as he could, "help! hear what acheat this wicked fellow has put upon me, " and at the same timetold a great crowd of people, who came about him, what he hadformerly told his neighbours. When he had done, the old man saidto him very gravely and calmly, "You had better let me go, and bythat means make amends for the affront you have put upon mebefore so many people, for fear I should put a greater affrontupon you, which I should be sorry to do. " "How, " said my brother, "what have you to say against me? I am an honest man in mybusiness, and fear not you, nor any body. " "You would have mespeak out then, " resumed the old man in the same tone; andturning to the crowd, said to them, "Know, good people, that thisfellow, instead of selling mutton as he ought to do, sells humanflesh. " "You are a cheat, " said my brother. "No, no, " continuedthe old man; "good people, this very minute while I am speakingto him, there is a man with his throat cut hung up in the shoplike a sheep; do any of you go thither, and see if what I say benot true. "

Just before my brother had opened his chest he had killed asheep, dressed it, and exposed it in the shop, according tocustom: he protested that what the old man said was false; butnotwithstanding all his protestations, the credulous mob, prejudiced against a man accused of such a heinous crime, wouldgo to see whether the charge were true. They obliged my brotherto quit the old man, laid hold of him, and ran like madmen intohis shop, where they saw, to all appearance, a man hung up withhis throat cut, as the old man had told them; for he was amagician, and deceived the eyes of all people, as he did mybrother, when he made him take leaves instead of money. At thissight, one of those who held Alcouz gave him a violent blow withhis fist, and said to him, "Thou wicked villain, dost thou makeus eat man's flesh instead of mutton?" And at the same time theold man gave him another blow, which beat out one of his eyes. Every body that could get near him struck him; and not contentwith that, they carried him before a judge, with the pretendedcarcase of the man, to be evidence against him. "Sir, " said theold magician to the judge, "we have brought you a man, who is sobarbarous as to murder people, and to sell their flesh instead ofmutton. The public expects that you will punish him in anexemplary manner. " The judge heard my brother with patience, butwould believe nothing of the story of the money changed intoleaves, called my brother a cheat, told him he would believe hisown eyes, and ordered him to receive five hundred blows. Heafterwards made him tell him where his money was, took it allfrom him, and banished him for ever, after having made him ridethree days through the city upon a camel, exposed to the insultsof the people. 

I was not at Bagdad when this tragical adventure befell my fourthbrother. He retired into a remote place, where he lay concealedtill he was cured of the blows with which his back was terriblymangled. When he was able to walk, he went by night to a certaintown where nobody knew him; and there he took a lodging, fromwhence he seldom moved; but being weary of this confined life, hewent to walk in one of the suburbs, where suddenly he heard anoise of horsemen coming behind him. He was then by chance nearthe gate of a house, and fearing, after what had befallen him, that these horsemen were pursuing him, he opened the gate inorder to hide himself, and after he had shut it, entered a court, where immediately two servants came and collared him, saying, "Heaven be praised, that you have come of your own accord tosurrender yourself; you have alarmed us so much these three lastnights, that we could not sleep; nor would you have spared ourlives, if we had not prevented your design. " You may well imaginemy brother was much surprised. "Good people, " said he, "I knownot what you mean; you certainly take me for somebody else. " "No, no, " replied they, "we know that you and your comrades arerobbers: you were not contented to rob our master of all that hehad, and to reduce him to beggary, but you conspired to take hislife. Let us see if you have not a knife about you, which you hadin your hand when you pursued us last night. " Having said thus, they searched him, and found he had a knife. "Ho! ho!" criedthey, laying hold of him, "and dare you say that you are not arobber?" "Why, " said my brother, "cannot a man carry a knifeabout him without being a robber? If you will hearken to mystory, instead of having so bad an opinion of me, you will betouched with compassion at my misfortunes. " But far fromattending to him, they fell upon him, trod upon him, took awayhis clothes, and tore his shirt. Then seeing the scars on hisback, "O dog, " said they, redoubling their blows, "would you haveus believe you are an honest man, when your back shews us thecontrary?" "Alas!" said my brother, "my crimes must be verygreat, since, after having been abused already so unjustly, I amthus treated a second time without being more culpable!"

The two servants, no way moved with his complaint, carried himbefore the judge, who asked him how he durst presume to go intotheir house, and pursue them with a drawn knife? "Sir, " repliedthe unfortunate Alcouz, "I am the most innocent man in the world, and am undone if you will not be pleased to hear me patiently: noone deserves more compassion. " "Sir, " exclaimed one of thedomestics, "will you listen to a robber, who enters people'shouses to plunder and murder them? If you will not believe us, only look upon his back;" and while he said so he uncovered mybrother's back, and shewed it to the judge, who, without anyother information, commanded his officers immediately to give hima hundred lashes over the shoulders, and made him afterwards becarried through the town on a camel, with one crying before him, "Thus are men punished who enter people's houses by force. " Afterhaving treated him thus, they banished him the town, and forbadhim ever to return. Some people, who met him after the secondmisfortune, brought me word where he was; I went, brought him toBagdad privately, and gave him all the assistance I could. Thecaliph did not laugh so much at this story as at the other. Hewas pleased to pity the unfortunate Alcouz, and ordered somethingto be given me. But without giving his servants time to obey hisorders, I continued my discourse, and said to him: "My sovereignlord and master, you see that I do not talk much; and since yourmajesty has been pleased to do me the favour to listen to me sofar, I beg you would likewise hear the adventures of my two otherbrothers; I hope they will be as diverting as those of theformer. You may make a complete history of them, that will not beunworthy of your library: I shall do myself the honour then toacquaint you, that the fifth brother was called Alnaschar. "

 The Story of the Barber's Fifth Brother. 

Alnaschar, as long as our father lived, was very lazy; instead ofworking he used to beg in the evening, and live upon what he got. Our father died at a very old age, and left among us sevenhundred dirhems: we divided equally, so that each of us had ahundred for his share. Alnaschar, who had never before possessedso much money, was much perplexed to know what he should do withit. He consulted a long time with himself, and at last resolvedto lay it out in glass-ware which he bought of a wholesaledealer. He put all in an open basket, and sat with it before him, and his back against a wall, in a place where he might sell it. In this posture, with his eyes fixed on his basket, he began tomeditate; during which he spoke as follows: "This basket cost mea hundred dirhems, which is all I have in the world. I shall maketwo hundred of them by retailing my glass, and of these twohundred, which I will again lay out in glass-ware, I shall makefour hundred; and going on thus, I shall at last make fourthousand dirhems; of four thousand I shall easily make eightthousand, and when I come to ten thousand, I will leave offselling glass and turn jeweller; I will trade in diamonds, pearls, and all sorts of precious stones: then when I am as richas I can wish, I will buy a fine mansion, a great estate, slaves, eunuchs, and horses. I will keep a good house, and make a greatfigure in the world; I will send for all the musicians anddancers of both sexes in town. Nor will I stop here, for, I will, by the favour of Heaven, go on till I get one hundred thousanddirhems, and when I have amassed so much, I will send to demandthe grand vizier's daughter in marriage; and represent to thatminister, that I have heard much of the wonderful beauty, understanding, wit, and all the other qualities of his daughter;in a word, that I will give him a thousand pieces of gold thefirst night after we are married; and if the vizier be so uncivilas to refuse his daughter, which cannot be supposed, I will goand carry her off before his face, and take her to my housewhether he will or no. As soon as I have married the grandvizier's daughter, I will buy her ten young black eunuchs, thehandsomest that can be had; I will clothe my self like a prince, and mounted upon a fine horse, with a saddle of fine gold, withhousings of cloth of gold, finely embroidered with diamonds andpearls, I will ride through the city, attended by slaves beforeand behind. I will go to the vizier's palace in view of all thepeople great and small, who will show me the most profoundrespect. When I alight at the foot of the vizier's staircase, Iwill ascend through my own people, ranged in files on the rightand left; and the grand vizier, receiving me as his son-in-law, shall give me the right hand and set me above him, to do me themore honour. If this comes to pass, as I hope it will, two of mypeople shall each of them have a purse with a thousand pieces ofgold, which they shall carry with them. I will take one, andpresenting it to the grand vizier, tell him, 'There is thethousand pieces of gold that I promised the first night ofmarriage:' and I will offer him the other and say to him, 'Thereis as much more, to shew you that I am a man of my word, and evenbetter than my promise. ' After such an action as this, all theworld will talk of my generosity. I will return to my own housein the same pomp. My wife will send some officer to complimentme, on account of my visit to the vizier, her father: I willhonour the officer with a fine robe, and send him back with arich present. If she send me a present, I will not accept it, butdismiss the bearer. I will not suffer her to go out of herapartment on any account whatever, without giving me notice: andwhen I have a mind to come to her apartment, it shall be in sucha manner as to make her respect me. In short, no house shall bebetter ordered than mine. I will be always richly clad. When Iretire with my wife in the evening, I will sit on the upper seat, I will affect a grave air, without turning my head to one side orthe other. I will speak little; and whilst my wife, beautiful asthe full moon, stands before me in all her charms, I will make asif I did not see her. Her women about her will say to me, 'Ourdear lord and master, here is your spouse, your humble servant, before you, ready to receive your caresses, but much mortifiedthat you do not vouchsafe to look upon her; she is wearied withstanding so long, bid her, at least, sit down. ' I will make noanswer, which will increase their surprise and grief. They willprostrate themselves at my feet; and after they have for aconsiderable time entreated me to relent, I will at last lift upmy head, give her a careless look, and resume my former posture:they will suppose that my wife is not handsomely enough dressed, and will carry her to her closet to change her apparel. At thesame time I will get up and put on a more magnificent suit; theywill return and address me as before, but I will not so much aslook upon my wife, till they have prayed and entreated as long asthey did at first. Thus I will begin on the first day ofmarriage, to teach her what she is to expect during the rest ofher life. 

"After the ceremonies of the marriage, I will take from one of myservants, who shall be about me, a purse of five hundred piecesof gold, which I will give to the tire-women, that they may leaveme alone with my spouse: when they are gone, my wife shall go tobed first; then I will lie down by her with my back towards her, and will not say one wore to her all night. The next morning shewill certainly complain of my contempt and of my pride, to hermother the grand vizier's wife, which will rejoice my heart. Hermother will come to wait upon me, respectfully kiss my hands, andsay to me, 'Sir' (for she will not dare to call me son-in-law, for fear of provoking me by such a familiar style), 'I entreatyou not to disdain to look on my daughter, and refuse to comenear her. I assure you that her chief delight is to please you, and that she loves you with all her soul. ' But in spite of all mymother-in-law can say, I will not answer her one word, but keepan obstinate gravity. Then she will throw herself at my feet, kiss them repeatedly, and say to me, 'Sir, is it possible thatyou can suspect my daughter's virtue? You are the first man whoever saw her face: do not mortify her so much; do her the favourto look upon her, to speak to her, and confirm her in her goodintentions to satisfy you in every thing. ' But nothing of thisshall prevail with me. Upon which my mother-in-law will take aglass of wine, and putting it in the hand of her daughter mywife, will say, 'Go, present him this glass of wine yourself;perhaps he will not be so cruel as to refuse it from so fair ahand. ' My wife will come with the glass and stand tremblingbefore me; and when she finds that I do not look towards her, butthat I continue to disdain her, she will say to me with tears inher eyes, 'My heart, my dear soul, my amiable lord, I conjureyou, by the favours which heaven heaps upon you, to receive thisglass of wine from the hand of your most humble servant:' but Iwill not look upon her still, nor answer her. 'My charmingspouse, ' will she say, redoubling her tears, and putting theglass to my mouth, 'I will never cease till I prevail with you todrink;' then, wearied with her entreaties, I will dart a terriblelook at her, shake my hand in her face, and spurn her from mewith my foot. "

My brother was so full of these chimerical visions, that he actedwith his foot as if she had been really before him, andunfortunately gave such a push to his basket and glasses, thatthey were thrown down, and broken into a thousand pieces. 

On this fatal accident, he came to himself, and perceiving thathe had brought misfortune upon himself by his insupportablepride, beat his face, tore his clothes, and cried so loud, thatthe neighbours came about him; and the people, who were going totheir noon prayers, stopped to know what was the matter. Being ona Friday, more people went to prayers than usual; some of themtook pity on Alnaschar, and others only laughed at hisextravagance. In the mean time, his vanity being dispersed withhis property, he bitterly bewailed his loss; and a lady of rankpassing by upon a mule richly caparisoned, my brother's situationmoved her compassion. She asked who he was, and what he criedfor? They told her, that he was a poor man, who had laid out thelittle money he possessed in the purchase of a basket ofglassware, that the basket had fallen, and all his glasses werebroken. The lady immediately turned to an eunuch who attendedher, and said to him, "Give the poor man what you have aboutyou. " The eunuch obeyed, and put into my brother's hands a pursewith five hundred pieces of gold. Alnaschar was ready to die withjoy when he received it. He gave a thousand blessings to thelady, and shutting up his shop, where he had no more occasion tosit, went to his house. 

While he was pondering over his good luck, he heard somebodyknock at his door. Before he opened, he asked who it was, andknowing by the voice that it was a woman, he let her in. "Myson, " said she, "I have a favour to beg of you: the hour ofprayer is come, let me perform my ablutions in your house, that Imay be fit to say my prayers. " My brother looking at her, andseeing that she was well advanced in years, though he knew hernot, granted her request, and sat down again still full of hisnew adventure. He put his gold in a long strait purse, proper tocarry at his girdle. The old woman in the mean time said herprayers, and when she had done, came to my brother and bowedtwice to the ground, so low, that she touched it with herforehead: then rising up, she wished him all happiness. 

The old woman then bowed again, and thanked him for his civility. Being meanly clad, and very humble, he thought she asked alms;upon which he offered her two pieces of gold. The old womanstepped back in a sort of surprise, as if my brother hadaffronted her. "Good God!" said she, "what is the meaning ofthis? Is it possible, sir, that you took me for one of thoseimpudent beggars who push into people's houses to ask alms? Takeback your money: thank heaven, I need it not. I belong to a younglady of this city, who is a perfect beauty, and very rich; shelets me want for nothing. "

My brother was not cunning enough to perceive the craft of theold woman, who only refused the two pieces of gold, that shemight catch more. He asked her, if she could not procure him thehonour of seeing that lady. "With all my heart, " she replied;"she will be very glad to marry you, and to put you in possessionof her fortune, by making you master of her person. Take up yourmoney, and follow me. " My brother, transported with his good luckin finding so great a sum of money, and almost at the same time abeautiful and rich wife, shut his eyes to all otherconsiderations; so that he took his five hundred pieces of gold, and followed the old woman. She walked on, and he followed at adistance, to the gate of a great house, where she knocked. Hecame up just as a young Greek slave opened the gate. The oldwoman made him enter first, crossed a well-paved court, andintroduced him into a hall, the furniture of which confirmed himin the good opinion he had conceived of the mistress of thehouse. While the old woman went to acquaint the lady, he satdown, and the weather being hot, put off his turban, and laid itby him. He speedily saw the young lady enter: her beauty and richapparel perfectly surprised him; he arose as soon as he saw her. The lady, with a smiling countenance, prayed him to sit downagain, and placed herself by him. She told him, she was very gladto see him; and after having spoken some engaging words, said, "We do not sit here at our ease. Come, give me your hand. " Atthese words she presented him hers, and conducted him into aninner chamber, where she conversed with him for some time: shethen left him, saying that she would be with him in a moment. Hewaited for her; but instead of the lady came in a great blackslave with a cimeter in his hand, and looking upon my brotherwith a terrible aspect, said to him fiercely, "What have you todo here?" Alnaschar was so frightened, that he had no power toanswer. The black stripped him, carried off his gold, and gavehim several flesh wounds with his cimeter. My unhappy brotherfell to the ground, where he lay without motion, though he hadstill the use of his senses. The black thinking him to be dead, asked for salt: the Greek slave brought him a basin full: theyrubbed my brother's wounds with it, but he had so much command ofhimself, notwithstanding the intolerable pain it put him to, thathe lay still without giving any sign of life. The black and theGreek slave having retired, the old woman, who had enticed mybrother into the snare, came and dragged him by the feet to atrapdoor, which she opened, and threw him into a place underground, among the bodies of several other people who had beenmurdered. He perceived this as soon as he came to himself, forthe violence of the fall had taken away his senses. The saltrubbed into his wounds preserved his life, and he recoveredstrength by degrees, so as to be able to walk. After two days heopened the trap-door in the night, and finding in the court aplace proper to hide himself in, continued there till break ofday, when he saw the cursed old woman open the street gate, andgo out to seek another victim. He stayed in the place some timeafter she was gone, that she might not see him, and then came tome for shelter, when he told me of his adventures. 

In a month's time he was perfectly cured of his wounds bymedicines that I gave him, and resolved to avenge himself of theold woman, who had put such a barbarous cheat upon him. To thisend he took a bag, large enough to contain five hundred pieces ofgold, and filled it with pieces of glass. 

My brother fastened the bag of glass about him, disguised himselflike an old woman, and took a cimeter under his gown. One morninghe met the old woman walking through the town to seek her prey;he went up to her, and counterfeiting a woman's voice, said, "Cannot you lend me a pair of scales? I am newly come fromPersia, have brought five hundred pieces of gold with me, andwould know if they are weight. " "Good woman, " answered the oldhag, "you could not have applied to a fitter person: follow me, Iwill conduct you to my son, who changes money, and will weighthem himself to save you the trouble. Let us make haste, for fearhe should go to his shop. " My brother followed her to the housewhere she carried him at first, and the Greek slave opened thedoor. 

The old woman took my brother to the hall where she desired himto wait till she called her son. The pretended son came, andproved to be the villainous black slave. "Come, old woman, " saidhe to my brother, "rise and follow me:" having spoken thus, hewent before to conduct him to the place where he designed tomurder him. Alnaschar got up, followed him, and drawing hiscimeter, gave him such a dexterous blow behind on the neck, thathe cut off his head, which he took in one hand, and dragging thecorpse with the other, threw them both into the place underground before-mentioned. The Greek slave, who was accustomed tothe trade, came presently with a basin of salt; but when she sawAlnaschar with his cimeter in his hand, and without his veil, shelaid down the basin, and fled. But my brother overtaking her, cutoff her head also. The wicked old woman came running at thenoise, and my brother seizing her, said to her, "Treacherouswretch, do not you know me?" "Alas, Sir!" answered she trembling, "who are you? I do not remember that I ever saw you. " "I am, "replied he, "the person to whose house you came the other day towash and say your prayers. Hypocritical hag, do not youremember?" Then she fell on her knees to beg his pardon, but hecut her in four pieces. 

There remained only the lady, who knew nothing of what hadpassed: he sought her out, and found her in a chamber, where shewas ready to sink when she saw him: she begged her life, which hegenerously granted. "Madam, " said he, "how could you live withsuch wicked people, as I have so justly revenged myself upon?" "Iwas, " she answered, "wife to an honest merchant; and the oldwoman, whose wickedness I did not then know, used sometimes tocome to see me; 'Madam, ' said she to me one day, 'we have awedding at our house, which you will be pleased to see, if youwill give us the honour of your company:' I was persuaded by her, put on my best apparel, and took with me a hundred pieces ofgold. I followed her; she brought me to this house, where theblack has since kept me by force, and I have been three yearshere to my great sorrow. " "By the trade which that cursed blackfollowed, " replied my brother, "he must have gathered together avast deal of riches. " "There is so much, " said she "that you willbe made for ever, if you can carry them off: follow me, and youshall see them. " Alnaschar followed her to a chamber, where sheshewed him several coffers full of gold, which he beheld withadmiration. "Go, " said she, "and fetch people to carry it alloff. " My brother went out, got ten men together, and brought themwith him, but was much surprised to find the gate open, the ladyand the coffers gone, for she being more diligent than he, hadconveyed them all off and disappeared. However, being resolvednot to return empty-handed, he carried off all the furniture ofthe house, which was a great deal more than enough to make up thefive hundred pieces of gold he had been robbed of; but when hewent out of the house, he forgot to shut the gate. Theneighbours, who saw my brother and the porters come and go, wentand acquainted the magistrate, for they looked upon my brother'sconduct as suspicious. Alnaschar slept well enough all night, butthe next morning, when he came out of his house, twenty of themagistrate's men seized him. "Come along with us, " said they, "our master would speak with you. " My brother prayed them to havepatience for a moment, and offered them a sum of money to let himescape; but instead of listening to him, they bound him, andforced him to go with them. They met in the street an oldacquaintance of my brother's, who stopped them awhile, asked themwhy they had seized my brother, offered them a considerable sumto let him escape, and tell the magistrate they could not findhim, but in vain. 

When the officers brought him before the magistrate, he asked himwhere he had the goods which he had carried home the precedingevening? "Sir, " replied Alnaschar, "I am ready to tell you allthe truth; but allow me first to have recourse to your clemency, and to beg your promise, that I shall not be punished. " "I giveit you, " said the magistrate. My brother then told him the wholestory without disguise, from the period the old woman came intohis house to say her prayers, to the time the lady made herescape, after he had killed the black, the Greek slave, and theold woman: and as for what he had carried to his house, he prayedthe judge to leave him part of it, for the five hundred pieces ofgold of which he had been robbed. 

The judge, without promising any thing, sent his officers tobring off the whole, and having put the goods into his ownwarehouse, commanded my brother to quit the town immediately, andnever to return, for he was afraid, if he had stayed in the city, he would have found some way to represent this injustice to thecaliph. In the mean time, Alnaschar obeyed without murmuring, andleft that town to go to another. By the way, he met withhighwaymen, who stripped him naked; and when the ill news wasbrought to me, I carried him a suit, and brought him secretlyinto the town, where I took the like care of him as I did of hisother brothers. 

 The Story of the Barber's Sixth Brother. 

I have now only to relate the story of my sixth brother, calledSchacabac, with the hare lips. At first he was industrious enoughto improve the hundred dirhems of silver which fell to his share, and went on very well; but a reverse of fortune brought him tobeg his bread, which he did with a great deal of dexterity. Hestudied chiefly to get into great men's houses by means of theirservants and officers, that he might have access to theirmasters, and obtain their charity. One day as he passed by amagnificent house, whose high gate shewed a very spacious court, where there was a multitude of servants, he went to one of them, and asked him to whom that house belonged? "Good man, " repliedthe servant, "whence do you come that you ask me such a question?Does not all that you behold point out to you that it is thepalace of a Barmecide?" My brother, who very well knew theliberality and generosity of the Barmecides, addressed himself toone of his porters (for he had more than one), and prayed him togive him alms. "Go in, " said he, "nobody hinders you, and addressyourself to the master of the house; he will send you backsatisfied. "

My brother, who expected no such civility, thanked the porters, and with their permission entered the palace, which was so large, that it took him a considerable time to reach the Barmecide'sapartment; at last he came to an arcade square building of anexcellent architecture, and entered by parterres of flowersintersected by walks of several colours, extremely pleasant tothe eye: the lower apartments round this square were most of themopen, and were shut only with great curtains to keep out the sun, which were opened again when the heat was over to let in thefresh air. 

Such an agreeable place would have struck my brother withadmiration, even if his mind had been more at ease than it was. He went on till he came into a hall richly furnished and adornedwith painting of gold and azure foliage, where he saw a venerableman with a long white beard, sitting at the upper end on a sofa, whence he concluded him to be the master of the house; and infact it was the Barmecide himself, who said to my brother in avery civil manner, that he was welcome; and asked him what hewanted? "My lord, " answered my brother, in a begging tone, "I ama poor man who stands in need of the help of such rich andgenerous persons as yourself. " He could not have addressedhimself to a fitter person than this lord, who had a thousandgood qualities. 

The Barmecide seemed to be astonished at my brother's answer, andputting both his hands to his stomach, as if he would rend hisclothes for grief, "Is it possible, " cried he, "that I am atBagdad, and that such a man as you is so poor as you say? this iswhat must never be. " My brother, fancying that he was going togive him some singular mark of his bounty, blessed him a thousandtimes, and wished him all happiness. "It shall not be said, "replied the Barmecide, "that I will abandon you, nor will I haveyou leave me. " "Sir, " replied my brother, "I swear to you I havenot eaten one bit to-day. " "Is it true, " demanded the Barmecide, "that you are fasting till now? Alas, poor man! he is ready todie for hunger. Ho, boy, " cried he, with a loud voice, "bring abasin and water presently, that we may wash our hands. " Though noboy appeared, and my brother saw neither water nor basin, theBarmecide fell to rubbing his hands as if one had poured waterupon them, and bade my brother come and wash with him. Schacabacjudged by this, that the Barmecide lord loved to be merry, and hehimself understanding raillery, and knowing that the poor must becomplaisant to the rich, if they would have any thing from them, came forward and did as he was required. 

"Come on, " said the Barmecide, "bring us something to eat, and donot let us wait. " When he had spoken, though nothing appeared, hebegan to cut as if something had been brought him upon a plate, and putting his hand to his mouth began to chew, and said to mybrother, "Come, friend, eat as freely as if you were at home;come, eat; you said you were like to die of hunger, but you eatas if you had no appetite. " "Pardon me, my lord, " said Schacabac, who perfectly imitated what he did, "you see I lose no time, andthat I play my part well enough. " "How like you this bread, " saidthe Barmecide; "do not you find it very good?" "O! my lord, "replied my brother, who saw neither bread nor meat, "I have nevereaten anything so white and so fine. " "Eat your belly-full, " saidthe Barmecide; "I assure you the woman who bakes me this goodbread cost me five hundred pieces of gold to purchase her. "

The Barmecide, after having boasted so much of his bread, whichmy brother ate only in idea, cried, "Boy, bring us another dish:"and though no boy appeared, "Come, my good friend, " continued he, "taste this new dish; and tell me if ever you ate better muttonand barley-broth than this. " "It is admirably good, " replied mybrother, "and therefore you see I eat heartily. " "You oblige mehighly, " resumed the Barmecide; "I conjure you then, by thesatisfaction I have to see you eat so heartily, that you eat allup, since you like it so well. " A little while after he calledfor a goose and sweet sauce, made up of vinegar, honey, dryraisins, grey peas, and dry figs, which were brought just in thesame manner as the others had. "The goose is very fat, " said theBarmecide, "eat only a leg and a wing; we must save our stomachs, for we have abundance of other dishes to come. " He actuallycalled for several others, of which my brother, who was ready todie of hunger, pretended to eat; but what he boasted of more thanall the rest was a lamb fed with pistachio nuts, which he orderedto be brought up in the same manner. "Here is a dish, " said theBarmecide "that you will see at nobody's table but my own; Iwould have you eat your belly-full of it. " Having spoken thus, hestretched out his hand as if he had had a piece of lamb in it, and putting it to my brother's mouth, "There, " said he, "swallowthat, and you will judge whether I had not reason to boast ofthis dish. " My brother thrust out his head, opened his mouth, andmade as if he took the piece of lamb, and eat it with extremepleasure. "I knew you would like it, " said the Barmecide. "Thereis nothing in the world finer, " replied my brother; "your tableis most delicious. " "Come, bring the ragout; I fancy you willlike that as well as you did the lamb: Well, how do you relishit?" "O! it is wonderful, " replied Schacabac; "for here we tasteall at once, amber, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, pepper, and the mostodoriferous herbs, and all these delicacies are so well mixed, that one does not prevent our tasting the other. " "How pleasant!Honour this ragout, " said the Barmecide, "by eating heartily ofit. Ho, boy, bring us another ragout. " "No, my lord, if it pleaseyou, " replied my brother, "for indeed I can eat no more. "

"Come, take away then, " said the Barmecide, "and bring thefruit. " He stayed a moment as it were to give time for hisservants to carry away; after which, he addressed my brother, "Taste these almonds, they are good and fresh gathered. " Both ofthem made as if they had peeled the almonds, and eaten them;after this, the Barmecide invited my brother to eat somethingelse. "Look, " said he, "there are all sorts of fruits, cakes, drysweetmeats, and conserves, take what you like;" then stretchingout his hand, as if he had reached my brother something, "Look, "he continued, "there is a lozenge, very good for digestion. "Schacabac made as if he ate it, and said, "My lord, there is nowant of musk here. " "These lozenges, " replied the Barmecide, "aremade at my own house, where nothing is wanting to make everyarticle good. " He still bade my brother eat, and said to him, "Methinks you do not eat as if you had been so hungry as youcomplained you were when you came in. " "My lord, " repliedSchacabac, whose jaws ached with moving and having nothing toeat, "I assure you I am so full that I cannot eat one bit more. "

"Well, then, friend, " resumed the Barmecide, "we must drink now, after we have eaten so well. " "You may drink wine, my lord, "replied my brother, "but I will drink none if you please, becauseI am forbidden. " "You are too scrupulous, " rejoined theBarmecide; "do as I do. " "I will drink then out of complaisance, "said Schacabac, "for I see you will have nothing wanting to makeyour treat complete; but since I am not accustomed to drink wine, I am afraid I shall commit some error in point of good breeding, and contrary to the respect that is due to you; therefore I prayyou, once more, to excuse me from drinking any wine; I will becontent with water. " "No, no, " said the Barmecide, "you shalldrink wine, " and at the same time he commanded some to bebrought, in the same manner as the meat and fruit had been servedbefore. He made as if he poured out wine, and drank firsthimself, and then pouring out for my brother, presented him theglass, saying, "Drink my health, and let us know if you thinkthis wine good. " My brother made as if he took the glass, andlooked as if the colour was good, and put it to his nose to trythe flavour: he then made a low salute to the Barmecide, tosignify that he took the liberty to drink his health, and lastlyhe appeared to drink with all the signs of a man that drinks withpleasure: "My lord, " said he, "this is very excellent wine, but Ithink it is not strong enough. " "If you would have stronger, "answered the Barmecide, "you need only speak, for I have severalsorts in my cellar. Try how you like this. " Upon which he made asif he poured out another glass for himself, and one for mybrother; and did this so often, that Schacabac, feigning to beintoxicated with the wine, and acting a drunken man, lifted uphis hand, and gave the Barmecide such a box on the ear as madehim fall down. He was going to give him another blow, but theBarmecide holding up his hand to ward it off, cried, "Are youmad?" Then my brother, making as if he had come to himself again, said, "My lord, you have been so good as to admit your slave intoyour house, and give him a treat; you should have been satisfiedwith making me eat, and not have obliged me to drink wine; for Itold you beforehand, that it might occasion me to fail in myrespect for you. I am very sorry for it, and beg you a thousandpardons. "

Scarcely had he finished these words, when the Barmecide, insteadof being in a passion, fell a laughing with all his might. "Ihave been long, " said he, "seeking a man of your character. "

The Barmecide caressed Schacabac mightily, and told him, "I notonly forgive the blow you have given me, but I desirehenceforward we should be friends, and that you take my house foryour home: you have had the complaisance to accommodate yourselfto my humour, and the patience to keep the jest up to the last;we will now eat in good earnest. " When he had finished thesewords, he clapped his hands, and commanded his servants, who thenappeared, to cover the table; which was speedily done, and mybrother was treated with all those dishes in reality, which heate of before in fancy. At last they cleared the table, andbrought in the wine, and at the same time a number of handsomeslaves, richly appareled, came and sung some agreeable airs totheir musical instruments. In a word, Schacabac had all thereason in the world to be satisfied with the Barmecide's civilityand bounty; for he treated him as his familiar friend, andordered him a suit from his wardrobe. 

The Barmecide found my brother to be a man of so much wit andunderstanding, that in a few days after he entrusted him with thecare of his household and all his affairs. My brother acquittedhimself very well in that employment for twenty years; at the endof which the generous Barmecide died, and leaving no heirs, allhis property was confiscated to the use of the prince; and mybrother lost all he had acquired. Being reduced to his firstcondition, he joined a caravan of pilgrims going to Mecca, designing to accomplish that pilgrimage by their charity; butunfortunately the caravan was attacked and plundered by a numberof Bedouins, superior to that of the pilgrims. My brother wasthen taken as a slave by one of the Bedouins, who put him underthe bastinado for several days, to oblige him to ransom himself. Schacabac protested that it was all in vain. "I am your slave, "said he, "you may dispose of me as you please; but I declare toyou that I am extremely poor, and not able to redeem myself. " Ina word, my brother discovered to him all his misfortunes, andendeavoured to soften him with tears; but the Bedouin was not tobe moved, and being vexed to find himself disappointed of aconsiderable sum of which he reckoned himself sure, he took hisknife and slit my brother's lips, to avenge himself by thisinhumanity for the loss that he thought he had sustained. 

The Bedouin had a handsome wife, and frequently when he went onhis excursions left my brother alone with her. At such times sheused all her endeavours to comfort my brother under the rigour ofhis slavery. She gave him tokens enough that she loved him, buthe durst not return her passion, for fear he should repent; andtherefore avoided being alone with her, as much as she sought theopportunity to be alone with him. She was so much in the habit ofcaressing and playing with the miserable Schacabac, whenever shesaw him, that one day she happened to act in the same manner, inthe presence of her husband. My brother, without taking noticethat he observed them (so his sins would have it), playedlikewise with her. The Bedouin, immediately supposing that theylived together in a criminal manner, fell upon my brother in arage, and after he had mutilated him in a barbarous manner, carried him on a camel to the top of a desert mountain, where heleft him. The mountain was on the road to Bagdad, so that thepassengers who saw him there informed me where he was. I wentthither speedily, and found unfortunate Schacabac in a deplorablecondition: I gave him what help he stood in need of, and broughthim back to the city. 

This is what I told the caliph; that prince applauded me with newfits of laughter. "Now, " said he, "I cannot doubt but they justlygive you the surname of Silent. No one can say the contrary forcertain reasons, however, I command you to depart this townimmediately, and let me hear no more of you. " I yielded tonecessity, and travelled for several years in distant countries. Understanding at last that the caliph was dead, I returned toBagdad, where I found not one of my brothers alive. It was on myreturn to this city that I did the lame young man the importantservice which you have heard. You are, however, witnesses of hisingratitude, and of the injurious manner in which he treated me;instead of testifying his obligation, he rather chose to fly fromme and leave his own country. When I understood that he was notat Bagdad, though no one could tell me whither he was gone, Idetermined to seek him. I travelled from province to province along time; and when I least expected, met him this day, but Ilittle thought to find him so incensed against me. 

When the barber had concluded his story, we found that the youngman was not to blame for calling him a great chatterer. However, he wished him to stay with us, and partake of the entertainmentwhich the master of the house had prepared. We sat down to table, and were merry together till afternoon prayers; when all thecompany parted, and I went to my shop, till it was time to returnhome. It was during this interval that humpback came half drunkbefore my shop, where he sung and played on his tabor. I thoughtthat, by carrying him home with me, I should divert my wife, therefore I took him in: my wife gave us a dish of fish, and Ipresented humpback with some, which he ate, without taking noticeof a bone. He fell down dead before us, and after having in vainessayed to help him, in the trouble and fear occasioned by suchan unlucky accident, we carried the corpse out, and dexterouslylodged him with the Jewish doctor. The Jewish doctor put him intothe chamber of the purveyor, and the purveyor carried him outinto the street, where it was believed the merchant had killedhim. "This sir, " added the tailor, "is what I had to say tosatisfy your majesty, who must pronounce whether we be worthy ofmercy or wrath, life or death. "

The sultan of Casgar shewed a satisfaction in his countenance, which restored the tailor and his comrades to life. "I cannot butacknowledge, " said he, "that I am more struck with the history ofthe young cripple, with that of the barber, and with theadventures of his brothers, than with the story of my jester: butbefore I send you all away, and we proceed to bury humpback, Ishould like to see the barber who is the occasion of my pardoningyou; since he is in my capital, it is easy to satisfy mycuriosity. " At the same time he sent an officer with the tailorto find him. 

The officer and the tailor went immediately and brought thebarber, whom they presented to the sultan: the barber was avenerable man about ninety years of age; his eye-brows and beardwere white as snow, his ears hanging down, and his nose verylong. The sultan could not forbear laughing when he saw him. "Silent man, " said he to him, "I understand that you knowwonderful stories, will you tell me some of them?"

"Sir, " answered the barber, "let us forbear the stories, if youplease, at present. I most humbly beg your majesty to permit meto ask what that Christian, that Jew, that Moosulmaun and thatdead humpback, who ties on the ground, do here before yourmajesty?" The sultan smiled at the barber's freedom, and replied, "Why do you ask?" "Sir, " replied the barber, "it concerns me toask, that your majesty may know I am not so great a talker assome represent me, but a man justly called Silent. "

The sultan commanded them to tell him the story of the humpback, which he seemed earnestly to wish for. When the barber heard it, he shook his head, as if he would say, there was something underthis which he did not understand. "Truly, " cried he, "this is asurprising story; but I wish to examine humpback a littlenearer. " He approached him, sat down on the ground, took his headbetween his knees, and after he had looked upon him steadfastly, fell into so great a fit of laughter, and had so little commandof himself, that he fell backwards on the ground, withoutconsidering that he was before the sultan of Casgar. As soon ashe came to himself, "It is said, " cried he, "and not withoutreason, that no man dies without a cause. If ever any historydeserved to be written in letters of gold, it is that of thishumpback. "

At this all the people looked on the barber as a buffoon, or anold dotard. "Silent man, " said the sultan, "why do you laugh?""Sir, " answered the barber, "I swear by your majesty'sbenevolence, that humpback is not dead: he is yet alive, and Ishall be content to pass for a madman if I do not convince youthis minute. " So saying, he took a box wherein he had severalmedicines that he carried about him to use as occasion mightrequire; and drew out a little phial of balsam, with which herubbed humpback's neck a long time; then he took out of his casea neat iron instrument, which he put betwixt his teeth, and afterhe had opened his mouth, he thrust down his throat a pair ofsmall pincers, with which he took out a bit of fish and bone, which he shewed to all the people. Immediately humpback sneezed, stretched forth his arms and feet, opened his eyes, and shewedseveral other signs of life. 

The sultan of Casgar, and all who were witnesses of thisoperation, were less surprised to see humpback revive, after hehad passed a whole night, and great part of a day, without givingany sign of life, than at the merit and capacity of the barber, who performed this; and notwithstanding all his faults, began tolook upon him as a great physician. The sultan, transported withjoy and admiration, ordered the story of humpback to be writtendown, with that of the barber, that the memory of them might, asit deserved, be preserved for ever. Nor did he stop here; but, that the tailor, Jewish doctor, purveyor, and Christian merchantmight remember the adventure, which the accident of humpback hadoccasioned to them, with pleasure, he did not send them away tillhe had given each of them a very rich robe, with which he causedthem to be clothed in his presence. As for the barber, hehonoured him with a great pension, and kept him near his person. 

 The History of Aboulhassen Ali Ebn Becar, and Schemselnihar, Favourite of Caliph Maroon Al Rusheed. 

In the reign of the caliph Haroon al Rusheed, there lived atBagdad a druggist, named Alboussan Ebn Thaher, a very richhandsome man. He had more wit and politeness than people of hisprofession generally possess: his integrity, sincerity, and goodhumour made him beloved and sought after by all sorts of people. The caliph, who knew his merit, had entire confidence in him. Heheld him in such high esteem, that he entrusted him to providehis favourite ladies with all the things they stood in need of. He chose for them their clothes, furniture, and jewels, withadmirable taste. 

His good qualities, and the favour of the caliph, occasioned thesons of emirs, and other officers of the first rank, to be alwaysabout him: his house was the rendezvous of all the nobility ofthe court Among the young lords that went daily to visit him, wasone whom he took more notice of than the rest, and with whom hecontrasted a particular friendship, called Aboulhassen Ali EbnBecar, originally of an ancient royal family of Persia. Thisfamily had continued at Bagdad ever since the conquest of thatkingdom. Nature seemed to have taken pleasure in endowing thisyoung prince with the rarest qualities of body and mind: his facewas so very beautiful, his shape so fine, his air so easy, andhis physiognomy so engaging, that it was impossible to see himwithout immediately loving him. When he spoke, he expressedhimself in terms proper and well chosen, with a new and agreeableturn, and his voice charmed all that heard him: he had besides somuch wit and judgment, that he thought and spoke of all subjectswith admirable exactness. He was so reserved and modest, that headvanced nothing till after he had taken all possible care toavoid giving any ground of suspicion that he preferred his ownopinion to that of others. 

Being such a person as I have represented him, we need not wonderthat Ebn Thaher distinguished him from all the other youngnoblemen of the court, most of whom had the vices which composedthe opposites to his virtues. One day, when the prince was withEbn Thaher, there came a lady mounted on a piebald mule, in themidst of ten female slaves who accompanied her on foot, all veryhandsome, as far as could be judged by their air, and throughtheir veils which covered their faces. The lady had a girdle of arose colour, four inches broad, embroidered with pearls anddiamonds of an extraordinary bigness; and for beauty it was easyto perceive that she surpassed all her women, as far as the fullmoon does that of two days old. She came to buy something, and asshe wanted to speak to Ebn Thaher, entered his shop, which wasvery neat and spacious; and he received her with all the marks ofthe most profound respect, entreating her to sit down, anddirecting her to the most honourable place. 

In the mean time, the prince of Persia, unwilling to lose such anopportunity of shewing his good breeding and gallantry, adjustedthe cushion of cloth of gold, for the lady to lean on; afterwhich he hastily retired, that she might sit down; and havingsaluted her, by kissing the carpet under her feet, rose and stoodbefore her at the lower end of the sofa. It being her custom tobe free with Ebn Thaher, she lifted up her veil, and discoveredto the prince of Persia such an extraordinary beauty as struckhim to the heart. On the other hand, the lady could not refrainfrom looking upon the prince, the sight of whom had made the sameimpressions upon her. "My lord, " said she to him, with anobliging air, "pray sit down. " The prince of Persia obeyed, andsat on the edge of the sofa. He had his eyes constantly fixedupon her, and swallowed large draughts of the sweet poison oflove. She quickly perceived what passed in his heart, and thisdiscovery served to inflame her the more towards him. She arose, went to Ebn Thaher, and after she had whispered to him the causeof her coming, asked the name and country of the prince. "Madam, "answered Ebn Thaher, "this young nobleman's name is AboulhassenAli Ebn Becar, and he is a prince of the blood royal of Persia. "

The lady was transported at hearing that the person she alreadyloved so passionately was of so high a rank. "Do you reallymean, " said she, "that he is descended from the kings of Persia?""Yes, madam, " replied Ebn Thaher, "the last kings of Persia werehis ancestors, and since the conquest of that kingdom, theprinces of his family have always made themselves very acceptableat the court of our caliphs. " "You will oblige me much, " addedshe, "by making me acquainted with this young nobleman: when Isend this woman, " pointing to one of her slaves, "to give younotice to come and see me, pray bring him with you; I shall beglad to afford him the opportunity of seeing the magnificence ofmy house, that he may have it in his power to say, that avaricedoes not reign at Bagdad among persons of quality. You know whatI mean. "

Ebn Thaher was a man of too much penetration not to perceive thelady's mind by these words: "My princess, my queen, " replied he, "God preserve me from giving you any occasion of anger: I shallalways make it a law to obey your commands. " At this answer, thelady bowed to Ebn Thaher, and took her leave; and after she hadgiven a favorable look to the prince of Persia, she remounted hermule, and departed. 

The prince of Persia was so deeply in love with the lady, that helooked after her as far as he could; and long after she was outof sight directed his eyes that way. Ebn Thaher told him, that heremarked several persons observing him, and began to laugh to seehim in this posture. "Alas!" said the prince, "the world and youwould pity me, if you knew that the beautiful lady, who is justgone from you, has carried with her the best part of me, and thatthe remaining part seeks for an opportunity to go after her. Tellme, I conjure you, " added he, "what cruel lady is this, whoforces people to love her, without giving them time to reflect?""My lord, " answered Ebn Thaher, "this is the celebratedSchemselnihar, the principal favourite of the caliph, ourmaster. " "She is justly so called, " added the prince, "since sheis more beautiful than the sun at noonday. " "True, " replied EbnThaher; "therefore the commander of the faithful loves, or ratheradores her. He gave me express orders to furnish her with allthat she asked for, and to anticipate her wishes as far as liesin my power. "

He spoke thus to hinder him from engaging in a passion whichcould not but prove unfortunate to him; but this served only toinflame it the more. "I feared, charming Schemselnihar, " criedhe, "I should not be allowed so much as to think of you; Iperceive, however, that without hopes of being loved in return, Icannot forbear loving you; I will love you then, and bless my lotthat I am the slave of an object fairer than the meridian sun. "

While the prince of Persia thus consecrated his heart to the fairSchemselnihar, this lady, as she went home, contrived how shemight see, and have free converse with him. She no sooner enteredher palace, than she sent to Ebn Thaher the woman she had pointedout to him, and in whom she placed all her confidence, to tellhim to come and see her without delay, and bring the prince ofPersia with him. The slave came to Ebn Thaher's shop, while hewas speaking to the prince, and endeavouring to dissuade him, byvery strong arguments, from loving the caliph's favourite. Whenshe saw them together, "Gentlemen, " said she, "my honourablemistress Schemselnihar the chief favourite of the commander ofthe faithful, entreats you to come to her palace, where she waitsfor you. " Ebn Thaher, to testify his obedience, rose upimmediately, without answering the slave, and followed her, notwithout some reluctance. The prince also followed he, withoutreflecting on the danger there might be in such a visit. Thepresence of Ebn Thaher, who had liberty to go to the favouritewhen he pleased, made the prince very easy: they followed theslave, who went a little before them, and entered after her intothe caliph's palace, and joined her at the gate ofSchemselnihar's pavilion, which was ready open. She introducedthem into a great hall, where she prayed them to be seated. 

The prince of Persia thought himself in one of those deliciouspalaces that are promised to us in the other world: he had neverseen any thing that came near the magnificence of the place. Thecarpets, cushions, and other appendages of the sofa, thefurniture, ornaments, and architecture, were surprisingly richand beautiful. A little time after Ebn Thaher and he had seatedthemselves, a very handsome black slave brought in a tablecovered with several delicacies, the admirable smell of whichevinced how deliciously they were seasoned. While they wereeating, the slave who brought them in waited upon them; she tookparticular care to invite them to eat of what she knew to be thegreatest dainties. The other slaves brought them excellent wineafter they had eaten. When they had done, there was presented toeach of them a gold basin full of water to wash their hands;after which, they brought them a golden pot full of the wood ofaloes, with which they perfumed their beards and clothes. Odoriferous water was not forgotten, but served in a goldenvessel enriched with diamonds and rubies, and it was thrown upontheir beards and faces according to custom; they then resumedtheir places, but had scarcely sat down, when the slave entreatedthem to arise and follow her. She opened a door, and conductedthem into a large saloon of wonderful structure. It was a dome ofthe most agreeable form, supported by a hundred pillars ofmarble, white as alabaster. The bases and chapiters of thepillars were adorned with four-footed beasts, and birds ofvarious sorts, gilded. The carpet of this noble saloon consistedof one piece of cloth of gold, embroidered with bunches of rosesin red and white silk; and the dome painted in the same manner, after the Arabian fashion, presented to the mind one of the mostcharming objects. In every space between the columns was a littlesofa adorned in the same manner, and great vessels of china, crystal, jasper, jet, porphyry, agate, and other preciousmaterials, garnished with gold and jewels; in these spaces werealso so many large windows, with balconies projecting breasthigh, fitted up as the sofas, and looking out into the mostdelicious garden; the walks were of little pebbles of differentcolours, of the same pattern as the carpet of the saloon; sothat, looking upon the carpet within and without it seemed as ifthe dome and the garden with all its ornaments had been upon thesame carpet. The prospect was, at the end of the walks, terminated by two canals of clear water, of the same circularfigure as the dome, one of which being higher than the other, emptied its water into the lowermost, in form of a sheet; andcurious pots of gilt brass, with flowers and shrubs, were setupon the banks of the canals at equal distances. Those walks laybetwixt great plots of ground planted with straight and bushytrees, where a thousand birds formed a melodious concert, anddiverted the eye by flying about, and playing together, orfighting in the air. 

The prince of Persia and Ebn Thaher were a long time engaged inviewing the magnificence of the place, and expressed theirsurprise at every thing thing saw, especially the prince, who hadnever beheld any thing like it. Ebn Thaher, though he had beenseveral times in that delicious place, could not but observe manynew beauties, In a word they never grew weary in admiring so manysingularities, and were thus agreeably employed, when theyperceived a company of ladies richly appareled sitting without, at some distance from the dome, each of them upon a seat ofIndian plane wood inlaid with silver filigree in compartments, with instruments of music in their hands, waiting for orders toplay. They both went forward, and had a full view of the ladies, and on the right they saw a great court with a stair up from thegarden, encompassed with beautiful apartments. The slave had leftthem, and being alone, they conversed together; "For you, who area wise man, " said the prince of Persia, "I doubt not but you lookwith a great deal of satisfaction upon all these marks ofgrandeur and power; for my part, I do not think there is anything in the world more surprising. But when I consider that thisis the glorious habitation of the lovely Schemselnihar, and thatthe greatest monarch of the earth keeps her here, I confess toyou that I look upon myself to be the most unfortunate of allmankind, and that no destiny can be more cruel than mine, to lovean object possessed by my rival, and that too in a place where heis so potent, that I cannot think myself sure of my life onemoment. "

Ebn Thaher, hearing the prince of Persia speak, replied, "Sir, Iwish you could give me as good assurance of the happy success ofyour passion, as I can give you of the safety of your life. Though this stately palace belongs to the caliph, who built it onpurpose for Schemselnihar, and called it the palace of eternalpleasures, and though it makes part of his own palace, yet youmust know that this lady lives here at absolute liberty. She isnot beset by eunuchs to be spies upon her; this is her privatehouse, absolutely at her disposal. She goes into the city whenshe pleases, and returns again, without asking leave of any body:and the caliph never comes to see her, but he sends Mesrour, thechief of his eunuchs, to give her notice, that she may beprepared to receive him. Therefore you may be easy, and give fullattention to the concert of music, which, I perceive, Schemselnihar is preparing for you. "

Just as Ebn Thaher had spoken these words, the prince of Persia, and he, saw the favourite's trusty slave giving orders to theladies to begin to sing, and play with the instruments: they allbegan immediately to play together as a prelude, and after theyhad played some time, one of them began to sing alone, andaccompanied herself at the same time admirably upon her lute, being informed beforehand upon what subject she was to sing. Thewords were so agreeable to the prince of Persia's sentiments, that he could not forbear applauding her at the end of thecouplet. "Is it possible, " cried he, "that you have the gift ofknowing people's hearts, and that the knowledge of what ispassing in my mind has occasioned you to give us a taste of yourcharming voice by those words? I should not express myselfotherwise, were I to choose. " The lady made no reply, but went onand sung several other stanzas, with which the prince was soaffected, that he repeated some of them with tears in his eyes;which discovered plainly enough that he applied them to himself. When she had finished, she and her companions rose up and sung achorus, signifying by their words, that the full moon was goingto rise in all her splendour, and that they should speedily seeher approach the sun. Intimating, that Schemselnihar was coming, and that the prince of Persia would soon have the pleasure ofbeholding her. 

In fact, as they looked towards the court, they sawSchemselnihar's confidant coming towards them, followed by tenblack women, who, with much difficulty, carried a throne ofmassive silver curiously wrought, which they set down before themat a certain distance; the black slaves then retired behind thetrees, to the entrance of a walk. After this came twenty handsomeladies richly appareled alike; they advanced in two rows, eachsinging and playing upon instruments which she held in her hands, and placed themselves on each side of the throne. 

All these things kept the prince of Persia and Ebn Thaher in somuch the greater expectation, as they were curious to know howthey would end. At length they saw advancing from the gatethrough which the ten black women had proceeded ten other ladiesequally handsome, and well dressed, who halted a few moments, expecting the favourite, who came out last, and placed herself inthe midst of them. 

Schemselnihar was easily distinguished from the rest, by her fineshape and majestic air, as well as by a sort of mantle, of a veryfine stuff of gold and sky-blue, fastened to her shoulders, overher other apparel, which was the most handsome, most magnificent, and best contrived that could be imagined. 

The pearls, rubies, and diamonds, which adorned her, were welldisposed; not many in number, but chosen with taste, and ofinestimable value. She came forward, with a majesty resemblingthe sun in its course amidst the clouds, which receive hissplendour without hiding his lustre, and sat upon the silverthrone that had been brought for her. 

As soon as the prince of Persia saw Schemselnihar, his eyes wererivetted on her. "We cease inquiring, " said he to Ebn Thaher, "after what we seek, when once it is in view; and no doubtremains, when once the truth is made apparent. Do you see thischarming beauty? She is the cause of all my sufferings, which Ibless, and will never forbear to bless, however severe andlasting. At the sight of this objets, I am not my own master; mysoul is disturbed, and rebels, and seems disposed to leave me. Gothen, my soul, I allow thee; but let it be for the welfare andpreservation of this weak body. It is you, cruel Ebn Thaher, whoare the cause of this disorder, in bringing me hither. Youthought to do me a great pleasure; but I perceive I am only cometo complete my ruin. Pardon me, " he continued, interruptinghimself; "I am mistaken. I would come, and can blame no one butmyself;" and at these words he burst into tears. "I am glad, "said Ebn Thaher, "that you do me justice. When I told you atfirst, that Schemselnihar was the caliph's chief favourite, I didit on purpose to prevent that fatal passion which you pleaseyourself with entertaining. All that you see here ought todisengage you, and you are to think of nothing but ofacknowledging the honour which Schemselnihar has done you, byordering me to bring you with me; recall then your wanderingreason, and prepare to appear before her, as good breedingrequires. See, she advances: were we to begin again, I would takeother measures, but since the thing is done, I pray God we maynot have cause to repent. All that I have now to say to you is, that love is a traitor, who may involve you in difficulties fromwhich you will never be able to extricate yourself. "

Ebn Thaher had no time to say more, because Schemselniharapproached, and sitting down upon her throne, saluted them bothby bowing her head; but she fixed her eyes on the prince ofPersia, and they spoke to one another in a silent languageintermixed with sighs; by which in a few moments they spoke morethan they could have done by words in a much longer time. Themore Schemselnihar, looked upon the prince, the more she found inhis looks to confirm her opinion that he was in love with her;and being thus persuaded of his passion, thought herself thehappiest woman in the world. At last she turned her eyes fromhim, to command the women, who began to sing first, to come near;they rose, and as they advanced, the black women, who came out ofthe walk into which they had retired, brought their seats, andplaced them near the window, in the front of the dome where EbnThaher and the prince of Persia stood, and their seats were sodisposed, that, with the favourite's throne and the women on eachside of her, they formed a semicircle before them. 

The women, who were sitting before she came resumed their places, with the permission of Schemselnihar, who ordered them by a sign;that charming favourite chose one of those women to sing, who, after she had spent some moments in tuning her lute, sung a song, the meaning whereof was, that when two lovers entirely loved oneanother with affection boundless, their hearts, though in twobodies, were united; and, when any thing opposed their desires, could say with tears in their eyes, "If we love because we findone another amiable, ought we to be blamed? Let destiny bear theblame. "

Schemselnihar evinced so plainly by her eyes and gestures thatthose words were applicable to herself and the prince of Persia, that he could not contain himself. He arose, and advancing to abalustrade, which he leaned upon, beckoned to one of thecompanions of the woman who had just done singing, to approach. When she had got near enough, he said to her, "Do me the favourto accompany me with your lute, in a song which you shall hear mesing. " He then sung with an air so tender and passionate, asperfectly expressed the violence of his love. As soon as he haddone, Schemselnihar, following his example, said to one of thewomen, "Attend to me likewise, and accompany my song. " At thesame time she sung in such a manner, as more deeply to penetratethe heart of the prince of Persia, who answered her by a new air, more passionate than the former. 

The two lovers having declared their mutual affection by theirsongs, Schemselnihar yielded to the force of hers. She arose fromher throne in transport, and advanced towards the door of thehall. The prince, who perceived her design, rose up immediately, and went to meet her. They met at the door, where they took oneanother by the hand, and embraced with so much passion, that theyfainted, and would have fallen, if the woman who followedSchemselnihar had not hindered them. They supported them to asofa, where they were brought to themselves, by throwingodoriferous water on their faces, and applying pungent odours totheir nostrils. 

When they had recovered, the first thing Schemselnihar did was tolook about: and not seeing Ebn Thaher, she asked, with eagerness, where he was? He had withdrawn out of respect whilst her womenwere engaged in recovering her, and dreaded, not without reason, that some disagreeable consequence might follow what he had seen;but as soon as he heard Schemselnihar inquire for him, he cameforward. 

Schemselnihar was much pleased to see Ebn Thaher, and expressedher joy in the most obliging terms: "Ebn Thaher, I know not howto make you proper returns for the great obligations you have putupon me; without you, I should never have seen the prince ofPersia, nor have loved the most amiable person in the world. Assure yourself I shall not die ungrateful, and that mygratitude, if possible, shall be equal to the obligation. " EbnThaher answered this compliment by a low obeisance, and wishedthe favourite the accomplishment of all her desires. 

Schemselnihar, turning towards the prince of Persia, who sat byher, and looking upon him with some confusion after what hadpassed, said to him, "I am well assured you love me, and howgreat soever your love may be to me, you need not doubt but mineis as great towards you: but let us not flatter ourselves; for, notwithstanding this conformity of our sentiments, I see nothingfor you and me but trouble, impatience, and tormenting grief. There is no other remedy for our evils but to love one anotherconstantly, to refer ourselves to the disposal of Heaven, and towait its determination of our destiny. " "Madam, " replied theprince of Persia, "you will do me the greatest injustice, if youdoubt for a moment the continuance of my love. It is sointerwoven with my soul, that I can justly say it makes the bestpart of it, and will continue so after death. Pains, torments, obstacles, nothing shall prevent my loving you. " Speaking thesewords he shed tears in abundance, and Schemselnihar was not ableto restrain hers. 

Ebn Thaher took this opportunity to speak to the favourite. "Madam, allow me to represent to you, that, instead of meltinginto tears, you ought to rejoice that you are now together. Iunderstand not this grief. What will it be when you are obligedto part? But why do I talk of that? We have been a long whilehere, and you know, madam, it is time for us to be going. " "Ah!how cruel are you!" replied Schemselnihar, "You, who know thecause of my tears, have you no pity for my unfortunate condition?Oh! sad fatality! What have I done to subject myself to thesevere law of not being able to join with the only person Ilove?"

Persuaded as she was that Ebn Thaher spoke to her only out offriendship, she did not take amiss what he said, but made aproper use of his intimation She made a sign to the slave herconfidant, who immediately went out, and in a little time broughta collation of fruits upon a small silver table, which she setdown betwixt her mistress and the prince of Persia. Schemselnihartook some of the best, and presented it to the prince, prayinghim to eat it for her sake; he took it, and put to his mouth thatpart which she had touched; and then he presented some to her, which she took, and ate in the same manner. She did not forget toinvite Ebn Thaher to eat with them; but he thinking himself notsafe in that place, and wishing himself at home, ate only out ofcomplaisance. After the collation was taken away, they brought asilver basin, with water in a vessel of gold, and washedtogether; they afterwards returned to their places, and three ofthe ten black women brought each a cup of rock crystal full ofexquisite wine, upon a golden salver; which they placed beforeSchemselnihar, the prince of Persia, and Ebn Thaher. That theymight be the more private, Schemselnihar kept with her only tenblack women, with ten others who began to sing, and play uponinstruments; and after she had sent away all the rest, she tookup one of the cups, and holding it in her hand sung some tenderwords, which one of her women accompanied with her lute. When shehad done, she drank, and afterwards took up one of the other cupsand presented it to the prince, praying him to drink for love ofher, as she had drunk for love of him. He received the cup with atransport of love and joy; but before he drank, he sung also asong, which another woman accompanied with an instrument: and ashe sang the tears fell from his eyes in such abundance, that hecould not forbear expressing in his song, that he knew notwhether he was going to drink the wine she had presented to him, or his own tears. Schemselnihar at last presented the third cupto Ebn Thaher, who thanked her for her kindness, and for thehonour she did him. 

After this she took a lute from one of her women, and sung to itin such a passionate manner, that she seemed to be transportedout of herself: and the prince of Persia stood with his eyesfixed upon her, as if he had been enchanted. At this instant, hertrusty slave came in great alarm, and addressing herself to hermistress, said, "Madam Mesrour and two other officers, withseveral eunuchs that attend them, are at the gate, and want tospeak with you from the caliph. " When the prince of Persia andEbn Thaher heard these words, they changed colour, and began totremble as if they had been undone: but Schemselnihar whoperceived their agitation, revived their courage by a sigh. 

After Schemselnihar had quieted the fears of the prince of Persiaand Ebn Thaher, she ordered the slave, her confidant, to go andspeak to Mesrour, and the two other officers, till she had putherself in a condition to receive them, and could send her tointroduce them. Immediately she ordered all the windows of' thesaloon to be shut, and the painted cloth on the side of thegarden to be let down: and after having assured the prince andEbn Thaher that they might continue there without any fear, shewent out at the gate leading to the garden, and closed it uponthem: but whatever assurance she had given them of their safety, they were full of apprehension all the while they remained there. 

As soon as Schemselnihar had reached the garden with the womenthat had followed her, she ordered all the seats, which servedthe women who played on the instruments, to be placed near thewindow, where the prince of Persia and Ebn Thaher heard them; andhaving got things in order, she sat down upon her silver throne:she then sent notice to the slave her confidant to bring in thechief of the eunuchs, and his two subaltern officers. 

They appeared, followed by twenty black eunuchs all handsomelyclothed, with cimeters by their sides, and gold belts of fourinches broad. As soon as they perceived the favouriteSchemselnihar at a distance, they made her a profound reverence, which she returned them from her throne. When they approached, she arose and went to meet Mesrour, who advanced first; she askedwhat news he brought? He answered, "Madam, the commander of thefaithful has sent me to signify that he cannot live longerwithout seeing you; he designs to do himself that pleasure thisnight, and I am come to give you notice, that you may be ready toreceive him. He hopes, madam, that you will receive him with asmuch pleasure as he feels impatience to see you. "

At these words the favourite Schemselnihar prostrated herself tothe ground, as a mark of that submission with which she receivedthe caliph's order. When she rose, she said, "Pray tell thecommander of the faithful, that I shall always reckon it my gloryto execute his majesty's commands, and that his slave will do herutmost to receive him with all the respect that is due to him. "At the same time she ordered the slave her confidant to tell theblack women appointed for that service to get the palace ready toreceive the caliph, and dismissing the chief of the eunuchs, saidto him, "You see it requires some time to get all things ready, therefore I entreat you to curb his majesty's impatience, that, when he arrives, he may not find things out of order. "

The chief of the eunuchs and his retinue being gone, Schemselnihar returned to the saloon, extremely concerned at thenecessity she was under of sending back the prince of Persiasooner than she had intended. She came up to him again with tearsin her eyes, which heightened Ebn Thaher's fear, who thought itno good omen. "Madam, " said the prince to her, "I perceive youare come to tell me that we must part: if there be nothing moreto dread, I hope Heaven will give me the patience which isnecessary to support your absence. " "Alas!" replied the tootender Schemselnihar, "how happy do I think you, and how unhappydo 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 youmay comfort yourself with hopes of seeing me again; but as forme, just Heaven! what a terrible trial am I brought to! I mustnot only be deprived of the sight of the only person whom I love, but I must be tormented with the presence of one whom you havemade hateful to me. Will not the arrival of the caliph put me inmind of your departure? And how can I, when I am taken up withyour dear image, express to that prince the joy which he alwaysobserved in my eyes whenever he came to see me? I shall have mymind perplexed when I speak to him, and the least complaisancewhich I shew to his love will stab me to the heart. Can I relishhis kind words and caresses? Think, prince, to what torments Ishall be exposed when I can see you no more. " Her tears and sighshindered her from going on, and the prince of Persia would havereplied, but his own grief, and that of his mistress, deprivedhim of the power of speech. 

Ebn Thaher, who only wished to get out of the palace, was obligedto comfort them, and to exhort them to have patience: but thetrusty slave again interrupted them. "Madam, " said she toSchemselnihar, "you have no time to lose; the eunuchs begin toarrive, and you know the caliph will be here immediately. " "OHeaven! how cruel is this separation!" cried the favourite. "Makehaste, " said she to the confidant, "take them both to the gallerywhich looks into the garden on the one side, and to the Tigris onthe other; and when the night grows dark, let them out by theback gate, that they may retire with safety. " Having spoken thus, she tenderly embraced the prince of Persia, without being able tosay one word more, and went to meet the caliph in such disorderas cannot well be imagined. 

In the mean time, the trusty slave conducted the prince and EbnThaher to the gallery, as Schemselnihar had appointed; and leftthem there, assuring them, as she closed the door upon them, thatthey had nothing to fear, and that she would come for them whenit was time. 

When Schemselnihar's trusty slave had left the prince of Persiaand Ebn Thaher, they forgot she had assured them they had nothingto apprehend. They examined the gallery, and were seized withextreme fear, because they knew no means of escape, if the caliphor any of his officers should happen to come there. 

A great light, which they suddenly beheld through the lattices onthe garden side, caused them to approach them to see from whenceit came. It was occasioned by a hundred flambeaux of white wax, carried by as many young eunuchs: these were followed by morethan a hundred others, who guarded the ladies of the caliph'spalace, clothed, and armed with cimeters, in the same manner asthose I spoke of before; and the caliph came after them, betwixtMesrour their captain on his right, and Vassif their secondofficer on his left hand. 

Schemselnihar waited for the caliph at the entrance of a walk, accompanied by twenty women all of surprising beauty, adornedwith necklaces and ear-rings of large diamonds; they played andsung on their instruments, and formed a charming concert. Thefavourite no sooner saw the prince appear, but she advanced andprostrated herself at his feet; and while she was doing this, "Prince of Persia, " said she, within herself, "if your sad eyeswitness what I do, judge of my hard lot; if I were humblingmyself so before you, my heart would feel no reluctance. "

The caliph was delighted to see Schemselnihar: "Rise, madam, "said he to her, "come near, I am angry with myself that I shouldhave deprived myself so long of the pleasure of seeing you. " Ashe spoke, he took her by the hand, and, with many tenderexpressions, went and sat down upon the silver throne whichSchemselnihar caused to be brought for him, and she sat down on aseat before him. The twenty women made a circle round them uponother seats, while the young eunuchs, who carried flambeaux, dispersed themselves at a certain distance from one another, thatthe caliph might the better enjoy the cool of the evening. 

When the caliph had seated himself, he looked round him, andbeheld with great satisfaction the garden illuminated with manyother lights, besides those flambeaux which the young eunuchsheld; but taking notice that the saloon was shut, expressed hissurprise, and demanded the reason. It was done on purpose tosurprise him; for he had no sooner spoken, than all the windowsflew open at once, and he saw it illuminated within and without, in a much better manner than ever he had beheld it before. "Charming Schemselnihar, " cried he, at this sight, "I understandyou; you would have me know there are as fine nights as days. After what I have seen, I cannot deny this. "

Let us return to the prince of Persia and Ebn Thaher, whom weleft in the gallery. Ebn Thaher could not enough admire all thathe saw: "I am not young, " said he, "and I have seen greatentertainments in my time; but I do not think any thing can beseen so surprising and magnificent! All that is said of enchantedpalaces does not come up to the prodigious spectacle we nowbehold. What riches and magnificence united!"

The prince of Persia was not at all interested by the objectswhich so delighted Ebn Thaher; he could look on nothing butSchemselnihar, and the presence of the caliph threw him intoinconceivable grief. "Dear Ebn Thaher, " he exclaimed, "would toGod I had my mind as much at liberty to attend to those objectsof admiration as you! But alas! I am in a quite differentsituation, all these things serve only to increase my torment. Can I see the caliph familiar with the objets of my love, and notdie of grief? Must so ardent a passion as mine be disturbed withso potent a rival? O heavens! How cruel and strange is mydestiny! It is but a moment since I esteemed myself the mostfortunate lover in the world, and at this instant I feel a deathstroke to my heart. I cannot resist it, my dear Ebn Thaher; mypatience is exhausted, my disorder overwhelms me, and my couragefails. " While he was speaking, he saw something pass in thegarden, which obliged him to be silent and to turn all hisattention that way. 

The caliph had ordered one of the women, who was near him, toplay upon her lute, and she began to sing. The words she sungwere very passionate, and the caliph, persuaded that she sungthus by order of Schemselnihar, who had frequently entertainedhim with the like testimonies of her affection, interpreted themin his own favour. But this was not now Schemselnihar's meaning;she applied them to her dear Ali Ebn Becar, and was so sensiblytouched with grief, to have before her an object whose presenceshe could no longer enjoy, that she fainted and fell backwardsupon her seat, which having no arms to support her, she must havefallen, had not some of the women given her timely assistance, taken her up, and carried her into the saloon. 

Ebn Thaher, who was in the gallery, being surprised at thisaccident, turned towards the prince of Persia; but instead offinding him standing, and looking through the window as before, he was extremely amazed to discover him lying at his feetmotionless. This convinced him of the violence of the prince'spassion for Schemselnihar, and he admired that strange effect ofsympathy, which put him into a mortal fear on account of theplace they were in. He did all he could to recover the prince, but in vain. Ebn Thaher was in this perplexity, whenSchemselnihar's confidant opened the gallery door, and enteredout of breath, as one who knew not where she was. "Comespeedily, " cried she "that I may let you out; all is in confusionhere; and I fear this will be the last of our days. " "Alas! howwould you have us go?" replied Ebn Thaher, with a mournful voice;"approach, and see what a condition the prince of Persia is in. "When the slave saw him in a swoon, she ran for water, andreturned in an instant. 

At last the prince of Persia, after they had thrown water on hisface, recovered. "Prince, " said Ebn Thaher to him, "we run therisk of perishing if we stay here any longer; exert yourself, therefore, let us endeavour to save our lives. " He was so feeble, that he could not rise alone; Ebn Thaher and the confidant lenthim their hands, and supported him on each side. They reached alittle iron gate which opened towards the Tigris, went out at it, and came to the side of a little canal which communicated withthe river. The confidant clapped her hands, and immediately alittle boat appeared, and came towards them with one rower. AliEbn Becar and his comrade went aboard, and the confidant remainedat the side of the canal. As soon as the prince was seated in theboat, he stretched out one hand towards the palace, and layingthe other on his heart, exclaimed with a feeble voice, "Dearobject of my soul, receive my faith with this hand, while Iassure you with the other, that my heart shall for ever preservethe fire with which it burns for you. "

In the mean time the boatman rowed with all his might, andSchemselnihar's confidant accompanied the prince of Persia andEbn Thaher walking along the side of the canal, until they cameto the Tigris, and when she could go no farther she took leave ofthem and returned. 

The prince of Persia continued very feeble. Ebn Thaher comfortedhim, and exhorted him to take courage. "Consider, " said he, "thatwhen we are landed, we have a great way to walk before we reachmy house, and I would not advise you to go to your palace, whichis a great deal farther, at this hour and in this condition. " Atlast they went out of the boat, but the prince had so littlestrength that he could not walk, which put Ebn Thaher into greatperplexity. He recollected he had a friend in the neighbourhood, and carried the prince thither with great difficulty. His friendreceived him very cheerfully, and when he had made them sit down, he asked them where they had been so late. Ebn Thaher answered, "I heard this evening that a man who owed me a considerable sumof money was setting out on a long voyage. I lost no time to findhim, and by the way I met with this young nobleman, to whom I amunder a thousand obligations; for knowing my debtor, he did methe favour to go along with me. We had a great deal of trouble tobring the man to reason. We have at length succeeded, and that isthe cause of our being so late. In our return home, this goodlord, to whom I am for ever bound to shew all possible respect, was attacked by a sudden illness, which made me take the libertyto knock at your door, flattering myself that you would bepleased to lodge us this night. "

Ebn Thaher's friend took all this for truth, told them they werewelcome, and offered the prince of Persia, whom he knew not, allthe assistance he could desire; but Ebn Thaher spoke for theprince, and said, that his distemper was of such a nature as torequire nothing but rest. His friend understood by this that theydesired to go to bed. Upon which he conducted them to anapartment, where he left them. 

Though the prince of Persia slept, he was interrupted bytroublesome dreams, which represented Schemselnihar in a swoon atthe caliph's feet, and increased his affliction. Ebn Thaher wasvery impatient to be at home, and doubted not but his family wasunder great apprehension, because he never used to sleep out. Hearose and departed early in the morning, after he had taken leaveof his friend, who rose at break of day to prayers At last hereached his house, and the first thing the prince of Persia did, who had walked so far with much trouble, was to lie down upon asofa, as weary as if he had been a long journey. Not being in astate to go to his own palace, Ebn Thaher ordered a chamber to beprepared for him, and sent to acquaint his friends with hiscondition, and where he was. In the mean time he begged him tocompose himself, to command in his house, and to dispose of allthings as he pleased. "I thank you heartily for your obligingoffers, " said the prince; "but that I may not be any waystroublesome to you, I conjure you to deal with me as if I werenot at your house. I would not stay one moment, if I thought mypresence would incommode you in the least. "

As soon as Ebn Thaher had time to recollect himself, he told hisfamily all that had passed at Schemselnihar's palace, andconcluded by thanking God, who had delivered him from the dangerhe had been in. The prince of Persia's principal domestics cameto receive his orders at Ebn Thaher's house, and in a little timethere arrived several of his friends, who had notice of hisindisposition. Those friends passed the greatest part of the daywith him; and though their conversation could not extinguishthose melancholy ideas which were the cause of his trouble, yetit afforded him some relief. He would have taken his leave of EbnThaher towards the evening; but this faithful friend found himstill so weak, that he obliged him to stay till next day, and inthe mean time, to divert him, gave a concert of vocal andinstrumental music in the evening; but this concert served onlyto remind him of the preceding night, and renewed his trouble, instead of assuaging it; so that next day his distemper seemed toincrease. Upon this Ebn Thaher did not oppose his going home, buttook care to accompany him; and when he was with him alone in hischamber, he represented to him all those arguments which mightinfluence him to a generous effort to overcome his passion, whichin the end would neither prove fortunate to himself nor to thefavourite. "Ah! dear Ebn Thaher, " exclaimed the prince, "how easyis it for you to give this advice, but how hard for me to followit! I am sensible of its importance, but am not able to profit byit. I have said already, that I shall carry to the grave the loveI bear to Schemselnihar. " When Ebn Thaher saw that he could gainnothing upon the prince, he took his leave, and would haveretired. 

The prince of Persia interrupted him, and said, "Kind Ebn Thaher, since I have declared to you that it is not in my power to followyour wise counsels, I beg you would not charge it on me as acrime, nor forbear to give me the usual testimonies of yourfriendship. You cannot do me a greater favour than to inform meof the destiny of my dear Schemselnihar, when you hear of her. The uncertainty I am in concerning her fate, and theapprehensions her fainting have occasioned in me, keep me in thislanguishing condition you reproach me with. " "My lord, " answeredEbn Thaher, "you have reason to hope that her fainting was notattended with any bad consequences: her confidant will quicklycome and inform me of the issue; and as soon as I know theparticulars, I will not fail to impart them. "

Ebn Thaher left the prince in this hope, and returned home, wherehe expected Schemselnihar's confidant all the rest of the day, but in vain, nor did she come on the following. His uneasiness toknow the state of the prince of Persia's health would not sufferhim to wait any longer without seeing him. He went to his palaceto exhort him to patience, and found him lying on his bed as illas ever, surrounded by a great many of his friends, and severalphysicians, who used all their art to discover the cause of hisdisorder. As soon as he saw Ebn Thaher, he looked at him with asmile, to signify that he had two things to tell him; the one, that he was glad to see him; the other how much the physicians, who could not discover the cause of his illness, were out intheir reasonings. 

His friends and physicians retired one after another, so that EbnThaher being alone with him, approached his bed to ask him how hehad been since he had last seen him. "I must tell you, " answeredthe prince, "that my passion, which continually gathers newstrength, and the uncertainty of the lovely Schemselnihar's fate, augment my disorder every moment, and cast me into such a stateas afflicts my kindred and friends, and breaks the measures of myphysicians, who do not understand it. You cannot think, " headded, "how much I suffer by seeing so many people about me, whoimportune me, and whom I cannot in civility put away. Yourcompany alone relieves me; but I conjure you not to dissemblewith me: what news do you bring of Schemselnihar? Have you seenher confidant? What says she to you?" Ebn Thaher answered, thathe had not seen her yet. No sooner had he communicated to theprince of Persia this sad intelligence, than the tears came intohis eyes; he could not answer one word, his heart was sooppressed. "Prince, " added Ebn Thaher, "suffer me to tell you, that you are too ingenious in tormenting yourself. In the name ofGod, wipe away your tears: if any of your people should come in, they would discover you by this, notwithstanding the care youought to take to conceal your thoughts. " Whatever his judiciousadviser could say, it was not possible for the prince to refrainfrom weeping. "Wise Ebn Thaher, " said he, when he had recoveredhis speech, "I may indeed hinder my tongue from revealing thesecrets of my heart, but I have no power over my tears, upon suchan alarming subject as Schemselnihar's danger. If that adorableand only objets of my desires be no longer in the world, I shallnot survive her a moment. " "Reject so afflicting a thought, "replied Ebn Thaher; "Schemselnihar is yet alive, you need notdoubt it: if you have heard no news of her, it is because shecould find no opportunity to send to you, and I hope you willhear from her to-day. " To this he added several other consolingarguments, and then withdrew. 

Ebn Thaher had scarcely reached his own house, whenSchemselnihar's confidant arrived with a melancholy countenance, which he reckoned a bad omen. He asked news of her mistress. "Tell me yours first, " said the confidant, "for I was in greattrouble to see the prince of Persia go away in that condition. "Ebn Thaher told her all that she wished to know, and when he haddone, the slave began thus: "If the prince of Persia hassuffered, and does still suffer for my mistress, she suffers noless for him. After I departed from you, I returned to thesaloon, where I found Schemselnihar not yet recovered from herswoon, notwithstanding all the assistance they endeavoured togive her. The caliph was sitting near her with all the signs ofreal grief. He asked all the women, and me in particular, if weknew the cause of her disorder; but we kept all secret, and toldhim we were altogether ignorant of it. In the mean time we allwept to see her suffer so long, and forgot nothing that might anyways relieve her. In a word, it was almost midnight before shecame to herself. The caliph, who had the patience to wait theevent, was rejoiced at her recovery, and asked Schemselnihar thecause of her illness. As soon as she heard him speak, sheendeavoured to recover her seat; and after she had kissed hisfeet, before he could hinder her, 'Sir, ' said she, 'I have reasonto complain of heaven, that it did not allow me to expire at yourmajesty's feet to testify thereby how sensible I am of yourfavours. '

"'I am persuaded you love me, ' replied the caliph, 'and I commandyou to preserve yourself for my sake. You have probably exceededin something to-day, which has occasioned this indisposition;take care, I entreat you; abstain from it for the future. I amglad to see you better, and advise you to stay here to-night, andnot return to your chamber, for fear the motion should affectyou. ' He then commanded a little wine to be brought to strengthenher; and taking leave of her, returned to his apartment. 

"As soon as the caliph had departed, my mistress gave me a signto come near her. She asked me earnestly concerning you: Iassured her that you had been gone a long time, which made hereasy on that head. I took care not to speak of the prince ofPersia's fainting, lest she should fall into the same state, fromwhich we had so much trouble to recover her: but my precautionswere in vain, as you shall hear. 'Prince, ' exclaimed she, 'Ihenceforth renounce all pleasure as long as I am deprived of thesight of you. If I have understood your heart right, I onlyfollow your example. You will not cease to weep and mourn until Isee you. ' At these words, which she uttered in a mannerexpressive of the violence of her passion, she fainted a secondtime in my arms. 

"My companions and I were a long time recovering her; at last shecame to herself; and then I said to her, 'Madam, are you resolvedto kill yourself, and to make us also die with you? I entreatyou, in the name of the prince of Persia, who is so deeplyinterested in your life, to preserve it. ' 'I am much obliged toyou, ' replied she, 'for your care, your zeal, and your advice;but alas! they are useless to me: you are not to flatter us withany hopes, for we can expect no end of our torment but in thegrave. '

"One of my companions would have diverted these sad thoughts byplaying on the lute, but she commanded her to be silent, andordered all of them to retire, except me, whom she kept all nightwith her. O heavens! what a night it was! she passed it in tearsand groans, and incessantly naming the prince of Persia. Shelamented her lot, that had destined her to the caliph, whom shecould not love, and not for him whom she loved so dearly. 

"Next morning, as she was not commodiously lodged in the saloon, I helped her to her chamber, which she had no sooner reached, than all the physicians of the palace came to see her, by orderof the caliph, who was not long before he arrived himself. Themedicines which the physicians prescribed to Schemselnihar wereineffectual, because they were ignorant of the cause of hermalady, which was augmented by the presence of the caliph. Shegot a little rest however this night, and as soon as she awoke, she charged me to come to you, to learn some news of the princeof Persia. " "I have already informed you of his case, " said EbnThaher; "so return to your mistress, and assure her, that theprince of Persia waits for some account of her with an impatienceequal to her own. Above all, exhort her to moderation, and toovercome her feelings, for fear she should drop before the caliphsome word, which may prove fatal to us all. " "As for me, " repliedthe confidant, "I confess I dread her transports. I have takenthe liberty to tell her my mind, and am persuaded that she willnot take it ill that I tell her this from you. "

Ebn Thaher, who had but just come from the prince of Persia'slodgings, thought it not convenient to return so soon, andneglect his own important affairs; he therefore went not till theevening. The prince was alone, and no better than in the morning. "Ebn Thaher, " said he to him, as soon as he saw him, "you havedoubtless many friends, but they do not know your worth, whichyou discover to me by your zeal, your care, and the trouble yougive yourself to oblige me. I am confounded with all that you dofor me with so much affection, and I know not how I shall be ableto express my gratitude. " "Prince, " answered Ebn Thaher, "do notspeak thus, I entreat you. I am ready, not only to give one of myeyes to save one of yours, but to sacrifice my life for you. Butthis is not the present business. I come to tell you thatSchemselnihar sent her confidant to ask me about you, and at thesame time to inform me of her condition. You may assure yourselfthat I said nothing but what might confirm the excess of yourpassion for her mistress, and the constancy with which you loveher. " Then Ebn Thaher gave him a particular account of all thathad passed betwixt the trusty slave and him. The prince listenedwith all the different emotions of fear, jealousy, affection, andcompassion, which this conversation could inspire, making, uponevery thing which he heard, all the afflicting or comfortingreflections that so passionate a lover was capable of. 

Their conversation continued so long that the night was faradvanced, so that the prince of Persia obliged Ebn Thaher to staywith him. The next morning, as this trusty friend returned home, there came a woman to him whom he knew to be Schemselnihar'sconfidant, and immediately she spoke to him thus: "My mistresssalutes you, and I am come to entreat you in her name to deliverthis letter to the prince of Persia. " The zealous Ebn Thaher tookthe letter, and returned to the prince, accompanied by theconfidant slave. 

When Ebn Thaher entered the prince of Persia's house withSchemselnihar's confidant, he prayed her to stay, and wait forhim a moment in the ante-room. As soon as the prince saw him, heasked earnestly what news he had to communicate? "The best youcan expect, " answered Ebn Thaher: "you are as dearly beloved asyou love; Schemselnihar's confidant is in your anteroom; she hasbrought you a letter from her mistress, and waits for your ordersto come in. " "Let her enter, " cried the prince, with a transportof joy; and so saying, sat up to receive her. 

The prince's attendants retired as soon as they saw Ebn Thaher, and left him alone with their master. Ebn Thaher opened the doorhimself, and brought in the confidant. The prince knew her, andreceived her with great politeness. "My lord, " said she to him, "I am sensible of the affliction you have endured since I had thehonour to conduct you to the boat which waited to bring you back;but I hope the letter I have brought will contribute to yourcure. " So saying, she presented him the letter. He took it, andafter he had kissed it several times, opened it, and read asfollows:

Letter from Schemselnihar to the Prince of Persia. 

"The person who will deliver to you this letter will give you morecorrect information concerning me than I can, for I have not beenmyself since I saw you. Deprived of your presence, I endeavour todeceive myself by conversing with you by these ill-written lines, withthe same pleasure as if I had the happiness of speaking to you inperson. 

"It is said that patience is a cure for all evils, but instead ofrelieving it heightens my sufferings. Although your picture isdeeply engraver in my heart, my eyes desire to have the originalcontinually before them; and they will lose all their light, ifthey be any considerable time deprived of this felicity. May Iflatter myself that yours have the same impatience to see me?Yes, I can; their tender glances have sufficiently assured me ofthis. How happy, prince, would it be for you, how happy forSchemselnihar, if our united desires were not thwarted byinvincible obstacles; obstacles which afflict me the moresensibly as they affect you. 

"These thoughts which my fingers write, and which I express withincredible pleasure, repeating them again and again, proceed fromthe bottom of my heart, and from the incurable wound which youhave made in it; a wound which I bless a thousand times, notwithstanding the cruel torments I endure through your absence. I would reckon all that opposes our love nothing, were I onlyallowed to see you sometimes with freedom; I should then enjoyyour company, and what could I desire more?

"Do not imagine that I say more than I think. Alas! whateverexpressions I use, I feel that I think more than I can tell you. My eyes, which are continually watching and weeping for yourreturn; my afflicted heart, which desires you alone; the sighsthat escape me as often as I think on you, and that is everymoment; my imagination, which represents no other object to methan my dear prince; the complaints that I make to heaven for therigour of my destiny; in a word, my grief, my distress, mytorments, which have allowed me no ease since I was deprived ofyour presence, will vouch for what I write. 

"Am not I unhappy to be born to dove, without hope of enjoyingthe object of my passion? This afflicting thought oppresses me sothat I should die, were I not persuaded that you love me: butthis sweet comfort balances my despair, and preserves my life. Tell me that you love me always. I will keep your lettercarefully, and read it a thousand times a-day: I shall endure myafflictions with less impatience: I pray heaven may cease to beangry at us, and grant us an opportunity to say that we love oneanother without fear; and that we shall never cease thus to love. Adieu. I salute Ebn Thaher, to whom we are so much obliged. "

The prince of Persia was not satisfied with reading the letteronce; he thought he had perused it with too little attention, andtherefore read it again with more leisure; and while so doing, sometimes heaved deep sighs, sometimes shed tears, and sometimesbroke out into transports of joy and tenderness as the contentsaffected him. In short, he could not keep his eyes off thosecharacters drawn by so beloved a hand, and was beginning to readit a third time, when Ebn Thaher observed to him that theconfidant had no time to lose, and that he ought to think ofgiving an answer. "Alas!" cried the prince, "how would you haveme reply to so kind a letter! In what terms shall I expressmyself in my present disturbed state! My mind is tossed with athousand tormenting thoughts, which are lost the moment they areconceived, to make way for others. So long as my body isinfluenced by the impressions of my mind, how shall I be able tohold the paper, or guide a reed to write. "

So saying, he took out of a little desk which was near him, paper, a cane ready cut, and an inkhorn. 

The prince of Persia, before he began to write, gaveSchemselnihar's letter to Ebn Thaher, and prayed him to hold itopen while he wrote, that by casting his eyes upon it he mightthe better see what to answer. He began to write; but the tearsthat fell from his eyes upon the paper obliged him several timesto stop, that they might fall the more freely. At last hefinished his letter, and giving it to Ebn Thaher, "Read it, Ipray, " said he, "and do me the favour to see if the disorder ofmy mind has allowed me to give a favourable answer. " Ebn Thahertook it, and read as follows:

The Prince of Persia's Answer to Schemselnihar's Letter. 

"I was plunged in the deepest grief when I received your letter, but at the sight of it I was transported with unspeakable joy. When I beheld the characters written by your fair hand, my eyeswere enlightened by a stronger light than they lost, when yourswere suddenly closed at the feet of my rival. The words containedin your kind epistle are so many rays which have dispelled thedarkness wherewith my soul was obscured; they shew me how muchyou suffer from your love of me, and that you are not ignorant ofwhat I endure on your account. Thus they comfort me in myafflictions. On the one hand they cause me to shed tears inabundance; and on the other, inflame my heart with a fire whichsupports it, and prevents my dying of grief. I have not had onemoment's rest since our cruel separation. Your letter alone gaveme some ease. I kept a mournful silence till the moment Ireceived it, and then recovered my speech. I was buried inprofound melancholy, but it inspired me with joy, whichimmediately appeared in my eyes and countenance. But my surpriseat receiving a favour which I had not yet deserved was so great, that I knew not how to begin to testify my thankfulness. In aword, after having kissed it several times, as a precious pledgeof your goodness, I read it over and over, and was confounded atthe excess of my good fortune. You would have me declare that Ialways love you. Ah! did I not love you so perfectly as I do, Icould not forbear adoring you, after all the marks you have givenme of an affection so uncommon: yes, I love you, my dear soul, and shall account it my glory to burn all my days with that sweetfire you have kindled in my heart. I will never complain of thatardour with which I feel it consumes me: and how rigorous soeverthe evils I suffer, I will bear them with fortitude, in hopessome time or other to see you. Would to heaven it were to-day, and that, instead of sending you my letter, I might be allowed tocome and assure you in person, that I die for you! My tearshinder me from saying more. Adieu. "

Ebn Thaher could not read these last lines without weeping. Hereturned the letter to the prince of Persia, and assured him itwanted no correction. The prince closed it, and when he hadsealed it, he desired the trusty slave to come near, and said toher, "This is my answer to you dear mistress's letter. I conjureyou to carry it to her, and to salute her in my name. " The slavetook the letter, and retired with Ebn Thaher. 

After Ebn Thaher had walked some way with the slave, he left her, and went to his house, and began to think in earnest upon theamorous intrigue in which he found himself unhappily engaged. Heconsidered, that the prince of Persia and Schemselnihar, notwithstanding their interest to conceal their correspondence, conducted themselves with so little discretion, that it could notbe long a secret. He drew all the consequences from it, which aman of good sense might have anticipated. "Were Schemselnihar, "said he to himself, "a lady of common rank, I would contributeall in my power to make her and her lover happy; but she is thecaliph's favourite, and no man can without danger attempt toengage the affections of the objets of his choice. His angerwould fall in the first instance on Schemselnihar; it will nextcost the prince of Persia his life, and I should be involved inhis misfortune. In the mean time I have my honour, my quiet, myfamily, and my property to preserve. I must, while I can, extricate myself out of such a perilous situation. "

These thoughts occupied his mind all that day. Next morning hewent to the prince of Persia, with a design of making one moreeffort to induce him to conquer his passion. He represented tohim what he had before urged in vain; that it would be muchbetter for him to summon all his resolution, to overcome hisinclination for Schemselnihar, than to suffer himself to behurried away by it; and that his passion was so much the moredangerous, as his rival was powerful. "In short, sir, " added he, "if you will hearken to me, you ought to think of nothing but totriumph over your love; otherwise you run the risk of destroyingyourself with Schemselnihar, whose life ought to be dearer to youthan your own. I give you this advice as a friend, for which youwill some time or other thank me. "

The prince heard Ebn Thaher with great impatience, but sufferedhim to speak his mind, and then replied to him thus: "Ebn Thaher, do you think I can cease to love Schemselnihar, who loves me sotenderly? She is not afraid to expose her life for me, and wouldyou have me regard mine? No; whatever misfortunes befall me, Iwill love Schemselnihar to my last breath. "

Ebn Thaher, shocked at the obstinacy of the prince of Persia, left him hastily, and going to his own house, recalled his formerreflections, and began to think seriously what he should do. Inthe mean time a jeweller, one of his intimate friends, came tosee him. The jeweller had perceived that Schemselnihar'sconfidant came oftener to Ebn Thaher than usual, and that he wasconstantly with the prince of Persia, whose sickness was known toevery one, though not the cause. This had awakened the jeweller'ssuspicions, and finding Ebn Thaher very pensive, he presentlyjudged that he was perplexed with some important affair, andfancying that he knew the cause, he asked what Schemselnihar'sconfidant wanted with him? Ebn Thaher being struck with thisquestion, would have dissembled, and told him, that it was onsome trifling errand she came so frequently to him. "You do nottell me the truth, " said the jeweller, "and your dissimulationonly serves to prove to me that this trifle is a more importantaffair than at first I thought it to be. "

Ebn Thaher, perceiving that his friend pressed him so much, saidto him, "It is true, that it is an affair of the greatestconsequence. I had resolved to keep it secret, but since I knowhow much you are my friend, I choose rather to make you myconfidant, than to suffer you to be under a mistake about it. Ido not bind you to secrecy, for you will easily judge by what Iam going to tell you how impossible it is to keep it unknown. "After this preamble, he told him the amour between Schemselniharand the prince of Persia. "You know, " he continued, "in whatesteem I am at court, in the city, and with lords and ladies ofthe greatest quality; what a disgrace would it be for me, shouldthis rash amour come to be discovered? But what do I say; shouldnot I and my family be completely ruined! That is what perplexesmy mind; but I have just formed my resolution: I will goimmediately and satisfy my creditors, and recover my debts, andwhen I have secured my property, will retire to Bussorah, andstay till the storm, that I foresee, is blown over. My friendshipfor Schemselnihar and the prince of Persia makes me very sensibleto what dangers they are exposed. I pray heaven to convince themof their peril, and to preserve them; but if their evil destinyshould bring their attachment to the knowledge of the caliph, Ishall, at least, be out of the reach of his resentment; for I donot think them so wicked as to design to involve me in theirmisfortunes. It would be the height of ingratitude, and a badreward for the service I have done them, and the good advice Ihave given, particularly to the prince of Persia, who may saveboth himself and his mistress from this precipice. He may aseasily leave Bagdad as I; and absence will insensibly disenagehim from a passion, which will only increase whilst he continuesin this place. "

The jeweller was extremely surprised at what Ebn Thaher told him. "What you say, " said he, "is of so much importance, that I cannotunderstand how Schemselnihar and the prince could have abandonedthemselves to such a violent passion. What inclination soeverthey may have for one another, instead of yielding to it, theyought to resist it, and make a better use of their reason. Is itpossible they can be insensible of the danger of theircorrespondence? How deplorable is their blindness! I anticipateall its consequences as well as yourself; but you are wise andprudent, and I approve your resolution; as it is the only way todeliver yourself from the fatal events which you have reason tofear. " After this conversation the jeweller rose, and took hisleave of Ebn Thaher. 

Before the jeweller retired, Ebn Thaher conjured him by thefriendship betwixt them, to say nothing of what he had heard. "Fear not, " replied the jeweller, "I will keep this secret at theperil of my life. "

Two days after, the jeweller went to Ebn Thaher's shop, andseeing it shut, he doubted not but he had executed his design;but, to be more sure, he asked a neighbour, if he knew why it wasnot opened? The neighbour answered that he knew not, unless EbnThaher was gone a journey. There was no need of his enquiringfarther, and he immediately thought of the prince of Persia:"Unhappy prince, " said he to himself, "what will be your griefwhen you hear this news? How will you now carry on yourcorrespondence with Schemselnihar? I fear you will die ofdespair. I pity you, and must repair your loss of a too timidconfidant. "

The business that obliged him to come abroad was of noconsequence, so that he neglected it, and though he had noknowledge of the prince of Persia, only by having sold him somejewels, he went to his house. He addressed himself to one of hisservants, and desired him to tell his master, that he wished tospeak with him about business of very great importance. Theservant returned immediately to the jeweller, and introduced himto the prince's chamber. He was leaning on a sofa, with his headon a cushion. As soon as the prince saw him, he rose up toreceive and welcome him, and entreated him to sit down; asked himif he could serve him in any thing, or if he came to tell him anything interesting concerning himself. "Prince, " answered thejeweller, "though I have not the honour to be particularlyacquainted with you, yet the desire of testifying my zeal hasmade me take the liberty to come to your house, to impart to youa piece of news that concerns you. I hope you will pardon myboldness for my good intention. "

After this introduction, the jeweller entered upon the matter, and continued: "Prince, I shall have the honour to tell you, thatit is a long time since conformity of disposition, and somebusiness we have had together, united Ebn Thaher and myself instrict friendship. I know you are acquainted with him, and thathe has employed himself in obliging you to his utmost. I havelearnt this from himself, for he keeps nothing secret from me, nor I from him. I went just now to his shop, and was surprised tofind it shut. I addressed myself to one of his neighbours, to askthe reason; he answered me, that two days ago Ebn Thaher tookleave of him, and other neighbours, offering them his service atBussorah, whither he is gone, said he, about an affair of greatimportance. Not being satisfied with this answer, my concern forhis welfare determined me to come and ask if you knew any thingparticular concerning this his sudden departure. "

At this discourse, which the jeweller accommodated to thesubject, the better to compass his design, the prince of Persiachanged colour, and looked at the jeweller in a manner whichconvinced him how much he was disconcerted at the intelligence. "I am surprised at what you inform me, " said he; "a greatermisfortune could not befall me: Ah!" he continued, with tears inhis eyes, "if what you tell me be true, I am undone! Has EbnThaher, who was all my comfort, in whom I put all my confidence, left me? I cannot think of living after so cruel a blow. "

The jeweller needed no more to convince him fully of the princeof Persia's violent passion, which Ebn Thaher had told him of:mere friendship would not make him speak so; nothing but lovecould produce such lively sensations. 

The prince continued some moments absorbed in melancholythoughts; at last he lifted up his head, and calling one of hisservants, said, "Go, to Ebn Thaher's house, and ask some of hisdomestics if he be gone to Bussorah: run, and come back quicklywith the answer. " While the servant was gone, the jewellerendeavoured to entertain the prince of Persia with indifferentsubjects; but the prince gave little heed to him. He was a preyto fatal grief: sometimes he could not persuade himself that EbnThaher was gone, and at others he did not doubt of it, when hereflected upon the conversation he had had with him the last timehe had seen him, and the abrupt manner in which he had left him. 

At last the prince's servant returned, and reported that he hadspoken with one of Ebn Thaher's servants, who assured him that hehad been gone two days to Bussorah. "As I came from Ebn Thaher'shouse, " added the servant, "a slave well dressed met me, andafter she had asked me if I had the honour to belong to you, toldme she wanted to speak with you, and begged at the same time thatshe might accompany me: she is in the outer room, and I believehas a letter to deliver to you from some person of consequence. "The prince commanded her to be immediately introduced, notdoubting but it was Schemselnihar's confidant slave, as indeed itwas. The jeweller knew her, having seen her several times at EbnThaher's house: she could not have come at a better time to savethe prince from despair. She saluted him. The prince of Persiareturned the salute of Schemselnihar's confidant. The jewellerarose as soon as he saw her and retired, to leave them at libertyto converse together. The confidant, after she had spoken sometime with the prince, took her leave and departed. She left himquite another person from what he was before; his eyes appearedbrighter, and his countenance more gay, which satisfied thejeweller that the good slave came to tell him somethingfavourable to his amour. 

The jeweller having taken his place again near the prince, saidto him smiling, "I see, prince, you have business of importanceat the caliph's palace. " The prince of Persia, astonished andalarmed at these words, answered the jeweller, "What leads you tosuppose that I have business at the caliph's palace?" "I judgeso, " replied the jeweller, "by the slave who has just left you. ""And to whom, think you, belongs this slave?" demanded theprince. "To Schemselnihar the caliph's favourite, " answered thejeweller: "I know, " continued he, "both the slave and hermistress, who has several times done me the honour to come to myhouse, and buy jewels. Besides, I know that Schemselnihar keepsnothing secret from this slave; and I have seen her passbackwards and forwards for several days along the streets, as Ithought very much troubled; I imagined that it was for someaffair of consequence concerning her mistress. "

The jeweller's words greatly troubled the prince of Persia. "Hewould not say so, " said he to himself, "if he did not suspect, orrather were not acquainted with my secret. " He remained silentfor some time, not knowing what course to take. At last he began, and said to the jeweller, "You have told me things which make mebelieve that you know yet more than you have acquainted me with;it concerns my repose that I be perfectly informed; I conjure youtherefore not to conceal any thing from me. "

Then the jeweller, who desired nothing more, gave him aparticular account of what had passed betwixt Ebn Thaher andhimself. He informed him that he was apprised of hiscorrespondence with Schemselnihar and forgot not to tell himthat Ebn Thaher, alarmed at the danger of being his confidant inthe matter, had communicated to him his intention of retiring toBussorah, until the storm which he dreaded should be blown over. "This he has executed, " added the jeweller, "and I am surprisedhow he could determine to abandon you, in the condition heinformed me you were in. As for me, prince, I confess, I am movedwith compassion towards you, and am come to offer you my service. If you do me the favour to accept of it, I engage myself to be asfaithful to you as Ebn Thaher; besides, I promise to be moreresolute. I am ready to sacrifice my honour and life for you:and, that you may not doubt of my sincerity, I swear by all thatis sacred in our religion, to keep your secret inviolable. Bepersuaded then, prince, that you will find in me the friend whomyou have lost. " This declaration encouraged the prince, andcomforted him under Ebn Thaher's absence. "I am glad, " said he tothe jeweller, "to find in you a reparation of my loss; I wantwords to express the obligations I am under to you. I pray God torecompense your generosity, and I accept your obliging offer withall my heart. Believe me, " continued he, "Schemselnihar'sconfidant came to speak to me concerning you. She told me that itwas you who advised Ebn Thaher to go from Bagdad; these were thelast words she spoke to me, as she went away, and she seemedpersuaded of what she said; but they do not do you justice. Idoubt not, after what you have told me, she is deceived. ""Prince" replied the jeweller, "I have had the honour to give youa faithful account of my conversation with Ebn Thaher. It istrue, when he told me he meant to retire to Bussorah, I did notoppose his design; but let not this prevent your puttingconfidence in me. I am ready to serve you with all imaginablezeal. If you do not use my service, this shall not hinder me fromkeeping your secret religiously, according to my oath. " "I havealready told you, " replied the prince, "that I did not believewhat the confidant said: it is her zeal which inspired her withthis groundless suspicion, and you ought to excuse it, as I do. "

They continued their conversation for some time, and consultedtogether about the most convenient means to keep up the prince'scorrespondence with Schemselnihar. They agreed to begin byundeceiving the confidant, who was so unjustly prepossessedagainst the jeweller. The prince engaged to remove her mistakethe first time he saw her again, and to intreat her to addressherself to the jeweller whenever she might bring letters, or anyother information from her mistress to him. In short, theydetermined, that she ought not to come so frequently to theprince's house, because thereby she might lead to the discoveryof what it was of so great importance to conceal. At last thejeweller arose, and, after having again intreated the prince ofPersia to place an unreserved confidence in him, withdrew. 

The jeweller returning to his house perceived before him aletter, which somebody had dropped in the street. He took it up, and as it was not sealed, he opened it, and read as follows:

Letter from Schemselnihar to the Prince of Persia. 

"I have received from my confidant intelligence which gives me noless concern than it must give you. In Ebn Thaher, we have indeedsustained a great loss; but let this not hinder you, dear prince, from thinking of your own preservation. If our friend hasabandoned us through fear, let us consider that it is amisfortune which we could not avoid. I confess Ebn Thaher hasleft us at a time when we most needed his assistance; but let usbear this unexpected stroke with patience, and let us not forbearto love one another constantly. Fortify your heart under thismisfortune. The object of our wishes is not to be obtainedwithout trouble. Let us not be discouraged, but hope that heavenwill favour us, and that, after so many afflictions, we shall seea happy accomplishment of our desires. Adieu. "

While the jeweller was conversing with the prince of Persia, theconfidant had time to return to the palace and communicate to hermistress the ill news of Ebn Thaher's departure. Schemselniharimmediately wrote this letter, and sent back her confidant withit to the prince of Persia, but she negligently dropped it on herway. 

The jeweller was glad to find it, for it furnished him with anopportunity of justifying himself to the confidant, and bringingher to the point he desired. When he had read it, he perceivedthe slave seeking for it with the greatest anxiety. He closed itagain quickly, and put it into his bosom; but the slave observedhim, and running to him, said, "Sir, I have dropped a letter, which you had just now in your hand; I beseech you to restoreit. " The jeweller, pretending not to hear her, continued his waytill he came to his house. He left his door open, that theconfidant, who followed him, might enter after him. She followedhim in, and when she came to his apartment, said, "Sir, you canmake no use of that letter you have found, and you would nothesitate to return it to me, if you knew from whom it came, andto whom it is directed. Besides, allow me to tell you, you cannothonestly keep it. "

Before the jeweller returned her any answer he made her sit down, and then said to her, "Is not this letter from Schemselnihar, andis it not directed to the prince of Persia?" The slave, whoexpected no such question, blushed. "The question embarrassesyou, " continued he; "but I assure you I do not put it rashly: Icould have given you the letter in the street, but I wished youto follow me, on purpose that I might come to some explanationwith you. Is it just, tell me, to impute a misfortune to personswho have no ways contributed towards it? Yet this you have done, in telling the prince of Persia that it was I who advised EbnThaher to leave Bagdad for his own safety. I do not intend towaste time in justifying myself; it is enough that the prince ofPersia is fully persuaded of my innocence; I will only tell you, that instead of contributing to Ebn Thaher's departure, I havebeen extremely afflicted at it, not so much from my friendship tohim, as out of compassion for the condition in which he left theprince of Persia, whose correspondence with Schemselnihar he hasdiscovered to me. As soon as I knew certainly that Ebn Thaher wasgone from Bagdad, I went and presented myself to the prince, inwhose house you found me, to inform him of this event, and tooffer to undertake the service in which he had been employed; andprovided you put the same confidence in me, that you did in EbnThaher, it will be your own fault if you do not make myassistance of use to you. Inform your mistress of what I havetold you, and assure her, that though I should die for engagingin so dangerous an intrigue, I should not repent of havingsacrificed myself for two lovers so worthy of one another. "

The confidant, after having heard the jeweller with greatsatisfaction, begged him to pardon the ill opinion she hadconceived of him, for the zeal she had for her mistress'sinterest. "I am beyond measure glad, " she added, "thatSchemselnihar and the prince have found in you a person so fit tosupply Ebn Thaher's place I will not fail to convince my mistressof the good-will you bear her. "

After the confidant had testified to the jeweller her joy to seehim so well disposed to serve Schemselnihar and the prince ofPersia, the jeweller took the letter out of his bosom, andrestored it to her, saying, "Go, carry it quickly to the prince, and return this way that I may see his reply. Forget not to givehim an account of our conversation. "

The confidant took the letter and carried it to the prince, whoanswered it immediately. She returned to the jeweller's house toshew him the answer, which was in these words:

The Prince of Persia's Answer to Schemselnihar. 

"Your precious letter has had a great effect upon me, but not sogreat as I could have wished. You endeavour to comfort me for theloss of Ebn Thaher; alas! however sensible I am of this, it isbut the least of my troubles. You know these troubles, and youknow also that your presence alone can cure me. When will thetime come that I shall enjoy it without fear of a separation? Howdistant does it seem to me! or shall we flatter ourselves that wemay ever see it? You command me to preserve myself; I will obeyyou, since I have renounced my own will to follow only yours. Adieu. "

After the jeweller had read this letter, he returned it to theconfidant, who said, as she was going away, "I will desire my mistressto put the same confidence in you that she did in Ebn Thaher. Youshall hear of me to-morrow. " Accordingly, next day she returned with apleasant countenance. "Your very looks, " said he to her, "inform methat you have brought Schemselnihar to the point you wished. " "It istrue, " replied the confidant, "and you shall hear how I succeeded. Ifound yesterday, on my return, Schemselnihar expecting me withimpatience, I gave her the prince of Persia's letter, and she read itwith tears in her eyes. When she had done, I saw that she hadabandoned herself to her usual sorrow. 'Madam, ' said I to her, 'it isdoubtless Ebn Thaher's removal that troubles you; but suffer me toconjure you in the name of God, to alarm yourself no farther on thisaccount. We have found another Ebn Thaher, who offers to oblige youwith equal zeal; and, what is yet more important, with greatercourage. ' Then I spoke to her of you, " continued the slave, "andacquainted her with the motive which led you to the prince of Persia'shouse. In short, I assured her that you would keep inviolably thesecret betwixt her and the prince of Persia, and that you wereresolved to favour their amour with all your might. She seemed to bemuch relieved by my discourse. 'Ah! what obligations, ' said she, 'arethe prince of Persia and I under to that honest man you speak of! Imust be acquainted with him and see him, that I may hear from his ownmouth what you tell me, and thank him for such unheard-of generositytowards persons on whose account he is no way obliged to interesthimself. The sight of him will give me pleasure, and I shall omitnothing to confirm him in those good sentiments. Fail not to bring himto me to-morrow. ' Therefore, sir, be so good as to accompany me to thepalace. "

The confidant's proposal perplexed the jeweller. "Your mistress, "replied he, "must allow me to say that she has not dulyconsidered what she requires of me. Ebn Thaher's access to thecaliph gave him admission every where; and the officers who knewhim, allowed him free access to Schemselnihar's palace; but asfor me, how dare I enter? You see clearly that it is impossible. I entreat you to represent to Schemselnihar the reasons whichprevent me from affording her that satisfaction; and acquaint herwith all the ill consequences that would attend my compliance. Ifshe considered it ever so little, she would find that it wouldexpose me needlessly to very imminent danger. "

The confidant endeavoured to encourage the jeweller. "Can youbelieve, " said she, "that Schemselnihar is so unreasonable as toexpose you to the least danger by bringing you to her, from whomshe expects such important services? Consider with yourself thatthere is not the least appearance of risk. My mistress and I aretoo much interested in this affair to involve you in any danger. You may depend upon me, and leave yourself to my conduit. Afterthe thing is over you will be the first to confess that yourapprehensions were groundless. "

The jeweller yielded to the confidant's assurances, and rose upto follow her, but notwithstanding his boasted courage, he wasseized with such terror that his whole body trembled. "In yourpresent state, " said she, "I perceive it will be better for youto remain at home, and that Schemselnihar should take othermeasures to see you. It is not to be doubted but that to satisfyher desire she will come hither herself: the case being so, sir, I would not have you go: I am persuaded it will not be long ereyou see her here. " The confidant foresaw this; for she no soonerinformed Schemselnihar of the jeweller's fear, but she preparedto go to his house. 

He received her with all the expressions of profound respect. When she sat down, being a little fatigued, she unveiled herself, and exhibited to the jeweller such beauty as convinced him thatthe prince of Persia was excusable in giving his heart to thecaliph's favourite. Then she saluted the jeweller with a gracefulair, and said to him, "I could not hear with what zeal you haveengaged in the prince of Persia's concerns and mine, withoutimmediately determining to express my gratitude in person. Ithank heaven for having so soon made up to us the loss of EbnThaher. "

Schemselnihar said many other obliging things to the jeweller, after which she returned to her palace. The jeweller wentimmediately to give an account of this visit to the prince ofPersia; who said to him, as soon as he saw him, "I have expectedyou impatiently. The trusty slave has brought me a letter fromher mistress, but it does not relieve me. Whatever the lovelySchemselnihar says, I dare not hope, and my patience isexhausted; I know not now what measures to pursue; Ebn Thaher'sdeparture reduces me to despair. He was my only support: in him Ihave lost every thing. I had flattered myself with some hopes byreason of his access to Schemselnihar. "

After these words, which the prince spoke with so much eagerness, that he gave the jeweller no time to interrupt him, he said tothe prince, "No man can take more interest in your afflictionthan I do; and if you will have patience to hear me you willperceive that I can relieve you. " Upon this the prince becamesilent, and listened to him. "I see, " said the jeweller, "thatthe only way to give you satisfaction is to devise a plan thatwill afford you an opportunity of conversing freely withSchemselnihar. This I wish to procure you, and to-morrow willmake the attempt. You must by no means expose yourself to enterSchemselnihar's palace; you know by experience the danger of thatstep. I know a fitter place for this interview, where you will besafe. " When the jeweller had finished, the prince embraced himwith transports of joy. "You revive, " said he, "by this promise, a wretched lover, who was condemned to die. You have fullyrepaired the loss of Ebn Thaher; whatever you do will be wellperformed; I leave myself entirely to your conduct. "

After the prince had thus thanked him for his zeal, the jewellerreturned home, and next morning Schemselnihar's confidant came tohim. He told her that he had given the prince of Persia hopesthat he should shortly see her mistress. "I am come on purpose, "answered she, "to concert measures with you for that end. I thinkthis house will be convenient enough for their interview. " "Icould receive them very well here, " replied he, "but I think theywill have more liberty in another house of mine where no oneresides at present; I will immediately furnish it for theirreception. " "There remains nothing then for me to do, " repliedthe confidant, "but to bring Schemselnihar to consent to this. Iwill go and speak to her, and return speedily with an answer. "

She was as diligent as her promise, and returning to thejeweller, told him that her mistress would not fail to keep theappointment in the evening. In the mean time she gave him apurse, and told him it was to prepare a collation. He carried herimmediately to the house where the lovers were to meet, that shemight know whither to bring her mistress: and when she was gone, he went to borrow from his friends gold and silver plate, tapestry, rich cushions, and other furniture, with which hefurnished the house very magnificently; and when he had put allthings in order, went to the prince of Persia. 

You may easily conceive the prince of Persia's joy, when thejeweller told him that he came to conduct him to the house he hadprepared to receive him and Schemselnihar. This news made himforget all his former trouble. He put on a magnificent robe, andwent without his retinue along with the jeweller; who led himthrough several by-streets that nobody might observe them, and atlast brought him to the house, where they conversed togetheruntil Schemselnihar's arrival. 

They did not wait long for this passionate lover. She came afterevening prayer, with her confidant, and two other slaves. It isimpossible to express the excess of joy that seized these twolovers when they saw one another. They sat down together upon asofa, looking upon one another for some time, without being ableto speak, they were so much overjoyed: but when their speechreturned, they soon made up for their silence. They said to eachother so many tender things, as made the jeweller, the confidant, and the two other slaves weep. The jeweller however restrainedhis tears, to attend the collation, which he brought in himself. The lovers ate and drank little, after which they sat down againupon the sofa: Schemselnihar asked the jeweller if he had a lute, or any other instrument, The jeweller, who took care to provideall that could please her, brought her a lute: she spent sometime in tuning it, and then sung. 

While Schemselnihar was charming the prince of Persia, andexpressing her passion by words composed extempore, a great noisewas heard; and immediately the slave, whom the jeweller hadbrought with him, came in great alarm to tell him that somepeople were breaking in at the gate; that he asked who they were, but instead of any answer the blows were redoubled. The jeweller, being alarmed, left Schemselnihar and the prince to informhimself of the truth of this intelligence. No sooner had he gotto the court, than he perceived, notwithstanding the darkness ofthe night, a company of men armed with spears and cimeters, whohad broken the gate, and came directly towards him. He stoodclose to a wall for fear of his life, and saw ten of them passwithout being perceived by them. Finding he could give no greatassistance to the prince of Persia and Schemselnihar, hecontented himself with lamenting their fate, and fled for refugeto a neighbour's house, who was not yet gone to bed. He did notdoubt but this unexpected violence was by the caliph's order, who, he thought, had been informed of his favourite's meeting theprince of Persia there. He heard a great noise in his house, which continued till midnight: and when all was quiet, as hethought, he desired his neighbour to lend him a cimeter; andbeing thus armed, went on till he came to the gate of his ownhouse: 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 hisown slave. "How did you manage, " said he, "to avoid being takenby the watch?" "Sir, " answered the slave, "I hid myself in acorner of the court, and I went out as soon as I heard the noise. But it was not the watch who broke into your house: they wererobbers, who within these few days robbed another house in thisneighbourhood. They doubtless had notice of the rich furnitureyou brought hither, and had that in view. "

The jeweller thought his slave's conjecture probable enough. Heentered the house, and saw that the robbers had taken all thefurniture out of the apartment where he received Schemselniharand her lover, that they had also carried off the gold and silverplate, and, in a word, had left nothing. Perceiving thisdesolation, he exclaimed, "O heaven! I am irrecoverably ruined!What will my friends say, and what excuse can I make when I shalltell them that the robbers have broken into my house, and robbedme of all they had generously lent me? I shall never be able tomake up their loss. Besides, what is become of Schemselnihar andthe prince of Persia? This business will be so public, that itwill be impossible but it must reach the caliph's ears. He willget notice of this meeting, and I shall fall a sacrifice to hisfury. " The slave, who was very much attached to him, endeavouredto comfort him. "As to Schemselnihar, " said he, "the robberswould probably consent themselves with stripping her, and youhave reason to think that she is retired to her palace with herslaves. The prince of Persia too has probably escaped, so thatyou have reason to hope the caliph will never know of thisadventure. As for the loss your friends have sustained, that is amisfortune that you could not avoid. They know very well therobbers are numerous, that they have not only pillaged the houseI have already spoken of, but many other houses of the principalnoblemen of the court: and they are not ignorant that, notwithstanding the orders given to apprehend them, nobody hasbeen yet able to seize any of them. You will be acquitted byrestoring your friends the value of the things that are stolen, and, blessed be God, you will have enough left. "

While they were waiting for day-light, the jeweller ordered theslave to mend the street door, which was broken, as well as hecould: after which he returned to his usual residence with hisslave, making melancholy reflections on what had happened. "EbnThaher, " said he to himself, "has been wiser than I; he foresawthe misfortune into which I have blindly thrown myself: would toGod I had never meddled in this intrigue, which will, perhaps, cost me my life!"

It was scarcely day when the report of the robbery spread throughthe city, and a great many of his friends and neighbours came tohis house to express their concern for his misfortune; but werecurious to know the particulars. He thanked them for theiraffection, and had at least the consolation, that he heard no onemention Schemselnihar or the prince of Persia: which made himbelieve they were at their houses, or in some secure place. 

When the jeweller was alone, his servants brought him somethingto eat, but he had no appetite. About noon one of his slaves cameto tell him there was a man at the gate, whom he knew not, thatdesired to speak with him. The jeweller, not choosing to receivea stranger into his house, rose up, and went to speak to him. "Though you do not know me, " said the man; "I know you, and I amcome to talk to you about an important affair. " The jewellerdesired him to come in. "No, " answered the stranger "if youplease, rather take the trouble to go with me to your otherhouse. " "How know you, " asked the jeweller, "that I have anotherhouse?" "I know very well, " answered the stranger; "follow me, and do not fear any thing: I have something to communicate whichwill please you. " The jeweller went immediately with him; andafter he had considered by the way how the house they were goingto had been robbed, he said to him that it was not fit to receivehim. 

When they were before the house, and the stranger saw the gatehalf broken down, he said to the jeweller, "I see you have toldme the truth. I will conduct you to a place where we shall bebetter accommodated. " When he had thus spoken, he went on, andwalked all the rest of the day without stopping. The jewellerbeing fatigued with his walk, vexed to see night approach, andthat the stranger went on without telling him where he was going, began to lose his patience, when they came to a path which led tothe Tigris. As soon as they reached the river, they embarked in alittle boat, and went over. The stranger led the jeweller througha long street, where he had never been before; and after he hadbrought him through several by-streets, he stopped at a gate, which he opened. He made the jeweller go in before him, he thenshut and bolted the gate, with a huge iron bolt, and conductedhim to a chamber, where there were ten other men, all of them asgreat strangers to the jeweller as he who had brought him hither. 

These ten men received him without much ceremony. They desiredhim to sit down, of which he had great need; for he was not onlyout of breath with walking so far, but his terror at findinghimself with people whom he thought he had reason to fear wouldhave disabled him from standing. They waited for their leader togo to supper, and as soon as he came it was served up. Theywashed their hands, obliged the jeweller to do the like, and tosit at table with them. After supper the men asked him, if heknew whom he spoke to? He answered, "No; and that he knew not theplace he was in. " "Tell us your last night's adventure, " saidthey to him, "and conceal nothing from us. " The jeweller, beingastonished at this request, answered, "Gentlemen, it is probableyou know it already. " "That is true, " replied they; "the youngman and the young lady, who were at your house yesternight, toldit us; but we would know it from your own mouth. " The jewellerneeded no more to inform him that he spoke to the robbers who hadbroken into and plundered his house. "Gentlemen, " said he, "I ammuch troubled for that young man and lady; can you give me anytidings of them?"

Upon the jeweller's inquiry of the thieves, if they knew anything of the young man and the young lady, they answered, "Be notconcerned for them, they are safe and well, " so saying, theyshewed him two closets, where they assured him they wereseparately shut up. They added, "We are informed you alone knowwhat relates to them, which we no sooner came to understand, butwe shewed them all imaginable respect, and were so far from doingthem any injury, that we treated them with all possible kindnesson your account. We answer for the same, " proceeded they, "foryour own person, you may put unlimited confidence in us. "

The jeweller being encouraged by this assurance, and overjoyed tohear that the prince of Persia and Schemselnihar were safe, resolved to engage the robbers yet farther in their interest. Hecommended them, flattered them, and gave them a thousandbenedictions. "Gentlemen, " said he, "I must confess I have notthe honour to know you, yet it is no small happiness to me that Iam not wholly unknown to you; and I can never be sufficientlygrateful for the favours which that knowledge has procured me atyour hands. Not to mention your great humanity, I am fullypersuaded now, that persons of your character are capable ofkeeping a secret faithfully, and none are so fit to undertake agreat enterprise, which you can best bring to a good issue byyour zeal, courage, and intrepidity. Confiding in thesequalities, which are so much your due, I hesitate not to tell youmy whole history, with that of those two persons you found in myhouse, with all the fidelity you desire me. "

After the jeweller had thus secured, as he thought, theconfidence of the robbers, he made no scruple to relate to themthe whole amour of the prince of Persia and Schemselnihar, fromthe beginning of it to the time he had received them into hishouse. 

The robbers were greatly astonished at all the particulars theyheard, and could not forbear exclaiming, "How! is it possiblethat the young man should be the illustrious Ali Ebn Becar, prince of Persia, and the young lady the fair and celebratedbeauty Schemselnihar?" The jeweller assured them nothing was morecertain, and that they need not think it strange, that persons ofso distinguished a character should wish not to be known. 

Upon this assurance of their quality, the robbers wentimmediately, one after another, and threw themselves at theirfeet, imploring their pardon, and protesting that nothing of thekind would have happened to them, had they been informed of thequality of their persons before they broke into the house; andthat they would by their future conduct endeavour to make amendsfor the crime they had thus ignorantly committed. Then turning tothe jeweller, they told him, they were heartily sorry they couldnot restore to him all that had been taken from him, part of itbeing no longer in their possession, but as for what remained, ifhe would content himself with his plate, it should be forthwithput into his hand. 

The jeweller was overjoyed at the favour done him, and after therobbers had delivered to him the plate, they required of theprince, Schemselnihar, and him, to promise them upon oath, thatthey would not betray them, and they would carry them to a placewhence they might easily return to their respective homes. Theprince, Schemselnihar, and the jeweller, replied, that they mightrely on their words, but since they desired an oath of them, theysolemnly swore not to discover them. The thieves, satisfied withthis, immediately went out with them. 

On the way, the jeweller, uneasy at not seeing the confidant andthe two slaves, came up to Schemselnihar, and begged her toinform him what was become of them. She answered, she knewnothing of them, and that all she could tell him was, that shewas carried away from his house, ferried over the river, andbrought to the place from whence they were just come. 

Schemselnihar and the jeweller had no farther conversation; theylet the robbers conduit them with the prince to the river's side, when the robbers immediately took boat, and carried them over tothe opposite bank. 

While the prince, Schemselnihar, and the jeweller were landing, they heard the noise of the horse patrol coming towards them, just as the boat had conveyed the robbers back. 

The commander of the brigade demanded of the prince, Schemselnihar, and the jeweller, who they were, and whence theyhad come so late? Frightened as they were, and apprehensive ofsaying any thing that might prejudice them, they could not speak;but at length it was necessary they should. The jeweller's mindbeing most at ease, he said, "Sir, I can assure you, we arerespectable people of the city. The persons who have just landedus, and are now returned to the other side of the water, arethieves, who having last night broke open the house where wewere, pillaged it, and afterwards carried us to their quarters, whence by fair words, we prevailed on them to let us have ourliberty; and they brought us hither. They have restored us partof the booty they had taken from us. " At which words he shewedthe parcel of plate he had recovered. 

The commander, not satisfied with what the jeweller had told him, came up to him and the prince of Persia, and looking steadfastlyat them, said, "Tell me truly, who is this lady? How came you toknow her?"

These questions embarrassed them so much that neither of themcould answer; till at length Schemselnihar extricated them fromtheir difficulty, and taking the commander aside, told him whoshe was; which he no sooner heard, than he alighted withexpressions of great respect and politeness, and ordered his mento bring two boats. 

When the boats were come, he put Schemselnihar into one, and theprince of Persia and the jeweller into the other, with two of hispeople in each boat; with orders to accompany each of themwhithersoever they were bound. The boats took different routes, but we shall at present speak only of that which contained theprince and the jeweller. 

The prince, to save his guides trouble, bade them land thejeweller at his house, naming the place. The guide, by thisdirection, stopped just before the caliph's palace, which putboth him and the jeweller into great alarm; for although they hadheard the commander's orders to his men, they could not helpimagining they were to be delivered up to the guard, to bebrought before the caliph next morning. 

This nevertheless was not the intention of the guides. For afterthey had landed them, they, by their master's command, recommended them to an officer of the caliph's guard who assignedthem two soldiers to conduct them by land to the prince's house, which was at some distance from the river. They arrived there, but so tired and weary that they could hardly move. 

The prince being come home, with the fatigue of his journey, andthis misadventure to himself and Schemselnihar, which deprivedhim of all hope of ever seeing her more, fell into a swoon on hissofa. While the greatest part of his servants were endeavoring torecover him, the rest gathered about the jeweller, and begged himto tell them what had happened to the prince their lord, whoseabsence had occasioned them such inexpressible uneasiness. 

While the greatest part of the prince's domestics wereendeavouring to recover him from his swoon, others of them gotabout the jeweller, desiring to know what had happened to theirlord. The jeweller, who took care to discover nothing that wasnot proper for them to know, told them that it was anextraordinary case, but that it was not a time to relate it, andthat they would do better to go and assist the prince. By goodfortune the prince came to himself that moment, and those thatbut just before required his history with so much earnestnessretreated to a respectful distance. 

Although the prince had in some measure recovered hisrecollection, he continued so weak that he could not open hismouth to speak. He answered only by signs, even to his nearestrelations, when they spoke to him. He remained in this conditiontill next morning, when the jeweller came to take leave of him. He could answer only by a movement of his eyes, and holding outhis right hand; but when he saw he was laden with a bundle ofplate, which the thieves had returned to him, he made a sign tohis servants that they should take it and carry it to his house. 

The jeweller had been expected with great impatience by hisfamily the day he departed with the stranger; but now he wasquite given over, and it was no longer doubted but some disasterhad befallen him. His wife, children, and servants, were in thegreatest alarm, and lamenting him. When he arrived, their joy wasexcessive; yet they were troubled to see that he was so muchaltered in the short interval, that he was hardly to be known. This was occasioned by the great fatigue of the preceding day, and the fears he had undergone all night, which would not permithim to sleep. Finding himself much indisposed, he continued athome two days, and would admit only one of his intimate friendsto visit him. 

The third day, finding himself something better, he thought hemight recover strength by going abroad to take the air; andtherefore went to the shop of a rich merchant of hisacquaintance, with whom he continued long in conversation. As hewas rising to take leave of his friend to return home, heobserved a woman making a sign to him, whom he presently knew tobe the confidant of Schemselnihar. Between fear and joy, he madewhat haste he could away, without looking at her; but shefollowed him, as he feared she would, the place they were inbeing by no means proper to converse in. As he quickened hispace, she, not being able to overtake him, every now and thencalled out to him to stay. 

He heard her; but after what had happened, he did not think fitto speak to her in public, for fear of giving cause to suspectthat he was connected with Schemselnihar. It was known to everybody in Bagdad, that this woman belonged to her, and executed allher little commissions. He continued the same pace, and at lengthreached a mosque, where he knew but few people came. He entered, and she followed him, and they had a long conversation together, without any body overhearing them. 

Both the jeweller and confidant expressed much joy at seeing eachother, after the strange adventure of the robbers, and theirreciprocal apprehension for each other, without regarding theirown particular persons. 

The jeweller wished her to relate to him how she escaped with thetwo slaves, and what she knew of Schemselnihar from the time helost sight of her; but so great was her eagerness to know whathad happened to him from the time of their unexpected separation, that he found himself obliged to satisfy her. "Having given youthe detail you desired, " said he, "oblige me in your turn, " whichshe did in the following manner. 

"When I first saw the robbers, I hastily imagined that they weresoldiers of the caliph's guard, and that the caliph beinginformed of Schemselnihar's going out, had sent them to put her, the prince, and all of us to death. Under this impression Iimmediately got up to the terrace of your house, when the thievesentered the apartment where the prince and Schemselnihar were, and I was soon after followed by that lady's two slaves. Fromterrace to terrace, we came at last to a house of very honestpeople, who received us with much civility, and with whom welodged that night. 

"Next morning, after thanking the master of the house for ourgood usage, we returned to Schemselnihar's palace, where weentered in great disorder and distress, because we could notlearn the fate of the two unfortunate lovers. The other women ofSchemselnihar were astonished to see me return without theirlady. We told them, we had left her at the house of one of herfemale friends, and that she would send for us when she wished tocome home; with which excuse they seemed well satisfied. 

"For my part, I spent the day in great uneasiness, and when nightarrived, opening a small private gate, I espied a little boat onthe canal which seemed driven by the stream. I called to thewaterman, and desired him to row up each side of the river, andlook if he could not see a lady; and if he found her, to bringher along with him. The two slaves and I waited impatiently forhis return, and at length, about midnight, we saw the boat comingdown with two men in it, and a woman lying along in the stern. When the boat was come up, the two men helped the woman to rise, and then it was I knew her to be Schemselnihar. I cannot expressmy joy at seeing her. 

"I gave my hand to Schemselnihar to help her out of the boat; shehad great need of my assistance, for she could hardly stand. Whenshe was landed, she whispered me in a tone expressive of heraffliction, and bade me go and take a purse of one thousandpieces of gold and give it to the two soldiers that hadaccompanied her. I left her to the care of the two slaves tosupport her, and having ordered the two soldiers to wait for me amoment, I took the purse, and returned instantly; I gave it tothem, and having paid the waterman, shut the door. 

"I then followed my lady, and overtook her before she had reachedher chamber. We immediately undressed her, and put her to bed, where she had not long been, before she became so ill that forthe whole of the night we almost despaired of her life. The dayfollowing, her other women expressed a great desire to see her;but I told them she had been greatly fatigued, and wanted rest. The other two women and I gave her all the assistance in ourpower; but we should have given over every hope of her recovery, had I not at last perceived that the wine which we every now andthen gave her had a sensible effect in recruiting her strength. By importunity we at length prevailed with her to eat. 

"When she recovered the use of her speech, for she had hithertoonly wept, groaned, and sighed, I begged of her to tell me howshe had escaped out of the hands of the robbers. 'Why would yourequire of me, ' said she, with a profound sigh, 'to renew mygrief? Would to God the robbers had taken away my life, ratherthan have preserved it; my misfortunes would then have had anend, whereas I live but to increase my sufferings. '

"Madam, ' I replied, 'I beg you would not refuse me this favour. You cannot but know that the wretched feel a consolation inrelating their greatest misfortunes; what I ask would alleviateyours, if you would have the goodness to gratify me. '

"'Hear then, ' said she, 'the most afflicting adventure that couldpossibly have happened to one so deeply in love as myself, whoconsidered myself as at the utmost point of my wishes. You mustknow, when I first saw the robbers enter, sword in hand, Iconsidered it as the last moment of our lives. But death was notan object of regret, since I thought I was to die with the princeof Persia. However, instead of murdering us, as I expected, twoof the robbers were ordered to take care of us, whilst theircompanions were busied in packing up the goods they found in thehouse. When they had done, and got their bundles upon theirbacks, they went out, and took us with them. 

"'As we went along, one of those that had charge of us demandedof me who I was? I answered, I was a dancer. He put the samequestion to the prince, who replied, he was a citizen. 

"'When we had reached the place of our destination, a new alarmseized us. They gathered about us, and after having considered mydress, and the rich jewels I was adorned with, they seemed tosuspect I had disguised my quality. " "Dancers, " said they, "do notuse to be dressed as you are. Tell us truly who you are?"

"'When they saw I made no reply, they asked the prince once morewho he was, for they told him they plainly perceived he was notthe person he pretended to be. He did not satisfy them much morethan I had done; he only told them he came to see the jeweller, naming him, who was the owner of the house where they found us. ""I know this jeweller, " replied one of the rogues, who seemed tohave some authority over the rest: "I owe him some obligations, which he knows nothing of, and I take upon me to bring him hitherto-morrow morning; but you must not expect, " continued he, "to bereleased till he arrives and tells us who you are; in the meantime, I promise you there shall be no injury offered to you. "

"The jeweller was brought next morning, who thinking to obligeus, as he really did, declared to the robbers the whole truth. They immediately came and asked my pardon, and I believe did thelike to the prince, who was shut up in another room. Theyprotested to me, they would not have broken open the house wherewe were, had they known it was the jeweller's. They soon aftertook us (the prince, the jeweller, and myself), carried us to theriver side, put us aboard a boat, and rowed us across the water;but we were no sooner landed, than a party of horse-patrol cameup to us. 

"The robbers fled; I took the commander aside, and told him myname, and that the night before I had been seized by robbers, whoforced me along with them; but having been told who I was, released me, and the two persons he saw with me, on my account. He alighted out of respect to me; and expressing great joy atbeing able to oblige me, caused two boats to be brought: puttingme and two of his soldiers, whom you have seen, into one, heescorted me hither: but what is become of the prince and hisfriend I cannot tell. 

"'I trust, ' added she, melting into tears, 'no harm has befallenthem since our separation; and I do not doubt but the prince'sconcern for me is equal to mine for him. The jeweller, to whom wehave been so much obliged, ought to be recompensed for the losshe has sustained on our account. Fail not, therefore, to take twopurses of a thousand pieces of gold in each, and carry them tohim to-morrow morning in my name, and be sure to inquire afterthe prince's welfare. '

"When my good mistress had done speaking, I endeavoured, as tothe last article of inquiring into the prince's welfare, topersuade her to endeavour to triumph over her passion, after thedanger she had so lately escaped almost by miracle. 'Make me noanswer, ' said she, 'but do what I require. '

"I was obliged to be silent, and am come hither to obey hercommands. I have been at your house, but not finding you at home, and uncertain as I was of where you might be found, was aboutgoing to the prince of Persia; but not daring to attempt thejourney, I have left the two purses with a particular friend, andif you will wait here, I will go and fetch them immediately. "

The confidant soon returned to the jeweller in the mosque, whereshe had left him, and giving him the two purses, bade him out ofthem satisfy his friends. "They are much more than is necessary, "said he, "but I dare not refuse the present from so good andgenerous a lady to her most humble servant; I beseech you toassure her from me, that I shall preserve an eternal remembranceof her goodness. " He then agreed with the confidant, that sheshould find him at the house where she had first seen him, whenever she had occasion to impart any thing from Schemselnihar, or to hear any tidings of the prince of Persia: and so theyparted. 

The jeweller returned home well pleased, not only that he had gotwherewithal so fully to satisfy his friends, but also to thinkthat no person in Bagdad could possibly know that the prince andSchemselnihar had been in his other house when it was robbed. Itis true, he had acquainted the thieves with it, but on theirsecrecy he thought he might very well depend. Next morning hevisited the friends who had obliged him, and found no difficultyin satisfying them. He had money in hand to furnish his otherhouse, in which he placed servants. Thus he forgot all his pastdanger, and the next evening waited on the prince of Persia. 

The prince's domestics told the jeweller, that he came veryopportunely, as the prince, since he had parted with him, wasreduced to such a state that his life was in danger. Theyintroduced him softly into his chamber, and he found him in acondition that excited his pity. He was lying on his bed, withhis eyes closed; but when the jeweller saluted him, and exhortedhim to take courage, he recollected him, opened his eyes, andgave him a look that sufficiently declared the greatness of hisaffliction, infinitely beyond what he felt after he first sawSchemselnihar. He grasped him by the hand, to testify hisfriendship, and told him, in a feeble voice, that he wasextremely obliged to him for coming so far to visit one sounhappy and wretched. 

"Prince, " replied the jeweller, "mention not, I beseech you, anyobligations you owe to me. I wish the good offices I haveendeavoured to do you had had a better effect; but at present, let us talk only of your health; which, in the state I see you, Ifear you greatly injure by unreasonably abstaining from propernourishment. "

The prince's servants took this opportunity to tell him, it waswith the greatest difficulty they had prevailed on their masterto take the smallest refreshment, and that for some time he hadtaken nothing. This obliged the jeweller to entreat the prince tolet his servants bring him something to eat. 

After the prince had, through the persuasion of the jeweller, eaten more than he had hitherto done, he commanded the servantsto leave him alone with his friend. When the room was clear, hesaid, "Besides the misfortune that distracts me, I have beenexceedingly concerned to think what a loss you have sustained onmy account; and it is but just I should make you some recompence. But before I do this, after begging your pardon a thousand times, I conjure you to tell me whether you have learnt any tidings ofSchemselnihar, since I had the misfortune to be parted from her. "

Here the jeweller, instructed by the confidant, related to himall that he knew of Schemselnihar's arrival at her palace, herstate of health from that time till she recovered, and how shehad sent her confidant to him to inquire after his welfare. 

To all this the prince replied only by sighs and tears. He madean effort to get up, and calling his servants, went himself tohis wardrobe, and having caused several bundles of rich furnitureand plate to be packed up, he ordered them to be carried to thejeweller's house. 

The jeweller would fain have declined this kind offer; butalthough he represented that Schemselnihar had already made himmore than sufficient amends for what he had lost, the princewould be obeyed. The jeweller was therefore obliged to make allpossible acknowledgments, and protested how much he wasconfounded at his highness's liberality. He would then have takenhis leave, but the prince desired him to stay, and they passedgood part of the night in conversation. 

Next morning the jeweller waited again on the prince, who madehim sit down by him. "You know, " said he, "there is an endproposed in all things: that which the lover proposes, is toenjoy the beloved object in spite of all opposition. If once heloses that hope, he must not think to live. Such is my hard case;for twice when I have been at the very point of fulfilling mydesires, I have suddenly been torn from her I loved in the mostcruel manner imaginable. It remains for me only to think ofdeath, and I had sought it, but that our holy religion forbidssuicide; but I need not anticipate it; I need not wait long. "Here he stopped, and vented his passion in groans, sighs, sobs, and tears, which flowed abundantly. 

The jeweller, who knew no better way of diverting him from hisdespair than by bringing Schemselnihar into his mind, and givinghim some shadow of hope, told him, he feared the confidant mightbe come from her lady, and therefore it would not be proper tostay any longer from home. "I will let you go, " said the prince, "but conjure you, that if you see her, you recommend to her toassure Schemselnihar, that if I die, as I expect to do shortly, Ishall love her to the last moment, even in the grave. "

The jeweller returned home, and waited in expectation of seeingthe confidant, who came some hours after, but all in tears, andin great affliction. The jeweller alarmed, asked her what was thematter? She answered, that Schemselnihar, the prince, herself, and he, were all ruined. "Hear the sad news, " said she, "as itwas told me just upon my entering the palace after I had left you. 

"Schemselnihar had for some fault chastised one of the slaves yousaw with her when you met in your other house. The slave, enragedat the ill treatment, ran immediately away, and finding the gateopen, went out; so that we have just reason to believe she hasdiscovered all to an eunuch of the guard, who gave herprotection. 

"But this is not all; the other slave her companion has fled too, and has taken refuge in the caliph's palace. So that we may wellfear she has borne her part in this discovery: for just as I cameaway, the caliph had sent twenty of his eunuchs forSchemselnihar, who have carried her to the palace. I just foundmeans to come and tell you this. I know not what has passed, yetI fear no good; but above all, I recommend to you to keep thesecret inviolate. "

The confidant added to what she had related before to thejeweller, that it was proper he should go immediately andacquaint the prince with the whole affair, that he might beprepared for every event, and keep faithful to the common cause. She went away in haste, without staying for any answer. 

What answer could the jeweller have made in the condition he wasin? He stood motionless as if thunderstruck. He found, however, that there was no time to be lost, and immediately went to givethe prince information. He addressed him with an air, thatsufficiently shewed the bad news he brought. "Prince, " said he, "arm yourself with courage and patience, and prepare to receivethe most terrible shock that ever you had to encounter. "

"Tell me in a few words, " replied the prince, "what is thematter, without keeping me in suspense; I am, if necessary, prepared to die. "

Then the jeweller repeated all that he had learnt from theconfidant. "You see, " continued he, "your destruction isinevitable. Rise, save yourself by flight, for the time isprecious. You, of all men, must not expose yourself to the angerof the caliph, and, less than any, confess in the midst oftorture. "

At these words the prince was ready to expire through grief, affliction, and fear. However, he recovered himself, and askedthe jeweller what resolution he would advise him to take in thisconjuncture, every moment of which ought to be employed. Thejeweller told him, he thought nothing remained, but that heshould immediately take horse, and hasten away towards Anbar, that he might get thither before day. "Take what servants andswift horses you think necessary, " continued he, "and suffer meto escape with you. "

The prince, seeing nothing more to be done, immediately gaveorders to prepare such an equipage as would be least troublesome;took money and jewels, and having taken leave of his mother, departed with the jeweller and such servants as he had chosen. 

They travelled all night without stopping, till at length, boththeir horses and themselves being spent with so long a journey, they halted to rest themselves. 

They had hardly alighted before they found themselves surroundedand assaulted by a band of robbers. They defended their lives forsome time courageously; but at length the prince's servants beingall killed, both he and the jeweller were obliged to yield atdiscretion. The robbers, however, spared their dives, but afterthey had seized the horses and baggage, they took away theirclothes and left them naked. 

When the thieves were gone, the prince said to the jeweller, "What think you of our adventure and condition? Had I not betterhave tarried in Bagdad, and awaited my death?" "Prince, " repliedthe jeweller, "it is the decree of Heaven that we should thussuffer. It has pleased God to add affliction to affliction andwe must not murmur, but receive his chastisements withsubmission. Let us stay no longer here, but seek for some retreatwhere we may perhaps be relieved. "

"Let me die, " said the prince; "for what signifies it whether Idie here or elsewhere. Perhaps while we are talking, Schemselnihar is no more, and why should I endeavour to liveafter she is dead!" The jeweller, by his entreaty, at lengthprevailed on him, and they had not gone far before they came to amosque, which was open; they entered it, and passed there theremainder of the night. 

At day-break a man came into the mosque. When he had ended hisprayer, as he turned about to go away, he perceived the princeand jeweller, who were sitting in a corner. He came up to them, and after having saluted them with a great deal of civility, said, "I perceive you are strangers. "

The jeweller answered, "You are not deceived. We have been robbedto-night in coming from Bagdad, as you may see, and have retiredhither for shelter, but we know not to whom to apply. " "If youthink fit to accompany me to my house, " answered the man, "I willgive you all the assistance in my power. "

Upon this obliging offer, the jeweller turned to the prince, andwhispered, "This man, as you perceive, sir, does not know us, andwe have reason to fear that somebody else may come who does. Wecannot, I think, refuse his offer. " "Do as you please, " said theprince; "I am willing to be guided by your discretion. "

The man observing the prince and jeweller consulting together, and thinking they made some difficulty to accept his offer, askedthem if they were resolved what to do? The jeweller answered "Weare ready to follow you; all we hesitate about is that we areashamed to appear thus naked. "

Fortunately the man had it in his power to cover themsufficiently till they could get to his house. As soon as theyhad entered, he brought a very handsome suit for each of them. Ashe thought they must be hungry, and might wish to be alone, hehad several dishes brought to them by a slave; but they atelittle, especially the prince who was so dejected and dispirited, that he gave the jeweller cause to fear he would die. Their hostvisited them several times in the course of the day, and in theevening, as he knew they wanted rest, he left them early. But hewas no sooner in bed, than the jeweller was forced to call himagain to assist at the death of the prince of Persia. He foundhim breathe short, and with difficulty, which gave him reason tofear he had but few minutes to live. Coming near him, the princesaid, "It is all over, and I am glad you are witness of my lastwords. I quit life with a great deal of satisfaction; I need nottell you the reason, for you know it already. All my concern is, that I cannot die in the arms of my dear mother, who has alwaysloved me tenderly, and for whom I had a reciprocal affection. Lether know how much I was concerned at this, and request her in myname to have my body removed to Bagdad, that she may have anopportunity to bedew my tomb with her tears, and assist mydeparted soul with her prayers. " He then took notice of themaster of the house, and thanked him for his kindness in takinghim in; and after desiring him to let his body rest with him tillit should be conveyed to Bagdad, he expired. 

The day after the prince's death, the jeweller took theopportunity of a numerous caravan that was going to Bagdad, andarrived there in safety. He first went home to change hisclothes, and then hastened to the prince's palace, where everybody was alarmed at not seeing the prince with him. He desiredthem to acquaint the prince's mother that he wished to speak withher, and it was not long before he was introduced to her in ahall, with several of her women about her. "Madam, " said he toher, with an air that sufficiently denoted the ill news hebrought, "God preserve you, and shower down upon you the choicestof his blessings. You cannot be ignorant that he alone disposesof us at his pleasure. "

The princess would not permit him to proceed, but exclaimed, "Alas! you bring me the news of my son's death?" She and herwomen at the same time wept and sobbed loudly. At length shechecked her sighs and groans, and begged of him to continuewithout concealing from her the least circumstance of such amelancholy separation. He satisfied her, and when he had done, she farther demanded of him, if her son the prince had not givenhim in charge something more particular in his last moments? Heassured her his last words were, that it was to him the mostafflicting circumstance that he must die so far distant from hisdear mother, and that the only thing he wished was, that shewould have his corpse transported to Bagdad. Accordingly earlynext morning the princess set out with her women and great partof her slaves, to bring her son's body to her own palace. 

When the jeweller, whom she had detained, had seen her depart, hereturned home very sad and melancholy, at the reflection that soaccomplished and amiable a prince was thus cut off in the flowerof his age. 

As he walked towards his house, dejected and musing, he saw awoman standing before him. He recognized her to beSchemselnihar's confidant. At the sight of her, his tears beganto flow afresh but he said nothing to her; and going into his ownhouse, she followed him. 

They sat down; when the jeweller beginning the conversation, asked the confidant, with a deep sigh, if she had heard of thedeath of the prince of Persia, and if it was on his account thatshe grieved. "Alas!" answered she, "What! is that charming princethen dead? He has not lived long after his dear Schemselnihar. Beauteous souls, " continued she, "in whatsoever place ye now are, ye must be happy that your loves will no more be interrupted. Your bodies were an obstacle to your wishes; but Heaven hasdelivered you from them; ye may now form the closest union. "

The jeweller, who had heard nothing of Schemselnihar's death, andhad not reflected that the confidant was in mourning, sufferedfresh grief at this intelligence. "Is Schemselnihar then dead?"cried he. "She is, " replied the confidant, weeping afresh, "andit is for her I wear these weeds. The circumstances of her deathwere extraordinary, " continued she, "and deserve to be known toyou: but before I give you an account of them, I beg you toacquaint me with those of the prince of Persia, whom, with mydearest friend and mistress, I shall lament as long as I live. "

The jeweller then gave the confidant the information she desired;and after he had told her all, even to the departure of theprince's mother to bring her son's body to Bagdad, she began andsaid, "You have not forgotten that I told you the caliph had sentfor Schemselnihar to his palace. He had, as we had every reasonto believe, been informed of the amour betwixt her and the princeby the two slaves, whom he had examined apart. You may imagine, he would be exceedingly enraged at Schemselnihar's conduct, andgive striking proofs of his jealousy and of his impendingvengeance against the prince. But this was by no means the case. He pitied Schemselnihar, and in some measure blamed himself forwhat had happened, in giving her so much freedom to walk aboutthe city without being attended by his eunuchs. This is the onlyconclusion that could be drawn from his extraordinary behaviortowards her, as you will hear. 

"He received her with an open countenance; and when he observedthat the melancholy which oppressed her did not lessen her beauty(for she appeared thus before him without surprise or fear), witha goodness worthy himself, he said 'Schemselnihar, I cannot bearyour appearing before me thus with an air which gives me infinitepain. You must needs be sensible how much I have always lovedyou, and be convinced of the sincerity of my passion by thecontinued demonstrations I have given of it. I can never changemy mind, for I love you more than ever. You have enemies, Schemselnihar, ' proceeded he, 'and those enemies have insinuatedthings against your conduct, but all they have said against youhas not made the least impression upon me. Shake off then thismelancholy, and prepare to entertain me this night with someamusing conversation, after your accustomed manner. ' He said manyother obliging things to her, and then desired her to step into amagnificent apartment near her own, and wait for him. 

"The afflicted Schemselnihar was very sensible of the caliph'skindness; but the more she thought herself obliged to him, themore she was concerned that she was so far removed, perhaps forever, from her prince, without whom she could not live. 

"This interview between the caliph and Schemselnihar, " continuedthe confidant, "took place whilst I was come to speak to you, andI learned the particulars of it from my companions who werepresent. But I had no sooner left you, " proceeded she, "than Iwent to my dear mistress again, and was eye-witness to whathappened in the evening. I found her in the apartment I told youof; and as she though I came from you, she drew near me, andwhispering me, said, 'I am much obliged to you for the serviceyou have done me, but I feel it will be the last. ' She said nomore; but I was not in a place proper to offer any thing tocomfort her. 

"The caliph was introduced at night with the sound of instrumentswhich her women played upon, and the collation was immediatelyserved up. He took his mistress by the hand, and made her sitdown with him on the sofa; she put such a force upon herself toplease him, that she expired a few minutes after. In short, shewas hardly set down, when she fell backwards. The caliph believedshe had only fainted, and so we all thought; but she neverrecovered, and in this manner we lost her. 

"The caliph did her the honour to weep over her, not being ableto refrain from tears; and before he left the room ordered allthe musical instruments to be broken; this was immediately done. I stayed with her corpse all night, and next morning washed anddressed her for her funeral, bathing her with my tears. Thecaliph had her interred in a magnificent tomb he had erected forher 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 isto be brought to Bagdad, I will use my best endeavours that heshall be interred in the same tomb. "

The jeweller was much surprised at this resolution of theconfidant, and said, "Certainly you do not consider that thecaliph will never suffer this?" "You think the thing impossible, "replied she; "it is not. You will alter your opinion when I tellyou that the caliph has given liberty to all her slaves, with apension to each for their support. He has committed to me thecare and keeping of my mistress's tomb, and allotted me an annualincome for that purpose, and for my maintenance. Besides, thecaliph, who was not ignorant of the amour between Schemselniharand the prince, as I have already told you, without beingoffended, will not be sorry if after her death he be buried withher. " To all this the jeweller had not a word to say. Heearnestly entreated the confidant to conduct him to hermistress's tomb, that he might say his prayers over her. When hecame in sight of it, he was not a little surprised to find a vastconcourse of people of both sexes, who were come thither from allparts of Bagdad. As he could not come near the tomb, he said hisprayers at a distance; and then going to the confidant, who waswaiting hard by, said to her, "I am now so far from thinking thatwhat you proposed cannot be put in execution, that you and I needonly publish abroad what we know of the amour of this unfortunatecouple, and how the prince died much about the same time with hismistress. Before his corpse arrives, all Bagdad will concur todesire that two such faithful lovers, whom nothing could dividein affection whilst they lived, should not be separated whendead. " It happened as he said; for as soon as it was known thatthe corpse was within a day's journey of the city, an infinitenumber of people went above twenty miles to meet it, andafterwards walked before it till it came to the city gate; wherethe confidant, waiting for that purpose, presented herself beforethe prince's mother, and begged of her in the name of the wholecity, who earnestly desired it, that she would be pleased toconsent that the bodies of the two lovers, who had but one heartwhilst they lived, from the time their mutual passion commenced, might be buried in the same tomb. The princess immediatelyconsented; and the corpse of the prince, instead of beingdeposited in his own burying-place, was laid by Schemselnihar'sside, after it had been carried along in procession at the headof an infinite number of people of all ranks. From that time allthe inhabitants of Bagdad, and even strangers from all parts ofthe world where the Mahummedan religion prevails have held thattomb in the highest veneration, and pay their devotions at it. 

 The Story of the Loves of Kummir Al Zummaun, Prince of the Isles of the Children of Khaledan, and of Badoura, Princess of China. 

About twenty days' sail from the coast of Persia, there areislands in the main ocean called the Islands of the Children ofKhaledan. These islands are divided into four great provinces, which have all of them very flourishing and populous cities, forming together a powerful kingdom. It was formerly governed bya king named Shaw Zummaun, who had four lawful wives, alldaughters of kings, and sixty concubines. 

Shaw Zummaun thought himself the most happy monarch of the world, on account of his peaceful and prosperous reign. One thing onlydisturbed his happiness; which was, that he was advanced inyears, and had no children, though he had so many wives. He knewnot to what to attribute this barrenness; and what increased hisaffliction was, that he was likely to leave his kingdom without asuccessor. He dissembled his discontent, and this dissimulationonly heightened his uneasiness. At length he broke silence; andone day after he had complained bitterly of his misfortune to hisgrand vizier, he asked him if he knew any remedy for it?

That wise minister replied, "If what your majesty requires of mehad depended on the ordinary rules of human wisdom, you had soonhad an answer to your satisfaction; but my experience andknowledge fall far short of your question. It is to God only thatwe can apply in cases of this kind. In the midst of ourprosperities, which often tempt us to forget him, he is pleasedto mortify us in some instance, that we may address our thoughtsto him, acknowledge his omnipotence, and ask of him what we oughtto expect from him alone. Your majesty has subjects, " proceededhe "who make a profession of honouring and serving God, andsuffering great hardships for his sake; to them I would adviseyou to have recourse, and engage them, by alms, to join theirprayers with yours. Perhaps some one among them may be so pureand pleasing to God as to obtain a hearing for your prayers. "

Shaw Zummaun approved this advice, and thanked his vizier. Heimmediately caused alms to be given to every community of theseholy men in his dominions: and having sent for the superiors, declared to them his intention, and desired them to acquainttheir devout men with it. 

The king obtained of Heaven what he requested, for in ninemonths' time he had a son by one of his wives. To express hisgratitude to Heaven, he sent fresh alms to the communities ofdevotees, and the prince's birth-day was celebrated not only inhis capital, but throughout his dominions, for a whole week. Theprince was brought to him as soon as born, and he found him sobeautiful that he gave him the name of Kummir al Zummaun, or Moonof the Age. 

He was brought up with all imaginable care; and when he hadarrived at a proper age, his father appointed him an experiencedgovernor and able preceptors. These persons, distinguished bytheir capacity, found in him a ready wit capable of receiving allthe instructions that were proper to be given him, as well inrelation to morals as other knowledge which a prince ought topossess. As he grew up, he learned all his exercises, andacquitted himself with such grace and wonderful address, as tocharm all that saw him, and particularly the sultan his father. 

When he had attained the age of fifteen, the sultan, who tenderlyloved him, and gave him every day new marks of his affection, proposed to afford a still higher demonstration by resigning histhrone to him, and he accordingly acquainted his grand vizierwith his intentions. "I fear, " said he, "lest my son should losein the inactivity of youth those advantages which nature and myeducation have give him; therefore, since I am advanced in age, and ought to think of retirement I propose to resign thegovernment to him, and pass the remainder of my days in thesatisfaction of seeing him reign. I have borne the fatigue of acrown till I am weary of it, and think it is now proper for me toretire. "

The grand vizier declined offering all the reasons he could havealleged to dissuade the sultan from such a proceeding; on thecontrary, he appeared to acquiesce with him in his opinion. "Sir, " replied he, "the prince is yet but young, and it wouldnot, in my humble opinion, be advisable to burden him with theweight of a crown so soon. Your majesty fears, with great reason, his youth may be corrupted by indolence: but to avoid thisdanger, do not you think it would be proper to marry him?Marriage forms attachment, and prevents dissipation. Your majestymight then admit him of your council, where he would learn bydegrees the art of reigning; and so be prepared to receive yourauthority, whenever by your own experience you shall think himqualified. "

Shaw Zummaun approved the advice of his prime minister; andsummoned the prince to appear before him, at the same time thathe dismissed the grand vizier. 

The prince, who had been accustomed to see his father only atcertain times without being sent for, was a little startled atthis summons; when, therefore, he came into his presence, hesaluted him with great respect, and stood with his eyes fixed onthe ground. 

The sultan perceiving his constraint, addressed him with greatmildness, "Do you know, son, for what reason I have sent foryou?" The prince modestly replied, "God alone knows the heart: Ishall hear it from your majesty with pleasure. " "I sent for you, "resumed the sultan, "to inform you that it is my intention toprovide a proper marriage for you: what do you think of mydesign?"

The prince heard this with great uneasiness: he was greatlyagitated, and knew not what answer to make. After a few momentssilence, he replied, "Sir, I beseech you to pardon me if I seemsurprised at the declaration you have made. I did not expect suchproposals at my present age. I know not whether I could prevailon myself to marry, on account of the trouble incident to amarried life, and the many treacheries of women, which I haveread of. I may not be always of the same mind, yet I conceive itwill require time to determine on what your majesty requires ofme. "

The prince's answer extremely afflicted his father. He was not alittle grieved to discover his aversion to marriage; yet wouldnot charge him with disobedience, nor exert his paternalauthority. He contented himself with telling him, he would notforce his inclinations, but give him time to consider of theproposal; and reflect, that a prince destined to govern a greatkingdom ought to take some care to leave a successor; and that ingiving himself that satisfaction he communicated it to hisfather, who would be glad to see himself revive in his son andhis issue. 

Shaw Zummaun said no more to the prince but admitted him into hiscouncil, and gave him every reason to be satisfied. At the end ofthe year he took him aside, and said to him; "My son, have youthoroughly considered what I proposed to you last year aboutmarrying? Will you still refuse me that pleasure I expect fromyour obedience, and suffer me to die without affording me thatsatisfaction?"

The prince seemed less disconcerted than before; and was not longanswering his father to this effect: "Sir, I have not neglectedto consider of your proposal; but after the maturest reflectionfind myself more confirmed in my resolution to continue in astate of celibacy. The infinite mischief which women have causedin the world, and which are on record in our histories, and theaccounts I daily hear to their disadvantage, are the motiveswhich powerfully influence me against having any thing to do withthem; so that I hope your majesty will pardon me if I presume totell you, it will be in vain to solicit me any further upon thissubject. " As soon as he had thus spoken, he quitted the sultanabruptly without waiting his answer. 

Any monarch but Shaw Zummaun would have been angry at suchfreedom in a son, and would have made him repent; but he lovedhim, and preferred gentle methods before he proceeded tocompulsion. He communicated this new cause of discontent to hisprime minister. "I have followed your advice, " said he, "butKummir al Zummaun is farther than ever from complying with mydesires. He delivered his determination in such free terms, thatit required all my reason and moderation to keep my temper. Fathers who so earnestly desire children as I did this son arefools, who seek to deprive themselves of that rest which it is intheir own power to enjoy without control. Tell me, I beseech you, how I shall reclaim a disposition so rebellious to my will?"

"Sir, " answered the grand vizier, "patience brings many thingsabout that before seemed impracticable; but it may be this affairis of a nature not likely to succeed that way. Your majesty willhave no cause to reproach yourself for precipitation, if youwould give the prince another year to consider your proposal. Ifin this interval he return to his duty, you will have the greatersatisfaction, as you will have employed only paternal love toinduce him; and if he still continue averse when this is expired, your majesty may in full council observe, that it is highlynecessary for the good of the state that he should marry; and itis not likely he will refuse to comply before so grave anassembly, which you honour with your presence. "

The sultan, who so anxiously desired to see his son married, thought this long delay an age; however, though with muchdifficulty, he yielded to his grand vizier's reasons, which hecould not disapprove. 

After the grand vizier was gone, the sultan went to the apartmentof the mother of prince Kummir al Zummaun, to whom he had oftenexpressed his desire to see the prince married. When he had toldher, with much concern, how his son had a second time refused tocomply with his wishes, and the indulgence which, by the adviceof his grand vizier, he was inclined to shew him; he said, "Iknow he has more confidence in you than he has in me, and will bemore likely to attend to your advice. I therefore desire youwould take an opportunity to talk to him seriously, and urge uponhim, that if he persists in his obstinacy, he will oblige me tohave recourse to measures which would be disagreeable to me, andwhich would give him cause to repent having disobeyed me. "

Fatima, for so was the lady called, told the prince the firsttime she saw him, that she had been informed of his secondrefusal to marry; and how much chagrin his resolution hadoccasioned his father. "Madam, " replied the prince, "I beseechyou not to renew my grief upon that head. I fear, under mypresent uneasiness, something may escape me, which may not beconsistent with the respect I owe you. " Fatima judged from thisanswer that this was not a proper time to speak to him, andtherefore deferred what she had to say to another opportunity. 

Some considerable time after, Fatima thought she had found a morefavourable season, which gave her hopes of being heard upon thatsubject. "Son, " said she, "I beg of you, if it be notdisagreeable, to tell me what reason you have for your greataversion to marriage? If it be the wickedness of some women, nothing can be more unreasonable and weak. I will not undertakethe defence of those that are bad; there are a great number ofthem undoubtedly; but it would be the height of injustice ontheir account to condemn all the sex. Alas! my son, you have inyour books read of many bad women, who have occasioned greatmischief, and I will not excuse them: but you do not consider howmany monarchs, sultans, and other princes there have been in theworld, whose tyrannies, barbarities, and cruelties astonish thosethat read of them, as well as myself. Now, for one wicked woman, you will meet with a thousand tyrants and barbarians; and whattorment do you think must a good woman undergo, who is matchedwith any of these wretches?"

"Madam, " replied the prince, "I doubt not there are a greatnumber of wise, virtuous, good, affable, and well-behaved womenin the world; would to God they all resembled you! But whatdeters me is, the hazardous choice a man is obliged to make, andoftentimes one has not the liberty of following his inclination. 

"Let us suppose then, madam, " continued he, "that I had a mind tomarry, as the sultan my father so earnestly desires; what wife, think you, would he be likely to provide for me? Probably aprincess whom he would demand of some neighbouring prince, andwho would think it an honour done him to send her. Handsome orugly, she must be taken; nay, suppose no other princess excelledher in beauty, who can be certain that her temper would be good;that she would be affable, complaisant, easy, obliging, and thelike? That her conversation would generally turn on solidsubjects, and not on dress, fashions, ornaments, and a thousandsuch fooleries, which would disgust any man of sense? In a word, that she would not be haughty, proud, arrogant, impertinent, scornful, and waste an estate in frivolous expenses, such as gayclothes, jewels, toys, and foolish mistaken magnificence?

"You see, madam, " continued he, "by one single article, how manyreasons a man may have to be disgusted at marriage. Let thisprincess be ever so perfect, accomplished, and irreproachable inher conduct, I have yet a great many more reasons not to alter myopinion and resolution. "

"What, son, " exclaimed Fatima; "have you then more reasons afterthose you have already alleged? I do not doubt of being able toanswer them, and stop your mouth with a word. " "You may proceed, madam, " returned the prince, "and perhaps I may find a reply toyour answer. "

"I mean, son, " said Fatima, "that it is easy for a prince, whohas had the misfortune to marry such a wife as you describe, toget rid of her, and take care that she may not ruin the state. ""Ah, madam, " replied the prince, "but you do not consider what amortification it would be to a person of my quality to be obligedto come to such an extremity. Would it not have been more for hishonour and quiet that he had never run such a risk?"

"But, son, " said Fatima once more, "as you take the case, Iapprehend you have a mind to be the last king of your race, whohave reigned so long and gloriously over the isles of thechildren of Khaledan?"

"Madam, " replied the prince, "for myself I do not desire tosurvive the king my father; and if I should die before him, itwould be no great matter of wonder, since so many children havedied before their parents. But it is always glorious to a race ofkings, that it should end with a prince worthy to be so, as Ishould endeavour to make myself like my predecessors, and likethe first of our race. "

From that time Fatima had frequent conferences with her son theprince on the same subject; and she omitted no opportunity orargument to endeavour to root out his aversion to the fair sex;but he eluded all her reasonings by such arguments as she couldnot well answer, and continued unaltered. 

The year expired, and, to the great regret of the sultan, princeKummir al Zummaun gave not the least proof of having changed hissentiments. One day, therefore, when there was a great councilheld, the prime vizier, the other viziers, the principal officersof the crown, and the generals of the army being present, thesultan thus addressed the prince: "My son, it is now a long whilesince I expressed to you my earnest desire to see you married, and I imagined you would have had more complaisance for a father, who required nothing unreasonable of you, than to oppose him solong. But after such a resistance on your part, which has almostworn out my patience, I have thought fit to propose the samething once more to you in the presence of my council. It is notmerely to oblige a parent that you ought to have acceded to mywish, the well-being of my dominions requires your compliance, and this assembly join with me in expecting it: declare yourself, then; that your answer may regulate my proceedings. "

The prince answered with so little reserve, or rather with somuch warmth, that the sultan, enraged to see himself thwarted byhim in full council, exclaimed, "How, unnatural son! have you theinsolence to talk thus to your father and sultan?" He ordered theguards to take him away, and carry him to an old tower that hadbeen long unoccupied; where he was shut up, with only a bed, alittle furniture, some books, and one slave to attend him. 

Kummir al Zummaun, thus deprived of liberty, was neverthelesspleased that he had the freedom to converse with his books, whichmade him regard his confinement with indifference. In the eveninghe bathed and said his prayers; and after having read somechapters in the Koraun, with the same tranquillity of mind as ifhe had been in the sultan's palace, he undressed himself and wentto bed, leaving his lamp burning by him while he slept. 

In this tower was a well, which served in the daytime for aretreat to a certain fairy, named Maimoune, daughter of Damriat, king or head of a legion of genies. It was about midnight whenMaimoune sprung lightly to the mouth of the well, to wander aboutthe world after her wonted custom, where her curiosity led her. She was surprised to see a light in the prince's chamber. Sheentered, and without stopping at the slave who lay at the door, approached the bed. 

The prince had but half covered his face with the bed-clothes, which Maimoune lifted up, and perceived the finest young man shehad ever seen in her rambles through the world. "What beauty, orrather what prodigy of beauty, " said she within herself, "mustthis youth appear, when the eyes, concealed by such well-formedeyelids, shall be open? What crime can he have committed, that aman of his high rank can deserve to be treated thus rigorously?"for she had already heard his story, and could hardly believe it. 

She could not forbear admiring the prince, till at length havingkissed him gently on both cheeks, and in the middle of theforehead, without waking him, she laid the bed-clothes in theorder they were in before, and took her flight into the air. Asshe was ascending into the middle region, she heard a greatflapping of wings, towards which she directed her course; andwhen she approached, she knew it was a genie who made the noise, but it was one of those that are rebellious against God. As forMaimoune, she belonged to that class whom the great Solomon hadcompelled to acknowledge him. 

This genie, whose name was Danhasch, and son of Schamhourasch, knew Maimoune, and was seized with fear, being sensible how muchpower she had over him by her submission to the Almighty. Hewould fain have avoided her, but she was so near him, he musteither fight or yield. He therefore broke silence first. 

"Brave Maimoune, " said he, in the tone of a suppliant, "swear tome in the name of the great God, that you will not hurt me; and Iswear also on my part not to do you any harm. "

"Cursed genie, " replied Maimoune, "what hurt canst thou do me? Ifear thee not; but I will grant thee this favour; I will swearnot to do thee any harm. Tell me then, wandering spirit, whencethou comest, what thou hast seen, and what thou hast done thisnight?" "Fair lady, " answered Danhasch, "you meet me in a goodtime to hear something very wonderful. "

Danhasch, the genie rebellious against God, proceeded and said toMaimoune, "Since you desire, I will inform you that I have comefrom the utmost limits of China, which comprise the remotestislands of this hemisphere. . . . . But, charming Maimoune, " saidDanhasch, who trembled with fear at the sight of this fairy, sothat he could hardly speak, "promise me at least you will forgiveme, and let me proceed after I have satisfied your request. "

"Go on, cursed spirit, " replied Maimoune; "go on, and fearnothing. Dost thou think I am as perfidious as thyself, andcapable of breaking the solemn oath I have made? Be sure yourelate nothing but what is true, or I shall clip thy wings, andtreat thee as thou deserves. "

Danhasch, a little encouraged by the words of Maimoune, said, "Mydear lady, I will tell you nothing but what is strictly true, ifyou will but have the goodness to hear me. The country of China, from whence I come, is one of the largest and most powerfulkingdoms of the earth, on which depend the remotest islands ofthis hemisphere, as I have already told you. The king of thiscountry is at present Gaiour, who has an only daughter, thefinest woman that ever was seen in the world since it has been aworld. Neither you nor I, neither your class nor mine, nor allour respective genies, have expressions forcible enough, noreloquence sufficient to convey an adequate description of hercharms. Her hair is brown, and of such length as to trail on theground; and so thick, that when she has fastened it in buckles onher head, it may be fitly compared to one of those fine clustersof grapes whose fruit is so very large. Her forehead is as smoothas the best polished mirror, and admirably formed. Her eyes areblack, sparkling, and full of fire. Her nose is neither too longnor too short, and her mouth small and of a vermilion colour. Herteeth are like two rows of pearls, and surpass the finest inwhiteness. When she moves her tongue to speak, she utters a sweetand most agreeable voice; and expresses herself in such terms, assufficiently indicate the vivacity of her wit. The whitestalabaster is not fairer than her neck. In a word, by thisimperfect sketch, you may guess there is no beauty likely toexceed her in the world. 

"Any one that did not know the king, the father of thisincomparable princess, would be apt to imagine, from the greatrespect and kindness he shews her, that he was enamoured withher. Never did a lover more for the most beloved mistress than hehas been seen to do for her. The most violent jealousy neversuggested such measures as his care has led him to adopt, to keepher from every one but the man who is to marry her: and that theretreat in which he has resolved to place her may not seemirksome, he has built for her seven palaces, the mostextraordinary and magnificent that ever were known. 

"The first palace is of rock crystal, the second of brass, thethird of fine steel, the fourth of another kind of brass morevaluable than the former and also than steel, the fifth oftouchstone, the sixth of silver, and the seventh of massive gold. He has furnished these palaces most sumptuously, each in a mannercorresponding to the materials of the structure. He hasembellished the gardens with parterres of grass and flowers, intermixed with pieces of water, water-works, jets d'eau, canals, cascades, and several great groves of trees, where the eye islost in the perspective, and where the sun never enters, and alldifferently arranged. King Gaiour, in a word, has shewn that hispaternal love has led him to spare no expense. 

"Upon the fame of this incomparable princess's beauty, the mostpowerful neighbouring kings have sent ambassadors to solicit herin marriage. The king of China received them all in the sameobliging manner; but as he resolved not to marry his daughterwithout her consent, and she did not like any of the parties, theambassadors were forced to return as they came, as to the subjectof their embassy; they were perfectly satisfied with the greathonours and civilities they had received. 

"'Sir, ' said the princess to the king her father, 'you have aninclination to see me married, and think to oblige me by it; butwhere shall I find such stately palaces and delicious gardens asare furnished me by your majesty? Through your good pleasure I amunder no constraint, and have the same honours shewn to me as arepaid to yourself. These are advantages I cannot expect to findany where else, whoever may be my husband; men love to bemasters, and I have no inclination to be commanded. '

"After several other embassies on the same occasion, therearrived one from a king more opulent and powerful than any of thepreceding. This prince the king of China recommended to hisdaughter for her husband, urging many forcible arguments to shewhow much it would be to her advantage to accept him, but sheentreated her father to excuse her compliance for the reasons shehad before urged. He pressed her; but instead of consenting, shelost all the respect due to the king her father: 'Sir, ' saidshe, in anger, 'talk to me no more of this or any other match, unless you would have me plunge this dagger in my bosom, todeliver myself from your importunities. '

"The king, greatly enraged, said, 'Daughter, you are mad, and Imust treat you accordingly. ' In a word, he had her shut up in asingle apartment of one of his palaces, and allowed her only tenold women to wait upon her, and keep her company, the chief ofwhom had been her nurse That the kings his neighbours, who hadsent embassies to him on her account, might not think any more ofher, he despatched envoys to them severally, to let them know howaverse his daughter was to marriage; and as he did not doubt butshe was really mad, he charged them to make known in every court, that if there were any physician that would undertake to cureher, he should, if he succeeded, have her for his pains. 

"Fair Maimoune, " continued Danhasch, "all that I have told you istrue; and I have gone every day regularly to contemplate thisincomparable beauty, to whom I would be sorry to do the leastharm, notwithstanding my natural inclination to mischief. Comeand see her, I conjure you; it would be well worth your while. When you have seen from your own observation that I am no liar, Iam persuaded you will think yourself obliged to me for the sightof a princess unequalled in beauty. "

Instead of answering Danhasch, Maimoune burst out into violentlaughter, which lasted for some time; and Danhasch, not knowingwhat might be the occasion of it, was astonished beyond measure. When she had done laughing, she exclaimed, "Good, good, verygood! You would have me then believe all you have told me? Ithought you designed to tell me something surprising andextraordinary, and you have been talking all this while of a madwoman. Fie, fie! what would you say, cursed genie, if you hadseen the beautiful prince from whom I am just come, and whom Ilove as he deserves. I am confident you would soon give up thecontest, and not pretend to compare your choice with mine. "

"Agreeable Maimoune, " replied Danhasch, "may I presume to ask whothis prince you speak of is?" "Know, " answered Maimoune, "thesame thing has happened to him as to your princess. The king hisfather would have married him against his will; but after muchimportunity, he frankly told him he would have nothing to do witha wife. For this reason he is at this moment imprisoned in an oldtower where I reside. "

"I will not absolutely contradict you, " replied Danhasch; "but, my pretty lady, you must give me leave to be of opinion, till Ihave seen your prince, that no mortal upon earth can equal myprincess in beauty. " "Hold thy tongue, cursed sprite, " repliedMaimoune. "I tell thee once more thou art wrong. " "I will notcontend with you, " said Danhasch, "but the way to be convinced, whether what I say be true or false, is to accept of my proposalto go and see my princess, and after that I will go with you toyour prince. "

"There is no need I should be at so much trouble, " replied Maimoune;"there is another way to satisfy us both; and that is, for you tobring your princess, and place her at my prince's bed-side: by thismeans it will be easy for us to compare them together, and determinethe dispute. "

Danhasch consented, and determined to set out immediately forChina. But Maimoune drew him aside, and told him, she must firstshew him the tower whither he was to bring the princess. Theyflew together to the tower, and when Maimoune had strewn it toDanhasch, she cried, "Go fetch your princess, and do it quickly, you will find me here. "

Danhasch left Maimoune, and flew towards China, whence he soonreturned with incredible speed, bringing the fair princess alongwith him asleep. Maimoune received him, and introduced him intothe chamber of Kummir al Zummaun, where they placed the princessby the prince's side. 

When the prince and princess were thus laid together, there arosea sharp contest between the genie and the fairy about thepreference of their beauty. They were some time admiring andcomparing them without speaking; at length Danhasch said toMaimoune, "You see, and I have already told you, my princess washandsomer than your prince; now, I hope, you are convinced. "

"How! convinced!" replied Maimoune; "I am not convinced, and youmust be blind, if you cannot see that my prince excels in thecomparison. That the princess is fair, I do not deny; but if youcompare them together without prejudice, you will soon see thedifference. "

"How much soever I may compare them, " returned Danhasch, "I shallnever change my opinion. I saw at first sight what I now behold, and time will not make me see differently: however, this shallnot hinder my yielding to you, charming Maimoune, if you desireit. " "What! have you yield to me as a favour! I scorn it, " saidMaimoune, "I would not receive a favour at the hand of such awicked genie. I will refer the matter to an umpire, and if you donot consent, I shall win by your refusal. "

Danhasch, who was ready to have shewn a different kind ofcomplaisance, no sooner gave his consent, than Maimoune stamped withher foot. The earth opened, and out came a hideous, hump-backed, squinting, and lame genie, with six horns upon his head, and claws onhis hands and feet. As soon as he was come out, and the earth hadclosed, perceiving Maimoune, he threw himself at her feet, and thenrising on one knee, inquired her commands. 

"Rise, Caschcasch, " said Maimoune, "I brought you hither todetermine a difference between me and this cursed Danhasch. Lookon that bed, and tell me without partiality who is the handsomerof those two that lie there asleep, the young man or the younglady. "

Caschcasch looked on the prince and princess with greatattention, admiration, and surprise; and after he had consideredthem a good while, without being able to determine, he turned toMaimoune, and said, "Madam, I must confess I should deceive you, and betray myself, if I pretended to say one was handsomer thanthe other. The more I examine them, the more clearly it appearsto me each possesses, in a sovereign degree, the beauty of whichboth partake. Neither of them appears to have the least defect, to yield to the other the palm of superiority; but if there beany difference, the best way to determine it is, to awaken themone after the other, and to agree that the person who shallexpress most love for the other by ardour, eagerness, andpassion, shall be deemed to have in some respect less beauty. "

This proposal of Caschcasch's pleased both Maimoune and Danhasch. Maimoune then changed herself into a flea, and leaping on theprince's neck, stung him so smartly, that he awoke, and put uphis hand to the place; but Maimoune skipped away, and resumed herpristine form, which, like those of the two genies, wasinvisible, the better to observe what he would do. 

In drawing back his hand, the prince chanced to let it fall onthat of the princess of China. He opened his eyes, and wasexceedingly surprised to find lying by him a lady of the greatestbeauty. He raised his head, and leaned on his elbow, the betterto observe her. Her blooming youth and incomparable beauty firedhim in a moment with a flame of which he had never yet beensensible, and from which he had hitherto guarded himself with thegreatest attention. 

Love seized on his heart in the most lively manner, and heexclaimed, "What beauty! what charms! my heart! my soul!" As hespoke he kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and her mouth with solittle caution, that he would have awakened her, had she notslept sounder than ordinary, through the enchantment of Danhasch. 

"How!" said the prince, "do you not awake at these testimonies oflove?" He was going to awake her, but suddenly refrained. "Is notthis she, " said he, "that the sultan my father would have had memarry? He was in the wrong not to let me see her sooner. I shouldnot have offended him by my disobedience and passionate languageto him in public, and he would have spared himself the confusionwhich I have occasioned him. "

The prince began to repent sincerely of the fault he hadcommitted, and was once more on the point of awaking the princessof China. "It may be, " said he, "that the sultan my father has amind to surprise me; and has sent this young lady to try if I hadreally that aversion to marriage which I pretended. Who knows buthe has brought her himself, and is hidden behind the hangings, toobserve me, and make me ashamed of my dissimulation? The secondfault would be greater than the first. At all events, I willcontent myself with this ring, as a remembrance of her. "

He then gently drew off a ring which the princess had on herfinger, and immediately replaced it with one of his own. Afterthis he fell into a more profound sleep than before, through theenchantment of the genies. 

Danhasch now transformed himself into a flea in his turn, and bitthe princess so rudely on the lip, that she awoke, started up, and on opening her eyes, was not a little surprised to see a manlying by her side. From surprise she proceeded to admiration, andfrom admiration to a transport of joy, at beholding so beautifuland lovely a youth. 

"What!" cried she, "is it you the king my father has designed mefor a husband? Would that I had known it, for then I should nothave displeased him, nor been deprived of a husband whom I cannotforbear loving. Wake then, awake!"

So saying, she took the prince by the arm, and shook him soviolently, that he would have awaked, had not Maimoune increasedhis sleep by her enchantment. She shook him several times, andfinding he did not awake, exclaimed, "What is come to thee? whatjealous rival, envying thy happiness and mine, has had recourseto magic to throw thee into this unconquerable drowsiness whenthou shouldst be most awake?" Tired at length with her fruitlessendeavours to awaken the prince; "Since, " said she, "I find it isnot in my power to awake thee, I will no longer disturb thyrepose, but wait our next meeting. " After having kissed hischeek, she lay down and fell asleep by enchantment. 

Maimoune now cried out to Danhasch, "Ah, cursed genie, art thounot now convinced how much thy princess is inferior to my prince?Another time believe me when I assert any thing. " Then turning toCaschcasch, "As for you, " said she, "I thank you for yourtrouble; take the princess, in conjunction with Danhasch, andconvey her back again to her bed, from whence he has taken her. "Danhasch and Caschcasch did as they were commanded, and Maimouneretired to her well. 

Kummir al Zummaun on waking next morning, looked if the lady whomhe had seen the night before were by him. When he found she wasgone, he cried out, "I thought indeed this was a trick the kingmy father designed to play me. I am glad I was aware of it. " Hethen awaked the slave, who was still asleep, and after he hadwashed and said his prayers, took a book and read some time. 

After these usual exercises, he called the slave, and said tohim, "Come hither, and be sure you do not tell me a lie. How camethe lady hither who lay with me to-night, and who brought her?"

"My lord, " answered the slave with great astonishment, "I knownot what lady your highness speaks of. " "I speak, " said theprince, "of her who came, or rather was brought hither, and laywith me to-night. " "My lord, " replied the slave, "I swear I knowof no such lady; and how should she come in without my knowledge, since I lay at the door?"

"You are a lying knave, " replied the prince, "and in the plot tovex and provoke me. " He then gave him a box on the ear, whichknocked him down; and after having stamped upon him for sometime, he tied the well-rope under his arms, and plunged himseveral times into the water, neck and heels. "I will drownthee, " cried he, "if thou dost not tell me directly who this ladywas, and who brought her. "

The slave, perplexed and half dead, said within himself, "Theprince must have lost his senses through grief, and I shall notescape if I do not tell him a falsehood. My lord, " cried he, in asuppliant tone, "I beseech your highness to spare my life, and Iwill tell you the truth. "

The prince drew the slave up, and pressed him to tell him. Assoon as he was out of the well, "My lord, " said he, trembling, "your highness must perceive it is impossible for me to satisfyyou in my present condition; I beg you to give me leave first togo and change my clothes. " "I permit you, but do it quickly, "said the prince; "and be sure you conceal nothing. "

The slave went out, and having locked the door upon the prince, ran to the palace just as he was. The king was at that time indiscourse with his prime vizier, to whom he had just related thegrief in which he had passed the night on account of his son'sdisobedience and opposition to his will. 

The minister endeavoured to comfort his master, by telling him, the prince himself had given him cause for his severity. "Sir, "said he, "your majesty need not repent of having treated your sonin this manner. Have but patience to let him continue a while inprison, and assure yourself his heat will abate, and he willsubmit to all you require. "

The grand vizier had but just done speaking when the slave camein, and cast himself at the feet of the sovereign. "My lord, "said he, "I am sorry to be the messenger of ill news to yourmajesty, which I know must occasion you fresh affliction. Theprince is distracted; he raves of a lady having lain with him allnight, and his treatment of me, as you may see, too plainlyproves the state of his mind. " Then he proceeded to relate theparticulars of what the prince had said, and the violence withwhich he had been treated. 

The king, who did not expect to hear any thing of this afflictingkind, said to the prime minister, "This is a melancholy turn, very different from the hopes you gave me: go immediately andexamine the condition of my son. "

The grand vizier obeyed; and coming into the prince's chamber, found him sitting on his bed with a book in his hand, which hewas reading. 

After mutual salutations, the vizier said, "My lord, I wish thata slave of yours were punished for coming to alarm the king yourfather by news that he has brought him. "

"What is it, " demanded the prince, "that could give my father somuch uneasiness?"

"Prince, " answered the vizier, "God forbid that the intelligencehe has conveyed to your father concerning you should be true;indeed, I find it to be false, by the calm temper in which Iobserve you, and which I pray you to continue. "

"It may be, " replied the prince, "he did not make himself wellunderstood; but since you are come, who ought to know somethingof the matter, permit me to ask you who that lady was that laywith me last night?"

The grand vizier was thunderstruck at this question; he recoveredhimself and said, "My lord, be not surprised at my astonishmentat your question. Is it possible, that a lady or any other personshould penetrate by night into this place without entering at thedoor, and walking over the body of your slave? I beseech you, recollect yourself, and you will find it is only a dream whichhas made this impression on you. "

"I give no ear to what you say, " replied the prince, raising hisvoice. "I must know from you absolutely what is become of thelady; and if you hesitate, I am in a place where I shall soon beable to force you to obey me. "

At this stern language, the grand vizier began to feel morealarmed than before, and to think how he could extricate himself. He endeavoured to pacify the prince, and begged of him, in themost humble and guarded manner, to tell him if he had seen thislady. 

"Yes, yes, " answered the prince, "I have seen her, and am verywell satisfied you sent her here to tempt me. She played the partin which you had instructed her admirably well. She pretended tobe asleep, and I had no sooner fallen into a slumber, than shearose and left me. You know all this; for I doubt not she hasbeen to make her report to you. "

"My lord, " replied the vizier, "I swear to you nothing of thiskind has been acted; neither your father nor I sent this lady youspeak of; permit me therefore once more to suggest to yourhighness, that you have only seen this lady in a dream. "

"Do you come to affront and contradict me, " said the prince in arage, "and to tell me to my face, that what I have told you is adream?" At the same time he took him by the beard, and loaded himwith blows, as long as he could stand. 

The grand vizier endured with respectful patience all theviolence of the prince's indignation, and could not help sayingwithin himself, "Now am I in as bad a condition as the slave, andshall think myself happy, if I can, like him, escape from anyfurther danger. " In the midst of repeated blows, he cried out butfor a moment's audience, which the prince, after he had nearlytired himself with beating him, consented to give him. 

"I own, my prince, " said the grand vizier dissembling, "there issomething in what your highness suspects; but you cannot beignorant of the necessity a minister is under to obey his royalmaster's commands: yet, if you will but be pleased to set me atliberty, I will go and tell him any thing on your behalf that youshall think fit to require. " "Go then, " said the prince, "andtell him from me, if he pleases, I will marry the lady he sentme, or, rather, that was brought to me last night. Do thisimmediately, and bring me a speedy answer. " The grand vizier madea profound reverence and went away, not thinking himselfaltogether safe till he had got out of the tower, and had closedthe door on the prince. 

He came and presented himself before Shaw Zummaun, with acountenance that sufficiently shewed he had been ill used, andwhich the king could not behold without concern. "Well, " said theking, "in what condition did you find my son?" "Sir, " answeredthe vizier, "what the slave reported to your majesty is but tootrue. " He then began to relate his interview with the prince, howhe flew into a passion upon his endeavouring to persuade him itwas impossible the lady he spoke of should have been introduced;the ill treatment he had received from him; how he had used him, and by what means he had made his escape. 

The king, the more concerned as he loved the prince withexcessive tenderness, resolved to find out the truth, andtherefore proposed to go himself and see his son in the tower, accompanied by the grand vizier. 

The prince received his father in the tower, where he wasconfined, with great respect. The king put several questions tohim, which he answered calmly. The king every now and then lookedon the grand vizier, as intimating he did not find his son hadlost his wits, but rather thought he had lost his. 

The king at length spoke of the lady to the prince. "My son, "said he, "I desire you to tell me what lady it was who lay withyou last night. "

"Sir, " answered the prince, "I beg of your majesty not to give memore vexation on that head, but rather to oblige me by letting mehave her in marriage; whatever aversion I may hitherto havediscovered for women, this young lady has charmed me to thatdegree, that I cannot help confessing my weakness. I am ready toreceive her at your majesty's hands, with the deepest gratitude. "

Shaw Zummaun was surprised at this answer of the prince, soremote, as he thought, from the good sense he had strewn before. "My son, " said he, "you fill me with the greatest astonishment bywhat you say: I swear to you I know nothing of the lady youmention; and if any such has come to you, it was without myknowledge or privily. But how could she get into this towerwithout my consent? For whatever my grand vizier told you, it wasonly to appease your anger, it must therefore be a mere dream;and I beg of you not to believe otherwise, but recover yoursenses. "

"Sir, " replied the prince, "I should be for ever unworthy of yourmajesty's favour, if I did not give entire credit to what you arepleased to say but I humbly beseech you at the same time to givea patient hearing to what I shall relate, and then to judgewhether what I have the honour to tell you be a dream or not. "

The prince then related to his father how he had been awaked, exaggerating the beauty and charms of the lady he found by hisside, the instantaneous love he conceived for her, and the painshe took to awaken her without effect. Shewing the king the ringhe had taken from her finger he added, "After this, I hope youwill be convinced that I have not lost my senses, as you havebeen almost made to believe. "

Shaw Zummaun was so perfectly convinced of the truth of what hisson had been telling him, that he could make no reply, remainingastonished for some time, and not being able to utter a syllable. 

The prince took advantage of this opportunity, and said, "Thepassion I have conceived for this charming lady, whose lovelyimage I bear continually in my mind, is so ardent, that I cannotresist it. I entreat you therefore to have compassion, andprocure me the happiness of being united to her. "

"Son, " replied the king, "after what I have just heard, and whatI see by the ring on your finger, I cannot doubt but that yourpassion is real, and that you have seen this lady, who is theobject of it. Would to God I knew who she was. I would instantlycomply with your wishes, and should be the happiest father in theworld! But where shall I seek her? How came she here, and by whatconveyance, without my consent? Why did she come to sleep withyou only to display her beauty, to kindle a flame of love whileshe slept, and then leave you while you were in a slumber? Thesethings, I must confess, I do not understand; and if heaven do notfavour us in our perplexity, I fear we must both go down to thegrave together. " As he spoke, he took the prince by the hand, andsaid, "Come then, my son, let us go and grieve together; you withhopeless love, and I with seeing your affliction, without beingable to afford you relief. "

Shaw Zummaun then led his son out of the tower, and conveyed himto the palace, where he had no sooner arrived, than in despair atloving an unknown object he fell sick, and took to his bed; theking shut himself up with him, without attending to the affairsof his kingdom for many days. 

The prime minister, who was the only person that had admittance, at length informed him, that the whole court, and even thepeople, began to murmur at not seeing him, and that he did notadminister justice every day as he was wont to do; adding, heknew not what disorder it might occasion. "I humbly beg yourmajesty, therefore, " proceeded he, "to pay some attention. I amsensible your majesty's company is a great comfort to the prince, and that his tends to relieve your grief; but you must not runthe risk of letting all be lost. Permit me to propose to yourmajesty, to remove with the prince to the castle near the port, where you may give audience to your subjects twice a week only. During these absences the prince will be so agreeably amused withthe beauty, prospect, and good air of the place, that he willbear them with the less uneasiness. "

The king approved this proposal: he removed thither with theprince; and, excepting when he gave audience, never left him, butpassed all his time endeavouring to comfort him by sharing hisdistress. 

Whilst matters passed thus in the capital of Shaw Zummaun, thetwo genies, Danhasch and Caschcasch, had carried the princess ofChina back to the palace where the king her father had confinedher, and laid her in her bed as before. 

When she awoke next morning, and found that prince Kummir alZummaun was not by her, she cried out in such a manner to herwomen, that she soon brought them to her bed. Her nurse, whoarrived first, desired to be informed if any thing disagreeablehad happened to her. 

"Tell me, " said the princess, "what is become of the young manthat has passed the night with me, and whom I love with all mysoul?" "Madam, " replied the nurse, "we cannot understand yourhighness, unless you will be pleased to explain yourself. "

"A young man, the handsomest and most amiable, " said theprincess, "slept with me last night, whom, with all my caresses, I could not awake; I ask you where he is?"'

"Madam, " answered the nurse, "your highness asks us thesequestions in jest. I beseech you to rise. " "I am in earnest, "said the princess, "and I must know where this young man is. ""Madam, " insisted the nurse, "you were alone when you went to bedlast night; and how any man could come to you without ourknowledge we cannot imagine, for we all lay about the door ofyour chamber, which was locked, and I had the key in my pocket. "

At this the princess lost all patience, and taking her nurse bythe hair of her head, and giving her two or three sound cuffs, cried, "You shall tell me where this young man is, you oldsorceress, or I will put you to death. "

The nurse struggled to get from her, and at last succeeded. Shewent immediately with tears in her eyes, and her face all bloody, to complain to the queen, who was not a little surprised to seeher in this condition, and asked who had misused her. 

"Madam, " began the nurse, "you see how the princess has treatedme; she had certainly murdered me, if I had not had the goodfortune to escape out of her hands. " She then related what hadbeen the cause of all that violent passion in the princess. Thequeen was surprised at her account, and could not guess how shecame to be so infatuated as to take that for a reality whichcould be no other than a dream. "Your majesty must conclude fromall this, " continued the nurse, "that the princess is out of hersenses. You will think so yourself if you will go and see her. "

The queen's affection for the princess deeply interested her inwhat she heard; she ordered the nurse to follow her; and theyimmediately went together to the princess's palace. 

The queen of China sat down by her daughter's bed-side on herarrival in her apartment, and after she had informed herselfabout her health began to ask her what had made her so angry withher nurse, as to treat her in the manner she had done. "Daughter, " said she, "this is not right, and a great princesslike you should not suffer herself to be so transported bypassion. "

"Madam, " replied the princess, "I plainly perceive your majestyis come to mock me; but I declare I will never let you rest tillyou consent to my marrying the young man who lay with me lastnight. You must know where he is, and therefore I beg of yourmajesty to let him come to me again. "

"Daughter, " answered the queen, "you surprise me; I do notunderstand your meaning. " The princess now forgot all respect forthe queen; "Madam, " replied she, "the king my father and you havepersecuted me about marrying, when I had no inclination; I nowhave an inclination, and I will have this young man I told you offor my husband, or I will destroy myself. "

The queen endeavoured to calm the princess by conciliatorylanguage: "Daughter, " said she, "you know well you are guarded inthis apartment, how then could any man come to you?" But insteadof attending to her, the princess interrupted her, by suchextravagancies as obliged the queen to leave her, and retire ingreat affliction, to inform the king of all that had passed. 

When the king had heard the account, he wished likewise to besatisfied in person, and coming to his daughter's apartment, asked her, if what he had been told was true? "Sir, " replied theprincess, "let us talk no more of that; I only beseech yourmajesty to grant me the favour, that I may marry the young man Ilay with last night. "

"What! daughter, " said the king, "has any one lain with you lastnight?" "How, sir, " replied the princess, without giving him timeto go on, "do you ask me if any one lay with me last night? Yourmajesty knows that but too well. He was the most beautiful youththe sun ever saw: I ask him of you for my husband; I entreat youdo not refuse me. But that your majesty may not longer doubtwhether I have seen this young man, whether he has lain with me, whether I have caressed him, or whether I did not my utmost toawake him without succeeding, see, if you please, this ring. " Shethen reached forth her hand, and shewed the king a man's ring onher finger. The king was perplexed what to think. He had confinedhis daughter as mad, he began now to think her more insane thanever. Without saying any thing more to her, lest she might doviolence to herself or somebody about her, he had her chained, and confined more closely than before, allowing her only thenurse to wait on her, with a good guard at the door. 

The king, exceedingly concerned at this indisposition of hisdaughter, sought all possible means to effect her cure. Heassembled his council, and after having acquainted them with hercondition "If any of you, " said he, "is capable of undertaking torestore her to health, and succeed, I will give her to him inmarriage, and make him heir to my dominions. "

The desire of obtaining a handsome young princess, and the hopesof one day governing so great a kingdom as that of China, had apowerful effect on an emir, already advanced in years, who waspresent at this council. As he was well skilled in magic, heoffered the king to recover his daughter, and flattered himselfwith success. "I consent to the trial, " said the king; "but Iforgot to tell you one condition, and that is, that if you do notsucceed, you shall lose your head. It would not be reasonable youshould have so great a reward, and yet run no risk: and what Isay to you, " continued the king, "I say to all others who shallcome after you, that they may consider beforehand what theyundertake. "

The emir accepted the condition, and the king conducted him tothe princess's place of confinement. She covered her face as soonas she saw them enter, and exclaimed, "Your majesty surprises me, in bringing with you a man whom I do not know, and by whom myreligion forbids me to let myself be seen. " "Daughter, " repliedthe king, "you need not be scandalized, it is only one of myemirs who is come to demand you in marriage. " "It is not, Iperceive, the person that you have already given me, and whosefaith is plighted by the ring I wear, " replied the princess; "benot offended that I will never marry any other. "

The emir expected the princess would have said or done someextravagant thing, and was not a little disappointed when heheard her talk so calmly and rationally; for he then concludedthat her disease was nothing but a violent and deep-rootedpassion. He therefore threw himself at his majesty's feet, andsaid, "After what I have heard and observed, sir, it will be tono purpose for me to think of curing the princess, since I haveno remedies proper for her malady; for which reason I humblysubmit my life to your majesty's pleasure. " The king, enraged athis incapacity, and the trouble he had given him, caused him tobe immediately beheaded. 

Some days after, unwilling to have it said that he had neglectedhis daughter's cure, the king put forth a proclamation in hiscapital, importing, that if there were any physician, astrologer, or magician who would undertake to restore the princess to hersenses, he needed only to offer himself, and he should beemployed, on condition of losing his head if he failed. He hadthe same published in the other principal cities and towns of hisdominions, and in the courts of the princes his neighbours. 

The first that presented himself was an astrologer and magician, whom the king caused to be conducted to the princess's prison byan eunuch. The astrologer drew forth, out of a bag he carriedunder his arm, an astrolabe, a small sphere, a chafing-dish, several sorts of drugs proper for fumigations, a brass pot, withmany other articles, and desired he might have a fire. 

The princess demanded what all these preparations were for. "Madam, " answered the eunuch, "they are to exorcise the evilspirit that possesses you, to shut him up in this pot, and throwhim into the sea. "

"Foolish astrologer, " replied the princess, "I have no occasionfor any of your preparations, but am in my perfect senses, andyou alone are mad. If your art can bring him I love to me, Ishall be obliged to you; otherwise you may go about yourbusiness, for I have nothing to do with you. " "Madam, " said theastrologer, "if your case be so, I shall desist from allendeavours, believing the king your father only can remove yourdisorder:" so putting up his trinkets again, he marched away, much concerned that he had so easily undertaken to cure animaginary malady. 

The eunuch conducted the astrologer to the king, whom theastrologer thus addressed: "According to what your majestypublished in your proclamation, and what you were pleased toconfirm to me yourself, I thought the princess was insane, anddepended on being able to recover her by the secrets I have longbeen acquainted with; but I soon found she had no other diseasebut that of love, over which my art has no power: your majestyalone is the physician who can cure her, by giving her inmarriage the person whom she desires. "

The king was much enraged at the astrologer, and had his headinstantly cut off. A hundred and fifty astrologers, physicians, and magicians, came on this account, who all underwent the samefate; and their heads were set upon poles on every gate of thecity. 

The princess of China's nurse had a son whose name was Marzavan, who had been foster-brother to the princess, and brought up withher, The friendship was so great during their childhood, and allthe time they had been together, that as they grew up, even sometime after their separation, they treated each other as brotherand sister. 

Marzavan, among other studies, had from his youth been muchaddicted to judicial astrology, geomancy, and the like secretarts, wherein he became exceedingly skilful. Not satisfied withwhat he had learned from masters, he travelled, and there washardly any person of note in any science or art, but he soughthim in the most remote cities, to obtain information, so greatwas his thirst after knowledge. 

After several years' absence in foreign parts, he returned to thecapital of his native country, where, seeing so many heads on thegate by which he entered, he was exceedingly surprised, anddemanded for what reason they had been placed there; but he moreparticularly inquired after the princess his foster-sister. As hecould not receive an answer to one inquiry without the other, heheard at length a general account of what had happened, andwaited for further particulars till he could see his mother, theprincess's nurse. 

Although the nurse, the mother of Marzavan, was much employedabout the princess, yet she no sooner heard her son was returned, than she found time to come out, embrace him, and converse withhim a little. Having told him, with tears in her eyes, theunhappy condition of the princess, and for what reason the kingher father had confined her; her son desired to know if she couldnot procure him a private view of her royal mistress, without theking's knowledge. After some pause, she told him she could givehim no answer for the present; but if he would meet her the nextday at the same hour, she would inform him. 

The nurse knowing none could approach the princess but herself;without leave of the eunuch, who commanded the guard at the gate, addressed: herself to him, and said, "You know I have brought upand suckled the princess, and you may likewise have heard that Ihad a daughter whom I brought up along with her. This daughterhas been since married, yet the princess still does her thehonour to love her, and wishes to see her, without any person'sobserving her enter or depart. "

The nurse was proceeding, but the eunuch interrupted her andexclaimed, "Say no more, I will with pleasure do any thing tooblige the princess; go and fetch your daughter, or send for herabout midnight, and the gate shall be open for you. "

As soon as it was dark, the nurse went to Marzavan, and havingdressed him so well in women's clothes, that nobody could suspecthe was a man, carried him along with her; and the eunuchbelieving it was her daughter, admitted them. 

The nurse, before she presented Marzavan, went to the princess, and said, "Madam, this is not a woman I have brought to you, itis my son Marzavan in disguise, newly arrived from his travels;having a great desire to kiss your hand, I hope your highnesswill vouchsafe him that honour. "

"What! my brother Marzavan, " exclaimed the princess, with greatjoy; "approach, and take off that veil; for it is notunreasonable that a brother and a sister should see each otherwithout covering their faces. "

Marzavan saluted her with profound respect, while, without givinghim time to speak, she continued, "I rejoice to see you returnedin good health, after so many years' absence, and without sendingany account of your welfare, even to your good mother. "

"Madam, " replied Marzavan, "I am infinitely obliged to yourgoodness. I hoped to have heard a better account of your healththan has been given me, and which I lament to find confirmed byyour appearance. It gives me pleasure, however, to have come soseasonably to bring your highness that remedy which yoursituation requires. Should I reap no other benefit from mystudies and travels, I should think myself amply recompensed. "

Having thus spoken, Marzavan drew out of his pocket a book andsome other things, which from the account he had had from hismother of the princess's distemper, he thought he might want. Theprincess, observing these preparations, exclaimed, "What!brother, are you one of those who believe me mad? Undeceiveyourself, and hear me. "

The princess then related to Marzavan all the particulars of herstory, without omitting the least circumstance, even to the ringwhich was exchanged for hers, and which she shewed him. "I havenot concealed the least incident from you, " continued she; "thereis something in this business which I cannot comprehend, andwhich has given occasion for some persons to think me mad. But noone will attend to the rest, which is literally as I havestated. "

After the princess had concluded, Marzavan, filled with wonderand astonishment, remained for some time with his eyes fixed onthe ground, without speaking a word; but at length he lifted uphis head, and said, "If it be as your highness says, and which Ido not in the least doubt, I do not despair of being able toprocure you the gratification of your wishes. But I must firstentreat your highness to arm yourself with patience, till I havetravelled over kingdoms which I have not yet visited, and whenyou hear of my return, be assured the object of your desire isnot far distant. " Having thus spoken, Marzavan took leave of theprincess, and set out the next morning on his intended travels. 

He journeyed from city to city, from province to province, andfrom island to island; and in every place he visited, he couldhear of nothing but the princess Badoura (which was the princessof China's name) and her history. 

About four months after, our traveller arrived at Torf, a sea-porttown, large and populous, where the theme was changed; he no moreheard of the princess Badoura, but all the talk was of prince Kummiral Zummaun, who was sick, and whose history greatly resembled hers. Marzavan was extremely delighted on hearing this, and informed himselfwhere the prince was to be found. There were two ways to it; one, byland and sea; the other, by sea only, which was the shortest. 

Marzavan chose the latter; and embarking on board a merchantship, arrived safely in sight of Shaw Zummaun's capital; but justbefore it entered the port, the ship struck upon a rock, by theunskilfulness of the pilot, and foundered: it went down in sightof the castle, where at that time were the king and his grandvizier. 

Marzavan, who could swim well, immediately upon the ship'ssinking cast himself into the sea, and got safe on shore underthe castle, where he was soon relieved by the grand vizier'sorder. After he had changed his clothes, and been well treated, he was introduced to the grand vizier, who lead sent for him. 

Marzavan being a young man of good address, the minister receivedhim with great politeness; and was induced, from the just andpertinent answers he returned to the questions put to him, toregard him with great esteem. Finding by degrees that hepossessed great variety and extent of information, he said tohim, "From what I can understand, I perceive you are no commonman; you have travelled much: would to God you had discoveredsome remedy for a malady which has been long a source of greataffliction at this court. "

Marzavan replied, if he knew what malady it was, he might perhapsfind a remedy applicable to it. 

The grand vizier then related to him the story of prince Kummiral Zummaun. He concealed nothing relating to his birth, which hadbeen so earnestly desired, his education, the wish of the kinghis father to see him early married, his resistance andextraordinary aversion from marriage, his disobeying his fatherin full council, his imprisonment, his extravagancies in prison, which were afterwards changed into a violent passion for someunknown lady, who, he pretended, had exchanged a ring with him, though, for his part, he verily believed there was no such personin the world. 

Marzavan gave great attention to all the grand vizier said, andwas infinitely rejoiced to find that, by means of his shipwreck, he had so fortunately lighted on the person he was seeking. Hesaw no reason to doubt that the prince was the man whom theprincess of China so ardently loved, and that this princess wasequally the object of his passion. Without explaining himselffarther to the vizier, he desired to see the prince, that hemight be better able to judge of his disorder and its cure. "Follow me, " said the grand vizier, "and you will find the kingwith him, who has already desired I should introduce you. "

On entering the prince's chamber, the first thing Marzavanobserved was the prince upon his bed languishing, and with hiseyes shut. Notwithstanding his condition, and regardless of thepresence of the king his father, who was sitting by him, he couldnot avoid exclaiming, "Heavens! was there ever a greaterresemblance?" He meant to the princess of China; for it seems theprincess and the prince were much alike. 

This exclamation of Marzavan excited the prince's curiosity; heopened his eyes and looked at him. Marzavan, who had a ready wit, seized that opportunity, and made his compliment in extemporeverse; but in such a disguised manner, that neither the king northe grand vizier under stood his meaning. He represented soexactly what had happened to him with the princess of China, thatthe prince had no reason to doubt he knew her, and could give himtidings of her. His countenance immediately brightened up withjoy. 

After Marzavan had finished his compliment in verse, whichsurprised Kummir al Zummaun so agreeably, the prince took theliberty of making a sign to the king his father, to give hisplace to Marzavan, and allow him to sit by him. 

The king, overjoyed at this alteration, which inspired him withhopes of his son's speedy recovery, quitted his place, and takingMarzavan by the hand, led him to it, obliging him to sit. He thendemanded of him who he was, and whence he had come? And uponMarzavan's answering he was a subject of China, and came fromthat kingdom, the king exclaimed, "Heaven grant you may be ableto recover my son from this profound melancholy; I shall beeternally obliged to you, and all the world shall see howhandsomely I will reward you. " Having said thus, he left theprince to converse at full liberty with the stranger, whilst hewent and rejoiced with the grand vizier on this happy incident. 

Marzavan leaning down to the prince, addressed him in a lowvoice: "Prince, it is time you should cease to grieve. The lady, for whom you suffer, is the princess Badoura, daughter of Gaiour, king of China. This I can assure your highness from what she hastold me of her adventure, and what I have learned of yours. Shehas suffered no less on your account than you have on hers. " Herehe related all that he knew of the princess's story, from thenight of their extraordinary interview. 

He omitted not to acquaint him how the king had treated those whohad failed in their endeavours to cure the princess of herindisposition. "But your highness is the only person, " added he, "that can cure her effectually, and you may present yourselfwithout fear. However, before you undertake so long a voyage, Iwould have you perfectly recovered, and then we will take whatmeasures may be necessary. Think then immediately of the recoveryof your health. "

This account had a marvellous effect on the prince. The hopes ofspeedily fulfilling his desires so much relieved him, that hefelt he had strength sufficient to rise, and begged permission ofhis father to dress himself, with such an air as gave himincredible pleasure. 

Shaw Zummaun, without inquiring into the means he had used toproduce this wonderful effect, could not refrain from embracingMarzavan, and soon after went out of the prince's chamber withthe grand vizier, to publish the agreeable tidings. He orderedpublic rejoicings for several days together, gave great largessesto his officers and the people, and alms to the poor, and causedthe prisoners to be set at liberty throughout his kingdom The joywas soon general in the capital, and in every part of hisdominions. 

Kummir al Zummaun, though extremely weakened by almost continualprivation of sleep and long abstinence, soon recovered hishealth. When he found himself in a condition to undertake thevoyage, he took Marzavan aside, and said, "Dear Marzavan, it isnow time to perform the promise you have made me. My impatienceto behold the charming princess, and to relieve her of thetorments she is now suffering on my account, is such, that if wedo not shortly depart, I shall relapse into my formerindisposition. One thing still afflicts me, " continued he, "andthat is the difficulty I shall find, from his tender affectionfor me, to obtain my father's permission to travel into a distantcountry. You observe he scarcely allows me to be a moment out ofhis sight. "

At these words the prince wept. Marzavan then replied, "I foresawthis difficulty, and I will take care it shall not obstruct us. My principal design in this voyage was to cure the princess ofChina of her malady, and this on account of the mutual affectionwhich we have borne to each other from our birth, as well as fromthe zeal and affection I otherwise owe her. I should therefore bewanting in my duty to her, if I did not use my best endeavours toeffect her cure and yours. This is then the mode I have devisedto obtain the king your father's consent. You have not stirredabroad for some time, therefore request his permission to go upona hunting party with me. He will no doubt comply. When you haveobtained his leave, obtain two fleet coursers for each of us tobe got ready, one to mount, the other to change, and leave therest to me. "

The following day the prince did as he had been instructed. Heacquainted the king he was desirous of taking the air, and, if hepleased, would go and hunt for two or three days with Marzavan. The king gave his consent, but wished him not to be absent morethan one night, since too much exercise at first might impair hishealth and a longer absence would make him uneasy. He thenordered him to choose the best horses in the royal stable, andtook particular care that nothing should be wanting for hisaccommodation. When all was ready, he embraced the prince, andhaving recommended to Marzavan to be careful of him, he let himgo. Kummir al Zummaun and Marzavan were soon mounted, when, toamuse the two grooms who led the spare horses, they made as ifthey were going to hunt, and under this pretence got as far fromthe city and out of the high road as was possible. When nightbegan to approach, they alighted at a caravanserai or inn, wherethey supped, and slept till about midnight; when Marzavanawakened the prince, and desired his highness to let him have hisdress, and to take another for himself, which was brought in hisbaggage. Thus equipped, they mounted the fresh horses, and afterMarzavan had taken one of the grooms' horses by the bridle, theyleft the caravanserai. 

At day-break they found themselves in a forest, where four roadsmet. Here Marzavan, desiring the prince to wait for him a little, went into the wood. He then cut the throat of the groom's horse, and after having torn the suit which the prince had taken off, and besmeared it with blood, threw it into the highway. 

The prince inquired his reason for what he had done. He replied, he was sure that when the king his father found he did notreturn, and should learn that he had departed without the grooms, he would suspect something wrong, and immediately send in questof them, "they who may come this way, finding this bloody habit, will conclude you are devoured by wild beasts, and that I haveescaped to avoid the king's anger. The king, concluding you aredead, will stop further pursuit, and we may have leisure tocontinue our journey without fear of being followed. " "I mustconfess, " continued Marzavan, "it is a violent way of proceeding, to alarm a fond father with the death of his son, but his joywill be the greater when he shall hear you are alive and happy. ""Breve Marzavan, " replied the prince, "I cannot but approve suchan ingenious stratagem, or sufficiently admire your conduct: youplace me under fresh obligations to you. "

The prince and Marzavan being well provided for their expenses, continued their journey both by land and sea, and found no otherobstacle but the length of the time which it necessarily took up. They arrived at length at the capital of China, where Marzavan, instead of going to his house, carried the prince to a publicinn. They remained there incognito three days, to rest themselvesafter the fatigue of the voyage; during which time Marzavancaused an astrologer's habit to be made for the prince. The threedays being expired, they went together to the bath, where theprince put on his astrologer's dress: from thence Marzavanconducted him to the neighbourhood of the king of China's palace, where he left him, to go and inform his mother of his arrival. 

Kummir al Zummaun, instructed by Marzavan what he was to do, camenext morning to the gate of the king's palace, and cried aloud, "I am an astrologer, and am come to cure the illustrious princessBadoura, daughter of the most high and mighty monarch Gaiour kingof China, on the conditions proposed by his majesty, to marry herif I succeed, or else to lose my life for my fruitless andpresumptuous attempt. "

Besides the guards and porters at the gate, this incident drewtogether a great number of people about the prince. There had nophysician, astrologer, or magician appeared for a long time onthis account, being deterred by the many tragical examples of illsuccess that appeared before; it was therefore thought thereremained no more of these professions in the world, or none somad as those that had already forfeited their lives. 

The prince's appearance, his noble air, and blooming youth, madeevery one who saw him pity him. "What mean you, sir, " said somethat were nearest to him, "thus to expose a life of suchpromising expectations to certain death? Cannot the heads you seeon all the gates of this city deter you from such an undertaking?In the name of God consider what you do! abandon this rashattempt, and depart. "

The prince continued firm, notwithstanding all theseremonstrances; and as he saw no one coming to introduce him, herepeated the same cry with a boldness that made every bodytremble. They all then exclaimed, "Let him alone, he is resolvedto die; God have mercy on his youth and his soul!" He thenproceeded to cry a third time in the same manner, when the grandvizier came in person, and introduced him to the king of China. 

As soon as the prince came into the presence, he bowed and kissedthe ground. The king, who, among all that had hithertopresumptuously exposed their lives on this occasion, had notbefore seen one worthy of his attention, felt real compassion forKummir al Zummaun, on account of the danger to which he exposedhimself. "Young man, " said he, "I can hardly believe that at thisage you can have acquired experience enough to dare attempt thecure of my daughter. I wish you may succeed, and would give herto you in marriage with all my heart, and with the greatest joy, more willingly than I should have done to others that haveoffered themselves before you; but I must declare to you at thesame time, though with great concern, that if you fail, notwithstanding your noble appearance and your youth, you mustlose your head. "

"Sir, " replied the prince, "I have infinite obligations to yourmajesty for the honour you design me, and the great goodness youshew to a stranger; but I desire your majesty to believe I wouldnot have come from so remote a country as I have done, the nameof which perhaps may be unknown in your dominions, if I had notbeen certain of the cure I propose. What would not the world sayof my fickleness, if, after such great fatigues and so manydangers as I have undergone in the pursuit, I should abandon thisgenerous enterprise? Even your majesty would lose that esteem youhave conceived for me. If I perish, I shall die with thesatisfaction of not having forfeited your good opinion. I beseechyour majesty therefore to keep me no longer from displaying thecertainty of my art, by the proof I am ready to afford. "

The king now commanded the eunuch, who had the custody of theprincess, to introduce Kummir al Zummaun into her apartment: butbefore he would let him go, reminded him once more that he was atliberty to renounce his design; but the prince paid no regard tothis, and with astonishing resolution and eagerness followed theeunuch. 

When they had entered a long gallery, at the end of which was theprincess's apartment, the prince, who saw himself so near theobjets of his wishes, who had occasioned him so many tears, pushed on, and got before the eunuch. 

The eunuch redoubling his pace, with difficulty got up to him, "Wither so fast?" cried he, taking him by the arm; "you cannotget in without me; and it should seem you have a great desire fordeath, thus to run to it headlong. Not one of all those manyastrologers and magicians I have introduced before made suchhaste as yourself, to a place whence I fear you will come but toosoon. "

"Friend, " replied the prince, looking earnestly on the eunuch, and continuing his pace, "this was because none of theastrologers you speak of were so confident in their art as I am:they were certain indeed they should die, if they did notsucceed, but they had no certainty of their success. On thisaccount they had reason to tremble on approaching this spot, where I am sure to find my happiness. " He had just spoken thesewords when he reached the door. The eunuch opened it, andintroduced him into a great hall, whence was an entrance into theprincess's apartment, divided from it only by a piece oftapestry. 

The prince stopped before he entered, speaking more softly to theeunuch for fear of being heard by the princess. "To convinceyou, " said he; "there is neither presumption, nor whim, noryouthful conceit in my undertaking, I leave it to your choicewhether I shall cure the princess in her presence, or where weare, without going any farther, or seeing her?"

The eunuch was amazed to hear the prince talk to him with suchconfidence: he left off jeering, and said seriously to him, "Itis no matter where it is done, provided it be effected: cure herhow you will, if you succeed you will gain immortal honour, notonly in this court, but over all the world. "

The prince replied, "It will be best then to cure her withoutseeing her, that you may be witness of my skill; notwithstandingmy impatience to see a princess of her rank, who is to be mywife, yet out of respect to you, I will deprive myself of thatpleasure for a little while. " Being furnished with every thingproper for an astrologer to carry about him, he took pen, ink, and paper our of his pocket, and wrote the following billet tothe princess. 

"The impassioned Kummir al Zummaun cannot recite theinexpressible pain he has endured since that fatal night in whichyour charms deprived him of the liberty which he had resolved topreserve. He only tells you that he devoted his heart to you inyour charming slumbers; those obstinate slumbers which hinderedhim from beholding the brightness of your piercing eyes, notwithstanding all his endeavours to oblige you to open them. Hepresumed to present you with his ring as a token of his passion;and to take yours in exchange, which he encloses. If youcondescend to return his as a reciprocal pledge of love, he willesteem himself the happiest of mankind. If not, the sentence ofdeath, which your refusal must draw upon him, will be receivedwith resignation, since he will perish on account of his love foryou. "

When the prince had finished his billet, he folded it up, andenclosed in it the princess's ring. "There, friend, " said he tothe eunuch, "carry this to your mistress; if it does not cure heras soon as she reads it, and sees what it contains, I give youleave to tell every body, that I am the most ignorant andimpudent astrologer that ever existed. "

The eunuch entering the princess of China's apartment, gave herthe packet, saying, "The boldest astrologer that ever lived isarrived here, and pretends, that on reading this letter andseeing what it encloses, you will be cured; I wish he may proveneither a liar nor an impostor. "

The princess Badoura took the billet, and opened it withindifference: but when she saw the ring, she had not patience toread it through: she rose hastily, broke the chain that held her, ran to the door and opened it. They immediately recognized eachother, tenderly embraced, and without being able to speak forexcess of joy, looked at one another, wondering how they metagain after their first interview. The princess's nurse, who ranto the door with her, made them come into her apartment, wherethe princess Badoura gave the prince her ring, saying, "Take it, I cannot keep it without restoring yours; which I will never partwith; neither can it be in better hands. "

The eunuch went immediately to inform the king of China of whathad happened: "Sir, " said he, "all the astrologers and doctorswho have hitherto pretended to cure the princess were foolscompared with the present. He made use neither of schemes norconjurations, of perfumes, nor any thing else, but cured herwithout seeing her. " The monarch was agreeably surprised at thisintelligence, and going to the princess's apartment, he embracedher, and afterwards the prince, and taking his hand joined it tothe princess's, saying, "Happy stranger, whoever you are, I willkeep my word, and give you my daughter for your wife; though, bywhat I see in you, it is impossible for me to believe you arereally what you pretend, and would have me take you to be. "

Kummir al Zummaun thanked the king in the most humbleexpressions, that he might the better shew his gratitude. "As formy condition, " said he, "I must own I am not an astrologer, asyour majesty has guessed; I only put on the habit of one, that Imight succeed the more easily in my ambition to be allied to themost potent monarch in the world. I was born a prince, and theson of a king and of a queen; my name is Kummir al Zummaun; myfather is Shaw Zummaun, who now reigns over the islands that arewell known by the name of the Islands of the Children ofKhaledan. " He then related to him his history, and how wonderfulhad been the origin of his love; that the princess's wasaltogether as marvellous; and that both were confirmed by theexchange of the two rings. 

When the prince had done speaking, the king said to him, "Thishistory is so extraordinary, it deserves to be known toposterity; I will take care it shall; and the original beingdeposited in my royal archives, I will spread copies of itabroad, that my own kingdoms and the kingdoms around me may knowit. "

The marriage was solemnized the same day, and the rejoicings wereuniversal all over the empire of China. Nor was Marzavanforgotten: the king gave him an honourable post in his court, anda promise of further advancement. 

The prince and princess enjoyed the fulness of their wishes inthe sweets of marriage; and the king kept continual feastings forseveral months, to manifest his joy on the occasion. 

In the midst of these pleasures Kummir al Zummaun dreamt onenight that he saw his father on his bed at the point of death, and heard him thus address his attendants: "My son, to whom Igave birth; my son, whom I so tenderly loved whom I bred with somuch fondness, so much care, has abandoned me, and is himself thecause of my death. " He awoke with a profound sigh, which alarmedthe princess, who asked him the cause. 

"Alas! my love, " replied the prince, "perhaps at the very momentwhile I am speaking, the king my father is no more. " He thenacquainted her with his melancholy dream, which occasioned him somuch uneasiness. The princess, who studied to please him in everything, went to her father the next day, kissed his hand, and thusaddressed him: "I have a favour to beg of your majesty, and Ibeseech you not to deny me; but that you may not believe I ask itat the solicitation of the prince my husband, I assure youbeforehand he knows nothing of my request: it is, that you willgrant me your permission to go with him and visit his father. "

"Daughter, " replied the king, "though I shall be sorry to part withyou for so long a time as a journey to a place so distant willrequire, yet I cannot disapprove of your resolution; it is worthy ofyourself: go, child, I give you leave, but on condition that you stayno longer than a year in Shaw Zummaun's court. I hope the king willagree to this, that we shall alternately see, he his son and hisdaughter-in-law, and I my daughter and my son-in-law. "

The princess communicated the king of China's consent to herhusband, who was transported to receive it, and returned herthanks for this new token of her love. 

The king of China gave orders for preparations to be made fortheir departure; and when all things were ready, he accompaniedthe prince and princess several days' journey on their way; theyparted at length with much affliction on both sides: the kingembraced them; and having desired the prince to be kind to hisdaughter, and to love her always with the same tenderness he nowdid, he left them to proceed, and to divert himself, hunted as hereturned to his capital. 

When the prince and princess had recovered from their grief, theycomforted themselves with considering how glad Shaw Zummaun wouldbe to see them, and how they should rejoice to see the king. 

After travelling about a month, they one day entered a plain ofgreat extent, planted at convenient distances with tall trees, forming an agreeable shade. The day being unusually hot, theprince thought it best to encamp there, and proposed it toBadoura, who, having the same wish, the more readily consented. They alighted in one of the finest spots; a tent was presentlyset up; the princess, rising from the shade under which she hadsat down, entered it. The prince then ordered his attendants topitch their tents, and went himself to give directions. Theprincess, weary with the fatigues of the journey, bade her womenuntie her girdle, which they laid down by her; and she fallingasleep, they left her alone. 

Kummir al Zummaun having seen all things in order, came to thetent where the princess was sleeping: he entered, and sat downwithout making any noise, intending to repose himself; butobserving the princess's girdle lying by her, he took it up, andlooked at the diamonds and rubies one by one. In viewing it heobserved a little purse hanging to it, sewed neatly on the stuff, and tied fast with a riband; he felt it, and found it containedsomething solid. Desirous to know what it was, he opened thepurse, and took out a cornelian, engraven with unknown figuresand characters. "This cornelian, " said the prince to himself, "must be something very valuable, or my princess would not carryit with so much care. " It was Badoura's talisman, which the queenof China had given her daughter as a charm, that would keep her, as she said, from any harm as long as she had it about her. 

The prince, the better to look at the talisman, took it out tothe light, the tent being dark; and while he was holding it up inhis hand, a bird darted down from the air and snatched it awayfrom him. 

One will easily conceive the concern and grief of the prince, when he saw the bird fly away with the talisman. He was moretroubled than words can express, and cursed his unseasonablecuriosity, by which his dear princess had lost a treasure, thatwas so precious, and so valued by her. 

The bird having got its prize, settled on the ground not far off, with the talisman in its mouth. The prince drew near it, hopingit would drop it; but as he approached, the bird took wing, andsettled again on the ground further off. Kummir al Zummaunfollowed, and the bird took a further flight: the prince beingvery dexterous at a mark, thought to kill it with a stone, andstill pursued; the further it flew, the more eager he grew inpursuing, keeping it always in view. Thus the bird drew him alongfrom hill to valley, and valley to hill, all the day, every stepleading him out of the way from the plain where he had left hiscamp and the princess Badoura: and instead of perching at nighton a bush, where he might probably have taken it, roosted on ahigh tree, safe from his pursuit. The prince, vexed to the heartat having taken so much pains to no purpose, thought ofreturning; "But, " said he to himself, "which way shall I return?Shall I go down the hills and valleys which I have passed overt'Shall I wander in darkness? and will my strength bear me out? Howshall I dare appear before my princess without her talisman?"Overwhelmed with such thoughts, and tired with the pursuit, sleepcame upon him, and he lay down under a tree, where he passed thenight. 

He awoke the next morning before the bird had left the tree, andas soon as he saw it on the wing, followed it again the whole ofthat day, with no better success than he had done the last, eating nothing but herbs and fruits as he went. He did the samefor ten days together, pursuing the bird, and keeping it in viewfrom morning to night, lying always under the tree where itroosted. On the eleventh day, the bird continued flying, andKummir al Zummaun pursuing it, came near a great city. When thebird had reached the walls, it flew over them, and the prince sawno more of it; so that he despaired of ever recovering theprincess Badoura's talisman. 

The prince, whose grief was beyond expression, went into thecity, which was built on the seaside, and had a fine port; hewalked up and down the streets without knowing where he was, orwhere to stop. At last he came to the port, in as greatuncertainty as ever what he should do. Walking along the shore, he perceived the gate of a garden open, and an old gardener atwork in it; the good man looking up, saw he was a stranger and aMoosulmaun, and asked him to come in, and shut the door afterhim. 

Kummir al Zummaun entered, and demanded of the gardener why hewas so cautious? "Because, " replied the old man, "I see you are astranger newly arrived; and this city is inhabited for the mostpart by idolaters, who have a mortal aversion to us Moosulmauns, and treat a few of us that are here with great barbarity. Isuppose you did not know this, and it is a miracle that you haveescaped as you have thus far: these idolaters being very apt tofall upon strangers, or draw them into a snare. I bless God, whohas brought you into a place of safety. "

Kummir al Zummaun thanked the honest gardener for his advice, andthe security he offered him in his house; he would have saidmore, but the good man interrupted him, saying, "Let us leavecomplimenting; you are weary, and must want to refresh yourself. Come in, and rest. " He conducted him into his little hut; andafter the prince had eaten heartily of what he set before him, with a cordiality that charmed him, he requested him to relatehow he had come there. 

The prince complied; and when he had finished his story, withoutconcealing any part of it, asked him which was the nearest routeto his father's territories; saying, "It is in vain for me tothink of finding my princess where I left her, after wanderingeleven days from the spot by so extraordinary an adventure. Ah!"continued he, "how do I know she is alive?" and saying this, heburst into tears. The gardener replied, "There was no possibilityof his going thither by land, the ways were so difficult, and thejourney so long; besides, there was no accommodation for hissubsistence; or, if there were, he must necessarily pass throughthe countries of so many barbarous nations, that he would neverreach his father's. It was a year's journey from the city wherehe then was to any country inhabited only by Moosulmauns; thatthe quickest passage for him would be to go to the isle of Ebene, whence he might easily transport himself to the isles of thechildren of Khaledan; that a ship sailed from the port every yearto Ebene, and he might take that opportunity of returning tothose islands. " "The ship departed, " said he, "but a few days ago;if you had come a little sooner, you might have taken yourpassage in it. You must wait till it makes the voyage again, andif you will stay with me and accept of my house, such as it is, you shall be as welcome to it as to your own. "

The prince was glad he had met with such an asylum, in a placewhere he had no acquaintance. He accepted the offer, and livedwith the gardener till the time arrived that the ship was to sailto the isle of Ebene. He spent the interval in working by day inthe garden, and passing the night in sighs, tears, andcomplaints, thinking of his dear princess Badoura. We must leavehim in this place, to return to the princess, whom we left asleepin her tent. 

The princess slept a long time, and when she awoke, wondered thatthe prince was not with her; she called her women, and asked ifthey knew where he was. They told her they saw him enter thetent, but did not see him go out. While they were talking to her, she took up her girdle, found her little purse open, and that thetalisman was gone. She did not doubt but that the prince hadtaken it to see what it was, and that he would bring it back withhim. She waited for him impatiently till night, and could notimagine what made him stay away from her so long. 

When it was quite dark, and she could hear no tidings of him, shefell into violent grief: she cursed the talisman, and him thatmade it; and, had not she been restrained by duty, would havecursed the queen her mother, who had given her such a fatalpresent. She was the more troubled, because she could not imaginehow her talisman should have caused the prince's separation fromher; she did not however lose her judgment, and came to acourageous resolution, not common with persons of her sex. 

Only herself and her women knew of the prince's absence; for hismen were reposing or asleep in their tents. The princess, fearingthey would betray her, if they had any knowledge of thiscircumstance, moderated her grief, and forbade her women to sayor do any thing that might create the least suspicion. She thenlaid aside her own habit, and put on one of Kummir al Zummaun's. She was so much like him, that the next day, when she cameabroad, the male attendants took her for the prince. 

She commanded them to pack up their baggage and begin theirmarch; and when all things were ready, she ordered one of herwomen to go into her litter, she herself mounting on horseback, and riding by her side. 

She travelled several months by land and sea; the princesscontinuing the journey under the name of Kummir al Zummaun. Theytouched at Ebene in their way to the isles of the children ofKhaledan, and went to the capital of the island, where a kingreigned, whose name was Armanos. The persons who first landed, giving out that the ship carried prince Kummir al Zummaun, whowas returning from a long voyage, and was forced in by a storm, the news of his arrival was soon carried to court. 

King Armanos, accompanied by his courtiers' went immediately towait on the prince, and met the princess just as she was landing, and going to the palace that had been prepared for her. Hereceived her as the son of a king, who was his friend, and withwhom he always kept up a good understanding: he conducted her tothe palace, where an apartment was prepared for her and all herattendants; though she would fain have excused herself. He shewedher all possible honour, and entertained her three days togetherwith extraordinary magnificence. At the end of this time kingArmanos understanding that the princess intended proceeding onher voyage, charmed with the air and qualities of such anaccomplished prince, as he supposed her, took an opportunity whenshe was alone, and spoke to her in this manner: "You see, prince, that I am old, and to my great mortification have not a son towhom I may leave my crown. Heaven has only blest me with onedaughter, whose beauty cannot be better matched than with aprince of your rank and accomplishments. Instead of going home, stay and accept my crown, which I will resign in your favour. Itis time for me to rest, and nothing could be a greater pleasureto me in my retirement, than to see my people ruled by so worthya successor to my throne. "

The king's offer to bestow his only daughter in marriage, andwith her his kingdom, on the princess Badoura, put her intounexpected perplexity. She thought it would not become a princessof her rank to undeceive the king, and to own that she was notprince Kummir al Zummaun, whose part she had hitherto acted sowell. She was also afraid to decline the honour he offered her, lest, being so much bent upon the conclusion of the marriage, hiskindness might turn to aversion, and he might attempt somethingeven against her life. 

These considerations, added to the prospect of obtaining akingdom for the prince her husband, in case she found him again, determined her to accept the proposal of king Armanos, and marryhis daughter. After having stood silent for some minutes, shewith blushes, which the king took for a sign of modesty, answered, "I am infinitely obliged to your majesty for your goodopinion of me, for the honour you do me, and the great favour youoffer, which I cannot pretend to merit, and dare not refuse. "

"But, " continued she, "I cannot accept this great alliance on anyother condition, than that your majesty will assist me with yourcounsels, and that I do nothing without having first obtainedyour approbation. "

The marriage treaty being thus concluded, the ceremony was putoff till the next day. In the mean time princess Badoura gavenotice to her officers, who still took her for their prince, ofwhat she was about to do, that they might not be surprised, assuring them the princess Badoura consented. She talked also toher women, and charged them to continue to keep the secret shehad entrusted to them. 

The king of the isle of Ebene, rejoicing that he had found ason-in-law so much to his satisfaction, next morning summoned hiscouncil, and acquainted them with his design of marrying his daughterto prince Kummir al Zummaun, whom he introduced to them, and told themhe resigned the crown to him, and required them to acknowledge him fortheir king, and swear fealty to him. Having said this, he descendedfrom his throne, and the princess Badoura, by his order, ascended it. As soon as the council broke up, the new king was proclaimed throughthe city, rejoicings were appointed for several days, and couriersdespatched over all the kingdom, to see the same ceremonies observedwith the usual demonstrations of joy. 

At night there were extraordinary feastings at the palace, andthe princess Haiatalnefous was conducted to the princess Badoura, whom every body took for a man, dressed like a royal bride: thewedding was solemnized with the utmost splendour: they were lefttogether, and retired to bed. In the morning, while the princessBadoura went to receive the compliments of the nobility in thehall of audience, where they congratulated her on her marriageand accession to the throne, king Armanos and his queen went tothe apartment of their daughter to inquire after her health. Instead of answering, she held down her head, and by her looksthey saw plainly enough that she was disappointed. 

King Armanos, to comfort the princess Haiatalnefous, bade her notbe troubled. "Prince Kummir al Zummaun, " said he, "when he landedhere might think only of going to his father's court. Though wehave engaged him to stay by arguments, with which he ought to bewell satisfied, yet it is probable he grieves at being sosuddenly deprived of the hopes of seeing either his father or anyof his family. You must wait till those first emotions of filiallove are over; he will then conduct himself towards you as a goodhusband ought to do. "

The princess Badoura, under the name and character of Kummir alZummaun, the king of Ebene, spent the whole day in receiving thecompliments of the courtiers and the nobility of the kingdom whowere in and about the city, and in reviewing the regular troopsof her household; and entered on the administration of affairswith so much dignity and judgment, that she gained the generalapplause of all who were witnesses of her conduct. 

It was evening before she returned to queen Haiatalnefous'sapartment, and she perceived by the reception she gave her, thatthe bride was not at all pleased with the preceding night. Sheendeavoured to dissipate her grief by a long conversation, inwhich she employed all the wit she had (and she possessed a goodshare), to persuade her she loved her entirely. She then gave hertime to go to bed, and while she was undressing she went to herdevotions; her prayers were so long, that queen Haiatalnefous wasasleep before they were ended. She then left off, and lay downsoftly by the new queen, without waking her, and was as muchafflicted at being forced to act a part which did not belong toher, as in the loss of her dear Kummir al Zummaun, for whom she:ceased not to sigh. She rose as soon as it was day, beforeHaiatalnefous was awake; and, being dressed in her royal robes asking, went to council. 

King Armanos, as he had done the day before, came early to visitthe queen his daughter, whom he found in tears; he wanted nothingmore to be informed of the cause of her trouble. Provoked at thecontempt, as he thought, put upon his daughter, of which he couldnot imagine the reason: "Daughter, " said he, "have patience foranother night. I raised your husband to the throne, and can pullhim down again, and drive him thence with shame, unless he shewsyou proper regard. His treatment of you has provoked me so much, I cannot tell to what my resentment may transport me; the affrontis as great to me as to you. "

It was late again before the princess Badoura came to queenHaiatalnefous. She talked to her as she had done the night before, andafter the same manner went to her devotions, desiring the queen to goto bed. But Haiatalnefous would not be so served; she held her back, and obliged her to sit down. "Tell me, I beseech you, " said she, "whatcan you dislike in a princess of my youth and beauty, who not onlyloves but adores you, and thinks herself the happiest of women inhaving so amiable a prince for her husband. Any body but me would benot merely offended but shocked by the slight, or rather theunpardonable affront you have put upon me, and abandon you to yourevil destiny. However, though I did not love you so well as I do, yetout of pure good-nature and humanity, which makes me pity themisfortunes of persons for whom I am less concerned, I cannot forbeartelling you, that the king my father is enraged against you for yourbehaviour towards me, and to-morrow will make you feel the weight ofhis just anger, if you continue to neglect me as you have hithertodone. Do not therefore drive to despair a princess, who, notwithstanding all your ill usage, cannot help loving you. "

This address embarrassed the princess Badoura inexpressibly. Shedid not doubt the truth of what Haiatalnefous had said. KingArmanos's coldness to her the day before had given her but toomuch reason to see he was highly dissatisfied with her. The onlyway to justify her conduit was, to communicate her sex to theprincess Haiatalnefous. But though she had foreseen she should beunder a necessity of making such a discovery to her, yet heruncertainty as to the manner in which she would receive it, madeher tremble; but, considering that if Kummir al Zummaun wasalive, he must necessarily touch at the isle of Ebene in his wayto his father's kingdom, she ought to preserve herself for hissake; and that it was impossible to do this, if she did not letthe princess Haiatalnefous know who and what she was, sheresolved to venture the experiment. 

The princess Badoura stood as one who had been struck dumb, andHaiatalnefous being impatient to hear what she could say, wasabout to speak to her again, when she prevented her by thesewords: "Lovely and too charming princess! I own I have been inthe wrong, and I condemn myself for it; but I hope you willpardon me, and keep the secret I am going to reveal to you for myjustification. "

She then opened her bosom, and proceeded thus: "See, princess, ifa woman like yourself does not deserve to be forgiven. I believeyou will be so generous, at least when you know my story, and theafflicting circumstance that forced me to act the part I havedone. "

The princess Badoura having discovered her sex to the princess ofthe isle of Ebene, she again prayed her to keep the secret, andto pretend to be satisfied with her as a husband, till theprince's arrival, which she hoped would be in a little time. 

"Princess, " replied Haiatalnefous, "your fortune is indeedstrange, that a marriage, so happy as yours, should be shortenedby so unaccountable an accident, after a passion so reciprocaland full of wonders. Pray heaven you may soon meet with yourhusband again, and assure yourself I will keep religiously thesecret committed to me. It will be to me the greatest pleasure inthe world to be the only person in the great kingdom of the isleof Ebene who knows what and who you are, while you go ongoverning the people as happily as you have begun. I only ask ofyou at present to be your friend. " Then the two princessestenderly embraced each other, and after a thousand expressions ofmutual friendship lay down to rest. 

The two princesses having decided on a way to make belief thatthe marriage had been consummated: queen Haiatalnefous's womenwere deceived themselves next morning, and it deceived Armanos, his queen, and the whole court. From this time the princessBadoura rose in the king's esteem and affection, governing thekingdom peaceably and prosperously. 

While things passed as already mentioned in the court of the isleof Ebene, prince Kummir al Zummaun remained in the city ofidolaters with the gardener, who had offered him his house for aretreat till the ship should sail to convey him away. 

One morning early, when the prince was as usual preparing to workin the garden, the gardener prevented him, saying, "This day is agreat festival among the idolaters, and because they abstain fromall work themselves, to spend the time in their assemblies andpublic rejoicings, they will not let the Moosulmauns labour; who, to gain their favour, generally attend their shows, which areworth seeing. You will therefore have nothing to do to-day: Ileave you here. As the time approaches, at which it is usual forthe ship to sail for the isle of Ebene, I will call on some of myfriends to know when it will depart, and secure you a passage. "The gardener put on his best apparel, and went out. 

When the prince was alone, instead of going out to share in thepublic joy of the city, his solitude brought to his mind, withmore than usual violence, the loss of his dear princess. Hewalked up and down the garden sighing and lamenting, till thenoise which two birds made on a neighbouring tree led him to liftup his head, to see what was the matter. 

Kummir al Zummaun was surprised to observe that the birds werefighting furiously: in a very little while, one of them fell downdead at the foot of the tree; the victorious bird took wingagain, and flew away. 

In an instant, two other large birds, that had beheld the battleat a distance, came from the other side of the garden, andpitched on the ground, one at the feet, and the other at the headof the dead bird: they looked at it for some time, shaking theirheads in token of grief; after which they dug a grave with theirtalons, and buried it. 

When they had filled up the grave with the earth they had turnedup, they flew away, but returned in a few minutes, bringing withthem the bird that had committed the murder, one holding one ofits wings in its beak, and the other one of its legs; thecriminal all the while crying out in a doleful manner, andstruggling to escape. They carried it to the grave of the birdwhich it had lately sacrificed to its rage, and there killed itin just revenge for the murder it had committed. They opened itsbelly, tore out the entrails, left the body on the spot unburied, and flew away. 

The prince had remained in astonishment all the time that hestood beholding this singular spectacle. He now drew near thetree where this scene had passed, and casting his eyes on thescattered entrails of the bird that had been last killed, spiedsomething red hanging out of the stomach. He took it up, andfound it was his beloved princess Badoura's talisman, which hadcost him so much pain and sorrow, and so many sighs, since thebird had snatched it out of his hand. "Ah, cruel!" said he tohimself; still looking on the bird, "thou took'st delight indoing mischief, so I have the less reason to complain of thatwhich thou didst to me: but the greater it was, the more do Iwish well to those that revenged my quarrel, punishing thee forthe murder of one of their own kind. "

It is impossible to express the prince's joy: "Dear princess, "continued he to himself, "this happy minute, which restores to mea treasure so precious to thee, is, without doubt, a presage ofour meeting again, and perhaps sooner than I think of. Thankheaven who sent me this good fortune, and gives me hope of thegreatest felicity that my heart can desire. "

Saying this, he kissed the talisman, wrapped it up in a riband, and tied it carefully about his arm. He had been almost everynight a stranger to rest, the recollection of his misfortuneskeeping him awake, but this night he enjoyed calm repose: he rosesomewhat later the next morning than he used to do, and went tothe gardener for orders. The good man bade him root up an oldtree which bore no fruit. 

Kummir al Zummaun took an axe and began his work. In cutting offa branch of the root, he found his axe struck against somethingthat resisted the blow. He removed the earth, and discovered abroad plate of brass, under which was a staircase of ten steps. He went down, and at the bottom saw a cavity about six yardssquare with fifty brass urns placed in order, each with a coverover it. He opened them all, one after another, and found theywere all of them full of gold-dust. He came out of the cave, rejoicing that he had found such a vast treasure, put the brassplate on the staircase, and had the tree rooted up by thegardener's return. 

The gardener had ascertained that the ship which was bound forthe isle of Ebene, would sail in a few days, but the exact timewas not yet fixed. His friend promised to let him know the day, if he called upon him on the morrow; and while the prince wasrooting up the tree, he went to have his answer. He returned witha joyful countenance, by which the prince guessed he brought himgood news. "Son, " said the old man (so he always called him onaccount of the difference of years between him and the prince)"be joyful, and prepare to embark in three days; the ship willthen certainly sail; I have agreed with the captain for yourpassage. "

"In my present situation, " replied Kummir al Zummaun, "you couldnot bring me more agreeable intelligence; and in return, I havealso tidings that will be as welcome to you: come along with me, and you shall see what good fortune heaven has in store for you. "

The prince led the gardener to the place where he had rooted upthe tree, made him go down into the cave, shewed him what atreasure he had discovered, thanking Providence for rewarding hisvirtue, and the pains he had been at for so many years. "What doyou mean?" replied the gardener: "do you imagine I will takethese riches as mine? The property is yours: I have no right toit. For fourscore years, since my father's death, I have donenothing but dig in this garden, and could not discover thistreasure, which is a sign it was destined for you, since God haspermitted you to find it. It is better suited to a prince likeyou than to me; I have one foot in the grave, and am in no wantof any thing. Providence has bestowed it upon you, just when youare returning to that country, which will one day be your own, where you will make good use of it. "

Kummir al Zummaun would not be surpassed in generosity by thegardener. They disputed for some time. At last the princesolemnly protested, that he would have none of it, unless thegardener would divide it with him. The good man, to please theprince, consented; so they shared it between them, and each hadtwenty-five urns. 

"Having thus divided it, son, " said the gardener to the prince, "it is not enough that you have got this treasure; we must nowcontrive to carry it privately aboard, otherwise you will run therisk of losing it. There are no olives in the isle of Ebene, those that are exported hence are a good commodity there: youknow I have plenty of them, take what you will; fill fifty pots, half with the gold-dust and half with olives, and I will get themcarried to the ship when you embark. "

The prince followed this advice, and spent the rest of the day inpacking up the gold and the olives in the fifty pots, and fearingthe talisman, which he wore on his arm, might be lost again, hecarefully put it into one of the pots, with a particular mark todistinguish it from the rest. When they were all ready to beshipped, night coming on, the prince retired with the gardener, and related to him the battle of the birds, with the circumstanceby which he had found the talisman. The gardener was equallysurprised and joyful to hear it on his account. Whether the oldman was quite worn out with age, or had exhausted himself toomuch that day, the gardener had a very bad night; he grew worsethe next day, and on the third day, when the prince was toembark, was so ill, that it was plain he was near his end. Assoon as day broke, the captain of the ship came with severalseamen to the gardener's; they knocked at the garden-door, whichthe prince opened to them. They asked him for the passenger whowas to go with them. The prince answered, "I am he; the gardenerwho agreed with you for my passage is sick, and cannot be spokenwith; come in, and let your men carry those pots of olives and mybaggage aboard for me; I will only take leave of the gardener, and follow you. "

The seamen took the pots and the baggage, and the captain badethe prince make haste, the wind being fair. 

When the captain and his men were gone, Kummir al Zummaun went tothe gardener to take his leave of him, and thanked him for allhis good offices; but found him in the agonies of death, and hadscarcely time to bid him rehearse the articles of his faith, which all good Moosulmauns do before they die, before thegardener expired. 

The prince being under the necessity of embarking immediately, hastened to pay the last duty to the deceased. He washed hisbody, buried him in his own garden, and having nobody to assisthim, it was almost evening before he had put him into the ground. As soon as he had done, he ran to the water-side, carrying withhim the key of the garden, designing, if he had time, to give itto the landlord; otherwise to deposit it in some trusty person'shand before a witness, that he might have it after he was gone. When he reached the port, he was told the ship had sailed severalhours, and was already out of sight. It had waited three hoursfor him, and the wind standing fair, the captain durst not staylonger. 

It is easy to imagine that Kummir al Zummaun was exceedingly grievedat being forced to remain longer in a country where he neither had, nor wished to have, any acquaintance; to think that he must waitanother year for the opportunity he had lost. But the greatestaffliction of all was, his having parted with the princess Badoura'stalisman, which he now considered lost. The only course left him wasto return to the garden from whence he had come, to rent it of thelandlord and continue to cultivate it by himself, deploring his miseryand misfortunes. He hired a boy to assist him to do some part of thedrudgery: that he might not lose the other half of the treasure whichcame to him by the death of the gardener, who died without heirs, heput the gold-dust into fifty other jars, which he filled up witholives, to be ready against the ship's return. 

While the prince was beginning another year of labour, sorrow, and impatience, the ship having a fair wind, continued her voyageto the isle of Ebene, and happily arrived at the capital. 

The palace being by the sea side, the new king, or rather theprincess Badoura, espying the ship as she was entering into theport, with all her flags, asked what vessel it was: she wasanswered, that it came annually from the city of the idolaters, and was generally richly laden. 

The princess, who always had Kummir al Zummaun in her mind, imagined that the prince might be aboard; and resolved to visitthe ship and meet him, without discovering herself; but toobserve him, and take proper measures for their making themselvesmutually known. Under pretence of inquiring what merchandize wason board, and having the first sight of the goods, she commandeda horse to be brought, which she mounted, accompanied by severalofficers in waiting, and arrived at the port, just as the captaincame ashore. She ordered him to be brought before her, askedwhence he had come, how long he had been on his voyage, and whatgood or bad fortune he had met with: if he had no stranger ofquality aboard, and particularly with what his ship was laden. 

The captain gave a satisfactory answer to all her demands; and asto passengers, assured her there were none but merchants in hisship, who used to come every year, and bring rich stuffs fromseveral parts of the world to trade with, the finest linenspainted and plain, diamonds, musk, ambergris, camphire, civet, spices, drugs, olives, and many other articles. 

The princess Badoura loved olives extremely when she heard thecaptain speak of them, "Land them, " said she, "I will take themoff your hands; as to the other goods, tell the merchants tobring them to me, and let me see them before they dispose of, orshew them to any one. "

The captain taking her for the king of the isle of Ebene, replied, "Sire, there are fifty great jars of olives, but theybelong to a merchant whom I was forced to leave behind. I gavehim notice myself that I stayed for him, and waited a long time, but he not coming, and the wind offering, I was afraid of losingthe opportunity, and so set sail. " The princess answered, "Nomatter, bring them ashore; we will nevertheless make a bargainfor them. "

The captain sent the boat, which in a little time returned withthe olives. The princess demanded how much the fifty jars mightbe worth in the isle of Ebene? "Sir, " replied the captain, "themerchant is very poor, and your majesty will do him a singularfavour if you give him one thousand pieces of silver. "

"To satisfy him, " said the princess, "and because you tell me heis poor, I will order you one thousand pieces of gold for him, which do you take care to give him. " The money was accordinglypaid, and the jars carried to the palace. 

Night drawing on the princess withdrew into the inner palace, andwent to the princess Haiatalnefous's apartment, ordering theolives to be brought thither. She opened one jar to let theprincess Haiatalnefous taste them, and poured them into a dish. Great was her astonishment, when she found the olives weremingled with gold-dust. "What can this mean!" said she, "It iswonderful beyond comprehension. " Her curiosity increasing from soextraordinary an adventure, she ordered Haiatalnefous's women toopen and empty all the jars in her presence; and her wonder wasstill greater, when she saw that the olives in all of them weremixed with gold-dust; but when she saw her talisman drop out, shewas so surprised that she fainted away. Haiatalnefous and herwomen brought the princess to herself, by throwing cold water inher face. When she recovered, she took the talisman, and kissedit again and again; but not being willing that the princessHaiatalnefous's women, who were ignorant of her disguise, shouldhear what she said, and it growing late, she dismissed them. "Princess, " said she to Haiatalnefous, as soon as they were gone, "you who have heard my story, doubtless, guessed it was at thesight of the talisman that I fainted. This is that talisman, andthe fatal cause of my dosing my husband; but as it was that whichcaused our separation, so I foresee it will be the means of ourmeeting. "

The next day, as soon as it was light, she sent for the captainof the ship; and when he came, spoke to him thus: "I want to knowsomething more of the merchant to whom the olives belong, that Ibought of you yesterday. I think you told me you left him behindin the city of the idolaters; can you tell me what is hisemployment there?"

"Yes, " replied the captain, "I can speak from my own knowledge. Iagreed for his passage with a very old gardener, who told me Ishould find him in his garden, where he worked under him. Heshewed me the place, and for that reason I told your majesty hewas poor. I went thither to call him. I told him what haste I wasin, spoke to him myself in the garden, and cannot be mistaken inthe man. "

"If what you say is true, " replied the princess, "you must setsail this very day for the city of idolaters, and bring me thatgardener's man, who is my debtor; else I will not only confiscateall your goods and those of your merchants, but your life andtheirs shall answer for his. I have ordered my seal to be put onthe warehouses where their goods are deposited, which shall notbe taken off till your return: this is all I have to say to you;go and do as I command you. "

The captain could make no reply to this order, the disobeying ofwhich must have proved of such loss to him and his merchants. Heacquainted them with it; and they hastened him away as fast asthey could, after he had laid in a stock of provisions and freshwater for his voyage. 

They were so diligent, that he set sail the same day. He had aprosperous voyage to the city of the idolaters, where he arrivedin the night. When he was got as near the city as he thoughtconvenient, he would not cast anchor, but lay to off shore; andgoing into his boat, with six of his stoutest seamen, landed alittle way off the port, whence he went directly to the garden ofKummir al Zummaun. 

Though it was about midnight when he came there, the prince wasnot asleep. His separation from the fair princess of China hiswife afflicted him as usual. He cursed the minute in which hiscuriosity tempted him to touch the fatal girdle. 

Thus was he passing those hours which are devoted to rest, when heheard somebody knock at the garden-door: he ran hastily to it; but hehad no sooner opened it than the captain and his seamen took hold ofhim, and carried him to the boat, and so on ship-board. As soon as hewas safely lodged, they set sail, and made the best of their way tothe isle of Ebene. 

Hitherto Kummir al Zummaun, the captain, and his men, had notsaid a word to one another; at last the prince asked the captain, whom he knew again, why they had taken him away by force? Thecaptain in his turn demanded of the prince, whether he was not adebtor of the king of Ebene? "I the king of Ebene's debtor!"replied the prince in amazement; "I do not know him, and havenever set foot in his kingdom. " The captain answered, "You shouldknow that better than I; you will talk to him yourself in alittle while; till then stay here and have patience. "

The captain was not long on his voyage back to the isle of Ebene. Though it was night when he cast anchor in the port, he landedimmediately, and taking his prisoner with him, hastened to thepalace, where he demanded to be introduced to the king. 

The princess Badoura had withdrawn into the inner palace, but assoon as she heard of the captain's return, she came out to speakto him. Immediately as she cast her eyes on the prince, for whomshe had shed so many tears, she recognized him in his gardener'shabit. As for the prince, who trembled in the presence of a king, as he thought her, to whom he was to answer for an imaginarydebt, it could not enter into his thoughts, that the person whomhe so earnestly desired to see stood before him. If the princesshad followed the dictates of her inclination, she would have runto him, and, by embracing, discovered herself to him; but she puta constraint on herself, believing that it was for the interestof both that she should act the king a little longer before shemade herself known. She contented herself for the present to puthim into the hands of an officer, who was then in waiting, charging him to take care of him, and use him well, till the nextday. 

When the princess Badoura had provided for Kummir al Zummaun, sheturned to the captain, whom she was now to reward for theimportant service he had done her. She commanded another officerto go immediately to take the seal off the warehouse whichcontained his goods, and gave him a rich diamond, worth much morethan the expense he had been at in both his voyages. She alsobade him keep the thousand pieces of gold she had given for theolives, telling him she would make up the account with themerchant whom he had brought with him. 

This done, she returned to the princess of the isle of Ebene'sapartment, to whom she communicated her joy, praying her to keepthe secret still. She told how she intended to manage thediscovering of herself to Kummir al Zummaun, and resignation ofthe kingdom to him; adding, there was so vast a distance betweena gardener, as he would appear to the public, and a great prince, that it might be dangerous to raise him at once from the lowestcondition of the people to the highest honour, however justicemight require it should be done. The princess of the isle ofEbene was so far from betraying her, that she rejoiced with her, and entered into the design. 

The next morning the princess of China ordered Kummir al Zummaunto be conducted early to the bath, and then to be appareled inthe robes of an emir or governor of a province. She commanded himto be introduced into the council, where his fine person andmajestic air drew upon him the eyes of all the lords present. 

The princess Badoura herself was charmed to see him look aslovely as ever, and her pleasure inspired her to speak the morewarmly in his praise. When she spoke to the council, havingordered the prince to take his seat among the emirs, sheaddressed them thus: "My lords, Kummir al Zummaun, whom I haveadvanced to the same dignity with yourselves, is not unworthy ofthe place assigned him. I have known enough of him in my travelsto answer for him, and I can assure you he will make his meritknown to all of you, as well by his velour, as by a thousandother brilliant qualities, and the extent of his genius. "

The prince was extremely amazed to hear the king of the isle ofEbene, whom he was far from taking for a woman, much less for hisdear princess, name him, and declare that he knew him, while hethought himself certain he had never seen him before. He was muchmore surprised when he heard him praise him so highly. Thosepraises however from the mouth of majesty did not disconcert him, though he received them with such modesty, as shewed that hedeserved them. He prostrated himself before the throne of theking, and rising again, said, "Sire, I want words to express mygratitude to your majesty for the honour you have done me; Ishall do all in my power to render myself worthy of your royalfavour. "

From the council-board the prince was conducted to a palace, which the princess Badoura had ordered to be fitted up for him;where he found officers and domestics ready to obey his commands, a stable full of fine horses, and every thing suitable to thequality of an emir. When he was in his closet, the steward of hishousehold brought him a strong box full of gold for his expenses. 

The less he could conceive whence his happiness proceeded, themore he wondered, but he never once imagined that he owed it tothe princess of China. 

Two or three days after, the princess Badoura, that he might benearer her person and in a more distinguished post, made him hightreasurer, which office had lately become vacant. He conductedhimself in his new charge with so much integrity, yet obligingevery body, that he not only gained the friendship of the great, but also the affections of the people, by his uprightness andbounty. 

Kummir al Zummaun had been the happiest man in the world, to seehimself in so high favour with a foreign king as he conceived, and increasing in the esteem of all his subjects, if he had hadhis princess with him. In the midst of his good fortune he neverceased lamenting her, and grieved that he could hear no tidingsof her, especially in a country which she must necessarily havevisited in her way to his father's court after their separation. He would have mistrusted something, had the princess still goneby the name of Kummir al Zummaun, which she took with his habit;but on her accession to the throne, she had changed it, and takenthat of Armanos, in honour of the old king her father-in-law. 

The princess desiring that her husband should owe the discoveryof her to herself alone, resolved to put an end to her owntorments and his; for she had observed, that as often as shediscoursed with him about the affairs of office, he heaved suchdeep sighs, as could be addressed to nobody but her. While sheherself lived in such a constraint, that she could endure it nolonger. 

The princess Badoura had no sooner formed her resolution inconcert with the princess Haiatalnefous, than she the same daytook Kummir al Zummaun aside, saying, "I must talk with you aboutan affair which requires much consideration, and on which I wantyour advice. As I do not see how it can be done so convenientlyas in the night, come hither in the evening, and leave word athome not to be waited for; I will take care to provide you alodging. "

Kummir al Zummaun came punctually to the palace at the hourappointed by the princess; she took him with her into the innerapartment, and having told the chief eunuch, who prepared tofollow her, that she had no occasion for his service, conductedhim into a different apartment from that of the princessHaiatalnefous, where she used to sleep. 

When the prince and princess entered the chamber, she shut thedoor, and taking the talisman out of a little box, gave it toKummir al Zummaun, saying, "It is not long since an astrologerpresented me with this talisman; you being skilful in all things, may perhaps tell me its use. "

Kummir al Zummaun took the talisman, and drew near a lamp to viewit. As soon as he recollected it, with an astonishment which gavethe princess great pleasure, "Sire, " said he to the prince, "yourmajesty asked me the use of this talisman. Alas! its only purposeis to kill me with grief and despair, if I do not quickly findthe most charming and lovely princess in the world to whom itbelonged, whose loss it occasioned me by a strange adventure, therecital of which will move your majesty to pity such anunfortunate husband and lover as I am. "

"You shall tell me the particulars another time, " replied theprincess; "I know something of them already: remain here alittle, and I will soon return to you. "

At these words she went into her closet, put off her royalturban, and in a few minutes dressed herself in her femaleattire; and having the girdle round her, which she had on the dayof their separation, re-entered the chamber. 

Kummir al Zummaun immediately recognized his dear princess, ranto her, and tenderly embraced her, exclaiming, "How much am Iobliged to the king who has so agreeably surprised me!" "Do notexpect to see the king any more, " replied the princess, embracinghim in her turn, with tears in her eyes: "you see him in me; sitdown, and I will explain this enigma to you. "

They seated themselves, and the princess related the plan she hadformed in the plain where they were encamped the last time theywere together, as soon as she perceived she waited for him to nopurpose; how she went through with it till she arrived at theisle of Ebene, where she had been obliged to marry the princessHaiatalnefous, and accept of the crown, which king Armanosoffered her as a condition of the marriage: how the princess, whose merit she highly extolled, had obliged her to makedeclaration of her sex: and how she found the talisman in thepots of olives mingled with the gold-dust, which she had bought, and how this circumstance had proved the cause of her sending forhim from the city of the idolaters. 

When she had concluded her adventure, she obliged the prince totell her by what means the talisman had occasioned theirseparation. He satisfied her inquiries; after which, it growinglate, they retired to rest. 

The princess Badoura and Kummir al Zummaun rose next morning as soonas it was light, but the princess would no more put on her royal robesas king; she dressed herself in her female attire, and then sent thechief eunuch to king Armanos, her father-in-law, to desire he wouldoblige her by coming to her apartment. 

When the king entered the chamber, he was amazed at seeing a ladywho was unknown to him, and the high treasurer with her, who wasnot by etiquette permitted to come within the inner palace. Hesat down, and asked where the king was. 

The princess answered, "Yesterday I was king, but to-day I amonly princess of China, wife to the true prince Kummir alZummaun. If your majesty will have patience to hear ouradventures, I hope you will not condemn me for putting aninnocent deceit upon you. " The king bade her go on, and heard hernarrative from beginning to end with astonishment. The princesson finishing said to him, "Sir, though women do not easily complywith the liberty assumed by men to have several wives; yet ifyour majesty will consent to give your daughter the princessHaiatalnefous in marriage to the prince, I will with all my heartyield up to her the rank and quality of queen, which of rightbelongs to her, and content myself with the second place. If thisprecedence were not her due, I would resign it to her, after theobligation I have to her for keeping my secret so generously. Ifyour majesty refer it to her consent, I am sure of that, havingalready consulted her; and I will pass my word that she will bevery well satisfied. "

King Armanos listened to the princess with astonishment, and whenshe had done, turned to Kummir al Zummaun, saying, "Son, sincethe princess Badoura your wife, whom I have all along thought tobe my son-in-law, through a deceit of which I cannot complain, assures me, that she will divide your bed with my daughter; Iwould know if you are willing to marry her, and accept of thecrown, which the princess Badoura would deservedly wear, if shedid not quit it out of love to you. " "Sir, " replied Kummir alZummaun, "though I desire nothing so earnestly as to see the kingmy father, yet the obligations I have to your majesty and theprincess Haiatalnefous are so weighty, I can refuse her nothing. "The prince was then proclaimed king, and married the same daywith all possible demonstrations of joy; and had every reason tobe well pleased with the princess Haiatalnefous's beauty, wit, and love for him. 

The two queens lived together afterwards on the same friendlyterms and in the same cordiality as they had done before, bothbeing contented with Kummir al Zummaun's equal carriage towardsthem. 

The next year each brought him a son at the same time, and thebirths of the two princes were celebrated with extraordinaryrejoicings: the first, whom the princess Badoura was deliveredof, was named Amgiad (most illustrious); and the other, born ofqueen Haiatalnefous, Assad (most virtuous). 

 The Story of the Princes Amgiad and Assad. 

The two princes were brought up with great care; and, when theywere old enough, had the same governor, the same instructors inthe arts and sciences, and the same master for each exercise. Theaffection which from their infancy they conceived for each otheroccasioned an uniformity of manners and inclination, whichincreased it. When they were of an age to have separatehouseholds, they loved one another so tenderly, that they beggedthe king to let them live together. He consented, and they hadthe same domestics, the same equipages, the same apartment, andthe same table. Kummir al Zummaun had formed so good an opinionof their capacity and integrity, that he made no scruple ofadmitting them into his council at the age of eighteen, andletting them, by turns, preside there, while he took thediversion of hunting, or amused himself with his queens at hishouses of pleasure. 

The princes being equally handsome, the two queens loved themwith incredible tenderness; but the princess Badoura had agreater kindness for prince Assad, queen Haiatalnefous's son, than for her own; and queen Haiatalnefous loved Amgiad, theprincess Badoura's son, better than her own son Assad. 

The two queens thought at first this inclination was nothing but aregard which proceeded from an excess of their own friendship for eachother, which they still preserved: but as the two princes advanced inyears, that friendship grew into a violent love, when they appeared intheir eyes to possess graces that blinded their reason. They knew howcriminal their passion was, and did all they could to resist it; butthe familiar intercourse with them, and the habit of admiring, praising, and caressing them from their infancy, which they could notrestrain when they grew up, inflamed their desires to such a height asto overcome their reason and virtue. It was their and the princes'ill-fortune, that the latter being used to be so treated by them, hadnot the least suspicion of their infamous passion. 

The two queens had not concealed from each other this passion, but had not the boldness to declare it to the princes they loved;they at last resolved to do it by a letter, and to execute theirwicked design, availed themselves of the king's absence, when hewas gone on a hunting party for three or four days. 

Prince Amgiad presided at the council on the day of his father'sdeparture, and administered justice till two or three o'clock in theafternoon. As he returned to the palace from the council-chamber, aneunuch took him aside, and gave him a letter from queen Haiatalnefous. Amgiad took it, and read it with horror. "Traitor, " said he, to theeunuch as soon as he had perused it through, "is this the fidelitythou owest thy master and thy king?" At these words he drew his sabreand cut off his head. 

Having done this in a transport of anger he ran to the princessBadoura his mother, shewed her the letter, told her the contentsof it, and from whom it came. Instead of hearkening to him, shefell into a passion, and said, "Son, it is all a calumny andimposture; queen Haiatalnefous is a very discreet princess, andyou are very bold to talk to me against her. " The prince, enragedat his mother, exclaimed, "You are both equally wicked, and wereit not for the respect I owe my father, this day should have beenthe last of Haiatalnefous's life. "

Queen Badoura might have imagined by the example of her sonAmgiad, that prince Assad, who was not less virtuous, would notreceive more favourably a declaration of love, similar to thatwhich had been made to his brother. Yet that did not hinder herpersisting in her abominable design; she, the next day, wrote hima letter, which she entrusted to an old woman who had access tothe palace, to convey to him. 

The old woman watched her opportunity to put it into his hands ashe was coming from the council-chamber, where he presided thatday in his turn. The prince took it, and reading it, fell intosuch a rage, that, without giving himself time to finish it, hedrew his sabre and punished the old woman as she deserved. He ranimmediately to the apartment of his mother queen Haiatalnefous, with the letter in his hand: he would have shewn it to her, butshe did not give him time, crying out, "I know what you mean; youare as impertinent as your brother Amgiad: be gone, and nevercome into my presence again. "

Assad stood as one thunder-struck at these words, so littleexpected. He was so enraged, that he had like to have given fataldemonstrations of his anger; but he contained himself, andwithdrew without making any reply, fearing if he stayed he mightsay something unworthy the greatness of his soul. Amgiad had notmentioned to him the letter which he had received the precedingday; and finding by what his mother had said to him that she wasaltogether as criminal as queen Haiatalnefous, he went to hisbrother, to chide him for not communicating the hated secret tohim, and to mingle his own sorrow with his. 

The two queens, rendered desperate by finding in the two princessuch virtue as should have made them look inwardly on themselves, renounced all sentiments of nature and of mothers and conspiredtogether to destroy them. They made their women believe the twoprinces had attempted their virtue: they counterfeited the matterto the life by their tears, cries, and curses; and lay in thesame bed, as if the resistance they pretended to have made hadreduced them almost to death's-door. 

When Kummir al Zummaun returned to the palace from hunting, hewas much surprised to find them in bed together, in tears, actingdespondency so well, that he was touched with compassion. Heasked them with earnestness what had happened to them. 

At this question, the dissembling queens wept and sobbed morebitterly than before; and after he had pressed them again andagain to tell him, queen Badoura at last answered him: "Sir, ourgrief is so well founded, that we ought not to see the light ofthe sun, or live a day, after the violence that has been offeredus by the unparalleled brutality of the princes your sons. Theyformed a horrid design, encouraged by your absence, and had theboldness and insolence to attempt our honour. Your majesty willexcuse us from saying any more; you may guess the rest by ouraffliction. "

The king sent for the two princes, and would have killed them bothwith his own hand, had not old king Armanos his father-in-law, who waspresent, held his hand: "Son, " said he, "what are you going to do?Will you stain your hands and your palace with your own blood? Thereare other ways of punishing them, if they are really guilty. "

He endeavoured thus to appease him, and desired him to examinewhether they did indeed commit the crime of which they wereaccused. 

It was no difficult matter for Kummir al Zummaun to restrain himselfso far as not to butcher his own children. He ordered them to be putunder arrest, and sent for an emir called Jehaun-dar, whom hecommanded to conduct them out of the city, and put them to death, at agreat distance, and in what place he pleased, but not to see himagain, unless he brought their clothes with him, as a token of hishaving executed his orders. 

Jehaun-dar travelled with them all night, and early next morningmade them alight, telling them, with tears in his eyes, thecommands he had received. "Believe me, princes, " said he, "it isa trying duty imposed on me by your father, to execute this cruelorder: would to heaven I could avoid it!" The princes replied, "Do your duty; we know well you are not the cause of our death, and forgive you with all our hearts. "

They then embraced, and bade each other a last adieu with so muchtenderness, that it was a long time before they could leave oneanother's arms. Prince Assad was the first who prepared himselffor the fatal stroke. "Begin with me, " said he "that I may nothave the affliction to see my dear brother Amgiad die. " To thisAmgiad objected; and Jehaun-dar could not, without weeping morethan before, be witness of this dispute between them; whichshewed how perfect and sincere was their affection. 

At last they determined the contest, by desiring Jehaun-dar totie them together, and put them in the most convenient posturefor him to give them the fatal stroke at one blow. "Do not refusethe comfort of dying together to two unfortunate brothers, whofrom their birth have shared every thing, even their innocence, "said the generous princes. 

Jehaun-dar granted their request; he tied them to each other, breast to breast; and when he had placed them so that he thoughthe might strike the blow with more certainty, asked them if theyhad any thing to command him before they died. 

"We have only one thing to desire of you, " replied the princes, "which is, to assure the king our father on your return, that weare innocent; but that we do not charge him with our deaths, knowing he is not well informed of the truth of the crime ofwhich we are accused. "

Jehaun-dar promised to do what they desired and drew his sabre, when his horse, being tied to a tree just by, started at thesight of the sabre, which glittered against the sun, broke hisbridle, and ran away into the country. 

He was a very valuable horse, and so richly caparisoned, that theemir could not bear the loss of him. This accident so vexed him, that instead of beheading the two princes, he threw away hissabre, and ran after his horse. 

The horse galloped on before him, and led him several miles intoa wood. Jehaun-dar followed him, and the horse's neighing rouseda lion that was asleep. The lion started up, and instead ofrunning after the horse, made directly towards Jehaun-dar, whothought no more of his horse, but how to save his life. He raninto the thickest of the wood, the lion keeping him in view, pursuing him among the trees. In this extremity he said tohimself, "Heaven had not punished me in this manner, but to shewthe innocence of the princes whom I was commanded to put todeath; and now, to my misfortune, I have not my sabre to defendmyself. "

While Jehaun-dar was gone, the two princes were seized with aviolent thirst, occasioned by the fear of death, notwithstandingtheir noble resolution to submit to the king their father's cruelorder. 

Prince Amgiad told the prince his brother there was a spring notfar off. "Ah! brother, " said Assad, "we have so little time tolive, what need have we to quench our thirst? We can bear it afew minutes longer. "

Amgiad taking no notice of his brother's remonstrance, unboundhimself, and the prince his brother. They went to the spring, andhaving refreshed themselves, heard the roaring of the lion. Theyalso heard Jehaun-dar's dreadful cries in the wood, which he andthe horse had entered. Amgiad took up the sabre which lay on theground, saying to Assad, "Come, brother, let us go and save theunfortunate Jehaun-dar; perhaps we may arrive soon enough todeliver him from the danger to which he is now exposed. "

The two princes ran to the wood, and entered it just as the lionwas going to fall on Jehaun-dar. The beast seeing prince Amgiadadvancing towards him with a sabre in his hand, left his prey, and rushed towards him with great fury. The prince met himintrepidly, and gave him a blow so forcibly and dexterously, thatit felled him to the ground. 

When Jehaun-dar saw that he owed his life to the two princes, hethrew himself at their feet, and thanked them for the obligation, in words which sufficiently testified his gratitude. "Princes, "said he, rising up and kissing their hands, with tears in hiseyes, "God forbid that ever I should attempt any thing againstyour lives, after you have so kindly and bravely saved mine. Itshall never be said that the emir Jehaun-dar was guilty of suchingratitude. "

"The service we have done you, " answered the princes, "ought notto prevent you from executing the orders you have received: letus first catch your horse, and then return to the place where youleft us. "--They were at no great trouble to take the horse, whosemettle was abated with running. When they had restored him toJehaun-dar, and were come near the fountain, they begged of himto do as their father had commanded; but all to no purpose. "Ionly take the liberty to desire, " said Jehaun-dar, "and I prayyou not to deny me, that you will divide my clothes between you, and give me yours; and go to such a distance, that the king yourfather may never hear of you more. "

The princes were forced to comply with his request. Each of themgave him his clothes, and covered themselves with what he couldspare them of his. He also gave them all the money he had abouthim, and took his leave of them. 

After the emir Jehaun-dar had parted from the princes, he passedthrough the wood where Amgiad had killed the lion, in whose bloodhe dipped their clothes: which having done, he proceeded on hisway to the capital of the isle of Ebene. 

On his arrival there, Kummir al Zummaun inquired if he had doneas commanded? Jehaun-dar replied, "Behold, sir, the proofs of myobedience;" giving him at the same time the princes' clothes. 

"How did they bear their punishment?" Jehaun-dar answered, "Withwonderful constancy and resignation to the decrees of heaven, which shewed how sincerely they made profession of theirreligion: but particularly with great respect towards yourmajesty, and an inconceivable submission to the sentence ofdeath. 'We die innocent, ' said they; 'but we do not murmur: wetake our death from the hand of heaven, and forgive our father;for we know he has not been rightly informed of the truth. '"

Kummir al Zummaun was sensibly touched at Jehaun-dar's relation. A thought occurred to him to search the princes' pockets; hebegan with prince Amgiad's where he found a letter open, which heread. He no sooner recognized the hand-writing than he waschilled with horror. He then, trembling, put his hand into thatof Assad, and finding there queen Badoura's letter, his horrorwas so great, that he fainted. 

Never was grief equal to Kummir all Zummaun's, when he recoveredfrom his fit: "Barbarous father, " cried he, "what hast thou done?Thou hast murdered thy own children, thy innocent children! Didnot their wisdom, their modesty, their obedience, theirsubmission to thy will in all things, their virtue, all plead intheir behalf? Blind and insensible father! dost thou deserve tolive after the execrable crime thou hast committed? I havebrought this abomination on my own head; and heaven chastises mefor not persevering in that aversion to women with which I wasborn. And, oh ye detestable wives! I will not, no, I will not, asye deserve, wash off the guilt of your sins with your blood; yeare unworthy of my rage: but I will never see you more!"

Kummir al Zummaun was a man of too much religion to break hisvow: he commanded the two queens to be lodged in separateapartments that very day, where they were kept under strongguards, and he never saw them again as long as he lived. 

While the king of the isle of Ebene was afflicting himself forthe loss of his sons, of whose death he thought he had been theauthor by his too rashly condemning them, the royal youthswandered through deserts, endeavouring to avoid all places thatwere inhabited, and shun every human creature. They lived onherbs and wild fruits, and drank only rain-water, which theyfound in the crevices of the rocks. They slept and watched byturns at night, for fear of wild beasts. 

When they had travelled about a month, they came to the foot of afrightful mountain of black stones, and to all appearanceinaccessible. They at last espied a kind of path, but so narrowand difficult that they durst not venture to follow it: thisobliged them to go along by the foot of the mountain, in hopes offinding a more easy way to reach the summit, but could discovernothing like a path, so they were forced to return to that whichthey had neglected. They still thought it would be in vain forthem to attempt it. They deliberated for a long time what theyshould do, and at last, encouraging one another, resolved toascend. 

The more they advanced the higher and steeper the mountainappeared, which made them think several times of giving overtheir enterprise. When the one was weary, the other stopped, andthey took breath together; sometimes they were both so tired, that they wanted strength to proceed: then despairing of beingable to reach the top they thought they must lie down and die offatigue and weariness. A few minutes after, when they found theyrecovered strength, they animated each other and went on. 

Notwithstanding all their endeavours, their courage andperseverance, they could not reach the summit that day; nightcame on, and prince Assad was so spent, that he stopped and saidto Amgiad, "Brother, I can go no farther, I am just dying. " "Letus rest ourselves, " replied prince Amgiad, "as long as you will, and have a good heart: it is but a little way to the top, and themoon befriends us. "

They rested about half an hour, and then Assad making a neweffort, they ascended what remained of the way to the summit, where they both at last arrived, and lay down. Amgiad rose first, and advancing, saw a tree at a little distance. He went to it, and found it was a pomegranate, with large fruit upon it, and heperceived there was a spring at its foot: he ran to his brotherAssad to tell him the good news, and conduct him to the tree bythe fountain side. Here they refreshed themselves by eating eacha pomegranate, after which they fell asleep. 

When they awoke the next morning, "Come, brother, " said Amgiad toAssad, "let us go on; I see the mountain is easier to betravelled over on this side than the other, all our way now isdown hill. " But Assad was so tired with the preceding day'sexertions, that he wanted three days' repose to recover himself. 

They spent these days as they had done many before, in conversingon their mothers' inordinate passion, which had reduced them tosuch a deplorable state: but, said they, "Since heaven has sovisibly declared itself in our favour, we ought to bear ourmisfortunes with patience, and comfort ourselves with hopes thatwe shall see an end of them. "

After having rested three days, the two brothers continued theirtravels. As the mountain on that side was composed of severalshelves of extensive flat, they were five days in descendingbefore they came into the plain. They then discovered a largecity, at which they rejoiced: "Brother, " said Amgiad to Assad, "are not you of my opinion that you should stay in some place outof the city, where I may find you again, while I go and informmyself what country we are in, and when I come back I will bringprovisions with me? It may not be safe for us to go theretogether. "

"Brother, " replied Assad, "your plan is both safe and prudent, and I approve of what you say but if one of us must part from theother on that account, I will not suffer it shall be you; youmust allow me to go; for what shall I suffer, if any accidentshould befall you?"

"But, brother, " answered Amgiad, "the very accident you fearwould befall me, I have as much reason to fear would happen toyou: I entreat you to let me go, and do you remain herepatiently. " "I will never consent to this, " said Assad; "if anyill happen to me, it will be some comfort to think you are safe. "Amgiad was forced to submit, and Assad going towards the city, hestayed under the trees at the foot of the mountain. 

Prince Assad took the purse of money which Amgiad had in charge, and went forwards towards the city. He had not proceeded far inthe first street, before he met with a reverend old man with acane in his hand. He was neatly dressed, and the prince took himfor a man of note in the place, who would not put a trick uponhim, so he accosted him thus: "Pray, my lord, which is the way tothe market-place?" The old man looked at prince Assad smiling;"Child, " said he, "it is plain you are a stranger, or you wouldnot have asked that question. "

"Yes, my lord, I am a stranger, " replied Assad. The old mananswered, "You are welcome then; our country will be honoured bythe presence of so handsome a young man as you are: tell me whatbusiness you have at the market-place. "

"My lord, " replied Assad, "it is near two months since my brotherand I set out from our own country: we have not ceasedtravelling, and we arrived here but to-day; my brother, tiredwith such a long journey, stays at the foot of the mountain, andI am come to buy some provisions for him and myself. "

"Son, " said the old man, "you could not have come in a bettertime, and I am glad of it for your and your brother's sake. Imade a feast today for some friends of mine: come along with me;you shall eat as much as you please; and when you have done, Iwill give you enough to last your brother and yourself severaldays. Do not spend your money, when there is no occasion;travellers are always in want of it: while you are eating I willgive you an account of our city, which no one can do better thanmyself, who have borne all the honourable offices in it. It iswell for you that you happen to light upon me; for I must tellyou, all our citizens cannot so well assist and inform you. I canassure you some of them are very wicked. Come, you shall see thedifference between a real honest man, as I am, and such as boastof being so, and are not. "

"I am infinitely obliged to you, " replied Assad, "for yourkindness; I put myself entirely into your hands, and am ready togo with you where you please. "

The old man, as he walked along by his side, laughed inwardly, tothink he had got the prince in his clutches; and all the way, lest he should perceive his dissimulation, talked of varioussubjects, to preserve the favourable opinion Assad had of him. Among other things, he said, "It must be confessed you were veryfortunate to have spoken to me, rather than to any one else: Ithank God I met with you; you will know why, when you come to myhouse. "

At length they arrived at the residence of the old man, whointroduced Assad into a hall, where there were forty such oldfellows as himself, who made a circle round a flaming fire, whichthey were adoring. The prince was not less struck with horror atthe sight of so many men mistakenly worshipping the creature forthe Creator, than he was with fear at finding himself betrayedinto so abominable a place. 

While the prince stood motionless with astonishment, the oldcheat saluted the forty gray-headed men. "Devout adorers offire, " said he to them, "this is a happy day for us; where isGazban? call him. "

He spake these words aloud, when a negro who waited at the lowerend of the hall immediately came up to him. This black wasGazban, who, as soon as he saw the disconsolate Assad, imaginedfor what purpose he was called. He rushed upon him immediately, threw him down, and bound his hands with wonderful activity. Whenhe had done, "Carry him down, " said the old man, "and fail not toorder my daughters, Bostama and Cavama, to give him every day asevere bastinado, with only a loaf morning and night for hissubsistence; this is enough to keep him alive till the next shipdeparts for the blue sea and the fiery mountain, where he shallbe offered up an acceptable sacrifice to our divinity. "

As soon as the old man had given the cruel order, Gazban hurriedprince Assad under the hall, through several doors, till theycame to a dungeon, down to which led twenty steps; there he lefthim in chains of prodigious weight and bigness, fastened to hisfeet. When he had done, he went to give the old man's daughtersnotice: but their father had before sent for them, and given themtheir instructions himself: "Daughters, " said he to them, "godown and give the Mussulmaun I just now brought in the bastinado:do not spare him; you cannot better shew your zeal for theworship of the fire. "

Bostama and Cavama, who were bred up in their hatred to thefaithful, received this order with joy. They descended into thedungeon that instant, stripped Assad, and bastinadoed himunmercifully, till the blood issued out of his wounds and he wasalmost dead. After this cruel treatment, they put a loaf of breadand a pot of water by him, and retired. 

Assad did not come to himself again for a long time; when herevived, he burst out into a flood of tears, deploring hismisery. His comfort however was, that this misfortune had nothappened to his brother. 

Amgiad waited for his brother till evening with impatience; astwo, three, or four of the clock in the morning arrived, andAssad did not return, he was in despair. He spent the night inextreme uneasiness; and as soon as it was day went to the city, where he was surprised to see but very few Mussulmauns. Heaccosted the first he met, and asked him the name of the place. He was told it was the city of the Magicians, so called from thegreat number of magicians, who adored the fire; and that itcontained but few Mussulmauns. Amgiad then demanded how far itwas to the isle of Ebene? He was answered, four months' voyage bysea, and a year's journey by land. The man he talked to left himhastily, having satisfied him as to these two questions. 

Amgiad, who had been but six weeks coming from the isle of Ebenewith his brother Assad, could not comprehend how they had reachedthis city in so short a time, unless it was by enchantment, orthat the way across the mountain was a much shorter one, but notfrequented because of its difficulty. 

Going farther into the town, he stopped at a tailor's shop, whomhe knew to be a Mussulmaun by his dress. Having saluted him, hesat down, and told him the occasion of the trouble he was in. 

When prince Amgiad had done talking, the tailor replied, "If yourbrother has fallen into the hands of some magicians, depend uponit you will never see him more. He is lost past all recovery; andI advise you to comfort yourself as well as you can, and tobeware of falling into the same misfortune: to which end, if youwill take my advice, you shall stay at my house, and I will tellyou all the tricks of these magicians, that you may take care ofyourself, when you go out. " Amgiad, afflicted for the loss of hisbrother, accepted the tailor's offer and thanked him a thousandtimes for his kindness to him. 

 The Story of the Prince Amgiad and a Lady of the City of the Magicians. 

For a whole month prince Amgiad never went out of the tailor'shouse without being accompanied by his host. At last he venturedto go alone to the bath. As he was returning home, he met a ladyon the way. Seeing a handsome young man, she lifted up her veil, asked him with a smiling air, and bewitching look, whither he wasgoing? Amgiad was overpowered by her charms, and replied, "Madam, I am going to my own house, or, if you please, I will go toyours. "

"My lord, " resumed the lady, with a smile, "ladies of my qualitynever take men to their houses, they always accompany them totheirs. "

Amgiad was much perplexed by this unexpected reply. He durst notventure to take her home to his landlord's house, lest he shouldgive him offence, and thereby lose his protection, of which hehad so much need, in a city which required him to be always onhis guard. He knew so little of the town, that he could not tellwhere to convey her, and he could not make up his mind to sufferthe adventure to go unimproved. In this uncertainty, hedetermined to throw himself upon chance; and without making anyanswer, went on, and the lady followed him. Amgiad led her fromstreet to street, from square to square, till they were bothweary with walking. At last they entered a street, at the end ofwhich was a closed gateway leading to a handsome mansion. On eachside of the gateway was a bench. Amgiad sat down on one of them, as if to take breath: and the lady, more weary than he, seatedherself on the other. 

When she had taken her seat, she asked him, whether that was hishouse? "You see it, madam, " said Amgiad. "Why do you not open thegate then, " demanded the lady; "what do you wait for?" "Fairlady, " answered Amgiad, "I have not the key; I left it with myslave, when I sent him on an errand, and he cannot be come backyet: besides, I ordered him afterwards to provide something goodfor dinner; so that I am afraid we shall wait a long time forhim. "

The prince, meeting with so many obstacles to the satisfying ofhis passion, began to repent of having proceeded so far, andcontrived this answer, in hopes that the lady would take thehint, would leave him out of resentment, and seek elsewhere for alover; but he was mistaken. 

"This is a most impertinent slave, " said the lady, "to make uswait so long. I will chastise him myself as he deserves, if youdo not, when he comes back. It is not decent that I should sithere alone with a man. " Saying this, she arose, and took up astone to break the lock, which was only of wood, and weak, according to the fashion of the country. 

Amgiad gave himself over for a lost man, when he saw the doorforced open. He paused to consider whether he should go into thehouse or make off as fast as he could, to avoid the danger whichhe believed was inevitable; and he was going to fly when the ladyreturned. 

Seeing he did not enter, she asked, "Why do not you come intoyour house?" The prince answered, "I am looking to see if myslave is coming, fearing we have nothing ready. " "Come in, comein, " resumed she, "we had better wait for him within doors thanwithout. "

Amgiad, much against his will, followed her into the house. Passing through a spacious court, neatly paved, they ascended byseveral steps into a grand vestibule, which led to a large openhall very well furnished, where he and the lady found a tableready spread with all sorts of delicacies, another heaped withfruit, and a sideboard covered with bottles of wine. 

When Amgiad beheld these preparations, he gave himself up forlost. "Unfortunate Amgiad, " said he to himself, "thou wilt soonfollow thy dear brother Assad. "

The lady, on the contrary, transported at the sight, exclaimed, "How, my lord, did you fear there was nothing ready? You see yourslave has done more than you expected. But, if I am not mistaken, these preparations were made for some other lady, and not for me:no matter, let her come, I promise you I will not be jealous; Ionly beg the favour of you to permit me to wait on her and you. "

Amgiad, greatly as he was troubled at this accident, could nothelp laughing at the lady's pleasantry. "Madam, " said he, thinking of something else that tormented his mind, "there isnothing in what you imagine; this is my common dinner, and noextraordinary preparation, I assure you. " As he could not bringhimself to sit down at a table which was not provided for him, he would have taken his seat on a sofa, but the lady would notpermit him. "Come, sir, " said she, "you must be hungry afterbathing, let us eat and enjoy ourselves. "

Amgiad was forced to comply: they both sat down, and began toregale themselves. After having taken a little, the lady took abottle and glass, poured out some wine, and when she had drunkherself, filled another glass, and gave it to Amgiad, who pledgedher. The more the prince reflected on this adventure, the more hewas amazed that the master of the house did not appear; and thata mansion, so rich and well provided, should be left without aservant. "It will be fortunate, " said he to himself, "if themaster of the house do not return till I am got clear of thisintrigue. " While he was occupied with these thoughts, and othersmore troublesome, she ate and drank heartily, and obliged him todo the same. Just as they were proceeding to the dessert, themaster of the house arrived. 

It happened to be Bahader, master of the horse to the king of themagicians. This mansion belonged to him, but he commonly residedin another; and seldom came to this, unless to regale himselfwith two or three chosen friends He always sent provisions fromhis other house on such occasions, and had done so this day bysome of his servants, who were just gone when the lady and Amgiadentered. 

Bahader came as he used to do, in disguise, and withoutattendants, and a little before the time appointed for theassembling of his friends. He was not a little surprised to findthe door broken open; he entered, making no noise, and hearingsome persons talking and making merry in the hall, he stole alongunder the wall, and put his head half way within the door to seewho they were. 

Perceiving a young man and a young lady eating at his table thevictuals that had been provided for his friends and himself, andthat there was no great harm done, he resolved to divert himselfwith the adventure. 

The lady's back was a little turned towards him, and she did notsee the master of the horse, but Amgiad perceived himimmediately. The glass was at the time in his hand, and he wasgoing to drink; he changed colour at the sight of Bahader, whomade a sign to him not to say a word, but to come and speak tohim. 

Amgiad drank and rose: "Where are you going?" inquired the lady. The prince answered, "Pray, madam, stay here a little; I shallreturn directly. " Bahader waited for him in the vestibule, andled him into the court to talk to him without being overheard bythe lady. 

When Bahader and Amgiad were in the court, Bahader demanded ofthe prince, how the lady came into his house? and why they brokeopen his door? "My lord, " replied Amgiad, "you may veryreasonably think me guilty of a very unwarrantable action: but ifyou will have patience to hear me, I hope I shall convince you ofmy innocence. " He then related, in a few words, what hadhappened, without disguising any part of the truth; and to shewhim that he was not capable of committing such an action as tobreak into a house, told him he was a prince, and informed him ofthe reason of his coming to the city of the magicians. 

Bahader, who was a good man, was pleased with an opportunity ofobliging one of Amgiad's rank: for by his air, his actions, andhis well-turned conversation, he did not in the least doubt thetruth of what he had asserted. "Prince, " said Bahader, "I am gladI can oblige you in so pleasant an adventure. Far from disturbingthe feast, it will gratify me to contribute to your satisfactionin any thing. Before I say any more on this subject, I mustinform you my name is Bahader; I am master of the horse to theking of the magicians; I commonly reside in another house, whichI have in the city, and come here sometimes to have the moreliberty with my friends. You have made this lady believe you havea slave, though you have none; I will personate that slave, andthat this may not make you uneasy, and to prevent your excuses, Irepeat again, that I will positively have it to be so; you willsoon know my reason. Go to your place, and continue to divertyourself. When I return again, and come to you in a slave'shabit, chide me for staying so long, do not be afraid even tostrike me. I will wait upon you while you are at table tillnight; you shall sleep here, and so shall the lady, and to-morrowmorning you may send her home with honour. I shall afterwardsendeavour to do you more important services: go, and lose notime. " Amgiad would have made him an answer, but the master ofthe horse would not suffer him, forcing him to return to thelady. He had scarcely reentered the hall before Bahader'sfriends, whom he had invited, arrived. Bahader excused himselffor not entertaining them that day, telling them they wouldapprove of his reason when they should be informed of it, whichthey should be in due time. When they were gone, he went anddressed himself in a slave's habit. 

Prince Amgiad returned to the lady much pleased at finding thehouse belonged to a man of quality, who had received him socourteously. When he sat down again, he said, "Madam, I beg athousand pardons for my rudeness. I was vexed that my slaveshould tarry so long; the rascal shall pay for it when he comes:I will teach him to make me wait so for him. "

"Let not that trouble you, " said the lady. "The evil is his; ifhe is guilty of any faults, let him pay for it: but do not let usthink of him, we will enjoy ourselves without him. "

They continued at the table with the more pleasure, as Amgiad wasunder no apprehensions of the consequence of the lady'sindiscretion in breaking open the door. The prince was now asmerry as the lady: they said a thousand pleasant things, anddrank more than they ate, till Bahader arrived in his disguise. 

Bahader entered like a slave who feared his master's displeasurefor staying out when he had company with him. He fell down at hisfeet and kissed the ground, to implore his clemency; and when hehad done, stood behind him with his hands across, waiting hiscommands. 

"Sirrah, " said Amgiad, with a fierce tone, and angry look, "wherehave you been? What have you been doing, that you came nosooner?"

"My lord, " replied Bahader, "I ask your pardon; I was executingyour orders, and did not think you would return home so early. "

"You are a rascal, " said Amgiad, "and I will break your bones, toteach you to lie, and disappoint me. " He then rose up, took astick, and gave him two or three slight blows; after which he satdown again. 

The lady was not satisfied with this chastisement. She also rose, took the stick, and fell upon Bahader so unmercifully, that thetears came into his eyes. Amgiad, offended to the last degree atthe freedom she took, and that she should use one of the king'schief officers so ill, called out to her in vain to forbear. "Letme alone, " said she "I will give him enough, and teach him to beabsent so long another time. " She continued beating him withgreat fury, till Amgiad rose from the table, and forced the stickout of her hand which she did not relinquish without muchstruggling. When she found she could beat Bahader no longer, shesat down, railed at and cursed him. 

Bahader wiped his eyes, and stood up to fill out wine When he sawthey had done eating and drinking, he took away the cloth, cleared the hall, put every thing in its place; and night comingon, lighted up the lamps. Every time he came in, or went out, thelady muttered, threatened him, and gave him abusive language, toAmgiad's great regret, who would have hindered her, but couldnot. When it was time for them to retire to bed, Bahader preparedone for them on the sofa, and withdrew into a chamber, where helaid himself down, and soon fell asleep, having been fatiguedwith his beating. Amgiad and the lady entertained one another forsome time afterwards. The lady before she went to bed havingoccasion to go to another part of the house, passing through thevestibule, heard Bahader snore, and having seen a sabre hangingup in the hall, turned back, and said to Amgiad, "My lord, as youlove me, do one thing for me. " "In what can I serve you?" askedthe prince. "Oblige me so far as to take down this sabre and cutoff your slave's head. " Amgiad was astonished at such a proposalfrom a lady, and made no doubt but it was the wine she had drunkthat induced her to make it. "Madam, " said he, "let us suffer himto rest, he is not worthy of your farther notice: I have beatenhim, and you have beaten him: that ought to be sufficient;besides, I am in other respects well satisfied with him. "

"That shall not satisfy me, " replied the lady, in a violentpassion; "the rascal shall die, if not by your hands, by mine. "As she spoke, she took down the sabre from the place where ithung, drew it out of the scabbard, and prepared to execute herwicked design. 

Amgiad met her in the vestibule, saying, "You shall be satisfied, madam, since you will have it so; but I should be sorry that anyone besides myself should kill my slave. " When she had given himthe sabre, "Come, follow me, " said he; "make no noise, lest weshould awaken him. " They went into Bahader's chamber, whereAmgiad, instead of striking him, aimed his blow at the lady, andcut off her head, which fell upon Bahader. 

Bahader was awakened by the head of the lady falling upon him. Hewas amazed to see Amgiad standing by him with a bloody sabre, andthe body of the lady lying headless on the ground. The princetold him what had passed, and said, "I had no other way toprevent this furious woman from killing you, but to take away herlife. " "My lord, " replied Bahader, full of gratitude, "persons ofyour rank and generosity are incapable of doing such a wickedaction: as she desired of you. You are my deliverer, and I cannotsufficiently thank you. " After having embraced him, to evince thesense he entertained of his obligations to him, he said, "We mustcarry this corpse out before it is quite day; leave it to me, Iwill do it. " Amgiad would not consent to this, saying, "He wouldcarry it away himself, since he had struck the blow. " Bahaderreplied, "You are a stranger in this city, and cannot do it sowell as one who is acquainted with the place. I must do it, iffor no other reason, yet for the safety of both of us, to preventour being questioned about her death. Remain you here, and if Ido not return before day, you may be sure the watch has seizedme; and for fear of the worst, I will by writing give this houseand furniture for your habitation. "

When he had written, signed, and delivered the paper to princeAmgiad, he put the lady's body in a bag, head and all; laid it onhis shoulder, and went out with it from one street to another, taking the way to the sea-side. He had not proceeded far beforehe met one of the judges of the city, who was going the rounds inperson. Bahader was stopped by the judge's followers, who, opening the bag, found the body of a murdered lady, bundled upwith the head. The judge, who knew the master of the horsenotwithstanding his disguise, took him home to his house, and notdaring to put him to death without telling the king, on accountof his rank, carried him to court as soon as it was day. When theking had been informed by the judge of the crime Bahader had, ashe believed from the circumstances, committed, he addressedhimself to the master of the horse as follows: "It is thus thenthat thou murderess my subjects, to rob them, and then wouldstthrow their dead bodies into the sea, to hide thy villainy? Letus get rid of him; execute him immediately. "

Innocent as Bahader was, he received sentence of death withresignation, and said not a word in his justification. The judgecarried him to his house, and while the pale was preparing, senta crier to publish throughout the city, that at noon the masterof the horse was to be impaled for a murder. 

Prince Amgiad, who had in vain expected Bahader's return, wasstruck with consternation when he heard the crier publish theapproaching execution of the master of the horse. "If, " said heto himself, "any one ought to die for the murder of such a wickedwoman, it is I, and not Bahader; I will never suffer an innocentman to be punished for the guilty. " Without deliberating, he thenhastened to the place of execution, whither the people wererunning from all parts. 

When Amgiad saw the judge bringing Bahader to the pale, he wentup to him, and said, "I am come to assure you, that the master ofthe horse, whom you are leading to execution, is wholly innocentof the lady's death; I alone am guilty of the crime, if it beone, to have killed a detestable woman, who would have murderedBahader. " He then related to him how it had happened. 

The prince having informed the judge of the manner in which hehad met her coming from the bath; how she had occasioned hisgoing into the master of the horse's pleasure-house, and all thathad passed to the moment in which he was forced to cut off herhead, to save Bahader's life; the judge ordered execution to bestopped, and conducted Amgiad to the king, taking the master ofthe horse with them. 

The king wished to hear the story from Amgiad himself; and theprince, the better to prove his own innocence and that of themaster of the horse, embraced the opportunity to discover who hewas, and what had driven him and his brother Assad to that city, with all the accidents that had befallen them, from theirdeparture from the Isle of Ebene. 

The prince having finished his account, the king said to him, "Irejoice that I have by this means been made acquainted with you;I not only give you your own life, and that of my master of thehorse, whom I commend for his kindness to you, but I restore himto his office; and as for you, prince, I declare you my grandvizier, to make amends for your father's unjust usage, though itis also excusable, and I permit you to employ all the authoritywith which I now invest you to find out prince Assad. "

Amgiad having thanked the king for the honour he had done him, ontaking possession of his office of grand vizier used everypossible means to find out the prince his brother. He ordered thecommon criers to promise a great reward to any who shoulddiscover him, or give any tidings of him. He sent men up and downthe country to the same purpose; but in vain. 

Assad in the meanwhile continued in the dungeon in chains;Bostama and Cavama, the cunning old conjuror's daughters, treating him daily with the same cruelty and inhumanity as atfirst. 

The solemn festival of the adorers of fire approached; and a shipwas fitted out for the fiery mountain as usual: the captain'sname was Behram, a great bigot to his religion. He loaded it withproper merchandize; and when it was ready to sail, put Assad in achest, which was half full of goods, a few crevices being leftbetween the boards to give him air. 

Before the ship sailed, the grand vizier Amgiad, who had beentold that the adorers of fire used to sacrifice a Mussulmaunevery year on the fiery mountain, suspecting that Assad mighthave fallen into their hands, and be designed for a victim, resolved to search the ship in person. He ordered all thepassengers and seamen to be brought upon deck, and commanded hismen to search all over the ship, which they did, but Assad couldnot be found, he was so well concealed. 

When the grand vizier had done searching the vessel, she sailed. As soon as Behram was got out to sea, he ordered prince Assad tobe taken out of the chest, and fettered, to secure him, lest heshould throw himself into the sea in despair since he knew he wasgoing to be sacrificed. 

The wind was very favourable for a few days, after which therearose a furious storm. The vessel was driven out of her course, so that neither Behram nor his pilot knew where they were. Theywere afraid of being wrecked on the rocks, for in the violence ofthe storm they discovered land, and a dangerous shoal beforethem. Behram perceived that he was driven into the port andcapital of queen Margiana, which occasioned him greatmortification. 

This queen Margiana was a devout professor of the Mahummedanfaith, and a mortal enemy to the adorers of fire. She hadbanished all of them out of her dominions, and would not suffertheir ships to touch at her ports. 

It was no longer in the power of Behram to avoid putting into theharbour, for he had no alternative but to be dashed to piecesagainst the frightful rocks that lay off the shore. In thisextremity he held a council with his pilot and seamen. "My lads, "said he, "you see to what a necessity we are reduced. We mustchoose one of two things; either to resolve to be swallowed up bythe waves, or put into queen Margiana's port, whose hatred to allpersons of our religion you well know. She will certainly seizeour vessel and put us all to death, without mercy. I see but oneway to escape her, which is, to take off the fetters from theMussulmaun we have aboard, and dress him like a slave. When queenMargiana commands me to come before her, and asks what trade Ifollow, I will tell her I deal in slaves; that I have sold all Ihad, but one, whom I keep to be my clerk, because he can read andwrite. She will by this means see him, and he being handsome, andof her own religion, will have pity on him. No doubt she willthen ask to buy him of me, and on this account will let us stayin the port till the weather is fair. If any of you have anything else to propose that will be preferable, I am ready toattend to it. " The pilot and seamen applauded his judgment, andagreed to follow his advice. 

Behram commanded prince Assad's chains to be taken off, and hadhim neatly habited like a slave, as became one who was to passfor his clerk before the queen of the country. They had scarcelytime to do this, before the ship drove into the port, and droppedanchor. 

Queen Margiana's palace was so near the sea, that her gardenextended down to the shore. She saw the ship anchor, and sent tothe captain to come to her, and the sooner to satisfy hercuriosity waited for him in her garden. 

Behram landed with prince Assad, whom he required to confirm whathe had said of his being a slave, and his clerk. When he wasintroduced to the queen, he threw himself at her feet, andinformed her of the necessity he was under to put into her port:that he dealt in slaves, and had sold all he had but one, who wasAssad, whom he kept for his clerk. 

The queen was taken with Assad from the moment she first saw him, and was extremely glad to hear that he was a slave; resolving tobuy him, cost what he would. She asked Assad what was his name. 

"Great queen, " he replied, with tears in his eyes, "does yourmajesty ask what my name was formerly, or what it is now?" Thequeen answered, "Have you two names then?" "Alas! I have, " saidAssad: "I was once called Assad (most happy); and now my name isMotar" (devoted to be sacrificed). 

Margiana not being able to comprehend the meaning of his answer, interpreted it to refer to his condition of a slave. "Since youare clerk to the captain, " said she, "no doubt you can writewell; let me see your hand. "

Behram had furnished Assad with pen, ink, and paper, as a tokenof his office, that the queen might take him for what he designedshe should. 

The prince stepped a little aside, and wrote as follows, suitableto his wretched circumstances:

"The blind man avoids the ditch into which the clear-sightedfalls. Fools advance themselves to honours, by discourses whichsignify nothing, while men of sense and eloquence live in povertyand contempt. The Mussulmaun with all his riches is miserable. The infidel triumphs. We cannot hope things will be otherwise. The Almighty has decreed it shall be so. "

Assad presented the paper to queen Margiana, who admired alikethe moral of the sentences, and the goodness of the writing. Sheneeded no more to have her heart inflamed, and to feel a sincereconcern for his misfortunes. She had no sooner read the lines, than she addressed herself to Behram, saying, "Do which you will, either sell me this slave, or make me a present of him; perhapsit will turn most to your account to do the latter. "

Behram answered insolently, that he could neither give nor sellhim; that he wanted his slave, and would keep him. 

Queen Margiana, provoked at his rudeness, would not talk to himany more on the subject. She took the prince by the arm, andturned him before her to the palace, sending Behram word, that ifhe stayed the night in her port, she would confiscate his goods, and burn his ship. He was therefore forced to return to hisvessel, and prepare to put to sea again, notwithstanding thetempest had not yet subsided. 

Queen Margiana, on entering her palace, commanded supper to begot ready; and while it was providing, she ordered Assad to bebrought into her apartment, where she bade him sit down. Assadwould have excused himself: "It becomes not a slave, " said he, "to presume to this honour. "

"To a slave!" replied the queen: "you were so a moment ago;henceforward you are no more a slave. Sit down near me, and tellme the story of your life; for by what you wrote, and theinsolence of that slave-merchant, I guess there is somethingextraordinary in your history. "

Prince Assad obeyed her; and sitting down, began thus: "Mightyqueen, your majesty is not mistaken, in thinking there issomething extraordinary in the story of my life: it is indeedmore so than you can imagine. The ills, the incredible torments Ihave suffered, and the death to which I was devoted, and fromwhich I am delivered by your royal generosity, will shew thegreatness of my obligation to you, never to be forgotten. Butbefore I enter into particulars of my miseries, which will strikehorror into the hearts of all that hear them, I must trace theorigin of them to its source. "

This preamble increased queen Margiana's curiosity. The princethen told her of his royal birth; of his brother Amgiad, andtheir mutual friendship; of their mothers' criminal passion, thecause of all their sufferings; of the king his father's rage; howmiraculously their lives were saved; how he had lost his brother;how he had been long imprisoned and tortured, and was devoted tobe sacrificed on the fiery mountain. 

When Assad had finished his recital' the queen was more than everenraged at the adorers of fire. "Prince, " said she, "though Ihave always had an aversion to the adorers of fire, yet hithertoI have had some humanity for them: but after their barbaroususage of you, and their execrable design to sacrifice you, I willhenceforth wage perpetual war against them. "

She was proceeding, but supper being served in, she made princeAssad sit down at table with her, being charmed with his beautyand eloquence, and touched with a passion which she hoped soon tohave an opportunity of making known to him "Prince, " said she, "we must make you amends for so many fasts and wretched meals, towhich the pitiless adorers of fire made you submit; you must wantnourishment after such sufferings. " With conversation of thiskind she helped him at supper; and ordered him to drink a gooddeal of wine to recover his spirits; by which means he drank morethan he could well bear. 

The cloth being taken away, Assad having occasion to go out, tookan opportunity when the queen did not observe him. He descendedinto the court, and seeing the garden-door open, went into it. Being tempted by the pleasantness of the place, he walked therefor some time. At last he came to a fountain, where he washed hisface and hands to refresh himself, and lying down on the turf bythe fountain, fell asleep. 

Behram, to prevent the queen from executing her threats, hadweighed anchor, vexed at the loss of Assad, by which he wasdisappointed of a most acceptable sacrifice. He comforted himselfas well as he could, with the thoughts that the storm was over, and that a land breeze favoured his getting off the coast. Assoon as he was towed out of the port by the help of his boat, before it was hoisted up into the ship again, "Stop, my lads, "said he to the seamen, "do not come on board yet; I will give yousome casks to fill with water, and wait for you. " Behram hadobserved, while he was talking to the queen in the garden, thatthere was a fountain at the end of it, near the port. "Go, " saidhe, "land before the palace-garden; the wall is not above breasthigh, you may easily get over; there is a basin in the middle ofthe garden, where you may fill all your barrels, and hand themaboard without difficulty. "

The sailors went ashore at the place he directed them to, andlaying their casks on their shoulders easily got over the wall. 

As they approached the basin, they perceived a man sleeping onthe grass, and knew him to be Assad. They immediately dividedthemselves; and while some of the crew filled their barrels withas little noise as possible, others surrounded Assad, and watchedto seize him if he should awake. 

He slept on undisturbed, giving them time to fill all theircasks; which they afterwards handed over the wall to others ofthe crew who waited to carry them aboard. 

They next seized Assad, and conveyed him away, without giving himtime to recollect himself. They got him over the wall into theirboat with the casks, and rowed to the ship. When they drew nearher they cried out for joy, "Captain, sound your trumpets, beatyour drums, we have brought you your slave. "

Behram, who could not imagine how the seamen could find and takehim again, and did not see Assad in the boat, it being night, waited their arrival with impatience, to ask what they meant; butwhen he saw him, he could not contain himself for joy. Hecommanded him to be chained, without staying to inquire how theycame by him; and having hoisted the boat on board, set sail forthe fiery mountain. 

In the meanwhile queen Margiana was in alarm. She was not atfirst apprehensive when she found prince Assad was gone out, because she did not doubt but he would soon return When some timehad passed without his appearing, she began to be uneasy, andcommanded her women to look for him. They sought for him in everydirection, and at night renewed their search by torch-light, butall to no purpose. 

Queen Margiana was so impatient and alarmed, that she wentherself with lights, and finding the garden-door open, entered, and walked all over it with her women to seek for him. Passing bythe fountain and basin, she espied a slipper, which she took up, and knew it to be prince Assad's, her women also recognized it tobe his. This circumstance, together with the water being spiltabout the edge of the basin, induced her to believe that Behramhad carried him off. She sent immediately to see if he was stillin the port; and hearing he had sailed a little before it wasdark, that he lay-to some time off the shore, while he sent hisboat for water from the fountain, she sent word to the commanderof ten ships of war, which lay always ready in the harbour, tosail on the shortest notice, that she would embark herself nextmorning as soon as it was day. The commander lost no time, ordered the captains, seamen and soldiers aboard, and was readyto sail at the time appointed. She embarked, and when thesquadron was at sea, told the commander her intention. "Make allthe sail you can, " said she, "and chase the merchantman thatsailed last night out of this port. If you capture it, I assignit to you as your property; but if you fail, your life shallanswer. "

The ten ships chased Behram's vessel two whole days withoutseeing her. The third day in the morning they discovered her, andat noon had so surrounded her, that she could not escape. 

As soon as Behram espied the ten ships of war, he made sure itwas queen Margiana's squadron in pursuit of him; and upon that heordered Assad to be bastinadoed, which he had done every day. Hewas much perplexed what to do, when he found he was surrounded. To keep Assad, was to declare himself guilty; to kill him was asdangerous, for he feared some marks of the murder might be seen. He therefore commanded him to be unfettered and brought from thebottom of the hold where he lay. When he came before him, "It isthou, " said he, "that art the cause of my being pursued;" and sosaying, he flung him into the sea. 

Prince Assad being an expert swimmer, made such good use of hisfeet and hands, that he reached the shore in safety. The firstthing he did after he had landed, was to thank God who haddelivered him from so great a danger, and once more rescued himout of the hands of the adorers of fire. He then strippedhimself, and wringing the water out of his clothes, spread themon a rock, where, by the heat of the sun, and of the rock, theysoon dried. After this he lay down to rest himself, deploring hismiserable condition, not knowing in what country he was nor whichway to direct his course. He dressed himself again and walked on, keeping as near the sea-side as he could. At last he entered akind of path, which he followed, and travelled on ten daysthrough an uninhabited country, living on herbs, plants, and wildfruits. At last he approached a city, which he recognized to bethat of the magicians, where he had been so ill used and wherehis brother Amgiad was grand vizier. 

He rejoiced to discover where he was, but resolved not toapproach any of the adorers of fire, and to converse only withMoosulmauns, for he remembered he had seen some the first time heentered the town. It being late, and knowing the shops werealready shut, and few people in the streets, he resolved toremain in a burying ground near the city, where there wereseveral tombs built in the form of mausoleums. He found the doorof one of them open, which he entered, designing to pass thenight there. 

We must now return to Behram's ship, which, after he had thrownprince Assad overboard, was soon surrounded on all sides by queenMargiana's squadron. The ship in which queen Margiana was inperson first came up with him, and Behram, being in no conditionof defence against so many, furled his sails as a mark of hissubmission. 

The queen herself boarded his ship, and demanded where the clerkwas, whom he had the boldness to take or cause to be taken out ofher palace. Behram replied, "O queen! I swear by your majesty, heis not in my ship; you will, by searching, be convinced of myinnocence. "

Margiana ordered the ship to be searched as narrowly as possible, but she could not find the man, whom she so much wished torecover, as well on account of her love for him, as of thegenerosity for which she was distinguished. She once resolved tokill Behram with her own hand, but refrained, and contentedherself with seizing his ship and cargo, and turning him and hismen on shore in their boat. 

Behram and his seamen arrived at the city of the magicians thesame night as Assad, and stopped at the same burying-ground, thecity gates being shut, intending to stay in some tomb till thenext day, when they should be opened again. 

To Assad's misfortune, Behram came to that in which the princewas sleeping with his head wrapped up in his habit, and enteredit. Assad awoke at the noise of his footsteps, and demanded whowas there. 

Behram immediately recognized him. "Hah, hah, " said he, "thou artthe man who has ruined me for ever; thou hast escaped beingsacrificed this year, but depend on it thou shalt not be sofortunate the next. " Saying this, he flew upon him, clapped hishandkerchief into his mouth to prevent his making a noise, andwith the assistance of his seamen bound him. 

The next morning as soon as the city gates were open, Behram andhis men easily carried Assad through streets, where no one wasyet stirring, to the old man's house, where he had been soinhumanly treated. As soon as he was brought in, he was againthrown into the same dungeon. Behram acquainted the old man withthe unfortunate circumstances of his return, and the ill successof his voyage. The old savage, upon this, commanded his twodaughters Bostama and Cavama to treat him, if possible, morecruelly than before. 

Assad was overwhelmed with terror at seeing himself again in thehands of persecutors from whom he had suffered so much, andexpected the repetition of the torments from which he hoped thathe had been delivered. He was lamenting the severity of his fate, when Bostama entered with a stick in her hand, a loaf and apitcher of water. He trembled at the sight of this unmercifulwretch, and at the very thoughts of the sufferings he was toendure for another year, at the conclusion of which he was to diethe most horrible death. 

Bostama treated prince Assad as inhumanly as she had done duringhis first confinement. But his cries, lamentations, and earnestentreaties to her to spare him, joined with his tears, were soaffecting, that she could not help shedding tears. "My lord, "said she, covering his shoulders again, "I ask a thousand pardonsfor my inhuman treatment of you formerly, and for making you oncemore feel its effect. Till now I was afraid of disobeying afather, who is unjustly enraged against you, and resolved on yourdestruction, but at last I abhor this barbarity. Be comforted, your evil days are over. I will endeavour by better treatment tomake amends for all my crimes, of the enormity of which you willfind I am duly sensible. You have hitherto regarded me as aninfidel; henceforth believe me one of your own religion; havingbeen taught it by a slave, I hope your lessons will complete myconversion. To convince you of my sincerity, I first beg pardonof the true God for all my sins, in dealing so cruelly by you, and I trust he will put it in my power to set you entirely atliberty. "

This address afforded the prince much comfort. He thanked theAlmighty for the change wrought in her heart, He also thanked herfor her favourable disposition towards him, and omitted noarguments which he thought would have any effect in confirmingher conversion to the Moosulmaun religion. He afterwards relatedto her the whole story of his life to that time. When he wasfully assured of her good intentions respecting him, he asked herhow she could continue to keep her sister Cavama in ignorance ofthem; and prevent her treating him as barbarously as she used todo? "Let not that trouble you, " replied Bostama; "I know how toorder matters so that she shall never come near you. "

She accordingly every day prevented her sister's coming down intothe dungeon, where she often visited the prince. Instead ofcarrying him bread and water, she now brought him the best wineand the choicest victuals she could procure, which were preparedby her twelve Mahommedan slaves. She ate with him herself fromtime to time, and did all in her power to alleviate hismisfortunes. 

A few days afterwards, Bostama, as she stood at her father'sdoor, observed the public crier making proclamation, but shecould not hear what it was about, being too far off. As he wasproceeding in the direction of her father's house, she went in, and holding the door half open, perceived that he went before thegrand vizier Amgiad, brother to Assad; who was accompanied byseveral officers, and other attendants. 

The crier, a few steps from the house, repeated the proclamationwith a loud voice, as follows: "The most excellent andillustrious grand vizier is come in person to seek for his dearbrother, from whom he was separated about a year ago. He is ayoung man of such an appearance; if any one has him in keeping, or knows where he is, his excellency commands that they bring himforth, or give him notice where to find him, promising a greatreward to the person that shall give the information. If any oneconceal him, and he be hereafter found, his excellency declares'he shall be punished with death, together with his wife, children, and all his family, and his house to be razed to theground. "

Bostama, as soon as she had heard this, shut the door as fast asshe could, and ran to Assad in the dungeon. "Prince, " said she, with joy, "your troubles are at an end; follow me immediately. "She had taken off his fetters the day he was brought in, and theprince followed her into the street, where she cried, "There heis, there he is!"

The grand vizier, who was not far from the house, returned. Assadknew him to be his brother, ran to him, and embraced him. Amgiad, who immediately recollected him, returned his embrace with allpossible tenderness; made him mount one of his officers' horses, who alighted for that purpose; and conducted him in triumph tothe palace, where he presented him to the king, by whom he wasadvanced to the post of a vizier. 

Bostama not wishing to return to her father's house, which wasthe next day razed to the ground, was sent to the queen'sapartments. 

The old man her father, Behram, and all their families werebrought before the king, who condemned them to be beheaded. Theythrew themselves at his feet, and implored his mercy. "There isno mercy for you to expect, " said the king, "unless you renouncethe adoration of fire, and profess the Mahummedan religion. "

They accepted the condition, and were pardoned at theintercession of Assad, in consideration of Bostama's friendship;for whose sake Cavama's life, and the lives of the rest of theirfamilies were saved. 

Amgiad, in consideration of Behram turning Mussulmaun, and tocompensate for the loss which he had suffered before he deservedhis favour, made him one of his principal officers, and lodgedhim in his house. Behram, being informed of Amgiad and hisbrother Assad's story, proposed to his benefactor, to fit out avessel to convey them to their father's court: "For, " said he, "the king must certainly have heard of your innocence, andimpatiently desire to see you: otherwise we can easily inform himof the truth before we land, and if he is still in the same mind, you can but return. "

The two brothers accepted the proposal, communicated it to theking of the city of the magicians, who approved of it; andcommanded a ship to be equipped. Behram undertook the employmentcheerfully, and soon got in readiness to sail. The two princes, when they understood the ship was ready, waited upon the king totake leave. While they were making their compliments, andthanking the king for his favours, they were interrupted by agreat tumult in the city: and presently an officer came to givethem notice that a numerous army was advancing against the city, nobody knowing who they were, or whence they had come. 

The king being alarmed at the intelligence, Amgiad addressed himthus: "Sir, though I have just resigned into your majesty's handsthe dignity of your first minister, with which you were pleasedto honour me, I am ready to do you all the service in my power. Idesire therefore that you would be pleased to let me go and seewho this enemy is, that comes to attack you in your capital, without having first declared war. "

The king desired him to do so. Amgiad departed immediately, witha very small retinue, to see what enemy approached, and what wasthe reason of their coming. 

It was not long before prince Amgiad descried the army, whichappeared very formidable, and which approached nearer and nearer. The advanced guards received him favourably, and conducted him toa princess, who stopped, and commanded her army to halt, whileshe talked with the prince; who, bowing profoundly to her, demanded if she came as a friend or an enemy: if as an enemy, what cause of complaint she had against the king his master?

"I come as a friend, " replied the princess, "and have no cause ofcomplaint against the king of the city of the magicians. Histerritories and mine are so situated, that it is almostimpossible for us to have any dispute. I only come to require aslave named Assad, to be delivered up to me. He was carried awayby one Behram, a captain of a ship belonging to this city, themost insolent man in the world. I hope your king will do mejustice, when he knows I am Margiana. "

The prince answered, "Mighty queen, the slave whom you take somuch pains to seek is my brother: I lost him, and have found himagain. Come, and I will deliver him up to you myself; and will domyself the honour to tell you the rest of the story: the king mymaster will rejoice to see you. "

The queen ordered her army to pitch their tents, and encamp wherethey were; and accompanied prince Amgiad to the city and palace, where he presented her to the king; who received her in a mannerbecoming her dignity. Assad, who was present, and knew her assoon as he saw her, also paid his respects to her. She appearedgreatly rejoiced to see him. While they were thus engaged, tidings came, that an army more powerful than the formerapproached on the other side of the city. 

The king of the magicians was more terrified than before, understanding the second army was more numerous than the first, for he saw this by the clouds of dust they raised, which hid theface of the heavens. "Amgiad, " cried he, "what shall we do now? anew army comes to destroy us. " Amgiad guessed what the kingmeant; he mounted on horseback again, and galloped towards thesecond army. He demanded of the advanced guards to speak withtheir general, and they conducted him to their king. When he drewnear him, he alighted, prostrated himself to the ground, andasked what he required of the king his master. 

The monarch replied, "I am Gaiour, king of China; my desire tolearn tidings of a daughter, whose name is Badoura, whom Imarried to Kummir al Zummaun, son of Shaw Zummaun, king of theisles of the children of Khaledan, obliged me to leave mydominions. I suffered that prince to go to see his father, oncondition that he came back in a year with my daughter; from thattime I have heard nothing of them. Your king will lay an infiniteobligation on an afflicted father, by telling him if he knowswhat is become of them. "

Prince Amgiad, perceiving by his discourse that the king was hisgrandfather, kissed his hand with tenderness, and answered himthus: "I hope your majesty will pardon my freedom, when you knowthat I only pay my duty to my grandfather. I am the son of Kummiral Zummaun, king of the isle of Ebene, and of queen Badoura, forwhom you are thus troubled; and I doubt not but they are both ingood health in their kingdom. "

The king of China, overjoyed to see his grandson, tenderlyembraced him. Such a meeting, so happy and unexpected, drew tearsfrom both. The king inquiring on what occasion he had come into astrange country, the prince told him all that had happened to himand his brother Assad. When he had finished his relation, "Myson, " replied the king of China, "it is not just that suchinnocent princes as you are should be longer ill used. Comfortyourself, I will carry you and your brother home, and make yourpeace. Return, and acquaint your brother with my arrival. "

While the king of China encamped in the place where prince Amgiadmet him, the prince returned to inform the king of the magicians, who waited for him impatiently, how he had succeeded. 

The king was astonished that so mighty a king as that of Chinashould undertake such a long and troublesome journey, out of adesire to see his daughter. He gave orders to make preparationsfor his reception, and went forth to meet him. 

While these things were transacting, a great dust was seen onanother side of the town; and suddenly news was brought of thearrival of a third army, which obliged the king to stop, and todesire prince Amgiad once more to see who they were, and on whataccount they came. 

Amgiad went accordingly, and prince Assad accompanied him. Theyfound it was Kummir al Zummaun their father's army, with whom hewas coming to seek for them. He was so grieved for the loss ofhis sons, that at last emir Jehaun-dar declared that he had savedtheir lives, which made him resolve to seek for them wherever hewas likely to find them. 

The afflicted father embraced the two princes with tears of joy, whichput an end to those he had a long time shed for grief. The princes hadno sooner told him the king of China, his father-in-law, was arrived, than, accompanied by them and a small party, he rode to wait upon himin his camp. They had not gone far, before they saw a fourth armyadvancing in good order, which seemed to come from Persia. 

Kummir al Zummaun desired the two princes to go and see what armyit was, and he would in the meanwhile wait for them. Theydeparted immediately, and coming up to it, were presented to theking to whom the army belonged; and, after having saluted himwith due reverence, they demanded on what design he approached sonear the king of the magicians' capital. The grand vizier, whowas present, answered in the name of the king his master, "Themonarch to whom you speak is Shaw Zummaun, king of the isles ofthe children of Khaledan, who has a longtime travelled, thusattended, to seek his son, who left his dominions many years ago:if you know any thing of him, you cannot oblige him more than bycommunicating to him all the information in your power. "

The princes only replied, that they would shortly bring him ananswer, and galloping back as fast as they could, told Kummir alZummaun that the king his father was approaching with his army. 

Wonder, surprise, joy, and grief, had such an effect on Kummir alZummaun, that he fainted as soon as he heard he was so near. Prince Amgiad and prince Assad, by their assiduities, at lengthbrought him to himself; and when he had recovered his strength, he went to his father's tent, and threw himself at his feet. 

Never was there a more affecting interview. Shaw Zummaun gentlyupbraided his son with unkindness in so cruelly leaving him; andKummir al Zummaun discovered a hearty sorrow for the fault whichlove had urged him to commit. 

The three kings, and queen Margiana, stayed three days at thecourt of the king of the magicians, who treated themmagnificently. These three days were rendered more remarkable byprince Assad's marriage with queen Margiana, and prince Amgiadwith Bostama, for the service she had done his brother Assad. 

At length the three kings, and queen Margiana, with her husbandAssad, returned to their respective kingdoms. As for Amgiad, theking of the magicians had such an affection for him, he could notpart with him; and being very old, he resigned his crown to him. Amgiad, when he had the supreme authority, did his utmost toexterminate the worship of fire, and establish the Mahummedanreligion throughout his dominions. 

 THE STORY OF NOOR AD DEEN AND THE FAIR PERSIAN. 

The city of Bussorah was for many years the capital of a kingdomtributary to the caliphs of Arabia. The king who governed it inthe days of the caliph Haroon al Rusheed was named Zinebi, whonot thinking it proper to commit the administration of hisaffairs to a single vizier, made choice of two, Khacan and Saouy. 

Khacan was of a sweet, generous, and affable temper, and tookpleasure in obliging, to the utmost of his power, those with whomhe had any business to transact, without violating the justicewhich it became him to dispense to all. He was thereforeuniversally respected, at court, in the city, and throughout thewhole kingdom; and the praises he so highly deserved were thegeneral theme. 

Saouy was of a very different character: he was always sullen andmorose, and disgusted every body, without regard to their rank orquality. Instead of commanding respect by the liberaldistribution of his immense wealth, he was so perfect a miser asto deny himself the necessaries of life. In short, nobody couldendure him; and nothing good was said of him. But what renderedhim most hateful to the people, was his implacable aversion toKhacan. He was always putting the worst construction on theactions of that worthy minister, and endeavouring as much aspossible to prejudice him with the king. 

One day after council, the king of Bussorah amused himself withhis two viziers and some other members. The conversation turnedupon the female slaves that are daily bought and sold, and whohold nearly the same rank as the lawful wives. Some were ofopinion, that personal beauty in slaves so purchased was ofitself sufficient to render them proper substitutes for wives, which, often on account of alliance or interest in families, menare obliged to marry, though they are not always possessed of anyperfection, either of mind or body. 

Others maintained, and amongst the rest Khacan, that personalcharms were by no means the only qualifications to be desired ina slave; but that they ought to be accompanied with a great shareof wit, a cultivated understanding, modesty, and, if possible, every agreeable accomplishment. The reason they gave was, thatnothing could be more gratifying to persons on whom themanagement of important affairs devolved, than, after havingspent the day in fatiguing employment, to have a companion intheir retirement, whose conversation would be not only pleasing, but useful and instructive: for, in short, continued they, thereis but little difference between brutes and those men who keep aslave only to look at, and to gratify a passion that we have incommon with them. 

The king entirely concurred in this opinion, and accordinglyordered Khacan to buy him a slave, of perfect beauty, mistress ofall the qualifications they had enumerated, and possessed, aboveall things, of an enlightened understanding. 

Saouy, jealous of the honour the king had done Khacan, anddiffering widely with him in opinion, said, "Sire, it will bevery difficult to find a slave so accomplished as your majestyrequires; and should such a one be discovered, which I scarcelybelieve possible, she will be cheap at ten thousand pieces ofgold. " "Saouy, " replied the king, "I perceive plainly you thinkthe sum too great; it may be so for you, though not for me. " Thenturning to his high treasurer, he ordered him to send the tenthousand pieces of gold to the vizier's house. 

Khacan, as soon as he had returned home, sent for all the brokerswho used to deal in women-slaves, and strictly charged them, that, if ever they met with one who answered the description hegave them, they should immediately apprise him. The brokers, partly to oblige the vizier, and partly for their own interest, promised to use their utmost endeavours to procure for him onethat would accord with his wishes. Scarcely a day passed but theybrought him a slave for his inspection, but he always discoveredin each something defective. 

One day, early in the morning, as Khacan was mounting his horseto go to court, a broker came to him, and, taking hold of thestirrup with great eagerness, told him a Persian merchant hadarrived very late the day before, who had a slave to sell, sosurprisingly beautiful that she excelled all the women his eyeshad ever beheld; "And for wit and knowledge, " added he, "themerchant engages she shall match the most acute and learnedpersons of the age. "

Khacan, overjoyed at this intelligence, which promised him afavourable opportunity for making his court, ordered him to bringthe slave to his palace against his return, and departed. 

The broker failed not to be at the vizier's at the appointedhour; and Khacan, finding the lovely slave so much beyond hisexpectation, immediately gave her the name of the fair Persian. As he had himself much wit and learning, he soon perceived by herconversation, that it was in vain to search further for a slavethat surpassed her in any of the qualifications required by theking; and therefore he asked the broker at what sum the Persianmerchant valued her. 

"Sir, " replied the broker, "he is a man of few words inbargaining, and he tells me, that the very lowest price he willtake for her is ten thousand pieces of gold: he has also sworn tome, that, without reckoning his care and pains from the time ofhis first taking her under his charge, he has laid out nearlythat sum on her education in masters to improve her form andcultivate her mind, besides what she has cost him in clothes andmaintenance. As he always thought her fit for a king, he has fromher infancy, when he first bought her, been sparing of nothingthat might contribute towards advancing her to that highdistinction. She plays upon all kinds of instruments toperfection; she sings, dances, writes better than the mostcelebrated authors, makes verses, and there is scarcely any bookbut she has read; so that there never was a slave so accomplishedheard of before. "

The vizier Khacan, who could estimate the merits of the fairPersian better than the broker, who only reported what he hadheard from the merchant, was unwilling to defer the bargain to afuture opportunity, and therefore sent one of his servants tolook for the merchant, where the broker told him he was to befound. 

As soon as the Persian merchant arrived, "It is not for myself, but for the king, " said the vizier Khacan, "that I buy yourslave; but, nevertheless, you must let him have her at a morereasonable price than you have set upon her. "

"Sir, " replied the merchant, "I should do myself unspeakablehonour in offering her as a present to his majesty, if it becamea person in my situation to make him one of such inestimablevalue. I ask no more than her education and accomplishments havecost me; and all I have to say is, that I believe his majestywill be extremely pleased with the purchase. "

The vizier Khacan would stand no longer bargaining with themerchant, but paid him the money immediately. "Sir, " said he tothe vizier, upon taking his leave of him, "since the slave isdesigned for the king's use, give me leave to tell you, thatbeing extremely fatigued with our long journey, you see her atpresent under great disadvantage. Though she has not her equal inthe world for beauty, yet if you please to keep her at your ownhouse for a fortnight, she will appear quite another creature. You may then present her to the king with honour and credit; forwhich I hope you will think yourself much obliged to me. The sun, you perceive, has a little injured her complexion; but after twoor three times bathing, and when you have dressed her as youthink proper, she will be so changed, that she will appearinfinitely more charming. "

Khacan was pleased with the instructions the merchant gave him, and resolved to abide by them. He assigned the fair Persian aparticular apartment near his lady's, whom he desired to inviteher to an entertainment, and thenceforth to treat her as a persondesigned for the king: he also provided for her several suits ofthe richest clothes that could be had, and would become her best. Before he took his leave of the fair Persian, he said "Yourhappiness, madam, cannot be greater than what I am about toprocure for you; you shall judge for yourself; it is for the kingI have purchased you; and I hope he will be even more pleasedwith possessing you than I am in having discharged the commissionwith which his majesty has honoured me. I think it, however, myduty to warn you that I have a son, who, though he does not wantwit, is yet young, insinuating, and forward; and to caution youhow you suffer him to come near you. " The fair Persian thankedhim for his advice; and after she had given him assurance of herintention to follow it, he withdrew. 

Noor ad Deen, for so the vizier's son was named, had free accessto the apartment of his mother, with whom he usually ate hismeals. He was young, handsome in person, agreeable in manners, and firm in his temper; and having great readiness of wit, andfluency of language, was perfect master of the art of persuasion. He saw the fair Persian; and from their first interview, thoughhe knew his father had bought her purposely for the king, and hadso informed him, yet he never used the least endeavour to checkthe violence of his passion. In short, he resigned himself whollyto the power of her charms, by which his heart was at firstcaptivated; and, from his first conversation with her, resolvedto use his utmost endeavours to keep her from the king. 

The fair Persian, on her part, had no dislike to Noor ad Deen. "The vizier, " said she to herself, "has done me honour inpurchasing me for the king; but I should have thought myself veryhappy if he had designed me only for his own son. "

Noor ad Deen was not remiss in improving the advantage he enjoyedof seeing and conversing with a beauty of whom he was sopassionately enamoured; for he would never leave her till obligedby his mother. "My son, " she would say, "it is not proper for ayoung man like you to be always in the women's apartments; go, mind your studies, and endeavour to qualify yourself to succeedto the honours of your father. "

The fair Persian not having bathed for a considerable time onaccount of the length of her journey, the vizier's lady, five orsix days after she was purchased, ordered the bath in her ownhouse to be got ready purposely for her. She sent her to itaccompanied by many other women-slaves, who were charged by thevizier's lady to be as attentive to her as to herself, and, afterbathing, to put her on a very rich suit of clothes that she hadprovided for her. She was the more careful in order to ingratiateherself with her husband, by letting him see how much sheinterested herself in every thing that contributed to hispleasure. 

As soon as she came out of the bath, the fair Persian, a thousandtimes more beautiful than she had appeared to Khacan when hebought her, went to visit his lady, who at first hardly knew her. The fair Persian gracefully kissed her hand, and said, "Madam, Iknow not how you like me in this dress you have been pleased toorder for me; but your women, who tell me it becomes me soextremely well they should scarcely know me, certainly flatterme. From you alone I expect to hear the truth; but, if what theysay be really so, I am indebted to you, madam, for the advantageit has given me. "

"Oh! my daughter, " cried the vizier's lady, transported with joy, "you have no reason to believe my women have flattered you; I ambetter skilled in beauty than they; and, setting aside yourdress, which becomes you admirably well, your beauty is so muchimproved by the bath, that I hardly knew you myself. If I thoughtthe bath was warm enough, I would take my turn; for I am now ofan age to require its frequent use. " "Madam, " replied the fairPersian, "I have nothing to say to the undeserved civilities youhave been pleased to shew me. As for the bath, it is in fineorder; and if you design to go in, you have no time to lose, asyour women can inform you. "

The vizier's lady, considering that she had not bathed for somedays, was desirous to avail herself of that opportunity; andaccordingly acquainted her women with her intention, whoimmediately prepared all things necessary for the occasion. Thefair Persian withdrew to her apartment; and the vizier's lady, before she went to bathe, ordered two little female slaves tostay with her, with a strict charge that if Noor ad Deen came, they should not give him admittance. 

While the vizier's lady was bathing, and the fair slave was alonein her apartment, Noor ad Deen came in, and not finding hismother in her chamber, went directly towards the fair Persian's, and found the two little slaves in the antechamber. He asked themwhere his mother was? They told him in the bath. "Where is thefair Persian, then?" demanded Noor ad Deen. "In her chamber, "answered the slaves; "but we have positive orders from yourmother not to admit you. "

The entrance into the fair Persian's chamber being only coveredwith a piece of tapestry, Noor ad Deen went to lift it up, inorder to enter, but was opposed by the two slaves, who placedthemselves before it, to stop his passage. He presently caughtthem both by the arms, and, thrusting them out of theantechamber, locked the door upon them. They immediately ran withloud lamentations to the bath, and with tears in their eyes, toldtheir lady, that Noor ad Deen, having driven them away by force, had gone into the fair Persian's chamber. 

The vizier's lady received the account of her son's presumptionwith the greatest concern. She immediately left the bath, anddressing herself with all possible speed, came directly to thefair Persian's chamber; but before she could get thither, Noor adDeen had gone away. 

The fair Persian was extremely surprised to see the vizier's ladyenter her chamber in tears, and in the utmost confusion. "Madam, "said she, "may I presume to ask you the occasion of your concern;and what accident has happened in the bath, to make you leave itso soon?"

"What!" cried the vizier's lady, "can you so calmly ask thatquestion, after my son has been with you alone in your chamber?Can there happen a greater misfortune to him or me?"

"I beseech you, madam, " replied the fair slave, "what prejudicecan this action of Noor ad Deen's do to you or him?"

"How, " returned the vizier's lady, "did not my husband tell youthat you were designed for the king, and sufficiently caution youto beware of our son?"

"I have not forgotten that, madam, " replied the fair Persian;"but your son came to tell me the vizier his father had changedhis purpose, and instead of reserving me for the king, as hefirst designed, had made him a present of my person. I easilybelieved him; for, oh! think how a slave as I am, accustomed frommy infant years to the laws of servitude, could or ought toresist him! I must own I did it with the less reluctance, onaccount of the affection for him, which the freedom of ourconversation and daily intercourse has excited in my heart. Icould without regret resign the hope of ever being the king's, and think myself perfectly happy in spending my whole life withNoor ad Deen. "

At this discourse of the fair Persian's, the vizier's ladyexclaimed, "Would to God that what you say were true! I shouldhear it with joy; but, believe me, Noor ad Deen has deceived you;for it is impossible his father should ever make him such apresent. Ah! wretched youth, how miserable has he made me! andmore especially his father, by the dismal consequences we mustall expect to share with him! Neither my prayers nor tears willbe able to prevail, or obtain a pardon for him; for as soon ashis father hears of his violence to you, he will inevitablysacrifice him to his resentment. " At these words she weptbitterly; and the slaves, who were as much alarmed for Noor adDeen as herself, joined in her tears. 

Shortly after the vizier Khacan entered; and being surprised tofind his lady and her slaves all in tears, and the fair Persianvery melancholy asked the reason; but instead of answering himhis wife and the slaves continued weeping and lamenting. Thisastonished him still more; at last, addressing himself to hiswife, "I command you, " said he, "to let me know the reason ofyour tears, and to tell me the whole truth. "

The disconsolate lady could no longer refuse to satisfy herhusband. "Sir, " said she, "first promise not to use me unkindlyon account of what I shall inform you, since I assure you, thatwhat has happened has not been occasioned by any fault of mine. "Without waiting for his answer, she then proceeded, "whilst I wasbathing with my women, your son seizing that fatal opportunity toruin us both, came hither, and made the fair Persian believe, that instead of reserving her for the king, you had given her tohim as a present. I will not say what he did after such a wickedfalsehood, but shall leave you to judge. This is the cause of myaffliction, on your account, and his, for whom I want confidenceto implore your pardon. "

It is impossible to express the vizier Khacan's distraction atthis account of the insolence of his son. "Ah!" cried he, beatinghis breast, and tearing his beard, "miserable son! unworthy oflife! hast thou at last thrown thy father from the highestpinnacle of happiness into a misfortune that must inevitablyinvolve thee also in his ruin? neither will the king be satisfiedwith thy blood or mine, to avenge the affront offered to hisroyal person. "

His lady endeavoured to comfort him. "Afflict yourself no more, "said she; "I shall easily raise, with part of my jewels, tenthousand pieces of gold, and you may buy another slave, morebeautiful and more worthy of the king. "

"Ah!" replied the vizier, "could you think me capable of being soextremely afflicted at losing ten thousand pieces of gold? It isnot that loss, nor the loss of all I am worth, for that I shouldnot feel; but the forfeiting my honour, more precious than allthe riches in the world, that distresses me. " "However, " repliedthe lady, "a loss that can be repaired by money cannot be so verygreat. "

"How!" exclaimed the vizier; "do you not know that Saouy is mymortal enemy; and as soon as this affair comes to his knowledge, do you think he will not exult over me before the king? 'Yourmajesty, ' will he not say to him, is always talking of Khacan'szeal and affection for your service; but see what a proof he haslately given of his claim to the regard you have hitherto shewnhim. He has received ten thousand pieces of gold to buy a slave;and, to do him justice, he has most honourably acquitted himselfof that commission, by purchasing the most beautiful that evereyes beheld; but, instead of bringing her to your majesty, he hasthought it better to make a present of her to his son. "Here, myson, " said he, "take this slave, since thou art more worthy ofher than the king. " Then, with his usual malice, will he not goon. His son has her now entirely in his possession, and everyday revels in her arms, without the least disturbance. This, sir, is the exact truth, that I have done myself the honour ofacquainting you with; and if your majesty questions my veracity, you may easily satisfy yourself. Do you not plainly see, "continued the vizier, "how, upon such a malicious insinuation asthis, I am every moment liable to have my house forced by theking's guards, and the fair Persian taken from me, besides athousand other misfortunes that will unavoidably follow?" "Sir, "replied the vizier's lady to her husband, "I am sensible themalice of Saouy is very great, and that, if he have but the leastintimation of this affair, he will certainly give it a turn verydisadvantageous to your interest; but how is it possible that heor any one else should know what has been privately transacted inyour family? Suppose it comes to the king's ears, and he shouldask you about it; cannot you say, that upon a strict examinationyou did not deem the slave so fit for his majesty's use as youhad at first thought her; that the merchant has cheated you;that, indeed, she has considerable beauty, but is by no means soaccomplished as she had been represented. The king will certainlybelieve what you say, and Saouy be vexed to the soul, to see allhis malicious design of ruining you disappointed. Take couragethen, and, if you will follow my advice, send for all thebrokers, tell them you do not like the fair Persian, and orderthem to be as expeditious as possible in procuring for youanother slave. "

As this advice appeared rational to the vizier Khacan, and as hispassion began to cool, he resolved to abide by it, but hisindignation against his son remained as violent as ever. 

Noor ad Deen did not make his appearance during the whole of thatday, and not daring to hide himself among his young companions, lest his father should search for him in their houses, he went alittle way out of town, and took sanctuary in a garden, where hehad never been before, and where he was totally unknown. He didnot return home till it was very late, when he knew his fatherwas in bed; and then his mother's women, opening the door verysoftly; admitted him without any noise. He quitted the houseagain next morning before his father was stirring; and this planhe pursued for a whole month, to his great mortification. Indeed, the women never flattered him, but told him plainly, his father'sanger was not at all diminished, and that he protested if he cameinto his sight he would certainly kill him. 

The vizier's lady learnt from her women that Noor ad Deen sleptevery night in the house, but she could not summon resolution tosupplicate her husband for his pardon. At last, however, sheventured. One day she said to him, "I have hitherto been silent, sir, not daring to take the liberty of talking to you about yourson; but now give me leave to ask what you design to do with him?It is impossible for a son to have acted more criminally towardsa father than he has done, in depriving you of the honour andgratification of presenting to the king a slave so accomplishedas the fair Persian. This I acknowledge; but, after all, are youresolved to destroy him, and, instead of a light evil no more tobe thought of, to draw upon yourself a far greater than perhapsyou at present apprehend? Are you not afraid that the maliciousworld, which inquires after the reason of your son's absconding, may find out the true cause, which you are so desirous ofconcealing? Should that happen, you would justly fall into amisfortune, which it is so much your interest to avoid. "

"Madam, " returned the vizier, "there is much reason in what youhave urged; but I cannot think of pardoning our son, till I havemortified him as he deserves. " "He will be sufficientlymortified, " replied the lady, "if you will only do what has justsuggested itself to my mind. Your son comes home every nightafter you have retired; he sleeps here, and steals out everymorning before you are stirring. Wait for his coming in to-night, make as if you designed to kill him, upon which I will run to hisassistance, and when he finds he owes his life entirely to myprayers and entreaties, you may oblige him to take the fairPersian on what condition you please. He loves her, and I am wellsatisfied the fair slave has no aversion for him. "

Khacan readily consented to this stratagem. Accordingly, whenNoor ad Deen came at the usual hour, before the door was opened, he placed himself behind it: as soon as he entered, he rushedsuddenly upon him, and got him down under his feet. Noor ad Deen, lifting up his head, saw his father with a dagger in his hand, ready to stab him. 

At that instant his mother arrived, and catching hold of thevizier's arm, cried, "Sir, what are you doing?" "Let me alone, "replied the vizier, "that I may kill this base, unworthy son. ""You shall kill me first, " returned the mother; "never will Isuffer you to imbue your hands in your own blood. " Noor ad Deenimproved this moment. "My father, " cried he with tears in hiseyes, "I implore your clemency and compassion; nor must you denyme pardon, since I ask it in his name before whom we must allappear at the last day. "

Khacan suffered the dagger to be taken out of his hand; and assoon as Noor ad Deen was released, he threw himself at hisfather's feet and kissed them, to shew how sincerely he repentedof having offended him. "Son, " said the vizier, "return thanks toyour mother, since it is for her sake I pardon you. I proposealso to give you the fair Persian, on condition that you willbind yourself by an oath not to regard her any longer as a slave, but as your wife; that you will not sell her, nor ever bedivorced from her. As she possesses an excellent understanding, and abundantly more wit and prudence than yourself, I doubt notbut that she will be able to moderate those rash sallies ofyouth, which are otherwise so likely to effect your ruin. "

Noor ad Deen, who little expected such indulgent treatment, returned his father a thousand thanks, and the fair Persian andhe were well pleased with being united to each other. 

The vizier Khacan, without waiting for the king's inquiries aboutthe success of the commission he had given him, took particularcare to mention the subject often, representing to his majestythe many difficulties he met, and how fearful he was of notacquitting himself to his majesty's satisfaction. In short, hemanaged the business with so much address, that the kinginsensibly forgot it. Though Saouy had gained some intimation ofthe transaction, yet Khacan was so much in the king's favour, that he was afraid to divulge what he had heard. 

This delicate affair had now been kept rather more than a yearwith greater secrecy than the vizier at first expected, whenbeing one day in the bath, and some important business obliginghim to leave it, warm as he was, the air, which was then cold, struck to his breast, caused a defluxion to fall upon his lungs, which threw him into a violent fever, and confined him to hisbed. His illness increasing every day, and perceiving he had notlong to live, he thus addressed himself to his son, who neverquitted him during the whole of his illness: "My son, " said he, "I know not whether I have well employed the riches heaven hasblessed me with, but you see they are not able to save me fromthe hands of death. The last thing I desire of you with my dyingbreath is, that you would be mindful of the promise you made meconcerning the fair Persian, and in this assurance I shall diecontent. "

These were the vizier Khacan's last words. He expired a fewmoments after, and left his family, the court, and the wholecity, in great affliction, The king lamented him as a wise, zealous, and faithful minister; and the people bewailed him astheir protector and benefactor. . Never was there a funeral inBussorah solemnized with greater pomp and magnificence. Theviziers, emirs, and in general all the grandees of the court, strove for the honour of bearing his coffin, one after another, upon their shoulders, to the place of burial; and both rich andpoor accompanied him, dissolved in tears. 

Noor ad Deen exhibited all the demonstrations of a sorrowproportioned to the loss he had sustained, and long refrainedfrom seeing any company. At last he admitted of a visit from anintimate acquaintance. His friend endeavoured to comfort him; andfinding him inclined to hear reason, told him, that having paidwhat was due to the memory of his father, and fully satisfied allthat decency required of him, it was now high time to appearagain in the world, to converse with his friends, and maintain acharacter suitable to his birth and talents. "For, " continued he, "though we should sin against the laws both of nature andsociety, and be thought insensible, if on the death of ourfathers we neglected to pay them the duties which filial loveimposes upon us; yet having performed these, and put it out ofthe power of any to reproach us for our conduct, it behoves us toreturn to the world, and our customary occupations. Dry up yourtears then, and reassume that wonted air of gaiety which hasalways inspired with joy those who have had the honour of yourfriendship. "

This advice seemed too reasonable to be rejected, and had Noor adDeen strictly abided by it, he would certainly have avoided allthe misfortunes that afterwards befell him. He entertained hisfriend honourably; and when he took his leave, desired him tocome again the next day, and bring with him three or four friendsof their acquaintance. By this means he insensibly fell into thesociety of about ten young men nearly of his own age, with whomhe spent his time in continual feasting and entertainments; andscarcely a day passed but he made every one of them someconsiderable present. 

The fair Persian, who never approved of his extravagant way ofliving, often spoke her mind freely. "I question not, " said she, "but the vizier your father has left you an ample fortune: butgreat as it may be, be not displeased with your slave for tellingyou, that at this rate of living you will quickly see an end ofit. We may sometimes indeed treat our friends, and be merry withthem; but to make a daily practice of it, is certainly the highroad to ruin and destruction: for your own honour and reputation, you would do better to follow the footsteps of your deceasedfather, that in time you may rise to that dignity by which heacquired so much glory and renown. "

Noor ad Deen hearkened to the fair Persian with a smile: and whenshe had done, "My charmer, " said he, with the same air of gaiety, "say no more of that; let us talk of nothing but mirth andpleasure. In my father's lifetime I was always under restraint;and I am now resolved to enjoy the liberty I so much sighed forbefore his death. It will be time enough for me hereafter tothink of leading the sober, regular life you talk of; and a manof my age ought to taste the pleasures of youth. "

What contributed still more to the ruin of Noor ad Deen'sfortune, was his unwillingness to reckon with his steward; forwhenever he brought in his accounts, he still sent him awaywithout examining them: "Go, go, " said he, "I trust wholly toyour honesty; only take care to provide good entertainments formy friends. "

"You are the master, sir, " replied he, "and I but the steward;however, you would do well to think upon the proverb, 'He thatspends much, and has but little, must at last insensibly bereduced to poverty. ' You are not contented with keeping anextravagant table, but you must lavish away your estate with bothhands: and were your coffers as large as mountains, they wouldnot be sufficient to maintain you. " "Begone, " replied Noor adDeen, "I want not your grave lessons; only take care to providegood eating and drinking, and trouble your head no farther aboutthe rest. "

In the meantime, Noor ad Deen's friends were constant guests athis table, and never failed to take advantage of the easiness ofhis temper. They praised and flattered him, extolling his mostindifferent actions; but, above all, they took particular care tocommend whatever belonged to him; and in this they found theiraccount. "Sir, " said one of them, "I came the other day by yourestate that lies in such a place; nothing can be so magnificentor so handsomely furnished as your house; and the gardenbelonging to it is a paradise upon earth. " "I am very glad itpleases you, " replied Noor ad Deen: "bring me pen, ink, andpaper; without more words, it is at your service; I make you apresent of it. " No sooner had others commended one of his houses, baths, or public buildings erected for the use of strangers, theyearly revenue of which was very considerable, than heimmediately gave them away. The fair Persian could not forbearstating to him how much injury he did himself; but, instead ofpaying any regard to her remonstrances, he continued hisextravagances, and the first opportunity that offered, squanderedaway the little he had left. 

In short, Noor ad Deen did nothing for a whole year but feast andmake merry, wasting and consuming, with the utmost prodigality, the great wealth that his predecessors, and the good vizier hisfather, had with so much pains and care acquired and preserved. 

The year was but just expired, when a person one day knocked atthe door of the hall, where he and his friends were at dinnertogether by themselves, having sent away the slaves, that theymight enjoy the greater liberty. 

One of his friends offered to rise; but Noor ad Deen steppingbefore him, opened the door himself. It was the steward; and Noorad Deen, going a little out of the hall to know his business, left the door half open. 

The friend that offered to rise from his seat, seeing it was thesteward, and being curious to know what he had to say, placedhimself between the hangings and the door, where he plainlyoverheard the steward's discourse to his master. "Sir, " said he, "I ask a thousand pardons for coming to disturb you in the heightof your pleasure; but what I have to say is of such importance, that I thought myself bound in duty to acquaint you with it. I amcome, sir, to make up my last accounts, and to tell you, thatwhat I all along foresaw, and have often warned you of, is atlast come to pass. I have not the smallest piece left of all thesums I have received from you for your expenses; the other fundsyou assigned me are all exhausted. The farmers, and those thatowe you rent, have made it so plainly appear to me, that you haveassigned over to others what they held of you, that it isimpossible for me to get any more from them on your account. Hereare my books; if you please, examine them; and if you wish Ishould continue useful to you, assign me other funds, or elsegive me leave to quit your service. " Noor ad Deen was soastonished at his statement, that he gave him no answer. 

The friend who had been listening all this while, and had heardevery syllable of what the steward said, immediately came in, andtold the company what he had overheard. "It is your business, gentlemen, " said he, "to make your use of this caution; for mypart, I declare to you, this is the last visit I design ever tomake Noor ad Deen. " "Nay, " replied they, "if matters go thus, wehave as little business here as you; and for the future shalltake care not to trouble him with our company. "

Noor ad Deen returned presently after; notwithstanding all hisefforts to appear gay to his guests, he could not so dissemblehis concern, but they plainly perceived the truth of what theyhad heard. He was scarcely sat down in his place, when one of hisfriends arose: "Sir, " said he, "I am sorry I cannot have thehonour of keeping you company any longer; and therefore I hopeyou will excuse my rudeness in leaving you so soon. " "What urgentaffair, " demanded Noor ad Deen, "obliges you to be going sosoon?" "My wife, sir, " he replied, "is brought to bed to-day; andupon such an occasion, you know a husband's company is alwaysnecessary. " So making a very low bow, he went away. A minuteafterwards a second took his leave, with another excuse. The restdid the same, one after another, till at last not one of the tenfriends that had hitherto kept Noor ad Deen company remained. 

As soon as they were gone, Noor ad Deen, little suspecting theresolution they had formed never to see him again, went directlyto the fair Persian's apartment; to whom he related all thesteward had told him, and seemed extremely concerned at the illstate of his affairs. "Sir, " said the fair Persian, "allow me tosay, you would never take my advice, but always managed yourconcerns after your own way, and now you see the fatalconsequences. I find I was not mistaken, when I presaged to whata miserable condition you would bring yourself at last: but whatafflicts me the more is, that at present you do not see the worstof your misfortunes. Whenever I presumed freely to remonstratewith you, 'Let us be merry, ' you replied, 'and improve the timethat Fortune offers us; perhaps she will not always be soprodigal of her favours:' but was I to blame in telling you, thatwe are ourselves the makers of our own fortunes by a prudentmanagement of them? You would not hearken to me; and I wasforced, however reluctantly, to let you go on. "

"I must own, " replied Noor ad Deen, "I was extremely in the wrongin not following the advice which with such admirable prudenceyou gave me. It is true, I have spent my estate; but do you notconsider, it is among a chosen set of friends, whom I have longknown, and who, I am persuaded, have more generosity andgratitude than to abandon me in distress?" "Sir, " replied thefair Persian, "if you have nothing but the gratitude of yourfriends to depend on, your case is desperate; for, believe me, that hope is ill-grounded, and you will tell me so yourself intime. "

To this Noor ad Deen replied, "Charming Persian, I have a betteropinion of my friends' generosity: to-morrow I design to visitthem all, before the usual time of their coming hither; and youshall see me return with a round sum that they will assist mewith. I am resolved to alter my way of living, and, with themoney they lend me, to set up in some business. "

Next morning, Noor ad Deen visited his ten friends, who lived inthe same street. He knocked at the first door, where one of therichest of them resided. A slave came to the door: but before hewould open it, asked who was there. "Tell your master, " said heto the slave, "it is Noor ad Deen, the late vizier Khacan's son. "The slave opened the door, and shewed him into a hall, where heleft him, in order to inform his master, who was in an innerroom, that Noor ad Deen was come to wait on him, "Noor ad Deen!"cried he, in a disdainful tone, loud enough for him to hear: "gotell him I am not at home; and whenever he may come again, besure you give him the same answer. " The slave returned, and toldNoor ad Deen he thought his master was within, but was mistaken. 

Noor ad Deen came away in the greatest confusion. "Ah! base, ungrateful wretch!" cried he, "to treat me so to-day after thevows and protestations of friendship that he made me yesterday. "He went to another door, but that friend ordered his slave alsoto say he was gone out. He had the same answer at the third; and, in short, all the rest denied themselves, though every one was athome. 

Noor ad Deen now began in earnest to reflect with himself, andsee the folly of relying upon the protestations of attachmentthat his false friends had solemnly made him in the time of hisprosperity, when he could treat them sumptuously, and load themwith favours. "It is true, " said he to himself, "that a fortunateman, as I was, may be compared to a tree laden with fruit, which, as long as there is any on its boughs, people will be crowdinground, and gathering; but as soon as it is stripped of all, theyimmediately leave it, and go to another. " He smothered hispassion as much as possible while he was abroad; but no soonerwas he got home than he gave a loose to his affliction, anddiscovered it to the fair Persian. 

The fair Persian seeing him so extremely concerned, guessed hehad not found his friends so ready to assist him as he expected. "Well, sir, " said she, "are you now convinced of the truth ofwhat I told you?" "Ah!" cried he, "thou hast been too true aprophetess; for not one of them would know me, see me, or speakto me. Who could ever have believed, that persons so highlyobliged to me, and on whom I have spent my estate, could haveused me so ungratefully? I am distracted; and I fear shall commitsome action unworthy myself, in the deplorable and desperatecondition I am reduced to, unless you assist me with your prudentadvice. " "Sir, " replied the fair Persian, "I see no other way ofsupporting yourself in your misfortunes, but selling off yourslaves and furniture, and living on the money they produce, tillheaven points out some other means to deliver you from yourpresent misery. "

Noor ad Deen was loth to resort to this expedient; but what couldhe do in the necessitous circumstances to which he was reduced?He first sold off his slaves, those unprofitable mouths, whichwould have been a greater expense to him than in his presentcondition he could bear. He lived on the money for some time; andwhen it was spent, ordered his goods to be carried into themarket-place, where they were sold for half their value, thoughthere were among them several articles that had cost immensesums. Upon the produce of these he lived a considerable time; butthis supply failing at last, he had nothing left by which hecould raise any more money, of which he informed the fair Persianin the most sorrowful expressions. 

Noor ad Deen little expected the answer this prudent woman madehim. "Sir, " said she, "I am your slave; and the late vizier yourfather gave ten thousand pieces of gold for me. I know I am alittle sunk in value since that time; but I believe I shall sellfor pretty near that sum. Let me entreat you then instantly tocarry me to the market, and expose me to sale; and with the moneythat you get for me, which will be very considerable, you mayturn merchant in some city where you are not known, and by thatmeans find a way of living, if not in splendour, yet withhappiness and content. "

"Lovely and adorable Persian!" cried Noor ad Deen, "is itpossible you can entertain such a thought? Have I given you suchslender proofs of my love, that you should think me capable of sobase an action? But suppose me so vile a wretch, could I do itwithout being guilty of perjury, after the oath I have taken tomy late father never to sell you? I would sooner die than breakit, and part with you, whom I love infinitely beyond myself;though, by the unreasonable proposal you have made me, you shewme that your love is by no means reciprocal. "

"Sir, " replied the fair Persian, "I am convinced that yourpassion for me is as sincere as you express; and heaven, whoknows with what reluctance I have made this proposal whichinduces you to think so hardly of me, is my witness, that mine isas great as yours; but to silence your reasons, I need only bidyou remember, that necessity has no law. I love you to thatdegree that it is impossible for you to love me more; and beassured, that to what master soever I shall belong, my love foryou will continue undiminished; and if you are ever able toredeem me, as I hope you may, it will be the greatest pleasure inthe world to be restored to you again. I confess it is a fataland cruel necessity to which we are driven; but I see no otherway of freeing ourselves from the misery that involves us both. "

Noor ad Deen, convinced of the truth of what the fair Persian hadsaid, and that there was no other way of avoiding a shamefulpoverty, was forced to yield to her proposal. Accordingly he ledher to the market where the women-slaves are exposed to sale, with a regret that cannot easily be expressed. He applied himselfto a broker, named Hagi Hassan. "Hagi Hassan, " said he, "here isa slave whom I mean to sell; what will they give for her?"

Hagi Hassan desired Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian to walkinto a room; and when she had pulled off the veil that coveredher face, "Sir, " said Hagi Hassan, in surprise, "if I am notmistaken, this is the slave your father, the late vizier, gaveten thousand pieces of gold for?" Noor ad Deen assured him shewas the same and Hagi Hassan gave him some hopes of selling herat a high price, and promised to use all his art to raise hervalue as high as he could. 

Hagi Hassan and Noor ad Deen went out of the room; and HagiHassan locked the fair Persian in. He went immediately to themerchants; but they being busy in buying slaves from differentcountries, Greeks, Franks, Africans, Tartars, and others, he wasforced to wait till the market was over. When the sale was ended, and the greatest part of them were got together again, "Mymasters, " said he to them, with an air of gaiety in his looks andactions, "every thing that is round is not a nut, every thingthat is long is not a fig, all that is red is not flesh, and alleggs are not fresh; it is true you have seen and bought a greatmany slaves in your lives, but you never yet saw one comparableto her I am going to tell you of. She is the very pearl ofslaves. Come, follow me, you shall see her yourselves, and judgeat what rate I shall cry her. "

The merchants followed Hagi Hassan into the apartment where hehad left the fair Persian, and as soon as they beheld her were sosurprised at her beauty, that they unanimously agreed, fourthousand pieces of gold was the very lowest price they could setupon her. The merchants left the room; and Hagi Hassan, who cameout with them, without going any farther, proclaimed with a loudvoice, "Four thousand pieces of gold for a Persian slave. "

None of the merchants had yet offered anything, and wereconsulting together about what they might afford to give for her, when the vizier Saouy appeared. Perceiving Noor ad Deen in themarket, he said to himself, "Noor ad Deen is certainly stillmaking money of his goods" (for he knew he had exposed them tosale), "and is come hither to buy a slave with the product. " Headvanced forward just as Hagi Hassan began to proclaim a secondtime, "Four thousand pieces of gold for a Persian slave. "

The vizier Saouy, who concluded by the high price, that the slavemust be extraordinarily beautiful, was very desirous to see her;so spurring his horse forward, he rode up to Hagi Hassan, who wassurrounded by the merchants. "Open the door, " said he, "and letme see the slave. " It was not the custom to shew a slave to aparticular person after the merchants had seen her, and weretreating for her; but none of them durst dispute their right withthe vizier; and Hagi Hassan was obliged to open the door, and hemade a sign to the fair Persian to come forward, that Saouy mightsee her, without alighting from his horse. 

The vizier was astonished at the sight of so beautiful a slave;and knowing the broker's name (having formerly dealt with him), "Hagi Hassan, " said he, "is it not at four thousand pieces ofgold that you cry her?" "Yes, sir, " answered he; "the merchantsjust now agreed that I should put her up at that price: I waittheir advance; and I question not but they will give a great dealmore. "

"If no one offers more, I will give that sum, " replied Saouy, looking at the merchants at the same time with a countenance thatforbad them to advance the price. He was so universally dreaded, that no one durst speak a word, even to complain of hisencroaching upon their privilege. 

The vizier having stayed some time, and finding none of themerchants outbid him, "What do you stay for?" said he to HagiHassan. "Inquire after the seller, and strike a bargain with himat four thousand pieces of gold, or ask if he demands more. "

Hagi Hassan having locked the chamber-door, went to confer withNoor ad Deen. "Sir, " said he to him, "I am very sorry to bringyou the ill news of your slave's going to be sold for nothing. ""How so?" replied Noor ad Deen. "Why sir, " continued Hagi Hassan, "you must know that the business at first went on well; for assoon as the merchants had seen your slave, they ordered me, without hesitation, to cry her at four thousand pieces of gold;accordingly I cried her at that price, but presently the vizierSaouy came, and his presence has stopped the mouths of all themerchants, who seemed disposed to raise her, at least to the sameprice your deceased father gave for her. Saouy will give no morethan four thousand pieces; and it is much against my inclinationthat I am come to tell you his despicable offer. The slave indeedis your own; but I will never advise you to part with her uponthose terms, since you and every one else are sensible of herbeing worth infinitely more; besides, he is base enough tocontrive a way to trick you out of the money. "

"Hagi Hassan, " replied Noor ad Deen, "I am highly obliged to theefor thy advice: do not think I will ever sell my slave to anyenemy of our family; my necessities, indeed, are at present verygreat; but I would sooner die in the utmost poverty than consentto delivering her up to him. I have only one thing to beg ofthee, who art skilful in all the turns and shifts of sale, thatthou wouldst put me in a way to prevent the completion of thebargain. "

"Sir, " said Hagi Hassan, "nothing is more easy: you must pretendthat, being in a violent passion with your slave, you swore toexpose her in the market, and for the sake of your oath have nowbrought her hither, without any intention of selling her. Thiswill satisfy every one; and Saouy will have nothing to sayagainst it. Come along with me then; and just as I am presentingher to Saouy as if it were by your own consent, pull her to you, give her two or three blows, and send her home. " "I thank theefor thy counsel, " said Noor ad Deen, "and will make use of it. "

Hagi Hassan went back to the chamber; and having privatelyacquainted the fair Persian with their design, that she might notbe surprised, took her by the hand, and led her to the vizierSaouy, who was still on horseback at the door "Sir, " said he, "here is the slave, she is yours; take her. "

The words were scarcely out of Hagi Hassan's mouth, when Noor adDeen, catching hold of the fair Persian, pulled her to him, andgiving her a box on the ear, "Come hither, impertinence, " saidhe, "and get you home again; for though your ill-humour obligedme to swear I should bring you hither, yet I never intended tosell you: I have business for you to do yet; and it will be timeenough to part with you when I have nothing else left. "

This conduct of Noor ad Deen put the vizier Saouy into a violentpassion. "Miserable debauchee, " cried he, "wouldst thou have mebelieve thou hast any thing else left to make money of but thyslave?" and at the same instant, spurring his horse directlyagainst him, endeavoured to carry off the fair Persian. Noor adDeen nettled to the quick at the affront the vizier had put uponhim, quitted the fair Persian, and laying hold of his horse'sbridle, made him run two or three paces backwards. "Vile dotard, "said he to the vizier, "I would tear thy soul out of thy bodythis moment, were it not out of respect for the crowd of peoplehere present. "

The vizier Saouy being hated by all, there was not one among thembut was pleased to see Noor ad Deen mortify him; and by signsthey gave him to understand, that he might revenge himself uponhim as much as he pleased, for nobody would interfere in theirquarrel. 

Saouy endeavoured to force Noor ad Deen to quit the bridle; buthe being a lusty, vigorous man, and encouraged by those thatstood by, pulled him off his horse, gave him several blows, anddashed his head against the stones, till it was all over blood. The slaves who waited upon the vizier would have drawn theircimeters, and fallen upon Noor ad Deen; but the merchantsinterposing prevented them. "What do you mean?" said they tothem; "do you not see that one is a vizier, the other a vizier'sson? Let them fight it out; perhaps they will be reconciled onetime or another; whereas, if you had killed Noor ad Deen, yourmaster, with all his greatness, could not have been able toprotest you against the law?"

Noor ad Deen having given over beating the vizier Saouy, left himin the mire, and taking the fair Persian, marched home with her, attended by the people, with shouts and acclamations for theaction he had performed. 

The vizier, cruelly bruised with the blows he had received, madeshift to get up, with the assistance of his slaves, and had themortification to see himself besmeared with blood and dirt. Heleaned on the shoulders of two slaves, and in that condition wentstraight to the palace in the sight of all the people, with thegreater confusion, because no one pitied him. As soon as hereached the king's apartment, he began to cry out, and call forjustice in a lamentable tone. The king ordered him to beadmitted; and asked who it was that had abused and put him intothat miserable plight. "Sire, " cried Saouy, "it is the favour ofyour majesty, and being admitted into your sacred councils, thathas occasioned me to be so barbarously treated. " "Say no more ofthat, " replied the king, "only let me hear the whole storysimply, and who the offender is; and if he is in the wrong, youmay depend upon it he shall be severely punished. "

"Sire, " said Saouy, telling the whole matter to his ownadvantage, "having occasion for a cook, I went to the market ofwomen-slaves to buy one: when I came thither, there was a slavejust cried at four thousand pieces of gold; I ordered them tobring her before me, and I think my eyes never did nor willbehold a more beautiful creature: I had no sooner examined herbeauty with the highest satisfaction, than I immediately asked towhom she belonged; and upon inquiry found that Noor ad Deen, sonto the late vizier Khacan, had the disposing of her. 

"Your majesty may remember, that about two or three years ago, you gave that vizier ten thousand pieces of gold, strictlycharging him to buy you a slave with that sum. The money, indeed, was laid out upon this very slave; but instead of bringing her toyour majesty, thinking his son deserved her better, he made him apresent of her. Noor ad Deen, since his father's death, havingwasted his whole fortune in riot and feasting, has nothing leftbut this slave, whom he at last resolved to part with; and shewas to be sold in his name, I sent for him; and, withoutmentioning any thing of his father's prevarication, or rathertreachery to your majesty, I in the civilest manner said to him, 'Noor ad Deen, the merchants, I perceive, have put your slave upat four thousand pieces of gold; and I question not, but, inemulation of each other, they will raise the price considerably:let me have her for the four thousand pieces; I am going to buyher for the king our lord and master; this will be a handsomeopportunity of making your court to him: and his favour will beworth far more than the merchants can propose to give you. '

"Instead of returning me a civil answer, the insolent wretch, beholding me with a fierce air, "Impotent villain, " said he, 'Iwould rather give my slave to a Jew for nothing than to thee formoney. ' 'Noor ad Deen, ' I replied, without passion, though I hadsome reason to be a little warm, 'you do not consider, that bytalking in this manner you affront the king, who raised both yourfather and me to the honours we have enjoyed. '

"This admonition, instead of softening him, only provoked him toa higher degree; so that, falling upon me like a madman, withoutregard to my age or rank, he pulled me off my horse, and put meinto this miserable plight. I beseech your majesty to consider, that it is on your account I have been so publicly affronted. "

The abused king, highly incensed against Noor ad Deen by thisrelation, so full of malice and artifice, discovered by hiscountenance the violence of his anger; and turning to the captainof his guards, who stood near him, "Take forty of your soldiers, "said he, "immediately plunder Noor ad Deen's house, and havingordered it to be razed to the ground, bring him and his slave tothe presence. "

Before the captain of the guards was gone out of the king'spresence, an officer belonging to the court, who overheard theorder given, hastened out. His name was Sangiar; and he had beenformerly a slave of the vizier Khacan who had introduced him atcourt, where by degrees he had raised himself. 

Sangiar, full of gratitude to his old master and affection forNoor ad Deen, whom he remembered a child, being no stranger toSaouy's hatred of Khacan's family, could not hear the orderwithout concern. "This action, " said he to himself, "may not bealtogether so black as Saouy has represented it. He hasprejudiced the king against him, who will certainly put him todeath, without allowing him time to justify himself. " He made somuch haste to Noor ad Deen's house, as to get thither soon enoughto acquaint him with what had passed at court, and give him timeto provide for his own and the fair Persian's safety. He knockedso violently at the door, that Noor ad Deen, who had been a greatwhile without any servant, ran immediately to open it. "My dearlord, " said Sangiar, "there is no safety for you in Bussorah; youmust lose no time, but depart hence this moment. "

"How so?" demanded Noor ad Deen. "What is the reason I must begone so soon?" "Make haste away, sir, " replied Sangiar, "and takeyour slave with you. In short, Saouy has been just nowacquainting the king, after his own way of telling it, all thatpassed between you and him; and the captain of the guards will behere in an instant, with forty soldiers, to seize you and thefair Persian. Take these forty pieces of gold to assist you inrepairing to some place of safety. I would give you more if I hadit about me. Excuse my not staying any longer; I leave you withreluctance. " Sangiar gave Noor ad Deen but just time to thankhim, and departed. 

Noor ad Deen acquainted the fair Persian with the absolutenecessity of their going that moment. She only put on her veil;they both stole out of the house, and were fortunate enough notonly to get clear of the city, but also safely to arrive at theEuphrates, which was not far off, where they embarked in a vesselthat lay ready to weigh anchor. 

As soon as they were on board, the captain came on deck amongsthis passengers. "Children, " said he to them, "are you all here?have any of you any more business to do in the city? or have youleft any thing behind you?" They were all there, they answeredhim, and ready; so that he might sail as soon as he pleased. WhenNoor ad Deen came aboard, the first question he asked was, whither the vessel was bound? and being told for Bagdad, herejoiced at it. The captain, having weighed anchor, set sail; andthe vessel, with a very favourable wind, lost sight of Bussorah. 

The captain of the guards came to Noor ad Deen's house, andknocked at the door; but no one answering, he ordered hissoldiers to break it open, who immediately obeyed him, and rushedin. They searched the house; but neither he nor the fair Persianwere to be found. The captain of the guards made them inquire ofthe neighbours; and he himself asked if they had seen themlately. It was all in vain; for if they had seen him go out ofhis house, so universally beloved was Noor ad Deen by the people, that not one of them would have said the least word to hisprejudice. While they were rifling the house, and levelling it tothe ground, he went to acquaint the king with the news. "Look forthem, " said he, "every where; for I am resolved to have them. "

The captain of the guards made a second search, and the kingdismissed the vizier Saouy with honour. "Go home, " said he, "trouble yourself no farther to punish Noor ad Deen; I willrevenge your injuries. "

Without delay the king ordered to be proclaimed throughout thewhole city a reward of a thousand pieces of gold for any personthat should apprehend Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian, also asevere punishment upon those who should conceal them. No tidingshowever could be heard of them; and the vizier Saouy had only thecomfort of seeing the king espouse his quarrel. 

In the mean time, Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian, after aprosperous voyage, landed safe at Bagdad. As soon as the captaincame within sight of that city, pleased that his voyage was at anend, "Rejoice, my children, " cried he to the passengers; "yonderis that great and wonderful city, where there is a perpetualconcourse of people from all parts of the world: there you shallmeet with innumerable crowds, and never feel the extremity ofcold in winter, nor the excess of heat in summer, but enjoy aneternal spring with all its flowers, and the delicious fruits ofautumn. "

When the vessel came to anchor, a little below the city, thepassengers went ashore, each to their respective place of abode. Noor ad Deen gave the captain five pieces of gold for hispassage, and went ashore also with the fair Persian; but being aperfect stranger in Bagdad, was at a loss for a lodging. Theyrambled a considerable time along the gardens that bordered onthe Tigris, and keeping close to one of them that was enclosedwith a very long wall, at the end of it they turned into a streetwell paved, where they perceived a magnificent gateway and afountain near it. 

The inner door happened to be shut, but the portal was open, inwhich there was an estrade on each side. "This is a veryconvenient place for us, " said Noor ad Deen to the fair Persian;"night comes on apace; and though we have eaten nothing since ourlanding, I am for passing the night here, and to-morrow we shallhave time enough to look for a lodging. " "Sir, " replied the fairPersian, "you know your wishes are mine; let us go no farther, since you are willing to stay here. " Each of them having drunk adraught of water at the fountain, they laid themselves down uponone of the estrades; and after a little chat, being soothed bythe agreeable murmur of the water, fell asleep. 

The garden belonged to the caliph: and in the middle of it therewas a pavilion, called the pavilion of pictures, because itschief ornaments were pictures after the Persian manner, drawn bythe most celebrated painters in Persia, whom the caliph had sentfor on purpose. The stately hall within this pavilion was lightedby fourscore arches and a lustre in each; but these were lightedonly when the caliph came thither to spend the evening. On suchoccasions they made a glorious illumination, and could be seen ata great distance in the country on that side, and by great partof the city. 

The office of keeper of this pleasure house was at this time heldby a very aged officer, named Scheich Ibrahim, whom the caliph, for some important service, had put into that employment, withstrict charge not to let all sorts of people in, but especiallyto suffer no one either to sit or lie down on the estrades at theoutward door, that they might always be clean; and whenever hefound any body there, to punish them severely. 

Some business had obliged this officer to go abroad, and he wasnot yet returned. When he came back, there was just day-lightenough for him to discern two persons asleep upon one of theestrades, with their heads under a piece of linen, to defend themfrom the gnats. "Very well, " said Scheich Ibrahim to himself;"these people disobey the caliph's orders: but I will take careto teach them better manners. " Upon this he opened the door verysoftly, and a moment after returned with a cane in his hand, andhis sleeve tucked up to the elbow: he was just going to lay onthem both with all his might, but withholding his arm, began toreason with himself after this manner: "Thou wast going, withoutreflection, to strike these people, who perhaps are strangers, destitute of a lodging, and utterly ignorant of the caliph'sorder; so that it would be advisable to know first who they are. "Upon this he gently lifted up the linen that covered their heads, and was astonished to see a young man so well shaped, and a youngwoman so beautiful; he then waked Noor ad Deen, by pulling himsoftly by the feet. 

Noor ad Deen, lifting up his head, and seeing an old man with along white beard standing at his feet, got up, and throwinghimself upon his knees, and taking his hand, kissed it. "Goodfather, " said he, "Heaven preserve you!" "What do you want, myson?" replied Scheich Ibrahim; "who are you, and whence cameyou?" "We are strangers newly arrived, " answered Noor ad Deen, "and would fain tarry here till to-morrow. " "This is not a properplace for you, " said Scheich Ibrahim; "come in with me, and Iwill find one fitter for you to sleep in than this; and the sightof the garden, which is very fine, will please you, when you seeit to-morrow by day light. " "Is this garden your own?" asked Noorad Deen. "Yes, " replied Scheich Ibrahim, smiling; "it is aninheritance left me by my father: pray walk in, for I am sure youwill not repent seeing it. "

Noor ad Deen rose to thank Scheich Ibrahim for the civility hehad strewn, as did afterwards the fair Persian; and they enteredthe garden. Scheich Ibrahim locked the door, and going before, led them to a spot from whence, at one view, they might see thedisposition, grandeur, and beauty of the whole. 

Noor ad Deen had seen very fine gardens, but never any comparableto this. Having satisfied his curiosity, as he was walking in oneof the walks, he turned about to the officer, and asked his name. As soon as he had told him it was Scheich Ibrahim; "ScheichIbrahim, " said he to him, "I must confess this is a charminggarden indeed. Heaven send you long to enjoy the pleasures of it;we cannot sufficiently thank you for the favour you have done byshewing us a place so well worth seeing; however, it is but justthat we should make you some amends for your kindness; here aretwo pieces of gold; take them and get us something to eat, thatwe may be merry together. "

At the sight of the two pieces of gold, Scheich Ibrahim, who was agreat admirer of that metal, laughed in his sleeve: he took them, andleaving Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian by themselves, went toprovide what was necessary; for he was alone. Said he to himself withgreat joy, "these are generous people; I should have done very wrong, if, through imprudence, I had ill-treated and driven them away. Atenth part of the money will suffice to treat them; and the rest Iwill keep for my pains. "

While Scheich Ibrahim was gone to fetch something for his ownsupper, as well as for his guests Noor ad Deen and the fairPersian walked up and down the garden, till at last they came tothe pavilion of pictures. They stood awhile to admire itswonderful structure, size, and loftiness; and after taking a fullview of it on every side, went up many steps of fine white marbleto the hall-door, which they found locked. 

They were but just returned to the bottom of the steps, whenScheich Ibrahim arrived, loaded with provisions. "ScheichIbrahim, " said Noor ad Deen, in great surprise, "did you not tellus that this was your garden?" "I did, " replied Scheich Ibrahim, "and do so still. " "And does this magnificent pavilion alsobelong to you?" Scheich Ibrahim was staggered at this unexpectedquestion. "If, " said he to himself, 'I should say it is none ofmine, they will ask me how I can be master of the garden and notof the pavilion. ' As he had made them believe the garden was his, he said the same of the pavilion. "My son, " said he, "thepavilion is not distinct from the garden; but they both belong tome. " "If so, " said Noor ad Deen, "since you invite us to be yourguests to-night, do us the favour to shew us the inside of it;for if we may judge by the outward appearance, it must certainlybe extraordinarily magnificent. "

It would have been a great piece of incivility in Scheich Ibrahimto refuse this favour, after what he had already done: moreover, he considered that the caliph not having given him notice, according to his usual custom, it was likely he would not bethere that night, and therefore resolved to treat his guests, andsup with them in the pavilion. He laid the provisions on thefirst step, while he went to his apartment for the key: he soonreturned with a light, and opened the door. 

Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian entered the hall, and werenever tired with admiring the beauty and richness of the place. Indeed, without saying anything of the pictures which wereadmirably well drawn, the sofas were very noble and costly; andbesides lustres suspended from every arch, there was between eacha silver branch supporting a wax candle. Noor ad Deen could notbehold these glorious objects without recollecting his formersplendour, and sighing. 

In the mean time Scheich Ibrahim was getting supper ready; andthe cloth being laid upon a sofa, and every thing in order, Noorad Deen, the fair Persian, and he sat down and ate together. Whensupper was finished, and they had washed their hands, Noor adDeen opened a lattice, and calling the fair Persian to him, "Comehither, " said he, "and with me admire the charming prospect andbeauty of the garden by moon-light; nothing can be moreagreeable. " She came to him; and they both enjoyed the view, while Scheich Ibrahim was busy in taking away the cloth. 

When Scheich Ibrahim came to his guests again, Noor ad Deen askedhim whether he had any liquor to treat them with. "What liquorwould you have?" replied Scheich Ibrahim--"Sherbet? I have thebest in the world; but sherbet, you know, my son, is never drunkafter supper. "

"I know that very well, " said Noor ad Deen; "it is not sherbet, but another sort of liquor that we ask you for, and I amsurprised at your not understanding me. " "It is wine then youmean?" said Scheich Ibrahim. "You guess right, " replied Noor adDeen, "and if you have any, oblige us with a bottle: you know abottle after supper is a very proper companion to spend the hourswith till bed-time. "

"Heaven defend me from keeping wine in my house, " cried ScheichIbrahim, "and from ever coming to a place where any is found! Aman who, like me, has been a pilgrimage four times to Mecca, hasrenounced wine for ever. "

"You would do us a singular kindness, " said Noor ad Deen, "ingetting a little for our own drinking; and if it be not too muchtrouble, I will put you in a way how you may do it, without goinginto a vintner's shop, or so much as laying your hand upon thevessel that contains it. " "Upon that condition I will do it, "replied Scheich Ibrahim, "only let me know what I am to do. "

"Why then, " said Noor ad Deen, "we just now saw an ass tied atthe entrance of your garden, which certainly must be yours, andwhich you may make use of in this extremity: here are two piecesof gold more; take them, and lead your ass with the panniers tothe next vintner's; you may stand at as great a distance as youplease, do but give something to the first person that comes by, and desire him to go with your ass, and procure two pitchers ofwine; put one in one pannier, in another, another, which he mustpay for out of the money you give him, and so let him bring theass back to you: you will have nothing to do, but to drive thebeast hither before you; we will take the wine out of thepanniers: by this means you will do nothing that will give youany scruple. "

The two last pieces of gold that Scheich Ibrahim was going toreceive wrought wonderfully upon his mind. "Ah! my son, " criedhe, "you have an excellent contrivance; and had it not been foryour invention, I should never have thought of this way ofgetting you some wine without any scruple of conscience. " Away hewent to execute the orders, which he did in a little time; and, upon his return, Noor ad Deen taking the pitchers out of thepanniers, carried them into the hall. 

Scheich Ibrahim having led the ass to the place from whence hetook him, came back again, "Scheich Ibrahim, " said Noor ad Deen, "we cannot enough thank you for the trouble we have already givenyou; but we want something yet. " "What is that?" replied Scheich:"what more service can I do you?" "We have no cups to drink outof, " said Noor ad Deen, "and a little fruit, if you had any, would be very acceptable. " "Do but say what you have a mind to, "replied Scheich Ibrahim, "and you shall have every thing to yourheart's content. "

Down went Scheich Ibrahim, and in a short time spread a carpetfor them with beautiful porcelain dishes, full of all sorts ofdelicious fruits, besides gold and silver cups to drink out of;and having asked them if they wanted any thing else, he withdrew, though they pressed him earnestly to stay. 

Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian sat down again, and drank eacha cup. They were pleased with the wine, which was excellent. "Well, my dear, " said Noor ad Deen to the fair Persian, "are wenot the most fortunate persons in the world, after so manydangers, to meet with so charming and agreeable a place? Let usbe merry, and think no more on the hardships of our voyage. Canmy happiness be greater in this world, than to have you on oneside of me, and my glass on the other?" They drank freely, anddiverted themselves with agreeable conversation, each singing asong. 

Both having very fine voices, but especially the fair Persian, their singing attracted Scheich Ibrahim, who had stood hearkeninga great while on the steps, without discovering himself. He couldcontain himself no longer; but thrusting his head in at the door, "Courage, sir, " said he to Noor ad Deen, whom he took to be quitedrunk, "I am glad to see you so pleased. "

"Ah! Scheich Ibrahim, " cried Noor ad Deen, turning to him, "youare a glorious man, and we are extremely obliged to you. We darenot ask you to drink a cup; but walk in; come, sit down, and letus have the honour at least of your company. " "Go on, go on, "said Scheich Ibrahim; "the pleasure of hearing your songs issufficient for me. " Upon this he immediately retired. 

The fair Persian perceiving Scheich Ibrahim, through one of thewindows, standing upon the steps, told Noor ad Deen of it. "Sir, "said she, "you see what an aversion he has for wine; yet Iquestion not in the least to make him drink, if you will do as Iwould have you. " Noor ad Deen asked her what it was. "Do but saythe word, " replied he, "and I am ready to do what you please. ""Prevail with him then only to come in, and bear us company; sometime after fill up a bumper, and give it him; if he refuses, drink it yourself, pretend to be asleep, and leave the rest tome. "

Noor ad Deen understood the fair Persian's design, and called toScheich Ibrahim, who came again to the door. "Scheich Ibrahim, "said he, "we are your guests; you have entertained us in the mostobliging manner, and will you now refuse our solicitations tohonour us with your company? We do not ask you to drink, but onlythe favour of seeing you. "

Scheich Ibrahim being at last prevailed upon, came into the hall, and sat down on the edge of a sofa nearest to the door. "You donot sit well there, " said Noor ad Deen, "and we cannot have thehonour of seeing you; pray come nearer, and sit you down by thelady; she will like it much. " "I will obey you, " replied ScheichIbrahim, so coming forward, simpering, to think he should beseated near so beautiful a creature, he placed himself at somedistance from the fair Persian. Noor ad Deen desired a song ofher, in return for the honour Scheich Ibrahim had done them; andshe sung one that charmed him. 

When the fair Persian had ended her song, Noor ad Deen poured outa cup of wine, and presented it to Scheich Ibrahim. "ScheichIbrahim, " said he, "I entreat you, drink this to our healths. ""Sir, " replied he, starting back, as if he abhorred the verysight of the wine, "I beseech you to excuse me; I have alreadytold you that I have forsworn the use of wine these many years. ""Then since you will not drink our healths, " said Noor ad Deen, "give me leave to drink yours. "

While Noor ad Deen was drinking, the fair Persian cut half anapple, and presented it to Scheich Ibrahim. "Though you refuseddrinking, " said she, "yet I believe you will not refuse tastingthis apple; it is very excellent. " Scheich Ibrahim had no powerto refuse it from so fair a hand; but taking it with a very lowbow, put it in his mouth. She said a great many pleasant thingson the occasion; and Noor ad Deen, falling back upon a sofa, pretended to fall fast asleep. The fair Persian presentlyadvanced towards Scheich Ibrahim, and speaking in a low voice, "Look at him, " said she, "thus in all our merry parties heconstantly serves me; and no sooner has he drunk a cup or two, but he falls asleep, and leaves me alone; but I hope you willhave the goodness to keep me company till he awakes. "

At this the fair Persian took a cup, and filling it with wine, offered it to Scheich Ibrahim. "Here, " said she, "drink off thisto my health; I am going to pledge you. " Scheich Ibrahim made agreat many difficulties, and begged her to excuse him fromdrinking; but she pressed him so, that overcome by her charms andentreaties he took the cup, and drank off every drop of the wine. 

The good old man loved a chirruping cup to his heart, but wasashamed to drink among strangers. He often went to the tavern inprivate, as many other people do; and he did not take theprecaution recommended, but went directly where he was well known(night serving him instead of a cloak), and saved the money thatNoor ad Deen had ordered him to give the messenger who was tohave gone for the wine. 

While Scheich Ibrahim was eating fruit after his draught, thefair Persian filled him out another, which he received with lessdifficulty than the former, but made none at all at the third. Inshort, a fourth was quaffing, when Noor ad Deen started up fromhis pretended sleep; and bursting out into a violent fit oflaughter, and looking at him, "Ha! ha!" said he, "ScheichIbrahim, have I caught you at last? did you not tell me you hadforsworn wine? and now you have drunk it all up from me. "

Scheich Ibrahim, not expecting to be surprised, blushed a little;however, that did not spoil his draught; but when he had done, "Sir, " said he laughing, "if there is any crime in what I havedone, it lies at this fair lady's door, not mine: for who couldpossibly resist so many charms?"

The fair Persian, who perfectly understood Noor ad Deen, tookScheich Ibrahim's part. "Let him talk, " said she, "ScheichIbrahim, take no notice of him, but let us drink on and bemerry. " Awhile after Noor ad Deen filled out a cup for himselfand the fair Persian; but when Scheich Ibrahim saw that Noor adDeen had forgotten him in his turn, he took his cup, andpresenting it to the fair Persian, "Madam, " said he, "do yousuppose I cannot drink as well as you?"

At these words Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian laughed veryheartily. They poured him out some wine; and sat laughing, chatting, and drinking, till near midnight. About that hour the fair Persianbegan to notice that there was but one candle on the carpet. "ScheichIbrahim, " said she to the good old officer, "you have afforded us butone candle, when there are so many wax-lights yonder; pray do us thefavour to light some of them, that we may see a little better what weare doing. "

Scheich Ibrahim making use of the liberty that wine inspires whenit gets into the head, and not caring to be interrupted in hisdiscourse, bade the fair Persian light them herself. "It isfitter for a young person like you to do it, " said he, "than forme; but be sure not to light above five or six" Up rose the fairPersian immediately, and taking a wax candle in her hand, lightedit with that which stood upon the carpet, and without any regardto Scheich Ibrahim's order, lighted up the whole fourscore. 

By and by, while Scheich Ibrahim was entertaining the fairPersian with some discourse, Noor ad Deen took his turn to desirehim to light up some of the candles in the lustres, not takingnotice that all the wax-lights were already in a blaze. "Certainly, " replied Scheich Ibrahim, "you must be very lazy, orless vigorous than I am, that you are not able to light themyourself; get you gone, and light them; but be sure you light nomore than three. " To work he went; but instead of that number, helighted them all, and opened the shutters of the fourscorewindows, before Scheich Ibrahim, who was deeply engaged with thefair Persian, knew any thing of the matter. 

The caliph Haroon al Rusheed being not yet gone to rest, was in aroom of his palace on the river Tigris, from whence he couldcommand a view both of the garden and pavilion. He accidentallyopened the casement, and was extremely surprised at seeing thepavilion illuminated; and at first, by the greatness of thelight, thought the city was on fire. The grand vizier Jaaffierwas still with him, waiting for his going to rest. The caliph, ina great rage, called the vizier to him. "Careless vizier, " saidhe, "come hither, come hither; look at the pavilion of pictures, and tell me the reason of its being illuminated at this hour, nowI am not there. "

The grand vizier at this account fell into a violent trembling;but when he came nearer, and with his own eyes saw the truth ofwhat the caliph had told him, he was more alarmed than before. Some excuse must be made to appease the caliph's anger. "Commander of the true believers, " said he, "all that I can sayto your majesty about this matter is, that some five or six daysago Scheich Ibrahim came to acquaint me, that he had a design toassemble the ministers of his mosque, to assist at a ceremony hewas ambitious of performing in honour of your majesty'sauspicious reign. I asked him if I could be any way serviceableto him in this affair; upon which he entreated me to get leave ofyour majesty to perform the ceremony in the pavilion. I sent himaway with leave to hold the assembly, telling him I would takecare to acquaint your majesty with it; and I ask pardon forhaving quite forgotten it. " "Scheich Ibrahim, " continued he, "hascertainly made choice of this day for the ceremony; and aftertreating the ministers of his mosque, was willing to indulge themwith the sight of this illumination. "

"Jaaffier, " said the caliph, with a tone that plainly shewed hisanger was a little mollified, "according to your own account, youhave committed three faults; the first, in giving Scheich Ibrahimleave to perform this ceremony in my pavilion, for a person insuch an office is not worthy of so great an honour; the second, in not acquainting me with it; and the third, in not diving intothe bottom of the good old man's intention. For my part, I ampersuaded he only did it to try if he could get any money towardsbearing the charge of it; but that never came into your head. "

The grand vizier, overjoyed to hear the caliph put the matterupon that footing, very willingly owned the faults he reproachedhim with, and freely confessed he was to blame in not givingScheich Ibrahim a few pieces of gold. "Since the case is so, "added the caliph, "it is just that thou shouldst be punished forthy mistakes, but thy punishment shall be light: thou shalt spendthe remainder of the night as I mean to do, with these honestpeople, whose company I shall be well pleased with; and while Iam putting on a citizen's habit, go thou and disguise thyselfwith Mesrour, and come both of you along with me. "

The vizier would have persuaded him it was late, and that all thecompany would be gone before he could get thither: but the caliphsaid he would positively go. The vizier, who knew that not asyllable of what he had said was true, began to be in greatconsternation; but there was no reply to be made, and go he must. 

The caliph then, disguised like a citizen, with the grand vizierJaaffier and Mesrour, chief of the eunuchs, stole out of thepalace together. They rambled through the streets of Bagdad tillthey came to the garden; the door, through the carelessness ofScheich Ibrahim, was open, he having forgotten to shut it when hecame back with the wine. The caliph was very angry at this. "Jaaffier, " said he to the grand vizier, "what excuse have youfor the door's being open at this unseasonable hour?" "Is itpossible that Scheich Ibrahim makes a custom of leaving it thusall night? I rather believe the hurry of the feast has been theoccasion of this neglect. "

The caliph went into the garden; and when he came to thepavilion, resolving not to go into the hall till he knew what wasdoing, consulted with the grand vizier whether it was not hisbest way to climb up into one of the trees that was near, toobserve what was going forward. The grand vizier casting his eyesupon the door, perceived it stood half open, and told the caliph. It seems Scheich Ibrahim had left it so, when he was prevailedupon to come in and bear Noor ad Deen and the fair Persiancompany. 

The caliph laying aside his first design, stole softly up to thehall-door, which standing half open, he could see all the companywithin, without being discovered himself. 

But how was he surprised, when he saw a lady of incomparablebeauty and a handsome young man sitting, with Scheich Ibrahim bythem. Scheich Ibraham held a cup in his hand. "My fair lady, "said he to the fair Persian, "a true toper never drinks withoutsinging a song first: if you please to hear, I will give you oneof my best songs. "

Scheich Ibrahim sung, and the caliph was the more surprised, because till that moment he never knew of his drinking wine, butalways took him for a grave, solid man, as he seemed to be tooutward appearance. The caliph retired from the door with thesame caution as he had made his approaches to it; and coming tothe grand vizier, who was standing on the steps a little lower, "Come up, " said he to him, "and see if those within are theministers of the mosque, as you would have made me believe. "

By the tone of voice in which the caliph spoke these last words, the vizier understood that things went ill on his side: however, he went up the steps; but when he had peeped in at the door, andsaw the three sitting in that condition, he trembled for hislife. He returned to the caliph, but in such confusion, that heknew not what to say. "What riotous doings are here?" said thecaliph to him: "who are these people that have presumed to takethe liberty of diverting themselves in my garden and pavilion?and how durst Scheich Ibrahim give them admittance, and partakeof the diversion with them? I must, however, confess, I never sawtwo persons more beautiful or better paired in my life; andtherefore, before I discover my anger, I will inform myselfbetter, and know who they are, and the reason of their beinghere. " He went to the door again to observe them more narrowly;and the vizier, who followed, stood behind him, while he fixedhis eyes upon them. They both plainly heard every word thatScheich Ibrahim said to the fair Persian. "Is there any thing, mycharming lady, wanting to render the pleasure of the evening morecomplete?" "Nothing but a lute, " replied the fair Persian, "andmethinks, if you could get me one, all would be well. " "Can youplay upon it?" said Scheich Ibrahim. "Fetch me one, " replied thefair Persian, "and you shall hear whether I can or not. "

Scheich Ibrahim, without stirring very far from his place, took alute out of a press, and presented it to the fair Persian, whobegun to tune it. The caliph, in the mean time, turning to thegrand vizier, "Jaaffier, " said he, "the young lady is going toplay upon the lute; and if she performs well, I will forgive her, and the young man for her sake; but as for thee, I will have theeimpaled. " "Commander of the true believers, " replied the grandvizier, "if that is your intention, I wish to God she may playill. " "Why so?" said the caliph. "Because, " replied the grandvizier, "the longer we live in this world, the more reason weshall have to comfort ourselves with the hopes of dying in goodsociable company. " The caliph, who loved a repartee, began tolaugh at this; and putting his ear to the opening of the door, listened to hear the fair Persian play. 

The fair Persian began in such a style, that, from the firstmoment of her touching the lute, the caliph perceived she did itwith a masterly hand. Afterwards accompanying the lute with hervoice, which was admirably fine, she sung and played with so muchskill and sweetness, that the caliph was quite ravished to hearher. 

As soon as the fair Persian had finished her song, the caliphwent down the steps, and the vizier followed him. When he came tothe bottom, "I never, " said he to the vizier, "heard a morecharming voice, or a lute better touched. Isaac, whom I thoughtthe most skilful player in the world, does not come up to her. Iam so charmed with her music, that I will go in, and hear herplay before me. We must, therefore, consider how I can do it. "

"Commander of the true believers, " said the grand vizier, "if youshould go in, and Scheich Ibrahim chance to know you, he wouldinfallibly die with the fright. " "It is that which hurts me, "replied the caliph, "and I should be loth to be the occasion ofhis death, after so many years service. A thought is just comeinto my head, that may succeed; stay here with Mesrour, and waitfor me in the next walk. "

The neighbourhood of the Tigris had given the caliph anopportunity of turning the stream under a stately bridge into hisgarden, through a piece of water, whither the choicest fish ofthe river used to retire. The fishermen knew it well; but thecaliph had expressly charged Scheich Ibrahim not to suffer any ofthem to come near it. However, that night, a fisherman passing bythe garden-door, which the caliph had left open as he found it, made use of the opportunity, and going in, went directly to thecanal. 

The fisherman immediately fell to work with his nets, and wasjust ready to draw them, when the caliph, fearing what would bethe effect of Scheich Ibrahim's negligence, but willing to makeuse of it to bring his design about, came to the same place. Thefisherman, in spite of his disguise, knew him, and throwinghimself at his feet, humbly implored his pardon, and excusedhimself on account of his poverty. "Rise, " said the caliph, "andbe not afraid; only draw your nets, that I may see what fish youhave got. "

The fisherman, recovered of his fright, quickly obeyed thecaliph's orders. He drew out five or six very large fishes; andthe caliph choosing the two biggest, tied them together by thehead, with the twig of a tree. "After this, " said he to thefisherman, "give me thy clothes, and take mine. " The exchange wassoon made; and the caliph being dressed like a fisherman, even tohis boots and turban, "Take thy nets, " said he to the fisherman, "and get thee about thy business. "

When the fisherman, well pleased with his good fortune, was gone, the caliph, taking the two fishes in his hand, went to look afterthe grand vizier and Mesrour; he first met Jaaffier, who, notknowing him, asked what he wanted, and bade him go about hisbusiness. The caliph fell a laughing; by which the vizierrecognising him, "Commander of the true believers, " said he, "isit possible it can be you? I knew you not; and I ask a thousandpardons for my rudeness. You are so disguised that you mayventure into the hall without any fear of being discovered byScheich Ibrahim. " "Stay you here with Mesrour, " said the caliph, "while I go and play my part. "

The caliph went up to the hall, and knocked at the door. Noor adDeen hearing him first, told Scheich Ibrahim of it, who asked whowas there? The caliph opened the door, and stepping a little wayinto the hall to shew himself, "Scheich Ibrahim, " said he, "I amthe fisherman Kerim, who being informed of your design to treatsome of your friends, have brought you two very fine fishes, fresh caught, to ask if you have any occasion for them. "

Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian were pleased to hear him namefish. "Pray, " said the latter to Scheich Ibrahim, "let him comein, that we may look at them. " Scheich Ibrahim, by this time, wasincapable of asking this counterfeit fisherman how or which wayhe came thither, his whole thought being only to oblige the fairPersian. With much ado he turned his head towards the door, beingquite drunk, and, in a stammering tone, calling to the caliph, whom he took to be a fisherman, "Come hither, thou nightlythief, " said he, "and let us see what thou hast got. "

The caliph went forwards, and counterfeiting all the actions of afisherman, presented the two fishes. "These are very fine onesindeed, " said the fair Persian, "and if they were well dressedand seasoned, I should be glad to eat some of them. " "The lady isin the right, " answered Scheich Ibrahim; "but what can you dowith your fish, unless it were dressed? Go, dress it thyself, andbring it to us; thou wilt find every thing necessary in mykitchen. "

The caliph went back to the grand vizier. "Jaaffier, " said he, "Ihave been very well received; but they want the fish to bedressed. " "I will take care to dress it myself, " said the grandvizier, "and they shall have it in a moment. " "Nay, " replied thecaliph, "so eager am I to accomplish my design, that I will takethat trouble myself; for since I have personated the fisherman sowell, surely I can play the cook for once; in my younger days, Idealt a little in cookery, and always came off with credit. " Sosaying, he went directly towards Scheich Ibrahim's lodgings, andthe grand vizier and Mesrour followed him. 

They all fell to work; and though Scheich Ibrahim's kitchen wasnot very large, yet there was every thing in it that they wanted. The fish was quickly cooked; and the caliph served it up, puttingto every one's place a lemon to squeeze into the sauce, if theythought proper. They all ate very heartily, but especially Noorad Deen and the fair Persian; and the caliph stood before them. 

As soon as the repast was over, Noor ad Deen looking at thecaliph, "Fisherman, " said he, "there never was better fish eaten;and you have done us the greatest favour. " At the same time, putting his hand into his bosom, and pulling out a purse ofthirty pieces of gold, the remainder of forty that Sangiar, theofficer of the king of Bussorah, had given him just upon hisdeparture, "Take it, " said he to him; "if I had any more, thoushouldst have it; had I known thee in my prosperity, I would havetaken care to secure thee from want: do not refuse the smallpresent I make thee, but accept of it as kindly as if it weremuch greater. "

The caliph took the purse, thanked Noor ad Deen, and perceivingby the weight that it contained gold, "Sir, " said he to him, "Icannot enough thank you for your liberality, and I think myselfvery fortunate in having to do with a person of your generosity;but before I take my leave I have a favour to ask, which I begyou not to deny me. Yonder is a lute, which makes me believe thatthe lady understands playing upon it; and if you can prevail withher to play but one tune, I shall go away perfectly satisfied;for a lute, sir, is an instrument I am particularly fond of. "

"Fair Persian, " said Noor ad Deen, immediately addressing himselfto her, "I ask that favour of you, and I hope you will not refuseme. " She took up the lute without more entreaties, and putting itpresently in tune, played and sung with such an air, as charmedthe very soul of the caliph. Afterwards she played upon the lutewithout singing, but with so much strength and softness, as totransport him into an ecstasy. 

When the fair Persian had given over playing, the caliph criedout, "What a voice! what a hand! what skill! Was there ever finersinging, or better playing upon the lute? Never was there anyseen or heard like it. "

Noor ad Deen, who was accustomed to give all that belonged to himto persons who praised him, said, "Fisherman, I find thou hastsome taste for music; since thou art so delighted with herperformance, she is thine, I make thee a present of her. " At thesame time he rose up, and taking his robe which he had laid by, was going away, and leaving the caliph, whom he believed to be noother than a fisherman, in possession of the fair Persian. 

The fair Persian was extremely surprised at Noor ad Deen'sliberality; she took hold of him, and looking tenderly at him, "Whither, sir, " said she, "are you going? sit down in your place, I entreat you, and hearken to what I am going to sing and play. "He did as she desired him, and then the fair Persian, touchingthe lute, and looking upon him with tears in her eyes, sung someverses that she had made ex tempore, to reproach him with hisindifference, and the easiness as well as cruelty with which heresigned her to Kerim. She only hinted, without explainingherself any farther to a fisherman; for she, as well as Noor adDeen, was ignorant of his being the caliph. When she had doneplaying, she put the lute down by her, and clapped a handkerchiefto her face, to hide the tears she could not repress. 

Noor ad Deen made no answer to all these reproaches, but by hissilence seemed to declare he did not repent of what he had doneThe caliph, surprised at what he had heard, said, "Sir, as far asI see, this beautiful, rare, and accomplished lady, of whom sogenerously you have made me a present, is your slave?" "It isvery true, Kerim, " replied Noor ad Deen, "and thou wouldst bemore surprised than thou art now, should I tell thee all themisfortunes that have happened to me upon her account. " "Ah! Ibeseech you, sir, " replied the caliph, still behaving like afisherman, "oblige me so far as to let me hear part of yourstory. "

Noor ad Deen, who had already obliged him in several things ofmore consequence, was so complaisant as to relate the whole storyto him. He began with the vizier his father's buying the fairPersian for the king of Bussorah, and omitted nothing of what hehad done, or what had happened to him, from that time to theirarrival at Bagdad, and to the very moment he was talking to him. 

When Noor ad Deen had ended his story, "And whither are you goingnow?" asked the caliph. "Where Heaven shall direct me, " answeredNoor ad Deen. "If you will believe me, " replied the caliph, "youshall go no farther, but, on the contrary, you must return toBussorah: I will write a short letter, which you shall give theking in my name: you shall see upon the reading it, he will giveyou a very handsome reception, and nobody will dare to speakagainst you. "

"Kerim, " said Noor ad Deen, "what thou hast told me is verysingular; I never heard that a poor fisherman, as thou art, hadany correspondence with a king?" "Be not astonished at that, "replied the caliph: "you must know, that we both studied togetherunder the same masters, and were always the best friends in theworld: it is true, fortune has not been equally favourable to us;she has made him a king, and me a fisherman. But this inequalityhas not lessened our friendship. He has often expressed areadiness and desire to advance my fortune, but I always refused;and am better pleased with the satisfaction of knowing that hewill never deny me whatever I ask for the service and advantageof my friends: let me do it, and you shall see the success. "

Noor ad Deen consented to what the caliph had proposed; and therebeing every thing necessary for writing in the hall, the caliphwrote a letter to the king of Bussorah; at the top of which heplaced this form, "In the name of the most merciful God, " to shewhe would be absolutely obeyed. 

"Haroon al Rusheed, son of Mhadi, sends this letter to Zinebi, his cousin. As soon as Noor ad Deen, son to the late vizierKhacan, the bearer, has delivered you this letter, and you haveread it, pull off the royal vestments, put them on his shoulders, and place him in thy seat without fail. Farewell. "

The caliph folded up the letter, sealed it, and giving it to Noorad Deen, without saying any thing of what was in it, "Go, " saidhe, "embark immediately in a vessel that is ready to go off (asthere did constantly every day at the same hour); you may sleepwhen you are aboard. "

Noor ad Deen took the letter, and departed with the little moneyhe had about him when Sangiar gave him his purse; and the fairPersian, distracted with grief at his departure, retired to oneof the sofas, and wept bitterly. 

Noor ad Deen was scarcely gone out of the hall, when ScheichIbrahim, who had been silent during the whole transaction, looking steadfastly upon the caliph, whom he still took for thefisherman Kerim, "Hark'e, " said he, "Kerim, thou hast brought ustwo fishes, that are worth twenty pieces of copper at most, andthou hast got a purse and a slave: but dost thou think to haveall for thyself? I here declare, that I will go halves with theein the slave; and as for the purse, shew me what is in theinside: if it is silver, thou shalt have one piece for thyself;but if it is gold, I will have it all, and give thee in exchangesome pieces of copper which I have in my purse. "

The caliph, before his serving up the fish, had dispatched thegrand vizier to his palace, with orders to get four slaves with arich habit, and to wait on the other side of the pavilion till hegave a signal with his finger against the window. The grandvizier performed his commission; and he, Mesrour, and the fourslaves, waited at the appointed place, expecting the sign. 

The caliph, still personating the fisherman, answered ScheichIbrahim boldly, "I know not what there is in the purse; gold orsilver, you shall freely go my halves: but as to the slave, Iwill have her all to myself; and if you will not accept theseconditions, you shall have nothing. "

Scheich Ibrahim, enraged to the last degree at this insolence, considering him only as a fisherman, snatched up one of the chinadishes which were on the table, and flung it at the caliph'shead. The caliph easily avoided the blow, being thrown by aperson in liquor; but the dish striking against the wall, wasdashed into a thousand pieces. Scheich Ibrahim grew more enragedat having missed his aim, and catching up the candle that stoodupon the table, rose from his seat, and went staggering down apair of back-stairs to look for a cane. 

The caliph took this opportunity, and striking his hands againstthe window, the grand vizier, Mesrour, and the four slaves werewith him in an instant: the slaves quickly pulled off thefisherman's clothes, and put him on the habit they had brought. They had not quite dressed the caliph, who had seated himself onthe throne that was in the hall, but were busy about him whenScheich Ibrahim, spurred on by interest, came back with a cane inhis hand, with which he designed to pay the pretended fishermansoundly; but instead of finding him, he saw his clothes in themiddle of the hall, and the caliph on his throne, with the grandvizier and Mesrour on each side of him. He stood awhile gazing onthis unexpected sight, doubting whether he was awake or asleep. The caliph fell a laughing at his astonishment; and calling tohim, "Scheich Ibrahim, " said he, "What dost thou want? whom dostthou look after?"

Scheich Ibrahim, no longer doubting that it was the caliph, immediately threw himself at his feet, with his face and longbeard to the ground. "Commander of the true believers, " cried he, "your vile slave has offended you; but he implores your clemency, and asks a thousand pardons for his offence. " As soon as theslaves had finished dressing him, he came down from his throne, and advancing towards him, "Rise, " said he, "I forgive thee. "

The caliph then addressed himself to the fair Persian, who hadsuspended her sorrow as soon as she understood that the gardenand pavilion belonged to that prince, and not to Scheich Ibrahim, as he had all along made her believe, and that it was he himselfdisguised in the fisherman's clothes. "Fair Persian, " said he, "rise, and follow me: by what you have lately seen, you ought toknow who I am, and to believe that I am above taking anyadvantage of the present which Noor ad Deen, with a generositynot to be paralleled, has made me of your person. I have sent himto Bussorah as king; and when I have given him the dispatchesnecessary for his establishment, you shall go thither and bequeen. In the mean time I am going to order an apartment for youin my palace, where you shall be treated according to yourdesert. "

This discourse encouraged the fair Persian, and comforted hervery sensibly. The joy for the advancement of Noor ad Deen, whomshe passionately loved, to so high an honour, made her sufficientamends for her affliction. The caliph kept his promise, andrecommended her to the care of his empress Zobeide, whom heacquainted with the esteem he had entertained for Noor ad Deen. 

Noor ad Deen's return to Bussorah was more fortunate, andspeedier by some days than he could have expected. Upon hisarrival, without visiting any of his friends or relations he wentdirectly to the palace, where the king at that time was givingpublic audience. With the letter held up in his hand, he pressedthrough the crowd, who presently made way for him to come forwardand deliver it. The king took and opened it, and his colourchanged in reading it; he kissed it thrice, and was just about toobey the caliph's orders, when he bethought himself of shewingit to the vizier Saony, Noor ad Deen's irreconcilable enemy. 

Saouy, who had discovered Noor ad Deen, and began to conjecture, with great uneasiness, what might be the design of his coming, was no less surprised than the king at the order contained in theletter; and being as much concerned in it, he instantly devised amethod to evade it. He pretended not to have read the letterquite through, and therefore desiring a second view of it, turnedhimself a little on one side as if he wanted a better light, and, without being perceived by any body, dexterously tore off fromthe top of it the form which shewed the caliph would beabsolutely obeyed, and putting it into his mouth, swallowed it. 

After this egregious piece of villainy, Saouy turned to the king, and giving him the letter, "Sir, " said he to him in a low voice, "what does your majesty intend to do?" "What the caliph hascommanded me, " replied the king. "Have a care, sir, " said thewicked vizier, "what you do. It is true this is the caliph'shand, but the form is not to it. " The king had observed it, butin his confusion thought his eyes had deceived him when he saw itwas gone. 

"Sir, " continued the vizier, "we have no reason to doubt but thatthe caliph, on the complaints he has made against your majestyand myself, has granted him this letter to get rid of him, andnot with any intention of having the order contained in itexecuted. Besides, we must consider he has sent no express with apatent; and without that the order is of no force. And since aking like your majesty was never deposed without that formality, any other man as well as Noor ad Deen might come with a forgedletter: let who will bring such a letter as this, it ought not tobe put in execution. Your majesty may depend upon it, that isnever done; and I will take upon myself all the consequence ofdisobeying this order. "

King Zinebi, easily persuaded by this pernicious counsel, leftNoor ad Deen entirely to the discretion of the vizier Saouy, wholed him to his house in a very insulting manner; and aftercausing him to be bastinadoed till he was almost dead, he orderedhim to a prison, where he commanded him to be put into thedarkest and deepest dungeon, with a strict charge to the gaolerto give him nothing but bread and water. 

When Noor ad Deen, half dead with the strokes, came to himself, and found what a dismal dungeon he was in, he bewailed hismisfortunes in the most pathetic manner. "Ah! fisherman, " criedhe, "how hast thou cheated me; and how easy have I been inbelieving thee! Could I, after the civility I shewed thee, expectsuch inhuman and barbarous usage? However, may Heaven rewardthee; for I cannot persuade myself that thy intention was sobase; and I will with patience wait the end of my afflictions. "

The disconsolate Noor ad Deen remained six whole days in thismiserable condition; and Saouy did not forget that he hadconfined him there; but being resolved to put him to a shamefuldeath, and not daring to do it by his own authority, toaccomplish his villainous design, loaded some of his slaves withrich presents, which he, at the head of them, went and presentedto the king. "Behold, sire, " said he, with the blackest malice, "what the new king has sent you upon his accession to the crown, and begs your majesty to accept. "

The king taking the matter just as Saouy intended, "What!"replied he, "is that wretch still living? I thought you had puthim to death already. " "Sire, I have no power, " answered thevizier, "to take any person's life; that only belongs to yourmajesty. " "Go, " said the king, "behead him instantly; I give youfull authority. " "Sire, " replied the vizier Saouy, "I aminfinitely obliged to your majesty for the justice you do me; butsince Noor ad Deen has publicly affronted me, I humbly beg thefavour, that his execution may be performed before the palace;and that the criers may publish it in every quarter of the city, so that every body may be satisfied he has made a sufficientreparation for the affront. " The king granted his request; andthe criers in performing their office diffused universal sorrowthrough the whole city. The memory of his father's virtues beingyet fresh among them, no one could hear, without horror andindignation, that the son was going to suffer an ignominiousdeath. 

Saouy went in person to the prison, accompanied by twenty slaves, ministers of his cruelty, who took Noor ad Deen out of thedungeon, and put him upon a shabby horse without a saddle. WhenNoor ad Deen saw himself in the hands of his enemy, "Thoutriumphest now, " said he, "and abusest thy power; but I trust inthe truth of what is written in our scripture, 'You judgeunjustly, and in a little time you shall be judged yourself. '"The vizier Saouy triumphed in his heart. "What! insolent, " saidhe, "darest thou insult me yet? but I care not what may happen tome, so I have the pleasure of seeing thee lose thy head in thepublic view of all Bussorah. Thou oughtest also to remember whatanother of our books says, 'What signifies if one dies the nextday after the death of his enemy?'"

The vizier, implacable in his hatred and enmity, surrounded byhis slaves in arms, conducted Noor ad Deen towards the palace. The people were ready to fall upon him as he passed; and if anyone had set the example, would certainly have stoned him todeath. When he had brought him to the place of suffering, whichwas to be in sight of the king's apartment, he left him in theexecutioner's hands, and went straight to the king, who was inhis closet, ready to glut his eyes with the bloody spectacle hehad prepared. 

The king's guard and the vizier's slaves, who made a circle roundNoor ad Deen, had much trouble to withstand the people, who madeall possible efforts to break through, and carry him off byforce. The executioner coming up to him, said, "I hope you willforgive me, I am but a slave, and cannot help doing my duty. Ifyou have no occasion for any thing more, I beseech you to prepareyourself; for the king is just going to give me orders to strikethe blow. "

The unfortunate Noor ad Deen, at that moment, looking round uponthe people, "Will no charitable body, " cried he, "bring me alittle water to quench my thirst?" Which immediately they did, and handed it up to him upon the scaffold. The vizier Saouyperceiving this delay, called out to the executioner from theking's closet window, where he had planted himself, "Strike, whatdost thou stay for?" At these inhuman words the whole placeechoed with loud imprecations against him; and the king, jealousof his authority, made it appear, by enjoining him to stopawhile, that he was angry at his presumption. But there wasanother reason; for the king that very moment casting his eyetowards a street that faced him, saw a troop of horsemenadvancing full speed towards the palace. "Vizier, " said the kingimmediately, "look yonder; what is the meaning of thosehorsemen?" Saouy, who knew not who they might be, earnestlypressed the king to give the executioner the sign. "No, " repliedthe king; "I will first know who those horsemen are. " It was thevizier Jaaffier, with his train, who came in person from Bagdadby the caliph's order. 

To understand the occasion of this minister's coming to Bussorah, we must observe, that after Noor ad Deen's departure with theletter, the caliph the next day, nor for several days after, thought not of sending him the patent which he mentioned to thefair Persian. He happened one day to be in the inner palace, which was that of the women, and passing by her apartment, heardthe sound of a fine voice: he listened to it; and he had nosooner heard the words of one complaining for the absence ofsomebody, than he asked the officer of the eunuchs who attendedhim who the woman was that lived in that apartment? The officertold him it was the young stranger's slave whom he had sent toBussorah to be king in the room of Mahummud Zinebi. 

"Ah! poor Noor ad Deen, " cried the caliph, "I had forgotten thee; buthasten, " said he to the officer, "and bid Jaaffier come to me. " Thevizier was with him in an instant. As soon as he came, "Jaaffier, "said he, "I have hitherto neglected sending the patent which was toconfirm Noor ad Deen king of Bussorah; but we have no time now to drawup one; therefore immediately take post-horses, and with some of yourservants, make what haste you can to that city. If Noor ad Deen is nolonger alive, but put to death by them, order the vizier Saouy to beimpaled; but if he is living, bring him to me with the king and thevizier. "

The grand vizier stayed no longer than just to get on horseback;and being attended by a great train of officers belonging to hishousehold departed for Bussorah, where he arrived in the mannerand at the time already mentioned. As soon as he came to thepalace-yard, the people cleared the way for him, crying out, "Apardon for Noor ad Deen!" and with his whole train he rode intothe palace, even to the very stairs, where he alighted. 

The king of Bussorah, knowing him to be the caliph's chiefminister, went to meet him, and received him at the entrance ofhis apartment. The first question the vizier asked was, If Noorad Deen was living? and if he was, he desired that he might besent for. The king made answer, he was alive, and gave orders tohave him brought in. Accordingly he soon made his appearance ashe was, bound with cords. The grand vizier Jaaffier caused him tobe unbound, and setting him at liberty, ordered the vizier Saouyto be seized, and bound him with the same cords. 

The grand vizier remained but one night at Bussorah; and, according tothe order he had received, carried Saouy, the king of Bussorah, andNoor ad Deen, along with him. Upon his arrival at Bagdad, he presentedthem to the caliph: and after he had given him an account of hisjourney, and particularly the miserable condition in which he foundNoor ad Deen, and his ill-usage by the advice and malice of Saony, thecaliph desired Noor ad Deen to behead the vizier himself. "Commanderof the true believers, " said the generous youth, "notwithstanding theinjury this wicked man has done me, and the mischief he endeavoured todo my deceased father, I should think myself the basest of mankind ifI stained my hands with his blood. " The caliph was pleased with hisgenerosity, and ordered justice to be done by the executioner. 

The caliph would fain have sent Noor ad Deen to Bussorah as king:but he humbly begged to be excused from accepting the offer. "Commander of the true believers, " said Noor ad Deen, "the cityof Bussorah, after the misfortunes that have happened to methere, will be so much my aversion, that I beseech your majestyto give me leave to keep the oath which I have made, of neverreturning thither again; and I shall think it my greatest gloryto serve near your royal person, if you are pleased to allow methe honour. " The caliph consented; and placing him among thenumber of those courtiers who were his greatest favourites, restored the fair Persian to him again. To all these favours headded a plentiful fortune; and he and the fair Persian livedtogether thenceforth, with all the happiness this world couldafford. 

As for the king of Bussorah, the caliph contented himself withhinting how careful he ought to be in the choice of his viziers, and sent him back to his kingdom. 

End of Volume 2. 

 The "Aldine" Edition of

 The Arabian Nights Entertainments

 Illustrated by S. L. Wood

 FROM THE TEXT OF DR. JONATHAN SCOTT

 In Four Volumes

 Volume 3

 London Pickering and Chatto 1890

 Contents of Volume III. 

The Story of Beder, Prince of Persia, and Jehaunara, Prince of Samandal, or SummunderThe History of Prince Zeyn Alasnam and the Sultan of the GeniiThe History of Codadad, and His Brothers The History of the Princess of DeryabarThe Story of Abu Hassan, or the Sleeper AwakenedThe Story of Alla Ad Deen; Or, the Wonderful LampAdventure of the Caliph Haroon Al Rusheed The Story of Baba Abdoollah The Story of Syed Naomaun The Story of Khaujeh Hassan Al HubbaulThe Story of Ali Aba and the Forty Robbers Destroyed by a SlaveThe Story of Ali Khujeh, a Merchant of Bagdad

 THE STORY OF BEDER, PRINCE OF PERSIA, AND JEHAUN-ARA, PRINCESS OF SAMANDAL, OR SUMMUNDER. 

Persia was an empire of such vast extent, that its ancientmonarchs, not without reason, assumed the haughty title of Kingof kings. For not to mention those subdued by their arms, therewere kingdoms and provinces whose kings were not only tributary, but also in as great subjection as governors in other nations areto the monarchs. 

One of these kings, who in the beginning of his reign hadsignalized himself by many glorious and successful conquests, enjoyed so profound a peace and tranquillity, as rendered him thehappiest of princes. The only point in which he thought himselfunfortunate was, that amongst all his wives, not one had broughthim a son; and being now far advanced in years, he was desirousof an heir. He had above a hundred ladies, all lodged in separateapartments, with women-slaves to wait upon and eunuchs to guardthem; yet, notwithstanding all his endeavours to please theirtaste, and anticipate their wishes, there was not one thatanswered his expectation. He had women frequently brought himfrom the most remote countries; and if they pleased him, he notonly gave the merchants their full price, but loaded them withhonours and benedictions, in hopes that at last he might be sohappy as to meet with one by whom he might have a son. There wasscarcely an act of charity but he performed, to prevail withheaven. He gave immense sums to the poor, besides large donationsto the religious; building for their use many noble collegesrichly endowed, in hopes of obtaining by their prayers what he soearnestly desired. 

One day, according to the custom of his royal predecessors, during their residence in their capital, he held an assembly ofhis courtiers, at which all the ambassadors and strangers ofquality about the court were present; and where they not onlyentertained one another with news and politics, but also byconversing on the sciences, history, poetry, literature, andwhatever else was capable of diverting the mind. On that day aeunuch came to acquaint him with the arrival of a certainmerchant from a distant country, who, having brought a slave withhim, desired leave to shew her to his majesty. "Give himadmittance instantly, " said the king, "and after the assembly isover I will talk with him. " The merchant was introduced, andseated in a convenient place, from whence he might easily have afull view of the king, and hear him talk familiarly to those thatstood near his person. The king observed this rule to allstrangers, in order that by degrees they might grow acquaintedwith him; so that, when they saw with what freedom and civilityhe addressed himself to all, they might be encouraged to talk tohim in the same manner, without being abashed at the pomp andsplendour of his appearance, which was enough to deprive those oftheir power of speech who were not used to it. He treated theambassadors also after the same manner. He ate with them, andduring the repast asked them several questions concerning theirhealth, their journey, and the peculiarities of their country. After they had been thus encouraged, he gave them audience. 

When the assembly was over, and all the company had retired, themerchant, who was the only person left, fell prostrate before theking's throne, with his face to the earth, wishing his majesty anaccomplishment of all his desires As soon as he arose, the kingasked him if the report of his having brought a slave for him wastrue, and whether she were handsome. 

"Sire, " replied the merchant, "I doubt not but your majesty hasmany very beautiful women, since you search every corner of theearth for them; but I may boldly affirm, without overvaluing mymerchandise, that you never yet saw a woman that could stand incompetition with her for shape and beauty, agreeablequalifications, and all the perfections that she is mistress of. ""Where is she?" demanded the king; "bring her to me instantly. ""Sire, " replied the merchant, "I have delivered her into thehands of one of your chief eunuchs; and your majesty may send forher at your pleasure. "

The fair slave was immediately brought in; and no sooner had theking cast his eyes on her, but he was charmed with her beautifuland easy shape. He went directly into a closet, and was followedby the merchant and a few eunuchs. The fair slave wore, over herface, a red satin veil striped with gold; and when the merchanthad taken it off, the king of Persia beheld a female thatsurpassed in beauty, not only his present ladies, but all that hehad ever had before. He immediately fell passionately in lovewith her, and desired the merchant to name his price. 

"Sire, " said he, "I gave a thousand pieces of gold to the personof whom I bought her; and in my three years' journey to yourcourt, I reckon I have spent as much more: but I shall forbearsetting any price to so great a monarch; and therefore, if yourmajesty likes her, I humbly beg you would accept of her as apresent. " "I am highly obliged to you, " replied the king; "but itis never my custom to treat merchants, who come hither for mypleasure, in so ungenerous a manner; I am going to order thee tenthousand pieces of gold; will that be sufficient?" "Sire, "answered the merchant, "I should have esteemed myself happy inyour majesty's acceptance of her; yet I dare not refuse sogenerous an offer. I will not fail to publish your liberality inmy own country, and in every place through which I may pass. " Themoney was paid; and before he departed, the king made him put ona rich suit of cloth of gold. 

The king caused the fair slave to be lodged in the apartment nexthis own, and gave particular orders to the matrons, and thefemale slaves appointed to attend her, that after bathing theyshould dress her in the richest habit they could find, and carryher the finest pearl necklaces, the brightest diamonds, and otherrichest precious stones, that she might choose those she likedbest. 

The officious matrons, whose only care was to please the king, were astonished at her beauty; and being good judges, they toldhis majesty, that if he would allow them but three days, theywould engage to make her so much handsomer than she was atpresent, that he would scarcely know her again. The king couldhardly prevail with himself to delay so long the pleasure ofseeing her, but at last he consented. 

The king of Persia's capital was situated in an island; and hispalace, which was very magnificent, was built on the shore: hisapartment looked on the water; the fair slave's, which was nearit, had also the same prospect, and was the more agreeable, onaccount of the sea's beating almost against the walls. 

At the three days' end, the fair slave, magnificently dressed, was alone in her chamber, sitting on a sofa, and leaning againstone of the windows that faced the sea, when the king, beinginformed that he might visit her, came in. The slave, hearingsomebody walk in the room with an air quite different from thatof the female slaves, who had hitherto attended her, immediatelyturned her head about to see who it was. She knew him to be theking, but without discovering the least surprise, or so much asrising from her seat to salute or receive him, as if he had beenthe most indifferent person in the world, she put herself in thesame posture again. 

The king of Persia was extremely surprised to see a slave of sobeauteous a form so ignorant of the world. He attributed this tothe narrowness of her education, and the little care that hadbeen taken to instruct her in the first rules of civility. Hewent to her at the window, where, notwithstanding the coldnessand indifference with which she had received him, she sufferedherself to be admired, caressed, and embraced, as much as hepleased. 

In the midst of these amorous embraces and tender endearments, the king paused awhile, to gaze upon, or rather to devour herwith his eyes. "My lovely fair one! my charmer!" exclaimed he;"whence came you, and where do those happy parents live whobrought into the world so surprising a masterpiece of nature? Howdo I love thee, and shall always continue to do. Never did I feelfor a woman what I now feel for you; and though I have seen, andevery day behold a vast number of beauties, yet never did my eyescontemplate so many charms in one person--charms which have sotransported me, that I shall entirely devote myself to you. Mydearest life, " continued he, "you neither answer, nor by anyvisible token give me the least reason to believe that you aresensible of the demonstrations I have given you of the ardour ofmy passion; neither will you turn your eyes on me, to afford minethe pleasure of meeting them, and to convince you that it isimpossible to love in a higher degree than I do you. Why will youstill preserve this obstinate silence, which chills me, andwhence proceeds the seriousness, or rather sorrow, that tormentsme to the soul? Do you mourn for your country, your friends oryour relations? Alas! Is not the king of Persia, who loves andadores you, capable of comforting you, and making you amends forevery loss?"

Notwithstanding all the protestations of love the king of Persiamade the fair slave, and all he could say to induce her to speakto him, she remained unaltered; and keeping her eyes still fixedupon the ground, would neither look at him, nor utter a word. 

The king of Persia, delighted with the purchase he had made of aslave that pleased him so well, pressed her no farther, in hopesthat by treating her kindly he might prevail upon her to changeher behaviour. He clapped his hands; and the women who waited inan outward room entered: he commanded them to bring in supper. When it was arranged, "My love, " said he to the slave, "comehither and sup with me. " She rose from her seat; and being seatedopposite the king, his majesty helped her, before he began eatinghimself; and did so of every dish during supper. The slave ate aswell as the king, but still with downcast eyes, and withoutspeaking a word; though he often asked her how she liked theentertainment, and whether it was dressed according to her taste. 

The king, willing to change the conversation, asked her what hername was, how she liked the clothes and the jewels she had on, what she thought of her apartment and the rich furniture, andwhether the prospect of the sea was not very agreeable? But toall these questions she made no reply; so that the king was at aloss what to think of her silence. He imagined at first, that shemight perhaps be dumb: "But then, " said he to himself, "can it bepossible that heaven should forge a creature so beautiful, soperfect, and so accomplished, and at the same time with so greatan imperfection? Were it however so, I could not love her withless passion than I do. " When the king of Persia rose, he washedhis hands on one side, while the fair slave washed hers on theother. He took that opportunity to ask the woman who held thebasin and napkin, if ever they had heard her speak. One of themreplied, "Sire, we have neither seen her open her lips, nor heardher speak any more than your majesty has; we have rendered herour services in the bath; we have dressed her head, put on herclothes, and waited upon her in her chamber; but she has neveropened her lips, so much as to say, that is well, or I like this. We have often asked her, "Madam, do you want anything? Is thereanything you wish for? Do but ask, and command us, " but we havenever been able to draw a word from her. We cannot tell whetherher sorrow proceeds from pride, sorrow, stupidity, or dumbness. "

The king was more astonished at hearing this than he had beenbefore: however, believing the slave might have some cause ofsorrow, he was willing to endeavour to divert and amuse her. Accordingly he appointed a very splendid assembly, which all theladies of the court attended; and those who were skilful inplaying upon musical instruments performed their parts, whileothers sung or danced, or did both together: they played at allsorts of games, which much diverted the king. The fair slave wasthe only person who took no pleasure in these attempts to amuseher; she never moved from her place, but remained with her eyesfixed on the ground with so much indifference, that all theladies were not less surprised than the king. After the assemblywas over, every one retired to her apartment; and the king wasleft alone with the fair slave. 

The next morning the king of Persia rose more pleased than he hadbeen with all the women he had seen before, and more enamouredwith the fair slave than ever. Indeed, he soon made it appear, byresolving henceforth to attach himself to her alone; andperformed his resolution. On the same day he dismissed all hisother women, giving every one of them their jewels, and othervaluables, besides a considerable fortune, with free leave tomarry whom they thought fit; and only kept the matrons and a fewother elderly women to wait upon the fair slave. However, for awhole year together, she never afforded him the pleasure of onesingle word; yet the king continued his assiduities to pleaseher, and to give her the most signal proofs of sincere love. 

After the expiration of the year, the king sitting one day by hismistress, protested to her that his love, instead of beingdiminished, grew every day more violent. "My queen, " said he, "Icannot divine what your thoughts are; but nothing is more true, and I swear to you, that having the happiness of possessing you, there remains nothing for me to desire. I esteem my kingdom, great as it is, less than an atom, when I have the pleasure ofbeholding you, and of telling you a thousand times that I adoreyou. I desire not that my words alone should oblige you tobelieve me. Surely you can no longer doubt of my devotion to youafter the sacrifice which I have made to your beauty of so manywomen, whom I before kept in my palace. You may remember it isabout a year since I sent them all away; and I as little repentof it now, as I did the moment of their departure; and I nevershall repent. Nothing would be wanting to complete my happinessand crown my joy, would you but speak one single word to me, bywhich I might be assured that you thought yourself at allobliged. But how can you speak to me if you are dumb? and alas! Ifeel but too apprehensive that this is the case. How can I doubt, since you still torment me with silence, after having for a wholeyear in vain supplicated you to speak? If it is possible for meto obtain of you that consolation, may heaven at least grant methe blessing of a son by you, to succeed me. I every day findmyself growing old, and I begin already to want one to assist mein bearing the weight of my crown. Still I cannot conceal thedesire I have of hearing you speak; for something within me tellsme you are not dumb: and I beseech, I conjure you, dear madam, tobreak through this long silence, and speak but one word to me;after that I care not how soon I die. "

At this discourse the fair slave, who, according to her usualcustom, had hearkened to the king with downcast eyes, and hadgiven him cause to believe not only that she was dumb, but thatshe had never laughed, began to smile. The king of Persiaperceived it with a surprise that made him break forth into anexclamation of joy; and no longer doubting but that she was goingto speak, he waited for that happy moment with an eagerness andattention that cannot easily be expressed. 

At last the fair slave thus addressed herself to the king: "Sire, I have so many things to say to your majesty, that, having oncebroken silence, I know not where to begin. However, in the firstplace, I think myself bound to thank you for all the favours andhonours you have been pleased to confer upon me, and to imploreheaven to bless and prosper you, to prevent the wicked designs ofyour enemies, and not suffer you to die after hearing me speak, but to grant you a long life. After this, sire, I cannot give yougreater satisfaction than by acquainting you that I am withchild; and I wish, as you do, it may be a son. Had it never beenmy fortune to be pregnant, I was resolved (I beg your majesty topardon the sincerity of my intention) never to have loved you, and to have kept an eternal silence; but now I love you as Iought to do. "

The king of Persia, ravished to hear the fair slave not onlyspeak, but tell him tidings in which he was so nearly concerned, embraced her tenderly. "Staining light of my eyes, " said he, "itis impossible for me to receive greater delight than you have nowgiven me: you have spoken to me, and you have declared your beingwith child, which I did not expect. After these two occasions ofjoy I am transported out of myself. "

The king of Persia, in the transport of his feelings, said nomore to the fair slave. He left her, but in such a manner as madeher perceive his intention was speedily to return: and beingwilling that the occasion of his joys should be made public, hedeclared it to his officers, and sent for the grand vizier. Assoon as he came, he ordered him to distribute a thousand piecesof gold among the holy men of his religion, who made vows ofpoverty; as also among the hospitals and the poor, by way ofreturning thanks to heaven: and his will was obeyed by thedirection of that minister. 

After the king of Persia had given this order, he returned to thefair slave again. "Madam, " said he, "pardon me for leaving you soabruptly, since you have been the occasion of it; but I hope youwill indulge me with some conversation, since I am desirous toknow of you several things of much greater consequence. Tell me, my dearest soul, what were the powerful reasons that induced youto persist in that obstinate silence for a whole year together, though every day you saw me, heard me talk to you, ate and drankwith me, and every night slept with me? I shall pass by your notspeaking; but how you could carry yourself so as that I couldnever discover whether you were sensible of what I said to you orno, I confess, surpasses my understanding; and I cannot yetcomprehend how you could contain yourself so long; therefore Imust conclude the occasion of it to be very extraordinary. "

"To satisfy the king of Persia's curiosity, " replied the lady, "think whether or no to be a slave, far from my own country, without any hopes of ever seeing it again, to have a heart tornwith grief, at being separated forever from my mother, mybrother, my friends, and my acquaintance, are not thesesufficient reasons for the silence your majesty has thought sostrange and unaccountable?"

"The love of our native country is as natural to us as that of ourparents; and the loss of liberty is insupportable to everyone whois not wholly destitute of common sense, and knows how to set avalue on it. The body indeed may be enslaved, and under thesubjection of a master, who has the power and authority in hishands; the will can never be conquered, but remains free andunconfined, depending on itself alone, as your majesty has foundin my case; and it is a wonder that I have not followed theexample of many unfortunate wretches, whom the loss of libertyhas reduced to the melancholy resolution of procuring their owndeaths in a thousand ways, by a liberty which cannot be takenfrom them. "

"Madam, " replied the king, "I am convinced of the truth of whatyou say; but till this moment I was of opinion, that a personbeautiful, of good understanding, like yourself, whom her evildestiny had condemned to be a slave, ought to think herself veryhappy in meeting with a king for her master. "

"Sire, " replied the lady, "whatever the slave be, as I havealready observed to your majesty, there is no king on earth cantyrannize over her will. When indeed you speak of a slavemistress of charms sufficient to captivate a monarch, and inducehim to love her; if she be of a rank infinitely below him, I amof your opinion, she ought to think herself happy in hermisfortunes: still what happiness can it be, when she considersherself only as a slave, torn from a parent's arms, and perhapsfrom those of a lover, her passion for whom death only canextinguish; but when this very slave is in nothing inferior tothe king who has purchased her, your majesty shall judge yourselfof the rigour of her destiny, her misery and her sorrow, and towhat desperate attempts the anguish of despair may drive her. "

The king of Persia, astonished at this discourse, "Madam, " saidhe, "can it be possible that you are of royal blood, as by yourwords you seem to intimate? Explain the whole secret to me, Ibeseech you, and no longer augment my impatience. Let meinstantly know who are the happy parents of so great a prodigy ofbeauty; who are your brothers, your sisters, and your relations;but, above all, tell me your name?"

"Sire, " said the fair slave, "my name is Gulnare of the Sea: andmy father, who is dead, was one of the most potent monarchs ofthe ocean. When he died, he left his kingdom to a brother ofmine, named Saleh, and to the queen, my mother, who is also aprincess, the daughter of another puissant monarch of the sea. Weenjoyed profound peace and tranquillity through the wholekingdom, till a neighbouring prince, envious of our happiness, invaded our dominions with a mighty army; and penetrating as faras our capital, made himself master of it; and we had but justtime to save ourselves in an impenetrable and inaccessible place, with a few trusty officers, who did not forsake us in ourdistress. 

"In this retreat my brother was not negligent in contriving meansto drive the unjust invaders from our dominions. One day takingme into his closet, 'Sister, ' said he, 'the events of thesmallest undertakings are always dubious. For my own part, I mayfail in the attempt I design to make to recover my kingdom; and Ishall be less concerned for my own disgrace than what maypossibly happen to you. To secure you from all accident, I wouldfain see you married. But in the present miserable condition ofour affairs, I see no probability of matching you to any of theprinces of the sea; and therefore I should be glad if you wouldconcur in my opinion, and think of marrying one of the princes ofthe earth. I am ready to contribute all that lies in my powertowards accomplishing this; and am certain there is not one ofthem, however powerful, but, considering your beauty, would beproud of sharing his crown with you. '

"At this discourse of my brother's, I fell into a violentpassion. 'Brother, ' said I, 'you know that I am descended, aswell as you, from the kings and queens of the sea, without anymixture of alliance with those of the earth; therefore I do notdesign to marry below myself, and I have taken an oath to thateffect. The condition to which we are reduced shall never obligeme to alter my resolution; and if you perish in the execution ofyour design, I am prepared to fall with you, rather than followthe advice I so little expected from you. '

"My brother, who was still earnest for my marriage, howeverimproper for me, endeavoured to make me believe that there werekings of the earth who were no ways inferior to those of the sea. This put me into a more violent passion, which occasioned him tosay several bitter reflecting things, that nettled me to thequick. He left me, as much dissatisfied with myself as he couldpossibly be with me; and in this peevish mood I gave a springfrom the bottom of the sea up to the Island of the Moon. 

"Notwithstanding the violent discontent that made me cast myselfupon that island, I lived content in retirement. But in spite ofall my precautions, a person of distinction, attended by hisservants, surprised me sleeping, and carried me to his own house. He expressed much love to me, and omitted nothing which hethought might induce me to return his passion. When he saw thatfair means would not prevail upon me, he attempted to use force:but I soon made him repent of his insolence. He resolved to sellme, which he did to the merchant who brought me hither, and soldme to your majesty. He was a prudent, courteous, humane man; andduring the whole of the long journey, never gave me the leastreason to complain. 

"As for your majesty, " continued the princess Gulnare, "if youhad not shown me all the respect you have hitherto done (forwhich I am extremely obliged to your goodness), and given me suchundeniable marks of your affection, that I can no longer doubt ofit; if you had not immediately sent away your women; I hesitatenot to tell you, that I should not have remained with you. Iwould have thrown myself into the sea out of this window, whereyou accosted me when you first came into this apartment; and havegone in search of my mother, my brother, and the rest of myrelations. I should have persisted in that design, and would haveput it in execution, if after a certain time I had found myselfdeceived in the hopes of being with child; but in the condition Iam in, all I could say to my mother or my brother would neverconvince them that I have been a slave to a king like yourmajesty. They would never believe it, but would for ever upbraidme with the crime I have voluntarily committed against my honour. However, sire, be it a prince or princess that I may bring intothe world, it will be a pledge to engage me never to be partedfrom your majesty; and therefore I hope you will no longer regardme as a slave, but as a princess worthy your alliance. "

In this manner the Princess Gulnare discovered herself to theking of Persia, and finished her story. "My charming, my adorableprincess, " cried he, "what wonders have I heard! and what amplematter for my curiosity, to ask a thousand questions concerningthose strange and unheard of things which you have related! Butfirst, I ought to thank you for your goodness and patience inmaking trial of the truth and constancy of my passion. I thoughtit impossible for me to love you more than I did; but since Iknow you to be a princess, I love you a thousand times more. Princess! did I say, madam? you are no longer so; but you are myqueen, the queen of Persia; and by that title you shall soon beproclaimed throughout the whole kingdom. To-morrow the ceremonyshall be performed in my capital with a pomp and magnificencenever yet beheld; which will plainly shew that you are my queenand my lawful wife. This should long ago have been done, had yousooner convinced me of my error: for from the first moment of myseeing you, I have been of the same opinion as now, to love youalways, and never to place my affections on any other. 

"But that I may satisfy myself, and pay you all the respect thatis your due, I beseech you, madam, to inform me more particularlyof the kingdom and people of the sea, who are altogether unknownto me. I have heard much talk, indeed, of the inhabitants of thesea, but I always looked upon such accounts merely as tales orfables; by what you have told me, I am convinced there is nothingmore true; and I have a proof of it in your own person, who areone of them, and are pleased to condescend to be my wife; whichis an honour no other inhabitant on the earth can boast. There isone point however which yet perplexes me; therefore I must begthe favour of you to explain it; that is, I cannot comprehend howit is possible for you to live or move in water without beingdrowned. There are few amongst us who have the art of stayingunder water; and they would surely perish, if, after a certaintime, according to their activity and strength, they did not comeup again. "

"Sire, " replied the Queen Gulnare, "I shall with pleasure satisfythe king of Persia. We can walk at the bottom of the sea with asmuch ease as you can upon land; and we can breathe in the wateras you do in the air; so that instead of suffocating us, as itdoes you, it absolutely contributes to the preservation of ourlives. What is yet more remarkable is, that it never wets ourclothes; so that when we wish to visit the earth, we have nooccasion to dry them. Our language is the same with that of thewriting engraved upon the seal of the great prophet Solomon theson of David. 

"I must not forget to inform you further, that the water does notin the least hinder us from seeing: for we can open our eyeswithout any inconvenience: and as we have quick, piercing sight, we can discern any objects as clearly in the deepest part of thesea as upon land. We have also there a succession of day andnight; the moon affords us her light; and even the planets andthe stars appear visible to us. I have already spoken of ourkingdoms; but as the sea is much more spacious than the earth, sothere are a great number of them, and of great extent. They aredivided into provinces; and in each province are several greatcities well peopled. In short there is an infinite number ofnations differing in manners and customs, as they do on theearth. 

"The palaces of the kings and princes are sumptuous andmagnificent. Some of them are constructed of marble of variouscolours; others of rock-crystal, with which the sea abounds, mother of pearl, coral, and of other materials more valuable;gold, silver, and all sorts of precious stones are more plentifulthere than on earth. I say nothing of the pearls, since thelargest that ever were seen upon earth would not be valuedamongst us; and none but the very lowest rank of citizens wouldwear them. 

"As we have a marvellous and incredible agility to transportourselves whither we please in the twinkling of an eye, we haveno occasion for carriages or horses; not but the king has hisstables and his stud of sea horses; but they are seldom used, except upon public feasts or rejoicing days. Some, after theyhave trained them, take delight in riding and shewing their skilland dexterity in races; others put them to chariots of mother ofpearl, adorned with an infinite number of shells of all sorts, ofthe liveliest colours. These chariots are open; and in the middleis a throne on which the king sits, and shows himself to thepublic view of his subjects. The horses are trained to draw bythemselves; so that there is no occasion for a charioteer toguide them. I pass over a thousand other curious particularsrelating to these submarine countries, which would be veryentertaining to your majesty; but you must permit me to deferthem to a future opportunity, to speak of something of muchgreater consequence, which is, that the method of delivering, andthe way of managing the women of the sea in their lying-in, isvery different from those of the women of the earth; and I amafraid to trust myself in the hands of the midwives of thiscountry: therefore, since my safe delivery equally concerns usboth, with your majesty's permission, I think it proper, forgreater security, to send for my mother and my cousins, to assistat my labour; at the same time to desire the king my brother'scompany, to whom I have a great desire to be reconciled. Theywill be glad to see me again, when they understand I am wife tothe mighty king of Persia. I beseech your majesty to give meleave to send for them. I am sure they will be happy to pay theirrespects to you; and I venture to say you will be pleased to seethem. "

"Madam, " replied the king of Persia, "you are mistress; dowhatever you please; I will endeavour to receive them with allthe honours they deserve. But I would fain know how you willacquaint them with what you desire, and when they will arrive, that I may give orders to make preparation for their reception, and go myself in person to meet them. " "Sire, " replied the QueenGulnare, "there is no need of these ceremonies; they will be herein a moment; and if your majesty will but step into the closet, and look through the lattice, you shall see the manner of theirarrival. "

As soon as the king of Persia was in the closet, Queen Gulnareordered one of her women to bring her a fire-pan with a littlefire. After that she bade her retire, and shut the door. When shewas alone, she took a piece of aloes-wood out of a box, and putit into the fire-pan. As soon as she saw the smoke rise, sherepeated some words unknown to the king of Persia, who observedwith great attention all that she did. She had no sooner ended, than the sea began to be disturbed. The closet the king was inwas so contrived, that looking through the lattice on the sameside with the windows that faced the sea, he could plainlyperceive it. 

At length the sea opened at some distance; and presently therearose out of it a tall, handsome young man, with whiskers of asea-green colour; a little behind him, a lady, advanced in years, but of a majestic air, attended by five young ladies, nothinginferior in beauty to the Queen Gulnare. 

Queen Gulnare immediately came to one of the windows, and saw theking her brother, the queen her mother, and the rest of herrelations, who at the same time perceived her also. The companyadvanced, supported, as it were, upon the waves. When they cameto the edge, they nimbly, one after another, sprung in at thewindow. King Saleh, the queen her mother, and the rest of herrelations, embraced her tenderly on their first entrance, withtears in their eyes. 

After Queen Gulnare had received them with all imaginable honour, and made them sit down upon a sofa, the queen her motheraddressed herself to her: "Daughter, " said she, "I am overjoyedto see you again after so long an absence; and I am confidentthat your brother and your relations are no less so. Your leavingus without acquainting any one with your intention, involved usin inexpressible concern; and it is impossible to tell you howmany tears we have shed on your account. We know of no reasonthat could induce you to take such a resolution, but what yourbrother related to us respecting the conversation that passedbetween him and you. The advice he gave you seemed to him at thattime advantageous for settling you in the world, and suitable tothe then posture of our affairs. If you had not approved of hisproposal, you ought not to have been so much alarmed; and give meleave to tell you, you took his advice in a different light fromwhat you ought to have done. But no more of this; it serves onlyto renew the occasion of our sorrow and complaint, which we andyou ought to bury forever in oblivion; give us now an account ofall that has happened to you since we saw you last, and of yourpresent situation, but especially let us know if you aremarried. "

Gulnare immediately threw herself at her mother's feet, andkissing her hand, "Madam, " said she, "I own I have been guilty ofa fault, and I am indebted to your goodness for the pardon whichyou are pleased to grant me. What I am going to say, in obedienceto your commands, will soon convince you, that it is often invain for us to have an aversion for certain measures; I havemyself experienced that the only thing I had an abhorrence to, isthat to which my destiny has led me. " She then related the wholeof what had befallen her since she quitted the sea for the earth. As soon as she had concluded, and acquainted them with her havingbeen sold to the king of Persia, in whose palace she was atpresent; "Sister, " said the king her brother, "you have beenwrong to suffer so many indignities, but you can properly blamenobody but yourself; you have it in your power now to freeyourself, and I cannot but admire your patience, that you couldendure so long a slavery. Rise, and return with us into mykingdom, which I have reconquered from the proud usurper who hadmade himself master of it. "

The king of Persia, who heard these words from the closet wherehe stood, was in the utmost alarm; "Ah!" said he to himself, "Iam ruined, and if my queen, my Gulnare, hearken to this advice, and leave me, I shall surely die, for it is impossible for me tolive without her. " Queen Gulnare soon put him out of his fears. 

"Brother, " said she smiling, "what I have just heard gives me agreater proof than ever of the sincerity of your affection; Icould not brook your proposing to me a match with a prince of theearth: now I can scarcely forbear being angry with you foradvising me to break the engagement I have made with the mostpuissant and most renowned monarch in the world. I do not speakhere of an engagement between a slave and her master; it would beeasy to return the ten thousand pieces of gold he gave for me;but I speak now of a contract between a wife and a husband--and awife who has not the least reason to complain. He is a religious, wise, and temperate king, and has given me the most essentialdemonstrations of his love. What can be a greater proof of thesincerity of his passion, than sending away all his women (ofwhich he had a great number) immediately upon my arrival, andconfining himself to me alone? I am now his wife, and he haslately declared me queen of Persia, to share with him in hiscouncils; besides, I am pregnant, and if heaven permit me to givehim a son, that will be another motive to engage my affections tohim the more. "

"So that, brother, " continued the queen Gulnare, "instead offollowing your advice, you see I have all the reason in theworld, not only to love the king of Persia as passionately as heloves me, but also to live and die with him, more out ofgratitude than duty. I hope then neither my mother, nor you, norany of my cousins, will disapprove of the resolution or thealliance I have made, which will do equal honour to the kings ofthe sea and earth. Excuse me for giving you the trouble of cominghither from the bottom of the deep, to communicate it to you; andto enjoy the pleasure of seeing you after so long a separation. "

"Sister, " replied King Saleh, "the proposal I made you of goingback with us into my kingdom, upon the recital of your adventures(which I could not hear without concern), was only to let you seehow much we all love you, and how much I in particular honouryou, and that nothing is so dear to me as your happiness. Uponthe same account then, for my own part, I cannot condemn aresolution so reasonable and so worthy of yourself, after whatyou have told us of the king of Persia your husband, and thegreat obligations you owe him; and I am persuaded that the queenour mother will be of the same opinion. "

The queen confirmed what her son had spoken, and addressingherself to Gulnare, said, "I am glad to hear you are pleased; andI have nothing to add to what your brother has said. I shouldhave been the first to condemn you, had you not expressed all thegratitude you owe to a monarch that loves you so passionately. "

As the king of Persia had been extremely concerned under theapprehension of losing his beloved queen, so now he wastransported with joy at her resolution never to forsake him; andhaving no room to doubt of her love after so open a declaration, he resolved to evince his gratitude in every possible way. 

While the king was indulging incredible pleasure, Queen Gulnareclapped her hands, and immediately some of her slaves entered, whom she had ordered to bring in a collation: as soon as it wasserved up, she invited the queen her mother, the king herbrother, and her cousins to partake. They began to reflect thatthey were in the palace of a mighty king, who had never seen orheard of them, and that it would be rudeness to eat at his tablewithout him. This reflection raised a blush in their faces, andin their emotion, their eyes glowing like fire, they breathedflames at their mouths and nostrils. 

This unexpected sight put the king of Persia, who was totallyignorant of the cause of it, into a dreadful consternation. QueenGulnare, suspecting this, and understanding the intention of herrelations, rose from her seat, and told them she would be back ina moment. She went directly to the closet, and by her presencerecovered the king of Persia from his surprise; "Sir, " said she, "I doubt not but that your majesty is well pleased with theacknowledgment I have made of the many favours for which I amindebted to you. I might have complied with the wishes of myrelations, and gone back with them into their dominions; but I amnot capable of such ingratitude, for which I should have been thefirst to condemn myself. " "Ah! my queen, " cried the king ofPersia, "speak no more of your obligations to me; you have none;I am under so many to you, that I shall never be able to repaythem. I never thought it possible you could have loved me sotenderly as you do, and as you have made appear to me in the mostendearing manner. " "Ah! sir, " replied Gulnare "could I do less? Ifear I have not done enough, considering all the honours thatyour majesty has heaped upon me; and it is impossible for me toremain insensible of your love, after so many convincing proofsas you have given me. "

"But, sir, " continued Gulnare, "let us drop this subject, andgive me leave to assure you of the sincere friendship the queenmy mother and the king my brother are pleased to honour you with;they earnestly desire to see you, and tell you so themselves: Iintended to have had some conversation with them by ordering abanquet for them, before I introduced them to your majesty; butthey are impatient to pay their respects to you; and therefore Ibeseech your majesty to be pleased to honour them with yourpresence. "

"Madam, " said the king of Persia, "I should be glad to salutepersons who have the honour to be so nearly related to you, but Iam afraid of the flames they breathe at their mouths andnostrils. " "Sir, " replied the queen laughing, "you need not inthe least fear those flames, which are nothing but a sign oftheir unwillingness to eat in your palace, without your honouringthem with your presence, and eating with them. "

The king of Persia, encouraged by these words, rose and went intothe apartment with his Queen Gulnare She presented him to thequeen her mother, to the king her brother, and to her otherrelations; who instantly threw themselves at his feet, with theirfaces to the ground. The king of Persia ran to them, and liftingthem up, embraced them one after another. After they were allseated, King Saleh began: "Sir;" said he to the king of Persia, "we are at a loss for words to express our joy, to think that thequeen my sister, in her disgrace, should have the happiness offalling under the protection of so powerful a monarch. We canassure you, she is not unworthy of the high rank to which youhave been pleased to raise her; and we have always had so muchlove and tenderness for her, that we could never think or partingwith her to any of the puissant princes of the sea, who haveoften demanded her in marriage before she came of age. Heaven hasreserved her for you, and we have no better way of testifying ourgratitude for the favour it has done her, than beseeching it togrant your majesty a long and happy life with her, and to crownyou with prosperity and satisfaction. 

"Certainly, " replied the king of Persia, "heaven reserved her forme, as you observe. I love her with so tender and ardent apassion, that I am satisfied I never loved any woman till I sawher. I cannot sufficiently thank either the queen her mother oryou, prince, or your whole family, for the generosity with whichyou have consented to receive me into an alliance so glorious tome as yours. " So saying he invited them to take part of thecollation, and he and his queen sat down with them. After thecollation, the king of Persia conversed with them till it wasvery late; and when they thought it convenient to retire, hewaited upon them himself to the several apartments he had orderedto be prepared for them. 

The king of Persia treated his illustrious guests with continualfeasts; in which he omitted nothing that might shew his grandeurand magnificence, and insensibly prevailed with them to stay withhim till the queen was brought to bed. When the time of herlying-in drew near, he gave particular orders that nothing shouldbe wanting proper for such an occasion. At length she was broughtto bed of a son, to the great joy of the queen her mother, whoassisted at the labour, and presented him to the king. 

The king of Persia received this present with a joy easier to beimagined than expressed. The young prince being of a beautifulcountenance, he thought no name so proper for him as that ofBeder, which in the Arabian language signifies the Full Moon. Toreturn thanks to heaven, he was very liberal in his alms to thepoor, caused the prison doors to be set open, and gave all hisslaves of both sexes their liberty. He distributed vast sumsamong the ministers and holy men of his religion. He also gavelarge donations to his courtiers, besides a considerable sum thatwas thrown amongst the people; and by proclamation, orderedrejoicings to be kept for several days through the whole city. 

One day, after the queen was recovered, as the king of Persia, Gulnare, the queen her mother, King Saleh her brother, and theprincesses their relations, were discoursing together in hermajesty's bed-chamber, the nurse came in with the young princeBeder in her arms. King Saleh as soon as he saw him, ran toembrace him, and taking him in his arms, kissed and caressed himwith the greatest demonstrations of tenderness. He took severalturns with him about the room, dancing and tossing him about, when all of a sudden, through a transport of joy, the windowbeing open, he sprung out, and plunged with him into the sea. 

The king of Persia, who expected no such sight, believing heshould either see the prince his son no more, or else that heshould see him drowned, was overwhelmed in affliction. "Sir, "said queen Gulnare (with a quiet and undisturbed countenance, thebetter to comfort him), "let your majesty fear nothing; the youngprince is my son as well as yours, and I do not love him lessthan yourself. You see I am not alarmed; neither in truth ought Ito be. He runs no risk, and you will soon see the king his uncleappear with him again, and bring him back safe. Although he beborn of your blood, he is equally of mine, and will have the sameadvantage his uncle and I possess, of living equally in the sea, and upon the land. " The queen his mother and the princesses hisrelations affirmed the same thing; yet all they said had noeffect on the king, who could not recover from his alarm till heagain saw prince Beder. 

The sea at length became troubled, when immediately King Saleharose with the young prince in his arms, and holding him up inthe air, reentered at the window from which he had leaped. Theking of Persia being overjoyed to see Prince Beder again, andastonished that he was as calm as before he lost sight of him;King Saleh said, "Sir, was not your majesty in alarm, when youfirst saw me plunge into the sea with the prince my nephew?""Alas prince, " answered the king of Persia, "I cannot express myconcern. I thought him lost from that very moment, and you nowrestore life to me by bringing him again. " "I thought as much, "replied King Saleh, "though you had not the least reason toapprehend danger; for before I plunged into the sea, I pronouncedover him certain mysterious words, which were engraved on theseal of the great Solomon the son of David. We practise the likein relation to all those children that are born in the regions atthe bottom of the sea, by virtue whereof they receive the sameprivileges as we have over those people who inhabit the earth. From what your majesty has observed, you may easily see whatadvantage your son Prince Beder has acquired by his birth on thepart of his mother Gulnare my sister: for as long as he lives, and as often as he pleases, he will be at liberty to plunge intothe sea, and traverse the vast empires it contains in its bosom. "

Having so spoken, King Saleh, who had restored Prince Beder tohis nurse's arms, opened a box he had fetched from his palace inthe little time he had disappeared, which was filled with threehundred diamonds, as large as pigeons' eggs; a like number ofrubies of extraordinary size; as many emerald wands, each half afoot long, and thirty strings or necklaces of pearl consistingeach of ten feet. "Sir, " said he to the king of Persia, presenting him with this box, "when I was first summoned by thequeen my sister, I knew not what part of the earth she was in, orthat she had the honour to be married to so great a monarch. Thismade us come without a present. As we cannot express how much wehave been obliged to your majesty, I beg you to accept this smalltoken of gratitude in acknowledgment of the many favours you havebeen pleased to shew her, wherein we take equal interest. "

It is impossible to express how greatly the king of Persia wassurprised at the sight of so much riches, enclosed in so littlecompass. "What! prince, " cried he, "do you call so inestimable apresent a small token of your gratitude, when you never have beenindebted to me? I declare once more you have never been in theleast obliged to me, neither the queen your mother nor you. Iesteem myself but too happy in the consent you have given to thealliance I have contracted with you. Madam, " continued he, turning to Gulnare, "the king your brother has put me into thegreatest confusion; and I would beg of him to permit me to refusehis present, were I not afraid of disobliging him: do youtherefore endeavour to obtain his leave that I may be excusedaccepting it. "

"Sir, " replied King Saleh, "I am not at all surprised that yourmajesty thinks this present so extraordinary. I know you are notaccustomed upon earth to see precious stones of this quality andnumber: but if you knew, as I do, the mines whence these jewelswere taken, and that it is in my power to form a treasure greaterthan those of all the kings of the earth, you would wonder weshould have the boldness to make you so small a present. Ibeseech you therefore not to regard its trifling value, butconsider the sincere friendship which obliges us to offer it toyou, and not give us the mortification of refusing it. " Theseengaging expressions obliged the king of Persia to accept thepresent, for which he returned many thanks both to King Saleh andthe queen his mother. 

A few days after, King Saleh gave the king of Persia tounderstand, that the queen his mother, the princesses hisrelations, and himself, could have no greater pleasure than tospend their whole lives at his court; but that having been solong absent from their own kingdom, where their presence wasabsolutely necessary, they begged of him to excuse them if theytook leave of him and Queen Gulnare. The king of Persia assuredthem, he was sorry it was not in his power to return their visitin their own dominions; but added, "As I am persuaded you willnot forget Gulnare, I hope I shall have the honour to see youagain more than once. "

Many tears were shed on both sides upon their separation. KingSaleh departed first; but the queen his mother and the princesseshis relations were obliged to force themselves from the embracesof Gulnare, who could not prevail with herself to let them go. This royal company were no sooner out of sight, than the king ofPersia said to Gulnare, "Madam, I should have looked upon theperson who had pretended to pass those upon me for true wonders, of which I myself have been eye-witness from the time I have beenhonoured with your illustrious family at my court, as one whowould have abused my credulity. But I cannot refuse to believe mysenses; and shall remember them while I live, and never cease tobless heaven for directing you to me, in preference to any otherprince. "

Beder was brought up and educated in the palace under the care ofthe king and queen of Persia, who both saw him grow and increasein beauty to their great satisfaction. He gave them yet greaterpleasure as he advanced in years, by his continual sprightliness, his agreeable manners, and the justness and vivacity of his wit;and this satisfaction was the more sensible, because King Salehhis uncle, the queen his grandmother, and the princesses hisrelations, came from time to time to partake of it. 

He was easily taught to read and write, and was instructed withthe same facility in all the sciences that became a prince of hisrank. 

When he arrived at the age of fifteen, he acquitted himself inall his exercises with infinitely better address and grace thanhis masters. He was withal wise and prudent. The king, who hadalmost from his cradle discovered in him virtues so necessary fora monarch, and who moreover began to perceive the infirmities ofold age coming upon himself every day, would not stay till deathgave him possession of his throne, but purposed to resign it tohim. He had no great difficulty to make his council consent tothis arrangement: and the people heard his resolution with somuch the more joy, as they conceived Prince Beder worthy togovern them. In a word, as the king had not for a long timeappeared in public, they had the opportunity of observing that hehad not that disdainful, proud, and distant air, which mostprinces have, who look upon all below them with scorn andcontempt. They saw, on the contrary, that he treated all mankindwith that goodness which invited them to approach him; that heheard favourably all who had anything to say to him; that heanswered everybody with a goodness that was peculiar to him; andthat he refused nobody any thing that had the least appearance ofjustice. 

The day for the ceremony was appointed, when in the midst of thewhole assembly, which was then more numerous than ordinary, theking of Persia came down from his throne, took the crown from hishead, put it on that of Prince Beder, and having seated him inhis place, kissed his hand as a token that he resigned hisauthority to him. After which he took his place among the crowdof viziers and emirs below the throne. 

Hereupon the viziers, emirs, and other principal officers, cameimmediately and threw themselves at the new king's feet, takingeach the oath of fidelity according to their rank. Then the grandvizier made a report of divers important matters, on which theyoung king gave judgment with that admirable prudence andsagacity that surprised all the council. He next turned outseveral governors convicted of mal-administration, and put othersin their room, with such wonderful and just discernment, asexalted the acclamations of every body, which were so much themore honourable, as flattery had no share in them. He at lengthleft the council, accompanied by his father, and went to wait onhis mother Queen Gulnare at her apartment. The queen no soonersaw him coming with his crown upon his head, than she ran to himand embraced him with tenderness, wishing him a long andprosperous reign. 

The first year of his reign King Beder acquitted himself of allhis royal functions with great assiduity. Above all, he took careto inform himself of the state of his affairs, and all that mightany way contribute towards the happiness of his people. Nextyear, having left the administration to his council, under thedirection of his father, he left his capital, under pretence ofdiverting himself with hunting; but his real intention was tovisit all the provinces of his kingdom, that he might reformabuses, establish good order, and deprive all ill-minded princes, his neighbours, of any opportunities of attempting anythingagainst the security and tranquillity of his subjects, by shewinghimself on his frontiers. 

It required no less than a whole year for the young monarch toexecute a design so worthy of him. Soon after his return, the oldking his father fell so dangerously ill, that he knew at once heshould never recover. He waited for his last moment with greattranquillity, and his only care was to recommend to the ministersand other lords of his son's court, to persevere in the fidelitythey had sworn to him: and there was not one but willinglyrenewed his oath as freely as at first. He died at length, to thegreat grief of King Beder and Queen Gulnare, who caused hiscorpse to be borne to a stately mausoleum, worthy of his rank anddignity. 

The funeral obsequies ended, King Beder found no difficulty tocomply with that ancient custom in Persia to mourn for the dead awhole month and not to be seen by anybody during that time. Hehad mourned the death of his father his whole life, had heyielded to his excessive affliction, and had it been right for agreat prince thus to abandon himself to sorrow. During thisinterval the Queen Gulnare's mother, and King Saleh, togetherwith the princesses their relations, arrived at the Persian courtto condole with their relations. 

When the month was expired, the king could not refuse admittanceto the grand vizier and the other lords of his court, whobesought him to lay aside his mourning, to shew himself to hissubjects, and take upon him the administration of affairs asbefore. 

He shewed so much reluctance to comply with their request, thatthe grand vizier was forced to take upon himself to say; "Sir, itwere needless to represent to your majesty, that it belongs onlyto women to persist in perpetual mourning. We doubt not but youare fully convinced of this, and that it is not your intention tofollow their example. Neither our tears nor yours are capable ofrestoring life to the good king your father, though we shouldlament him all our days. He has submitted to the common law ofall men, which subjects them to pay the indispensable tribute ofdeath. Yet we cannot say absolutely that he is dead, since we seein him your sacred person. He did not himself doubt, when he wasdying, but he should revive in you, and to your majesty itbelongs to show that he was not deceived. "

King Beder could no longer oppose such pressing instances; helaid aside his mourning; and after he had resumed the royal habitand ornaments, began to provide for the necessities of hiskingdom and subjects with the same assiduity as before hisfather's death. He acquitted himself with universal approbation:and as he was exact in maintaining the ordinances of hispredecessor, the people did not perceive they had changed theirsovereign. 

King Saleh, who was returned to his dominions in the sea with thequeen his mother and the princesses, no sooner saw that KingBeder had resumed the government, but he at the end of the yearcame alone to visit him; and King Beder and Queen Gulnare wereoverjoyed to see him. One evening, talking of various matters, King Saleh fell insensibly on the praises of the king his nephew, and expressed to the queen his sister how glad he was to see himgovern so prudently, as to acquire such high reputation, not onlyamong his neighbours, but more remote princes. King Beder, whocould not bear to hear himself so well spoken of, and not beingwilling, through good manners, to interrupt the king his uncle, turned on one side, and feigned to be asleep, leaning his headagainst a cushion that was behind him. 

From these commendations, which regarded only the conduct andgenius of Beder, King Saleh came to speak of the perfections ofhis person, which he extolled as prodigies, having nothing equalto them upon earth, or in all the kingdoms under the waters, withwhich he was acquainted. 

"Sister, " said he, "I wonder you have not thought of marryinghim: if I mistake not, he is in his twentieth year; and, at thatage, no prince ought to be suffered to be without a wife. I willthink of a match for him myself, since you will not, and marryhim to some princess of our lower world that may be worthy ofhim. "

"Brother, " replied queen Gulnare, "you call to my attention whatI must own has never occurred to me. As he discovered noinclination for marriage, I never thought of mentioning it tohim. I like your proposal of one of our princesses; and I desireyou to name one so beautiful and accomplished that the king myson may be obliged to love her. "

"I know one, " replied king Saleh, softly; "but before I tell youwho she is, let us see if the king my nephew be asleep, and Iwill tell you afterwards why it is necessary we should take thatprecaution. " Queen Gulnare turned about and looked at her son, and thought she had no reason to doubt but he was in a profoundsleep. King Beder, nevertheless, far from sleeping, redoubled hisattention, unwilling to lose any thing the king his uncle saidwith so much secrecy. "There is no necessity for your speaking solow, " said the queen to the king her brother; "you may speak outwith freedom, without fear of being heard. "

"It is by no means proper, " replied King Saleh, "that the king mynephew should as yet have any knowledge of what I am going tosay. Love, you know, sometimes enters at the ear, and it is notnecessary he should thus conceive a passion for the lady I amabout to name. Indeed I see many difficulties to be surmounted, not on the lady's part, as I hope, but on that of her father. Ineed only mention to you the princess Jehaun-ara, daughter of theking of Samandal. "

"How! brother, " replied Queen Gulnare, "is not the princess yetmarried? I remember to have seen her before I left your palace;she was then about eighteen months old, surprisingly beautiful, and must needs be the wonder of the world, if her charms haveincreased with her years. The few years she is older than theking my son ought not to prevent us from doing our utmost toeffect the match. Let me but know the difficulties in the way, and we will surmount them. "

"Sister, " replied King Saleh, "the greatest difficulty is, thatthe king of Samandal is insupportably vain, looking upon allothers as his inferiors: it is not likely we shall easily get himto enter into this alliance. I will however go to him in person, and demand of him the princess his daughter; and, in case herefuses her, we will address ourselves elsewhere, where we shallbe more favourably heard. For this reason, as you may perceive, "added he, "it is as well for the king my nephew not to know anything of our design, till we have the consent of the king ofSamandal. " They discoursed a little longer upon this point and, before they parted, agreed that King Saleh should forthwithreturn to his own dominions, and demand the princess for the kingof Persia his nephew. 

This done, Queen Gulnare and King Saleh, who believed King Bederasleep, agreed to awake him before they retired; and hedissembled so well that he seemed to awake from a profound sleep. He had heard every word, and the character they gave of theprincess had inflamed his heart with a new passion. He hadconceived such an idea of her beauty, that the desire ofpossessing her made him pass the night very uneasy withoutclosing his eyes. 

Next day King Saleh proposed taking leave of Gulnare and the kinghis nephew. The young king, who knew his uncle would not havedeparted so soon but to go and promote without loss of time hishappiness, changed colour when he heard him mention hisdeparture. His passion was become so violent, it would not sufferhim to wait so long for the sight of his mistress as would berequired to accomplish the marriage. He more than once resolvedto desire his uncle to bring her away with him: but as he did notwish to let the queen his mother understand he knew anything ofwhat had passed, he desired him only to stay with him one daymore, that they might hunt together, intending to take thatopportunity to discover his mind to him. 

The day for hunting was fixed, and King Beder had manyopportunities of being alone with his uncle; but he had notcourage to acquaint him with his design. 

In the heat of the chase, when King Saleh was separated from him, and not one of his officers or attendants was near him, healighted by a rivulet; and having tied his horse to a tree, which, with several others growing along the banks, afforded avery pleasing shade, he laid himself on the grass, and gave freecourse to his tears, which flowed in great abundance, accompaniedwith many sighs. 

He remained a good while in this condition, absorbed in thought, without speaking a word. King Saleh, in the meantime, missing theking his nephew, began to be much concerned to know what wasbecome of him; but could meet no one who could give any tidingsof him. He therefore left his company to seek for him, and atlength perceived him at a distance. He had observed the daybefore, and more plainly that day, that he was not so lively ashe used to be; and that, if he was asked a question, he eitheranswered not at all, or nothing to the purpose; but never in theleast suspected the cause. As soon as he saw him dying in thatdisconsolate posture, he immediately guessed he had not onlyheard what had passed between him and Queen Gulnare, but wasbecome passionately in love. He alighted at some distance fromhim, and having tied his horse to a tree, came upon him sosoftly, that he heard him pronounce the following words:

"Amiable princess of the kingdom of Samandal, I have no doubt hadbut an imperfect sketch of your incomparable beauty; I hold youto be still more beautiful in preference to all the princesses inthe world, and to excel them as much as the sun does the moon andstars. I would this moment go and offer you my heart, if I knewwhere to find you; it belongs to you, and no princess shall bepossessor of it but yourself!"

King Saleh would hear no more; he advanced immediately, anddiscovered himself to Beder. "From what I see, nephew, " said he, "you heard what the queen your mother and I said the other day ofthe princess Jehaun-ara. It was not our intention you should haveknown any thing respecting her, and we thought you were asleep. ""My dear uncle, " replied King Beder, "I heard every word, andhave sufficiently experienced the effect you foretold; which itwas not in your power to prevent. I detained you on purpose toacquaint you with my love before your departure; but the shame ofdisclosing my weakness, if it be any to love a princess so worthyof my affection, sealed up my mouth. I beseech you then, by thefriendship you profess for a prince who has the honour to be sonearly allied to you, that you would pity me, and not wait toprocure me the consent of the divine Jehaun-ara, till you havegained that of the king of Samandal that I may marry hisdaughter, unless you had rather see me die with love, before Ibehold her. "

These words of the king of Persia greatly embarrassed King Saleh. He represented to him how difficult it was to give him thesatisfaction he desired, and that he could not do it withoutcarrying him along with him; which might be of dangerousconsequence, since his presence was so absolutely necessary inhis kingdom. He conjured him, therefore, to moderate his passion, till such time as he had put things into a train to satisfy him, assuring him he would use his utmost diligence, and would come toacquaint him in a few days. But these reasons were not sufficientto satisfy the king of Persia. "Cruel uncle, " said he. "I findyou do not love me so much as you pretended, and that you hadrather see me die than grant the first request I ever made. "

"I am ready to convince your majesty, " replied King Saleh, "thatI would do any thing to serve you; but as for carrying you alongwith me, I cannot do that till I have spoken to the queen yourmother. What would she say of you and me? If she consents, I amready to do all you would have me, and will join my entreaties toyours. " "You cannot be ignorant, " replied the king of Persia, "that the queen my mother would never willingly part with me; andtherefore this excuse does but farther convince me of yourunkindness. If you really love me, as you would have me believe, you must return to your kingdom immediately, and take me withyou. "

King Saleh, finding himself obliged to yield to his nephew'simportunity, drew from his finger a ring, on which were engravedthe same mysterious names of God that were upon Solomon's seal, which had wrought so many wonders by their virtue. "Here, takethis ring, " said he, "put it on your finger, and fear neither thewaters of the sea, nor their depth. " The king of Persia took thering, and when he had put it on his finger, King Saleh said tohim, "Do as I do. " At the same time they both mounted lightly upinto the air, and made towards the sea, which was not fardistant, and they both plunged into it. 

The sea-king was not long in arriving at his palace, with theking of Persia, whom he immediately carried to the queen'sapartments, and presented to her. The king of Persia kissed thequeen his grandmother's hands, and she embraced him with greatdemonstrations of joy. "I do not ask you how you do, " said she, "I see you are very well, and am rejoiced at it; but I desire toknow how my daughter your mother Queen Gulnare does. " The king ofPersia took great care not to let her know that he had come awaywith out taking leave of her; on the contrary he told her, thequeen his mother was in perfect health, and had enjoined him topay her duty to her. The queen then presented him to theprincesses; and while he was in conversation with them, she lefthim, and went with King Saleh into a closet, who told her how theking of Persia was fallen in love with the Princess Jehaun-ara, upon the bare relation of her beauty, and contrary to hisintention; that he had, against his own wishes, brought him alongwith him, and that he was going to concert measures to procurethe princess for him in marriage. 

Although King Saleh was, to do him justice, perfectly innocent ofthe king of Persia's passion, yet the queen could hardly forgivehis indiscretion in mentioning the princess Jehaun-ara beforehim, "Your imprudence is not to be forgiven, " said she; "can youthink that the king of Samandal, whose character is so wellknown, will have greater consideration for you, than the manyother kings to whom he has refused his daughter, with suchevident contempt? Would you have him send you away with the sameconfusion?

"Madam, " replied King Saleh, "I have already told you it wascontrary to my intention that the king my nephew heard what Irelated of the beauty of the princess to the queen my sister. Thefault is committed, and we must consider what a violent passionhe has for this princess, and that he will die with grief andaffliction, if we do not speedily obtain her for him. For mypart, I shall omit nothing that can contribute to effect theirunion: since I was, though innocently, the cause of the malady, Iwill do all I can to remedy it. I hope, madam, you will approveof my resolution, to go myself and wait on the king of Samandal, with a rich present of precious stones, and demand the princesshis daughter of him for the king of Persia. I have some reason tobelieve he will not refuse, but will be pleased with an alliancewith one of the greatest potentates of the earth. "

"It were to have been wished, " replied the queen, "that we hadnot been under a necessity of making this demand, since thesuccess of our attempt is not so certain as we could desire; butsince my grandson's peace and content depend upon it, I freelygive my consent. But, above all, I charge you, since you wellknow the humour of the king of Samandal, that you take care tospeak to him with due respect, and in a manner that cannotpossibly offend him. "

The queen prepared the present herself, composing it of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and strings of pearl, all which she put into arich box. Next morning King Saleh took leave of her majesty andthe king of Persia, and departed with a chosen and small troop ofofficers, and attendants. He soon arrived at the kingdom, and thepalace of the king of Samandal, who delayed not to give himaudience. He rose from his throne as soon as he perceived him;and King Saleh, forgetting his character for some moments, knowing whom he had to deal with, prostrated himself at his feet, wishing him the accomplishment of all his desires. The king ofSamandal stooped to raise him, and after he had placed him on hisleft hand, told him he was welcome, and asked him if there wasany thing he could do to serve him. 

"Sir, " answered King Saleh, "though I should have no other motivethan that of paying my respects to the most potent, most prudent, and most valiant prince in the world, feeble would be my languageto express how much I honour your majesty. Could you penetrateinto my inmost soul, you would be convinced of the greatveneration I have for you, and of my ardent desire to testify myattachment. " Having spoke these words, he took the box of jewelsfrom one of his servants, and having opened it, presented it tothe king, imploring him to accept of it for his sake. 

"Prince, " replied the king of Samandal, "you would not make mesuch a present unless you had a request proportionable to it topropose. If there be any thing in my power to grant, you mayfreely command me, and I shall feel the greatest pleasure incomplying with your wishes. Speak, and tell me frankly, wherein Ican serve you?"

"I must own ingenuously, " replied King Saleh, "I have a boon toask of your majesty; and I shall take care to ask nothing butwhat is in your power to bestow. The thing depends so absolutelyon yourself, that it would be to no purpose to ask it of any oneelse. I ask it then with all possible earnestness, and I beg ofyou not to refuse me. " "If it be so, " replied the king ofSamandal, "you have nothing to do but acquaint me what it is, andyou shall see after what manner I can oblige when it is in mypower. "

"Sir, " said King Saleh, "after the confidence with which yourmajesty has been pleased to inspire me, I will not dissemble anylonger, that I came to beg of you to honour our house with youralliance by the marriage of your daughter, and to strengthen thegood understanding that has so long subsisted between our twocrowns. "

At these words the king of Samandal burst into a loud laugh, falling back in his throne against a cushion that supported him, and with an imperious and scornful air, said, "King Saleh, I havealways hitherto thought you a prince of great wisdom, andprudence; but what you say convinces me I was mistaken. Tell me, I beseech you, where was your wit or discretion, when you formedto yourself such a chimera as you have proposed to me? Could youconceive a thought of aspiring in marriage to a princess, thedaughter of so powerful a monarch as myself? You ought to haveconsidered the great distance between us, and not run the risk oflosing in a moment the esteem I always had for you. "

King Saleh was hurt at this affronting answer, and could scarcelyrestrain his resentment; however he replied with all possiblemoderation, "God reward your majesty as you deserve! I have thehonour to inform you, I do not demand the princess your daughterin marriage for myself; had I done even that, your majesty andthe princess, so far from being offended, should have thought itan honour done to both. Your majesty well knows I am one of thekings of the sea as well as yourself; that my ancestors yield notin antiquity to any royal house; and that the kingdom I inheritis no less potent and flourishing than your own. If your majestyhad not interrupted me, you had soon understood that the favour Iasked was not for myself, but for the young king of Persia mynephew, whose power and grandeur, no less than his personal goodqualities, cannot be unknown to you. Everybody acknowledges thePrincess Jehaun-ara to be the most beautiful under ocean: but itis no less true, that the king of Persia is the handsomest andmost accomplished prince on earth. Thus the favour that is askedbeing likely to redound to the honour both of your majesty andthe princess your daughter, you ought not to doubt that yourconsent to an alliance so equal will be unanimously approved inall the kingdoms of the sea. The princess is worthy of the kingof Persia, and the king of Persia is no less worthy of her. "

The king of Samandal had not permitted King Saleh to speak solong, but that rage deprived him of all power of speech. Atlength, however, he broke out into outrageous and insultingexpressions, unworthy of a great king. "Dog, " cried he, "dare youtalk to me after this manner, and so much as mention mydaughter's name in my presence Can you think the son of yoursister Gulnare worthy to come in competition with my daughter?Who are you? Who was your father? Who is your sister? And whoyour nephew? Was not his father a dog, and the son of a dog, likeyou? Guards, seize the insolent wretch, and strike off his head. "

The few officers who were about the king of Samandal wereimmediately going to obey his orders, when King Saleh, who was inthe flower of his age, nimble and vigorous, got from them, beforethey could draw their sabres; and having reached the palace-gate, found there a thousand men of his relations and friends, wellarmed and equipped, who were just arrived. The queen his motherhaving considered the small number of attendants he had takenwith him, and foreseeing the reception he would probably meetfrom the king of Samandal, had sent these troops to protect anddefend him in case of danger, ordering them to make haste. Thoseof his relations who were at the head of this troop had reason torejoice at their seasonable arrival, when they beheld him and hisattendants running in great disorder, and pursued. "Sire, " criedhis friends, the moment he joined them, "who has insulted you? Weare ready to revenge you: you need only command us. "

King Saleh related his case to them in few words, and puttinghimself at the head of a troop, while some seized the gates, here-entered the palace. The few officers and guards who hadpursued him, being soon dispersed, he forced the king ofSamandal's apartment, who, being abandoned by his attendants, wassoon seized. King Saleh left sufficient guards to secure hisperson, and then went from apartment to apartment, to searchafter the Princess Jehaun-ara. But she, on the first alarm, had, together with her women, sprung up to the surface of the sea, andescaped to a desert island. 

While this passed in the palace of the king of Samandal, those ofKing Saleh's attendants who had fled at the first menaces of thatking, put the queen mother into terrible consternation, onrelating the danger of her son. King Beder, who was present atthe time, was the more concerned, as he looked upon himself asthe principal author of the mischief that might ensue: therefore, not caring to abide the queen's presence any longer, whilst shewas giving the orders necessary at that conjuncture, he darted upfrom the bottom of the sea; and not knowing how to find his wayto the kingdom of Persia, happened to land on the island wherethe Princess Jehaun-ara had saved herself. 

The prince, not a little disturbed in mind, seated himself underthe shade of a large tree, surrounded by others. Whilst he wasendeavouring to recover himself, he heard somebody talking, butwas too far off to understand what was said. He arose, andadvanced softly towards the place whence the sound proceeded, where, among the branches, he perceived a beauty that dazzledhim. "Doubtless, " said he, within himself, stopping andconsidering her with great attention, "this must be the princessJehaun-ara, whom fear has obliged to abandon her father's palace;or if it be not, she no less deserves my love. " This said, hecame forward, and discovering himself, approached the princesswith profound reverence. "Madam, " said he, "I can neversufficiently thank Heaven for the favour it has done me inpresenting to my eyes so much beauty. A greater happiness couldnot have befallen me than this opportunity to offer you myservices. I beseech you, therefore, madam, to accept them, itbeing impossible that a lady in this solitude should not wantassistance. "

"True, my lord, " replied Jehaun-ara, sorrowfully; "it is not alittle extraordinary for a lady of my quality to be in thissituation. I am a princess, daughter of the king of Samandal, andmy name is Jehaun-ara. I was at ease in my father's palace, in myapartment, when suddenly I heard a dreadful noise: news wasimmediately brought me, that king Saleh, I know not for whatreason, had forced the palace, seized the king my father, andmurdered all the guards who made any resistance. I had only timeto save myself, and escape hither from his violence. "

At these words King Beder began to be concerned that he had quittedhis grandmother so hastily, without staying to hear from her anexplanation of the news that had been brought. But he was, on theother hand, overjoyed to find that the king his uncle had renderedhimself master of the king of Samandal's person, not doubting but hewould consent to give up the princess for his liberty. "Adorableprincess, " continued he, "your concern is most just, but it is easy toput an end both to that and your father's captivity. You will agreewith me, when I shall tell you that I am Beder, king of Persia, andKing Saleh is my uncle: I assure you, madam, he has no design to seizethe king your father's dominions; his only intention is to obtain yourfather's consent, that I may have the honour and happiness of beinghis son-in-law. I had already given my heart to you, upon the barerelation of your beauty and charms; and now, far from repenting, I begof you to accept it, and to be assured that I will love you as long asI live. I dare flatter myself you will not refuse this favour, but beready to acknowledge that a king, who quitted his dominions purely onyour account, deserves some acknowledgment. Permit me then, beauteousprincess! to have the honour to present you to the king my uncle; andthe king your father shall no sooner have consented to our marriage, than King Saleh will leave him sovereign of his dominions as before. "

This declaration of King Beder did not produce the effect heexpected. It is true, the princess no sooner saw him, than hisperson, air, and the grace wherewith he accosted her, led her toregard him as one who would not have been disagreeable to her;but when she heard that he had been the occasion of all the illtreatment her father had suffered, of the grief and fright shehad endured, and especially the necessity she was reduced to offlying her country; she looked upon him as an enemy with whom sheought to have no connection. Whatever inclination she might haveto agree to the marriage which he desired, she determined neverto consent, reflecting that one of the reasons her father mighthave against this match might be, that King Beder was son of aking of the earth. 

She would not, however, let King Beder know her resentment; butsought an occasion to deliver herself dexterously out of hishands; and seeming in the meantime to have a great kindness forhim, "Are you then, " said she, with all possible civility, "sonof the Queen Gulnare, so famous for her wit and beauty? I am gladof it, and rejoice that you are the son of so worthy a mother. The king my father was much in the wrong so strongly to opposeour union: had he but seen you, he must have consented to make ushappy. " Saying so, she reached forth her hand to him as a tokenof friendship. 

King Beder, believing himself arrived at the very pinnacle ofhappiness, held forth his hand, and taking that of the princess, stooped down to kiss it, when she, pushing him back, and spittingin his face for want of water to throw at him, said, "Wretch, quit the form of a man, and take that of a white bird, with a redbill and feet. " Upon her pronouncing these words, King Beder wasimmediately changed into a bird of that description, to his greatsurprise and mortification. "Take him, " said she to one of herwomen, "and carry him to the Dry Island. " This island was onlyone frightful rock, where not a drop of water was to be had. 

The waiting-woman took the bird, but in executing her princess'sorders, had compassion on King Beder's misfortune. "It would begreat pity, " said she to herself, "to let a prince so worthy tolive die of hunger and thirst. The princess, who is good andgentle, will, it may be, repent of this cruel order, when shecomes to herself; it were better that I carried him to a placewhere he may die a natural death. " She accordingly carried him toa well-frequented island, and left him in a charming plain, planted with all sorts of fruit-trees, and watered by diversrivulets. 

Let us return to King Saleh. After he had sought for the princessJehaun-ara to no purpose, he caused the king of Samandal to beshut up in his own palace, under a strong guard; and having giventhe necessary orders for governing the kingdom in his absence, returned to give the queen his mother an account of what he haddone. The first question he asked on his arrival was, "Where wasthe king his nephew?" and he learned with great surprise andvexation that he could not be found. "News being brought me, "said the queen, "of the danger you were in at the palace of theking of Samandal, whilst I was giving orders to send you othertroops to avenge you, he disappeared. He must have been alarmedat hearing of your being in such great danger, and did not thinkhimself in sufficient security with us. "

This news exceedingly afflicted King Saleh, who now repentedbeing so easily wrought upon by King Beder as to carry him awaywith him without his mother's consent. He sent everywhere to seekfor him, but could hear no tidings of him; and instead of the joyhe felt at having carried on so far the marriage, which he lookedupon as his own work, his grief for this accident was moremortifying. Whilst he was under this suspense about his nephew, he left his kingdom under the administration of his mother, andwent to govern that of the king of Samandal, whom he continued tokeep with great vigilance, though with all due respect to hischaracter. 

The same day that King Saleh returned to the kingdom of Samandal, Queen Gulnare arrived at the court of the queen her mother. Theprincess was not at all surprised to find her son did not returnthe same day he set out: it being not uncommon for him to gofarther than he proposed in the heat of the chase; but when shesaw he neither returned the next day, nor the day after, shebegan to be alarmed, as may easily be imagined from her affectionfor him. This alarm was augmented, when the officers, who hadaccompanied the king, and were obliged to return after they hadfor a long time sought in vain both for him and his uncle, cameand told her majesty they must of necessity have come to someharm, or must be together in some place which they could notguess; since, notwithstanding all the diligence they had used, they could hear no tidings of them. Their horses indeed they hadfound, but as for their persons, they knew not where to look forthem. The queen hearing this, had resolved to dissemble andconceal her affliction, bidding the officers to search once morewith their utmost diligence; but in the meantime she plunged intothe sea, to satisfy herself as to the suspicion she hadentertained that king Saleh must have carried his nephew withhim. 

This great queen would have been more affectionately received byher mother, had she not, on first seeing her, guessed theoccasion of her coming. "Daughter, " said she, "I plainly perceiveyou are not come hither to visit me; you come to inquire afterthe king your son; and the only news I can tell you will augmentboth your grief and mine. I no sooner saw him arrive in ourterritories, than I rejoiced; yet when I came to understand hehad come away without your knowledge, I began to participate withyou the concern you must needs suffer. " Then she related to herwith what zeal King Saleh went to demand the Princess Jehaun-arain marriage for King Beder, and what had happened, till her sondisappeared. "I have sought diligently after him, " added she, "and the king my son, who is but just gone to govern the kingdomof Samandal, has done all that lay in his power. All ourendeavours have hitherto proved unsuccessful, but we must hopenevertheless to see him again, perhaps when we least expect it. "

Queen Gulnare was not satisfied with this hope: she looked uponthe king her son as lost, and lamented him bitterly, laying allthe blame on the king his uncle. The queen her mother made herconsider the necessity of not yielding too much to grief. "Theking your brother, " said she, "ought not, it is true, to havetalked to you so inconsiderately about that marriage, nor everhave consented to carry away the king my grandson, withoutacquainting you; yet, since it is not certain that the king ofPersia is absolutely lost, you ought to neglect nothing topreserve his kingdom for him: lose then no more time, but returnto your capital; your presence there will be necessary, and itwill not be difficult for you to preserve the public peace, bycausing it to be published, that the king of Persia was gone tovisit his grandmother. "

This was sufficient to oblige Queen Gulnare to yield. She tookleave of the queen her mother, and returned to the palace of thecapital of Persia before she had been missed. She immediatelydespatched persons to recall the officers she had sent after theking, to tell them that she knew where his majesty was, and thatthey should soon see him again. She also caused the same reportto be spread throughout the city, and governed, in concert withthe prime minister and council, with the same tranquillity as ifthe king had been present. 

To return to King Beder, whom the Princess Jehaun-ara'swaiting-woman had left in the island before mentioned; thatmonarch was not a little surprised when he found himself alone, and under the form of a bird. He esteemed himself yet moreunhappy, in that he knew not where he was, or in what part of theworld the kingdom of Persia lay. But if he had known, and hadtried the force of his wings, to hazard the traversing so manyextensive watery regions, and had reached it, what could he havegained, but the mortification to continue still in the same form, and not to be accounted even a man, much less acknowledged kingof Persia? He was forced to remain where he was, live upon suchfood as birds of his kind were wont to have, and to pass thenight on a tree. 

A few days afterwards, a peasant, skilled in taking birds withnets, chanced to come to the place where he was; when perceivingso fine a bird, the like of which he had never seen, though hehad followed that employment for a long while, he began greatlyto rejoice. He employed all his art to ensnare him; and at lengthsucceeded and took him. Overjoyed at so great a prize, which helooked upon to be of more worth than all the other birds hecommonly took, he shut it up in a cage, and carried it to thecity. As soon as he was come into the market, a citizen stopshim, and asked how much he would have for his bird?

Instead of answering, the peasant demanded of the citizen what hewould do with him in case he should buy him? "What wouldst thouhave me to do with him, " answered the citizen, "but roast and eathim?" "If that be the case, " replied the peasant, "I suppose youwould think me very well paid, if you should give me the smallestpiece of silver for him. I set a much higher value upon him, andyou should not have him for a piece of gold. Although I amadvanced in years, I never saw such a bird in my life. I intendto make a present of him to the king; he will know its valuebetter than you. "

Without staying any longer in the market, the peasant wentdirectly to the palace, and placed himself exactly before theking's apartment. His majesty, being at a window where he couldsee all that passed in the court, no sooner cast his eyes on thisbeautiful bird, than he sent an officer of his eunuchs to buy itfor him. The officer going to the peasant, demanded of him howmuch he would have for the bird? "If it be for his majesty, "answered the peasant, "I humbly beg of him to accept it of me asa present, and I desire you to carry it to him. " The officer tookthe bird to the king, who found it so great a rarity, that heordered the same officer to take ten pieces of gold, and carrythem to the peasant, who departed very well satisfied. The kingordered the bird to be put into a magnificent cage, and gave itcorn and water in rich vessels. 

The king being then ready to mount on horseback to go a hunting, had not time to consider the bird, therefore had it brought tohim as soon as he returned. The officer brought the cage, and theking, that he might the better view the bird, took it outhimself; and perched it upon his hand. Looking earnestly upon it, he demanded of the officer, if he had seen it eat. "Sir, " repliedthe officer, "your majesty may observe the vessel with his foodis still full, and I have not observed that he has touched any ofit. " Then the king ordered him meat of divers sorts, that hemight take what he liked best. 

The table being spread, and dinner served up just as the king hadgiven these orders, as soon as the dishes were placed, the bird, clapping his wings, leaped off the king's hand, flew upon thetable, where he began to peck the bread and victuals, sometimeson one plate and sometimes on another. The king was so surprisedthat he immediately sent the officer of the eunuchs to desire thequeen to come and see this wonder. The officer related it to hermajesty, and she came forthwith; but she no sooner saw the bird, than she covered her face with her veil, and would have retired. The king, surprised at her proceeding, as there was none presentin the chamber but the eunuchs and the women who attended her, asked the reason of her conduct. 

"Sir, " answered the queen, "your majesty will no longer besurprised, when you understand, that this is not as you suppose abird, but a man. " "Madam, " said the king, more astonished thanbefore, "you mean to banter me; but you shall never persuade methat a bird can be a man. " "Sir, " replied the queen, "far be itfrom me to banter your majesty; nothing is more certain than whatI have had the honour to tell you. I can assure your majesty, itis the king of Persia, named Beder, son of the celebratedGulnare, princess of one of the largest kingdoms of the sea, nephew of Saleh, king of that kingdom, and grandson of QueenFarasche, mother of Gulnare and Saleh; and it was the PrincessJehaun-ara, daughter of the king of Samandal, who thusmetamorphosed him into a bird. " That the king might no longerdoubt of what she affirmed, she told him the whole story, andstated that the Princess Jehaun-ara had thus revenged herself forthe ill treatment which King Saleh had used towards the king ofSamandal her father. 

The king had the less difficulty to believe this assertion of thequeen, as he knew her to be a skilful magician. And as she kneweverything which passed in every part of the world, he was alwaysby her means timely informed of the designs of the kings hisneighbours against him, and prevented them. His majesty hadcompassion on the king of Persia, and earnestly besought hisqueen to break the enchantment, that he might return to his ownform. 

The queen consented with great willingness. "Sir, " said she tothe king, "be pleased to take the bird into your closet, and Iwill shew you a king worthy of the consideration you have forhim. " The bird, which had ceased eating, and attended to what theking and queen said, would not give his majesty the trouble totake him, but hopped into the closet before him; and the queencame in soon after, with a vessel full of water in her hand. Shepronounced over the vessel some words unknown to the king, tillthe water began to boil; when she took some of it in her hand, and sprinkling a little upon the bird, said, "By virtue of thoseholy and mysterious words I have just pronounced, and in the nameof the Creator of heaven and earth, who raises the dead, andsupports the universe, quit the form of a bird, and re-assumethat received from thy Creator. "

The words were scarcely out of the queen's mouth, when, insteadof a bird, the king saw a young prince of good shape, air, andmien. King Beder immediately fell on his knees, and thanked Godfor the favour that had been bestowed upon him. He then took theking's hand, who helped him up, and kissed it in token ofgratitude; but the king embraced him with great joy, andtestified to him the satisfaction he had to see him. He wouldthen have made his acknowledgments to the queen, but she wasalready retired to her apartment. The king made him sit at thetable with him, and prayed him to relate how the PrincessJehaun-ara could have the inhumanity to transform into a bird soamiable a prince; and the king of Persia immediately satisfiedhim. When he had ended, the king, provoked at the proceeding ofthe princess, could not help blaming her. "It was commendable, "said he, "in the princess of Samandal not to be insensible of theking her father's ill treatment; but to carry her vengeance sofar, and especially against a prince who was not culpable, waswhat she could never be able to justify herself for. But let ushave done with this subject, and tell me, I beseech you, in whatI can farther serve you. "

"Sir, " answered King Beder, "my obligation to your majesty is sogreat, that I ought to remain with you all my life to testify mygratitude; but since your majesty sets no limits to yourgenerosity, I entreat you to grant me one of your ships totransport me to Persia, where I fear my absence, which has beenbut too long, may have occasioned some disorder, and that thequeen my mother, from whom I concealed my departure, may bedistracted under the uncertainty whether I am alive or dead. "

The king readily granted what he desired, and immediately gaveorders for equipping one of his largest ships, and the bestsailors in his numerous fleet. The ship was soon furnished withall its complement of men, provisions, and ammunition; and assoon as the wind became fair, King Beder embarked, after havingtaken leave of the king, and thanked him for all his favours. 

The ship sailed before the wind for ten days together, but on theeleventh the wind changed, and there followed a furious tempest. The ship was not only driven out of its course, but so violentlytossed, that all its masts were brought by the board; and drivingalong at the pleasure of the wind, it at length struck against arock and bulged. 

The greatest part of the people were instantly drowned. Some fewwere saved by swimming, and others by getting on pieces of thewreck. King Beder was among the latter, when, after having beentossed about for some time by the waves and torrents, under greatuncertainty of his fate, he at length perceived himself near theshore, and not far from a city that seemed of great extent. Heexerted his remaining strength to reach the land, and was atlength so fortunate as to be able to touch the ground with hisfeet. He immediately abandoned his piece of wood, which had beenof such great service to him; but when he came pretty near theshore, was greatly surprised to see horses, camels, mules, asses, oxen, cows, bulls, and other animals crowding to the shore, andputting themselves in a posture to oppose his landing. He had theutmost difficulty to conquer their obstinacy and force his way, but at length he succeeded, and sheltered himself among the rockstill he had recovered his breath, and dried his clothes in thesun. 

When the prince advanced to enter the city, he met with the sameopposition from these animals, who seemed to intend to make himforego his design, and give him to understand it was dangerous toproceed. 

King Beder, however, entered the city, and saw many fair andspacious streets, but was surprised to find no human beings. Thismade him think it was not without cause that so many animals hadopposed his passage. Going forward, nevertheless, he observeddivers shops open, which gave him reason to believe the place wasnot so destitute of inhabitants as he imagined. He approached oneof these shops, where several sorts of fruits were exposed forsale, and saluted very courteously an old man who was sittingwithin. 

The old man, who was busy about something, lifted up his head, and seeing a youth who had an appearance of grandeur in his air, started, asked him whence he came, and what business had broughthim there? King Beder satisfied him in a few words; and the oldman farther asked him if he had met anybody on the road? "You arethe first person I have seen, " answered the king, "and I cannotcomprehend how so fine and large a city comes to be withoutinhabitants. " "Come in, sir; stay no longer upon the threshold, "replied the old man, "or peradventure some misfortune may happento you. I will satisfy your curiosity at leisure, and give you areason why it is necessary you should take this precaution. "

King Beder entered the shop, and sat down by the old man. Thelatter, who had received from him an account of his misfortunes, knew he must want nourishment, therefore immediately presentedhim what was necessary to recover his strength; and although KingBeder was very earnest to know why he had taken the precaution tomake him enter the shop, he would nevertheless not be prevailedupon to tell him anything till he had done eating, for fear thesad things he had to relate might spoil his appetite. When hefound he ate no longer, he said to him, "You have great reason tothank God that you got hither without any accident. " "Alas! why?"demanded King Beder, much surprised and alarmed. 

"Because, " answered he, "this city is the City of Enchantments, and is governed by a queen, who is not only one of the finest ofher sex, but likewise a notorious and dangerous sorceress. Youwill be convinced of this, " added he, "when you know that thesehorses, mules, and other animals which you have seen, are so manymen, like ourselves, whom she has transformed by her diabolicalart. And when young men, like you, enter the city, she haspersons planted to stop and bring them, either by fair means orforce, before her. She receives them in the most obliging manner;caresses them, regales them, lodges them magnificently, and givesthem so many reasons to believe that she loves them, that shenever fails of success. But she does not suffer them long toenjoy this happiness. There is not one of them but she hastransformed into some animal or bird at the end of forty days. You told me all these animals presented themselves to oppose yourlanding, and hinder you entering the city. This was the only wayin which they could make you comprehend the danger you were goingto expose yourself to, and they did all in their power to preventyou. "

This account exceedingly afflicted the young king of Persia:"Alas!" cried he, "to what extremities has my ill fortune reducedme! I am hardly freed from one enchantment, which I look backupon with horror, but I find myself exposed to another much moreterrible. " This gave him occasion to relate his story to the oldman more at length, and to acquaint him of his birth, quality, his passion for the princess of Samandal, and her cruelty inchanging him into a bird the very moment he had seen her anddeclared his love to her. 

When the prince came to speak of his good fortune in finding aqueen who broke the enchantment, the old man to encourage himsaid, "Notwithstanding all I have told you of the magic queen istrue, that ought not to give you the least disquiet, since I amgenerally beloved throughout the city, and am not unknown to thequeen herself, who has much respect for me; therefore it was yourpeculiar good fortune which led you to address yourself to merather than to anyone else. You are secure in my house, where Iadvise you to continue, if you think fit; and, provided you donot stray from hence, I dare assure you, you will have no justcause to complain of my insincerity. "

King Beder thanked the old man for his kind reception, and theprotection he was pleased so readily to afford him. He sat downat the entrance of the shop, where he no sooner appeared, but hisyouth and good person attracted the eyes of all who passed thatway. Many stopped and complimented the old man on his havingacquired so fine a slave, as they imagined the king to be; andthey were the more surprised as they could not comprehend how sobeautiful a youth could escape the queen's knowledge. "Believenot, " said the old man, "this is a slave: you all know that I amnot rich enough nor of rank to have one of this consequence. Heis my nephew, son of a brother of mine who is dead; and as I hadno children of my own, I sent for him to keep me company. " Theycongratulated his good fortune in having so fine a young man forhis relation; but could not help telling him they feared thequeen would take him from him. "You know her well, " said they tohim, "and you cannot be ignorant of the danger to which you areexposed, after all the examples you have seen. How grieved wouldyou be if she should serve him as she has done so many otherswhom we knew. "

"I am obliged to you, " replied the old man, "for your good willtowards me, and I heartily thank you for the care you seem totake of my interest; but I shall never entertain the leastthought that the queen will do me any injury, after all thekindness she has professed for me. In case she happens to hear ofthis young man, and speaks to me about him, I doubt not she willcease to think of him, as soon as she comes to know he is mynephew. "

The old man was exceedingly glad to hear the commendations theybestowed on the young king of Persia. He was as much affectedwith them as if he had been his own son, and he conceived akindness for him, which augmented every day during the stay hemade with him. 

They had lived about a month together, when, as King Beder wassitting at the shop-door, after his ordinary manner, Queen Labe(so was this magic queen named) happened to come by with greatpomp. The young king no sooner perceived the guards advancingbefore her, than he arose, and going into the shop, asked the oldman what all that show meant. "The queen is coming by, " answeredhe, "but stand still and fear nothing. "

The queen's guards, clothed in purple uniform, and well armed andmounted, marched to the number of a thousand in four files, withtheir sabres drawn, and every one of their officers, as theypassed by the shop, saluted the old man. Then followed a likenumber of eunuchs, habited in brocaded silk, and better mounted, whose officers did the old man the like honour. Next came as manyyoung ladies on foot, equally beautiful, richly dressed, andornamented with precious stones. They marched gravely, with halfpikes in their hands; and in the midst of them appeared QueenLabe, on a horse glittering with diamonds, with a golden saddle, and a housing of inestimable value. All the young ladies salutedthe old man as they passed him; and the queen, struck with thegood mien of King Beder, stopped as soon as she came before theshop. "Abdallah, " (so was the old man named) said she to him, "tell me, I beseech thee, does that beautiful and charming slavebelong to thee? and hast thou long been in possession of him?"

Abdallah, before he answered the queen, threw himself on theground, and rising again, said, "Madam, he is my nephew, son of abrother, who has not long been dead. Having no children, I lookupon him as my son, and sent for him to come and comfort me, intending to leave him what I have when I die. "

Queen Labe, who had never yet seen any one to compare with KingBeder, began to conceive a passion for him, and thoughtimmediately of getting the old man to abandon him to her. "Father, " said she, "will you not oblige me so far as to make mea present of this young man? Do not refuse me, I conjure you; andI swear by the fire and the light, I will make him so great andpowerful, that no individual in the world ever arrived at suchgood fortune. Although my purpose be to do evil to all mankind, he shall be an exception. I trust you will grant me what Idesire, more on account of the friendship I am assured you havefor me, than for the esteem you know I always had, and shall everhave for you. "

"Madam, " replied the good Abdallah, "I am infinitely obliged toyour majesty for all the kindness you have for me, and thehonours you propose to do my nephew. He is not worthy to approachso great a queen, and I humbly beseech your majesty to excusehim. "

"Abdallah, " replied the queen, "I all along flattered myself youloved me, and I could never have thought you would have shewn meso much disrespect as to slight my request. But I here swear oncemore by the fire and light, and even by whatsoever is most sacredin my religion, that I will pass on no farther till I haveconquered your obstinacy. I understand well what raises yourapprehensions; but I promise, you shall never have any occasionto repent having obliged me in so sensible a manner. "

Old Abdallah was exceeding grieved, both on his own account andKing Beder's, at being in a manner forced to obey the queen. "Madam, " replied he, "I would not willingly have your majestyentertain an ill opinion of the respect I have for you, and myzeal always to contribute whatever I can to oblige you. I putentire confidence in your royal word, and I do not in the leastdoubt you will keep it. I only beg of your majesty, to delaydoing this great honour to my nephew till you shall again passthis way. " "That shall be to-morrow, " said the queen; whoinclined her head, as a token of her being pleased, and so wentforward towards her palace. 

When queen Labe and all her attendants were out of sight, thegood Abdallah said to King Beder, "Son" (for so he was wont tocall him, for fear of some time or other discovering him when hespoke of him in public), "it has not been in my power, as you mayhave observed, to refuse the queen what she demanded of me withso much earnestness, to the end I might not force her to employher magic against both you and myself openly or secretly, andtreat you as much from resentment to you as to me with moresignal cruelty than all those she has had in her power, as I havealready told you. But I have some reason to believe she will useyou well, as she promised me, on account of that particularesteem she professes for me. This you may have seen by therespect shewn, and the honours paid, me by all her court. Shewould be a vile creature indeed, if she should deceive me; butshe shall not deceive me unpunished, for I know how to revengemyself. "

These assurances, which appeared very doubtful, were notsufficient to support King Beder's spirits. "After all you havetold me of this queen's wickedness, " replied he, "you cannotwonder if I am somewhat fearful to approach her: I should, it maybe, slight all you could tell me of her, and suffer myself to bedazzled by the lustre of grandeur that surrounds her, did I notknow by experience what it is to be at the mercy of a sorceress. The condition I was in, through the enchantment of the PrincessJehaun-ara, and from which I was delivered only to fall almostimmediately into the power of another, has made me look upon sucha fate with horror. " His tears hindered him from going on, andsufficiently shewed with what repugnance he beheld himself underthe fatal necessity of being delivered to queen Labe. 

"Son, " replied old Abdallah, "do not afflict yourself; for thoughI must own, there is no great stress to be laid upon the promisesand oaths of so perfidious a queen, yet I must withal acquaintyou, her power extends not to me. She knows this full well; andthat is the reason, and no other, why she pays me so muchrespect. I can quickly hinder her from doing you the least harm, if she should be perfidious enough to attempt it. You may dependupon me, and, provided you follow exactly the advice I shall giveyou, before I abandon you to her, she shall have no more powerover you than she has over myself. "

The magic queen did not fail to pass by the old man's shop thenext day, with the same pomp as the preceding, and Abdallahwaited for her with great respect. "Father, " cried she, "you mayjudge of my impatience to have your nephew with me, by mypunctually coming to remind you of your promise. I know you are aman of your word, and I cannot think you will break it with me. "

Abdallah, who fell on his face as soon as he saw the queenapproaching, rose up when she had done speaking; and as he wouldhave no one hear what he had to say to her, he advanced withgreat respect as far as her horse's head, and then said softly, "Puissant queen! I am persuaded your majesty will not be offendedat my seeming unwillingness to trust my nephew with youyesterday, since you cannot be ignorant of the reasons I had forit; but I conjure you to lay aside the secrets of that art whichyou possess in so wonderful a degree. I regard my nephew as myown son; and your majesty would reduce me to despair, if youshould deal with him as you have done with others. "

"I promise you I will not, " replied the queen; "and I once morerepeat the oath I made yesterday, that neither you nor yournephew shall have any cause to be offended at me. I see plainly, "added she, "you are not yet well enough acquainted with me; younever saw me yet but through my veil; but as I find your nephewdeserving of my friendship, I will shew you I am not any waysunworthy of his. " With that she threw off her veil, anddiscovered to King Beder, who came near her with Abdallah, anincomparable beauty. But King Beder was little charmed: "It isnot enough, " said he within himself, "to be beautiful; one'sactions ought to correspond in regularity with one's features. "

Whilst King Beder was making these reflections with his eyesfixed on queen Labe, the old man turned towards him, and takinghim by the arm, presented him to her: "Madam, " said he, "I beg ofyour majesty once more to remember he is my nephew, and to lethim come and see me sometimes. " The queen promised he should; andto give a further mark of her gratitude, she caused a bag of athousand pieces of gold to be given him. He excused himself atfirst from receiving them, but she insisted absolutely upon it, and he could not refuse. She had caused a horse to be brought asrichly caparisoned as her own, for the king of Persia. Whilst hewas mounting, "I forgot, " said the queen to Abdallah, "to ask youyour nephew's name; pray how is he called?" He answering his namewas Beder (the full moon), her majesty replied, "Surely yourancestors were mistaken, they ought to have given you the name ofShems (the sun). "

When King Beder was mounted, he would have taken his stationbehind the queen, but she would not suffer him, and made him rideon her left hand. She looked at Abdallah, and after having madehim an inclination with her head, departed. 

Instead of observing a satisfaction in the people's faces, at thesight of their sovereign, King Beder took notice that they lookedat her with contempt, and even cursed her. "The sorceress, " saidsome, "has got a new subject to exercise her wickedness upon;will heaven never deliver the world from her tyranny?" "Poorstranger!" exclaimed others, "thou art much deceived, if thouthinkest thy happiness will last long. It is only to render thyfall more terrible, that thou art raised so high. " Theseexclamations gave King Beder to understand Abdallah had told himnothing but the truth of Queen Labe; but as it now depended nolonger on himself to escape the mischief, he committed himself tothe will of heaven. 

The magic queen arrived at her palace, immediately alighted, andgiving her hand to King Beder, entered with him, accompanied byher women and the officers of her eunuchs. She herself shewed himall her apartments, where there was nothing to be seen butmassive gold, precious stones, and furniture of wonderfulmagnificence. When she had carried him into her closet, she ledhim out into a balcony, from whence he observed a garden ofsurprising beauty. King Beder commended all he saw, butnevertheless so that he might not be discovered to be any otherthan old Abdallah's nephew. They discoursed of indifferentmatters, till the queen was informed that dinner was served. 

The queen and King Beder arose, and went to place themselves atthe table, which was of massive gold, and the dishes of the samemetal. They began to eat, but drank hardly at all till thedessert came, when the queen caused a cup to be filled for herwith excellent wine. She took it and drank to King Beder'shealth; then without putting it out of her hand, caused it to befilled again, and presented it to him. King Beder received itwith profound respect, and by a very low bow signified to hermajesty that he in return drank to her health. 

At the same time, ten of Queen Labe's women entered with musicalinstruments, with which and their voices they made an agreeableconcert, while they continued drinking till late at night. Atlength both began so to be heated with wine; that King Bederinsensibly forgot he had to do with a magic queen, and lookedupon her only as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Assoon as the queen perceived she had wrought him to the pitch shedesired, she made a sign to her eunuchs and women to retire. 

Next morning the queen and King Beder went to the bath; the womenwho had served the king there, presented him with fine linen anda magnificent habit. The queen likewise, who was more splendidlydressed than the day before, came to receive him, and they wenttogether to her apartments, where they had a repast brought them, and spent the remainder of the day in walking in the garden andin various other amusements. 

Queen Labe treated King Beder after this manner for forty days, as she had been accustomed to do all her lovers. The fortiethnight, as they were in bed together, she, believing he was reallyasleep, arose without making any noise; but he was awake, andperceiving she had some design upon him watched all her motions. Being up, she opened a chest, from whence she took a little boxfull of a yellow powder; taking some of the powder, she laid atrain of it across the chamber, and it immediately flowed in arivulet of water, to the great astonishment of King Beder. Hetrembled with fear, but still pretended to sleep. 

Queen Labe next took up some of the water in a vessel, poured itinto a basin that contained some flour; with which she made apaste, and kneaded it for a long time: then she mixed with itcertain drugs which she took from different boxes, and made acake, which she put into a covered baking-pan. As she had takencare first of all to make a good fire, she took some of thecoals, and set the pan upon them; and while the cake was baking, she put up the vessels and boxes in their places again; and onher pronouncing certain words, the rivulet disappeared. When thecake was baked, she took it off the coals, carried it into hercloset, and afterwards returned to King Beder, who dissembled sowell, that she had not the least suspicion of his having seenwhat she had done. 

King Beder, whom the pleasures and amusements of a court had madeto forget his good host Abdallah, began now to think of himagain, and believed he had more than ordinary occasion for hisadvice, after all he had seen the queen do that night. As soon ashe was up, therefore, he expressed a great desire to go and seehis uncle, and begged of her majesty to permit him. "What! mydear Beder, " cried the queen, "are you then already tired, I willnot say with living in so superb a palace as mine is, where youmust find so many pleasures, but with the company of a queen, wholoves you so passionately as I do, and has given you so manymarks of affection?"

"Great queen!" answered king Beder, "how can I be tired of somany favours and graces as your majesty perpetually heaps uponme? So far from it, I desire this permission, madam, purely to goand give my uncle an account of the mighty obligations I have toyour majesty. I must own, likewise, that my uncle loving me sotenderly, as I well know he does, having been absent from him nowforty days, I would not give him reason to think, that I consentto remain longer without seeing him. " "Go, " said the queen, "youhave my consent; but you will not be long before you return, ifyou consider I cannot possibly live without you. " This said, sheordered him a horse richly caparisoned, and he departed. 

Old Abdallah was overjoyed to see king Beder. Without regard tohis quality, he embraced him tenderly, and King Beder returnedhis embrace, that nobody might doubt but that he was his nephew. As soon as they were sat down, "well, " said Abdallah to the king, "and how have you passed your time with that abominablesorceress?"

"Hitherto, " answered King Beder, "I must needs own she has beenextraordinarily kind to me, and has done all she could topersuade me that she loves me faithfully; but I observedsomething last night, which gives me just reason to suspect thatall her kindness was but dissimulation. Whilst she thought measleep, although I was really awake, she stole from me with agreat deal of precaution, which made me suspect her intention, and therefore I resolved to watch her, still feigning myselfasleep. " He then related to Abdallah in what manner he had seenher make the cake; and then added, "Hitherto, " said he, "I mustneeds confess, I had almost forgotten, not only you, but all theadvice you gave me concerning the wickedness of this queen; butthis last action of hers gives me reason to fear she intends toobserve none of her promises or solemn oaths to you. I thoughtof you immediately, and I esteem myself happy that I haveobtained permission to come to you. "

"You are not mistaken, " replied old Abdallah with a smile, whichshowed he did not himself believe she would have acted otherwise;"nothing is capable of obliging a perfidious woman to amend. Butfear nothing. I know how to make the mischief she intends youfall upon herself. You are alarmed in time; and you could nothave done better than to have recourse to me. It is her ordinarypractice to keep her lovers only forty days; and after that time, instead of seeding them home, to turn them into animals, to stockher forests and parks; but I thought of measures yesterday toprevent her doing you the same harm. The earth has borne thismonster long enough, and it is now high time she should betreated as she deserves. "

So saying, Abdallah put two cakes into king Beder's hands, bidding him keep them to be used as he should direct. "You toldme, " continued he, "the sorceress made a cake last night; it wasfor you to eat; but do not touch it. Nevertheless, do not refuseto receive it, when she offers it you; but instead of tasting it, break off part of one of the two I shall give you, unobserved, and eat that. As soon as she thinks you have swallowed it, shewill not fail to attempt transforming you into some animal, butshe shall not succeed; when she sees that she has failed, shewill immediately turn her proceeding into pleasantry, as if whatshe had done was only out of joke to frighten you; but she willconceal a mortal grief in her heart, and think she has omittedsomething in the composition of her cake. As for the other cake, you shall make a present of it to her, and press her to eat it;which she will not refuse to do, were it only to convince you shedoes not mistrust you, though she has given you so much reason tomistrust her. When she has eaten of it, take a little water inthe hollow of your hand, and throwing it in her face, say, "Quitthat form you now wear, and take that of such or such animal, " asyou shall think fit; which done, come to me with the animal, andI will tell you what you shall do afterwards. "

King Beder expressed to Abdallah, in the warmest terms, his greatobligations to him, for his endeavours to defend him from thepower of a pestilent sorceress; and after some furtherconversation took his leave of him, and returned to the palace. Upon his arrival, he understood that the queen waited for himwith great impatience in the garden. He went to her, and she nosooner perceived him, than she came in great haste to meet him. "My dear Beder!" exclaimed she, "it is said, with a great deal ofreason, that nothing more forcibly shews the excess of love thanabsence from the object beloved. I have had no quiet since I sawyou, and it seems ages since I have been separated from you. Ifyou had stayed ever so little longer, I was preparing to come andfetch you once more to my arms. "

"Madam, " replied king Beder, "I can assure your majesty, I was noless impatient to rejoin you; but I could not refuse to stay withan uncle who loves me, and had not seen me for so long a time. Hewould have kept me still longer, but I tore myself away from him, to come where love calls me. Of all the collations he preparedfor me, I have only brought away this cake, which I desire yourmajesty to accept. " King Beder, having wrapped up one of the twocakes in a handkerchief, took it out, and presented it to thequeen, saying, "I beg your majesty to accept of it. "

"I do accept it with all my heart, " replied the queen, receivingit, "and will eat it with pleasure for yours and your gooduncle's sake; but before I taste of it, I desire you will, for mysake, eat a piece of this, which I have made for you during yourabsence. " "Fair queen, " answered king Beder, receiving it withgreat respect, "such hands as your majesty's can never makeanything but what is excellent, and I cannot sufficientlyacknowledge the favour you do me. "

King Beder then artfully substituted in the place of the queen'scake the other which old Abdallah had given him, and havingbroken off a piece, he put it in his mouth, and cried, while hewas eating, "Ah! queen, I never tasted anything so excellent inmy life. " They being near a cascade, the sorceress seeing himswallow one bit of the cake, and ready to eat another, took alittle water in the palm of her hand, and throwing it in theking's face, said, "Wretch! quit that form of a man, and take thatof a vile horse, blind and lame. "

These words not having the desired effect, the sorceress wasstrangely surprised to find King Beder still in the same form, and that he only started for fear. Her cheeks reddened; and asshe saw that she had missed her aim, "Dear Beder, " cried she, "this is nothing; recover yourself. I did not intend you anyharm; I only did it to see what you would say. I should be themost miserable and most execrable of women, should I attempt soblack a deed; not only on account of all the oaths I have sworn, but also of the many testimonies of love I have given you. "

"Puissant queen, " replied King Beder, "persuaded as I am, thatwhat your majesty did was only to divert yourself, I could nothelp being surprised. What could hinder me from being a littlemoved at the pronouncing of so strange a transformation? But, madam, " continued he, "let us drop this discourse; and since Ihave eaten of your cake, would you do me the favour to tastemine?"

Queen Labe, who could not better justify herself than by showingthis mark of confidence in the king of Persia, broke off a pieceof his cake and ate it. She had no sooner swallowed it than sheappeared much troubled, and remained as it were motionless. KingBeder lost no time, but took water out of the same basin, andthrowing it in her face, cried, "Abominable sorceress! quit theform of woman, and be turned instantly into a mare. "

The same moment, Queen Labe was transformed into a very beautifulmare; and her confusion was so great to find herself in thatcondition, that she shed tears in great abundance. She bowed herhead to the feet of King Beder, thinking to move him tocompassion; but though he could have been so moved, it wasabsolutely out of his power to repair the mischief he had done. He led her into the stable belonging to the palace, and put herinto the hands of a groom, to bridle and saddle; but of all thebridles which the groom tried upon her, not one would fit. Thismade him cause two horses to be saddled, one for the groom andthe other for himself; and the groom led the mare after him toold Abdallah's. 

Abdallah seeing at a distance King Beder coming with the mare, doubted not but he had done what he had advised him. "Cursedsorceress!" said he immediately to himself in a transport of joy, "heaven has at length punished thee as thou deservest. " KingBeder alighted at Abdallah's door and entered with him into theshop, embracing and thanking him for all the signal services hehad done him. He related to him the whole matter, with all itscircumstances, and moreover told him, he could find no bridle fitfor the mare. Abdallah bridled the mare himself, and as soon asKing Beder had sent back the groom with the two horses, he saidto him, "My lord, you have no reason to stay any longer in thiscity: mount the mare, and return to your kingdom. I have but onething more to recommend to you; and that is, if you should everhappen to part with the mare, be sure not to give up the bridle. "King Beder promised to remember this; and having taken leave ofthe good old man, he departed. 

The young king of Persia had no sooner got out of the city, thanhe began to reflect with joy on his deliverance, and that he hadthe sorceress in his power, who had given him so much cause totremble. Three days after he arrived at a great city, where, entering the suburbs, he met a venerable old man, walking towardsa pleasure-house. "Sir, " said the old man, stopping him, "may Ipresume to ask from what part of the world you come?" The kinghalted to satisfy him, and as they were conversing together, anold woman came up; who, stopping likewise, wept and sighedheavily at the sight of the mare. 

King Beder and the old man left off discoursing, to look at theold woman, whom the king asked, what cause she had to be so muchafflicted? "Alas! sir, " replied she, "it is because your mareresembles so perfectly one my son had, and which I still mournthe loss of on his account, and should think yours were the same, did I not know she was dead. Sell her to me, I beseech you; Iwill give you more than she is worth and thank you too. '

"Good woman, " replied King Beder, "I am heartily sorry I cannotcomply with your request: my mare is not to be sold. " "Alas!sir, " continued the old woman, "do not refuse me this favour forthe love of God. My son and I shall certainly die with grief, ifyou do not grant it. " "Good mother, " replied the king, "I wouldgrant it with all my heart, if I were disposed to part with sogood a beast; but if I were so disposed, I believe you wouldhardly give a thousand pieces of gold for her, and I could notsell her for less. " "Why should I not give so much?" replied theold woman: "if that be the lowest price, you need only say youwill take it, and I will fetch you the money. "

King Beder, seeing the old woman so poorly dressed, could notimagine she could find such a sum; and said, to try her, "Go, fetch me the money, and the mare is yours. " The old womanimmediately unloosed a purse she carried fastened to her girdle, and desiring him to alight, bade him tell over the money, and incase he found it came short of the sum demanded, she said herhouse was not far off; and she could quickly fetch the rest. 

The surprise of King Beder, at the sight of the purse, was notsmall. "Good woman, " said he, "do you not perceive I havebantered you all this while? I assure you my mare is not to besold. "

The old man, who had been witness to all that had passed, nowbegan to speak. "Son, " said he to King Beder, "it is necessaryyou should know one thing, which I find you are ignorant of; andthat is, that in this city it is not permitted to any one to tella lie, on any account whatsoever, on pain of death. You cannotrefuse taking this good woman's money, and delivering your mare, when she gives you the sum according to the agreement; and thisyou had better do without any noise, than expose yourself to whatmay ensue. "

King Beder, mortified to find himself thus trapped by his rashproffer, alighted with great regret. The old woman stood ready toseize the reins, immediately unbridled the mare, and taking somewater in her hand, from a stream that ran in the middle of thestreet, threw it in the mare's face, uttering these words, "Daughter, quit that strange shape, and re-assume thy own. " Thetransformation was effected in a moment, and king Beder, whoswooned as soon as he saw Queen Labe appear, would have fallen tothe ground, if the old man had not hindered him. 

The old woman, who was the mother of queen Labe, and hadinstructed her in all her magic secrets, had no sooner embracedher daughter, than to shew her fury, she in an instant bywhistling, caused to rise a genie of a gigantic form and stature. This genie immediately took King Beder on one shoulder, and theold woman with the magic queen on the other, and transported themin a few minutes to the palace of Queen Labe in the City ofEnchantments. 

The magic queen immediately fell upon King Beder, reproaching himviolently. "Is it thus, " said she, "ungrateful wretch! that thyunworthy uncle and thou repay me for all the kindnesses I havedone you? I shall soon make you both feel what you deserve. " Shesaid no more, but taking water in her hand, threw it in his facewith these words, "Quit the form of man, and take that of anowl. " These words were soon followed by the effect, andimmediately she commanded one of her women to shut up the owl ina cage, and give him neither meat nor drink. 

The woman took the cage, but without regarding what the queen hadordered, gave him both meat and drink; and being old Abdallah'sfriend, sent him word privately how the queen had treated hisnephew, and apprised him of her design to destroy both him andKing Beder, that he might take measures to prevent herintentions, and secure himself. 

Abdallah knew no common means would do with Queen Labe: hetherefore whistled in a peculiar manner, and there immediatelyarose a giant, with four wings, who presenting himself beforehim, asked what he would have? "Lightning, " said Abdallah to him(for so was the genie called), "I command you to preserve thelife of King Beder, son of Queen Gulnare. Go to the palace of themagic queen, and transport immediately to the capital of Persiathe compassionate woman who has the cage in custody, to the endshe may inform Queen Gulnare of the danger the king her son isin, and the occasion he has for her assistance. Take care not tofrighten her when you come before her, and acquaint her from mewhat she ought to do. "

Lightning immediately disappeared, and in an instant reached thepalace of the magic queen. He instructed the woman, lifted her upinto the air, and transported her to the capital of Persia, wherehe placed her on the terrace of Gulnare's palace. She descendedinto her apartment, and there found Queen Gulnare and QueenFarasche her mother lamenting their mutual misfortunes. She madethem a profound reverence, and by the relation she gave them, they soon understood the great need King Beder had of theirassistance. 

Queen Gulnare was so overjoyed at the news, that rising from herseat, she went and embraced the good woman, telling her how muchshe was obliged to her for the service she had done her. Thengoing immediately out, she commanded the trumpets to sound, andthe drums to beat, to acquaint the city, that the king of Persiawould suddenly return safe to his kingdom. She then went, andfound King Saleh her brother, whom Farasche had caused to comespeedily thither by a certain fumigation. "Brother, " said she tohim, "the king your nephew, my dear son, is in the City ofEnchantments, under the power of Queen Labe. Both you and I mustgo to deliver him, for there is no time to be lost. "

King Saleh forthwith assembled a puissant body of his marinetroops, who soon rose out of the sea. He also called to hisassistance the genii his allies, who appeared with a much morenumerous army than his own. As soon as the two armies werejoined, he put himself at the head of them, with Queen Farasche, Queen Gulnare, and the princesses, who would all have their sharein this enterprize. They then ascended into the air, and soonpoured down on the palace and City of Enchantments, where themagic queen, her mother, and all the adorers of fire, weredestroyed in an instant. 

Queen Gulnare had ordered the woman who brought the account ofqueen Labe's transforming and imprisoning her son, to follow herclose, and bade her, in the confusion, go and seize the cage, andbring it to her. This order was executed as she wished, and queenGulnare was no sooner in possession of the cage, than she openedit, and took out the owl, saying, as she sprinkled a little waterupon him, "My dear son, quit that strange form, and resume thynatural one of a man. "

In a moment Queen Gulnare, instead of the hideous owl, beheldKing Beder her son. She immediately embraced him with an excessof joy, her tears supplying more forcibly the place of words. Shecould not let him go; and Queen Farasche was obliged to force himfrom her in her turn. After her, he was likewise embraced by theking his uncle and his relations. 

Queen Gulnare's first care was to look out for old Abdallah, towhom she had been obliged for the recovery of the king of Persia;and who being brought to her, she said to him, "My obligations toyou have been so great, that there is nothing within my power butI would freely do for you, as a token of my acknowledgment. Dobut inform me in what I can serve you. " "Great queen, " repliedAbdallah, "if the lady whom I sent to your majesty will butconsent to the marriage I offer her, and the king of Persia willgive me leave to reside at his court, I will spend the remainderof my days in his service. " The queen then turned to the lady whowas present, and finding by her modest shame that she was notaverse to the match proposed, she caused them to join hands, andthe king of Persia and she took care of their fortune. 

This marriage occasioned the king of Persia to speak thus to thequeen: "Madam, " said he, "I am heartily glad of this match whichyour majesty has just made. There remains one more, which Idesire you to think of. " Queen Gulnare did not at firstcomprehend what marriage he meant; but after a littleconsidering, she said, "Of yours, you mean, son. I consent to itwith all my heart. " Then turning, and looking at her brother'ssea attendants, and the genii who were still present, "Go, " saidshe, "and traverse both sea and land, to seek the most lovely andamiable princess, worthy of the king my son, and when you havefound her, come and tell us. "

"Madam, " replied king Beder, "it is to no purpose for them totake all that trouble. You have no doubt heard that I havealready given my heart to the princess of Samandal upon the barerelation of her beauty. I have seen her, and do not repent of thepresent I then made her. In a word, neither earth nor sea, in myopinion, can furnish a princess like her. It is true upon mydeclaring my love, she treated me in a way that would haveextinguished any flame less strong than mine. But I hold herexcused; she could not treat me with less rigour, after yourimprisoning the king her father, of which I was the innocentcause. But the king of Samandal may, perhaps, have changed hisresolution; and his daughter the princess may consent to love me, when she sees her father has agreed to it. "

"Son, " replied queen Gulnare, "if only the Princess Jehaun-aracan make you happy, it is not my design to oppose you. The kingyour uncle need only have the king of Samandal brought, and weshall see whether he be still of the same untractable temper. "

Strictly as the king of Samandal had been kept during hiscaptivity by King Saleh's orders, yet he always had great respectshewn him. King Saleh caused a chafing-dish of coals to bebrought, into which he threw a certain composition, uttering atthe same time some mysterious words. As soon as the smoke beganto arise, the palace shook, and immediately the king of Samandal, with King Saleh's officers, appeared. The king of Persia casthimself at the king of Samandal's feet, and, kneeling, said, "Itis no longer King Saleh that demands of your majesty the honourof your alliance for the king of Persia; it is the king of Persiahimself that humbly begs that boon; and I persuade myself yourmajesty will not persist in being the cause of the death of aking, who can no longer live if he does not share life with theamiable Princess Jehaun-ara. "

The king of Samandal did not long suffer the king of Persia toremain at his feet. He embraced him, and obliging him to rise, said, "I shall be sorry to have contributed in the least to thedeath of a monarch who is so worthy to live. If it be true thatso precious a life cannot be preserved without the possession ofmy daughter, live, sir, she is yours. She has always beenobedient to my will, and I cannot think she will now oppose it. "Speaking these words, he ordered one of his officers, whom KingSaleh had permitted to attend him, to go for the princess, andbring her to him immediately. 

The princess continued where the king of Persia had left her. Theofficer perceived her, and brought her soon with her women. Theking of Samandal embraced her, and said, "Daughter, I haveprovided a husband for you; it is the king of Persia, the mostaccomplished monarch at present in the universe. The preferencehe has given you over all other princesses obliges us both toexpress our gratitude. "

"Sir, " replied the princess Jehaun-ara, "your majesty well knowsI never have presumed to disobey your will: I shall always beready to obey you; and I hope the king of Persia will forget myill treatment of him, and consider it was duty, not inclination, that forced me to it. "

The nuptials were celebrated in the palace of the City ofEnchantments, with the greatest solemnity, as all the lovers ofthe magic queen, who had resumed their pristine forms as soon asshe ceased to live, assisted at them, and came to return theirthanks to the king of Persia, Queen Gulnare, and King Saleh. Theywere all sons of kings, princes, or persons of high rank. 

King Saleh conducted the king of Samandal to his dominions, andput him again in possession of his throne. The king of Persia, atthe height of his wishes, returned to his capital with QueenGulnare, Queen Farasche, and the princesses; the Queen Farascheand the princesses continued there till King Saleh came toreconduct them to his kingdom under the waves of the sea. 

 THE HISTORY OF PRINCE ZEYN ALASNAM AND THE SULTAN OF THE GENII. 

A sultan of Bussorah, who possessed great wealth, and was wellbeloved by his subjects, had no children, which occasioned himgreat affliction; and therefore he made presents to all the holypersons in his dominions, to engage them to beg a son for him ofHeaven: and their prayers being effectual, the queen proved withchild, and was happily delivered of a prince who was named ZeynAlasnam, which signifies Ornament of the Statues. 

The sultan caused all the astrologers in his kingdom to beassembled, and ordered them to calculate the infant's nativity. They found by their observations that he would live long, and bevery brave; but that all his courage would be little enough tocarry him through the misfortunes that threatened him. Thesultan was not daunted at this prediction: "My son, " said he, "isnot to be pitied, since he will be brave: it is fit that princesshould have a taste of misfortunes; for adversity tries virtue, and they are the better qualified to reign. "

He rewarded the astrologers, and dismissed them; and caused Zeynto be educated with the greatest care, appointing him ablemasters as soon as he was of age to receive their instructions. In short, he proposed to make him an accomplished prince, when ona sudden this good sultan fell sick of a disorder, which all theskill of his physicians could not cure. Perceiving his diseasewas mortal, he sent for his son, and among other things advisedhim rather to endeavour to be loved, than to be feared by hispeople; not to give ear to flatterers; to be as slow in rewardingas in punishing, because it often happens that monarchs misled byfalse appearances, load wicked men with favours, and oppress theinnocent. 

As soon as the sultan was dead, prince Zeyn went into mourning, which he wore seven days, and on the eighth he ascended thethrone, taking his father's seal off the royal treasury, andputting on his own, beginning thus to taste the sweets of ruling, the pleasure of seeing all his courtiers bow down before him, andmake it their whole study to shew their zeal and obedience. In aword, the sovereign power was too agreeable to him. He onlyregarded what his subjects owed to him, without considering whatwas his duty towards them, and consequently took little care togovern them well. He revelled in all sorts of debauchery amongthe voluptuous youth, on whom he conferred the prime employmentsin the kingdom. He lost all command of his power. Beingnaturally prodigal, he set no bounds to his grants, so that hiswomen and his favourites insensibly drained his treasury. 

The queen his mother was still living, a discreet, wise princess. She had several times unsuccessfully tried to check her son'sprodigality and debauchery, giving him to understand, that, if hedid not soon take another course, he would not only squander hiswealth, but also alienate the minds of his people, and occasionsome revolution, which perhaps might cost him his crown and hislife. What she had predicted had nearly happened: the peoplebegan to murmur against the government, and their murmurs hadcertainly been followed by a general revolt, had not the queenhad the address to prevent it. That princess being acquaintedwith the ill posture of affairs, informed the sultan, who at lastsuffered himself to be prevailed upon. He committed thegovernment to discreet aged men, who knew how to keep the peoplewithin the bounds of duty. 

Zeyn, seeing all his wealth consumed, repented that he had madeno better use of it. He fell into a profound melancholy, andnothing could comfort him. One night he saw in a dream avenerable old man coming towards him, who with a smilingcountenance said, "Know, Zeyn, that there is no sorrow but whatis followed by mirth, no misfortune but what in the end bringssome happiness. If you desire to see the end of your affliction, set out for Egypt, go to Grand Cairo, where great prosperityawaits you. "

The young sultan was struck with his dream, and spoke of it veryseriously to his mother, who only laughed at it. "My son, " saidshe to him, "would you go into Egypt on the faith of an illusivedream?" "Why not, madam, " answered Zeyn, "do you imagine alldreams are chimerical? No, no, some of them are mysterious. Mypreceptors have told me a thousand incidents, which will notpermit me to doubt of it. Besides, though I were not otherwiseconvinced, I could not forbear giving some credit to my dreams. The old man who appeared to me had something supernatural, he wasnot one of those men whom nothing but age makes venerable; thereappeared a divine air about his person. In short, he was such aone as our great prophet is represented; and if you will have metell you what I think, I believe it was he, who, pitying myaffliction, designs to relieve it. I rely on the confidence hehas inspired me with. I am full of his promises, and haveresolved to follow his advice. " The queen endeavoured todissuade him, but in vain. The sultan committed to her thegovernment of the kingdom, set out one night very privately fromhis palace, and took the road to Cairo, without suffering anyperson to attend him. 

After much trouble and fatigue, he arrived at that famous city, like which there are few in the world, either for extent orbeauty. He alighted at the gate of a mosque, where, being spentwith weariness, he lay down. No sooner was he fallen asleep, than he saw the same old man, who said to him, "I am pleased withyou, my son, you have given credit to my words. You are comehither, without being deterred by the length or the difficultiesof the way: but know I have not put you upon undertaking such along journey, with any other design than to try you. I find youhave courage and resolution. You deserve I should make you therichest and happiest prince in the world. Return to Bussorah, and you shall find immense wealth in your palace. No king everpossessed so rich a treasure. "

The sultan was not pleased with this dream. "Alas!" thought heto himself, when he awoke, "how much was I mistaken? That oldman, whom I took for our prophet, is no other than the productionof my disturbed imagination. My fancy was so full of him, thatit is no wonder I have seen him again. I had best return toBussorah; what should I do here any longer? It is fortunate thatI told none but my mother the motive of my journey: I shouldbecome a jest to my people, if they knew it. "

Accordingly, he set out again for his kingdom, and as soon as hearrived there, the queen asked him, whether he returned wellpleased? He told her all that had happened, and was so muchconcerned for having been so credulous, that the queen, insteadof adding to his vexation, by reproving or laughing at him, comforted him. "Forbear afflicting yourself, my son, " said she;"if God has appointed you riches, you will have them without anytrouble. Be contented; all that I recommend to you is, to bevirtuous; renounce the delights of dancing, music, and wine: shunall these pleasures, they have already almost ruined you; applyyourself to make your subjects happy; by securing theirhappiness, you will establish your own. "

Sultan Zeyn vowed that he would for the future follow hismother's advice, and be directed by the wise viziers she hadchosen to assist him in supporting the weight of government. Butthe very night after he returned to his palace, he saw the oldman the third time in a dream, who said to him, "The time of yourprosperity is come, brave Zeyn: to-morrow morning, as soon as youare up, take a little pick-axe, and dig in the late sultan'scloset; you will there find a rich treasure. "

As soon as the sultan awoke, he got up, ran to the queen'sapartment, and with much eagerness told her the new dream of thatnight. "Really, my son, " said the queen smiling, "this is a verypositive old man; he is not satisfied with having deceived youtwice: have you a mind to believe him again?" "No, madam, "answered Zeyn, "I give no credit to what he has said; but I will, for my own satisfaction, search my father's closet. " "I reallyfancied so, " cried the queen, laughing heartily: "go, my son, satisfy yourself; my comfort is, that work is not so fatiguing asthe journey to Egypt. "

"Well madam, " answered the sultan, "I must own, that this thirddream has restored my confidence, for it is connected with thetwo others; let us examine the old man's words. He firstdirected me to go into Egypt; there he told me, he had put meupon taking that journey, only to try me. 'Return to Bussorah, 'said he, 'that is the place where you are to find treasures;'this night he has exactly pointed out to me the place where theyare: these three dreams in my opinion, are connected. After all, they may be chimerical: but I would rather search in vain, thanblame myself as long as I live, for having perhaps missed greatriches, by being unseasonably incredulous. "

Having spoken thus, he left the queen's apartment, caused apick-axe to be brought him, and went alone into the late sultan'scloset. He immediately began to break up the ground, and took upabove half the square stones it was paved with, but yet saw notthe least appearance of what he sought. He ceased working totake a little rest, thinking within himself, "I am much afraid mymother had cause enough to laugh at me. " However, he took heart, and went on with his labour, nor had he cause to repent; for on asudden he discovered a white slab, which he took up, and under itfound a door, made fast with a steel padlock, which he broke withthe pick-axe, and opened the door, which covered a staircase ofwhite marble. He immediately lighted a lamp, and went down thestairs into a room, the floor whereof was laid with tiles ofchinaware, and the roof and walls were of crystal; but heparticularly fixed his eyes on four shelves, a little raisedabove the rest of the floor, on each of which were ten urns ofporphyry. He fancied they were full of wine: "Well, " said he, "that wine must be very old, I do not question but it isexcellent. " He went up to one of the urns, took off the cover, and with no less joy than surprise perceived it was full ofpieces of gold. He searched all the forty, one after another, and found them full of the same coin, took out a handful, andcarried it to the queen. 

The princess, it may be imagined, was amazed, when the sultangave her an account of what he had discovered. "O! my son, " saidshe, "take heed you do not lavish away all this wealth foolishly, as you have already done the royal treasure. Let not yourenemies have so much occasion to rejoice. " "No, madam, " answeredZeyn, "I will from henceforward live in such a manner as shall bepleasing to you. "

The queen desired her son to conduct her to the wonderfulsubterraneous place, which the late sultan her husband had madewith such secrecy, that she had never heard of it. Zeyn led herto the closet, down the marble stairs, and into the chamber wherethe urns were. She observed every thing with the eye ofcuriosity, and in a corner spied a little urn of the same sort ofstone as the others. The prince had not before taken notice ofit, but opening, found in it a golden key. "My son, " said thequeen, "this key certainly belongs to some other treasure; let ussearch well, perhaps we may discover the use it is designed for. "

They examined the chamber with the utmost exactness, and atlength found a key-hole in one of the panels of the wall. Thesultan immediately tried, and as readily opened the door, whichled into a chamber, in the midst of which were nine pedestals ofmassive gold, on eight of which stood as many statues, each ofthem made of a single diamond, and from them darted such abrightness, that the whole room was perfectly light. 

"O Heavens!" cried Zeyn, in astonishment, "where could my fatherfind such rarities?" The ninth pedestal redoubled thisamazement, for it was covered with a piece of white satin, onwhich were written these words, "Dear son, it cost me much toilto procure these eight statues; but though they areextraordinarily beautiful, you must understand that there is aninth in the world, which surpasses them all: that alone is worthmore than a thousand such as these: if you desire to be master ofit, go to the city of Cairo in Egypt; one of my old slaves, whosename is Mobarec, lives there, you will easily find him; the firstperson you meet will shew you his house; visit him, and tell himall that has befallen you: he will know you to be my son, andconduct you to the place where that wonderful statue is, whichyou will obtain with safety. "

The young sultan having read these words, said to the queen, "Ishould be sorry to be without that ninth statue; it mustcertainly be a very rare piece, since all these together are notof so much value. I will set out for Grand Cairo; nor do Ibelieve, madam, that you will now oppose my design. " "No, myson, " answered the queen, "I am not against it: you are certainlyunder the special protection of our great prophet, he will notsuffer you to perish in this journey. Set out when you thinkfit: your viziers and I will take care of the government duringyour absence. " The prince made ready his equipage, but would takeonly a small number of slaves with him. 

Nothing remarkable befell him by the way, but arriving at Cairo, he inquired for Mobarec. The people told him he was one of thewealthiest inhabitants of the city; that he lived like a greatlord, and that his house was open, especially for strangers. Zeyn was conducted thither, knocked at the gate, which a slaveopened, and demanded, "What is it you want, and who are you?" "Iam a stranger, " answered the prince, "and having heard much ofthe lord Mobarec's generosity, am come to take up my lodging withhim. " The slave desired Zeyn to wait while he went to acquainthis master, who ordered him to request the stranger to walk in. The slave returned to the gate, and told the prince he waswelcome. 

Zeyn went in, crossed a large court, and entered a hallmagnificently furnished, where Mobarec expected him, and receivedhim very courteously, returning thanks for the honour he did himin accepting a lodging in his house. The prince, having answeredhis compliment, said to Mobarec, "I am the son of the late sultanof Bussorah, and my name is Zeyn Alasnam. " "That sovereign, "said Mobarec, "was formerly my master; but, my lord, I never knewof any children he had: what is your age?" "I am twenty yearsold, " answered the sultan. "How long is it since you left myfather's court?" "Almost two-and-twenty years, " replied Mobarec;"but how can you convince me that you are his son?" "My father, "rejoined Zeyn, "had a subterraneous place under his closet, inwhich I have found forty porphyry urns full of gold. " "And whatmore is there?" said Mobarec. "There are, " answered the prince, "nine pedestals of massive gold: on eight whereof are as manydiamond statues; and on the ninth a piece of white satin, onwhich my father has written what I am to do to procure anotherstatue, more valuable than all those together. You know wherethat statue is; for it is mentioned on the satin, that you willconduct me to it. "

As soon as he had spoke these words, Mobarec fell down at hisfeet, and kissing one of his hands several times, said, "I blessGod for having brought you hither: I know you to be the sultan ofBussorah's son. If you will go to the place where the wonderfulstatue is, I will conduct you; but you must first rest here a fewdays. This day I treat the great men of the court; we were attable when word was brought me of your being at the door. Willyou vouchsafe to come and be merry with us?" "I shall be veryglad, " replied Zeyn, "to be admitted to your feast. " Mobarecimmediately led him under a dome where the company was, seatedhim at the table, and served him on the knee. The nobles ofCairo were surprised, and whispered to one another, "Who is thisstranger, to whom Mobarec pays so much respect?"

When they had dined, Mobarec directing his discourse to thecompany, said, "Nobles of Cairo, do not think much to see meserve this young stranger in this manner: know that he is the sonof the sultan of Bussorah, my master. His father purchased me, and died without making me free; so that I am still a slave, andconsequently all I have of right belongs to this young prince, his sole heir. " Here Zeyn interrupted him: "Mobarec, " said he, "I declare, before all these lords, that I make you free fromthis moment, and that I renounce all right to your person, andall you possess. Consider what you would have me do more foryou. " Mobarec kissed the ground, and returned the prince mosthearty thanks. Wine was then brought in, they drank all day, andtowards evening presents were distributed among the guests, whodeparted. 

The next day Zeyn said to Mobarec, "I have taken rest enough. Icame not to Cairo to take my pleasure; my design is to obtain theninth statue; it is time for us to set out in search of it. ""Sir, " said Mobarec, "I am ready to comply with your desires; butyou know not what dangers you must encounter to make thisprecious acquisition. " "Whatsoever the danger may be, " answeredthe prince, "I have resolved to make the attempt; I will eitherperish or succeed. All that happens in this world is by God'sdirection. Do you but bear me company, and let your resolutionbe equal to mine. "

Mobarec, finding him determined to set out, called his servants, and ordered them to make ready his equipage. The prince and hethen performed the ablution, and the prayer enjoined, which iscalled Farz; and that done, they set out. On their way they tooknotice of abundance of strange and wonderful things, andtravelled many days, at length, being come to a delightful spot, they alighted from their horses. Mobarec then said to all theservants that attended them, "Do you remain in this place, andtake care of our equipage till we return. " Then he said to Zeyn, "Now, sir, let us advance by ourselves. We are near the dreadfulplace, where the ninth statue is kept. You will stand in need ofall your courage. "

They soon came to a vast lake: Mobarec set down on the brink ofit, saying to the prince, "We must cross this sea. " "How canwe, " answered Zeyn, "when we have no boat?" "You will see oneappear in a moment, " replied Mobarec; "the enchanted boat of thesultan of the genii will come for us. But do not forget what Iam going to say to you: you must observe a profound silence: donot speak to the boatman, though his figure seem strange to you:whatever extraordinary circumstance you observe, say nothing; forI tell you beforehand, that if you utter one word when we areembarked, the boat will sink. " "I shall take care to hold mypeace, " said the prince; "you need only tell me what I am to do, and I will strictly comply. "

Whilst they were talking, he spied on a sudden a boat in thelake, made of red sandal wood. It had a mast of fine amber, anda blue satin flag: there was only one boatman in it, whose headwas like an elephant's, and his body like that of a tiger. Whenthe boat was come up to the prince and Mobarec, the monstrousboatman took them up one after another with his trunk, put theminto his boat, and carried them over the lake in a moment. Hethen again took them up with his trunk, set them ashore, andimmediately vanished with his boat. 

"Now we may talk, " said Mobarec: "the island we are in belongs tothe sultan of the genii. Look round you, prince; can there be amore delightful spot? It is certainly a lively representation ofthe charming place God has appointed for the faithful observersof our law. Behold the fields adorned with all sorts of flowersand odoriferous plants: admire those beautiful trees whosedelicious fruit makes the branches bend down to the ground; enjoythe pleasure of those harmonious songs formed in the air by athousand birds of as many various sorts, unknown in othercountries. " Zeyn could not sufficiently admire the beauties withwhich he was surrounded, and still found something new, as headvanced farther into the island. 

At length they came before a palace built of emeralds, encompassed by a wide moat, on the banks whereof, at certaindistances, were planted such tall trees, that they shaded thewhole palace. Before the gate, which was of massive gold, was abridge, formed of one single shell of a fish, though it was atleast six fathoms long, and three in breadth. At the head of thebridge stood a company of genii, of a prodigious height, whoguarded the entrance into the castle with great clubs of Chinasteel. 

"Let us at present proceed no farther, " said Mobarec, "thesegenii will destroy us: and in order to prevent their coming tous, we must perform a magical ceremony. " He then drew out of apurse which he had under his garment, four long slips of yellowtaffety; one he put about his middle, and laid the other on hisback, giving the other two to the prince, who did the like. ThenMobarec laid on the ground two large table-cloths, on the edgeswhereof he scattered some precious stones, musk, and amber. Afterwards he sat down on one of the cloths, and Zeyn on theother; and Mobarec said to the prince, "I shall now, sir, conjurethe sultan of the genii, who lives in the palace that is beforeus; may he come in a peaceable mood to us! I confess I am notwithout apprehension about the reception he may give us. If ourcoming into this island is displeasing to him, he will appear inthe shape of a dreadful monster; but if he approves of yourdesign, he will shew himself in the shape of a handsome man. Assoon as he appears before us, you must rise and salute him, without going off your cloth; for you would certainly perish, should you stir from it. You must say to him, 'Sovereign lord ofthe genii, my father, who was your servant, has been taken awayby the angel of death; I wish your majesty may protect me, as youalways protected my father. ' If the sultan of the genii, " addedMobarec, "ask you what favour you desire of him, you must answer, 'I most humbly beg of you to give me the ninth statue. '"

Mobarec, having thus instructed prince Zeyn, began hisconjuration. Immediately their eyes were dazzled by a long flashof lightning, which was followed by a clap of thunder. The wholeisland was covered with a thick darkness, a furious storm of windblew, a dreadful cry was heard, the island felt a shock, andthere was such an earthquake, as that which Asrayel is to causeon the day of judgment. 

Zeyn was startled, and began to regard these concussions of theelements as a very ill omen, when Mobarec, who knew better thanhe what to judge, began to smile, and said, "Take courage, myprince, all goes well. " In short, that very moment, the sultanof the genii appeared in the shape of a very handsome man, yetthere was something of a sternness in his air. 

As soon as sultan Zeyn had made him the compliment he had beentaught by Mobarec, the sultan of the genii smiling, answered, "Myson, I loved your father, and every time he came to pay me hisrespects, I presented him with a statue, which he carried awaywith him. I have no less kindness for you. I obliged yourfather, some days before he died, to write that which you read onthe piece of white satin. I promised him to receive you under myprotection, and to give you the ninth statue, which in beautysurpasses those you have already. I had begun to perform mypromise to him. It was I whom you saw in a dream in the shape ofan old man; I caused you to open the subterraneous place, wherethe urns and the statues are deposited: I have a great share inall that has befallen you, or rather am the occasion of all. Iknow the motive that brought you hither; you shall obtain whatyou desire. Though I had not promised your father to give it, Iwould willingly grant it to you: but you must first swear to meby all that is sacred, that you will return to this island, andthat you will bring me a maid who is in her fifteenth year, hasnever loved, nor desired to. She must also be perfectlybeautiful: and you so much a master of yourself, as not even todesire her as you are conducting her hither. "

Sultan Zeyn took the rash oath demanded of him. "But, my lord, "said he, "suppose I should be so fortunate as to meet with such amaid as you require, how shall I know that I have found her?" "Iown, " answered the sultan of the genii, smiling, "that you mightbe mistaken in her appearance: that knowledge is above the sonsof Adam, and therefore I do not mean to depend upon your judgmentin that particular: I will give you a looking-glass which will bemore certain than your conjectures. When you shall have seen amaiden fifteen years of age, perfectly beautiful, you need onlylook into the glass in which you shall see her figure. If she bechaste, the glass will remain clean and unsullied; but if, on thecontrary, it sullies, that will be a certain sign that she hasnot always been prudent, or at least that she has desired tocease to be so. Do not forget the oath you have taken: keep itlike a man of honour; otherwise I will take away your life, notwithstanding the kindness I have for you. " Zeyn Alasnamprotested again that he would faithfully keep his word. Thesultan of the genii then delivered to him a looking-glass, saying, "My son, you may return when you please, there is theglass you are to use. " Zeyn and Mobarec took leave of the sultanof the genii, and went towards the lake. The boatman with theelephant's head brought the boat, and ferried them over the lakeas he had done before. They joined their servants, and returnedwith them again to Cairo. 

The young sultan rested a few days at Mobarec's house, and thensaid to him, "Let us go to Bagdad, to seek a maiden for thesovereign of the genii. " "Why, are we not at Grand Cairo?" saidMobarec: "shall we not there find beautiful maidens?" "You arein the right, " answered the prince; "but how shall we explorewhere they are?" "Do not trouble yourself about that, " answeredMobarec; "I know a very shrewd old woman, whom I will entrustwith the affair, and she will acquit herself well. "

Accordingly the old woman found means to shew the sultan aconsiderable number of beautiful maidens of fifteen years of age;but when he had viewed them, and came to consult hislooking-glass, the fatal touchstone of their virtue, the glassalways appeared sullied. All the maidens in the court and city, who were in their fifteenth year, underwent the trial one afteranother, but the glass never remained bright and clear. 

When they saw there were no chaste maidens to be found in Cairo, they went to Bagdad, where they hired a magnificent palace in oneof the chief quarters of the city, and began to live splendidly. They kept open house; and after all people had eaten in thepalace, the fragments were carried to the dervises, who by thatmeans had comfortable subsistence. 

There lived in that quarter a pedant, whose name was BoubekirMuezin, a vain, haughty, and envious person: he hated the rich, only because he was poor, his misery making him angry at hisneighbour's prosperity. He heard talk of Zeyn Alasnam, and ofthe plenty his house afforded. This was enough for him to takean aversion to that prince; and it proceeded so far, that one dayafter the evening prayer in the mosque, he said to the people, "Brethren, I have been told there is come to live in our ward astranger, who every day gives away immense sums. How do we knowbut that this unknown person is some villain, who has committed arobbery in his own country, and comes hither to enjoy himself?Let us take care, brethren; if the caliph should be informed thatsuch a man is in our ward, it is to be feared he will punish usfor not acquainting him with it. I declare for my part I wash myhands of the affair, and if any thing should happen amiss, itshall not lie at my door. " The multitude, who are easily ledaway, with one voice cried to Boubekir, "It is your business, doyou acquaint the council with it. " The muezin went home wellpleased, and drew up a memorial, resolving to present it to thecaliph next day. 

But Mobarec, who had been at prayers, and heard all that was saidby the muezin, put five hundred pieces of gold into ahandkerchief, made up with a parcel of several silks, and went toBoubekir's house. The muezin asked him in a harsh tone what hewanted. "Holy father, " answered Mobarec with an obliging air, and at the same time putting into his hand the gold and the silk, "I am your neighbour and your servant: I come from prince Zeyn, who lives in this ward: he has heard of your worth, and hasordered me to come and tell you, that he desires to be acquaintedwith you, and in the mean time desires you to accept of thissmall present. " Boubekir was transported with joy, and answeredMobarec thus: "Be pleased, sir, to beg the prince's pardon forme: I am ashamed I have not yet been to see him, but I will atonefor my fault, and wait on him to-morrow. "

Accordingly the next day after morning prayer he said to thepeople, "You must know from your own experience, brethren, thatno man is without some enemies: envy pursues those chiefly whoare very rich. The stranger I spoke to you about yesterday inthe evening is no bad man, as some ill-designing persons wouldhave persuaded me: he is a young prince, endowed with everyvirtue. It behoves us to take care how we give any injuriousreport of him to the caliph. "

Boubekir having thus wiped off the impression he had the daybefore given the people concerning Zeyn, returned home, put onhis best apparel and went to visit the young prince, who gave hima courteous reception. After several compliments had passed onboth sides, Boubekir said to the prince, "Sir, do you design tostay long at Bagdad?" "I shall stay, " answered Zeyn, "till I canfind a maid fifteen years of age, perfectly beautiful, and sochaste, that she has not only never loved a man, but even neverdesired to do so. " "You seek after a great rarity, " replied themuezin; "and I should be apt to fear your search would proveunsuccessful, did I not know where there is a maid of thatcharacter. Her father was formerly vizier; but has left thecourt, and lived a long time in a lone house, where he applieshimself solely to the education of his daughter. If you please, I will ask her of him for you: I do not question but he will beoverjoyed to have a son-in-law of your quality. " "Not so fast, "said the prince, "I shall not marry the maid before I knowwhether I like her. As for her beauty, I can depend on you; butwhat assurance can you give me in relation to her virtue?" "Whatassurance do you require?" said Boubekir. "I must see her face, "answered Zeyn; "that is enough to determine my resolution. " "Youare skilled then in physiognomy?" replied the muezin, smiling. "Well, come along with me to her father's: I will desire him tolet you see her one moment in his presence. "

The muezin conducted the prince to the vizier's; who, as soon ashe was acquainted with the prince's birth and design, called hisdaughter, and made her take off her veil. Never had the youngsultan of Bussorah beheld such a perfect and striking beauty. Hestood amazed; and since he could then try whether the maid was aschaste as fair, he pulled out his glass, which remained brightand unsullied. 

When he perceived he had at length found such a person as hedesired, he entreated the vizier to grant her to him. Immediately the cauzee was sent for, the contract signed, and themarriage prayer said. After this ceremony, Zeyn conducted thevizier to his house, where he treated him magnificently, and gavehim considerable presents. Next day he sent a prodigiousquantity of jewels by Mobarec, who conducted the bride home, where the wedding was kept with all the pomp that became Zeyn'squality. When all the company was dismissed Mobarec said to hismaster, "Let us begone, sir, let us not stay any longer atBagdad, but return to Cairo: remember the promise you made thesultan of the genii. " "Let us go, " answered the prince; "I musttake care to perform it exactly; yet I must confess, my dearMobarec, that, if I obey the sultan of the genii, it is notwithout reluctance. The damsel I have married is so charming, that I am tempted to carry her to Bussorah, and place her on thethrone. " "Alas! sir, " answered Mobarec, "take heed how you giveway to your inclination: make yourself master of your passions, and whatever it costs you, be as good as your word to the sultanof the genii. " "Well, then, Mobarec, " said the prince, "do youtake care to conceal the lovely maid from me; let her neverappear in my sight; perhaps I have already seen too much of her. "

Mobarec made all ready for their departure; they returned toCairo, and thence set out for the island of the sultan of thegenii. When they were arrived, the maid who had performed thejourney in a horse-litter, and whom the prince had never seensince his wedding-day, said to Mobarec, "Where are we? Shall webe soon in the dominions of the prince my husband?" "Madam, "answered Mobarec, "it is time to undeceive you. Prince Zeynmarried you only in order to get you from your father: he did notengage his faith to make you sovereign of Bussorah, but todeliver you to the sultan of the genii, who has asked of him avirgin of your character. " At these words, she began to weepbitterly, which moved the prince and Mobarec. "Take pity on me, "said she; "I am a stranger, you will be accountable to God foryour treachery towards me. "

Her tears and complaints were of no effect, for she was presentedto the sultan of the genii, who having gazed on her withattention, said to Zeyn, "Prince, I am satisfied with yourbehaviour; the virgin you have brought me is beautiful andchaste, and I am pleased with the restraint you have put uponyourself to be as good as your promise to me. Return to yourdominions, and when you shall enter the subterraneous room, wherethe eight statues are, you shall find the ninth which I promisedyou. I will make my genii carry it thither. " Zeyn thanked thesultan, and returned to Cairo with Mobarec, but did not stay longin Egypt, for his impatience to see the ninth statue made himhasten his departure. However, he could not but often thinkregretfully of the young virgin he had married; and blaminghimself for having deceived her, he looked upon himself as thecause and instrument of her misfortune. "Alas!" said he tohimself, "I have taken her from a tender father, to sacrifice herto a genie. O incomparable beauty! you deserve a better fate. "

Sultan Zeyn, disturbed with these thoughts, at length reachedBussorah, where his subjects made extraordinary rejoicings forhis return. He went directly to give an account of his journeyto his mother, who was in a rapture to hear that he had obtainedthe ninth statue. "Let us go, my son, " said she, "let us go andsee it, for it is certainly in the subterraneous chamber, sincethe sultan of the genii told you you should find it there. " Theyoung sultan and his mother, being both impatient to see thewonderful statue, went down into the room of the statues; but howgreat was their surprise, when, instead of a statue of diamonds, they beheld on the ninth pedestal a most beautiful virgin, whomthe prince knew to be the same whom he had conducted into theisland of the genii! "Prince, " said the young maid, "you aresurprised to see me here; you expected to have found somethingmore precious than me, and I question not but that you now repenthaving taken so much trouble: you expected a better reward. ""Madam, " answered Zeyn, "heaven is my witness, that I more thanonce had nearly broken my word with the sultan of the genii, tokeep you to myself. Whatever be the value of a diamond statue, isit worth the satisfaction of having you mine? I love you aboveall the diamonds and wealth in the world. "

Just as he had done speaking, a clap of thunder was heard, whichshook the subterranean place. Zeyn's mother was alarmed, but thesultan of the genii immediately appearing, dispelled her fear. "Madam, " said he to her, "I protect and love your son: I had amind to try, whether, at his age, he could subdue his passions. I know the charms of this young lady have wrought on him, andthat he did not punctually keep the promise he had made me, notto desire her; but I am well acquainted with the frailty of humannature. This is the ninth statue I designed for him; it is morerare and precious than the others. " "Live, " said he (directinghis discourse to the young prince), "live happy, Zeyn, with thisyoung lady, who is your wife; and if you would have her true andconstant to you, love her always, and love her only. Give her norival, and I will answer for her fidelity. " Having spoken thesewords, the sultan of the genii vanished, and Zeyn, enchanted withthe young lady, the same day caused her to be proclaimed queen ofBussorah, over which they reigned in mutual happiness to anadvanced age. 

 THE HISTORY OF CODADAD, AND HIS BROTHERS. 

Those who have written the history of Diarbekir inform us thatthere formerly reigned in the city of Harran a most magnificentand potent sultan, who loved his subjects, and was equallybeloved by them. He was endued with all virtues, and wantednothing to complete his happiness but an heir. Though he had thefinest women in the world in his seraglio, yet was he destituteof children. He continually prayed to heaven for them; and onenight in his sleep, a comely person, or rather a prophet, appeared to him, and said, "Your prayers are heard; you haveobtained what you have desired; rise as soon as you awake, go toyour prayers, and make two genuflexions, then walk into thegarden of your palace, call your gardener, and bid him bring youa pomegranate, eat as many of the seeds as you please, and yourwishes shall be accomplished. "

The sultan calling to mind his dream when he awoke, returnedthanks to heaven, got up, prayed, made two genuflexions, and thenwent into his garden, where he took fifty pomegranate seeds, which he counted, and ate. He had fifty wives who shared hisbed; they all proved with child; but there was one calledPirouzè, who did not appear to be pregnant. He took an aversionto this lady, and would have her put to death. "Her barrenness, "said he, "is a certain token that heaven does not judge Pirouzèworthy to bear a prince; it is my duty to deliver the world froman object that is odious to the Lord. " He would have executedhis cruel purpose had not his vizier prevented him; representingto him that all women were not of the same constitution, and thatit was not impossible but that Pirouzè might be with child, though it did not yet appear. "Well, " answered the sultan, "lether live; but let her depart my court; for I cannot endure her. ""Your majesty, " replied the vizier, "may send her to sultanSamer, your cousin. " The sultan approved of this advice; he sentPirouzè to Samaria, with a letter, in which he ordered his cousinto treat her well, and, in case she proved with child, to givehim notice of her being brought to bed. 

No sooner was Pirouzè arrived in that country, than it appearedthat she was pregnant, and at length she was delivered of a mostbeautiful prince. The prince of Samaria wrote immediately to thesultan of Harran, to acquaint him with the birth of a son, and tocongratulate him on the occasion. The sultan was much rejoicedat this intelligence, and answered prince Samer as follows:"Cousin, all my other wives have each been delivered of a prince. I desire you to educate that of Pirouzè, to give him the name ofCodadad, and to send him to me when I may apply for him. "

The prince of Samaria spared nothing that might improve theeducation of his nephew. He taught him to ride, draw the bow, and all other accomplishments becoming the son of a sovereign; sothat Codadad, at eighteen years of age, was looked upon as aprodigy. The young prince, being inspired with a courage worthyof his birth, said one day to his mother, "Madam, I begin to growweary of Samaria; I feel a passion for glory; give me leave toseek it amidst the perils of war. My father, the sultan ofHarran, has many enemies. Why does he not call me to hisassistance? Why does he leave me here so long in obscurity?Must I spend my life in sloth, when all my brothers have thehappiness to be fighting by his side?" "My son, " answeredPirouzè, "I am no less impatient to have your name become famous;I could wish you had already signalized yourself against yourfather's enemies; but we must wait till he requires it. " "No, madam, " replied Codadad, "I have already waited but too long. Iburn to see the sultan, and am tempted to offer him my service, as a young stranger: no doubt but he will accept of it, and Iwill not discover myself, till I have performed some gloriousactions: I desire to merit his esteem before he knows who I am. "Pirouzè approved of his generous resolutions, and Codadaddeparted from Samaria, as if he had been going to the chase, without acquainting prince Samer, lest he should thwart hisdesign. 

He was mounted on a white charger, who had a bit and shoes ofgold, his housing was of blue satin embroidered with pearls; thehilt of his scimitar was of one single diamond, and the scabbardof sandal-wood, adorned with emeralds and rubies, and on hisshoulder he carried his bow and quiver. In this equipage, whichgreatly set off his handsome person, he arrived at the city ofHarran, and soon found means to offer his service to the sultan;who being charmed with his beauty and promising appearance, andperhaps indeed by natural sympathy, gave him a favourablereception, and asked his name and quality. "Sir, " answeredCodadad, "I am son to an emir of Grand Cairo; an inclination totravel has made me quit my country, and understanding, in mypassage through your dominions, that you were engaged in war, Iam come to your court to offer your majesty my service. " Thesultan shewed him extraordinary kindness, and gave him a commandin his army. 

The young prince soon signalized his bravery. He gained theesteem of the officers, and was admired by the soldiers. Havingno less wit than courage, he so far advanced himself in thesultan's esteem, as to become his favourite. All the ministersand other courtiers daily resorted to Codadad, and were so eagerto purchase his friendship, that they neglected the sultan'ssons. The princes could not but resent this conduct, andimputing it to the stranger, all conceived an implacable hatredagainst him; but the sultan's affection daily increasing, he wasnever weary of giving him fresh testimonies of his regard. Healways would have him near his person; admired his conversation, ever full of wit and discretion; and to shew his high opinion ofhis wisdom and prudence, committed to his care the other princes, though he was of the same age as they; so that Codadad was madegovernor of his brothers. 

This only served to heighten their hatred. "Is it come to this, "said they, "that the sultan, not satisfied with loving a strangermore than us, will have him to be our governor, and not allow usto act without his leave? this is not to be endured. We must ridourselves of this foreigner. " "Let us go together, " said one ofthem, "and dispatch him. " "No, no, " answered another; "we hadbetter be cautious how we sacrifice ourselves. His death wouldrender us odious to the sultan, who in return would declare usall unworthy to reign. Let us destroy him by some stratagem. Wewill ask his permission to hunt, and when at a distance from thepalace, proceed to some other city, and stay there some time. The sultan will wonder at our absence, and perceiving we do notreturn, perhaps put the stranger to death, or at least willbanish him from court, for suffering us to leave the palace. "

All the princes applauded this artifice. They went together toCodadad, and desired him to allow them to take the diversion ofhunting, promising to return the same day. Pirouzè's son wastaken in the snare, and granted the permission his brothersdesired. They set out, but never returned. They had been threedays absent, when the sultan asked Codadad where the princeswere, for it was long since he had seen them. "Sir, " answeredCodadad, after making a profound reverence, "they have beenhunting these three days, but they promised me they would returnsooner. " The sultan grew uneasy, and his uneasiness increasedwhen he perceived the princes did not return the next day. Hecould not check his anger: "Indiscreet stranger, " said he toCodadad, "why did you let my sons go without bearing themcompany? Is it thus you discharge the trust I have reposed inyou? Go, seek them immediately, and bring them to me, or yourlife shall be forfeited. "

These words chilled with alarm Pirouzè's unfortunate son. Hearmed himself, departed from the city, and like a shepherd, whohad lost his flock, searched the country for his brothers, inquiring at every village whether they had been seen: buthearing no news of them, abandoned himself to the most livelygrief. "Alas! my brothers, " said he, "what is become of you?Are you fallen into the hands of our enemies? Am I come to thecourt of Harran to be the occasion of giving the sultan so muchanxiety?" He was inconsolable for having given the princespermission to hunt, or for not having borne them company. 

After some days spent in fruitless search, he came to a plain ofprodigious extent, in the midst whereof was a palace built ofblack marble. He drew near, and at one of the windows beheld amost beautiful lady; but set off with no other ornament than herown charms; for her hair was dishevelled, her garments torn, andon her countenance appeared all the marks of the greatestaffliction. As soon as she saw Codadad, and judged he might hearher, she directed her discourse to him, saying, "Young man, depart from this fatal place, or you will soon fall into thehands of the monster that inhabits it: a black, who feeds only onhuman blood, resides in this palace; he seizes all persons whomtheir ill-fate conducts to this plain, and shuts them up in hisdark dungeons, whence they are never released, but to be devouredby him. "

"Madam, " answered Codadad, "tell me who you are, and be notconcerned for myself. " "I am a young woman of quality of GrandCairo, " replied the lady; "I was passing by this castleyesterday, in my way to Bagdad, and met with the black, whokilled all my attendants, and brought me hither; I wish I hadnothing but death to fear, but to add to my calamity, thismonster would persuade me to love him, and, in case I do notyield to-morrow to his brutality, I must expect the lastviolence. Once more, " added she, "make your escape: the blackwill soon return; he is gone out to pursue some travellers heespied at a distance on the plain. Lose no time; I know notwhether you can escape him by a speedy flight. "

She had scarcely done speaking before the black appeared. He wasof monstrous bulk, and of a dreadful aspect, mounted on a largeTartar horse, and bore such a heavy scimitar, that none buthimself could wield. The prince seeing him, was amazed at hisgigantic stature, directed his prayers to heaven to assist him, then drew his scimitar, and firmly awaited his approach. Themonster, despising so inconsiderable an enemy, called to him tosubmit without fighting. Codadad by his conduct shewed that hewas resolved to defend his life; for rushing upon him, he woundedhim on the knee. The black, feeling himself wounded, utteredsuch a dreadful yell as made all the plain resound. He grewfurious and foamed with rage, and raising himself on hisstirrups, made at Codadad with his dreadful scimitar. The blowwas so violent, that it would have put an end to the youngprince, had not he avoided it by a sudden spring. The scimitarmade a horrible hissing in the air: but, before the black couldhave time to make a second blow, Codadad struck him on his rightarm, with such force, that he cut it off. The dreadful scimitarfell with the hand that held it, and the black yielding under theviolence of the stroke, lost his stirrups, and made the earthshake with the weight of his fall. The prince alighted at thesame time, and cut off his enemy's head. Just then, the lady, who had been a spectator of the combat, and was still offering upher earnest prayers to heaven for the young hero, whom sheadmired, uttered a shriek of joy, and said to Codadad, "Prince(for the dangerous victory you have obtained, as well as yournoble air, convinces me that you are of no common rank), finishthe work you have begun; the black has the keys of this castle, take them and deliver me out of prison. " The prince searched thewretch as he lay stretched on the ground, and found several keys. 

He opened the first door, and entered a court, where he saw thelady coming to meet him; she would have cast herself at his feet, the better to express her gratitude, but he would not permit her. She commended his valour, and extolled him above all the heroesin the world. He returned her compliments; and she appearedstill more lovely to him near, than she had done at a distance. I know not whether she felt more joy at being delivered from thedesperate danger she had been in, than he for having done soconsiderable a service to so beautiful a person. 

Their conversation was interrupted by dismal cries and groans. "What do I hear?" said Codadad: "Whence come these miserablelamentations, which pierce my ears?" "My lord, " said the lady tohim, pointing to a little door in the court, "they come fromthence. There are I know not how many wretched persons whom fatehas thrown into the hands of the black. They are all chained, and the monster drew out one every day to devour. "

"It is an addition to my joy, " answered the young prince, "tounderstand that my victory will save the lives of thoseunfortunate beings. Come along with me, madam, to partake in thesatisfaction of giving them their liberty. You may judge by yourown feelings how welcome we shall be to them. " Having so said, they advanced towards the door of the dungeon, and the nearerthey drew, the more distinctly they heard the lamentations of theprisoners. Codadad pitying them, and impatient to put an end totheir sufferings, presently put one of the keys into the lock. The noise made all the unfortunate captives, who concluded it wasthe black coming, according to custom, to seize one of them todevour, redouble their cries and groans. Lamentable voices wereheard, which seemed to come from the centre of the earth. 

In the mean time, the prince had opened the door; he went down avery steep staircase into a large and deep vault, which receivedsome feeble light from a little window, and in which there wereabove a hundred persons, bound to stakes, and their hands tied. "Unfortunate travellers, " said he to them, "wretched victims, who only expected the moment of an approaching cruel death, givethanks to heaven, which has this day delivered you by my means. I have slain the black by whom you were to be devoured, and amcome to knock off your chains. " The prisoners hearing thesewords, gave a shout of mingled joy and surprise. Codadad and thelady began to unbind them; and as soon as any of them were loose, they helped to take off the fetters from the rest; so that in ashort time they were all at liberty. 

They then kneeled down, and having returned thanks to Codadad forwhat he had done for them, went out of the dungeon; but when theywere come into the court, how was the prince surprised to seeamong the prisoners, those he was in search of, and almostwithout hopes to find! "Princes, " cried he, "am I not deceived?Is it you whom I behold? May I flatter myself that it may be inmy power to restore you to the sultan your father, who isinconsolable for the loss of you? But will he not have some oneto lament? Are you all here alive? Alas! the death of one ofyou will suffice to damp the joy I feel for having deliveredyou!"

The forty-nine princes all made themselves known to Codadad, whoembraced them one after another, and told them how uneasy theirfather was on account of their absence. They gave theirdeliverer all the commendations he deserved, as did the otherprisoners, who could not find words expressive enough to declaretheir gratitude. Codadad, with them, searched the whole castle, where was immense wealth; curious silks, gold brocades, Persiancarpets, China satins, and an infinite quantity of other goods, which the black had taken from the caravans he had plundered, aconsiderable part whereof belonged to the prisoners Codadad hadthen liberated. Every man knew and claimed his property. Theprince restored them their own, and divided the rest of themerchandise among them. Then he said to them, "How will youcarry away your goods? We are here in a desert place, and thereis no likelihood of your getting horses. " "My lord, " answeredone of the prisoners, "the black robbed us of our camels as wellas our goods, and perhaps they may be in the stables of thiscastle. " "This is not unlikely, " replied Codadad; "let usexamine. " Accordingly they went to the stables, where they notonly found the camels, but also the horses belonging to thesultan of Harran's sons. There were some black slaves in thestables, who seeing all the prisoners released, and guessingthereby that their master had been killed, fled through by-wayswell known to them. Nobody minded to pursue them. All themerchants, overjoyed that they had recovered their goods andcamels, together with their liberty, thought of nothing butprosecuting their journey; but first repeated their thanks totheir deliverer. 

When they were gone, Codadad, directing his discourse to thelady, said, "What place, madam, do you desire to go to? Whitherwere you bound when you were seized by the black? I intend tobear you company to the place you shall choose for your retreat, and I question not but that all these princes will do the same. "The sultan of Harran's sons protested to the lady, that theywould not leave her till she was restored to her friends. 

"Princes, " said she, "I am of a country too remote from hence;and, besides that, it would be abusing your generosity to obligeyou to travel so far. I must confess that I have left my nativecountry for ever. I told you that I was a lady of Grand Cairo;but since you have shewn me so much favour, and I am so highlyobliged to you, " added she, looking upon Codadad, "I should bemuch in the wrong in concealing the truth from you; I am asultan's daughter. An usurper has possessed himself of myfather's throne, after having murdered him, and I have beenforced to fly to save my life. "

Codadad and his brothers requested the princess to tell them herstory, assuring her they felt a particular interest in hermisfortunes, and were determined to spare nothing that mightcontribute to render her more happy. After thanking them fortheir repeated protestations of readiness to serve her, she couldnot refuse to satisfy their curiosity, and began the recital ofher adventures in the following manner. 

 The History of the Princess of Deryabar. 

There was in a certain island a great city called Deryabar, governed by a potent, magnificent, and virtuous sultan, who hadno children, which was the only blessing wanting to make himhappy. He continually addressed his prayers to heaven, butheaven only partially granted his requests, for the queen hiswife, after a long expectation, brought forth a daughter. 

I am the unfortunate princess; my father was rather grieved thanpleased at my birth; but he submitted to the will of God, andcaused me to be educated with all possible care, being resolved, since he had no son, to teach me the art of ruling, that I mightsupply his place after his death. 

One day when he was taking the diversion of hunting, he espied awild ass, which he chased, lost his company, and was carried awayso far by his eagerness as to ride on till night. He thenalighted, and sat down at the entrance of a wood, in which theass had sheltered. No sooner was the day shut in than hediscovered among the trees a light, which made him conclude thathe was not far from some village; he rejoiced at this, hopingthat he might pass the night there, and find some person to sendto his followers and acquaint them where he was; accordingly herose and walked towards the light, which served to guide him. 

He soon found he had been deceived, the light being no other thana fire blazing in a hut; however, he drew near, and, withamazement, beheld a black man, or rather a giant, sitting on asofa. Before the monster was a great pitcher of wine, and he wasroasting an ox he had newly killed. Sometimes he drank out ofthe pitcher, and sometimes cut slices off the ox and greedilydevoured them. But what most attracted my father's attention wasa beautiful woman whom he saw in the hut. She seemed overwhelmedwith grief; her hands were bound, and at her feet was a littlechild about two or three years old, who, as if he was sensible ofhis mother's misfortunes, wept without ceasing, and rent the airwith his cries. 

My father, moved with this pitiable object, thought at first toenter the hut and attack the giant; but considering how unequalthe combat would be, he stopped, and resolved, since he had notstrength enough to prevail by open force, to use art. In themean time, the giant having emptied the pitcher, and devouredabove half the ox, turned to the woman and said, "Beautifulprincess, why do you oblige me by your obstinacy to treat youwith severity? It is in your own power to be happy. You needonly resolve to love, and be true to me, and I shall treat youwith more mildness. " "Thou hideous satyr, " answered the lady, "never expect that time should wear away my abhorrence of thee. Thou wilt ever be a monster in my eyes. " To these words sheadded so many reproaches, that the giant grew enraged. "This istoo much, " cried he, in a furious tone; "my love despised isturned into rage. Your hatred has at last excited mine; I findit triumphs over my desires, and that I now wish your death moreardently than your enjoyment. " Having spoken these words, hetook the wretched lady by the hair, held her up with one hand inthe air, and drawing his scimitar with the other, was just goingto strike off her head, when the sultan my father let fly anarrow which pierced the giant's breast, so that he staggered, anddropped down dead. 

My father entered the hut, unbound the lady's hands, inquired whoshe was, and how she came thither. "My lord, " said she, "thereare along the sea-coast some families of Saracens, who live undera prince who is my husband; this giant you have killed was one ofhis principal officers. The wretch fell desperately in love withme, but took care to conceal his passion, till he could put inexecution the design he had formed of forcing me from home. Fortune oftener favours wicked designs than virtuous resolutions. The giant one day surprised me and my child in a by-place. Heseized us both, and to disappoint the search he well knew myhusband would cause to be made for me, removed from the countryinhabited by those Saracens, and brought us into this wood, wherehe has kept me some days. Deplorable as my condition is, it isstill a great satisfaction to me to think that the giant, thoughso brutal, never used force to obtain what I always refused tohis entreaties. Not but that he has a hundred times threatenedthat he would have recourse to the worst of extremities, in casehe could not otherwise prevail upon me; and I must confess toyou, that awhile ago, when I provoked his anger by my words, Iwas less concerned for my life than for my honour. 

"This, my lord, " said the prince of the Saracens' wife, "is thefaithful account of my misfortunes, and I question not but youwill think me worthy of your compassion, and that you will notrepent having so generously relieved me. " "Madam, " answered myfather, "be assured your troubles have affected me, and I will doall in my power to make you happy. To-morrow, as soon as dayappears, we will quit this wood, and endeavour to fall into theroad which leads to the great city of Deryabar, of which I amsovereign; and if you think fit, you shall be lodged in mypalace, till the prince your husband comes to claim you. "

The Saracen lady accepted the offer, and the next day followedthe sultan my father, who found all his retinue upon the skirtsof the wood, they having spent the night in searching for him, and being very uneasy because they could not find him. They wereno less rejoiced to meet with, than amazed to see him with alady, whose beauty surprised them. He told them how he had foundher, and the risk he had run in approaching the hut, where hemust certainly have lost his life had the giant discovered him. One of his servants took up the lady behind him, and anothercarried the child. 

Thus they arrived at the palace of my father, who assigned thebeautiful Saracen lady an apartment, and caused her child to becarefully educated. The lady was not insensible of the sultan'sgoodness to her, and expressed as much gratitude as he coulddesire. She had at first appeared very uneasy and impatient thather husband did not claim her; but by degrees she lost thatuneasiness. The respect my father paid her dispelled herimpatience; and I am of opinion she would at last have blamedfortune more for restoring her to her kindred, than she did forremoving her from them. 

In the mean time the lady's son grew up; he was very handsome, and not wanting ability, found means to please the sultan myfather, who conceived a great friendship for him. All thecourtiers perceived it, and guessed that the young man might inthe end be my husband. In this idea, and looking on him alreadyas heir to the crown, they made their court to him, and every oneendeavoured to gain his favour. He soon saw into their designs, grew conceited of himself, and forgetting the distance there wasbetween our conditions, flattered himself with the hopes that myfather was fond enough of him, to prefer him before all theprinces in the world. He went farther; for the sultan notoffering me to him as soon as he could have wished, he had theboldness to ask me of him. Whatever punishment his insolencedeserved, my father was satisfied with telling him he had otherthoughts in relation to me, and shewed him no further resentment. The youth was incensed at this refusal; he resented the contempt, as if he had asked some maid of ordinary extraction, or as if hisbirth had been equal to mine. Nor did he stop here, but resolvedto be revenged on the sultan, and with unparalleled ingratitudeconspired against him. In short, he murdered him, and causedhimself to be proclaimed sovereign of Deryabar. The first thinghe did after the murder of my father was to come into myapartment, at the head of a party of the conspirators. Hisdesign was either to take my life or oblige me to marry him. Thegrand vizier, however, who had been always loyal to his master, while the usurper was butchering my father, came to carry me awayfrom the palace, and secured me in a friend's house, till avessel he had provided was ready to sail. I then left theisland, attended only by a governess and that generous minister, who chose rather to follow his master's daughter, and share hermisfortunes, than to submit to a tyrant. 

The grand vizier designed to carry me to the courts of theneighbouring sultans, to implore their assistance, and excitethem to revenge my father's death; but heaven did not concur in aresolution we thought so just. When we had been but a few daysat sea, there arose such a furious storm, that, in spite of allthe mariners' art, our vessel, carried away by the violence ofthe winds and waves, was dashed in pieces against a rock. I willnot spend time in describing our shipwreck. I can but faintlyrepresent to you how my governess, the grand vizier, and all thatattended me, were swallowed up by the sea. The dread I wasseized with did not permit me to observe all the horror of ourcondition. I lost my senses; and whether I was thrown upon thecoast upon any part of the wreck, or whether heaven, whichreserved me for other misfortunes, wrought a miracle for mydeliverance, I found myself on shore when my senses returned. 

Misfortunes very often make us forget our duty. Instead ofreturning thanks to God for so singular a favour shewn me, I onlylifted up my eyes to heaven, to complain because I had beenpreserved. I was so far from bewailing the vizier and mygoverness, that I envied their fate, and dreadful imaginations bydegrees prevailing over my reason, I resolved to cast myself intothe sea; I was on the point of doing so, when I heard behind me agreat noise of men and horses. I looked about to see what itmight be, and espied several armed horsemen, among whom was onemounted on an Arabian horse. He had on a garment embroideredwith silver, a girdle set with precious stones, and a crown ofgold on his head. Though his habit had not convinced me that hewas chief of the company, I should have judged it by the air ofgrandeur which appeared in his person. He was a young manextraordinarily well shaped, and perfectly beautiful. Surprisedto see a young lady alone in that place, he sent some of hisofficers to ask who I was. I answered only by weeping. Theshore being covered with the wreck of our ship, they concludedthat I was certainly some person who had escaped from the vessel. This conjecture, and my inconsolable condition, excited thecuriosity of the officers, who began to ask me a thousandquestions, with assurances, that their master was a generousprince, and that I should receive protection at his court. 

The sultan, impatient to know who I was, grew weary of waitingthe return of his officers, and drew near to me. He gazed on mevery earnestly, and observing that I did not cease weeping andafflicting myself, without being able to return an answer totheir questions, he forbad them troubling me any more; anddirecting his discourse to me, "Madam, " said he, "I conjure youto moderate your excessive affliction. Though heaven in itsdispensations has laid this calamity upon you, it does not behoveyou to despair. I beseech you shew more resolution. Fortune, which has hitherto persecuted you, is inconstant, and may soonchange. I dare assure you, that, if your misfortunes are capableof receiving any relief, you shall find it in my dominions. Mypalace is at your service. You shall live with the queen mymother, who will endeavour by her kindness to ease youraffliction. I know not yet who you are; but I find I alreadytake an interest in your welfare. "

I thanked the young sultan for his goodness to me, accepted hisobliging offers; and to convince him that I was not unworthy ofthem, told him my condition. I described to him the insolence ofthe young Saracen, and found it was enough to recount mymisfortunes, to excite compassion in him and all his officers, who heard me. When I had done speaking, the prince began again, assuring me that he was deeply concerned at my misfortunes. Hethen conducted me to his palace, and presented me to the queenhis mother, to whom I was obliged again to repeat my misfortunesand to renew my tears. The queen seemed very sensible of mytrouble, and conceived extreme affection for me. On the otherhand, the sultan her son fell desperately in love with me, andsoon offered me his person and his crown. I was so taken up withthe thoughts of my calamities, that the prince, though so lovelya person, did not make so great an impression on me as he mighthave done at another time. However, gratitude prevailing, I didnot refuse to make him happy, and our nuptials were concludedwith all imaginable splendour. 

While the people were taken up with the celebration of theirsovereign's nuptials, a neighbouring prince, his enemy, made adescent by night on the island with a great number of troops. That formidable enemy was the king of Zanguebar. He surprisedand cut to pieces my husband's subjects. He was very near takingus both. We escaped very narrowly, for he had already enteredthe palace with some of his followers, but we found means to slipaway, and to get to the seacoast, where we threw ourselves into afishing boat which we had the good fortune to meet with. Twodays we were driven about by the winds, without knowing whatwould become of us. The third day we espied a vessel makingtowards us under sail. We rejoiced at first, believing it hadbeen a merchant ship which might take us aboard; but what was ourconsternation, when, as it drew near, we saw ten or twelve armedpirates appear on the deck. Having boarded, five or six of themleaped into our boat, seized us, bound the prince, and conveyedus into their ship, where they immediately took off my veil. Myyouth and features touched them, and they all declared how muchthey were charmed at the sight of me. Instead of casting lots, each of them claimed the preference, and me as his right. Thedispute grew warm, they came to blows, and fought like madmen. The deck was soon covered with dead bodies, and they were allkilled but one, who being left sole possessor of me, said, "Youare mine. I will carry you to Grand Cairo, to deliver you to afriend of mine, to whom I have promised a beautiful slave. Butwho, " added he, looking upon the sultan my husband, "is that man?What relation does he bear to you? Are you allied by blood orlove?" "Sir, " answered I, "he is my husband. " "If so, " repliedthe pirate, "in pity I must rid myself of him: it would be toogreat an affliction to him to see you in my friend's arms. "Having spoken these words, he took up the unhappy prince, who wasbound, and threw him into the sea, notwithstanding all myendeavours to prevent him. 

I shrieked in a dreadful manner at the sight of what he had done, and had certainly cast myself headlong into the sea, but that thepirate held me. He saw my design, and therefore bound me withcords to the main-mast, then hoisting sail, made towards theland, and got ashore. He unbound me and led me to a little town, where he bought camels, tents, and slaves, and then set out forGrand Cairo, designing, as he still said, to present me to hisfriend, according to his promise. 

We had been several days upon the road, when, as we were crossingthis plain yesterday, we descried the black who inhabited thiscastle. At a distance we took him for a tower, and when near us, could scarcely believe him to be a man. He drew his hugescimitar, and summoned the pirate to yield himself prisoner, withall his slaves, and the lady he was conducting. The pirate wasdaring; and being seconded by his slaves, who promised to standby him, he attacked the black. The combat lasted a considerabletime; but at length the pirate fell under his enemy's deadlyblows, as did all his slaves, who chose rather to die thanforsake him. The black then conducted me to the castle, whitherhe also brought the pirate's body, which he devoured that night. After his inhuman repast, perceiving that I ceased not weeping, he said to me, "Young lady, prepare to love me, rather thancontinue thus to afflict yourself. Make a virtue of necessity, and comply. I will give you till to-morrow to consider. Let methen find you comforted for all your misfortunes, and overjoyedat having been reserved for me. " Having spoken these words, heconducted me to a chamber, and withdrew to his own, after lockingup the castle gates. He opened them this morning, and presentlylocked them after him again, to pursue some travellers heperceived at a distance; but it is likely they made their escape, since he was returning alone, and without any booty, when youattacked him. 

As soon as the princess had finished the recital of heradventures, Codadad declared to her that he was deeply concernedat her misfortunes. "But, madam, " added he, "it shall be yourown fault if you do not live at ease for the future. The sultanof Harran's sons offer you a safe retreat in the court of theirfather; be pleased to accept of it. You will be there cherishedby that sovereign, and respected by all; and if you do notdisdain the affection of your deliverer, permit me to assure youof it, and to espouse you before all these princes; let them bewitnesses to our contract. " The princess consented, and themarriage was concluded that very day in the castle, where theyfound all sorts of provisions. The kitchens were full of fleshand other eatables the black used to feed on, when he was wearyof feeding on human bodies. There was also a variety of fruits, excellent in their kinds; and, to complete their pleasure, abundance of delicious wine and other liquors. 

They all sat down at table; and after having eaten and drunkplentifully, took with them the rest of the provisions, and setout for the sultan of Harran's court: they travelled severaldays, encamping in the pleasantest places they could find, andwere within one day's journey of Harran, when having halted anddrunk all their wine, being under no longer concern to make ithold out, Codadad directing his discourse to all his company, said "Princes, I have too long concealed from you who I am. Behold your brother Codadad! I have received my being, as wellas you, from the sultan of Harran, the prince of Samaria broughtme up, and the princess Pirouzè is my mother. Madam, " added he, addressing himself to the Princess of Deryabar, "do you alsoforgive me for having concealed my birth from you? Perhaps, bydiscovering it sooner, I might have prevented some disagreeablereflections, which may have been occasioned by a match you mayhave thought unequal. " "No, sir, " answered the princess, "theopinion I at first conceived of you heightened every moment, andyou did not stand in need of the extraction you now discover tomake me happy. "

The princes congratulated Codadad on his birth, and expressedmuch satisfaction at being made acquainted with it. But inreality, instead of rejoicing, their hatred of so amiable abrother was increased. They met together at night, whilstCodadad and the princess his wife lay asleep in their tent. Those ungrateful, those envious brothers, forgetting that had itnot been for the brave son of Pirouzè they must have beendevoured by the black, agreed among themselves to murder him. "We have no other course to choose, " said one of them, "for themoment our father shall come to understand that this stranger ofwhom he is already so fond, is our brother, and that he alone hasbeen able to destroy a giant, whom we could not all of ustogether conquer, he will declare him his heir, to the prejudiceof all his brothers, who will be obliged to obey and fall downbefore him. " He added much more, which made such an impressionon their envious and unnatural minds, that they immediatelyrepaired to Codadad, then asleep, stabbed him repeatedly, andleaving him for dead in the arms of the princess of Deryabar, proceeded on their journey for the city of Harran, where theyarrived the next day. 

The sultan their father conceived the greater joy at theirreturn, because he had despaired of ever seeing them again: heasked what had been the occasion of their stay? But they tookcare not to acquaint him with it, making no mention either of theblack or of Codadad; and only said, that, being curious to seedifferent countries, they had spent some time in the neighbouringcities. 

In the mean time Codadad lay in his tent weltering in his blood, and little differing from a dead man, with the princess his wife, who seemed to be in not much better condition than himself. Sherent the air with her dismal shrieks, tore her hair, and bathingher husband's body with her tears, "Alas! Codadad, my dearCodadad, " cried she, "is it you whom I behold just departing thislife? What cruel hands have put you into this condition? Can Ibelieve these are your brothers who have treated you sounmercifully, those brothers whom thy valour had saved? No, theyare rather devils, who under characters so dear came to murderyou. O barbarous wretches! how could you make so ungrateful areturn for the service he has done you? But why should Icomplain of your brothers, unfortunate Codadad! I alone am toblame for your death. You would join your fate with mine, andall the ill fortune that has attended me since I left my father'spalace has fallen upon you. O Heaven! which has condemned me tolead a life of calamities, if you will not permit me to have aconsort, why did you permit me to find one? Behold you have nowrobbed me of two, just as I began to be attached to them. "

By these and other moving expressions, the afflicted princess ofDeryabar vented her sorrow, fixing her eyes on the unfortunateCodadad, who could not hear her; but he was not dead, and hisconsort observing that he still breathed, ran to a large town sheespied in the plain, to inquire for a surgeon. She was directedto one, who went immediately with her; but when they came to thetent, they could not find Codadad, which made them conclude hehad been dragged away by some wild beast to be devoured. Theprincess renewed her complaints and lamentations in a mostaffecting manner. The surgeon was moved and being unwilling toleave her in so distressed a condition, proposed to her to returnto the town offering her his house and service. 

She suffered herself to be prevailed on. The surgeon conductedher to his house, and without knowing, as yet, who she was, treated her with all imaginable courtesy and respect. He usedall his endeavours to comfort her, but it was vain to think ofremoving her sorrow, which was rather heightened than diminished. "Madam, " said he to her one day, "be pleased to recount to meyour misfortunes; tell me your country and your condition. Perhaps I may give you some good advice, when I am acquaintedwith all the circumstances of your calamity. You do nothing butafflict yourself, without considering that remedies may be foundfor the most desperate diseases. "

The surgeon's words were so efficacious, that they wrought on theprincess, who recounted to him all her adventures: and when shehad done, the surgeon directed his discourse to her; "Madam, "said he, "you ought not thus to give way to your sorrow; youought rather to arm yourself with resolution, and perform whatthe name and the duty of a wife require of you. You are bound toavenge your husband. If you please, I will wait on you as yourattendant. Let us go to the sultan of Harran's court; he is agood and a just prince. You need only represent to him in livelycolours, how prince Codadad has been treated by his brothers. Iam persuaded he will do you justice. " "I submit to yourreasons, " answered the princess; "it is my duty to endeavour toavenge Codadad; and since you are so generous as to offer toattend me, I am ready to set out. " No sooner had she fixed thisresolution, than the surgeon ordered two camels to be made ready, on which the princess and he mounted, and repaired to Harran. 

They alighted at the first caravanserai they found, and inquiredof the host the news at court. "It is, " said he, "in very greatperplexity. The sultan had a son, who lived long with him as astranger, and none can tell what is become of the young prince. One of the sultan's wives, named Pirouzè, is his mother; she hasmade all possible inquiry, but to no purpose. All are concernedat the loss of this prince, because he had great merit. Thesultan has forty-nine other sons, all by different mothers, butnot one of them has virtue enough to comfort him for the death ofCodadad; I say, his death, because it is impossible he should bestill alive, since no intelligence has been heard of him, notwithstanding so much search has been made. "

The surgeon having heard this account from the host, concludedthat the best course the princess of Deryabar could take was towait upon Pirouzè; but that step was not without some danger, andrequired much precaution: for it was to be feared, that if thesultan of Harran's sons should happen to hear of the arrival oftheir sister-in-law, and her design, they might cause her to beconveyed away before she could discover herself to Codadad'smother. The surgeon weighed all these circumstances, consideredwhat risk he might run himself, and therefore, that he mightmanage matters with discretion, desired the princess to remain inthe caravanserai, whilst he repaired to the palace, to observewhich might be the safest way to conduct her to Pirouzè. 

He went accordingly into the city, and was walking towards thepalace, like one led only by curiosity to see the court, when hebeheld a lady mounted on a mule richly accoutred. She wasfollowed by several ladies mounted also on mules, with a greatnumber of guards and black slaves. All the people formed a laneto see her pass along, and saluted her by prostrating themselveson the ground. The surgeon paid her the same respect, and thenasked a calender, who happened to stand by him, "Whether thatlady was one of the sultan's wives?" "Yes, brother, " answeredthe calender, "she is, and the most honoured and beloved by thepeople, because she is the mother of prince Codadad, of whom youmust have heard. "

The surgeon asked no more questions, but followed Pirouzè to amosque, into which she went to distribute alms, and assist at thepublic prayers which the sultan had ordered to be offered up forthe safe return of Codadad. The people, who were highlyconcerned for that young prince, ran in crowds to join their vowsto the prayers of the priests, so that the mosque was quite full. The surgeon broke through the throng, and advanced to Pirouzè'sguards. He waited the conclusion of the prayers, and when theprincess went out, stepped up to one of her slaves, and whisperedhim in the ear, "Brother, I have a secret of moment to impart tothe princess Pirouzè; may not I, by your means, be introducedinto her apartment?" "If that secret, " answered the slave, "relate to prince Codadad, I dare promise you shall have audienceof her this very day; but if it concern not him, it is needlessfor you to endeavour to be introduced; for her thoughts are allengrossed by her son, and she will not hear of any othersubject. " "It is only about that dear son, " replied the surgeon, "that I wish to speak to her. " "If so, " said the slave, "youneed only follow us to the palace, and you shall soon have theopportunity. "

Accordingly, as soon as Pirouzè was returned to her apartment, the slave acquainted her that a person unknown had some importantinformation to communicate to her, and that it related to princeCodadad. No sooner had he uttered these words, than Pirouzèexpressed her impatience to see the stranger. The slaveimmediately conducted him into the princess's closet, who orderedall her women to withdraw, except two, from whom she concealednothing. As soon as she saw the surgeon, she asked him eagerly, what news he had to tell her of Codadad? "Madam, " answered thesurgeon, after having prostrated himself on the ground, "I have along account to give you, and such as will surprise you. " Hethen related all the particulars of what had passed betweenCodadad and his brothers, which she listened to with eagerattention; but when he came to speak of the murder, the tendermother fainted away on her sofa, as if she had herself beenstabbed like her son. Her two women used proper means, and soonbrought her to herself. The surgeon continued his relation; andwhen he had concluded, Pirouzè said to him, "Go back to theprincess of Deryabar, and assure her from me that the sultanshall soon own her for his daughter-in-law; and as for yourself, be satisfied, that your services shall be rewarded as liberallyas they deserve. "

When the surgeon was gone, Pirouzè remained on the sofa, in sucha state of affliction as may easily be imagined; and yielding toher tenderness at the recollection of Codadad, "O my son, " saidshe, "I must never then expect to see you more! Alas! when Igave you leave to depart from Samaria, and you took leave of me, I did not imagine that so unfortunate a death awaited you at sucha distance from me. Unfortunate Codadad! Why did you leave me?You would not, it is true, have acquired so much renown, but youhad been still alive, and not have cost your mother so manytears. " While she uttered these words, she wept bitterly, andher two attendants moved by her grief, mingled their tears withhers. 

Whilst they were all three in this manner vying in affliction, the sultan came into the closet, and seeing them in thiscondition, asked Pirouzè whether she had received any bad newsconcerning Codadad? "Alas! sir, " said she, "all is over, my sonhas lost his life, and to add to my sorrow, I cannot pay him thefuneral rites; for, in all probability, wild beasts have devouredhim. " She then told him all she had heard from the surgeon, anddid not fail to enlarge on the inhuman manner in which Codadadhad been murdered by his brothers. 

The sultan did not give Pirouzè time to finish her relation, buttransported with anger, and giving way to his passion, "Madam, "said he to the princess, "those perfidious wretches who cause youto shed these tears, and are the occasion of mortal grief totheir father, shall soon feel the punishment due to their guilt. "The sultan having spoken these words, with indignation in hiscountenance, went directly to the presence-chamber where all hiscourtiers attended, and such of the people as had petitions topresent to him. They were alarmed to see him in passion, andthought his anger had been kindled against his people. Theirhearts were chilled with fear. He ascended the throne, andcausing his grand vizier to approach, "Hassan, " said he, "goimmediately, take a thousand of my guards, and seize all theprinces, my sons; shut them up in the tower used as a prison formurderers, and let this be done in a moment. " All who werepresent trembled at this extraordinary command; and the grandvizier, without uttering a word, laid his hand on his head, toexpress his obedience, and hastened from the hall to execute hisorders. In the mean time the sultan dismissed those who attendedfor audience, and declared he would not hear of any business fora month to come. He was still in the hall when the vizierreturned. "Are all my sons, " demanded he, "in the tower?" "Theyare, sir, " answered the vizier, "I have obeyed your orders. ""This is not all, " replied the sultan, "I have further commandsfor you;" and so saying he went out of the hall of audience, andreturned to Pirouzè's apartment, the vizier following him. Heasked the princess where Codadad's widow had taken up herlodging? Pirouzè's women told him, for the surgeon had notforgotten that in his relation. The sultan then turning to hisminister, "Go, " said he, "to this caravanserai, and conduct ayoung princess who lodges there, with all the respect due to herquality, to my palace. "

The vizier was not long in performing what he was ordered. Hemounted on horseback with all the emirs and courtiers, andrepaired to the caravanserai, where the princess of Deryabar waslodged, whom he acquainted with his orders; and presented her, from the sultan, a fine white mule, whose saddle and bridle wereadorned with gold, rubies, and diamonds. She mounted, andproceeded to the palace. The surgeon attended her, mounted on abeautiful Tartar horse which the vizier had provided for him. All the people were at their windows, or in the streets, to seethe cavalcade; and it being given out that the princess, whomthey conducted in such state to court, was Codadad's wife, thecity resounded with acclamations, the air rung with shouts ofjoy, which would have been turned into lamentations had thatprince's fatal adventure been known; so much was he beloved byall. 

The princess of Deryabar found the sultan at the palace-gate, waiting to receive her: he took her by the hand, and led her toPirouzè's apartment, where a very moving scene took place. Codadad's wife found her affliction redouble at the sight of herhusband's father and mother; as, on the other hand, those parentscould not look on their son's wife without being much affected. She cast herself at the sultan's feet, and having bathed themwith tears, was so overcome with grief, that she was not able tospeak. Pirouzè was in no better state. And the sultan, moved bythese affecting objects, gave way to his own feelings, and wept. All three, mingling their tears and sighs, for some time observeda silence, equally tender and pitiful. At length the princess ofDeryabar, being somewhat recovered, recounted the adventure ofthe castle, and Codadad's disaster. Then she demanded justicefor the treachery of the princes. "Yes, madam, " said the sultan, "those ungrateful wretches shall perish; but Codadad's death mustbe first made public, that the punishment of his brothers may notcause my subjects to rebel; and though we have not my son's body, we will not omit paying him the last duties. " This said, hedirected his discourse to the vizier, and ordered him to cause tobe erected a dome of white marble, in a delightful plain, in themidst of which the city of Harran stands. Then he appointed theprincess of Deryabar a suitable apartment in his palace, acknowledging her for his daughter-in-law. 

Hassan caused the work to be carried on with such diligence, andemployed so many workmen, that the dome was soon finished. Within it was erected a tomb, which was covered with goldbrocade. When all was completed, the sultan ordered prayers tobe said, and appointed a day for the obsequies of his son. 

On that day all the inhabitants of the city went out upon theplain to see the ceremony performed, which was after thefollowing manner. The sultan, attended by his vizier and theprincipal lords of the court, proceeded towards the dome, andbeing come to it, he went in and sat down with them on carpets ofblack satin embroidered with gold flowers. A great body ofhorse-guards hanging their heads, drew up close about the dome, and marched round it twice, observing a profound silence; but atthe third round they halted before the door, and all of them witha loud voice pronounced these words: "O prince! son to thesultan, could we by dint of sword, and human valour, repair yourmisfortune, we would bring you back to life; but the King ofkings has commanded, and the angel of death has obeyed. " Havinguttered these words, they drew off, to make way for a hundred oldmen, all of them mounted on black mules, and having long greybeards. These were anchorites, who had lived all their daysconcealed in caves. They never appeared in sight of the world, but when they were to assist at the obsequies of the sultans ofHarran, and of the princes of their family. Each of thesevenerable persons carried on his head a book, which he held withone hand. They took three turns round the dome without utteringa word; then stopping before the door, one of them said, "Oprince! what can we do for thee? If thou couldst be restored tolife by prayer or learning, we would rub our grey beards at thyfeet, and recite prayers; but the King of the universe has takenthee away for ever. "

This said, the old men moved to a distance from the dome, andimmediately fifty beautiful young maidens drew near to it; eachof them mounted on a little white horse; they wore no veils, andcarried gold baskets full of all sorts of precious stones. Theyalso rode thrice round the dome, and halting at the same place asthe others had done, the youngest of them spoke in the name ofall, as follows: "O prince! once so beautiful, what relief canyou expect from us? If we could restore you to life by ourcharms, we would become your slaves. But you are no longersensible to beauty, and have no more occasion for us. "

When the young maids were withdrawn, the sultan and his courtiersarose, and having walked thrice around the tomb, the sultan spokeas follows: "O my dear son, light of my eyes, I have then lostthee for ever!" He accompanied these words with sighs, andwatered the tomb with his tears; his courtiers weeping with him. The gate of the dome was then closed, and all the people returnedto the city. Next day there were public prayers in all themosques, and the same was continued for eight days successively. On the ninth the king resolved to cause the princes his sons tobe beheaded. The people incensed at their cruelty towardsCodadad, impatiently expected to see them executed. Thescaffolds were erecting, but the execution was respited, because, on a sudden, intelligence was brought that the neighbouringprinces, who had before made war on the sultan of Harran, wereadvancing with more numerous forces than on the first invasion, and were then not far from the city. It had been long known thatthey were preparing for war, but their preparations caused noalarm. This news occasioned general consternation, and gave newcause to lament the loss of Codadad, who had signalized himselfin the former war against the same enemies. "Alas!" said they, "were the brave Codadad alive, we should little regard thoseprinces who are coming to surprise us. " The sultan, nothingdismayed, raised men with all possible speed, formed aconsiderable army, and being too brave to await the enemy'scoming to attack him within his walls, marched out to meet them. They, on their side, being informed by their advanced partiesthat the sultan of Harran was marching to engage them, halted inthe plain, and formed their army. 

As soon as the sultan discovered them, he also drew up hisforces, and ranged them in order of battle. The signal was givenand he attacked them with extraordinary vigour; nor was theopposition inferior. Much blood was shed on both sides, and thevictory remained long dubious; but at length it seemed to inclineto the sultan of Harran's enemies, who, being more numerous, wereupon the point of surrounding him, when a great body of cavalryappeared on the plain, and approached the two armies. The sightof this fresh party daunted both sides, neither knowing what tothink of them: but their doubts were soon cleared; for they fellupon the flank of the sultan of Harran's enemies with such afurious charge, that they soon broke and routed them. Nor didthey stop here; they pursued them, and cut most of them inpieces. 

The sultan of Harran, who had attentively observed all thatpassed, admired the bravery of this strange body of cavalry, whose unexpected arrival had given the victory to his army. But, above all, he was charmed with their chief, whom he had seenfighting with a more than ordinary valour. He longed to know thename of the generous hero. Impatient to see and thank him, headvanced towards him, but perceived he was coming to prevent him. The two princes drew near, and the sultan of Harran discoveringCodadad in the brave warrior who had just assisted him, or ratherdefeated his enemies, became motionless with joy and surprise. "Father, " said Codadad to him, "you have sufficient cause to beastonished at the sudden appearance before your majesty of a man, whom perhaps you concluded to be dead. I should have been so hadnot heaven preserved me still to serve you against your enemies. ""O my son!" cried the sultan, "is it possible that you arerestored to me? Alas! I despaired of seeing you more. " Sosaying he stretched out his arms to the young prince, who flew tosuch a tender embrace. 

"I know all, my son, " said the sultan again, after having longheld him in his arms. "I know what return your brothers havemade you for delivering them out of the hands of the black; butyou shall be revenged to-morrow. Let us now go to the palacewhere your mother, who has shed so many tears on your account, expects me to rejoice with us for the defeat of our enemies. What a joy will it be to her to be informed, that my victory isyour work!" "Sir, " said Codadad, "give me leave to ask how youcould know the adventure of the castle? Have any of my brothers, repenting, owned it to you?" "No, " answered the sultan; "theprincess of Deryabar has given us an account of every thing, forshe is in my palace and came thither to demand justice againstyour brothers. " Codadad was transported with joy, to learn thatthe princess his wife was at the court. "Let us go, sir, " criedhe to his father in rapture, "let us go to my mother, who waitsfor us. I am impatient to dry up her tears, as well as those ofthe princess of Deryabar. "

The sultan immediately returned to the city with his army, andre-entered his palace victorious, amidst the acclamations of thepeople, who followed him in crowds, praying to heaven to prolonghis life, and extolling Codadad to the skies. They found Pirouzèand her daughter-in-law waiting to congratulate the sultan; butwords cannot express the transports of joy they felt, when theysaw the young prince with him: their embraces were mingled withtears of a very different kind from those they had before shedfor him. When they had sufficiently yielded to all the emotionsthat the ties of blood and love inspired, they asked Codadad bywhat miracle he came to be still alive?

He answered, that a peasant mounted on a mule happeningaccidentally to come into the tent, where he lay senseless, andperceiving him alone, and stabbed in several places, had made himfast on his mule, and carried him to his house, where he appliedto his wounds certain herbs chewed, which recovered him. "When Ifound myself well, " added he, "I returned thanks to the peasant, and gave him all the diamonds I had. I then made for the city ofHarran; but being informed by the way, that some neighbouringprinces had gathered forces, and were on their march against thesultan's subjects, I made myself known to the villagers, andstirred them up to undertake his defence. I armed a great numberof young men, and heading them, happened to arrive at the timewhen the two armies were engaged. "

When he had done speaking, the sultan said, "Let us return thanksto God for having preserved Codadad; but it is requisite that thetraitors, who would have destroyed him, should perish. " "Sir, "answered the generous prince, "though they are wicked andungrateful, consider they are your own flesh and blood: they aremy brothers; I forgive their offence, and beg you to pardonthem. " This generosity drew tears from the sultan, who causedthe people to be assembled and declared Codadad his heir. Hethen ordered the princes, who were prisoners, to be brought outloaded with irons. Pirouzè's son struck off their chains, andembraced them all successively, with as much sincerity andaffection as he had done in the court of the black's castle. Thepeople were charmed with Codadad's generosity, and loaded himwith applause. The surgeon was next nobly rewarded in requitalof the services he had done the princess of Deryabar. 

 THE STORY OF ABOU HASSAN, OR THE SLEEPER AWAKENED. 

In the reign of the caliph Haroon al Rusheed, there lived atBagdad a very rich merchant, who, having married a woman advancedin years, had but one son, whom he named Abou Hassan, andeducated with great restraint: when his son was thirty years old, the merchant dying, left him his sole heir, and master of greatriches, amassed together by much frugality and close applicationto business. Abou Hassan, whose views and inclinations were verydifferent from those of his father, determined to make anotheruse of his wealth; for as his father had never allowed him anymoney but what was just necessary for subsistence, and he hadalways envied those young persons of his age who wanted fornothing, and who debarred themselves from none of those pleasuresto which youth are so much addicted, he resolved in his turn todistinguish himself by extravagancies proportionable to hisfortune. To this end he divided his riches into two parts; withone half he bought houses in town, and land in the country, witha resolution never to touch the income of his real estate, whichwas considerable enough to live upon very handsomely, but lay itall by as he received it. With the other half, which consisted ofready money, he designed to make himself amends for the time hehad lost by the severe restraint in which his father had alwayskept him. 

With this intent, Abou Hassan formed a society with youths of hisown age and condition, who thought of nothing but how to maketheir time pass agreeably. Every day he gave them splendidentertainments, at which the most delicate viands were served up, and the most exquisite wines flowed in profusion, while concertsof the best vocal and instrumental music by performers of bothsexes heightened their pleasures, and this young band ofdebauchees with the glasses in their hands, joined their songswith the music. These feasts were accompanied by ballets, forwhich the best dancers of both sexes were engaged. Theseentertainments, renewed every day, were so expensive to AbouHassan, that he could not support the extravagance above a year:and the great sum which he had appropriated to this prodigalityand the year ended together. As soon as he discontinued keepingthis table, his friends forsook him; whenever they saw him theyavoided him, and if by chance he met any of them, and went tostop them, they always excused themselves on some presence orother. 

Abou Hassan was more affected by this behaviour of his friends, who had forsaken him so basely and ungratefully, after all theprotestations they had made him, of inviolable attachment, thanby the loss of all the money he had so foolishly squandered. Hewent melancholy and thoughtful, his countenance expressive ofdeep vexation, into his mother's apartment, and sat down on theend of a sofa at a distance from her. "What is the matter withyou, son?" said his mother, seeing him thus depressed. "Why areyou so altered, so dejected, and so different from yourself? Youcould not certainly be more concerned, if you had lost all youhad. I know you have lived very extravagantly, and believe allyour money is spent; you have still, however, a good estate; andthe reason that I did not so much oppose your irregular way ofliving was, that I knew the wise precaution you had taken topreserve half your property. I do not, therefore, see why youshould plunge yourself into this deep melancholy. "

At these words Abou Hassan melted into tears; and in the midst ofhis sighs exclaimed, "Ah! mother, I see at last how insupportablepoverty must be; I am sensible that it deprives us of joy, as thesetting of the sun does of light. As poverty makes us forget allthe commendations passed upon us before our fall, it makes usendeavour to conceal ourselves, and spend our nights in tears andsorrow. In short, a poor man is looked upon, both by friends andrelations, as a stranger. You know, mother, how I have treated myfriends for this year past; I have entertained them with allimaginable generosity, till I have spent all my money, and nowthey have left me, when they suppose I can treat them no longer. For my real estate, I thank heaven for having given me grace tokeep the oath I made not to encroach upon that. I shall now knowhow to use what is left. But I will, however, try how far myfriends, who deserve not that I should call them so, will carrytheir ingratitude. I will go to them one after another, and whenI have represented to them what I have done on their account, askthem to make up a sum of money, to relieve me, merely to try if Ican find any sentiment of gratitude remaining in them. "

"I do not pretend, son, " said Abou Hassan's mother, "to dissuadeyou from your design; but I can tell you beforehand, that youhave no ground for hope. Believe me, you will kind no relief butfrom the estate you have reserved. I see you do not, but willsoon, know those people, who, among persons of your sort, aregenerally called friends, and I wish to heaven you may know it inthe manner I desire, for your own good. " "Mother, " replied AbouHassan, "I am persuaded of the truth of what you say, but shallbe more certain of a fact which concerns me so nearly, when Ishall have informed myself fully of their baseness andinsensibility. " Abou Hassan went immediately to his friends, whomhe found at home; represented to them the great need he was in, and begged of them to assist him. He promised to give bonds topay them the money they might lend him; giving them to understandat the same time, that it was, in a great measure, on theiraccount that he was so distressed. That he might the morepowerfully excite their generosity, he forgot not to allure themwith the hopes of being once again entertained in the same manneras before. 

Not one of his companions was affected with the arguments whichthe afflicted Abou Hassan used to persuade them; and he had themortification to find, that many of them told him plainly theydid not know him. 

He returned home full of indignation; and going into his mother'sapartment, said, "Ah! madam, you were right; instead of friends, I have found none but perfidious ungrateful wretches, who deservenot my friendship; I renounce them, and promise you I will neversee them more. " He resolved to be as good as his word, and tookevery precaution to avoid falling again into the inconveniencewhich his former prodigality had occasioned; taking an oath neverto give an inhabitant of Bagdad any entertainment while he lived. He drew the strong box into which he had put the rents receivedfrom his estates from the recess where he had placed it inreserve, put it in the room of that he had emptied, and resolvedto take out every day no more than was sufficient to defray theexpense of a single person to sup with him, who, according to theoath he had taken, was not of Bagdad, but a stranger arrived inthe city the same day, and who must take his leave of him thefollowing morning. 

Conformably to this plan, Abou Hassan took care every morning toprovide whatever was necessary, and towards the close of theevening, went and sat at the end of Bagdad bridge; and as soon ashe saw a stranger, accosted him civilly invited him to sup andlodge with him that night, and after having informed him of thelaw he had imposed upon himself, conducted him to his house. Therepast with which Abou Hassan regaled his guests was not costly, but well dressed, with plenty of good wine, and generally lastedtill the night was pretty far advanced; instead of entertaininghis guests with the affairs of state, his family, or business, asis too frequent, he conversed on different agreeable subjects. Hewas naturally of so gay and pleasant a temper, that he could givethe most agreeable turns to every subject, and make the mostmelancholy persons merry. When he sent away his guest the nextmorning, he always said, "God preserve you from all sorrowwherever you go; when I invited you yesterday to come and supwith me, I informed you of the law I have imposed on myself;therefore do not take it ill if I tell you that we must never seeone another again, nor drink together, either at home or anywhere else, for reasons best known to myself: so God conductyou. "

Abou Hassan was very exact in the observance of this oath, andnever looked upon or spoke to the strangers he had onceentertained; if he met them afterwards in the streets, thesquares, or any public assemblies, he affected not to see them, and turned away to avoid them, that they might not speak to him, or he have any communication with them. He had acted for a longtime in this manner, when, one afternoon, a little before sunset, as he sat upon the bridge according to custom, the caliph Haroonal Rusheed came by, but so disguised that it was impossible toknow him; for that monarch, though his chief ministers andofficers of justice acquitted themselves of their duty verypunctually, would nevertheless inform himself of every thing, andfor that purpose often disguised himself in different ways, andwalked through the city and suburbs of Bagdad, sometimes one wayand sometimes another. That day, being the first of the month, hewas dressed like a merchant of Moussul, and was followed by atall stout slave. 

As the caliph had in his disguise a grave and respectableappearance, Abou Hassan, who thought him to be a Moussulmerchant, rose up, and after having saluted him with a gracefulair, said to him, "Sir, I congratulate you on your happy arrivalin Bagdad, I beg you to do me the honour to sup with me, andrepose yourself at my house for this night, after the fatigue ofyour journey. " He then told him his custom of entertaining thefirst stranger he met with. The caliph found something so odd andsingular in Abou Hassan's whim, that he was very desirous to knowthe cause; and told him that he could not better merit acivility, which he did not expect as a stranger, than byaccepting the obliging offer made him; that he had only to leadthe way, and he was ready to follow him. 

Abou Hassan treated the caliph as his equal, conducted him home, and led him into a room very neatly furnished, where he set himon a sofa, in the most honourable place. Supper was ready, andthe cloth laid. Abou Hassan's mother, who took upon herself thecare of the kitchen, sent up three dishes; the first contained acapon and four large pullets, which was set in the middle; andthe second and third, placed on each side, contained, one a fatroasted goose, and the other broiled pigeons. This was all; butthey were good of the kind and well flavoured, with propersauces. 

Abou Hassan sat down opposite his guest, and he and the caliphbegan to eat heartily of what they liked best, without speakingor drinking, according to the custom of the country. When theyhad done eating, the caliph's slave brought them water to washtheir hands: and in the mean time Abou Hassan's mother clearedthe table, and brought up a dessert of all the various sorts orfruits then in season; as grapes, peaches, apples, pears, andvarious pastes of dried almonds, &c. As soon as it grew dark, waxcandles were lighted, and Abou Hassan, after requesting hismother to take care of the caliph's slave, set on bottles andglasses. 

Abou Hassan sitting down with the pretended Moussul merchantagain, filled out a glass of wine before he touched the fruit;and holding it in his hand, said to the caliph, "You know, sir, that the cock never drinks before he calls to his hens to comeand drink with him; I invite you to follow my example. I do notknow what you may think; but, for my part, I cannot reckon him awise man who does not love wine. Let us leave that sort of peopleto their dull melancholy humours, and seek for mirth, which isonly to be found in a bumper. "

While Abou Hassan was drinking' the caliph taking the glass thatwas set for him, said, "You are an honest fellow; I like yourpleasant temper, and expect you will fill me as much. " AbouHassan, as soon as he had drunk, filled the caliph's glass, andgiving it to him, "Taste this wine, sir, " said he, "I willwarrant it good. " "I am well persuaded of that, " replied thecaliph, laughing, "you know how to choose the best. " "O, " repliedAbou Hassan, while the caliph was drinking his glass, "one needonly look in your face to be assured that you have seen theworld, and know what good living is. If, " added he in Arabicverse, "my house could think and express its joy, how happy wouldit be to possess you, and, bowing before you, would exclaim, 'Howoverjoyed am I to see myself honoured with the company of soaccomplished and polite a personage, and for meeting with a manof your merit. '"

The caliph, naturally fond of merriment, was highly diverted withthese sallies of Abou Hassan, and artfully promoted drinking, often asking for wine, thinking that when it began to operate, hemight from his talkativeness satisfy his curiosity. He asked himhis name, his business, and how he spent his life. "My name, sir, " replied he, "is Abou Hassan. I lost my father, who was amerchant of Bagdad, and though not the richest, yet lived verycomfortably. When he died, he left me money enough to live freefrom business; but as he always kept a very strict hand over me, I was willing, when he was gone, to make up for the time Ithought I had lost. Notwithstanding this, " continued Abou Hassan, "I was more prudent than most young people who give themselves upto debauchery, without any thought, pursue it till they reducethemselves to the utmost poverty, and are forced to do penanceduring the rest of their lives. To avoid this misfortune, Idivided what I had left me into two parts, landed estate andready money. I destined the ready money to supply the expenses ofentertaining my acquaintance. I meditated, and took a fixedresolution not to touch my rents. I associated with young peopleof my own age, and with my ready money, which I spent profusely, treated them splendidly every day; and in short, spared for nosort of pleasure. But this course did not last long; for by thetime the year was out, I had got to the bottom of my box, andthen all my table-friends vanished. I made a visit to every oneof them successively, and represented to them the miserablecondition I was in, but none of them offered to relieve me. Uponthis I renounced their friendship, and retrenched so far, as tolive within the compass of my income, bound myself to keepcompany with none but the first stranger I might meet with comingevery day into Bagdad, and to entertain him but one day and onenight. I have told you the rest before; and I thank my goodfortune this day for having met with a stranger of so muchworth. "

The caliph was well satisfied with this information, and said toAbou Hassan, "I cannot enough commend the measures you havetaken, and the prudence with which you have acted, by forsakingyour debauchery; a conduct rarely to be met with in youngpersons; and I esteem you the more for being steady to yourresolution. It was a slippery path you trod in, and I cannot butadmire your self-command, that, after having seen the end of yourready money, you could so far refrain as not to enter upon yourrents, or even your estate. In short, I must own, I envy yoursituation. You are the happiest man in the world, to enjoy everyday the company of some one with whom you can discourse freelyand agreeably, and to whom you give an opportunity to declare, wherever he goes, how handsome he was received by you. But wetalk too long without drinking; come, drink, and pour out a glassfor me. "

In this manner the caliph and Abou Hassan conversed together, drinking and talking of indifferent subjects, till the night waspretty far advanced; when the caliph, pretending to be fatiguedafter his journey, told his host he stood in need of a littlerest. "But, " added he, "as I would not deprive you of yours on myaccount, before we part (because to-morrow I may be gone beforeyou are stirring), I should be glad to shew you how sensible I amof your civility, and the good cheer and hospitality you havestrewn me. The only thing that troubles me is, that I know notwhich way to make you any acknowledgment. I beg of you, therefore, to let me understand how I may do it' and you shallsee I will not be ungrateful; for it is impossible but a man likeyou must have some business, some want, or wish for somethingagreeable to you. Speak freely, and open your mind; for though Iam but a merchant, it may be in my power to oblige you myself, orby some friend. "

To these offers of the caliph, Abou Hassan, taking him still fora Moussul merchant, replied, "I am very well persuaded, sir, thatit is not out of compliment that you make me these generoustenders; but upon the word of an honest man, I assure you, I havenothing that troubles me, no business, nor desires, and I asknothing of any body. I have not the least ambition, as I told youbefore; and am satisfied with my condition: therefore, I can onlythank you for your obliging proffers, and the honour you havedone me in condescending to partake of my frugal fare. Yet I musttell you, " pursued Abou Hassan, "there is one thing gives meuneasiness, without, however, disturbing my rest. You must knowthe town of Bagdad is divided into quarters, in each of whichthere is a mosque with an imaum to perform service at certainhours, at the head of the quarter which assembles there. Theimaum of the division I live in is a surly curmudgeon, of anaustere countenance, and the greatest hypocrite in the world. Four old men of this neighbourhood, who are people of the samestamp, meet regularly every day at this imaum's house. There theyvent their slander, calumny, and malice against me and the wholequarter, to the disturbance of the peace of the neighbourhood, and the promotion of dissension. Some they threaten, others theyfrighten; and, in short, would be lords paramount, and have everyone govern himself according to their caprice, though they knownot how to govern themselves. Indeed, I am sorry to see that theymeddle with any thing but their Koraun, and will not let theworld live quietly. "

"Well, I suppose, " said the caliph, "you wish to have a stop putto this disorder?" "You have guessed right, " answered AbouHassan; "and the only thing I should pray for, would be to becaliph but for one day, in the stead of our sovereign lord andmaster Haroon al Rusheed, commander of the faithful. " "What wouldyou do if you were?" said the caliph. "I would make examples ofthem, " answered Abou Hassan, "to the satisfaction of all honestmen. I would punish the four old men with each a hundredbastinadoes on the soles of their feet, and the imaum with fourhundred, to teach them not to disturb and abuse their neighboursin future. "

The caliph was extremely pleased with this thought of AbouHassan's; and as he loved adventures, resolved to make this avery singular one. "Indeed, " said he, "I approve much of yourwish, which proceeds from an upright heart, that cannot bear themalice of such officious hypocrites; I could like to see itrealized, and it is not so impossible as you may imagine. I ampersuaded that the caliph would willingly put his authority fortwenty-four hours into your hands if he knew your intentions, andthe good use you would make of it. Though a foreign merchant, Ihave credit enough to contribute in some degree to the executionof this plan. " "I see, " said Abou Hassan, "you laugh at myfoolish fancy, and the caliph himself would laugh at myextravagance if he knew it: yet it would be a means of informinghim of the behaviour of the imaum and his companions, and inducehim to chastise them. "

"Heaven forbid, " replied the caliph, "that I, who have been sohandsomely entertained by you, should laugh at you; neither do Ibelieve, as much a stranger as I am to you, that the caliph wouldbe displeased: but let us leave off talking; it is almostmidnight, and time to go to bed. " "With all my heart, " said AbouHassan; "I would not be any hindrance to your going to rest; butthere is still some wine in the bottle, and if you please we willdrink it off first, and then retire. The only thing that I haveto recommend to you is, that when you go out in the morning, if Iam not up, you will not leave the door open, but give yourselfthe trouble of shutting it after you. " This the caliph promisedto do: and while Abou Hassan was talking, took the bottle and twoglasses, filled his own first, saying, "Here is a cup of thanksto you, " and then filling the other, put into it artfully alittle opiate powder, which he had about him and giving it toAbou Hassan, said, "You have taken the pains to fill for me allnight, and it is the least I can do to save you the trouble once:I beg you to take this glass; drink it off for my sake. "

Abou Hassan took the glass, and to shew his guest with how muchpleasure he received the honour, drank it off at once; but hadscarcely set the glass upon the table, when the powder began tooperate; he fell into so sound a sleep, and his head knockedagainst his knees so suddenly, that the caliph could not helplaughing. The caliph commanded the slave he had brought with him, who entered the room as soon as he had supped, and had waited toreceive orders, to take Abou Hassan upon his back, and followhim; but to be sure to observe the house, that he might know itagain. In this manner the caliph, followed by the slave with hissleeping load, went out of the house, but without shutting thedoor after him as he had been desired, went directly to hispalace, and by a private door into his own apartment, where theofficers of his chamber were in waiting, whom he ordered toundress Abou Hassan, and put him into his bed, which theyimmediately performed. 

The caliph then sent for all the officers and ladies of thepalace, and said to them, "I would have all those whose businessit is to attend my levee wait to-morrow morning upon the man wholies in my bed, pay the same respect to him as to myself, andobey him in whatever he may command; let him be refused nothingthat he asks, and be addressed and answered as if he were thecommander of the faithful. In short, I expect that you attend tohim as the true caliph, without regarding me; and disobey him notin the least circumstance. "

The officers and ladies, who understood that the caliph meant todivert himself, answered by low bows, and then withdrew, everyone preparing to contribute to the best of their power to performtheir respective parts adroitly. 

The caliph next sent for the grand vizier: "Jaaffier, " said he, "I have sent for you to instruct you, and to prevent your beingsurprised to-morrow when you come to audience, at seeing this manseated on my throne in the royal robes: accost him with the samereverence and respect as you pay to myself: observe andpunctually execute whatever he bids you do, the same as if Icommanded you. He will exercise great liberality, and commissionyou with the distribution of it. Do all he commands; even if hisliberality should extend so far as to empty all the coffers in mytreasury; and remember to acquaint all my emirs, and the officerswithout the palace, to pay him the same honour at audience as tomyself, and to carry on the matter so well, that he may notperceive the least thing that may interrupt the diversion which Idesign myself. "

After the grand vizier had retired, the caliph went to bed inanother apartment, and gave Mesrour, the chief of his eunuchs, the orders which he was to execute, that every thing shouldsucceed as he intended, so that he might see how Abou Hassanwould use the power and authority of the caliph for the shorttime he had desired to have it. Above all, he charged him not tofail to awaken him at the usual hour, before he awakened AbouHassan, because he wished to be present when he arose. 

Mesrour failed not to do as the caliph had commanded, and as soonas the caliph went into the room where Abou Hassan lay, he placedhimself in a little raised closet, from whence he could see allthat passed. All the officers and ladies, who were to attend AbouHassan's levee, went in at the same time, and took their postsaccording to their rank, ready to acquit themselves of theirrespective duties, as if the caliph himself had been going torise. 

As it was just day-break, and time to prepare for the morningprayer before sun rise, the officer who stood nearest to the headof the bed put a sponge steeped in vinegar to Abou Hassan's nose, who immediately turning his head about, without opening his eyes, discharged a kind of phlegm, which was received in a littlegolden basin before it fell on the carpet. This was the usualeffect of the caliph's powder, the sleep lasting longer orshorter, in proportion to the dose. When Abou Hassan laid downhis head on the bolster, he opened his eyes; and by the dawninglight that appeared, found himself in a large room, magnificentlyfurnished, the ceiling of which was finely painted in Arabesque, adorned with vases of gold and silver, and the floor covered witha rich silk tapestry. He saw himself surrounded by many young andhandsome ladies, many of them having instruments of music intheir hands, and black eunuchs richly clothed, all standing withgreat modesty and respect. After casting his eyes on the coveringof the bed, he perceived it was cloth of gold richly embossedwith pearl and diamonds; and near the bed lay, on a cushion, ahabit of tissue embroidered with jewels, with a caliph's turban. 

At the sight of these glittering objects, Abou Hassan was in themost inexpressible amazement, and looked upon all he saw as adream; yet a dream he wished it not to be. "So, " said he tohimself, "I am caliph; but, " added he, recollecting himself, "itis only a dream, the effect of the wish I entertained my guestwith last night;" and then he turned himself about and shut hiseyes to sleep. At the same time the eunuch said veryrespectfully, "Commander of the faithful, it is time for yourmajesty to rise to prayers, the morning begins to advance. "

These words very much surprised Abou Hassan. "Am I awake, or do Isleep?" said he to himself. "Ah, certainly I am asleep!"continued he, keeping his eyes shut; "there is no reason to doubtof it. "

Immediately the eunuch, who saw he had no inclination to get up, said again, "Your majesty must permit me to repeat once more thatit is time to rise to morning prayer, unless you choose to let itpass; the sun is just rising, and you never neglect this duty. ""I am mistaken, " said Abou Hassan immediately, "I am not asleep, but awake; for those who sleep do not hear, and I hear somebodyspeak to me;" then opening his eyes again, he saw plainly bybroad day-light, what he had seen but indistinctly before; andstarted up, with a smiling countenance, like a man overjoyed atsudden promotion. The caliph, from his recess, penetrated histhoughts with great delight. 

The young ladies of the palace now prostrated themselves withtheir faces to the ground before Abou Hassan, and those who hadinstruments of music in their hands wished him a good morrow, bya concert of soft flutes, hautboys, theorboes, and otherharmonious instruments, with which he was enchanted, and in suchan ecstacy, that he knew not whether he was himself; butreverting to his first idea, he still doubted whether what he sawand heard was a dream or reality. He clapped his hands before hiseyes, and lowering his head, said to himself, "What means allthis? Where am I? and to whom does this palace belong? What canthese eunuchs, handsome well-dressed officers, beautiful ladies, and musicians mean: How is it possible for me to distinguishwhether I am in my right senses or in a dream?"

When he took his hands from his eyes, opened them, and lifted uphis head, the sun shone full in at the chamber window; and atthat instant Mesrour, the chief of the eunuchs, came in, prostrated himself before Abou Hassan, and said, "Commander ofthe faithful, your majesty will excuse me for representing toyou, that you used not to rise so late, and that the time ofprayer is over. If your majesty has not had a bad night, it istime to ascend your throne and hold a council as usual; all yourgenerals, governors, and other great officers of state, wait yourpresence in the council-hall. "

At this discourse, Abou Hassan was persuaded that he was neitherasleep nor in a dream; but at the same time was not lessembarrassed and confused under his uncertainty what steps totake: at last, looking earnestly at Mesrour, he said to him in aserious tone, "Whom is it you speak to, and call the commander ofthe faithful? I do not know you, and you must mistake me forsomebody else. "

Any person but Mesrour would have been puzzled at these questionsof Abou Hassan; but he had been so well instructed by the caliph, that he played his part admirably. "My imperial lord and master, "said he, "your majesty only speaks thus to try me. Is not yourmajesty the commander of the faithful, monarch of the world fromeast to west, and vicar on earth to the prophet sent of God?Mesrour, your poor slave, has not forgotten you, after so manyyears that he has had the honour and happiness to serve and payhis respects to your majesty. He would think himself the mostunhappy of men, if he has incurred your displeasure, and begs ofyou most humbly to remove his fears; but had rather suppose thatyou have been disturbed by some troublesome dream. "

Abou Hassan burst out laughing at these words, and fell backwardsupon the bolster, which pleased the caliph so much that he wouldhave laughed as loud himself, if he had not been afraid ofputting a stop too soon to the pleasant scene he had promisedhimself. 

Abou Hassan, when he had tired himself with laughing, sat upagain, and speaking to a little eunuch that stood by him, blackas Mesrour, said, "Hark ye, tell me whom I am?" "Sir, " answeredthe little boy, modestly, "your majesty is the commander of thebelievers, and God's vicar on earth. " "You are a little liar, black face, " said Abou Hassan. Then he called the lady that stoodnearest to him; "Come hither, fair one, " said he, holding out hishand, "bite the end of my finger, that I may feel whether I amasleep or awake. "

The lady, who knew the caliph saw all that passed, was overjoyedto have an opportunity of shewing her power of diverting him, went with a grave countenance, and putting his finger between herteeth, bit it so hard that she put him to violent pain. Snatchinghis hand quickly back again, he said, "I find I am awake and notasleep. But by what miracle am I become caliph in a night's time!this is certainly the most strange and surprising event in theworld!" Then addressing himself to the same lady, he said, "Iconjure you, by the protection of God, in whom you trust as wellas I, not to hide the truth from me; am I really the commander ofthe faithful?" "It is so true, " answered the lady, "that we whoare your slaves are amazed to find that you will not believeyourself to be so. " "You are a deceiver, " replied Abou Hassan: "Iknow very well who I am. "

As the chief of the eunuchs perceived that Abou Hassan now wishedto rise, he offered him his hand, and helped him to get out ofbed. No sooner were his feet set on the floor, than the chamberrang with the repeated acclamations of the officers and ladies, who cried out all together, "Commander of the faithful, God giveyour majesty a good day. " "O heaven!" cried Abou Hassan, "what astrange thing this is! Last night I was Abou Hassan, and thismorning I am the commander of the believers! I cannot comprehendthis sudden and surprising change. " Presently some of theofficers began to dress him; and when they had done, Mesrour ledhim through all the eunuchs and ladies, who were ranged on bothsides, quite to the council chamber door, which was opened by oneof the officers. Mesrour walked before him to the foot of thethrone, where he stopped, and putting one hand under one arm, while another officer who followed did the same by the other, they helped him to ascend the throne. Abou Hassan sat down amidstthe acclamations of the officers, who wished him all happinessand prosperity, and turning to the right and left he saw theofficers of the guards ranged in order, and making a fineappearance. 

The caliph in the mean time came out of the closet, and went intoanother, which looked into the hall, from whence he could see andhear all that passed in council, where his grand vizier presidedin his place. What pleased him highly, was to see Abou Hassanfill his throne with almost as much gravity as himself. 

As soon as Abou Hassan had seated himself, the grand vizierprostrated himself at the foot of the throne, and rising, said, "Commander of the faithful, God shower down blessings on yourmajesty in this life, receive you into his paradise in the otherworld, and confound your enemies. "

Abou Hassan, after all that had happened that morning, at these wordsof the grand vizier, never doubted but that he was caliph, as hewished to be; and without examining any farther, how or by whatadventure, or sudden change of fortune, he had become so, immediatelybegan to exercise his power, and looking very gravely at the vizier, asked him what he had to say? "Commander of the faithful, " replied thegrand vizier, "the emirs, Vizier, and other officers of your council, wait without till your majesty gives them leave to pay theiraccustomed respects. " Abou Hassan ordered the door to be opened, andthe grand vizier addressing himself to the officers in waiting, said, "Chief of the door-keepers, the commander of the faithful orders youto do your duty. "

When the door was opened, the viziers, emirs, and principalofficers of the court, all dressed magnificently in their habitsof ceremony, went in their order to the foot of the throne, paidtheir respects to Abou Hassan; and bowing their heads down to thecarpet, saluted him with the title of commander of the faithful, according to the instructions of the grand vizier, and afterwardstook their seats. 

When this ceremony was over, and they were all placed, there wasa profound silence. The grand vizier always standing before thethrone, began according to the order of papers in his hand tomake his report of affairs, which at that time were of verylittle consequence. Nevertheless, the caliph could not but admirehow Abou Hassan acquitted himself in his exalted station withoutthe least hesitation or embarrassment, and decided well in allmatters, as his own good sense suggested. But before the grandvizier had finished his report, Abou Hassan perceived the judgeof the police, whom he knew by sight, sitting in his place. "Stop, " said he, to the grand vizier, interrupting him; "I havean order of consequence to give to the judge of the police. " Thejudge of the police perceiving that Abou Hassan looked at him, and hearing his name mentioned, arose from his seat, and wentgravely to the foot of the throne, where he prostrated himselfwith his face to the ground. "Judge of the police, " said AbouHassan, "go immediately to such a quarter, where you will find amosque, seize the imaum and four old grey beards, give each ofthe old men a hundred bastinadoes, and the imaum four hundred. After that, mount them all five, clothed in rags, on camels, withtheir faces to the tails, and lead them through the whole city, with a crier before them, who shall proclaim with a loud voice, 'This is the punishment of all those who trouble their heads withother people's affairs, make it their business to createdisturbances and misunderstandings in families in theirneighbourhood, and do them all the mischief in their power. ' Myintention is also, that you enjoin them to leave that quarter, and never to set foot in it more: and while your lieutenant isconducting them through the town, return, and give me an accountof the execution of my orders. " The judge of the police laid hishand upon his head, to shew his obedience, and prostratinghimself a second time retired to execute the mandate. 

The caliph was highly pleased at the firmness with which thisorder was given, and perceived that Abou Hassan was resolved notto lose the opportunity of punishing the imaum and the other fourold hypocrites of his quarter. In the mean time the grand vizierwent on with his report, and had just finished, when the judge ofthe police came back from executing his commission. He approachedthe throne with the usual ceremony, and said, "Commander of thefaithful, I found the imaum and his four companions in themosque, which your majesty pointed out; and as a proof that Ihave punctually obeyed your commands, I have brought aninstrument signed by the principal inhabitants of the ward. " Atthe same time he pulled a paper out of his bosom, and presentedit to the pretended caliph. 

Abou Hassan took the paper, and reading it over cautiously withthe names of the witnesses, who were all people he knew, said tothe judge of the police, smiling, "It is well; I am satisfied;return to your seat. " "These old hypocrites, " said he to himself, with an air of satisfaction "who thought fit to censure myactions, and find fault with my entertaining honest people, deserved this punishment. " The caliph all the time penetrated histhoughts, and felt inconceivable delight at his frolic. 

Abou Hassan, then addressing himself to the grand vizier, said, "Go to the high treasurer for a purse of a thousand pieces ofgold, and carry it to the mother of one Abou Hassan, who is knownby the name of the debauchee; she lives in the same quarter towhich I sent the judge of the police. Go, and returnimmediately. "

The grand vizier, after laying his hand upon his head, andprostrating himself before the throne, went to the hightreasurer, who gave him the money, which he ordered a slave totake, and to follow him to Abou Hassan's mother, to whom he gaveit, saying only, "The caliph makes you this present. " Shereceived it with the greatest surprise imaginable. 

During the grand vizier's absence, the judge of the police madethe usual report of his office, which lasted till the vizierreturned. As soon as he came into the council-chamber, and hadassured Abou Hassan that he had executed his orders, Mesrour, thechief of the eunuchs, made a sign to the viziers, the emirs, andother officers, that the council was over, and that they mightall retire; which they did, by making the same prostration at thefoot of the throne as when they entered. 

Abou Hassan descended from the caliph's throne, and Mesrour wentbefore him, to shew him the way into an inner apartment, wherethere was a table spread; several eunuchs ran to tell themusicians that the sham caliph was coming, when they immediatelybegan a concert of vocal and instrumental music, with which AbouHassan was so charmed and transported, that he could not tellwhat to think of all he saw and heard. "If this is a dream, " saidhe, "it is a long one. But certainly, " continued he, "it is nodream; for I can see and feel, walk and hear, and arguereasonably; whatever it is, I trust in God; I cannot but believethat I am the commander of the faithful, for no other personcould live in this splendour. The honour and respect that hasbeen strewn me, and the obedience paid to my commands, aresufficient proofs of my exaltation. "

In short, Abou Hassan took it for granted that he was thecommander of the faithful; but was still more convinced of itwhen he entered a magnificent and spacious hall, which was finelypainted with the brightest colours intermixed with gold. Sevenbands of female musicians, more beautiful than the others, wereplaced round the hall, and as many gold chandeliers hung from theceiling, which was painted with blue and gold, intermixed withwonderful effect. In the middle of the hall was spread a tablecovered with massive gold plates and dishes, which scented theapartment with the spices and amber wherewith the meat wasseasoned; and seven young and most beautiful ladies, dressed inthe richest habits of the most vivid colours, stood round thistable, each with a fan in her hand, to fan Abou Hassan when atdinner. 

If ever mortal was charmed, Abou Hassan was when he entered thisstately hall. At every step he took, he could not help stoppingto contemplate at leisure all the wonders that regaled his eyes, and turned first to one side, and then to the other; which gavethe caliph, who viewed him with attention, very great pleasure. At last he sat down at the table, and presently all the ladiesbegan to fan the new caliph. He looked first at one, then atanother, and admired the grace with which they acquittedthemselves. He told them with a smile, that he believed one ofthem was enough to give him all the air he wanted, and would havesix of the ladies sit at table with him, three on his right hand, and three on his left; and he placed them so, that as the tablewas round, which way soever he turned, his eyes might be salutedwith agreeable objects. 

The six ladies obeyed; and Abou Hassan taking notice, that out ofrespect they did not eat, helped them himself, and invited themto eat in the most pressing and obliging terms. Afterwards heasked their names, which they told him were Alabaster Neck, CoralLips, Moon Face, Sunshine, Eye's Delight, Heart's Delight, andshe who fanned him was Sugar Cane. The many soft things he saidupon their names shewed him to be a man of sprightly wit, and itis not to be conceived how much it increased the esteem which thecaliph (who saw every thing) had already conceived for him. 

When the ladies observed that Abou Hassan had done eating, one ofthem said to the eunuchs who waited, "The commander of thefaithful will go into the hall where the dessert is laid; bringsome water;" upon which they all rose from the table, and takingfrom the eunuch, one a gold basin, another an ewer of the samemetal, and a third a towel, kneeled before Abou Hassan, andpresented them to him to wash his hands. As soon as he had done, he got up, and after an eunuch had opened the door, went, preceded by Mesrour, who never left him, into another hall, aslarge as the former, adorned with paintings by the best masters, and furnished with gold and silver vessels, carpets, and otherrich furniture. There seven different bands of music began aconcert as soon as Abou Hassan appeared. In this hall there wereseven large lustres, a table in the middle covered with driedsweetmeats, the choicest and most exquisite fruits of the season, raised in pyramids, in seven gold basins; and seven ladies morebeautiful than the others standing round it, each with a fan inher hand. 

These new objects raised still greater admiration in Abou Hassan;who, after he had made a full stop, and given the most sensiblemarks of surprise and astonishment, went directly to the table, where sitting down, he gazed a considerable time at the sevenladies, with an embarrassment that plainly shewed he knew not towhich to give the preference. At last he ordered them all to layaside their fans and sit down, and eat with him, telling themthat it was not so hot, but he could spare them that trouble. 

When the ladies were all placed about him, the first thing he didwas to ask their names, which were different from the otherseven, and expressed some perfection of mind or body, whichdistinguished them from one another: upon which he took anopportunity, when he presented them with fruit, &c. , to saysomething gallant. "Eat this fig for my sake, " said he to Chainof Hearts, who sat on his right hand; "and render the fetters, with which you loaded me the first moment I saw you, moresupportable. " Then, presenting a bunch of grapes to Soul'sTorment, "Take this cluster of grapes, " said he, "on conditionyou instantly abate the torments which I suffer for your sake;"and so on to the rest. By these sallies Abou Hassan more and moreamused the caliph, who was delighted with his words and actions, and pleased to think he had found in him a man who diverted himso agreeably. 

After Abou Hassan had tasted all the fruits in the basin, he gotup and followed Mesrour into a third hall, much moremagnificently furnished than the other two; where he was receivedby the same number of musicians and ladies, who stood round atable covered with all manner of wet sweetmeats. After he hadlooked about him with new wonder, he advanced to the table, themusic playing all the time till he sat down. The seven ladies, byhis order, sat down with him, helped themselves, as he desired, to what they liked best; and he afterwards informed himself oftheir names, which pleased him as much as the others had done, and led him to say as many soft things to them, to the greatdiversion of the caliph, who lost not a word. 

By this time the day beginning to close, Abou Hassan wasconducted into a fourth hall, much more superb and magnificentlyfurnished, lighted with wax in seven gold lustres, which gave asplendid light. Abou Hassan found the same number of musicianshere as he had done in the three other halls, performing inconcert in the most agreeable manner, and seeming to inspiregreater joy; and he saw as many ladies standing round a tablecovered with seven gold basins filled with cakes, driedsweetmeats, and all such relishes as were calculated to promotedrinking. There he saw, which he had not observed in any of theother halls, a sideboard set out with seven large silver flagonsfull of the choicest wines, and by them seven crystal glasses ofthe finest workmanship. 

Hitherto, in the three first halls, Abou Hassan had drunk nothing butwater, according to the custom observed at Bagdad, from the highest tothe lowest and at the caliph's court, never to drink wine till theevening; all who transgress this rule being accounted debauchees, whodare not shew themselves in the day-time. This custom is the morelaudable, as it requires a clear head to apply to business in thecourse of the day; and as no wine is drunk till evening, no drunkenpeople are seen in the streets in open day creating disturbance in thecity. 

As soon as Abou Hassan entered the fourth hall, he went to thetable, sat down, and was a long time in a kind of ecstasy at thesight of the seven ladies who surrounded him, and were much morebeautiful than any he had beheld in the other halls. He was verydesirous to know their names; but as the music played so loud, and particularly the tambour, that he could not hear them speak, he clapped his hands for the musicians to cease, when a profoundsilence ensued. Taking by the hand the lady who stood on theright next to him, he made her sit down by him, and presentingher with a cake, asked her name. "Commander of the faithful, "said the lady, "I am called Cluster of Pearls. " "No name, "replied Abou Hassan, "could have more properly expressed yourworth; and indeed your teeth exceed the finest pearls. Cluster ofPearls, " added he, "since that is your name, oblige me with aglass of wine from your fair hand. " The lady went to thesideboard and brought him a glass of wine, which she presented tohim with a pleasant air. Abou Hassan took the glass with a smile, and looking passionately at her, said, "Cluster of Pearls, Idrink your health; I desire you to fill out as much for yourself, and pledge me. " She ran to the sideboard, and returned with aglass in her hand; but before she drank, she sung a song, whichcharmed him as much by the sweetness of her voice as by itsnovelty. 

After Abou Hassan had drunk, he made another lady sit down byhim, and presenting her with what she chose in the basins, askedher name, which she told him was Morning Star. "Your brighteyes, " said he, "shine with greater lustre than that star whosename you bear. Do me the pleasure to bring me some wine, " whichshe did with the best grace in the world. Then turning to thethird lady, whose name was Day-light, he ordered her to do thesame, and so on to the seventh, to the extreme satisfaction ofthe caliph. 

When they had all filled him a glass round, Cluster of Pearls, whom he had just addressed, went to the sideboard, poured out aglass of wine, and putting in a pinch of the same powder thecaliph had used the night before, presented it to Abou Hassan;"Commander of the faithful, " said she, "I beg of your majesty totake this glass of wine, and before you drink it, do me thefavour to hear a song I have composed to-day, and which I flattermyself will not displease you. I never sung it before. " "With allmy heart, " said Abou Hassan, taking the glass, "and, as commanderof the faithful, I command you to sing it; for I am persuadedthat so beautiful a lady cannot compose a song which does notabound with wit and pleasantry. " The lady took a lute, and tuningit to her voice, sung with so much justness, grace, andexpression, that Abou Hassan was in perfect ecstasy 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. 

When the lady had concluded, Abou Hassan drank off his glass, andturned his head towards her to give her those praises which hethought she merited, but was prevented by the opiate, whichoperated so suddenly, that his mouth was instantly wide open, andhis eyes close shut, and dropping his head on the cushions, heslept as profoundly as the day before when the caliph had givenhim the powder. One of the ladies stood ready to catch the glass, which fell out of his hand; and then the caliph, who enjoyedgreater satisfaction in this scene than he had promised himself, and was all along a spectator of what had passed, came into thehall to them, overjoyed at the success of his plan. He orderedAbou Hassan to be dressed in his own clothes, and carried back tohis house by the slave who had brought him, charging him to layhim on a sofa in the same room, without making any noise, and toleave the door open when he came away. 

The slave took Abou Hassan upon his shoulders, carried him homeby a back door of the palace, placed him in his own house as hewas ordered, and returned with speed, to acquaint the caliph. "Well, " said the caliph, "Abou Hassan wished only to be caliphfor one day, to punish the imaum of the mosque of his quarter, and the four old men who had displeased him: I have procured himthe means of doing this, and he ought to be content. "

In the mean time, Abou Hassan, who was laid upon his sofa by theslave, slept till very late the next morning. When the powder wasworked off, he awoke, opened his eyes, and finding himself athome, was in the utmost surprise. "Cluster of Pearls! MorningStar! Coral Lips! Moon Face!" cried he, calling the ladies of thepalace by their names, as he remembered them; "where are you?come hither. "

Abou Hassan called so loud, that his mother, who was in her ownapartment, heard him, and running to him upon the noise he made, said "What ails you, son? what has happened to you?" At thesewords Abou Hassan lifted up his head, and looking haughtily athis mother, said, "Good woman! who is it you call son?" "Whyyou, " answered his mother very mildly; "are not you Abou Hassanmy son? It is strange that you have forgotten yourself so soon. ""I your son! old bull!" replied Abou Hassan; "you are a liar, andknow not what you say! I am not Abou Hassan, I tell you, but thecommander of the faithful!"

"Hold your tongue, son, " answered the mother "one would think youare a fool, to hear you talk thus. " "You are an old foolyourself, " replied Abou Hassan; "I tell you once more I am thecommander of the faithful, and God's vicar on earth!" "Ah!child, " cried the mother, "is it possible that I should hear youutter such words that shew you are distracted! What evil geniuspossesses you, to make you talk at this rate? God bless you, andpreserve you from the power of Satan. You are my son Abou Hassan, and I am your mother. "

After she had used all the arguments she could think of to bringhim to himself, and to shew how great an error he was in, shesaid, "Do not you see that the room you are now in is your own, and is not like a chamber in a palace fit for the commander ofthe believers? and that you have never left it since you wereborn, but lived quietly at home with me. Think seriously of whatI say, and do not fancy things that are not, nor ever can be. Once more, my son, think seriously of it. "

Abou Hassan heard all these remonstrances of his mother verypatiently, holding down his eyes, and clapping his hands underhis chin, like a man recollecting himself, to examine the truthof what he saw and heard. At last, he said to his mother, just asif he was awaking out of a deep sleep, and with his hand in thesame posture, "I believe you are right, methinks I am AbouHassan, you are my mother, and I am in my own room. " Then lookingat her again, and at every object before him, he added, "I amAbou Hassan, there is no doubt of it, and I cannot comprehend howthis fancy came into my head. "

The mother really believed that her son was cured of the disorderof his mind, which she ascribed to a dream, began to laugh withhim, and ask him questions about it; when suddenly he started up, and looking crossly at his mother, said, "Old sorceress, you knownot what you say. I am not your son, nor you my mother. Youdeceive yourself and would deceive me. I tell you I am thecommander of the faithful, and you shall never persuade me to thecontrary!" "For heaven's sake, son, " said the mother, "let usleave off this discourse; recommend yourself to God, for fearsome misfortune should happen to us; let us talk of somethingelse. I will tell you what happened yesterday in our quarter tothe imaum of the mosque, and the four scheiks our neighbours: thejudge of the police came and seized them, and gave each of them Iknow not how many strokes with a bastinado, while a crierproclaimed, 'That such was the punishment of all those whotroubled themselves about other people's business, and employedthemselves in setting their neighbours at variance:' heafterwards led them through all the streets, and ordered themnever to come into our quarter again. " Abou Hassan's motherlittle thought her son had any share in this adventure, andtherefore had turned the discourse on purpose to put him out ofthe conceit of being the commander of the faithful; but insteadof effacing that idea, she recalled it, and impressed the moredeeply in his mind, that it was not imaginary but real. 

Abou Hassan no sooner heard this relation, but he cried out, "Iam neither thy son, nor Abou Hassan, but certainly the commanderof the believers. I cannot doubt after what you have told me. Know then that it was by my order the imaum and the four scheikswere punished, and I tell you I am certainly the commander of thefaithful: therefore say no more of its being a dream. I was notasleep, but as much awake as I am now. You do me much pleasure toconfirm what the judge of the police told me he had executedpunctually according to my order; I am overjoyed that the imaumand the four scheiks, those great hypocrites, were so chastised, and I should be glad to know how I came here. God be praised forall things! I am certainly commander of the faithful, and all thyarguments shall not convince me of the contrary. "

The mother, who could not imagine why her son so strenuously andpositively maintained himself to be caliph, no longer doubted butthat he had lost his senses, when she found he insisted so muchon a thing that was so incredible; and in this thought said, "Ipray God, son, to have mercy upon you! Pray do not talk so madly. Beseech God to forgive you, and give you grace to talk morereasonably. What would the world say to hear you rave in thismanner? Do you not know that 'walls have ears?'"

These remonstrances only enraged Abou Hassan the more; and he wasso provoked at his mother, that he said, "Old woman, I havedesired you once already to hold your tongue. If you do not, Ishall rise and give you cause to repent all your lifetime. I amthe caliph and the commander of the believers; and you ought tocredit me when I say so. "

The good woman supposing 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 insuch a state. Abou Hassan, instead of being appeased or moved byhis mother's tears, lost all the respect due from a son to hismother. Getting up hastily, and laying hold of a switch, he ranto his mother in great fury, and in a threatening manner thatwould have frightened any one but a mother so partial to him, said, "Tell me directly, wicked woman, who I am. " "I do notbelieve, son, " replied she, looking at him tenderly, and withoutfear, "that you are so abandoned by God as not to know yourmother, who brought you into the world, and to mistake yourself. You are indeed my son Abou Hassan, and are much in the wrong toarrogate to yourself the title which belongs only to oursovereign lord the caliph Haroon al Rusheed, especially after thenoble and generous present the monarch made us yesterday. Iforgot to tell you, that the grand vizier Jaaffier came to meyesterday, and putting a purse of a thousand pieces of gold intomy hands, bade me pray for the commander of the faithful, who hadsent me that present; and does not this liberality concern youmore than me, who have but a short time to live?"

At these words Abou Hassan grew quite mad. The circumstance ofthe caliph's liberality persuaded him more than ever that he wascaliph, remembering that he had sent the vizier. "Well, old hag, "cried he, "will you be convinced when I tell you that I sent youthose thousand pieces of gold by my grand vizier Jaaffier, whoobeyed my commands, as I was commander of the faithful? Butinstead of believing me, you endeavour to distract me by yourcontradictions, and maintain with obstinacy that I am your son;but you shall not go long unpunished. " After these words, he wasso unnatural, in the height of his frenzy, as to beat her cruellywith his cane. 

The poor mother, who could not have thought that her son wouldhave come so soon from words to blows, called out for help soloud, that the neighbours ran in to her assistance. Abou Hassancontinued to beat her, at every stroke asking her if he was thecommander of the faithful? to which she always answered tenderly, that he was her son. 

By the time the neighbours came in Abou Hassan's rage began toabate. The first who entered the room got between him and hismother, and taking the switch out of his hand, said to him, "Whatare you doing, Abou Hassan? have you lost all fear of God andyour reason? Did ever a son so well brought up as you dare tostrike his mother? are you not ashamed so to treat yours, wholoves you so tenderly?" Abou Hassan, still full of fury, lookedat him who spoke without returning an answer; and then staring onall the rest of his neighbours who had followed, said, "Who isthat Abou Hassan you speak of? Is it me you call by that name?"

This question disconcerted the neighbours. "How!" said he whospoke first, "do not you know your mother who brought you up, andwith whom you have always lived?" "Be gone, you are impertinentvagabonds, " replied Abou Hassan; "I neither knew her nor you, andwill not know her. I am not Abou Hassan; I am the commander ofthe faithful, and will make you feel it to your cost. "

At this speech the neighbours no longer doubted that he was mad:and to prevent his repeating his outrages, seized him, notwithstanding his resistance, and bound him hand and foot, Butthough apparently disabled from doing any mischief, they did notchoose to leave him alone with his mother. Two of them ran forthe keeper of the hospital for insane persons, who came presentlywith chains, handcuffs, a bastinado, and many attendants. Whenthey entered the room, Abou Hassan, who little expected suchtreatment, struggled to unloose himself; but after his keeper hadgiven him two or three smart strokes upon the shoulders, he layso quiet, that the keeper and his people did what they pleasedwith him. As soon as they had bound and manacled him, they tookhim with them to the hospital. When he was got out of the houseinto the street, the people crowded round him, one buffeted him, another boxed him, and others called him fool and madman. To allthis treatment he replied, "There is no greatness and power butin God most high and almighty. I am treated as a fool, though Iam in my right senses. I suffer all these injuries andindignities for the love of God. " He was conducted to thehospital, where he was lodged in a grated cell; but before he wasshut up, the keeper, who was hardened to such terrible execution, regaled him without pity with fifty strokes of the bastinado onhis shoulders, which he repeated every day for three weeks, bidding him remember that he was not the commander of thefaithful. "I am not mad, " said Abou Hassan, "but if I wanted yourassistance, nothing would so effectually make me mad as yourcruel treatment. I want not your advice. "

Abou Hassan's mother went every day to visit her son, and couldnot forbear weeping at beholding him fall away, and sigh andcomplain at the hardships he endured. In short, his shoulders, back, and sides were so black and bruised, that he could not turnhimself. His mother would willingly have talked with him, tocomfort him, and to sound him whether he still retained thenotion of being caliph; but whenever she opened her mouth, hestopped her with so much fury, that she was forced to leave him, and return home inconsolable at his obstinacy. 

By degrees, however, those strong and lively ideas, which AbouHassan had entertained, of having been clothed in the caliph'shabit, having exercised his authority, and been punctually obeyedand treated like the true caliph, the assurance of which hadpersuaded him that he was so, began to wear away. Sometimes hewould say to himself, "If I was the caliph and commander of thebelievers, how came I, when I awoke, to find myself at homedressed in my own apparel? Why should I not have been attended byeunuchs, and their chief, and a crowd of beautiful ladies? Whyshould the grand vizier, and all those emirs and governors ofprovinces, who prostrated themselves at my feet, forsake me?Undoubtedly if I had any authority over them, they would havedelivered me long ago out of the miserable condition I am in;certainly I ought to look upon all as a dream. It is true, however, that I commanded the judge of the police to punish theimaum, and the four old men his companions; I ordered the grandvizier to carry my mother a thousand pieces of gold; and mycommands were executed. All these points are obstacles to mybelieving it a dream; but there are so many things that I cannotcomprehend, nor ever shall, that I will put my trust in God, whoknows all things. "

Abou Hassan was taken up with these thoughts and reflections whenhis mother came to see him. She found him so much altered andemaciated that she shed a torrent of tears; in the midst of whichshe saluted him as she used to do, and he returned hersalutation, which he had never done before since he had been inthe hospital. This she looked upon to be a good sign. "Well, myson, " said she, wiping her tears, "how do you do, and how do youfind yourself? Have you renounced all those whims and fancieswhich the devil had put into your head?" "Indeed, mother, "replied Abou Hassan, very rationally and calmly, and in a toneexpressive of his grief for the excesses he had been transportedto against her, "I acknowledge my error, and beg of you toforgive the execrable crime which I have been guilty of towardsyou, and which I detest. I ask pardon also of my neighbours whomI have abused. I have been deceived by a dream; but by soextraordinary a one, and so like to truth, that I venture toaffirm any other person, to whom such a thing might havehappened, would have been guilty of as great or greaterextravagancies; and I am this instant so much perplexed about it, that while I am speaking I can hardly persuade myself but thatwhat befell me was matter of fact, so like was it to what happensto people who are broad awake. But whatever it was, I do, andshall always regard it as a dream and an illusion. I am convincedthat I am not that shadow of a caliph and commander of thefaithful, but Abou Hassan your son, the son of a person whom Ialways honoured till that fatal day, the remembrance of whichwill cover me with confusion, and whom in future I shall honourand respect all my life as I ought. "

At this rational declaration, the tears of sorrow and afflictionwhich the mother of Abou Hassan had so long shed were changedinto those of joy. "My son!" cried she, transported withpleasure, "my satisfaction and comfort to hear you talk soreasonably is inexpressible: and it gives me as much joy as if Ihad brought you into the world a second time; but I must tell youmy opinion of this adventure, and observe one thing which you maynot have noticed; the stranger whom you brought home the eveningbefore your illness to sup with you went away without shuttingyour chamber-door after him, as you desired; which I believe gavethe devil an opportunity to enter, and throw you into thehorrible illusion you have been in: therefore, my son, you oughtto return God thanks for your deliverance, and beseech him tokeep you from falling again into the snares of the evil spirit. "

"You have found out the source of our misfortunes, " answered AbouHassan. "It was that very night I had this dream which turned mybrain. I bade the merchant expressly to shut the door after him;and now I find he did not do it. I am persuaded, as well as you, the devil finding it open came in, and filled my head full ofthese fancies. The people of Moussul, from whence this merchantcame, may not know how we at Bagdad are convinced from experiencethat the devil is the cause of troublesome dreams when we leaveour chamber-doors open. But since, mother, you see I am, by thegrace of God, so well recovered, for God's sake get me out ofthis horrible place, which will infallibly shorten my days if Istay here any longer. " The mother, glad to hear her son was sowell cured of his foolish imagination of being caliph, wentimmediately to the keeper, and assuring him that he was verysensible and well, he came, examined, and released him in herpresence. 

When Abou Hassan came home, he stayed within doors some days torecover his health by better living than he had found at thehospital. But when he had recovered his strength, and felt nolonger the effect of the harsh treatment he had suffered in hisconfinement, he began to be weary of spending his evenings alone. He accordingly entered again upon the same plan as he had beforepursued; which was, to provide enough every day to regale astranger at night. 

The day on which Abou Hassan renewed his custom of going aboutsun-set to the end of Bagdad bridge to stop the first strangerthee offered, and invite him to do him the honour of supping withhim, happened to be the first day of the month, that which thecaliph always set apart to go in disguise out of some one of thegates to observe what was committed contrary to the goodgovernment of the city, as established and regulated at thebeginning of his reign. Abou Hassan had not been long arrived atthe bridge, when, looking about him, he perceived the Moussulmerchant, followed by the same slave. Persuaded that all hismisfortunes were owing to the merchant's having left his dooropen, he shuddered at the sight of him. "God preserve me, " saidhe to himself; "if I am not deceived, there is again the magicianwho enchanted me!" He trembled with agitation, and looked overthe side railing into the river, that he might not see him tillhe was past. 

The caliph, who wished to renew the diversion he had received, had taken care to inform himself of all that had happened to AbouHassan, and enjoyed much pleasure at the relation given him, especially at his being sent to a mad-house. But as this monarchwas both just and generous, and had taken a great liking to AbouHassan, as capable of contributing further to his amusement, andhad doubted whether, after renouncing his frenzied character of acaliph, he would return to his usual manner of living; with aview therefore to bring him to his palace, he disguised himselfagain like a merchant of Moussul, the better to execute his plan. He perceived Abou Hassan at the same time that he saw him, andpresently guessed by his action that he was angry, and wished toshun him. This made him walk close to the side railing; and whenhe came nigh him, he put his head over to look him in the face. "Ho, brother Abou Hassan, " said he, "is it you? I greet you! Giveme leave to embrace you?"

"Not I, " replied Abou Hassan, pettishly, without looking at thepretended Moussul merchant; "I do not greet you; I will haveneither your greeting nor your embraces. Go along!"

"What!" answered the caliph, "do you not know me? Do you notremember the evening we spent together at your house this daymonth, where you did me the honour to treat me very generously?""No, " replied Abou Hassan in the same tone, "I do not know you, nor what you talk about; go, I say again, about your business. "

The caliph was not to be diverted from his purpose by this rudebehaviour. He well knew the law Abou Hassan had imposed onhimself, never to have commerce again with a stranger he had onceentertained; but pretended to be ignorant of it. "I cannotbelieve, " said he, "but you must know me again; it is notpossible that you should have forgotten me in so short a time. Certainly some misfortune has befallen you, which inspires youwith this aversion for me. However, you ought to remember, that Ishewed my gratitude by my good wishes, and that I offered you myinterest, which is not to be slighted, in an affair which you hadmuch at heart. "

"I do not know, " replied Abou Hassan, "what your interest may be, and I have no desire to make use of it: but I am sensible theutmost of your good wishes ended in making me mad. In God's name, I say once more, go your way, and trouble me no more. "

"Ah! brother Abou Hassan, " replied the caliph, embracing him, "Ido not intend to part with you thus, since I have had the goodfortune to meet with you a second time; you must exercise thesame hospitality towards me again that you shewed me a month ago, when I had the honour to drink with you. "

"I have protested against this, " said Abou Hassan, "and have somuch power over myself, as to decline receiving a second time asmy guest, a man like you who carries misfortunes with him. Youknow the proverb, 'Take up your drum and begone. ' Make theapplication to yourself. How often must I repeat my refusal. Godbe with you! You have been the cause of my sufferings, and I willnot trust myself with you again. " "My good friend Abou Hassan, "said the caliph, embracing him, "you treat me in a way I littleexpected. I beg of you not to speak to me thus harshly, but bepersuaded of my friendship. Do me the favour to tell me what hashappened to you; for I assure you I wished you well, and still doso; and would be glad of an opportunity to make you any amendsfor the trouble I have caused you, if it has been really myfault. " Abou Hassan yielded to the solicitations of the caliph. "Your incredulity and importunity, " said he, "have tired mypatience; and what I am going to relate will shew you that I donot accuse you wrongfully. "

The caliph seated himself by Abou Hassan, while he told him allthat had happened to him, from his waking in the palace to hiswaking again in his own house, all which he described as a meredream, and recounted all the circumstances, which the caliph knewas well as himself, and which renewed his pleasure. He enlargedafterwards on the impression which the dream of being caliph andcommander of the faithful had made upon him, which, he said, threw him into such extravagancies, that his neighbours wereobliged to carry him to a mad-house, where he was treated in amanner which he deemed most barbarous and inhuman. "But, " saidhe, "what will surprise you, and what you little think of, is, that it was altogether your fault that these things happened tome; for, if you remember, I desired you to shut the door afteryou, which you neglected, and the devil, finding it open, enteredand put this dream into my head, which, though it was veryagreeable, was the cause of the misfortune I complain of: youtherefore, for your negligence, are answerable for the horrid anddetestable crime I have committed in lifting my hand against mymother, whom I might have killed (I blush for shame when I thinkof it), because she said I was her son, and would not acknowledgeme for commander of the faithful, as I thought and positivelyinsisted on to her that I was. You are the cause of the offence Ihave given my neighbours, when, running in at the cries of mypoor mother, they surprised me in the horrid act of felling herat my feet; which would never have happened, if you had takencare to shut my door when you went away, as I desired you. Theywould not have come into my house without my leave; and, whattroubles me most of all, they would not have been witnesses of myfolly. I should not have been obliged to strike them in my owndefence, and they would not have bound and fettered me, to carryand shut me up in the hospital for madmen, where I assure youevery day that I remained confined in that hell, I received ascore of strokes with a bastinado. " Abou Hassan recounted hiscomplaints with great warmth and vehemence to the caliph, whoknew as well as himself what had passed, and was delighted tofind that he had succeeded so well in his plan to throw him intothe vagaries from which he still was not entirely free. He couldnot help laughing at the simplicity wherewith he related them. 

Abou Hassan, who thought that his story should rather have movedcompassion, and that every one ought to be as much concerned atit as himself, warmly resented the pretended Moussul merchant'slaughter. "What!" said he, "do you make a jest of me and laugh inmy face, or do you believe I laugh at you when I speak seriously?If you want proof of what I advance, look yourself and seewhether or no I tell you the truth;" with that, stooping downand baring his shoulders, he shewed the caliph the scars andweals which the bastinado had left. 

The caliph could not behold these marks of cruelty without horror. Hepitied Abou Hassan, and felt sorry he had carried the jest so far. "Come, rise, dear brother, " said he to him eagerly, and embracing AbouHassan heartily in his arms; "let me go to your house, and enjoy thehappiness of being merry with you to-night; and to-morrow, if itplease God, all things will go well. "

Abou Hassan, notwithstanding his resolution never to admit thesame stranger a second time, could not resist the caresses of thecaliph, whom he still took for a merchant of Moussul. "I willconsent, " said he, "if you will swear to shut my door after you, that the devil may not come in to distract my brain again. " Thecaliph promised that he would; upon which they both arose, walkedtowards the city, and, followed by the caliph's slave, reachedAbou Hassan's house by the time it was dark. 

The caliph, the more to blind Abou Hassan, said to him, "Placeconfidence in me; I promise you on my honour I will not break myword. You need not hesitate to trust a person who wishes you allhappiness and prosperity, of which confidence you will see theeffects. " "I desire not that, " said Abou Hassan, stopping himshort. "I yield to your importunity; but I dispense with yourgood wishes, and beg you in God's name to form none for me. Allthe mischief that has hitherto befallen me arose from those youexpressed for me, and from your leaving the door open. " "Well, "replied the caliph, still laughing at the misguided imaginationof Abou Hassan, "since you will have it so, I promise you I willform none. " "You give me pleasure by speaking so, " said AbouHassan; "I desire no more; I shall be more than satisfiedprovided you keep your word, and I shall forgive you all therest. "

As soon as Abou Hassan entered his house, he called for hismother and for candles, desired his guest to sit down upon asofa, and then placed himself by him. A little time after, supperwas brought up, and they both began to eat without ceremony. Whenthey had done, Abou Hassan's mother cleared the table, set on asmall dessert of fruit, wine, and glasses by her son, thenwithdrew, and appeared no more. Abou Hassan first filled out hisown glass, and then the caliph's: and after they had drunk sometime, and talked of indifferent matters, the caliph, perceivingthat his host grew warm with liquor, began to talk of love, andasked him if he had ever felt that passion. 

"Brother, " replied Abou Hassan, familiarly thinking his guest washis equal, "I never looked upon love or marriage but as aslavery, to which I was always unwilling to submit; and must ownto you, that I never loved any thing but good cheer and goodwine; in short, to divert and entertain myself agreeably with myfriends. Yet I do not tell you that I am indifferent to marriage, or incapable of attachment, if I could meet with a woman of suchbeauty and sweetness of temper as her I saw in my dream thatfatal night in which I first received you into my house, and you, to my misfortune, left my door open, who would pass the wholenight with me drinking, singing, and playing on some instrument, and in agreeable conversation, and who would study to please anddivert me: I believe, on the contrary, I should change all myindifference into a perfect attachment to such a person, and, Ithink, should live very happily with her. But where is such awoman to be found except in the caliph's palace, or in those ofthe grand vizier or some great lords of the court, who want notmoney to provide them? I choose therefore to stick to my bottle, which is a much cheaper pleasure, and which I can enjoy as wellas the greatest. " Saying these words, he filled out his own andthe caliph's glass, and said, "Come, take your glass, and let uspursue this charming pleasure. "

When they had drunk off their wine, "It is great pity, " said thecaliph, "that so gallant a man as you, who owns himself notinsensible of love, should lead so solitary a life. " "I preferthe easy quiet life I live, " replied Abou Hassan, "before thecompany of a wife, whose beauty might not please me, and who, besides, might create me a great deal of trouble by herimperfections and ill-humour. " The conversation lasted a longtime, and the caliph seeing Abou Hassan had drunk to the pitch hedesired, said, "Let me alone, since you have the same good tasteas every other honest man, I warrant you I will find you a wifethat shall please you. " Then taking Abou Hassan's glass, andputting a pinch of the same powder into it, filled him up abumper, and presenting it to him, said, "Come, let us drinkbeforehand the fair lady's health, who is to make you happy. I amsure you will like her. "

Abou Hassan took the glass laughing, and shaking his head, said, "Be it so; since you desire it, I cannot be guilty of so great apiece of incivility, nor disoblige a guest of so much merit insuch a trifling matter. I will drink the health of the lady youpromise me, though I am very well contented as I am, and do notrely on your keeping your word. " No sooner had Abou Hassan drankoff his bumper, than he was seized with as deep a sleep asbefore; and the caliph ordered the same slave to take him andcarry him to the palace. The slave obeyed, and the caliph, whodid not intend to send back Abou Hassan as before, shut the doorafter him, as he had promised, and followed. 

When they arrived at the palace, the caliph ordered Abou Hassanto be laid on a sofa, in the fourth hall, from whence he had beencarried home fast asleep a month before; but first he bade theattendants to put him on the same habit in which he had acted thecaliph, which was done. He then charged all the eunuchs, officers, ladies, and musicians who were in the hall, when hedrank the last glass of wine which had put him to sleep, to bethere by daybreak, and to take care to act their parts well whenhe should awake. He then retired to rest, charging Mesrour toawake him before they went into the hall, that he might concealhimself in the closet as before. 

Mesrour, at the hour appointed, awakened the caliph, whoimmediately rose, and went to the hall where Abou Hassan laystill asleep, and when he had placed himself in his closet, Mesrour and the other officers, ladies, and musicians, who waitedfor him, went in, and placed themselves about the sofa, so as notto hinder the caliph from seeing what passed, and noticing allhis actions. 

Things being thus disposed, and the caliph's powder having hadits effect, Abou Hassan began to awake without opening his eyes, and threw off the phlegm, which was received in a gold basin asbefore. At that instant, the seven bands of singers joined theirvoices to the sound of hautboys, fifes, flutes, and otherinstruments, forming a very agreeable concert. Abou Hassan was ingreat surprise to hear the delightful harmony; but when he openedhis eyes, and saw the ladies and officers about him, whom hethought he recognized, his amazement increased. The hall that hewas in seemed to be the same he had seen in his first dream, andhe observed the same lustres, and the same furniture andornaments. 

The concert ceased, to give the caliph an opportunity ofattending to the countenance of his guest, and all that he mightsay in his surprise. The ladies, Mesrour, and all the officers ofthe chamber, waited in profound and respectful silence. AbouHassan bit his finger, and cried loud enough for the caliph tohear him, "Alas! I am fallen again into the same dream andillusion that happened to me a month ago, and must expect againthe bastinado and grated cell at the mad-house. Almighty God, "added he, "I commit myself into the hands of thy divineprovidence. He was a wicked man that I entertained at my houselast night, who has been the cause of this illusion, and thehardships I must again undergo. The base wretch swore to shut thedoor after him, but did not, and the devil came in and has turnedmy brain with this wicked dream of being commander of thefaithful, and other phantoms which bewitch my eyes. God confoundthee, Satan? and crush thee under some mountain of stones. "

After these words, Abou Hassan closed his eyes, and remained sometime thoughtful and much perplexed; then opening them again, andlooking about him, cried out a second time with less surprise, and smiling at the various objects before him, "Great God! Icommit myself into the hands of thy providence, preserve me fromthe temptation of Satan. " Then shutting them again, he said, "Iwill go to sleep until Satan leaves me, and returns as he came, were I to wait till noon. " They did not give him time to go tosleep again as he promised himself; for Strength of Hearts, oneof the ladies whom he had seen before, approached, and sittingdown on the sofa by him, said to him respectfully, "Commander ofthe faithful, I entreat your majesty to forgive me for taking theliberty to tell you not to go to sleep; day appears, and it istime to rise. " "Begone, Satan!" answered Abou Hassan, raising hisvoice; but looking at the lady, he said, "Is it me you call thecommander of the faithful? Certainly you take me for somebodyelse. " "It is to your majesty I give that title, " replied thelady, "to whom it belongs, as you are sovereign of the world, andI am your most humble slave. Undoubtedly, " added she, "yourmajesty means to divert yourself by pretending to have forgottenyourself, or this is the effect of some troublesome dream; but ifyou would but open your eyes, the mists which disturb yourimagination would soon be dispelled, and you would find yourselfin your own palace, surrounded by your officers and slaves, whoall wait your commands: and that your majesty may not besurprised to find yourself in this hall, and not in bed, I begleave to inform you, that you fell so suddenly asleep last night, that we were unwilling to awake you, to conduit you to yourchamber, but laid you carefully upon this sofa. " In short, shesaid to him so many things which appeared probable, that at lasthe sat up, opened his eyes, and recollected her and all theladies again. They all approached him, and she who spoke first, resuming the discourse, said, "Commander of the faithful, andvicar of the prophet on earth, be not displeased if I acquaintyour majesty once more that it is time to rise, for day appears. "

"You are very troublesome and importunate, " replied Abou Hassan, rubbing his eyes; "I am not the commander of the faithful, butAbou Hassan; I know it well, and you shall not persuade meotherwise. " "We do not know that Abou Hassan you majesty speaksof, nor desire to know him, " answered the lady; "but we know youto be the commander of the believers, and you cannot persuade usto the contrary. "

Abou Hassan looking about, and finding himself in the same hall, attributed all he saw and heard to such a dream as he had hadbefore, and greatly feared the dreadful consequences. "Allah havemercy on me!" said he, lifting up his hands and eyes, like a manwho knew not where he was; "I commit myself into his hands. Icannot doubt, after what I have seen, but that the devil, whocame into my chamber, possesses me, and fills my imagination fullof all these visions. "

The caliph, who saw him all the time, and heard theseexclamations, began to shake so heartily, that he had muchdifficulty to forbear bursting into loud laughter. 

Abou Hassan laying himself down again, and shutting his eyes, thesame lady said, "Commander of the faithful, since your majestydoes not rise, after we have, according to our duty, informed youit is day, and the dispatch of business requires your presence, we shall use the liberty you give us in such cases. " Then takinghim by one arm, and calling to one of the other ladies to do thesame by the other, they lifted him up, and carried him into themiddle of the hall, where they seated him, and all taking hands, danced and skipped round him while the music played and soundedloudly in his ears. 

Abou Hassan was in inexpressible perplexity, and exclaimed, "What! am I indeed caliph, and commander of the faithful!" And inhis uncertainty, would have said more, but the music was so loud, that he could not be heard. At last he made a sign to String ofPearls and Morning Star, two of the ladies who were dancing, thathe wanted to speak with them; upon which they forbore, and wentto him. "Do not lie now, " said he, "but tell me truly who I am?"

"Commander of the faithful, " replied Morning Star, "your majestymeans either to surprise us, by asking this question, as if youdid not know that you are commander of the faithful, and vicar onearth of the prophet of God, master of both worlds, that whereonwe now are and that to come after death, or else you must havehad some extraordinary dream that has made you forget who youare; which may well be, considering that your majesty has sleptlonger than ordinary; however, if you will give me leave, I willrefresh your memory with what passed yesterday. " She then toldhim how he went to council, punished the imaum, and the four oldmen, and had sent a present by his grand vizier of a thousandpieces of gold to the mother of one Abou Hassan; what he did inthe inner part of the palace, and what passed at the three mealswhich he took in the three halls, adding, "In the fourth yourmajesty did us the honour to make us sit down by you, to hear oursongs, and received wine from our hands, until your majesty fellasleep, as Strength of Hearts has told you. From that time yourmajesty has continued, contrary to custom, in a sound sleep untilnow. Strength of Hearts, all your other slaves, and the officerspresent, can confirm what I say, and it is now time you should goto prayers. "

"Very well, " replied Abou Hassan, shaking his head, "you wouldhave me believe all this; but I tell you, you are all fools, ormad, and that is great pity, for you are very handsome. Since Isaw you I have been at home, where I used my mother so ill thatthey sent me to a mad-house, and kept me there three weeksagainst my will, beat me unmercifully every day, and yet youwould make me believe all this to be a dream. " "Commander of thefaithful, " answered Morning Star, "you are mistaken, we are readyto swear by all your majesty holds most dear, that all you relatecan be only a dream. You have never stirred out of this hallsince yesterday, but slept here all night. "

The confidence with which the lady assured Abou Hassan that allshe said was truth, and that he had never been out of the hallsince that time, bewildered his senses so that he was at a losswhat to believe. "O Heaven!" said he to himself, "am I AbouHassan, or the commander of the faithful! Almighty God, enlightenmy understanding, and inform me of the truth, that I may knowwhat to trust. " He then uncovered his shoulders, and shewed theladies the livid weals of the blows he had received. "Look, " saidhe, "judge whether these strokes could come to me in a dream, orwhen I was asleep. For my part, I can affirm, that they were realblows; I feel the smart of them yet, and that is a testimonialthere is no room to doubt. Now if I received these strokes in mysleep, it is the most extraordinary thing in the world, andsurpasses my comprehension. "

In this uncertainty Abou Hassan called to one of the officersthat stood near him: "Come hither, " said he, "and bite the tip ofmy ear, that I may know whether I am asleep or awake. " Theofficer obeyed, and bit so hard, that he made him cry out loudlywith the pain; the music struck up at the same time, and theofficers and ladies all began to sing, dance, and skip about AbouHassan, and made such a noise, that he was in a perfect ecstasy, and played a thousand ridiculous pranks. He threw off hiscaliph's habit, and his turban, jumped up in his shirt anddrawers, and taking hold of two of the ladies' hands, begansinging, jumping and cutting capers, so that the caliph could notcontain himself, but burst into such violent laughter, that hefell backwards, and was heard above the noise of all themusicians. He was so long before he could check himself, that ithad like to have been fatal. At last he got up, opened thelattice, and putting out his head, cried "Abou Hassan, AbouHassan, have you a mind to kill me with laughing?"

As soon as the caliph's voice was heard, every body was silent, and Abou Hassan, among the rest, who, turning his head to seefrom whence the voice came, knew the caliph, and in himrecognised the Moussul merchant, but was not in the leastdaunted; on the contrary he became convinced that he was awake, and that all that had happened to him had been real, and not adream. He entered into the caliph's pleasantry. "Ha! ha!" saidhe, looking at him with good assurance, "you are a merchant ofMoussul, and complain that I would kill you; you have been theoccasion of my using my mother so ill, and of my being sent to amad-house. It was you who treated the imaum and the four scheiksin the manner they were used, and not me; I wash my hands of it. It is you who have been the cause of all my disorders andsufferings: in short, you are the aggressor, and I the injuredperson. "

"Indeed, you are in the right, Abou Hassan, " answered the caliph, laughing all the while; "but to comfort you, and make you amendsfor all your troubles, I call Heaven to witness, I am ready andwilling to make you what reparation you please to ask. " Afterthese words, he came out of the closet into the hall, ordered oneof his most magnificent habits to be brought, commanded theladies to dress Abou Hassan in it, and when they had done, hesaid, embracing him, "Thou art my brother; ask what thou wilt, and thou shalt have it. "

"Commander of the faithful, " replied Abou Hassan, "I beg of yourmajesty to do me the favour to tell me what you did to disturb mybrain in this manner, and what was your design; for it is a thingof the greatest importance for me to know, that I may perfectlyrecover my senses. "

The caliph was ready to give him this satisfaction, and said, "First, you are to know, that I often disguise myself, andparticularly at night, to observe if all goes right in Bagdad;and as I wish to know what passes in its environs, I set apartthe first day of every month to make an excursion, sometimes onone side, sometimes on another, and always return by the bridge. The evening that you invited me to supper, I was beginning myrounds, and in our conversation you told me, that the only thingyou wished for was to be caliph for four-and-twenty hours, topunish the imaum of your mosque and his four counsellors. Ifancied that this desire of yours would afford me diversion, andthought immediately how I might procure you the satisfaction youwished. I had about me a certain powder, which immediately throwsthe person who takes it into a sound sleep for a certain time. Iput a dose of it, without being perceived by you, into the lastglass I presented to you, upon which you fell fast asleep, and Iordered my slave to carry you to my palace, and came away withoutshutting the door. I have no occasion to repeat what happenedwhen you awoke, nor during the whole day till evening, but afteryou had been regaled by my orders, one of the ladies put anotherdose of the same powder into a glass she gave you; you fellasleep as before, and the same slave carried you home, and leftthe door open. You have told me all that happened to youafterwards. I never imagined that you could have suffered so muchas you have done. But as I have a great regard for you, I will doevery thing to comfort you, and make you forget all yoursufferings; think of what I can do to serve you, and ask meboldly what you wish. "

"Commander of the faithful, " replied Abou Hassan, "how greatsoever my tortures may have been, they are all blotted out of myremembrance, since I understand my sovereign lord and master hada share in them. I doubt not in the least of your majesty'sbounty; but as interest never governed me, and you give meliberty to ask a favour, I beg that it may be that of havingaccess to your person, to enjoy the happiness of admiring, all mylifetime, your virtues. "

This proof of disinterestedness in Abou Hassan confirmed theesteem the caliph had entertained for him. "I am pleased withyour request, " said he, "and grant you free access to my personat all times and all hours. " At the same time he assigned him anapartment in the palace, and, in regard to his pension, told him, that he would not have him apply to his treasurer, but comealways to him for an order upon him, and immediately commandedhis private treasurer to give him a purse containing a thousandpieces of gold. Abou Hassan made a low prostration, and thecaliph left him to go to council. 

Abou Hassan took this opportunity to go and inform his mother ofhis good fortune, and that what had happened was not a dream; forthat he had actually been caliph, had acted as such, and receivedall the honours; and that she had no reason to doubt of it, sincehe had this confirmed by the caliph himself. 

It was not long before this story of Abou Hassan was spreadthroughout Bagdad, and carried into all the provinces both farand near, without the omission of a single circumstance. 

The new favourite Abou Hassan was always with the caliph; for, ashe was a man of a pleasant temper, and created mirth wherever hewent by his wit and drollery, the caliph formed no party ofdiversion without him, and sometimes carried him to visit hisconsort Zobeide, to whom he had related his story. Zobeide, whoobserved that every time he came with the caliph, he had his eyesalways fixed upon one of her slaves, called Nouzhatoul-aouadat, resolved to tell the caliph of it. "Commander of the faithful, "said she one day, "you do not observe that every time Abou Hassanattends you in your visits to me, he never keeps his eyes offNouzhatoul-aouadat, and makes her blush, which is almost acertain sign that she entertains no aversion for him. If youapprove of it, we will make a match between them. "

"Madam, " replied the caliph, "you remind me of what I ought tohave done before. I know Abou Hassan's opinion respectingmarriage from himself, and have always promised him a wife thatshould please him. I am glad you mentioned the circumstance; forI know not how I came to forget it. But it is better that AbouHassan should follow his own inclination, and choose for himself. If Nouzhatoul-aouadat is not averse to it, we ought not tohesitate upon their marriage; and since they are both present, they have only to say that they consent. "

Abou Hassan threw himself at the caliph's and Zobeide's feet, toshew the sense he had of their goodness; and rising up, said, "Icannot receive a wife from better hands, but dare not hope thatNouzhatoul-aouadat will give me her hand as readily as I give hermine. " At these words he looked at the princess's slave, whoshewed by her respectful silence, and the sudden blush that arosein her cheeks, that she was disposed to obey the caliph and hermistress Zobeide. 

The marriage was solemnized, and the nuptials celebrated in thepalace, with great rejoicings, which lasted several days. Zobeidemade her slave considerable presents, and the caliph did the sameto Abou Hassan. The bride was conducted to the apartment thecaliph had assigned Abou Hassan, who waited for her with all theimpatience of a bridegroom, and received her with the sound ofall sorts of instruments, and musicians of both sexes, who madethe air echo with their concert. 

After these feasts and rejoicings, which lasted several days, thenewly-married couple were left to pursue their loves in peace. Abou Hassan and his spouse were charmed with each other, livedtogether in perfect union, and seldom were asunder, but wheneither he paid his respects to the caliph, or she hers toZobeide. Indeed, Nouzhatoul-aouadat was endued with everyqualification capable of gaining Abou Hassan's love andattachment, was just such a wife as he had described to thecaliph, and fit to sit at the head of his table. With thesedispositions they could not fail to pass their lives agreeably. They kept a good table covered with the nicest and choicestrarities in season, by an excellent cook, who took upon him toprovide every thing. Their sideboard was always stored withexquisite wines placed within their reach when at table, wherethey enjoyed themselves in agreeable conversation, and afterwardsentertained each other with some pleasantry or other, which madethem laugh more or less, as they had in the day met withsomething to divert them; and in the evenings, which theyconsecrated to mirth, they had generally some slight repast ofdried sweetmeats, choice fruits, and cakes, and at each glassinvited each other by new songs to drink, and sometimesaccompanied their voices with a lute, or other instruments whichthey could both touch. 

Abou Hassan and Nouzhatoul-aouadat led this pleasant lifeunattentive to expense, until at length the caterer, who haddisbursed all his and their money for these expenses, broughtthem in a long bill in hope of having an advance of cash. Theyfound the amount to be so considerable, that all the presentswhich the caliph and Zobeide had given them at their marriagewere but just enough to pay him. This made them reflect seriouslyon what was passed, which, however, was no remedy for the presentevil. But they agreed to pay the caterer; and having sent forhim, gave him all they owed him, without considering thedifficulty they should be in immediately after. 

The caterer went away highly pleased at receiving so large a sum, though Abou Hassan and his wife were not so well satisfied withseeing the bottom of their purse, but remained a long timesilent, and very much embarrassed, to find themselves reduced topoverty the very first year of their marriage. Abou Hassanremembered that the caliph, when he took him into the palace, hadpromised never to let him want. But when he considered howprodigal he had been of his money, was unwilling to exposehimself to the shame of letting the caliph know the ill use hehad made of his bounty, and that he wanted a supply. Besides, hehad made over his patrimony to his mother, when the caliph hadreceived him near his person, and was afraid to apply to her, lest she should discover that he had returned to the sameextravagance he had been guilty of after his father's death. Hiswife, on the other hand, regarded Zobeide's generosity, and theliberty she had given her to marry, as more than a sufficientrecompense for her service, and thought she had no right to askmore. 

Abou Hassan at last broke silence, and looking at his wife, said, "I see you are in the same embarrassment as myself, and thinkingwhat we must do in this unhappy juncture, when our money fails usso unexpectedly. I do not know what your sentiments may be; butmine are, let what will happen, not to retrench our expenses inthe least; and I believe you will come into my opinion. The pointis, how to support them without stooping to ask the caliph orZobeide: and I think I have fallen on the means; but we mustassist each other. "

This discourse of Abou Hassan very much pleased his wife, andgave her some hopes. "I was thinking so as well as you, " saidshe; "but durst not explain my thoughts, because I do not knowhow we can help ourselves; and must confess, that what you tellme gives me a revival of pleasure. Since you say you have foundout a resource, and my assistance is necessary, you need but tellme in what way, and I will do all that lies in my power. "

"I was sure, " replied Abou Hassan, "that you would not fail me ina business which concerns us both; and therefore I must tell you, this want of money has made me think of a plan which will supplyus, at least for a time. It consists in a little trick we mustput, I upon the caliph and you upon Zobeide, and at which, as Iam sure they will both be diverted, it will answer advantageouslyfor us. You and I will both die. " "Not I indeed, " interruptedNouzhatoul-aouadat; "you may die by yourself, if you please, butI am not so weary of this life; and whether you are pleased ornot, will not die so soon. If you have nothing else to propose, you may die by yourself; for I assure you I shall not join you. "

"You are a woman of such vivacity and wonderful quickness, "replied Abou Hassan, "that you scarcely give me time to explainmy design. Have but a little patience, and you shall find thatyou will be ready enough to die such a death as I intend; forsurely you could not think I meant a real death?" "Well, " saidhis wife, "if it is but a sham death you design, I am at yourservice, and you may depend on my zeal to second you in thismanner of dying; but I must tell you truly, I am very unwillingto die, as I apprehended you at first. "

"Be but silent a little, " said Abou Hassan, "and I will tell youwhat I promise. I will feign myself dead, and you shall lay meout in the middle of my chamber, with my turban upon my face, myfeet towards Mecca, as if ready to be carried out to burial. Whenyou have done this, you must lament, and weep bitterly, as isusual in such cases, tear your clothes and hair, or pretend to doit, and go all in tears, with your locks dishevelled, to Zobeide. The princess will of course inquire the cause of your grief; andwhen you have told her, with words intermixed with sobs, she willpity you, give you money to defray the expense of my funeral, anda piece of good brocade to cover my body, that my interment maybe the more magnificent, and to make you a new dress in the roomof that you will have torn. As soon as you return with the moneyand the brocade, I will rise, lay you in my place, and go and actthe same part with the caliph, who I dare say will be as generousto me as Zobeide will have been to you. "

Nouzhatoul-aouadat highly approved the project, and said to AbouHassan, "Come, lose no time; strip to your shirt and drawers, while Iprepare a winding sheet. I know how to bury as well as any body; forwhile I was in Zobeide's service, when any of my fellow-slaves died, Ihad the conducting of the funeral. " Abou Hassan did as his wifementioned, and laid himself on the sheet which she had spread on thecarpet in the middle of the room. As soon as he had crossed his arms, his wife wrapped him up, turned his feet towards Mecca, and put apiece of fine muslin and his turban upon his face, so that nothingseemed wanting but to carry him out to be buried. After this shepulled off her head-dress, and with tears in her eyes, her hairdishevelled, and seeming to tear it off, with a dismal cry andlamentation, beating her face and breast with all the marks of themost lively grief, ran across the court to Zobeide's apartments, who, hearing the voice of a person crying very loud, commanded some of herwomen to see who it was; they returned and told her that it wasNouzhatoul-aouadat, who was approaching in a deplorable condition. 

The princess, impatient to know what had happened to her, rose upimmediately, and went to meet her at the door of her ante-chamber. Nouzhatoul-aouadat played her part to perfection. As soon as she sawZobeide, who held the door open, she redoubled her cries, tore herhair off by handfuls, beat her face and breast, and threw herself ather feet, bathing them with her tears. 

Zobeide, amazed to see her slave in such extraordinaryaffliction, asked what had happened; but, instead of answering, she continued her sobs; and at last feigning to strive to checkthem, said, with words interrupted with sighs, "Alas! my mosthonoured lady and mistress, what greater misfortune could havebefallen me than this, which obliges me to throw myself at yourhighness's feet. God prolong your days, my most respectableprincess, in perfect health, and grant you many happy years! AbouHassan! poor Abou Hassan! whom you honoured with your esteem, andgave me for a husband, is no more!"

At these words Nouzhatoul-aouadat redoubled her tears and sighs, and threw herself again at the princess's feet. Zobeide wasextremely concerned at this news. "Abou Hassan dead!" cried she;"that agreeable, pleasant man! I did not expect his death sosoon; he seemed to promise a long life, and well deserved toenjoy it!" She then also burst into tears, as did all her women, who had been often witnesses of Abou Hassan's pleasantries whenthe caliph brought him to amuse the princess Zobeide, and alltogether continued for some time bewailing his loss. At lengththe princess Zobeide broke silence: "Wicked woman!" cried she, addressing herself to the false widow, "perhaps you may haveoccasioned his death. Your ill temper has given him so muchvexation, that you have at last brought him to his grave. "Nouzhatoul-aouadat seemed much hurt at the reproaches of Zobeide:"Ah, madam, " cried she, "I do not think I ever gave your majesty, while I was your slave, reason to entertain so disadvantageous anopinion of my conduct to a husband who was so dear to me. Ishould think myself the most wretched of women if you werepersuaded of this. I behaved to Abou Hassan as a wife should doto a husband for whom she has a sincere affection; and I may say, without vanity, that I had for him the same regard he had for me. I am persuaded he would, were he alive, justify me fully to yourmajesty; but, madam, " added she, renewing her tears, "his timewas come, and that was the only cause of his death. "

Zobeide, as she had really observed in her slave a uniformlyequal temper, mildness, great docility and zeal for her service, which shewed she was rather actuated by inclination than duty, hesitated not to believe her on her word, and ordered hertreasurer to fetch a hundred pieces of gold and a piece of richbrocade. 

The slave soon returned with the purse and piece of brocade, which, by Zobeide's order, she delivered to Nouzhatoul-aouadat, who threw herself again at the princess's feet, and thanked herwith great self-satisfaction at finding she had succeeded sowell. "Go, " said Zobeide, "use that brocade to cover the corpseof your husband, and with the money bury him handsomely, as hedeserves. Moderate the transport of your afflictions: I will takecare of you. "

As soon as Nouzhatoul-aouadat got out of the princess's presence, she dried up her tears, and returned with joy to Abou Hassan, togive him an account of her good success. When she came home sheburst out a laughing on seeing her husband still stretched out inthe middle of the floor; she ran to him, bade him rise and seethe fruits of his stratagem. He arose, and rejoiced with his wifeat the sight of the purse and brocade. Unable to contain herselfat the success of her artifice, "Come, husband, " said she, laughing, "let me act the dead part, and see if you can managethe caliph as well as I have done Zobeide. "

"That is the temper of all women, " replied Abou Hassan, "who, wemay well say, have always the vanity to believe they can dothings better than men, though at the same time what good they dois by their advice. It would be odd indeed, if I, who laid thisplot myself, could not carry it on as well as you. But let uslose no time in idle discourse; lie down in my place, and witnessif I do not come off with as much applause. "

Abou Hassan wrapped up his wife as she had done him, and with histurban unrolled, like a man in the greatest affliction, ran tothe caliph, who was holding a private council with Jaaffier andother confidential viziers. He presented himself at the door, andthe officer, knowing he had free access, opened it. He enteredholding with one hand his handkerchief before his eyes, to hidethe feigned tears, which trickled down his cheeks, and strikinghis breast with the other, with exclamations expressingextraordinary grief. 

The caliph, always used to see Abou Hassan with a merrycountenance, was very much surprised to behold him in so muchdistress. He interrupted the business of the council to inquirethe cause of his grief. "Commander of the faithful, " answeredAbou Hassan, with repeated sighs and sobs, "God preserve yourmajesty on the throne, which you fill so gloriously! a greatercalamity could not have befallen me than what I now lament. Alas!Nouzhatoul-aouadat whom you in your bounty gave me for a wife togladden my existence, alas!" at this exclamation Abou Hassanpretended to have his heart so full, that he could not uttermore, but poured forth a flood of tears. 

The caliph, who now understood that Abou Hassan came to tell himof the death of his wife, seemed much concerned, and said to himwith an air which shewed how much he regretted her loss, "God bemerciful to her: she was a good slave, and we gave her to youwith an intention to make you happy: she deserved a longer life. "The tears then ran down his face, so that he was obliged to pullout his handkerchief to wipe them off. The grief of Abou Hassan, and the tears of the caliph, excited those of Jaaffier and theother viziers. They bewailed the death of Nouzhatoul-aouadat, who, on her part, was only impatient to hear how Abou Hassansucceeded. 

The caliph had the same suspicion of the husband that Zobeide hadof the wife, and imagined that he had occasioned her death. "Wretch!" said he, in a tone of indignation, "have not you beenthe cause of your wife's death by your ill treatment of her? Youought at least to have had some regard for the princess myconsort, who loved her more than the rest of her slaves, yetconsented to give her to you. What a return for her kindness!"

"Commander of the faithful, " replied Abou Hassan, affecting toweep more bitterly than before, "can your majesty for a momentsuppose that Abou Hassan, whom you have loaded with your favoursand kindness, and on whom you have conferred honours he couldnever have aspired to, can have been capable of such ingratitude?I loved Nouzhatoul-aouadat my wife as much on these accounts, asfor the many good qualities she possessed, and which drew from meall the attachment, tenderness, and love she deserved. But, mylord, " added he, "she was to die, and God would no longer sufferme to enjoy a happiness for which I was indebted to your majestyand your beloved consort. "

Abou Hassan dissembled so well, that the caliph, who had neverheard how extravagantly he and his wife had lived, no longerdoubting his sincerity, ordered his treasurer, who was present, to give Abou Hassan a purse of a hundred pieces of gold and apiece of brocade. Abou Hassan immediately cast himself at thecaliph's feet, and thanked him for his present. "Follow thetreasurer, " said the monarch; "throw the brocade over the corpse, and with the money shew the last testimony of thy love for thywife. "

Abou Hassan made no reply to these obliging words of the caliph, but retiring with a low prostration, followed the treasurer; andas soon as he had got the purse and piece of brocade, went home, well pleased with having found out so quick and easy a way ofsupplying the necessity which had given him so much uneasiness. 

Nouzhatoul-aouadat, weary with lying so long in one posture, waited not till Abou Hassan bade her rise; but as soon as sheheard the door open, sprang up, ran to her husband, and asked himif he had imposed on the caliph as cleverly as she had done onZobeide. "You see, " said he, shewing her the stuff, and shakingthe purse, "that I can act a sorrowful husband for a living wife, as well as you can a weeping widow for a husband not dead. " AbouHassan, however, was not without his fears that this double plotmight be attended with some ill consequences. He thought it wouldnot be amiss to put his wife on her guard as to what mighthappen, that they might aft in concert. "For, " added he, "thebetter we succeed in embarrassing the caliph and Zobeide, themore they will be pleased at last, and perhaps may shew theirsatisfaction by greater liberality. " This last considerationinduced them to carry on their stratagem farther. 

The caliph, though he had important affairs to decide, was soimpatient to condole with the princess on the death of her slave, that he rose up as soon as Abou Hassan was gone, and put off thecouncil to another day. "Follow me, " said he to Mesrour, whoalways attended him wherever he went, and was in all hiscouncils, "let us go and share with the princess the grief whichthe death of her slave Nouzhatoul-aouadat must have occasioned. "

Accordingly they went to Zobeide's apartment, whom the caliphfound sitting on a sofa, much afflicted, and still in tears. "Madam, " said the caliph, going up to her, "it is unnecessary totell you how much I partake with you in your affliction; sinceyou must be sensible that what gives you pleasure or trouble, hasthe same effect on me. But we are all mortal, and must surrenderup to God that life he has given us, when he requires it. Nouzhatoul-aouadat, your faithful slave, was endued withqualifications that deserved your esteem, and I cannot butapprove your expressing it after her death; but consider all yourgrief will not restore her to life. Therefore, madam, if you loveme, and will take my advice, be comforted for this loss, takecare of a life which you know is precious to me, and constitutesall the happiness of mine. "

If the princess was charmed with these tender sentiments whichthe caliph expressed in his compliments, she was amazed to hearof Nouzhatoulaouadat's death. This news threw her into suchastonishment, that she was not able to return an answer for sometime. At last recovering, she replied with an air expressive ofsurprise, "Commander of the faithful, I am very sensible of allyour tender sentiments; but give me leave to say, I cannotcomprehend the news you tell me of the death of my slave, who isin perfect health. My affliction is for the death of Abou Hassan, her husband, your favourite, whom I esteemed, as much for theregard you had for him, as his having so often diverted meagreeably, and for whom I had as great a value as yourself. Butthe little concern you shew for his death, and your so soonforgetting a man in whose company you have so often told me youtook so much pleasure, surprises me; and this insensibility seemsthe greater, from the deception you would put upon me in changinghis death for that of my slave. "

The caliph, who thought that he was perfectly well informed ofthe death of the slave, and had just reason to believe so, because he had both seen and heard Abou Hassan, laughed, andshrugged up his shoulders, to hear Zobeide talk in this manner. "Mesrour, " said he, to the eunuch, "what do you think of theprincess's discourse? Do not women sometimes lose their senses;for you have heard and seen all as well as myself?" Then turningto Zobeide, "Madam, " said he, "shed no more tears for AbouHassan, for I can assure you he is well; but rather bewail thedeath of your dear slave. It is not many moments since herhusband came in the most inexpressible affliction, to tell me ofthe death of his wife. I gave him a purse of a hundred pieces ofgold and a piece of brocade, to comfort him, and bury her; andMesrour, who was present, can tell you the same. "

The princess took this discourse of the caliph's to be all ajest, and thought he had a mind to impose upon her. "Commander ofthe faithful, " replied she, "though you are used to banter, Imust tell you, this is not a proper time for pleasantry. What Itell you is very serious; I do not talk of my slave's death, butof Abou Hassan's, her husband, whose fate I bewail, and so oughtyou too. " "Madam, " said the caliph, putting on a gravecountenance, "I tell you without raillery that you are deceived;Nouzhatoul-aouadat is dead, and Abou Hassan is alive, and inperfect health. "

Zobeide was much piqued at this dry answer of the caliph. "Commander of the faithful, " replied she smartly, "God preserveyou from continuing longer in this mistake, surely you would makeme think your mind is not as usual. Give me leave to repeat toyou once more, that it is Abou Hassan who is dead, and that myslave Nouzhatoul-aouadat, his widow, is living. It is not an hoursince she went from hence. She came here in so disconsolate astate, that the sight of her was enough to have drawn tears frommy eyes, if she had not told me her affliction. All my women, whowept with me, can bear me witness, and tell you also that I madeher a present of a hundred pieces of gold and a piece of brocade;the grief which you found me in, was on account of the death ofher husband; and just at the instant you entered, I was going tosend you a compliment of condolence. "

At these words of Zobeide, the caliph cried out in a fit oflaughter, "This, madam, is a strange piece of obstinacy; but, "continued he seriously, "you may depend upon Nouzhatoul-aouadat'sbeing dead. " "I tell you no, sir, " replied Zobeide sharply; "itis Abou Hassan that is dead, and you shall never make me believeotherwise. "

Upon this the caliph's anger rose in his countenance. He seatedhimself on the sofa at some distance from the princess, and speakingto Mesrour, said, "Go immediately, see which it is, and bring me word;for though I am certain that it is Nouzhatoul-aouadat, I would rathertake this method than be any longer obstinately positive about thematter, though of its certainty I am perfectly satisfied. " No soonerhad the caliph commanded than Mesrour was gone. "You will see, "continued he, addressing himself to Zobeide, "in a moment, which of usis right. " "For my part, " replied Zobeide, "I know very well that I amin the right, and you will find it to be Abou Hassan. " "And formyself, " returned the caliph, "I am so sure that it isNouzhatoul-aouadat, that I will lay you what wager you please thatAbou Hassan is well. "

"Do not think to come off so, " said Zobeide; "I accept yourwager, and I am so well persuaded of his death, that I wouldwillingly lay the thing dearest to me in the world against whatyou will, though it were of less value. You know what I have inmy disposal, and what I value most; propose the bet, and I willstand to it. "

"Since it is so, " said the caliph, "I will lay my garden ofpleasures against your palace of paintings, though the one isworth much more than the other. " "Is the question at present, "replied Zobeide, "if your garden is more valuable than my palace?That is not the point. You have made choice of what you thoughtfit belonging to me, as an equivalent against what you lay; Iaccept the wager, and that I will abide by it, I take God towitness. " The caliph took the same oath, and both waitedMesrour's return. 

While the caliph and Zobeide were disputing so earnestly, andwith so much warmth, Abou Hassan, who foresaw their difference, was very attentive to whatever might happen. As soon as heperceived Mesrour through a window, at which he sat talking withhis wife, and observed that he was coming directly to theirapartment, he guessed his commission, and bade his wife makehaste to act the dead part once more, as they had agreed, withoutloss of time; but they were so pressed, that Abou Hassan had muchado to wrap up his wife, and lay the piece of brocade which thecaliph had given him upon her, before Mesrour reached the house. This done, he opened the door of his apartment, and with amelancholy, dejected countenance, and his handkerchief before hiseyes, went and sat down at the head of the pretended deceased. 

By the time he was seated, Mesrour came into the room. The dismalsight which met his eyes, gave him a secret joy on account of theerrand the caliph had sent him on. Abou Hassan rose up to meethim, and kissing his hand out of respect, said, sighing andsobbing, "You see me under the greatest calamity that ever couldhave befallen me the death of my dear wife, Nouzhatoul-aouadat, whom you honoured with your favours. "

Mesrour, affected by this discourse, could not refuse some tears tothe memory of the deceased. He lifted up the cloth a little at thehead, and peeping under it, let it down again, and said, with a deepsigh, "There is no other God but Allah, we must all submit to hiswill, and every creature must return to him. Nouzhatoul-aouadat, mygood sister, " added he, sighing, "thy days have been few: God havemercy on thee. " Then turning to Abou Hassan, who was all the time intears, "We may well say, " added he, "that women sometimes have whims, and lose their senses in a most unpardonable manner; for Zobeide, goodmistress as she is, is in that situation at present; she will maintainto the caliph that you are dead, and not your wife; and whatever thecaliph can say to the contrary, he cannot persuade her otherwise. Hecalled me to witness and confirm this truth; for you know I waspresent when you came and told him the sorrowful news: but allsignifies nothing. They are both positive; and the caliph, to convinceZobeide, has sent me to know the truth, but I fear I shall not bebelieved; for when women once take up a thing, they are not to bebeaten out of it. "

"God keep the commander of the faithful in the possession andright use of his senses, " replied Abou Hassan, still sighing andweeping; "you see how it is, and that I have not imposed upon hismajesty. And I wish to Heaven, " continued he, to dissemble thebetter, "that I had no occasion to have told him the melancholyand afflicting news. Alas! I cannot enough express my irreparableloss!" "That is true, " replied Mesrour, "and I can assure you Itake a great share in your affliction; but you must be comforted, and not abandon yourself to your grief. I leave you withreluctance, to return to the caliph; but I beg the favour of younot to bury the corpse till I come again; for I will assist atthe interment, and accompany it with my prayers. " Mesrour went togive an account of his visit. Abou Hassan attended him to thedoor, told him he did not deserve the honour he intended him: andfor fear Mesrour should return to say something else, followedhim with his eyes for some time, and when he saw him at adistance, returned to his wife and released her. "This isalready, " said he, "a new scene of mirth, but I fancy it will notbe the last; for certainly the princess Zobeide will not believeMesrour, but will laugh at him, since she has too substantial areason to the contrary; therefore we must expect some new event. "While Abou Hassan was talking thus, Nouzhatoul-aouadat had timeto put on her clothes again, and both went and sat down on a sofaopposite to the window, where they could see all that passed. 

In the mean time, Mesrour reached Zobeide's apartment, and goinginto her closet laughing, clapped his hands like one who hadsomething very agreeable to tell. 

The caliph, naturally impatient, and piqued a little at theprincess's contradiction, as soon as he saw Mesrour, "Vileslave, " said he, "is this a time to laugh? Why do not you tell mewhich is dead, the husband or the wife?"

"Commander of the faithful, " answered Mesrour, putting on aserious countenance, "it is Nouzhatoul-aouadat who is dead, forthe loss of whom About Hassan is as much afflicted as when heappeared before your majesty. " The caliph not giving him time topursue his story, interrupted him, and cried out, laughingheartily, "Good news! Zobeide, your mistress, was a moment agopossessed of the palace of paintings, and now it is mine. Shestaked it against my garden of pleasures, since you went;therefore you could not have done me greater pleasure. I willtake care to reward you: but give me a true account of what yousaw. "

"Commander of the faithful, " said Mesrour, "when I came to AbouHassan's apartment, I found the door open, and he was bewailingthe death of his wife. He sat at the head of the deceased, whowas laid out in the middle of the room, with her feet towardsMecca, and was covered with the piece of brocade which yourmajesty presented to Abou Hassan. After I had expressed the shareI took in his grief, I went and lifted up the pall at the head, and knew Nouzhatoul-aouadat, though her face was much swelled andchanged. I exhorted Abou Hassan in the best manner I could to becomforted; and when I came away, told him I would attend at hiswife's funeral, and desired him not to remove the corpse till Icame. This is all I can tell your majesty. " "I ask no more, " saidthe caliph, laughing heartily, "and I am well satisfied with yourexactness. " Then addressing himself to Zobeide, "Well, madam, "said he, "have you yet any thing to say against so certain atruth? Will you still believe that Nouzhatoul-aouadat is alive, and that Abou Hassan is dead? And will you not own that you havelost your wager?"

"How, sir, " replied Zobeide, who would not believe one wordMesrour said, "do you think that I regard that impertinent fellowof a slave, who knows not what he says? I am not blind or mad. With these eyes I saw Nouzhatoul-aouadat in the greatestaffliction; I spoke to her myself, and she told me that herhusband was dead. " "Madam, " replied Mesrour, "I swear to you byyour own life, and that of the commander of the faithful, whichare both dear to me, that Nouzhatoul-aouadat is dead, and AbouHassan is living. "

"Thou liest, base despicable slave, " said Zobeide in a rage, "andI will confound thee immediately. " Clapping her hands together, she called her women, who all approached. "Come hither, " said theprincess to them, "and speak the truth. Who was that who came andspoke with me a little before the caliph entered?" The women allanswered that it was poor afflicted Nouzhatoul-aouadat. "Andwhat, " added she, addressing herself to her treasurer, "did Iorder you to give her?" "Madam, " answered the treasurer, "I gaveNouzhatoul-aouadat, by your orders, a purse of a hundred piecesof gold and a piece of brocade, which she carried away with her. ""Well, then, sorry slave, " said Zobeide to Mesrour, in passion, "what have you to say to all this? Whom do you think now I oughtto believe, you or my treasurer, my women, and myself?"

Mesrour did not want for arguments to contradict the princess;but, as he was afraid of provoking her too much, chose rather tobe silent, though he was satisfied that the wife was dead, andnot the husband. 

During the whole of this dispute between Zobeide and Mesrour, thecaliph, who heard the evidence on both sides, and was persuadedof the contrary of what the princess asserted, because he hadhimself seen and spoken to Abou Hassan, and from what Mesrour hadtold him, laughed heartily to see Zobeide so exasperated. "Madam, " said he to her, "once more I repeat that I know not whowas the author of that saying, that 'Women sometimes lose theirwits, ' but I am sure you make it good. Mesrour has just come fromAbou Hassan's, and tells you that he saw Nouzhatoul-aouadat lyingdead in the middle of the room, Abou Hassan alive, and sitting byher; and yet you will not believe this evidence, which nobody canreasonably refuse; I cannot comprehend this conduit. "

Zobeide would not hear the caliph. "Pardon me, commander of thefaithful, " replied she, "if I suspect you: I see that you havecontrived with Mesrour to vex me, and to try my patience. And asI perceive that this report was concerted between you, I begleave to send a person to Abou Hassan's, to know whether or not Iam in the wrong. "

The caliph consented, and the princess charged with thisimportant commission an old nurse, who had lived with her fromher infancy. "Hark you nurse, " said she, "you see my dispute withthe commander of the faithful, and Mesrour; I need tell you nomore. Go to Abou Hassan's or rather to Nouzhatoul-aouadat's, forAbou Hassan is dead, and clear up this matter for me. If youbring me good news, a handsome present is your reward: makehaste, and return immediately. "

The nurse set out, to the great joy of the caliph, who wasdelighted to see Zobeide in this embarrassment; but Mesrour, extremely mortified to find the princess so angry with him, didall he could to appease her, and to make her and the caliph bothsatisfied with him. He was overjoyed when Zobeide sent the nurse;because he was persuaded that the report she must make wouldagree with his, justify him, and restore him to her favour. 

In the mean time Abou Hassan, who watched at the window, perceived the nurse at a distance, and guessing that she was sentby Zobeide, called his wife, and told her that the princess'snurse was coming to know the truth. "Therefore, " said he, "makehaste and lay me out. " Accordingly Nouzhatoul-aouadat covered himwith the brocade Zobeide had given her, and put his turban uponhis face. The nurse, eager to acquit herself of her commission, hobbled as fast as age would allow her, and entering the room, perceived Nouzhatoul-aouadat in tears, her hair dishevelled, andseated at the head of her husband, beating her breast, with allthe expressions of violent grief. 

The good old nurse went directly to the false widow. "My dearNouzhatoul-aouadat, " said she, with a sorrowful countenance, "Icome not to interrupt your grief and tears for a husband whom youloved so tenderly. " "Ah! good mother, " replied the counterfeitwidow, "you see my misfortune, and how unhappy I am from the lossof my beloved Abou Hassan. Abou Hassan, my dear husband!" criedshe, "what have I done that you should leave me so soon? Have Inot always preferred your will to my own? Alas! what will becomeof poor Nouzhatoul-aouadat?"

"This black-faced Mesrour, " cried the nurse, lifting up herhands, "deserves to be punished for having caused so great adifference between my good mistress and the commander of thefaithful, by the falsehood he has told them. Daughter, " continuedshe, "that villain Mesrour has asserted, with inconceivableimpudence, before our good mistress, that you were dead, and AbouHassan was alive. "

"Alas! my good mother, " cried Nouzhatoul-aouadat, "I wish toHeaven that it was true! I should not be in this sorrowful state, nor bewail a husband so dear to me!" At these words she weptafresh, and with redoubled tears and cries feigned the deepestsorrow. 

The nurse was so much moved by her tears, that she sat down byher, and cried too. Then gently lifting up the turban and cloth, looked at the face of the corpse. "Ah! poor Abou Hassan, " shecried, covering his face again, "God have mercy upon thee. Adieu, child, " said she to Nouzhatoul-aouadat: "if I could stay longerwith you, I would with all my heart; but I am obliged to returnimmediately, to deliver my mistress from the uneasiness thatblack villain has occasioned her, by his impudent lie, assuringher with an oath that you were dead. "

As soon as the nurse was gone, Nouzhatoul-aouadat wiped her eyesand released Abou Hassan; they both went and sat down on a sofaagainst the window, expecting what would be the end of thisstratagem, and to be ready to act according as circumstancesmight require. 

The nurse, in the mean time, made all the haste she could toZobeide. The pleasure of carrying the princess news favourable toher wager, but still more the hopes of a good reward, added wingsto her feet, and running into the princess's closet quite out ofbreath, she gave her a true account of all she had seen. Zobeidehearkened to the old woman's relation with a most sensiblepleasure; and when she had done, said, with a tone which shewedtriumph at having, as she supposed, won her wager: "Repeat itonce more before the caliph, who looks upon us all to be fools, would make us believe we have no sense of religion, nor fear ofGod; and tell your story to that wicked black slave, who had theinsolence to assert a wilful falsehood. "

Mesrour, who expected the nurse's report would prove favourableon his side, was much mortified to find it so much the contrary, and so vexed at the anger Zobeide expressed against him, for athing which he thought himself surer of than any body, that hewas glad of an opportunity of speaking his mind freely to the oldwomen, which he durst not do to the princess. "Old toothless, "said he to the nurse, "you are a liar, and there is no truth inwhat you say; for I saw with my own eyes Nouzhatoul-aouadat laidout in the middle of the room. "

"You are a notorious liar yourself, " replied the nurse, with aninsulting air, "to dare maintain so great a falsity before myface, who am just come from seeing Abou Hassan dead, laid out, and have left his wife alive. " "I am not an impostor, " repliedMesrour; "it is you who endeavour to lead us all into error. "

"What impudence, " said the nurse, "to dare tell me I lie in thepresence of their majesties, when I saw just now with my own eyeswhat I have had the honour to tell them. " "Indeed, nurse, "answered Mesrour again, "you had better hold your tongue, for youcertainly doat. "

Zobeide, who could no longer endure this want of respect inMesrour, who, without any regard to her, treated her nurse soinjuriously in her presence, without giving the old lady time toreply to so gross an affront, said to the caliph, "Commander ofthe faithful, I demand justice for this insolence to us both. "She was so enraged she could say no more, but burst into tears. 

The caliph, who had heard all the dispute, thought it veryintricate. He mused some time, and could not tell what to thinkof so many contradictions. The princess on her part, as well asMesrour, the nurse, and all the women slaves, who were present, were as much puzzled, and remained silent. At last the caliph, addressing himself to Zobeide, said, "I see we are all liars;myself first, then you, Mesrour, and you, nurse; or at least itseems not one can be believed more than the other; therefore letus go ourselves to examine the truth, for I can see no other wayto clear up these doubts. "

So saying, the caliph arose, the princess followed him, andMesrour went before to open the doors. "Commander of thefaithful, " said he, "I am overjoyed that your majesty has takenthis course; and shall be much more, when I shall make it plainlyappear to the nurse, not that she doats, since the expression isunfortunately displeasing to my good mistress, but that herreport is not true. "

The nurse wanted not a reply; "Hold your tongue, black face, "said she; "you doat yourself. "

Zobeide, who was much provoked at Mesrour, could not bear to hearhim attack her nurse again without taking her part: "Vile slave, "said she, "say what you will, I maintain my nurse speaks thetruth, and look upon you as a mere liar. " "Madam, " repliedMesrour, "if nurse is so very certain that Nouzhatoul-aouadat isalive, and Abou Hassan dead, I will lay her what she dares ofit. " The nurse was as ready as he; "I dare, " said she, "take youat your word: let us see if you dare unsay it. " Mesrour stood tohis word; and they laid a piece of gold brocade with silverflowers before the caliph and the princess. 

The apartment from which the caliph and Zobeide set out, thoughdistant from Abou Hassan's, was nevertheless just opposite, sothat he perceived them coming, and told his wife that he was muchmistaken if the caliph and Zobeide, preceded by Mesrour, andfollowed by a great number of women, were not about to do themthe honour of a visit. She looked through a lattice and saw them, seemed frightened, and cried out, "What shall we do? we areruined. " "Fear nothing, " replied Abou Hassan. "Have you forgottenalready what we agreed on? We will both feign ourselves dead, andyou shall see all will go well. At the slow rate they are coming, we shall be ready before they reach the door. " Accordingly, AbouHassan and his wife wrapped up and covered themselves with thepieces of brocade, and waited patiently for their visitors. 

Mesrour, who came first, opened the door, and the caliph andZobeide, followed by their attendants, entered the room; but werestruck with horror, and stood motionless, at the spectacle whichpresented itself to their view, not knowing what to think. Atlength Zobeide breaking silence, said to the caliph, "Alas! theyare both dead! You have done much, " continued she, looking at thecaliph and Mesrour, "to endeavour to make me believe that my dearslave was dead, and I find it is true: grief at the loss of herhusband has certainly killed her. " "Say rather, madam, " answeredthe caliph, prepossessed to the contrary, that Nouzhatoul-aouadatdied first, "the afflicted Abou Hassan sunk under his grief, andcould not survive his dear wife; you ought, therefore, to confessthat you have lost your wager, and that your palace of paintingsis mine. "

"Hold there, " answered Zobeide, warmed at being contradicted bythe caliph; "I will maintain you have lost your garden ofpleasures. Abou Hassan died first; since my nurse told you, aswell as me, that she saw her alive, and weeping for the death ofher husband. "

The dispute of the caliph and Zobeide brought on another betweenMesrour and the nurse, who had wagered as well as they; eachaffirmed to have won, and at length they proceeded to abuse eachother very grossly. 

At last the caliph, reflecting on what had passed, began to thinkthat Zobeide had as much reason as himself to maintain that shehad won. In this embarrassment of not being able to find out thetruth, he advanced towards the corpses, and sat down at the head, searching for some expedient that might gain him the victory overZobeide. "I swear, " cried he presently after, "by the holy nameof God, that I will give a thousand pieces of gold to him who cantell me which of these two died first. "

No sooner were these words out of the caliph's mouth, than heheard a voice under Abou Hassan's piece of brocade say, "Commander of the faithful, I died first, give me the thousandpieces of gold. " At the same instant Abou Hassan threw off thepiece of brocade, and springing up, prostrated himself at hisfeet, while his wife did the same to Zobeide, keeping on herpiece of brocade out of decency. The princess at first shriekedout, but recovering herself, expressed great joy to see her dearslave rise again, just when she was almost inconsolable at havingseen her dead. "Ah! wicked Nouzhatoul-aouadat, " cried she, "whathave I suffered for your sake? However, I forgive you from myheart, since you are not dead. "

The caliph was not so much surprised, when he heard Abou Hassan'svoice: but thought he should have died with laughing at thisunravelling of the mystery, and to hear Abou Hassan ask soseriously for the thousand pieces of gold. "What, Abou Hassan, "said he, continuing to laugh aloud, "hast thou conspired againstmy life, to kill me a second time with laughing? How came thisthought into your head, to surprise Zobeide and me thus, when weleast thought of such a trick?"

"Commander of the faithful, " replied Abou Hassan, "I will declareto your majesty the whole truth, without the least reserve. Yourmajesty knows that I always loved to eat and drink well' and thewife you gave me rather increased than restrained thispropensity. With these dispositions your majesty may easilysuppose we might spend a good estate; and to make short of mystory, we were not sparing of what your majesty so generouslygave us. This morning, accounting with our caterer, who took careto provide every thing for us, and paying what we owed him, wefound we had nothing left. Then, reflections on what was past, and resolutions to manage better for the future, crowded into ourthoughts; we formed a thousand projects, all of which werejected. At last, the shame of seeing ourselves reduced to solow a condition, and not daring to tell your majesty, made uscontrive this stratagem to relieve our necessities, and to divertyou, which we hope your majesty will be pleased to pardon. "

The caliph was satisfied with Abou Hassan's sincerity, andZobeide, who had till now been very serious, began to laugh atthe thought of Abou Hassan's scheme. The caliph, who had notceased laughing at the singularity of the adventure, rising, saidto Abou Hassan and his wife, "Follow me; I will give you thethousand pieces of gold I promised, for joy to find you are notdead. " Zobeide desired him to let her make her slave a present ofthe same sum, for the same reason. By this means Abou Hassan andhis wife Nouzhatoul-aouadat preserved the favour of the caliphHaroon al Rusheed and the princess Zobeide, and by theirliberalities were enabled to pursue their pleasures. 

 THE STORY OF ALLA AD DEEN; OR, THE WONDERFUL LAMP. 

In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of thekingdom of China, the name of which I do not recollect, therelived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor, that he couldhardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son. 

His son, who was called Alla ad Deen, had been brought up in avery careless and idle manner, and by that means had contractedmany vicious habits. He was wicked, obstinate, and disobedient tohis father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep himwithin doors. He was in the habit of going out early in themorning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets andpublic places with idle children of his own age. 

When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father not beingable to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, andtaught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor thefear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius. All his father's endeavours to keep him to his work were in vain;for no sooner was his back turned, than he was gone for that day. Mustapha chastised him, but Alla ad Deen was incorrigible, andhis father, to his great grief, was forced to abandon him to hisidleness: and was so much troubled at not being able to reclaimhim, that it threw him into a fit of sickness, of which he diedin a few months. 

The mother, finding that her son would not follow his father'sbusiness, shut up the shop, sold off the implements of trade, andwith the money she received for them, and what she could get byspinning cotton, thought to maintain herself and her son. Alla adDeen, who was now no longer restrained by the fear of a father, and who cared so little for his mother, that whenever she chidhim, he would abuse her, gave himself entirely over to his idlehabits, and was never out of the streets from his companions. This course he followed till he was fifteen years old, withoutgiving his mind to any useful pursuit, or the least reflection onwhat would become of him. In this situation, as he was one dayplaying according to custom in the street, with his vagabondassociates, a stranger passing by stood to observe him. 

This stranger was a sorcerer, called by the writer of this story, the African magician; he was a native of Africa, and had been buttwo days arrived from thence. 

The African magician, who was a good physiognomist, observing inAlla ad Deen's countenance something absolutely necessary for theexecution of the design he was engaged in, inquired artfullyabout his family, who he was, and what were his inclinations; andwhen he had learned all he desired to know, went up to him, andtaking him aside from his comrades, said, "Child, was not yourfather called Mustapha the tailor?" "Yes, sir, " answered the boy;"but he has been dead a long time. "

At these words, the African magician threw his arms about Alla adDeen's neck, and kissed him several times with tears in his eyes. Alla ad Deen, 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; your worthy father was my own brother. I havebeen many years abroad, and now I am come home with the hopes ofseeing him, you tell me he is dead. I assure you it is a sensiblegrief to me to be deprived of the comfort I expected. But it issome relief to my affliction, that as far as I can remember him, I knew you at first sight, you are so like him; and I see I amnot deceived. " Then he asked Alla ad Deen, putting his hand intohis purse, where his mother lived; and as soon as he had informedhim, gave him a handful of small money, saying, "Go, my son, toyour mother, give my love to her, and tell her that I will visither to-morrow, if I have time, that I may have the satisfactionof seeing where my good brother lived so long, and ended hisdays. "

As soon as the African magician left his newly-adopted nephew, Alla adDeen ran to his mother, overjoyed at the money his uncle had givenhim. "Mother, " said he, "have I an uncle?" "No, child, " replied hismother, "you have no uncle by your father's side, or mine. " "I am justnow come, " said Alla ad Deen, "from a man who says he is my uncle bymy father's side, assuring me that he is his brother. He cried andkissed me when I told him my father was dead; and to shew you thatwhat I tell you is truth, " added he, pulling out the money, "see whathe has given me. He charged me to give his love to you, and to tellyou, if he has any time to-morrow, he will come and pay you a visit, that he may see the house my father lived and died in. " "Indeed, child, " replied the mother, "your father had a brother, but he hasbeen dead a long time, and I never heard of another. "

The mother and son talked no more then of the African magician;but the next day Alla ad Deen's uncle found him playing inanother part of the town with other children, and embracing himas before, put two pieces of gold into his hand, and said to him, "Carry this, child, to your mother, tell her that I will come andsee her tonight, and bid her get us something for supper; butfirst shew me the house where you live. "

After Alla ad Deen had shewed the African magician the house, hecarried the two pieces of gold to his mother, and when he hadtold her of his uncle's intention, she went out and boughtprovisions; and considering she wanted various utensils, borrowedthem of her neighbours. She spent the whole day in preparing thesupper; and at night when it was ready, said to her son, "Perhapsyour uncle knows not how to find our house; go and bring him ifyou meet with him. "

Though Alla ad Deen had shewed the magician the house, he wasready to go, when somebody knocked at the door, which heimmediately opened: and the magician came in loaded with wine, and all sorts of fruits, which he brought for a dessert. 

After the African magician had given what he brought into Alla adDeen's hands, he saluted his mother, and desired her to shew himthe place where his brother Mustapha used to sit on the sofa; andwhen she had so done, he fell down and kissed it several times, crying out with tears in his eyes, "My poor brother! How unhappyam I, not to have come soon enough to give you one last embrace. "Alla ad Deen's mother desired him to sit down in the same place, but he declined. "No, " said he, "I shall take care how I do that;but give me leave to sit opposite to it, that although I amdeprived of the satisfaction of seeing the master of a family sodear to me, I may at least have the pleasure of beholding theplace where he used to sit. " The widow pressed him no farther, but left him at liberty to sit where he pleased. 

When the magician had made choice of a place, and sat down, hebegan to enter into discourse with Alla ad Deen's mother. "Mygood sister, " said he, "do not be surprised at your never havingseen me all the time you have been married to my brother Mustaphaof happy memory. I have been forty years absent from thiscountry, which is my native place, as well as my late brother's;and during that time have travelled into the Indies, Persia, Arabia, Syria, and Egypt, have resided in the finest towns ofthose countries; and afterwards crossed over into Africa, where Imade a longer stay. At last, as it is natural for a man, howdistant soever it may be, to remember his native country, relations, and acquaintance, I was desirous to see mine again, and to embrace my dear brother; and finding I had strength enoughto undertake so long a journey, I immediately made the necessarypreparations, and set out. I will not tell you the length of timeit took me, all the obstacles I met with, and what fatigues Ihave endured, to come hither; but nothing ever mortified andafflicted me so much, as hearing of my brother's death, for whomI always had a brotherly love and friendship. I observed hisfeatures in the face of my nephew, your son, and distinguishedhim among a number of children with whom he was at play; he cantell you how I received the most melancholy news that everreached my ears. But God be praised for all things! It is acomfort for me to find, as it were, my brother in a son, who hashis most remarkable features. "

The African magician perceiving that the widow began to weep atthe remembrance of her husband, changed the conversation, andturning towards her son, asked him his name. "I am called Alla adDeen, " said he. "Well, Alla ad Deen, " replied the magician, "whatbusiness do you follow? Are you of any trade?"

At this question the youth hung down his head, and was not alittle abashed when his mother answered, "Alla ad Deen is an idlefellow; his father, when alive, strove all he could to teach himhis trade, but could not succeed; and since his death, notwithstanding all I can say to him, he does nothing but idleaway his time in the streets, as you saw him, without consideringhe is no longer a child; and if you do not make him ashamed ofit, I despair of his ever coming to any good. He knows that hisfather left him no fortune, and sees me endeavour to get bread byspinning cotton; for my part, I am resolved one of these days toturn him out of doors, and let him provide for himself. "

After these words, Alla ad Deen's mother burst into tears; andthe magician said, "This is not well, nephew; you must think ofhelping yourself, and getting your livelihood. There are manysorts of trades, consider if you have not an inclination to someof them; perhaps you did not like your father's, and would preferanother: come, do not disguise your sentiments from me; I willendeavour to help you. " But finding that Alla ad Deen returned noanswer, "If you have no mind, " continued he, "to learn anyhandicraft, I will take a shop for you, furnish it with all sortsof fine stuffs and linens; and with the money you make of themlay in fresh goods, and then you will live in an honourable way. Consult your inclination, and tell me freely what you think of myproposal: you shall always find me ready to keep my word. "

This plan greatly flattered Alla ad Deen, who hated work, but hadsense enough to know that such shops were much frequented, andthe owners respected. He told the magician he had a greaterinclination to that business than to any other, and that heshould be much obliged to him for his kindness. "Since thisprofession is agreeable to you, " said the African magician, "Iwill carry you with me to-morrow, clothe you as handsomely as thebest merchants in the city, and afterwards we will think ofopening a shop as I mentioned. "

The widow, who never till then could believe that the magicianwas her husband's brother, no longer doubted after his promisesof kindness to her son. She thanked him for his good intentions;and after having exhorted Alla ad Deen to render himself worthyof his uncle's favour by good behaviour, served up supper, atwhich they talked of several indifferent matters; and then themagician, who saw that the night was pretty far advanced, tookhis leave, and retired. 

He came again the next day, as he had promised, and took Alla adDeen with him to a merchant, who sold all sorts of clothes fordifferent ages and ranks ready made, and a variety of finestuffs. He asked to see some that suited Alla ad Deen in size;and after choosing a suit for himself which he liked best, andrejecting others which he did not think handsome enough, he badeAlla ad Deen choose those he preferred. Alla ad Deen, charmedwith the liberality of his new uncle, made choice of one, and themagician immediately paid for it. 

When Alla ad Deen found himself so handsomely equipped, hereturned his uncle thanks; who promised never to forsake him, butalways to take him along with him; which he did to the mostfrequented places in the city, and particularly where theprincipal merchants kept their shops. 

When he brought him into the street where they sold the richeststuffs, and finest linens, he said to Alla ad Deen, "As you aresoon to be a merchant, it is proper you should frequent theseshops, and be acquainted with them. " He then shewed him thelargest and finest mosques, carried him to the khans or innswhere the merchants and travellers lodged, and afterwards to thesultan's palace, where he had free access; and at last broughthim to his own khan, where meeting with some merchants he hadbecome acquainted with since his arrival, he gave them a treat, to bring them and his pretended nephew acquainted. 

This entertainment lasted till night, when Alla ad Deen wouldhave taken leave of his uncle to go home; the magician would notlet him go by himself, but conducted him to his mother, who, assoon as she saw him so well dressed, was transported with joy, and bestowed a thousand blessings upon the magician, for being atso great an expense upon her child. "Generous relation!" saidshe, "I know not how to thank you for your liberality! I knowthat my son is not deserving of your favours; and were he ever sograteful, and answered your good intentions, he would be unworthyof them. I thank you with all my soul, and wish you may live longenough to witness my son's gratitude, which he cannot better shewthan by regulating his conduct by your good advice. " "Alla adDeen, " replied the magician, "is a good boy, and I believe weshall do very well; but I am sorry for one thing, which is, thatI cannot perform to-morrow what I promised, because, as it isFriday, the shops will be shut up, and therefore we cannot hireor furnish one, but must wait till Saturday. I will, however, call on him to-morrow and take him to walk in the gardens, wherepeople of the best fashion generally resort. Perhaps he has neverseen these amusements, he has only hitherto been among children;but now he must see men. " The African magician took his leave ofthe mother and the son, and retired. Alla ad Deen, who wasoverjoyed to be so well clothed, anticipated the pleasure ofwalking in the gardens. He had never been out of the town, norseen the environs, which were very beautiful and pleasant. 

Alla ad Deen rose early the next morning, dressed himself, to beready when his uncle called on him; and after he had waited sometime, began to be impatient, and stood watching at the door; butas soon as he perceived him coming, he told his mother, took hisleave of her, and ran to meet him. 

The magician caressed Alla ad Deen, and said, "Come, my dearchild, and I will shew you fine things. " He then led him out atone of the gates of the city, to some magnificent houses, orrather palaces, to each of which belonged beautiful gardens, intowhich anybody might enter. At every building he came to, he askedAlla ad Deen if he did not think it fine; and the youth was readyto answer when any one presented itself, crying out, "Here is afiner house, uncle, than any we have seen yet. " By this artifice, the cunning magician led Alla ad Deen some way into the country;and as he meant to carry him farther, to execute his design, hetook an opportunity to sit down in one of the gardens on thebrink of a fountain of clear water, which discharged itself by alion's mouth of bronze into a basin, pretending to be tired. "Come, nephew, " said he, "you must be weary as well as I; let usrest ourselves, and we shall be better able to pursue our walk. "

After they had sat down, the magician pulled from his girdle ahandkerchief with cakes and fruit, which he had provided, andlaid them on the edge of the basin. He broke a cake in two, gaveone half to Alla ad Deen, and ate the other himself; and inregard to the fruit, left him at liberty to take which sort heliked best. During this short repast, he exhorted his nephew toleave off keeping company with vagabonds, and seek that of wiseand prudent men, to improve by their conversation. "For, " saidhe, "you will soon be at man's estate, and you cannot too earlybegin to imitate their example. " When they had eaten as much asthey liked, they got up, and pursued their walk through gardensseparated from one another only by small ditches, which markedout the limits without interrupting the communication; so greatwas the confidence the inhabitants reposed in each other. By thismeans, the African magician drew Alla ad Deen insensibly beyondthe gardens, and crossed the country, till they nearly reachedthe mountains. 

Alla ad Deen, who had never been so far before, began to findhimself much tired with so long a walk, and said to the magician, "Where are we going, uncle? We have left the gardens a great waybehind us, and I see nothing but mountains; if we go muchfurther, I do not know whether I shall be able to reach the townagain?" "Never fear, nephew, " said the false uncle; "I will shewyou another garden which surpasses all we have yet seen; it isnot far off; and when we come there, you will say that you wouldhave been sorry to have been so nigh, and not seen it. " Alla adDeen was soon persuaded; and the magician, to make the way seemshorter and less fatiguing, told him a great many stories. 

At last they arrived between two mountains of moderate height, and equal size, divided by a narrow valley, which was the placewhere the magician intended to execute the design that hadbrought him from Africa to China. "We will go no farther now, "said he to Alla ad Deen: "I will shew you here some extraordinarythings, which, when you have seen, you will thank me for: butwhile I strike a light, gather up all the loose dry sticks youcan see, to kindle a fire with. "

Alla ad Deen found so many dried sticks, that before the magicianhad made a light, he had collected a great heap. The magicianpresently set them on fire, and when they were in a blaze, threwin some incense which raised a cloud of smoke. This he dispersedon each side, by pronouncing several magical words which Alla adDeen did not understand. 

At the same time the earth trembling, opened just before themagician, and uncovered a stone, laid horizontally, with a brassring fixed into the middle. Alla ad Deen was so frightened atwhat he saw, that he would have run away; but the magician caughthold of him, abused him, and gave him such a box on the ear, thathe knocked him down. Alla ad Deen got up trembling, and withtears in his eyes, said to the magician, "What have I done, uncle, to be treated in this severe manner?" "I have my reasons, "answered the magician: "I am your uncle, I supply the place ofyour father, and you ought to make no reply. But, child, " addedhe, softening, "do not be afraid; for I shall not ask any thingof you, but that you obey me punctually, if you would reap theadvantages which I intend you. " These fair promises calmed Allaad Deen's fears and resentment; and when the magician saw that hewas appeased, he said to him, "You see what I have done by virtueof my incense, and the words I pronounced. Know then, that underthis stone there is hidden a treasure, destined to be yours, andwhich will make you richer than the greatest monarch in theworld: no person but yourself is permitted to lift this stone, orenter the cave; so you must punctually execute what I maycommand, for it is a matter of great consequence both to you andme. "

Alla ad Deen, amazed at all he saw and heard the magician say ofthe treasure which was to make him happy, forgot what was past, and rising, said, "Well, uncle, what is to be done? Command me, Iam ready to obey. " "I am overjoyed, child, " said the Africanmagician, embracing him; "take hold of the ring, and lift up thatstone. " "Indeed, uncle, " replied Alla ad Deen, "I am not strongenough, you must help me. " "You have no occasion for myassistance, " answered the magician; "if I help you, we shall beable to do nothing; take hold of the ring, pronounce the names ofyour father and grandfather, then lift it up, and you will findit will come easily. " Alla ad Deen did as the magician bade him, raised the stone with ease, and laid it on one side. 

When the stone was pulled up, there appeared a cavity of aboutthree or four feet deep, with a little door, and steps to go downlower. "Observe, my son, " said the African magician, "what Idirect. Descend into the cave, and when you are at the bottom ofthose steps you will find a door open, which will lead you into aspacious vault, divided into three great halls, in each of whichyou will see four large brass cisterns placed on each side, fullof gold and silver; but take care you do not meddle with them. Before you enter the first hall, be sure to tuck up your vest, wrap it about you, and then pass through the second into thethird without stopping. Above all things, have a care that you donot 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 willfind a door which opens into a garden planted with fine treesloaded with fruit; walk directly across the garden by a pathwhich will lead you to five steps that will bring you upon aterrace, where you will see a niche before you, and in that nichea lighted lamp. Take the lamp down, and extinguish it: when youhave thrown away the wick, and poured out the liquor, put it inyour vestband and bring it to me. Do not be afraid that theliquor will spoil your clothes, for it is not oil; and the lampwill be dry as soon as it is thrown out. If you should wish forany of the fruit of the garden, you may gather as much as youplease. "

After these words, the magician drew a ring off his finger, andput it on one of Alla ad Deen's, telling him that it was apreservative against all evil, while he should observe what hehad prescribed to him. After this instruction he said, "Go downboldly, child, and we shall both be rich all our lives. "

Alla ad Deen jumped into the cave, descended the steps, and foundthe three halls just as the African magician had described. Hewent through them with all the precaution the fear of death couldinspire; crossed the garden without stopping, took down the lampfrom the niche, threw out the wick and the liquor, and, as themagician had desired, put it in his vestband. But as he came downfrom the terrace, seeing it was perfectly dry, he stopped in thegarden to observe the fruit, which he only had a glimpse of incrossing it. All the trees were loaded with extraordinary fruit, of different colours on each tree. Some bore fruit entirelywhite, and some clear and transparent as crystal; some pale red, and others deeper; some green, blue, and purple, and othersyellow: in short, there was fruit of all colours. The white werepearls; the clear and transparent, diamonds; the deep red, rubies; the paler, rubies; the green, emeralds; the blue, turquoises; the purple, amethysts; and those that were of yellowcast, sapphires. Alla ad Deen was altogether ignorant of theirworth, and would have preferred figs and grapes, or any otherfruits. But though he took them only for coloured glass of littlevalue, yet he was so pleased with the variety of the colours, andthe beauty and extraordinary size of the seeming fruit, that heresolved to gather some of every sort; and accordingly filled thetwo new purses his uncle had bought for him with his clothes. Some he wrapped up in the skirts of his vest, which was of silk, large and wrapping, and crammed his bosom as full as it couldhold. 

Alla ad Deen, having thus loaded himself with riches he knew notthe value of, returned through the three halls with the sameprecaution, made all the haste he could, that he might not makehis uncle wait, and soon arrived at the mouth of the cave, wherethe African magician expected him with the utmost impatience. Assoon as Alla ad Deen saw him, he cried out, "Pray, uncle, lend meyour hand, to help me out. " "Give me the lamp first, " replied themagician; "it will be troublesome to you. " "Indeed, uncle, "answered Alla ad Deen, "I cannot now; it is not troublesome tome: but I will as soon as I am up. " The African magician was soobstinate, that he would have the lamp before he would help himup; and Alla ad Deen, who had encumbered himself so much with hisfruit that he could not well get at it, refused to give it to himtill he was out of the cave. The African magician, provoked atthis obstinate refusal, flew into a passion, threw a little ofhis incense into the fire, which he had taken care to keep in, and no sooner pronounced two magical words, than the stone whichhad closed the mouth of the cave moved into its place, with theearth over it in the same manner as it lay at the arrival of themagician and Alla ad Deen. 

This action of the African magician's plainly shewed him to beneither Alla ad Deen's uncle, nor Mustapha the tailor's brother;but a true African. Africa is a country whose inhabitants delightmost in magic of any in the whole world, and he had appliedhimself to it from his youth. After forty years' experience inenchantments, geomancy, fumigations, and reading of magic books, he had found out that there was in the world a wonderful lamp, the possession of which would render him more powerful than anymonarch; and by a late operation of geomancy, he had discoveredthat this lamp lay concealed in a subterraneous place in themidst of China, in the situation already described. Fullypersuaded of the truth of this discovery, he set out from thefarthest part of Africa; and after a long and fatiguing journey, came to the town nearest to this treasure. But though he had acertain knowledge of the place where the lamp was, he was notpermitted to take it himself, nor to enter the subterraneousplace, but must receive it from the hands of another person. Forthis reason he had addressed himself to Alla ad Deen, whom helooked upon as a young lad whose life was of no consequence, andfit to serve his purpose, resolving, as soon as he should get thelamp into his hands, to sacrifice him to his avarice andwickedness, by making the fumigation mentioned before, andrepeating two magical words, the effect of which would remove thestone into its place, so that no witness would remain of thetransaction. 

The blow he had given Alla ad Deen was intended to make him obeythe more readily, and give him the lamp as soon as he should askfor it. But his too great precipitation, and his fear lestsomebody should come that way during their dispute, and discoverwhat he wished to keep secret, produced an effect quite contraryto what he had proposed to himself. 

When the African magician saw that all his hopes were frustratedforever, he returned the same day for Africa; but went quiteround the town, and at some distance from it, lest some personswho had observed him walk out with the boy, on seeing him comeback without him, should entertain any suspicions, and stop him. 

According to all appearances, there was no prospects of Alla adDeen being any more heard of. But the magician, when he hadcontrived his death, forgot the ring he had put upon his finger, which preserved him, though he knew not its virtue. It may seemastonishing that the loss of that, together with the lamp, didnot drive the magician to despair; but magicians are so much usedto misfortunes, and events contrary to their wishes, that they donot lay them to heart, but still feed themselves, to the end oflife, with unsubstantial notions and chimeras. 

The surprise of Alla ad Deen, who had never suspected thistreachery from his pretended uncle, after all his caresses andwhat he had done for him, is more easily to be imagined thanexpressed. When he found himself buried alive, he cried, andcalled out to his uncle, to tell him he was ready to give him thelamp; but in vain, since his cries could not be heard. Hedescended to the bottom of the steps, with a design to get intothe garden, but the door, which was opened before by enchantment, was now shut by the same means. He then redoubled his cries andtears, sat down on the steps, without any hopes of ever seeinglight again, and in a melancholy certainty of passing from thepresent darkness into that of a speedy death. 

Alla ad Deen remained in this state two days, without eating ordrinking, and on the third looked upon death as inevitable. Clasping his hands with an entire resignation to the will of God, he said, "There is no strength or power but in the great and highGod. " In this action of joining his hands he rubbed the ringwhich the magician had put on his finger, and of which he knewnot yet the virtue. Immediately a genie of enormous size andfrightful aspect rose out of the earth, his head reaching theroof of the vault, and said to him, "What wouldst thou have? I amready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all who maypossess the ring on thy finger; I, and the other slaves of thatring. "

At another time, Alla ad Deen, who had not been used to suchappearances, would have been so frightened at the sight of soextraordinary a figure that he would not have been able to speak;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 spoken these words, than he found himself on thevery spot where the magician had caused the earth to open. 

It was some time before his eyes could bear the light, afterbeing so long in total darkness: but after he had endeavoured bydegrees to support it, and began to look about him, he was muchsurprised not to find the earth open, and could not comprehendhow he had got so soon out of its bowels. There was nothing to beseen but the place where the fire had been, by which he couldnearly judge the situation of the cave. Then turning himselftowards the town, he perceived it at a distance in the midst ofthe gardens that surrounded it, and saw the way by which themagician had brought him. Returning God thanks to find himselfonce more in the world, he made the best of his way home. When hegot within his mother's door, the joy to see her and his weaknessfor want of sustenance for three days made him faint, and heremained for a long time as dead. His mother, who had given himover for lost, seeing him in this condition, omitted nothing tobring him to himself. As soon as he recovered, the first words hespoke, were, "Pray, mother, give me something to eat, for I havenot put a morsel of anything into my mouth these three days. " Hismother brought what she had, and set it before him. "My son, "said she, "be not too eager, for it is dangerous; eat but littleat a time, and take care of yourself. Besides, I would not haveyou talk; you will have time enough to tell me what has happenedto you when you are recovered. It is a great comfort to me to seeyou again, after the affliction I have been in since Friday, andthe pains I have taken to learn what was become of you. "

Alla ad Deen took his mother's advice, and ate and drankmoderately. When he had done, "Mother, " said he to her, "I cannothelp complaining of you, for abandoning me so easily to thediscretion of a man who had a design to kill me and who at thisvery moment thinks my death certain. You believed he was myuncle, as well as I; and what other thoughts could we entertainof a man who was so kind to me, and made such advantageousproffers? But I must tell you, mother, he is a rogue and a cheat, and only made me those promises to accomplish my death; but forwhat reason neither you nor I can guess. For my part, I canassure you, I never gave him any cause to justify the least illtreatment from him. You shall judge yourself, when you have heardall that passed from the time I left you, till he came to theexecution of his wicked design. "

Alla ad Deen then related to his mother all that had happened tohim from the Friday, when the magician took him to see thepalaces and gardens about the town, and what fell out in the way, till they came to the place between the two mountains where thegreat prodigy was to be performed; how, with incense which themagician threw into the fire, and some magical words which hepronounced, the earth opened, and discovered a cave, which led toan inestimable treasure. He forgot not the blow the magician hadgiven him, in what manner he softened again, and engaged him bygreat promises, and putting a ring to his finger, to go down intothe cave. He did not omit the least circumstance of what he sawin crossing the three halls and the garden, and his taking thelamp, which he pulled out of his bosom and shewed to his mother, as well as the transparent fruit of different colours, which hehad gathered in the garden as he returned. But, though thesefruits were precious stones, brilliant as the sun, and thereflection of a lamp which then lighted the room might have ledthem to think they were of great value, she was as ignorant oftheir worth as her son, and cared nothing for them. She had beenbred in a low rank of life, and her husband's poverty preventedhis being possessed of jewels, nor had she, her relations, orneighbours, ever seen any; so that we must not wonder that sheregarded them as things of no value, and only pleasing to the eyeby the variety of their colours. 

Alla ad Deen put them behind one of the cushions of the sofa, andcontinued his story, telling his mother, that when he returned tothe mouth of the cave, upon his refusal to give the magician thelamp till he should get out, the stone, by his throwing someincense into the fire, and using two or three magical words, shuthim in, and the earth closed. He could not help bursting intotears at the representation of the miserable condition he was in, at finding himself buried alive in a dismal cave, till by thetouching of his ring, the virtue of which he was till then anentire stranger to, he, properly speaking, came to life again. When he had finished his story, he said to his mother, "I needsay no more, you know the rest. This is my adventure, and thedanger I have been exposed to since you saw me. "

Alla ad Deen's mother heard with so much patience as not tointerrupt him this surprising and wonderful relation, notwithstanding it could be no small affliction to a mother, wholoved her son tenderly: but yet in the most moving part whichdiscovered the perfidy of the African magician, she could nothelp shewing, by marks of the greatest indignation, how much shedetested him; and when her son had finished his story, she brokeout into a thousand reproaches against that vile impostor. Shecalled him perfidious traitor, barbarian, assassin, deceiver, magician, and an enemy and destroyer of mankind. "Without doubt, child, " added she, "he is a magician, and they are plagues to theworld, and by their enchantments and sorceries have commerce withthe devil. Bless God for preserving you from his wicked designs;for your death would have been inevitable, if you had not calledupon him, and implored his assistance. " She said a great dealmore against the magician's treachery; but finding that whilstshe talked, Alla ad Deen, who had not slept for three days andnights, began to doze, she left him to his repose and retired. 

Alla ad Deen, who had not closed his eyes while he was in thesubterraneous abode, slept very soundly till late the nextmorning; when the first thing he said to his mother was that hewanted something to eat, and that she could not do him a greaterkindness than to give him his breakfast. "Alas! child, " said she, "I have not a bit of bread to give you, you ate up all theprovisions I had in the house yesterday; but have a littlepatience, and it shall not be long before I will bring you some:I have a little cotton, which I have spun; I will go and sell it, buy bread, and something for our dinner. " "Mother, " replied Allaad Deen, "keep your cotton for another time, and give me the lampI brought home with me yesterday; I will go and sell it, and themoney I shall get for it will serve both for breakfast anddinner, and perhaps supper too. "

Alla ad Deen's mother took the lamp, and said to her son, "Hereit is, but it is very dirty; if it was a little cleaner I believeit would bring something more. " She took some fine sand and waterto clean it; but had no sooner begun to rub it, than in aninstant a hideous genie of gigantic size appeared before her, andsaid to her in a voice like thunder, "What wouldst thou have? Iam ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all thosewho have that lamp in their hands; I and the other slaves of thelamp. "

Alla ad Deen's mother, terrified at the sight of the genie, fainted; when Alla ad Deen, who had seen such a phantom in thecavern, snatched the lamp out of his mother's hand, and said tothe genie boldly, "I am hungry, bring me something to eat. " Thegenie disappeared immediately, and in an instant returned with alarge silver tray, holding twelve covered dishes of the samemetal, which contained the most delicious viands; six large whitebread cakes on two plates, two flagons of wine, and two silvercups. All these he placed upon a carpet, and disappeared; thiswas done before Alla ad Deen's mother recovered from her swoon. 

Alla ad Deen had fetched some water, and sprinkled it in herface, to recover her: whether that or the smell of the meatbrought her to life again, it was not long before she came toherself. "Mother, " said Alla ad Deen, "do not mind this; get up, and come and eat; here is what will put you in heart, and at thesame time satisfy my extreme hunger: do not let such deliciousmeat get cold. "

His mother was much surprised to see the great tray, twelvedishes, six loaves, the two flagons and cups, and to smell thesavoury odour which exhaled from the dishes. "Child, " said she, "to whom are we obliged for this great plenty and liberality? Hasthe sultan been made acquainted with our poverty, and hadcompassion on us?" "It is no matter, mother, " said Alla ad Deen, "let us sit down and eat; for you have almost as much need of agood breakfast as myself; when we have done, I will tell you. "Accordingly both mother and son sat down, and ate with the betterrelish as the table was so well furnished. But all the time Allaad Deen's mother could not forbear looking at and admiring thetray and dishes, though she could not judge whether they weresilver or any other metal, and the novelty more than the valueattracted her attention. 

The mother and son sat at breakfast till it was dinner-time, andthen they thought it would be best to put the two meals together;yet after this they found they should have enough left forsupper, and two meals for the next day. 

When Alla ad Deen's mother had taken away and set by what wasleft, she went and sat down by her son on the sofa, saying, "Iexpect now that you should satisfy my impatience, and tell meexactly what passed between the genie and you while I was in aswoon;" which he readily complied with. 

She was in as great amazement at what her son told her, as at theappearance of the genie; and said to him, "But, son, what have weto do with genii? I never heard that any of my acquaintance hadever seen one. How came that vile genie to address himself to me, and not to you, to whom he had appeared before in the cave?""Mother, " answered Alla ad Deen, "the genie you saw is not theone who appeared to me, though he resembles him in size; no, theyhad quite different persons and habits; they belong to differentmasters. If you remember, he that I first saw, called himself theslave of the ring on my finger; and this you saw, called himselfthe slave of the lamp you had in your hand: but I believe you didnot hear him, for I think you fainted as soon as he began tospeak. "

"What!" cried the mother, "was your lamp then the occasion ofthat cursed genie addressing himself rather to me than to you?Ah my son, take it out of my sight, and put it where you please. I will never touch it. I had rather you would sell it, than runthe hazard of being frightened to death again by touching it: andif you would take my advice, you would part also with the ring, and not have any thing to do with genii, who, as our prophet hastold us, are only devils. "

"With your leave, mother, " replied Alla ad Deen, "I shall nowtake care how I sell a lamp, which may be so serviceable both toyou and me. Have not you been an eye-witness of what it hasprocured us? and it shall still continue to furnish us withsubsistence and maintenance. You may suppose as I do, that myfalse and wicked uncle would not have taken so much pains, andundertaken so long and tedious a journey, if it had not been toget into his possession this wonderful lamp, which he preferredbefore all the gold and silver which he knew was in the halls, and which I have seen with my own eyes. He knew too well theworth of this lamp, not to prefer it to so great a treasure; andsince chance hath discovered the virtue of it to us, let us makea profitable use of it, without making any great shew, andexciting the envy and jealousy of our neighbours. However, sincethe genii frighten you so much, I will take it out of your sight, and put it where I may find it when I want it. The ring I cannotresolve to part with; for without that you had never seen meagain; and though I am alive now, perhaps, if it was gone, Imight not be so some moments hence; therefore I hope you willgive me leave to keep it, and to wear it always on my finger. Whoknows what dangers you and I may be exposed to, which neither ofus can foresee, and from which it may deliver us. " As Alla adDeen's arguments were just, his mother had nothing to say againstthem; she only replied, that he might do what he pleased, for herpart, she would have nothing to do with genii, but would wash herhands of them, and never say anything more about them. 

By the next night they had eaten all the provisions the genie hadbrought; and the next day Alla ad Deen, who could not bear thethoughts of hunger, putting one of the silver dishes under hisvest, went out early to sell it, and addressing himself to a Jewwhom he met in the streets, took him aside, and pulling out theplate, asked him if he would buy it. The cunning Jew took thedish, examined it, and as soon as he found that it was goodsilver, asked Alla ad Deen at how much he valued it. Alla adDeen, who knew not its value, and never had been used to suchtraffic, told him he would trust to his judgment and honour. TheJew was somewhat confounded at this plain dealing; and doubtingwhether Alla ad Deen understood the material or the full value ofwhat he offered to sell, took a piece of gold out of his purseand gave it him, though it was but the sixtieth part of the worthof the plate. Alla ad Deen, taking the money very eagerly, retired with so much haste, that the Jew, not content with theexorbitancy of his profit, was vexed he had not penetrated intohis ignorance, and was going to run after him, to endeavour toget some change out of the piece of gold; but he ran so fast, andhad got so far, that it would have been impossible for him toovertake him. 

Before Alla ad Deen went home, he called at a baker's, boughtsome cakes of bread, changed his money, and on his return gavethe rest to his mother, who went and purchased provisions enoughto last them some time. After this manner they lived, till Allaad Deen had sold the twelve dishes singly, as necessity pressed, to the Jew, for the same money; who, after the first time, durstnot offer him less, for fear of losing so good a bargain. When hehad sold the last dish, he had recourse to the tray, whichweighed ten times as much as the dishes, and would have carriedit to his old purchaser, but that it was too large andcumbersome; therefore he was obliged to bring him home with himto his mother's, where, after the Jew had examined the weight ofthe tray, he laid down ten pieces of gold, with which Alla adDeen was very well satisfied. 

They lived on these ten pieces in a frugal manner, and Alla adDeen, though used to an idle life, had left off playing withyoung lads of his own age ever since his adventure with theAfrican magician. He spent his time in walking about, andconversing with decent people, with whom he gradually gotacquainted. Sometimes he would stop at the principal merchants'shops, where people of distinction met, and listen to theirdiscourse, by which he gained some little knowledge of the world. 

When all the money was spent, Alla ad Deen had recourse again tothe lamp. He took it in his hand, looked for the part where hismother had rubbed it with the sand, rubbed it also, when thegenie immediately appeared, and said, "What wouldst thou have? Iam ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all thosewho have that lamp in their hands; I, and the other slaves of thelamp. " "I am hungry, " said Alla ad Deen, "bring me something toeat. " The genie disappeared, and presently returned with a tray, the same number of covered dishes as before, set them down, andvanished. 

Alla ad Deen's mother, knowing what her son was going to do, wentout about some business, on purpose to avoid being in the waywhen the genie came; and when she returned, was almost as muchsurprised as before at the prodigious effect of the lamp. However, she sat down with her son, and when they had eaten asmuch as they liked, she set enough by to last them two or threedays. 

As soon as Alla ad Deen found that their provisions wereexpended, he took one of the dishes, and went to look for his Jewchapman; but passing by a goldsmith's shop, who had the characterof a very fair and honest man, the goldsmith perceiving him, called to him, and said, "My lad, I have often observed you goby, loaded as you are at present, and talk with such a Jew, andthen come back again empty handed. I imagine that you carrysomething which you sell to him; but perhaps you do not know thathe is the greatest rogue even among the Jews, and is so wellknown, that nobody of prudence will have anything to do with him. What I tell you is for your own good. If you will shew me whatyou now carry, and it is to be sold, I will give you the fullworth of it; or I will direct you to other merchants who will notcheat you. "

The hopes of getting more money for his plate induced Alla adDeen to pull it from under his vest, and shew it to thegoldsmith, who at first sight saw that it was made of the finestsilver, asked him if he had sold such as that to the Jew, whenAlla ad Deen told him that he had sold him twelve such, for apiece of gold each. "What a villain!" cried the goldsmith; "but, "added he, "my son, what is passed cannot be recalled. By shewingyou the value of this plate, which is of the finest silver we usein our shops, I will let you see how much the Jew has cheatedyou. "

The goldsmith took a pair of scales, weighed the dish, and afterhe had mentioned how much an ounce of fine silver cost, assuredhim that his plate would fetch by weight sixty pieces of gold, which he offered to pay down immediately. "If you dispute myhonesty, " said he, "you may go to any other of our trade, and ifhe gives you more, I will be bound to forfeit twice as much; forwe gain only the fashion of the plate we buy, and that thefairest dealing Jews are not contented with. "

Alla ad Deen thanked him for his fair dealing, so greatly to hisadvantage, took the gold, and never after went to any otherperson, but sold him all his dishes and the tray, and had as muchfor them as the weight came to. 

Though Alla ad Deen and his mother had an inexhaustible treasurein their lamp, and might have had whatever they wished for, yetthey lived with the same frugality as before, except that Alla adDeen dressed better; as for his mother, she wore no clothes butwhat she earned by spinning cotton. After their manner of living, it may easily be supposed, that the money for which Alla ad Deenhad sold the dishes and tray was sufficient to maintain them sometime. 

During this interval, Alla ad Deen frequented the shops of theprincipal merchants, where they sold cloth of gold and silver, linens, silk stuffs, and jewellery, and oftentimes joining intheir conversation, acquired a knowledge of the world, andrespectable demeanour. By his acquaintance among the jewellers, he came to know that the fruits which he had gathered when hetook the lamp were, instead of coloured glass, stones ofinestimable value; but he had the prudence not to mention this toany one, not even to his mother. 

One day as Alla ad Deen was walking about the town, he heard anorder proclaimed, commanding the people to shut up their shopsand houses, and keep within doors, while the princess Buddir alBuddoor, the sultan's daughter, went to the baths and returned. 

This proclamation inspired Alla ad Deen with eager curiosity tosee the princess's face, which he could not do without admissioninto the house of some acquaintance, and then only through awindow; which did not satisfy him, when he considered that theprincess, when she went to the baths, would be closely veiled;but to gratify his curiosity, he presently thought of a scheme, which succeeded; it was to place himself behind the door of thebath, which was so situated that he could not fail of seeing herface. 

Alla ad Deen had not waited long before the princess came, and hecould see her plainly through a chink of the door without beingdiscovered. She was attended by a great crowd of ladies, slavesand eunuchs, who walked on each side, and behind her. When shecame within three or four paces of the door of the baths, shetook off her veil, and gave Alla ad Deen an opportunity of a fullview. 

As soon as Alla ad Deen had seen the princess, his heart couldnot withstand those inclinations so charming an object alwaysinspires. The princess was the most beautiful brunette in theworld; her eyes were large, lively, and sparkling; her lookssweet and modest; her nose was of a just proportion and without afault, her mouth small, her lips of a vermilion red andcharmingly agreeable symmetry; in a word, all the features of herface were perfectly regular. It is not therefore surprising thatAlla ad Deen, who had never before seen such a blaze of charms, was dazzled, and his senses ravished by such an assemblage. Withall these perfections the princess had so fine a form, and somajestic an air, that the sight of her was sufficient to inspirelove and admiration. 

After the princess had passed by, and entered the baths, Alla adDeen remained some time astonished, and in a kind of ecstacy, retracing and imprinting the idea of so charming an object deeplyin his mind. But at last, considering that the princess was gonepast him, and that when she returned from the bath her back wouldbe towards him, and then veiled, he resolved to quit his hidingplace and go home. He could not so far conceal his uneasiness butthat his mother perceived it, was surprised to see him so muchmore thoughtful and melancholy than usual; and asked what hadhappened to make him so, or if he was ill? He returned her noanswer, but sat carelessly down on the sofa, and remained silent, musing on the image of the charming Buddir al Buddoor. Hismother, who was dressing supper, pressed him no more. When it wasready, she served it up, and perceiving that he gave no attentionto it, urged him to eat, but had much ado to persuade him tochange his place; which when he did, he ate much less than usual, all the time cast down his eyes, and observed so profound asilence, that she could not obtain a word in answer to all thequestions she put, in order to find the reason of soextraordinary an alteration. 

After supper, she asked him again why he was so melancholy, butcould get no information, and he determined to go to bed ratherthan give her the least satisfaction. Without examining how hepassed the night, his mind full as it was with the charms of theprincess, I shall only observe that as he sat next day on thesofa, opposite his mother, as she was spinning cotton, he spoketo her in these words: "I perceive, mother, that my silenceyesterday has much troubled you; I was not, nor am I sick, as Ifancy you believed; but I assure you, that what I felt then, andnow endure, is worse than any disease. I cannot explain what ailsme; but doubt not what I am going to relate will inform you. 

"It was not proclaimed in this quarter of the town, and thereforeyou could know nothing of it, that the sultan's daughter wasyesterday to go to the baths. I heard this as I walked about thetown, and an order was issued that all the shops should be shutup in her way thither, and everybody keep within doors, to leavethe streets free for her and her attendants. As I was not thenfar from the bath, I had a great curiosity to see the princess'sface; and as it occurred to me that the princess, when she camenigh the door of the bath, would pull her veil off, I resolved toconceal myself behind the door. You know the situation of thedoor, and may imagine that I must have had a full view of her. The princess threw off her veil, and I had the happiness ofseeing her lovely face with the greatest security. This, mother, was the cause of my melancholy and silence yesterday; I love theprincess with more violence than I can express; and as my passionincreases every moment, I cannot live without the possession ofthe amiable Buddir al Buddoor, and am resolved to ask her inmarriage of the sultan her father. "

Alla ad Deen's mother listened with surprise to what her son toldher; but when he talked of asking the princess in marriage, shecould not help bursting out into a loud laugh. Alla ad Deen wouldhave gone on with his rhapsody, but she interrupted him. "Alas!child, " said she, "what are you thinking of? you must be mad totalk thus. "

"I assure you, mother, " replied Alla ad Deen, "that I am not mad, but in my right senses; I foresaw that you would reproach me withfolly and extravagance; but I must tell you once more that I amresolved to demand the princess of the sultan in marriage, andyour remonstrances shall not prevent me. "

"Indeed, son, " replied the mother seriously, "I cannot helptelling you that you have forgotten yourself; and if you wouldput this resolution of yours in execution, I do not see whom youcan prevail upon to venture to make the proposal for you. " "Youyourself, " replied he immediately. "I go to the sultan!" answeredthe mother, amazed and surprised. "I shall be cautious how Iengage in such an errand. Why, who are you, son, " continued she, "that you can have the assurance to think of your sultan'sdaughter? Have you forgotten that your father was one of thepoorest tailors in the capital, and that I am of no betterextraction; and do not you know that sultans never marry theirdaughters but to princes, sons of sovereigns like themselves?"

"Mother, " answered Alla ad Deen, "I have already told you that Iforesaw all that you have said, or can say: and tell you again, that neither your discourse nor your remonstrances shall make mechange my mind. I have told you that you must ask the princess inmarriage for me: it is a favour I desire of you, and I beg of younot to refuse, unless you would rather see me in my grave, thanby your compliance give me new life. "

The good old woman was much embarrassed, when she found Alla adDeen obstinately persisting in so wild a design. "My son, " saidshe again, "I am your mother, who brought you into the world, andthere is nothing that is reasonable but I would readily do foryou. If I were to go and treat about your marriage with someneighbour's daughter, whose circumstances were equal with yours, I would do it with all my heart; and even then they would expectyou should have some little estate or fortune, or be of sometrade. When such poor folks as we are wish to marry, the firstthing they ought to think of, is how to live. But withoutreflecting on the meanness of your birth, and the little meritand fortune you have to recommend you, you aim at the highestpitch of exaltation; and your pretensions are no less than todemand in marriage the daughter of your sovereign, who with onesingle word can crush you to pieces. I say nothing of whatrespects yourself. I leave you to reflect on what you have to do, if you have ever so little thought. I come now to consider whatconcerns myself. How could so extraordinary a thought come intoyour head, as that I should go to the sultan and make a proposalto him to give his daughter in marriage to you? Suppose I had, not to say the boldness, but the impudence to present myselfbefore the sultan, and make so extravagant a request, to whomshould I address myself to be introduced to his majesty? Do younot think the first person I should speak to would take me for amad woman, and chastise me as I should deserve? Suppose, however, that there is no difficulty in presenting myself for an audienceof the sultan, and I know there is none to those who go topetition for justice, which he distributes equally among hissubjects; I know too that to those who ask a favour he grants itwith pleasure when he sees it is deserved, and the persons areworthy of it. But is that your case? Do you think you havemerited the honour you would have me ask for you? Are you worthyof it? What have you done to claim such a favour, either for yourprince or country? How have you distinguished yourself? If youhave done nothing to merit so high a distinction, nor are worthyof it, with what face shall I ask it? How can I open my mouth tomake the proposal to the sultan? His majestic presence and thelustre of his court would absolutely confound me, who used evento tremble before my dear husband your father, when I asked himfor any thing. There is another reason, my son, which you do notthink of, which is that nobody ever goes to ask a favour of thesultan without a present. But what presents have you to make? Andif you had any that were worthy of the least attention of sogreat a monarch, what proportion could they bear to the favouryou would ask? Therefore, reflect well on what you are about, andconsider, that you aspire to an object which it is impossible foryou to obtain. "

Alla ad Deen heard very calmly all that his mother could say todissuade him from his design, and after he had weighed herrepresentations in all points, replied: "I own, mother, it isgreat rashness in me to presume to carry my pretensions so far;and a great want of consideration to ask you with so much heatand precipitancy to go and make the proposal to the sultan, without first taking proper measures to procure a favourablereception, and therefore beg your pardon. But be not surprisedthat through the violence of my passion I did not at first seeevery measure necessary to procure me the happiness I seek. Ilove the princess, or rather I adore her, and shall alwayspersevere in my design of marrying her. I am obliged to you forthe hint you have given me, and look upon it as the first step Iought to take to procure the happy issue I promise myself. 

"You say it is not customary to go to the sultan without apresent, and that I have nothing worthy of his acceptance. As tothe necessity of a present, I agree with you, and own that Inever thought of it; but as to what you say that I have nothingfit to offer, do not you think, mother, that what I brought homewith me the day on which I was delivered from an inevitabledeath, may be an acceptable present? I mean what you and I bothtook for coloured glass: but now I am undeceived, and can tellyou that they are jewels of inestimable value, and fit for thegreatest monarchs. I know the worth of them by frequenting theshops; and you may take my word that all the precious stoneswhich I saw in the most capital jewellers' possessions were notto be compared to those we have, either for size or beauty, andyet they value theirs at an excessive price. In short, neitheryou nor I know the value of ours; but be it as it may, by thelittle experience I have, I am persuaded that they will bereceived very favourably by the sultan: you have a largeporcelain dish fit to hold them; fetch it, and let us see howthey will look, when we have arranged them according to theirdifferent colours. "

Alla ad Deen's mother brought the china dish, when he took thejewels out of the two purses in which he had kept them, andplaced them in order according to his fancy. But the brightnessand lustre they emitted in the day-time, and the variety of thecolours, so dazzled the eyes both of mother and son, that theywere astonished beyond measure; for they had only seen them bythe light of a lamp; and though the latter had beheld thempendant on the trees like fruit beautiful to the eye, yet as hewas then but a boy, he looked on them only as glitteringplaythings. 

After they had admired the beauty of the jewels some time, Allaad Deen said to his mother, "Now you cannot excuse yourself fromgoing to the sultan, under pretext of not having a present tomake him, since here is one which will gain you a favourablereception. "

Though the good widow, notwithstanding the beauty and lustre ofthe precious stones, did not believe them so valuable as her sonestimated them, she thought such a present might nevertheless beagreeable to the sultan, but still she hesitated at the request. "My son, " said she, "I cannot conceive that your present willhave its desired effect, or that the sultan will look upon mewith a favourable eye; I am sure, that if I attempt to deliveryour strange message, I shall have no power to open my mouth;therefore I shall not only lose my labour, but the present, whichyou say is so invaluable, and shall return home again inconfusion, to tell you that your hopes are frustrated. I haverepresented the consequence, and you ought to believe me; but, "added she, "I will exert my best endeavour to please you, andwish I may have power to ask the sultan as you would have me; butcertainly he will either laugh at me, send me back like a fool, or be in so great a rage, as to make us both the victims of hisfury. "

She used many other arguments to endeavour to make him change hismind; but the charms of the princess had made too great animpression on his heart for him to be dissuaded from his design. He persisted in importuning his mother to execute his resolution, and she, as much out of tenderness as for fear he should beguilty of greater extravagance, complied with his request. 

As it was now late, and the time for admission to the palace waspassed, it was put off till the next day. The mother and sontalked of different matters the remaining part of the day; andAlla ad Deen strove to encourage her in the task she hadundertaken; while she, notwithstanding all his arguments, couldnot persuade herself she should succeed; and it must be confessedshe had reason enough to doubt. "Child, " said she to Alla adDeen, "if the sultan should receive me as favourably as I wishfor your sake, should even hear my proposal with calmness, andafter this scarcely-to-be-expected reception should think ofasking me where lie your riches and your estate (for he willsooner inquire after these than your person), if, I say, heshould ask me these questions, what answer would you have mereturn him?"

"Let us not be uneasy, mother, " replied Alla ad Deen, "about whatmay never happen. First, let us see how the sultan receives, andwhat answer he gives you. If it should so fall out, that hedesires to be informed of what you mention, I have thought of ananswer, and am confident that the lamp which hath supported us solong will not fail me in time of need. "

The tailor's widow could not say any thing against what her sonthen proposed; but reflected that the lamp might be capable ofdoing greater wonders than just providing victuals for them. Thisconsideration satisfied her, and at the same time removed all thedifficulties which might have prevented her from undertaking theservice she had promised her son with the sultan. Alla ad Deen, who penetrated into his mother's thoughts, said to her, "Aboveall things, mother, be sure to keep secret our possession of thelamp, for thereon depends the success we have to expect;" andafter this caution, Alla ad Deen and his mother parted to go torest. But violent love, and the great prospect of so immense afortune, had so much possessed the son's thoughts, that he couldnot repose himself so well as he could have wished. He rosebefore day-break, awakened his mother, pressing her to getherself dressed to go to the sultan's palace, and to getadmittance, if possible, before the grand vizier, the otherviziers, and the great officers of state went in to take theirseats in the divan, where the sultan always assisted in person. 

Alla ad Deen's mother took the china dish, in which they had putthe jewels the day before, wrapped in two napkins, one finer thanthe other, which was tied at the four corners for more easycarriage, and set forward for the sultan's palace. When she cameto the gates, the grand vizier, the other viziers and mostdistinguished lords of the court, were just gone in; but, notwithstanding the crowd of people who had business was great, she got into the divan, a spacious hall, the entrance into whichwas very magnificent. She placed herself just before the sultan, grand vizier, and the great lords, who sat in council, on hisright and left hand. Several causes were called, according totheir order, pleaded and adjudged, until the time the divangenerally broke up, when the sultan rising, returned to hisapartment, attended by the grand vizier; the other viziers andministers of state then retired, as also did those whose businesshad called them thither; some pleased with gaining their causes, others dissatisfied at the sentences pronounced against them, andsome in expectation of theirs being heard the next sitting. 

Alla ad Deen's mother, seeing the sultan retire, and all thepeople depart, judged rightly that he would not sit again thatday, and resolved to go home. When Alla ad Deen saw her returnwith the present designed for the sultan, he knew not what tothink of her success, and in his fear lest she should bring himsome ill news, had not courage to ask her any questions; but she, who had never set foot in the sultan's palace before, and knewnot what was every day practised there, freed him from hisembarrassment, and said to him, with a great deal of simplicity, "Son, I have seen the sultan, and am very well persuaded he hasseen me too; for I placed myself just before him; but he was somuch taken up with those who attended on all sides of him, that Ipitied him, and wondered at his patience. At last I believe hewas heartily tired, for he rose up suddenly, and would not hear agreat many who were ready prepared to speak to him, but wentaway, at which I was well pleased, for indeed I began to lose allpatience, and was extremely fatigued with staying so long. Butthere is no harm done; I will go again to-morrow; perhaps thesultan may not be so busy. "

Though his passion was very violent, Alla ad Deen was forced tobe satisfied with this delay, and to fortify himself withpatience. He had at least the satisfaction to find that hismother had got over the greatest difficulty, which was to procureaccess to the sultan, and hoped that the example of those she sawspeak to him would embolden her to acquit herself better of hercommission when a favourable opportunity might offer to speak tohim. 

The next morning she repaired to the sultan's palace with thepresent, as early as the day before, but when she came there, shefound the gates of the divan shut, and understood that thecouncil sat but every other day, therefore she must come againthe next. This news she carried to her son, whose only relief wasto guard himself with patience. She went six times afterwards onthe days appointed, placed herself always directly before thesultan, but with as little success as the first morning, andmight have perhaps come a thousand times to as little purpose, ifluckily the sultan himself had not taken particular notice ofher: for only those who came with petitions approached thesultan, when each pleaded their cause in its turn, and Alla adDeen's mother was not one of them. 

On the sixth day, however, after the divan was broken up, whenthe sultan returned to his own apartment, he said to his grandvizier, "I have for some time observed a certain woman, whoattends constantly every day that I give audience, with somethingwrapped up in a napkin: she always stands up from the beginningto the breaking up of the audience, and affects to place herselfjust before me. Do you know what she wants?"

"Sir, " replied the grand vizier, who knew no more than the sultanwhat she wanted, but did not wish to seem uninformed, "yourmajesty knows that women often make complaints on trifles;perhaps she may come to complain to your majesty that somebodyhas sold her some bad flour, or some such trifling matter. " Thesultan was not satisfied with this answer, but replied, "If thiswoman comes to our next audience, do not fail to call her, that Imay hear what she has to say. " The grand vizier made answer bylowering his hand, and then lifting it up above his head, signifying his willingness to lose it if he failed. 

By this time, the tailor's widow was so much used to go toaudience, and stand before the sultan, that she did not think itany trouble, if she could but satisfy her son that she neglectednothing that lay in her power to please him: the next audienceday she went to the divan, placed herself in front of the sultanas usual; and before the grand vizier had made his report ofbusiness, the sultan perceived her, and compassionating her forhaving waited so long, said to the vizier, "Before you enter uponany business, remember the woman I spoke to you about; bid hercome near, and let us hear and dispatch her business first. " Thegrand vizier immediately called the chief of the mace-bearers whostood ready to obey his commands; and pointing to her, bade himgo to that woman, and tell her to come before the sultan. 

The chief of the officers went to Alla ad Deen's mother, and at asign he gave her, she followed him to the foot of the sultan'sthrone, where he left her, and retired to his place by the grandvizier. The old woman, after the example of others whom she sawsalute the sultan, bowed her head down to the carpet, whichcovered the platform of the throne, and remained in that posturetill the sultan bade her rise, which she had no sooner done, thanhe said to her, "Good woman, I have observed you to stand a longtime, from the beginning to the rising of the divan; whatbusiness brings you here?"

After these words, Alla ad Deen's mother prostrated herself asecond time; and when she arose, said, "Monarch of monarchs, before I tell your majesty the extraordinary and almostincredible business which brings me before your high throne, Ibeg of you to pardon the boldness or rather impudence of thedemand I am going to make, which is so uncommon, that I tremble, and am ashamed to propose it to my sovereign. " In order to giveher the more freedom to explain herself, the sultan ordered allto quit the divan but the grand vizier, and then told her shemight speak without restraint. 

Alla ad Deen's mother, not content with this favour of thesultan's to save her the trouble and confusion of speaking beforeso many people, was notwithstanding for securing herself againsthis anger, which, from the proposal she was going to make, shewas not a little apprehensive of; therefore resuming herdiscourse, she said, "I beg of your majesty, if you should thinkmy demand the least injurious or offensive, to assure me first ofyour pardon and forgiveness. " "Well, " replied the sultan, "I willforgive you, be it what it may, and no hurt shall come to you:speak boldly. "

When Alla ad Deen's mother had taken all these precautions, forfear of the sultan's anger, she told him faithfully how Alla adDeen had seen the princess Buddir al Buddoor, the violent lovethat fatal sight had inspired him with, the declaration he hadmade to her of it when he came home, and what representations shehad made "to dissuade him from a passion no less disrespectful, "said she, "to your majesty, as sultan, than to the princess yourdaughter. But, " continued she, "my son, instead of taking myadvice and reflecting on his presumption, was so obstinate as topersevere, and to threaten me with some desperate act, if Irefused to come and ask the princess in marriage of your majesty;and it was not without the greatest reluctance that I was led toaccede to his request, for which I beg your majesty once more topardon not only me, but also Alla ad Deen my son, forentertaining so rash a project as to aspire to so high analliance. "

The sultan hearkened to this discourse with mildness, and withoutshewing the least anger; but before he gave her any answer, askedher what she had brought tied up in the napkin. She took thechina dish, which she had set down at the foot of the throne, before she prostrated herself before him; untied it, andpresented it to the sultan. 

The sultan's amazement and surprise were inexpressible, when hesaw so many large, beautiful, and valuable jewels collected inthe dish. He remained for some time motionless with admiration. At last, when he had recovered himself, he received the presentfrom Alla ad Deen's mother's hand, crying out in a transport ofjoy, "How rich, how beautiful!" After he had admired and handledall the jewels, one after another, he turned to his grand vizier, and shewing him the dish, said, "Behold, admire, wonder, andconfess that your eyes never beheld jewels so rich and beautifulbefore. " The vizier was charmed. "Well, " continued the sultan, "what sayst thou to such a present? Is it not worthy of theprincess my daughter? And ought I not to bestow her on one whovalues her at so great price?"

These words put the grand vizier into extreme agitation. Thesultan had some time before signified to him his intention ofbestowing the princess on a son of his; therefore he was afraid, and not without grounds, that the sultan, dazzled by so rich andextraordinary a present, might change his mind. Therefore goingto him, and whispering him in the ear, he said, "I cannot but ownthat the present is worthy of the princess; but I beg of yourmajesty to grant me three months before you come to a finalresolution. I hope, before that time, my son, on whom you havehad the goodness to look with a favourable eye, will be able tomake a nobler present than Alla ad Deen, who is an entirestranger to Your majesty. "

The sultan, though he was fully persuaded that it was notpossible for the vizier to provide so considerable a present forhis son to make the princess, yet as he had given him hopes, hearkened to him, and granted his request. Turning therefore tothe old widow, he said to her, "Good woman, go home, and tellyour son that I agree to the proposal you have made me; but Icannot marry the princess my daughter, till the paraphernalia Idesign for her be got ready, which cannot be finished these threemonths; but at the expiration of that time come again. "

Alla ad Deen's mother returned home much more gratified than shehad expected, since she had met with a favourable answer, insteadof the refusal and confusion she had dreaded. From twocircumstances Alla ad Deen, when he saw his mother returning, judged that she brought him good news; the one was, that shereturned sooner than ordinary; and the other, the gaiety of hercountenance. "Well, mother, " said he, "may I entertain any hopes, or must I die with despair?" When she had pulled off her veil, and had seated herself on the sofa by him, she said to him, "Notto keep you long in suspense, son, I will begin by telling you, that instead of thinking of dying, you have every reason to bewell satisfied. " Then pursuing her discourse, she told him, thatshe had an audience before everybody else which made her comehome so soon; the precautions she had taken lest she should havedispleased the sultan, by making the proposal of marriage betweenhim and the princess Buddir al Buddoor, and the condescendinganswer she had received from the sultan's own mouth; and that asfar as she could judge, the present had wrought a powerfuleffect. "But when I least expected it, " said she, "and he wasgoing to give me an answer, and I fancied a favourable one, thegrand vizier whispered him in the ear, and I was afraid might besome obstacle to his good intentions towards us, and so ithappened, for the sultan desired me to come to audience againthis day three months. "

Alla ad Deen thought himself the most happy of all men at hearingthis news, and thanked his mother for the pains she had taken inthe affair, the good success of which was of so great importanceto his peace. Though from his impatience to obtain the object ofhis passion, three months seemed an age, yet he disposed himselfto wait with patience, relying on the sultan's word, which helooked upon to be irrevocable. But all that time he not onlycounted the hours, days, and weeks, but every moment. When two ofthe three months were past, his mother one evening going to lightthe lamp, and finding no oil in the house, went out to buy some, and when she came into the city, found a general rejoicing. Theshops, instead of being shut up, were open, dressed with foliage, silks, and carpeting, every one striving to show their zeal inthe most distinguished manner according to his ability. Thestreets were crowded with officers in habits of ceremony, mountedon horses richly caparisoned, each attended by a great manyfootmen. Alla ad Deen's mother asked the oil-merchant what wasthe meaning of all this preparation of public festivity. "Whencecame you, good woman, " said he, "that you don't know that thegrand vizier's son is to marry the princess Buddir al Buddoor, the sultan's daughter, to-night? She will presently return fromthe baths; and these officers whom you see are to assist at thecavalcade to the palace, where the ceremony is to be solemnized. "

This was news enough for Alla ad Deen's mother. She ran till shewas quite out of breath home to her son, who little suspected anysuch event. "Child, " cried she, "you are undone! You depend uponthe sultan's fine promises, but they will come to nothing. " Allaad Deen was alarmed at these words. "Mother, " replied he, "how doyou know the sultan has been guilty of a breach of promise?""This night, " answered the mother, "the grand vizier's son is tomarry the princess Buddir al Buddoor. " She then related how shehad heard it; so that from all circumstances, he had no reason todoubt the truth of what she said. 

At this account, Alla ad Deen was thunder-struck. Any other manwould have sunk under the shock; but a sudden hope ofdisappointing his rival soon roused his spirits, and he bethoughthimself of the lamp, which had on every emergence been so usefulto him; and without venting his rage in empty words against thesultan, the vizier, or his son, he only said, "Perhaps, mother, the vizier's son may not be so happy to-night as he promiseshimself: while I go into my chamber a moment, do you get supperready. " She accordingly went about it, but guessed that her sonwas going to make use of the lamp, to prevent, if possible, theconsummation of the marriage. 

When Alla ad Deen had got into his chamber, he took the lamp, rubbed it in the same place as before, when immediately the genieappeared, and said to him, "What wouldst thou have? I am ready toobey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all those who have thatlamp in their possession; I and the other slaves of the lamp. ""Hear me, " said Alla ad Deen; "thou hast hitherto brought mewhatever I wanted as to provisions; but now I have business ofthe greatest importance for thee to execute. I have demanded theprincess Buddir al Buddoor in marriage of the sultan her father;he promised her to me, only requiring three months delay; butinstead of keeping that promise, has this night married her tothe grand vizier's son. What I ask of you is, that as soon as thebride and bridegroom are retired, you bring them both hither intheir bed. " "Master, " replied the genie, "I will obey you. Haveyou any other commands?" "None at present, " answered Alla adDeen; the genie then disappeared. 

Alla ad Deen having left his chamber, supped with his mother, with the same tranquillity of mind as usual; and after suppertalked of the princess's marriage as of an affair wherein he hadnot the least concern'; he then retired to his own chamber again, and left his mother to go to bed; but sat up waiting theexecution of his orders to the genie. 

In the meantime, everything was prepared with the greatestmagnificence in the sultan's palace to celebrate the princess'snuptials; and the evening was spent with all the usual ceremonies andgreat rejoicings till midnight, when the grand vizier's son, on asignal given him by the chief of the princess's eunuchs, slipped awayfrom the company, and was introduced by that officer into theprincess's apartment, where the nuptial bed was prepared. He went tobed first, and in a little time after, the sultaness, accompanied byher own women, and those of the princess, brought the bride, who, according to the custom of new-married ladies, made great resistance. The sultaness herself helped to undress her, put her into bed by akind of violence: and after having kissed her, and wished her goodnight, retired with the women to her own apartments. 

No sooner was the door shut, than the genie, as the faithfulslave of the lamp, and punctual in executing the command of thosewho possessed it, without giving the bridegroom the least time tocaress his bride, to the great amazement of them both, took upthe bed, and transported it in an instant into Alla ad Deen'schamber, where he set it down. 

Alla ad Deen, who had waited impatiently for this moment, did notsuffer the vizier's son to remain long in bed with the princess. "Takethis new-married man, " said he to the genie, "shut him up in theout-house, and come again tomorrow morning before day-break. " Thegenie instantly forced the vizier's son out of bed, carried himwhither Alla ad Deen had commanded him; and after he had breathed uponhim, which prevented him stirring, left him there. 

Passionate as was Alla ad Deen's love for the princess, he didnot talk much to her when they were alone; but only said with arespectful air, "Fear nothing, adorable princess, you are here insafety; for, notwithstanding the violence of my passion, whichyour charms have kindled, it shall never exceed the bounds of theprofound adoration I owe you. If I have been forced to come tothis extremity, it is not with any intention of affronting you, but to prevent an unjust rival's possessing you, contrary to thesultan your father's promise in favour of myself. "

The princess, who knew nothing of these particulars, gave verylittle attention to what Alla ad Deen could say. The fright andamazement of so surprising and unexpected an adventure hadalarmed her so much that he could not get one word from her. However, he undressed himself, took the bridegroom's place, butlay with his back to the princess, putting a sabre betweenhimself and her, to shew that he deserved to be put to death, ifhe attempted anything against her honour. Alla ad Deen, satisfiedwith having thus deprived his rival of the happiness he hadflattered himself with, slept very soundly, though the princessBuddir al Buddoor never passed a night so ill in her life; and ifwe consider the condition in which the genie left the grandvizier's son, we may imagine that the new bridegroom spent itmuch worse. 

Alla ad Deen had no occasion the next morning to rub the lamp tocall the genie; who appeared at the hour appointed, just when hehad done dressing himself, and said to him, "I am here, master, what are your commands?" "Go, " said Alla ad Deen, "fetch thevizier's son out of the place where you left him, put him intohis bed again, and carry it to the sultan's palace, from whenceyou brought it. " The genie presently returned with the vizier'sson. Alla ad Deen took up his sabre, the bridegroom was laid bythe princess, and in an instant the nuptial-bed was transportedinto the same chamber of the palace from whence it had beenbrought. But we must observe, that all this time the genie neverwas visible either to the princess or the grand vizier's son. Hishideous form would have made them die with fear. Neither did theyhear any thing of the discourse between Alla ad Deen and him;they only perceived the motion of the bed, and theirtransportation from one place to another; which we may wellimagine was enough to alarm them. 

As soon as the genie had set down the nuptial bed in its properplace, the sultan tapped at the door to wish her good morning. The grand vizier's son, who was almost perished with cold, bystanding in his thin under garment all night, and had not hadtime to warm himself in bed, no sooner heard the knocking at thedoor than he got out of bed, and ran into the robing-chamber, where he had undressed himself the night before. 

The sultan having opened the door, went to the bed-side, kissedthe princess between the eyes, according to custom, wishing her agood morrow, but was extremely surprised to see her somelancholy. She only cast at him a sorrowful look, expressive ofgreat affliction or great dissatisfaction. He said a few words toher; but finding that he could not get a word from her, attributed it to her modesty, and retired. Nevertheless, hesuspected that there was something extraordinary in this silence, and thereupon went immediately to the sultaness's apartment, toldher in what a state he had found the princess, and how she hadreceived him. "Sir, " said the sultaness, "your majesty ought notto be surprised at this behaviour; new-married people havenaturally a reserve about them; two or three days hence she willreceive the sultan her father as she ought: but I will go and seeher, " added she; "I am much deceived if she receives me in thesame manner. "

As soon as the sultaness was dressed, she went to the princess'sapartment, who was still in bed. She undrew the curtain, wishedher good morrow, and kissed her. But how great was her surprisewhen she returned no answer; and looking more attentively at her, she perceived her to be much dejected, which made her judge thatsomething had happened, which she did not understand "How comesit, child, " said the sultaness, "that you do not return mycaresses? Ought you to treat your mother after this manner? I aminduced to believe something extraordinary has happened; come, tell me freely, and leave me no longer in a painful suspense. "

At last the princess broke silence with a deep sigh, and said, "Alas! most honoured mother, forgive me if I have failed in therespect I owe you. My mind is so full of the extraordinarycircumstances which have befallen me this night, that I have notyet recovered my amazement and alarm. " She then told her, how theinstant after she and her husband were together, the bed wastransported into a dark dirty room, where he was taken from herand carried away, but where she knew not; and that she was leftalone with a young man, who, after he had said something to her, which her fright did not suffer her to hear, laid himself in herhusband's place, but first put his sabre between them; and in themorning her husband was brought to her again, when the bed wastransported back to her own chamber in an instant. "All this, "said she, "was but just done, when the sultan my father came intomy chamber. I was so overwhelmed with grief, that I had not powerto speak, and am afraid that he is offended at the manner inwhich I received the honour he did me; but I hope he will forgiveme, when he knows my melancholy adventure, and the miserablestate I am in at present. "

The sultaness heard all the princess told her very patiently, butwould not believe it. "You did well, child, " said she, "not tospeak of this to your father: take care not to mention it toanybody; for you will certainly be thought mad if you talk inthis manner. " "Madam, " replied the princess, "I can assure you Iam in my right senses; ask my husband, and he will tell you thesame circumstances. " "I will, " said the sultaness, "but if heshould talk in the same manner, I shall not be better persuadedof the truth. Come, rise, and throw off this idle fancy; it willbe a strange event, if all the feasts and rejoicings in thekingdom should be interrupted by such a vision. Do not you hearthe trumpets of congratulation, and concerts of the finest music?Cannot these inspire you with joy and pleasure, and make youforget the fancies of an imagination disturbed by what can havebeen only a dream?" At the same time the sultaness called theprincess's women, and after she had seen her get up, and begindressing, went to the sultan's apartment, told him that herdaughter had got some odd notions in her head, but that there wasnothing in them but idle phantasy. 

She then sent for the vizier's son, to know of him something ofwhat the princess had told her; but he, thinking himself highlyhonoured to be allied to the sultan, and not willing to lose theprincess, denied what had happened. "That is enough, " answeredthe sultaness, "I ask no more, I see you are wiser than mydaughter. "

The rejoicings lasted all that day in the palace, and thesultaness, who never left the princess, forgot nothing to diverther, and induce her to take part in the various diversions andshows; but she was so struck with the idea of what had happenedto her in the night, that it was easy to see her thoughts wereentirely taken up with it. Neither was the grand vizier's son inless tribulation, though his ambition made him disguise hisfeelings so well, that nobody doubted of his being a happybridegroom. 

Alla ad Deen, who was well acquainted with what passed in the palace, was sure the new-married couple were to sleep together again, notwithstanding the troublesome adventure of the night before; andtherefore, having as great an inclination to disturb them, hadrecourse to his lamp, and when the genie appeared, and offered hisservice, he said to him, "The grand vizier's son and the princessBuddir al Buddoor are to sleep together again to-night: go, and assoon as they are in bed, bring the bed hither, as thou didstyesterday. "

The genie obeyed as faithfully and exactly as the day before; thegrand vizier's son passed the night as coldly and disagreeably, and the princess had the mortification again to have Alla ad Deenfor her bed-fellow, with the sabre between them. The genie, according to orders, came the next morning, brought thebridegroom, laid him by his bride, and then carried the bed andnew-married couple back again to the palace. 

The sultan, after the reception the princess had given him, wasvery anxious to know how she had passed the second night, andtherefore went into her chamber as early as the morning before. The grand vizier's son, more ashamed and mortified with the illsuccess of this last night, no sooner heard him coming, than hejumped out of bed, and ran hastily into the robing-chamber. Thesultan went to the princess's bed-side, and after the samecaresses he had given her the former morning, bade her goodmorrow. "Well daughter, " said he, "are you in a better humourthan yesterday?" Still the princess was silent, and the sultanperceiving her to be more troubled, and in greater confusion thanbefore, doubted not that something very extraordinary was thecause; but provoked that his daughter should conceal it, he saidto her in a rage, with his sabre in his hand, "Daughter, tell mewhat is the matter, or I will cut off your head immediately. "

The princess, more frightened at the menaces and tone of theenraged sultan than at the sight of the drawn sabre, at lastbroke silence, and said with tears in her eyes, "My dear fatherand sultan, I ask your majesty's pardon if I have offended you, and hope, that out of your goodness and clemency you will havecompassion on me, when I shall have told you in what a miserablecondition I have spent this last night, as well as thepreceding. "

After this preamble, which appeased and affected the sultan, shetold him what had happened to her in so moving a manner, that he, who loved her tenderly, was most sensibly grieved. She added, "Ifyour majesty doubts the truth of this account, you may informyourself from my husband, who, I am persuaded, will tell you thesame thing. "

The sultan immediately felt all the extreme uneasiness sosurprising an adventure must have given the princess. "Daughter, "said he, "you are much to blame for not telling me thisyesterday, since it concerns me as much as yourself. I did notmarry you with an intention to make you miserable, but that youmight enjoy all the happiness you deserve and might hope for froma husband who to me seemed agreeable to you. Efface all thesetroublesome ideas from your memory; I will take care that youshall have no more disagreeable and insupportable nights. "

As soon as the sultan had returned to his own apartment, he sentfor the grand vizier: "Vizier, " said he, "have you seen your son, and has he told you anything?" The vizier replied, "No. " Thesultan related all the circumstances of which the princess hadinformed him, and afterwards said, "I do not doubt but that mydaughter has told me the truth; but nevertheless I should be gladto have it confirmed by your son, therefore go and ask him how itwas. "

The grand vizier went immediately to his son, communicated whatthe sultan had told him, and enjoined him to conceal nothing, butto relate the whole truth. "I will disguise nothing from you, father, " replied the son, "for indeed all that the princess hasstated is true; but what relates particularly to myself she knowsnothing of. Since my marriage, I have passed two nights beyondimagination or expression disagreeable, not to mention the frightI was in at finding my bed lifted four times, transported fromone place to another, without being able to guess how it wasdone. You may judge of the miserable condition I was in, passingtwo whole nights in nothing but my under vestments, standing in akind of closet, unable to stir out of the place or to make theleast movement, though I could not perceive any obstacle toprevent me. Yet I must tell you, that all this ill usage does notin the least lessen those sentiments of love, respect, andgratitude I entertain for the princess, and of which she is sodeserving; but I must confess, that notwithstanding all thehonour and splendour that attends marrying my sovereign'sdaughter, I would much rather die, than continue in so exalted analliance if I must undergo nightly much longer what I havealready endured. I do not doubt but that the princess entertainsthe same sentiments, and that she will readily agree to aseparation, which is so necessary both for her repose and mine. Therefore, father, I beg, by the same tenderness which led you toprocure me so great an honour, to obtain the sultan's consentthat our marriage may be declared null and void. "

Notwithstanding the grand vizier's ambition to have his sonallied to the sultan, the firm resolution he saw he had formed tobe separated from the princess made him not think it proper topropose to him to have patience for a few days, to see if thisdisappointment would not have an end; but he left him to give anaccount of what he had related to him, and without waiting tillthe sultan himself, whom he found disposed to it, spoke ofsetting aside the marriage, he begged of him to give his sonleave to retire from the palace, alleging it was not just thatthe princess should be a moment longer exposed to so terrible apersecution upon his son's account. 

The grand vizier found no great difficulty to obtain what heasked, as the sultan had determined already; orders were given toput a stop to all rejoicings in the palace and town, andexpresses dispatched to all parts of his dominions to countermandthem; and, in a short time, all rejoicings ceased. 

This sudden and unexpected change gave rise both in the city andkingdom to various speculations and inquiries; but no otheraccount could be given of it, except that both the vizier and hisson went out of the palace very much dejected. Nobody but Alla adDeen knew the secret. He rejoiced within himself at the happysuccess procured by his lamp, which now he had no more occasionto rub, to produce the genie to prevent the consummation of themarriage, as he had certain information it was broken off, andthat his rival had left the palace. Neither the sultan nor thegrand vizier, who had forgotten Alla ad Deen and his request, hadthe least thought that he had any concern in the enchantmentwhich caused the dissolution of the marriage. 

Alla ad Deen waited till the three months were completed, whichthe sultan had appointed for the consummation of the marriagebetween the princess Buddir al Buddoor and himself; and the nextday sent his mother to the palace, to remind the sultan of hispromise. 

Alla ad Deen's mother went to the palace, and stood in the sameplace as before in the hall of audience. The sultan no soonercast his eyes upon her than he knew her again, remembered herbusiness, and how long he had put her off: therefore when thegrand vizier was beginning to make his report, the sultaninterrupted him, and said, "Vizier, I see the good woman who mademe the present of jewels some months ago; forbear your report, till I have heard what she has to say. " The vizier looking aboutthe divan, perceived the tailor's widow, and sent the chief ofthe mace-bearers to conduct her to the sultan. 

Alla ad Deen's mother came to the foot of the throne, prostratedherself as usual, and when she rose, the sultan asked her whatshe would have. "Sir, " said she, "I come to represent to yourmajesty, in the name of my son Alla ad Deen, that the threemonths, at the end of which you ordered me to come again, areexpired; and to beg you to remember your promise. "

The sultan, when he had fixed a time to answer the request ofthis good woman, little thought of hearing any more of amarriage, which he imagined must be very disagreeable to theprincess, when he considered the meanness and poverty of herdress and appearance; but this summons for him to fulfill hispromise was somewhat embarrassing; he declined giving an answertill he had consulted his vizier, and signified to trim thelittle inclination he had to conclude a match for his daughterwith a stranger, whose rank he supposed to be very mean. 

The grand vizier freely told the sultan his thoughts, and said tohim, "In my opinion, sir, there is an infallible way for yourmajesty to avoid a match so disproportionable, without givingAlla ad Deen, were he known to your majesty, any cause ofcomplaint; which is, to set so high a price upon the princess, that, however rich he may be, he cannot comply with. This is theonly evasion to make him desist from so bold, not to say rash, anundertaking, which he never weighed before he engaged in it. "

The sultan, approving of the grand vizier's advice, turned to thetailor's widow, and said to her, "Good woman, it is true sultansought to abide by their word, and I am ready to keep mine, bymaking your son happy in marriage with the princess my daughter. But as I cannot marry her without some further valuableconsideration from your son, you may tell him, I will fulfill mypromise as soon as he shall send me forty trays of massive gold, full of the same sort of jewels you have already made me apresent of, and carried by the like number of black slaves, whoshall be led by as many young and handsome white slaves, alldressed magnificently. On these conditions I am ready to bestowthe princess my daughter upon him; therefore, good woman, go andtell him so, and I will wait till you bring me his answer. "

Alla ad Deen's mother prostrated herself a second time before thesultan's throne, and retired. In her way home, she laughed withinherself at her son's foolish imagination. "Where, " says she, "canhe get so many large gold trays, and such precious stones to fillthem? Must he go again to that subterraneous abode, the entranceinto which is stopped up, and gather them off the trees? Butwhere will he get so many such slaves as the sultan requires? Itis altogether out of his power, and I believe he will not be muchpleased with my embassy this time. " When she came home, full ofthese thoughts, she said to her son, "Indeed, child, I would nothave you think any farther of your marriage with the princess. The sultan received me very kindly, and I believe he was wellinclined to you; but if I am not much deceived the grand vizierhas made him change his mind, as you will guess from what I haveto tell you. After I had represented to his majesty that thethree months were expired, and begged of him to remember hispromise, I observed that he whispered with his grand vizierbefore he gave me his answer. " She then gave her son an exactaccount of what the sultan had said to her, and the conditions onwhich he consented to the match. Afterwards she said to him, "Thesultan expects your answer immediately; but, " continued she, laughing, "I believe he may wait long enough. "

"Not so long, mother, as you imagine, " replied Alla ad Deen: "thesultan is mistaken, if he thinks by this exorbitant demand toprevent my entertaining thoughts of the princess. I expectedgreater difficulties, and that he would have set a higher priceupon her incomparable charms. I am very well pleased; his demandis but a trifle to what I could have done for her. But while Ithink of satisfying his request, go and get something for ourdinner, and leave the rest to me. "

As soon as his mother was gone out to market, Alla ad Deen tookthe lamp, and rubbing it, the genie appeared, and offered hisservice as usual. "The sultan, " said Alla ad Deen to him, "givesme the princess his daughter in marriage; but demands first fortylarge trays of massive gold, full of the fruits of the gardenfrom whence I took this lamp; and these he expects to havecarried by as many black slaves, each preceded by a younghandsome white slave, richly clothed. Go, and fetch me thispresent as soon as possible, that I may send it to him before thedivan breaks up. "

The genie told him his command should be immediately obeyed, anddisappeared. 

In a little time afterwards the genie returned with forty blackslaves, each bearing on his head a heavy tray of pure gold, fullof pearls, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and every sort of preciousstones, all larger and more beautiful than those presented to thesultan. Each tray was covered with silver tissue, embroideredwith flowers of gold; these, together with the white slaves, quite filled the house, which was but a small one, the littlecourt before it, and a small garden behind. The genie asked if hehad any other commands, and Alla ad Deen telling him that hewanted nothing farther, he disappeared. 

When Alla ad Deen's mother came from market, she was muchsurprised to see so many people and such vast riches. As soon asshe had laid down her provisions, she was going to pull off herveil; but he prevented her, and said, "Mother, let us lose notime; before the sultan and the divan rise, I would have youreturn to the palace with this present as the dowry demanded forthe princess, that he may judge by my diligence and exactness ofthe ardent and sincere desire I have to procure myself the honourof this alliance. " Without waiting for his mother's reply, Allaad Deen opened the street-door, and made the slaves walk out;each white slave followed by a black with a tray upon his head. When they were all out, the mother followed the last black slave;he shut the door, and then retired to his chamber, full of hopesthat the sultan, after this present, which was such as herequired, would receive him as his son-in-law. 

The first white slave who went out made all the people who weregoing by stop; and before they were all clear of the house, thestreets were crowded with spectators, who ran to see soextraordinary and magnificent a procession. The dress of eachslave was so rich, both for the stuff and the jewels, that thosewho were dealers in them valued each at no less than a million ofmoney; besides the neatness and propriety of the dress, the nobleair, fine shape and proportion of each slave were unparalleled;their grave walk at an equal distance from each other, the lustreof the jewels curiously set in their girdles of gold, inbeautiful symmetry, and the egrets of precious stones in theirturbans, which were of an unusual but elegant taste, put thespectators into such great admiration, that they could not avoidgazing at them, and following them with their eyes as far aspossible; but the streets were so crowded with people, that nonecould move out of the spot they stood on. As they had to passthrough several streets to the palace, a great part of the cityhad an opportunity of seeing them. As soon as the first of theseslaves arrived at the palace gate, the porters formed themselvesinto order, taking him for a prince from the richness andmagnificence of his habit, and were going to kiss the hem of hisgarment; but the slave, who was instructed by the genie, prevented them, and said, "We are only slaves, our master willappear at a proper time. "

The first slave, followed by the rest, advanced into the secondcourt, which was very spacious, and in which the sultan'shousehold was ranged during the sitting of the divan. Themagnificence of the officers, who stood at the head of theirtroops, was considerably eclipsed by the slaves who bore Alla adDeen's present, of which they themselves made a part. Nothing wasever seen so beautiful and brilliant in the sultan's palace; andall the lustre of the lords of his court was not to be comparedto them. 

As the sultan, who had been informed of their march, and approachto the palace, had given orders for them to be admitted, they metwith no obstacle, but went into the divan in regular order, onepart filing to the right, and the other to the left. After theywere all entered, and had formed a semicircle before the sultan'sthrone, the black slaves laid the golden trays on the carpet, prostrated themselves, touching the carpet with their foreheads, and at the same time the white slaves did the same. When theyrose, the black slaves uncovered the trays, and then all stoodwith their arms crossed over their breasts. 

In the meantime Alla ad Deen's mother advanced to the foot of thethrone, and having paid her respects, said to the sultan, "Sir, my son is sensible this present, which he has sent your majesty, is much below the princess Buddir al Buddoor's worth; but hopes, nevertheless, that your majesty will accept of it, and make itagreeable to the princess, and with the greater confidence sincehe has endeavoured to conform to the conditions you were pleasedto impose. "

The sultan was not able to give the least attention to thiscompliment. The moment he cast his eyes on the forty trays, fullof the most precious, brilliant, and beautiful jewels he had everseen, and the fourscore slaves, who appeared by the elegance oftheir persons, and the richness and magnificence of their dress, like so many princes, he was so struck, that he could not recoverfrom his admiration. Instead of answering the compliment of Allaad Deen's mother, he addressed himself to the grand vizier, whocould not any more than the sultan comprehend from whence such aprofusion of richness could come. "Well, vizier, " said he aloud, "who do you think it can be that has sent me so extraordinary apresent, and neither of us know? Do you think him worthy of theprincess Buddir al Buddoor, my daughter?"

The vizier, notwithstanding his envy and grief to see a strangerpreferred to be the sultan's son-in-law before his son, durst notdisguise his sentiments. It was too visible that Alla ad Deen'spresent was more than sufficient to merit his being received intoroyal alliance; therefore, consulting his master's feelings, hereturned this answer: "I am so far from having any thoughts thatthe person who has made your majesty so noble a present isunworthy of the honour you would do him, that I should say hedeserved much more, if I was not persuaded that the greatesttreasure in the world ought not to be put in competition with theprincess your majesty's daughter. " This speech was applauded byall the lords who were then in council. 

The sultan made no longer hesitation, nor thought of informinghimself whether Alla ad Deen was endowed with all thequalifications requisite in one who aspired to be his son-in-law. The sight alone of such immense riches, and Alla ad Deen'squickness in satisfying his demand, without starting the leastdifficulty at the exorbitant conditions he had imposed, easilypersuaded him, that he could want nothing to render himaccomplished, and such as he desired. Therefore, to send Alla adDeen's mother back with all the satisfaction she could desire, hesaid to her, "My good lady, go and tell your son that I wait withopen arms to embrace him, and the more haste he makes to come andreceive the princess my daughter from my hands, the greaterpleasure he will do me. "

As soon as the tailor's widow had retired, overjoyed as a womanin her condition must have been, to see her son raised beyond allexpectations to such exalted fortune, the sultan put an end tothe audience; and rising from his throne, ordered that theprincess's eunuchs should come and carry the trays into theirmistress's apartment, whither he went himself to examine themwith her at his leisure. The fourscore slaves were conducted into the palace; and the sultan, telling the princess of theirmagnificent appearance, ordered them to be brought before herapartment, that she might see through the lattices he had notexaggerated in his account of them. 

In the meantime Alla ad Deen's mother got home, and shewed in herair and countenance the good news she brought her son "My son, "said she to him, "you have now all the reason in the world to bepleased: you are, contrary to my expectations, arrived at theheight of your desires. Not to keep you too long in suspense, thesultan, with the approbation of the whole court, has declaredthat you are worthy to possess the princess Buddir al Buddoor, waits to embrace you and conclude your marriage; therefore, youmust think of making some preparations for your interview, whichmay answer the high opinion he has formed of your person; andafter the wonders I have seen you do, I am persuaded nothing canbe wanting. But I must not forget to tell you the sultan waitsfor you with great impatience, therefore lose no time in payingyour respects. "

Alla ad Deen, enraptured with this news, and full of the objectwhich possessed his soul, made his mother very little reply, butretired to his chamber. There, after he had rubbed his lamp, which had never failed him in whatever he wished for, theobedient genie appeared. "Genie, " said Alla ad Deen, "I want tobathe immediately, and you must afterwards provide me the richestand most magnificent habit ever worn by a monarch. " No soonerwere the words out of his mouth than the genie rendered him, aswell as himself, invisible, and transported him into a hummum ofthe finest marble of all sorts of colours; where he wasundressed, without seeing by whom, in a magnificent and spacioushall. From the hall he was led to the bath, which was of amoderate heat, and he was there rubbed and washed with variousscented waters. After he had passed through several degrees ofheat, he came out, quite a different man from what he was before. His skin was clear white and red, his body lightsome and free;and when he returned into the hall, he found, instead of his own, a suit, the magnificence of which astonished him. The geniehelped him to dress, and when he had done, transported him backto his own chamber, where he asked him if he had any othercommands. "Yes, " answered Alla ad Deen, "I expect you to bring meas soon as possible a charger, that surpasses in beauty andgoodness the best in the sultan's stables, with a saddle, bridle, and other caparisons worth a million of money. I want also twentyslaves, as richly clothed as those who carried the present to thesultan, to walk by my side and follow me, and twenty more to gobefore me in two ranks. Besides these, bring my mother six womenslaves to attend her, as richly dressed at least as any of theprincess Buddir al Buddoor's, each carrying a complete dress fitfor any sultaness. I want also ten thousand pieces of gold in tenpurses; go, and make haste. "

As soon as Alla ad Deen had given these orders, the geniedisappeared, but presently returned with the horse, the fortyslaves, ten of whom carried each a purse containing ten thousandpieces of gold, and six women slaves, each carrying on her head adifferent dress for Alla ad Deen's mother, wrapped up in a pieceof silver tissue, and presented them all to Alla ad Deen. 

Of the ten purses Alla ad Deen took four, which he gave to hismother, telling her, those were to supply her with necessaries;the other six he left in the hands of the slaves who broughtthem, with an order to throw them by handfuls among the people asthey went to the sultan's palace. The six slaves who carried thepurses he ordered likewise to march before him, three on theright hand and three on the left. Afterwards he presented the sixwomen slaves to his mother, telling her they were her slaves, andthat the dresses they had brought were for her use. 

When Alla ad Deen had thus settled matters, he told the genie hewould call for him when he wanted him, and thereupon the geniedisappeared. Alla ad Deen's thoughts now were only uponanswering, as soon as possible, the desire the sultan had shownto see him. He dispatched one of the forty slaves to the palace, with an order to address himself to the chief of the porters, toknow when he might have the honour to come and throw himself atthe sultan's feet. The slave soon acquitted himself of hiscommission, and brought for answer, that the sultan waited forhim with impatience. 

Alla ad Deen immediately mounted his charger, and began hismarch, in the order we have already described; and though henever was on horseback before, appeared with such extraordinarygrace, that the most experienced horseman would not have takenhim for a novice. The streets through which he was to pass werealmost instantly filled with an innumerable concourse of people, who made the air echo with acclamations, especially every timethe six slaves who carried the purses threw handfuls of goldamong the populace. Neither did these acclamations and shouts ofjoy come from those alone who scrambled for the money, but from asuperior rank of people, who could not forbear applauding Alla adDeen's generosity. Not only those who knew him when he played inthe streets like a vagabond did not recollect him, but those whosaw him but a little while before hardly recognised him, so muchwere his features altered: such were the effects of the lamp, asto procure by degrees to those who possessed it perfectionssuitable to the rank to which the right use of it advanced them. Much more attention was paid to Alla ad Deen's person than to thepomp and magnificence of his attendants, as a similar show hadbeen seen the day before when the slaves walked in processionwith the present to the sultan. Nevertheless the horse was muchadmired by good judges, who knew how to discern his beauties, without being dazzled by the jewels and richness of thefurniture. When the report was everywhere spread, that the sultanwas going to give the princess in marriage to Alla ad Deen, nobody regarded his birth, nor envied his good fortune, so worthyhe seemed of it in the public opinion. 

When he arrived at the palace, everything was prepared for hisreception; and when he came to the gate of the second court, hewould have alighted from his horse, agreeably to the customobserved by the grand vizier, the commander in chief of theempire, and governors of provinces of the first rank; but thechief of the mace-bearers who waited on him by the sultan's orderprevented him, and attended him to the grand hall of audience, where he helped him to dismount; though Alla ad Deen endeavouredto prevent him, but could not prevail. The officers formedthemselves into two ranks at the entrance of the hall. The chiefput Alla ad Deen on his right hand, and through the midst of themled him to the sultan's throne. 

As soon as the sultan perceived Alla ad Deen, he was no lesssurprised to see him more richly and magnificently habited thanever he had been himself, than struck at his good mien, fineshape, and a certain air of unexpected dignity, very differentfrom the meanness of his mother's late appearance. 

But, notwithstanding, his amazement and surprise did not hinderhim from rising off his throne, and descending two or threesteps, quick enough to prevent Alla ad Deen's throwing himself athis feet. He embraced him with all the demonstrations of joy athis arrival. After this civility Alla ad Deen would have thrownhimself at his feet again; but he held him fast by the hand, andobliged him to sit close to the throne. 

Alla ad Deen then addressed the sultan, saying, "I receive thehonour which your majesty out of your great condescension ispleased to confer; but permit me to assure you, that I have notforgotten that I am your slave; that I know the greatness of yourpower, and that I am not in sensible how much my birth is belowthe splendour and lustre of the high rank to which I am raised. If any way, " continued he, "I could have merited so favourable areception, I confess I owe it merely to the boldness which chanceinspired in me to raise my eyes, thoughts, and desires to thedivine princess, who is the object of my wishes. I ask yourmajesty's pardon for my rashness, but I cannot dissemble, that Ishould die with grief were I to lose my hopes of seeing themaccomplished. "

"My son, " answered the sultan, embracing him a second time, "youwould wrong me to doubt for a moment of my sincerity: your lifefrom this moment is too dear to me not to preserve it, bypresenting you with the remedy which is at my disposal. I preferthe pleasure of seeing and hearing you before all your treasureadded to my own. "

After these words, the sultan gave a signal, and immediately theair echoed with the sound of trumpets, hautboys, and othermusical instruments: and at the same time the sultan led Alla adDeen into a magnificent hall, where was laid out a most splendidcollation. The sultan and Alla ad Deen ate by themselves, whilethe grand vizier and the great lords of the court, according totheir dignity and rank, sat at different tables. The conversationturned on different subjects; but all the while the sultan tookso much pleasure in looking at his intended son-in-law, that hehardly ever took his eyes off him; and throughout the whole oftheir conversation Alla ad Deen showed so much good sense, asconfirmed the sultan in the high opinion he had formed of him. 

After the feast, the sultan sent for the chief judge of hiscapital, and ordered him to draw up immediately a contract ofmarriage between the princess Buddir al Buddoor his daughter andAlla ad Deen. In the mean time the sultan and he entered intoanother conversation on various subjects, in the presence of thegrand vizier and the lords of the court, who all admired thesolidity of his wit, the great ease and freedom wherewith hedelivered himself, the justness of his remarks, and his energy inexpressing them. 

When the judge had drawn up the contract in all the requisiteforms, the sultan asked Alla ad Deen if he would stay in thepalace, and solemnize the ceremonies of marriage that day. Towhich he answered, "Sir, though great is my impatience to enjoyyour majesty's goodness, yet I beg of you to give me leave todefer it till I have built a palace fit to receive the princess;therefore I petition you to grant me a convenient spot of groundnear your palace, that I may the more frequently pay my respects, and I will take care to have it finished with all diligence. ""Son, " said the sultan, "take what ground you think proper, thereis space enough on every quarter round my palace; but consider, Icannot see you too soon united with my daughter, which alone iswanting to complete my happiness. " After these words he embracedAlla ad Deen again, who took his leave with as much politeness asif he had been bred up and had always lived at court. 

Alla ad Deen returned home in the order he had come, amidst theacclamations of the people, who wished him all happiness andprosperity. As soon as he dismounted, he retired to his ownchamber, took the lamp, and called the genie as before, who inthe usual manner made him a tender of his service. "Genie, " saidAlla ad Deen, "I have every reason to commend your exactness inexecuting hitherto punctually whatever I have demanded; but nowif you have any regard for the lamp your protector, you mustshow, if possible, more zeal and diligence than ever. I wouldhave you build me, as soon as you can, a palace opposite, but ata proper distance from the sultan's, fit to receive my spouse theprincess Buddir al Buddoor. I leave the choice of the materialsto you, that is to say, porphyry, jasper, agate, lapis lazuli, orthe finest marble of various colours, and also the architectureof the building. But I expect that on the terraced roof of thispalace you will build me a large hall crowned with a dome, andhaving four equal fronts; and that instead of layers of bricks, the walls be formed of massive gold and silver, laid alternately;that each front shall contain six windows, the lattices of allwhich, except one, which must be left unfinished, shall be soenriched in the most tasteful workmanship, with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, that they shall exceed every thing of the kind everseen in the world. I would have an inner and outer court in frontof the palace, and a spacious garden; but above all things, takecare that there be laid in a place which you shall point out tome a treasure of gold and silver coin. Besides, the edifice mustbe well provided with kitchens and offices, storehouses, androoms to keep choice furniture in, for every season of the year. I must have stables full of the finest horses, with theirequerries and grooms, and hunting equipage. There must beofficers to attend the kitchens and offices, and women slaves towait on the princess. You understand what I mean; therefore goabout it, and come and tell me when all is finished. "

By the time Alla ad Deen had instructed the genie resetting thebuilding of his palace, the sun was set. The next morning, beforebreak of day, our bridegroom, whose love for the princess wouldnot let him sleep, was up, when the genie presented himself, andsaid, "Sir, your palace is finished, come and see how you likeit. " Alla ad Deen had no sooner signified his consent, than thegenie transported him thither in an instant, and he found it somuch beyond his expectation, that he could not enough admire it. The genie led him through all the apartments, where he met withnothing but what was rich and magnificent, with officers andslaves, all habited according to their rank and the services towhich they were appointed. The genie then showed him thetreasury, which was opened by a treasurer, where Alla ad Deen sawheaps of purses, of different sizes, piled up to the top of theceiling, and disposed in most excellent order. The genie assuredhim of the treasurer's fidelity, and thence led him to thestables, where he showed him some of the finest horses in theworld, and the grooms busy in dressing them; from thence theywent to the store-houses, which were filled with all thingsnecessary, both for food and ornament. 

When Alla ad Deen had examined the palace from top to bottom, andparticularly the hall with the four-and-twenty windows, and foundit much beyond whatever he could have imagined, he said, "Genie, no one can be better satisfied than I am; and indeed I should bemuch to blame if I found any fault. There is only one thingwanting which I forgot to mention; that is, to lay from thesultan's palace to the door of the apartment designed for theprincess, a carpet of fine velvet for her to walk upon. " Thegenie immediately disappeared, and Alla ad Deen saw what hedesired executed in an instant. The genie then returned, andcarried him home before the gates of the sultan's palace wereopened. 

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 to see a carpet of velvet spread from the grand entrance. They did not immediately look how far it extended; but when theycould discern Alla ad Deen's palace distinctly, their surprisewas increased. The news of so extraordinary a wonder waspresently spread through the palace. The grand vizier, whoarrived soon after the gates were open, being no less amazed thanothers at this novelty, ran and acquainted the sultan, butendeavoured to make him believe it to be all enchantment. "Vizier, " replied the sultan, "why will you have it to beenchantment? You know as well as I that it must be Alla ad Deen'spalace, which I gave him leave to build, for the reception of mydaughter. After the proof we have had of his riches, can we thinkit strange, that he should raise a palace in so short a time? Hewished to surprise us, and let us see what wonders are to be donewith money in only one night. Confess sincerely that theenchantment you talk of proceeds from a little envy on account ofyour son's disappointment. " The hour of going to council put anend to the conversation. 

When Alla ad Deen had been conveyed home, and had dismissed thegenie, he found his mother up, and dressing herself in one ofthose suits which had been brought her. By the time the sultanrose from the council, Alla ad Deen had prepared his mother to goto the palace with her slaves, and desired her, if she saw thesultan, to tell him she should do herself the honour to attendthe princess towards evening to her palace. Accordingly she went;but though she and the women slaves who followed her were alldressed like sultanesses, yet the crowd was not near so great asthe preceding day, because they were all veiled, and had each anupper garment on agreeable to the richness and magnificence oftheir habits. Alla ad Deen mounted his horse, and took leave ofhis paternal house forever, taking care not to forget hiswonderful lamp, by the assistance of which he had reaped suchadvantages, and arrived at the utmost height of his wishes, andwent to the palace in the same pomp as the day before. 

As soon as the porters of the sultan's palace saw Alla ad Deen'smother, they went and informed the sultan, who immediatelyordered the bands of trumpets, cymbals, drums, fifes andhautboys, placed in different parts of the palace, to play, sothat the air resounded with concerts which inspired the wholecity with joy: the merchants began to adorn their shops andhouses with fine carpets and silks, and to prepare illuminationsagainst night. The artisans of every description left their work, and the populace repaired to the great space between the royalpalace and that of Alla ad Deen; which last drew all theirattention, not only because it was new to them, but because therewas no comparison between the two buildings. But their amazementwas to comprehend by what unheard-of miracle so magnificent apalace could have been so soon erected, it being apparent to allthat there were no prepared materials, or any foundations laidthe day before. 

Alla ad Deen's mother was received in the palace with honour, andintroduced into the princess Buddir al Buddoor's apartment by thechief of the eunuchs. As soon as the princess saw her, she rose, saluted, and desired her to sit down on a sofa; and while herwomen finished dressing and adorning her with the jewels whichAlla ad Deen had presented to her, a collation was served up. Atthe same time the sultan, who wished to be as much with hisdaughter as possible before he parted with her, came in and paidthe old lady great respect. Alla ad Deen's mother had talked tothe sultan in public, but he had never seen her with her veiloff, as she was then; and though she was somewhat advanced inyears, she had the remains of a good face, which showed what shehad been in her youth. The sultan, who had always seen herdressed very meanly, not to say poorly, was surprised to find heras richly and magnificently attired as the princess his daughter. This made him think Alla ad Deen equally prudent and wise inwhatever he undertook. 

When it was night, the princess took her leave of the sultan herfather: their adieus were tender, and accompanied with tears. They embraced each other several times, and at last the princessleft her own apartment for Alla ad Deen's palace, with his motheron her left hand carried in a superb litter, followed by ahundred women slaves, dressed with surprising magnificence. Allthe bands of music, which had played from the time Alla ad Deen'smother arrived, being joined together, led the procession, followed by a hundred state ushers, and the like number of blackeunuchs, in two files, with their officers at their head. Fourhundred of the sultan's young pages carried flambeaux on eachside, which, together with the illuminations of the sultan's andAlla ad Deen's palaces, made it as light as day. 

In this order the princess proceeded in her litter on the carpet, which was spread from the sultan's palace, preceded by bands ofmusicians, who, as they advanced, joining with those on theterraces of Alla ad Deen's palace, formed a concert, whichincreased the joyful sensations not only of the crowd assembledin the great square, but of the metropolis and its environs. 

At length the princess arrived at the new palace. Alla ad Deenran with all imaginable joy to receive her at the grand entrance. His mother had taken care to point him out to the princess, inthe midst of the officers who surrounded him, and she was charmedwith his person. "Adorable princess, " said Alla ad Deen, accosting her, and saluting her respectfully, as soon as she hadentered her apartment, "if I have the misfortune to havedispleased you by my boldness in aspiring to the possession of solovely a princess, and my sultan's daughter, I must tell you, that you ought to blame your bright eyes and charms, not me. ""Prince (as I may now call you), " answered the princess, "I amobedient to the will of my father; and it is enough for me tohave seen you to tell you that I obey without reluctance. "

Alla ad Deen, charmed with so agreeable and satisfactory ananswer, would not keep the princess standing; but took her by thehand, which he kissed with the greatest demonstration of joy, andled her into a large hall, illuminated with an infinite number ofwax candles, where, by the care of the genie, a noble feast wasserved up. The dishes were of massive gold, and contained themost delicate viands. The vases, basins, and goblets, were goldalso, and of exquisite workmanship, and all the other ornamentsand embellishments of the hall were answerable to this display. The princess, dazzled to see so much riches collected in oneplace, said to Alla ad Deen, "I thought, prince, that nothing inthe world was so beautiful as the sultan my father's palace, butthe sight of this hall alone is sufficient to show I wasdeceived. "

Alla ad Deen led the princess to the place appointed for her, andas soon as she and his mother were seated, a band of the mostharmonious instruments, accompanied with the voices of beautifulladies, began a concert, which lasted without intermission to theend of the repast. The princess was so charmed, that she declaredshe had never heard anything like it in the sultan her father'scourt; but she knew not that these musicians were fairies chosenby the genie, the slave of the lamp. 

When the supper was ended, there entered a company of femaledancers, who performed, according to the custom of the country, several figure dances, singing at the same time verses in praiseof the bride and bridegroom. About midnight Alla ad Deen's motherconducted the bride to the nuptial apartment, and he soon afterretired. 

The next morning when Alla ad Deen left the bridal chamber, hisattendants presented themselves to dress him, and brought himanother habit as rich and magnificent as that worn the daybefore. He then ordered one of the horses appointed for his useto be got ready, mounted him, and went in the midst of a largetroop of slaves to the sultan's palace. The sultan received himwith the same honours as before, embraced him, placed him on thethrone near him, and ordered a collation. Alla ad Deen said, "Ibeg your majesty will dispense with my eating with you to-day; Icame to entreat you to take a repast in the princess's palace, attended by your grand vizier, and all the lords of your court. "The sultan consented with pleasure, rose up immediately, and, preceded by the principal officers of his palace, and followed byall the great lords of his court, accompanied Alla ad Deen. 

The nearer the sultan approached Alla ad Deen's palace, the morehe was struck with its beauty, but was much more amazed when heentered it; and could not forbear breaking out into exclamationsof approbation. But when he came into the hall, and cast his eyeson the windows, enriched with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, alllarge perfect stones, he was so much surprised, that he remainedsome time motionless. After he recovered himself, he said to hisvizier, "Is it possible that there should be such a statelypalace so near my own, and I be an utter stranger to it tillnow?" "Sir, " replied the grand vizier, "your majesty may rememberthat the day before yesterday you gave Alla ad Deen, whom youaccepted for your son-in-law, leave to build a palace oppositeyour own, and that very day at sunset there was no palace on thisspot, but yesterday I had the honour first to tell you that thepalace was built and finished. " "I remember, " replied the sultan, "but never imagined that the palace was one of the wonders of theworld; for where in all the world besides shall we find wallsbuilt of massive gold and silver, instead of brick, stone, ormarble; and diamonds, rubies, and emeralds composing thewindows!"

The sultan would examine and admire the beauty of all the windows, andcounting them, found that there were but three-and-twenty so richlyadorned, and he was greatly astonished that the twenty-fourth was leftimperfect. "Vizier, " said he, for that minister made a point of neverleaving him, "I am surprised that a hall of this magnificence shouldbe left thus imperfect. " "Sir, " replied the grand vizier, "withoutdoubt Alla ad Deen only wanted time to finish this window like therest; for it is not to be supposed but that he has sufficient jewelsfor the purpose, or that he will not complete it the firstopportunity. "

Alla ad Deen, who had left the sultan to go and give some orders, returned just as the vizier had finished his remark. "Son, " saidthe sultan to him, "this hall is the most worthy of admiration ofany in the world; there is only one thing that surprises me, which is to find one of the windows unfinished. Is it from theforgetfulness or negligence of the workmen, or want of time, thatthey have not put the finishing stroke to so beautiful a piece ofarchitecture?" "Sir, " answered Alla ad Deen, "it was for none ofthese reasons that your majesty sees it in this state. Theomission was by design, it was by my orders that the workmen leftit thus, since I wished that your majesty should have the gloryof finishing this hall, and of course the palace. " "If you did itwith this intention, " replied the sultan, "I take it kindly, andwill give orders about it immediately. " He accordingly sent forthe most considerable jewellers and goldsmiths in his capital. 

Alla ad Deen then conducted the sultan into the saloon where hehad regaled his bride the preceding night. The princess enteredimmediately afterwards, and received the sultan her father withan air that showed how happy she was with her marriage. Twotables were immediately spread with the most delicious meats, allserved up in gold dishes. The sultan, princess, Alla ad Deen, hismother, and the grand vizier, sat down at the first, and all thelords of the court at the second, which was very long. The sultanwas much pleased with the cookery, and owned he had never eatenanything more excellent. He said the same of the wines, whichwere delicious; but what he most of all admired, were four largesideboards, profusely furnished with large flagons, basins, andcups, all of massive gold, set with jewels. He was besidescharmed with several bands of music, which were ranged along thehall, and formed most agreeable concerts. 

When the sultan rose from table, he was informed that thejewellers and goldsmiths attended; upon which he returned to thehall, and showed them the window which was unfinished. "I sentfor you, " said he, "to fit up this window in as great perfectionas the rest; examine them well and make all the dispatch youcan. "

The jewellers and goldsmiths examined the three-and-twentywindows with great attention, and after they had consultedtogether, to know what each could furnish, they returned, andpresented themselves before the sultan, whose principal jeweller, undertaking to speak for the rest, said, "Sir, we are all willingto exert our utmost care and industry to obey your majesty; butamong us all we cannot furnish jewels enough for so great awork. " "I have more than are necessary, " said the sultan; "cometo my palace, and you shall choose what may answer your purpose. "

When the sultan returned to his palace, he ordered his jewels tobe brought out, and the jewellers took a great quantity, particularly those Alla ad Deen had made him a present of, whichthey soon used, without making any greet advance in their work. They came again several times for more, and in a month's time hadnot finished half their work. In short, they used all the jewelsthe sultan had, and borrowed of the vizier, but yet the work wasnot half done. 

Alla ad Deen, who knew that all the sultan's endeavours to makethis window like the rest were in vain, sent for the jewellersand goldsmiths, and not only commanded them to desist from theirwork, but ordered them to undo what they had begun, and to carryall their jewels back to the sultan and to the vizier. They undidin a few hours what they had been six weeks about, and retired, leaving Alla ad Deen alone in the hall. He took the lamp which hecarried about him, rubbed it, and presently the genie appeared. "Genie, " said Alla ad Deen, "I ordered thee to leave one of thefour-and-twenty windows of this hall imperfect, and thus hastexecuted my commands punctually; now I would have thee make itlike the rest. " The genie immediately disappeared. Alla ad Deenwent out of the hall, and returning soon after, found the window, as he wished it to be, like the others. 

In the meantime, the jewellers and goldsmiths repaired to the palace, and were introduced into the sultan's presence; where the chiefjeweller, presenting the precious stones which he had brought back, said, in the name of all the rest, "Your majesty knows how long wehave been upon the work you were pleased to set us about, in which weused all imaginable industry. It was far advanced, when prince Alla adDeen commanded us not only to leave off, but to undo what we hadalready begun, and bring your majesty your jewels back. " The sultanasked them if Alla ad Deen had given them any reason for so doing, andthey answering that he had given them none, he ordered a horse to bebrought, which he mounted, and rode to his son-in law's palace, withsome few attendants on foot. When he came there, he alighted at thestair-case, which led up to the hall with the twenty-four windows, andwent directly up to it, without giving previous notice to Alla adDeen; but it happened that at that very juncture Alla ad Deen wasopportunely there, and had just time to receive him at the door. 

The sultan, without giving Alla ad Deen time to complainobligingly of his not having given notice, that he might haveacquitted himself with the more becoming respect, said to him, "Son, I come myself to know the reason why you commanded thejewellers to desist from work, and take to pieces what they haddone. "

Alla ad Deen disguised the true reason, which was, that thesultan was not rich enough in jewels to be at so great anexpense, but said, "I beg of you now to see if any thing iswanting. "

The sultan went directly to the window which was left imperfect, and when he found it like the rest, fancied that he was mistaken, examined the two windows on each side, and afterwards all thefour-and-twenty; but when he was convinced that the window whichseveral workmen had been so long about was finished in so short atime, he embraced Alla ad Deen, and kissed him between his eyes. "My son, " said he, "what a man you are to do such surprisingthings always in the twinkling of an eye; there is not yourfellow in the world; the more I know, the more I admire you. "

Alla ad Deen received these praises from the sultan with modesty, and replied in these words: "Sir, it is a great honour to me todeserve your majesty's good-will and approbation, and I assureyou, I shall study to deserve them more. "

The sultan returned to his palace, but would not let Alla ad Deenattend him. When he came there, he found his grand vizierwaiting, to whom he related the wonder he had witnessed, with theutmost admiration, and in such terms as left the minister no roomto doubt but that the facet was as the sultan related it; thoughhe was the more confirmed in his belief, that Alla ad Deen'spalace was the effect of enchantment, as he had told the sultanthe first moment he saw it. He was going to repeat theobservation, but the sultan interrupted him, and said, "You toldme so once before; I see, vizier, you have not forgotten yourson's espousals to my daughter. " The frank vizier plainly saw howmuch the sultan was prepossessed, therefore avoided disputes andlet him remain in his own opinion. The sultan as soon as he roseevery morning went into the closet, to look at Alla ad Deen'spalace, and would go many times in a day to contemplate andadmire it. 

Alla ad Deen did not confine himself in his palace; but took careto shew himself once or twice a week in the town, by goingsometimes to one mosque, and sometimes to another, to prayers, orto visit the grand vizier, who affected to pay his court to himon certain days, or to do the principal lords of the court thehonour to return their visits after he had regaled them at hispalace. Every time he went out, he caused two slaves, who walkedby the side of his horse, to throw handfuls of money among thepeople as he passed through the streets and squares, which weregenerally on those occasions crowded. Besides, no one came to hispalace gates to ask alms, but returned satisfied with hisliberality. In short, he so divided his time, that not a weekpassed but he went either once or twice a hunting, sometimes inthe environs of the city, sometimes farther off; at which timethe villages through which he passed felt the effects of hisgenerosity, which gained him the love and blessings of thepeople: and it was common for them to swear by his head. Thus, without giving the least umbrage to the sultan, to whom he paidall imaginable respect, Alla ad Deen, by his affable behaviourand liberality, had won the affections of the people, and wasmore beloved than the sultan himself. With all these goodqualities he shewed a courage and a zeal for the public goodwhich could not be sufficiently applauded. He gave sufficientproofs of both in a revolt on the borders of the kingdom; for heno sooner understood that the sultan was levying an army todisperse the rebels than he begged the command of it, which hefound not difficult to obtain. As soon as he was empowered, hemarched with so much expedition, that the sultan heard of thedefeat of the rebels before he had received an account of hisarrival in the army. And though this action rendered his namefamous throughout the kingdom, it made no alteration in hisdisposition; but he was as affable after his victory as before. 

Alla ad Deen had conducted himself in this manner several years, when the African magician, who undesignedly had been theinstrument of raising him to so high a pitch of prosperity, recalled him to his recollection in Africa, whither, after hisexpedition, he had returned. And though he was almost persuadedthat Alla ad Deen must have died miserably in the subterraneousabode where he had left him, yet he had the curiosity to informhimself about his end with certainty; and as he was a greatgeomancer, he took out of a cupboard a square covered box, whichhe used in his geomantic observations: then sat himself down onthe sofa, set it before him, and uncovered it. After he hadprepared and levelled the sand which was in it, with an intentionto discover whether or no Alla ad Deen had died in thesubterraneous abode, he cast the points, drew the figures, andformed a horoscope, by which, when he came to examine it, hefound that Alla ad Deen, instead of dying in the cave, had madehis escape, lived splendidly, was in possession of the wonderfullamp, had married a princess, and was much honoured andrespected. 

The magician no sooner understood by the rules of his diabolicalart, that Alla ad Deen had arrived to this height of goodfortune, than his face became inflamed with anger, and he criedout in a rage, "This sorry tailor's son has discovered the secretand virtue of the lamp! I believed his death to be certain; butfind that he enjoys the fruit of my labour and study! I will, however, prevent his enjoying it long, or perish in the attempt. "He was not a great while deliberating on what he should do, butthe next morning mounted a barb, set forwards, and never stoppedbut to refresh himself and horse, till he arrived at the capitalof China. He alighted, took up his lodging in a khan, and stayedthere the remainder of the day and the night, to refresh himselfafter so long a journey. 

The next day, his first object was to inquire what people said ofAlla ad Deen; and, taking a walk through the town, he went to themost public and frequented places, where persons of the bestdistinction met to drink a certain warm liquor, which he haddrunk often during his former visit. 

As soon as he had seated himself, he was presented with a cup ofit, which he took; but listening at the same time to thediscourse of the company on each side of him, he heard themtalking of Alla ad Deen's palace. When he had drunk off hisliquor, he joined them, and taking this opportunity, inquiredparticularly of what palace they spoke with so much commendation. "From whence come you?" said the person to whom he addressedhimself; "you must certainly be a stranger not to have seen orheard talk of Prince Alla ad Deen's palace" (for he was called soafter his marriage with the princess). "I do not say, " continuedthe man, "that it is one of the wonders of the world, but that itis the only wonder of the world; since nothing so grand, rich, and magnificent was ever beheld. Certainly you must have comefrom a great distance, or some obscure corner, not to have heardof it, for it must have been talked of all over the world. Go andsee it, and then judge whether I have told you more than thetruth. " "Forgive my ignorance, " replied the African magician; "Iarrived here but yesterday, and came from the farthest part ofAfrica, where the fame of this palace had not reached when I cameaway. The business which brought me hither was so urgent, that mysole objets was to arrive as soon as I could, without stoppinganywhere, or making any acquaintance. But I will not fail to goand see it; my impatience is so great, I will go immediately andsatisfy my curiosity, if you will do me the favour to shew me theway thither. "

The person to whom the African magician addressed himself took apleasure in shewing him the way to Alla ad Deen's palace, and hegot up and went thither instantly. When he came to the palace, and had examined it on all sides, he doubted not but that Alla adDeen had made use of the lamp to build it. Without attending tothe inability of a poor tailor's son, he knew that none but thegenii, the slaves of the lamp, the attaining of which he hadmissed, could have performed such wonders; and piqued to thequick at Alla ad Deen's happiness and splendour, he returned tothe khan where he lodged. 

The next point was to ascertain where the lamp was; whether Allaad Deen carried it about with him, or where he kept it; and thishe was to discover by an operation of geomancy. As soon as heentered his lodging, he took his square box of sand, which healways carried with him when he travelled, and after he hadperformed some operations, he found that the lamp was in Alla adDeen's palace, and so great was his joy at the discovery that hecould hardly contain himself. "Well, " said he, "I shall have thelamp, and defy Alla ad Deen's preventing my carrying it off, andmaking him sink to his original meanness, from which he has takenso high a flight. "

It was Alla ad Deen's misfortune at that time to be absent in thechase for eight days, and only three were expired, which themagician came to know by this means. After he had performed themagical operation, which gave him so much joy, he went to thesuperintendent of the khan, entered into conversation with him onindifferent subjects, and among the rest, told him he had been tosee Alla ad Deen's palace; and after exaggerating on all that hehad seen most worthy of observation, added, "But my curiosityleads me farther, and I shall not be satisfied till I have seenthe person to whom this wonderful edifice belongs. " "That will beno difficult matter, " replied the master of the khan, "there isnot a day passes but he gives an opportunity when he is in town, but at present he is not at the palace, and has been gone thesethree days on a hunting-match, which will last eight. "

The magician wanted to know no more; he took his leave of thesuperintendent of the khan, and returning to his own chamber, said to himself, "This is an opportunity I ought by no means toneglect, but must make the best use of it. " To that end, he wentto a coppersmith, and asked for a dozen copper lamps: the masterof the shop told him he had not so many by him, but if he wouldhave patience till the next day, he would have them ready. Themagician appointed his time, and desired him to take care thatthey should be handsome and well polished. After promising to payhim well, he returned to his inn. 

The next day the magician called for the twelve lamps, paid theman his full price, put them into a basket which he bought onpurpose, and with the basket hanging on his arm, went directly toAlla ad Deen's palace: as he approached he began crying, "Whowill change old lamps for new ones?" As he went along, a crowd ofchildren collected, who hooted, and thought him, as did all whochanced to be passing by, a madman or a fool, to offer to changenew lamps for old ones. 

The African magician regarded not their scoffs, hootings, or allthey could say to him, but still continued crying, "Who willchange old lamps for new?" He repeated this so often, walkingbackwards and forwards in front of the 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 distinguishhis words, owing to the hooting of the children and increasingmob about him, sent one of her women slaves to know what hecried. 

The slave was not long before she returned, and ran into thehall, laughing so heartily, that the princess could not forbearherself. "Well, giggler, " said the princess, "will you tell mewhat you laugh at?" "Madam, " answered the slave, laughing still, "who can forbear laughing, to see a fool with a basket on hisarm, full of fine new lamps, ask to change them for old ones; thechildren and mob, crowding about him so that he can hardly stir, make all the noise they can in derision of him. "

Another female slave hearing this, said, "Now you speak of lamps, I know not whether the princess may have observed it, but thereis an old one upon a shelf of the prince's robing-room, andwhoever owns it will not be sorry to find a new one in its stead. If the princess chooses, she may have the pleasure of trying ifthis fool is so silly as to give a new lamp for an old one, without taking any thing for the exchange. "

The lamp this slave spoke of was the wonderful lamp, which Allaad Deen had laid upon the shelf before he departed for the chase;this he had done several times before; but neither the princess, the slaves, nor the eunuchs, had ever taken notice of it. At allother times except when hunting he carried it about his person. 

The princess, who knew not the value of this lamp, and theinterest that Alla ad Deen, not to mention herself, had to keepit safe, entered into the pleasantry, and commanded a eunuch totake it, and make the exchange. The eunuch obeyed, went out ofthe hall, and no sooner got to the palace gates than he saw theAfrican magician, called to him, and shewing him the old lamp, said, "Give me a new lamp for this. "

The magician never doubted but this was the lamp he wanted. Therecould be no other such in this palace, where every utensil wasgold or silver. He snatched it eagerly out of the eunuch's hand, and thrusting it as far as he could into his breast, offered himhis basket, and bade him choose which he liked best. The eunuchpicked out one, and carried it to the princess; but the exchangewas no sooner made than the place rung with the shouts of thechildren, deriding the magician's folly. 

The African magician gave everybody leave to laugh as much asthey pleased; he stayed not long near the palace, but made thebest of his way, without crying any longer, "New lamps for oldones. " His end was answered, and by his silence he got rid of thechildren and the mob. 

As soon as he was out of the square between the two palaces, hehastened down the streets which were the least frequented; andhaving no more occasion for his lamps or basket, set all down inan alley where nobody saw him: then going down another street ortwo, he walked till he came to one of the city gates, andpursuing his way through the suburbs, which were very extensive, at length reached a lonely spot, where he stopped for a time toexecute the design he had in contemplation, never caring for hishorse which he had left at the khan, but thinking himselfperfectly compensated by the treasure he had acquired. 

In this place the African magician passed the remainder of theday, till the darkest time of night, when he pulled the lamp outof his breast and rubbed it. At that summons the genie appeared, and said, "What wouldst thou have? I am ready to obey thee as thyslave, and the slave of all those who have that lamp in theirhands; both I and the other slaves of the lamp. " "I commandthee, " replied the magician, "to transport me immediately and thepalace which thou and the other slaves of the lamp have built inthis city, with all the people in it, to Africa. " The genie madeno reply, but with the assistance of the other genii, the slavesof the lamp immediately transported him and the palace entire, tothe spot whither he was desired to convey it. 

As soon as the sultan rose the next morning, according to custom, he went into his closet, to have the pleasure of contemplatingand admiring Alla ad Deen's palace; but when he first looked thatway, and instead of a palace saw an empty space such as it wasbefore the palace was built, he thought he was mistaken, andrubbed his eyes; but when he looked again, he still saw nothingmore the second time than the first, though the weather was fine, the sky clear, and the dawn advancing had made all objects verydistinct. He looked again in front, to the right and left, butbeheld nothing more than he had formerly been used to see fromhis window. His amazement was so great, that he stood for sometime turning his eyes to the spot where the palace had stood, butwhere it was no longer to be seen. He could not comprehend how solarge a palace as Alla ad Deen's, which he had seen plainly everyday for some years, and but the day before, should vanish sosoon, and not leave the least remains behind. "Certainly, " saidhe to himself, "I am not mistaken; it stood there: if it hadfallen, the materials would have lain in heaps; and if it hadbeen swallowed up by an earthquake, there would be some markleft. " At last, though he was convinced that no palace stood nowopposite his own, he could not help staying some time at hiswindow, to see whether he might not be mistaken. At last heretired to his apartment, not without looking behind him beforehe quitted the spot ordered the grand vizier to be sent for withexpedition, and in the meantime sat down, his mind agitated by somany different conjectures that he knew not what to resolve. 

The grand vizier did not make the sultan wait long for him, butcame with so much precipitation, that neither he nor hisattendants, as they passed, missed Alla ad Deen's palace; neitherdid the porters, when they opened the palace gates observe anyalteration. 

When he came into the sultan's presence, he said to him, "thehaste in which your majesty sent for me makes me believesomething extraordinary has happened, since you know that this isa day of public audience, and I should not have failed ofattending at the usual time. " "Indeed, " said the sultan, "it issomething very extraordinary, as you say, and you will allow itto be so: tell me what is become of Alla ad Deen's palace?" "Hispalace!" replied the grand vizier, in amazement, "I thought as Ipassed it stood in its usual place; such substantial buildingsare not so easily removed. " "Go into my closet, " said the sultan, "and tell me if you can see it. "

The grand vizier went into the closet, where he was struck withno less amazement than the sultan had been. When he was wellassured that there was not the least appearance of this palace, he returned to the sultan. "Well, " said the sultan, "have youseen Alla ad Deen's palace?" "No, " answered the vizier; "but yourmajesty may remember that I had the honour to tell you, thatpalace, which was the subject of your admiration, with all itsimmense riches, was only the work of magic and a magician; butyour majesty would not pay the least attention to what I said. "

The sultan, who could not deny what the grand vizier hadrepresented to him, flew into the greater passion: "Where is thatimpostor, that wicked wretch, " said he, "that I may have his headtaken off immediately?" "Sir, " replied the grand vizier, "it issome days since he came to take his leave of your majesty, onpretence of hunting; he ought to be sent for, to know what isbecome of his palace, since he cannot be ignorant of what hasbeen transacted. " "That is too great an indulgence, " replied thesultan: "command a detachment of horse to bring him to me loadedwith chains. " The grand vizier gave orders for a detachment, andinstructed the officer who commanded them how they were to act, that Alla ad Deen might not escape. The detachment pursued theirorders; and about five or six leagues from the town met himreturning from the chase. The officer advanced respectfully, andinformed him the sultan was so impatient to see him, that he hadsent his party to accompany him home. 

Alla ad Deen had not the least suspicion of the true reason oftheir meeting him; but when he came within half a league of thecity, the detachment surrounded him, when the officer addressedhimself to him, and said, "Prince, it is with great regret that Ideclare to you the sultan's order to arrest you, and to carry youbefore him as a criminal: I beg of you not to take it ill that weacquit ourselves of our duty, and to forgive us. "

Alla ad Deen, who felt himself innocent, was much surprised atthis declaration, and asked the officer if he knew what crime hewas accused of; who replied, he did not. Then Alla ad Deen, finding that his retinue was much interior to this detachment, alighted off his horse, and said to the officers, "Execute yourorders; I am not conscious that I have committed any offenceagainst the sultan's person or government. " A heavy chain wasimmediately put about his neck, and fastened round his body, sothat both his arms were pinioned down; the officer then puthimself at the head of the detachment, and one of the trooperstaking hold of the end of the chain and proceeding after theofficer, led Alla ad Deen, who was obliged to follow him on foot, into the city. 

When this detachment entered the suburbs, the people, who sawAlla ad Deen thus led as a state criminal, never doubted but thathis head was to be cut off; and as he was generally beloved, sometook sabres and other arms; and those who had none gatheredstones, and followed the escort. The last division faced about todisperse them; but their numbers presently increased so much, that the soldiery began to think it would be well if they couldget into the sultan's palace before Alla ad Deen was rescued; toprevent which, according to the different extent of the streets, they took care to cover the ground by extending or closing. Inthis manner they with much difficulty arrived at the palacesquare, and there drew up in a line, till their officer andtroopers with Alla ad Deen had got within the gates, which wereimmediately shut. 

Alla ad Deen was carried before the sultan, who waited for him, attended by the grand vizier, in a balcony; and as soon as he sawhim, he ordered the executioner, who waited there for thepurpose, to strike off his head without hearing him or giving himleave to clear himself. 

As soon as the executioner had taken off the chain that wasfastened about Alla ad Deen's neck and body, and laid down a skinstained with the blood of the many he had executed, he made thesupposed criminal kneel down, and tied a bandage over his eyes. Then drawing his sabre, took his aim by flourishing it threetimes in the air, waiting for the sultan's giving the signal tostrike. 

At that instant the grand vizier perceiving that the populace hadforced the guard of horse, crowded the great square before thepalace, and were scaling the walls in several places, andbeginning to pull them down to force their way in; he said to thesultan, before he gave the signal, "I beg of your majesty toconsider what you are going to do, since you will hazard yourpalace being destroyed; and who knows what fatal consequence mayfollow?" "My palace forced!" replied the sultan; "who can havethat audacity?" "Sir, " answered the grand vizier, "if yourmajesty will but cast your eyes towards the great square, and onthe palace walls, you will perceive the truth of what I say. "

The sultan was so much alarmed when he saw so great a crowd, andhow enraged they were, that he ordered the executioner to put hissabre immediately into the scabbard, to unbind Alla ad Deen, andat the same time commanded the porters to declare to the peoplethat the sultan had pardoned him, and that they might retire. 

Those who had already got upon the walls, and were witnesses ofwhat had passed, abandoned their design and got quickly down, overjoyed that they had saved the life of a man they dearlyloved, and published the news amongst the rest, which waspresently confirmed by the mace-bearers from the top of theterraces. The justice which the sultan had done to Alla ad Deensoon disarmed the populace of their rage; the tumult abated, andthe mob dispersed. 

When Alla ad Deen found himself at liberty, he turned towards thebalcony, and perceiving the sultan, raised his voice, and said tohim in a moving manner, "I beg of your majesty to add one favourmore to that which I have already received, which is, to let meknow my crime?" "Your crime, " answered the sultan; "perfidiouswretch! Do you not know it? Come hither, and I will shew it you. "

Alla ad Deen went up, when the sultan, going before him withoutlooking at him, said, "Follow me;" and then led him into hiscloset. When he came to the door, he said, "Go in; you ought toknow whereabouts your palace stood: look round and tell me whatis become of it?"

Alla ad Deen looked, but saw nothing. He perceived the spot uponwhich his palace had stood; but not being able to divine how ithad disappeared, was thrown into such great confusion andamazement, that he could not return one word of answer. 

The sultan growing impatient, demanded of him again, "Where isyour palace, and what is become of my daughter?" Alla ad Deen, breaking silence, replied, "Sir, I perceive and own that thepalace which I have built is not in its place, but is vanished;neither can I tell your majesty where it may be, but can assureyou I had no concern in its removal. "

"I am not so much concerned about your palace, " replied thesultan, "I value my daughter ten thousand times more, and wouldhave you find her out, otherwise I will cause your head to bestruck off, and no consideration shall divert me from mypurpose. "

"I beg of your majesty, " answered Alla ad Deen, "to grant meforty days to make my inquiries; and if in that time I have notthe success I wish, I will offer my head at the foot of yourthrone, to be disposed of at your pleasure. " "I give you theforty days you ask, " said the sultan; "but think not to abuse thefavour I shew you, by imagining you shall escape my resentment;for I will find you out in whatsoever part of the world you mayconceal yourself. "

Alla ad Deen went out of the sultan's presence with greathumiliation, and in a condition worthy of pity. He crossed thecourts of the palace, hanging down his head, and in such greatconfusion, that he durst not lift up his eyes. The principalofficers of the court, who had all professed themselves hisfriends, and whom he had never disobliged, instead of going up tohim to comfort him, and offer him a retreat in their houses, turned their backs to avoid seeing him. But had they accosted himwith a word of comfort or offer of service, they would have nomore known Alla ad Deen. He did not know himself, and was nolonger in his senses, as plainly appeared by his asking everybodyhe met, and at every house, if they had seen his palace, or couldtell him any news of it. 

These questions made the generality believe that Alla ad Deen wasmad. Some laughed at him, but people of sense and humanity, particularly those who had had any connection of business orfriendship with him, really pitied him. For three days he rambledabout the city in this manner, without coming to any resolution, or eating anything but what some compassionate people forced himto take out of charity. 

At last, as he could no longer in his unhappy condition stay in acity where he had lately been next to the sultan, he took theroad to the country; and after he had traversed several fields inwild uncertainty, at the approach of night came to the bank of ariver. There, possessed by his despair, he said to himself, "Where shall I seek my palace? In what province, country, or partof the world, shall I find that and my dear princess, whom thesultan expects from me? I shall never succeed; I had better freemyself at once from fruitless endeavours, and such bitter griefas preys upon me. " He was just going to throw himself into theriver, but, as a good Moosulmaun, true to his religion, hethought he should not do it without first saying his prayers. Going to prepare himself, he went to the river's brink, in orderto perform the usual ablutions. The place being steep andslippery, from the water beating against it, he slid down, andhad certainly fallen into the river, but for a little rock whichprojected about two feet out of the earth. Happily also for himhe still had on the ring which the African magician had put onhis finger before he went down into the subterraneous abode tofetch the precious lamp. In slipping down the bank he rubbed thering so hard by holding on the rock, that immediately the samegenie appeared whom he had seen in the cave where the magicianhad left him. "What wouldst thou have?" said the genie. "I amready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all those thathave that ring on their finger; both I and the other slaves ofthe ring. "

Alla ad Deen, agreeably surprised at an apparition he so littleexpected in his present calamity, replied, "Save my life, genie, a second time, either by shewing me to the place where the palaceI caused to be built now stands, or immediately transporting itback where it first stood. " "What you command me, " answered thegenie, "is not wholly in my power; I am only the slave of thering; you must address yourself to the slave of the lamp. " "Ifthat be the case, " replied Alla ad Deen, "I command thee, by thepower of the ring, to transport me to the spot where my palacestands, in what part of the world soever it may be, and set medown under the window of the princess Buddir al Buddoor. " Thesewords were no sooner out of his mouth, than the genie transportedhim into Africa, to the midst of a large plain, where his palacestood, at no great distance from a city, and placing him exactlyunder the window of the princess's apartment, left him. All thiswas done almost in an instant. 

Alla ad Deen, notwithstanding the darkness of the night, knew hispalace and the princess Buddir al Buddoor's apartment again; butas the night was far advanced, and all was quiet in the palace, he retired to some distance, and sat down at the foot of a largetree. There, full of hopes, and reflecting on his happiness, forwhich he was indebted to chance, he found himself in a much morecomfortable situation than when he was arrested and carriedbefore the sultan; being now delivered from the immediate dangerof losing his life. He amused himself for some time with theseagreeable thoughts; but not having slept for two days, was notable to resist the drowsiness which came upon him, but fell fastasleep. 

The next morning, as soon as day appeared, Alla ad Deen wasagreeably awakened by the singing not only of the birds which hadroosted in the tree under which he had passed the night, but alsoof those which frequented the thick groves of the palace garden. When he cast his eyes on that wonderful edifice, he feltinexpressible joy at thinking he might possibly soon be master ofit again, and once more possess his dear princess Buddir alBuddoor. Pleased with these hopes, he immediately arose, wenttowards the princess's apartment, and walked some time under herwindow in expectation of her rising, that he might see her. During this expectation, he began to consider with himself whencethe cause of his misfortune had proceeded; and after maturereflection, no longer doubted that it was owing to having trustedthe lamp out of his sight. He accused himself of negligence inletting it be a moment away from him. But what puzzled him mostwas, that he could not imagine who had been so envious of hishappiness. He would soon have guessed this, if he had known thatboth he and his palace were in Africa, the very name of whichwould soon have made him remember the magician his declaredenemy; but the genie, the slave of the ring, had not made theleast mention of the name of the country, nor had Alla ad Deeninquired. 

The princess rose earlier that morning than she had done sinceher transportation into Africa by the magician, whose presenceshe was forced to support once a day, because he was master ofthe palace; but she had always treated him so harshly that hedared not reside in it. As she was dressing, one of the womenlooking through the window, perceived Alla ad Deen, and instantlytold her mistress. The princess, who could not believe the joyfultidings, hastened herself to the window, and seeing Alla ad Deen, immediately opened it. The noise of opening the window made Allaad Deen turn his head that way, and perceiving the princess hesaluted her with an air that expressed his joy. "To lose notime, " said she to him, "I have sent to have the private dooropened for you; enter, and come up. "

The private door, which was just under the princess's apartment, was soon opened, and Alla ad Deen conducted up into the chamber. It is impossible to express the joy of both at seeing each other, after so cruel a separation. After embracing and shedding tearsof joy, they sat down, and Alla ad Deen said, "I beg of you, princess, in God's name, before we talk of anything else, to tellme, both for your own sake, the sultan your father's, and mine, what is become of an old lamp which I left upon a shelf in myrobing-chamber, when I departed for the chase. "

"Alas! dear husband, " answered the princess, "I was afraid ourmisfortune might be owing to that lamp: and what grieves me mostis, that I have been the cause of it. " "Princess, " replied Allaad Deen, "do not blame yourself, since it was entirely my fault, for I ought to have taken more care of it. But let us now thinkonly of repairing the loss; tell me what has happened, and intowhose hands it has fallen. "

The princess then related how she had changed the old lamp for anew one, which she ordered to be fetched, that he might see it, and how the next morning she found herself in the unknown countrythey were then in, which she was told was Africa, by the traitor, who had transported her thither by his magic art. 

"Princess, " said Alla ad Deen, interrupting her, "you haveinformed me who the traitor is, by telling me we are in Africa. He is the most perfidious of men; but this is neither a time norplace to give you a full account of his villainies. I desire youonly to tell me what he has done with the lamp, and where he hasput it?" "He carries it carefully wrapped up in his bosom, " saidthe princess; "and this I can assure you, because he pulled itout before me, and shewed it to me in triumph. "

"Princess, " said Alla ad Deen, "do not be displeased that Itrouble you with so many questions, since they are equallyimportant to us both. But to come to what most particularlyconcerns me; tell me, I conjure you, how so wicked and perfidiousa man treats you?" "Since I have been here, " replied theprincess, "he repairs once every day to see me; and I ampersuaded the little satisfaction he receives from his visitsmakes him come no oftener. All his addresses tend to persuade meto break that faith I have pledged to you, and to take him for myhusband; giving me to understand, I need not entertain hopes ofever seeing you again, for that you were dead, having had yourhead struck off by the sultan my father's order. He added, tojustify himself, that you were an ungrateful wretch; that yourgood fortune was owing to him, and a great many other things ofthat nature which I forbear to repeat: but as he received noother answer from me but grievous complaints and tears, he wasalways forced to retire with as little satisfaction as he came. Idoubt not his intention is to allow me time to overcome my grief, in hopes that afterwards I may change my sentiments; and if Ipersevere in an obstinate refusal, to use violence. But my dearhusband's presence removes all my apprehensions. "

"I am confident my attempts to punish the magician will not be invain, " replied Alla ad Deen, "since my princess's fears areremoved, and I think I have found the means to deliver you fromboth your enemy and mine; to execute this design, it is necessaryfor me to go to the town. I shall return by noon, will thencommunicate my design, and what must be done by you to ensuresuccess. But that you may not be surprised, I think it proper toacquaint you, that I shall change my apparel, and beg of you togive orders that I may not wait long at the private door, butthat it may be opened at the first knock;" all which the princesspromised to observe. 

When Alla ad Deen was out of the palace, he looked round him onall sides, and perceiving a peasant going into the country, hastened after him; and when he had overtaken him, made aproposal to him to change habits, which the man agreed to. Whenthey had made the exchange, the countryman went about hisbusiness, and Alla ad Deen to the city. After traversing severalstreets, he came to that part of the town where all descriptionsof merchants and artisans had their particular streets, accordingto their trades. He went into that of the druggists; and goinginto one of the largest and best furnished shops, asked thedruggist if he had a certain powder which he named. 

The druggist, judging Alla ad Deen by his habit to be very poor, and that he had not money enough to pay for it, told him he hadit, but that it was very dear; upon which Alla ad Deen penetratedhis thoughts, pulled out his purse, and shewing him some gold, asked for half a dram of the powder; which the druggist weighed, wrapped up in paper, and gave him, telling him the price was apiece of gold. Alla ad Deen put the money into his hand, andstaying no longer in the town than just to get a littlerefreshment, returned to the palace, where he waited not long atthe private door. When he came into the princess's apartment, hesaid to her, "Princess, perhaps the aversion you tell me you havefor your ravisher may be an objection to your executing what I amgoing to propose; but permit me to say it is proper that youshould at this juncture dissemble a little, and do violence toyour inclinations, if you would deliver yourself from him, andgive my lord the sultan your father the satisfaction of seeingyou again. " "If you will take my advice, " continued he, "dressyourself this moment in one of your richest habits, and when theAfrican magician comes, make no difficulty to give him the bestreception; receive him with a cheerful countenance, so that hemay imagine time has removed your affliction and disgust at hisaddresses. In your conversation, let him understand that youstrive to forget me; and that he may be the more fully convincedof your sincerity, invite him to sup with you, and tell him youshould be glad to taste of some of the best wines of his country. He will presently go to fetch you some. During his absence, putinto one of the cups you are accustomed to drink out of thispowder, and setting it by, charge the slave you may order thatnight to attend you, on a signal you shall agree upon, to bringthat cup to you. When the magician and you have eaten and drunkas much as you choose, let her bring you the cup, and then changecups with him. He will esteem it so great a favour that he willnot refuse, but eagerly quaff it off; but no sooner will he havedrunk, than you will see him fall backwards. If you have anyreluctance to drink out of his cup, you may pretend only to doit, without fear of being discovered; for the effect of thepowder is so quick, that he will not have time to know whetheryou drink or not. "

When Alla ad Deen had finished, "I own, " answered the princess, "I shall do myself great violence in consenting to make themagician such advances as I see are absolutely necessary; butwhat cannot one resolve to do against a cruel enemy? I willtherefore follow your advice, since both my repose and yoursdepend upon it. " After the princess had agreed to the measuresproposed by Alla ad Deen, he took his leave, and went and spentthe rest of the day in the neighbourhood of the palace till itwas night, and he might safely return to the private door. 

The princess, who had remained inconsolable at being separatednot only from her husband, whom she had loved from the firstmoment, and still continued to love more out of inclination thanduty, but also from the sultan her father, who had always showedthe most tender and paternal affection for her, had, ever sincetheir cruel separation, lived in great neglect of her person. Shehad almost forgotten the neatness so becoming persons of her sexand quality, particularly after the first time the magician paidher a visit; and she had understood by some of the women, whoknew him again, that it was he who had taken the old lamp inexchange for a new one, which rendered the sight of him moreabhorred. However, the opportunity of taking the revenge hedeserved made her resolve to gratify Alla ad Deen. As soon, therefore, as he was gone, she sat down to dress, and was attiredby her women to the best advantage in the richest habit of herwardrobe. Her girdle was of the finest and largest diamonds setin gold, her necklace of pearls, six on a side, so wellproportioned to that in the middle, which was the largest everseen, and invaluable, that the greatest sultanesses would havebeen proud to have been adorned with only two of the smallest. Her bracelets, which were of diamonds and rubies intermixed, corresponded admirably to the richness of the girdle andnecklace. 

When the princess Buddir al Buddoor was completely dressed, sheconsulted her glass and women upon her adjustment; and when shefound she wanted no charms to flatter the foolish passion of theAfrican magician, she sat down on a sofa expecting his arrival. 

The magician came at the usual hour, and as soon as he enteredthe great hall where the princess waited to receive him, she rosewith an enchanting grace and smile, and pointed with her hand tothe most honourable place, waiting till he sat down, that shemight sit at the same time which was a civility she had nevershown him before. 

The African magician, dazzled more with the lustre of theprincess's eyes than the glittering of the jewels with which shewas adorned, was much surprised. The smiling and graceful airwith which she received him, so opposite to her former behaviour, quite fascinated his heart. 

When he was seated, the princess, to free him from hisembarrassment, broke silence first, locking at him all the timein such a manner as to make him believe that he was not so odiousto her as she had given him to understand hitherto and said, "Youare doubtless amazed to find me so much altered to-day; but yoursurprise will not be so great when I acquaint you, that I amnaturally of a disposition so opposite to melancholy and grief, sorrow and uneasiness, that I always strive to put them as faraway as possible when I find the subject of them is past. I havereflected on what you told me of Alla ad Deen's fate, and know myfather's temper so well, that I am persuaded with you he couldnot escape the terrible effects of the sultan's rage; therefore, should I continue to lament him all my life, my tears cannotrecall him. For this reason, since I have paid all the dutiesdecency requires of me to his memory, now he is in the grave Ithink I ought to endeavour to comfort myself. These are themotives of the change you see in me; I am resolved to banishmelancholy entirely; and, persuaded that you will bear me companytonight, I have ordered a supper to be prepared; but as I have nowines but those of China, I have a great desire to taste of theproduce of Africa, and doubt not your procuring some of thebest. "

The African magician, who had looked upon the happiness ofgetting so soon and so easily into the princess Buddir alBuddoor's good graces as impossible, could not think of wordsexpressive enough to testify how sensible he was of her favours:but to put an end the sooner to a conversation which would haveembarrassed him, if he had engaged farther in it, he turned itupon the wines of Africa, and said, "Of all the advantages Africacan boast, that of producing the most excellent wines is one ofthe principal. I have a vessel of seven years old, which hasnever been broached; and it is indeed not praising it too much tosay it is the finest wine in the world. If my princess, " addedhe, "will give me leave, I will go and fetch two bottles, andreturn again immediately. " "I should be sorry to give you thattrouble, " replied the princess; "you had better send for them. ""It is necessary I should go myself, " answered the Africanmagician; "for nobody but myself knows where the key of thecellar is laid, or has the secret to unlock the door. " "If it beso, " said the princess, "make haste back; for the longer youstay, the greater will be my impatience, and we shall sit down tosupper as soon as you return. "

The African magician, full of hopes of his expected happiness, rather flew than ran, and returned quickly with the wine. Theprincess, not doubting but he would make haste, put with her ownhand the powder Alla ad Deen had given her into the cup set apartfor that purpose. They sat down at the table opposite to eachother, the magician's back towards the sideboard. The princesspresented him with the best at the table, and said to him, "Ifyou please, I will entertain you with a concert of vocal andinstrumental music; but, as we are only two, I think conversationmaybe more agreeable. " This the magician took as a new favour. 

After they had eaten some time, the princess called for somewine, drank the magician's health, and afterwards said to him, "Indeed you had a full right to commend your wine, since I nevertasted any so delicious. " "Charming princess, " said he, holdingin his hand the cup which had been presented to him, "my winebecomes more exquisite by your approbation. " "Then drink myhealth, " replied the princess; "you will find I understandwines. " He drank the princess's health, and returning the cup, said, "I think myself fortunate, princess, that I reserved thiswine for so happy an occasion; and own I never before drank anyin every respect so excellent. "

When they had each drunk two or three cups more, the princess, who had completely charmed the African magician by her civilityand obliging behaviour, gave the signal to the slave who servedthem with wine, bidding her bring the cup which had been filledfor her, and at the same time bring the magician a full goblet. When they both had their cups in their hands, she said to him, "Iknow not how you express your loves in these parts when drinkingtogether? With us in China the lover and his mistressreciprocally exchange cups, and drink each other's health. " Atthe same time she presented to him the cup which was in her hand, and held out her hand to receive his. He hastened to make theexchange with the more pleasure, because he looked upon thisfavour as the most certain token of an entire conquest over theprincess, which raised his rapture to the highest pitch. Beforehe drank, he said to her, with the cup in his hand, "Indeed, princess, we Africans are not so refined in the art of love asyou Chinese: and your instructing me in a lesson I was ignorantof, informs me how sensible I ought to be of the favour done me. I shall never, lovely princess, forget my recovering, by drinkingout of your cup, that life, which your cruelty, had it continued, must have made me despair of. "

The princess, who began to be tired with this impertinentdeclaration of the African magician, interrupted him, and said, "Let us drink first, and then say what you will afterwards;" atthe same time she set the cup to her lips, while the Africanmagician, who was eager to get his wine off first, drank up thevery last drop. In finishing it, he had reclined his head back toshew his eagerness, and remained some time in that state. Theprincess kept the cup at her lips, till she saw his eyes turn inhis head, when he fell backwards lifeless on the sofa. 

The princess had no occasion to order the private door to beopened to Alla ad Deen; for her women were so disposed from thegreat hall to the foot of the staircase, that the word was nosooner given that the African magician was fallen backwards, thanthe door was immediately opened. 

As soon as Alla ad Deen entered the hall, he saw the magicianstretched backwards on the sofa. The princess rose from her seat, and ran overjoyed to embrace him; but he stopped her, and said, "Princess, it is not yet time; oblige me by retiring to yourapartment; and let me be left alone a moment, while I endeavourto transport you back to China as speedily as you were broughtfrom thence. "

When the princess, her women and eunuchs, were gone out of thehall, Alla ad Deen shut the door, and going directly to the deadbody of the magician, opened his vest, took out the lamp, whichwas carefully wrapped up, as the princess had told him, andunfolding and rubbing it, the genie immediately appeared. "Genie, " said Alla ad Deen, "I have called to command thee, onthe part of thy good mistress this lamp, to transport this palaceinstantly into China, to the place from whence it was broughthither. " The genie bowed his head in token of obedience, anddisappeared. Immediately the palace was transported into China, and its removal was only felt by two little shocks, the one whenit was lifted up, the other when it was set down, and both in avery short interval of time. 

Alla ad Deen went to the princess's apartment, and embracing her, said, "I can assure you, princess, that your joy and mine will becomplete tomorrow morning. " The princess, guessing that Alla adDeen must be hungry, ordered the dishes, served up in the greathall, to be brought down. The princess and Alla ad Deen ate asmuch as they thought fit, and drank of the African magician's oldwine; during which time their conversation could not be otherwisethan satisfactory, and then they retired to their own chamber. 

From the time of the transportation of Alla ad Deen's palace, the princess's father had been inconsolable for the loss of her. He could take no rest, and instead of avoiding what mightcontinue his affliction, he indulged it without restraint. Beforethe disaster he used to go every morning into his closet toplease himself with viewing the palace, he went now many times inthe day to renew his tears, and plunge himself into the deepestmelancholy, by the idea of no more seeing that which once gavehim so much pleasure, and reflecting how he had lost what wasmost dear to him in this world. 

The very morning of the return of Alla ad Deen's palace, the sultanwent, by break of day, into his closet to indulge his sorrows. Absorbed in himself, and in a pensive mood, he cast his eyes towardsthe spot, expecting only to see an open space; but perceiving thevacancy filled up, he at first imagined the appearance to be theeffect of a fog; looking more attentively, he was convinced beyond thepower of doubt it was his son-in-law's palace. Joy and gladnesssucceeded to sorrow and grief. He returned immediately into hisapartment, and ordered a horse to be saddled and brought to himwithout delay, which he mounted that instant, thinking he could notmake haste enough to the palace. 

Alla ad Deen, who foresaw what would happen, rose that morning byday-break, put on one of the most magnificent habits his wardrobeafforded, and went up into the hall of twenty-four windows, fromwhence he perceived the sultan approaching, and got down soonenough to receive him at the foot of the great staircase, and tohelp him to dismount. "Alla ad Deen, " said the sultan, "I cannotspeak to you till I have seen and embraced my daughter. "

He led the sultan into the princess's apartment. The happy fatherembraced her with his face bathed in tears of joy; and theprincess, on her side, shewed him all the testimonies of theextreme pleasure the sight of him afforded her. 

The sultan was some time before he could open his lips, so greatwas his surprise and joy to find his daughter again, after he hadgiven her up for lost; and the princess, upon seeing her father, let fall tears of rapture and affection. 

At last the sultan broke silence, and said, "I would believe, daughter, your joy to see me makes you seem as little changed asif no misfortune had befallen you; yet I cannot be persuaded butthat you have suffered much alarm; for a large palace cannot beso suddenly transported as yours has been, without causing greatfright and apprehension I would have you tell me all that hashappened, and conceal nothing from me. "

The princess, who took great pleasure in giving the sultan thesatisfaction he demanded, said, "If I appear so little altered, Ibeg of your majesty to consider that I received new lifeyesterday morning by the presence of my dear husband anddeliverer Alla ad Deen, whom I looked upon and bewailed as lostto me; and the happiness of seeing and embracing of whom hasalmost recovered me to my former state of health. My greatestsuffering was only to find myself forced from your majesty and mydear husband; not only from the love I bore my husband, but fromthe uneasiness I laboured under through fear that he, thoughinnocent, might feel the effects of your anger, to which I knewhe was left exposed. I suffered but little from the insolence ofthe wretch who had carried me off; for having secured theascendant over him, I always put a stop to his disagreeableovertures, and was as little constrained as I am at present. 

"As to what relates to my transportation, Alla ad Deen had noconcern in it; I was myself the innocent cause of it. " Topersuade the sultan of the truth of what she said, she gave him afull account of how the African magician had disguised himself, and offered to change new lamps for old ones; how she had amusedherself in making that exchange, being entirely ignorant of thesecret and importance of the wonderful lamp; how the palace andherself were carried away and transported into Africa, with theAfrican magician, who was recognised by two of her women and theeunuch who made the exchange of the lamp, when he had theaudacity, after the success of his daring enterprise, to proposehimself for her husband; how he persecuted her till Alla adDeen's arrival; how they had concerted measures to get the lampfrom him again, and the success they had fortunately met with byher dissimulation in inviting him to supper, and giving him thecup with the powder prepared for him. "For the rest, " added she, "I leave it to Alla ad Deen to recount. "

Alla ad Deen had not much to tell the sultan, but only said, "When the private door was opened I went up into the great hall, where I found the magician lying dead on the sofa, and as Ithought it not proper for the princess to stay there any longer, I desired her to go down into her own apartment, with her womenand eunuchs. As soon as I was alone, and had taken the lamp outof the magician's breast, I made use of the same secret he haddone, to remove the palace, and carry off the princess; and bythat means the palace was re-conveyed to the place where it stoodbefore; and I have the happiness to restore the princess to yourmajesty, as you commanded me. But that your majesty may not thinkthat I impose upon you, if you will give yourself the trouble togo up into the hall, you may see the magician punished as hedeserved. "

The sultan, to be assured of the truth, rose instantly, and wentinto the hall, where, when he saw the African magician dead, andhis face already livid by the strength of the poison, he embracedAlla ad Deen with great tenderness, and said, "My son, be notdispleased at my proceedings against you; they arose from mypaternal love; and therefore you ought to forgive the excesses towhich it hurried me. " "Sir, " replied Alla ad Deen, "I have notthe least reason to complain of your majesty's conduct, since youdid nothing but what your duty required. This infamous magician, the basest of men, was the sole cause of my misfortune. When yourmajesty has leisure, I will give you an account of anothervillanous action he was guilty of towards me, which was no lessblack and base than this, from which I was preserved by theprovidence of God in a very miraculous way. " "I will take anopportunity, and that very shortly, " replied the sultan, "to hearit; but in the mean time let us think only of rejoicing, and theremoval of this odious object. "

Alla ad Deen ordered the magician's corpse to be removed andthrown upon a dunghill, for birds and beasts to prey upon. In themean time, the sultan commanded the drums, trumpets, cymbals, andother instruments of music to announce his joy to the public, anda festival of ten days to be proclaimed for the return of theprincess and Alla ad Deen. 

Thus Alla ad Deen escaped once more the almost inevitable dangerof losing his life; but this was not the last, since he ran asgreat a hazard a third time. 

The African magician had a younger brother, who was equallyskilful as a necromancer, and even surpassed him in villany andpernicious designs. As they did not live together, or in the samecity, but oftentimes when one was in the east, the other was inthe west, they failed not every year to inform themselves, bytheir art, each where the other resided, and whether they stoodin need of one another's assistance. 

Some time after the African magician had failed in his enterpriseagainst Alla ad Deen, his younger brother, who had heard notidings of him, and was not in Africa, but in a distant country, had the wish to know in what part of the world he sojourned, thestate of his health, and what he was doing; and as he, as well ashis brother, always carried a geomantic square instrument abouthim, he prepared the sand, cast the points, and drew the figures. On examining the planetary mansions, he found that his brotherwas no longer living, but had been poisoned; and by anotherobservation, that he was in the capital of the kingdom of China;also that the person who had poisoned him was of mean birth, though married to a princess, a sultan's daughter. 

When the magician had informed himself of his brother's fate, helost no time in useless regret, which could not restore him tolife; but resolving immediately to revenge his death, departedfor China; where, after crossing plains, rivers, mountains, deserts, and a long tract of country without delay, he arrivedafter incredible fatigues. 

When he came to the capital of China, he took a lodging. The nextday he walked through the town, not so much to observe thebeauties, which were indifferent to him, as to take propermeasures to execute his pernicious designs. He introduced himselfinto the most frequented places, where he listened to everybody'sdiscourse. In a place where people resort to divert themselveswith games of various kinds, and where some were conversing, while others played, he heard some persons talk of the virtue andpiety of a woman called Fatima, who was retired from the world, and of the miracles she wrought. As he fancied that this womanmight be serviceable to him in the project he had conceived, hetook one of the company aside, and requested to be informed moreparticularly who that holy woman was, and what sort of miraclesshe performed. 

"What!" said the person whom he addressed, "have you never seenor heard of her? She is the admiration of the whole town, for herfasting, her austerities, and her exemplary life. Except Mondaysand Fridays, she never stirs out of her little cell; and on thosedays on which she comes into the town she does an infinite dealof good; for there is not a person that has the headache but iscured by her laying her hand upon them. "

The magician wanted no further information. He only asked theperson in what part of the town this holy woman's cell wassituated. After he had informed himself on this head, hedetermined on the detestable design of murdering her and assumingher character. With this view he watched all her steps the firstday she went out after he had made this inquiry, without losingsight of her till evening, when he saw her re-enter her cell. When he had fully observed the place, he went to one of thosehouses where they sell a certain hot liquor, and where any personmay pass the night, particularly in the great heats, when thepeople of that country prefer lying on a mat to a bed. Aboutmidnight, after the magician had satisfied the master of thehouse for what little he had called for, he went out, andproceeded directly to the cell of Fatima. He had no difficulty toopen the door, which was only fastened with a latch, and he shutit again after he had entered, without any noise. When he enteredthe cell, he perceived Fatima by moonlight lying in the air on asofa covered only by an old mat, with her head leaning againstthe wall. He awakened her, and clapped a dagger to her breast. 

The pious Fatima opening her eyes, was much surprised to see aman with a dagger at her breast ready to stab her, and who saidto her, "If you cry out, or make the least noise, I will killyou; but get up, and do as I shall direct you. "

Fatima, who had lain down in her habit, got up, trembling with fear. "Do not be so much frightened, " said the magician; "I only want yourhabit, give it me and take mine. " Accordingly Fatima and he changedclothes. He then said to her, "Colour my face, that I may be likeyou;" but perceiving that the poor creature could not help trembling, to encourage her he said, "I tell you again you need not fearanything: I swear by the name of God I will not take away your life. "Fatima lighted her lamp, led him into the cell, and dipping a softbrush in a certain liquor, rubbed it over his face, assured him thecolour would not change, and that his face was of the same hue as herown: after which, she put her own head-dress on his head, also a veil, with which she shewed him how to hide his face as he passed throughthe town. After this, she put a long string of beads about his neck, which hung down to the middle of his body, and giving him the stickshe used to walk with in his hand, brought him a looking-glass, andbade him look if he was not as like her as possible. The magicianfound himself disguised as he wished to be; but he did not keep theoath he so solemnly swore to the good Fatima; but instead of stabbingher, for fear the blood might discover him, he strangled her; and whenhe found she was dead, threw her body into a cistern just by the cell. 

The magician, thus disguised like the holy woman Fatima, spentthe remainder of the night in the cell. The next morning, twohours after sunrise, though it was not a day the holy woman usedto go out on, he crept out of the cell, being well persuaded thatnobody would ask him any questions; or, if they should, he had ananswer ready for them. As one of the first things he did afterhis arrival was to find out Alla ad Deen's palace, where he wasto complete his designs, he went directly thither. 

As soon as the people saw the holy woman, as they imagined him tobe, they presently gathered about him in a great crowd. Somebegged his blessing, others kissed his hand, and others, morereserved, only the hem of his garment; while others, whethertheir heads ached, or they wished to be preserved against thatdisorder, stooped for him to lay his hands upon them; which hedid, muttering some words in form of prayer; and, in short, counterfeited so well, that everybody took him for the holywoman. 

After frequently stopping to satisfy people of this description, whoreceived neither good nor harm from this imposition of hands, he cameat last to the square before Alla ad Deen's palace. The crowd was sogreat that the eagerness to get at him increased in proportion. Thosewho were the most zealous and strong forced their way through thecrowd. There were such quarrels, and so great a noise, that theprincess, who was in the hall of four-and-twenty windows, heard it, and asked what was the matter; but nobody being able to give her ananswer, she ordered them to inquire and inform her. One of her womenlooked out of a window, and then told her it was a great crowd ofpeople collected about the holy woman to be cured of the headache bythe imposition of her hands. 

The princess, who had long heard of this holy woman, but hadnever seen her, was very desirous to have some conversation withher, which the chief of the eunuchs perceiving, told her it wasan easy matter to bring her to her, if she desired and commandedit; and the princess expressing her wishes, he immediately sentfour eunuchs for the pretended holy woman. 

As soon as the crowd saw the eunuchs, they made way, and themagician perceiving also that they were coming for him, advancedto meet them, overjoyed to find his plot proceeded so well. "Holywoman, " said one of the eunuchs, "the princess wants to see you, and has sent us for you. " "The princess does me too great anhonour, " replied the false Fatima; "I am ready to obey hercommand, " and at the same time followed the eunuchs to thepalace. 

When the magician, who under a holy garment disguised a wickedheart, was introduced into the great hall, and perceived theprincess, he began a prayer, which contained a long enumerationof vows and good wishes for the princess's health and prosperity, and that she might have every thing she desired. He thendisplayed all his hypocritical rhetoric, to insinuate himselfinto the princess's favour under the cloak of piety, which it wasno hard matter for him to do; for as the princess herself wasnaturally good, she was easily persuaded that all the world werelike her, especially those who made profession of serving God insolitude. 

When the pretended Fatima had finished his long harangue, theprincess said to him, "I thank you, good mother, for yourprayers: I have great confidence in them, and hope God will hearthem. Come, and sit by me. " The false Fatima sat down withaffected modesty: the princess then resuming her discourse, said, "My good mother, I have one thing to request, which you must notrefuse me; it is to stay with me, that you may edify me with yourway of living; and that I may learn from your good example how toserve God. " "Princess, " said the counterfeit Fatima, "I beg ofyou not to ask what I cannot consent to, without neglecting myprayers and devotion. " "That shall be no hinderance to you, "answered the princess; "I have a great many apartmentsunoccupied; you shall choose which you like best, and have asmuch liberty to perform your devotions as if you were in your owncell. "

The magician, who desired nothing more than to introduce himselfinto the palace, where it would be a much easier matter for himto execute his designs, under the favour and protection of theprincess, than if he had been forced to come and go from the cellto the palace, did not urge much to excuse himself from acceptingthe obliging offer which the princess made him. "Princess, " saidhe, "whatever resolution a poor wretched woman as I am may havemade me renounce the pomp and grandeur of this world, I dare notpresume to oppose the will and commands of so pious andcharitable a princess. "

Upon this the princess, rising up, said, "Come with me, I willshew you what vacant apartments I have, that you may make choiceof that you like best. " The magician followed the princess, andof all the apartments she shewed him, made choice of that whichwas the worst furnished, saying it was too good for him, and thathe only accepted of it to please her. 

Afterwards the princess would have brought him back again intothe great hall to make him dine with her; but he considering thathe should then be obliged to shew his face, which he had alwaystaken care to conceal; and fearing that the princess should findout that he was not Fatima, he begged of her earnestly to excusehim, telling her that he never ate anything but bread and driedfruits, and desiring to eat that slight repast in his ownapartment. The princess granted his request, saying, "You may beas free here, good mother, as if you were in your own cell: Iwill order you a dinner, but remember I expect you as soon as youhave finished your repast. "

After the princess had dined, and the false Fatima had beeninformed by one of the eunuchs that she was risen from table, hefailed not to wait upon her. "My good mother, " said the princess, "I am overjoyed to have the company of so holy a woman asyourself, who will confer a blessing upon this palace. But now Iam speaking of the palace, pray how do you like it? And before Ishew it all to you, tell me first what you think of this hall. "

Upon this question, the counterfeit Fatima, who, to act his partthe better, affected to hang down his head, without so much asever once lifting it, at last looked up, and surveyed the hallfrom one end to the other. When he had examined it well, he saidto the princess, "As far as such a solitary being as I am, who amunacquainted with what the world calls beautiful, can judge, thishall is truly admirable and most beautiful; there wants but onething. " "What is that, good mother?" demanded the princess; "tellme, I conjure you. For my part, I always believed, and have heardsay, it wanted nothing; but if it does, it shall be supplied. "

"Princess, " said the false Fatima, with great dissimulation, "forgive me the liberty I have taken; but my opinion is, if itcan be of any importance, that if a roe's egg were hung up in themiddle of the dome, this hall would have no parallel in the fourquarters of the world, and your palace would be the wonder of theunit verse. "

"My good mother, " said the princess, "what bird is a roe, andwhere may one get an egg?" "Princess, " replied the pretendedFatima, "it is a bird of prodigious size, which inhabits thesummit of mount Caucasus; the architect who built your palace canget you one. "

After the princess had thanked the false Fatima for what shebelieved her good advice, she conversed with her upon othermatters; but could not forget the roe's egg, which she resolvedto request of Alla ad Deen when he returned from hunting. He hadbeen gone six days, which the magician knew, and therefore tookadvantage of his absence; but he returned that evening after thefalse Fatima had taken leave of the princess, and retired to hisapartment. As soon as he arrived, he went directly to theprincess's apartment, saluted and embraced her, but she seemed toreceive him coldly. "My princess, " said he, "I think you are notso cheerful as you used to be; has any thing happened during myabsence, which has displeased you, or given you any trouble ordissatisfaction In the name of God, do not conceal it from me; Iwill leave nothing undone that is in my power to please you. " "Itis a trifling matter, " replied the princess, "which gives me solittle concern that I could not have thought you could haveperceived it in my countenance; but since you have unexpectedlydiscovered some alteration, I will no longer disguise a matter ofso little consequence from you. "

"I always believed, " continued the princess, "that our palace wasthe most superb, magnificent, and complete in the world: but Iwill tell you now what I find fault with, upon examining the hallof four-and-twenty windows. Do not you think with me, that itwould be complete if a roe's egg were hung up in the midst of thedome?" "Princess, " replied Alla ad Deen, "it is enough that youthink there wants such an ornament; you shall see by thediligence used to supply that deficiency, that there is nothingwhich I would not do for your sake. "

Alla ad Deen left the princess Buddir al Buddoor that moment, andwent up into the hall of four-and-twenty windows, where pullingout of his bosom the lamp, which, after the danger he had beenexposed to, he always carried about him, he rubbed it; upon whichthe genie immediately appeared. "Genie, " said Alla ad Deen, "there wants a roe's egg to be hung up in the midst of the dome;I command thee, in the name of this lamp, to repair thedeficiency. " Alla ad Deen had no sooner pronounced these words, than the genie gave so loud and terrible a cry, that the hallshook, and Alla ad Deen could scarcely stand upright. "What!wretch, " said the genie, in a voice that would have made the mostundaunted man tremble, "is it not enough that I and my companionshave done every thing for you, but you, by an unheard-ofingratitude, must command me to bring my master, and hang him upin the midst of this dome? This attempt deserves that you, yourwife, and your palace, should be immediately reduced to ashes:but you are happy that this request does not come from yourself. Know then, that the true author is the brother of the Africanmagician, your enemy, whom you have destroyed as he deserved. Heis now in your palace, disguised in the habit of the holy womanFatima, whom he has murdered; and it is he who has suggested toyour wife to make this pernicious demand. His design is to killyou, therefore take care of yourself. " After these words, thegenie disappeared. 

Alla ad Deen lost not a word of what the genie had said. He hadheard talk of the holy woman Fatima, and how she pretended tocure the headache. He returned to the princess's apartment, andwithout mentioning a word of what had happened, sat down, andcomplained of a great pain which had suddenly seized his head;upon which the princess ordered the holy woman to be called, andthen told him how she had invited her to the palace, and that shehad appointed her an apartment. 

When the pretended Fatima came, Alla ad Deen said, "Come hither, good mother; I am glad to see you here at so fortunate a time; Iam tormented with a violent pain in my head, and request yourassistance, by the confidence I have in your good prayers, andhope you will not refuse me that favour which you do to so manypersons afflicted with this complaint. " So saying, he arose, butheld down his head. The counterfeit Fatima advanced towards him, with his hand all the time on a dagger concealed in his girdleunder his gown; which Alla ad Deen observing, he seized his handbefore he had drawn it, pierced him to the heart with his owndagger, and then pushed him down on the floor. 

"My dear husband, what have you done?" cried the princess insurprise. "You have killed the holy woman. " "No, my princess, "answered Alla ad Deen, with emotion, "I have not killed Fatima, but a villain, who would have assassinated me, if I had notprevented him. This wicked wretch, " added he, uncovering hisface, "has strangled Fatima, whom you accuse me of killing, anddisguised himself in her clothes with intent to murder me: butthat you may know him better, he is brother to the Africanmagician. " Alla ad Deen then informed her how he came to knowthese particulars, and afterwards ordered the dead body to betaken away. 

Thus was Alla ad Deen delivered from the persecution of twobrothers, who were magicians. Within a few years afterwards, thesultan died in a good old age, and as he left no male children, the princess Buddir al Buddoor, as lawful heir of the throne, succeeded him, and communicating the power to Alla ad Deen, theyreigned together many years, and left a numerous and illustriousposterity. 

 ADVENTURE OF THE CALIPH HAROON AL RUSHEED. 

The caliph Haroon al Rusheed was one day suffering fromdepression of spirits, when his faithful and favourite grandvizier Jaaffier came to him. This minister finding him alone, which was seldom the case, and perceiving as he approached thathe was in a very melancholy humour, and never lifted up his eyes, stopped till he should vouchsafe to look at him. 

At last the caliph turned his eyes towards him, but presentlywithdrew them again, and remained in the same posture motionlessas before. 

The grand vizier, observing nothing in the caliph's eyes whichregarded him personally, took the liberty to speak to him, andsaid, "Commander of the faithful, will your majesty give me leaveto ask whence proceeds this melancholy, of which you alwaysseemed to me so little susceptible?"

"Indeed, vizier, " answered the caliph, brightening up hiscountenance, "I am very little subject to it, and had notperceived it but for you, but I will remain no longer in thishippish mood. If no new affair brought you hither, you willgratify me by inventing something to dispel it. "

"Commander of the faithful, " replied the grand vizier, "my dutyobliged me to wait on you, and I take the liberty to remind yourmajesty, that this is the day which you have appointed to informyourself of the good government of your capital and its environs;and this occasion very opportunely presents itself to dispelthose clouds which obscure your natural gaiety. "

"You do well to remind me, " replied the caliph, "for I hadentirely forgotten it; go and change your dress, while I do thesame. "

They each put on the habit of a foreign merchant, and under thatdisguise went out by a private door of the palace-garden, whichled into the country. After they had gone round part of the cityto the banks of the Euphrates, at some distance from the walls, without having observed anything disorderly, they crossed theriver in the first boat they met, and making a tour on the otherside, crossed the bridge, which formed the communication betwixtthe two parts of the town. 

At the foot of this bridge they met an old blind man, who askedalms of them; the caliph turned about, and put a piece of goldinto his hand. The blind man instantly caught hold of his hand, and stopped him; "Charitable person, " said he, "whoever you are, whom God hath inspired to bestow alms on me, do not refuse thefavour I ask of you, to give me a box on the ear, for I deservethat, and a greater punishment. " Having thus spoken, he let thecaliph's hand go, that he might strike, but for fear he shouldpass on without doing it, held him fast by his clothes. 

The caliph, surprised both at the words and action of the blindman, said, "I cannot comply with your request. I will not lessenthe merit of my charity, by treating you as you would have me. "After these words, he endeavoured to get away from the blind man. 

The blind man, who expected this reluctance of his benefactor, exerted himself to detain him. "Sir, " said he, "forgive myboldness and importunity; I desire you would either give me a boxon the ear, or take your alms back again, for I cannot receive itbut on that condition, without breaking a solemn oath, which Ihave sworn to God; and if you knew the reason, you would agreewith me that the punishment is very slight. "

The caliph, unwilling to be detained any longer, yielded to theimportunity of the blind man, and gave him a very slight blow:whereupon he immediately let him go, thanked and blessed him. When the caliph and vizier had got so me small distance from theblind man, the caliph said to Jaaffier, "This blind man mustcertainly have some very uncommon reasons, which make him behavehimself in this manner to all who give him alms. I should be gladto know them; therefore return, tell him who I am, and bid himnot fail to come to my palace about prayer-time in the afternoonof to-morrow, that I may have some conversation with him. "

The grand vizier returned, bestowed his alms on the blind man, and after he had given him a box on the ear, told him thecaliph's order, and then returned to the caliph. 

When they came into the town, they found in a square a greatcrowd of spectators, looking at a handsome well-shaped young man, who was mounted on a mare, which he drove and urged full speedround the place, spurring and whipping the poor creature sobarbarously, that she was all over sweat and blood. 

The caliph, amazed at the inhumanity of the rider, stopped to askthe people if they knew why he used the mare so ill; but couldlearn nothing, except that for some time past he had every day, at the same hour, treated her in the same manner. 

At they went along, the caliph bade the grand vizier takeparticular notice of the place, and not fail to order the youngman to attend the next day at the hour appointed to the blindman. But before the caliph got to his palace, he observed in astreet, which he had not passed through a long time before, anedifice newly built, which seemed to him to be the palace of someone of the great lords of the court. He asked the grand vizier ifhe knew to whom it belonged; who answered he did not, but wouldinquire; and thereupon asked a neighbour, who told him that thehouse was that of one Khaujeh Hassan, surnamed Al Hubbaul, onaccount of his original trade of rope-making, which he had seenhim work at himself, when poor; that without knowing how fortunehad favoured him, he supposed he must have acquired great wealth, as he defrayed honourably and splendidly the expenses he had beenat in building. 

The grand vizier rejoined the caliph, and gave him a full accountof what he had heard. "I must see this fortunate rope-maker, "said the caliph, "therefore go and tell him to come to my palaceat the same hour you have ordered the other two. " Accordingly thevizier obeyed. 

The next day, after afternoon prayers, the caliph retired to hisown apartment, when the grand vizier introduced the three personswe have been speaking of, and presented them to the caliph. 

They all three prostrated themselves before the throne, and whenthey rose up, the caliph asked the blind man his name, whoanswered, it was Baba Abdoollah. 

"Baba Abdoollah, " replied the caliph, "your manner of asking almsseemed so strange to me yesterday, that if it had not been forsome private considerations I should not have complied with yourrequest, but should have prevented you from giving any moreoffence to the public. I ordered you to come hither, to know fromyourself what could have induced you to make the indiscreet oathyou told me of, that I may judge whether you have done well, andif I ought to suffer you to continue a practice that appears tome to set so ill an example. Tell me freely how so extravagant athought came into your head, and do not disguise any thing fromme, for I will absolutely know the truth. "

Baba Abdoollah, intimidated by this reprimand, cast himself asecond time at the foot of the caliph's throne, with his face tothe ground, and when he rose up, said, "Commander of thefaithful, I most humbly ask your majesty's pardon for mypresumption, in daring to have required, and almost forced you todo a thing which indeed appears so contrary to reason. Iacknowledge my offence, but as I did not then know your majesty, I implore your clemency, and hope you will consider my ignorance. 

"As to the extravagance of my action, I own it, and own also thatit must seem strange to mankind; but in the eye of God it is aslight penance I have enjoined myself for an enormous crime ofwhich I have been guilty, and for which, if all the people in theworld were each to give me a box on the ear, it would not be asufficient atonement. Your majesty will judge of this yourself, when, in telling my story, in obedience to your commands I shallinform you what that heinous crime was. "

 The Story of Baba Abdoollah. 

Commander of the faithful, I was born at Bagdad, had a moderatefortune left me by my father and mother, who died within a fewdays of each other. Though I was then but young, I did notsquander away my fortune as most young men do, in idle expensesand debauchery; on the contrary, I neglected no opportunity toincrease it by my industry. At last I became rich enough topurchase fourscore camels, which I let out to merchants forcaravans, who paid me well for every journey I went with themthroughout the extent of your majesty's dominions. 

In the midst of this prosperity, and with an ardent desire ofgrowing much richer, as I was returning one day with my camelsunloaded from Bussorah, whither I had carried some bales thatwere to be embarked for the Indies, I met with good pasturage, atsome distance from any habitation; made a halt, and let my beastsgraze for some time. While I was seated, a dervish, who waswalking to Bussorah, came and sat down by me to rest himself: Iasked him whence he came, and where he was going; he put the samequestions to me: and when we had satisfied each other'scuriosity, we produced our provisions and ate together. 

During our repast, after we had talked on many indifferentsubjects, the dervish told me that he knew of a spot a smalldistance from thence, where there were such immense riches, thatif all my fourscore camels were loaded with the gold and jewelsthat might be taken from it, they would not be missed. 

This intelligence surprised and charmed me; and I was sooverjoyed, that I could scarcely contain myself. I could notbelieve that the dervish was capable of telling me a falsehood;therefore I fell upon his neck, and said, "Good dervish, I knowyou value not the riches of this world, therefore of what servicecan the knowledge of this treasure be to you? You are alone, andcannot carry much of it away; shew me where it is, I will loadall my camels, and as an acknowledgment of the favour done me, will present you with one of them. "

Indeed I offered very little, but after he had communicated thesecret to me, my desire of riches was become so violent, that Ithought it a great deal, and looked upon the seventy-nine camelloads which I reserved for myself as nothing in comparison ofwhat I allowed him. 

The dervish, though he saw my avarice, was not however angry atthe unreasonable return I proposed to make him, but repliedwithout the least concern, "You are sensible, brother, that whatyou offer me is not proportionable to the valuable favour you askof me. I might have chosen whether I would communicate my secretto you or not, and have kept the treasure to myself: but what Ihave told you is sufficient to shew my good intentions; it is inmy power to oblige you, and make both our fortunes. I have, however, another proposition more just and equitable to make toyou; it lies in your own breast whether or no you will agree toit. 

"You say, " continued the dervish, "that you have fourscorecamels: I am ready to conduct you to the place where the treasurelies, and we will load them with as much jewels and gold as theycan carry, on condition that when they are so loaded you will letme have one half, and you be contented with the other; afterwhich we will separate, and take our camels where we may thinkfit. You see there is nothing but what is strictly equitable inthis division; for if you give me forty camels, you will procureby my means wherewithal to purchase thousands. "

I could not but agree there was a great deal of justice in whatthe dervish said: but without considering what riches I shouldgain in accepting of the condition he proposed, I could notwithout reluctance think of parting with my forty camels, especially when I reflected that the dervish would then be asrich as myself. Avarice made me unmindful that I was beforehandmaking an ungrateful return for a favour, purely gratuitous. Butthere was no time to hesitate; I must either accept of theproposal, or resolve to repent all my lifetime of losing, by myown fault, an opportunity of obtaining an immense fortune. Thatinstant I collected all my camels, and after we had travelledsome time, we came into a valley, the pass into which was sonarrow, that two camels could not go a-breast. The two mountainswhich bounded this valley formed nearly a circle, but were sohigh, craggy, and steep, that there was no fear of our being seenby any body. 

When we came between these two mountains, the dervish said to me, "Stop your camels, make them kneel that we may load them theeasier, and I will proceed to discover the treasure. "

I did as the dervish directed; and going to him soon after, foundhim with a match in one hand, gathering sticks to light a fire;which he had no sooner done, than he cast some incense into it, and pronouncing certain words which I did not understand, therepresently arose a thick cloud. He divided this cloud, when therock, though of a prodigious perpendicular height, opened liketwo folding doors, and exposed to view a magnificent palace inthe hollow of the mountain, which I supposed to be rather theworkmanship of genii than of men; for man could hardly haveattempted such a bold and surprising work. 

But this, I must tell your majesty, was an afterthought which didnot occur to me at the moment; so eager was I for the treasureswhich displayed themselves to my view, that I did not even stopto admire the magnificent columns and arcades which I saw on allsides; and, without attention to the regularity with which thetreasures were ranged, like an eagle seizing her prey, I fellupon the first heap of golden coin that was near me. My sackswere all large, and with my good will I would have filled themall; but I was obliged to proportion my burden to the strength ofmy camels. The dervish did the same; but I perceived he paid moreattention to the jewels, and when he told me the reason, Ifollowed his example, so that we took away much more jewels thangold. When we had filled our sacks, and loaded our camels, we hadnothing left to do but to shut up the treasure and go our way. 

But before we parted, the dervish went again into the treasury, where there were a great many wrought vessels of gold ofdifferent forms. I observed that he took out of one of thesevessels a little box of a certain wood, which I knew not, and putit into his breast; but first shewed me that it contained only akind of glutinous ointment. 

The dervish used the same incantations to shut the treasury as hehad done to open it; and after he pronounced certain words, thedoors closed, and the rock seemed as solid and entire as before. 

We now divided our camels. I put myself at the head of the fortywhich I had reserved for myself, and the dervish placed himselfat the head of the rest which I had given him. We came out of thevalley by the way we had entered, and travelled together till wecame to the great road, where we were to part; the dervish to goto Bussorah, and I to Bagdad. To thank him for so great akindness, I made use of the most expressive terms, testifying mygratitude for the preference he had given me before all other menin letting me have a share of such riches. We embraced each otherwith great joy, and taking our leave, pursued our differentroutes. 

I had not gone far, following my camels, which paced quietly onin the track I had put them into, before the demon of ingratitudeand envy took possession of my heart, and I deplored the loss ofmy other forty, but much more the riches wherewith they wereloaded. "The dervish, " said I to myself, "has no occasion for allthis wealth, since he is master of the treasure, and may have asmuch as he pleases;" so I gave myself up to the blackestingratitude, and determined immediately to take the camels withtheir loading from him. 

To execute this design, I first stopped my own camels, then ranafter the dervish, and called to him as loud as I could, givinghim to understand that I had something material to say to him, and made a sign to him to stop, which he accordingly did. 

When I came up to him, I said, "Brother, I had no sooner partedfrom you, but a thought came into my head, which neither of ushad reflected on before. You are a recluse dervish, used to livein tranquillity, disengaged from all the cares of the world, andintent only upon serving God. You know not, perhaps, what troubleyou have taken upon yourself, to take care of so many camels. Ifyou would take my advice, you would keep but thirty; you willfind them sufficiently troublesome to manage. Take my word; Ihave had experience. "

"I believe you are right, " replied the dervish, who found he wasnot able to contend with me; "I own I never thought of this. Ibegin already to be uneasy at what you have stated. Choose whichten you please, and take them, and go on in God's keeping. "

I set ten apart, and after I had driven them off, I put them inthe road to follow my others. I could not have imagined that thedervish would be so easily persuaded to part with his camels, which increased my covetousness, and made me flatter myself, thatit would be no hard matter to get ten more: wherefore, instead ofthanking him for his present, I said to him again; "Brother, theinterest I take in your repose is so great, that I cannot resolveto part from you without desiring you to consider once more howdifficult a thing it is to govern thirty loaded camels, especially for you who are not used to such work: you will findit much better to return me as many more back as you have donealready. What I tell you is not for my own sake and interest, butto do you the greater kindness. Ease yourself then of the camels, and leave them to me, who can manage a hundred as well as one. "

My discourse had the desired effect upon the dervish, who gaveme, without any hesitation, the other ten camels; so that he hadbut twenty left and I was master of sixty, and might boast ofgreater riches than any sovereign princes. Any one would havethought I should now have been content; but as a person afflictedwith a dropsy, the more he drinks the more thirsty he is, so Ibecame more greedy and desirous of the other twenty camels. 

I redoubled my solicitations and importunities, to make thedervish condescend to grant me ten of the twenty, which he didwith a good grace: and as to the other ten he had left, Iembraced him, kissed his feet, and caressed him, conjuring himnot to refuse me, but to complete the obligation I should everhave to him, so that at length he crowned my joy, by giving methem also. "Make a good use of them, brother, " said the dervish, "and remember that God can take away riches as well as give them, if we do not assist the poor, whom he suffers to be in want, onpurpose that the rich may merit by their charity a recompense inthe other world. "

My infatuation was so great that I could not profit by suchwholesome advice. I was not content, though I had my forty camelsagain, and knew they were loaded with an inestimable treasure. But a thought came into my head, that the little box of ointmentwhich the dervish shewed me had something in it more preciousthan all the riches which I was obliged to him for: the placefrom whence the dervish took it, said I to myself, and his careto secure it, makes me believe there is something mysterious init. This determined me to obtain it. I had just embraced him andbade him adieu; but as I turned about from him, I said, "Whatwill you do with that little box of ointment? It seems such atrifle, it is not worth your carrying away. I entreat you to makeme a present of it; for what occasion has a dervish, as you are, who has renounced the vanities of the world, for perfumes, orscented ointments?"

Would to heaven he had refused me that box; but if he had, I wasstronger than he, and resolved to have taken it from him byforce; that for my complete satisfaction it might not be said hehad carried away the smallest part of the treasure. 

The dervish, far from denying me, readily pulled it out of hisbosom, and presenting it to me with the best grace in the world, said, "Here, take it, brother, and be content; if I could do morefor you, you needed but to have asked me; I should have beenready to satisfy you. "

When I had the box in my hand, I opened it, and looking at theointment, said to him, "Since you are so good, I am sure you willnot refuse me the favour to tell me the particular use of thisointment. "

"The use is very surprising and wonderful, " replied the dervish:"if you apply a little of it round the left eye, and upon thelid, you will see at once all the treasures contained in thebosom of the earth; but if you apply it to the right eye, it willmake you blind. "

"I would make the experiment myself. Take the box, " said I to thedervish, "and apply some to my left eye. You understand how to doit better than I, and I long to experience what seems soincredible. " Accordingly I shut my left eye, and the dervish tookthe trouble to apply the unguent; I opened my eye, and wasconvinced he had told me truth. I saw immense treasures, and suchprodigious riches, so diversified, that it is impossible for meto give an account of them; but as I was obliged to keep my righteye shut with my hand, and that tired me, I desired the dervishto apply some of the pomatum to that eye. 

"I am ready to do it, " said the dervish; "but you must rememberwhat I told you, that if you put any of it upon your right eye, you would immediately be blind; such is the virtue of theointment. "

Far from being persuaded of the truth of what the dervish said, Iimagined, on the contrary, that there was some new mystery, whichhe meant to hide from me. "Brother, " replied I, smiling, "I seeplainly you wish to mislead me; it is not natural that thisointment should have two such contrary effects. "

"The matter is as I tell you, " replied the dervish, taking thename of God to bear witness; "you ought to believe me, for Icannot disguise the truth. "

I would not believe the dervish, who spoke like an honest man. Myinsurmountable desire of seeing at my will all the treasures inthe world and perhaps of enjoying those treasures to the extent Icoveted, had such an effect upon me, that I could not hearken tohis remonstrances, nor be persuaded of what was however but tootrue, as to my lasting misfortune I soon experienced. 

I persuaded myself that if the ointment, by being applied to theleft eye, had the virtue of shewing me all the treasures of theearth, by being applied to the right, it might have the power ofputting them in my disposal. Possessed with this thought, Iobstinately pressed the dervish to apply the ointment to my righteye; but he as positively refused. "Brother, " said he, "after Ihave done you so much service, I cannot resolve to do you sogreat an injury; consider with yourself what a misfortune it isto be deprived of one's eye-sight: do not reduce me to the hardnecessity of obliging you in a thing which you will repent of allyour life. "

I persisted in my obstinacy, and said to him in strong terms, "Brother, I earnestly desire you to lay aside all yourdifficulties. You have granted me most generously all that I haveasked of you hitherto, and would you have me go away dissatisfiedwith you at last about a thing of so little consequence? ForGod's sake grant me this last favour; whatever happens I will notlay the blame on you, but take it upon myself alone. "

The dervish made all the resistance possible, but seeing that Iwas able to force him to do it, he said, "Since you willabsolutely have it so, I will satisfy you;" and thereupon he tooka little of the fatal ointment, and applied it to my right eye, which I kept shut; but alas! when I came to open it, I coulddistinguish nothing with either eye but thick darkness, andbecame blind as you see me now. 

"Ah! dervish, " I exclaimed in agony, "what you forewarned me ofhas proved but too true. Fatal curiosity, " added I, "insatiabledesire of riches, into what an abyss of miseries have they castme! I am now sensible what a misfortune I have brought uponmyself; but you, dear brother, " cried I, addressing myself to thedervish, "who are so charitable and good, among the manywonderful secrets you are acquainted with, have you not one torestore to me my sight again?"

"Miserable wretch!" answered the dervish, "if you would have beenadvised by me, you would have avoided this misfortune, but youhave your deserts; the blindness of your mind was the cause ofthe loss of your eyes. It is true I have secrets, some of which, during the short time we have been together, you have by myliberality witnessed; but I have none to restore to you yoursight. Pray to God, therefore, if you believe there is one; it ishe alone that can restore it to you. He gave you riches, of whichyou were unworthy, on that account takes them from you again, andwill by my hands give them to men not so ungrateful as yourself. "

The dervish said no more, and I had nothing to reply. He left meto myself overwhelmed with confusion, and plunged ininexpressible grief. After he had collected my camels, he drovethem away, and pursued the road to Bussorah. 

I cried out loudly as he was departing, and entreated him not toleave me in that miserable condition, but to conduct me at leastto the first caravanserai; but he was deaf to my prayers andentreaties. Thus deprived of sight and all I had in the world, Ishould have died with affliction and hunger, if the next day acaravan returning from Bussorah had not received me charitably, and brought me back to Bagdad. 

After this manner was I reduced without remedy from a conditionworthy the envy of princes for riches and magnificence, thoughnot for power, to beggary without resource. I had no other way tosubsist but by asking charity, which I have done till now. But toexpiate my offence against God, I enjoined myself, by way ofpenance, a box on the ear from every charitable person who shouldcommiserate my condition. 

"This, commander of the faithful, is the motive which seemed sostrange to your majesty yesterday, and for which I ought to incuryour indignation. I ask your pardon once more as your slave, andsubmit to receive the chastisement I deserve. And if youvouchsafe to pronounce any thing beyond the penance I haveimposed upon myself, I am ready to undergo it, since I ampersuaded you must think it too slight and much too little for mycrime. "

The blind man having concluded his story, the caliph said, "BabaAbdoollah, your sin has been great; but God be praised, you feelthe enormity of your guilt, and your penance proves yourrepentance. You must continue it, not ceasing to ask of Godpardon in every prayer your religion obliges you to say daily:but that you may not be prevented from your devotions by the careof getting your living, I will settle a charity on you duringyour life, of four silver dirhems a day, which my grand viziershall give you daily with the penance, therefore do not go away, but wait till he has executed my orders. "

At these words, Baba Abdoollah prostrated himself before thecaliph's throne, returned him thanks, and wished him allhappiness and prosperity. 

The caliph, very well satisfied with the story of Baba Abdoollahand the dervish, addressed himself to the young man who used hismare so ill, and asked him his name; to which he replied, it wasSyed Naomaun. 

"Syed Naomaun, " resumed the caliph, "I have seen horses exercisedall my life, and have often exercised them myself, but never inso barbarous a manner as you yesterday treated your mare in thefull square, to the great offence of all the spectators, whomurmured loudly at your conduct. I myself was not lessdispleased, and had nearly, contrary to my intention, discoveredwho I was, to have punished your cruelty. By your air andbehaviour you do not seem to be a barbarous or cruel man; andtherefore I would fain believe that you had reason for what youdid, since I am informed that this was not the first time, butthat you practise the same treatment every day. I would know whatis the cause, and sent for you for that purpose, that you shouldtell me the truth, and disguise nothing from me. "

Syed Naomaun understood what the caliph demanded of him. Therelation was painful to him. He changed colour several times, andcould not help shewing how greatly he was embarrassed. However, he must resolve to tell his story; but before he spoke, heprostrated himself before the caliph's throne, and after he roseup, endeavoured to speak to satisfy the caliph, but was soconfounded, not so much at the presence of the caliph, as by thenature of his relation, that he was speechless. 

The caliph, notwithstanding his natural impatience to be obeyed, shewed not the least anger at Syed Naomaun's silence: he sawplainly, that he either had not assurance to speak before him, orwas intimidated by the tone of his voice; or, in short, thatthere was something to be concealed in his story. 

"Syed Naomaun, " said the caliph, to encourage him, "recollectyourself, but tell your story as if you were speaking not to me, but to your most familiar friend. If there is any thing in yourrelation which troubles you, and you think I may be offended atit, I pardon you beforehand: therefore be not uneasy, but speakboldly and freely, and disguise nothing. "

Syed Naomaun, encouraged by these words, said, "Commander of thefaithful, whatever apprehensions a man may be under at yourmajesty's presence, I am sensible those respectful sensationswould not deprive me of the use of my speech, so as to fail in myobedience, in giving you satisfaction in any other matter butthis you now ask of me. I dare not say I am the most perfect ofmen; yet I am not wicked enough to have committed, or to have hadan intention of committing any thing against the laws to feartheir severity; and yet I cannot say I am exempt from sin throughignorance. In this case I do not say that I depend upon yourmajesty's pardon, but will submit myself to your justice, andreceive the punishment I deserve. I own, that the manner in whichI have for some time treated my mare, and which your majesty haswitnessed, is strange, and sets an ill example: but I hope youwill think the motive well grounded, and that I am more worthy ofcompassion than chastisement: but not to keep your majesty anylonger in suspense by a long preamble, I will tell you my story. "

 The Story of Syed Naomaun. 

I shall not trouble your majesty with my birth, which is notillustrious enough to merit your attention. For my situation, myparents, by their good economy, left me enough to live on like anhonest man, free from ambition, or being burdensome to any one. 

With these advantages, the only blessing I wanted to render myhappiness complete was an amiable wife, who might share them withme; but that was a blessing it did not please God to grant me: onthe contrary, it was my misfortune to have one, who, the verynext day after our wedding, began to exercise my patience in amanner not to be conceived by any one who has not had the sametrial. 

As it is the custom for us to marry without seeing or knowingwhom we are to espouse, your majesty is sensible that a husbandhas no reason to complain, when he finds that the wife who hasbeen chosen for him is not horribly ugly and deformed, and thather carriage, wit, and behaviour make amends for any slightbodily imperfections. 

The first time I saw my wife with her face uncovered, after shewas brought home with the usual ceremonies to my house, Irejoiced to find that I had not been imposed upon in thedescription of her person, which pleased me, and she wasperfectly agreeable to my inclination. 

The next day after our wedding, when our dinner was served up, which consisted of several dishes, I went into the room where thecloth was laid, and not finding my wife there, ordered her to becalled. After making me wait a long time, she came. I dissembledmy impatience, we sat down, and I began with the rice, which Itook up as usual. 

On the other hand, my wife, instead of using her hand aseverybody does, pulled a little case out of her pocket, and tookout of it a kind of bodkin, with which she picked up the rice, and put it into her mouth, grain by grain. 

Surprised at this manner of eating, I said to her, "Ameeneh, "(which was her name, ) "are you used to eat rice so in yourfamily, or do you do it because you are a little eater, or wouldyou count the grains, that you may not eat more at one time thananother? If you do it out of frugality, or to teach me not to beextravagant, you have no reason to fear, as I can assure you weshall not ruin ourselves that way. We have, God be thanked!enough to live at our ease, without depriving ourselves ofnecessaries. Do not restrain yourself, my dear Ameeneh, but eatas you see me eat. " The kind manner in which I made theseremonstrances might have produced some obliging answer; but she, without saying a word, continued to eat as she had begun. Atlast, to make me the more uneasy, she ate a grain of rice atintervals only; and instead of eating any of the other meats withme, she only now and then put some crumbs of bread into hermouth, but not so much as a sparrow would have pecked. 

I was much provoked at her obstinacy; but yet, to indulge andexcuse her, I imagined that she had not been used to eat withmen, before whom she might perhaps have been taught to restrainherself; but at the same time thought she carried it too far outof pure simplicity. I fancied again that she might havebreakfasted late, or that she might have a wish to eat alone, andmore at liberty. These considerations prevented me from sayingmore to her then, to ruffle her temper, by shewing any sign ofdissatisfaction. After dinner I left her, but not with an airthat shewed any displeasure. 

At supper, and the next day, and every time we ate together, shebehaved herself in the same manner. I knew it was impossible fora woman to live on so little food as she took, and that theremust be some mystery in her conduct, which I did not understand. This made me resolve to dissemble; I appeared to take no noticeof her actions, in hopes that time would bring her to live withme as I desired she should. But my hopes were in vain, and it wasnot long before I was convinced they were so. 

One night, when Ameeneh thought me fast asleep, she got out ofbed softly, dressed herself with great precaution, not to make anoise for fear of awaking me. I could not comprehend her design, but curiosity made me feign a sound sleep. As soon as she haddressed herself, she went softly out of the room. 

When she was gone, I arose, threw my cloak over my shoulders, and hadtime enough to see from a window that looked into my court-yard, thatshe opened the street-door and went out. 

I immediately ran down to the door, which she had left half open, andfollowed her by moonlight, till I saw her enter a burying-ground justby our house. I got to the end of the wall, taking care not to beseen, and looking over, saw Ameeneh with a ghoul. 

Your majesty knows that the ghouls of both sexes are wanderingdemons, which generally infest old buildings; from whence theyrush out, by surprise, on people that pass by, kill them, and eattheir flesh; and for want of such prey, will sometimes go in thenight into burying-grounds, and feed on dead bodies which theydig up. 

I was struck with astonishment and horror to see my wife withthis ghoul. They dug up a dead body which had been buried butthat day, and the ghoul cut off pieces of the flesh, which theyate together by the grave-side, conversing during their shockingand inhuman repast. But I was too far off to hear theirdiscourse, which must have been as strange as their meal, theremembrance of which still makes me shudder. 

When they had finished this horrible feast, they threw theremains of the dead body into the grave again, and filled it upwith the earth which they had dug out. I left them at their work, made haste home, and leaving the door half open as I had foundit, went into my chamber, and to bed again, where I pretended tobe fast asleep. 

Soon afterwards Ameeneh returned without the least noise, undressed herself, and came to bed, rejoicing, as I imagined, that she had succeeded so well without being discovered. 

My mind was so full of the idea of such an abominable action as Ihad witnessed, that I felt great reluctance to lie by a personwho could have had any share in the guilt of it, and was a longtime before I could fall asleep. However, I got a short nap; butwaked at the first call to public prayers at day-break, got up, dressed myself, and went to the mosque. 

After prayers I went out of the town, spent the morning in walking inthe gardens, and thinking what I should do to oblige my wife to changeher mode of living. I rejected all the violent measures that suggestedthemselves to my thoughts, and resolved to use gentle means to cureher unhappy and depraved inclination. In this state of reverie Iinsensibly reached home by dinner-time. 

As soon as Ameeneh saw me enter the house, she ordered dinner tobe served up; and as I observed she continued to eat her rice inthe same manner, by single grains, I said to her, with all themildness possible, "You know, Ameeneh, what reason I had to besurprised, when the day after our marriage I saw you eat rice inso small a quantity, and in a manner which would have offendedany other husband but myself: you know also, I contented myselfwith telling you that I was uneasy at it, and desired you to eatof the other meats, which I had ordered to be dressed severalways to endeavour to suit your taste, and I am sure my table didnot want for variety: but all my remonstrances have had noeffect, and you persist in your sullen abstemiousness. I havesaid nothing, because I would not constrain you, and should besorry that any thing I now say should make you uneasy; but tellme, Ameeneh, I conjure you, are not the meats served up at mytable better than the flesh of a human corpse?"

I had no sooner pronounced these words than Ameeneh, whoperceived that I had discovered her last night's horridvoraciousness with the ghoul, flew into a rage beyondimagination. Her face became as red as scarlet, her eyes ready tostart out of her head, and she foamed with passion. 

The terrible state in which she appeared alarmed me so much, thatI stood motionless, and was not able to defend myself against thehorrible wickedness she meditated against me, and which willsurprise your majesty. In the violence of her passion, she dippedher hand into a basin of water, which stood by her, and mutteringbetween her teeth some words, which I could not hear, she threwsome water in my face, and exclaimed, in a furious tone, "Wretch, receive the punishment of thy prying curiosity, and become adog!"

Ameeneh, whom I did not before know to be a sorceress, had nosooner pronounced these diabolical words, than I was immediatelytransformed into a dog. My amazement and surprise at so suddenand unexpected a metamorphosis prevented my thinking at first ofproviding for my safety. Availing herself of this suspense, shetook up a great stick, with which she laid on me such heavyblows, that I wonder they did not kill me. I thought to haveescaped her rage, by running into the yard; but she pursued mewith the same fury, and notwithstanding all my activity I couldnot avoid her blows. At last, when she was tired of running afterand beating me, and enraged that she had not killed me, as shedesired, she thought of another method to effect her purpose: shehalf opened the street-door, that she might endeavour to squeezeme to death, as I ran out to preserve my life. Dog as I was, Iinstantly perceived her pernicious design; and as present dangerinspires a presence of mind, to elude her vigilance I watched herface and motions so well, that I took my opportunity, and passedthrough quick enough to save myself and escape her malice, thoughshe pinched the end of my tail. 

The pain I felt made me cry out and howl as I ran along thestreets, which collected all the dogs about me, and I got bit byseveral of them; but to avoid their pursuit, I ran into the shopof a man who sold boiled sheep's heads, tongues, and feet, whereI saved myself. 

The man at first took my part with much compassion, by drivingaway the dogs that followed me, and would have run into hishouse. My first care was to creep into a corner to hide myself;but I found not the sanctuary and protection I hoped for. My hostwas one of those extravagantly superstitious persons who thinkdogs unclean creatures, and if by chance one happens to touchthem in the streets, cannot use soap and water enough to washtheir garments clean. After the dogs who chased me were alldispersed and gone, he did all he could to drive me out of hishouse, but I was concealed out of his reach, and spent that nightin his shop in spite of him; and indeed I had need of rest torecover from Ameeneh's ill-treatment. 

Not to weary your majesty with trifling circumstances, I shallnot particularize the melancholy reflections I made on mymetamorphosis; but only tell you, that my host having gone outthe next morning to lay in a stock of sheep's heads, tongues, andtrotters, when he returned, he opened his shop, and while he waslaying out his goods, I crept from my corner, and got among someother dogs of the neighbourhood, who had followed my host by thescent of his meat, and surrounded the shop, in expectation ofhaving some offal thrown to them. I joined them, and put myselfamong them in a begging posture. My host observing me, andconsidering that I had eaten nothing while I lay in the shop, distinguished me from the rest, by throwing me larger pieces ofmeat, and oftener than the other dogs. After he had given me asmuch as he thought fit, I looked at him earnestly, and wagged mytail, to shew him I begged he would repeat his favours. But hewas inflexible, and opposed my entrance with a stick in his hand, and with so stern a look, that I felt myself obliged to seek anew habitation. 

I stopped at the shop of a baker in the neighbourhood, who was ofa lively gay temper, quite the reverse of the offal butcher. Hewas then at breakfast, and though I made no sign that I wantedany thing, threw me a piece of bread. Instead of catching it upgreedily, as dogs usually do, I looked at him, moving my head andwagging my tail, to shew my gratitude; at which he was pleased, and smiled. Though I was not hungry, I ate the piece of bread toplease him, and I ate slowly to shew him that it was out ofrespect to him. He observed this, and permitted me to continuenear the shop. I sat down and turned myself to the street, toshew him I then only wanted his protection; which he not onlygranted, but by his caresses encouraged me to come into thehouse. This I did in a way that shewed it was with his leave. Hewas pleased, and pointed me out a place where to lie, of which Itook possession, and kept while I lived with him. I was alwayswell treated; and whenever he breakfasted, dined, or supped, Ihad my share of provisions; and, in return, I loved him, and wasfaithful, as gratitude required of me. I always had my eyes uponhim, and he scarcely stirred out of doors, or went into the cityon business, but I was at his heels. I was the more exact, because I perceived my attention pleased him; for whenever hewent out, without giving me time to see him, he would callChance, which was the name he gave me. 

At this name I used to spring from my place, jump, caper, runbefore the door, and never cease fawning on him, till he wentout; and then I always either followed him, or ran before him, continually looking at him to shew my joy. 

I had lived some time with this baker, when a woman came one dayinto the shop to buy some bread, who gave my master a piece ofbad money among some good, which he returned, and requested herto exchange. 

The woman refused to take it again, and affirmed it to be good. The baker maintained the contrary, and in the dispute told thewoman, he was sure that the piece of money was so visibly bad, that his dog could distinguish it; upon which he called me byname. I immediately jumped on the counter, and the baker throwingthe money down before me, said, "See, and tell me which of thesepieces is bad?" I looked over all the pieces of money, and thenset my paw upon that which was bad, separated it from the rest, looking in my master's face, to shew it him. 

The baker, who had only called me to banter the woman, was muchsurprised to see me so immediately pitch upon the bad money. Thewoman thus convicted had nothing to say for herself, but wasobliged to give another piece instead of the bad one. As soon asshe was gone, my master called in some neighbours, and enlargedvery much on my capacity, telling them what had happened. 

The neighbours desired to make the experiment, and of all the badmoney they shewed me, mixed with good, there was not one which Idid not set my paw upon, and separate from the rest. 

The woman also failed not to tell everybody she met what hadhappened; so that the fame of my skill in distinguishing goodmoney from bad was not only spread throughout the neighbourhood, but over all that part of the town, and insensibly through thewhole city. 

I had business enough every day; for I was obliged to shew myskill to all customers who came to buy bread of my master. Inshort, my reputation procured my master more business than hecould manage, and brought him customers from the most distantparts of the town; this run of business lasted so long, that heowned to his friends and neighbours, that I was a treasure tohim. 

My little knowledge made many people envy my master's goodfortune, and lay snares to steal me away, which obliged himalways to keep me in his sight. One day a woman came like therest out of curiosity to buy some bread, and seeing me sit uponthe counter, threw down before me six pieces of money, amongwhich was one that was bad. I separated it presently from theothers, and setting my paw upon it, looked in the woman's face, as much as to say, "Is it not so?" The woman looking at mereplied, "Yes, you are in the right, it is bad:" and staying sometime in the shop, to look at and admire me, at last paid mymaster for his bread, but when she went out of the shop, made asign, unknown to him, for me to follow her. 

I was always attentive to any means likely to deliver me out ofso strange a metamorphosis, and had observed that the womanexamined me with an extraordinary attention. I imagined that shemight know something of my misfortune, and the melancholycondition I was reduced to: however, I let her go, and contentedmyself with looking at her. After walking two or three steps, sheturned about, and seeing that I only looked at her, withoutstirring from my place, made me another sign to follow her. 

Without deliberating any longer, and observing that my master wasbusy cleaning his oven, and did not mind me, I jumped off thecounter, and followed the woman, who seemed overjoyed. 

After we had gone some way, she stopped at a house, opened thedoor, and called to me to come in, saying, "You will not repentfollowing me. " When I had entered, she shut the door, andconducted me to her chamber, where I saw a beautiful young ladyworking embroidery. This lady, who was daughter to the charitablewoman who had brought me from the baker's, was a very skilfulenchantress, as I found afterwards. 

"Daughter, " said the mother, "I have brought you the much-talked-ofbaker's dog, that can tell good money from bad. You know I gave you myopinion respecting him when I first heard of him, and told you, Ifancied he was a man changed into a dog by some wicked magician. To-day I determined to go to that baker for some bread, and was myselfa witness of the wonders performed by this dog, who has made such anoise in Bagdad. What say you, daughter, am I deceived in myconjecture?" "Mother, you are not, " answered the daughter, "and I willdisenchant him immediately. "

The young lady arose from her sofa, put her hand into a basin ofwater, and throwing some upon me, said, "If thou wert born a dog, remain so, but if thou wert born a man, resume thy former shape, by the virtue of this water. " At that instant the enchantment wasbroken, and I became restored to my natural form. 

Penetrated with the greatness of this kindness, I threw myself atmy deliverer's feet; and after I had kissed the hem of hergarment, said, "My dear deliverer, I am so sensible of yourunparalleled humanity towards a stranger, as I am, that I beg ofyou to tell me yourself what I can do to shew my gratitude; orrather dispose of me as a slave, to whom you have a just right, since I am no more my own, but entirely yours: and that you mayknow who I am, I will tell you my story in as few words aspossible. "

After I had informed her who I was, I gave her an account of mymarriage with Ameeneh, of the complaisance I had shewn her, mypatience in bearing with her humour, her extraordinary behaviour, and the savage inhumanity with which she had treated me out ofher inconceivable wickedness, and finished my story with mytransformation, and thanking her mother for the inexpressiblehappiness she had procured me. 

"Syed Naomaun, " said the daughter to me, "let us not talk of theobligation you say you owe me; it is enough for me that I havedone any service to so honest a man. But let us talk of Ameenehyour wife. I was acquainted with her before your marriage; and asI know her to be a sorceress, she also is sensible that I havesome of the same kind of knowledge as herself, since we bothlearnt it of the same mistress. We often meet at the baths, butas our tempers are different, I avoid all opportunities ofcontracting an intimacy with her, which is no difficult matter, as she does the same by me. I am not at all surprised at herwickedness: but what I have already done for you is notsufficient; I must complete what I have begun. It is not enoughto have broken the enchantment by which she has so long excludedyou from the society of men. You must punish her as she deserves, by going home again, and assuming the authority which belongs toyou. I will give you the proper means. Converse a little with mymother till I return to you. "

My deliveress went into a closet, and while she was absent, Irepeated my obligations to the mother as well as the daughter. She said to me, "You see my daughter has as much skill in themagic art as the wicked Ameeneh; but makes such use of it, thatyou would be surprised to know the good she has done, and dailydoes, by exercising her science. This induces me to let herpractise it; for I should not permit her, if I perceived she madean improper application of it in the smallest instance. "

The mother then related some of the wonders she had seen herperform: by this time the daughter returned with a little bottlein her hand. "Syed Naomaun, " said she, "my books which I havebeen consulting tell me that Ameeneh is now abroad, but will beat home presently. They also inform me that she pretended beforeyour servants to be very uneasy at your absence, and made thembelieve, that at dinner you recollected some business whichobliged you to go out immediately; that as you went, you left thedoor open, and a dog running into the hall where she was atdinner, she had beaten him out with a great stick. 

"Take this little bottle, go home immediately, and wait in yourown chamber till Ameeneh comes in, which she will do shortly. Assoon as she returns, run down into the court, and meet her faceto face. In her surprise at seeing you so unexpectedly, she willturn her back to run away; have the bottle ready, and throw someof the liquor it contains upon her, pronouncing at the same timethese words: 'Receive the chastisement of thy wickedness. ' I willtell you no more; you will see the effect. "

After these instructions I took leave of my benefactress, and hermother, with all the testimonies of the most perfect gratitude, and a sincere protestation never to forget my obligation to them;and then went home. 

All things happened as the beautiful and humane enchantress hadforetold. Ameeneh was not long before she came home. As sheentered the court, I met her with the bottle in my hand. Uponseeing me, she shrieked; and as she turned to run towards thedoor, I threw the liquor upon her, pronouncing the words whichthe young lady had taught me, when she was instantly transformedinto the mare which your majesty saw me upon yesterday. 

At that instant, owing to the surprise she was in, I easilyseized her by the mane, and notwithstanding her resistance, ledher into the stable, where I put a halter upon her head, and whenI had tied her to the rack, reproaching her with her baseness, Ichastised her with a whip till I was tired, and have punished herevery day since in the manner which your majesty has witnessed. 

"I hope, commander of the faithful, " concluded Syed Naomaun, "your majesty will not disapprove of my conduct, but will ratherthink I have shewn so wicked and pernicious a woman moreindulgence than she deserved. "

When the caliph found that Syed Naomaun had ended his story, hesaid to him, "Your adventure is very singular, and the wickednessof your wife inexcusable; therefore I do not condemn thechastisement you have hitherto given her; but I would have youconsider how great a punishment it is to be reduced to thecondition of beasts, and wish you would be content with thechastisement you have already inflicted. I would order you to goand address yourself to the young enchantress, to end themetamorphosis she has inflicted, but that I know the obstinacyand incorrigible cruelty of magicians of both sexes, who abusetheir art; which makes me apprehensive that a second effect ofyour wife's revenge might be more fatal than the first. "

The caliph, who was naturally mild and compassionate to allcriminals, after he had declared his mind to Syed Naomaun, addressed himself to the third person the grand vizier hadsummoned to attend him. "Khaujeh Hassan, " said he, "passingyesterday by your house, it seemed so magnificent that I felt acuriosity to know to whom it belonged, and was told that you, whose trade is so mean that a man can scarcely get his bread byit, have built this house after you had followed this trade someyears. I was likewise informed that you make a good use of theriches God has blessed you with, and your neighbours speak wellof you. 

"All this pleases me well, " added the caliph, "but I am persuadedthat the means by which Providence has been pleased to bestowthese gifts on you must have been very extraordinary. I amcurious to know the particulars from your own mouth, and sent foryou on purpose to have that satisfaction. Speak truly, that whenI know your story, I may rejoice in your good fortune. 

"But that you may not suspect my curiosity, and believe I haveany other interest than what I tell you, I declare, that far fromhaving any pretensions, I give you my word you shall enjoy freelyall you possess. "

On these assurances of the caliph, Khaujeh Hassan prostratedhimself before the throne, with his forehead down to the carpet, and when he rose up, said, "Commander of the faithful, somepersons might have been alarmed at having been summoned to appearbefore your majesty; but knowing that my conscience was clear, and that I had committed nothing against the laws or yourmajesty, but, on the contrary, had always the most respectfulsentiments and the profoundest veneration for your person, myonly fear was, that I should not be able to support the splendourof your presence. But nevertheless on the public report of yourmajesty's receiving favourably, and hearing the meanest of yoursubjects, I took courage, and never doubted but I should haveconfidence enough to give you all the satisfaction you mightrequire of me. Besides, your majesty has given me a proof of yourgoodness, by granting me your protection before you know whetherI deserve it. I hope, however, you will retain the favourablesentiments you have conceived of me, when, in obedience to yourcommand, I shall have related my adventures. "

After this compliment to conciliate the caliph's good-will andattention, and after some moments' recollection, Khaujeh Hassanrelated his story in the following manner:

 The Story of Khaujeh Hassan al Hubbaul. 

Commander of the faithful, that your majesty may the betterunderstand by what means I arrived at the happiness I now enjoy, I must acquaint you, there are two intimate friends, citizens ofBagdad, who can testify the truth of what I shall relate, and towhom, after God, the author of all good, I owe my prosperity. 

These two friends are called, the one Saadi, the other Saad. Saadi, who is very rich, was always of opinion that no man couldbe happy in this world without wealth, to live independent ofevery one. 

Saad was of a different opinion; he agreed that riches werenecessary to comfort, but maintained that the happiness of aman's life consisted in virtue, without any farther eagernessafter worldly goods than what was requisite for decentsubsistence, and benevolent purposes. 

Saad himself is one of this number, and lives very happily andcontentedly in his station: but though Saadi is infinitely moreopulent, their friendship is very sincere, and the richest setsno more value on himself than the other. They never had anydispute but on this point; in all other things their union ofopinion has been very strict. 

One day as they were talking upon this subject, as I have sincebeen informed by them both, Saadi affirmed, that povertyproceeded from men's being born poor, or spending their fortunesin luxury and debauchery, or by some of those unforeseenfatalities which do not often occur. "My opinion, " said he, "is, that most people's poverty is owing to their wanting at first asufficient sum of money to raise them above want, by employingtheir industry to improve it; for, " continued he, "if they oncehad such a sum, and made a right use of it, they would not onlylive well, but would in time infallibly grow rich. "

Saad could not agree in this sentiment: "The way, " said he, "which you propose to make a poor man rich, is not so certain asyou imagine. Your plan is very hazardous, and I can bring manygood arguments against your opinion, but that they would carry ustoo far into dispute, I believe, with as much probability, that apoor man may become rich by other means as well as by money: andthere are people who have raised as large and surprising fortunesby mere chance, as others have done by money, with all their goodeconomy and management to increase it by the best conductedtrade. "

"Saad, " replied Saadi, "I see we shall not come to anydetermination by my persisting to oppose my opinion againstyours. I will make an experiment to convince you, by giving, forexample, a sum of money to some artisan, whose ancestors fromfather to son have always been poor, lived only from day to day, and died as indigent as they were born. If I have not the successI expect, you shall try if you will have better by the means youshall employ. "

Some days after this dispute, the two friends happened to walkout together, and passing through the street where I was at workat my trade of rope-making, which I learnt of my father, wholearnt of his, and he of his ancestors; and by my dress andappearance, it was no hard matter for them to guess my poverty. 

Saad, remembering Saadi's engagement, said, "If you have not forgottenwhat you said to me, there is a man, " pointing to me, "whom I canremember a long time working at his trade of rope-making, and in thesame poverty: he is a worthy subject for your liberality, and a properperson to make your experiment upon. " "I so well remember theconversation, " replied Saadi, "that I have ever since carried asufficient sum about me for the purpose, but only waited for anopportunity of our being together, that you might be witness of thefact. Let us go to him, and know if he is really necessitous. "

The two friends came to me, and I, seeing that they wished tospeak to me, left off work: they both accosted me with the commonsalutation, and Saadi, wishing me peace, asked me my name. 

I returned their salutation, and answered Saadi's question, saying to him, "Sir, my name is Hassan; but by reason of mytrade, I am commonly known by the name of Hassan al Hubbaul. "

"Hassan, " replied Saadi, "as there is no occupation but what aman may live by, I doubt not but yours produces enough for you tolive well upon; and I am amazed, that during the long time youhave worked at your trade, you have not saved enough to lay in agood stock of hemp to extend your manufacture and employ morehands, by the profit of whose work you would soon increase yourincome. "

"Sir, " replied I, "you will be no longer amazed that I have notsaved money and taken the way you mention to become rich, whenyou come to know that, let me work as hard as I may from morningtill night, I can hardly get enough to keep my family in breadand pulse. I have a wife and five children, not one of whom isold enough to be of the least assistance to me. I must feed andclothe them, and in our poor way of living, they still want manynecessaries, which they can ill do without And though hemp is notvery dear, I must have money to buy it. This is the first thing Ido with any money I receive for my work; otherwise I and myfamily must starve. 

"Now judge, sir, " added I, "if it be possible that I should saveany thing for myself and family: it is enough that we are contentwith the little God sends us, and that we have not the knowledgeor desire of more than we want, but can live as we have beenalways bred up, and are not reduced to beg. "

When I had given Saadi this account, he said to me, "Hassan, I amnot so much surprised as I was, for I comprehend what obliges youto be content in your station. But if I should make you a presentof a purse of two hundred pieces of gold, would not you make agood use of it? and do not you believe, that with such a sum youcould become soon as rich as the principal of your occupation?"

"Sir, " replied I, "you seem to be so good a gentleman, that I ampersuaded you would not banter me, but that the offer you make meis serious; and I dare say, without presuming too much uponmyself, that a considerably less sum would be sufficient to makeme not only as rich as the first of our trade, but that in time Ishould be richer than all of them in this city together, thoughBagdad is so large and populous. "

The generous Saadi showed me immediately that in what he said hewas serious. He pulled a purse out of his bosom, and putting itinto my hands, said, "Here, take this purse; you will find itcontains two hundred pieces of gold: I pray God bless you withthem, and give you grace to make the good use of them I desire;and believe me, my friend Saad, whom you see here, and I shallboth take great pleasure in finding they may contribute towardsmaking you more happy than you now are. "

When I had got the purse, the first thing I did was to put itinto my bosom; but the transport of my joy was so great, and Iwas so much penetrated with gratitude, that my speech failed meand I could give my benefactor no other tokens of my feelingsthan by laying hold of the hem of his garment and kissing it; buthe drew it from me hastily, and he and his friend pursued theirwalk. 

As soon as they were gone, I returned to my work, and my firstthought was, what I should do with my purse to keep it safe. Ihad in my poor house neither box nor cupboard to lock it up in, nor any other place where I could be sure it would not bediscovered if I concealed it. 

In this perplexity, as I had been used, like many poor people ofmy condition, to put the little money I had in the folds of myturban, I left my work, and went into the house, under pretenceof wrapping my turban up anew. I took such precautions thatneither my wife nor children saw what I was doing. But first Ilaid aside ten pieces of gold for present necessaries, andwrapped the rest up in the folds of the linen which went about mycap. 

The principal expense I was at that day was to lay in a goodstock of hemp, and afterwards, as my family had eaten no fleshmeat a long time, I went to the shambles, and bought somethingfor supper. 

As I was carrying home the meat I had bought, a famished vultureflew upon me, and would have taken it away, if I had not held itvery fast; but, alas! I had better have parted with it than lostmy money; the faster I held my meat, the more the bird struggledto get it, drawing me sometimes on one side, and sometimes onanother, but would not quit the prize; till unfortunately in myefforts my turban fell on the ground. 

The vulture immediately let go his hold, but seizing my turban, flew away with it. I cried out so loud, that I alarmed all themen, women, and children in the neighbourhood, who joined theirshouts and cries to make the vulture quit his hold; for by suchmeans these voracious birds are often frightened so as to quittheir prey. But our cries did not avail; he carried off myturban, and we soon lost sight of him, and it would have been invain for me to fatigue myself with running after him. 

I went home very melancholy at the loss of my money. I wasobliged to buy a new turban, which diminished the small remainderof the ten pieces; for I had laid out several in hemp. The littlethat was left was not sufficient to give me reason to indulge thegreat hopes I had conceived. 

But what troubled me most, was the little satisfaction I shouldbe able to give my benefactor for his ineffectual generosity, when he should come to hear what a misfortune I had met with, which he would perhaps regard as incredible, and consequently anidle excuse. 

While the remainder of the ten pieces lasted, my little familyand I lived better than usual; but I soon relapsed into the samepoverty, and the same inability to extricate myself fromwretchedness. However, I never murmured nor repined; "God, " saidI, "was pleased to give me riches when I least expelled them; hehas thought fit to take them from me again almost at the sametime, because it so pleased him, and they were at his disposal;yet I will praise his name for all the benefits I have received, as it was his good pleasure, and submit myself, as I have everdone hitherto, to his will. "

These were my sentiments, while my wife, from whom I could notkeep secret the loss I had sustained, was inconsolable. In mytrouble I had told my neighbours, that when I lost my turban Ilost a hundred and ninety pieces of gold; but as they knew mypoverty, and could not comprehend how I should have got so greata sum by my work, they only laughed at me. 

About six months after this misfortune, which I have related toyour majesty, the two friends walking through that part of thetown where I lived, the neighbourhood brought me to Saad'srecollection. "We are now, " said he to Saadi, "not far from thestreet where Hassan the ropemaker lives; let us call and see whatuse he has made of the two hundred pieces of gold you gave him, and whether they have enabled him to take any steps towardsbettering his fortune. "

"With all my heart, " replied Saadi; "I have been thinking of himsome days, and it will be a great pleasure and satisfaction to meto have you with me, as a witness of the proof of my argument. You will see undoubtedly a great alteration. I expect we shallhardly know him again. "

Just as Saadi said this, the two friends turned the corner of thestreet, and Saad, who perceived me first at a distance, said tohis friend, "I believe you reckon without your host. I seeHassan, but can discern no change in his person, for he is asshabbily dressed as when we saw him before; the only differencethat I can perceive is, that his turban looks something better. Observe him yourself, and see whether I am in the wrong. "

As they drew nearer to me, Saadi saw me too, and found Saad wasin the right, but could not tell to what he should attribute thelittle alteration he saw in my person; and was so much amazed, 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 youlast; without doubt they are in a better train. "

"Gentlemen, " replied I, addressing myself to them both, "I havethe great mortification to tell you, that your desires, wishes, and hopes, as well as mine, have not had the success you hadreason to expect, and I had promised myself; you will scarcelybelieve the extraordinary adventure that has befallen me. Iassure you nevertheless, on the word of an honest man, and youought to believe me, for nothing is more true than what I amgoing to tell you. " I then related to them my adventure, with thesame circumstances I had the honour to tell your majesty. 

Saadi rejected my assertion, and said, "Hassan, you joke, andwould deceive me; for what you say is a thing incredible. Whathave vultures to do with turbans? They only search for somethingto satisfy their hunger. You have done as all such people asyourself generally do. If they have made any extraordinary gain, or any good fortune happens to them, which they never expected, they throw aside their work, take their pleasure, make merry, while the money lasts; and when they have eaten and drunk it allout, are reduced to the same necessity and want as before. Youwould not be so miserable, but because you deserve it, and renderyourself unworthy of any service done to you. "

"Sir, " I replied, "I bear all these reproaches, and am ready tobear as many more, if they were more severe, and all with thegreater patience because I do not think I deserve them. The thingis so publicly known in this part of the town, that there isnobody but can satisfy you of the truth of my assertions. If youinquire, you will find that I do not impose upon you. I own, Inever heard of vultures flying away with turbans; but this hasactually happened to me, like many other things, which do notfall out every day, and yet have actually happened. "

Saad took my part, and told Saadi a great many as surprisingstories of vultures, some of which he affirmed he knew to betrue, insomuch that at last he pulled his purse out of hisvestband, and counted out two hundred pieces of gold into myhand, which I put into my bosom for want of a purse. 

When Saadi had presented me with this sum, he said, "Hassan, Imake you a present of these two hundred pieces; but take care toput them in a safer place, that you may not lose them sounfortunately as you have done the others, and employ them insuch a manner that they may procure you the advantages which theothers would have done. " I told him that the obligation of thishis second kindness was much greater than I deserved, after whathad happened, and that I should be sure to make good use of hisadvice. I would have said a great deal more, but he did not giveme time, for he went away, and continued his walk with hisfriend. 

As soon as they were gone, I left off work, and went home, butfinding neither my wife nor children within, I pulled out mymoney, put ten pieces by, and wrapped up the rest in a cleanlinen cloth, tying it fast with a knot; but then I was toconsider where I should hide this linen cloth that it might besafe. After I had considered some time, I resolved to put it inthe bottom of an earthen vessel full of bran, which stood in acorner, which I imagined neither my wife nor children would lookinto. My wife came home soon after, and as I had but little hempin the house, I told her I should go out to buy some, withoutsaying any thing to her about the two friends. 

While I was absent, a sandman, who sells scouring earth for thehair and body, which women use in the baths, passed through ourstreet, and called, "Cleansing, ho!" My wife, who wanted some, beckoned to him: but as she had no money, asked him if he wouldmake an exchange of some earth for some bran. The sandman askedto see the bran. My wife shewed him the pot; the bargain wasmade; she had the cleansing earth, with which she filled a dusthole I had made to the house, and the sandman took the pot andbran along with him. 

Not long after I came home with as much hemp as I could carry, and followed by five porters loaded also with hemp. After I hadsatisfied them for their trouble, I sat down to rest myself; andlooking about me, could not see the pot of bran. 

It is impossible for me to express to your majesty my surpriseand the effect it had on me at the moment. I asked my wifehastily what was become of it; when she told me the bargain shehad made with the sandman, which she thought to be a very goodone. 

"Ah! unfortunate woman!" cried I, "you know not the injury youhave done me, yourself, and our children, by making that bargain, which has ruined us for ever. You thought you only sold the bran, but with the bran you have enriched the sandman with a hundredand ninety pieces of gold, which Saadi with his friend came andmade me a second present of. "

My wife was like one distracted, when she knew what a fault shehad committed through ignorance. She cried, beat her breast, andtore her hair and clothes. "Unhappy wretch that I am, " cried she, "am I fit to live after so dreadful a mistake! Where shall I findthis sandman? I know him not, I never saw him in our streetbefore. Oh! husband, " added she, "you were much to blame to be soreserved in a matter of such importance This had never happened, if you had communicated the secret to me. " In short, I shouldnever finish my story were I to tell your majesty what her griefmade her say. You are not ignorant how eloquent women often arein their afflictions. 

"Wife, " said I, "moderate your grief: by your weeping and howlingyou will alarm the neighbourhood, and there is no reason theyshould be informed of our misfortunes. They will only laugh at, instead of pitying us. We had best bear our loss patiently, andsubmit ourselves to the will of God, and bless him, for that outof two hundred pieces of gold which he had given us, he has takenback but a hundred and ninety, and left us ten, which, by the useI shall make of them will be a great relief to us. "

My wife at first did not relish my arguments; but as time softensthe greatest misfortunes, and makes them more supportable, she atlast grew easy, and had almost forgotten them. "It is true, " saidI to her, "we live but poorly; but what have the rich which wehave not? Do not we breathe the same air, enjoy the same lightand the same warmth of the sun? Therefore what conveniences havethey more than we, that we should envy their happiness? They dieas well as we. In short, while we live in the fear of God, as weshould always do, the advantage they have over us is so veryinconsiderable, that we ought not to covet it. "

I will not tire your majesty any longer with my moralreflections. My wife and I comforted ourselves, and I pursued mytrade with as much alacrity as before these two mortifyinglosses, which followed one another so quickly. The only thingthat troubled me sometimes was, how I should look Saadi in theface when he should come and ask me how I had improved his twohundred pieces of gold, and advanced my fortune by means of hisliberality. I saw no remedy but to resolve to submit to theconfusion I should feel, though it was by no fault of mine thistime, any more than before, that our misfortune had happened. 

The two friends stayed away longer this time than the former, though Saad had often spoken to Saadi, who always put it off;for, said he, "The longer we stay away, the richer Hassan willbe, and I shall have the greater satisfaction. "

Saad, who had not the same opinion of the effect of his friend'sgenerosity, replied, "You fancy then that your last present willhave been turned to a better account than the former. I wouldadvise you not to flatter yourself too much, for fear you may bemore sensibly mortified if it should prove otherwise. " "Why, "replied Saadi, "vultures do not fly away with turbans every day;and Hassan will have been more cautious this time. "

"I do not doubt it, " replied Saad; "but, " added he, "there areother accidents that neither you nor I can think of; therefore, Isay again, moderate your expectations, and do not depend too muchon Hassan's success; for to tell you what I think, and what Ialways thought (whether you like to hear it or not), I have asecret presentiment that you will not have accomplished yourpurpose, and that I shall succeed better in proving that a poorman may sooner become rich by other means than money. "

One day, when Saad and Saadi were disputing upon this subject, Saad observed that enough had been said; "I am resolved, "continued he, "to inform myself this very day what has passed; itis a pleasing time for walking, let us not lose it, but go andsee which of us has lost the wager. " I saw them at a distance, was overcome with confusion, and was just going to leave my work, to run and hide myself. However I refrained, appeared veryearnest at work, made as if I had not seen them, and never liftedup my eyes till they were close to me and had saluted me, andthen I could not help myself. I hung down my head, told them mylast misfortune, with all the circumstances, and that I was aspoor as when they first saw me. 

"After that, " I added, "you may say that I ought to have hiddenmy money in another place than in a pot of bran, which wascarried out of my house the same day: but that pot had stoodthere many years, and had never been removed, whenever my wifeparted with the bran. Could I guess that a sandman should come bythat very day, my wife have no money, and would make such anexchange? You may indeed allege, that I ought to have told mywife of it; but I will never believe that such prudent persons, as I am persuaded you are, would have given me that advice; andif I had put my money anywhere else, what certainty could I havehad that it would be more secure?"

"I see, sir, " said I, addressing myself to Saadi, "that it haspleased God, whose ways are secret and impenetrable, that Ishould not be enriched by your liberality, but that I must remainpoor: however, the obligation is the same as if it had wroughtthe desired effect. "

After these words I was silent; and Saadi replied, "Though Iwould persuade myself, Hassan, that all you tell us is true, andnot owing to your debauchery or ill management, yet I must not beextravagant, and ruin myself for the sake of an experiment. I donot regret in the least the four hundred pieces of gold I gaveyou to raise you in the world. I did it in duty to God, withoutexpecting any recompense but the pleasure of doing good. If anything makes me repent, it is, that I did not address myself toanother, who might have made a better use of my charity. " Thenturning about to his friend, "Saad, " continued he, "you may knowby what I have said that I do not entirely give up the cause. Youmay now make your experiment, and let me see that there are ways, besides giving money, to make a poor man's fortune. Let Hassan bethe man. I dare say, whatever you may give him he will not bericher than he was with four hundred pieces of gold. " Saad had apiece of lead in his hand, which he shewed Saadi. "You saw me, "said he, "take up this piece of lead, which I found on theground; I will give it Hassan, and you shall see what it isworth. "

Saadi, burst out laughing at Saad. "What is that bit of leadworth, " said he, "a farthing? What can Hassan do with that?" Saadpresented it to me, and said, "Take it, Hassan; let Saadi laugh, you will tell us some news of the good luck it has brought youone time or another. " I thought Saad was in jest, and had a mindto divert himself: however I took the lead, and thanked him. Thetwo friends pursued their walk, and I fell to work again. 

At night when I pulled off my clothes to go to bed, the piece oflead, which I had never thought of from the time he gave it me, tumbled out of my pocket. I took it up, and laid it on the placethat was nearest me. The same night it happened that a fisherman, a neighbour, mending his nets, found a piece of lead wanting; andit being too late to buy any, as the shops were shut, and he musteither fish that night, or his family go without bread the nextday, he called to his wife and bade her inquire among theneighbours for a piece. She went from door to door on both sidesof the street, but could not get any, and returned to tell herhusband her ill success. He asked her if she had been to severalof their neighbours, naming them, and among the rest my house. "No indeed, " said the wife, "I have not been there; that was toofar off, and if I had gone, do you think I should have found any?I know by experience they never have any thing when one wantsit. " "No matter, " said the fisherman, "you are an idle hussy; youmust go there; for though you have been there a hundred timesbefore without getting any thing, you may chance to obtain whatwe want now. You must go. "

The fisherman's wife went out grumbling, came and knocked at mydoor, and waked me out of a sound sleep. I asked her what shewanted. "Hassan, " said she, as loud as she could bawl, "myhusband wants a bit of lead to load his nets with; and if youhave a piece, desires you to give it him. "

The piece of lead which Saad had given me was so fresh in mymemory, and had so lately dropped out of my clothes, that I couldnot forget it. I told my neighbour I had some; and if she wouldstay a moment my wife should give it to her. Accordingly, mywife, who was wakened by the noise as well as myself, got up, andgroping about where I directed her, found the lead, opened thedoor, and gave it to the fisherman's wife, who was so overjoyedthat she promised my wife, that in return for the kindness shedid her and her husband, she would answer for him we should havethe first cast of the nets. 

The fisherman was so much rejoiced to see the lead, which he solittle expected, that he much approved his wife's promise. Hefinished mending his nets, and went a-fishing two hours beforeday, according to custom. At the first throw he caught but onefish, about a yard long, and proportionable in thickness; butafterwards had a great many successful casts; though of all thefish he took none equalled the first in size. 

When the fisherman had done fishing, he went home, where hisfirst care was to think of me. I was extremely surprised, when atmy work, to see him come to me with a large fish in his hand. "Neighbour, " said he, "my wife promised you last night, in returnfor your kindness, whatever fish I should catch at my firstthrow; and I approved her promise. It pleased God to send me nomore than this one for you, which, such as it is, I desire you toaccept. I wish it had been better. Had he sent me my net full, they should all have been yours. "

"Neighbour, " said I, "the bit of lead which I sent you was such atrifle, that it ought not to be valued at so high a rate:neighbours should assist each other in their little wants. I havedone no more for you than I should have expected from you had Ibeen in your situation; therefore I would refuse your present, ifI were not persuaded you gave it me freely, and that I shouldoffend you; and since you will have it so, I take it, and returnyou my hearty thanks. "

After these civilities, I took the fish, and carried it home tomy wife. "Here, " said I, "take this fish, which the fisherman ourneighbour has made me a present of, in return for the bit of leadhe sent to us for last night: I believe it is all we can expectfrom the present Saad made me yesterday, promising me that itwould bring me good luck;" and then I told her what had passedbetween the two friends. 

My wife was much startled to see so large a fish. "What would youhave me do with it?" said she. "Our gridiron is only fit to broilsmall fish; and we have not a pot big enough to boil it. " "Thatis your business, " answered I; "dress it as you will, I shalllike it either way. " I then went to my work again. 

In gutting the fish, my wife found a large diamond, which, whenshe washed it, she took for a piece of glass: indeed she hadheard talk of diamonds, but if she had ever seen or handled anyshe would not have known how to distinguish them. She gave it tothe youngest of our children for a plaything, and his brothersand sisters handed it about from one to another, to admire itsbrightness and beauty. 

At night when the lamp was lighted, and the children were stillplaying with the diamond, they perceived that it gave a light, when my wife, who was getting them their supper, stood betweenthem and the lamp; upon which they snatched it from one anotherto try it; and the younger children fell a-crying, that the elderwould not let them have it long enough. But as a little matteramuses children, and makes them squabble and fall out, my wifeand I took no notice of their noise, which presently ceased, whenthe bigger ones supped with us, and my wife had given the youngereach their share. 

After supper the children got together again, and began to makethe same noise. I then called to the eldest to know what was thematter, who told me it was about a piece of glass, which gave alight when his back was to the lamp. I bade him bring it to me, made the experiment myself, and it appeared so extraordinary, that I asked my wife what it was. She told me it was a piece ofglass, which she had found in gutting the fish. 

I thought no more than herself but that it was a bit of glass, but I was resolved to make a farther experiment of it; andtherefore bade my wife put the lamp in the chimney, which shedid, and still found that the supposed piece of glass gave sogreat a light, that we might see to go to bed without the lamp. So I put it out, and placed the bit of glass upon the chimney tolight us. "Look, " said I, "this is another advantage that Saad'spiece of lead procures us: it will spare us the expense of oil. "

When the children saw the lamp was put out, and the bit of glasssupplied the place, they cried out so loud, and made so great anoise from astonishment, that it was enough to alarm theneighbourhood; and before my wife and I could quiet them we wereforced to make a greater noise, nor could we silence them till wehad put them to bed; where after talking a long while in theirway about the wonderful light of a bit of glass, they fellasleep. After they were asleep, my wife and I went to bed bythem; and next morning, without thinking any more of the glass, Iwent to my work as usual; which ought not to seem strange forsuch a man as I, who had never seen any diamonds, or if I had, never attended to their value. 

But before I proceed, I must tell your majesty that there was buta very slight partition-wall between my house and my nextneighbour's, who was a very rich Jew, and a jeweller; and thechamber that he and his wife lay in joined to ours. They wereboth in bed, and the noise my children made awakened them. 

The next morning the jeweller's wife came to mine to complain ofbeing disturbed out of their first sleep. "Good neighbourRachel, " (which was the Jew's wife's name, ) said my wife, "I amvery sorry for what happened, and hope you will excuse it: youknow it was caused by the children, and they will laugh and cryfor a trifle. Come in, and I will shew you what was the occasionof the noise. "

The Jewess went in with her, and my wife taking the diamond (forsuch it really was, and a very extraordinary one) out of thechimney, put it into her hands. "See here, " said she, "it wasthis piece of glass that caused all the noise;" and while theJewess, who understood all sorts of precious stones, wasexamining the diamond with admiration, my wife told her how shefound it in the fish's belly, and what happened. 

"Indeed, Ayesha, " (which was my wife's name, ) said the jeweller'swife, giving her the diamond again, "I believe as you do it is apiece of glass; but as it is more beautiful than common glass, and I have just such another piece at home, I will buy it, if youwill sell it. "

The children, who heard them talking of selling their plaything, presently interrupted their conversation, crying and beggingtheir mother not to part with it, who, to quiet them, promisedshe would not. 

The Jewess being thus prevented in her intended swindling bargainby my children, went away, but first whispered my wife, whofollowed her to the door, if she had a mind to sell it, not toshew it to anybody without acquainting her. 

The Jew went out early in the morning to his shop in that part ofthe town where the jewellers sell their goods. Thither his wifefollowed, and told him the discovery she had made. She gave himan account of the size and weight of the diamond as nearly as shecould guess, also of its beauty, water, and lustre, andparticularly of the light which it gave in the night according tomy wife's account, which was the more credible as she wasuninformed. 

The Jew sent his wife immediately to treat, to offer her a trifleat first, as she should think fit, and then to raise her price bydegrees; but be sure to bring it, cost what it would. Accordinglyhis wife came again to mine privately, and asked her if she wouldtake twenty pieces of gold for the piece of glass she had shownher. 

My wife, thinking the sum too considerable for a mere piece ofglass as she had thought it, would not make any bargain; but toldher, she could not part with it till she had spoken to me. In themean time I came from my work to dinner. As they were talking atthe door, my wife stopped me, and asked if I would sell the pieceof glass she had found in the fish's belly for twenty pieces ofgold, which our neighbour offered her. I returned no answer; butreflected immediately on the assurance with which Saad, in givingme the piece of lead, told me it would make my fortune. TheJewess, fancying that the low price she had offered was thereason I made no reply, said, "I will give you fifty, neighbour, if that will do. "

As soon as I found that she rose so suddenly from twenty tofifty, I told her that I expected a great deal more. "Well, neighbour, " said she, "I will give you a hundred, and that is somuch, I know not whether my husband will approve my offering it. "At this new advance, I told her I would have a hundred thousandpieces of gold for it; that I saw plainly that the diamond, forsuch I now guessed it must be, was worth a great deal more, butto oblige her and her husband, as they were neighbours, I wouldlimit myself to that price, which I was determined to have; andif they refused to give it, other jewellers should have it, whowould give a great deal more. 

The Jewess confirmed me in this resolution, by her eagerness toconclude a bargain; and by coming up at several biddings to fiftythousand pieces, which I refused. "I can offer you no more, " saidshe, "without my husband's consent. He will be at home at night;and I would beg the favour of you to let him see it, which Ipromised. "

At night when the Jew came home, his wife told him what she haddone; that she had got no forwarder with my wife or me; that sheoffered, and I had refused, fifty thousand pieces of gold; butthat I had promised to stay till night at her request. Heobserved the time when I left off work, and came to me. "Neighbour Hassan", said he, "I desire you would shew me thediamond your wife shewed to mine. " I brought him in, and shewedit to him. As it was very dark, and my lamp was not lighted, heknew instantly, by the light the diamond gave, and by the lustreit cast in my hand, that his wife had given him a true account ofit. He looked at and admired it a long time. "Well, neighbour, "said he, "my wife tells me she offered you fifty thousand piecesof gold: I will give you twenty thousand more. "

"Neighbour, " said I, "your wife can tell you that I valued mydiamond at a hundred thousand pieces, and I will take nothingless. " He haggled a long time with me, in hopes that I would makesome abatement: but finding at last that I was positive, and forfear that I should shew it to other jewellers, as I certainlyshould have done, he would not leave me till the bargain wasconcluded on my own terms. He told me that he had not so muchmoney at home, but would pay it all to me on the morrow, thatvery instant fetched two bags of a thousand pieces each, as anearnest; and the next day, though I do not know how he raised themoney, whether he borrowed it of his friends, or let some otherjewellers into partnership with him, he brought me the sum we hadagreed for at the time appointed, and I delivered to him thediamond. 

Having thus sold my diamond, and being rich, infinitely beyond myhopes, I thanked God for his bounty; and would have gone andthrown myself at Saad's feet to express my gratitude, if I hadknown where he lived; as also at Saadi's, to whom I was firstobliged, though his good intention had not the same success. 

Afterwards I thought of the use I ought to make of soconsiderable a sum. My wife, with the vanity natural to her sex, proposed immediately to buy rich clothes for herself andchildren; to purchase a house, and furnish it handsomely. I toldher we ought not to begin with such expenses; "for, " said I, "money should only be spent, so that it may produce a fund fromwhich we may draw without its failing. This I intend, and shallbegin to-morrow. "

I spent all that day and the next in going to the people of myown trade, who worked as hard every day for their bread as I haddone; and giving them money beforehand, engaged them to work forme in different sorts of rope-making, according to their skilland ability, with a promise not to make them wait for theirmoney, but to pay them as soon as their work was done. 

By this means I engrossed almost all the business of Bagdad, andeverybody was pleased with my exactness and punctual payment. 

As so great a number of workmen produced, as your majesty mayjudge, a large quantity of work, I hired warehouses in severalparts of the town to hold my goods, and appointed over each aclerk, to sell both wholesale and retail; and by this economyreceived considerable profit and income. Afterwards, to unite myconcerns in one spot, I bought a large house, which stood on agreat deal of ground, but was ruinous, pulled it down, and builtthat your majesty saw yesterday, which, though it makes so greatan appearance, consists, for the most part, of warehouses for mybusiness, with apartments absolutely necessary for myself andfamily. 

Some time after I had left my old mean habitation, and removed tothis, Saad and Saadi, who had scarcely thought of me from thelast time they had been with me, as they were one day walkingtogether, and passing by our street, resolved to call upon me:but great was their surprise when they did not see me at work. They asked what was become of me, and if I was alive or dead. Their amazement was redoubled, when they were told I was become agreat manufacturer, and was no longer called plain Hassan, butKhaujeh Hassan al Hubbaul, and that I had built in a street, which was named to them, a house like a palace. 

The two friends went directly to the street, and in the way, asSaadi could not imagine that the bit of lead which Saad had givenme could have been the raising of my fortune, he said to him, "Iam overjoyed to have made Hassan's fortune: but I cannot forgivethe two lies he told me, to get four hundred pieces instead oftwo; for I cannot attribute it to the piece of lead you gavehim. "

"So you think, " replied Saad: "but so do not I. I do not see whyyou should do Khaujeh Hassan so much injustice as to take him fora liar. You must give me leave to believe that he told us thetruth, disguised nothing from us, that the piece of lead which Igave him is the cause of his prosperity: and you will find hewill presently tell us so. "

During their discourse the two friends came into the street whereI lived, asked whereabouts my house stood; and being shewn it, could hardly believe it to be mine. 

They knocked at the door, and my porter opened it; when Saadi, fearing to be guilty of rudeness in taking the house of anobleman for that he was inquiring after, said to the porter, "Weare informed that this is the house of Khaujeh Hassan al Hubbaul:tell us if we are mistaken. " "You are very right, sir, " said theporter, opening the door wider; "it is the same; come in; he isin the hall, and any of the slaves will point him out to you. "

I had no sooner set my eyes upon the two friends, than I knewthem. I rose from my seat, ran to them, and would have kissed thehem of their garments; but they would not suffer it, and embracedme. I invited them to a sofa made to hold four persons, which wasplaced full in view of my garden. I desired them to sit down, andthey would have me take the place of honour. I assured them I hadnot forgotten that I was poor Hassan the ropemaker, nor theobligations I had to them; but were this not the case, I knew therespect due to them, and begged them not to expose me. They satdown in the proper place, and I seated myself opposite to them. 

Then Saadi, addressing himself to me, said, "Khaujeh Hassan, Icannot express my joy to see you in the condition I wished you, when I twice made you a present of two hundred pieces of gold, for I mean not to upbraid you; though I am persuaded that thosefour hundred pieces have made this wonderful change in yourfortune, which I behold with pleasure. One thing only vexes me, which is, that you should twice disguise the truth from me, pretending that your losses were the effect of misfortunes whichnow seem to me more than ever incredible. Was it not because, when we were together the last time, you had so little advancedyour small income with the four hundred pieces of gold, that youwere ashamed to own it? I am willing to believe this, and wait tobe confirmed in my opinion. "

Saad heard this speech of Saadi's with impatience, not to sayindignation, which he shewed by casting down his eyes and shakinghis head: he did not, however, interrupt him. When he had done, he said to him, "Forgive me, Saadi, if I anticipate KhaujehHassan, before he answers you, to tell you, that I am vexed atyour prepossession against his sincerity, and that you stillpersist in not believing the assurances he has already given you. I have told you before, and I repeat it once more, that I believethose two accidents which befell him, upon his bare assertion;and whatever you may say, I am persuaded they are true; but lethim speak himself, and say which of us does him justice. "

After this discourse of the two friends, I said, addressingmyself to them both, "Gentlemen, I should condemn myself toperpetual silence, on the explanation you ask of me, if I werenot certain the dispute you have had on my account cannot breakthat friendship which subsists between you; therefore I willdeclare to you the truth, since you require it; and with the samesincerity as before. " I then told them every circumstance yourmajesty has heard, without forgetting the least. 

All my protestations had no effect on Saadi, to cure him of hisprejudice. "Khaujeh Hassan, " replied he, "the adventure of thefish, and diamond found in his belly, appears to me as incredibleas the vulture's flying away with your turban, and the exchangeof the scouring earth. Be it as it may, I am equally convincedthat you are no longer poor, but rich as I intended you shouldbe, by my means; and I rejoice sincerely. "

As it grew late, they arose up to depart; when I stopped them, and said, "Gentlemen, there is one favour I have to ask; I beg ofyou not to refuse to do me the honour to stay and take a slightsupper with me, also a bed to-night, and to-morrow I will carryyou by water to a small country-house, which I bought for thesake of the air, and we will return the same day on my horses. "

"If Saad has no business that calls him elsewhere, " said Saadi, "I consent. " Saad told him that nothing should prevent hisenjoying his company. We have only to send a slave to my house, that we may not be waited for. I provided a slave; and while theywere giving him their orders, I went and ordered supper. 

While it was getting ready, I shewed my benefactors my house, andall my offices, which they thought very extensive considering myfortune: I call them both benefactors without distinction, because without Saadi, Saad would never have given me the pieceof lead; and without Saad, Saadi would not have given me the fourhundred pieces of gold. Then I brought them back again into thehall, where they asked me several questions about my concerns;and I gave them such answers as satisfied them. 

During this conversation, my servants came to tell me that supperwas served up. I led them into another hall, where they admiredthe manner in which it was lighted, the furniture, and theentertainment I had provided. I regaled them also with a concertof vocal and instrumental music during the repast, and afterwardswith a company of dancers, and other entertainments, endeavouringas much as possible to shew them my gratitude. 

The next morning, as we had agreed to set out early to enjoy thefresh air, we repaired to the river-side by sun-rise, and went onboard a pleasure-boat well carpeted that waited for us; and inless than an hour and a half, with six good rowers, and thestream, we arrived at my country house. 

When we went ashore, the two friends stopped to observe thebeauty of the architecture of my house, and to admire itsadvantageous situation for prospects, which were neither too muchlimited nor too extensive, but such as made it very agreeable. Ithen conducted them into all the apartments, and shewed them theout-houses and conveniences; with all which they were very wellpleased. 

Afterwards we walked in the gardens, where what they were moststruck with was a grove of orange and lemon trees, loaded withfruit and flowers, which were planted at equal distances, andwatered by channels cut from a neighbouring stream. The closeshade, the fragrant smell which perfumed the air, the softmurmurings of the water, the harmonious notes of an infinitenumber of birds, and many other agreeable circumstances, struckthem in such a manner, that they frequently stopped to expresshow much they were obliged to me for bringing them to sodelightful a place, and to congratulate me on my greatacquisitions, with other compliments. I led them to the end ofthe grove, which was very long and broad, where I shewed them awood of large trees, which terminated my garden, and afterwards asummer-house, open on all sides, shaded by a clump of palm-trees, but not so as to injure the prospect; I then invited them to walkin, and repose themselves on a sofa covered with carpets andcushions. 

Two of my boys, whom I had sent into the country, with a tutor, for the air, had gone just then into the wood, and seeing a nestwhich was built in the branches of a lofty tree, they attemptedto get at it; but as they had neither strength nor skill toaccomplish their object, they shewed it to the slave who waitedon them, and bade him climb the tree for it. The slave, when hecame to it, was much surprised to find it composed of a turban:however he took it, brought it down, and shewed it to mychildren; and as he thought that I might like to see a nest thatwas so uncommon, he gave it to the eldest boy to bring to me. 

I saw the children at a distance, coming back to us, overjoyed tohave procured a nest. "Father, " said the eldest, "we have found anest in a turban. " The two friends and I were very much surprisedat the novelty; but I much more, when I recognized the turban tobe that which the vulture had flown away with. After I hadexamined it well, and turned it about, I said to my guests, "Gentlemen, have you memories good enough to remember the turbanI had on the day you did me the honour first to speak to me?" "Ido not think, " said Saad, "that either my friend or I gave anyattention to it; but if the hundred and ninety pieces of gold arein it, we cannot doubt of it. "

"Sir, " replied I, "there is no doubt but it is the same turban;for besides that I know it perfectly well, I feel by the weightit is too heavy to be any other, and you will perceive this ifyou give yourself the trouble to take it in your hand. " Thenafter taking out the birds, and giving them to the children, Iput it into his hands, and he gave it to Saadi. "Indeed, " saidSaadi, "I believe it to be your turban; which I shall, however, be better convinced of when I see the hundred and ninety piecesof gold. "

"Now, sir, " added I, taking the turban again, "observe wellbefore I unwrap it, that it is of no very fresh date in the tree;and the state in which you see it, and the nest so neatly made init, without having been touched by the hand of man, aresufficient proofs that the vulture drops or laid it in the treeupon the day it was seized; and that the branches hindered itfrom falling to the ground. Excuse my making this remark, sinceit concerns me so much to remove all suspicions of fraud. " Saadbacked me in what I urged; and said, "Saadi, this regards you andnot me, for I am verily persuaded that Khaujeh Hassan does notimpose upon us. "

While Saad was talking, I pulled off the linen cloth which waswrapped about the cap of the turban, and took out the purse, which Saadi knew to be the same he had given me. I emptied it onthe carpet before them, and said, "There, gentlemen, there is themoney, count it, and see if it be right;" which Saad did, andfound it to be one hundred and ninety pieces of gold. Then Saadi, who could not deny so manifest a truth, addressing himself to mesaid, "I agree, Khaujeh Hassan, that this money could not serveto enrich you; but the other hundred and ninety pieces, which youwould make me believe you hid in a pot of bran, might. " "Sir, "answered I, "I have told you the truth in regard to both sums:you would not have me retract, to make myself a liar. "

"Khaujeh Hassan, " said Saad, "leave Saadi to his own opinion; Iconsent with all my heart that he believes you are obliged to himfor one part of your good fortune, by means of the last sum hegave you, provided he will agree that I contributed to the otherhalf by the bit of lead, and will not pretend to dispute thevaluable diamond found in the fish's belly. " "I agree to it, "answered Saadi, "but still you must give me liberty to believethat money is not to be amassed without money. "

"What, " replied Saad, "if chance should throw a diamond in my wayworth fifty thousand pieces of gold, and I should have that sumgiven me for it, can it be said I got that sum by money?"

They disputed no farther at this time; we rose, and went into thehouse, just as dinner was serving up. After dinner, I left myguests together, to pass away the heat of the day more at theirliberty, and with great composure, while I went to give orders tomy housekeeper and gardener. 

Afterwards I returned to them again, and we talked of indifferentmatters till it grew a little cooler; when we returned into thegarden for fresh air, and stayed till sun-set. We then mounted onhorseback, and got to Bagdad by moonlight, two hours after, followed by one of my slaves. 

It happened, I know not by what negligence of my servants, thatwe were then out of grain for the horses, and the storehouseswere all shut up; when one of my slaves seeking about theneighbourhood for some, met with a pot of bran in a shop; boughtthe bran, and brought the pot along with him, promising to carryit back again the next day. The slave emptied the bran, anddividing it with his hands among the horses, felt a linen clothtied up, and very heavy; he brought the cloth to me in thecondition that he found it, and presented it to me, telling me, that it might perhaps be the cloth he had often heard me talk ofamong my friends. 

Overjoyed, I said to my two benefactors, "Gentlemen, it has pleasedGod that you should not part from me without being fully convinced ofthe truth of what I have assured you. There are the other hundred andninety pieces of gold which you gave me, " continued I, addressingmyself to Saadi; "I know it well by the cloth, which I tied up with myown hands;" and then I told out the money before them. I ordered thepot to be brought to me, knew it to be the same; and sent to my wifeto ask if she recognized it, ordering them to say nothing to her ofwhat had happened. She knew it immediately, and sent me word that itwas the same pot she had exchanged full of bran for thescouring-earth. 

Saadi readily submitted, renounced his incredulity; and said toSaad, "I yield to you, and acknowledge that money is not alwaysthe means of becoming rich. "

When Saadi had spoken, I said to him, "I dare not propose toreturn you the three hundred and eighty pieces of gold which ithath pleased God should be found, to undeceive you as to theopinion of my honesty. I am persuaded that you did not give themto me with an intention that I should return them; but as I oughtto be content with what Providence has sent me from otherquarters, and I do not design to make use of them; if you approveof my proposal, to-morrow I will give them to the poor, that Godmay bless us both. "

The two friends lay at my house that night also; and next day, after embracing me, returned home, well pleased with thereception I had given them, and to find I did not make animproper use of the riches Heaven had blessed me with. I thankedthem both, and regarded the permission they gave me to cultivatetheir friendship, and to visit them, as a great honour. 

The caliph was so attentive to Khaujeh Hassan's story, that hehad not perceived the end of it, but by his silence. "KhaujehHassan, " said he, "I have not for a long time heard any thingthat has given me so much pleasure, as having been informed ofthe wonderful ways by which God gave thee thy riches to make theehappy in this world. Thou oughtest to continue to return himthanks by the good use thou makest of his blessings. I am glad Ican tell thee, that the same diamond which made thy fortune isnow in my treasury; and I am happy to learn how it came there:but because there may remain in Saadi some doubts on thesingularity of this diamond, which I esteem the most precious andvaluable jewel I possess, I would have you carry him with Saad tomy treasurer, who shall shew it them, to remove Saadi's unbelief, and to let him see that money is not the only means of making apoor man rich in a short time, without labour. I would also haveyou tell the keeper of my treasury this story, that he may haveit put into writing, and that it may be kept with the diamond. "

After these words the caliph signified to Khaujeh Hassan, SyedNaomaun, and Baba Abdoollah, by bowing of his head, that he wassatisfied with them; they all took their leaves, by prostratingthemselves at the throne, and then retired. 

 THE STORY OF ALI BABA AND THE FORTY 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 scarcely any thing;but as he had divided his little property equally between them, it should seem their fortune ought to have been equal; but chancedetermined otherwise. 

Cassim married a wife who soon after became heiress to a largesum, and a warehouse full of rich goods; so that he all at oncebecame one of the richest and most considerable merchants, andlived at his ease. 

Ali Baba on the other hand, who had married a woman as poor ashimself, lived in a very wretched habitation, and had no othermeans to maintain his wife and children but his daily labour ofcutting wood, and bringing it upon three asses, which were hiswhole substance, to town to sell. 

One day, when Ali Baba was in the forest, and had just cut woodenough to load his asses, he saw at a distance a great cloud ofdust, which seemed to be driven towards him: he observed it veryattentively, and distinguished soon after a body of horse. Thoughthere had been no rumour of robbers in that country, Ali Bababegan to think that they might prove such, and withoutconsidering what might become of his asses, was resolved to savehimself. He climbed up a large, thick tree, whose branches, at alittle distance from the ground, were so close to one anotherthat there was but little space between them. He placed himselfin the middle, from whence he could see all that passed withoutbeing discovered; and the tree stood at the base of a singlerock, so steep and craggy that nobody could climb up it. 

The troop, who were all well mounted and armed, came to the footof this rock, and there dismounted. Ali Baba counted forty ofthem, and, from their looks and equipage, was assured that theywere robbers. Nor was he mistaken in his opinion: for they were atroop of banditti, who, without doing any harm to theneighbourhood, robbed at a distance, and made that place theirrendezvous; but what confirmed him in his opinion was, that everyman unbridled his horse, tied him to some shrub, and hung abouthis neck a bag of corn which they brought behind them. Then eachof them took his saddle wallet, which seemed to Ali Baba to befull of gold and silver from its weight. One, who was the mostpersonable amongst them, and whom he took to be their captain, came with his wallet on his back under the tree in which Ali Babawas concealed, and making his way through some shrubs, pronouncedthese words so distinctly, "Open, Sesame, " that Ali Baba heardhim. As soon as the captain of the robbers had uttered thesewords, a door opened in the rock; and after he had made all histroop enter before him, he followed them, when the door shutagain of itself. 

The robbers stayed some time within the rock, and Ali Baba, whofeared that some one, or all of them together, might come out andcatch him, if he should endeavour to make his escape, was obligedto sit patiently in the tree. He was nevertheless tempted to getdown, mount one of their horses, and lead another, driving hisasses before him with all the haste he could to town; but theuncertainty of the event made him choose the safest course. 

At last the door opened again, and the forty robbers came out. Asthe captain went in last, he came out first, and stood to seethem all pass by him; when Ali Baba heard him make the door closeby pronouncing these words, "Shut, Sesame. " Every man went andbridled his horse, fastened his wallet, and mounted again; andwhen the captain saw them all ready, he put himself at theirhead, and they returned the way they had come. 

Ali Baba did not immediately quit his tree; for, said he tohimself, they may have forgotten something and may come backagain, and then I shall be taken. He followed them with his eyesas far as he could see them; and afterwards stayed a considerabletime before he descended. Remembering the words the captain ofthe robbers used to cause the door to open and shut, he had thecuriosity to try if his pronouncing them would have the sameeffect. Accordingly, he went among the shrubs, and perceiving thedoor concealed behind them, stood before it, and said, "Open, Sesame. " The door instantly flew wide open. 

Ali Baba, who expected a dark dismal cavern, was surprised to seeit well lighted and spacious, in form of a vault, which receivedthe light from an opening at the top of the rock. He saw allsorts of provisions, rich bales of silk, stuff, brocade, andvaluable carpeting, piled upon one another; gold and silveringots in great heaps, and money in bags. The sight of all theseriches made him suppose that this cave must have been occupiedfor ages by robbers, who had succeeded one another. 

Ali Baba did not stand long to consider what he should do, butwent immediately into the cave, and as soon as he had entered, the door shut of itself. But this did not disturb him, because heknew 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 thegold coin, which was in bags, at several times, as he thought histhree asses could carry. He collected his asses, which weredispersed, and when he had loaded them with the bags, laid woodover in such a manner that they could not be seen. When he haddone he stood before the door, and pronouncing the words, "Shut, Sesame, " the door closed after him, for it had shut of itselfwhile he was within, but remained open while he was out. He thenmade the best of his way to town. 

When Ali Baba got home, he drove his asses into a little yard, shut the gates very carefully, threw off the wood that coveredthe bags, carried them into his house, and ranged them in orderbefore his wife, who sat on a sofa. 

His wife handled the bags, and finding them full of money, suspected that her husband had been robbing, insomuch that shecould not help saying, "Ali Baba, have you been so unhappy asto______. " "Be quiet, wife, " interrupted Ali Baba, "do notfrighten yourself, I am no robber, unless he may be one whosteals from robbers. You will no longer entertain an ill opinionof me, when I shall tell you my good fortune. " He then emptiedthe bags, which raised such a great heap of gold, as dazzled hiswife's eyes; and when he had done, told her the whole adventurefrom beginning to end; and, above all, recommended her to keep itsecret. 

The wife, cured of her fears, rejoiced with her husband at theirgood fortune, and would count all the gold, piece by piece. "Wife, " replied Ali Baba, "you do not know what you undertake, when you pretend to count the money; you will never have done. Iwill dig a hole, and bury it; there is no time to be lost". "Youare in the right, husband, " replied she; "but let us know, asnigh as possible, how much we have. I will borrow a small measurein the neighbourhood, and measure it, while you dig the hole. ""What you are going to do is to no purpose, wife, " said Ali Baba;"if you would take my advice, you had better let it alone, butkeep the secret, and do what you please. "

Away the wife ran to her brother-in-law Cassim, who lived just by, butwas not then at home; and addressing herself to his wife, desired herto lend her a measure for a little while. Her sister-in-law asked her, whether she would have a great or a small one? The other asked for asmall one. She bade her stay a little, and she would readily fetchone. 

The sister-in-law did so, but as she knew Ali Baba's poverty, shewas curious to know what sort of grain his wife wanted tomeasure, and artfully putting some suet at the bottom of themeasure, brought it to her with an excuse, that she was sorrythat she had made her stay so long, but that she could not findit sooner. 

Ali Baba's wife went home, set the measure upon the heap of gold, filled it and emptied it often upon the sofa, till she had done:when she was very well satisfied to find the number of measuresamounted to so many as they did, and went to tell her husband, who had almost finished digging the hole. While Ali Baba wasburying the gold, his wife, to shew her exactness and diligenceto her sister-in-law, carried the measure back again, but withouttaking notice that a piece of gold had stuck to the bottom. "Sister, " said she, giving it to her again, "you see that I havenot kept your measure long; I am obliged to you for it, andreturn it with thanks. "

As soon as Ali Baba's wife was gone, Cassim's looked at thebottom of the measure, and was in inexpressible surprise to finda piece of gold stuck to it. Envy immediately possessed herbreast. "What!" said she, "has Ali Baba gold so plentiful as tomeasure it? Where has that poor wretch got all this wealth?"Cassim, her husband, was not at home, but at his counting-house, which he left always in the evening. His wife waited for him, andthought the time an age; so great was her impatience to tell himthe circumstance, at which she guessed he would be as muchsurprised as herself. 

When Cassim came home, his wife said to him, "Cassim, I know youthink yourself rich, but you are much mistaken; Ali Baba isinfinitely richer than you; he does not count his money butmeasures it. " Cassim desired her to explain the riddle, which shedid, by telling him the stratagem she had used to make thediscovery, and shewed him the piece of money, which was so oldthat they could not tell in what prince's reign it was coined. 

Cassim, instead of being pleased, conceived a base envy at hisbrother's prosperity; he could not sleep all that night, and wentto him in the morning before sun-rise. Cassim, after he hadmarried the rich widow, had never treated Ali Baba as a brother, but neglected him. "All Baba, " said he, accosting him, "you arevery reserved in your affairs; you pretend to be miserably poor, and yet you measure gold. " "How, brother?" replied Ali Baba; "Ido not know what you mean: explain yourself. " "Do not pretendignorance, " replied Cassim, shewing him the piece of gold hiswife had given him. "How many of these pieces, " added he, "haveyou? My wife found this at the bottom of the measure you borrowedyesterday. "

By this discourse, Ali Baba perceived that Cassim and his wife, through his own wife's folly, knew what they had so much reasonto conceal; but what was done could not be recalled; therefore, without shewing the least surprise or trouble, he confessed all, told his brother by what chance he had discovered this retreat ofthe thieves, in what place it was; and offered him part of histreasure to keep the secret. "I expect as much, " replied Cassimhaughtily; "but I must know exactly where this treasure is, andhow I may visit it myself when I choose; otherwise I will go andinform against you, and then you will not only get no more, butwill lose all you have, and I shall have a share for myinformation. "

Ali Baba, more out of his natural good temper, than frightened bythe insulting menaces of his unnatural brother, told him all hedesired, and even the very words he was to use to gain admissioninto the cave. 

Cassim, who wanted no more of Ali Baba, left him, resolving to bebeforehand with him, and hoping to get all the treasure tohimself. He rose the next morning, long before the sun, and setout for the forest with ten mules bearing great chests, which hedesigned to fill; and followed the road which Ali Baba hadpointed out to him. He was not long before he reached the rock, and found out the place by the tree, and other marks which hisbrother had given him. When he reached the entrance of thecavern, he pronounced the words, "Open, Sesame, " the doorimmediately opened, and when he was in, closed upon him. Inexamining the cave, he was in great admiration to find much moreriches than he had apprehended from Ali Baba's relation. He wasso covetous, and greedy of wealth, that he could have spent thewhole day in feasting his eyes with so much treasure, if thethought that he came to carry some away had not hindered him. Helaid as many bags of gold as he could carry at the door of thecavern, but his thoughts were so full of the great riches heshould possess, that he could not think of the necessary word tomake it open, but instead of Sesame, said "Open, Barley, " and wasmuch amazed to find that the door remained fast shut. He namedseveral sorts of grain, but still the door would not open. 

Cassim had never expected such an incident, and was so alarmed atthe danger he was in, that the more he endeavoured to rememberthe word Sesame, the more his memory was confounded, and he hadas much forgotten it as if he had never heard it mentioned. Hethrew down the bags he had loaded himself with, and walkeddistractedly up and down the cave, without having the leastregard to the riches that were round him. 

About noon the robbers chanced to visit their cave, and at somedistance from it saw Cassim's mules straggling about the rock, with great chests on their backs. Alarmed at this novelty, theygalloped full speed to the cave. They drove away the mules, whichCassim had neglected to fasten, and they strayed through theforest so far, that they were soon out of sight. The robbersnever gave themselves the trouble to pursue them, being moreconcerned to know who they belonged to. And while some of themsearched about the rock, the captain and the rest went directlyto the door, with their naked sabres in their hands, andpronouncing the proper words, it opened. 

Cassim, who heard the noise of the horses' feet from the middleof the cave, never doubted of the arrival of the robbers, and hisapproaching death; but was resolved to make one effort to escapefrom them. To this end he rushed to the door, and no sooner heardthe word Sesame, which he had forgotten, and saw the door open, than he ran out and threw the leader down, but could not escapethe other robbers, who with their sabres soon deprived him oflife. 

The first care of the robbers after this was to examine the cave. They found all the bags which Cassim had brought to the door, tobe ready to load his mules, and carried them again to theirplaces, without missing what Ali Baba had taken away before. Thenholding a council, and deliberating upon this occurrence, theyguessed that Cassim, when he was in, could not get out again; butcould not imagine how he had entered. It came into their headsthat he might have got down by the top of the cave; but theaperture by which it received light was so high, and the rock soinaccessible without, besides that nothing shewed that he haddone so, that they gave up this conjecture. That he came in atthe door they could not believe however, unless he had the secretof making it open. In short, none of them could imagine which wayhe had entered; for they were all persuaded nobody knew theirsecret, little imagining that Ali Baba had watched them. It was amatter of the greatest importance to them to secure their riches. They agreed therefore to cut Cassim's body into four quarters, tohang two on one side and two on the other, within the door of thecave, to terrify any person who should attempt the same thing, determining not to return to the cave till the stench of the bodywas completely exhaled. They had no sooner taken this resolutionthan they put it in execution, and when they had nothing more todetain them, left the place of their hoards well closed. Theymounted their horses, went to beat the roads again, and to attackthe caravans they might meet. 

In the mean time, Cassim's wife was very uneasy when night came, and her husband was not returned. She ran to Ali Baba in alarm, and said, "I believe, brother-in-law, that you know Cassim, yourbrother, is gone to the forest, and upon what account; it is nownight, and he is not returned; I am afraid some misfortune hashappened to him. " Ali Baba, who had expected that his brother, after what he had said, would go to the forest, had declinedgoing himself that day, for fear of giving him any umbrage;therefore told her, without any reflection upon her husband'sunhandsome behaviour, that she need not frighten herself, forthat certainly Cassim would not think it proper to come into thetown till the night should be pretty far advanced. 

Cassim's wife, considering how much it concerned her husband to keepthe business secret, was the more easily persuaded to believe herbrother-in-law. She went home again, and waited patiently tillmidnight. Then her fear redoubled, and her grief was the more sensiblebecause she was forced to keep it to herself. She repented of herfoolish curiosity, and cursed her desire of penetrating into theaffairs of her brother and sister-in-law. She spent all the night inweeping; and as soon as it was day, went to them, telling them, by hertears, the cause of her coming. 

Ali Baba did not wait for his sister-in-law to desire him to goto see what was become of Cassim, but departed immediately withhis three asses, begging of her first to moderate her affliction. He went to the forest, and when he came near the rock, havingseen neither his brother nor the mules in his way, was seriouslyalarmed at finding some blood spilt near the door, which he tookfor an ill omen; but when he had pronounced the word, and thedoor had opened, he was struck with horror at the dismal sight ofhis brother's quarters. He was not long in determining how heshould pay the last dues to his brother, but without adverting tothe little fraternal affection he had shown for him, went intothe cave, to find something to enshroud his remains, and havingloaded one of his asses with them, covered them over with wood. The other two asses he loaded with bags of gold, covering themwith wood also as before; and then bidding the door shut, cameaway; but was so cautious as to stop some time at the end of theforest, that he might not go into the town before night. When hecame home, he drove the two asses loaded with gold into hislittle yard, and left the care of unloading them to his wife, while he led the other to his sister-in-law's house. 

Ali Baba knocked at the door, which was opened by Morgiana, anintelligent slave, fruitful in inventions to insure success inthe most difficult undertakings: and Ali Baba knew her to besuch. When he came into the court, he unloaded the ass, andtaking Morgiana aside, said to her, "The first thing I ask of youis an inviolable secrecy, which you will find is necessary bothfor your mistress's sake and mine. Your master's body iscontained in these two bundles, and our business is, to bury himas if he had died a natural death. Go, tell your mistress I wantto speak with her; and mind what I have said to you. "

Morgiana went to her mistress, and Ali Baba followed her. "Well, brother, " said she, with great impatience, "what news do youbring me of my husband? I perceive no comfort in yourcountenance. " "Sister, " answered Ali Baba, "I cannot satisfy yourinquiries unless you hear my story from the beginning to the end, without speaking a word; for it is of as great importance to youas to me to keep what has happened secret. " "Alas!" said she, "this preamble lets me know that my husband is not to be found;but at the same time I know the necessity of the secrecy yourequire, and I must constrain myself: say on, I will hear you. "

Ali Baba then detailed the incidents of his journey, till he cameto the finding of Cassim's body. "Now, " said he, "sister, I havesomething to relate which will afflict you the more, because itis perhaps what you so little expect; but it cannot now beremedied; if my endeavours can comfort you, I offer to put thatwhich God hath sent me to what you have, and marry you: assuringyou that my wife will not be jealous, and that we shall livehappily together. If this proposal is agreeable to you, we mastthink of acting so as that my brother should appear to have dieda natural death. I think you may leave the management of thebusiness to Morgiana, and I will contribute all that lies in mypower to your consolation. "

What could Cassim's widow do better than accept of this proposal?For though her first husband had left behind him a plentifulsubstance, his brother was now much richer, and by the discoveryof this treasure might be still more so. Instead, therefore, ofrejecting the offer, she regarded it as the sure means ofcomfort; and drying up her tears, which had begun to flowabundantly, and suppressing the outcries usual with women whohave lost their husbands, shewed Ali Baba that she approved ofhis proposal. Ali Baba left the widow, recommended to Morgiana toact her part well, and then returned home with his ass. 

Morgiana went out at the same time to an apothecary, and askedfor a sort of lozenges, which he prepared, and were veryefficacious in the most dangerous disorders. The apothecaryinquired who was ill at her master's? She replied with a sigh, "Her good master Cassim himself: that they knew not what hisdisorder was, but that he could neither eat nor speak. " Afterthese words, Morgiana carried the lozenges home with her, and thenext morning went to the same apothecary's again, and with tearsin her eyes, asked for an essence which they used to give to sickpeople only when at the last extremity. "Alas!" said she, takingit from the apothecary, "I am afraid that this remedy will haveno better effect than the lozenges; and that I shall lose my goodmaster. "

On the other hand, as Ali Baba and his wife were often seen to gobetween Cassim's and their own house all that day, and to seemmelancholy, nobody was surprised in the evening to hear thelamentable shrieks and cries of Cassim's wife and Morgiana, whogave out every where that her master was dead. 

The next morning, soon after day appeared, Morgiana, who knew acertain old cobbler that opened his stall early, before otherpeople, went to him, and bidding him good morrow, put a piece ofgold into his hand. "Well, " said Baba Mustapha, which was hisname, and who was a merry old fellow, looking at the gold, thoughit was hardly day-light, and seeing what it was, "this is goodhansel: what must I do for it? I am ready. "

"Baba Mustapha, " said Morgiana, "you must take with you yoursewing tackle, and go with me; but I must tell you, I shallblindfold you when you come to such a place. "

Baba Mustapha seemed to hesitate a little at these words. "Oh!oh!" replied he, "you would have me do something against myconscience, or against my honour?" "God forbid!" said Morgiana, putting another piece of gold into his hand, "that I should askany thing that is contrary to your honour; only come along withme, and fear nothing. "

Baba Mustapha went with Morgiana, who, after she had bound hiseyes with a handkerchief at the place she had mentioned, conveyedhim to her deceased master's house, and never unloosed his eyestill he had entered the room where she had put the corpsetogether. "Baba Mustapha, " said she, "you must make haste and sewthese quarters together; and when you have done, I will give youanother piece of gold. "

After Baba Mustapha had finished his task, she blindfolded himagain, gave him the third piece of gold as she had promised, andrecommending secrecy to him, carried him back to the place whereshe first bound his eyes, pulled off the bandage, and let him gohome, but watched him that he returned towards his stall, till hewas quite out of sight, for fear he should have the curiosity toreturn and dodge her; she then went home. 

By the time Morgiana had warmed some water to wash the body, AliBaba came with incense to embalm it, after which it was sewn upin a winding sheet. Not long after, the joiner, according to AliBaba's orders, brought the bier, which Morgiana received at thedoor, and helped Ali Baba to put the body into it; when she wentto the mosque to inform the imaum that they were ready. Thepeople of the mosque, whose business it was to wash the dead, offered to perform their duty, but she told them that it was donealready. 

Morgiana had scarcely got home before the imaum and the otherministers of the mosque arrived. Four neighbours carried thecorpse on their shoulders to the burying-ground, following theimaum, who recited some prayers. Morgiana, as a slave to thedeceased, followed the corpse, weeping, beating her breast, andtearing her hair: and Ali Baba came after with some neighbours, who often relieved the others in carrying the corpse to theburying-ground. 

Cassim's wife stayed at home mourning, uttering lamentable crieswith the women of the neighbourhood, who came according to customduring the funeral, and joining their lamentations with hers, filled the quarter far and near with sorrow. 

In this manner Cassim's melancholy death was concealed, andhushed up between Ali Baba, his wife, Cassim's widow, andMorgiana, with so much contrivance, that nobody in the city hadthe least knowledge or suspicion of the cause of it. 

Three or four days after the funeral, Ali Baba removed his fewgoods openly to the widow's house; but the money he had takenfrom the robbers he conveyed thither by night; soon after themarriage with his sister-in-law was published, and as thesemarriages are common, nobody was surprised. 

As for Cassim's warehouse, Ali Baba gave it to his own eldestson, promising that if he managed it well, he would soon give hima fortune to marry very advantageously according to hissituation. 

Let us now leave Ali Baba to enjoy the beginning of his goodfortune, and return to the forty robbers. 

They came again at the appointed time to visit their retreat inthe forest; but great was their surprise to find Cassim's bodytaken away, with some of their bags of gold. "We are certainlydiscovered, " said the captain, "and if we do not speedily applysome remedy, shall gradually lose all the riches which ourancestors and ourselves have, with so much pains and danger, beenso many years amassing together. All that we can think of theloss which we have sustained is, that the thief whom we surprisedhad the secret of opening the door, and we came luckily as he wascoming out: but his body being removed, and with it some of ourmoney, plainly shews that he had an accomplice; and as it islikely that there were but two who had discovered our secret, andone has been caught, we must look narrowly after the other. Whatsay you, my lads?"

All the robbers thought the captain's proposal so advisable, thatthey unanimously approved of it, and agreed that they must layall other enterprises aside, to follow this closely, and not giveit up till they had succeeded. 

"I expected no less, " said the captain, "from your fidelity toour cause: but, first of all, one of you who is bold, artful, andenterprising, must go into the town, disguised as a traveller anda stranger, to try if he can hear any talk of the strange deathof the man whom we have killed, as he deserved; and endeavour tofind out who he was, and where he lived. This is a matter of thefirst importance for us to ascertain, that we may do nothingwhich we may have reason to repent of, by discovering ourselvesin a country where we have lived so long unknown, and where wehave so much reason to continue: but to warn him who shall takeupon himself this commission, and to prevent our being deceivedby his giving us a false report, which may be the cause of ourruin; I ask you all, if you do not think that in case oftreachery, or even error of judgment, he should suffer death?"

Without waiting for the suffrages of his companions, one of therobbers started up, and said, "I submit to this condition, andthink it an honour to expose my life, by taking the commissionupon me; but remember, at least, if I do not succeed, that Ineither wanted courage nor good will to serve the troop. "

After this robber had received great commendations from thecaptain and his comrades, he disguised himself so that nobodywould take him for what he was; and taking his leave of the troopthat night, went into the town just at day-break; and walked upand down, till accidentally he came to Baba Mustapha's stall, which was always open before any of the shops. 

Baba Mustapha was seated with an awl in his hand, just going towork. The robber saluted him, bidding him good morrow; andperceiving that he was old, said, "Honest man, you begin to workvery early: is it possible that one of your age can see so well?I question, even if it were somewhat lighter, whether you couldsee to stitch. "

"Certainly, " replied Baba Mustapha, "you must be a stranger, anddo not know me; for old as I am, I have extraordinary good eyes;and you will not doubt it when I tell you that I sewed a deadbody together in a place where I had not so much light as I havenow. "

The robber was overjoyed to think that he had addressed himself, at his first coming into the town, to a man who in allprobability could give him the intelligence he wanted. "A deadbody!" replied he with affected amazement, to make him explainhimself. "What could you sew up a dead body for? You mean, yousewed up his winding sheet. " "No, no, " answered Baba Mustapha, "Iperceive your meaning; you want to have me speak out, but youshall know no more. "

The robber wanted no farther assurance to be persuaded that hehad discovered what he sought. He pulled out a piece of gold, andputting it into Baba Mustapha's hand, said to him, "I do not wantto learn your secret, though I can assure you I would not divulgeit, if you trusted me with it. The only thing which I desire ofyou is, to do me the favour to shew me the house where Youstitched up the dead body. "

"If I were disposed to do you that favour, " replied BabaMustapha, holding the money in his hand, ready to return it, "Iassure you I cannot; and you may believe me, on my word. I wastaken to a certain place, where I was blinded, I was then led tothe house, and afterwards brought back again in the same manner;you see, therefore, the impossibility of my doing what youdesire. "

"Well, " replied the robber, "you may, however, remember a littleof the way that you were led blindfolded. Come, let me blind youreyes at the same place. We will walk together; perhaps you mayrecognize some part; and as every body ought to be paid for theirtrouble, there is another piece of gold for you; gratify me inwhat I ask you. " So saying, he put another piece of gold into hishand. 

The two pieces of gold were great temptations to Baba Mustapha. He looked at them a long time in his hand, without saying a word, thinking with himself what he should do; but at last he pulledout his purse, and put them in. "I cannot assure you, " said he tothe robber, "that I can remember the way exactly; but since youdesire, I will try what I can do. " At these words Baba Mustapharose up, to the great joy of the robber, and without shutting hisshop, where he had nothing valuable to lose, he led the robber tothe place where Morgiana had bound his eyes. "It was here, " saidBaba Mustapha, "I was blindfolded; and I turned as you see me. "The robber, who had his handkerchief ready, tied it over hiseyes, walked by him till he stopped, partly leading, and partlyguided by him. "I think, " said Baba Mustapha, "I went nofarther, " and he had now stopped directly at Cassim's house, where Ali Baba then lived. The thief, before he pulled off theband, marked the door with a piece of chalk, which he had readyin his hand; and then asked him if he knew whose house that was?to which Baba Mustapha replied, that as he did not live in thatneighbourhood he could not tell. 

The robber, finding he could discover no more from Baba Mustapha, thanked him for the trouble he had taken, and left him to go backto his stall, while he returned to the forest, persuaded that heshould be very well received. 

A little after the robber and Baba Mustapha had parted, Morgianawent out of Ali Baba's house upon some errand, and upon herreturn, seeing the mark the robber had made, stopped to observeit. "What can be the meaning of this mark?" said she to herself;"somebody intends my master no good: however, with whateverintention it was done, it is advisable to guard against theworst. " Accordingly, she fetched a piece of chalk, and marked twoor three doors on each side, in the same manner, without saying aword to her master or mistress. 

In the mean time the thief rejoined his troop in the forest, andrecounted to them his success; expatiating upon his good fortune, in meeting so soon with the only person who could inform him ofwhat he wanted to know. All the robbers listened to him with theutmost satisfaction; when the captain, after commending hisdiligence, addressing himself to them all, said, "Comrades, wehave no time to lose: let us set off well armed, without itsappearing who we are; but that we may not excite any suspicion, let only one or two go into the town together, and join at ourrendezvous, which shall be the great square. In the mean time ourcomrade, who brought us the good news, and I, will go and findout the house, that we may consult what had best be done. "

This speech and plan were approved of by all, and they were soonready. They filed off in parties of two each, after some intervalof time, and got into the town without being in the leastsuspected. The captain and he who had visited the town in themorning as spy, came in the last. He led the captain into thestreet where he had marked Ali Baba's residence; and when theycame to the first of the houses which Morgiana had marked, hepointed it out. But the captain observed that the next door waschalked in the same manner, and in the same place; and shewing itto his guide, asked him which house it was, that, or the first?The guide was so confounded, that he knew not what answer tomake; but still more puzzled, when he and the captain saw five orsix houses similarly marked. He assured the captain, with anoath, that he had marked but one, And could not tell who hadchalked the rest, so that he could not distinguish the housewhich the cobbler had stopped at. 

The captain, finding that their design had proved abortive, wentdirectly to the place of rendezvous, and told the first of histroops whom he met that they had lost their labour, and mustreturn to their cave. He himself set them the example, and theyall returned as they had come. 

When the troop was all got together, the captain told them thereason of their returning; and presently the conductor wasdeclared by all worthy of death. He condemned himself, acknowledging that he ought to have taken better precaution, andprepared to receive the stroke from him who was appointed to cutoff his head. 

But as the safety of the troop required that an injury should notgo unpunished, another of the gang, who promised himself that heshould succeed better, presented himself, and his offer beingaccepted, he went and corrupted Baba Mustapha, as the other haddone; and being shewn the house, marked it in a place more remotefrom sight, with red chalk. 

Not long after Morgiana, whose eyes nothing could escape, wentout, and seeing the red chalk, and arguing with herself as shehad done before, marked the other neighbours' houses in the sameplace and manner. 

The robber, at his return to his company, valued himself much onthe precaution he had taken, which he looked upon as aninfallible way of distinguishing Ali Baba's house from theothers; and the captain and all of them thought it must succeed. They conveyed themselves into the town with the same precautionas before; but when the robber and his captain came to thestreet, they found the same difficulty; at which the captain wasenraged, and the robber in as great confusion as his predecessor. 

Thus the captain and his troop were forced to retire a secondtime, and much more dissatisfied; while the robber, who had beenthe author of the mistake, underwent the same punishment; whichhe willingly submitted to. 

The captain, having lost two brave fellows of his troop, wasafraid of diminishing it too much by pursuing this plan to getinformation of the residence of their plunderer. He found bytheir example that their heads were not so good as their hands onsuch occasions; and therefore resolved to take upon himself theimportant commission. 

Accordingly he went and addressed himself to Baba Mustapha, whodid him the same service he had done to the other robbers. He didnot set any particular mark on the house, but examined andobserved it so carefully, by passing often by it, that it wasimpossible for him to mistake it. 

The captain, well satisfied with his attempt, and informed ofwhat he wanted to know, returned to the forest; and when he cameinto the cave, where the troop waited for him, said, "Now, comrades, nothing can prevent our full revenge, as I am certainof the house, and in my way hither I have thought how to put itinto execution, but if any one can form a better expedient, lethim communicate it. " He then told them his contrivance; and asthey approved of it, ordered them to go into the villages about, and buy nineteen mules, with thirty-eight large leather jars, onefull of oil, and the others empty. 

In two or three days' time the robbers had purchased the mulesand jars, and as the mouths of the jars were rather too narrowfor his purpose, the captain caused them to be widened; and afterhaving put one of his men into each, with the weapons which hethought fit, leaving open the seam which had been undone to leavethem room to breathe, he rubbed the jars on the outside with oilfrom the full vessel. 

Things being thus prepared, when the nineteen mules were loadedwith thirty-seven robbers in jars, and the jar of oil, thecaptain, as their driver, set out with them, and reached the townby the dusk of the evening, as he had intended. He led themthrough the streets till he came to Ali Baba's, at whose door hedesigned to have knocked; but was prevented by his sitting thereafter supper to take a little fresh air. He stopped his mules, addressed himself to him, and said, "I have brought some oil agreat way, to sell at to-morrow's market; and it is now so latethat I do not know where to lodge. If I should not be troublesometo you, do me the favour to let me pass the night with you, and Ishall be very much obliged by your hospitality. "

Though Ali Baba had seen the captain of the robbers in theforest, and had heard him speak, it was impossible to know him inthe disguise of an oil-merchant. He told him he should bewelcome, and immediately opened his gates for the mules to gointo the yard. At the same time he called to a slave, and orderedhim, when the mules were unloaded, not only to put them into thestable, but to give them fodder; and then went to Morgiana, tobid her get a good supper for his guest. 

He did more. To make his guest as welcome as possible, when hesaw the captain had unloaded his mules, and that they were putinto the stables as he had ordered, and he was looking for aplace to pass the night in the air, he brought him into the hallwhere he received his company, telling him he would not sufferhim to be in the court. The captain excused himself on pretenceof not being troublesome; but really to have room to execute hisdesign, and it was not till after the most pressing importunitythat he yielded. Ali Baba, not content to keep company with theman who had a design on his life till supper was ready, continuedtalking with him till it was ended, and repeating his offer ofservice. 

The captain rose up at the same time with his host; and while Ali Babawent to speak to Morgiana he withdrew into the yard, under pretence oflooking at his mules. Ali Baba, after charging Morgiana afresh to takecare of his guest, said to her, "To-morrow morning I design to go tothe bath before day; take care my bathing-linen be ready, give them toAbdoollah, " which was the slave's name, "and make me some good brothagainst I return. " After this he went to bed. 

In the mean time the captain of the robbers went from the stableto give his people orders what to do; and beginning at the firstjar, and so on to the last, said to each man: "As soon as I throwsome stones out of the chamber window where I lie, do not fail tocut the jar open with the knife you have about you for thepurpose, and come out, and I will immediately join you. " Afterthis he returned into the house, when Morgiana taking up a light, conducted him to his chamber, where she left him; and he, toavoid any suspicion, put the light out soon after, and laidhimself down in his clothes, that he might be the more ready torise. 

Morgiana, remembering Ali Baba's orders, got his bathing-linenready, and ordered Abdoollah to set on the pot for the broth; butwhile she was preparing it, the lamp went out, and there was nomore oil in the house, nor any candles. What to do she did notknow, for the broth must be made. Abdoollah seeing her veryuneasy, said, "Do not fret and teaze yourself, but go into theyard, and take some oil out of one of the jars. "

Morgiana thanked Abdoollah for his advice, took the oil-pot, andwent into the yard; when as she came nigh the first jar, therobber within said softly, "Is it time?"

Though the robber spoke low, Morgiana was struck with the voicethe more, because the captain, when he unloaded the mules, hadtaken the lids off this and all the other jars to give air to hismen, who were ill enough at their ease, almost wanting room tobreathe. 

As much surprised as Morgiana naturally was at finding a man in ajar instead of the oil she wanted, many would have made such anoise as to have given an alarm, which would have been attendedwith fatal consequences; whereas Morgiana comprehendingimmediately the importance of keeping silence, from the dangerAli Baba, his family, and herself were in, and the necessity ofapplying a speedy remedy without noise, conceived at once themeans, and collecting herself without shewing the least emotions, answered, "Not yet, but presently. " She went in this manner toall the jars, giving the same answer, till she came to the jar ofoil. 

By this means, Morgiana found that her master Ali Baba, whothought that he had entertained an oil merchant, had admittedthirty-eight robbers into his house, regarding this pretendedmerchant as their captain. She made what haste she could to fillher oil-pot, and returned into her kitchen; where, as soon as shehad lighted her lamp, she took a great kettle, went again to theoil-jar, filled the kettle, set it on a large wood-fire, and assoon as it boiled went and poured enough into every jar to stifleand destroy the robber within. 

When this action, worthy of the courage of Morgiana, was executedwithout any noise, as she had projected, she returned into thekitchen with the empty kettle; and having put out the great fireshe had made to boil the oil, and leaving just enough to make thebroth, put out the lamp also, and remained silent; resolving notto go to rest till she had observed what might follow through awindow of the kitchen, which opened into the yard. 

She had not waited long before the captain of the robbers got up, opened the window, and finding no light, and hearing no noise, orany one stirring in the house, gave the appointed signal, bythrowing little stones, several of which hit the jars, as hedoubted not by the sound they gave. He then listened, but nothearing or perceiving any thing, whereby he could judge that hiscompanions stirred, he began to grow very uneasy, threw stonesagain a second and also a third time, and could not comprehendthe reason that none of them should answer his signal. Muchalarmed, he went softly down into the yard, and going to thefirst jar, whilst asking the robber whom he thought alive if hewas in readiness, smelt the hot boiled oil, which sent forth asteam out of the jar. Hence he suspected that his plot to murderAli Baba and plunder his house was discovered. Examining all thejars one after another, he found that all his gang were dead; andby the oil he missed out of the last jar guessed the means andmanner of their death. Enraged to despair at having failed in hisdesign, he forced the lock of a door that led from the yard tothe garden, and climbing over the walls, made his escape. 

When Morgiana heard no noise, and found, after waiting some time, that the captain did not return, she concluded that he had chosenrather to make his escape by the garden than the street-door, which was double locked. Satisfied and pleased to have succeededso well, in saving her master and family, she went to bed. 

Ali Baba rose before day, and, followed by his slave, went to thebaths, entirely ignorant of the important event which hadhappened at home; for Morgiana had not thought it safe to wakehim before, for fear of losing her opportunity; and after hersuccessful exploit she thought it needless to disturb him. 

When he returned from the baths, the sun was risen; he was verymuch surprised to see the oil-jars, and that the merchant was notgone with the mules. He asked Morgiana, who opened the door, andhad let all things stand as they were, that he might see them, the reason of it? "My good master, " answered she, "God preserveyou and all your family; you will be better informed of what youwish to know when you have seen what I have to shew you, if youwill but give yourself the trouble to follow me. "

As soon as Morgiana had shut the door, Ali Baba followed her;when she requested him to look into the first jar and see ifthere was any oil. Ali Baba did so, and seeing a man, startedback in alarm, and cried out. "Do not be afraid, " said Morgiana, "the man you see there can neither do you nor any body else anyharm. He is dead. " "Ah, Morgiana!" said Ali Baba, "what is it youshew me? Explain yourself. " "I will, " replied Morgiana; "moderateyour astonishment, and do not excite the curiosity of yourneighbours; for it is of great importance to keep this affairsecret. Look into all the other jars. "

Ali Baba examined all the other jars, one after another: and whenhe came to that which had the oil in, found it prodigiously sunk, and stood for some time motionless, sometimes looking at thejars, and sometimes at Morgiana, without saying a word, so greatwas his surprise: at last, when he had recovered himself, hesaid, "And what is become of the merchant?"

"Merchant!" answered she, "he is as much one as I am; I will tellyou who he is, and what is become of him; but you had better hearthe story in your own chamber; for it is time for your healththat you had your broth after your bathing. "

While Ali Baba retired to his chamber, Morgiana went into thekitchen to fetch the broth, but before he would drink it, hefirst entreated her to satisfy his impatience, and tell him whathad happened, with all the circumstances; and she obeyed him. 

"Last night, sir, " said she, "when you were gone to bed, I gotyour bathing-linens ready, and gave them to Abdoollah;afterwards I set on the pot for the broth, but as I was preparingthe materials, the lamp, for want of oil, went out; and as therewas not a drop more in the house, I looked for a candle, butcould not find one: Abdoollah seeing me vexed, put me in mind ofthe jars of oil which stood in the yard. I took the oil-pot, wentdirectly to the jar which stood nearest to me; and when I came toit, heard a voice within, saying, 'Is it time?' Without beingdismayed, and comprehending immediately the malicious intentionof the pretended oil-merchant, I answered, 'Not yet, butpresently. ' I then went to the next, when another voice asked methe 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 Ifilled my pot. 

"When I considered that there were thirty seven robbers in theyard, who only waited for a signal to be given by the captain, whom you took to be an oil-merchant, and entertained sohandsomely, I thought there was no time to be lost; I carried mypot of oil into the kitchen, lighted the lamp, afterwards tookthe biggest kettle I had, went and filled it full of oil, set iton the fire to boil, and then poured as much into each jar as wassufficient to prevent them from executing the pernicious designthey had meditated: after this I retired into the kitchen, andput out the lamp; but before I went to bed, waited at the windowto know what measures the pretended merchant would take. 

"After I had watched some time for the signal, he threw somestones out of the window against the jars, but neither hearingnor perceiving any body stirring, after throwing three times, hecame down, when I saw him go to every jar, after which, throughthe darkness of the night, I lost sight of him. I waited sometime longer, and finding that he did not return, doubted not butthat, seeing he had missed his aim, he had made his escape overthe walls of the garden. Persuaded that the house was now safe, Iwent to bed. 

"This, " said Morgiana, "is the account you asked of me; and I amconvinced it is the consequence of what I observed some days ago, but did not think fit to acquaint you with: for when I came inone morning early, I found our street door marked with whitechalk, and the next morning with red; upon which, both times, without knowing what was the intention of those chalks, I markedtwo or three neighbours' doors on each side in the same manner. If you reflect on this, and what has since happened, you willfind it to be a plot of the robbers of the forest, of whose gangthere are two wanting, and now they are reduced to three: allthis shews that they had sworn your destruction, and it is properyou should be upon your guard, while there is one of them alive:for my part I shall neglect nothing necessary to yourpreservation, as I am in duty bound. "

When Morgiana had left off speaking, Ali Baba was so sensible ofthe great service she had done him, that he said to her, "I willnot die without rewarding you as you deserve: I owe my life toyou, and for the first token of my acknowledgment, give you yourliberty from this moment, till I can complete your recompense asI intend. I am persuaded with you, that the forty robbers havelaid snares for my destruction. God, by your means, has deliveredme from them as yet, and I hope will continue to preserve me fromtheir wicked designs, and by averting the danger which threatenedme, will deliver the world from their persecution and theircursed race. All that we have to do is to bury the bodies ofthese pests of mankind immediately, and with all the secrecyimaginable, that nobody may suspect what is become of them. Butthat labour Abdoollah and I will undertake. "

Ali Baba's garden was very long, and shaded at the farther end bya great number of large trees. Under these he and the slave dug atrench, long and wide enough to hold all the robbers, and as theearth was light, they were not long in doing it. Afterwards theylifted the bodies out of the jars, took away their weapons, carried them to the end of the garden, laid them in the trench, and levelled the ground again. When this was done, Ali Baba hidthe jars and weapons; and as he had no occasion for the mules, hesent them at different times to be sold in the market by hisslave. 

While Ali Baba took these measures to prevent the public fromknowing how he came by his riches in so short a time, the captainof the forty robbers returned to the forest with inconceivablemortification; and in his agitation, or rather confusion, at hisill success, so contrary to what he had promised himself, enteredthe cave, not being able, all the way from the town, to come toany resolution how to revenge himself of Ali Baba. 

The loneliness of the gloomy cavern became frightful to him. "Where are you, my brave lads, " cried he, "old companions of mywatchings, inroads, and labour? What can I do without you? Did Icollect you only to lose you by so base a fate, and so unworthyof your courage! Had you died with your sabres in your hands, like brave men, my regret had been less! When shall I enlist sogallant a troop again? And if I could, can I undertake it withoutexposing so much gold and treasure to him who hath alreadyenriched himself out of it? I cannot, I ought not to think of it, before I have taken away his life. I will undertake that alonewhich I could not accomplish with your powerful assistance; andwhen I have taken measures to secure this treasure from beingpillaged, I will provide for it new masters and successors afterme, who shall preserve and augment it to all posterity. " Thisresolution being taken, he was not at a loss how to execute hispurpose; but easy in his mind, and full of hopes, slept all thatnight very quietly. 

When he awoke early next morning, he dressed himself, agreeablyto the project he had formed, went to the town, and took alodging in a khan. As he expected what had happened at Ali Baba'smight make a great noise, he asked his host what news there wasin the city? Upon which the inn-keeper told him a great manycircumstances, which did not concern him in the least. He judgedby this, that the reason why Ali Baba kept his affairs so secret, was for fear people should know where the treasure lay; andbecause he knew his life would be sought on account of it. Thisurged him the more to neglect nothing to rid himself of socautious an enemy. 

The captain now assumed the character of a merchant, and conveyedgradually a great many sorts of rich stuffs and fine linen to hislodging from the cavern, but with all the necessary precautionsimaginable to conceal the place whence he brought them. In orderto dispose of the merchandizes, when he had amassed themtogether, he took a warehouse, which happened to be opposite toCassim's, which Ali Baba's son had occupied since the death ofhis uncle. 

He took the name of Khaujeh Houssain, and as a new-comer, was, according to custom, extremely civil and complaisant to all themerchants his neighbours. Ali Baba's son was from his vicinityone of the first to converse with Khaujeh Houssain, who strove tocultivate his friendship more particularly, when, two or threedays after he was settled, he recognized Ali Baba, who came tosee his son, and stopped to talk with him as he was accustomed todo. When he was gone, the impostor learnt from his son who hewas. He increased his assiduities, caressed him in the mostengaging manner, made him some small presents, and often askedhim to dine and sup with him; when he treated him veryhandsomely. 

Ali Baba's son did not choose to lie under such obligation toKhaujeh Houssain, without making the like return; but was so muchstraitened for want of room in his house, that he could notentertain him so well as he wished; he therefore acquainted hisfather Ali Baba with his intention, and told him that it did notlook well for him to receive such favours from Khaujeh Houssain, without inviting him in return. 

Ali Baba, with great pleasure, took the treat upon himself. "Son, " said he, "to-morrow being Friday, which is a day that theshops of such great merchants as Khaujeh Houssain and yourselfare shut, get him to take a walk with you, and as you come back, pass by my door, and call in. It will look better to have ithappen accidentally, than if you gave him a formal invitation. Iwill go and order Morgiana to provide a supper. "

The next day Ali Baba's son and Khaujeh Houssain met byappointment, took their walk, and as they returned, Ali Baba'sson led Khaujeh Houssain through the street where his fatherlived; and when they came to the house, stopped and knocked atthe door. "This, sir, " said he, "is my father's house; who, fromthe account I have given him of your friendship, charged me toprocure him the honour of your acquaintance; and I desire you toadd this pleasure to those for which I am already indebted toyou. "

Though it was the sole aim of Khaujeh Houssain to introducehimself into Ali Baba's house, that he might kill him withouthazarding his own life or making any noise; yet he excusedhimself, and offered to take his leave. But a slave having openedthe door, Ali Baba's son took him obligingly by the hand, and ina manner forced him in. 

Ali Baba received Khaujeh Houssain with a smiling countenance, and in the most obliging manner he could wish. He thanked him forall the favours he had done his son; adding withal, theobligation was the greater, as he was a young man not muchacquainted with the world, and that he might contribute to hisinformation. 

Khaujeh Houssain returned the compliment, by assuring Ali Baba, that though his son might not have acquired the experience ofolder men, he had good sense equal to the experience of manyothers. After a little more conversation on different subjects, he offered again to take his leave; when Ali Baba, stopping him, said, "Where are you going, sir, in so much haste? I beg youwould do me the honour to sup with me, though what I have to giveyou is not worth your acceptance; but such as it is, I hope youwill accept it as heartily as I give it. " "Sir, " replied KhaujehHoussain, "I am thoroughly persuaded of your good-will; and if Iask the favour of you not to take it ill that I do not acceptyour obliging invitation, I beg of you to believe that it doesnot proceed from any slight or intention to affront, but from areason which you would approve if you knew it. "

"And what may that reason be, sir, " replied Ali Baba, "if I may be sobold as to ask you?" "It is, " answered Khaujeh Houssain, "that I caneat no victuals that have any salt in them; therefore judge how Ishould feel at your table. " "If that is the only reason, " said AliBaba, "it ought not to deprive me of the honour of your company atsupper; for, in the first place, there is no salt ever put into mybread, and as to the meat we shall have to-night, I promise you thereshall be none in that. Therefore you must do me the favour to stay. Iwill return immediately. "

Ali Baba went into the kitchen, and ordered Morgiana to put nosalt to the meat that was to be dressed that night; and to makequickly two or three ragouts besides what he had ordered, but besure to put no salt in them. 

Morgiana, who was always ready to obey her master, could nothelp, this time, seeming somewhat dissatisfied at his strangeorder. "Who is this difficult man, " said she, "who eats no saltwith his meat? Your supper will be spoiled, if I keep it back solong. " "Do not be angry, Morgiana, " replied Ali Baba: "he is anhonest man; therefore do as I bid you. "

Morgiana obeyed, though with no little reluctance, and had acuriosity to see this man who ate no salt. To this end, when shehad finished what she had to do in the kitchen, she helpedAbdoollah to carry up the dishes; and looking at KhaujehHoussain, knew him at first sight, notwithstanding his disguise, to be the captain of the robbers, and examining him verycarefully, perceived that he had a dagger under his garment. "Iam not in the least amazed, " said she to herself, "that thiswicked wretch, who is my master's greatest enemy, would eat nosalt with him, since he intends to assassinate him; but I willprevent him". 

Morgiana, while they were eating, made the necessary preparationsfor executing one of the boldest acts ever meditated, and hadjust determined, when Abdoollah came for the dessert of fruit, which she carried up, and as soon as Abdoollah had taken the meataway, set it upon the table; after that, she placed three glassesby Ali Baba, and going out, took Abdoollah with her to sup, andto give Ali Baba the more liberty of conversation with his guest. 

Khaujeh Houssain, or rather the captain of the robbers, thoughthe had now a favourable opportunity of being revenged on AliBaba. "I will, " said he to himself, "make the father and son bothdrunk: the son, whose life I intend to spare, will not be able toprevent my stabbing his father to the heart; and while the slavesare at supper, or asleep in the kitchen, I can make my escapeover the gardens as before. "

Instead of going to supper, Morgiana, who had penetrated theintentions of the counterfeit Khaujeh Houssain, would not givehim time to put his villanous design into execution, but dressedherself neatly with a suitable head-dress like a dancer, girdedher waist with a silver-gilt girdle, to which there hung aponiard with a hilt and guard of the same metal, and put ahandsome mask on her face. When she had thus disguised herself, she said to Abdoollah, "Take your tabor, and let us go and divertour master and his son's guest, as we do sometimes when he isalone. "

Abdoollah took his tabor and played all the way into the hallbefore Morgiana, who, when she came to the door, made a lowobeisance, with a deliberate air, in order to draw attention, andby way of asking leave to exhibit her skill. Abdoollah, seeingthat his master had a mind to say something, left off playing. "Come in, Morgiana, " said Ali Baba, "and let Khaujeh Houssain seewhat you can do, that he may tell us what he thinks of you. ""But, sir, " said he, turning towards his guest, "do not thinkthat I put myself to any expense to give you this diversion, since these are my slave and my cook and housekeeper; and I hopeyou will not find the entertainment they give us disagreeable. "

Khaujeh Houssain, who did not expect this diversion after supper, began to fear he should not be able to improve the opportunity hethought he had found; but hoped, if he now missed his aim, tosecure it another time, by keeping up a friendly correspondencewith the father and son; therefore, though he could have wishedAli Baba would have declined the dance, he pretended to beobliged to him for it, and had the complaisance to express hissatisfaction at what he saw pleased his host. 

As soon as Abdoollah saw that Ali Baba and Khaujeh Houssain haddone talking, he began to play on the tabor, and accompanied itwith an air; to which Morgiana, who was an excellent performer, danced in such a manner as would have created admiration in anyother company besides that before which she now exhibited, amongwhom, perhaps, none but the false Khaujeh Houssain was in theleast attentive to her, the rest having seen her so frequently. 

After she had danced several dances with equal propriety andgrace, she drew the poniard, and holding it in her hand, began adance, in which she outdid herself, by the many differentfigures, light movements, and the surprising leaps and wonderfulexertions with which she accompanied it. Sometimes she presentedthe poniard to one's breast, sometimes to another's, andoftentimes seeming to strike her own. At last, as if she was outof breath, she snatched the tabor from Abdoollah with her lefthand, and holding the dagger in her right, presented the otherside of the tabor, after the manner of those who get a livelihoodby dancing, and solicit the liberality of the spectators. 

Ali Baba put a piece of gold into the tabor, as did also his son;and Khaujeh Houssain seeing that she was coming to him, hadpulled his purse out of his bosom to make her a present; butwhile he was putting his hand into it, Morgiana, with a courageand resolution worthy of herself, plunged the poniard into hisheart. 

Ali Baba and his son, shocked at this action, cried out aloud. "Unhappy wretch!" exclaimed Ali Baba, "what have you done to ruinme and my family?" "It was to preserve, not to ruin you, "answered Morgiana; "for see here, " continued she (opening thepretended Khaujeh Houssain's garment, and shewing the dagger), "what an enemy you had entertained! Look well at him, and youwill find him to be both the fictitious oil-merchant, and thecaptain of the gang of forty robbers. Remember, too, that hewould eat no salt with you; and what would you have more topersuade you of his wicked design? Before I saw him I suspectedhim as soon as you told me you had such a guest. I knew him, andyou now find that my suspicion was not groundless. "

Ali Baba, who immediately felt the new obligation he had toMorgiana for saving his life a second time, embraced her:"Morgiana, " said he, "I gave you your liberty, and then promisedyou that my gratitude should not stop there, but that I wouldsoon give you higher proofs of its sincerity, which I now do bymaking you my daughter-in-law. " Then addressing himself to hisson, he said, "I believe you, son, to be so dutiful a child, thatyou will not refuse Morgiana for your wife. You see that KhaujehHoussain sought your friendship with a treacherous design to takeaway my life; and, if he had succeeded, there is no doubt but hewould have sacrificed you also to his revenge. Consider, that bymarrying Morgiana you marry the preserver of my family and yourown. "

The son, far from shewing any dislike, readily consented to themarriage; not only because he would not disobey his father, butalso because it was agreeable to his inclination. 

After this, they thought of burying the captain of the robberswith his comrades, and did it so privately that nobody discoveredtheir bones till many years after, when no one had any concern inthe publication of this remarkable history. 

A few days afterwards, Ali Baba celebrated the nuptials of hisson and Morgiana with great solemnity, a sumptuous feast, and theusual dancing and spectacles; and had the satisfaction to seethat his friends and neighbours, whom he invited, had noknowledge of the true motives of the marriage; but that those whowere not unacquainted with Morgiana's good qualities commendedhis generosity and goodness of heart. 

Ali Baba forbore, after this marriage, from going again to therobbers' cave, as he had done from the time he had brought awayhis brother Cassim's mangled remains, for fear of beingsurprised. He kept away after the death of the thirty-sevenrobbers and their captain, supposing the other two, whom he couldget no account of, might be alive. 

At the year's end, when he found they had not made any attempt todisturb him, he had the curiosity to make another journey, takingthe necessary precautions for his safety. He mounted his horse, and when he came to the cave, and saw no footsteps of men orhorses, looked upon it as a good sign. He alighted, tied hishorse to a tree, then approaching the entrance, and pronouncingthe words, Open, Sesame, the door opened. He entered the cavern, and by the condition he found things in, judged that nobody hadbeen there since the false Khaujeh Houssain, when he had fetchedthe goods for his shop, that the gang of forty robbers wascompletely destroyed, and no longer doubted that he was the onlyperson in the world who had the secret of opening the cave, sothat all the treasure was at his sole disposal. Having broughtwith him a wallet, he put into it as much gold as his horse wouldcarry, and returned to town. 

Afterwards Ali Baba carried his son to the cave, taught him thesecret, which they handed down to their posterity, who, usingtheir good fortune with moderation, lived in great honour andsplendour. 

 THE STORY OF ALI KHAUJEH, A MERCHANT OF BAGDAD. 

In the reign of the caliph Haroon al Rusheed, there lived atBagdad a merchant whose name was Ali Khaujeh, who was neither oneof the richest nor poorest of his line. He was a bachelor, andlived in the house which had been his father's, independent andcontent with the profit he made by his trade. But happening todream for three successive nights that a venerable old man cameto him, and, with a severe look, reprimanded him for not havingmade a pilgrimage to Mecca, he was much troubled. 

As a good Mussulmaun, he knew he was obliged to undertake apilgrimage; but as he had a house, shop, and goods, he had alwaysbelieved that they might stand for a sufficient reason to excusehim, endeavouring by his charity, and other good works, to atonefor that neglect. After this dream, however, his conscience wasso much pricked, that the fear lest any misfortune should befallhim made him resolve not to defer it any longer; and to be ableto go that year, he sold off his household goods, his shop, andwith it the greatest part of his merchandize, reserving only somearticles, which he thought might turn to a better account atMecca; and meeting with a tenant for his house, let that also. 

His affairs being thus disposed, he was ready to depart when theBagdad caravan set out for Mecca: the only thing he had to do wasto lodge in some place of security a sum of a thousand pieces ofgold, which would have been troublesome to carry with him, withthe money he had set apart to defray his expenses on the road, and for other purposes. To this end, he made choice of a jar of asuitable size, put the thousand pieces of gold into it, andcovered them over with olives. When he had closed the mouth ofthe jar, he carried it to a merchant, a particular friend of his, and said to him, "You know, brother, that in a few days I mean todepart with the caravan, on my pilgrimage to Mecca. I beg thefavour of you to take charge of a jar of olives, and keep it forme till I return. " The merchant promised him he would, and in anobliging manner said, "Here, take the key of my warehouse, andset your jar where you please. I promise you shall find it therewhen you return. "

On the day the caravan was to set out Ali Khaujeh joined it, witha camel loaded with what goods he had thought fit to carry, whichalso served him to ride on. He arrived safe at Mecca, where hevisited, with other pilgrims, the temple so much celebrated andfrequented by the faithful of all nations every year, who camefrom all parts of the world, and observed religiously theceremonies prescribed them. When he had acquitted himself of theduties of his pilgrimage, he exposed the merchandize he hadbrought with him for sale or barter, as might be most profitable. 

Two merchants passing by, and seeing Ali Khaujeh's goods, thoughtthem so choice, that they stopped some time to look at, thoughthey had no occasion for them; and when they had satisfied theircuriosity, one of them said to the other, as they were goingaway, "If this merchant knew to what profit these goods wouldturn at Cairo he would carry them thither, and not sell themhere, though this is a good mart. "

Ali Khaujeh heard these words; and as he had often heard talk ofthe beauties of Egypt, he was resolved to take the opportunity ofseeing them, by performing a journey thither. Therefore, afterhaving packed up his goods again, instead of returning to Bagdad, he set out for Egypt, with the caravan of Cairo. When he camethither, he found his account in his journey, and in a few dayssold all his goods to a greater advantage than he had hoped for. With the money he bought others, with an intent to go toDamascus: and while he waited for the opportunity of a caravan, which was to depart in six weeks, visited all the curiosities ofCairo, as also the pyramids, and sailing up the Nile, viewed thefamous towns on each side of that river. 

As the Damascus caravan took Jerusalem in their way, our Bagdadmerchant had the opportunity of visiting the temple, regarded bythe Mussulmauns to be the most holy, after that of Mecca, whencethis city takes its name of Biel al Mukkuddus, or most sacredmansion. 

Ali Khaujeh found Damascus so delicious a place, being environedby verdant meadows, pleasantly watered, and delightful gardens, that it exceeded the descriptions given of it in the journals oftravellers. Here he made a long abode, but, nevertheless, did notforget his native Bagdad: for which place he at length set out, and arrived at Aleppo, where he made some stay; and from thence, after having passed the Euphrates, he bent his course toMoussoul, with an intention, in his return, to come by a shorterway down the Tigris. 

When Ali Khaujeh came to Moussoul, some Persian merchants, withwhom he had travelled from Aleppo, and with whom he hadcontracted a great friendship, had obtained so great an influenceover him by their civilities and agreeable conversation, thatthey easily persuaded him not to leave them till he should havevisited Sheerauz, from whence he might easily return to Bagdadwith a considerable profit. They led him through the towns ofSultania, Rei, Coam, Caschan, Ispahan, and from thence toSheerauz; from whence he had the complaisance to bear themcompany to Hindoostan, and then returned with them again toSheerauz; insomuch, that including the stay made in every town, he was seven years absent from Bagdad, whither he then resolvedto return. 

All this time his friend, with whom he had left his jar ofolives, neither thought of him nor them; but at the time when hewas on the road with a caravan from Sheerauz, one evening as thismerchant was supping with his family, the discourse happened tofall upon olives, and his wife was desirous to eat some, saying, she had not tasted any for a long while. "Now you speak ofolives, " said the merchant, "you put me in mind of a jar whichAli Khaujeh left with me seven years ago, when he went to Mecca;and put it himself in my warehouse to be kept for him against hereturned. What is become of him I know not; though, when thecaravan came back, they told me he was gone for Egypt. Certainlyhe must be dead, since he has not returned in all this time; andwe may eat the olives, if they prove good. Give me a plate and acandle, I will go and fetch some of them, and we will tastethem. "

"For God's sake, husband, " said the wife, "do not commit so basean action; you know that nothing is more sacred than what iscommitted to one's care and trust. You say Ali Khaujeh has leftMecca, and is not returned; but you have been told that he isgone into Egypt; and how do you know but that he may be gonefarther? As you have no intelligence of his death, he may returnto-morrow for any thing you can tell: and what a disgrace wouldit be to you and your family if he should come, and you notrestore him his jar in the same condition he left it? I declare Ihave no desire for the olives, and will not taste them, for whenI mentioned them it was only by way of conversation; besides, doyou think that they can be good, after they have been kept solong? They most be all mouldy, and spoiled; and if Ali Khaujehshould return, as I have a strong persuasion he will, and shouldfind they had been opened, what will he think of your honour? Ibeg of you to let them alone. "

The wife had not argued so long with her husband, but that sheread his obstinacy in his face. In short, he never regarded whatshe said, but got up, took a candle and a plate, and went intothe warehouse. "Well, husband, " said the wife again, "remember Ihave no hand in this business; and that you cannot lay any thingto my charge, if you should have cause to repent of yourconduit. "

The merchant's ears were deaf to these remonstrances of his wife, and he persisted in his design. When he came into the warehouse, he opened the jar, and found the olives mouldy; but to see ifthey were all so to the bottom, he turned some of them upon theplate; and by shaking the jar, some of the gold tumbled out. 

At the sight of the gold, the merchant, who was naturallycovetous, looked into the jar, perceived that he had shaken outalmost all the olives, and what remained was gold coin. Heimmediately put the olives into the jar again, covered it up, andreturned to his wife. "Indeed, wife, " said he, "you were in theright to say that the olives were all mouldy; for I found themso, and have made up the jar just as Ali Khaujeh left it; so thathe will not perceive that they have been touched, if he shouldreturn. " "You had better have taken my advice, " said the wife, "and not have meddled with them. God grant no mischief happens inconsequence!"

The merchant was not more affected with his wife's last wordsthan he had been by her former, but spent almost the whole nightin thinking how he might appropriate Ali Khaujeh's gold to hisown use, and keep possession of it in case he should return andask him for the jar. The next morning he went and bought someolives of that year, took out the old with the gold, and filledthe jar with the new, covered it up, and put it in the placewhere Ali Khaujeh had left it. 

About a month after the merchant had committed this unworthyaction, Ali Khaujeh arrived at Bagdad; and as he had let hishouse, alighted at a khan, choosing to stay there till he hadannounced his arrival to his tenant, and given him time toprovide himself with another residence. 

The next morning Ali Khaujeh went to pay a visit to the merchanthis friend, who received him in the most obliging manner; andexpressed great joy at his return, after so many years absence;telling him, that he had begun to lose all hopes of ever seeinghim again. 

After the usual compliments on both sides on such a meeting, AliKhaujeh desired the merchant to return him the jar of oliveswhich he had left with him, and to excuse the liberty he hadtaken in giving him so much trouble. 

"My dear friend, " replied the merchant, "you are to blame to makethese apologies, your vessel has been no inconvenience to me; onsuch an occasion I should have made as free with you: there isthe key of my warehouse, go and fetch your jar; you will find itin the place where you left it. "

Ali Khaujeh went into the merchant's warehouse, took his jar; andafter having returned him the key with thanks for the favour hehad done: him, returned with it to the khan where he lodged; buton opening the jar, and putting his hand down as low as thepieces of gold had lain, was greatly surprised to find none. Atfirst he thought he might perhaps be mistaken; and, to discoverthe truth, poured out all the olives into his travellingkitchen-utensils, but without so much as finding one single pieceof money. His astonishment was so great, that he stood for sometime motionless; then lifting up his hands and eyes to Heaven, heexclaimed, "Is it possible that a man, whom I took for my friend, should be guilty of such baseness?"

Ali Khaujeh, alarmed at the apprehension of so considerable aloss, returned immediately to the merchant. "My good friend, "said he, "be not surprised to see me come back so soon. I own thejar of olives to be the same I placed in your warehouse; but withthe olives I put into it a thousand pieces of gold, which I donot find. Perhaps you might have occasion for them, and haveemployed them in trade: if so they are at your service till itmay be convenient for you to return them; only put me out of mypain, and give me an acknowledgment, after which you may pay meat your own convenience. "

The merchant, who had expected that Ali Khaujeh would come withsuch a complaint, had meditated an answer. "Friend Ali Khaujeh, "said he, "when you brought your jar to me did I touch it? did notI give you the key of my warehouse, did not you carry it thereyourself, and did not you find it in the same place, covered inthe same manner as when you left it? And if you had put gold init, you must have found it. You told me it contained olives, andI believed you. This is all I know of the matter: you maydisbelieve me if you please; but I never touched them. "

Ali Khaujeh used all the mild methods he could think of to obligethe merchant to restore his property. "I love peace andquietness, " said he to him, "and shall be sorry to come to thoseextremities which will bring the greatest disgrace upon you;consider, that merchants, as we are, ought to abandon allinterest to preserve a good reputation. Once again I tell you, Ishall be greatly concerned if your obstinacy oblige me to forceyou to do me justice; for I would rather almost lose what is myright than have recourse to law. "

"Ali Khaujeh, " replied the merchant, "you agree that you left ajar of olives with me; and now you have taken it away, you comeand ask me for a thousand pieces of gold. Did you ever tell methat such a sum was in the jar? I did not even know that theywere olives, for you never showed them to me. I wonder you do notask me for diamonds and pearls instead of gold; be gone aboutyour business, and do not raise a mob about my warehouse;" forsome persons had already collected. These words were pronouncedin such great heat and passion, as not only made those who stoodabout the warehouse already stay longer, and create a greatermob, but the neighbouring merchants came out of their shops tolearn what the dispute was between Ali Khaujeh and the merchant, and endeavoured to reconcile them; but when Ali Khaujeh hadinformed them of his grievance, they asked the merchant what hehad to say. 

The merchant owned that he had kept the jar for Ali Khaujeh inhis warehouse, but denied that ever he had meddled with it; sworethat he knew it contained olives, only because Ali Khaujeh toldhim so, and requested them all to bear witness of the insult andaffront offered him. "You bring it upon yourself, " said AliKhaujeh taking him by the arm; "but since you use me so basely, Icite you to the law of God: let us see whether you will have theassurance to say the same thing before the cauzee. "

The merchant could not refuse the summons, which every Mussulmaunis bound to observe, or be declared a rebel against religion; butsaid, "With all my heart; we shall soon see who is in the wrong. "

Ali Khaujeh carried the merchant before the magistrate, where heaccused him of having, by breach of trust, defrauded him of athousand pieces of gold, which he had left with him. The cauzeedemanded if he had any witnesses; to which he replied, that hehad not taken that precaution, because he had believed the personhe trusted his money with to be his friend, and always took himfor an honest man. 

The merchant made the same defence he had done before themerchants his neighbours, offering to make oath that he never hadthe money he was accused of, and that he did not so much as knowthere was such a sum; upon which the cauzee took his oath, anddismissed him acquitted for want of evidence. 

Ali Khaujeh, extremely mortified to find that he must sit downwith so considerable a loss, protested against the sentence, declaring to the cauzee that he would appeal to the caliph, whowould do him justice; which protestation the magistrate regardedas the effect of the common resentment of those who lose theircause; and thought he had done his duty in acquitting a personwho had been accused without witnesses. 

While the merchant returned home triumphing over Ali Khaujeh andoverjoyed at his good fortune, the latter went and drew up apetition; and the next day observing the time when the caliphcame from noon tide prayers, placed himself in the street he wasto pass through; and holding out his hand with the petition, anofficer appointed for that purpose, who always goes before thecaliph, came and took it to present it. 

As Ali Khaujeh knew that it was the caliph's custom to read thepetitions at his return to the palace, he went into the court, and waited till the officer who had taken the petition came outof the caliph's apartment, who told him that the caliph hadappointed an hour to hear him next day; and then asking him wherethe merchant lived, he sent to notify to him to attend at thesame time. 

That same evening, the caliph, accompanied by the grand vizierJaaffier, and Mesrour the chief of the eunuchs, went disguisedthrough the town, as it was his custom occasionally to do; when, on passing through a street, the caliph heard a noise, andmending his pace, came to a gateway, which led into a littlecourt, in which he perceived ten or twelve children playing bymoonlight. 

The caliph, who was curious to know at what play the childrenwere engaged, sat down on a stone bench just by; and heard one ofthe liveliest of the children say, "Let us play at the cauzee Iwill be the magistrate; bring Ali Khaujeh and the merchant whocheated him of the thousand pieces of gold before me. "

These words of the child put the caliph in mind of the petitionAli Khaujeh had given him that day, and made him redouble hisattention to see the issue of the trial. 

As the affair of Ali Khaujeh and the merchant had made a greatnoise in Bagdad, it had not escaped the children, who allaccepted the proposition with joy, and agreed on the part eachwas to act: not one of them refused him who made the proposal tobe cauzee: and when he had taken his seat, which he did with allthe seeming gravity of a judge, another, as an officer of thecourt, presented two boys before him; one as Ali Khaujeh, and theother as the merchant against whom he complained. 

The pretended cauzee then directing his discourse to the feignedAli Khaujeh, asked him what he had to lay to that merchant'scharge?

Ali Khaujeh after a low obeisance, informed the young cauzee ofthe fact, related every particular, and afterwards begged that hewould use his authority, that he might not lose so considerable asum of money. 

The feigned cauzee, turning about to the merchant, then asked himwhy he did not return the money which Ali Khaujeh demanded ofhim?

The feigned merchant alleged the same reasons as the realmerchant had done before the cauzee himself, and offered toconfirm by oath that what he had said was truth. 

"Not so fast, " replied the pretended cauzee; "before you come toyour oath, I should be glad to see the jar of olives. AliKhaujeh, " said he, addressing himself to the boy who acted thatpart, "have you brought the jar?" "No, " replied he. "Then go andfetch it immediately, " said the other. 

The pretended Ali Khaujeh went immediately, and returning, feigned to set a jar before the cauzee, telling him that it wasthe same he had left with the accused person, and received fromhim again. But to omit no part of the formality, the supposedcauzee asked the merchant if it was the same; and as by hissilence he seemed not to deny it, he ordered it to be opened. Hethat represented Ali Khaujeh seemed to take off the cover, andthe pretended cauzee made as if he looked into it. "They are fineolives, " said he, "let me taste them;" and then pretending to eatsome, added, "They are excellent: but, " continued he, "I cannotthink that olives will keep seven years, and be so good, therefore send for some olive-merchants, and let me hear what istheir opinion. " Two boys, as olive-merchants, then presentedthemselves. "Are you olive-merchants?" said the sham cauzee. "Tell me how long olives will keep fit to eat. "

"Sir, " replied the two merchants, "let us take what care we can, they will hardly be worth any thing the third year; for then theyhave neither taste nor colour. " "If it be so, " answered thecauzee, "look into that jar, and tell me how long it is sincethose olives were put into it?"

The two merchants pretended to examine and to taste the olives, and told the cauzee they were new and good. "You are mistaken, "said the young cauzee; "Ali Khaujeh says he put them into the jarseven years ago. "

"Sir, " replied the merchants, "we can assure you they are of thisyear's growth: and we will maintain there is not a merchant inBagdad but will say the same. "

The feigned merchant who was accused would have objected againstthe evidence of the olive-merchants; but the pretended cauzeewould not suffer him. "Hold your tongue, " said he, "you are arogue; let him be impaled. " The children then concluded theirplay, clapping their hands with great joy, and seizing thefeigned criminal to carry him to execution. 

Words cannot express how much the caliph Haroon al Rusheedadmired the sagacity and sense of the boy who had passed so justa sentence, in an affair which was to be pleaded before himselfthe next day. He withdrew, and rising off the bench, asked thegrand vizier, who heard all that had passed, what he thought ofit. "Indeed, commander of the true believers, " answered the grandvizier Jaaffier, "I am surprised to find so much sagacity in oneso young. "

"But, " answered the caliph, "do you know one thing? I am topronounce sentence in this very cause to-morrow; the true AliKhaujeh presented his petition to me to-day; and do you think, "continued he, "that I can give a better sentence?" "I think not, "answered the vizier, "if the case is as the children representedit. " "Take notice then of this house, " said the caliph, "andbring the boy to me to-morrow, that he may try this cause in mypresence; and also order the cauzee, who acquitted the merchant, to attend to learn his duty from a child. Take care likewise tobid Ali Khaujeh bring his jar of olives with him, and let twoolive-merchants attend. " After this charge he pursued his rounds, without meeting with any thing worth his attention. 

The next day the vizier went to the house where the caliph hadbeen a witness of the children's play, and asked for the master;but he being abroad, his wife appeared thickly veiled. He askedher if she had any children. To which she answered, she hadthree; and called them. "My brave boys, " said the vizier, "whichof you was the cauzee when you played together last night?" Theeldest made answer, it was he: but, not knowing why he asked thequestion, coloured. "Come along with me, my lad, " said the grandvizier; "the commander of the faithful wants to see you. "

The mother was alarmed when she saw the grand vizier would takeher son with him, and asked, upon what account the caliph wantedhim? The grand vizier encouraged her, and promised that he shouldreturn again in less than an hour's time, when she would know itfrom himself. "If it be so, sir, " said the mother, "give me leaveto dress him first, that he may be fit to appear before thecommander of the faithful:" which the vizier readily compliedwith. 

As soon as the child was dressed, the vizier carried him away andpresented him to the caliph, at the time he had appointed to hearAli Khaujeh and the merchant. 

The caliph, who saw that the boy was much abashed, in order toencourage him, said, "Come to me, child, and tell me if it wasyou that determined the affair between Ali Khaujeh and themerchant who had cheated him of his money? I saw and heard thedecision, and am very well pleased with you. " The boy answeredmodestly, that it was he. "Well, my son, " replied the caliph, "come and sit down by me, and you shall see the true Ali Khaujeh, and the true merchant. "

The caliph then took him by the hand, seated him on the throne byhim, and asked for the two parties. When they were introduced, they prostrated themselves before the throne, bowing their headsquite down to the carpet that covered it. Afterwards the caliphsaid to them, "Plead each of you your causes before this child, who will hear and do you justice: and if he should be at a loss Iwill assist him. "

Ali Khaujeh and the merchant pleaded one after the other; butwhen the merchant proposed his oath as before, the child said, "It is too soon; it is proper that we should see the jar ofolives. "

At these words Ali Khaujeh presented the jar, placed it at thecaliph's feet, and opened it. The caliph looked at the olives, took one and tasted it, giving another to the boy. Afterwards themerchants were called, who examined the olives, and reported thatthey were good, and of that year. The boy told them, that AliKhaujeh affirmed that it was seven years since he had put themup; when they returned the same answer as the children, who hadrepresented them the night before. 

Though the wretch who was accused saw plainly that thesemerchants' opinion must convict him, yet he would say somethingin his own justification. But the child, instead of ordering himto be impaled, looked at the caliph, and said "Commander of thefaithful, this is no jesting matter; it is your majesty that mustcondemn him to death, and not I, though I did it yesterday inplay. "

The caliph, fully satisfied of the merchant's villany, deliveredhim into the hands of the ministers of justice to be impaled. Thesentence was executed upon him, after he had confessed where hehad concealed the thousand pieces of gold, which were restored toAli Khaujeh. The monarch, most just and equitable, then turningto the cauzee, bade him learn of that child to acquit himselfmore exactly of his duty; and embracing the boy, sent him homewith a purse of a hundred pieces of gold as a token of hisliberality and admiration of his acuteness. 

End of Volume 3. 

 The "Aldine" Edition of

 The Arabian Nights Entertainments

 Illustrated by S. L. Wood

 FROM THE TEXT OF DR. JONATHAN SCOTT

 In Four Volumes

 Volume 4

 London Pickering and Chatto 1890

 Contents of Volume IV. 

The Story of the Enchanted HorseThe Story of Prince Ahmed, and the Fairy Perie BanouThe Story of the Sisters Who Envied Their Younger SisterStory of the Three Sharpers and the Sultan The Adventures of the Abdicated Sultan History of Mahummud, Sultan of Cairo Story of the First Lunatic Story of the Second Lunatic Story of the Retired Sage and His Pupil, Related to the Sultan by the Second Lunatic Story of the Broken-backed Schoolmaster Story of the Wry-mouthed Schoolmaster Story of the Sisters and the Sultana Their MotherStory of the Bang-eater and the Cauzee Story of the Bang-eater and His WifeThe Sultan and the Traveller Mhamood Al Hyjemmee The Koord Robber Story of the Husbandman Story of the Three Princes and Enchanting Bird Story of a Sultan of Yemen and His Three Sons Story of the First Sharper in the Cave History of the Sultan of HindStory of the Fisherman's SonStory of Abou Neeut and Abou Neeuteen; Or, the Well-intentioned and the Double-mindedAdventure of a Courtier, Related by Himself to His Parton, anAmeer of EgyptStory of the Prince of Sind, and Fatima, Daughter of Amir BinNaomaunStory of the Lovers of Syria; Or, the HeroineStory of Hyjauje, the Tyrannical Governor of Coufeh, and theYoung SyedStory of Ins Alwujjood and Wird Al Ikmaum, Daughter of Ibrahim, Vizier to Sultan ShamikhThe Adventures of Mazin of KhorassaunStory of the Sultan the Dervish, and the Barber's SonAdventures of Aleefa Daughter of Mherejaun Sultan of Hind, and Eusuff, Son of Sohul, Sultan of SindAdventures of the Three Princes, Sons of the Sultan of ChinaStory of the Good Vizier Unjustly ImprisonedStory of the Lady of Cairo and Her Four Gallants The Cauzee's StoryStory of the Merchant, His Daughter, and the Prince of EeraukAdventures of the Cauzee, His Wife, &c The Sultan's Story of HimselfConclusion

 THE STORY OF THE ENCHANTED HORSE. 

The Nooroze, or the new day, which is the first of the year andspring, is observed as a solemn festival throughout all Persia, which has been continued from the time of idolatry; and ourprophet's religion, pure as it is, and true as we hold it, hasnot been able to abolish that heathenish custom, and thesuperstitious ceremonies which are observed, not only in thegreat cities, but celebrated with extraordinary rejoicings inevery little town, village, and hamlet. 

But the rejoicings are the most splendid at the court, for thevariety of new and surprising spectacles, insomuch that strangersare invited from the neighbouring states, and the most remoteparts, by the rewards and liberality of the sovereign, towardsthose who are the most excellent in their invention andcontrivance. In short, nothing in the rest of the world cancompare with the magnificence of this festival. 

One of these festival days, after the most ingenious artists ofthe country had repaired to Sheerauz, where the court thenresided, had entertained the king and all the court with theirproductions, and had been bountifully and liberally rewardedaccording to their merit and to their satisfaction by themonarch; when the assembly was just breaking up, a Hindooappeared at the foot of the throne, with an artificial horserichly caparisoned, and so naturally imitated, that at firstsight he was taken for a living animal. 

The Hindoo prostrated himself before the throne; and pointing to thehorse, said to the emperor, "Though I present myself the last beforeyour majesty, yet I can assure you that nothing shewn to-day is sowonderful as this horse, on which I beg your majesty would be pleasedto cast your eyes. " "I see nothing more in the horse, " said theemperor, "than the natural resemblance the workman has given him;which the skill of another workman may possibly execute as well orbetter. "

"Sir, " replied the Hindoo, "it is not for his outward form andappearance that I recommend my horse to your majesty'sexamination as wonderful, but the use to which I can apply him, and which, when I have communicated the secret to them, any otherpersons may make of him. Whenever I mount him, be it where itmay, if I wish to transport myself through the air to the mostdistant part of the world, I can do it in a very short time. This, sir, is the wonder of my horse; a wonder which nobody everheard speak of, and which I offer to shew your majesty, if youcommand me. "

The emperor of Persia, who was fond of every thing that wascurious, and notwithstanding the many prodigies of art he hadseen had never beheld or heard of anything that came up to this, told the Hindoo, that nothing but the experience of what heasserted could convince him: and that he was ready to see himperform what he had promised. 

The Hindoo instantly put his foot into the stirrup, mounted hishorse with admirable agility, and when he had fixed himself inthe saddle, asked the emperor whither he pleased to command him. 

About three leagues from Sheerauz there was a lofty mountaindiscernible from the large square before the palace, where theemperor, his court, and a great concourse of people, then were. "Do you see that mountain?" said the emperor, pointing to it; "itis not a great distance from hence, but it is far enough to judgeof the speed you can make in going and returning. But because itis not possible for the eye to follow you so far, as a proof thatyou have been there, I expect that you will bring me a branch ofa palm-tree that grows at the bottom of the hill. "

The emperor of Persia had no sooner declared his will than theHindoo turned a peg, which was in the hollow of the horse's neck, just by the pummel of the saddle; and in an instant the horserose off the ground and carried his rider into the air with therapidity of lightning to such a height, that those who had thestrongest sight could not discern him, to the admiration of theemperor and all the spectators. Within less than a quarter of anhour they saw him returning with the palm branch in his hand; butbefore he descended, he took two or three turns in the air overthe spot, amid the acclamations of all the people; then alightedon the spot whence he had set off, without receiving the leastshock from the horse to disorder him. He dismounted, and going upto the throne, prostrated himself, and laid the branch of thepalm-tree at the feet of the emperor. 

The emperor, who had viewed with no less admiration thanastonishment this unheard-of sight which the Hindoo hadexhibited, conceived a great desire to have the horse; and as hepersuaded himself that he should not find it a difficult matterto treat with the Hindoo, for whatever sum of money he shouldvalue it at, began to regard it as the most valuable thing in histreasury. "Judging of thy horse by his outward appearance, " saidhe to the Hindoo, "I did not think him so much worth myconsideration. As you have shewn me his merits, I am obliged toyou for undeceiving me; and to prove to you how much I esteem it, I will purchase him of you, if he is to be sold. "

"Sir, " replied the Hindoo, "I never doubted that your majesty, who has the character of the most liberal prince on earth, wouldset a just value on my work as soon as I had shewn you on whataccount he was worthy your attention. I also foresaw that youwould not only admire and commend it, but would desire to haveit. Though I know his intrinsic value, and that my continuingmaster of him would render my name immortal in the world; yet Iam not so fond of fame but I can resign him, to gratify yourmajesty; however, in making this declaration, I have another toadd, without which I cannot resolve to part with him, and perhapsyou may not approve of it. 

"Your majesty will not be displeased, " continued the Hindoo, "ifI tell you that I did not buy this horse, but obtained him of theinventor, by giving him my only daughter in marriage, andpromising at the same time never to sell him; but if I partedwith him to exchange him for something that I should value beyondall else. "

The Hindoo was proceeding, when at the word exchange, the emperorof Persia interrupted him. "I am willing, " said he, "to give youwhatever you may ask in exchange. You know my kingdom is large, and contains many great, rich, and populous cities; I will giveyou the choice of which you like best, in full sovereignty forlife. "

This exchange seemed royal and noble to the whole court; but wasmuch below what the Hindoo had proposed to himself, who hadraised his thoughts much higher. "I am infinitely obliged to yourmajesty for the offer you make me, " answered he, "and cannotthank you enough for your generosity; yet I must beg of you notto be displeased if I have the presumption to tell you, that Icannot resign my horse, but by receiving the hand of the princessyour daughter as my wife: this is the only price at which I canpart with my property. "

The courtiers about the emperor of Persia could not forbearlaughing aloud at this extravagant demand of the Hindoo; but theprince Firoze Shaw, the eldest son of the emperor, andpresumptive heir to the crown, could not hear it withoutindignation. The emperor was of a very different opinion, andthought he might sacrifice the princess of Persia to the Hindoo, to satisfy his curiosity. He remained however undetermined, considering what he should do. 

Prince Firoze Shaw, who saw his father hesitated what answer tomake, began to fear lest he should comply with the Hindoo'sdemand, and regarded it as not only injurious to the royaldignity, and to his sister, but also to himself; therefore toanticipate his father, he said, "Sir, I hope your majesty willforgive me for daring to ask, if it is possible your majestyshould hesitate about a denial to so insolent a demand from suchan insignificant fellow, and so scandalous a juggler? or give himreason to flatter himself a moment with being allied to one ofthe most powerful monarchs in the world? I beg of you to considerwhat you owe to yourself, to your own blood, and the high rank ofyour ancestors. "

"Son, " replied the emperor of Persia, "I much approve of yourremonstrance, and am sensible of your zeal for preserving thelustre of your birth; but you do not consider sufficiently theexcellence of this horse; nor that the Hindoo, if I should refusehim, may make the offer somewhere else, where this nice point ofhonour may be waived. I shall be in the utmost despair if anotherprince should boast of having exceeded me in generosity, anddeprived me of the glory of possessing what I esteem as the mostsingular and wonderful thing in the world. I will not say Iconsent to grant him what he asked. Perhaps he has not wellconsidered his exorbitant demand: and putting my daughter theprincess out of the question, I may make another agreement withhim that will answer his purpose as well. But before I concludethe bargain with him, I should be glad that you would examine thehorse, try him yourself, and give me your opinion. "

As it is natural for us to flatter ourselves in what we desire, the Hindoo fancied, from what he had heard, that the emperor wasnot entirely averse to his alliance, and that the prince mightbecome more favourable to him; therefore, he expressed much joy, ran before the prince to help him to mount, and shewed him how toguide and manage the horse. 

The prince mounted without the Hindoo's assisting him; and nosooner had he got his feet in both stirrups, but without stayingfor the artist's advice, he turned the peg he had seen him use, when instantly the horse darted into the air, quick as an arrowshot out of a bow by the most adroit archer; and in a few momentsthe emperor his father and the numerous assembly lost sight ofhim. Neither horse nor prince were to be seen. The Hindoo, alarmed at what had happened, prostrated himself before thethrone, and said, "Your majesty must have remarked the prince wasso hasty, that he would not permit me to give him the necessaryinstructions to govern my horse. From what he saw me do, he wasambitious of shewing that he wanted not my advice. He was tooeager to shew his address, but knows not the way, which I wasgoing to shew him, to turn the horse, and make him descend at thewish of his rider. Therefore, the favour I ask of your majestyis, not to make me accountable for what accidents may befall him;you are too just to impute to me any misfortune that may attendhim. "

This address of the Hindoo much surprised and afflicted theemperor, who saw the danger his son was in to be inevitable, if, as the Hindoo said, there was a secret to bring him back, different from that which carried him away; and asked, in apassion, why he did not call him the moment he ascended?

"Sir, " answered the Hindoo, "your majesty saw as well as I withwhat rapidity the horse flew away. The surprise I was then, andstill am in, deprived me of the use of my speech; but if I couldhave spoken, he was got too far to hear me. If he had heard me, he knew not the secret to bring him back, which, through hisimpatience, he would not stay to learn. But, sir, " added he, "there is room to hope that the prince, when he finds himself ata loss, will perceive another peg, and as soon as he turns that, the horse will cease to rise, and descend to the ground, when hemay turn him to what place he pleases by guiding him with thebridle. "

Notwithstanding all these arguments of the Hindoo, which carriedgreat appearance of probability, the emperor of Persia was muchalarmed at the evident danger of his son. "I suppose, " repliedhe, "it is very uncertain whether my son may perceive the otherpeg, and make a right use of it; may not the horse, instead oflighting on the ground, fall upon some rock, or tumble into thesea with him?"

"Sir, " replied the Hindoo, "I can deliver your majesty from thisapprehension, by assuring you, that the horse crosses seaswithout ever falling into them, and always carries his riderwherever he may wish to go. And your majesty may assure yourself, that if the prince does but find out the other peg I mentioned, the horse will carry him where he pleases. It is not to besupposed that he will stop any where but where he can findassistance, and make himself known. "

"Be it as it may, " replied the emperor of Persia, "as I cannotdepend upon the assurance you give me, your head shall answer formy son's life, if he does not return safe in three days' time, orI should hear that he is alive. " He then ordered his officers tosecure the Hindoo, and keep him close prisoner; after which heretired to his palace in affliction that the festival of Noorozeshould have proved so inauspicious. 

In the mean time the prince was carried through the air withprodigious velocity; and in less than an hour's time had ascendedso high, that he could not distinguish any thing on the earth, but mountains and plains seemed confounded together. It was thenhe began to think of returning, and conceived he might do this byturning the same peg the contrary way, and pulling the bridle atthe same time. But when he found that the horse still rose withthe same swiftness, his alarm was great. He turned the pegseveral times, one way and the other, but all in vain. It wasthen he grew sensible of his fault, in not having learnt thenecessary precautions to guide the horse before he mounted. Heimmediately apprehended the great danger he was in, but thatapprehension did not deprive him of his reason. He examined thehorse's head and neck with attention, and perceived behind theright ear another peg, smaller than the other. He turned thatpeg, and presently perceived that he descended in the sameoblique manner as he had mounted, but not so swiftly. 

Night had overshadowed that part of the earth over which theprince was when he found out and turned the small peg; and as thehorse descended, he by degrees lost sight of the sun, till itgrew quite dark; insomuch that, instead of choosing what place hewould go to, he was forced to let the bridle lie upon the horse'sneck, and wait patiently till he alighted, though not without thedread lest it should be in the desert, a river, or the sea. 

At last the horse stopped upon some solid substance aboutmidnight, and the prince dismounted very faint and hungry, havingeaten nothing since the morning, when he came out of the palacewith his father to assist at the festival. He found himself to beon the terrace of a magnificent palace, surrounded with abalustrade of white marble, breast high; and groping about, reached a staircase, which led down into an apartment, the doorof which was half open. 

Few but prince Firoze Shaw would have ventured to descend thosestairs dark as it was, and in the danger he exposed himself tofrom friends or foes. But no consideration could stop him. "I donot come, " said he to himself, "to do anybody harm; andcertainly, whoever meets or sees me first, and finds that I haveno arms in my hands, will not attempt any thing against my life, before they hear what I have to say for myself. " After thisreflection, he opened the door wider, without making any noise, went softly down the stairs, that he might not awaken anybody;and when he came to a landing-place on the staircase, found thedoor of a great hall, that had a light in it, open. 

The prince stopped at the door, and listening, heard no other noisethan the snoring of some people who were fast asleep. He advanced alittle into the room, and by the light of a lamp saw that thosepersons were black eunuchs, with naked sabres laid by them; which wasenough to inform him that this was the guard-chamber of some sultan orprincess; which latter it proved to be. 

In the next room to this the princess lay, as appeared by the light, the door being open, through a silk curtain, which drew before thedoor-way, whither prince Firoze Shaw advanced on tip-toe, withoutwaking the eunuchs. He drew aside the curtain, went in, and withoutstaying to observe the magnificence of the chamber, gave his attentionto something of greater importance. He saw many beds; only one of themon a sofa, the rest on the floor. The princess slept in the first, andher women in the others. 

This distinction was enough to direct the prince. He crept softlytowards the bed, without waking either the princess or her women, and beheld a beauty so extraordinary, that he was charmed, andinflamed with love at the first sight. "O heavens!" said he tohimself, "has my fate brought me hither to deprive me of myliberty, which hitherto I have always preserved? How can I avoidcertain slavery, when those eyes shall open, since, withoutdoubt, they complete the lustre of this assemblage of charms! Imust quickly resolve, since I cannot stir without being my ownmurderer; for so has necessity ordained. "

After these reflections on his situation, and on the princess'sbeauty, he fell on his knees, and twitching gently the princess'ssleeve, pulled it towards him. The princess opened her eyes, andseeing a handsome man on his knees, was in great surprise; yetseemed to shew no sign of fear. 

The prince availed himself of this favourable moment, bowed hishead to the ground, and rising said, "Beautiful princess, by themost extraordinary and wonderful adventure, you see at your feeta suppliant prince, son of the emperor of Persia, who wasyesterday morning in his court, at the celebration of a solemnfestival, but is now in a strange country, in danger of his life, if you have not the goodness and generosity to afford him yourassistance and protection. These I implore, adorable princess, with confidence that you will not refuse me. I have the moreground to persuade myself, as so much beauty and majesty cannotentertain inhumanity. "

The personage to whom prince Firoze Shaw so happily addressedhimself was the princess of Bengal, eldest daughter of the Rajahof that kingdom, who had built this palace at a small distancefrom his capital, whither she went to take the benefit of thecountry air. After she had heard the prince with all the candourhe could desire, she replied with equal goodness, "Prince, youare not in a barbarous country; take courage; hospitality, humanity, and politeness are to be met with in the kingdom ofBengal, as well as in that of Persia. It is not merely I whogrant you the protection you ask; you not only have found it inmy palace, but will meet it throughout the whole kingdom; you maybelieve me, and depend on what I say. "

The prince of Persia would have thanked the princess for hercivility, and had already bowed down his head to return thecompliment; but she would not give him leave to speak. "Notwithstanding I desire, " said she, "to know by what miracleyou have come hither from the capital of Persia in so short atime; and by what enchantment you have been able to penetrate sofar as to come to my apartment, and to have evaded the vigilanceof my guards; yet, as it is impossible but you must want somerefreshment, and regarding you as a welcome guest, I will waivemy curiosity, and give orders to my women to regale you, and shewyou an apartment, that you may rest yourself after your fatigue, and be better able to satisfy my curiosity. "

The princess's women, who awoke at the first words which theprince addressed to the princess, were in the utmost surprise tosee a man at the princess's feet, as they could not conceive howhe had got thither, without waking them or the eunuchs. They nosooner comprehended the princess's intentions, than they wereready to obey her commands. They each took a wax candle, of whichthere were great numbers lighted up in the room; and after theprince had respectfully taken leave, went before and conductedhim into a handsome chamber; where, while some were preparing thebed, others went into the kitchen; and notwithstanding it was sounseasonable an hour, they did not make prince Firoze Shaw waitlong, but brought him presently a collation; and when he hadeaten as much as he chose, removed the trays, and left him totaste the sweets of repose. 

In the mean time, the princess of Bengal was so struck with thecharms, wit, politeness, and other good qualities which she haddiscovered in her short interview with the prince, that she couldnot sleep: but when her women came into her room again asked themif they had taken care of him, if he wanted any thing; andparticularly, what they thought of him?

The women, after they had satisfied her as to the first queries, answered to the last: "We do not know what you may think of him, but, for our parts, we are of opinion you would be very happy ifyour father would marry you to so amiable a youth; for there isnot a prince in all the kingdom of Bengal to be compared to him;nor can we hear that any of the neighbouring princes are worthyof you. "

This flattering compliment was not displeasing to the princess ofBengal; but as she had no mind to declare her sentiments, sheimposed silence, telling them that they talked withoutreflection, bidding them return to rest, and let her sleep. 

The next day the princess took more pains in dressing andadjusting herself at the glass than she had ever done before. Shenever tired her women's patience so much, by making them do andundo the same thing several times. She adorned her head, neck, arms, and waist, with the finest and largest diamonds shepossessed. The habit she put on was one of the richest stuffs ofthe Indies, of a most beautiful colour, and made only for kings, princes, and princesses. After she had consulted her glass, andasked her women, one after another, if any thing was wanting toher attire, she sent to know, if the prince of Persia was awake;and as she never doubted but that, if he was up and dressed, hewould ask leave to come and pay his respects to her, she chargedthe messenger to tell him she would make him the visit, and shehad her reasons for this. 

The prince of Persia, who by the night's rest had recovered thefatigue he had undergone the day before, had just dressedhimself, when he received the princess of Bengal's compliments byone of her women. Without giving the lady who brought the messageleave to communicate it, he asked her, if it was proper for himthen to go and pay his respects to the princess; and when thelady had acquitted herself of her errand, he replied, "It shallbe as the princess thinks fit; I came here to be solely at herpleasure. "

As soon as the princess understood that the prince of Persiawaited for her, she immediately went to pay him a visit. Aftermutual compliments, the prince asking pardon for having waked theprincess out of a profound sleep, and the princess inquiringafter his health, and how he had rested, the princess sat down ona sofa, as did also the prince, though at some distance, out ofrespect. 

The princess then resuming the conversation, said, "I would havereceived you, prince, in the chamber in which you found me lastnight; but as the chief of my eunuchs has the liberty of enteringit, and never comes further without my leave, from my impatienceto hear the surprising adventure which procured me the happinessof seeing you, I chose to come hither, that we may not beinterrupted; therefore I beg of you to give me that satisfaction, which will highly oblige me. "

Prince Firoze Shaw, to gratify the princess of Bengal, began withdescribing the festival of the Nooroze, and mentioned the showswhich had amazed the court of Persia, and the people of Sheerauz. Afterwards he came to the enchanted horse; the description ofwhich, with the account of the wonders which the Hindoo hadperformed before so august an assembly, convinced the princessthat nothing of that kind could be imagined more surprising inthe world. "You may well think, charming princess, " continued theprince of Persia, "that the emperor my father, who cares not whathe gives for any thing that is rare and curious, would be verydesirous to purchase such a curiosity. He asked the Hindoo whathe would have for him; who made him an extravagant reply, tellinghim, that he had not bought him, but taken him in exchange forhis only daughter, and could not part with him but on the likecondition, which was to have his consent to marry the princess mysister. 

"The crowd of courtiers, who stood about the emperor my father, hearing the extravagance of this proposal, laughed loudly; I formy part conceived such great indignation, that I could notdisguise it; and the more, because I saw that my father wasdoubtful what answer he should give. In short, I believe he wouldhave granted him what he asked, if I had not represented to himhow injurious it would be to his honour; yet my remonstrancecould not bring him entirely to quit his design of sacrificingthe princess my sister to so despicable a person. He fancied heshould bring me over to his opinion, if once I could comprehend, as he imagined he did, the singular worth of this horse. Withthis view he would have me mount, and make a trial of him myself. 

"To please my father, I mounted the horse, and as soon as I wasupon his back, put my hand on a peg, as I had seen the Hindoo dobefore, to make the horse mount into the air, without stopping totake instructions of the owner for his guidance or descent. Theinstant I touched the peg, the horse ascended, as swift as anarrow shot out of a bow, and I was presently at such a distancefrom the earth that I could not distinguish any object. From theswiftness of the motion I was for some time unapprehensive of thedanger to which I was exposed; when I grew sensible of it, Iendeavoured to turn the peg the contrary way. But the experimentwould not answer my expectation, for still the horse rose, andcarried me a greater distance from the earth. At last I perceivedanother peg, which I turned, and then I grew sensible that thehorse descended towards the earth, and presently found myself sosurrounded with darkness, that it was impossible for me to guidethe machine. In this condition I laid the bridle on his neck, andtrusted myself to the will of God to dispose of my fate. 

"At length the horse stopped, I got off his back, and examiningwhereabouts I might be, perceived myself on the terrace of thispalace, and found the door of the staircase half open. I camesoftly down the stairs, and seeing a door open, put my head intothe room, perceived some eunuchs asleep, and a great light in anadjoining chamber. The necessity I was under, notwithstanding theinevitable danger to which I should be exposed, if the eunuchshad waked, inspired me with the boldness, or rather rashness, tocross that room to get to the other. 

"It is needless, " added the prince, "to tell you the rest, sinceyou are not unacquainted with all that passed afterwards. But Iam obliged in duty to thank you for your goodness and generosity, and to beg of you to let me know how I may shew my gratitude. According to the law of nations I am already your slave, andcannot make you an offer of my person; there only remains myheart: but, alas! princess, what do I say? My heart is no longermy own, your charms have forced it from me, but in such a manner, that I will never ask for it again, but yield it up; give meleave, therefore, to declare you mistress both of my heart andinclination. "

These last words of the prince were pronounced with such an airand tone, that the princess of Bengal never doubted of the effectshe had expected from her charms; neither did she seem to resentthe precipitate declaration of the prince of Persia. Her blushesserved but to heighten her beauty, and render her more amiable inhis eyes. 

As soon as she had recovered herself, she replied, "Prince, youhave given me sensible pleasure, by telling me your wonderfuladventure. But, on the other hand, I can hardly forbearshuddering, when I think on the height you were in the air; andthough I have the good fortune to see you here safe and well, Iwas in pain till you came to that part where the horsefortunately descended upon the terrace of my palace. The samething might have happened in a thousand other places. I am gladthat chance has given me the preference to the whole world, andof the opportunity of letting you know, that it could not haveconducted you to any place where you could have been receivedwith greater pleasure. 

"But, prince, " continued she, "I should think myself offended, ifI believed that the thought you mentioned of being my slave wasserious, and that it did not proceed from your politeness ratherthan from a sincerity of sentiment; for, by the reception I gaveyou yesterday, you might assure yourself you are here as much atliberty as in the midst of the court of Persia. 

"As to your heart, " added the princess, in a tone which shewednothing less than a refusal, "as I am persuaded that you have notlived so long without disposing of it, and that you could notfail of making choice of a princess who deserves it, I should besorry to give you an occasion to be guilty of infidelity to her. "

Prince Firoze Shaw would have protested that when he left Persiahe was master of his own heart: but, at that instant, one of theprincess's ladies in waiting came to tell that a collation wasserved up. 

This interruption delivered the prince and princess from anexplanation, which would have been equally embarrassing to both, and of which they stood in need. The princess of Bengal was fullyconvinced of the prince of Persia's sincerity; and the prince, though the princess had not explained herself, judgednevertheless from some words she had let fall, that he had noreason to complain. 

As the lady held the door open, the princess of Bengal said tothe prince, rising off her seat, as he did also from his, "I amnot used to eat so early; but as I fancied you might have had butan indifferent supper last night, I ordered breakfast to be gotready sooner than ordinary. " After this compliment she led himinto a magnificent hall, where a cloth was laid covered withgreat plenty of choice and excellent viands; and as soon as theywere seated, many beautiful slaves of the princess, richlydressed, began a most agreeable concert of vocal and instrumentalmusic, which lasted the whole time of eating. 

This concert was so sweet and well managed, that it did not inthe least interrupt the prince and princess's conversation. Theprince served the princess with the choicest of every thing, andstrove to outdo her in civility, both by words and actions, whichshe returned with many new compliments: and in this reciprocalcommerce of civilities and attentions, love made a greaterprogress in both than a concerted interview would have promoted. 

When they rose, the princess conducted the prince into a largeand magnificent saloon, embellished with paintings in blue andgold, and richly furnished; there they both sat down in abalcony, which afforded a most agreeable prospect into the palacegarden, which prince Firoze Shaw admired for the vast variety offlowers, shrubs, and trees, which were full as beautiful as thoseof Persia, but quite different. Here taking the opportunity ofentering into conversation with the princess, he said, "I alwaysbelieved, madam, that no part of the world but Persia affordedsuch stately palaces and beautiful gardens; but now I see, thatother great monarchs know as well how to build mansions suitableto their power and greatness; and if there is a difference in themanner of building, there is none in the degree of grandeur andmagnificence. "

"Prince, " replied the princess of Bengal, "as I have no idea ofthe palaces of Persia, I cannot judge of the comparison you havemade of mine. But, however sincere you seem to be, I can hardlythink it just, but rather incline to believe it a compliment: Iwill not despise my palace before you; you have too good an eye, too good a taste not to form a sound judgment. But I assure you, I think it very indifferent when I compare it with the king myfather's, which far exceeds it for grandeur, beauty, andrichness; you shall tell me yourself what you think of it, whenyou have seen it: for since a chance has brought you so nigh tothe capital of this kingdom, I do not doubt but you will see it, and make my father a visit, that he may pay you all the honourdue to a prince of your rank and merit. "

The princess flattered herself, that by exciting in the prince ofPersia a curiosity to see the capital of Bengal, and to visit herfather, the king, seeing him so handsome, wise, and accomplisheda prince, might perhaps resolve to propose an alliance with him, by offering her to him as a wife. And as she was well persuadedshe was not indifferent to the prince, and that he would bepleased with the proposal, she hoped to attain to the utmost ofher wishes, and preserve all the decorum becoming a princess, whowould appear resigned to the will of her king and father; but theprince of Persia did not return her an answer according to herexpectation. 

"Princess, " he replied, "the preference which you give the kingof Bengal's palace to your own is enough to induce me to believeit much exceeds it: and as to the proposal of my going and payingmy respects to the king your father, I should not only do myselfa pleasure, but an honour. But judge, princess, yourself, wouldyou advise me to present myself before so great a monarch, likean adventurer, without attendants, and a train suitable to myrank?"

"Prince, " replied the princess, "let not that give you any pain;if you will but go, you shall want no money to have what trainand attendants you please: I will furnish you; and we havetraders here of all nations in great numbers, and you may makechoice of as many as you please to form your household. "

Prince Firoze Shaw penetrated the princess of Bengal's intention, and this sensible mark of her love still augmented his passion, which, notwithstanding its violence, made him not forget hisduty. Without any hesitation he replied, "Princess, I should mostwillingly accept of the obliging offer you make me, for which Icannot sufficiently shew my gratitude, if the uneasiness myfather must feel on account of my absence did not prevent me. Ishould be unworthy of the tenderness he has always had for me, ifI should not return as soon as possible to calm his fears. I knowhim so well, that while I have the happiness of enjoying theconversation of so lovely a princess, I am persuaded he isplunged into the deepest grief, and has lost all hopes of seeingme again. I trust you will do me the justice to believe, that Icannot, without ingratitude, and being guilty of a crime, dispense with going to restore to him that life, which a too longdeferred return may have endangered already. 

"After this, princess, " continued the prince of Persia, "if youwill permit me, and think me worthy to aspire to the happiness ofbecoming your husband, as my father has always declared that henever would constrain me in my choice, I should find it nodifficult matter to get leave to return, not as a stranger, butas a prince, to contract an alliance with your father by ourmarriage; and I am persuaded that the emperor will be overjoyedwhen I tell him with what generosity you received me, though astranger in distress. "

The princess of Bengal was too reasonable, after what the princeof Persia had said, to persist any longer in persuading him topay a visit to the raja of Bengal, or to ask any thing of himcontrary to his duty and honour. But she was much alarmed to findhe thought of so sudden a departure; fearing, that if he took hisleave of her so soon, instead of remembering his promise, hewould forget when he ceased to see her. To divert him from hispurpose, she said to him, "Prince, my intention of proposing avisit to my father was not to oppose so just a duty as that youmention, and which I did not foresee. But I cannot approve ofyour going so soon as you propose; at least grant me the favour Iask of a little longer acquaintance; and since I have had thehappiness to have you alight in the kingdom of Bengal, ratherthan in the midst of a desert, or on the top of some steep craggyrock, from which it would have been impossible for you todescend, I desire you will stay long enough to enable you to givea better account at the court of Persia of what you may seehere. "

The sole end the princess had in this request was, that theprince of Persia, by a longer stay, might become insensibly morepassionately enamoured of her charms; hoping thereby that hisardent desire of returning would diminish, and then he might bebrought to appear in public, and pay a visit to the Rajah ofBengal. The prince of Persia could not well refuse her the favourshe asked, after the kind reception she had given him; andtherefore politely complied with her request; and the princess'sthoughts were directed to render his stay agreeable by all theamusements she could devise. 

Nothing went forward for several days but concerts of music, accompanied with magnificent feasts and collations in thegardens, or hunting-parties in the vicinity of the palace, whichabounded with all sorts of game, stags, hinds, and fallow deer, and other beasts peculiar to the kingdom of Bengal, which theprincess could pursue without danger. After the chase, the princeand princess met in some beautiful spot, where a carpet wasspread, and cushions laid for their accommodation. There restingthemselves, after their violent exercise, they conversed onvarious subjects. The princess took pains to turn theconversation on the grandeur, power, riches, and government ofPersia; that from the prince's replies she might have anopportunity to talk of the kingdom of Bengal, and its advantages, and engage him to resolve to make a longer stay there; but shewas disappointed in her expectations. 

The prince of Persia, without the least exaggeration, gave soadvantageous an account of the extent of the kingdom of Persia, its magnificence and riches, its military force, its commerce bysea and land with the most remote parts of the world, some ofwhich were unknown even to him; the vast number of large citiesit contained, almost as populous as that which the emperor hadchosen for his residence, where he had palaces furnished ready toreceive him at all seasons of the year; so that he had his choicealways to enjoy a perpetual spring; that before he had concluded, the princess found the kingdom of Bengal to be very much inferiorto that of Persia in a great many respects. When he had finishedhis relation, he begged of her to entertain him with adescription of Bengal. 

The princess after much entreaty gave prince Firoze Shaw thatsatisfaction; but by lessening a great many advantages thekingdom of Bengal was well known to have over that of Persia, shebetrayed the disposition she felt to accompany him, so that hebelieved she would consent at the first proposition he shouldmake; but he thought it would not be proper to make it till hehad shewed her so much deference as to stay with her long enoughto make the blame fall on herself, in case she wished to detainhim from returning to his father. 

Two whole months the prince of Persia abandoned himself entirelyto the will of the princess of Bengal, yielding to all theamusements she contrived for him, for she neglected nothing todivert him, as if she thought he had nothing else to do but topass his whole life with her in this manner. But he now declaredseriously he could not stay longer, and begged of her to give himleave to return to his father; repeating again the promise he hadmade her to come back soon in a style worthy of her and himself, and to demand her in marriage of the Rajah of Bengal. 

"And, princess, " observed the prince of Persia, "that you may notsuspect the truth of what I say; and that by my asking thispermission you may not rank me among those false lovers whoforget the object of their affection as soon as absent from them;to shew that my passion is real, and not feigned, and that lifecannot be pleasant to me when absent from so lovely a princess, whose love to me I cannot doubt is mutual; I would presume, wereI not afraid you would be offended at my request, to ask thefavour of taking you along with me. "

As the prince saw that the princess blushed at these words, without any mark of anger, he proceeded, and said, "Princess, asfor my father's consent, and the reception he will give you, Iventure to assure you he will receive you with pleasure into hisalliance; and as for the Rajah of Bengal, after all the love andtender regard he has always expressed for you, he must be thereverse of what you have described him, an enemy to your reposeand happiness, if he should not receive in a friendly manner theembassy which my father will send to him for his approbation ofour marriage. "

The princess returned no answer to this address of the prince ofPersia; but her silence, and eyes cast down, were sufficient toinform him that she had no reluctance to accompany him intoPersia. The only difficulty she felt was, that the prince knewnot well enough how to govern the horse, and she was apprehensiveof being involved with him in the same difficulty as when hefirst made the experiment. But the prince soon removed her fear, by assuring her she might trust herself with him, for that afterthe experience he had acquired, he defied the Hindoo himself tomanage him better. She thought therefore only of concertingmeasures to get off with him so secretly, that nobody belongingto the palace should have the least suspicion of their design. 

The next morning, a little before day-break, when all theattendants were asleep, they went upon the terrace of the palace. The prince turned the horse towards Persia, and placed him wherethe princess could easily get up behind him; which she had nosooner done, and was well settled with her arms about his waist, for her better security, than he turned the peg, when the horsemounted into the air, and making his usual haste, under theguidance of the prince, in two hours time the prince discoveredthe capital of Persia. 

He would not alight at the great square from whence he had setout, nor in the palace, but directed his course towards apleasure-house at a little distance from the capital. He led theprincess into a handsome apartment, where he told her, that to doher all the honour that was due to her, he would go and informhis father of their arrival, and return to her immediately. Heordered the housekeeper of the palace, who was then present, toprovide the princess with whatever she had occasion for. 

After the prince had taken his leave of the princess, he ordereda horse to be saddled, which he mounted, after sending back thehousekeeper to the princess, with orders to provide herrefreshments immediately, and then set forwards for the palace. As he passed through the streets he was received withacclamations by the people, who were overjoyed to see him again. The emperor his father was giving audience, when he appearedbefore him in the midst of his council. He received him withecstacy, and embracing him with tears of joy and tenderness, asked him, what was become of the Hindoo's horse. 

This question gave the prince an opportunity of describing theembarrassment and danger he was in when the horse ascended intothe air, and how he had arrived at last at the princess ofBengal's palace, the kind reception he had met with there, andthat the motive which had induced him to stay so long with herwas the affection she had shewn him; also, that after promisingto marry her, he had persuaded her to accompany him into Persia. "But, sir, " added the prince, "I felt assured that you would notrefuse your consent, and have brought her with me on theenchanted horse, to a palace where your majesty often goes foryour pleasure; and have left her there, till I could return andassure her that my promise was not in vain. "

After these words, the prince prostrated himself before theemperor to obtain his consent, when his father raised him up, embraced him a second time, and said to him, "Son, I not onlyconsent to your marriage with the princess of Bengal, but will goand meet her myself, and thank her for the obligation I inparticular have to her, and will bring her to my palace, andcelebrate your nuptials this day. "

The emperor now gave orders for his court to make preparationsfor the princess's entry; that the rejoicings should be announcedby the royal band of military music, and that the Hindoo shouldbe fetched out of prison and brought before him. When the Hindoowas conducted before the emperor, he said to him, "I secured thyperson, that thy life, though not a sufficient victim to my rageand grief, might answer for that of the prince my son, whom, however, thanks to God! I have found again: go, take your horse, and never let me see your face more. "

As the Hindoo had learned of those who brought him out of prisonthat prince Firoze Shaw was returned with a princess, and wasalso informed of the place where he had alighted and left her, and that the emperor was making preparations to go and bring herto his palace; as soon as he got out of the presence, hebethought himself of being revenged upon the emperor and theprince. Without losing any time, he went directly to the palace, and addressing himself to the keeper, told him, he came from theprince of Persia for the princess of Bengal, and to conduct herbehind him through the air to the emperor, who waited in thegreat square of his palace to gratify the whole court and city ofSheerauz with that wonderful sight. 

The palace-keeper, who knew the Hindoo, and that the emperor hadimprisoned him, gave the more credit to what he said, because hesaw that he was at liberty. He presented him to the princess ofBengal; who no sooner understood that he came from the prince ofPersia than she consented to what the prince, as she thought, haddesired of her. 

The Hindoo, overjoyed at his success, and the ease with which hehad accomplished his villany, mounted his horse, took theprincess behind him, with the assistance of the keeper, turnedthe peg, and instantly the horse mounted into the air. 

At the same time the emperor of Persia, attended by his court, was on the road to the palace where the princess of Bengal hadbeen left, and the prince of Persia was advanced before, toprepare the princess to receive his father; when the Hindoo, tobrave them both, and revenge himself for the ill-treatment he hadreceived, appeared over their heads with his prize. 

When the emperor of Persia saw the ravisher, he stopped. Hissurprise and affliction were the more sensible, because it wasnot in his power to punish so high an affront. He loaded him witha thousand imprecations, as did also all the courtiers, who werewitnesses of so signal a piece of insolence and unparalleledartifice and treachery. 

The Hindoo, little moved with their curses, which just reachedhis ears, continued his way, while the emperor, extremelymortified at so great an insult, but more so that he could notpunish the author, returned to his palace in rage and vexation. 

But what was prince Firoze Shaw's grief at beholding the Hindoohurrying away the princess of Bengal, whom he loved sopassionately that he could not live without her! At a spectacleso little expected he was confounded, and before he coulddeliberate with himself what measures to pursue, the horse wasout of sight. He could not resolve how to act, whether he shouldreturn to his father's palace, and shut himself in his apartment, to give himself entirely up to his affliction, without attemptingto pursue the ravisher. But as his generosity, love, and courage, would not suffer this, he continued on his way to the palacewhere he had left his princess. 

When he arrived, the palace-keeper, who was by this timeconvinced of his fatal credulity, in believing the artful Hindoo, threw himself at his feet with tears in his eyes, accused himselfof the crime, which unintentionally he had committed, andcondemned himself to die by his hand. "Rise, " said the prince tohim, "I do not impute the loss of my princess to thee, but to myown want of precaution. But not to lose time, fetch me adervish's habit, and take care you do not give the least hintthat it is for me. "

Not far from this palace there stood a convent of dervishes, thesuperior of which was the palace-keeper's particular friend. Hewent to his chief, and telling him that a considerable officer atcourt and a man of worth, to whom he had been very much obligedand wished to favour, by giving him an opportunity to withdrawfrom some sudden displeasure of the emperor, readily obtained acomplete dervish's habit, and carried it to prince Firoze Shaw. The prince immediately pulled off his own dress, put it on, andbeing so disguised, and provided with a box of jewels, which hehad brought as a present to the princess, left the palace, uncertain which way to go, but resolved not to return till he hadfound out his princess, and brought her back again, or perish inthe attempt. 

But to return to the Hindoo; he governed his enchanted horse sowell, that he arrived early next morning in a wood, near thecapital of the kingdom of Cashmeer. Being hungry, and concludingthe princess was so also, he alighted in that wood, in an openpart of it, and left the princess on a grassy spot, close to arivulet of clear fresh water. 

During the Hindoo's absence, the princess of Bengal, who knewthat she was in the power of a base ravisher, whose violence shedreaded, thought of escaping from him, and seeking out for somesanctuary. But as she had eaten scarcely any thing on her arrivalat the palace, was so faint, that she could not execute herdesign, but was forced to abandon it and stay where she was, without any other resource than her courage, and a firmresolution rather to suffer death than be unfaithful to theprince of Persia. When the Hindoo returned, she did not wait tobe entreated, but ate with him, and recovered herself enough toanswer with courage to the insolent language he now began to holdto her. After many threats, as she saw that the Hindoo waspreparing to use violence, she rose up to make resistance, and byher cries and shrieks drew towards them a company of horsemen, which happened to be the sultan of Cashmeer and his attendants, who, as they were returning from hunting, happily for theprincess of Bengal, passed through that part of the wood, and ranto her assistance, at the noise she made. 

The sultan addressed himself to the Hindoo, demanded who he was, and wherefore he ill treated the lady? The Hindoo, with greatimpudence, replied, "That she was his wife, and what had any oneto do with his quarrel with her?"

The princess, who neither knew the rank nor quality of the personwho came so seasonably to her relief, told the Hindoo he was aliar; and said to the sultan, "My lord, whoever you are whomHeaven has sent to my assistance, have compassion on a princess, and give no credit to that impostor. Heaven forbid that I shouldbe the wife of so vile and despicable a Hindoo! a wickedmagician, who has forced me away from the prince of Persia, towhom I was going to be united, and has brought me hither on theenchanted horse you behold there. "

The princess of Bengal had no occasion to say more to persuadethe sultan of Cashmeer that what she told him was truth. Herbeauty, majestic air, and tears, spoke sufficiently for her. Justly enraged at the insolence of the Hindoo, he ordered hisguards to surround him, and strike off his head: which sentencewas immediately executed. 

The princess, thus delivered from the persecution of the Hindoo, fell into another no less afflicting. The sultan conducted her tohis palace, where he lodged her in the most magnificentapartment, next his own, commanded a great number of women slavesto attend her, and ordered a guard of eunuchs. He led her himselfinto the apartment he had assigned her; where, without giving hertime to thank him for the great obligation she had received, hesaid to her, "As I am certain, princess, that you must want rest, I will take my leave of you till to-morrow, when you will bebetter able to relate to me the circumstances of this strangeadventure;" and then left her. 

The princess of Bengal's joy was inexpressible at finding herselfdelivered from the violence of the Hindoo, of whom she could notthink without horror. She flattered herself that the sultan ofCashmeer would complete his generosity by sending her back to theprince of Persia when she should have told him her story, andasked that favour of him; but she was much deceived in thesehopes; for her deliverer had resolved to marry her himself thenext day; and for that end had ordered rejoicings to be made byday-break, by beating of drums, sounding of trumpets, and otherinstruments expressive of joy; which not only echoed through thepalace, but throughout the whole city. 

The princess of Bengal was awakened by these tumultuous concerts;but attributed them to a very different cause from the true one. When the sultan of Cashmeer, who had given orders that he shouldbe informed when the princess was ready to receive a visit, cameto wait upon her; after he had inquired after her health, heacquainted her that all those rejoicings were to render theirnuptials the more solemn; and at the same time desired her assentto the union. This declaration put her into such agitation thatshe fainted away. 

The women-slaves, who were present, ran to her assistance; andthe sultan did all he could to bring her to herself, though itwas a long time before they succeeded. But when she recovered, rather than break the promise she had made to prince Firoze Shaw, by consenting to marry the sultan of Cashmeer, who had proclaimedtheir nuptials before he had asked her consent, she resolved tofeign madness. She began to utter the most extravagantexpressions before the sultan, and even rose off her seat as ifto attack him; insomuch that he was greatly alarmed andafflicted, that he had made such a proposal so unseasonably. 

When he found that her frenzy rather increased than abated, heleft her with her women, charging them never to leave her alone, but to take great care of her. He sent often that day to inquirehow she did; but received no other answer than that she wasrather worse than better. At night she seemed more indisposedthan she had been all day, insomuch that the sultan deferred thehappiness he had promised himself. 

The princess of Bengal continued to talk wildly, and shew othermarks of a disordered mind, next day and the following; so thatthe sultan was induced to send for all the physicians belongingto his court, to consult them upon her disease, and to ask ifthey could cure her. 

The physicians all agreed that there were several sorts anddegrees of this disorder, some curable and others not; and toldthe sultan, that they could not judge of the princess of Bengal'sunless they might see her; upon which the sultan ordered theeunuchs to introduce them into the princess's chamber, one afteranother, according to their rank. 

The princess, who foresaw what would happen, and feared, that ifshe let the physicians feel her pulse, the least experienced ofthem would soon know that she was in good health, and that hermadness was only feigned, flew into such a well-dissembled rageand passion, that she appeared ready to injure those who camenear her; so none of them durst approach her. 

Some who pretended to be more skilful than the rest, and boastedof judging of diseases only by sight, ordered her some potions, which she made the less difficulty to take, well knowing shecould be sick or well at pleasure, and that they could do her noharm. 

When the sultan of Cashmeer saw that his court physicians couldnot cure her, he called in the most celebrated and experienced ofthe city, who had no better success. Afterwards he sent for themost famous in the kingdom, who met with no better reception thanthe others from the princess, and what they prescribed had noeffect. Afterwards he dispatched expresses to the courts ofneighbouring sultans, with the princess's case, to be distributedamong the most famous physicians, with a promise of a munificentreward to any of them who should come and effect her cure. 

Various physicians arrived from all parts, and tried their skill;but none could boast of better success than their predecessors, or of restoring the princess's faculties, since it was a casethat did not depend on medicine, but on the will of the princessherself. 

During this interval Firoze Shaw, disguised in the habit of adervish, travelled through many provinces and towns, involved ingrief; and endured excessive fatigue, not knowing which way todirect his course, or whether he might not be pursuing the veryopposite road from what he ought, in order to hear the tidings hewas in search of. He made diligent inquiry after her at everyplace he came to; till at last passing through a city ofHindoostan, he heard the people talk much of a princess ofBengal, who ran mad on the day of the intended celebration of hernuptials with the sultan of Cashmeer. At the name of the princessof Bengal, and supposing that there could exist no other princessof Bengal than her upon whose account he had undertaken histravels, he hastened towards the kingdom of Cashmeer, and uponhis arrival at the capital took up his lodging at a khan, wherethe same day he was informed of the story of the princess, andthe fate of the Hindoo magician, which he had so richly deserved. From the circumstances, the prince was convinced that she was thebeloved object he had sought so long. 

Being informed of all these particulars, he provided himselfagainst the next day with a physician's habit, and having let hisbeard grow during his travels, he passed the more easily for thecharacter he assumed, went to the palace, impatient to behold hisbeloved, where he presented himself to the chief of the officers, and observed modestly, that perhaps it might be looked upon as arash undertaking to attempt the cure of the princess, after somany had failed; but that he hoped some specifics, from which hehad experienced success, might effect the desired relief. Thechief of the officers told him he was welcome, that the sultanwould receive him with pleasure, and that if he should have thegood fortune to restore the princess to her former health, hemight expect a considerable reward from his master's liberality:"Stay a moment, " added he, "I will come to you againimmediately. "

Some time had elapsed since any physician had offered himself;and the sultan of Cashmeer with great grief had begun to lose allhope of ever seeing the princess restored to health, that hemight marry, and shew how much he loved her. He ordered theofficer to introduce the physician he had announced. 

The prince of Persia was presented, when the sultan, withoutwasting time in superfluous discourse, after having told him theprincess of Bengal could not bear the sight of a physicianwithout falling into most violent transports, which increased hermalady, conducted him into a closet, from whence, through alattice, he might see her without being observed. 

There Firoze Shaw beheld his lovely princess sitting melancholy, with tears in her eyes, and singing an air in which she deploredher unhappy fate, which had deprived her, perhaps, for ever, ofthe object she loved so tenderly. 

The prince was sensibly affected at the melancholy condition inwhich he found his dear princess, but he wanted no other signs tocomprehend that her disorder was feigned, or that it was for loveof him that she was under so grievous an affliction. When he cameout of the closet, he told the sultan that he had discovered thenature of the princess's complaint, and that she was notincurable; but added withal, that he must speak with her inprivate, and alone, as, notwithstanding her violent agitation atthe sight of physicians, he hoped she would hear and receive himfavourably. 

The sultan ordered the princess's chamber door to be opened, andFiroze Shaw went in. As soon as the princess saw him (taking himby his habit to be a physician), she rose up in a rage, threatening him, and giving him the most abusive language. Hemade directly towards her, and when he was nigh enough for her tohear him, for he did not wish to be heard by any one else, saidto her, in a low voice, "Princess, I am not a physician, but theprince of Persia, and am come to procure you your liberty. "

The princess, who knew the sound of the voice, and the upperfeatures of his face, notwithstanding he had let his beard growso long, grew calm at once, and a secret joy and pleasureoverspread her face, the effect of seeing the person so muchdesired so unexpectedly. Her agreeable surprise deprived her forsome time of the use of speech, and gave Firoze Shaw time to tellher as briefly as possible, how despair had seized him when hesaw the Hindoo carry her away; the resolution he afterwards hadtaken to leave every thing to find her out, and never to returnhome till he had regained her out of the hands of the perfidiouswretch; and by what good fortune, at last, after a long andfatiguing journey, he had the satisfaction to find her in thepalace of the sultan of Cashmeer. He then desired the princess toinform him of all that happened to her, from the time she wastaken away, till that moment when he had the happiness toconverse with her, telling her, that it was of the greatestimportance to know this, that he might take the most propermeasures to deliver her from the tyranny of the sultan ofCashmeer. 

The princess informed him how she was delivered from the Hindoo'sviolence by the sultan, as he was returning from hunting; how shewas alarmed the next day, by a declaration he had made of hisprecipitate design to marry her, without even the ceremony ofasking her consent; that this violent and tyrannical conduct puther into a swoon; after which she thought she had no other waythan what she had taken, to preserve herself for a prince to whomshe had given her heart and faith; or die, rather than marry thesultan, whom she neither loved, nor could ever love. 

The prince of Persia then asked her, if she knew what became ofthe horse, after the death of the Hindoo magician. To which sheanswered, that she knew not what orders the sultan had given; butsupposed, after the account she had given him of it, he wouldtake care of it as a curiosity. 

As Firoze Shaw never doubted but that the sultan had the horse, he communicated to the princess his design of making use of it toconvey them both into Persia; and after they had consultedtogether on the measures they should take, they agreed that theprincess should dress herself the next day, and receive thesultan civilly, but without speaking to him. 

The sultan of Cashmeer was overjoyed when the prince of Persiastated to him what effect his first visit had had towards thecure of the princess. On the following day, when the princessreceived him in such a manner as persuaded him her cure was faradvanced, he regarded him as the greatest physician in the world;and seeing her in this state, contented himself with telling herhow rejoiced he was at her being likely soon to recover herhealth. He exhorted her to follow the directions of so skilful aphysician, in order to complete what he had so well begun; andthen retired without waiting for her answer. 

The prince of Persia, who attended the sultan of Cashmeer out ofthe princess's chamber, as he accompanied him, asked if, withoutfailing in due respect, he might inquire, how the princess ofBengal came into the dominions of Cashmeer thus alone, since herown country was far distant? This he said on purpose to introducesome conversation about the enchanted horse, and to know what wasbecome of it. 

The sultan, who could not penetrate into the prince's motive, concealed nothing from him; but informed him of what the princesshad related, when he had delivered her from the Hindoo magician:adding, that he had ordered the enchanted horse to be kept safein his treasury as a great curiosity, though he knew not the useof it. 

"Sir, " replied the pretended physician, "the information whichyour majesty has given your devoted slave affords me a means ofcuring the princess. As she was brought hither on this horse, andthe horse is enchanted, she hath contracted something of theenchantment, which can be dissipated only by a certain incensewhich I am acquainted with. If your majesty would entertainyourself, your court, and the people of your capital, with themost surprising sight that ever was beheld, let the horse bebrought into the great square before the palace, and leave therest to me. I promise to show you, and all that assembly, in afew moments time, the princess of Bengal completely restored inbody and mind. But the better to effect what I propose, it willbe requisite that the princess, should be dressed asmagnificently as possible, and adorned with the most valuablejewels your majesty may possess. " The sultan would haveundertaken much more difficult things to have arrived at theenjoyment of his desires, which he expected soon to accomplish. 

The next day, the enchanted horse was, by his order, taken out ofthe treasury, and placed early in the great square before thepalace. A report was spread through the town that there wassomething extraordinary to be seen, and crowds of people flockedthither from all parts, insomuch that the sultan's guards wereplaced to prevent disorder, and to keep space enough round thehorse. 

The sultan of Cashmeer, surrounded by all his nobles andministers of state, was placed on a scaffold erected on purpose. The princess of Bengal, attended by a number of ladies whom thesultan had assigned her, went up to the enchanted horse, and thewomen helped her to mount. When she was fixed in the saddle, andhad the bridle in her hand, the pretended physician placed roundthe horse at a proper distance many vessels full of lightedcharcoal, which he had ordered to be brought, and going roundthem with a solemn pace, cast in a strong and grateful perfume;then collected in himself, with downcast eyes, and his hands uponhis breast, he ran three times about the horse, making as if hepronounced some mystical words. The moment the pots sent forth adark cloud of pleasant smell, which so surrounded the princess, that neither she nor the horse could be discerned, watching hisopportunity, the prince jumped nimbly up behind her, and reachinghis hand to the peg, turned it; and just as the horse rose withthem into the air, he pronounced these words, which the sultanheard distinctly, "Sultan of Cashmeer, when you would marryprincesses who implore your protection, learn first to obtaintheir consent. "

Thus the prince delivered the princess of Bengal, and carried herthe same day to the capital of Persia, where he alighted in thesquare of the palace, before the emperor his father's apartment, who deferred the solemnization of the marriage no longer thantill he could make the preparations necessary to render theceremony pompous and magnificent, and evince the interest he tookin it. 

After the days appointed for the rejoicings were over, theemperor of Persia's first care was to name and appoint anambassador to go to the Rajah of Bengal with an account of whathad passed, and to demand his approbation and ratification of thealliance contracted by this marriage; which the Rajah of Bengaltook as an honour, and granted with great pleasure andsatisfaction. 

 THE STORY OF PRINCE AHMED, AND THE FAIRY PERIE BANOU. 

There was a sultan who had peaceably filled the throne of Indiamany years, and had the satisfaction in his old age to have threesons the worthy imitators of his virtues, who, with the princesshis niece, were the ornaments of his court. The eldest of theprinces was called Houssain, the second Ali, the youngest Ahmed, and the princess his niece Nouronnihar. 

The princess Nouronnihar was the daughter of the younger brotherof the sultan, to whom in his lifetime he had allowed aconsiderable revenue. But that prince had not been married longbefore he died, and left the princess very young. The sultan, inconsideration of the brotherly love and friendship that hadalways subsisted between them, besides a great attachment to hisperson, took upon himself the care of his daughter's education, and brought her up in his palace with the three princes; whereher singular beauty and personal accomplishments, joined to alively wit and irreproachable virtue, distinguished her among allthe princesses of her time. 

The sultan, her uncle, proposed to marry her when she arrived ata proper age, and by that means to contract an alliance with someneighbouring prince; and was thinking seriously on the subject, when he perceived that the three princes his sons loved herpassionately. This gave him much concern, though his grief didnot proceed from a consideration that their passion prevented hisforming the alliance he designed, but the difficulty he foresawto make them agree, and that the two youngest should consent toyield her up to their eldest brother. He spoke to each of themapart; and remonstrated on the impossibility of one princessbeing the wife of three persons, and the troubles they wouldcreate if they persisted in their attachment. He did all he couldto persuade them to abide by a declaration of the princess infavour of one of them; or to desist from their pretensions, tothink of other matches which he left them free liberty to choose, and suffer her to be married to a foreign attachment. But as hefound them obstinate, he sent for them all together, and said, "My children, since I have not been able to dissuade you fromaspiring to marry the princess your cousin; and as I have noinclination to use my authority, to give her to one in preferenceto his brothers, I trust I have thought of an expedient whichwill please you all, and preserve harmony among you, if you willbut hear me, and follow my advice. I think it would not be amissif you were to travel separately into different countries, sothat you might not meet each other: and as you know I am verycurious, and delight in every thing that is rare and singular, Ipromise my niece in marriage to him who shall bring me the mostextraordinary rarity; chance may lead you to form your ownjudgment of the singularity of the things which you bring, by thecomparison you make of them, so that you will have no difficultyto do yourselves justice by yielding the preference to him whohas deserved it; and for the expense of travelling, I will giveeach of you a sum suited to your rank, and for the purchase ofthe rarity you shall search after; which shall not be laid out inequipage and attendants, as much display, by discovering who youare, would not only deprive you of the liberty to acquityourselves of your charge, but prevent your observing thosethings which may merit your attention, and may be most useful toyou. "

As the three princes were always submissive and obedient to thesultan's will, and each flattered himself fortune might provefavourable to him, and give him possession of the princessNouronnihar, they all consented to the proposal. The sultan gavethem the money he promised; and that very day they issued ordersfor the preparations for their travels, and took leave of theirfather, that they might be ready to set out early next morning. They all went out at the same gate of the city, each dressed likea merchant, attended by a trusty officer, habited as a slave, andall well mounted and equipped. They proceeded the first day'sjourney together; and slept at a caravanserai, where the roaddivided into three different tracks. At night when they were atsupper together, they all agreed to travel for a year, to maketheir present lodging their rendezvous; and that the first whocame should wait for the rest; that as they had all three takenleave together of the sultan, they might return in company. Thenext morning by break of day, after they had embraced and wishedeach other reciprocally good success, they mounted their horses, and took each a different road. 

Prince Houssain, the eldest brother, who had heard wonders of theextent, power, riches, and splendour of the kingdom of Bisnagar, bent his course towards the Indian coast; and after three months'travelling, joining himself to different caravans, sometimes overdeserts and barren mountains, and sometimes through populous andfertile countries, arrived at Bisnagar, the capital of thekingdom of that name, and the residence of its maharajah. Helodged at a khan appointed for foreign merchants; and havinglearnt that there were four principal divisions where merchantsof all sorts kept their shops, in the midst of which stood thecastle, or rather the maharajah's palace, on a large extent ofground, as the centre of the city, surrounded by three courts, and each gate distant two leagues from the other, he went to oneof these quarters the next day. 

Prince Houssain could not view this quarter without admiration. It was large, divided into several streets, all vaulted andshaded from the sun, but yet very light. The shops were all ofthe same size and proportion; and all who dealt in the same sortof goods, as well as all the artists of the same profession, lived in one street. 

The number of shops stocked with all kinds of merchandizes, suchas the finest linens from several parts of India, some painted inthe most lively colours, and representing men, landscapes, trees, and flowers; silks and brocades from Persia, China, and otherplaces; porcelain from Japan and China; foot carpets of allsizes; surprised him so much, that he knew not how to believe hiseyes: but when he came to the shops of the goldsmiths andjewellers (for those two trades were exercised by the samemerchants), he was in a kind of ecstasy, at beholding suchprodigious quantities of wrought gold and silver, and was dazzledby the lustre of the pearls, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, andother precious stones exposed to sale. But if he was amazed atseeing so many treasures in one place, he was much more surprisedwhen he came to judge of the wealth of the whole kingdom, byconsidering, that except the brahmins, and ministers of theidols, who profess a life retired from worldly vanity, there wasnot an Indian, man or woman, through the extent of the kingdom, but wore necklaces, bracelets, and ornaments about their legs andfeet, made of pearls, and precious stones, which appeared withthe greater lustre, as they were blacks, which colour admirablyset off their brilliancy. 

Another object which prince Houssain particularly admired was thegreat number of flower-sellers who crowded the streets; for theIndians are such great lovers of flowers that not one will stirwithout a nosegay of them in his hand, or a garland of them onhis head; and the merchants keep them in pots in their shops, sothat the air of the whole quarter, however extensive, isperfectly perfumed. 

After prince Houssain had passed through that quarter, street bystreet, his thoughts fully employed on the riches he had seen, hewas much fatigued; which a merchant perceiving, civilly invitedhim to sit down in his shop. He accepted his offer; but had notbeen seated long, before he saw a crier pass with a piece ofcarpeting on his arm, about six feet square, and crying it atthirty purses. The prince called to the crier, and asked to seethe carpeting, which seemed to him to be valued at an exorbitantprice, not only for the size of it, but the meanness of thematerials. When he had examined it well, he told the crier thathe could not comprehend how so small a piece of carpeting, and ofso indifferent an appearance, could be set at so high a price. 

The crier, who took him for a merchant, replied, "Sir, if thisprice seems so extravagant to you, your amazement will be greaterwhen I tell you, I have orders to raise it to forty purses, andnot to part with it under. " "Certainly, " answered princeHoussain, "it must have something very extraordinary in it, whichI know nothing of. " "You have guessed right, sir, " replied thecrier, "and will own it when you come to know, that whoever sitson this piece of carpeting may be transported in an instantwherever he desires to be, without being stopped by anyobstacle. "

At this account, the prince of the Indies, considering that theprincipal motive of his tour was to carry the sultan his fatherhome some singular rarity, thought that he could not meet withany which would afford him more satisfaction. "If the carpeting, "said he to the crier, "has the virtue you attribute to it, Ishall not think forty purses too much; but shall make you apresent besides. " "Sir, " replied the crier, "I have told you thetruth; and it will be an easy matter to convince you of it, assoon as you have made the bargain for forty purses, on conditionI shew you the experiment. But as I suppose you have not so muchwith you, and to receive them, I must go with you to the khanwhere you lodge; with the leave of the master of this shop wewill go into the back warehouse, where I will spread thecarpeting; and when we have both sat down, and you have formedthe wish to be transported into your apartment at the khan, if weare not conveyed thither, it shall be no bargain, and you shallbe at your liberty. As to your present, as I am paid for mytrouble by the seller, I shall receive it as a favour, and feelmuch obliged by your liberality. "

On this assurance of the crier, the prince accepted theconditions, and concluded the bargain; then having obtained themaster's leave, they went into his back-shop, where they both satdown on the carpeting; and as soon as the prince had formed hiswish to be transported into his apartment at the khan, he in aninstant found himself and the crier there: as he wanted not amore convincing proof of the virtue of the carpeting, he countedto the crier forty purses of gold, and gave him twenty pieces forhimself. 

In this manner prince Houssain became the possessor of thecarpeting, and was overjoyed that at his arrival at Bisnagar hehad found so rare a curiosity, which he never doubted must ofcourse gain him the possession of Nouronnihar. In short, hethought it impossible for the princes, his younger brothers, tomeet with any thing to be compared with it. It was in his power, by sitting on this carpeting, to be at the place of rendezvousthat very day; but as he would be obliged to wait there for hisbrothers, as they had agreed, and as he was desirous of seeingthe maharajah of Bisnagar and his court, and to inform himself ofthe strength, laws, customs, and religion of the kingdom, hechose to make a longer abode in this capital, and to spend somemonths in satisfying his curiosity. 

It was the custom of the maharajah of Bisnagar to give allforeign merchants access to his person once a week; so that inhis assumed character prince Houssain saw him often: and as thisprince was of an engaging presence, sensible and accomplished, hedistinguished himself among the merchants, and was preferredbefore them all by the maharajah, who addressed himself to him tobe informed of the person of the sultan of the Indies, and of thegovernment, strength, and riches of his dominions. 

The rest of his time the prince employed in viewing what was mostremarkable in and about the city; and among the objects whichwere most worthy of admiration, he visited a temple remarkablefor being built all of brass. It was ten cubits square, andfifteen high; but its greatest ornament was an idol of the heightof a man, of massive gold; its eyes were two rubies, set soartificially, that it seemed to look at those who viewed it, onwhich side soever they turned: besides this, there was anothernot less curious, in the environs of the city, in the midst of alawn of about ten acres, which was like a delicious garden fullof roses and the choicest flowers, surrounded by a low wall, breast high, to keep out the cattle. In the midst of this lawnwas raised a terrace, a man's height, and covered with suchbeautiful cement, that the whole pavement seemed to be but onesingle stone, most highly polished. A temple was erected in themiddle of this terrace, having a spire rising about fifty cubitshigh from the building, which might be seen for several leaguesround. The temple was thirty cubits long, and twenty broad; builtof red marble, highly polished. The inside of the spire wasadorned with three compartments of fine paintings: and there wasnot a part in the whole edifice but what was embellished withpaintings, or relievos, and gaudy idols from top to bottom. 

Every night and morning there were superstitious ceremoniesperformed in this temple, which were always succeeded by sports, concerts of music, dancing, singing, and feasts. The brahmins ofthe temple, and the inhabitants of this suburb, had nothing tosubsist on but the offerings of pilgrims, who came in crowds fromthe most distant parts of the kingdom to perform their vows. 

Prince Houssain was also spectator of a solemn festival, whichwas celebrated every year at the court of Bisnagar, at which allthe governors of provinces, commanders of fortified places, allheads and magistrates of towns, and the brahmins most celebratedfor their learning, were usually present; and some lived so faroff, that they were four months in coming. This assembly, composed of such innumerable multitudes of Hindoos encamped invariously coloured tents, on a plain of vast extent, was asplendid sight, as far as the eye could reach. In the centre ofthis plain was a square of great length and breadth, closed onone side by a large scaffolding of nine stories, supported byforty pillars, raised for the maharajah and his court, and thosestrangers whom he admitted to audience once a week: within, itwas adorned and furnished magnificently with rich carpets andcushions; and on the outside were painted landscapes, wherein allsorts of beasts, birds, and insects, even flies and gnats, weredrawn very naturally. Other scaffolds of at least four or fivestories, and painted almost all with the same fancifulbrilliancy, formed the other three sides. But what was moreparticular in these scaffolds, they could turn, and make themchange their fronts so as to present different decorations to theeye every hour. 

On each side of the square, at some little distance from eachother, were ranged a thousand elephants, sumptuously caparisoned, each having upon his back a square wooden stage, finely gilt, upon which were musicians and buffoons. The trunks, ears, andbodies of these elephants were painted with cinnabar and othercolours, representing grotesque figures. 

But what prince Houssain most of all admired, as a proof of theindustry, address, and inventive genius of the Hindoos, was tosee the largest of these elephants stand with his four feet on apost fixed into the earth, and standing out of it above two feet, playing and beating time with his trunk to the music. Besidesthis, he admired another elephant as large as the former, placedupon a plank, laid across a strong beam about ten feet high, witha sufficiently heavyweight at the other end, which balanced him, while he kept time, by the motions of his body and trunk, withthe music, as well as the other elephant. The Hindoos, afterhaving fastened on the counterpoise, had drawn the other end ofthe board down to the ground, and made the elephant get upon it. 

Prince Houssain might have made a longer stay in the kingdom andcourt of Bisnagar, where he would have been agreeably diverted bya great variety of other wonders, till the last day of the year, whereon he and his brothers had appointed to meet. But he was sowell satisfied with what he had seen, and his thoughts ran somuch upon the object of his love, that after such success inmeeting with his carpet, reflecting on the beauty and charms ofthe princess Nouronnihar increased every day the violence of hispassion, and he fancied he should be the more easy and happy thenearer he was to her. After he had satisfied the master of thekhan for his apartment, and told him the hour when he might comefor the key, without mentioning how he should travel, he shut thedoor, put the key on the outside, and spreading the carpet, heand the officer he had brought with him sat down upon it, and assoon as he had formed his wish, were transported to thecaravanserai at which he and his brothers were to meet, and wherehe passed for a merchant till their arrival. 

Prince Ali, the second brother, who had designed to travel intoPersia, in conformity with the intention of the sultan of theIndies, took that road, having three days after he parted withhis brothers joined a caravan; and in four months arrived atSheerauz, which was then the capital of the empire of Persia; andhaving in the way contracted a friendship with some merchants, passed for a jeweller, and lodged in the same khan with them. 

The next morning, while the merchants opened their bales ofmerchandises, prince Ali, who travelled only for his pleasure, and had brought nothing but necessaries with him, after he haddressed himself, took a walk into that quarter of the town wherethey sold precious stones, gold and silver works, brocades, silks, fine linens, and other choice and valuable articles, andwhich was at Sheerauz called the bezestein. It was a spacious andwell-built street, arched over, within the arcades of which wereshops. Prince Ali soon rambled through the bezestein, and withadmiration judged of the riches of the place by the prodigiousquantities of the most precious merchandises exposed to view. 

But among the criers who passed backwards and forwards withseveral sorts of goods, offering to sell them, he was not alittle surprised to see one who held in his hand an ivory tube, of about a foot in length, and about an inch thick, which hecried at forty purses. At first he thought the crier mad, and toinform himself, went to a shop, and said to the merchant whostood at the door, "Pray, sir, is not that man" (pointing to thecrier, who cried the ivory tube at forty purses) "mad? If he isnot, I am much deceived. " "Indeed, sir, " answered the merchant, "he was in his right senses yesterday; and I can assure you he isone of the ablest criers we have, and the most employed of any, as being to be confided in when any thing valuable is to be sold;and if he cries the ivory tube at forty purses, it must be worthas much or more, on some account or other which does not appear. He will come by presently, when we will call him, and you shallsatisfy yourself: in the mean time sit down on my sofa, and restyourself. "

Prince Ali accepted the merchant's obliging offer, and presentlyafterwards the crier arrived. The merchant called him by hisname, and pointing to the prince, said to him, "Tell thatgentleman, who asked me if you were in your right senses, whatyou mean by crying that ivory tube, which seems not to be worthmuch, at forty purses? I should indeed be much amazed myself, ifI did not know you were a sensible man. " The crier, addressinghimself to prince Ali, said, "Sir, you are not the only personthat takes me for a madman, on account of this tube; you shalljudge yourself whether I am or no, when I have told you itsproperty; and I hope you will value it at as high a price asthose I have shewed it to already, who had as bad an opinion ofme as you have. 

"First, sir, " pursued the crier, presenting the ivory tube to theprince, "observe, that this tube is furnished with a glass atboth ends; by looking through one of them, you will see whateverobject you wish to behold. " "I am, " said the prince, "ready tomake you all proper reparation for the reflection I have castupon you, if you can make the truth of what you advance appear;and" (as he had the ivory tube in his hand, after he had lookedat the two glasses), he said, "shew me at which of these ends Imust look, that I may be satisfied. " The crier presently shewedhim, and he looked through; wishing, at the same time, to see thesultan his father, whom he immediately beheld in perfect health, sitting on his throne, in the midst of his council. Next, asthere was nothing in the world so dear to him, after the sultan, as the princess Nouronnihar, he wished to see her; and instantlybeheld her laughing, and in a gay humour, with her women abouther. 

Prince All wanted no other proof to persuade him that this tubewas the most valuable article, not only in the city of Sheerauz, but in all the world; and believed, that if he should neglect topurchase it, he should never meet with an equally wonderfulcuriosity. He said to the crier, "I am very sorry that I haveentertained so erroneous an opinion of you, but hope to makeamends by buying the tube, for I should be sorry if any body elsehad it; so tell me the lowest price the owner has fixed; and donot give yourself any farther trouble to hawk it about, but gowith me and I will pay you the money. " The crier assured him, with an oath, that his last orders were to take no less thanforty purses; and if he disputed the truth of what he said, hewould carry him to his employer. The prince believed him, tookhim to the khan where he lodged, told him out the money, andreceived the tube. 

Prince Ali was overjoyed at his purchase; and persuaded himself, that as his brothers would not be able to meet with any thing sorare and admirable, the princess Nouronnihar must be therecompense of his fatigue and travels. He thought now of onlyvisiting the court of Persia incognito, and seeing whatever wascurious in and about Sheerauz, till the caravan with which hecame might be ready to return to the Indies. He satisfied hiscuriosity, and when the caravan took its departure, the princejoined the former party of merchants his friends, and arrivedhappily without any accident or trouble, further than the lengthof the journey and fatigue of travelling, at the place ofrendezvous, where he found prince Houssain, and both waited forprince Ahmed. 

Prince Ahmed took the road of Samarcand, and the day after hisarrival, went, as his brothers had done, into the bezestein;where he had not walked long before he heard a crier, who had anartificial apple in his hand, cry it at five-and-thirty purses. He stopped the crier, and said to him, "Let me see that apple, and tell me what virtue or extraordinary property it possesses, to be valued at so high a rate?" "Sir, " replied the crier, givingit into his hand, "if you look at the mere outside of this appleit is not very remarkable; but if you consider its properties, and the great use and benefit it is of to mankind, you will sayit is invaluable, and that he who possesses it is master of agreat treasure. It cures all sick persons of the most mortaldiseases, whether fever, pleurisy, plague, or other malignantdistempers; for even if the patient is dying, it will recover himimmediately, and restore him to perfect health: and this merelyby the patient's smelling to it. "

"If one may believe you, " replied prince Ahmed, "the virtues ofthis apple are wonderful, and it is indeed invaluable: but whatground has the purchaser to be persuaded that there is noexaggeration in the high praises you bestow on it?" "Sir, "replied the crier, "the truth is known by the whole city ofSamarcand; but without going any farther, ask all these merchantsyou see here, and hear what they say; you will find several ofthem will tell you they had not been alive this day had they notmade use of this excellent remedy; and that you may the bettercomprehend what it is, I must tell you it is the fruit of thestudy and experience of a celebrated philosopher of this city, who applied himself all his lifetime to the knowledge of thevirtues of plants and minerals, and at last attained to thiscomposition, by which he performed such surprising cures, as willnever be forgotten; but died suddenly himself, before he couldapply his own sovereign remedy; and left his wife and a greatmany young children behind in very indifferent circumstances, who, to support her family, and to provide for her children, hasresolved to sell it. "

While the crier was detailing to prince Ahmed the virtues of theartificial apple, many persons came about them, and confirmedwhat he declared; and one amongst the rest said he had a frienddangerously ill, whose life was despaired of; which was afavourable opportunity to shew the experiment. Upon which princeAhmed told the crier he would give him forty purses for the appleif it cured the sick person by smelling to it. 

The crier, who had orders to sell it at that price, said toprince Ahmed, "Come, sir, let us go and make the experiment, andthe apple shall be yours; and I say this with the greaterconfidence, as it is an undoubted fact that it will always havethe same effect, as it already has had whenever it has beenapplied to save from death so many persons whose lives weredespaired of. " In short, the experiment succeeded; and theprince, after he had counted out to the crier forty purses, andhad received the apple from him, waited with the greatestimpatience for the departure of a caravan for the Indies. In themean time he saw all that was curious at and about Samarcand, andprincipally the valley of Sogd, which is reckoned by the Arabiansone of the four paradises of this world, for the beauty of itsfields, gardens, and palaces, and for its fertility in fruit ofall sorts, and all the other pleasures enjoyed there in the fineseason. 

Ahmed joined himself to the first caravan that set out for theIndies, and notwithstanding the inevitable inconveniences of solong a journey, arrived in perfect health at the caravanserai, where the princes Houssain and Ali waited for him. 

Ali, who had arrived some time before Ahmed, asked Houssain howlong he had been there? who told him, "Three months;" to which hereplied, "Then certainly you have not been very far. " "I willtell you nothing now, " said prince Houssain, "of where I havebeen, but only assure you, I was above three months travelling tothe place I went to. " "But then, " replied prince Ali, "you made ashort stay there. " "Indeed, brother, " said prince Houssain, "youare mistaken; I resided at one place above four months, and mighthave stayed longer. " "Unless you flew back, " returned Ali again, "I cannot comprehend how you can have been three months here, asyou would make me believe. "

"I tell you the truth, " added Houssain, "and it is a riddle whichI shall not explain to you, till our brother Ahmed joins us; whenI will let you know what rarity I have purchased in my travels. Iknow not what you have got, but believe it to be some trifle, because I do not perceive that your baggage is increased. " "Andpray what have you brought?" demanded prince Ali, "for I can seenothing but an ordinary piece of carpeting, with which you coveryour sofa; and therefore I think I may return your raillery; andas you seem to make what you have brought a secret, you cannottake it amiss that I do the same with respect to what I haveprocured. "

"I consider the rarity I have purchased, " replied Houssain, "toexcel all others whatever, and should not make any difficulty toshew it you, and make you allow that it is so, and at the sametime tell you how I came by it, without being in the leastapprehensive that what you have got is to be preferred to it: butit is proper that we should wait till our brother Ahmed arrives, when we may communicate our good fortune to each other. "

Prince All would not enter into a dispute with prince Houssain onthe preference he gave his rarity, but was persuaded, that if hisperspective glass was not preferable, it was impossible it shouldbe inferior to it; and therefore agreed to stay till prince Ahmedarrived, to produce his purchase. 

When prince Ahmed joined his brothers, they embraced withtenderness, and complimented each other on the happiness ofmeeting together at the same place they had set out from. Houssain, as the eldest brother, then assumed the discourse, andsaid to them, "Brothers, we shall have time enough hereafter toentertain ourselves with the particulars of our travels. Let uscome to that which is of the greatest importance for us to know;and as I do not doubt you remember the principal motive whichengaged us to travel, let us not conceal from each other thecuriosities we have brought, but shew them, that we may doourselves justice beforehand, and judge to which of us the sultanour father may give the preference. 

"To set the example, " continued Houssain, "I will tell you, thatthe rarity which I have brought from the kingdom of Bisnagar isthe carpeting on which I sit, which looks but ordinary, and makesno shew; but when I have declared its virtues, you will be struckwith admiration, and confess you never heard of any thing likeit. Whoever sits on it, as we do, and desires to be transportedto any place, be it ever so far distant, he is immediatelycarried thither. I made the experiment myself, before I paid theforty purses, which I most readily gave for it; and when I hadfully satisfied my curiosity at the court of Bisnagar, and wishedto return here, I made use of no other conveyance than thiswonderful carpet for myself and servant, who can tell you howlong we were on our journey. I will shew you both the experimentwhenever you please. I expect now that you should tell me whetherwhat you have brought is to be compared with this carpet. "

Here prince Houssain finished his commendations of the excellencyof his carpet; and prince Ali, addressing himself to him, said, "I must own, brother, that your carpet is one of the mostsurprising curiosities, if it has, as I do not doubt, theproperty you speak of. But you must allow that there may be otherrarities, I will not say more, but at least as wonderful, inanother way; and to convince you there are, here is an ivorytube, which appears to the eye no more a prodigy than yourcarpet; it cost me as much, and I am as well satisfied with mypurchase as you can be with yours; and you will be so just as toown that I have not been imposed upon, when you shall know byexperience, that by looking at one end you see whatever objectyou wish to behold. I would not have you take my word, " addedprince Ali, presenting the tube to him; "take it, make trial ofit yourself. "

Houssain took the ivory tube from prince Ali, and put that end tohis eye which Ali directed, with an intention to see the princessNouronnihar; when Ali and prince Ahmed, who kept their eyes fixedupon him, were extremely surprised to see his countenance changein such a manner, as expressed extraordinary alarm andaffliction. Prince Houssain did not give them time to ask whatwas the matter, but cried out, "Alas! princes, to what purposehave we undertaken such long and fatiguing journeys, but with thehopes of being recompensed by the possession of the charmingNouronnihar, when in a few moments that lovely princess willbreathe her last. I saw her in her bed, surrounded by her womenand eunuchs, all in tears, who seem to expect her death. Take thetube, behold yourselves the miserable state she is in, and mingleyour tears with mine. "

Prince Ali took the tube out of Houssain's hand, and after he hadseen the same object with sensible grief, presented it to Ahmed, who took it, to behold the melancholy sight which so muchconcerned them all. 

When prince Ahmed had taken the tube out of Ali's hands, and sawthat the princess Nouronnihar's end was so near, he addressedhimself to his two brothers, and said, "Princes, the princessNouronnihar, equally the object of our vows, is indeed just atdeath's door; but provided we make haste and lose no time, we maypreserve her life. " He then took the artificial apple out of hisbosom, and shewing it to his brothers, resumed, "This apple costme as much and more than either the carpet or tube. Theopportunity which now presents itself to shew you its wonderfulproperty makes me not regret the forty purses I gave for it. Butnot to keep you longer in suspense, it has this virtue; if a sickperson smells to it, though in the last agonies, it will restorehim to perfect health immediately. I have made the experiment, and can show you its wonderful effect on the person of theprincess Nouronnihar, if we hasten to assist her. "

"If that be all, " replied prince Houssain, "we cannot make moredispatch than by transporting ourselves instantly into herchamber by means of my carpet. Come, lose no time, sit down, itis large enough to hold us all: but first let us give orders toour servants to set out immediately, and join us at the palace. "

As soon as the order was given, the princes Ali and Ahmed satdown by Houssain, and as their interest was the same, they allframed the same wish, and were transported instantaneously intothe princess Nouronnihar's chamber. 

The presence of the three princes, who were so little expected, alarmed the princess's women and eunuchs, who could notcomprehend by what enchantment three men should be among them;for they did not know them at first; and the eunuchs were readyto fall upon them, as people who had got into a part of thepalace where they were not allowed to come; but they presentlyfound their mistake. 

Prince Ahmed no sooner saw himself in Nouronnihar's chamber, andperceived the princess dying, but he rose off the carpet, as didalso the other two princes, went to the bed-side, and put theapple to her nostrils. The princess instantly opened her eyes, and turned her head from one side to another, looking at thepersons who stood about her; she then rose up in the bed, andasked to be dressed, with the same freedom and recollection as ifshe had awaked out of a sound sleep. Her women presently informedher, in a manner that shewed their joy, that she was obliged tothe three princes her cousins, and particularly to prince Ahmed, for the sudden recovery of her health. She immediately expressedher joy at seeing them, and thanked them all together, butafterwards prince Ahmed in particular. As she desired to dress, the princes contented themselves with telling her how great apleasure it was to them to have come soon enough to contributeeach in any degree towards relieving her from the imminent dangershe was in, and what ardent prayers they had offered for thecontinuance of her life; after which they retired. 

While the princess was dressing, the princes went to throwthemselves at the sultan their father's feet; but when they cameto him, they found he had been previously informed of theirunexpected arrival by the chief of the princess's eunuchs, and bywhat means the princess had been so suddenly cured. The sultanreceived and embraced them with the greatest joy, both for theirreturn, and the wonderful recovery of the princess his niece, whom he loved as if she had been his own daughter, and who hadbeen given over by the physicians. After the usual compliments, the princes presented each the rarity which he had brought:prince Houssain his carpet, prince Ali his ivory tube, and princeAhmed the artificial apple; and after each had commended hispresent, as he put it into the sultan's hands, they begged of himto pronounce their fate, and declare to which of them he wouldgive the princess Nouronnihar, according to his promise. 

The sultan of the Indies having kindly heard all that the princeshad to say in favour of their rarities, without interruptingthem, and being well informed of what had happened in relation tothe princess Nouronnihar's cure, remained some time silent, considering what answer he should make. At last he broke silence, and said to them in terms full of wisdom, "I would declare forone of you, my children, if I could do it with justice; butconsider whether I can? It is true, Ahmed, the princess my nieceis obliged to your artificial apple for her cure: but let me askyou, whether you could have been so serviceable to her if you hadnot known by Ali's tube the danger she was in, and if Houssain'scarpet had not brought you to her so soon? Your tube, Ali, informed you and your brothers that you were likely to lose theprincess your cousin, and so far she is greatly obliged to you. You must also grant, that the knowledge of her illness would havebeen of no service without the artificial apple and the carpet. And as for you, Houssain, the princess would be very ungratefulif she did not show her sense of the value of your carpet, whichwas so necessary a means towards effecting her cure. Butconsider, it would have been of little use, if you had not beenacquainted with her illness by Ali's tube, or if Ahmed had notapplied his artificial apple. Therefore, as neither the carpet, the ivory tube, nor the artificial apple has the least preferenceto the other articles, but as, on the contrary, their value hasbeen perfectly equal, I cannot grant the princess to any one ofyou; and the only fruit you have reaped from your travels is theglory of having equally contributed to restore her to health. 

"As this is the case, " added the sultan, "you see that I musthave recourse to other means to determine me with certainty inthe choice I ought to make; and as there is time enough betweenthis and night, I will do it to-day. Go and procure each of you abow and arrow, repair to the plain where the horses areexercised; I will soon join you, and will give the princessNouronnihar to him who shoots the farthest. 

"I do not, however, forget to thank you all in general, and eachin particular, for the present you have brought me. I have manyrarities in my collection already, but nothing that comes up tothe miraculous properties of the carpet, the ivory tube, and theartificial apple, which shall have the first places among them, and shall be preserved carefully, not only for curiosity, but forservice upon all proper occasions. "

The three princes had nothing to object to the decision of thesultan. When they were dismissed his presence, they each providedthemselves with a bow and arrow, which they delivered to one oftheir officers, and went to the plain appointed, followed by agreat concourse of people. 

The sultan did not make them wait long for him: as soon as hearrived, prince Houssain, as the eldest, took his bow and arrow, and shot first. Prince Ali shot next, and much beyond him; andprince Ahmed last of all; but it so happened, that nobody couldsee where his arrow fell; and notwithstanding all the search madeby himself and all the spectators, it was not to be found. Thoughit was believed that he had shot the farthest, and had thereforedeserved the princess Nouronnihar, it was however necessary thathis arrow should be found, to make the matter more evident andcertain; but notwithstanding his remonstrances, the sultandetermined in favour of prince Ali, and gave orders forpreparations to be made for the solemnization of the nuptials, which were celebrated a few days after with great magnificence. 

Prince Houssain would not honour the feast with his presence; hispassion for the princess Nouronnihar was so sincere and ardent, that he could scarcely support with patience the mortification ofseeing her in the arms of prince Ali: who, he said, did notdeserve her better nor love her more than himself. In short, hisgrief was so violent and insupportable, that he left the court, and renounced all right of succession to the crown, to turndervish, and put himself under the discipline of a famous chief, who had gained great reputation for his exemplary life; and hadtaken up his abode, and that of his disciples, whose number wasgreat, in an agreeable solitude. 

Prince Ahmed, urged by the same motive, did not assist at princeAli and the princess Nouronnihar's nuptials, any more than hisbrother Houssain, yet did not renounce the world as he had done. But as he could not imagine what could have become of his arrow, he resolved to search for it, that he might not have any thing toreproach himself with. With this intent he went to the placewhere the princes Houssain's and Ali's were gathered up, andproceeding straight forwards from thence looked carefully on bothsides as he advanced. He went so far, that at last he began tothink his labour was in vain; yet he could not help proceedingtill he came to some steep craggy rocks, which would have obligedhim to return, had he been ever so desirous to continue hiscourse. 

As he approached these rocks, he perceived an arrow, which hetook up, looked earnestly at it, and was in the greatestastonishment to find it was the same he had shot. "Certainly, "said he to himself, "neither I, nor any man living, could shootan arrow so far; and finding it laid flat, not sticking into theground, he judged that it had rebounded from the rock. There mustbe some mystery in this, said he to himself again, and it may beto my advantage. Perhaps fortune, to make amends for depriving meof what I thought the greatest happiness of my life, may havereserved a greater blessing for my comfort. "

As these rocks were full of sharp points and indentures betweenthem, the prince meditating, entered into one of the cavities, and looking about, beheld an iron door, which seemed to have nolock. He feared it was fastened; but pushing against it, itopened, and discovered an easy descent, which he walked down withhis arrow in his hand. At first he thought he was going into adark place, but presently a light quite different from that whichhe had quitted succeeded; and entering into a spacious square, he, to his surprise, beheld a magnificent palace, the admirablestructure of which he had not time to look at: for at the sameinstant, a lady of majestic air, and of a beauty to which therichness of her habit and the jewels which adorned her personadded no advantage, advanced, attended by a troop of ladies, orwhom it was difficult to distinguish which was the mistress, asall were so magnificently dressed. 

As soon as Ahmed perceived the lady, he hastened to pay hisrespects; and the lady seeing him coming, prevented him. Addressing him first, she said, "Come near, prince Ahmed, you arewelcome. "

It was with no small surprise that the prince heard himself namedin a palace he had never heard of, though so nigh to his father'scapital, and he could not comprehend how he should be known to alady who was a stranger to him. At last he returned the lady'scompliment, by throwing himself at her feet, and rising up, saidto her, "Lady, I return you a thousand thanks for the assuranceyou give me of welcome to a place where I had reason to believemy imprudent curiosity had made me penetrate too far. But may I, without being guilty of rudeness, presume to inquire by whatadventure you know me? and how you who live in the sameneighbourhood should be so little known by me?" "Prince, " saidthe lady, "let us go into the hall; there I will gratify you inyour request more commodiously for us both. "

After these words, the lady led prince Ahmed into the hall, thenoble structure of which, displaying the gold and azure whichembellished the dome, and the inestimable richness of thefurniture, appeared so great a novelty to him, that he could notforbear his admiration, but exclaimed, that he had never beheldits equal. "I can assure you, " replied the lady, "that this isbut a small part of my palace, as you will judge when you haveseen all the apartments. " She then sat down on a sofa; and whenthe prince at her entreaty had seated himself by her, shecontinued, "You are surprised, you say, that I know you, and amnot known by you; but you will be no longer surprised when Iinform you who I am. You cannot be ignorant, as the Koran informsyou, that the world is inhabited by genii as well as men: I amthe daughter of one of the most powerful and distinguished ofthese genii, and my name is Perie Banou; therefore you ought notto wonder that I know you, the sultan your father, the princesyour brothers, and the princess Nouronnihar. I am no stranger toyour loves or your travels, of which I could tell you all thecircumstances, since it was I myself who exposed to sale theartificial apple which you bought at Samarcand, the carpet whichprince Houssain purchased at Bisnagar, and the tube which princeAli brought from Sheerauz. This is sufficient to let you knowthat I am not unacquainted with every thing that relates to you. I have to add, that you seemed to me worthy of a more happy fatethan that of possessing the princess Nouronnihar; and that youmight attain to it, I was present when you drew your arrow, andforesaw it would not go beyond prince Houssain's. I seized it inthe air, and gave it the necessary motion to strike against therocks near which you found it. It is in your power to availyourself of the favourable opportunity which presents itself tomake you happy. "

As the fairy Perie Banou pronounced the last words with adifferent tone, and looked at the same time tenderly at theprince, with downcast eyes and a modest blush upon her cheeks, itwas not difficult for him to comprehend what happiness she meant. He reflected that the princess Nouronnihar could never be his, saw that Perie Banou excelled her infinitely in beauty andaccomplishments, and, as far as he could conjecture by themagnificence of the palace, in immense riches. He blessed themoment that he thought of seeking after his arrow a second time, and yielding to his inclination, which drew him towards the newobject which had fired his heart: he then replied, "Should I, allmy life, have the happiness of being your slave, and the admirerof the many charms which ravish my soul, I should think myselfthe happiest of men. Pardon the presumption which inspires me toask this favour, and do not refuse to admit into your court aprince who is entirely devoted to you. "

"Prince, " answered the fairy, "as I have been, long my ownmistress, and have no dependence on a parent's consent, it is notas a slave that I would admit you into my court, but as master ofmy person, and all that belongs to me, by pledging your faith tome, and taking me as your wife. I hope you will not think itindecorous, that I anticipate you in this proposal. I am, as Isaid, mistress of my will; and must add, that the same customsare not observed among fairies as with human-kind, in whom itwould not have been decent to have made such advances: but it iswhat we do, and we suppose we confer obligation by the practice. "

Ahmed made no answer to this declaration, but was so penetratedwith gratitude, that he thought he could not express it betterthan by prostration to kiss the hem of her garment; which shewould not give him time to do, but presented her hand, which hekissed a thousand times, and kept fast locked in his. "Well, prince Ahmed, " said she, "will you pledge your faith to me, as Ido mine to you?" "Yes, madam, " replied the prince, in an ecstacyof joy. "What can I do more fortunate for myself, or with greaterpleasure? Yes, my sultaness, I give it you with my heart withoutthe least reserve. " "Then, " answered the fairy, "you are myhusband, and I am your wife. Our fairy marriages are contractedwith no other ceremonies, and yet are more firm and indissolublethan those among men, with all their formalities. But as Isuppose, " pursued she, "that you have eaten nothing to-day, aslight repast shall be served up for you while preparations aremaking for our nuptial feast this evening, and then I will shewyou the apartments of my palace. "

Some of the fairy's women who came into the hall with them, andguessed her intentions, went immediately out, and returned withsome excellent viands and wines. 

When Ahmed had refreshed himself, the fairy led him through allthe apartments, where he saw diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and allsorts of fine jewels, intermixed with pearls, agate, jasper, porphyry, and all kinds of the most precious marbles; not tomention the richness of the furniture, which was inestimable; thewhole disposed in such elegant profusion, that the princeacknowledged there could not be any thing in the world equal toit. "Prince, " said the fairy, "if you admire my humble abode somuch, what would you say to the palaces of the chiefs of ourgenii, which are much more beautiful, spacious, and magnificent?I could also shew you my garden; but we will leave that tillanother time. Night draws near, and it will be time to go tosupper. "

The next hall which the fairy led the prince into, where thecloth was laid for the feast, was the only apartment he had notseen, and it was not in the least inferior to the others. At hisentrance, he admired the infinite number of wax candles perfumedwith amber, the multitude of which, instead of being confused, were placed with so just a symmetry, as to form an agreeable andpleasant light. A large beaufet was set out with all sorts ofgold plate, so finely wrought, that the workmanship was much morevaluable than the weight of the gold. Several bands of beautifulwomen richly dressed, and whose voices were ravishing, began aconcert, accompanied by the most harmonious instruments he hadever heard. When they were seated, the fairy took care to helpprince Ahmed to the most delicious meats, which she named as sheinvited him to eat of them, and which the prince had never heardof, but found so exquisite, that he commended them in the highestterms, saying, that the entertainment which she gave him farsurpassed those among men. He found also the same excellence inthe wines, which neither he nor the fairy tasted till the dessertwas served up, which consisted of the choicest sweetmeats andfruits. 

After the dessert, the fairy Perie Banou and prince Ahmed roseand repaired to a sofa, with cushions of fine silk, curiouslyembroidered with all sorts of large flowers, laid at their backs. Presently after a great number of genii and fairies danced beforethem to the chamber where the nuptial bed was prepared; and whenthey came to the entrance, divided themselves into two rows, tolet them pass, after which they made obeisance and retired. 

The nuptial festivity was renewed the next day; or rather, everyday following the celebration was a continued feast, which thefairy Perie Banou knew how to diversify, by new delicacies, newconcerts, new dances, new shows, and new diversions; which wereall so gratifying to his senses, that Ahmed, if he had lived athousand years among men, could not have experienced equalenjoyment. 

The fairy's intention was not only to give the prince convincingproofs of the sincerity of her love, by so many attentions; butto let him see, that as he had no pretensions at his father'scourt, he could meet with nothing comparable to the happiness heenjoyed with her, independently of her beauty and attractions, and to attach him entirely to herself. In this attempt shesucceeded so well, that Ahmed's passion was not in the leastdiminished by possession; but increased so much, that if he hadbeen so inclined, it was not in his power to forbear loving her. 

At the end of six months, prince Ahmed, who always loved andhonoured the sultan his father, felt a great desire to know howhe was; and as that desire could not be satisfied without hisabsenting himself, he mentioned his wish to the fairy, andrequested she would give him leave to visit the sultan. 

This request alarmed the fairy, and made her fear it was only anexcuse to leave her. She said to him, "What disgust can I havegiven to you to ask me this permission? Is it possible you shouldhave forgotten that you have pledged your faith to me, or haveyou ceased to love one who is so passionately fond of you? Arenot the proofs I have repeatedly given you of my affectionsufficient?"

"My queen, " replied the prince, "I am perfectly convinced of yourlove, and should be unworthy of it, if I did not testify mygratitude by a reciprocal affection. If you are offended at thepermission I solicit, I entreat you to forgive me, and I willmake all the reparation in my power. I did not make the requestwith any intention of displeasing you, but from a motive ofrespect towards my father, whom I wish to free from theaffliction in which my so long absence must have overwhelmed him, and which must be the greater, as, I have reason to presume, hebelieves that I am dead. But since you do not consent that Ishould go and afford him that comfort, I will deny myself thepleasure, as there is nothing to which I would not submit toplease you. "

Ahmed did not dissemble, for he loved her at heart as much as hehad assured her by this declaration; and the fairy expressed hersatisfaction. But as he could not absolutely abandon his design, he frequently took an opportunity to speak to her of the greatqualifications of the sultan his father: and above all, of hisparticular tenderness towards himself, in hopes he might atlength be able to move her. 

As the prince had supposed, the sultan of the Indies, in themidst of the rejoicings on account of the nuptials of prince Aliand the princess Nouronnihar, was sensibly afflicted at theabsence of the other two princes his sons, though it was not longbefore he was informed of the resolution Houssain had taken toforsake the world, and the place he had chosen for his retreat. As a good father, whose happiness consists in seeing his childrenabout him, especially when they are deserving of his tenderness, he would have been better pleased had he stayed at his court, near his person; but as he could not disapprove of his choice ofthe state of perfection which he had entered, he supported hisabsence more patiently. He made the most diligent search afterAhmed, and dispatched couriers to all the provinces of hisdominions, with orders to the governors to stop him, and obligehim to return to court: but all the pains he took had not thedesired success, and his affliction, instead of diminishing, increased. He would make it the subject of his conversation withhis grand vizier; and would say to him, "Vizier, thou knowest Ialways loved Ahmed the most of all my sons; and thou art notinsensible of the means I have in vain used to find him out. Mygrief is so heavy, I shall sink under it, if thou hast notcompassion on me; if thou hast any regard for the preservation ofmy life, I conjure thee to assist and advise me. "

The grand vizier, no less attached to the person of the sultanthan zealous to acquit himself well of the administration of theaffairs of state, considering how to give his sovereign someease, recollected a sorceress, of whom he had heard wonders, andproposed to send for and consult her. The sultan consented, andthe grand vizier, upon her arrival, introduced her into thepresence. 

The sultan said to the sorceress, "The affliction I have been insince the marriage of my son prince Ali to the princessNouronnihar, my niece, on account of the absence of prince Ahmed, is so well known, and so public, that thou canst be no strangerto it. By thy art and skill canst thou tell me what is become ofhim? If he be alive, where he is? what he is doing? and if I mayhope ever to see him again?" To this the sorceress replied, "Itis impossible, sir, for me, however skilful in my profession, toanswer immediately the questions your majesty asks; but if youallow me till to-morrow, I will endeavour to satisfy you. " Thesultan granted her the time, and permitted her to retire, with apromise to recompense her munificently, if her answer provedagreeable to his hopes. 

The sorceress returned the next day, and the grand vizierpresented her a second time to the sultan. "Sir, " said she, "notwithstanding all the diligence I have used in applying therules of my art to obey your majesty in what you desire to know, I have not been able to discover any thing more than that princeAhmed is alive. This is certain, and you may depend upon it; butas to where he is I cannot discover. "

The sultan of the Indies was obliged to remain satisfied withthis answer; which left him in the same uneasiness as before asto the prince's situation. 

To return to prince Ahmed. He so often entertained the fairyPerie Banou with talking about his father, though withoutspeaking any more of his desire to visit him, that she fullycomprehended what he meant; and perceiving the restraint he putupon himself, and his fear of displeasing her after her firstrefusal, she inferred, from the repeated proofs he had given her, that his love for her was sincere; and judging by herself of theinjustice she committed in opposing a son's tenderness for hisfather, and endeavouring to make him renounce that naturalaffection, she resolved to grant him the permission which she knewhe so ardently desired. One day she said to him, "Prince, therequest you made to be allowed to go and see the sultan yourfather gave me apprehension that it was only a pretext to concealinconstancy, and that was the sole motive of my refusal; but now, as I am fully convinced by your actions and words that I candepend on your honour and the fidelity of your love, I change myresolution, and grant you the permission you seek, on conditionthat you will first swear to me that your absence shall not belong. You ought not to be uneasy at this condition, as if I askedit out of distrust. I impose it only because I know that it willgive you no concern, convinced, as I have already told you I am, of the sincerity of your love. "

Prince Ahmed would have thrown himself at the fairy's feet toshew his gratitude, but she prevented him. "My sultaness, " saidhe, "I am sensible of the great favour you grant me; but wantwords to express my thanks. Supply this defect, I conjure you, byyour own feelings, and be persuaded I think much more. You maybelieve that the oath will give me no uneasiness, and I take itmore willingly, since it is not possible for me to live withoutyou. I go, but the haste I will make to return shall shew you, that it is not the fear of being foresworn, but my inclination, which is to live with you for ever, that urges me; and if withyour consent I now and then deprive myself of your society, Ishall always avoid the pain a too long absence would occasionme. "

"Prince, " replied Perie Banou, delighted with his sentiments, "gowhen you please; but do not take it amiss that I give you someadvice how you shall conduct yourself. First, I do not think itproper for you to inform your father of our marriage, neither ofmy quality, nor the place of our residence. Beg of him to besatisfied with knowing that you are happy, that you want nothingfrom him, and let him know that the sole end of your visit is tomake him easy respecting your fate. "

Perie Banou then appointed twenty horsemen, well mounted andequipped, to attend him. When all was ready, prince Ahmed tookhis leave of the fairy, embraced her, and renewed his promise toreturn soon. A charger, which was most richly caparisoned, and asbeautiful a creature as any in the sultan of the Indies' stables, was brought to him, which he mounted with extraordinary grace, which gave great pleasure to the fairy; and after he had biddenher adieu, he set forward on his journey. 

As it was no great distance to his father's capital, prince Ahmedsoon arrived there. The people, rejoiced to see him again, received him with acclamations, and followed him in crowds to thepalace. The sultan received and embraced him with great joy;complaining at the same time, with a fatherly tenderness, of theaffliction his long absence had occasioned; which, he said, wasthe more distressing, as fortune having decided in favour ofprince Ali his brother, he was afraid he might have committedsome act of despair. 

"Sir, " replied prince Ahmed, "I leave it to your majesty toconsider, if after having lost the princess Nouronnihar, who wasthe only object of my desires, I could bear to be a witness ofAli's happiness. If I had been capable of such unworthy apathy, what would the court and city have thought of my love, or whatyour majesty? Love is a passion we cannot suppress at our will;while it lasts, it rules and governs us in spite of our boastedreason. Your majesty knows, that when I shot my arrow, the mostextraordinary accident that ever befell mortal happened to me, for surely it was such, that in so large and level a plain asthat where the horses are exercised, it should not be possible tofind my arrow. I lost your decision in my favour, which was asmuch due to my love, as to that of the princes my brothers. Though thus vanquished by the caprice of fate, I lost no time invain complaints; but to satisfy my perplexed mind, upon what Icould not comprehend, I left my attendants, and returned alone tolook for my arrow. I sought all about the place where Houssain'sand Ali's arrows were found, and where I imagined mine must havefallen, but all my labour was in vain. I was not discouraged, butcontinued my search in a direct line, and after this manner hadgone above a league, without being able to meet with any thinglike an arrow, when I reflected that it was not possible thatmine should have flown so far. I stopped, and asked myselfwhether I was in my right senses, to flatter myself with havinghad strength to shoot an arrow so much farther than any of thestrongest archers in the world were able to do. After I hadargued thus with myself, I was ready to abandon my enterprise;but when on the point of putting my resolution in execution, Ifound myself drawn forward against my will; and after having gonefour leagues, to that part of the plain where it is bounded byrocks, I perceived an arrow. I ran, took it up, and knew it to bethe same which I had shot. Far from thinking your majesty haddone me any injustice in declaring for my brother Ali, Iinterpreted what had happened to me quite otherwise, and neverdoubted there was a mystery in it to my advantage; the discoveryof which I ought not to neglect, and which I found out withoutgoing from the spot. But as to this mystery I beg your majestywill not be offended if I remain silent, and that you will besatisfied to know from my own mouth that I am happy, and contentwith my fate. 

"In the midst of my happiness, the only thing that troubled me, or was capable of disturbing me, was the uneasiness I feared yourmajesty would experience on account of my leaving the court, andyour not knowing what was become of me. I thought it my duty tosatisfy you in this point. This was the only motive which broughtme hither; the only favour I ask of your majesty is to give meleave to come occasionally to pay you my duty, and inquire afteryour health. "

"Son, " answered the sultan of the Indies, "I cannot refuse youthe permission you ask, but I should much rather you wouldresolve to stay with me. At least tell me where I may hear ofyou, if you should fail to come, or when I may think yourpresence necessary. " "Sir, " replied the prince, "what yourmajesty requires is part of the mystery I spoke of. I beg of youto allow me to remain silent on this head; for I shall come sofrequently where my duty calls, that I am afraid I shall soonerbe thought troublesome than be accused of negligence, when mypresence may be necessary. "

The sultan of the Indies pressed Ahmed no more, but said to him, "Son, I wish to penetrate no farther into your secrets, but leaveyou at your liberty. I can only tell you, that you could not havedone me greater pleasure than by your presence, having restoredto me the joy I have not felt for a long time; and that you shallalways be welcome when you can come, without interrupting yourbusiness or your pleasure. "

Prince Ahmed stayed but three days at his father's court, and onthe fourth returned to the fairy Perie Banou, who received himwith the greater joy, as she did not expect him so soon. Hisexpedition made her condemn herself for suspecting his want offidelity. She never dissembled, but frankly owned her weakness tothe prince, and asked his pardon. So perfect was the union of thetwo lovers, that they had but one will. 

A month after prince Ahmed's return from visiting his father, asthe fairy had observed that since the time when he gave her anaccount of his journey, and his conversation with his father, inwhich he asked his permission to come and see him from time totime, he had never spoken of the sultan, whereas before he wasfrequently mentioning him, she thought he forebore on heraccount, and therefore took an opportunity to say to him one day, "Tell me, prince, have you forgotten the sultan your father? Donot you remember the promise you made to pay your duty to himoccasionally? I have not forgotten what you told me at yourreturn, and put you in mind of it, that you may acquit yourselfof your promise when you may feel inclined. "

"Madam, " replied Ahmed, with equal animation, "as I know I am notguilty of the forgetfulness you lay to my charge, I rather choose tobe thus reproached, however undeservedly, than expose myself to arefusal, by manifesting a desire for what it might have given you painto grant. " "Prince, " said the fairy, "I would not have you in thisaffair have so much consideration for me, since it is a month sinceyou have seen the sultan your father. I think you should not be longerin renewing your visits. Pay him one to-morrow, and after that, go andvisit once a month, without speaking to me, or waiting for mypermission. I readily consent to such an arrangement. "

Prince Ahmed went the next morning with the same attendants asbefore, but much more magnificently mounted, equipped, anddressed, and was received by the sultan with the same joy andsatisfaction. For several months he constantly paid him visits, and always in a richer and more brilliant equipage. 

At last the sultan's favourites, who judged of prince Ahmed'spower by the splendour of his appearance, abused the privilegethe sultan accorded them of speaking to him with freedom, to makehim jealous of his son. They represented that it was but commonprudence to discover where the prince had retired, and how hecould afford to live so magnificently, since he had no revenueassigned for his expenses; that he seemed to come to court onlyto insult him, by affecting to shew that he wanted nothing fromhis father to enable him to live like a prince; and that it wasto be feared he might court the people's favour and dethrone him. 

The sultan of the Indies was so far from thinking that princeAhmed could be capable of so wicked a design, that he said tothem in displeasure, "You are mistaken, my son loves me, and I amthe more assured of his tenderness and fidelity, as I have givenhim no reason to be disgusted. "

At these words, one of the favourites took an opportunity to say, "Your majesty, in the opinion of the most sensible people, couldnot have taken a better method than you did with the threeprinces, respecting their marriage with the princess Nouronnihar;but who knows whether prince Ahmed has submitted to his fate withthe same resignation as prince Houssain? May not he imagine thathe alone deserved her; and that your majesty, by leaving thematch to be decided by chance, has done him injustice?

"Your majesty may say, " added the malicious favourite, "thatprince Ahmed has manifested no appearance of dissatisfaction;that our fears are vain; that we are too easily alarmed, and areto blame in suggesting to you suspicions of this kind, which may, perhaps, be unfounded, against a prince of your blood. But, sir, "pursued the favourite, "it may be also, that these suspicions arewell grounded. Your majesty must be sensible, that in so nice andimportant an affair you cannot be too much on your guard, andshould take the safest course. Consider, it is the prince'sinterest to dissemble, amuse, and deceive you; and the danger isthe greater, as he resides not far from your capital; and if yourmajesty give but the same attention that we do, you may observethat every time he comes his attendants are different, theirhabits new, and their arms clean and bright, as if just come fromthe maker's hands; and their horses look as if they had only beenwalked out. These are sufficient proofs that prince Ahmed doesnot travel far, so that we should think ourselves wanting in ourduty did we not make our humble remonstrances, in order that, foryour own preservation and the good of your people, your majestymay take such measures as you shall think advisable. "

When the favourite had concluded these insinuations, the sultansaid, "I do not believe my son Ahmed is so wicked as you wouldpersuade me he is; however, I am obliged to you for your advice, and do not doubt that it proceeds from good intention and loyaltyto my person. "

The sultan of the Indies said this, that his favourites might notknow the impressions their observations had made on his mind. Hewas, however, so much alarmed by them, that he resolved to haveprince Ahmed watched, unknown to his grand vizier. For this endhe sent for the sorceress, who was introduced by a private doorinto his closet. "You told me the truth, " said he, "when youassured me my son Ahmed was alive, for which I am obliged to you. You must do me another kindness. I have seen him since, and hecomes to my court every month; but I cannot learn from him wherehe resides, and do not wish to force his secret from him; butbelieve you are capable of satisfying my curiosity, withoutletting him, or any of my court, know any thing of the discovery. You know that he is at this time with me, and usually departswithout taking leave of me, or any of my court. Place yourselfimmediately upon the road, and watch him so as to find out wherehe retires, and bring me information. "

The sorceress left the sultan, and knowing the place where princeAhmed had found his arrow, went immediately thither, andconcealed herself near the rocks, so as not to be seen. 

The next morning prince Ahmed set out by daybreak, without takingleave either of the sultan or any of his court, according tocustom. The sorceress seeing him coming, followed him with hereyes, till suddenly she lost sight of him and his attendants. 

The steepness of the rocks formed an insurmountable barrier tomen, whether on horseback or on foot, so that the sorceressjudged that the prince retired either into some cavern, or somesubterraneous place, the abode of genies or fairies. When shethought the prince and his attendants must have far advanced intowhatever concealment they inhabited, she came out of the placewhere she had hidden herself, and explored the hollow way whereshe had lost sight of them. She entered it, and proceeding to thespot where it terminated after many windings, looked carefully onall sides. But notwithstanding all her acuteness she couldperceive no opening, nor the iron gate which prince Ahmed haddiscovered. For this door was to be seen by or opened to none butmen, and only to those whose presence was agreeable to the fairyPerie Banou, but not at all to women. 

The sorceress, who saw it was in vain for her to search anyfarther, was obliged to be satisfied with the insufficientdiscovery she had made, and returned to communicate it to thesultan. When she had told him what she had explored, she added, "Your majesty may easily understand, after what I have had thehonour to tell you, that it will be no difficult matter to obtainyou the satisfaction you desire concerning prince Ahmed'sconduct. To do this, I only ask time, that you will havepatience, and give me leave to act, without inquiring whatmeasures I design to take. "

The sultan was pleased with the conduct of the sorceress, andsaid to her, "Do you as you think fit; I will wait patiently theevent of your promises:" and to encourage her, he presented herwith a diamond of great value, telling her, it was only anearnest of the ample recompense she should receive when sheshould have performed the important service which he left to hermanagement. 

As prince Ahmed, after he had obtained the fairy Perie Banou'sleave, never failed once a month to visit his father, thesorceress knowing the time, went a day or two before to the footof the rock where she had lost sight of him and his attendants, and waited there to execute the project she had formed. 

The next morning prince Ahmed went out as usual at the iron gate, with the same attendants as before, passed the sorceress, andseeing her lie with her head on the rock, complaining as if shewas in great pain, he pitied her, turned his horse, and askedwhat he could do to relieve her?

The artful sorceress, without lifting up her head, looked at theprince in such a manner as to increase his compassion, andanswered in broken accents and sighs, as if she could hardlybreathe, that she was going to the city; but in the way was takenwith so violent a fever, that her strength failed her, and shewas forced to stop and lie down where he saw her, far from anyhabitation, and without any hopes of assistance. 

"Good woman, " replied the prince, "you are not so far from helpas you imagine. I will assist you, and convey you where you shallnot only have all possible care taken of you, but where you willfind a speedy cure: rise, and let one of my people take youbehind him. "

At these words, the sorceress, who pretended sickness only toexplore where the prince resided, and his situation, did notrefuse the charitable offer, and to shew her acceptance rather byher actions than her words, made many affected efforts to rise, pretending that the violence of her illness prevented her. At thesame time, two of the prince's attendants alighting, helped herup, and placed her behind another. They mounted their horsesagain, and followed the prince, who turned back to the iron gate, which was opened by one of his retinue. When he came into theoutward court of the fairy's palace, without dismounting himself, he sent to tell her he wanted to speak with her. 

The fairy came with all imaginable haste, not knowing what hadmade prince Ahmed return so soon; who, not giving her time toask, said, "My princess, I desire you would have compassion onthis good woman, " pointing to the sorceress, who was taken offthe horse by two of his retinue; "I found her in the conditionyou see her, and promised her the assistance she requires. Irecommend her to your care, and am persuaded that you, frominclination, as well as my request, will not abandon her. "

The fairy, who had her eyes fixed on the pretended sick woman allthe time the prince was speaking, ordered two of her women totake her from the men who supported her, conduct her into anapartment of the palace, and take as much care of her as theywould of herself. 

Whilst the two women were executing the fairy's commands, shewent up to prince Ahmed, and whispering him in the ear, said, "Prince, I commend your compassion, which is worthy of you andyour birth. I take great pleasure in gratifying your goodintention; but permit me to tell you I am afraid it will be butill rewarded. This woman is not so sick as she pretends to be;and I am much mistaken if she is not sent hither on purpose tooccasion you great trouble. But do not be concerned, let whatwill be devised against you; be persuaded that I will deliver youout of all the snares that shall be laid for you. Go and pursueyour journey. "

This address of the fairy's did not in the least alarm princeAhmed. "My princess, " said he, "as I do not remember I ever did, or designed to do, any body injury, I cannot believe any one canhave a thought of injuring me; but if they have, I shall notforbear doing good whenever I have an opportunity. " So saying, hetook leave of the fairy, and set forward again for his father'scapital, where he soon arrived, and was received as usual by thesultan, who constrained himself as much as possible, to disguisethe anxiety arising from the suspicions suggested by hisfavourites. 

In the mean time, the two women to whom Perie Banou had given herorders conveyed the sorceress into an elegant apartment, richlyfurnished. They first set her down upon a sofa, with her backsupported by a cushion of gold brocade, while they made a bed onthe same sofa, the quilt of which was finely embroidered withsilk, the sheets of the finest linen, and the coverlid cloth ofgold. When they had put her into bed (for the old sorceresspretended that her fever was so violent she could not helpherself in the least), one of the women went out, and returnedsoon with a china cup in her hand, full of a certain liquor, which she presented to the sorceress, while the other helped herto sit up. "Drink this, " said the attendant, "it is the water ofthe fountain of lions, and a sovereign remedy against fevers. Youwill find the effect of it in less than an hour's time. "

The sorceress, the better to dissemble, took it, after a greatdeal of entreaty, as if she did it with reluctance. When she waslaid down again, the two women covered her up: "Lie quiet, " saidshe, who brought her the china cup, "and get a little sleep, ifyou can: we will leave you, and hope to find you perfectlyrecovered when we return an hour hence. "

The sorceress, who came not to act a sick part long, but todiscover prince Ahmed's retreat, being fully satisfied in whatshe wanted to know, would willingly have declared that the potionhad then had its effect, so great was her desire to return to thesultan, to inform him of the success of her commission: but asshe had been told that the potion did not operate immediately, she was forced to wait the women's return. 

The two women came again at the time they had mentioned, andfound the sorceress seated on the sofa; who, when she saw themopen the door of the apartment, cried out, "O the admirablepotion! it has wrought its cure much sooner than you told me itwould, and I have waited with impatience to desire you to conductme to your charitable mistress, to thank her for her kindness, for which I shall always feel obliged; but being thus cured as bya miracle, I would not lose time, but prosecute my journey. "

The two women, who were fairies as well as their mistress, afterthey had told the sorceress how glad they were that she was curedso soon, walked before her, and conducted her through severalapartments, all more superb than that wherein she had lain, intoa large hall, the most richly and magnificently furnished of allthe palace. 

Perie Banou was seated in this hall, upon a throne of massivegold, enriched with diamonds, rubies, and pearls of anextraordinary size, and attended on each hand by a great numberof beautiful fairies, all richly dressed. At the sight of so muchsplendour, the sorceress was not only dazzled, but so struck, that after she had prostrated herself before the throne, shecould not open her lips to thank the fairy, as she had proposed. However, Perie Banou saved her the trouble, and said, "Goodwoman, I am glad I had an opportunity to oblige you, and that youare able to pursue your journey. I will not detain you; butperhaps you may not be displeased to see my palace: follow mywomen, and they will shew it you. "

The old sorceress, who had not power nor courage to say a word, prostrated herself a second time, with her head on the carpetthat covered the foot of the throne, took her leave, and wasconducted by the two fairies through the same apartments whichwere shewn to prince Ahmed at his first arrival, and at sight oftheir uncommon magnificence she made frequent exclamations. Butwhat surprised her most of all was, that the two fairies toldher, that all she saw and so much admired was a mere sketch oftheir mistress's grandeur and riches; for that in the extent ofher dominions she had so many palaces that they could not tellthe number of them, all of different plans and architecture, butequally magnificent. In speaking of many other particulars, theyled her at last to the iron gate at which prince Ahmed hadbrought her in; and after she had taken her leave of them, andthanked them for their trouble, they opened it, and wished her agood journey. 

After the sorceress had gone a little way, she turned to observethe door, that she might know it again, but all in vain; for, aswas before observed, it was invisible to her and all other women. Except in this circumstance, she was very well satisfied with hersuccess, and posted away to the sultan. When she came to thecapital, she went by many by-ways to the private door of thepalace. The sultan being informed of her arrival, sent for herinto his apartment, and perceiving a melancholy hang upon hercountenance, thought she had not succeeded, and said to her, "Byyour looks, I guess that your journey has been to no purpose, andthat you have not made the discovery I expected from yourdiligence. " "Sir, " replied the sorceress, "your majesty must giveme leave to represent that you ought not to judge by my lookswhether or no I have acquitted myself well in the execution ofthe commands you were pleased to honour me with; but by thefaithful report I shall make you of all that has happened to me, and by which you will find that I have not neglected any thingthat could render me worthy of your approbation. The melancholyyou observe proceeds from another cause than the want of success, which I hope your majesty will have ample reason to be satisfiedwith. I do not tell you the cause; the relation I shall give willinform you. "

The sorceress now related to the sultan of the Indies how, pretending to be sick, prince Ahmed compassionating her, had hercarried into a subterraneous abode, and presented and recommendedher to a fairy of incomparable beauty, desiring her by her careto restore her health. She then told him with how muchcondescension the fairy had immediately ordered two women to takecare of her, and not to leave her till she was recovered; whichgreat condescension, said she, could proceed from no otherfemale, but from a wife to a husband. Afterwards the oldsorceress failed not to dwell on her surprise at the front of thepalace, which she said had not its equal for magnificence in theworld. She gave a particular account of the care they took ofher, after they had led her into an apartment; of the potion theymade her drink, and of the quickness of her cure; which she hadpretended as well as her sickness, though she doubted not thevirtue of the draught; the majesty of the fairy seated on athrone, brilliant with jewels, the value of which exceeded allthe riches of the kingdom of the Indies, and all the othertreasures beyond computation contained in that vast palace. 

Here the sorceress finishing the relation of the success of hercommission, and continuing her discourse, said, "What does yourmajesty think of these unheard-of riches of the fairy? Perhapsyou will say, you are struck with admiration, and rejoice at thegood fortune of prince Ahmed your son, who enjoys them in commonwith the fairy. For my part, sir, I beg of your majesty toforgive me if I take the liberty to say that I think otherwise, and that I shudder when I consider the misfortunes which mayhappen to you from his present situation. And this is the causeof the melancholy which I could not so well dissemble, but thatyou soon perceived it. I would believe that prince Ahmed, by hisown good disposition, is incapable of undertaking anythingagainst your majesty; but who can answer that the fairy, by herattractions and caresses, and the influence she has over him, maynot inspire him with the unnatural design of dethroning yourmajesty, and seizing the crown of the Indies? This is what yourmajesty ought to consider as of the utmost importance. "

Though the sultan of the Indies was persuaded that prince Ahmed'snatural disposition was good, yet he could not help being movedat the representations of the old sorceress, and said, "I thankyou for the pains you have taken, and your wholesome caution. Iam so sensible of its great importance that I shall take adviceupon it. "

He was consulting with his favourites, when he was told of thesorceress's arrival. He ordered her to follow him to them. Heacquainted them with what he had learnt, communicated to them thereason he had to fear the fairy's influence over the prince, andasked them what measures they thought most proper to be taken toprevent so great a misfortune as might possibly happen. One ofthe favourites, taking upon himself to speak for the rest, said, "Your majesty knows who must be the author of this mischief. Inorder to prevent it, now he is in your court, and in your power, you ought not to hesitate to put him under arrest; I will not saytake away his life, for that would make too much noise; but makehim a close prisoner. " This advice all the other favouritesunanimously applauded. 

The sorceress, who thought it too violent, asked the sultan leaveto speak, which being granted, she said, "I am persuaded it isthe zeal of your counsellors for your majesty's interest thatmakes them propose arresting prince Ahmed. But they will not takeit amiss if I offer to your and their consideration, that if youarrest the prince you must also detain his retinue. But they areall genies. Do they think it will be so easy to surprise, seize, and secure their persons? will they not disappear, by theproperty they possess of rendering themselves invisible, andtransport themselves instantly to the fairy, and give her anaccount of the insult offered her husband? And can it be supposedshe will let it go unrevenged? Would it not be better, if by anyother means which might not make so great a noise, the sultancould secure himself against any ill designs prince Ahmed mayhave, and not involve his majesty's honour? If his majesty hasany confidence in my advice, as genies and fairies can do thingsimpracticable to men, he will rather trust prince Ahmed's honour, and engage him by means of the fairy to procure certainadvantages, by flattering his ambition, and at the same timenarrowly watching him. For example; every time your majesty takesthe field, you are obliged to be at a great expense, not only inpavilions and tents for yourself and army, but likewise in mulesand camels, and other beasts of burden, to carry their baggage. Request the prince to procure you a tent, which can be carried ina man's hand, but so large as to shelter your whole army. 

"I need say no more to your majesty. If the prince brings such atent, you may make other demands of the same nature, so that atlast he may sink under the difficulties and the impossibility ofexecuting them, however fertile in means and inventions thefairy, who has enticed him from you by her enchantments, may be;so that in time he will be ashamed to appear, and will be forcedto pass the rest of his life with the fairy, excluded from anycommerce with this world; when your majesty will have nothing tofear from him, and cannot be reproached with so detestable anaction as the shedding of a son's blood, or confining him forlife in a prison. "

When the sorceress had finished her speech, the sultan asked hisfavourites if they had any thing better to propose; and findingthem all silent, determined to follow her advice, as the mostreasonable and most agreeable to his mild manner of government. 

The next day when the prince came into his father's presence, whowas talking with his favourites, and had sat down by him, after aconversation on different subjects, the sultan, addressinghimself to prince Ahmed, said, "Son, when you came and dispelledthose clouds of melancholy which your long absence had broughtupon me, you made the place you had chosen for your retreat amastery. I was satisfied with seeing you again, and knowing thatyou were content with your condition, sought not to penetrateinto your secret, which I found you did not wish I should. I knownot what reason you had thus to treat a father, who ever was andstill continues anxious for your happiness. I now know your goodfortune. I rejoice with you, and much approve of your conduct inmarrying a fairy so worthy of your love, and so rich and powerfulas I am informed she is. Powerful as I am, it was not possiblefor me to have procured for you so great a match. Now you areraised to so high a rank, as to be envied by all but a father, Inot only desire to preserve the good understanding which hashitherto subsisted between us, but request that you will use yourinfluence with your wife, to obtain her assistance when I maywant it. I will therefore make a trial of your interest this day. 

"You are not insensible at what a great expense, not to saytrouble to my generals, officers, and myself, every time I takethe field, they provide tents, mules, camels, and other beasts ofburden, to carry them. If you consider the pleasure you would dome, I am persuaded you could easily procure from the fairy apavilion that might be carried in a man's hand, and which wouldextend over my whole army; especially when you let her know it isfor me. Though it may be a difficult thing to procure, she willnot refuse you. All the world knows fairies are capable ofexecuting most extraordinary undertakings. "

Prince Ahmed never expected that the sultan his father would havemade a demand like this, which appeared to him so difficult, notto say impossible. Though he knew not absolutely how great thepower of genii and fairies was, he doubted whether it extended sofar as to furnish such a tent as his father desired. Moreover, hehad never asked any thing of the fairy Perie Banou, but wassatisfied with the continual proofs she had given him of herpassion, and had neglected nothing to persuade her that his heartperfectly corresponded without any views beyond maintaininghimself in her good graces: he was therefore in the greatestembarrassment what answer to make. At last he replied, "If, sir, I have concealed from your majesty what has happened to me, andwhat course I took after finding my arrow, the reason was, that Ithought it of no great importance to you to be informed of suchcircumstances; and though I know not how this mystery has beenrevealed to you, I cannot deny but your information is correct. Ihave married the fairy you speak of. I love her, and am persuadedshe loves me in return. But I can say nothing as to the influenceyour majesty believes I have over her. It is what I have not yetproved, nor thought of trying, but could wish you would dispensewith my making the experiment, and let me enjoy the happiness ofloving and being beloved, with all that disinterestedness I hadproposed to myself. However, the demand of a father is a commandupon every child, who, like me, thinks it his duty to obey him inevery thing. And though it is with the greatest reluctance, Iwill not fail to ask my wife the favour your majesty desires, butcannot promise you to obtain it; and if I should not have thehonour to come again to pay you my respects, it will be the signthat I have not been able to succeed in my request: butbeforehand, I desire you to forgive me, and consider that youyourself have reduced me to this extremity. "

"Son, " replied the sultan of the Indies, "I should be sorry thatwhat I ask should oblige you to deprive me of the gratificationof seeing you as usual. I find you do not know the power ahusband has over a wife; and yours would shew that her love toyou was very slight, if, with the power she possesses as a fairy, she should refuse so trifling a request as that I have begged youto make. Lay aside your fears, which proceed from your believingyourself not to be loved so well as you love her. Go; only askher. You will find the fairy loves you better than you imagine;and remember that people, for want of requesting, often losegreat advantages. Think with yourself, that as you love her, youcould refuse her nothing; therefore, if she loves you, she willnot deny your requests. "

All these representations of the sultan of the Indies could notsatisfy prince Ahmed, who would rather he had asked anything elsethan, as he supposed, what must expose him to the hazard ofdispleasing his beloved Perie Banou; and so great was hisvexation that he left the court two days sooner than he used todo. 

When he returned, the fairy, to whom he always before hadappeared with a gay countenance, asked him the cause of thealteration she perceived in his looks; and finding that insteadof answering he inquired after her health, to avoid satisfyingher, she said to him, "I will answer your question when you haveanswered mine. " The prince declined a long time, protesting thatnothing was the matter with him; but the more he denied the moreshe pressed him, and said, "I cannot bear to see you thus: tellme what makes you uneasy, that I may remove the cause, whateverit may be; for it must be very extraordinary if it is out of mypower, unless it be the death of the sultan your father; in thatcase, time, with all that I will contribute on my part, can alonecomfort you. "

Prince Ahmed could not long withstand the pressing instances ofthe fairy. "Madam, " said he, "God prolong the sultan my father'slife, and bless him to the end of his days. I left him alive andin perfect health; therefore that is not the cause of themelancholy you perceive in me. The sultan, however, is theoccasion of it, and I am the more concerned because he hasimposed upon me the disagreeable necessity of importuning you. You know the care I have at your desire taken to conceal from himthe happiness I have enjoyed in living with you, and of havingreceived the pledge of your faith after having pledged my love toyou. How he has been informed of it I cannot tell. "

Here the fairy interrupted prince Ahmed, and said, "But I know. Remember what I told you of the woman who made you believe shewas sick, on whom you took so much compassion. It is she who hasacquainted your father with what you have taken so much care tohide from him. I told you that she was no more sick than you orI, and she has made it appear so; for, in short, after the twowomen, whom I charged to take care of her, had given her thewater sovereign against all fevers, but which however she had nooccasion for, she pretended that it had cured her, and wasbrought to take her leave of me that she might go the sooner togive an account of the success of her undertaking. She was in somuch haste, that she would have gone away without seeing mypalace if I had not, by bidding my two women shew it her, givenher to understand that it was worth her seeing. But proceed andtell me what is the necessity your father has imposed on you tobe so importunate, which, be persuaded, however, you can never beto your affectionate wife. "

"Madam, " pursued prince Ahmed, "you may have observed thathitherto I have been content with your love, and have never askedyou any other favour: for what, after the possession of soamiable a wife, can I desire more? I know how great your poweris, but I have taken care not to make proof of it to pleasemyself. Consider then, I conjure you, that it is not myself, butthe sultan my father, who, indiscreetly as I think, asks of you apavilion large enough to shelter him, his court, and army, fromthe violence of the weather, when he takes the field, and which aman may carry in his hand. Once more remember it is not I, butthe sultan my father who asks this favour. "

"Prince, " replied the fairy smiling, "I am sorry that so triflinga matter should disturb and make you so uneasy as you appear. Isee plainly two things have contributed towards it: one is, thelaw you have imposed on yourself, to be content with loving me, being beloved by me, and deny yourself the liberty of solicitingthe least favour that might try my power. The other, I do notdoubt, whatever you may say, was, that you thought that what yourfather asked was out of my power. As to the first, I commend you, and shall love you the better, if possible, for it; and for thesecond, I must tell you that what the sultan your father requestsis a trifle; as upon occasion I can do him more importantservice. Therefore be easy in your mind, and persuaded that farfrom thinking myself importuned I shall always take real pleasurein performing whatever you can desire. " Perie Banou then sent forher treasurer, to whom, when she came, she said, "Noor-Jehaun"(which was her name), "bring me the largest pavilion in mytreasury. " Noor-Jehaun returned presently with a pavilion, whichcould not only be held, but concealed in the palm of the hand, when it was closed, and presented it to her mistress, who gave itprince Ahmed to look at. 

When prince Ahmed saw the pavilion, which the fairy called thelargest in her treasury, he fancied she had a mind to banter him, and his surprise soon appeared in his countenance; which PerieBanou perceiving, she burst out a laughing. "What! prince, " criedshe, "do you think I jest with you? You will see that I am inearnest. Noor-Jehaun, " said she to her treasurer, taking the tentout of prince Ahmed's hands, "go and set it up, that he may judgewhether the sultan his father will think it large enough. "

The treasurer went out immediately with it from the palace, andcarried it to such a distance, that when she had set it up, oneend reached to the palace. The prince, so far from thinking itsmall, found it large enough to shelter two armies as numerous asthat of the sultan his father; and then said to Perie Banou, "Iask my princess a thousand pardons for my incredulity: after whatI have seen, I believe there is nothing impossible to you. " "Yousee, " said the fairy, "that the pavilion is larger than yourfather may have occasion for; but you are to observe that it hasone property, that it becomes larger or smaller, according to theextent of the army it is to cover, without applying any hands toit. "

The treasurer took down the tent again, reduced it to its firstsize, brought it and put it into the prince's hands. He took it, and without staying longer than till the next day, mounted hishorse, and went with the usual attendants to the sultan hisfather. 

The sultan, who was persuaded that such a tent as he had askedfor was beyond all possibility, was in great surprise at theprince's speedy return. He took the tent, but after he hadadmired its smallness, his amazement was so great that he couldnot recover himself when he had set it up in the great plainbefore-mentioned, and found it large enough to shelter an armytwice as large as he could bring into the field. Regarding thisexcess in its dimension as what might be troublesome in the use, prince Ahmed told him that its size would always beproportionable to his army. 

To outward appearance the sultan expressed great obligation tothe prince for so noble a present, desiring him to return histhanks to the fairy; and to shew what a value he set upon it, ordered it to be carefully laid up in his treasury. But withinhimself he felt greater jealousy than his flatterers and thesorceress had suggested to him; considering, that by the fairy'sassistance the prince his son might perform things infinitelyabove his own power, notwithstanding his greatness and riches;therefore, more intent upon his ruin, he went to consult thesorceress again, who advised him to engage the prince to bringhim some of the water of the fountain of lions. 

In the evening, when the sultan was surrounded as usual by allhis court, and the prince came to pay his respects among therest, he addressed himself to him in these words: "Son, I havealready expressed to you how much I am obliged for the present ofthe tent you have procured me, which I esteem the most valuablecuriosity in my treasury: but you must do one thing more, whichwill be no less agreeable to me. I am informed that the fairyyour spouse makes use of a certain water, called the water of thefountain of lions, which cures all sorts of fevers, even the mostdangerous; and as I am perfectly well persuaded my health is dearto you, I do not doubt but you will ask her for a bottle of thatwater, and bring it me as a sovereign remedy, which I may use asI have occasion. Do me this important service, and complete theduty of a good son towards a tender father. "

Prince Ahmed, who believed that the sultan his father would havebeen satisfied with so singular and useful a tent as that whichhe had brought, and that he would not have imposed any new taskupon him which might hazard the fairy's displeasure, wasthunderstruck at this new request, notwithstanding the assuranceshe had given him of granting him whatever lay in her power. After a long silence, he said, "I beg of your majesty to beassured, that there is nothing I would not undertake to procurewhich may contribute to the prolonging of your life, but I couldwish it might not be by the means of my wife. For this reason Idare not promise to bring the water. All I can do is, to assureyou I will request it of her; but it will be with as greatreluctance as I asked for the tent. "

The next morning prince Ahmed returned to the fairy Perie Banou, and related to her sincerely and faithfully all that had passedat his father's court from the giving of the tent, which he toldher he received with the utmost gratitude, to the new request hehad charged him to make. He added: "But, my princess, I only tellyou this as a plain account of what passed between me and myfather. I leave you to your own pleasure, whether you willgratify or reject this his new desire. It shall be as youplease. "

"No, no, " replied the fairy, "I am glad that the sultan of theIndies knows that you are not indifferent to me. I will satisfyhim, and whatever advice the sorceress may give him (for I seethat he hearkens to her counsel), he shall find no fault with youor me. There is much wickedness in this demand, as you willunderstand by what I am going to tell you. The fountain of lionsis situated in the middle of a court of a great castle, theentrance into which is guarded by four fierce lions, two of whichsleep alternately, while the other two are awake. But let notthat frighten you. I will supply you with means to pass by themwithout danger. "

The fairy Perie Banou was at that time at work with her needle;and as she had by her several clues of thread, she took up one, and presenting it to prince Ahmed, said, "First take this clue ofthread, I will tell you presently the use of it. In the secondplace, you must have two horses; one you must ride yourself, andthe other you must lead, which must be loaded with a sheep cutinto four quarters, that must be killed to-day. In the thirdplace, you must be provided with a bottle, which I will give you, to bring the water in. Set out early to-morrow morning, and whenyou have passed the iron gate throw before you the clue ofthread, which will roll till it reaches the gates of the castle. Follow it, and when it stops, as the gates will be open, you willsee the four lions. The two that are awake will, by theirroaring, wake the other two. Be not alarmed, but throw each ofthem a quarter of the sheep, and then clap spurs to your horse, and ride to the fountain. Fill your bottle without alighting, andreturn with the same expedition. The lions will be so busy eatingthey will let you pass unmolested. "

Prince Ahmed set out the next morning at the time appointed himby the fairy, and followed her directions punctually. When hearrived at the gates of the castle, he distributed the quartersof the sheep among the four lions, and passing through the midstof them with intrepidity, got to the fountain, filled his bottle, and returned safe. When he had got a little distance from thecastle gates, he turned about; and perceiving two of the lionscoming after him, drew his sabre, and prepared himself fordefence. But as he went forwards, he saw one of them turn out ofthe road at some distance, and shewed by his head and tail thathe did not come to do him any harm, but only to go before him, and that the other stayed behind to follow. He therefore put hissword again into its scabbard. Guarded in this manner he arrivedat the capital of the Indies; but the lions never left him tillthey had conducted him to the gates of the sultan's palace; afterwhich they returned the way they had come, though not withoutalarming the populace, who fled or hid themselves to avoid them, notwithstanding they walked gently and shewed no signs offierceness. 

A number of officers came to attend the prince while hedismounted, and conduct him to the sultan's apartment, who was atthat time conversing with his favourites. He approached thethrone, laid the bottle at the sultan's feet, kissed the richcarpet which covered the footstool, and rising, said, "I havebrought you, sir, the salutary water which your majesty so muchdesired to store up among other rarities in your treasury; but atthe same time wish you such health as never to have occasion tomake use of it. "

After the prince had concluded his compliment, the sultan placedhim on his right hand, and said, "Son, I am much obliged to youfor this valuable present; as also for the great danger you haveexposed yourself to on my account (which I have been informed ofby the sorceress, who knows the fountain of lions); but do me thepleasure, continued he, to inform me by what address, or ratherby what incredible power, you have been preserved. "

"Sir, " replied prince Ahmed, "I have no share in the complimentyour majesty is pleased to make me; all the honour is due to thefairy my spouse, and I take no other merit than that of havingfollowed her advice. " Then he informed the sultan what thatadvice was, by the relation of his expedition, and how he hadconducted himself. When he had done, the sultan, who shewedoutwardly all the demonstrations of joy, but secretly became moreand more jealous, retired into an inward apartment, whence hesent for the sorceress. 

The sorceress, on her arrival, saved the sultan the trouble oftelling her of the success of prince Ahmed's journey, which shehad heard before she came, and therefore was prepared with a newrequest. This she communicated to the sultan, who declared it thenext day to the prince, in the midst of all his courtiers, inthese words: "Son, I have one thing yet to ask of you; afterwhich, I shall expect nothing more from your obedience, nor yourinterest with your wife. This request is, to bring me a man notabove a foot and a half high, whose beard is thirty feet long, who carries upon his shoulders a bar of iron of five hundredweight, which he uses as a quarter-staff, and who can speak. "

Prince Ahmed, who did not believe that there was such a man inthe world as his father had described, would gladly have excusedhimself; but the sultan persisted in his demand, and told him thefairy could do more incredible things. 

Next day the prince returned to the subterraneous kingdom ofPerie Banou, to whom he related his father's new demand, which, he said, he looked upon to be a thing more impossible than thetwo first. "For, " added he, "I cannot imagine there is or can besuch a man in the world; without doubt he has a mind to trywhether I am silly enough to search, or if there is such a man heseeks my ruin. In short, how can we suppose that I should layhold of a man so small, armed as he describes? what arms can Iuse to reduce him to submission? If there are any means, I begyou will tell me how I may come off with honour this time also. "

"Do not alarm yourself, prince, " replied the fairy: "you ran arisk in fetching the water of the fountain of the lions for yourfather; but there is no danger in finding this man. It is mybrother Schaibar, who is so far from being like me, though weboth had the same father, that he is of so violent a nature, thatnothing can prevent his giving bloody marks of his resentment fora slight offence; yet, on the other hand, is so liberal as tooblige any one in whatever they desire. He is made exactly as thesultan your father has described him; and has no other arms thana bar of iron of five hundred pounds weight, without which henever stirs, and which makes him respected. I will send for him, and you shall judge of the truth of what I tell you; but prepareyourself not to be alarmed at his extraordinary figure. " "What!my queen, " replied prince Ahmed, "do you say Schaibar is yourbrother? Let him be ever so ugly or deformed I shall be so farfrom being frightened at his appearance, that I shall love andhonour him, and consider him as my nearest relation. "

The fairy ordered a gold chafing-dish to be set with a fire in itunder the porch of her palace, with a box of the same metal: outof the latter she took some incense, and threw it into the fire, when there arose a thick cloud of smoke. 

Some moments after, the fairy said to prince Ahmed, "Prince, there comes my brother; do you see him?" The prince immediatelyperceived Schaibar, who was but a foot and a half high, cominggravely with his heavy bar on his shoulder; his beard thirty feetlong, which supported itself before him, and a pair of thickmoustaches in proportion, tucked up to his ears, and almostcovering his face: his eyes were very small, like a pig's, anddeep sunk in his head, which was of an enormous size, and onwhich he wore a pointed cap: besides all this, he had a humpbehind and and before. 

If prince Ahmed had not known that Schaibar was Perie Banou'sbrother, he would not have been able to behold him without fear;but knowing who he was, he waited for him with the fairy, andreceived him without the least concern. 

Schaibar, as he came forwards, looked at the prince with an eyethat would have chilled his soul in his body, and asked PerieBanou, when he first accosted her, who that man was? To which shereplied, "He is my husband, brother; his name is Ahmed; he is ason of the sultan of the Indies. The reason why I did not inviteyou to my wedding was, I was unwilling to divert you from theexpedition you were engaged in, and from which I heard withpleasure you returned victorious; on his account I have taken theliberty now to call for you. "

At these words, Schaibar, looking at prince Ahmed with afavourable eye, which however diminished neither his fiercenessnor savage look, said, "Is there any thing, sister, wherein I canserve him? he has only to speak. It is enough for me that he isyour husband, to engage me to do for him whatever he desires. ""The sultan his father, " replied Perie Banou, "has a curiosity tosee you, and I desire he may be your guide to the sultan'scourt. " "He needs but lead the way; I will follow him, " repliedSchaibar. "Brother, " resumed Perie Banou, "it is too late to goto-day, therefore stay till to-morrow morning; and in the meantime, as it is fit you should know all that has passed betweenthe sultan of the Indies and prince Ahmed since our marriage, Iwill inform you this evening. "

The next morning, after Schaibar had been informed of all thatwas proper for him to know, he set out with prince Ahmed, who wasto present him to the sultan. When they arrived at the gates ofthe capital, the people, as soon as they saw Schaibar, ran andhid themselves in their shops and houses, shutting their doors, while others taking to their heels, communicated their fear toall they met, who stayed not to look behind them; insomuch, thatSchaibar and prince Ahmed, as they went along, found all thestreets and squares desolate, till they came to the palace, wherethe porters, instead of preventing Schaibar from entering, ranaway too; so that the prince and he advanced without any obstacleto the council-hall, where the sultan was seated on his throneand giving audience. Here likewise the officers, at the approachof Schaibar, abandoned their posts, and gave them freeadmittance. 

Schaibar, carrying his head erect, went fiercely up to thethrone, without waiting to be presented by prince Ahmed, andaccosted the sultan of the Indies in these words: "You have askedfor me, " said he; "see, here I am, what would you have with me?"

The sultan, instead of answering, clapped his hands before hiseyes, and turned away his head, to avoid the sight of so terriblean object. Schaibar was so much provoked at this uncivil and rudereception, after he had given him the trouble to come so far, that he instantly lifted up his iron bar, saying, "Speak, then;"let it fall on his head, and killed him, before prince Ahmedcould intercede in his behalf. All that he could do was toprevent his killing the grand vizier, who sat not far from him onhis right hand, representing to him that he had always given thesultan his father good advice. "These are they then, " saidSchaibar, "who gave him bad;" and as he pronounced these words, he killed all the other viziers on the right and left, flatterersand favourites of the sultan, who were prince Ahmed's enemies. Every time he struck he crushed some one or other, and noneescaped but those who, not rendered motionless by fear, savedthemselves by flight. 

When this terrible execution was over, Schaibar came out of thecouncil-hall into the court-yard with the iron bar upon hisshoulder, and looking at the grand vizier, who owed his life toprince Ahmed, said, "I know there is here a certain sorceress, who is a greater enemy of the prince my brother-in-law than allthose base favourites I have chastised; let her be brought to meimmediately. " The grand vizier instantly sent for her, and assoon as she was brought, Schaibar, knocking her down with hisiron bar, said, "Take the reward of thy pernicious counsel, andlearn to feign sickness again;" he left her dead on the spot. 

After this he said, "This is not yet enough; I will treat thewhole city in the same manner, if they do not immediatelyacknowledge prince Ahmed my brother-in-law as sultan of theIndies. " Then all who were present made the air ring with therepeated acclamations of "Long life to sultan Ahmed;" andimmediately after, he was proclaimed through the wholemetropolis. Schaibar caused him to be clothed in the royalvestments, installed him on the throne, and after he had made allswear homage and fidelity, returned to his sister Perie Banou, whom he brought with great pomp, and made her to be ownedsultaness of the Indies. 

As for prince Ali and princess Nouronnihar, as they had noconcern in the conspiracy, prince Ahmed assigned them aconsiderable province, with its capital, where they spent therest of their lives. Afterwards he sent an officer to Houssain, to acquaint him with the change, and make him an offer of anyprovince he might choose; but that prince thought himself sohappy in his solitude, that he desired the officer to return hisbrother thanks for the kindness he designed him, assuring him ofhis submission; but that the only favour he desired was, to beindulged with leave to live retired in the place he had chosenfor his retreat. 

 THE STORY OF THE SISTERS WHO ENVIED THEIR YOUNGER SISTER. 

There was an emperor of Persia named Khoosroo Shaw, who, when hefirst came to his crown, in order to obtain a knowledge ofaffairs, took great pleasure in night adventures, attended by atrusty minister. He often walked in disguise through the city, and met with many adventures. 

After the ceremonies of his father's funeral-rites and his owninauguration were over, the new sultan, as well from inclinationas duty, went out one evening attended by his grand vizier, disguised like himself, to observe what was transacting in thecity. As he was passing through a street in that part of the towninhabited only by the meaner sort, he heard some people talkingvery loud; and going close to the house whence the noiseproceeded, and looking through a crack in the door, perceived alight, and three sisters sitting on a sofa, conversing togetherafter supper. By what the eldest said, he presently understoodthe subject of their conversation was wishes: "For, " said she, "since we have got upon wishes, mine shall be to have thesultan's baker for my husband, for then I shall eat my fill ofthat bread, which by way of excellence is called the sultan's:let us see if your tastes are as good as mine. " "For my part, "replied the second sister, "I wish I was wife to the sultan'schief cook, for then I should eat of the most excellent dishes;and as I am persuaded that the sultan's bread is common in thepalace, I should not want any of that; therefore you see, "addressing herself to her eldest sister, "that I have a bettertaste than you. "

The youngest sister, who was very beautiful, and had more charmsand wit than the two elder, spoke in her turn: "For my part, sisters, " said she, "I shall not limit my desires to suchtrifles, but take a higher flight; and since we are upon wishing, I wish to be the emperor's queen consort. I would make him fatherof a prince, whose hair should be gold on one side of his head, and silver on the other; when he cried, the tears from his eyesshould be pearl; and when he smiled, his vermilion lips shouldlook like a rose-bud fresh blown. "

The three sisters' wishes, particularly that of the youngest, seemed so singular to the sultan, that he resolved to gratifythem in their desires; but without communicating his design tohis grand vizier, he charged him only to take notice of thehouse, and bring the three sisters before him the following day. 

The grand vizier, in executing the emperor's orders, would butjust give the sisters time to dress themselves to appear beforehim, without telling them the reason. He brought them to thepalace, and presented them to the emperor, who said to them, "Doyou remember the wishes you expressed last night, when you wereall in so pleasant a mood? Speak the truth; I must know what theywere. "

At these unexpected words of the emperor, the three sisters weremuch confounded. They cast down their eyes and blushed, and thecolour which rose in the cheeks of the youngest quite captivatedthe emperor's heart. Modesty, and fear lest they might haveoffended the emperor by their conversation, kept them silent. Theemperor perceiving their confusion, said, to encourage them, "Fear nothing, I did not send for you to distress you; and sinceI see that is the effect of the question I asked, without myintending it, as I know the wish of each, I will relieve you fromyour fears. You, " added he, "who wished to be my wife shall haveyour desire this day; and you, " continued he, addressing himselfto the two elder sisters, "shall also be married to my chiefbaker and cook. "

As soon as the sultan had declared his pleasure, the youngestsister, setting her eldest an example, threw herself at theemperor's feet, to express her gratitude. "Sir, " said she, "mywish, since it is come to your majesty's knowledge, was expressedonly in the way of conversation and amusement. I am unworthy ofthe honour you do me, and supplicate your pardon for mypresumption. " The two other sisters would have excused themselvesalso; but the emperor interrupting them, said, "No, no; it shallbe as I have declared; every one's wish shall be fulfilled. "

The nuptials were all celebrated that day, as the emperor hadresolved, but in a different manner. The youngest sister's weresolemnized with all the rejoicings usual at the marriages of theemperors of Persia; and those of the other two sisters accordingto the quality and distinction of their husbands; the one as thesultan's chief baker, and the other as head cook. 

The two elder felt strongly the disproportion of their marriagesto that of their younger sister. This consideration made them farfrom being content, though they were arrived at the utmost heightof their late wishes, and much beyond their hopes. They gavethemselves up to an excess of jealousy, which not only disturbedtheir joy, but was the cause of great troubles and afflictions tothe queen consort their younger sister. They had not anopportunity to communicate their thoughts to each other on thepreference the emperor had given her, but were altogetheremployed in preparing themselves for the celebration of theirmarriages. Some days afterwards, when they had an opportunity ofseeing each other at the public baths, the eldest said to theother, "Well, what say you to our sister's great fortune? Is notshe a fine person to be a queen!" "I must own, " said the othersister, "I cannot conceive what charms the emperor could discoverto be so bewitched by the young gipsy. Was it a reason sufficientfor him not to cast his eyes on you, because she was somewhatyounger? You were as worthy of his bed; and in justice he oughtto have preferred you. "

"Sister, " said the elder, "I should not have regretted if hismajesty had but pitched upon you; but that he should choose thathussy really grieves me. But I will revenge myself; and you, Ithink, are as much concerned as me; therefore I propose that weshould contrive measures, and act in concert in a common cause:communicate to me what you think the likeliest way to mortifyher, while I, on my side, will inform you what my desire ofrevenge shall suggest to me. "

After this wicked agreement, the two sisters saw each otherfrequently, and consulted how they might disturb and interruptthe happiness of the queen. They proposed a great many ways, butin deliberating about the manner of executing them, found so manydifficulties, that they durst not attempt them. In the mean time, they often went together to make her visits with a detestabledissimulation, and every time shewed her all the marks ofaffection they could devise, to persuade her how overjoyed theywere to have a sister raised to so high a fortune. The queen, onher part, constantly received them with all the demonstrations ofesteem they could expect: from a sister who was not puffed upwith her high dignity, and loved them as cordially as before. 

Some months after her marriage, the queen found herself to bewith child. The emperor expressed great joy, which wascommunicated to all the court, and spread throughout the empireof Persia. Upon this news the two sisters came to pay theircompliments, and proffered their service to deliver her, desiringher, if not provided with a midwife, to accept of them. 

The queen said to them most obligingly, "Sisters, I should desirenothing more, if it was absolutely in my power to make thechoice. I am however obliged to you for your good-will, but mustsubmit to what the emperor shall order on this occasion. Let yourhusbands employ their friends to make interest, and get somecourtier to ask this favour of his majesty; and if he speaks tome about it, be assured that I shall not only express thepleasure he does me, but thank him for making choice of you. "

The two husbands applied themselves to some courtiers theirpatrons, and begged of them to use their interest to procuretheir wives the honour they aspired to. Those patrons exertedthemselves so much in their behalf, that the emperor promisedthem to consider of the matter, and was as good as his word; forin conversation with the queen, he told her, that he thought hersisters were the most proper persons to assist her in her labour;but would not name them before he had asked her consent. Thequeen, sensible of the deference the emperor so obligingly paidher, said to him, "Sir, I was prepared to do as your majestymight please to command. But since you have been so kind as tothink of my sisters, I thank you for the regard you have shewnthem for my sake; and therefore I shall not dissemble, that I hadrather have them than strangers. "

The emperor named the queen's two sisters to be her midwives; andfrom that time they went frequently to the palace, overjoyed atthe opportunity they should have of executing the detestablewickedness they had meditated against the queen. 

When the queen's time was up she was safely delivered of a youngprince, as bright as the day; but neither his innocence norbeauty could move the cruel hearts of the merciless sisters. Theywrapped him up carelessly in his cloths, and put him into abasket, which they abandoned to the stream of a small canal, thatran under the queen's apartment, and declared that she wasdelivered of a little dead dog, which they produced. Thisdisagreeable intelligence was announced to the emperor, whobecame so angry at the circumstance, that he was likely to haveoccasioned the queen's death, if his grand vizier had notrepresented to him, that he could not, without injustice, makeher answerable for the caprices of nature. 

In the mean time, the basket in which the little prince wasexposed was carried by the stream beyond a wall, which boundedthe prospect of the queen's apartment, and from thence floatedwith the current down the gardens. By chance the intendant of theemperor's gardens, one of the principal and most considerableofficers of the kingdom, was walking in the garden by the side ofthis canal, and perceiving a basket floating, called to agardener, who was not far off, to bring it to shore, that hemight see what it contained. The gardener, with a rake which hehad in his hand, drew the basket to the side of the canal, tookit up, and gave it to him. 

The intendant of the gardens was extremely surprised to see inthe basket a child, which, though he knew it could be but justborn, had very fine features. This officer had been marriedseveral years, but though he had always been desirous of havingchildren, Heaven had never blessed him with any. This accidentinterrupted his walk: he made the gardener follow him with thechild; and when he came to his own house, which was situated atthe entrance into the gardens of the palace, went into his wife'sapartment. "Wife, " said he, "as we have no children of our own, God has sent us one. I recommend him to you; provide him a nurse, and take as much care of him as if he were our own son; for, fromthis moment, I acknowledge him as such. " The intendant's wifereceived the child with great joy, and took particular pleasurein the care of him. The intendant himself would not inquire toonarrowly whence the child came. He saw plainly it came not faroff the queen's apartment; but it was not his business to examinetoo closely into what had passed, nor to create disturbances in aplace where peace was so necessary. 

The following year the queen consort was brought to bed ofanother prince, on whom the unnatural sisters had no morecompassion than on his brother; but exposed him likewise in abasket, and set him adrift in the canal, pretending this timethat the sultaness was delivered of a cat. It was happy also forthis child that the intendant of the gardens was walking by thecanal side, who had it carried to his wife, and charged her totake as much care of it as of the former; which was as agreeableto her inclination as it was to that of the intendant. 

The emperor of Persia was more enraged this time against thequeen than before, and she had felt the effects of his anger ifthe grand vizier's remonstrances had not prevailed. 

The third time the queen lay in she was delivered of a princess, which innocent babe underwent the same fate as the princes herbrothers; for the two sisters being determined not to desist fromtheir detestable schemes, till they had seen the queen theiryounger sister at least cast off, turned out, and humbled, exposed this infant also on the canal. But the princess, as wellas the two princes her brothers, was preserved from death by thecompassion and charity of the intendant of the gardens. 

To this inhumanity the two sisters added a lie and deceit asbefore. They produced a piece of wood, and affirmed it to be afalse birth of which the queen had been delivered. 

Khoosroo Shaw could no longer contain himself, when he wasinformed of the new extraordinary birth. "What!" said he; "thiswoman, unworthy of my bed, will fill my palace with monsters, ifI let her live any longer! No, it shall not be; she is a monsterherself, and I must rid the world of her. " He pronounced sentenceof death, and ordered the grand vizier to see it executed. 

The grand vizier and the courtiers who were present castthemselves at the emperor's feet, to beg of him to revoke thesentence. "Your majesty, I hope, will give me leave, " said thegrand vizier, "to represent to you, that the laws which condemnpersons to death were made to punish crimes; the threeextraordinary labours of the queen are not crimes; for in whatcan she be said to have contributed towards them? Many otherwomen have had, and have the same every day, and are to bepitied, but not punished. Your majesty may abstain from seeingher, but let her live. The affliction in which she will spend therest of her life, after the loss of your favour, will be apunishment sufficiently distressing. "

The emperor of Persia considered with himself, and reflectingthat it was unjust to condemn the queen to death for what hadhappened, said, "Let her live then; I will spare her life; but itshall be on this condition, that she shall desire to die morethan once every day. Let a wooden shed be built for her at thegate of the principal mosque, with iron bars to the windows, andlet her be put into it, in the coarsest habit; and everyMussulmaun that shall go into the mosque to prayers shall spit inher face. If any one fail, I will have him exposed to the samepunishment; and that I maybe punctually obeyed, I charge you, vizier, to appoint persons to see this done. "

The emperor pronounced his sentence in such a tone that the grandvizier durst not further remonstrate; and it was executed, to thegreat satisfaction of the two envious sisters. A shed was built, and the queen, truly worthy of compassion, was put into it, andexposed ignominiously to the contempt of the people; which usage, as she did not deserve it, she bore with a patient resignationthat excited the admiration as well as compassion of those whojudged of things better than the vulgar. 

The two princes and the princess were, in the mean time, nursedand brought up by the intendant of the gardens and his wife withall the tenderness of a father and mother; and as they advancedin age, they all shewed marks of superior dignity, but theprincess in particular, which discovered itself every day bytheir docility and inclinations above trifles, different fromthose of common children, and by a certain air which could onlybelong to exalted birth. All this increased the affections of theintendant and his wife, who called the eldest prince Bahman, andthe second Perviz, both of them names of the most ancientemperors of Persia, and the princess, Perie-zadeh, which namealso had been borne by several queens and princesses of thekingdom. 

As soon as the two princes were old enough, the intendantprovided proper masters to teach them to read and write; and theprincess their sister, who was often with them, shewing a greatdesire to learn, the intendant, pleased with her quickness, employed the same master to teach her also. Her emulation, vivacity, and piercing wit, made her in a little time as great aproficient as her brothers. 

From that time the brothers and sister had the same masters ingeography, poetry, history, and even the secret sciences; andmade so wonderful a progress, that their tutors were amazed, andfrankly owned that they could teach them no farther. At the hoursof recreation, the princess learned to sing and play upon allsorts of instruments; and when the princes were learning to rideshe would not permit them to have that advantage over her, butwent through all the exercises with them, learning to ride also, to bend the bow, and dart the reed or javelin, and often-timesoutdid them in the race, and other contests of agility. 

The intendant of the gardens was so overjoyed to find his adoptedchildren so accomplished in all the perfections of body and mind, and that they so well requited the expense he had been at intheir education, that he resolved to be at a still greater: foras he had till then been content only with his lodge at theentrance of the garden, and kept no country house, he purchased acountry seat at a short distance from the city, surrounded by alarge tract of arable land, meadows, and woods. As the house wasnot sufficiently handsome nor convenient, he pulled it down, andspared no expense in building a mansion more magnificent. He wentevery day to hasten, by his presence, the great number of workmenhe employed; and as soon as there was an apartment ready toreceive him, passed several days together there when his presencewas not necessary at court; and by the same exertions, theinterior was furnished in the richest manner, answerably to themagnificence of the edifice. Afterwards he made gardens, according to a plan drawn by himself. He took in a large extentof ground, which he walled round, and stocked with fallow deer, that the princes and princess might divert themselves withhunting when they chose. 

When this country seat was finished and fit for habitation, theintendant of the gardens went and cast himself at the emperor'sfeet, and after representing how long he had served, and theinfirmities of age which he found growing upon him, begged hewould permit him to resign his charge into his majesty'sdisposal, and retire. The emperor gave him leave, with the morepleasure because he was satisfied with his long services, both inhis father's reign and his own; and when he granted it, askedwhat he should do to recompense him? "Sir, " replied the intendantof the gardens, "I have received so many obligations from yourmajesty and the late emperor your father of happy memory, that Idesire no more than the honour of dying in your favour. "

He took his leave of the emperor, and retired with the twoprinces and the princess to the country retreat he had built. Hiswife had been dead some years, and he himself had not lived abovesix months with them before he was surprised by so sudden adeath, that he had not time to give them the least account of themanner in which he had discovered them. 

The princes Bahman and Perviz, and the princess Perie-zadeh, whoknew no other father than the intendant of the emperor's gardens, regretted and bewailed him as such, and paid all the honours inhis funeral obsequies which love and filial gratitude required ofthem. Satisfied with the plentiful fortune he had left them, theylived together in perfect union, free from the ambition ofdistinguishing themselves at court, or aspiring to places ofhonour and dignity, which they might easily have obtained. 

One day when the two princes were hunting, and the princess hadremained at home, a religious old woman came to the gate, anddesired leave to go in to say her prayers, it being then thehour. The servants asked the princess's permission, who orderedthem to shew her into the oratory, which the intendant of theemperor's gardens had taken care to fit up in his house, for wantof a mosque in the neighbourhood. She bade them also, after thegood woman had finished her prayers, shew her the house andgardens, and then bring her to her. 

The old woman went into the oratory, said her prayers, and whenshe came out two of the princess's women invited her to see thehouse and gardens; which civility she accepted, followed themfrom one apartment to another, and observed, like a person whounderstood what belonged to furniture, the nice arrangement ofevery thing. They conducted her also into the garden, thedisposition of which she found so well planned, that she admiredit, observing that the person who had formed it must have been anexcellent master of his art. Afterwards she was brought beforethe princess, who waited for her in the great hall, which inbeauty and richness exceeded all that she had admired in theother apartments. 

As soon as the princess saw the devout woman, she said to her, "My good mother, come near and sit down by me. I am overjoyed atthe happiness of having the opportunity of profiting for somemoments by the good example and conversation of such a person asyou, who have taken the right way by dedicating yourself to theservice of God. I wish every one were as wise. "

The devout woman, instead of sitting on a sofa, would only situpon the edge of one. The princess would not permit her to do so, but rising from her seat, 'and taking her by the hand, obliged herto come and sit by her. The good woman, sensible of the civility, said, "Madam, I ought not to have so much respect shewn me; butsince you command, and are mistress of your own house, I willobey you. " When she had seated herself, before they entered intoany conversation, one of the princess's women brought a littlelow stand of mother of pearl and ebony, with a china dish full ofcakes upon it, and many others set round it full of fruits inseason, and wet and dry sweetmeats. 

The princess took up one of the cakes, and presenting her withit, said, "Eat, good mother, and make choice of what you likebest; you had need to eat after coming so far. " "Madam, " repliedthe good woman, "I am not used to eat such delicacies; but willnot refuse what God has sent me by so liberal a hand as yours. "

While the devout woman was eating, the princess ate a little too, to bear her company, and asked her many questions upon theexercise of devotion which she practised, and how she lived: allwhich she answered with great modesty. Talking of several things, at last she asked her what she thought of the house, and how sheliked it. 

"Madam, " answered the devout woman, "I must certainly have verybad taste to disapprove any thing in it, since it is beautiful, regular, and magnificently furnished with exactness and judgment, and all its ornaments adjusted in the best manner. Its situationis an agreeable spot, and no garden can be more delightful; butyet if you will give me leave to speak my mind freely, I willtake the liberty to tell you, that this house would beincomparable if it had three things which are wanting to completeit. " "My good mother, " replied the princess Perie-zadeh, "what arethose? I conjure you, in God's name, to tell me what they are: Iwill spare nothing to get them, if it be possible. "

"Madam, " replied the devout woman, "the first of these threethings is the speaking bird, so singular a creature, that itdraws round it all the singing birds of the neighbourhood, whichcome to accompany his song. The second is the singing tree, theleaves of which are so many mouths, which form an harmoniousconcert of different voices, and never cease. The third is theyellow water of a gold colour, a single drop of which beingpoured into a vessel properly prepared, it increases so as tofill it immediately, and rises up in the middle like a fountain, which continually plays, and yet the basin never overflows. "

"Ah! my good mother, " cried the princess, "how much am I obligedto you for the knowledge of these curiosities! They aresurprising, and I never before heard there were such wonderfulrarities in the world; but as I am persuaded that you know, Iexpect that you should do me the favour to inform me where theyare to be found. "

"Madam, " replied the good woman, "I should be unworthy thehospitality you have with so much goodness shewn me, if I shouldrefuse to satisfy your curiosity in that point; and am glad tohave the honour to tell you, that these curiosities are all to bemet with in the same spot on the confines of this kingdom, towards India. The road to it lies before your house, and whoeveryou send needs but follow it for twenty days, and on thetwentieth let him only ask the first person he meets where thespeaking bird, singing tree, and yellow water are, and he will beinformed. " After saying this, she rose from her seat, took herleave, and went her way. 

The princess Perie-zadeh's thoughts were so taken up with whatthe devout woman had told her of the speaking bird, singing tree, and yellow water, that she never perceived her departure, tillshe wanted to ask her some question for her better information;for she thought that what she had told her was not a sufficientreason for exposing herself by undertaking a long journey, possibly to no purpose. However, she would not send after her, but endeavoured to remember all she had told her; and when shethought she had recollected every word, took real pleasure inthinking of the satisfaction she should have if she could getthese wonderful curiosities into her possession; but thedifficulties she apprehended, and the fear of not succeeding, made her very uneasy. 

She was absorbed in these thoughts when her brothers returnedfrom hunting; who, when they entered the great hall, instead offinding her lively and gay, as she used to be be, were amazed tosee her so pensive, and hanging down her head as if somethingtroubled her. 

"Sister, " said prince Bahman, "what is become of all your mirthand gaiety? Are you not well? or has some misfortune befallenyou? Has any body given you reason to be so melancholy? Tell us, that we may know how to act, and give you some relief. If any onehas affronted you, we will resent his insolence. "

The princess remained in the same posture some time withoutanswering; but at last lifted up her eyes to look at herbrothers, and then held them down again, telling them nothingdisturbed her. 

"Sister, " said prince Bahman, "you conceal the truth from us;there must be something of consequence. It is impossible we couldobserve so sudden a change if nothing was the matter with you. You would not have us satisfied with the evasive answer you havegiven: do not conceal any thing, unless you would have us suspectthat you renounce the strict union which has hitherto subsistedbetween us from our infancy. "

The princess, who had not the smallest intention to offend herbrothers, would not suffer them to entertain such a thought, butsaid, "When I told you nothing disturbed me, I meant nothing thatwas of importance to you; but to me it is of some consequence;and since you press me to tell you by our strict union andfriendship, which are so dear to me, I will. You think, and Ialways believed so too, that this house was so complete thatnothing was wanting. But this day I have learned that it wantsthree rarities, which would render it so perfect that no countryseat in the world could be compared with it. These three thingsare, the speaking bird, the singing tree, and the yellow water. After she had informed them wherein consisted the excellency ofthese rarities, " "A devout woman, " added she, "has made thisdiscovery to me, told me the place where they are to be found, and the way thither. Perhaps you may imagine these things to betrifles, and of little consequence to render our house complete, that without these additions it will always be thoughtsufficiently elegant with what it already contains, and that wecan do without them. You may think as you please; but I cannothelp telling you that I am persuaded they are absolutelynecessary, and I shall not be easy without them. Therefore, whether you value them or not, I desire you to consider whatperson you may think proper for me to send in search of thecuriosities I have mentioned. "

"Sister, " replied prince Bahman, "nothing can concern you inwhich we have not an equal interest. It is enough that you havean earnest desire for the things you mention to oblige us to takethe same interest; but if you had not, we feel ourselves inclinedof our own accord and for our own individual satisfaction. I ampersuaded my brother is of the same opinion, and therefore weought to undertake this conquest; for the importance andsingularity of the undertaking deserve that name. I will takethat charge upon myself; only tell me the place, and the way toit, and I will defer my journey no longer than till to-morrow. "

"Brother, " said prince Perviz, "it is not proper that you, whoare the head and director of our family, should be absent. Idesire my sister would join with me to oblige you to abandon yourdesign, and allow me to undertake it. I hope to acquit myself aswell as you, and it will be a more regular proceeding. " "I ampersuaded of your good-will, brother, " replied prince Bahman, "and that you would succeed as well as myself in this journey;but I have resolved, and will undertake it. You shall stay athome with our sister, and I need not recommend her to you. " Hespent the remainder of the day in making preparations for hisjourney, and informing himself from the princess of thedirections which the devout woman had left her. 

The next morning Bahman mounted his horse, and Perviz and theprincess embraced, and wished him a good journey. But in themidst of their adieus, the princess recollected what she had notthought of before. "Brother, " said she, "I had quite forgottenthe accidents which attend travellers. Who knows whether I shallever see you again? Alight, I beseech you, and give up thisjourney. I would rather be deprived of the sight and possessionof the speaking bird, singing tree, and yellow water, than runthe risk of never seeing you more. "

"Sister, " replied Bahman, smiling at the sudden fears of theprincess, "my resolution is fixed, but were it not, I shoulddetermine upon it now, and you must allow me to execute it. Theaccidents you speak of befall only those who are unfortunate; butthere are more who are not so. However, as events are uncertain, and I may fail in this undertaking, all I can do is to leave youthis knife. "

Bahman, pulling a knife from his vestband, and presenting it inthe sheath to the princess, said, "Take this knife, sister, andgive yourself the trouble sometimes to pull it out of the sheath:while you see it clean as it is now, it will be a sign that I amalive; but if you find it stained with blood, then you maybelieve me dead, and indulge me with your prayers. "

The princess could obtain nothing more of Bahman. He bade adieuto her and prince Perviz for the last time, and rode away. Whenhe got into the road he never turned to the right hand nor to theleft, but went directly forward towards India. The twentieth dayhe perceived on the road side a hideous old man, who sat under atree some small distance from a thatched house, which was hisretreat from the weather. 

His eye-brows were as white as snow, as was also the hair of hishead; his whiskers covered his mouth, and his beard and hairreached down to his feet. The nails of his hands and feet weregrown to an extensive length; a flat broad umbrella covered hishead. He had no clothes, but only a mat thrown round his body. 

This old man was a dervish, for many years retired from theworld, to give himself up entirely to the service of God; so thatat last he became what we have described. 

Prince Bahman, who had been all that morning very attentive tosee if he could meet with any body who could give him informationof the place he was in search of, stopped when he came near thedervish, alighted, in conformity to the directions which thedevout woman had given the princess Perie-zadeh, and leading hishorse by the bridle, advanced towards him, and saluting him, said, "God prolong your days, good father, and grant you theaccomplishment of your desires. "

The dervish returned the prince's salutation, but sounintelligibly that he could not understand one word he said:prince Bahman perceiving that this difficulty proceeded from thedervish's whiskers hanging over his mouth, and unwilling to goany farther without the instructions he wanted, pulled out a pairof scissors he had about him, and having tied his horse to abranch of the tree, said, "Good dervish, I want to have some talkwith you: but your whiskers prevent my understanding what yousay: and if you will consent, I will cut off some part of themand of your eye-brows, which disfigure you so much that you lookmore like a bear than a man. "

The dervish did not oppose the offer; and when the prince had cutoff as much hair as he thought fit, he perceived that the dervishhad a good complexion, and that he did not seem so old as hereally was. "Good dervish, " said he, "if I had a glass I wouldshew you how young you look: you are now a man, but before nobodycould tell what you were. "

The kind behaviour of prince Bahman made the dervish smile, andreturn his compliment. "Sir, " said he, "whoever you are, I amobliged by the good office you have performed, and am ready toshew my gratitude by doing any thing in my power for you. Youmust have alighted here upon some account or other. Tell me whatit is, and I will endeavour to serve you. "

"Good dervish, " replied prince Bahman, "I am in search of thespeaking bird, the singing tree, and the yellow water; I knowthese three rarities are not far from hence, but cannot tellexactly the place where they are to be found; if you know, Iconjure you to shew me the way, that I may not lose my labourafter so long a journey. "

The prince, while he spoke, observed that the dervish changedcountenance, held down his eyes, looked very serious, and insteadof making any reply, remained silent; which obliged him to say tohim again, "Good father, I fancy you heard me; tell me whetheryou know what I ask you, that I may not lose my time, but informmyself somewhere else. "

At last the dervish broke silence. "Sir, " said he to princeBahman, "I know the way you ask of me; but the regard which Iconceived for you the first moment I saw you, and which is grownstronger by the service you have done me, kept me in suspense, whether I should give you the satisfaction you desire. " "Whatmotive can hinder you?" replied the prince; "and whatdifficulties do you find in so doing?" "I will tell you, " repliedthe dervish; "the danger you are going to expose yourself to isgreater than you may suppose. A number of gentlemen of as muchbravery and courage as you can possibly possess have passed thisway, and asked me the same question. When I had used all myendeavours to persuade them to desist, they would not believe me;at last, I yielded, to their importunities; I was compelled toshew them the way, and I can assure you they have all perished, for I have not seen one come back. Therefore, if you have anyregard for your life, take my advice, go no farther, but returnhome. "

Prince Bahman persisted in his resolution. "I will not suppose, "said he to the dervish, "but that your advice is sincere. I amobliged to you for the friendship you express for me; butwhatever may be the danger, nothing shall make me change myintention: whoever attacks me, I am well armed, and can say I amas brave as any one. " "But they who will attack you are not to beseen, " replied the dervish; "how will you defend yourself againstinvisible persons?" "It is no matter, " answered the prince; "allyou say shall not persuade me to do any thing contrary to myduty. Since you know the way, I conjure you once more to informme. "

When the dervish found he could not prevail upon prince Bahman, and that he was obstinately bent to pursue his journeynotwithstanding his friendly remonstrance, he put his hand into abag that lay by him and pulled out a bowl, which he presented tohim. "Since I cannot prevail on you to attend to my advice, " saidhe, "take this bowl; when you are on horseback throw it beforeyou, and follow it to the foot of a mountain, where it will stop. As soon as the bowl stops, alight, leave your horse with thebridle over his neck, and he will stand in the same place tillyou return. As you ascend you will see on your right and left agreat number of large black stones, and will hear on all sides aconfusion of voices, which will utter a thousand injurious abusesto discourage you, and prevent your reaching the summit of themountain. Be not afraid; but above all things, do not turn yourhead to look behind you; for in that instant you will be changedinto such a black stone as those you see, which are all youthswho have failed in this enterprise. If you escape the danger ofwhich I give you but a faint idea, and get to the top of themountain, you will see a cage, and in that cage is the bird youseek; ask him which are the singing tree and the yellow water, and he will tell you. I have nothing more to say; this is whatyou have to do, and the danger you have to avoid; but if you areprudent, you will take my advice, and not expose your life. Consider once more while you have time that the difficulty isalmost insuperable. "

"I am obliged to you for your repeated advice, " replied princeBahman, after he had received the bowl, "but cannot follow it. However, I will endeavour to conform myself to that part of itwhich bids me not look behind me as I shall ascend the mountain, and I hope to come and see you again soon, and thank you when Ihave obtained what I am seeking. " After these words, to which thedervish made no other answer than that he should be overjoyed tosee him again, the prince mounted his horse, took his leave ofthe dervish with a respectful salute, and threw the bowl beforehim. 

The bowl rolled away unceasingly with as much swiftness as whenprince Bahman first hurled it from his hand, which obliged him toput his horse to the same pace to avoid losing sight of it, andwhen it had reached the foot of the mountain it stopped. Theprince alighted from his horse, laid the bridle on his neck; andhaving first surveyed the mountain, and seen the black stones, began to ascend; but had not gone four steps, before he heard thevoices mentioned by the dervish, though he could see nobody. Somesaid, "Where is that fool going? where is he going? what would hehave? do not let him pass. " Others, "Stop him, catch him, killhim;" and others with a voice like thunder, "Thief! assassin!murderer!" while some in a gibing tone cried, "No, no, do nothurt him; let the pretty fellow pass, the cage and bird are keptfor him. "

Notwithstanding all these troublesome voices, prince Bahmanascended with courage and resolution for some time, but thevoices redoubled with so loud a din near him, both behind andbefore, that at last he was seized with dread, his legs trembledunder him, he staggered, and finding that his strength failedhim, he forgot the dervish's advice, turned about to run down thehill, and was that instant changed into a black stone; ametamorphosis which had happened to many before him, who hadattempted the ascent. His horse likewise underwent the samechange. 

From the time of prince Bahman's departure, the princess Perie-zadehalways wore the knife and sheath in her girdle, and pulled it outseveral times in a day, to know whether her brother was alive. She hadthe consolation to understand he was in perfect health, and to talk ofhim frequently with prince Perviz, who sometimes prevented her byasking her what news. 

On the fatal day that prince Bahman was transformed into a stone, as prince Perviz and the princess were talking together in theevening, as usual, the prince desired his sister to pull out theknife to know how their brother did. The princess readilycomplied, and seeing the blood run down the point was seized withso much horror that she threw it down. "Ah! my dear brother, "cried she, "I have been the cause of your death, and shall neversee you more! Why did I tell you of the speaking bird, singingtree, and yellow water; or rather, of what importance was it tome to know whether the devout woman thought this house ugly orhandsome, or complete or not? I wish to Heaven she had neveraddressed herself to me? Deceitful hypocrite!" added she, "isthis the return you have made for the kind reception I gave you?Why did you tell me of a bird, a tree, and a water, which, imaginary as I am persuaded they are, by my dear brother's death, yet disturb me by your enchantment?"

Prince Perviz was as much afflicted at the death of prince Bahmanas the princess; but not to waste time in needless regret, as heknew that she still passionately desired possession of thespeaking bird, the singing tree, and the golden water, heinterrupted her, saying, "Sister, our regret for our brother isvain and useless; our grief and lamentations cannot restore himto life; it is the will of God, we must submit to it, and adorethe decrees of the Almighty without searching into them. Whyshould you now doubt of the truth of what the holy woman toldyou? do you think she spoke to you of three things that were notin being? and that she invented them on purpose to deceive you, who had given her no cause to do so, but received her with somuch goodness and civility? Let us rather believe that ourbrother's death is owing to some error on his part, or someaccident which we cannot conceive. It ought not therefore toprevent us from pursuing our object. I offered to go thisjourney, and am now more resolved than ever; his example has noeffect upon my resolution; to-morrow I will depart. "

The princess did all she could to dissuade prince Perviz, conjuring him not to expose her to the danger of losing twobrothers; but he was obstinate, and all the remonstrances shecould urge had no effect upon him. Before he went, that she mightknow what success he had, he left her a string of a hundredpearls, telling her, that if they would not run when she shouldcount them upon the string, but remain fixed, that would be acertain sign he had undergone the same fate as his brother; butat the same time told her he hoped it would never happen, butthat he should have the happiness to see her again to theirmutual satisfaction. 

Prince Perviz, on the twentieth day after his departure, met thesame dervish in the same place as his brother Bahman had donebefore him. He went directly up to him, and after he had saluted, asked him, if he could tell him where to find the speaking bird, the singing tree, and the golden water? The dervish urged thesame difficulties and remonstrances as he had done to princeBahman, telling him, that a young gentleman, who very muchresembled him, was with him a short time before; that, overcomeby his importunity and pressing instances, he had shewn him theway, given him a guide, and told him how he should act tosucceed; but that he had not seen him since, and doubted not buthe had shared the same fate as all other adventurers. 

"Good dervish, " answered prince Perviz, "I know whom you speakof; he was my elder brother, and I am informed of the certaintyof his death, but know not the cause. " "I can tell you, " repliedthe dervise; "he was changed into a black stone, as all I speakof have been; and you must expect the same transformation, unlessyou observe more exactly than he has done the advice I gave him, in case you persist in your resolution, which I once more entreatyou to renounce. "

"Dervish, " said prince Perviz, "I cannot sufficiently express howmuch I am obliged for the concern you take in my life, who am astranger to you, and have done nothing to deserve your kindness:but I thoroughly considered this enterprise before I undertookit, and I cannot now relinquish it: therefore I beg of you to dome the same favour you have done my brother. Perhaps I may havebetter success in following your directions. " "Since I cannotprevail with you, " said the dervish, "to give up your obstinateresolution, if my age did not prevent me, and I could stand, Iwould get up to reach you a bowl I have here, which will shew youthe way. "

Without giving the dervish time to say more, the prince alightedfrom his horse and went to the dervish, who had taken a bowl outof his bag, in which he had a great many, and gave it him, withthe same directions he had given prince Bahman; and after warninghim not to be discouraged by the voices he should hear withoutseeing any body, however threatening they might be, but tocontinue his way up the hill till he saw the cage and bird, helet him depart. 

Prince Perviz thanked the dervish, and when he had remounted, andtaken leave, threw the bowl before his horse, and spurring him atthe same time, followed it. When the bowl came to the bottom ofthe hill it stopped, the prince alighted, and stood some time torecollect the dervish's directions. He encouraged himself, andbegan to walk up with a resolution to reach the summit; butbefore he had gone above six steps, he heard a voice, whichseemed to be near, as of a man behind him, say in an insultingtone, "Stay, rash youth, that I may punish you for yourpresumption. "

Upon this affront the prince, forgetting the dervish's advice, clapped his hand upon his sword, drew it, and turned about torevenge himself; but had scarcely time to see that nobodyfollowed him before he and his horse were changed into blackstones. 

In the mean time the princess Perie-zadeh, several times a dayafter her brother's departure, counted her chaplet. She did notomit it at night, but when she went to bed put it about her neck;and in the morning when she awoke counted over the pearls againto see if they would slide. 

The day that prince Perviz was transformed into a stone, she wascounting over the pearls as she used to do, when all at once theybecame immoveably fixed, a certain token that the prince herbrother was dead. As she had determined what to do in case itshould so happen, she lost no time in outward demonstrations ofgrief, which she concealed as much as possible; but havingdisguised herself in man's apparel, armed and equipped, shemounted her horse the next morning, having told her servants sheshould return in two or three days, and took the same road herbrothers had done. 

The princess, who had been used to ride on horseback in hunting, supported the fatigue of so long a journey better than mostladies could have done; and as she made the same stages as herbrothers, she also met with the dervish on the twentieth day. When she came near him, she alighted off her horse, leading himby the bridle, went and sat down by the dervish, and after shehad saluted him, said, "Good dervish, give me leave to restmyself; and do me the favour to tell me if you have not heardthat there are somewhere in this neighbourhood a speaking bird, asinging tree, and golden water. "

"Princess, " answered the dervish, "for so I must call you, sinceby your voice I know you to be a woman disguised in man'sapparel, I thank you for your compliment, and receive the honouryou do me with great pleasure. I know the place well where thesethings are to be found: but what makes you ask me this question?"

"Good dervish, " replied the princess, "I have had such aflattering relation of them given me, that I have a great desireto possess them. " "Madam, " replied the dervish, "you have beentold the truth. These curiosities are more singular andsurprising than they have been represented to you: but you havenot been made acquainted with the difficulties which must besurmounted in order to obtain them. If you had been fullyinformed of these, you would not have undertaken so troublesomeand dangerous an enterprise. Take my advice, go no farther, return, and do not urge me to contribute towards your ruin. "

"Good father, " said the princess, "I have travelled a great way, and should be sorry to return without executing my design. Youtalk of difficulties, and danger of life; but you do not tell mewhat those difficulties are, and wherein the danger consists. This is what I desire to know, that I may consider and judgewhether I can trust my courage and strength to brave them. "

The dervish repeated to the princess what he had said to theprinces Bahman and Perviz, exaggerating the difficulties ofclimbing up to the top of the mountain, where she was to makeherself mistress of the bird, which would inform her of thesinging tree and golden water. He magnified the noise and din ofthe terrible threatening voices which she would hear on all sidesof her, without seeing any body, and the great number of blackstones, alone sufficient to strike terror. He entreated her toreflect that those stones were so many brave gentlemen, sometamorphosed for having omitted to observe the principalcondition of success in the perilous undertaking, which was notto look behind them before they had got possession of the cage. 

When the dervish had done, the princess replied, "By what Icomprehend from your discourse, the difficulties of succeeding inthis affair are, first, the getting up to the cage without beingfrightened at the terrible din of voices I shall hear; andsecondly, not to look behind me: for this last, I hope I shall bemistress enough of myself to observe it. As to the first, I ownthat those voices, such as you represent them to be, are capableof striking terror into the most undaunted; but as in allenterprises and dangers every one may use stratagem, I desire toknow of you if I may use any in one of so great importance. " "Andwhat stratagem is it you would employ?" said the dervish. "Tostop my ears with cotton, " answered the princess, "that thevoices, however loud and terrible, may make the less impressionupon my imagination, and my mind remain free from thatdisturbance which might cause me to lose the use of my reason. "

"Princess, " replied the dervish, "of all the persons who haveaddressed themselves to me for information, I do not know thatever one made use of the contrivance you propose. All I know is, that they all perished. If you persist in your design, you maymake the experiment. You will be fortunate if it succeeds; but Iwould advise you not to expose yourself to the danger. "

"My good father, " replied the princess, "nothing can hinder mypersisting in my design. I am sure my precaution will succeed, and am resolved to try the experiment. Nothing remains for me butto know which way I must go; I conjure you not to deny me thefavour of that information. " The dervish exhorted her again, forthe last time, to consider well what she was going to do; butfinding her resolute, he took out a bowl, and presenting it toher, said, "Take this bowl; mount your horse again, and when youhave thrown it before you, follow it through all its windings, till it stops at the bottom of the mountain, there alight, andascend the hill. Go; you know the rest. "

After the princess had thanked the dervish, and taken her leaveof him, she mounted her horse, threw the bowl before her, andfollowed it till it stopped at the foot of the mountain. 

The princess alighted, stopped her ears with cotton; and aftershe had well examined the path leading to the summit, began witha moderate pace, and walked up with intrepidity. She heard thevoices, and perceived the great service the cotton was to her. The higher she went, the louder and more numerous the voicesseemed; but they were not capable of making any impression uponher. She heard a great many affronting speeches and raillery verydisagreeable to a woman, which she only laughed at. "I mind not, "said she to herself, "all that can be said, were it worse; I onlylaugh at them, and shall pursue my way. " At last she got so high, that she could perceive the cage and the bird, which endeavoured, with the voices, to frighten her, crying in a thundering tone, notwithstanding the smallness of its size, "Retire, fool, andapproach no nearer. "

The princess, encouraged by this object, redoubled her speed, andby effort gained the summit of the mountain, where the ground waslevel; then running directly to the cage, and clapping her handupon it, cried, "Bird, I have you, and you shall not escape me. "

While Perie-zadeh was pulling the cotton out of her ears, thebird said to her, "Heroic princess, be not angry with me forjoining with those who exerted themselves to preserve my liberty. Though in a cage, I was content with my condition; but since I amdestined to be a slave, I would rather be yours than any otherperson's, since you have obtained me so courageously. From thisinstant, I swear inviolable fidelity, and an entire submission toall your commands. I know who you are; you do not: but the timewill come when I shall do you essential service, which I hope youwill think yourself obliged to me for. As a proof of mysincerity, tell me what you desire, and I am ready to obey you. "

The princess's joy was the more inexpressible, because theconquest she had made had cost her the lives of two belovedbrothers, and given her more trouble and danger than she couldhave imagined, notwithstanding what the dervish had representedto her. "Bird, " said she, "it was my intention to have told youthat I wish for many things which are of importance; but I amoverjoyed that you have shewn your good-will and prevented me. Ihave been told that there is not far off a golden water, theproperty of which is very wonderful; before all things, I ask youto tell me where it is. " The bird shewed her the place, which wasjust by, and she went and filled a little silver flagon which shehad brought with her. She returned to the bird and said, "Bird, this is not enough; I want also the singing tree; tell me whereit is. " "Turn about, " said the bird, "and you will see behind youa wood, where you will find this tree. " The princess went intothe wood, and by the harmonious concert she heard soon knew thetree among many others, but it was very large and high. She cameback to the bird, and said to it, "Bird, I have found the singingtree, but I can neither pull it up by the roots, nor carry it. "The bird replied, "It is not necessary that you should take it upby the roots; it will be sufficient to break off a branch, andcarry it to plant in your garden; it will take root as soon as itis put into the earth, and in a little time will grow to as finea tree as that you have seen. "

When the princess had obtained possession of the three thingswhich the devout woman had told her of, and for which she hadconceived so great a desire, she said again to the bird, "Bird, what you have yet done for me is not sufficient. You have beenthe cause of the death of my two brothers, who must be among theblack stones which I saw as I ascended the mountain. I wish totake them home with me. "

The bird seemed reluctant to satisfy the princess in this point, and indeed made some difficulty to comply. "Bird, " said theprincess, "remember you told me that you were my slave. You areso; and your life is in my disposal. " "That I cannot deny, "answered the bird; "but although what you now ask is moredifficult than all the rest, yet I will do it for you. Cast youreyes around, " added he, "and look if you can see a littlepitcher. " "I see it already, " said the princess. "Take it then, "said he, "and as you descend the mountain, sprinkle a little ofthe water that is in it upon every black stone. "

The princess took up the pitcher accordingly, carried with herthe cage and bird, the flagon of golden water, and the branch ofthe singing tree, and as she descended the mountain, threw alittle of the water on every black stone, which was changedimmediately into a man; and as she did not miss one stone, allthe horses, both of the princes her brothers, and of the othergentlemen, resumed their natural forms. She instantly recognizedBahman and Perviz, as they did her, and ran to embrace her. Shereturned their embraces, and expressed her amazement. "What doyou here, my dear brothers?" said she; they told her they hadbeen asleep. "Yes, " replied she, "and if it had not been for me, perhaps you might have slept till the day of judgment. Do not youremember that you came to fetch the speaking bird, the singingtree, and the yellow water? and did not you see, as you camealong, the place covered with black stones? Look and see if therebe any now. The gentlemen and their horses who surround us, andyou yourselves, were these black stones. If you desire to knowhow this wonder was performed, " continued she, shewing thepitcher, which she set down at the foot of the mountain, havingno further use for it, "it was done by virtue of the water whichwas in this pitcher, with which I sprinkled every stone. After Ihad made the speaking bird (which you see in this cage) my slave, by his directions I found out the singing tree, a branch of whichI have now in my hand; and the yellow water, which this flagon isfilled with; but being still unwilling to return without takingyou with me, I constrained the bird, by the power I had over him, to afford me the means. He told me where to find this pitcher, and the use I was to make of it. "

The princes Bahman and Perviz learnt by this relation theobligation they had to the princess their sister; as did all theother gentlemen, who were collected round, and expressed to theprincess, that, far from envying her happiness in the conquestshe had made, and which they all had aspired to, they thoughtthey could not any otherwise acknowledge the favour she had donethem, or better express their gratitude to her for restoring themto life again, than by declaring themselves all her slaves, andthat they were ready to obey her in whatever she should command. 

"Gentlemen, " replied the princess, "if you had given anyattention to my words you might have observed that I had no otherintention in what I have done than to recover my brothers;therefore, if you have received any benefit, you owe me noobligation, and I have no further share in your compliment thanyour politeness towards me, for which I return you my thanks. Inother respects, I regard each of you individually as free as youwere before your misfortunes, and I rejoice with you at thehappiness which has accrued to you by my means. Let us howeverstay no longer in a place where we have nothing to detain us; butmount our horses, and return to our respective homes. "

The princess took her horse, which stood in the place where shehad left him. --Before she mounted, prince Bahman desired her togive him the cage to carry. "Brother, " replied the princess, "thebird is my slave, and I will carry him myself; if you will takethe pains to carry the branch of the singing tree, there it is;only hold the cage while I get on horseback. " When she hadmounted her horse; and prince Bahman had given her the cage, sheturned about and said to prince Perviz, "I leave the flagon ofgolden water to your care, if it will not be too much trouble foryou to carry it. " Prince Perviz took charge of it with pleasure. 

When Bahman, Perviz, and all the gentlemen had mounted theirhorses, the princess waited for some of them to lead the way. Thetwo princes paid that compliment to the gentlemen, and they againto the princess, who, finding that none of them would accept ofthe honour, but that it was reserved for her, addressed herselfto them and said, "Gentlemen, I expect that some of you shouldlead the way;" to which one who was nearest to her, in the nameof the rest, replied, "Madam, were we ignorant of the respect dueto your sex, yet after what you have done for us there is nodeference we would not willingly pay you, notwithstanding yourmodesty; we entreat you no longer to deprive us of the happinessof following you. "

"Gentlemen, " said the princess, "I do not deserve the honour youdo me, and accept it only because you desire it. " At the sametime she led the way, and the two princes and the gentlemenfollowed. 

This illustrious company called upon the dervish as they passed, to thank him for his reception and wholesome advice, which theyhad all found to be sincere. But he was dead: whether of old age, or because he was no longer necessary to shew the way to theobtaining the three rarities which the princess Perie-zadeh hadsecured, did not appear. They pursued their route, but lessenedin their numbers every day. The gentlemen who, as we said before, had come from different countries, after severally repeatingtheir obligations to the princess and her brothers, took leave ofthem one after another as they approached the road they had come. 

As soon as the princess reached home, she placed the cage in thegarden; and the bird no sooner began to warble than he wassurrounded by nightingales, chaffinches, larks, linnets, goldfinches, and every species of birds of the country. And thebranch of the singing tree was no sooner set in the midst of theparterre, a little distance from the house, than it took root, and in a short time became a large tree, the leaves of which gaveas harmonious a concert as those of the tree from which it wasgathered. A large basin of beautiful marble was placed in thegarden; and when it was finished, the princess poured into it allthe yellow water from the flagon, which instantly increased andswelled so much that it soon reached up to the edges of thebasin, and afterwards formed in the middle a fountain twenty feethigh, which fell again into the basin perpetually without runningover. 

The report of these wonders was presently spread abroad, and asthe gates of the house and those of the gardens were shut tonobody, a great number of people came to admire them. 

Some days after, when the princes Bahman and Perviz had recoveredfrom the fatigue of their journey, they resumed their former wayof living; and as their usual diversion was hunting, they mountedtheir horses and went for the first time since their return, notto their own demesne, but two or three leagues from their house. As they pursued their sport, the emperor of Persia came inpursuit of game upon the same ground. When they perceived by thenumber of horsemen in different places that he would soon be up, they resolved to discontinue their chase, and retire to avoidencountering him; but in the very road they took they chanced tomeet him in so narrow a way that they could not retreat withoutbeing seen. In their surprise they had only time to alight, andprostrate themselves before the emperor, without lifting up theirheads to look at him. The emperor, who saw they were as wellmounted and dressed as if they had belonged to his court, had thecuriosity to see their faces. He stopped, and commanded them torise. The princes rose up, and stood before him with an easy andgraceful air, accompanied with respectful modest countenances. The emperor took some time to view them before he spoke: andafter he had admired their good air and mien, asked them who theywere, and where they lived. 

"Sir, " said prince Bahman, "we are the sons of the late intendantof your majesty's gardens: and live in a house which he built alittle before he died, till we should be fit to serve yourmajesty, and ask of you some employ when opportunity offered. "

"By what I perceive, " replied the emperor, "you love hunting. ""Sir, " replied prince Bahman, "it is our common exercise, andwhat none of your majesty's subjects who intend to bear arms inyour armies ought, according to the ancient custom of thekingdom, to neglect. " The emperor, charmed with so prudent ananswer, said, "Since it is so, I should be glad to see yourexpertness in the chase; choose your own game. "

The princes mounted their horses again, and followed the emperor;but had not gone far before they saw many wild beasts together. Prince Bahman chose a lion, and prince Perviz a bear; and pursuedthem with so much intrepidity, that the emperor was surprised. They came up with their game nearly at the same time, and dartedtheir javelins with so much skill and address, that they pierced, the one the lion, and the other the bear, so effectually, thatthe emperor saw them fall one after the other. Immediatelyafterwards prince Bahman pursued another bear, and prince Pervizanother lion, and killed them in a short time, and would havebeaten out for fresh game, but the emperor would not let them, and sent to them to come to him. When they approached he said, "If I would have given you leave, you would soon have destroyedall my game: but it is not that which I would preserve, but yourpersons; for I am so well assured your bravery may one time orother be serviceable to me, that from this moment your lives willbe always dear to me. "

The emperor, in short, conceived so great a kindness for the twoprinces, that he invited them immediately to make him a visit: towhich prince Bahman replied, "Your majesty does us an honour wedo not deserve; and we beg you will excuse us. "

The emperor, who could not comprehend what reason the princescould have to refuse this token of his favour, pressed them totell him why they excused themselves. "Sir, " said prince Bahman, "we have a sister younger than ourselves, with whom we live insuch perfect union, that we undertake nothing before we consulther, nor she any thing without asking our advice. " "I commendyour brotherly affection, " answered the emperor. "Consult yoursister, meet me here tomorrow, and give me an answer. "

The princes went home, but neglected to speak of their adventurein meeting the emperor, and hunting with him, and also of thehonour he had done them, by asking them to go home with him; yetdid not the next morning fail to meet him at the place appointed. "Well, " said the emperor, "have you spoken to your sister? Andhas she consented to the pleasure I expect of seeing you?" Thetwo princes looked at each other and blushed. "Sir, " said princeBahman, "we beg your majesty to excuse us: for both my brotherand I forgot. " "Then remember to-day, " replied the emperor, "andbe sure to bring me an answer to-morrow. "

The princes were guilty of the same fault a second time, and theemperor was so good-natured as to forgive their negligence; butto prevent their forgetfulness the third time, he pulled threelittle golden balls out of a purse, and put them into princeBahman's bosom. "These balls, " said he, smiling, "will preventyour forgetting a third time what I wish you to do for my sake;since the noise they will make by falling on the floor, when youundress, will remind you, if you do not recollect it before. " Theevent happened just as the emperor foresaw; and without theseballs the princes had not thought of speaking to their sister ofthis affair. For as prince Bahman unloosed his girdle to go tobed the balls dropped on the floor, upon which he ran into princePerviz's chamber, when both went into the princess Perie-zadeh'sapartment, and after they had asked her pardon for coming at sounseasonable a time, they told her all the circumstances of theirmeeting the emperor. 

The princess was somewhat surprised at this intelligence. "Yourmeeting with the emperor, " said she, "is happy and honourable, and may in the end be highly advantageous to you, but it is verydisagreeable and distrustful to me. It was on my account, I know, you refused the emperor, and I am infinitely obliged to you fordoing so. I know by this your affection is equal to my own, sinceyou would rather be guilty of incivility towards the emperor thanviolate the brotherly union we have sworn to each other. Youjudge right, for if you had once gone you would insensibly havebeen engaged to leave me, to devote yourselves to him. But do youthink it an easy matter absolutely to refuse the emperor what heseems so earnestly to desire? Monarchs will be obeyed in theirdesires, and it may be dangerous to oppose them; therefore, if tofollow my inclination I should dissuade you from shewing thecomplaisance he expects from you, it may expose you to hisresentment, and may render myself and you miserable. These are mysentiments: but before we conclude upon any thing let us consultthe speaking bird, and hear what he says; he is penetrating, andhas promised his assistance in all difficulties. "

The princess sent for the cage, and after she had related thecircumstances to the bird in the presence of her brothers, askedhim what they should do in this perplexity? The bird answered, "The princes your brothers must conform to the emperor'spleasure, and in their turn invite him to come and see yourhouse. "

"But, bird, " replied the princess, "my brothers and I love oneanother, and our friendship is yet undisturbed. Will not thisstep be injurious to that friendship?" "Not at all, " replied thebird; "it will tend rather to cement it. " "Then, " answered theprincess, "the emperor will see me. " The bird told her it wasnecessary he should, and that everything would go betterafterwards. 

Next morning the princes met the emperor hunting, who, at asgreat a distance as he could make himself be heard, asked them ifthey had remembered to speak to their sister? Prince Bahmanapproached, and answered, "Sir, your majesty may dispose of us asyou please; we are ready to obey you; for we have not onlyobtained our sister's consent with great ease, but she took itamiss that we should pay her that deference in a matter whereinour duty to your majesty was concerned. But if we have offended, we hope you will pardon us. " "Do not be uneasy on that account, "replied the emperor; "so far from taking amiss what you havedone, I highly approve of your conduct, and hope you will havethe same deference and attachment to my person, if I have ever solittle share in your friendship. " The princes, confounded at theemperor's goodness, returned no other answer but a low obeisance, to shew the great respect with which they received it. 

The emperor, contrary to his usual custom, did not hunt long thatday. Presuming that the princes possessed wit equal to theircourage and bravery, he longed with impatience to converse withthem more at liberty. He made them ride on each side of him, anhonour which, without speaking of the principal courtiers whoaccompanied him, was envied by the grand vizier, who was muchmortified to see them preferred before him. 

When the emperor entered his capital, the eyes of the people, whostood in crowds in the streets, were fixed upon the two princesBahman and Perviz; and they were earnest to know who they mightbe, whether foreigners or natives. 

All, however, agreed in wishing that the emperor had been blessedwith two such handsome princes, and said, "He might have hadchildren as old, if the queen, who had suffered the punishment ofher misfortune, had been more fortunate in her lyings-in. "

The first thing that the emperor did when he arrived at hispalace was to conduct the princes into the principal apartments;who praised without affectation, like persons conversant in suchmatters, the beauty and symmetry of the rooms, and the richnessof the furniture and ornaments. Afterwards a magnificent repastwas served up, and the emperor made them sit with him, which theyat first refused; but finding it was his pleasure, they obeyed. 

The emperor, who had himself much learning, particularly inhistory, foresaw that the princes, out of modesty and respect, would not take the liberty of beginning any conversation. Therefore, to give them an opportunity, he furnished them withsubjects all dinner-time. But whatever subject he introduced, they shewed so much wit, judgment, and discernment, that he wasstruck with admiration. "Were these my own children, " said he tohimself, "and I had improved their talents by suitable education, they could not have been more accomplished or better informed. "In short, he took such great pleasure in their conversation, thatafter having sat longer than usual he led them into his closet, where he pursued his conversation with them, and at last said, "Inever supposed that there were among my subjects in the countryyouths so well brought up, so lively, so capable; and I never wasbetter pleased with any conversation than yours: but it is timenow we should relax our minds with some diversion; and as nothingis more capable of enlivening the mind than music, you shall heara vocal and instrumental concert which may not be disagreeable toyou. "

The emperor had no sooner spoken for them than the musicians, whohad orders to attend, entered, and answered fully theexpectations the princes had been led to entertain of theirabilities. After the concerts, an excellent farce was acted, andthe entertainment was concluded by dancers of both sexes. 

The two princes seeing night approach, prostrated themselves atthe emperor's feet; and having first thanked him for the favoursand honours he had heaped upon them, asked his permission toretire; which was granted by the emperor, who, in dismissingthem, said, "I give you leave to go; but remember I brought youto the palace myself only to shew you the way; you will be alwayswelcome, and the oftener you come the greater pleasure you willdo me. "

Before they went out of the emperor's presence, prince Bahmansaid, "Sir, may we presume to request that your majesty will dous and our sister the honour to pass by our house, and rest andrefresh yourself after your fatigue, the first time you take thediversion of hunting in that neighbourhood? It is not worthy yourpresence; but monarchs sometimes have vouchsafed to take shelterin a cottage. " "My children, " replied the emperor; "your housecannot be otherwise than beautiful, and worthy of its owners. Iwill call and see it with pleasure, which will be the greater forhaving for my hosts you and your sister, who is already dear tome from the account you give me of the rare qualities with whichshe is endowed; and this satisfaction I will defer no longer thanto-morrow. Early in the morning I will be at the place where Ishall never forget that I first saw you. Meet me, and you shallbe my guides. "

When the princes Bahman and Perviz had returned home, they gavethe princess an account of the distinguished reception theemperor had given them; and told her that they had invited him todo them the honour, as he passed by, to call at their house; andthat he had appointed the next day. 

"If it be so, " replied the princess, "we must think of preparinga repast fit for his majesty; and for that purpose I think itwould be proper we should consult the speaking bird, he will tellus perhaps what meats the emperor likes best. " The princesapproved of her plan, and after they had retired she consultedthe bird alone. "Bird, " said she, "the emperor will do us thehonour to-morrow to come and see our house, and we are toentertain him; tell us what we shall do to acquit ourselves tohis satisfaction. "

"Good mistress, " replied the bird, "you have excellent cooks, letthem do the best they can; but above all things, let them preparea dish of cucumbers stuffed full of pearls, which must be setbefore the emperor in the first course before all the otherdishes. "

"Cucumbers stuffed full of pearls!" cried princess Perie-zadeh, with amazement; "surely, bird, you do not know what you say; itis an unheard-of dish. The emperor may admire it as a piece ofmagnificence, but he will sit down to eat, and not to admirepearls; besides, all the pearls I possess are not enough for sucha dish. "

"Mistress, " said the bird, "do what I say, and be not uneasyabout what may happen. Nothing but good will follow. As for thepearls, go early to-morrow morning to the foot of the first treeon your right hand in the park, dig under it, and you will findmore than you want. "

That night the princess ordered a gardener to be ready to attendher, and the next morning early led him to the tree which thebird had told her of, and bade him dig at its foot. When thegardener came to a certain depth, he found some resistance to thespade, and presently discovered a gold box about a foot square, which he shewed the princess. "This, " said she, "is what Ibrought you for; take care not to injure it with the spade. "

When the gardener took up the box, he gave it into the princess'shands, who, as it was only fastened with neat little hasps, soonopened it, and found it full of pearls of a moderate size, butequal, and fit for the use that was to be made of them. Very wellsatisfied with having found this treasure, after she had shut thebox again she put it under her arm, and went back to the house, while the gardener threw the earth into the hole at the foot ofthe tree as it had been before. 

The princes Bahman and Perviz, who, as they were dressingthemselves in their own apartments, saw the princess their sisterin the garden earlier than usual, as soon as they could get outwent to her, and met her as she was returning, with a gold boxunder her arm, which much surprised them. "Sister, " said Bahman, "you carried nothing with you when we saw you before with thegardener, and now we see you have a golden box: is this sometreasure found by the gardener, and did he come and tell you ofit?"

"No, brother, " answered the princess; "I took the gardener to theplace where this casket was concealed, and shewed him where todig: but you will be more amazed when you see what it contains. "

The princess opened the box, and when the princes saw that it wasfull of pearls, which, though small, were of great value; theyasked her how she came to the knowledge of this treasure?"Brothers, " said she, "if nothing more pressing calls youelsewhere, come with me, and I will tell you. " "What morepressing business, " said prince Perviz, "can we have than to beinformed of what concerns us so much? We have nothing to do toprevent our attending you. " The princess, as they returned to thehouse, gave them an account of her having consulted the bird, asthey had agreed she should, and the answer he had given her; theobjection she had raised to preparing a dish of cucumbers stuffedfull of pearls, and how he had told her where to find this box. The princes and princess formed many conjectures to penetrateinto what the bird could mean by ordering them to prepare such adish; and after much conversation, though they could not by anymeans guess at his reason, they nevertheless agreed to follow hisadvice exactly. 

As soon as the princess entered the house, she called for thehead cook; and after she had given him directions about theentertainment for the emperor, said to him, "Besides all this, you must dress an extraordinary dish for the emperor's owneating, which nobody else must have any thing to do with besidesyourself. This dish must be of cucumbers stuffed with thesepearls;" and at the same time she opened him the box, and shewedhim the pearls. 

The chief cook, who had never heard of such a dish, started back, and shewed his thoughts by his looks; which the princesspenetrating, said, "I see you take me to be mad to order such adish, which you never heard of, and which one may say withcertainty was never made. I know this as well as you; but I amnot mad, and give you these orders with the most perfectrecollection. You must invent and do the best you can, and bringme back what pearls are left. " The cook could make no reply, buttook the box and retired: and afterwards the princess gavedirections to all the domestics to have every thing in order, both in the house and gardens, to receive the emperor. 

Next day the two princes went to the place appointed; and as soonas the emperor of Persia arrived the chase began, which lastedtill the heat of the sun obliged him to leave off. While princeBahman stayed to conduit the emperor to their house, princePerviz rode before to shew the way, and when he came in sight ofthe house, spurred his horse, to inform the princess Perie-zadehthat the emperor was approaching; but she had been told by someservants whom she had placed to give notice, and the prince foundher waiting ready to receive him. 

When the emperor had entered the court-yard, and alighted at theportico, the princess came and threw herself at his feet, and thetwo princes informed him she was their sister, and besought himto accept her respects. 

The emperor stooped to raise her, and after he had gazed sometime on her beauty, struck with her fine person and dignifiedair, he said, "The brothers are worthy of the sister, and sheworthy of them; since, if I may judge of her understanding by herperson, I am not amazed that the brothers would do nothingwithout their sister's consent; but, " added he, "I hope to bebetter acquainted with you, my daughter, after I have seen thehouse. "

"Sir, " said the princess, "it is only a plain country residence, fit for such people as we are, who live retired from the greatworld. It is not to be compared with houses in great cities, muchless with the magnificent palaces of emperors. " "I cannotperfectly agree with you in opinion, " said the emperor veryobligingly, "for its first appearance makes me suspect you;however, I will not pass my judgment upon it till I have seen itall; therefore be pleased to conduct me through the apartments. "

The princess led the emperor through all the rooms except thehall; and, after he had considered them very attentively andadmired their variety, "My daughter, " said he to the princess, "do you call this a country house? The finest and largest citieswould soon be deserted, if all country houses were like yours. Iam no longer surprised that you take so much delight in it, anddespise the town. Now let me see the garden, which I doubt not isanswerable to the house. "

The princess opened a door which led into the garden; and thefirst object which presented itself to the emperor's view was thegolden fountain. Surprised at so rare an object, he asked fromwhence that wonderful water, which gave so much pleasure tobehold, had been procured; where was its source; and by what artit was made to play so high, that he thought nothing in the worldwas to be compared to it? He said he would presently take anearer view of it. 

The princess then led him to the spot where the harmonious treewas planted; and there the emperor heard a concert, differentfrom all he had ever heard before; and stopping to see where themusicians were, he could discern nobody far or near; but stilldistinctly heard the music, which ravished his senses. "Mydaughter, " said he to the princess, "where are the musicians whomI hear? Are they under ground, or invisible in the air? Suchexcellent performers will hazard nothing by being seen; on thecontrary, they would please the more. "

"Sir, " answered the princess smiling, "they are not musicians, but the leaves of the trees your majesty sees before you, whichform this concert; and if you will give yourself the trouble togo a little nearer, you will be convinced, and the voices will bethe more distinct. "

The emperor went nearer, and was so charmed with the sweetharmony, that he would never have been tired with hearing it, butthat his desire to have a nearer view of the fountain of yellowwater forced him away. "Daughter, " said he, "tell me, I pray you, whether this wonderful tree was found in your garden by chance, or was a present made to you, or have you procured it from someforeign country? It must certainly have come from a greatdistance, otherwise, curious as I am after natural rarities, Ishould have heard of it. What name do you call it by?"

"Sir, " replied the princess, "this tree has no other name thanthat of the singing tree, and is not a native of this country. Itwould at present take up too much time to tell your majesty bywhat adventures it came here; its history is connected with theyellow water, and the speaking bird, which came to me at the sametime, and which your majesty may see after you have taken anearer view of the golden water. But if it be agreeable to yourmajesty, after you have rested yourself, and recovered thefatigue of hunting, which must be the greater because of thesun's intense heat, I will do myself the honour of relating it toyou. "

"My daughter, " replied the emperor, "my fatigue is so wellrecompensed by the wonderful things you have shewn me, that I donot feel it the least. I think only of the trouble I give you. Let us finish by seeing the yellow water. I am impatient to seeand admire the speaking bird. "

When the emperor came to the yellow water, his eyes were fixed sosteadfastly upon the fountain, that he could not take them off. At last, addressing himself to the princess, he said, "As youtell me, daughter, that this water has no spring orcommunication, I conclude that it is foreign, as well as thesinging tree. "

"Sir, " replied the princess, "it is as your majesty conjectures;and to let you know that this water has no communication with anyspring, I must inform you that the basin is one entire stone, sothat the water cannot come in at the sides or underneath. Butwhat your majesty will think most wonderful is, that all thiswater proceeded but from one small flagon, emptied into thisbasin, which increased to the quantity you see, by a propertypeculiar to itself, and formed this fountain. " "Well, " said theemperor, going from the fountain, "this is enough for one time. Ipromise myself the pleasure to come and visit it often; but nowlet us go and see the speaking bird. "

As he went towards the hall, the emperor perceived a prodigiousnumber of singing birds in the trees around, filling the air withtheir songs and warblings, and asked, why there were so manythere, and none on the other trees in the garden? "The reason, sir, " answered the princess, "is, because they come from allparts to accompany the song of the speaking bird, which yourmajesty may see in a cage in one of the windows of the hall weare approaching; and if you attend, you will perceive that hisnotes are sweeter than those of any of the other birds, even thenightingale. "

The emperor went into the hall; and as the bird continuedsinging, the princess raised her voice, and said, "My slave, hereis the emperor, pay your compliments to him. " The bird left offsinging that instant, when all the other birds ceased also, andit said, "The emperor is welcome; God prosper him, and prolonghis life. " As the entertainment was served on the sofa near thewindow where the bird was placed, the sultan replied, as he wastaking his seat, "Bird, I thank you, and am overjoyed to find inyou the sultan and king of birds. "

As soon as the emperor saw the dish of cucumbers set before him, thinking it was stuffed in the best manner, he reached out hishand and took one; but when he cut it, was in extreme surprise tofind it stuffed with pearls. "What novelty is this?" said he "andwith what design were these cucumbers stuffed thus with pearls, since pearls are not to be eaten?" He looked at the two princesand princess to ask them the meaning: when the bird interruptinghim, said, "Can your majesty be in such great astonishment atcucumbers stuffed with pearls, which you see with your own eyes, and yet so easily believe that the queen your wife was deliveredof a dog, a cat, and a piece of wood?" "I believed these things, "replied the emperor, "because the midwives assured me of thefacts. " "Those midwives, sir, " replied the bird, "were thequeen's two sisters, who, envious of her happiness in beingpreferred by your majesty before them, to satisfy their envy andrevenge, have abused your majesty's credulity. If you interrogatethem, they will confess their crime. The two brothers and thesister whom you see before you are your own children, whom theyexposed, and who were taken in by the intendant of your gardens, who provided nurses for them, and took care of their education. "

This speech of the bird's presently cleared up the emperor'sunderstanding. "Bird, " cried he, "I believe the truth which youdiscover to me. The inclination which drew me to them told meplainly they must be my own blood. Come then, my sons, come, mydaughter, let me embrace you, and give you the first marks of afather's love and tenderness. " The emperor then rose, and afterhaving embraced the two princes and the princess, and mingled histears with theirs, said, "It is not enough, my children; you mustembrace each other, not as the children of the intendant of mygardens, to whom I have been so much obliged for preserving yourlives, but as my own children, of the royal blood of the monarchsof Persia, whose glory, I am persuaded, you will maintain. "

After the two princes and princess had embraced mutually with newsatisfaction, the emperor sat down again with them, and finishedhis meal in haste; and when he had done, said, "My children, yousee in me your father; to-morrow I will bring the queen yourmother, therefore prepare to receive her. "

The emperor afterwards mounted his horse, and returned withexpedition to his capital. The first thing he did, as soon as hehad alighted and entered his palace, was to command the grandvizier to seize the queen's two sisters. They were taken fromtheir houses separately, convicted, and condemned to bequartered; which sentence was put in execution within an hour. 

In the mean time the emperor Khoosroo Shaw, followed by all thelords of his court who were then present, went on foot to thedoor of the great mosque; and after he had taken the queen out ofthe strict confinement she had languished under for so manyyears, embracing her in the miserable condition to which she wasthen reduced, said to her with tears in his eyes, "I come toentreat your pardon for the injustice I have done you, and tomake you the reparation I ought; which I have begun, by punishingthe unnatural wretches who put the abominable cheat upon me; andI hope you will look upon it as complete, when I present to youtwo accomplished princes, and a lovely princess, our children. Come and resume your former rank, with all the honours which areyour due. " All this was done and said before great crowds ofpeople, who flocked from all parts at the first news of what waspassing, and immediately spread the joyful intelligence throughthe city. 

Next morning early the emperor and queen, whose mournfulhumiliating dress was changed for magnificent robes, went withall their court to the house built by the intendant of thegardens, where the emperor presented the princes Bahman andPerviz, and the princess Perie-zadeh, to their enraptured mother. "These, much injured wife, " said he, "are the two princes yoursons, and this princess your daughter; embrace them with the sametenderness I have done, since they are worthy both of me andyou. " The tears flowed plentifully down their cheeks at thesetender embraces, especially the queen's, from the comfort and joyof having two such princes for her sons, and such a princess forher daughter, on whose account she had so long endured theseverest afflictions. 

The two princes and the princess had prepared a magnificentrepast for the emperor and queen, and their court. As soon asthat was over, the emperor led the queen into the garden, andshewed her the harmonious tree and the beautiful effect of theyellow fountain. She had seen the bird in his cage, and theemperor had spared no panegyric in his praise during the repast. 

When there was nothing to detain the emperor any longer, he tookhorse, and with the princes Bahman and Perviz on his right hand, and the queen consort and the princess at his left, preceded andfollowed by all the officers of his court, according to theirrank, returned to his capital. Crowds of people came out to meetthem, and with acclamations of joy ushered them into the city, where all eyes were fixed not only upon the queen, the twoprinces, and the princess, but also upon the bird, which theprincess carried before her in his cage, admiring his sweetnotes, which had drawn all the other birds about him, whichfollowed him, flying from tree to tree in the country, and fromone house-top to another in the city. The princes Bahman andPerviz, and the princess Perie-zadeh, where at length brought tothe palace with this pomp, and nothing was to be seen or heardall that night but illuminations and rejoicings both in thepalace and in the utmost parts of the city, which lasted manydays, and were continued throughout the empire of Persia, asintelligence of the joyful event reached the several provinces. 

 STORY OF THE SULTAN OF YEMEN AND HIS THREE SONS. 

There was in the land of Yemen (Arabia Felix) a sultan, underwhom were three tributary princes. He had four children, threesons and a daughter. He possessed greater treasures than could beestimated, as well as innumerable camels, horses, and flocks ofsheep; and was held in awe by all contemporary sovereigns. 

After a long and prosperous reign, age brought with it infirmity, and he at length became incapable of appearing in his hall ofaudience; upon which he commanded his sons to his presence, andsaid to them, "My wish is to divide among you, before my death, all my possessions, that you may be satisfied, and live inunanimity and brotherly affection with each other, and inobedience to my dying commands. " They exclaimed, "To hear is toobey. "

The sultan then said, "My will is, that the eldest be sovereignin my room; that the second possess my treasures; and the thirdevery description of animals. Let no, one encroach upon another, but all assist each other. " He then caused them to sign anagreement to abide by his bequests, and shortly afterwards wasreceived into the mercy of the Almighty; upon which his sonsprepared what was suitable to his dignity for his funeral. Theywashed the corpse, enshrouded it, prayed over it, and havingcommitted it to the earth, returned to their palaces; where theviziers, officers of state, and inhabitants of the metropolis, high and low, rich and poor, attended to console with them on theloss of their father. The news of the death of the sultan wassoon spread abroad into all the provinces, and deputations fromevery city came to condole with the princes. 

After these ceremonies, the eldest prince demanded that he shouldbe inaugurated sultan in the room of the deceased monarch, agreeably to his will; but this was not possible, as each of theother brothers was ambitious of being sovereign. Contention anddisputes now arose between them for the government, till atlength the elder brother, wishing to avoid civil war, said, "Letus go and submit to the arbitration of one of the tributarysultans, and to let him whom he adjudges the kingdom peaceablyenjoy it. " To this they assented, as did also the viziers; andthey departed, unattended, towards the capital of one of thetributary sultans. 

When the princes had proceeded about half way on their journey, they reached a verdant spot, abounding in herbage and flowers, with a clear rivulet running through it, the convenience of whichmade them halt to refresh themselves. They sat down and wereeating, when one of the brothers casting his eyes on the grass, said, "A camel has lately passed this way loaded, half withsweetmeats and half with grain. " "True, " cried another, "and hewas blind of one eye. " "Yes, " exclaimed the third, "and he hadlost his tail. " They had scarcely concluded their remarks, whenthe owner of the camel came up to them (for he had heard whatthey had said, and was convinced, as they had described the beastand his load, that they must have stopped him), crying out, thatthey had stolen his camel. "We have not seen him, " answered theprinces, "nor touched him. " "By Allah!" replied he, "none but youcan have taken him; and if you will not deliver him up, I willcomplain of you to the sultan. " They rejoined, "It is well; letus go to the sultan. "

When all four had reached the palace, information was given ofthe arrival of the princes, and they were admitted to anaudience, the owner of the camel following, who bawled out, "These men, my lord, by their own confession, have stolen myproperty, for they described him and the load he carried. "

The man then related what each of the princes, had said; uponwhich the sultan demanded if it was true. They answered, "Mylord, we have not seen the camel; but we chanced, as we weresitting on the grass taking some refreshment, to observe thatpart of the pasture had been grazed; upon which we supposed thatthe camel must have been blind of an eye, as the grass was onlyeaten on one side. We then observed the dung of a camel in oneheap on the ground, which made us agree that its tail must havebeen cut off, as it is the custom for camels to shake theirtails, and scatter it abroad. On the grass where the camel hadlain down, we saw on one side flies collected in great numbers, but none on the other: this made us conclude that one of thepanniers must have contained sweets, and the other only grain. "Upon hearing the above, the sultan said to the complainant, "Friend, go and look for thy camel, for these observations do notprove the theft on the accused, but only the strength of theirunderstandings and penetration. "

The sultan now ordered apartments for the princes, and directedthat they should be entertained in a manner befitting their rank;after which he left them to their repose. In the evening, whenthe usual meal was brought in, the elder prince having taken up acake of bread, said, "This bread, I am sure, was made by a sickwoman. " The second, on tasting some kid, exclaimed, "This kid wassuckled by a bitch:" and the third cried out, "Certainly thissultan must be illegitimate. " At this instant the sultan, who hadbeen listening, entered hastily, and exclaimed, "Wherefore utterye these affronting speeches?" "Inquire, " replied the princes, "into what you have heard, and you will find all true. "

The sultan now retired to his haram, and on inquiry, found thatthe woman who had kneaded the bread was sick. He then sent forthe shepherd, who owned that the dam of the kid having died, hehad suckled it upon a bitch. Next, in a violent passion, heproceeded to the apartments of the sultana mother, andbrandishing his cimeter--threatened her with death, unless sheconfessed whether he was son to the late sultan or not. 

The sultana was alarmed, and said, "To preserve my life, I mustspeak truth. Know then that thou art the son of a cook. Thyfather had no male offspring, at which he was uneasy: on the sameday myself and the wife of the cook lay in, I of a daughter andshe of a son. I was fearful of the coolness of the sultan, andimposed upon him the son of the cook for his own: that son artthou, who now enjoyest an empire. "

The spurious sultan left the sultana in astonishment at thepenetration of the brothers, whom he summoned to his presence, and inquired of them on what grounds they had founded their justsuspicions respecting the bread, the kid, and himself. "Mylord, " replied the elder prince, "when I broke the cake, theflour fell out in lumps; and hence I guessed that she who made ithad not strength to knead it sufficiently, and must have beenunwell. " "It is as thou hast said, " replied the sultan. "The fatof the kid, " continued the second brother, "was all next thebone, and the flesh of every other animal but the dog has it nextthe skin. Hence my surmise that it must have been suckled by abitch. " "Thou wert right, " answered the sultan; "but now formyself. "

"My reason for supposing thee illegitimate, " said the youngestprince, "was, because thou didst not associate with us, who areof the same rank with thyself. Every man has properties which heinherits from his father, his grandfather, or his mother. Fromhis father, generosity, or avarice; from his grandfather, valouror cowardice; from his mother, bashfulness or impudence. " "Thouhast spoken justly, " replied the sultan; "but why came ye to askjudgment of me, since ye are so much better able to decidedifficult questions than myself? Return home, and agree amongyourselves. " The princes did so; and obeyed the will of theirfather. 

 STORY OF THE THREE SHARPERS AND THE SULTAN. 

Three very ingenious sharpers who associated together, being muchdistressed, agreed, in hopes of obtaining immediate relief, thatthey would go to the sultan, and pretend each to superior abilityin some occupation. Accordingly they proceeded to the metropolis, but found admission to the presence difficult; the sultan beingat a garden palace surrounded by guards, who would not let themapproach. Upon this they consulted, and agreed to feign aquarrel, in hopes that their clamour would draw the notice of thesultan. It did so: he commanded them to be brought before him, inquired who they were, and the cause of their dispute. "We weredisputing, " said they, "concerning the superiority of ourprofessions; for each of us possesses complete skill in his own. ""What are your professions?" replied the sultan. "I am, " saidone, "O sovereign, a lapidary of wonderful skill. " "I fear thouart an astonishing rascal, " exclaimed the sultan. 

"I am, " said the second sharper, "a genealogist of horses. " "AndI, " continued the third, "a genealogist of mankind, knowing everyone's true descent; an art much more wonderful than that ofeither of my companions, for no one possesses it but myself, norever did before me. " The sultan was astonished, but gave littlecredit to their pretensions: yet he said to himself, "If thesemen speak truth, they are worthy of encouragement. I will keepthem near me till I have occasion to try them; when, if theyprove their abilities, I will promote them; but if not, I willput them to death. " He then allotted them an apartment, with anallowance of three cakes of bread and a mess of pottage daily;but placed spies over them, fearing lest they might escape. 

Not long after this, a present of rarities was brought to thesultan, among which were two precious stones; one of themremarkably clear in its water, and the other with a flaw. Thesultan now bethought himself of the lapidary, and sent for him tohis presence, when he gave him the clear jewel to examine, anddemanded what he thought it was worth. 

The sharper took the stone, and with much gravity turned itbackwards and forwards in his hands, examining it with minuteattention on every part; after which he said, "My lord, thisjewel has a flaw in the very centre of it. " When the sultan heardthis, he was enraged against the sharper, and gave orders tostrike off his head; saying, "This stone is free from blemish, and yet thou pretendest it hath a flaw. " The executioner nowadvanced, laid hold of the sharper, bound him, and was going tostrike, when the vizier entered, and seeing the sultan enraged, and the sharper under the cimeter, inquired the cause. Beinginformed, he advanced towards the sultan, and said, "My lord, actnot thus, but first break the stone: should a flaw appear in it, the words of this man are true; but if it be found free fromblemish, put him to death. " The sultan replied, "Thy advice isjust:" and broke it in two with his mace. In the middle he founda flaw, at which he was astonished, and exclaimed to the sharper, "By what means couldst thou discover the blemish?" He replied, "By the acuteness of my sight. " The sultan then released him, andsaid, "Take him back to his companions, allow him a mess ofpottage to himself, and two cakes of bread. "

Some time after this a tribute came from one of the provinces, part of which consisted of a beautiful black colt, in colourresembling the hue of the darkest night. The sultan was delightedwith the animal, and spent whole days in admiring him. At lengthhe bethought himself of the sharper who had pretended to be agenealogist of horses, and commanded him to his presence. When heappeared, the sultan said, "Art thou a judge of horses?" Hereplied, "Yes, my lord, " upon which the sultan exclaimed, "It iswell! but I swear by him who appointed me guardian of hissubjects, and said to the universe, Be! and it was, that should Ifind untruth in thy declaration, I will strike off thy head. " Theman replied, "To hear is to submit. " After this they brought outthe colt, that he might examine him. 

The sharper desired the groom to mount the colt and pace himbefore him, which he did backwards and forwards, the fiery animalall the while plunging and rearing. At length the genealogistsaid, "It is enough:" and turning to the sultan exclaimed, "Mylord, this colt is singularly beautiful, of true blood by hissire, his paces exquisite and proportions just; but in him thereis one blemish; could that be done away, he would be allperfection; nor would there be upon the face of the earth hisequal among all the various breeds of horses. " "What can thatblemish be?" said the sultan. "His sire, " rejoined thegenealogist, "was of true blood, but his dam of another speciesof animal; and, if commanded, I will inform you. " "Speak, " saidthe sultan. "The dam of this beautiful colt, " continued thegenealogist, "was a buffalo. "

When the sultan heard this he flew into a rage, and commanded anexecutioner to strike off the head of the sharper; exclaiming, "Thou accursed dog! how could a buffalo bring forth a colt?" "Mylord, " replied the sharper, "the executioner is in attendance;but send for the person who presented the colt, and inquire ofhim the truth. If my words prove just, my skill will beascertained; but if what I have said be false, then let my headpay the forfeit for my tongue. " Upon this the sultan sent for themaster of the colt to attend his presence. 

When the master of the colt appeared before him, the sultaninquired whether it was purchased of another person, or had beenbred by himself? To which the man replied, "My lord, I willrelate nothing but the truth. The production of this colt issurprising. His sire belonged to me, and was of the true breed ofsea-horses: he was always kept in an enclosure by himself, as Iwas fearful of his being injured; but it happened one day in thespring, that the groom took him for air into the country, andpicqueted him in the plain. By chance a cow-buffalo coming nearthe spot, the stallion became outrageous, broke his heel-ropes, joined the buffalo, which after the usual period of gestation, produced this colt, to our great astonishment. "

The sultan was surprised at this relation. He commanded thegenealogist to be sent for, and upon his arrival said, "Thy wordshave proved true, and thy wonderful skill in the breed of horsesis ascertained; but by what mark couldst thou know that the damof this colt was a buffalo?" The man replied, "My lord, the markis visible in the colt itself. It is not unknown to any person ofobservation, that the hoof of a horse is nearly round, but thehoof of a buffalo thick and longish, like this colt's: hence Ijudged that the dam must certainly have been a buffalo. " Thesultan now dismissed him graciously, and commanded that he shouldbe allowed daily a mess of pottage, and two cakes of bread. 

Not long after this the sultan bethought himself of the thirdsharper, who pretended that he was the genealogist of man, andsent for him to the presence. On his appearance he said, "Thoucanst trace the descent of man?" "Yes, my lord, " replied thegenealogist. Upon this the sultan commanded an eunuch to take himinto his haram, that he might examine the descent of hisfavourite mistress. Upon his introduction, he looked at the ladyon this side and on that, through her veil, till he wassatisfied, when he came out; and the sultan exclaimed, "Well, what hast thou discovered in my mistress?" He replied, "My lord, she is all perfect in elegance, beauty, grace, stature, bloom, modesty, accomplishments, and knowledge, so that every thingdesirable centres in herself; but still there is one point thatdisgraces her, from which if she was free, it is not possible shecould be excelled in anything among the whole of the fair sex. "When the sultan had heard this, he rose up angrily, and drawinghis cimeter, ran towards the genealogist, intending to strike offhis head. 

Just as he was going to strike, some of the attendants said, "Mylord, put not the man to death before thou art convinced of hisfalsehood. " Upon which the sultan exclaimed, "What fault appearedto thee in my mistress?" "O sultan, " replied the man, "she is, asto herself, all perfect; but her mother was a rope-dancer. " Uponthis the sultan immediately sent for the father of the lady, andsaid, "Inform me truly who was the mother of thy daughter, or Iwill put thee to death. " "Mighty prince, " replied the father, "there is no safety for man but in the truth. Her mother was arope-dancer, whom I took when very young from a company ofstrolling mummers, and educated. She grew up most beautiful andaccomplished: I married her, and she produced me the girl whomthou hast chosen. "

When the sultan heard this, his rage cooled, but he was filled withastonishment; and said to the genealogist, "Inform me what could shewthee that my mistress was the daughter of a rope-dancer?" "My lord, "replied the man, "this cast of people have always their eyes veryblack, and their eyebrows bushy; such are hers: and from them Iguessed her descent. " The sultan was now convinced of his skill, dismissed him graciously, and commanded that he should be allowed amess of pottage and three cakes of bread daily, which was doneaccordingly. 

Some time after this the sultan reflected on the three sharpers, and said to himself, "These men have proved their skill inwhatever I have tried them. The lapidary was singularly excellentin his art, the horse genealogist in his, and the last has provedhis upon my mistress. I have an inclination to know my owndescent beyond a doubt. " He then ordered the genealogist into hispresence, and said, "Dost thou think thou canst prove mydescent?" "Yes, my lord, " replied the man, "but on condition thatyou spare my life after I shall have informed you; for theproverb says, 'When the sultan is present, beware of his anger, as there is no delay when he commands to strike. '" "There shallbe safety for thee, " exclaimed the sultan, "in my promise, anobligation that can never be forfeited. "

"O sultan, " continued the genealogist, "when I shall inform theeof thy parentage and descent, let not there be any present whomay hear me. " "Wherefore?" replied the sultan. "My lord, "answered the sharper, "you know the attributes of the Deityshould be veiled in mystery. " The sultan now commanded all hisattendants to retire, and when they were alone, the genealogistadvanced and said, "Mighty prince, thou art illegitimate, and theson of an adulteress. "

As soon as the sultan heard this, his colour changed, he turnedpale, and fainted away. When he was recovered, he remained sometime in deep contemplation, after which he exclaimed, "By him whoconstituted me the guardian of his people, I swear that if thyassertion be found true I will abdicate my kingdom, and resign itto thee, for royalty cannot longer become me; but should thywords prove void of foundation, I will put thee to instantdeath. " "To hear is to assent, " replied the sharper. 

The sultan now arose, entered the haram, and bursting into hismother's apartment with his cimeter drawn, exclaimed, "By him whodivided the heavens from the earth, shouldst thou not answerfaithfully to what I shall inquire, I will cut thee to pieceswith this cimeter. " The queen, trembling with alarm, said, "Whatdost thou ask of me?" "Inform me, " replied the sultan, "of whomam I the son?" "Since truth only can save me, " cried theprincess, "know that thou art the offspring of a cook. My husbandhad no children either male or female, on which account he becamesad, and lost his health and appetite. In a court of the haram wehad several sorts of birds, and one day the sultan fancying heshould relish one of them, ordered the cook to kill and dress it. I happened then to be in the bath alone. 

"As I was in the bath, " continued the sultana, "I saw the cookendeavouring to catch the birds. At that instant it occurred tomy mind from the instigation of Satan, that if I bore not a son, after the death of the sultan my influence would be lost. Itempted the man, and thou art the produce of my crime. The signsof my pregnancy soon appeared; and when the sultan was informedof them, he recovered his health, and rejoiced exceedingly, andconferred favours and presents on his ministers and courtiersdaily, till the time of my delivery. On that day he chanced to beupon a hunting excursion at a country palace; but whenintelligence was brought him of the birth of a son, he instantlyreturned to me, and issued orders for the city to be decorated, which was done for forty days together, out of respect to thesultan. Such was my crime, and such was thy birth. "

The sultan now returned to the adventurer, and commanded him topull off his clothes, which he did; when the sultan, disrobinghimself, habited him in the royal vestments, after which he said, "Inform me whence thou judgest that I was a bastard?"

"My lord, " replied the adventurer, "when each of us shewed ourskill in what was demanded, you ordered him only an allowance ofa mess of pottage and three cakes of bread. Hence I judged you tobe the offspring of a cook, for it is the custom of princes toreward the deserving with wealth and honours, but you onlygratified us with victuals from your kitchen. " The sultanreplied, "Thou hast spoken truly. " He then made him put on therest of the royal robes and ornaments, and seated him upon thethrone; after which he disguised himself in the habit of adervish, and wandered from his abdicated dominions. When thelucky adventurer found himself in possession of the throne, hesent for his companions; and finding they did not recognize himin his royal habiliments, dismissed them with liberal presents, but commanded them to quit his territories with the utmostexpedition, lest they should discover him. After this, with asatisfied mind, he fulfilled the duties of his new station with aliberality and dignity that made the inhabitants of themetropolis and all the provinces bless him, and pray for theprolongation of his reign. 

 The Adventures of the Abdicated Sultan. 

The abdicated prince, disguised as a dervish, did not ceasetravelling in a solitary mood till he came to the city of Cairo, which he perceived to be in repose and security, and wellregulated. Here he amused himself with walking through severalstreets, till he had reached the royal palace, and was admiringits magnificent architecture and extent, and the crowds passingin and out, when the sultan with his train appeared in sightreturning from a hunting excursion, upon which he retired to oneside of the road. The sultan observing his dignified demeanour, commanded one of his attendants to invite him to the palace, andentertain him till he should inquire after him. 

When the sultan had reposed himself from the fatigue of hisexercise, he sent for the supposed dervish to his presence, andsaid, "From what kingdom art thou arrived?" He answered, "I am, my lord, a wandering dervish. " "Well, " replied the sultan, "butinform me on what account thou art come here. " On which he said, "My lord, this cannot be done but in privacy. " "Let it be so, "rejoined the sultan; and rising up, led him into a retiredapartment of the palace. The supposed dervish then related whathad befallen him, the cause of his having abdicated his kingdom, and taken upon himself the character of a religious. The sultanwas astonished at his self-denial, and exclaimed, "Blessed be hisholy name, who exalteth and humbleth whom he will by his almightypower; but my history is more surprising than thine. I willrelate it to thee, and conceal nothing. "

 History of Mahummud, Sultan of Cairo. 

At my first outset in the world I was an indigent man, andpossessed none of the conveniences of life, till at length Ibecame possessed of ten pieces of silver, which I resolved toexpend in amusing myself. With this intention, I one day walkedinto the principal market, intending first to purchase somewhatdelicate to feast upon. While I was looking about me, a manpassed by, with a great crowd following and laughing at him, forhe led in an iron chain a monstrous baboon, which he cried forsale at the price of ten pieces of silver. Somethinginstinctively impelled me to purchase the creature, so I paid himthe money, and took my bargain to my lodging; but on my arrival, was at a loss how to procure a meal for myself or the baboon. While I was considering what I should do, the baboon having madeseveral springs, became suddenly transformed into a handsomeyoung man, beautiful as the moon at the fourteenth night of itsappearance, and addressed me, saying, "Shekh Mahummud, thou hastpurchased me for ten pieces of silver, being all thou hadst, andart now thinking how thou canst procure food for me and thyself. ""That is true, " replied I; "but in the name of Allah, from whencedost thou come?" "Ask no questions, " replied my companion, "buttake this piece of gold, and purchase us somewhat to eat anddrink. " I took the gold, did as he had desired, and we spent theevening merrily together in feasting and conversation, till itwas time to repose. 

In the morning the young man said, "My friend, this lodging isnot fitting for us; go, and hire a better. " "To hear is to obey, "replied I, and departed to the principal serai, where I hired anupper apartment, to which we removed. He then gave me tendeenars, with orders to purchase carpets and cushions, which Idid, and on my return found before him a package, containingprincely vestments. These he gave to me, desiring that I would goto the bath, and, after bathing, put them on. I obeyed hiscommands, dressed myself, and found in each pocket a hundreddeenars. I was not a little proud of my improved appearance inthe rich robes. On my return, he praised my figure, and seated meby him, when we refreshed ourselves, and chatted on varioussubjects. At length he gave me a bundle, desiring that I wouldpresent it to the sultan, and at the same time demand hisdaughter in marriage for myself, assuring me that my requestwould meet a ready compliance. 

The young man commanded a slave he had bought to attend me, whocarried the bundle, and I set out for the palace; near which Ifound a great crowd of grandees, officers, and guards, who seeingme so richly habited, inquired respectfully what I wanted. Uponmy replying that my business was with the sultan, they informedthe ushers, who introduced me to the presence. I made thecustomary obeisance, and the sultan returned my salute; afterwhich I presented the bundle before him, saying, "Will my lordaccept this trifle, becoming my humble situation to offer, butcertainly not worthy the royal dignity to receive?" The sultancommanded the package to be opened; when, lo! it contained acomplete dress of royal apparel, richer than had ever been beforeseen, at which the sultan was astonished, and exclaimed, "Heavens! I have nothing like this, nor ever possessed somagnificent a suit; it shall be accepted: but inform me, Shekh, what thou requirest in return for so valuable an offering. ""Mighty sovereign, " replied I, "my wish is to become thy relationby espousing that precious gem of the casket of beauty, thyincomparable daughter. "

When the sultan had heard this request, he turned towards hisvizier and said, "Advise me how I should act in this affair. "Upon which the minister replied, "Shew him, my lord, your mostvaluable diamond, and inquire if he has any one equally preciousto match it as a marriage present for your daughter. " The sultandid so; when I said, "If I present two, will you give me yourdaughter?" To which he assented, and I took my leave, carryingwith me the diamond, to shew the young man as a model. Upon myarrival at our serai, I informed him of what passed, when heexamined the diamond, and said, "The day is now far spent, buttomorrow I will procure ten like it, which thou shalt present tothe sultan. " Accordingly in the morning he walked out, and in thespace of an hour returned with ten diamonds, which he gave me, and I hastened with them to the sultan. When he beheld theprecious stones he was enraptured at their brilliancy, and againconsulted his vizier how he should act in this business. "Mylord, " replied the minister, "you only required one diamond ofthe Shekh, and he has presented you with ten: it is thereforeincumbent upon you to give him your daughter. "

The sultan now sent for the cauzees and effendis, who drew up thedeed of espousals, which they gave me, when I returned to ourserai, and shewed it to the young man, who said, "It is well; goand complete thy marriage; but I entreat that thou wilt notconsummate thy nuptials till I shall give thee permission. " "Tohear is to obey, " replied I. When it was night I entered theprincess's apartment, but sat down at a distance from her, anddid not speak till morning, when I bade her farewell, and took myleave for the day. I observed the same conduct the second nightand the third, upon which, offended at my coldness, shecomplained to her mother, who informed the sultan of myaffronting behaviour. 

The sultan sent for me to his presence, and with much angerthreatened, if I should continue my coldness to the princessanother evening, that he would put me to death. Upon this Ihastened to inform my friend at the serai, who commanded, thatwhen I should next be alone with my wife I should demand of her abracelet which she wore upon her right arm, and bring it to him, after which I might consummate my nuptials. I replied, "To hearis to obey;" and the next evening, when I entered the apartment, said to my wife, "If thou desirest that we should live happilytogether, give me the bracelet on thy right arm. " She did soimmediately, when I carried it to the young man, and, returningto the palace, slept, as I supposed, with the princess tillmorning. Guess, however, what was my surprise, when on awaking Ifound myself lying in my first humble lodging, stripped of myrich vestments, and saw on the ground my former mean attire;namely, an old vest, a pair of tattered drawers, and a raggedturban, as full of holes as a sieve. When I had somewhatrecovered my senses, I put them on and walked out in a melancholymood, regretting my lost happiness, and not knowing what I shoulddo to recover it. As I strolled towards the palace, I beheldsitting in the street a fortune-teller, who had some writtenpapers before him, and was casting omens for the bystanders. Iadvanced, and made him a salute, which he returned kindly; andafter looking attentively in my face, exclaimed, "What! has thataccursed wretch betrayed thee, and torn thee from thy wife?" Ireplied, "Yes. " Upon this he desired me to wait a little, andseated me by him. When his employers were departed, he said, "Myfriend, the ape which you purchased for ten pieces of silver, andwho soon after was transformed into a young man, is not of humanrace, but a genie deeply in love with the princess whom youmarried. However, he could not approach her while she wore thebracelet, containing a powerful charm, upon her right arm, andtherefore made use of thee to obtain it. He is now with her, butI will soon effect his destruction, that genii and men may besecure from his wickedness, for he is one of the rebellious andaccursed spirits who disobeyed our lord Solomon, son of David. "

After this, the fortune-teller wrote a note, which having sealedand directed, he gave it to me, saying, "Go to a certain spot, wait there, and observe those who may approach. Fortify thy mind, and when thou shall see a great personage attended by a numeroustrain, present to him this letter, when he will accomplish thydesires. " I took the note, immediately departed for the place towhich the fortune-teller had directed me, and after travellingall night and half the next day reached it, and sat down to waitfor what might happen. The evening shut in, and about a fourthpart of the night had passed, when a great glare of lightsappeared advancing towards me from a distance; and as it shonenearer, I perceived persons carrying flambeaux and lanterns, alsoa numerous train of attendants, as if belonging to some mightysultan. My mind was alarmed, but I recovered myself, and resolvedto stay where I was. A great concourse passed by me, marching twoand two, and at length there appeared a sultan of the genii, surrounded by a splendid attendance; upon which I advanced asboldly as I could, and having prostrated myself, presented theletter, which he opened, and read aloud, as follows:

"Be it known unto thee, O sultan of the genii, that the bearer ofthis is in distress, from which thou must relieve him bydestroying his enemy. Shouldst thou not assist him, beware of thyown safety. Farewell. "

When the sultan of the genii had read the note, he called out toone of his messengers, who immediately attended before him, andcommanded him to bring into his presence without delay the geniewho had enchanted the daughter of the sultan of Cairo. "To hearis to obey, " replied the messenger, and instantly disappearing, was absent for about an hour, when he returned with the criminal, and placed him before the sultan of the genii, who exclaimed, "Accursed wretch, hast thou ill-treated this man?"

"Mighty sovereign, " replied the genie, "my crime proceeded fromlove of the princess, who wore a charm in her bracelet whichprevented my approaching her, and therefore I made use of thisman. He procured me the charm, and I now have her in my power;but I love her tenderly, and have not injured her. " "Return thebracelet instantly, " replied the sultan of the genii, "that theman may recover his wife, or I will command an executioner tostrike off thy head. " The offending genie, who was of an accursedand obstinate race, upon hearing these words was inflamed withpassion, and insolently cried out, "I will not return thebracelet, for no one shall possess the princess but myself. "Having said thus, he attempted to fly away, but in vain. 

The sultan of the genii now commanded his attendants to bind thecriminal in chains, which they did, and having forced thebracelet from him, struck off his head. The sultan then presentedme the charm, which was no sooner in my hand than all the geniivanished from my sight, and I found myself dressed as before, inthe rich habit given me by the pretended young man. I proceededto the city, which I entered, and when I came near the palace wasrecognized by the guards and courtiers, who cried out in rapturesof joy, "Our lost prince is at length returned. " They paid theirrespects, and I entered the apartment of the princess, whom Ifound in a deep sleep, in which state she had been ever since mydeparture. On my replacing the bracelet on her arm, she awoke. After this we lived together in all happiness till the death ofher father, who appointed me his successor, having no son, sothat I am what I am. 

When the sultan of Cairo had finished his narrative, theabdicated prince expressed his surprise at his adventures: uponwhich the sultan said, "Wonder not, my brother, at thedispensations of the Almighty, for he worketh in secret, and whenhe pleaseth revealeth his mysteries. Since thou hast quitted thykingdom, if thou choosest, thou shalt be my vizier, and we willlive together as friends and brothers. " "To hear is to obey, "replied the prince. The sultan then constituted him vizier, enrobed him in a rich uniform, and committed to him his seal, theinkstand, and other insignia of office, at the same timeconferring upon him a magnificent palace, superbly furnished withgorgeous carpets, musnuds, and cushions: belonging to it werealso extensive gardens. The vizier entered immediately upon hisnew office; held his divans regularly twice every day, and judgedso equitably on all appeals brought before him, that his fame forjustice and impartiality was soon spread abroad; insomuch, thatwhoever had a cause or dispute willingly referred it to hisdecision, and was satisfied with it, praying for his life andprosperity. In this state he remained for many years, thesovereign pleased with him, and he happy under the protection ofthe sultan of Cairo, so that he did not regret his abdicatedkingdom. 

It happened one evening that the mind of the sultan wasdepressed, upon which he sent for the vizier, who attended; whenhe said, "Vizier, my mind is so uneasy that nothing will amuseme. " "Enter then, " replied the minister, "into thy cabinet, andlook at thy jewels, the examination of which may perhapsentertain thee. " The sultan did so, but it had no effect on hislassitude; when he said, "Vizier, this dispiritedness will notquit me, and nothing gives me pleasure within my palace; let us, therefore, walk out in disguise. " "To hear is to obey, " repliedthe vizier. They then retired into a private chamber, and puttingon the habits of dervishes of Arabia, strolled through the citytill they reached a hospital for lunatics, which they entered. Here they beheld two men, one reading and the other listening tohim; when the sultan said to himself, "This is surprising;" andaddressed the men, saying, "Are you really mad?" They replied, "We are not mad, but our stories are so wonderful, that were theyrecorded on a tablet of adamant, they would remain for examplesto them who would be advised. " "Let us hear them, " said thesultan; upon which, the man who had been reading exclaimed, "Hearmine first!" and thus began. 

 Story of the First Lunatic. 

I was a merchant, and had a warehouse in which were Indian goodsof all sorts, and of the highest value, and I bought and sold togreat advantage. One day as I was sitting in my warehouse, according to custom, busy in buying and selling, an old womancame in, telling her beads, and greeted me. I returned hersalute, when she sat down, and said, "Sir, have you any choiceIndian cloths?" "Yes, my mistress, " replied I, "of all sorts thatyou can possibly wish for. " "Bring them, " said she. I showed hera piece of great value, with which she was highly pleased, andinquired the price. "Five hundred deenars, " replied I: she tookout her purse, paid me the money, and went away with the cloth;upon which I had a profit of one hundred and fifty deenars. Shereturned the next day, bought another piece, paid for it, and, inshort, did the same for fifteen days successively, paying meregularly for each purchase. On the sixteenth day she came to myshop as usual, chose the cloth and was going to pay me, butmissed her purse; upon which she said, "Sir, I have unfortunatelyleft my purse at home. " "Mistress, " replied I, "it is of noconsequence; take the cloth, and if you return, well, if not, youare welcome to this trifle:" she would not take it: I pressedher, but in vain. Much friendly argument passed between us, tillat length she said, "Sir, you contradict, and I contradict, butwe shall never agree unless you will favour me by accompanying meto my house to receive the value of your goods; so lock up yourwarehouse, lest any thing should be lost in your absence. "Accordingly I fastened my doors, and accompanied her; we walkedon conversing, till we came near her house, when she pulled out ahandkerchief from her girdle, and said, "My desire is to tie thisover thy eyes. " "On what account?" replied I. "Because, " saidshe, "in our way are several houses, the gates of which are open, and the women sitting in their balconies, so that possibly thyeyes may glance upon some one of them, and thy heart bedistracted with love; for in this part are many beautifuldamsels, who would fascinate even a religious, and therefore I amalarmed for thy peace. "

Upon this I said to myself, "This old woman advises me properly, "and I consented to her demand; when she bound the handkerchiefover my eyes, and we proceeded till we arrived at her house. Sheknocked at the door, which was opened by a damsel, and weentered. The old lady then took the handkerchief from my eyes, when I looked around me, and perceived that I was in a mansionhaving several quadrangles, highly ornamented, and resembling thepalaces of the sultan. 

The old lady now desired me to retire into a room, which I did, and there beheld heaped together all the pieces of cloth whichshe had purchased of me, at which I was surprised, but still moreso when two damsels beautiful as resplendent moons approached, and having divided a piece of cloth into halves, each took one, and wrapped it round her hand. They then sprinkled the floor withrose water and other scents, wiping it with the cloth, andrubbing it till it became bright as silver; after which theywithdrew into an adjoining room, and brought out at least fiftystools, which they set down, and placed over each a richcovering, with cushions of tissue. They then fetched a largestool of gold, and having put upon it a carpet and cushions ofgold brocade, retired. Not long after this, there descended fromthe staircase by two and two, as many damsels in number as thestools; upon each of which one sat down. At last descended a ladyattended by ten damsels, who placed herself upon the largerstool. When I beheld her, my lord, my senses forsook me, and Iwas in raptures at her beauty, her stature, and elegance, as shechatted and laughed with her companions. 

At length she exclaimed, "My dear mother!" when the old womanentered; to whom she said, "Hast thou brought the young man?" Shereplied, "Yes, my daughter, he is ready to attend thee. " Uponwhich the lady said, "Introduce him to me. " When I heard this Iwas alarmed, and said to myself, "There is no refuge but in themost high God; doubtless she has discovered my being here, andwill command me to be put to death. " The old woman came to me, and leading me by the hand, took me before the lady seated on thegolden stool, who, on seeing me, smiled, made a graceful salute, and waved her hand for a seat to be brought, which was done, andplaced close to her own. She then commanded me to sit down, whichI did with much confusion. 

When I was seated, the lady began to chat and joke with me, saying, "What think you of my appearance and my beauty, do youjudge me worthy of your affection? shall I be your partner andyou mine?" When I had heard these words, I replied, "How, dearlady, dare I presume, who am not worthy to be your servant, toarrive at such an honour?" Upon this, she said, "Young man, mywords have no evasion in them; be not discouraged, or fearful ofreturning me an answer, for my heart is devoted to thy love. " Inow perceived, my lord, that the lady was anxious to marry me;but could not conceive on what account, or who could have givenher intelligence concerning me. She continued to shew me so manypleasing attentions, that at length I was emboldened to say, "Lady, if your words to me are sincere, according to the proverb, no time is so favourable as the present. " "There cannot, " saidshe, "be a more fortunate day than this for our union. " Upon thisI replied, "My dear lady, how can I allot for you a properdowry?" "The value of the cloth you intrusted to the old lady, who is my mother, " answered she, "is sufficient. " "That cannot beenough, " rejoined I. "Nothing more shall be added, " exclaimed thelady; "and my intention is this instant to send for the cauzeeand witnesses, and I will choose a trustee, that they may uniteus without delay. We will celebrate our nuptials this veryevening, but upon one condition. " "What is that?" replied I. Sheanswered, "That you bind yourself not to address or holdconversation with any woman but myself. " My lord, I was eager tobe in possession of so beautiful a woman, and therefore said toher, "I agree, and will never contradict thee either by my wordsor actions. " She then sent for the cauzee and witnesses, andappointed a trustee, after which we were married. After theceremony, she ordered coffee and sherbet, gave money to thecauzee, a dress of honour to her trustee, and they departed. 

I was lost in astonishment, and said to myself, "Do I dream, oram I awake?" She now commanded her damsels to empty the warmbath, fill it afresh, and prepare cloths and necessaries forbathing. When they had done as she desired, she ordered theeunuchs in waiting to conduct me to the hummaum, and gave them arich dress. They led me into an elegant apartment, difficult forspeech to describe. They spread many-coloured carpets, upon whichI sat down and undressed; after which I entered the hummaum, andperceived delightful odours from sandal wood, of comorin, andother sweets diffusing from every part. Here they seated me, covered me with perfumed soaps, and rubbed me till my body becamebright as silver; when they brought the basins, and I washed withwarm water, after which they gave me rose-water, and I poured itover me. They next brought in sweet-smelling salves, which Irubbed over me, and then repaired to the hummaum, where I found aroyal dress, in which the eunuchs arrayed me; and after perfumingme with incense of sandal wood, brought in confections, coffee, and sherberts of various sorts, with which I refreshed myself. Ithen left the bath with my attendants, who shewed me into thegrand hall of the palace, which was spread with most magnificentcarpets, stools, and cushions. Here the lady met me, attired in anew habit, more sumptuous than I had seen her in before. 

When I beheld my bride, she appeared to me, from the richness ofher ornaments, like a concealed treasure from which the talismanhad just been removed. She sat down by me, and smiled sofascinatingly upon me, I could no longer contain my rapture. In ashort time she retired, but soon returned again in a dress richerthan her last. I again embraced her, and in short, my lord, weremained together for ten days in the height of happiness andenjoyment. At the end of this period I recollected my mother, andsaid to my wife, "It is so long since I have been absent fromhome, and since my mother has not seen me, that I am certain shemust be anxious concerning me. Will you permit me to visit herand look after my warehouse?" "There can be no impediment, "replied she; "you may visit your mother daily, and employyourself in your warehouse, but the old woman must conduct youand bring you back;" to which I assented. 

The old lady then came in, tied a handkerchief over my eyes, conducted me to the spot where she had first blindfolded me, andsaid, "You will return here about the time of evening prayer, andwill find me waiting. " I left her, and repaired to my mother, whom I found in great affliction at my absence, and weepingbitterly. Upon seeing me, she ran and embraced me with tears ofjoy. I said, "Weep not, my dear mother, for my absence has beenowing to the highest good fortune. " I then informed her of mylucky adventure, when she exclaimed, "May Allah protect thee, myson, but visit me at least every two days, that my affection forthee may be gratified. " I then went to my warehouse, and employedmyself as usual till evening, when I returned to the placeappointed, where I found the old lady, who blindfolded me asbefore, and conducted me to the palace of my wife, who receivedme with fondness. For three months I continued to go and come inthis manner, but I could not help wishing to know whom I hadmarried, and wondering at the affluence, splendour, andattendance that appeared around her. 

At length I found an opportunity of being in private with one ofher black slaves, and questioned her concerning her mistress. "Mylord, " replied she, "the history of my mistress is wonderful; butI dare not relate it, lest she should put me to death. " Uponthis, I assured her, that if she would inform me, no one shouldknow it but myself, and I took an oath of secrecy, when she beganas follows:

"My mistress one day went to a public bath, intending to amuseherself, for which purpose she made such preparations ofdelicacies and rarities, as were worth a camel's load oftreasure, and when she left the hummaum, made an excursion to agarden, where a splendid collation was laid out. Here shecontinued enjoying herself till evening, when she ordered herretinue to make ready for departure, and the fragments of theentertainment to be distributed among the poor. On her return, she passed through the street in which is your warehouse. It wasupon a Friday, when you were sitting in conversation with afriend, arrayed in your best attire. She beheld you, her heartwas stricken with love, but no one perceived her emotion. However, she had no sooner reached her palace than she became lowand melancholy, and her appetite failed her. At length she tookto her bed, her colour left her, sleep forsook her, and shebecame very weak. Upon this her mother went to call in aphysician, that he might consider what might be the cause of herdaughter's indisposition; but on the way she met a skilful oldlady, with whom she returned home. 

"The old lady on feeling the pulse of her patient, and afterasking several questions, could perceive in her no bodily ailmentor pain; upon which she judged she was in love, but did notventure to speak to her before her mother of her suspicions. Shetook leave, and said, 'By God's blessing thou wilt soon recover;I will return tomorrow, and bring with me an infalliblemedicine. ' She then took her mother aside, and said, 'My goodlady, be not angry at what I shall remark, but thy daughter hasno bodily disorder; she is in love, and there can be no cure forher but by a union with her beloved. ' The mother, on thedeparture of the old lady, repaired to her daughter, and withmuch difficulty, after twenty days of denial (for my mistress'smodesty was hurt), obtained from her a description of yourperson, and the street in which you lived; upon which she behavedto you in the manner you are well acquainted with, brought youhere, and you know what followed. Such is her history, " concludedthe black slave, "which you must not reveal. " "I will not, "replied I; and after this I continued to live very happily withmy wife, going daily to see my mother, to attend in my warehouse, and return in the evening, conducted as usual by the old lady mymother-in-law. 

One day, after the expiration of some months, as I was sitting inmy warehouse, a damsel came into the street with the image of acock, composed of jewelry. It was set with pearls, diamonds, andother precious stones, and she offered it to the merchants forsale; when they began bidding for it at five hundred deenars, andwent to nine hundred and fifty; all which I observed in silenceand did not interfere by speaking or bidding. At length thedamsel came up to me, and said, "My lord, all the merchants haveincreased in bidding for my precious toy, but you have neitherbidden, nor taken any notice of me. " "I have no occasion for it, "replied I. "Nay, " exclaimed she, "but you must bid somethingmore. " "Since I must, " I answered, "I will give fifty deenarsmore, which will be just a thousand. " She accepted the price, andI went into my warehouse to fetch the money to pay her, saying tomyself, "I will present this curiosity to my wife, as it mayplease her. " When I was going to pay the money, the damsel wouldnot take it, but said, "My lord, I have a request to make, whichis, that I may snatch one kiss from your cheek as the price of myjewelry, for I want nothing else. " Upon this, I thought tomyself, a single kiss of my cheek is an easy price for the valueof a thousand deenars, and consented; when she came up to me andgave me a kiss, but at the same time a most severe bite; left thepiece of jewelry, and went away with the greatest haste. 

In the evening I repaired to the house of my wife, and found theold lady waiting as usual at the accustomed spot. She tied thehandkerchief over my eyes, and when she had conducted me home, took it off. I found my wife sitting upon her golden stool, butdressed in scarlet, and with an angry countenance; upon which Isaid to myself, "God grant all may be well. " I approached her, took out the toy set with diamonds and rubies (thinking that onsight of it her ill-humour would vanish), and said, "My mistress, accept this, for it is curious, and I purchased it for thee. " Shetook it into her hand, and examined it on all sides; after whichshe exclaimed, "Didst thou really purchase this on my account?""By heavens, " replied I, "I bought it for thy sake, for athousand deenars. " Upon this she frowned angrily upon me, andexclaimed, "What means that wound upon thy cheek?" I wasoverwhelmed with confusion. 

While I was in this state, she called out to her attendants, whoimmediately descended the staircase, carrying the headless corpseof a young girl, the head placed upon the middle of the body. Ilooked, and knew it to be the head of the damsel who had sold methe piece of jewelry for a kiss, and had bitten my cheek. My wifenow exclaimed, "I had no occasion for such baubles, for I havemany of them; but I wished to know if thou wert so faithful tothy agreement with me, as not to address another woman thanmyself, and sent the girl to try thee. Since thy promise has beenbroken, begone, and return no more. "

When my wife had finished her speech, the old woman took me bythe hand, tied the handkerchief over my eyes, and conducted me tothe usual spot, when she said, "Begone!" and disappeared. I wasso overcome by the sad adventure, and the loss of my wife, that Iran through the streets like one frantic, crying, "Ah, whatbeauty, what grace, what elegance did she possess!" upon which, the people, supposing me distracted, conducted me to thishospital, and bound me in fetters, as you see. 

When the sultan had heard the young man's story, he was muchaffected, inclined his head for some instants in deep thought, then said to his vizier, "By Allah, who has intrusted me withsovereignty, if thou dost not discover the lady who married thisyoung man, thy head shall be forfeited. " The vizier was alarmed, but recovering himself, replied, "Allow me three days to search, "to which the sultan consented. The vizier then took with him theyoung man, and for two days was at a loss how to find out thehouse. At length he inquired if he should know the spot where thehandkerchief was tied over his eyes, and the gateway at which itwas taken off, of both which the youth professed to be certain. He conducted the minister to the street where he was blindfolded, and they reached a gateway, at which the vizier knocked. It wasopened by the domestics, who knowing the vizier, and seeing theyoung man with him, were alarmed, and ran to communicate thequality of the visitants to their mistress. She desired to knowthe commands of the vizier, who informed her, that it was thesultan's pleasure she should be reconciled to her husband; towhich she replied, "Since the sultan hath commanded, my duty isobedience. " The young man was reunited to his wife, who was thedaughter of a former sultan of Cairo. 

Such were the adventures of the young man who was reading in thehospital. We now recite those of the youth who was listening tohim. Upon the sultan's inquiring his story, he began as follows. 

 Story of the Second Lunatic. 

My lord, I was by profession a merchant, and on my commencingbusiness the youngest of my trade, having but just entered mysixteenth year. As I was one day busy in my warehouse, a damselentering, put into my hands a packet, which, on opening, I foundto contain several copies of verses in praise of myself, with aletter expressive of ardent affection for my person. Supposingthem meant only as banter, I foolishly flew into a passion, seized the bearer, and beat her severely. On her departure, Ireflected on my improper behaviour, dreaded lest she shouldcomplain to her relations, and that they might revenge themselvesupon me by some sudden assault. I repented of what I had done, but alas! it was when repentance would not avail. 

Ten days had passed, when, as I was sitting in my warehouse asusual, a young lady entered most superbly dressed, andodoriferously perfumed. She resembled in brightness the moon onits fourteenth night, so that when I gazed upon her my sensesforsook me, and I was incapable of attention to any thing butherself. She addressed me, saying, "Young man, have you in yourwarehouse any female ornaments?" to which I replied, "Of allsorts, my lady, that you can possibly require. " Upon this shedesired to see some bracelets for the ankles, which I shewed her, when holding out her foot, she desired me to try them on. I didso. After this, she asked for a necklace, and opening her veil, made me tie it on. She then chose a pair of bracelets, andextending her hands, desired me to put them on her wrists, whichI did; after which, she inquired the amount of the whole, when Iexclaimed, "Fair lady, accept them as a present, and inform mewhose daughter thou art. " She replied, "I am the daughter of thechief magistrate;" when I said, "My wish is to demand thee inmarriage of thy father. " She consented that I should, butobserved, "When you ask me of my father, he will say, I have onlyone daughter, who is a cripple, and wretchedly deformed. Do thou, however, reply, that thou art willing to accept her, and if heremonstrates, still insist upon wedding her. " I then asked when Ishould make my proposals. She replied, "The best time to visit myfather is on the Eed al Koorbaun, which is three days hence, asthou wilt then find with him all his relations and friends, andour espousals will add to his festivity. "

Agreeably to the lady's instructions, on the third day followingI repaired with several of my friends to the house of the chiefmagistrate, and found him sitting in state, receiving thecompliments of the day from the chief inhabitants of the city. Wemade our obeisance, which he graciously noticed, received us withkindness, and entered familiarly into conversation. A collationwas brought in, the cloth spread, and we partook with him of theviands, after which we drank coffee. I then stood up, saying, "Mylord, I am desirous of espousing the chaste lady your daughter, more precious than the richest gem. "

When the chief magistrate heard my speech, he inclined his headfor some time towards the earth in deep thought, after which hesaid, "Son, my daughter is an unfortunate cripple, miserablydeformed. " To this I replied, "To have her for my wife is all Iwish. " The magistrate then said, "If thou wilt have a wife ofthis description, it must be on condition that she shall not betaken from my house, that thou shalt consummate the marriagehere, and abide with me. " I replied, "To hear is to obey;"believing that she was the beautiful damsel who had visited mywarehouse, and whose charms I had so rapturously beheld. Inshort, the nuptial ceremony was performed, when I said to myself, "Heavens! is it possible that I am become master of thisbeautiful damsel, and shall possess her charms!"

When night set in, the domestics of the chief magistrateintroduced me into the chamber of my bride. I ran eagerly to gazeupon her beauty, but guess my mortification when I beheld her awretched dwarf, a cripple, and deformed, as her father hadrepresented. I was overcome with horror at the sight of her, distracted with disappointment, and ashamed of my own foolishcredulity, but I dared not complain, as I had voluntarilyaccepted her as my wife from the magistrate: I sat down silentlyin one corner of the chamber, and she in another, for I could notbring myself to approach her, as she was disgusting to the sightof man, and my soul could not endure her company. 

At day-break I left the house of my father-in-law, repaired to mywarehouse, which I opened, and sat down much distressed in mind, withmy head dizzy, like one suffering from intoxication, when lo! whoshould appear before me but the lady who had put upon me so mortifyinga trick. She entered, and paid me the customary salute. I was enraged, and began to abuse her, saying, "Wherefore hast thou put upon me sucha stratagem?" when she replied, "Wretch, recollect the day that Ibrought thee a packet, in return for which you seized, beat, reviled, and drove me scornfully away. In retaliation for such treatment, Ihave taken revenge by giving thee such a delectable bride. " I now fellat her feet, entreated her forgiveness, and expressed my repentance;upon which, smiling upon me, she said, "Be not uneasy, for as I haveplunged thee into a dilemma, I will also relieve thee from it. Go tothe aga of the leather-dressers, give him a sum of money, and desirehim to call thee his son; then repair with him, attended by hisfollowers and musicians, to the house of the chief magistrate. When heinquires the cause of their coming, let the aga say, 'My lord, we arecome to congratulate thy son-in-law, who is my beloved child, on hismarriage with thy daughter, and to rejoice with him. ' The magistratewill be furiously enraged, and exclaim, 'Dog, is it possible that, being a leather-dresser, thou durst marry the daughter of the chiefmagistrate?' Do thou then reply, 'My lord, my ambition was to beennobled by your alliance, and as I have married your lordship'sdaughter, the mean appellation of leather-dresser will soon beforgotten and lost in the glorious title of the son-in-law of yourlordship; I shall be promoted under your protection, and purified fromthe odour of the tan-pit, so that my offspring will smell as sweet asthat of a syed. "

I did as the lady had directed me, and having bribed the chief ofthe leather-dressers, he accompanied me with the body of histrade, and a numerous party of musicians, vocal and instrumental, to my father-in-law's house, before which they began to sing anddance with great clamour every now and then crying out, "Longlive our noble kinsman! Long live the son-in-law of the chiefmagistrate!" The magistrate inquired into the cause of ourintrusive rejoicing, when I told him my kinsfolk werecongratulating me upon my alliance with his illustrious house, and come to thank him for the honour he had done the whole bodyof leather-dressers in my person. The chief magistrate on hearingthis was passionately enraged, and abused me; but reflecting thatwithout my consent the supposed disgrace of his noble house couldnot be done away, he became calm, and offered me money to divorcehis daughter. At first I pretended unwillingness, but at lengthaffecting to be moved by his earnest entreaties, accepted fortypurses of gold, which he gave me to repudiate my deformed wife, and I returned home with a lightened heart. The day following, the lady came to my warehouse, when I thanked her for havingfreed me from my ridiculous marriage, and begged her to accept ofme as a husband. To this she consented, but said she was, shefeared, too meanly born for me to marry, as her father was but acook, though of eminence in his way, and very rich. I replied, "Even though he were a leather-dresser, thy charms would grace athrone. " In short, my lord, we were married, and have livedtogether very happily from the day of our union to the presenttime. 

Such is my story, but it is not so surprising as that of thelearned man and his pupil, whose adventures were among themiracles of the age, which I will relate. 

 Story of the retired Sage and his Pupil, related to the Sultan by the Second Lunatic, There was a learned and devout sage, who in order to enjoy hisstudies and contemplations uninterrupted, had secluded himselffrom the world in one of the cells of the principal mosque of thecity, which he never left but upon the most pressing occasions. He had led this retired life some years, when a boy one dayentered his cell, and earnestly begged to be received as hispupil and domestic. The sage liked his appearance, consented tohis request, inquired who were his parents, and whence he came;but the lad could not inform him, and said, "Ask not who I am, for I am an orphan, and know not whether I belong to heaven orearth. " The shekh did not press him, and the boy served him withthe most undeviating punctuality and attention for twelve years, during which he received his instructions in every branch oflearning, and became a most accomplished youth. At the end of thetwelve years, the youth one day heard some young men praising thebeauty of the sultan's daughter, and saying that her charms wereunequalled by those of all the princesses of the age. Thisdiscourse excited his curiosity to behold so lovely a creature. He repaired to his master, saying, "My lord, I understand thatthe sultan hath a most beautiful daughter, and my soul longsardently for an opportunity of beholding her, if only for aninstant. " The sage exclaimed, "What have such as we to do, myson, with the daughters of sovereigns or of others? We are asecluded order, and should refrain ourselves from associatingwith the great ones of this world. " The old man continued to warnhis pupil against the vanities of the age, and to divert him fromhis purpose; but the more he advised and remonstrated, the moreintent the youth became on his object, which affected his mind somuch, that he grew very uneasy, and was continually weeping. 

The sage observing his distress was afflicted at it, and atlength said to the youth, "Will one look at the princess satisfythy wishes?" "It shall, " replied the pupil. The sage thenanointed one of his eyes with a sort of ointment; when lo! hebecame to appearance as a man divided into half, and the sageordered him to go and hop about the city. The youth obeyed hiscommands, but he had no sooner got into the street than he wassurrounded by a crowd of passengers, who gazed with astonishmentat his appearance. The report of so strange a phenomenon as ahalf man soon spread throughout the city, and reached the palaceof the sultan, who sent for the supposed monster to the presence. The youth was conveyed to the palace, where the whole court gazedupon him with wonder; after which he was taken into the haram, togratify the curiosity of the women. He beheld the princess, andwas fascinated by the brilliancy of her charms, insomuch, that hesaid to himself, "If I cannot wed her, I will put myself todeath. "

The youth being at length dismissed from the palace, returnedhome; his heart tortured with love for the daughter of thesultan. On his arrival, the sage inquired if he had seen theprincess. "I have, " replied the youth, "but one look is notenough, and I cannot rest until I shall sit beside her, and feastmy eyes till they are wearied with gazing upon her. " "Alas! myson, " exclaimed the old man, "I fear for thy safety: we arereligious men, and should avoid temptations; nor does it becomeus to have any thing to do with the sultan. " To this the youthreplied, "My lord, unless I shall sit beside her, and touch herneck with my hands, I shall, through despair, put myself todeath. "

At these words, the sage was alarmed for the safety of his pupil, and said to himself, "I will, if possible, preserve this amiableyouth, and perchance Allah may gratify his wishes. " He thenanointed both his eyes with an ointment, which had the effect ofrendering him invisible to human sight. After this, he said, "Go, my son, and gratify thy wishes, but return again, and be not toolong absent from thy duty. "

The youth hastened towards the royal palace, which he enteredunperceived, and proceeded into the haram, where he seatedhimself near the daughter of the sultan. For some time hecontented himself with gazing on her beauty, but at lengthextending his hands, touched her softly on the neck. As soon asshe felt his touch, the princess, alarmed, shrieked outviolently, and exclaimed, "I seek refuge with Allah, from Satanthe accursed. " Her mother and the ladies present, affrighted ather outcries, eagerly inquired the cause; when she said, "Eblees, or some other evil spirit, hath this instant touched me on theneck. "

Upon this, the mother was alarmed and sent for her nurse, who, when informed of what had happened, declared, "That nothing wasso specific to drive away evil spirits as the smoke of camel'shair;" a quantity of which was instantly brought, and being setfire to, the smoke of it filled the whole apartment, and soaffected the eyes of the young man, that they wateredexceedingly, when he unthinkingly wiped them with hishandkerchief, so that with his tears the ointment was soon washedoff. 

The ointment was no sooner wiped away from his eyes than theyoung man became visible, and the princess, her mother, and theladies, all at once uttered a general cry of astonishment andalarm; upon which the eunuchs rushed into the apartment. Seeingthe youth, they surrounded him, beat him unmercifully, then boundhim with cords, and dragged him before the sultan, whom theyinformed of his having been found in the royal haram. The sultan, enraged, sent for an executioner, and commanded him to seize theculprit, to clothe him in a black habit patched over with flamecolour, to mount him upon a camel, and after parading with himthrough the streets of the city, to put him to death. 

The executioner took the young man, dressed him as he had beendirected, placed him upon the camel, and led him through thecity, preceded by guards and a crier, who bawled out, "Behold themerited punishment of him who has dared to violate the sanctuaryof the royal haram. " The procession was followed by anincalculable crowd of people, who were astonished at the beautyof the young man, and the little concern he seemed to feel at hisown situation. 

At length the procession arrived in the square before the greatmosque, when the sage, disturbed by the noise and concourse ofthe people, looked from the window of his cell, and beheld thedisgraceful situation of his pupil. He was moved to pity, andinstantly calling upon the genii (for by his knowledge of magicand every abstruse science he had them all under his control), commanded them to bring him the youth from the camel, and placein his room, without being perceived, some superannuated man. They did so, and when the multitude saw the youth, as it were, transformed into a well-known venerable shekh, they were strickenwith awe, and said, "Heavens! the young man turns out to be ourreverend chief of the herb-sellers;" for the old man had longbeen accustomed to dispose of greens and sugarcane at the collegegate near the great mosque, and was the oldest in his trade. 

The executioner, on beholding the change of appearance in hisprisoner, was confounded. He returned to the palace with the oldman upon the camel, and followed by the crowd. He hastened orcontrive my death to the sultan, and said, "My lord, the youngman is vanished, and in his room became seated upon the camelthis venerable shekh, well known to the whole city. " On hearingthis, the sultan was alarmed, and said to himself, "Whoever hasbeen able to perform this, can do things much more surprising Hemay depose me from my kingdom. "

The sultan's fears increased so much, that he was at a loss howto act. He summoned his vizier, and said, "Advise me what to doin the affair of this strange youth, for I am utterlyconfounded. " The vizier for some time inclined his head towardsthe ground in profound thought, then addressing the sultan, said, "My lord, no one could have done this but by the help of genii, or by a power which we cannot comprehend, and he may possibly, ifirritated, do you in future a greater injury respecting yourdaughter. I advise, therefore, that you cause it to be proclaimedthroughout the city, that whoever has done this, if he willappear before you shall have pardon on the word of a sultan, which can never be broken. Should he then surrender himself, espouse him to your daughter, when perhaps his mind may bereconciled by her love. He has already beheld her, and seen theladies of the haram, so that nothing can save your honour but hisunion with the princess. "

The sultan approved the advice of his vizier, the proclamation wasissued, and the crier proceeded through several streets, till atlength he reached the square of the great mosque. The pupilhearing the proclamation, was enraptured, and running to hispatron, declared his intention of surrendering himself to thesultan. "My son, " said the sage, "why shouldst thou do so? Hastthou not already suffered sufficiently?" The youth replied, "Nothing shall prevent me. " Upon which the sage exclaimed, "Gothen, my son, and my midnight prayers shall attend thee. "

The youth now repaired to the hummaum, and having bathed, dressedhimself in his richest habit; after which he discovered himselfto the crier, who conducted him to the palace. He made a profoundobeisance to the sultan, at the same time uttering an eloquentprayer for his long life and prosperity. The sultan was struckwith his manly beauty, the gracefulness of his demeanour, and thepropriety of his delivery, and said, "Young stranger, who artthou, and from whence dost thou come?" "I am, " replied the youth, "the half man whom you saw, and have done what you are alreadyacquainted with. "

The sultan now requested him to sit in the most honourable place, and entered into conversation on various subjects. He put to himseveral difficult questions in science, to which the youthreplied with such judgment, that his abilities astonished him, and he said to himself, "This young man is truly worthy of mydaughter. " He then addressed him, saying, "Young man, my wish isto unite thee to my daughter, for thou hast already seen her, also her mother, and after what has passed no one will marryher. " The youth replied, "I am ready in obedience, but mustadvise with my friends. " "Go then, " said the sultan, "consultwith thy friends, and return quickly. "

The young man repaired to the sage, and having informed him ofwhat had passed between himself and the sultan, signified hiswish to marry the princess, when the shekh replied, "Do so, myson; there can be in the measure no crime, as it is a lawfulalliance. " "But I wish, " said the youth, "to invite the sultan tovisit you. " "By all means, " answered the sage. "My lord, "rejoined the pupil, "since I first came, and you honoured me inyour service, I have beheld you in no other residence but thisconfined cell, from which you have never stirred night or day. How can I invite the sultan here?" "My son, " exclaimed the shekh, "go to the sultan, rely upon Allah, who can work miracles infavour of whom he chooseth, and say unto him, 'My patron greetsthee, and requests thy company to an entertainment five dayshence. '" The youth did as he was directed, and having returned tohis master, waited upon him as before, but anxiously wishing forthe fifth day to arrive. 

On the fifth day, the sage said to his impatient pupil, "Let usremove to our own house, that we may prepare for the reception ofthe sultan, whom you must conduct to me. " They arose, and walked, till on coming to a ruinous building about the middle of thecity, the walls of which were fallen in heaps, the shekh said, "My son, this is my mansion, hasten and bring the sultan. " Thepupil, in astonishment, exclaimed, "My lord, this abode is a heapof ruins, how can I invite the sultan here, it would onlydisgrace us?" "Go, " repeated the sage, "and dread not theconsequences. " Upon this the youth departed, but as he went oncould not help saying to himself, "Surely my master must beinsane, or means to make a jest of us. " When he had reached thepalace he found the sultan expecting him; upon which he made hisobeisance, and said, "Will my lord honour me by his company?"

The sultan arose, mounted his horse, and attended by his wholecourt, followed the youth to the place chosen by the venerableshekh. It now appeared a royal mansion, at the gates of whichwere ranged numerous attendants in costly habits, respectfullywaiting. The young man, at sight of this transformed appearance, was confounded in such a manner that he could hardly retain hissenses. He said to himself, "It was but this instant that Ibeheld this place a heap of ruins, yet now it is a palace farmore magnificent than any belonging to this sultan. I amastonished, but must keep the secret to myself. "

The sultan alighted, as did also his courtiers, and entered thepalace. They were surprised and delighted at the splendour of thefirst court, but much more so at the superior magnificence of asecond; into which they were ushered, and introduced into aspacious hall, where they found the venerable shekh sitting toreceive them. The sultan made a low obeisance; upon which thesage just moved his head, but did not rise. The sultan then satdown, when the shekh greeted him, and they entered intoconversation on various subjects; but the senses of the sultanwere confounded at the dignified demeanour of his host, and thesplendid objects around him. At length the shekh desired hispupil to knock at a door and order breakfast to be brought in, which he did: when lo! the door opened, and there entered ahundred slaves, bearing upon their heads golden trays, on whichwere placed dishes of agate, cornelian, and other stones, filledwith various eatables, which they arranged in order before thesultan. He was astonished, for he had nothing so magnificent inhis own possession. He then partook of the sumptuous collation, as did also the venerable shekh, and all the courtiers, till theywere satisfied; after which they drank coffee and sherbets ofvarious sorts, when the sultan and the sage conversed onreligious and literary subjects, and the former was edified bythe remarks of the latter. 

When it was noon the shekh again desired his pupil to knock atanother door, and order dinner to be brought in. He had no soonerdone so, than immediately a hundred slaves, different from theformer, entered, bearing trays of the richest viands. They spreadthe cloth before the sultan, and arranged the dishes, which wereeach thickly set with precious stones, at which he was moreastonished than before. When all had eaten till they weresatisfied, basins and ewers, some of gold and others of agate, were carried round, and they washed their hands; after which theshekh said to the sultan, "Have you fixed what my son must giveas the dower of your daughter?" To this, the sultan replied, "Ihave already received it. " This he said out of compliment; butthe shekh replied, "My lord, the marriage cannot be valid withouta dower. " He then presented a vast sum of money, with manyjewels, for the purpose to his pupil; after which he retired withthe sultan into a chamber, and arrayed him in a splendid habit;rich dresses were also given to each of his attendants accordingto their rank. The sultan then took leave of the shekh, andreturned with his intended son-in-law to the palace. 

When evening arrived the young man was introduced into theapartment of the princess, which he found spread with the richestcarpets, and perfumed with costly essences, but his bride wasabsent: at which he was somewhat surprised, but supposed hercoming was put off till midnight, for which he waited withimpatience. Midnight came, but no bride appeared; when a thousanduneasy sensations afflicted his mind, and he continued inrestless anxiety till morning: nor were the father and mother ofthe princess less impatient; for supposing she was with herhusband, they waited anxiously, and were mortified at the delay. 

At daylight, the mother, unable to bear longer suspense, enteredthe chamber; when the young man, rather angrily, inquired whathad delayed the coming of his bride. "She entered before thee, "replied the mother. "I have not seen her, " answered thebridegroom. Upon this the sultana shrieked with affright, callingaloud on her daughter, for she had no other child but her. Hercries alarmed the sultan, who rushing into the apartment, wasinformed that the princess was missing, and had not been seensince her entrance in the evening. Search was now made in everyquarter of the palace, but in vain; and the sultan, sultana, andthe bridegroom, were involved in the deepest distress. 

To account for the sudden disappearance of the princess, be itknown, that a genie used often to divert himself with visitingthe haram of the sultan; and happening to be there on themarriage night, was so captivated by the charms of the bride, that he resolved to steal her away. Accordingly, having renderedhimself invisible, he waited in the nuptial chamber, and upon herentering bore her off, and soared into the air. At length healighted with his prey in a delightful garden, far distant fromthe city; placed the princess in a shady arbour, and set beforeher delicious fruits; but contented himself with gazing upon herbeauty. 

The young bridegroom, when recovered from his first alarm, bethought himself of his tutor, and, together with the sultan, repaired to the palace where the splendid entertainment had beengiven. Here they found every thing in the same order as on theday of festivity, and were kindly received by the venerableshekh; who on hearing of the loss of the princess, desired themto be comforted. He then commanded a chafing-dish of lightedcharcoal to be set before him, and after some moments ofcontemplation, cast into it some perfumes, over which hepronounced incantations. He had scarcely ended them, when lo! theearth shook, whirlwinds arose, lightnings flashed, and clouds ofdust darkened the air, from which speedily descended wingedtroops, bearing superb standards and massive spears. In thecentre of them appeared three sultans of the genii, who bowinglow before the shekh, exclaimed all at once, "Master, hail! weare come to obey thy commands. "

The shekh now addressed them, saying, "My orders are, that youinstantly bring me the accursed spirit who hath carried off thebride of my son;" when the genii replied, "To hear is to obey:"and immediately detached fifty of their followers to reconductthe princess to her chamber, and drag the culprit to the presenceof the sage. These commands were no sooner issued than they wereperformed. Ten of the genii carefully conveyed the bride to herapartment, while the rest having seized the offending genie, dragged him before the sage, who commanded the three sultans toburn him to ashes, which was executed in an instant. All this wasdone in the presence of the sultan, who was wrapt inastonishment, and viewed with awe the tremendously giganticfigures of the genii, wondering at the submissive readiness withwhich they obeyed the commands of the venerable shekh. When theoffending genie was consumed to ashes, the shekh renewed hisincantations; during which the sultans of the genii, with theirfollowers, bowed themselves before him, and when he had ended, vanished from sight. 

The sultan and the bridegroom having taken leave of the shekh, returned to the palace, where all was now gladness for the safereturn of the princess. The marriage was consummated, and theyoung man was so happy with his bride, that he did not quit theharam for seven days. On the eighth, the sultan ordered publicrejoicings to be made, and invited all the inhabitants of thecity to feast at the royal cost; causing it to be proclaimed, that no one, either rich or poor, should for three days presumeto eat at home, light a fire, or burn a lamp in his own house, but all repair to the nuptial festival of the daughter of thesultan. Ample provision was made for all comers in the courts ofthe palace, and the officers of the household attended day andnight to serve the guests according to their quality. During oneof the nights of this grand festival, the sultan being anxious toknow if his proclamation was generally obeyed, resolved to walkthrough the city in disguise. Accordingly he and his vizier, inthe habit of dervishes of Persia, having quitted the palaceprivately, began their excursion, and narrowly examined severalstreets. At length they came to a close alley, in one of thehouses of which they perceived a light, and heard the sound ofvoices. When they had reached the door, they heard a person sayto another, "Our sultan understands not how to treat properly, nor is he liberal, since the poor have it not in their option topartake of the costly feast he has prepared for his daughter'snuptials. He should have distributed his bounty among thewretched, who dare not presume to enter the palace in theirragged garments, by sending it to their home. "

The sultan, upon hearing this, said to the vizier, "We must enterthis house;" and knocked at the door, when a person cried out, "Who is there?" "Guests, " replied the sultan. "You shall bewelcome to what we have, " answered the person, and opened thedoor. On entering, the sultan beheld three mean-looking old men, one of whom was lame, the second broken-backed, and the thirdwry-mouthed. He then inquired the cause of their misfortunes; towhich they answered, "Our infirmities proceeded from the weaknessof our understandings. " The sultan upon this replied in a whisperto his vizier, that at the conclusion of the festival he shouldbring the three men to his presence, in order that he might learntheir adventures. 

When they had tasted of their homely fare, the sultan and vizierrose up, and having presented the three maimed companions with afew deenars, took leave and departed. They strolled onwards. Itwas now near midnight when they reached a house in which, througha lattice, they could perceive three girls with their mothereating a slender meal; during which, at intervals, one of themsung, and the other two laughed and talked. The sultan resolvedto enter the house, and commanded the vizier to knock at thedoor, which he did; when one of the sisters cried out, "Whoknocks at our door at this advanced time of night?" "We are twoforeign dervishes, " replied the vizier; to which the ladiesanswered, "We are women of virtue, and have no men in our houseto whom you can be introduced: repair to the festival of thesultan, who will entertain you!" "Alas!" continued the vizier, "we are strangers unacquainted with the way to the palace, anddread lest the magistrate of the police should meet and apprehendus. We beg that you will afford us lodging till daylight: we willthen depart, and you need not apprehend from us any improperbehaviour. "

When the mother of the ladies heard this she pitied thestrangers, and commanded them to open the door: upon which thesultan and vizier having entered, paid their respects and satdown; but the former, on observing the beauty of the sisters andtheir elegant demeanour, could not contain himself, and said, "How comes it that you dwell by yourselves, have no husbands orany male to protect you?" The younger sister replied, "Impertinent dervish, withhold thy inquiries! our story issurprising; but unless thou wert sultan, and thy companionvizier, you could not appreciate our adventures. " The sultan uponthis remark became silent on the subject, and they discoursedupon indifferent matters till near daylight, when the pretendeddervishes took a respectful leave, and departed. At the door thesultan commanded the vizier to mark it, so that he might know itagain, being resolved, when the nuptial festivities should beconcluded, to send for the ladies and hear their story. 

On the last evening of the festival the sultan bestowed dressesof honour on all his courtiers; and on the following day, affairsreturning to their usual course, he commanded his vizier to bringbefore him the three maimed men, and ordered them to relate thecause of their misfortunes, which they did as follows. 

 Story of the Broken-backed Schoolmaster. 

Formerly, O mighty sultan, was a schoolmaster, and had under mytuition nearly seventy scholars, of whose manners I was ascareful as of their learning: so much did I make them respect me, that whenever I sneezed they laid down their writing boards, stood up with arms crossed, and with one voice exclaimed, "Godhave mercy upon our tutor!" to which I replied, "May he havemercy upon me and you, and all who have children. " If any one ofthe boys did not join in this prayer, I used to beat himseverely. One fine afternoon my scholars requested leave to visita certain garden some distance from the town, which I granted;and they clubbed their pittances to purchase sweetmeats andfruits. I attended them on this excursion, and was as muchdelighted as themselves with the pleasure they enjoyed, and theirchildish gambols. When evening approached we returned homewards, and on the way, my boys having fatigued themselves with play, aswell as eaten much sweets and fruit, were seized with extremethirst, of which they heavily complained. At length we reached adraw-well, but, alas! it had no bucket or cord. I pitied theirsituation, and resolved, if possible, to relieve them. Irequested them to give me their turbans, which I tied to eachother; but as they were altogether not long enough to reach thewater, I fixed one of the turbans round my body, and made themlet one down into the well, where I filled a small cup I had withme, which they drew up repeatedly till their thirst wassatisfied. I then desired them to draw me up again, which theyattempted; and I had reached nearly the mouth of the well, when Iwas unfortunately seized with a fit of sneezing; upon which theboys mechanically, as they had been accustomed to do in school, one and all let go their hold, crossed their arms, and exclaimed, "God have mercy upon our venerable tutor!" while I tumbled atonce to the bottom of the well, and broke my back. I cried outfrom the agony of pain, and the children ran on all sides forhelp. At length some charitable passengers drew me out, andplacing me upon an ass, carried me home; where I languished for aconsiderable time, and never could recover my health sufficientlyagain to attend to my school. Thus did I suffer for my foolishpride: for had I not been so tenacious of respect from myscholars, they would not upon my sneezing have let go their holdand broken my back. 

When the broken-backed schoolmaster had finished his story, theold man with the wry-mouth thus began:

 Story of the Wry-mouthed Schoolmaster. 

I also, O sultan, was a schoolmaster; and so strict with mypupils, that I allowed them no indulgence, but even kept them totheir studies frequently after the usual hours. At length, onemore cunning than the rest resolved, in revenge, to play me atrick. He instructed the lads as they came into school to say tome, "Dear master, how pale you look!" Not feeling myself ill, I, though surprised at their remarks, did not much regard them onthe first day; but a second, and so on to a fifth passing, oneach of which all the pupils on entrance uttered the sameexclamation, I began to think some fatal disorder had seized me, and resolved, by way of prevention, to take physic. I did so thefollowing morning, and remained in my wife's apartments; uponwhich the unlucky lads, clubbing their pittances together to theamount of about a hundred faloose, requested my acceptance of themoney as an offering for my recovery; and I was so pleased withthe present that I gave them a holiday. The receipt of cash in soeasy a manner was so agreeable to me, that I feigned illness forsome days; my pupils made an offering as usual, and were allowedto play. On the tenth day the cunning urchin who had planned thescheme came into my chamber, as customary, with an offering offaloose. I happened then to have before me a boiled egg, which, upon seeing him enter, I clapped into my mouth, supposing, thatif he perceived me well enough to eat he might not give me themoney. He, however, observed the trick, and coming up to me withaffected condolence, exclaimed, "Dear master, how your cheeks areswelled!" at the same time pressing his hands upon my face. Theegg was boiling hot, and gave me intolerable pain, while theyoung wit pretended compassionately to stroke my visage. Atlength, he pressed my jaws together so hard that the egg broke, when the scalding yolk ran down my throat, and over my beard:upon which the artful lad cried out in seeming joy, "God bepraised, my dear master, that the dreadful imposthume hasdischarged itself; we, your pupils, will all return thanks foryour happy recovery. " My mouth was contracted by the scald in themanner you behold, and I became so ridiculed for my folly, that Iwas obliged to shut up my school. 

The sultan having heard the other man's story, which was of butlittle interest, dismissed the three foolish schoolmasters with apresent, commanded the vizier to go and recognize the house ofthe three ladies and their mother, it being his intention tovisit them again in disguise and hear their adventures. Thevizier hastened to the street, but to his surprise andmortification found all the houses marked in the same manner, forthe youngest sister having overheard the sultan's instructions, had done this to prevent a discovery of their residence. Thevizier returned to the sultan, and informed him of the trickwhich had been played. He was much vexed, but the circumstanceexcited his curiosity in a greater degree. At length the vizierbethought himself of a stratagem, and said, "My lord, let aproclamation be issued for four days successively throughout thecity, that whoever presumes after the first watch of the night tohave a lamp lighted in his house, shall have his head struck off, his goods confiscated, his house razed to the ground, and hiswomen dishonoured. It is possible, as these ladies did not regardyour proclamation at the nuptials of the princess, they maydisobey this, and by that means we may discover their residence. "

The sultan approved the contrivance of the vizier, caused theproclamation to be made, and waited impatiently for the fourthnight, when he and his minister having disguised themselves asbefore, proceeded to the street in which the ladies lived. Alight appeared only in one house, which it being now tolerablycertain was that they were in quest of, they knocked at the door. 

Immediately on their knocking the youngest sister called out, "Who is at the door?" and they replied, "We are dervishes, andentreat to be your guests. " She exclaimed, "What can you want atsuch a late hour, and where did you lodge last night?" Theyanswered, "Our quarters are at a certain serai, but we have lostour way, and are fearful of being apprehended by the officers ofpolice. Let your kindness then induce you to open the door, andafford us shelter for the remainder of the night: it will be ameritorious act in the eye of heaven. " The mother overhearingwhat was said, ordered the door to be opened. 

When they were admitted, the old lady and her daughters rose up, received them respectfully, and having seated them, placedrefreshments before them, of which they partook, and weredelighted with their treatment. At length the sultan said, "Daughters, you cannot but know of the royal proclamation; howcomes it that you alone of all the inhabitants of the city havedisobeyed it by having lights in your house after the first watchof the night?" Upon this the youngest sister replied, "Gooddervish, even the sultan should not be obeyed but in hisreasonable commands, and as this proclamation against lightingour lamps is tyrannical, it ought not to be complied with, consistently with the law of scripture; for the Koraun says, 'Obedience to a creature in a criminal matter, is a sin againstthe Creator. ' The sultan (may God pardon him!) acts againstscripture, and obeys the dictates of Satan. We three sisters, with our good mother, make it a rule to spin every night acertain quantity of cotton, which in the morning we dispose of, and of the price of our labour we lay out a part in provisions, and the remainder in a new supply of materials for working toprocure us a subsistence. "

The sultan now whispered to his vizier, saying, "This damselastonishes me by her answers; endeavour to think of some questionthat may perplex her. " "My lord, " replied the vizier, "we arehere in the characters of strangers and dervishes as theirguests: how then can we presume to disturb them by improperquestions?" The sultan still insisted upon his addressing them:upon which, the vizier said to the ladies, "Obedience to thesultan's orders is incumbent upon all subjects. " "It is true heis our sovereign, " exclaimed the youngest sister, "but how can heknow whether we are starving or in affluence?" "Suppose, " repliedthe vizier, "he should send for you to the presence, and questionyou concerning your disobedience to his commands, what could youadvance in excuse for yourselves?" "I would say to the sultan, "rejoined she, "'Your majesty has acted in contradiction to thedivine law. '"

The vizier upon this turned towards the sultan, and said in awhisper, "Let us leave off disputing further with this lady onpoints of law or conscience, and inquire if she understands thefine arts. " The sultan put the question; upon which she replied, "I am perfect in all:" and he then requested her to play andsing. She retired immediately, but soon returning with a lute, sat down, tuned it, and played in a plaintive strain, which sheaccompanied with the following verses:

"It is praiseworthy in subjects to obey their sovereigns, but hisreign will continue long who gains their affections by kindness. Be liberal in thy manners, and he who is dependent upon thee willpray for thy life, for the free man alone can feel gratitude. Tohim who confers gifts man will ever resort, for bounty isfascinating. Sadden not with denial the countenance of the man ofgenius, for the liberal mind is disgusted at stinginess andhaughty demeanour. Not a tenth part of mankind understand what isright, for human nature is ignorant, rebellious, and ungrateful. "

When the sultan had heard these verses, he remained for some timeimmersed in thought; then whispering his vizier, said, "Thisquotation was certainly meant in allusion to ourselves, and I amconvinced they must know that I am their sultan, and thou vizier, for the whole tenor of their conversation shews their knowledgeof us. " He then addressed the lady, saying, "Your music, yourperformance, your voice, and the subject of your stanzas havedelighted me beyond expression. " Upon this she sang the followingverse:

"Men endeavour to attain station and riches during an age of toiland oppression, while, alas! their accounts to heaven and theirgraves are decreed from their very birth. "

The sultan, from the purport of these last verses, was moreassured than ever that she knew his quality. She did not leaveoff singing and playing till day-light, when she retired, andbrought in a breakfast, of which the sultan and the vizierpartook; after which she said, "I hope you will return to us thisnight at the conclusion of the first watch, and be our guests. "The sultan promised, and departed in admiration at the beauty ofthe sisters, their accomplishments, and graceful manners; sayingto the vizier, "My soul is delighted with the charms of theseelegant women. "

The following evening the sultan and vizier, disguised as usual, repaired to the house of the sisters, taking with them somepurses of deenars, and were received with the same respectfulwelcome. Being seated, supper was set before them, and after itbasins and ewers to wash their hands. Coffee was then served up, and conversation on various subjects amused them till the prayertime of the first watch; they then arose, performed theirablutions, and prayed. When, their devotions were ended, thesultan presented a purse of a thousand deenars to the youngestsister, and said, "Expend this upon your necessary occasions. "She took the purse with a profound obeisance, kissed his hands, and was convinced, as she had before suspected, that he must bethe sultan; at the same time hinting privately to her mother andsisters the quality of their guests, and prostrating herselfbefore him. 

The other ladies upon this arose, and followed the example oftheir sister; when the sultan said aside to his vizier, "Theycertainly know us:" and then turning to the ladies, addressedthem saying, "We are merely dervishes, and you pay us a respectonly due to sovereigns; I beseech you refrain. " The youngestsister again fell at his feet, and repeated the following verse:

"May prosperous fortune daily accompany thee in spite of themalice of the envious! May thy days be bright and those of thyenemies gloomy!"

"I am convinced thou art the sultan, and thy companion thyvizier. " The sultan replied, "What reason have you for such asupposition?" She answered, "From your dignified demeanour andliberal conduct, for the signs of royalty cannot be concealedeven in the habit of a recluse. "

The sultan replied, "You have indeed judged truly, but inform mehow happens it, that you have with you no male protectors?" Sheanswered, "My lord the sultan, our history is so wonderful, thatwere it written on a tablet of adamant it might serve as anexample in future ages to such as would be advised. " The sultanrequested her to relate it, which she did in the followingmanner. 

 Story of the Sisters and the Sultana their Mother. 

We are not, my lord the sultan, natives of this city, but ofEerauk, of which country our father was sovereign, and our motherhis sultana the most beautiful woman of her time, insomuch thather fame was celebrated throughout distant regions. It chancedthat in our infancy our father the sultan marched upon a huntingexcursion throughout his dominions, for some months, leaving hisvizier to conduct affairs at the capital. Not long after thedeparture of the sultan, our mother, taking the air on the roofof the palace, which adjoined that of the vizier, who was thensitting upon his terrace, her image was reflected in a mirrorwhich he held in his hand. He was fascinated with her beauty, andresolved, if possible, to seduce her to infidelity and compliancewith his wishes. 

The day following he sent the female superintendant of his haramwith a package, containing a most superb dress, and manyinestimable jewels, to the sultana, requesting her acceptance ofthem, and that she would allow him to see her either at thepalace or at his own house. My mother, when the old woman wasadmitted into her apartments, received her with kindness, supposing that she must be intrusted with some confidentialmessage from the vizier respecting the affairs of her husband, orwith letters from him. 

The old woman having paid her obeisance, opened the bundle, anddisplayed the rich dress and dazzling jewels; when my mother, admiring them much, inquired the value, and what merchant hadbrought them to dispose of. The wretched old woman, supposingthat the virtue of the sultana would not be proof against such avaluable present, impudently disclosed the passion of the vizier:upon which my mother, indignant with rage at this insult offeredto her virtue and dignity, drew a sabre, which was near, andexerting all her strength, struck off the head of the procuress, which, with the body, she commanded her attendants to cast intothe common sewer of the palace. 

The vizier finding his messenger did not return, the next daydespatched another, to signify that he had sent a present to thesultana, but had not heard whether it had been delivered. Mymother commanded the infamous wretch to be strangled, and thecorpse to be thrown into the same place as that of the old woman, but she did not make public the vizier's baseness, hoping that hewould reform. He, however, continued every day to send a femaledomestic, and my mother to treat her in the same way as theothers till the sultan's return; but my mother, not wishing todestroy the vizier, and still trusting that he would repent ofhis conduct, for in other respects he was a faithful and prudentminister, kept his treachery a secret from my father. 

Some years after this, the sultan my father resolved on apilgrimage to Mecca, and having, as before, left the vizier incharge of his kingdom, departed. When he had been gone ten days, the vizier, still rapturously in love, and yet presumtuouslyhoping to attain his wishes, sent a female domestic, who, beingadmitted into the apartment of the sultana, said, "For Heaven'ssake have compassion on my master, for his heart is devoted tolove, his senses are disturbed, and his body is wasted away. Pityhis condition, revive his heart, and restore his health by thesmiles of condescension. "

When my mother heard this insolent message, she in a ragecommanded her attendants to seize the unfortunate bearer, andhaving strangled her, to leave the carcase for public view in theouter court of the palace, but without divulging the cause of herdispleasure. Her orders were obeyed. When the officers of stateand others saw the body they informed the vizier, who, resolvingto be revenged, desired them for the present to be silent, and onthe sultan's return he would make known on what account thesultana had put to death his domestic, of which they could beartestimony. 

When the time of the sultan's return from Mecca approached, andthe treacherous vizier judged he was on his march, he wrote anddespatched to him the following letter:

"After prayers for thy health, be it known, that since thyabsence the sultana has sent to me five times, requestingimproper compliances, to which I would not consent, and returnedfor answer, that however she might wish to abuse my sovereign, Icould not do it, for I was left by him guardian of his honour andhis kingdom: to say more would be superfluous. "

The messenger reached the sultan's camp when distant eight days'journey from the city, and delivered the letter. On reading itthe countenance of my father became pale, his eyes rolled withhorror, he instantly ordered his tents to be struck, and moved byforced marches till he arrived within two days' journey of hiscapital. He then commanded a halting day, and despatched twoconfidential attendants with orders to conduct our innocent andunfortunate mother, with us three sisters, a day's distance fromthe city, and then to put us to death. They accordingly draggedus from the haram, and carried us into the country; but onarriving at the spot intended for our execution, their heartswere moved with compassion, for our mother had conferred manyobligations on these men and their families. They said one toanother, "By heavens, we cannot murder them!" and informed us ofwhat the vizier had written to our father: upon which the sultanaexclaimed, "God knows that he hath most falsely accused me;" andshe then related to them all that she had done, with thestrictest fidelity. 

The men were moved even to tears at her misfortunes, and said, "We are convinced that thou hast spoken truly. " They then caughtsome fawns of the antelope, killed them, and having required anunder garment from each of us, dipped it in the blood, afterwhich they broiled the flesh, with which we satisfied our hunger. Our preservers now bade us farewell, saying, "We intrust you tothe protection of the Almighty, who never forsaketh those who arecommitted to his care;" and then departed from us. We wanderedfor ten days in the desert, living on such fruits as we couldfind, without beholding any signs of population, when, at length, fortunately we reached a verdant spot, abounding in various sortsof excellent vegetables and fruits. Here also was a cave, inwhich we resolved to shelter ourselves till a caravan might passby. On the fourth day of our arrival one encamped near ourasylum. We did not discover ourselves, but when the caravanmarched, speedily followed its track at some distance, and aftermany days of painful exertion reached this city, where, havingtaken up our lodging in a serai, we returned thanks to thealmighty assister of the distressed innocent for our miraculousescape from death and the perils of the desert. 

We must now quit for awhile the unfortunate sultana and herdaughters, to learn the adventures of the sultan her husband. Ashe drew near his capital, the treacherous vizier, attended by theofficers of government and the principal inhabitants of the city, came out to meet him; and both high and low congratulated hissafe return from the sacred pilgrimage. 

The sultan, as soon as he had alighted at his palace, retiredwith the vizier alone, and commanded him to relate theparticulars of the atrocious conduct of his wife; upon which hesaid, "My lord, the sultana in your absence despatched to me aslave, desiring me to visit her, but I would not, and I put theslave to death that the secret might be hidden; hoping she mightrepent of her weakness, but she did not, and repeated her wickedinvitation five times. On the fifth I was alarmed for yourhonour, and acquainted you of her atrocious behaviour. "

The sultan, on hearing the relation of the vizier, held down hishead for some time in profound thought, then lifting it up, commanded the two attendants whom he had despatched with ordersto put his wife and children to death to be brought before him. On their appearance, he said, "What have you done in execution ofthe charge I gave you?" they replied, "We have performed thatwhich you commanded to be done, and as a testimony of ourfidelity, behold these garments dyed with the blood of theoffenders!" The sultan took the garments; but the recollection ofhis beauteous consort, her former affectionate endearments, ofthe happiness he had enjoyed with her, and of the innocence ofhis guiltless children, so affected his mind, that he weptbitterly and fainted away. On his recovery he turned to thevizier, and said, "Is it possible thou canst have spoken thetruth?" He replied, "I have. "

The sultan, after a long pause, again said to the two attendants, "Have you really put to death my innocent children with theirguilty mother?" They remained silent. The sultan exclaimed, "Whyanswer ye not, and wherefore are ye silent?" They replied, "Mylord, the honest man cannot support a lie, for lying is thedistinction of traitors. " When the vizier heard these words hiscolour changed, his whole frame was disordered, and a tremblingseized him, which the sultan perceiving, he said to theattendants, "What mean you by remarking that lying is thedistinction of traitors? Is it possible that ye have not put themto death? Declare the truth instantly, or by the God who hathappointed me guardian of his people, I will have you executedwith the most excruciating torments. "

The two men now fell at the feet of the sultan, and said, "Dreadsovereign, we conveyed, as thou commandest us, the unfortunatesultana and thy daughters to the middle of the desert, when weinformed them of the accusation of the vizier and thy ordersconcerning them. The sultana, after listening to us withfortitude, exclaimed, 'There is no refuge or asylum but with theAlmighty; from God we came, and to God we must return; but if youput us to death, you will do it wrongfully, for the treacherousvizier hath accused me falsely, and he alone is guilty. ' She theninformed us of his having endeavoured to corrupt her by richpresents, and that she had put his messengers to death. "

The sultan at these words exclaimed in agony, "Have ye slainthem, or do they yet live?" "My lord, " replied the attendants, "We were so convinced of the innocence of the sultana, that wecould not put her to death. We caught some fawn antelopes, killedthem, and having dipped these garments belonging to the abusedmother and your children in their blood, dressed the flesh, andgave it to our unfortunate mistress and thy daughters, afterwhich we said to them, 'We leave you in charge of a gracious Godwho never deserts his trust; your innocence will protect you. ' Wethen left them in the midst of the desert, and returned to thecity. "

The sultan turned in fury towards the vizier, and exclaimed, "Wretched traitor! and is it thus thou hast estranged from me mybeloved wife and innocent children?" The self-convicted ministeruttered not a word, but trembled like one afflicted with thepalsy. The sultan commanded instantly an enormous pile of wood tobe kindled, and the vizier, being bound hand and foot, was forcedinto an engine, and cast from it into the fire, which rapidlyconsumed him to ashes. His house was then razed to the ground, his effects left to the plunder of the populace, and the women ofhis haram and his children sold for slaves. 

We now return to the three princesses and their mother. When thesultan had heard their adventures, he sympathized with theirmisfortunes, and was astonished at the fortitude with which theyhad borne their afflictions, saying to his vizier, "How sad hasbeen their lot! but blessed be Allah, who, as he separatethfriends, can, when he pleaseth, give them a joyful meeting. " Hethen caused the sultana and the princesses to be conveyed to hispalace, appointed them proper attendants and apartments suitableto their rank, and despatched couriers to inform the sultan theirfather of their safety. The messengers travelled with thegreatest expedition, and on their arrival at the capital, beingintroduced, presented their despatches. The sultan opened them, and began to read; but when he perceived the contents, was soovercome with joy, that, uttering a loud exclamation of rapture, he fell to the ground and fainted away. His attendants werealarmed, lifted him up, and took means for his recovery. When hewas revived, he informed them of his sultana and daughters beingstill alive, and ordered a vessel to be prepared to convey themhome. 

The ship was soon ready, and being laden with every necessary forthe accommodation of his family, also rich presents for thefriendly sultan who had afforded them protection, sailed with afavourable wind, and speedily arrived at the desired haven. 

The commander of the vessel was welcomely received by the sultan, who issued orders for his entertainment and that of his wholecrew at the royal cost, and at the expiration of three days thesultana and her daughters, being anxious to return home after solong an absence, and that so unfortunate, took leave andembarked. The sultan made them valuable presents, and the windbeing fair they set sail. For three days the weather waspropitious, but on the evening of the last a contrary gale arose, when they cast anchor, and lowered their topmasts. At length thestorm increased to such violence that the anchor parted, themasts fell overboard, and the crew gave themselves over for lost. The vessel was driven about at the mercy of the tempest tillmidnight, all on board weeping and wailing, when at length shestruck upon the rocks, and went to pieces. Such of the crew whosedeaths were decreed perished, and those whose longer life waspredestined escaped to shore, some on planks, some on chests, andsome on the broken timbers of the ship, but all separated fromeach other. 

The sultana mother was tossed about till daylight on a plank, when she was perceived by the commander of the vessel, who withthree of his crew had taken to the ship's boat. He took her in, and after three days' rowing they reached a mountainous coast, onwhich they landed, and advanced into the country. They had notproceeded far when they perceived a great dust, which clearingup, displayed an approaching army. To their joyful surprise itproved to be that of the sultan, who, after the departure of thevessel, dreading lest an accident might happen, had marched inhopes of reaching the city where they were before his wife anddaughters should sail, in order to conduct them home by land. Itis impossible to describe the meeting of the sultan and hisconsort, but their joy was clouded by the absence of theirdaughters, and the dreadful uncertainty of their fate. When thefirst raptures of meeting were over, they wept together, andexclaimed, "We are from God, and to God we must return. " Afterforty days' march they arrived at their capital, but continuallyregretting the princesses, saying, "Alas, alas! most probablythey have been drowned, but even should they have escaped toshore, perhaps they may have been separated; and ah! whatcalamities may have befallen them!" Constantly did they bemoantogether in this manner, immersed in grief, and taking nopleasure in the enjoyments of life. 

The youngest princess, after struggling with the waves tillalmost exhausted, was fortunately cast ashore on a pleasantcoast, where she found some excellent fruits and clear freshwater. Being revived, she reposed herself awhile, and then walkedfrom the beach into the country; but she had not proceeded far, when a young man on horseback with some dogs following him mether, and upon hearing that she had just escaped shipwreck, mounted her before him, and having conveyed her to his house, committed her to the care of his mother. She received her withcompassionate kindness, and during a whole month assiduouslyattended her, till by degrees she recovered her health andbeauty. 

The young man was legal heir to the kingdom, but his successionhad been wrested from him by a usurper, who, however, dying soonafter the arrival of the princess, he was reinstated in hisrights and placed on the throne, when he offered her his hand;but she said, "How can I think of marriage while I know not thecondition of my unfortunate family, or enjoy repose while mymother and sisters are perhaps suffering misery? When I haveintelligence of their welfare I will be grateful to mydeliverer. "

The young sultan was so much in love with the princess, that themost distant hope gave him comfort, and he endeavoured to waitpatiently her pleasure; but the nobles of the country wereanxious to see him wedded, he being the last of his race, andimportuned him to marry. He promised to conform to their wishes, but much time elapsing, they became importunate and discontented, when his mother, dreading a rebellion, earnestly entreated theprincess to consent to a union as the only measure that couldprevent disturbances. The princess, who really loved herpreserver, was unwilling to endanger the safety of one to whomshe owed such important obligations, and at length consented, when the marriage was celebrated with the greatest pomp andrejoicings. At the expiration of three years the sultana wasdelivered of two sons, whose birth added to the felicity of theunion. 

The second princess, after being long driven about by the wavesupon a plank, was at length cast on shore near a large city, which she entered, and was fortunately compassionated by avenerable matron, who invited her to her house, and adopted heras a daughter in the room of her own, who had lately died. Hereshe soon recovered her health and beauty. It chanced that thesultan of this city, who was much beloved for his gentlegovernment and liberality, was taken ill, and not withstandingthe skill of the most celebrated physicians, daily became worse, insomuch that his life was despaired of, to the general grief ofthe people. The princess having heard her venerable protectresslament the danger of the sultan, said, "My dear mother, I willprepare a dish of pottage, which, if you will carry to thesultan, and he can be prevailed upon to eat it, will, by theblessing of Allah, recover him from his disorder. " "I fear, "replied the matron, "I shall hardly be allowed admittance to thepalace, much less to present him the pottage. " "You can but try, "answered the princess; "and even the attempt at a good action isacceptable to God. " "Well, " rejoined the old woman, "prepare yourpottage, my dear daughter, and I will endeavour to getadmission. "

The princess prepared the dish of pottage, composed of variousminerals, herbs, and perfumes, and when it was ready the oldwoman took it to the sultan's palace. The guards and eunuchsinquired what she had brought, when she said, "A dish of pottage, which I request you will present to the sultan, and beg him toeat as much of it as he can, for by God's help it will restorehim to health. " The eunuchs introduced her into the chamber oftheir sick sovereign, when the old woman taking off the cover ofthe dish, such a grateful perfume exhaled from the contents asrevived his spirits. Being informed what the venerable matron hadbrought, he thanked her and tasted the pottage, which was soagreeably flavoured that he ate part of it with an appetite towhich he had been long a stranger. He then presented the bearerwith a purse of deenars, when she returned home, informed theprincess of her welcome reception, and of the present she hadreceived. 

The sultan had no sooner eaten part of the pottage than he feltan inclination to repose, and sunk into a refreshing sleep, whichlasted for some hours. On his awakening he found himselfwonderfully revived, and having a desire afresh to eat, finishedthe whole. He now wished for more, and inquired after the oldwoman, but none of his attendants could inform him where shelived. However, in the evening she brought another mess, whichthe princess had prepared, and the sultan ate it with renewedappetite; after which, though before quite helpless, he was nowable to sit up and even to walk. He inquired of the old woman ifit was her own preparation; to which she replied, "No, my lord, but my daughter dressed it, and entreated me to bring it. " Thesultan exclaimed, "She cannot be thy own daughter, as her skillshews her of much higher quality. " He then made her a present, and requested that she would bring him every morning a freshsupply, to which she said, "To hear is to obey;" and retired. 

The princess sent regularly for seven mornings successively adish of pottage, and the sultan as regularly presented heradopted mother with a purse of deenars; for such was the rapidityof his recovery, that at the expiration of the sixth day he wasperfectly well, and on the seventh he mounted his horse andrepaired to his country palace to make the absolution of healthand enjoy the fresh air. During her visits he had questioned theold lady concerning her adopted daughter, and she so describedher beauty, virtues, and accomplishments, that his heart wassmitten, and he became anxious to see her. 

The sultan, in order to gratify his curiosity, disguised himselfone day in the habit of a dervish, and repairing to the house ofthe old woman, knocked at the door. On being questioned what hewanted, he replied, "I am a wandering dervish, a stranger in thiscity, and distressed with hunger. " The old woman being fearful ofadmitting an unknown person, would have sent him away, but theprincess exclaimed, "Hospitality to strangers is incumbent uponus, especially to the religious poor. " Upon this he was admitted, and the princess having seated him respectfully, set victualsbefore him, of which he ate till he was satisfied, and havingwashed, rose up, thanked the old woman and her supposed daughterfor their bounty, and retired, but his sight was fascinated withher beauty, and his heart devoted to her love. 

The sultan on his return to the palace sent for the old woman, and on her arrival presented her with a rich dress and valuablejewels, desiring that she would give them to her daughter, andprevail upon her to put them on. The old lady promised obedience, and as she walked homewards, said to herself, "If this adopteddaughter of mine is wise, she will comply with the sultan'sdesires, and put on the dress, but if she does not, I will expelher from my house. " When she reached home, she displayed thesuperb habit and the dazzling ornaments; but the princess atfirst refused to accept them, till at length, moved by theentreaties of her protectress, whom she could not disoblige, sheput them on, and the old lady was delighted with her appearance. 

The sultan, who had slipped on a female dress, having coveredhimself with a close veil, followed the old woman to her house, and listened at the door to know if the daughter would accept hispresent. When he found that she had put on the dress, he wasovercome with rapture, and hastening back to his palace, sentagain for the old lady, to whom he signified his wish to marryher daughter. When the princess was informed of the offer sheconsented, and the sultan, attended by a splendid cavalcade, conducted her that evening to his palace, where the cauzee unitedthem in marriage. A general feast was made for all theinhabitants of the city for seven days successively, and thesultan and the princess enjoyed the height of felicity. In thecourse of five years the Almighty blessed them with a son and twodaughters. 

The eldest princess on the wreck of the ship having clung to apiece of timber, was after much distress floated on shore, whereshe found a man's habit, and thinking it a safe disguise for theprotection of her honour, she dressed herself in it, andproceeded to a city which appeared near the coast. On herentrance she was accosted by a maker of cotton wallets fortravelling, who observing that she was a stranger, and supposingher a man, asked if she would live with him, as he wanted anassistant. Being glad to secure any asylum, she accepted hisoffer of maintenance, and daily wages of half a dirhem. Heconducted her to his house, and treated her with kindness. Thenext day she entered upon her business, and so neat was the workshe executed, that in a short time her master's shop was morefrequented than any other. 

It happened that the shop was situated near the palace of thesultan. One morning the princess his daughter looking through thelattice of a balcony beheld the seeming young man at work, withthe sleeves of his vest drawn up to his shoulder: his arms werewhite and polished as silver, and his countenance brilliant asthe sun unobscured by clouds. The daughter of the sultan wascaptivated in the snare of love. 

The sultan's daughter continued gazing at the supposed young mantill he withdrew from work, when she retired to her apartment;but so much was she fascinated by his charms, that she becamerestless, and at length indisposed. Her nurse who attended herfelt her pulse, and asked her several questions, but could findno symptoms of bodily illness upon her. She said, "My deardaughter, I am convinced that nothing has afflicted thee butdesire of some youth with whom thou art in love. " The princessexclaimed, "My dear mother, as thou hast discovered my secret, thou wilt, I trust, not only keep it sacred, but bring to me theman I love. " The nurse replied, "No one can keep a secret closerthan myself, so that you may safely confide it to my care. " Theprincess then said, "Mother, my heart is captivated by the youngman who works in the shop opposite my windows, and if I cannotmeet him I shall die of grief. "

The nurse replied, "My dear mistress, he is the most beautifulyouth of the age, and the women of the whole city are distractedwith his charms; yet he is so bashful as to answer no advances, and shrinks from notice like a school-boy, but I will endeavourto overcome his shyness, and procure you a meeting. " Having saidthus, she went immediately to the wallet-maker's, and giving hima piece of gold, desired he would let his assistant accompany herhome with two of his best wallets. The man was pleased with hergenerosity, and selecting his choicest manufacture, commanded hisjourneyman to accompany the nurse. 

The old woman led the disguised princess through by-paths to aprivate passage of the palace, and introduced her into theapartments of the daughter of the sultan, who received hersupposed beloved with emotions of joy too violent to beconcealed. Pretending to admire the goods, she asked somequestions, and giving him twenty pieces of gold, desired him toreturn with more goods on the following evening, to which theseeming journeyman replied, "To hear is to obey. "

The disguised princess on her return home delivered the twentypieces of gold to her employer, who was alarmed, and inquiredfrom whence they came: upon which she informed him of heradventure, when the wallet-maker was in greater terror thanbefore, and said to himself, "If this intrigue goes on, thesultan will discover it, I shall be put to death, and my familyruined on account of this young man and his follies. " He thenbesought him not to repeat his visit, but he answered, "I cannotforbear, though I dread my death may be the consequence. " Inshort, the disguised princess went every evening with the oldnurse to the apartments of the sultan's daughter, till at lengththe sultan one night suddenly entered, and perceiving, hesupposed, a man with the princess, commanded him to be seized andbound hand and foot. 

The sultan then sent for an executioner, resolved to put theculprit to death. The executioner on his arrival seized thedisguised princess; but what was the surprise of all present, when, on taking off the turban and vest, they discovered her sex. The sultan commanded her to be conducted to his haram, andinquired her story, when having no resource but the truth, sherelated her adventures. 

When the princess had informed the sultan of the treachery of thevizier, the consequent conduct of her father, the distress of hermother, her sisters and herself, their being relieved, and herescape from shipwreck, with what had happened since, he wasfilled with wonder and compassion, and ordered his daughter toaccommodate her in the haram. The love of the latter was nowchanged to sincere friendship, and under her care and attentionsthe unfortunate princess in a few months recovered her formerbeauty. It chanced that the sultan visiting his daughter wasfascinated with the charms of the princess, but unwilling toinfringe the rules of hospitality concealed his love, till atlength he became dangerously ill, when the daughter suspectingthe matter, prevailed upon him to reveal the cause of hiscomplaint. She then informed her friend, and entreated her toaccept her father in marriage; but the princess said, at the sametime weeping bitterly, "Misfortune hath separated me from myfamily; I know not whether my sisters, my father and my mother, are living, or, if so, what is their condition. How can I behappy or merry, while they are perhaps involved in misery?"

The daughter of the sultan did not refrain from comforting theunfortunate princess, at the same time representing the hopelesscondition of her father, till at length she consented to themarriage. This joyful intelligence speedily revived the love-lornsultan, and the nuptials were celebrated with the utmost joy andmagnificence. 

The aged sultan and sultana continued to lament the loss of theirdaughters for some years, when at length the former resolved totravel in search of them, and having left the government incharge of his wife, departed, attended only by his vizier. Theyboth assumed the habit of dervishes, and after a month'suninterrupted travelling reached a large city extending along thesea coast, close upon which the sultan of it had erected amagnificent pleasure house, where the pretended dervishes beheldhim sitting in one of the pavilions with his two sons, one sixand the other seven years old. They approached, made theirobeisance, and uttered a long invocation, agreeably to the usageof the religious, for his prosperity. The sultan returned theircompliment, desired them to be seated, and having conversed withthem till evening, dismissed them with a present, when theyrepaired to a caravanserai, and hired an apartment. On thefollowing day, after amusing themselves with viewing the city, they again repaired to the beach, and saw the sultan sitting withhis children, as before. While they were admiring the beauty ofthe structure, the younger prince, impelled by an unaccountableimpulse, came up to them, gazed eagerly at them, and when theyretired followed them to their lodging, which they did notperceive till he had entered with them and sat down. The oldsultan was astonished at the child's behaviour, took him in hisarms, kissed and fondled him, after which he desired him toreturn to his parents, but the boy insisted upon staying, andremained four days, during which the pretended dervishes did notstir from their caravanserai. 

The sultan missing his son, supposed that he had gone to hismother, and she imagined that he was still with his father; buton the latter entering the haram the loss was discovered. Messengers were despatched every way, but no tidings of the boycould be obtained. The miserable parents now supposed that he hadfallen into the sea and was drowned. Nets were dragged, anddivers employed for three days, but in vain. On the fifth dayorders were issued to search every house in the city, when theinfant prince was at length discovered at the caravanserai in theapartment of the pretended dervishes, who were ignominiouslydragged before the sultan. 

The sultan was transported with joy at the recovery of his son, but supposing the dervishes had meant to steal him away, heordered them instantly to be put to death. The executionersseized them, bound their hands behind them, and were going tostrike, when the child with loud outcries ran up, and clinging tothe knees of the elder victim could not be forced away. Thesultan was astonished, and ordering the execution for the presentto be delayed, went and informed the mother of the child of hiswonderful behaviour. 

The sultana, on hearing it, was no less surprised than thesultan, and felt a curiosity to hear from the dervish himself onwhat account he had enticed away her son. She said, "It is trulyextraordinary that the boy should express such affection for astrange dervish. Send for him to your closet, and order him torelate his adventures, to which I will listen from behind acurtain. "

The sultan sent for the supposed dervish, and commanding all hisattendants to retire, withdrew with him into his closet, anddesired him to be seated; after which he said, "Wicked dervish, what could have induced thee to entice away my son, or to visitmy kingdom?" He replied, "Heaven knows, O sultan, I did notentice him. The boy followed me to my lodging, when I said, 'Myson, return to thy father, ' but he would not; and I remained incontinual dread till what was decreed occurred. " The sultan wassoftened, spoke kindly to him, and begged him to relate hisadventures, when the pretended dervish wept, and said, "Myhistory is a wonderful one. I had a friend whom I left as myagent and guardian to my family, while I was performing apilgrimage to Mecca; but had scarcely left my house ten days, when accidently seeing my wife he endeavoured to debauch her, andsent an old woman with a rich present to declare his adulterouslove. My wife was enraged, and put the infamous messenger todeath. He sent a second, and a third, whom she also killed. "

These last words were scarcely spoken, when the sultana burstingfrom her concealment ran up to the dervish, fell upon his neck, and embraced him: upon which, the sultan her husband was enraged, put his hand to his cimeter, and exclaimed, "What means thisshameless behaviour?" The sultana, at once laughing and cryingwith rapture, informed him that the supposed dervish was herfather: upon which the sultan also fell at his feet and welcomedhim. He then ordered the other dervish his vizier to be released, commanded royal robes to be brought for his father-in-law, and asuite of apartments in the palace to be prepared for hisreception, with an attendance befitting his dignity. 

When the old sultan had spent some time with his youngestdaughter thus happily recovered, he became anxious to searchafter the others, and signified his intention of departing; buthis son-in-law declared that he would accompany him on theexpedition with a number of his nobles, and an army, lest somefatal accident might occur from his being unattended. Preparations were accordingly made for march, the two sultansencamped without the city, and in a few days began theirexpedition, which proved successful to their wishes. The agedmonarch having recovered his children retired to his own kingdom, where he reigned prosperously till the angel of death summonedhim to Paradise. 

 STORY OF THE BANG-EATER AND THE CAUZEE. 

In a certain city there was a vagabond fellow much addicted tothe use of bang, who got his livelihood by fishing. When he hadsold the product of his day's labour, he laid part of it out inprovisions and part in bang, with which (his day's, work over) hesolaced himself till he became intoxicated, and such was hisconstant practice. One night, having indulged more than ordinary, his senses were unusually stupefied; and in this, condition hehad occasion to come down into the square in which was hislodging. It happened to be the fourteenth night of the moon, whenshe shone uncommonly bright, and shed such a lustre upon theground, that the bang-eater from the dizziness of his headmistook the bright undulations of her reflection on the pavementfor water, and fancied he was upon the brink of the river. Hereturned to his chamber, and brought down his line, supposingthat he should catch his usual prey. 

The bang-eater threw out his line, made of strong cord, andbaited on several hooks with bits of flesh, into the square, whena dog, allured by the scent, swallowed one of the pieces, andfeeling pain from the hook which stuck in his throat, pulledstrongly at the cord. The bang-eater, supposing he had caught amonstrous fish, lugged stoutly, but in vain. The dog, agonized bythe hook, resisted; at the same time yelping hideously, when thebang-eater, unwilling to quit his prey, yet fearing he should bedragged into the imaginary river, bellowed aloud for help. Thewatch came up, seized him, and perceiving him intoxicated, carried him bound to the cauzee. 

It happened that the cauzee often privately indulged himself withbang. Seeing the intoxicated situation of the fisherman, hepitied his condition, and ordered him to be put into a chamber tosleep off his disorder; at the same time saying to himself, "Thisis a man after my own heart, and to-morrow evening I will enjoymyself with him. " The fisherman was well taken care of during theday, and at night the cauzee sent for him to his apartment;where, after eating, they took each a powerful dose of bang, which soon operating upon their brains, they began to sing, dance, and commit a thousand extravagancies. 

The noise which they made attracted the notice of the sultan, whowith his vizier was traversing the city, disguised as merchants. Finding the doors open, they entered, and beheld the cauzee andhis companion in the height of their mirth, who welcomed them, and they sat down. At length, after many ridiculous tricks, thefisherman starting up, exclaimed, "I am the sultan!" "And I, "rejoined the cauzee, "am my lord the bashaw!" "Bashaw!" continuedthe fisherman, "if I choose I can strike off thy head. " "I knowit, " returned the cauzee, "but at present I am not worthbeheading; give me first a rich government, that I may be worthpunishing. " "Thou sayest true, " answered the fisherman; "I mustmake thee fat before thou wilt be fit for killing. "

The sultan laughed at their extravagancies, and said to hisvizier, "I will amuse myself with these vagabonds to-morrowevening:" then rising up, he and his minister departed. 

The next evening the cauzee and the fisherman indulged themselvesas before, and while they were making merry, the sultan and hisvizier entered, but in different disguises from those they hadworn on the former night. They brought with them a strongconfection of opium, which they presented to their hosts, who, highly delighted, greedily devoured it, and such were the effectsthat they became madder than ever. At length, the fishermanstarting up, exclaimed, "The sultan is deposed, and I amsovereign in his stead. " "Suppose the sultan should hear thee, "replied the prince. "If he opposes me, " cried the fisherman, "Iwill order my bashaw to strike off his head; but I will nowpunish thee for thy insolent question. " He then ran up and seizedthe sultan by the nose, the cauzee at the same time attacking thevizier: it was with difficulty that they made their escape fromthe house. 

The sultan, notwithstanding his tweak by the nose, resolved to diverthimself further with the bang-eaters, and the next evening putting ona fresh disguise, repaired to the cauzee's house with his vizier;where he found the happy companions in high glee. They had taken itinto their heads to dance, which they did with such vehemence, and forso long a time, that at length they fell down with fatigue. When theyhad rested a little, the fisherman perceiving the sultan, said, "Whence comest thou?" "We are strangers, " replied the sultan, "andonly reached this city to-night; but on our way through the streets, hearing your mirth, we made bold to enter, that we might participateit with you. Are ye not, however, fearful lest the sultan should hearyou on his rounds, and punish you for an infringement of the laws?""How should the sultan hear us?" answered the fisherman; "he is in hispalace, and we in our own house, though, perhaps, much merrier thanhe, poor fellow, with the cares of state upon his mind, notwithstanding his splendour. "

"How comes it, " rejoined the sovereign, "that you have notvisited the sultan? for you are merry fellows, and I think hewould encourage you. " "We fear, " replied the fisherman, "hisguards would beat us away. " "Never mind them, " said the sultan;"if you choose I will give you a letter of recommendation, whichI am sure he will pay attention to, for we were intimate whenyouths. " "Let us have it, " cried the fisherman. The sultan wrotea note, directed to himself, and departed. 

In the morning the cauzee and the fisherman repaired to thepalace, and delivered the note to one of the guards, who, onsight of it, placed it on his head, prostrated himself to theground, and then introduced them to the sultan. Having read theletter, the sultan commanded them to be led into separateapartments, and to be treated respectfully. At noon a handsomecollation was served up to each, and at sunset a full service, after which they were presented with coffee. When about two hoursof the night had passed, the sultan ordered them into hispresence, and on their making their obeisance returned theirsalutes, and desired them to be seated, saying, "Where is theperson who gave you this letter?"

"Mighty sultan, " replied the fisherman, "two men who last nightvisited our house inquired why we did not repair to your majesty, and partake of your bounty. We replied, that we feared the guardswould drive us away; when one of them gave us this note, saying, 'Fear not; take this recommendation to the sultan, with whom inmy youth I was intimate. ' We followed his direction, and havefound his words to be true. We inquired whence they came; butthey would not tell us more than that they were strangers in thiscity. " "It is, " continued the sultan, "absolutely necessary thatyou should bring them to my presence, for it is long since I havebeheld my old friends. " "Permit us then to return home, wherethey may possibly visit us again, " said the fisherman, "and wewill oblige them to come with us. " "How can you do that, " repliedthe sultan, "when the other evening you could not prevent yourguest escaping, though you had him by the nose?"

The poor fisherman, and his companion the cauzee, were nowconfounded at the discovery that it was the sultan himself whohad witnessed their intoxication and ridiculous transports. Theytrembled, turned pale, and fell prostrate to the ground, crying, "Pardon, pardon, gracious sovereign, for the offences we havecommitted, and the insult which in our madness we offered to thesacred person of your majesty. "

The sultan, after laughing heartily at their distress, replied, "Your pardon is granted, for the insult was involuntary, thoughdeserved, as I was an impertinent intruder on your privacy; makeyourselves easy, and sit down; but you must each of you relate tome your adventures, or some story that you have heard. " Thecauzee and the fisherman, having recovered from their confusion, obeyed the commands of the sultan, and being seated, the latterrelated the following tale. 

 Story of the Bang-eater and His Wife. 

There lived formerly, near Bagdad, a half-witted fellow, who wasmuch addicted to the use of bang. Being reduced to poverty, hewas obliged to sell his stock. One day he went to the market todispose of a cow; but the animal being in bad order, no one wouldbid for it, and after waiting till he was weary he returnedhomewards. On the way he stopped to repose himself under a tree, and tied the cow to one of the branches while he ate some bread, and drank of an infusion of his beloved bang, which he alwayscarried with him. In a short time it began to operate, so as tobereave him of the little sense he possessed, and his head wasfilled with ridiculous reveries. While he was musing, a magpiebeginning to chatter from her nest in the tree, he fancied it wasa human voice, and that some woman had asked to purchase his cow:upon which he said, "Reverend mother of Solomon, dost thou wishto buy my cow?" The bird croaked again. "Well, " replied he, "whatwilt thou give if I will sell her a bargain. " The bird repeatedher croak. "Never mind, " said the foolish fellow, "for thoughthou hast forgotten to bring thy purse, yet, as I dare say thouart an honest woman, and hast bidden me ten deenars, I will trustthee with the cow, and call on Friday for the money. " The birdrenewed her croaking, which he fancied to be thanks for hisconfidence; so leaving the cow tied to the branch of the tree, hereturned home exulting in the good bargain he had made for theanimal. 

When he entered the house, his wife inquired what he had gottenfor the cow; to which he replied, that he had sold her to anhonest woman named Am Solomon, who had promised to pay him on thenext Friday ten pieces of gold. The wife was contented, and whenFriday arrived, her idiot of a husband having, as usual, taken adose of bang, repaired to the tree, and hearing the birdchattering, as before, said, "Well, my good mother, hast thoubrought the gold?" The bird croaked. Supposing the imaginarywoman refused to pay him, he became angry, and threw up hisspade, which frightening the bird, it flew from the nest, andalighted on a heap of soil at some distance. He fancied that AmSolomon had desired him to take his money from the heap, intowhich he dug with his spade, and found a brazen vessel full ofgold coin. This discovery convinced him he was right, and being, notwithstanding his weakness, naturally honest, he only took tenpieces; then replacing the soil, said, "May Allah requite theefor thy punctuality, good mother!" and returned to his wife, towhom he gave the money, informing her at the same time of thegreat treasure his friend Am Solomon possessed, and where it wasconcealed. The wife waited till night, when she went and broughtaway the pot of gold; which her husband observing, said, "It isdishonest to rob one who has paid us so punctually, and if thoudost not return it to its place, I will inform the (walee)officer of police. "

The wife laughed at his folly; but fearing the ill consequencesof his executing his threat, she planned a stratagem to preventthem. Going to the market, she purchased some broiled meat andfish ready dressed, which she brought privately home, andconcealed in the house. At night, the husband having regaledhimself with his beloved bang, retired to sleep off hisintoxication; but about midnight she strewed the provisions shehad brought at the door, and awakening her partner, cried out, inpretended astonishment, "Dear husband, a most wonderfulphenomenon has occurred; there has been a violent storm while youslept, and, strange to tell, it has rained pieces of broiled meatand fish, which now lie at the door!" The husband, still in astate of stupefaction from the bang, got up, went to the door, and seeing the provisions, was persuaded of the truth of hiswife's story. The fish and flesh were gathered up, and he partookwith much glee of the miraculous treat; but he still threatenedto inform the walee of her having stolen the treasure of the goodold woman Am Solomon. 

In the morning the foolish bang-eater actually repaired to thewalee, and informed him that his wife had stolen a pot of gold, which she had still in her possession. The walee upon thisapprehended the woman, who denied the accusation, when she wasthreatened with death. She then said, "My lord, the power is inyour hands; but I am an injured woman, as you will find byquestioning my unfortunate husband; who, alas! is deranged in hisintellects. Ask him when I committed the theft. " The walee didso; to which he replied, "It was on the evening of that night onwhich it rained broiled flesh and fish ready dressed. " "Wretch!"exclaimed the walee, "dost thou dare to utter falsehoods beforeme? Who ever saw it rain any thing but water?" "As I hope forlife, my lord, " replied the bang-eater, "I speak the truth; formy wife and myself ate of the fish and flesh which fell from theclouds. " The woman being appealed to, denied the assertion of herhusband. 

The walee being now convinced that the man was crazy, releasedhis wife, and sent the husband to the madhouse; where he remainedsome days, till the wife, pitying his condition, contrived to gethim released by the following stratagem. She visited her husband, and desired him when any one inquired of him if he had seen itrain flesh and fish, to answer, "No: who ever saw it rain anything but water?" She then informed the keeper that he was cometo his senses, and desired him to put the question. On hisanswering properly he was released. 

The fisherman had not long been in the service of the sultan, when walking one day near the house of a principal merchant, hisdaughter chanced to look through a window, and the buffoon was sostruck with her beauty that he became devoted to love. Daily didhe repair to the same spot for weeks together in hopes of onceseeing her, but in vain; for she did not again appear at thewindow. At length, his passion had such an effect upon him thathe fell sick, kept his bed, and began to rave, exclaiming, "Ah!what charming eyes, what a beautiful complexion, what a gracefulstature has my beloved!" In this situation he was attended by anold woman, who, compassionating his case, desired him to revealthe cause of his uneasiness. 

"My dear mother, " replied he, "I thank thee for thy kindness; butunless thou canst assist me I must soon die. " He then relatedwhat he had seen, and described to her the house of the merchant. When she said, "Son, be of good cheer; for no one could soreadily have assisted thee in this dilemma as myself. Havepatience, and I will speedily return with intelligence of thybeloved. " Having spoken thus, she departed, and upon reaching herown house disguised herself as a devotee. Throwing over hershoulders a coarse woollen gown, holding in one hand a longstring of beads, in the other a walking staff, she proceeded tothe merchant's house, at the gate of which she cried, "God isGod, there is no God but God; may his holy name be praised, andmay God be with you, " in a most devout tone. 

The merchant's daughter, on hearing this devout ejaculation, cameto the door, saluted the old woman with great respect, and said, "Dear mother, pray for me:" when she exclaimed, "May Allahprotect thee, my beloved child, from all injury!" The young ladythen introduced her into the house, seated her in the mosthonourable place, and with her mother sat down by her. Theyconversed on religious subjects till noon, when the old womancalled for water, performed her ablutions, and recited prayers ofan unusual length: upon which the mother and daughter remarked toone another that the aged matron must certainly be a mostreligious character. When prayers were ended, they set acollation before her; but she declined partaking, saying, "I amto day observing a fast. " This increased their respect andadmiration of her sanctity, so that they requested her to remainwith them till sunset, and break her fast with them, to which sheconsented. At sunset she prayed again, after which she ate alittle, and then uttered many pious exhortations. In short, themother and daughter were so pleased with her, that they invitedher to stay all night. In the morning, she rose early, made herablutions, prayed for a considerable time, and concluded with ablessing upon her entertainers in learned words, which they couldnot understand. When she rose up, they supported her by the armsrespectfully, and entreated her longer stay; but she declined it, and having taken leave, departed; promising, however, with thepermission of Allah, to make them soon another visit. 

On the second day following, the old woman repaired again to themerchant's house, and was joyfully received by the mother anddaughter; who, kissing her hands and feet, welcomed her return. She behaved the same as before, and inspired them with strongerveneration for her sandity. Her visits now grew frequent, and shewas always a welcome guest in the merchant's family. At length, one evening she entered, and said, "I have an only daughter, whose espousals are now celebrating, and this night the bridegoes in state to her husband's house. My desire is that my goodyoung lady should attend the ceremony, and receive the benefit ofmy prayers. " The mother replied, "I am unwilling to let her go, lest some accident should befall her:" upon which the pretendedreligious exclaimed, "What canst thou fear, while I and otherdevout women shall be with her?" The daughter expressing greateagerness to attend the nuptials, her mother at length consented. 

When the merchant's daughter had adorned herself in her richesthabit, she accompanied the old woman; who, after leading herthrough several streets, conducted her to the lodging of the latefisherman, but now favourite to the sultan, who was eagerlyexpecting her arrival. The young lady was astonished on herentrance at beholding a comely looking man; who, she saw, couldhardly restrain his raptures at the sight of her. Her first alarmwas great at finding herself betrayed into such a snare by thehypocritical beldam; but having naturally much presence of mind, she concealed her fears, and considered how she might escape. Shesat down, and after looking round the apartment affected tolaugh, saying to the gallant, "It is commonly usual when a loverinvites his mistress to his house to have an entertainmentprepared; for what is love without the accompaniment of a feast?If you wish, therefore, that I should spend the evening here, goand bring in some good cheer, that our joy may be complete. Iwill with my good mother wait your return. "

The gallant, rejoiced at her commands, exclaimed, "Thou hastspoken truly, and to hear is to obey;" after which, he wenttowards the market to order a splendid entertainment. When he wasgone, the young lady locked the door after him, and thanking theold woman for introducing her to so handsome a lover, threw heroff her guard, while she walked about the apartment meditatingher escape. At length she found in one corner of it a sharpsabre, and drawing up her sleeve to her elbow, she grasped theweapon, which she struck with such force at her false friend, whowas reclining on a sofa, as to cleave the head of the abandonedprocuress in two, and she fell down weltering in her blood, torise no more. 

The merchant's daughter now searched the room, and finding a richdress which the favourite usually wore when he visited thesultan, rolled it up in a bundle, and carrying it under her veil, unlocked the door, and hastened homewards. Luckily she reachedher father's house without interruption. Her mother welcomed herwith joy; but on perceiving the bundle, said, "My dear daughter, what can have been given thee at the nuptials of a poorreligious?" The daughter, whose mind had been over agitated withher late adventure, was not able to answer; her spirits sunk atthe recollection of her narrow escape, and she fainted away. Themother shrieked aloud with affright, which brought in her husbandand attendants, who used various means for the young lady'srecovery; and at length, having regained her senses, she relatedwhat had passed. The merchant having cursed the memory of the oldwoman for her hypocritical deception, comforted his virtuousdaughter, and taking up the dress which he knew, and to whom itbelonged, hastened to make his complaint to the sultan. 

When the sultan had heard the complaint of the merchant, he wasenraged against his unworthy favourite, and commanded him to beapprehended; but he could no where be found, for having on hisreturn home seen the old woman weltering in her blood, he guessedwhat had happened; and apprehensive of being called to anaccount, putting on a mean disguise, made his escape from thecity. Fortunately for him a caravan was just taking itsdeparture, and with it he travelled for five days successively, with a mind tortured by disappointed love, and the fear ofdiscovery. At length the caravan passed the confines of his latemaster, and encamped before a large city, which he entered, andhaving hired a room at a caravanserai, he resolved to repose, andseek out for some employment less dangerous than making love, orserving princes. 

When he had rested himself for some days, he repaired to amarket, where labourers stood to be hired; and had not waitedlong, when a woman coming up asked if he wanted work, to which hereplied in the affirmative. She then said, "Part of the wallround the court of my house is so much decayed, that I must haveit taken down and rebuilt, and if thou art willing to undertakethe job I will employ thee. " On his consenting, she led him toher house, and shewing him the wall, gave him a pick-axe, directing him as he went on to place the stones in one heap andthe rubbish in another. He replied, "To hear is to obey. " Shethen brought him some provision and water, when he refreshedhimself, and having thanked God that he had escaped, and was ableto get his living, began his task, which he continued tillsunset. His employer paid him ten pieces of silver for his day'swork, and he returned contented to his lodging. 

The following morning he again went to labour, and was treatedwith the same kindness as before. About noon, as he was stockingup the foundation of the wall he found a copper vessel, whichupon examination proved to be full of golden coin. He carried thevessel to his lodging, where he counted the money, upwards of ahundred deenars, and returned to his work. As he was coming homein the evening, he saw a crowd following a man who carried uponhis head a large chest, which he offered for sale at a hundreddeenars, but refused to mention the contents. 

The fisherman was seized with an irresistible impulse to purchasethe chest, and having a small silver coin of not more value thana silver penny, said to himself, "I will try my fate, possibly itmay contain something valuable; but if not, I will disregard thedisappointment;" ordered it to be conveyed to his lodging, andpaid the price demanded. He then locked his door and opened thechest, when, to his astonishment, he beheld in it a beautifulgirl very richly dressed, but apparently lifeless. However, onputting his hand to her mouth, he perceived that she breathed, and was only in a deep sleep, from which he endeavoured to awakeher, but in vain. He then took her out of the chest, laid hergently on his carpet, and continued to gaze at her charms; tillat length about midnight she awoke, and in an exclamation ofalarm and surprise exclaimed, "Gracious Allah, where am I?"

When the lady's first alarm had subsided, she asked the fishermanhow he had brought her to his lodging, and on being informed ofthe circumstances her mind became easy; for he behaved towardsher with respectful attention. Concealing for the present hercondition and adventures, she said, "This lodging is too mean, onthe morrow you must hire a better. Serve me with fidelity, do asI desire, and you shall be amply rewarded. " The fisherman, who, cautioned by his last love adventure, was fearful of takingliberties, and awed by her dignified demeanour, made a profoundobeisance, and professed himself her slave. He set before her thebest refreshments he could procure, and when she had supped lefther, and retired to sleep in a separate chamber. 

Early the next morning he went and hired a decent house, to whichhe conveyed her in a covered litter, and did not cease to attendupon her in all her commands for twenty days, she supplying himwith money to purchase necessaries. 

It is proper now to mention, that the lady bought by thefisherman in the chest was the favourite mistress of the sultan:having deserted for her all his other women, they had becomeenvious; but the sultana, who, before the arrival of Koout alKoolloob (for such was her name) had presided over the haram, wasmore mortified than the rest, and had resolved to effect herremoval. For this a favourable opportunity soon occurred, owingto the sultan's departure for twenty days upon a huntingexcursion. In a day or two after his absence, the sultana invitedKoout al Koolloob to an entertainment, and having mixed a strongsoporific in some sherbet, presented it her to drink. The effectof the potion was instantaneous, and she sunk into a trance; whenthe sultana putting her into the chest, commanded it to be givento a broker, and sold without examination of the contents, for ahundred deenars; hoping, that whoever might be the purchaser, hewould be so fascinated with the charms of the beautiful Koout alKoolloob, as to enjoy his good fortune in secrecy; and that sheshould thus get rid of a rival without the crime ofassassination. 

When the sultan returned from his excursion, immediately onentering the palace he inquired for his favourite; when thesultana entering with affected sadness, said, "Alas! my lord, thebeautiful and affectionate Koout al Koolloob, unable to bear thepangs of absence, three days after your departure fell sick, andhaving lingered for seven days, was gathered to the mercy of theAlmighty. " The sultan, on hearing this, burst into an agony ofgrief, and exclaimed, "There is no asylum or refuge but with God;from God we came, and to God we must return. " He was overcomewith affliction, and remained the whole night involved inmelancholy. In the morning he sent for his vizier, and commandedhim to look out for a spot on the bank of the river for theerection of a building in which he might sit retired, andmeditate on his beloved Koout al Koolloob. 

The vizier replied, "To hear is to obey;" and taking with him anarchitect, fixed upon a pleasant spot, on which he ordered him tomark out a space of ninety yards in length and seventy in breadthfor the intended building. The necessary materials, of stone andmarbles, were soon collected, and the work was begun upon; whichthe minister for two days superintended in person. On the thirdthe sultan came to view the progress. He approved of the plan, and said, "It is truly beautiful; but, alas! only worthy of theresidence of Koout al Koolloob;" after which he wept bitterly. Seeing the distress of the sultan, his vizier said, "My lord, beresigned under distress; for the wise have written, Be moderatewhen prosperity occurs, and when calamity afflicts thee exercisepatience. '"

The sultan replied, "It is true, O vizier, that resignation ispraiseworthy, and impatience blamable; for a poet has justlysaid, 'Be calm under adversity; for calmness can alone extricatefrom danger. ' To affliction joy often succeeds, and after troublewe generally enjoy repose; but, alas! human nature cannot divestitself of feeling; and Koout al Koolloob was so dear to me, andso delighted my soul, that I dread I shall never find anothermistress her equal in beauty and accomplishments. " The vizierconsoled his master, and at length prevailed upon him to submitto his misfortune with some degree of resignation. 

The sultan and vizier daily repaired to view the progress of thenew edifice, the report of which had spread through the city, andat length reached Koout al Koolloob, who said to the fisherman, "We are every day expending our money, and getting nothing:suppose, therefore, you seek employment in the building which thesultan is erecting. Report says that he is liberal, so thatpossibly advantage may accrue. " The fisherman replied, "My dearmistress, how shall I bear the least absence from you?" for heloved her, and she perceiving it, often dreaded that he wouldhave made advances; but the remembrance of what he had enduredfrom the conduct of the merchant's daughter had made himcautious. She replied, "Dost thou really love me?" "Canst thoudoubt it?" answered he; "thou art my life, and the light of myeyes!" "If so, " exclaimed she, "take this necklace, and when youthink of me as you are working, look at it, and it will consoleyou till your return home. "

The fisherman obeyed the commands of Koout al Koolloob, repairedto the spot where the edifice was erecting, and beheld the sultanand vizier observing the workmen. The former inquired if hewanted employment, to which he replied in the affirmative, andwas hired. He began his labour; but so much was his mind engagedwith his mistress, that every now and then, dropping hisimplements, he drew out the necklace, and looking upon it heaveda deep sigh, which the sultan observing, said to his vizier, "This man, perchance, is more unhappy than myself; let us callhim to us, and inquire into his circumstances. " The vizierbrought him to the presence, and desired him to tell honestly whyhe had sighed so deeply. "Alas!" replied he, "I am absent from mybeloved, who gave me this necklace to look at whenever I mightthink upon her; and my mind is so taken up with her, that Icannot help laying down my tools, and admiring it constantly. "

When the sultan saw the necklace, he recollected that it was onewhich he had purchased for Koout al Koolloob for a thousanddeenars. He concealed his agitation, and said, "To whom does thisnecklace belong?" "To my slave, " replied the labourer, "whom Ipurchased for a hundred deenars. " "Canst thou admit us to thylodging, " rejoined the sultan, "that we may see her?" "I dread, "answered the labourer, "that her modesty may be offended; but Iwill consult her, and if she assents, I will invite you to mylodging. " "That is but just, " said the sultan, "and no more thanwhat is proper. "

The labourer at sunset returned home, and informed Koout alKoolloob of his adventure, when she desired him on the morrow topurchase what was requisite for a decent entertainment, at thesame time giving him five deenars. In the morning he bought whatshe had desired, and going to his work, informed the sultan andvizier that they were welcome to his homely fare, and to see hisslave; or rather, said he, "My divinity, for as such I have athumble distance adored her. "

The sultan and vizier accompanied the labourer to his house wherethey were astonished to find prepared an elegant collation, ofwhich they partook; after which they drank sherbet and coffee. The sultan then desired to see his slave, who just made herappearance, but retired immediately. However, the sultan knewher; and said to the labourer, "Wilt thou dispose of thisdamsel?" "I cannot, my lord, " replied the labourer, "for my soulis wholly occupied with her love, though as yet unreturned. " "Maythy love be rewarded!" exclaimed the sultan; "but bring her withthee at sunset to the palace. " "To hear is to obey, " replied thelabourer. 

At sunset the labourer conducted his slave to the palace, whenthe eunuchs attended, and would have led her into the haram; buthe clung round her, and exclaimed, "She is my beloved, and Icannot part with her. " Upon this the sultan related thecircumstances of his having lost her; and requested him to giveher up. Knowing that he durst not oppose the sovereign, hesubmitted to his commands with resignation, when the sultanpresented him with fifteen hundred deenars, and a beautifulslave, also a rich dress, at the same time receiving him amongthe most distinguished of his officers. So well did he conducthimself in his new station, that in a short time he was promotedto the rank of prime minister, and fulfilled the duties of itwith such ability and integrity, that he became celebrated by thetitle of the Just Vizier. 

Such was the celebrity of the vizier's decisions, that in a shorttime appeals were made from the most distant provinces to hisjudgment. One of the most remarkable cases was the following. Twowomen belonging to one man conceived on the same day, and weredelivered, one of a boy, the other of a girl, at the same time, and in one apartment. The female infant died, when each laidclaim to the male child. The magistrates, unable to decidebetween the mothers, referred the decision to the just vizier;who, on hearing the circumstances, commanded two eggs to bebrought, and the contents to be drawn out without breaking theshells; after which he ordered them to be filled with milk fromthe breast of each woman. This being done, he placed the shellsin separate scales, and finding one outweigh the other, declaredthat she whose milk was heaviest must be the mother of the malechild; but the other woman was not satisfied with this decision, and still affirmed she was the mother of the boy. 

The vizier, vexed at her obstinacy, now commanded the infant tobe cut in two; when she, whom he had said was the mother, fellinto agonies, and besought its life; but the other was unmoved, and assented to the death of the child. He then ordered her to beseverely punished, and committed the boy to its afflicted mother. On being asked on what proofs he had grounded his decision, hereplied, "On two: the first, because the milk of a woman havingproduced a male child is always heavier than that of the motherof a female infant: the second, because the pretended motherconsented to the boy's death; and I supposed it impossible for awoman to agree to the destruction of her offspring, which is apart of herself. "

 THE SULTAN AND THE TRAVELLER MHAMOOD AL HYJEMMEE. 

There was a sultan, who one evening being somewhat low-spirited, sent for his vizier, and said, "I know not the cause, but my mindis uneasy, and I want something to divert it. " "If so, " repliedthe vizier, "I have a friend, named Mhamood al Hyjemmee, acelebrated traveller, who has witnessed many wonderfuloccurrences, and can relate a variety of astonishing narratives. Shall I send for him to the presence?" "By all means, " answeredthe sultan, "that I may hear his relations. " The ministerdeparted, and informed his friend that the sultan desired to seehim. "To hear is to obey, " replied Mhamood, and hastened with thevizier to the palace. 

When they had entered the palace, Mhamood made the obeisanceusual to the caliphs, and uttered a poetical invocation for theprosperity of the sultan, who returned his salute; and afterdesiring him to be seated, said, "Mhamood, my mind is uneasy, andas I hear you are acquainted with many curious events, I wish youto relate some of them to amuse me. " Mhamood replied, "To hear isto obey;" and thus began an adventure of his own. 

 The Koord Robber. 

Some years ago I took a journey from my own country to the landof Yemen, accompanied by a slave, who was a lad of much readywit, and who carried a wallet containing a few necessaries. As wewere entering a town, a rascally koord snatched the wallet fromhis hands, and asserted that it was his own, which we had stolenfrom him: upon which, I called out to some passengers to assistme in the recovery of my property, and they helped me to carrythe sharper before the cauzee, to whom I complained of hisassault. The magistrate asked the koord what he had to allege inhis defence; to which he replied, "My lord, I lost this walletsome days since, and found it in possession of the complainant, who pretends that it is his own, and will not resign it. " "If itbe thine, " rejoined the cauzee, "describe to me what it contains, when I shall be satisfied that thou speakest the truth. "

The koord assented, and with a loud voice cried out, "In thiswallet, my lord, are two chests, in which are collyrium for theeyes, a number of rich napkins, drinking vessels of gold, lamps, cooking utensils, dishes, basins, and ewers; also bales ofmerchandize, jewels, gold, silks, and other precious articles, with a variety of wearing apparel, carpets, cushions, eatingcloths, and other things too tedious to enumerate; besides, I canbring a number of my brother koords to testify to the truth ofwhat I have said, and that the wallet is mine. "

When the koord had finished, the cauzee smiled, and asked me andmy slave what we could describe to be in the wallet: upon which, my slave said, "My lord, there is nothing in it of what the koordhas mentioned, for it contains only both worlds, with all theirlands, seas, cities, habitations, men, animals, and productionsof every kind. " The cauzee laughed, and turning to the koord, said, "Friend, thou hast heard what has past; what further canstthou say?" "The bag is mine, " continued the koord: upon which, the cauzee ordered it to be emptied; when, lo! there were foundin it some cakes of bread, a few limes, a little pepper, and acruet of oil. Seeing this, the koord exclaimed, "Pardon me, mylord the cauzee, I have been mistaken, the wallet is not mine;but I must away and search for the thief who has stolen myvaluable property. " Having said this, he ran off, leaving thecauzee, myself, and the spectators bursting with laughter at hisimpudent knavery. 

The sultan was much diverted with the relation of Mhamood, andrequested him to relate another story, which he did as follows. 

 Story of the Husbandman. 

A certain husbandman having reared some choice vegetables andfruits earlier than usual, resolved to present them to thesultan, in hopes of receiving a handsome present. He accordinglyloaded his ass and set off for the capital, on the road to whichhe met the sultan, whom he had never before seen; and who beingon a hunting excursion had separated from his attendants. Thesultan inquired where he was going, and what he carried. "I amrepairing, " said the husbandman, "to our lord the sultan, inhopes that he will reward me with a handsome price for my fruitsand vegetables, which I have reared earlier than usual. " "Whatdost thou mean to ask him?" replied the sultan. "A thousanddeenars, " answered the husbandman; "which if he refuses to give, I will demand five hundred; should he think that sum too much, Iwill come down to two hundred; and if he declines to give somuch, I will ask thirty deenars, from which price I will notdepart. "

The sultan now left the husbandman, and hastening to the city, entered the palace, where the latter soon after arrived with hisfruits, and was introduced to the presence. Having made hisobeisance, the sultan returning his salute, said, "Father, whathast thou brought with thee?" "Fruits, reared earlier thanusual, " answered the husbandman: to which the sultan replied, "They are acceptable, " and uncovering them, sent a part by theeunuchs into his haram, and distributed the rest to hiscourtiers, excepting a few which he ate himself, talking all thewhile to the countryman, whose sensible remarks gave him muchpleasure. He presented him with two hundred deenars, and theladies of the haram sent him a present of half that sum. Thesultan then desired him to return home, give the money to hisfamily, and come back with speed, as he wished to enjoy hisconversation. The husbandman having replied, "To hear is toobey, " blessed the sultan for his bounty, and hastening home gavethe deenars to his wife, informing her that he was invited tospend the evening at court, and took his leave. It was sunsetwhen he arrived at the palace, and the sultan being at hisevening meal invited him to partake. When they were satisfied, they performed their ablutions, and having said the eveningprayer, and read a portion of the Koraun, the sultan, desiringhim to be seated, commanded the husbandman to relate him somenarrative. The husbandman being seated, thus began. 

 Story of the Three Princes and Enchanting Bird. 

It has been lately related that there was formerly a sovereign ofthe East who had three sons, the eldest of whom had heard sometraveller describe a particular country where there was a birdcalled Bulbul al Syach, who transformed any passenger who camenear him into stone. The prince resolved to see this wonderfulbird; and requested leave to travel from his father, whoendeavoured in vain to divert him from his purpose. He tookleave, and on his departure, pulling off a ring set with amagical gem, gave it to his second brother, saying, "Whenever youperceive this ring press hard upon your finger, be assured that Iam lost beyond recovery. " Having begun his journey, he did notcease travelling till he reached the spot where was the bird'scage, in which it used to pass the night, but in the daytime itflew about for exercise and food. 

It was the custom of the bird to return about sunset to the cage;when, if it perceived any person near, it would cry out in aplaintive tone, "Who will say to a poor wanderer, Lodge? who willsay to an unhappy Bulbul, Lodge?" and if the person replied, "Lodge, poor bird!" it immediately hovered over his head, andscattering upon him some earth from its bill, the person becametransformed into a stone. Such proved the fate of the unfortunateprince. 

The transformation of the eldest prince had no sooner taken placethan the ring pressed hard upon the finger of the second, whoexclaimed, "Alas! alas! my brother is lost; but I will travel, and endeavour to find out his condition. " It was in vain that thesultan his father, and the sultana his mother, remonstrated. Hedeparted after he had delivered the magical ring to his youngerbrother, and journeyed till he reached the cage of the bird; whohaving ensnared him to pronounce the word lodge, scattered someearth upon his head, when he, also, immediately becametransformed into stone. 

At this instant the youngest prince was sitting at a banquet withhis father; when the ring pressed so hard to his finger, as toput him to much pain. He rose up, and exclaimed, "There is norefuge or asylum but with God; for his we are, and to him we mustreturn. " The sultan, upon this, inquired the cause of his grief;when he said, "My brother has perished. "

The old sultan was loudly lamenting the loss of his two children, when the youngest continued, "I will travel and learn the fate ofmy brothers. " "Alas!" said the father, "is it not enough that Ihave lost them, but thou also wilt rush into destruction? Ientreat thee not to leave me. " "Father, " replied the prince, "fate impels me to search for my brothers, whom, perhaps, I mayrecover; but if I fail, I shall only have done my duty. " Havingsaid this, he departed, in spite of the tears and lamentations ofhis parents, and travelled till he had reached the residence ofthe bird; where he found his brothers transformed into images ofstone. At sunset the bird began its usual tone; but the princesuspecting some deceit, forbore to speak, till at length theBulbul retired to his cage, and fell asleep; when watching theopportunity, the prince darted upon it, and fastened the door. The bird awoke at the noise, and seeing himself caught, said, "Thou hast won the prize, O glorious son of a mighty sultan!" "Ifso, " exclaimed the prince, "inform me by what means thou hastenchanted so many persons as I see around me changed into imagesof marble, and how I may release them from their unhappy state. ""Behold, " replied the bird, "yonder two heaps of earth, one whiteand the other blue. The blue enchants, and the other will recoverfrom transformation. "

The prince immediately took up handfuls of the white earth, andscattering it over the numerous images, they instantly becameanimated and restored to all their functions. He embraced his twobrothers, and received their thanks; also those of the sons ofmany sultans, bashaws, and great personages, for giving them newlife. They informed him that near the spot was a city, all theinhabitants of which had been, like them, transformed into stone. To this he repaired, and having relieved them from theirenchantment, the people out of gratitude made him rich presents, and would have chosen him for their sovereign, but he declinedtheir offer, and resolved to conduct his brothers in safety totheir father. 

The two elder princes, notwithstanding they owed the restorationof their lives to their brother, became envious of the valuablepresents he had received, and of the fame he would acquire athome for his achievement. They said to one another, "When wereach the capital the people will applaud him, and say, 'Lo! thetwo elder brothers have been rescued from destruction by theyoungest. '"

The youngest prince being supplied with horses, camels, andcarriages, for himself and companions, began his march homewards, and proceeded by easy stages towards the capital of his father;within one day's journey of which was a reservoir of water linedwith marble. On the brink of this he ordered his tents to bepitched, resolving to pass the night and enjoy himself infeasting with his brothers. An elegant entertainment wasprepared, and he sat with them till it was time to repose; whenthey retired to their tents, and he lay down to sleep, having onhis finger a ring, which he had found in the cage of the Bulbul. 

The envious brothers thinking this a fit opportunity to destroytheir generous preserver, arose in the dead of night, and takingup the prince, cast him into the reservoir, and escaped to theirtents undiscovered. In the morning they issued orders of march, the tents were struck, and the camels loaded; but the attendantsmissing the youngest prince, inquired after him; to which thebrothers replied, that being asleep in his tent, they wereunwilling to disturb him. This satisfied them, and having pursuedtheir march they reached the capital of their father, who wasoverjoyed at their return, and admired the beauty of the Bulbul, which they had carried with them; but he inquired with eagernesswhat was become of their brother. 

The brothers replied, "We know nothing of him, and did not tillnow hear of his departure in search of the bird, which we havebrought with us. " The sultan dearly loved his youngest son; andon hearing that his brothers had not seen him, beat his handstogether, exclaiming, "Alas! alas! there is no refuge or asylumbut with the Almighty, from whom we came, and to whom we mustreturn. "

We must now return to the youngest brother. When he was cast intothe reservoir he awoke, and finding himself in danger, exclaimed, "I seek deliverance from that God who relieveth his servants fromthe snares of the wicked. " His prayer was heard, and he reachedthe bottom of the reservoir unhurt; where he seated himself on aledge, when he heard persons talking. One said to another, "Someson of man is near. " "Yes, " replied the other, "he is theyoungest son of our virtuous sultan; who, after having deliveredhis two brothers from enchantment, hath been treacherously castinto this reservoir. " "Well, " answered the first voice, "he mayeasily escape, for he has a ring upon his finger, which if hewill rub a genie will appear to him and perform whatever he maycommand. "

The prince no sooner heard these words than he rubbed his handover the ring, when a good genie appearing, said, "Prince, whatare thy commands?"

"I command, " replied the prince, "that thou instantly prepare metents, camels, domestics, guards, and every thing suitable to mycondition. " "All is ready, " answered the genie; who, at the sameinstant taking him from the ledge, conducted him into a splendidencampment, where the troops received him with acclamations. Heordered signals of march to be sounded, and proceeded towards thecapital of his father. When he had arrived near the city, hecommanded his tents to be pitched on the plain. Immediately hisorders were obeyed, the tents were raised (a most magnificent onefor himself), before which the servants raised a gorgeous awning, and sprinkled water to lay the dust. The cooks lighted theirfires, and a great smoke ascended, which filled the plain. 

The inhabitants of the city were astonished at the approach ofthe army, and when they saw the encampment pitched, supposed itto be that of a powerful enemy preparing for assaulting them. Intelligence of this unexpected host was conveyed to the sultan;who, on hearing it, instead of alarm, felt a pleasure which hecould not account for, and said, "Gracious Allah! my heart isfilled with delight; but why I know not. " Immediately hecommanded his suite to attend, and repaired to the encampment ofhis son, to whom he was introduced; but the prince being habitedvery richly, and differently from what he had seen him in, wasnot known by the sultan. 

The prince received his father with the honours due to his rank, and when they were seated, and had entered into conversation, said, "What is become of thy youngest son?" The words werescarcely uttered, when the old sultan fell fainting to the earth. On his recovery, he exclaimed, "Alas! my son's imprudence led himto travel, and he has fallen a prey to the beasts of the forest. ""Be comforted, " replied the prince; "the disasters of fortunehave not reached thy son, for he is alive and in health. " "Is itpossible?" cried the sultan; "ah! tell me where I shall findhim!" "He is before thee, " replied the prince: upon which, thesultan looking more closely, knew him, fell upon his neck, wept, and sunk to the earth overpowered with ecstacy. 

When the sultan had recovered, he desired his son to relate hisadventures, which he did from first to last. Just as he hadfinished the elder brothers arrived, and seeing him in suchsplendour, hung down their heads, abashed and unable to speak;but yet more envious than ever. The old sultan would have putthem to death for their treachery, but the youngest prince said, "Let us leave them to the Almighty, for whoever commits sin willmeet its punishment in himself. "

When the husbandman had concluded the above story, the sultan wasso highly pleased that he presented him with a large sum ofmoney, and a beautiful slave, inquiring at the same time if hecould divert him with another story, to which he replied in theaffirmative. 

On another night, when the sultan and the countryman had sat downto converse, the former desired him to relate some ancient story, when the latter began as follows. 

 Story of a Sultan of Yemen and his three Sons. 

It has been related, that in the kingdom of Yemen there was asultan who had three sons, two of whom were born of the samemother, and the third of another wife, with whom becomingdisgusted from some caprice, and having degraded her to thestation of a domestic, he suffered her and her son to liveunnoticed among the servants of the haram. The two former, oneday, addressed their father, requesting his permission to hunt:upon which he presented them each with a horse of true blood, richly caparisoned, and ordered proper domestics to attend themto the chase. 

When they had departed, the unfortunate youngest brother repairedto his unhappy mother, and expressed his wishes to enjoy, likethe elder princes, the pleasures of the field. "My son, " repliedshe, "it is not in my power to procure thee a horse or othernecessaries. " Upon this he wept bitterly; when she gave him someof her silver ornaments, which he took, and having sold them, with the price purchased a foundered steed. Having mounted it, and provided himself with some bread, he followed the track ofhis brothers for two days, but on the third lost his way. Afterwandering two days more he beheld upon the plain a string ofemeralds and pearls, which shone with great lustre. Having takenit up, he wreathed it round his turban, and returned homewardsexulting in his prize; but when he had arrived near the city hisbrothers met him, pulled him from his horse, beat him, and forcedit from him. He excelled them both in prowess and vigour, but hewas fearful of the sultan's displeasure, and his mother's safety, should he punish his insulters. He therefore submitted to theindignity and loss, and retired. 

The two cowardly princes entered the palace, and presented thestring of jewels to the sultan; who, after admiring it, said, "Ishall not rest satisfied till the bird arrives to whom thiscertainly must have belonged:" upon which the brothers replied, "We will travel in search of it, and bring it to our augustfather and sultan. "

Preparations being made, the brothers departed, and the youngestprince having mounted his lame steed followed them. After threedays' journey he reached an arid desert, which having passed overby great exertion, he arrived almost exhausted at a city; whichon entering he found resounding with the shrieks of lamentationand woe. At length he met with a venerable old man, to whomhaving made a respectful salute, he inquired of him the cause ofsuch universal mourning. "My son, " replied the old man, "on acertain day during the last forty-three years, a terrible monsterhas appeared before our city, demanding a beautiful virgin to bedelivered up to him, threatening to destroy it in case ofrefusal. Unable to defend ourselves, we have complied with hisdemand, and the damsels of the city have drawn lots for thedreadful sacrifice; but this year the chance has fallen upon thebeautiful daughter of our sultan. This is the day of themonster's usual arrival, and we are involved in universallamentation for her unhappy fate. "

When the young prince heard the above, he, under the direction ofthe old man, repaired to the place of the monster's resort, resolved to conquer him or die. Scarcely had he reached it, whenthe princess approached it, splendidly habited, but with adejected head, and drowned in tears. He made a respectful salute, which she returned, saying, "Hasten, young man, from this spot, for a monster will soon appear, to whom, by my unhappy fate, I amdestined. Should he discover thee, he will tear thee in pieces. ""Princess, " replied he, "I know the circumstance, and am resolvedto become a ransom for thy beauty. "

The prince had hardly uttered these words, when a column of dustarose; from which with dreadful howlings and fury the monsterissued, lashing his gigantic sides with his thick tail. Theprincess shrieked, and wept in the agonies of fear; but theprince drawing his sabre, put himself in the way of the savagemonster; who, enraged, snorted fire from his wide nostrils, andmade a spring at the prince. The gallant youth with wonderfulagility evaded his talons, and darting from side to side of themonster, watched his opportunity, till rushing upon him, he clefthis head asunder just between his eyes, when the huge creaturefell down and growled his last in a tremendous roar. 

The princess, on seeing the monster expire, ran to her deliverer, wiped the dust and sweat from his face with her veil, utteringgrateful thanks, to which he replied, "Return to thy lamentingparents;" but she would not, and said, "My lord, and light of myeyes, thou must be mine and I thine. " "That is perhapsimpossible, " rejoined the prince; and hastening from her, hereturned to the city, where he took up his lodging in an obscurecorner. She now repaired to the palace. On her entrance, thesultan and her mother were astonished, and inquired in alarm thecause of her return; fearing that she had escaped from themonster, who would in revenge destroy the city. 

The princess related the story of her deliverance by a handsomeyouth: upon which, the sultan, with his attendants, and most ofthe inhabitants of the place, repaired to view the monster, whomthey found extended dead on the earth. The whole city was nowfilled with grateful thanksgivings and universal rejoicing. Thesultan, eager to shew his gratitude to the gallant youth, said tothe princess, "Shouldst thou know thy deliverer wert thou to seehim again?" "Certainly!" replied she; for love had impressed hisimage on her mind too strongly to be ever erased. 

The sultan, upon this, issued a proclamation, commanding everymale in the city to pass under the windows of his daughter'sapartment; which was done successively for three days; but shedid not recognize her beloved champion. The sultan then inquiredif all the men of the city had obeyed his commands, and wasinformed that all had done so, except a young man at a certainserai, who was a foreigner, and therefore had not attended. Thesultan ordered him to appear; and he had no sooner approached thewindow than the princess threw down upon his head an embroideredhandkerchief, exclaiming, "This is our deliverer from the fangsof the monster. "

The sultan now ordered the young prince to be introduced to hispresence, to which he advanced, making the obeisances customaryto royal personages in a graceful manner. "Art thou the destroyerof the monster?" exclaimed the sultan. "I am, " answered theprince. "Tell me how I can reward thee?" replied the sultan. "Myrequest to God and your majesty, " answered the prince, "is, thatthe princess thy daughter may be given me in marriage. " "Ratherask me a portion of my treasures, " rejoined the sultan. Uponthis, the officers of the court observed, that as he had savedthe princess from death, he was worthy of her; and the sultan atlength consenting, the marriage knot was tied. The young princereceived his bride, and the nuptials were consummated. Towardsthe close of night he arose, and having taken off her ring, puthis own in its room on her finger, and wrote upon the palm of herhand, "I am called Alla ad Deen, the son of a potent sultan, whorules in Yemen; if thou canst come to me there, well; otherwiseremain with thy father. "

When the prince had done as above related, he left his brideasleep, and quitting the palace and city, pursued his travels;during which he married another wife, whom he had saved from anelephant in a similar way: he left her in the same manner as thefirst. 

When the prince had left his second wife, he proceeded in searchof the bird to whom the string of emeralds and pearls hadbelonged, and at length reached the city of its mistress, who wasdaughter to the sultan, a very powerful monarch. Having enteredthe capital, he walked through several streets, till at last heperceived a venerable old man, whose age seemed to be, at least, that of a hundred years, sitting alone. He approached him, andhaving paid his respects, sat down, and entering intoconversation, at length said, "Canst thou, my uncle, afford meany information respecting a bird, whose chain is composed ofpearls and emeralds, or of its mistress?"

The old man remained silent, involved in thought, for someinstants; after which, he said, "My son, many sultans and princeshave wished to attain this bird and the princess, but failed inthe attempt; however, do thou procure seven lambs, kill them, flay and cut them up into halves. In the palace are eight courts, at the gates of seven of which are placed two hungry lions; andin the latter, where the princess resides, are stationed fortyslaves. Go, and try thy fortune. "

The prince having thanked the old man, took his leave, procuredthe lambs, cut them up as directed, and towards midnight, whenthe step of man had ceased from passing, repaired to the firstgate of the palace, before which he beheld two monstrous lions, their eyes flaming like the mouth of a lighted oven. He castbefore each half a lamb, and while they were devouring it passedon. By the same stratagem he arrived safely into the eighthcourt: at the gate of which lay the forty slaves sunk in profoundsleep. He entered cautiously, and beheld the princess in amagnificent hall, reposing on a splendid bed; near which hung herbird in a cage of gold wire strung with valuable jewels. Heapproached gently, and wrote upon the palm of her hand, "I amAlla ad Deen, son of a sultan of Yemen. I have seen theesleeping, and taken away thy bird. Shouldst thou love me, or wishto recover thy favourite, come to my father's capital. " He thendeparted from the palace, and having reached the plain, stoppedto repose till morning. 

The prince being refreshed, at day-light having invoked Allah toprotect him from discovery, travelled till sunset, when hediscovered an Arab encampment, to which he repaired and requestedshelter. His petition was readily attended to by the chief; whoseeing him in possession of the bird, which he knew, said tohimself, "This young man must be a favourite of heaven, or hecould not have obtained a prize for which so many potent sultans, princes, and viziers, have vainly fallen sacrifices. " Heentertained him with hospitality, but asked no questions, and inthe morning dismissed him with prayers for his welfare, and apresent of a beautiful horse. Alla ad Deen having thanked hisgenerous host took leave, and proceeded unceasingly till hearrived within sight of his father's capital. On the plain he wasagain overtaken by his two brothers, returning from theirunsuccessful expedition, who seeing the bird and splendid cage inhis possession, dragged him suddenly from his horse, beat himcruelly, and left him. They entered the city, and presenting thecage to their father, framed an artful tale of danger and escapesthat they had undergone in procuring it; on hearing which, thesultan loaded them with caresses and praises, while theunfortunate Alla ad Deen retired bruised and melancholy to hisunhappy mother. 

The young prince informed his mother of his adventures, complained heavily of his loss, and expressed his resolves to berevenged upon his envious brothers. She comforted him, entreatedhim to be patient, and wait for the dispensations of Allah; who, in proper season, would shew his power in the revealment ofjustice. We now return to the princess who had lost her bird. 

When she awoke in the morning, and missed her bird, she wasalarmed; but on perceiving what was written upon her palm stillmore so. She shrieked aloud; her attendants ran in, and findingher in a frantic state, informed the sultan; who, anxious for hersafety, hastened to the apartment. The princess being somewhatrecovered, related the loss of her bird, shewed the writing onher hand, and declared that she would marry no one but him whohad seen her asleep. The sultan finding remonstrances vain, agreed to accompany his daughter in search of the prince, andissued orders for his army to prepare for a march to Yemen. 

When the troops were assembled, the sultan conducted his daughterto the camp, and on the day following marched; the princess withher ladies being conveyed in magnificent equipages. No halt wasmade till the army arrived near the city, where Alia ad Deen haddelivered the daughter of its sultan by killing the elephant. Afriendly ambassador being dispatched to request permission toencamp and purchase a supply of provisions, he was honourablyreceived, and the sultan of the city proceeded in great pomp tovisit his brother monarch, who then informed him of the object ofhis expedition. This convinced the other sultan that the stealerof the bird must also have been the deliverer of his daughter, and he resolved to join in the search. Accordingly, after threedays of splendid entertainments and rejoicings, the two sultans, with the two princesses, and their united forces, moved towardsYemen. Their route lay through the capital, the daughter of whosesultan Alla ad Deen had saved from the fangs of the savagemonster. 

On the arrival of the allies at this city an explanation similarto the last took place, and the third sultan resolved toaccompany them in search of the husband of his daughter, whoreadily agreed to join the other princesses. They marched; and onthe route the princess who had lost her bird was fully informedby the others of the beauty, prowess, and manly vigour of Alla adDeen; which involved her more than ever in anxious impatience tomeet him. At length, by continued and uninterrupted movements, the three sultans reached Yemen, and pitched their encampmentsabout sunset on a verdant plain well watered, near the capital. 

It was with much dread and apprehension that the sultan of Yemenbeheld such a numerous host encamped so near his residence; buthe concealed his fears, and gave proper orders for securing itfrom surprise during the night. With the morning his alarms wereremoved, as the allied sultans dispatched an ambassador with richpresents, assurances that they had no hostile intentions, and arequest that he would honour them by a visit to their camp, andfurnish it with supplies. The sultan complied with theinvitation, and the suite being prepared, he proceeded, attendedby all his courtiers in the highest magnificence, to theencampment; where he was received with due honours. At theoutposts the three sultans met him, and after the usual greetingsof ceremony conducted him to a splendid tent made of crimsonvelvet, the fringes and ropes of which were composed of goldthreads, the pins of solid silver, and the lining of the richestsilver tissue, embroidered with flowers of raised work in silksof all colours, intermixed with foils and gold. It was coveredwith superb carpets, and at the upper end on a platform spreadwith gold brocade were placed four stools, the coverings ofwhich, and the cushions, were magnificent beyond description, being made of Persian velvet, fringed and flowered with costlypearls. 

When the four sultans were seated, and some conversation hadtaken place, in which the latter was informed of the occasion ofthe others having marched into his country, the cloth was spread, and a magnificent entertainment served up in dishes of agate, crystal, and gold. The basins and ewers for washing were of puregold set with jewels. Such was the richness of every thing, thatthe sultan with difficulty refrained from shewing his surprise, and inwardly exclaimed, "By Allah, till now I never have beheldsuch a profusion of splendour, elegance, and valuable furniture!"When the meal was ended, coffee, various sorts of confections, and sherbets were brought in; after which the company conversed. The three sultans inquired of their royal guest if he had anychildren, to which he replied that he had two sons. 

The sultans then requested that he would send for them: uponwhich, their father dispatched a messenger to summon them to hispresence. They repaired to the camp, mounted on chargers richlycaparisoned, and most splendidly dressed. On their entering thetent, the princesses, who were seated in a recess concealed fromview by blinds of gold wire, gazed eagerly at them; and she whohad lost her bird inquired of the other two if either of them wastheir husband. They replied in the negative, remarking that hewas of personal beauty, and dignified appearance, far superior tothese princes. The three sultans, also, questioned theirdaughters on the subject, and received similar answers. 

The sultans, upon this, inquired of the father of the princes ifhe had any other sons; to which he replied that he had one; butthat he had long rejected him, and also his mother, from notice;and that they lived among the domestics of the palace. Thesultans entreated to see him, and he was introduced, but in amean habit. The two princesses whom he had delivered from themonsters and married immediately recognized him, and exclaimedtogether, "This is truly our beloved husband!" He was thenembraced by the sultans, and admitted to his wives; who fell uponhis neck in transports of joy and rapture, kissing him betweenhis eyes, while the princess who had lost the bird prostratedherself before him, covered with a veil, and kissed his hand. 

After this scene the young prince returned to his father, and theother sultans, who received him respectfully, and seated him bythem, at which the father was astonished; but more so, when, turning to his brothers, he addressed them, saying, "Which of youfirst found the string of emeralds and pearls?" To this they madeno reply: when he continued, "Who of you killed the monster, destroyed the elephant, or, fortifying his mind, dared to enterthe palace of this sultan, and bring away the cage with the bird?When you both, coward-like, rushed upon me, robbed me of myprizes, and wounded me, I could easily have overcome you; but Ifelt that there was a season appointed by Providence for justiceupon you and my wretched father, who rejected my mother andmyself, depriving us of our just claims. " Having thus spoken, hedrew his sabre, and rushing upon the two guilty princes struckthem dead, each at one blow. He would, in his rage, have attackedhis father; but the sultans prevented him, and having reconciledthem, the old sultan promised to leave him his heir, and torestore his mother to her former rank and consequence. Hisnuptials with the third princess were then celebrated; and theirfathers, after participating for forty days in the magnificententertainments given on the occasion, took leave, and returned totheir several kingdoms. The old sultan finding himself, from age, incapable of the cares of government, resigned the throne to hisson, whose authority was gladly submitted to by the people, whoadmired his prowess and gallantry. 

Some time after his accession to the kingdom, attended only bysome select courtiers, and without the cumbrous appendages ofroyalty, he left his capital upon a hunting excursion. In thecourse of the sport, passing over a desert plain, he came to aspot where was the opening of a cave, into which he entered, andobserved domestic utensils and other marks of its beinginhabited; but no one was then within it. 

The curiosity of the sultan being excited, he resolved to waituntil the owners of the cave should appear, and cautioned hisattendants not to mention his rank. He had not sat long, when aman was seen advancing with a load of provisions and two skins ofwater. On his coming to the mouth of the cave, the sultanaddressed him, saying, "Whence comest thou, where art thou going, and what dost thou carry?" "I am, " replied the man, "one of threecompanions, who inhabit this cave, having fled from our city toavoid imprisonment, and every ten days one of us goes to purchaseprovisions: to-day was my turn, and my friends will be herepresently. " "What was the cause of your flight?" rejoined thesultan. "As to that, " answered the man, "it can only becommunicated by the relation of our adventures, which arecurious, and if you wish to hear them, stay with us to-night, andwe will each, in our turn, relate his own story. "

The sultan upon this, said to himself, "I will not move from thisspot until I have heard their adventures;" and immediatelydispatched his attendants, excepting a few, with orders to bringfrom the city some necessaries for the night. "For, " thought he, "hearing these stories will be pleasanter than hunting, as theymay, perhaps, inform my mind. " He remained in the cave with hisfew followers; and soon after arrived the two other inmates, whowere succeeded by the sultan's messengers with the requisites fora substantial repast, of which all partook without ceremony. Whenit was finished, the sultan desired the owners of the cave torelate their adventures; and they replied, "To hear is to obey:"the first beginning as follows. 

 Story of the First Sharper in the Cave. 

My father died when I was a youth, leaving my mother and myselfwith little property, but an old she-goat, which we sold, andwith the price bought a calf, and nourished her as well as wecould for a whole year; when my mother desired me to go anddispose of her in the market. Accordingly I went, and soonperceived that there was not a fatter or finer beast in themarket. The company of butchers, composed of forty persons, fixedtheir eyes upon the calf, and supposing me an ignorant lad, resolved to have her for little or nothing, and feast themselvesupon her flesh. After concerting among themselves, one of themcoming up, said, "My lad, dost thou mean to sell this she-goat?""Goat!" replied I, "it is a calf. " "Nay, " answered he, "surelythou must be blind or under enchantment; but, old as the goat is, if thou wilt sell it, I will give thee a koorsh for her. " Iangrily refused, and he went away; when presently up cameanother; and, in short, in regular succession the whole forty, the last of whom was the chief of the butchers. I perceived theconnivance to cheat me, and resolving to be revenged, said, "I amconvinced I am deceived, so you shall have the goat, if such sheis, for the koorsh, provided you let me have her tail. " This wasagreed to, and it being cut off, I delivered my calf to the chiefof the butchers, received the money, and returned home. 

On my arrival at home, my mother asked if I had sold the calf; towhich I replied, "Yes, for a koorsh, and her tail into thebargain. " She thought me stupid or mad, and inquired what I woulddo with the latter. I answered, "I will be amply revenged on thesharpers, who pretended that my calf was a she-goat, and forcefrom them, at least, a thousand times the price they gave me. "After this, I skinned the tail, cut the leather into thongs, andtwisted them into a whip with hard thick knots. I then disguisedmyself in female attire, taking pains to make myself look ashandsome as possible with the assistance of my mother, who putsoorma into my eyelids, and arranged my eyebrows, stained myhands with hinna, and directed me how to ogle and smile. Inshort, as I was then a beardless lad, and reckoned comely, Iappeared as a very desirable maiden in my disguise. 

On my arrival at the house of the chief of the butchers, I foundhim sitting with his companions in the court. The whole of mycalf had been cooked in various ways, and they were just going tospread the cloth and feast upon it. On my entrance I made aprofound salutation: upon which they all rose up to return it, and having treated me welcomely, whispered one to another, saying, "By Allah, this will be a night of glorious festivity, illumined by so much beauty! however, our chief must have thepreference, this night shall be his; after which we will all castlots for his turn of enjoyment. "

When we had feasted on my calf, and the night was far advanced, the butchers took leave, departed to their homes, and I remainedalone with the chief, who began to entertain me with amusingconversation. Observing a rope hanging from the ceiling of anapartment, I, as if ignorant of its purpose, inquired the use ofit; when the venerable chief of the butchers informed me it wasfor suspending animals to cut up; also, occasionally hisdependants, whose crimes required the punishment of flogging. Upon this I expressed a great desire to be tied with the rope, drawn up, and swung for amusement. "My dear lady, " replied he, "the cord will hurt thy delicate skin; but thou shall put itround me, draw me up, and see the use without injuring thyself. "

I consented to the wish of the chief butcher, placed the cordunder his arms, and drew him up till the ends of his toesscarcely touched the ground. I then secured the rope, and forsome moments kept running playfully round him, and tickling hissides, which made him laugh with delight. At length, tired of hisposture, he desired me to release him; but I refused, saying, "Mydear chief, I have not yet finished my amusement;" after which Itore the clothes from his back, as if in merriment. When I haddone this, I pulled out my whip, which was well knotted, saying, "This is the tail of a she-goat, and not of a calf. " The butchernow began to be somewhat alarmed, asking me who I was, and whenceI came? to which I replied, "I am the owner of the fat calf, ofwhich thou and thy villanous companions so rascally cheated me. "I then bared my arm to my elbow, and so belaboured his back andsides with my whip that he roared in agony; nor did I leave offtill his skin was completely flayed, and he fainted from thepain. After this I searched the apartment, found a bag containingthree hundred deenars, some handsome dresses, and other valuablearticles, all of which I bundled up, and carried off; leaving thechief of the butchers, suspended, to his fate. When I had reachedhome, I gave my prize to my mother, saying, "This is only part ofthe value of my calf, which I have just received of thepurchaser. "

Early in the morning the butchers repaired, as usual, to theresidence of their chief, and finding the door of the court-yardlocked, joked one with another, saying, "Our old gentleman hasbeen so fatigued with his happiness that he sleeps longer thanordinary. " They waited till near noon, when they called out foradmittance; but receiving no answer, became apprehensive of somedisaster, and forcing the door, found their chief suspended, almost lifeless, and his scars dropping blood. To their inquiriesinto the cause of his doleful situation, he replied, "Thatpretended vixen was no woman, but a brawny youth, the owner ofthe calf; who, in return for our roguery, has flogged me thus, and carried off all he could find in my chamber worth having. "The butchers vowed revenge, saying, "We will seize and put him todeath;" but their chief requested them for the present to bepatient, and carry him to a warm bath, that he might wash and gethis wounds dressed. 

I observed the chief butcher enter the bathing house alone, whilehis followers waited at the gate: upon which I went to aslaughter-house, poured over my back the blood of a sheep, dabbedit with plaisters of cotton, and leaning on a crutch, as if inagony of pain, repaired to the bath. At first the butchersrefused me admittance, saying their chief was within; but on myentreating their compassion for my miserable condition, they atlength permitted me to enter. Passing through the differentrooms, I came to the bath, in which I found the unfortunate chiefwashing his scars. I pulled out my whip, and having said to him, "Shekh, this is the tail of my calf!" flogged him again soseverely that he fainted; after which I made my escape by anotherentrance to the hummaum, which opened into a different street. 

The butchers growing impatient at the long stay of their chief inthe bath, at length entered, and found him in extreme agony. Heinformed them of this second revenge of the owner of the calf, and requested that he would take him into the country, pitch atent for his reception, and remain to guard him till he should becured of his wounds. They did so; but I watched their motions, and disguising myself, repaired in the evening towards the tent. Here I found a Bedouin Arab, whom I bribed with a piece of goldto cry out, "I am the owner of the calf, and will have the lifeof your chief!" cautioning him at the same time, after he had soexclaimed, to make his escape as quickly as possible from thebutchers, who would pursue him. "I shall not heed them, " repliedhe, "though they may be mounted on the fleetest coursers. "

Having said this, the Bedouin went up close to the tents, bawlingout vociferously, as I had directed him: upon which all thebutchers started up and pursued him, but in vain, to a greatdistance. I then entered the tent in which the chief was reposingalone, and pulling out my whip, once more flogged him till heroared with agony. When I was tired I bundled up such articles asI could lay my hands on; and returning home, presented them to mymother, saying, "Here is the balance of the price of our calf. "

The butchers having attempted to overtake the Bedouin, till theywere wearied with running, but in vain, returned to their chief, whom they found in a fainting fit from the pain of his wounds. Having sprinkled water on his face, they recovered him so farthat he was able to inform them of what had happened; and torequest them to convey him once more to his own house, to giveout that he was dead of his wounds, and make a mock funeral;when, possibly, the owner of the calf, believing him departedthis life, might cease to torment him. 

The butchers obeyed the commands of their chief, and reportingthat he was dead, laid him in a litter, and marched in mournfulprocession towards the burying ground, followed by a greatconcourse of people. Mixing with the crowd, in disguise, I atlength stooped under the litter, and giving the chief, who layextended in a winding sheet, a smart poke with a pointed stick, up he jumped, to the astonishment of the beholders; who criedout, "A miracle! a miracle! the dead is raised to life!" while Imade my escape in the throng; but being fearful that the manytricks I had played, especially this last, might excite inquiry, and lead to a discovery, I fled from the city, and resolved toremain in this cave till curiosity should subside. 

The sultan exclaimed, "These adventures are surprising;" when thesecond inhabitant of the cave said, "My lord, my story is muchmore wonderful than the last; for I contrived not only to be deadand buried, but to escape from the tomb. " "Possibly, " said thesultan, "thy adventures may have been stranger than those of thisman; but if any of you are acquainted with the memoirs of ancientmonarchs, I could wish you to relate them; however, at present, Imust take you with me to the palace, that I may make youwelcome. " When the men heard this proposition, they were alarmed, and cried out, "What, my lord, would you carry us to the cityfrom which we have escaped to save our lives?" "Fear not, "replied he, "I am the sultan, and was amusing myself with huntingwhen I chanced to discover your cave. " They bowed themselvesbefore him, and exclaimed, "To hear is to obey;" after which theyattended him to the city. On their arrival, the sultan orderedthem proper apartments and suitable entertainment, and investedeach of them with a rich habit. For some days they remainedenjoying themselves; when, at length, one evening the sultancommanded them to his presence, and requested a narrative, whenone of them related the following story. 

 History of the Sultan of Hind. 

In ancient days there lived a sultan of Hind, than whom no princeof the age was greater in extent of territory, riches, or force;but Heaven had not allotted to him offspring, either male orfemale: on which account he was involved in sorrow. One morning, being even more melancholy than usual, he put on a red habit, andrepaired to his divan; when his vizier, alarmed at the robes ofmourning, said, "What can have occasioned my lord to put on thisgloomy habit?" "Alas!" replied the sultan, "my soul is thismorning overclouded with melancholy. " "Repair then to thetreasury, " said the vizier, "and view thy wealth; as, perhaps, the lustre of gold, and the brilliant sparkling of jewels, mayamuse thy senses and disperse thy sorrow. " "Vizier, " answered thesultan, "this world to me is all vanity; I regard nothing but thecontemplation of the Deity: yet how can I be relieved frommelancholy, since I have lived to this age and he has not blessedme with children, either sons or daughters, who are the ornamentsof manhood in this world?"

The sultan had scarcely ceased speaking, when a human figure of adusky hue appeared before him, and said, "My sovereign, here is aconfection left me by my ancestors, with an assurance, thatwhoever might eat of it would have offspring. " The sultan eagerlytook the confection, and by the blessing of Allah, one of theladies of his haram conceived that very night. When her pregnancywas made known to him, the sultan was overjoyed, distributedlarge sums in charity to the poor, and every day comforted thedistressed by his bounty. 

When the sultana had gone her full time, she was delivered of ason beautiful in aspect, and of graceful person; at which thesultan became overjoyed, and on that day set apart one half ofhis treasures for the use of the infant prince, who was intrustedto the charge of experienced nurses. After he had thrivedsufficiently at the breast he was weaned, and at six years of ageput under the care of learned tutors, who taught him to write, toread the Koran, and instructed him in the other several branchesof literature. When he had completed his twelfth year, he wasaccomplished in horsemanship, archery, and throwing the lance, till at length he became a distinguished cavalier, and excelledthe most celebrated equestrians. 

The young prince being on a certain day hunting in the vicinityof the capital, there suddenly appeared soaring and wheeling inthe air a bird, whose plumage was of the most beautiful andglossy green. The prince let fly an arrow, but without effect, and the bird suddenly disappeared. It was in vain that he turnedhis eye to all quarters, in hopes of again discovering hiswished-for prey, for the bird had flown out of sight, and theprince after searching in all directions till the close of day, returned vexed and much disappointed to his father's palace. Onhis entrance, the sultan and sultana perceiving his countenancegloomy, inquired the cause of his melancholy, when he informedthem of the bird: upon which, they said, "Dear son, the creaturesof the Almighty are innumerably diversified; and, doubtless, there are many birds as beautiful, and wonderfully more so thanthis, whose escape you so much regret. " "It may be so, " repliedthe prince; "but unless I shall be able to take this, which hasso captivated my fancy, I will abstain from food. "

On the following morning the prince repaired again to the chase, and having reached the same spot on the plain, to his great joybeheld the green bird. Having taken a cautious aim, he let fly anarrow; but she evaded it, and soared before him in the air. Theprince spurred his courser and followed, keeping his desired preyin sight unceasingly till sunset; when both himself and his horsebeing exhausted he gave up the pursuit, and returned towards thecity. As he was riding slowly, and almost fainting with hungerand fatigue, there met him a venerable looking personage, whosaid, "Prince, both thyself and thy charger seem exhausted; whatcan have been the cause of such over exercise?" "Father, "answered the prince, "I have been pursuing, but in vain, abeautiful green bird, on which I had set my mind. " "Son, " repliedthe sage, "if thou wert to follow it for a whole year's journey, thy pursuit would be useless; for thou couldst never take it. This bird comes from a city in the country of Kafoor, in whichare most delightful gardens abounding in such birds as this, andmany other species still more beautiful, some of which singenchantingly, and others talk like human beings; but, alas thoucanst never reach that happy spot. Give up then all thoughts ofthe bird, and seek some other object for a favourite that thoumayst enjoy repose, and no longer vex thyself forimpossibilities. " When the prince heard this from the old man, heexclaimed, "By Allah! nothing shall prevent me from visiting thecharming country thou hast mentioned;" and leaving the sage, herode homewards, his mind wholly taken up in meditating on theland of Kafoor. 

When the prince had reached the palace, the sultan perceiving hisdisordered state, inquired the adventures of the day; and beinginformed of his fruitless pursuit, and the remarks of the oldman, said, "My son, discharge this idle chimera from thy mind, nor perplex thyself longer, since he who wishes for animpossibility may pine himself to death, but can never gain hisdesires: calm then thy soul, nor vex thyself longer in vain. " "ByAllah!" answered the prince, "my soul, O my father, is captivatedwith the desire of possessing this bird more strongly than ever, from the words of the venerable old man; nor is it possible I canenjoy repose till I have travelled to the island of Kafoor, andbeheld the gardens containing such a wonderful featheredspecies. " "Alas! my dear son, " exclaimed the sultan, "think howafflicting must be to myself and thy mother thy absence from oursight, and for our sakes give up such a fruitless expedition. "

The prince, notwithstanding the remonstrances of his father, continued obstinate, and said, "My travelling is inevitable:grant me then permission, or I will put myself to death. " "Ifso, " exclaimed the affrighted sultan, "there is no refuge or helpbut from the omnipotent Allah: well has the proverb remarked, that the nestling would not be restrained from the air, whensuddenly the raven pounced upon it and bore it away. Heaven guardmy son from the consequences of his imprudence. " Having saidthus, the sultan commanded preparations for the requisites oftravel, and ordered a force to accompany the headstrong prince;who, having taken leave of his afflicted parents, began hisexpedition towards the country of Kafoor. 

The prince pursued his journey without any extraordinaryadventure for a whole month, and at the expiration of it arrivedat a spot from which branched out three roads. At the junction ofthem was erected a lofty pyramid, each face fronting one of theroads. On one face was inscribed, "This is named the Path ofSafety:" on the second, "This is called the Way of Repentance:"and on the third, "Whoever follows this road will not probablyreturn. " "I will pursue this last, " said the prince to himself, and accordingly striking into it, proceeded onwards for twentydays, at the end of which he encamped near a desolated city, crumbling into ruin, wholly destitute of inhabitants. Hecommanded his attendants, as no provisions could be found in thecity, to kill five sheep of the flocks he had brought with him, and dress them for their refreshment in various ways. When allwere ready, and the simmaut was spread out, having performed hisablutions, he sat down with his principal followers. 

The prince and his company had scarcely seated themselves, when, lo! there advanced from the desolated city a Genie, whom theprince seeing, stood up, and thus accosted, "Hail! and welcome tothe sovereign of the Aoon, friendly to his brethren, and ruler ofthis extensive desert. " He then addressed him, flatteringly, influent language and eloquent expression. The hair of this OoneGenie hung shaggily over his eyes, and flowed in matted tressesupon his shoulders. The prince took out a pair of scissors, andhaving condescendingly cut his hair, pared his nails, and washedhim, seated him at the cloth, and placed before him the dishdressed peculiarly for himself. 

The Oone ate, and was delighted with the affability of theprince, whom he addressed, saying, "By Allah, O Mahummud, son ofa sultan! I am doomed to death by thy arrival here; but what, mylord, was thy object in coming?" Upon this the prince informedhim of his having seen the bird, his vain attempts to take her, the account he had received from the old man, and his resolution, in consequence of his information, to penetrate to the kingdom ofKafoor, to visit the gardens, and bring away some of thewonderful birds. 

When the Oone heard this, he said, "O son of a sultan, thatcountry to thee is impenetrable, thou canst not reach it; for thedistance from hence is a journey of three hundred years to themost laborious traveller; how then canst thou hope to arrive atit, much more return? But, my son, the good old proverb remarks, that kindness should be returned with kindness, and evil withevil, and that none are so cruel or so benevolent as theinhabitants of the desert. As thou hast treated me kindly, so, God willing, shalt thou have a return for thy goodness; but thoumust leave here thy attendants and thy effects. Thou and I onlywill go together, and I will accomplish thy wish in gratitude forwhat thou hast done for me. " The prince immediately retired fromhis encampment with the Oone, who said, "Mount upon myshoulders. "

The prince obeyed the commands of the Oone, who having firststopped his rider's ears with cotton, mounted into the air, andafter soaring for some hours descended; when the prince foundhimself in the island of Kafoor, and near the desired garden. Having alighted from the shoulders of the generous Oone, heexamined the spot, beheld groves, blooming shrubs, flowersbordering clear streams, and beautiful birds chanting variousmelodies. The Oone said, "Behold the object, of thy search, enterthe garden!" Upon this the prince left him, passed the gate, which was open, and entered. He walked on every quarter, anddepending from the branches of flowering shrubs saw cages holdinga variety of beautiful birds, two birds in each cage. 

The prince took down a large cage, and having examined the birds, placed in it such as pleased him to the number of six, with whichhe was preparing to leave the garden; when at the gate a watchmanmet him, who cried out loudly, "A robber! a robber!" Instantlynumerous guards rushing out, seized the prince, bound, andcarried him before the sultan, to whom they complained, saying, "We found in the garden this young man, carrying off a cage withsix birds. He must certainly be a robber. "

The sultan addressed the prince, saying, "What induced thee, youthful stranger, to violate my property, trespass on thegarden, and attempt stealing these birds?" The prince returned noanswer: upon which the sultan exclaimed, "Young man, thou artverging upon death; yet still, if thy soul is bent upon havingthese birds, bring me from the Black Island some bunches ofgrapes, which are composed of emeralds and diamonds, and I willgive thee six birds in addition to those thou hast stolen. "Having said this, the sultan released the prince, who repaired tohis generous friend the Oone, whom he informed of the unluckyconclusion of his adventure. "Our task is an easy one, " answeredthe Oone; "mount upon my shoulders. "

The prince did as he was desired, and after two hours flight theOone descended and alighted, when the prince found himself in theBlack Island. He immediately advanced towards the garden in whichwas the fruit composed of emeralds and diamonds. On the way amonster met him of terrible appearance. 

The monster sprung at the prince, who, with surprising agility, drawing his sword, wounded the furious beast on the forehead withsuch effect, that, uttering a dreadful groan, he fell dead at hisfeet. It happened, by divine decree, that the sultan's daughterlooking from a window of the haram, beheld the combat, and, stricken with the manly beauty and prowess of the prince, exclaimed, "Who can withstand thy courage, or who resist thy allconquering charms?" But he did not see the princess, or hear herapplause. 

The prince, after having slain the monster, proceeded to thegarden, the gate of which he found open, and on entering, perceived variety of artificial trees composed of preciousstones. Among them was one resembling the vine, the fruits ofwhich were of emeralds and diamonds. He plucked off six bunches, and was quitting the garden when a sentinel met him; who, beingalarmed, cried out, "A robber! a robber!" The guards rushed out, and having bound him, carried him before the sultan, saying, "Mylord, we found this youth stealing the fruit from the garden ofjewels. "

The sultan was enraged, and on the point of ordering him to beput to death, when a number of persons entered, crying out, "Goodtidings to our sovereign. " "On what account?" exclaimed thesultan. "The horrible monster, " replied they, "who used annuallyto appear and devour our sons and daughters, we have just nowfound dead and cloven in two. " The sultan was so rejoiced at thishappy event, that he refrained from the blood of the prince, andexclaimed, "Whoever has destroyed this monster let him come tome, and I swear by Allah, who has invested me with royalty, thatI will give him my daughter in marriage; and whatever else he maydesire, even to the half of my empire. "

Upon the sultan's declaration being proclaimed, several young menappeared, pretending that they had killed the monster, and gavevarious accounts of the combat, which made the prince smile. "ByAllah! it is strange, " said the sultan, "that a youth in such aperilous situation should be so unconcerned as to smile. " Whilethe sultan was ruminating on this occurrence, a eunuch enteredfrom the haram, requesting that he would come and speak to theprincess his daughter, who had business of importance tocommunicate; upon which the sultan arose, and retired from thehall of audience. 

When the sultan had entered the princess's apartment, he said, "What can have happened which has occasioned you to send for meso suddenly?" She replied, "Is it thy wish to know who slew themonster, and to reward the courageous hero?" "By Allah, " answeredthe sultan, "who created subjects and their sovereigns, if I candiscover him, my first offer to him shall be to espouse thee, whatever be his condition, or though he dwell in the most distantregion. " The princess rejoined, "No one slew the monster but theyouth who entered the garden of gems, and was bearing off thefruit, whom thou wast just now on the point of putting to death. "

When the sultan heard the above from his daughter, he returned tothe divan, and calling the prince before him, said, "Young man, Igrant thee thy pardon; art thou he who destroyed the monster?" "Iam, " replied the prince. The sultan would instantly have summonedthe cauzee to perform the espousals; but the prince said, "I havea friend to consult; permit me to retire, and I will soonreturn. " The sultan consented, saying, "Thy request is butreasonable; but come back quickly. " The prince having repaired tohis friend the Oone, informed him of what had happened to him, and of the offer of the sultan's daughter in marriage: upon whichthe Oone said, "Accept the princess; but on condition that, ifyou marry her, you shall be allowed to carry her to your ownkingdom. " The prince having returned to the sultan, proposed histerms, which were readily agreed to, and the nuptials werecelebrated with the most splendid magnificence. After abiding inthe palace of the sultan for a month and three days, he requestedpermission to depart with his bride towards his own country, which was granted. 

On the departure of the prince, his father-in-law presented himwith a hundred bunches of the grapes composed of emeralds anddiamonds, and he repaired to his friend the Oone; who, havingfirst stopped their ears with cotton, mounted them upon hisshoulders, and soaring into the air, after two hours descendednear the capital of the island of Kafoor. The prince, taking fourbunches of the jewelled fruit, hastened to the palace, and laidthem before the sultan; who, in astonishment, exclaimed, "Surely, this young stranger must be a powerful magician, or how could hehave travelled the distance of three hundred years' journey, andhave accomplished his purpose in less time than three months!Such an action is truly miraculous. Hast thou, indeed, youngman, " said the sultan, "been at the Black Island?" "I have, "answered the prince. "Describe it to me, " replied the sultan, "its appearance, its buildings, its gardens, and rivers. " Theprince having answered all his queries, the sultan said, "Nobleyouth, you may assuredly ask of me whatever you wish!" "I wantnothing but the birds, " rejoined the prince. "They are thine, "returned the sultan; "but annually on a certain day, and this isit, there descends from yonder mountain a monstrous vulture, which tears in pieces our men, women, and children; and havingflown away with them in his gigantic talons devours their flesh. I have a beautiful daughter, whom, if thou canst overcome thiscalamitous monster, I will give to thee in marriage. "

The prince replied, "I will consult my friend;" and then returnedto the Oone, whom he informed of the offer; but he had scarcelydone speaking, when, lo! the vulture appeared: upon which theOone, ascending into the air, attacked the monster, and after afierce combat, tore him into halves; after which he descended tothe prince, and said, "Go to the sultan, and acquaint him thathis destructive enemy is slain. "

The prince did as he was directed: upon which the sultan with histrain, and an immense crowd of the inhabitants of the city, cameout on horseback, and beheld the monstrous vulture, stretcheddead on the ground, torn in halves. The sultan then conducted theprince of Hind to the palace; where his marriage with theprincess was instantly celebrated, amid the highest festivity andrejoicings; and after remaining a full month at the sultan'scourt, he requested leave to depart; when his father-in-lawpresented him with ten cages, in each of which were four of thebeautiful birds of variously coloured plumage, and dismissed him, after an affectionate farewell, with his daughter. 

The prince having departed from the sultan repaired to hisfaithful friend the Oone, who welcomed his return; and havingmounted him upon his back with his two brides, his jewel fruit, and the cages, immediately ascended into the air, from whence, after soaring for some hours, he gradually descended, andalighted near the ruined city, where the prince had left histents, cattle, and followers, whom he found anxiously expectinghis arrival. The friendly Oone had scarcely set him down, when hesaid to the prince, "My young friend Mahummud, the obligationalready conferred upon me by thy coming here was great; but Ihave one more favour to request. " "What can that be?" replied theprince. "That thou leave not this spot, " continued the Oone, "until thou hast washed my corpse, enshrouded, and laid it in thegrave. " Having said thus, the Oone suddenly uttered one loudgroan, and instantly his soul took its flight from the body. Theastonished prince stood for some time overpowered with sorrow;but at length recovering himself, he, with the assistance of hisdomestics, washed the corpse, wrapped it in a winding sheet, andhaving prayed over it, deposited it in the earth. 

The funeral ceremonies of his friend being over, he commenced hismarch homewards, and after three days arrived in sight of theinscribed pyramid, near which he perceived an extensiveencampment, which, on reconnoitring, he found to be that of hisfather. The aged sultan, unable to bear the absence of his son, had marched from his capital in hopes of overtaking him; but onhis arrival at the junction of the three ways, being confoundedat the sight of the inscriptions, he had halted, not knowingwhere to proceed. Great was his joy on discovering the princeadvancing towards that face of the pyramid on which was engraved, "Whoever travels this road will probably never return. " When theraptures of meeting and mutual congratulations were over, theprince informed the sultan of his wonderful and successfuladventures, which overpowered him with astonishment and joy. After reposing a few days, they proceeded towards the capital ofthe sultan; where tidings having arrived of their approach, theinhabitants ornamented the city with silks, carpets, andtransparent paintings; and the nobles and respectable personsissued forth with splendid trains to meet and congratulate theirsovereign and the prince, who entered in triumphal procession, amid the greatest rejoicings and prayers for their welfare andprosperity. 

 STORY OF THE FISHERMAN'S SON. 

A fisherman's son having in company with his father caught alarge fish, the latter proposed to present it to the sultan, inhopes of receiving a great reward. While he was gone home tofetch a basket, the son, moved by compassion, returned the fishinto the water; but fearful of his father's anger, fled from hiscountry, and repaired to a distant city, where he was entertainedby a person as a servant. Strolling one day in the market, he sawa Jew purchase of a lad a cock at a very high price, and send itby his slave to his wife, with orders to keep it safely till hisreturn home. The fisherman's son supposing that as the Jew gaveso great a price for the cock it must possess some extraordinaryproperty, resolved to obtain it; and, accordingly, having boughttwo large fowls, carried them to the Jew's wife, whom he informedthat her husband had sent him for the cock, which he hadexchanged for the fowls. She gave it him; and he having retired, killed the bird, in whose entrails he found a magical ring; whichbeing rubbed by his touch, a voice proceeded from it demandingwhat were the commands of its possessor, which should beimmediately executed by the genii who were servants of the ring. The fisherman's son was rejoiced at his good fortune, and whilemeditating what use he should make of his ring, passed by thesultan's palace, at the gates of which were suspended many humanheads. He inquired the reason, and was informed that they werethose of unfortunate princes, who having failed in performing theconditions on which the sultan's daughter was offered them inmarriage, had been put to death. Hoping to be more fortunate thanthem by the aid of his ring, he resolved to demand the princess'shand. He rubbed the ring, when the voice asked his commands: uponwhich he required a rich dress, and it was instantly laid beforehim. He put it on, repaired to the palace, and being introducedto the sultan, demanded his daughter to wife. The sultanconsented, on condition that his life should be forfeited unlesshe should remove a lofty and extensive mound of sand that lay onone side of the palace, which must be done before he could wedthe princess. He accepted the condition; but demanded an intervalof forty days to perform the task. This being agreed to, he tookhis leave, and having repaired to his lodging, rubbed his ring, commanded the genii to remove the mound, and erect on the spaceit covered a magnificent palace, and to furnish it suitably for aroyal residence. In fifteen days the task was completed; he waswedded to the princess, and declared heir to the sultan. In themean while, the Jew whom he had tricked of the cock and themagical ring resolved to travel in search of his lost prize, andat last arrived at the city, where he was informed of thewonderful removal of the mound, and the erection of the palace. He guessed that it must have been done by means of his ring, torecover which he planned the following stratagem. Havingdisguised himself as a merchant, he repaired to the palace, andcried for sale valuable jewels. The princess hearing him, sent anattendant to examine them and inquire their price, when the Jewasked in exchange only old rings. This being told to theprincess, she recollected that her husband kept an old shabbylooking ring in his writing stand, and he being asleep, she tookit out, and sent it to the Jew; who, knowing it to be the one hehad so long sought for, eagerly gave for it all the jewels in hisbasket. He retired with his prize, and having rubbed the ring, commanded the genii to convey the palace and all its inhabitants, excepting the fisherman's son, into a distant desert island, which was done instantly. The fisherman's son, on awaking in themorning, found himself lying on the mound of sand, which hadreoccupied its old spot. He arose, and in alarm lest the sultanshould put him to death in revenge for the loss of his daughter, fled to another kingdom as quickly as possible. Here he endured adisconsolate life, subsisting on the sale of some jewels, whichhe happened to have upon his dress at his flight. Wandering oneday through a town, a man offered him for sale a dog, a cat, anda rat, which he purchased, and kept, diverting his melancholywith their tricks, and uncommon playfulness together. Theseseeming animals proved to be magicians; who, in return for hiskindness, agreed to recover for their master his lost prize, andinformed him of their intention. He eagerly thanked them, andthey all set out in search of the palace, the ring, and theprincess. At length they reached the shore of the ocean, aftermuch travel, and descried the island on which it stood, when thedog swam over, carrying on his back the cat and the rat. Beinglanded, they proceeded to the palace; when the rat entered, andperceived the Jew asleep upon a sofa, with the ring laid beforehim, which he seized in his mouth, and then returned to hiscompanions. They began to cross the sea, as before, but whenabout half over the dog expressed a wish to carry the ring in hismouth. The rat refused, lest he should drop it; but the dogthreatened, unless he would give it him, to dive and drown themboth in the sea. The rat, alarmed for his life, complied with hisdemand: but the dog missed his aim in snatching at the ring, which fell into the ocean. They landed, and informed thefisherman's son of his loss: upon which he, in despair, resolvedto drown himself; when suddenly, as he was going to execute hispurpose, a great fish appearing with the ring in his mouth, swamclose to shore, and having dropped it within reach of thedespairing youth, miraculously exclaimed, "I am the fish whichyou released from captivity, and thus reward you for yourgenerosity. " The fisherman's son, overjoyed, returned to hisfather-in-law's capital, and at night rubbing the ring, commandedthe genii to convey the palace to its old site. This being donein an instant, he entered the palace, and seized the Jew, whom hecommanded to be cast alive into a burning pile, in which he wasconsumed. From this period he lived happily with his princess, and on the death of the sultan succeeded to his dominions. 

 STORY OF ABOU NEEUT AND ABOU NEEUTEEN; OR, THE WELL-INTENTIONED AND THE DOUBLE-MINDED. 

A person named Abou Neeut, or the well-intentioned, being muchdistressed in his own country, resolved to seek a better livelihood inanother. Accordingly he took with him all he possessed, being only onesingle sherif, and began his journey. He had not travelled far whenthere overtook him a man, who entertained him with his conversation;in the course of which it appeared that his name was Abou Neeuteen, ordouble-minded. Being upon the same scheme, they agreed to seek theirfortunes together, and it was settled that Abou Neeut should be thepurse-bearer of the common stock. The other possessed ten sherifs. 

After some days of toilsome journey they reached a city; onentering which, a beggar accosted them, crying out, "Worthybelievers, disburse your alms and ye shall be rewarded ten-fold. "Upon this, Abou Neeut gave him a sherif; when his companion, enraged at what he thought prodigality, demanded back his money, which was given him, and he marched off leaving his new friendwithout any thing. Abou Neeut, resigned to his fate, and relyingon Providence, proceeded to a mosque to pay his devotions, hopingto meet some charitable person who would relieve his necessities;but he was mistaken. For a night and day he remained in themosque, but no one offered him charity. Pressed by hunger, he inthe dusk of evening stole out, and wandered with fainting stepsthrough the streets. At length perceiving a servant throwing thefragments from an eating cloth, he advanced, and gathering themup, sat down in a corner, and gnawed the bones and half-eatenmorsels with eagerness; after which, lifting up his eyes towardsheaven, he thanked God for his scanty meal. The servant, who hadobserved his motions, was surprised and affected at his wretchedcondition and devotion, of which he informed his master; who, being a charitable man, took from his purse ten sherifs, which heordered the servant to give to Abou Neeut. 

The servant, through avarice, having retained one sherif as aperquisite, delivered the rest to Abou Neeut; who, having countedthe money, thanked God for his bounty; but said, agreeably to thescriptural declaration he ought to have had ten-fold for thesherif he had given to the beggar. The master of the servantoverhearing this, called Abou Neeut up stairs; and having seatedhim, inquired his story, which he faithfully related to his host, who was a capital merchant, and was so much pleased at his pioussimplicity, that he resolved to befriend him, and desired him toabide for the present in his house. 

Abou Neeut had resided some days with his friendly host, when theseason arrived at which the merchant, who was punctual indischarging the duties of religion, having examined his stock, set apart the tenth of it in kind, and bestowed it upon hisguest, whom he advised to open a shop and try his fortune intrade. Abou Neeut did so, and was so successful, that in a fewyears he became one of the most reputable merchants in the place. 

At the end of this period, sitting one day in his warehouse, hesaw in the streets wretchedly habited, lean, and with eyes sunkenand dim, his old companion Abou Neeuteen, begging alms ofpassengers with the importunate cry of distress. Abou Neeutcompassionating his miserable situation, ordered a servant tocall him to him; and on his arrival, having seated him, sent forrefreshments to relieve his immediate want. He then invited himto spend the night at his house; and in the evening, having shutup his warehouse, conducted him home, where a bath was made warmfor him, and when he had bathed, he was presented with a changeof handsome apparel. Supper was served, and when they had eatentill they were satisfied they conversed on several subjects. Atlength Abou Neeut exclaimed, "Dost thou not recollect me, mybrother?" "No, by Allah, most liberal host, " replied the other;"but who art thou?" "I was, " answered Abou Neeut, "the companionof thy travel at such a period; but my disposition is stillunchanged, nor have I forgotten our old connection. Half of whatI possess is thine. "

Having said this, Abou Neeut balanced his accounts, and gave halfof his property to his distressed fellow traveller; who with itstocked a warehouse, and traded for himself with good success. For some time the two friends lived near each other in greatrepute, when Abou Neeuteen growing restless, requested Abou Neeutto quit their present abode, and travel for recreation andprofit. "My dear friend, " replied Abou Neeut, "why should wetravel? have we not here affluence and ease, and what more can weenjoy in any part of the world?" This remonstrance had no effecton Abou Neeuteen, who became so importunate, that at length hiskind friend yielded to his whim; they loaded an ample stock ofmerchandize on mules and camels, and departed for the city ofMoussul. 

After travelling ten days, they one evening encamped near a deepwell, round which they took up their lodging. In the morning AbouNeeut, by his own desire, was let down into the well, morereadily to fill the water bags for the use of the caravan, menand cattle, little apprehending what was by Providence decreed tobefall him; for his ungrateful friend, who envied his prosperity, and coveted his wealth, having loaded the beasts, cut the rope atthe top of the well, and leaving him to his fate, departed. 

Abou Neeut remained all day without food, but humbly putting histrust in Allah for deliverance. About the middle of the followingnight he overheard two Afreets in conversation with each other, when one said, "I am now perfectly happy: for at length I havepossessed the beautiful princess of Moussul, and no one can driveme away, unless by sprinkling the infusion of wormwood under herfeet on a Friday during divine service in the great mosque, arecipe which will hardly be found out. " "I, " continued the otherAfreet, "have been as fortunate as yourself: for I am inpossession of such a hidden treasure of gold and jewels, underthe mound near Moussul, as cannot be computed, the talisman ofwhich cannot be opened to any one unless by killing on the mounda white cock, and pouring over it the blood; which secret Ijudge, will not be found out by man. " Having said this, theAfreets took their flight from the well. 

Abou Neeut treasured up in his mind the conversation of theAfreets, and at day-light was happily delivered from the well bythe arrival of a caravan, some of the followers of which were letdown to fill water, and having discovered him, charitably drewhim up, and gave him some refreshments. When he was somewhatrevived by them, they inquired by what accident he had remainedin the well; and he, concealing the treachery of his ungratefulcompanion, informed them that having reposed to sleep on the edgehe had fallen in, and not being missed at the time by his fellowtravellers, the caravan had proceeded on its journey. He thenbegged leave to accompany his generous deliverers to Moussul, towhich they agreed, and liberally furnished him with a conveyance. 

On entering the city Abou Neeut perceived all the people inmotion, and on inquiring the reason, was informed that they werehastening to the great square before the palace, to see thebeheading of a physician, who had failed in attempting to expelan evil spirit that had long possessed the daughter of thesultan, and that such had been the fate of many unhappy men whohad tried their skill upon the unfortunate princess. Upon thisintelligence he hastened with all speed to the palace, and havingobtained admission to the sultan, made the usual prostrations;after which he offered to expel the evil spirit, and begged aspart of his reward the sparing of the life of the unsuccessfulphysician. To this the sultan for the present agreed; butdeclared, that should Abou Neeut fail in his undertaking, hewould execute them together, as ignorant pretenders in their art. Abou Neeut then begged that the trial of his skill might bedeferred till the Friday, which he requested of the sultan mightbe solemnly observed, as the devout prayers of all true believerswould draw down a blessing on his operations. The sultanconsented; the unfortunate physician was released from theexecutioner, and commanded to be kept in the palace, in whichAbou Neeut had also an apartment allotted him. Proclamation wasthen made through the city for the strict celebration of theapproaching sabbath, under pain of the royal displeasure on thosewho should neglect it. 

Friday being arrived, and the whole city assembled at prayers, Abou Neeut prepared his infusion of wormwood, as the Afreet hadmentioned. Being introduced into the apartment of the princess, who lay in a melancholy stupor, he poured the infusion upon herfeet, when a loud yell was heard near her, and she starting up, as if from sleep, called upon her attendants to assist her inrising. News was immediately conveyed to the sultan of theprincess's recovery, and he came overjoyed to witness herreturned senses. He commanded public rejoicings to be made, largesums to be distributed in alms, and desired Abou Neeut to demandwhat he chose in reward for his important service, at the sametime ordering the unsuccessful physician to be set at liberty, with a handsome present. 

Abou Neeut, who had been captivated by the beauty of the princess, asked, as his reward, her hand in marriage: upon which the sultanconsulted with his viziers, who advised him to dismiss the petitionerfor the present, with orders to return in the morning, when he shouldreceive the sultan's decision on a request which demanded muchconsideration. When Abou Neeut had retired, the viziers represented tothe sultan, that it was fitting the husband of his daughter should atleast possess great wealth: for though Abou Neeut had expelled theevil spirit, yet if he could not support her in a manner becoming herrank, he was not worthy to marry her. They, therefore, advised him toselect a number of his most valuable jewels, to shew them to AbouNeeut, and demand as a dowry for the princess some of equalestimation; which if he could produce he was ready to receive him ashis son-in-law; but if not, he must accept a compensation for hisservices more suited to his condition than the royal alliance. 

On Abou Neeut's appearance at court the next morning the sultandisplayed the jewels, and made the proposal advised by hisviziers; when looking with the utmost indifference upon thebrilliant stones before him, he assured the sultan that he wouldthe next day present him with ten times the number, of superiorvalue and lustre; which declaration astonished the whole court, as it was known that no prince possessed richer gems than thosein possession of the sultan of Moussul. 

Abou Neeut having taken leave of the sultan proceeded to thepoultry market, and having purchased a cock entirely white andfree from blemish, brought it to his lodgings, where he continuedtill the rising of the moon, when he walked out of the cityalone, and speeded to the mound of blueish earth mentioned by theAfreet of the well to contain the invaluable hidden treasure. Being arrived at the mound, he ascended it, cut the throat of thecock, whose blood began to flow, when, lo! the earth shook, andsoon made an opening, through which, to his great satisfaction, he perceived such heaps of inestimable precious stones, of allsorts, as are not to be adequately described, Abou Neeut now wentback to the city, where, having procured ten camels, with twopanniers on each, he returned and loaded them with his treasure, which he conveyed to his lodging, having first filled up thecavity of the mound. 

In the morning Abou Neeut repaired with his loaded camels to thepalace, and entering the court of the divan, in which the sultansat expecting him, after a profound obeisance, cried out, "Descend for a moment, my lord, and examine the dowry of theprincess. " The sultan, arising from his throne, came down thesteps of the hall, and the camels being made to kneel, heexamined the panniers, and was so astonished at the richness oftheir contents, being jewels far surpassing his own in size andlustre, that he exclaimed, "By Allah! if the treasuries of allthe sultans of the world were brought together they could notafford gems equal to these. " When somewhat recovered from hissurprise, he inquired of his viziers how he should now acttowards Abou Neeut; when they all unanimously cried out, "By allmeans give him your daughter. " The marriage was then immediatelycelebrated with great splendour, and Abou Neeut conducted himselfso well in his high station, that the sultan his father-in-lawcommitted to him the giving public audience in his stead, and thedecision of all appeals, three days in each week. 

Some time had elapsed after his elevation, when Abou Neeut oneday giving audience in the magnificent hall of one of his countrypalaces, beheld a man among the crowd of a sorrowful aspect, dressed in a wretched habit, who cried, "O true believers, Ocharitable gentlemen, relieve the distressed!" Abou Neeutcommanded one of his mace-bearers to bring him to his presence, and on his appearance recognized his treacherous companion whohad left him in the well. Without making himself known, orbetraying any emotion but that of compassion, he orderedattendants to conduct him to the warm bath; in which beingrefreshed, he was arrayed in a magnificent habit, and againbrought to the divan. Abou Neeut having retired with him into acloset, said, "Knowest them me not, my old friend?" "No, byAllah, " replied the other. "Know then, " returned he, "that I amAbou Neeut, thy benefactor and companion, whom you treacherouslyleft in the well. " He then related all his adventures, concludingthem with an assurance, that so far from resenting his treachery, he regarded his conduit as the impulse of fate, and as the meansby which he, himself, had attained his present dignity andaffluence, which he would share with him. The envious heart ofAbou Neeuteen was unconquerable; and instead of thanking thenoble-minded Abou Neeut for his forgiveness and liberality, heexclaimed, "Since the well has been to thee so fortunate, whyshould it not prove so also to me?" Having said this, he hastilyrose up and quitted Abou Neeut, who would not punish suchrudeness, even without taking leave. 

Abou Neeuteen hastened with all speed to the well, and havingdescended by a rope, sat down, impatiently expecting the arrivalof the Afreets, who about midnight alighted, and restingthemselves on the terrace above, began to inquire each other'sadventures. "Since we met last, " said one, "I have been renderedmiserable; for a cunning Mussulmaun found out the secret ofoverpowering me, and has married my princess, nor can I revengemyself, for he is under the protection of a converted genie, whomthe prophet has appointed to watch over him. " "I, " continued theother Afreet, "have been equally unfortunate with thyself; forthe same man who has wedded thy mistress discovered my hiddentreasure, and keeps it in spite of my attempts to recover it: butlet us fill up this abominable well, which must have been thecause of all our disasters. " Having said thus, the two Afreetsimmediately hurled the terrace and large stones into the well, which crushed the ungrateful and envious Abou Neeuteen to atoms. Some days after this, the good Abou Neeut, finding he did notreturn, repaired to the well, and seeing it fallen in, ordered itto be cleared; when the discovery of the body proved to him thatthe malicious spirit of the wretch had been the cause of his owndestruction. He with reverence exclaimed, "There is no refuge butwith the Almighty; may he preserve us from envy, which isdestructive to the envious alone!"

Abou Neeut returned to the capital, where, not long after, hisfather-in-law the sultan dying, left him heir to his kingdom. Hissuccession was disputed by the husbands of the two elder sistersof his wife; but the ministers and people being in favour of thesultan's will, they resigned their pretensions and submitted tohis authority. His wife being brought to bed of a son, hersisters bribed the midwife to pretend that the sultana hadproduced a dog. They did the same by another son. At the thirdlying-in of the sultana Abou Neeut resolved to be present, and abeautiful princess appeared. The two infant princes having beenthrown at the gate of one of the royal palaces, were taken up bythe gardener and his wife, who brought them up as their own. AbouNeeut in visiting the garden with his daughter, who shewed aninstinctive affection for them, from this, and their martial playwith each other (having made horses of clay, bows and arrows, &c. ), was induced to inquire of the gardener whether they werereally his own children. The gardener upon this related thecircumstance of his having found them exposed at the gate of thepalace, and mentioned the times, which agreed exactly with thoseof the sultana's delivery. Abou Neeut then questioned themidwife, who confessed the imposition and wickedness of thesisters, whom he left to be punished by the pangs of their ownconsciences, convinced that envy is its own severest tormentor. The young princes were acknowledged; and the good Abou Neeut hadthe satisfaction of seeing them grow up to follow his example. 

 ADVENTURE OF A COURTIER, RELATED BY HIMSELF TO HIS PATRON, AN AMEER OF EGYPT. 

It is related by an historian that there was an ameer of the landof Egypt, whose mind being one night unusually disturbed, he sentfor one of his courtiers, a convivial companion, and said to him, "To-night my bosom, from what cause I know not, is uncommonlyrestless, and I wish thee to divert me by some amusingnarrative. " The courtier replied, "To hear is to obey: I willdescribe an adventure which I encountered in the youthful part ofmy life. "

When a very young man I was deeply in love with a beautiful Arabmaiden, adorned by every elegance and grace, who resided with herparents; and I used frequently to visit their camp, for herfamily was one of the desert tribes. One day my mind feltuncommonly anxious concerning her, and I resolved to seek reliefby a visit; but when I reached the spot found neither my belovednor any of her kindred. I questioned some passengers, whoinformed me that the family had removed their encampment fromscarcity of forage for their herds and camels. I remained forsome time on the ground; but observing no signs of their return, my impatience of absence became intolerable, and my lovecompelled me to travel in search of my charmer. Though the shadesof evening were falling, I replaced the saddle upon my camel, puton my vestments, and girding on my sabre proceeded. I hadadvanced some distance, when the night became dismally black, andfrom the darkness I now sunk into sands and hollows, and nowascended declivities, while the yells of wild beasts resounded onevery quarter. My heart beat with apprehension, and my tongue didnot cease to repeat the attributes of the Almighty, our onlydefender in time of need. At length stupor overcame my senses, and I slept; while my camel quitted the track, and wandered fromthe route I had meant to pursue all night. Suddenly my head wasviolently intercepted by the branch of a tree, and I was awakenedby the blow, which gave me infinite pain. As I recovered myself Ibeheld trees, verdure sprinkled with flowers, and a clearrivulet; also a variety of birds, whose notes were melodiouslysweet. I alighted from my camel, and laid the bridle on my arm, as the underwood of the thicket was closely entwined. 

I did not cease leading my camel till I was out of the thicket, when I remounted; but at a loss which way to go, and unknowingwhere Providence might direct me, I reached the desert, and castmy eyes over the expanse; when, lo! at length a smoke appeared inthe midst of it. I whipped my camel, and at length reached afire, and near it observed a handsome tent, before which was astandard planted, surrounded by spears, horses picketted, andcamels grazing. I said to myself, "What can mean this tent, whichhas a grand appearance, in so solitary a plain?" I then went tothe rear of the tent, and exclaimed, "Health to you, Oinhabitants of this tent, and may the Almighty to you bemerciful!" Upon this there advanced from it a youth, seeminglyabout nineteen, who appeared graceful as the rising moon, andvalour and benevolence gleamed upon his aspect. He returned mysalutation, and said, "Brother Arab, perchance thou hast missedthy way. " I answered, "Yes, shew it, and may God requite thee!"upon which he replied, "My dwelling, brother Arab, is at presentin this wild spot; but the night is dreary, and shouldst thouproceed there is no surety against wild beasts tearing thee inpieces. Lodge, then, at present with me in safety, and repose, and when day shall appear I will direct thee on thy way. " Ialighted, when he took my camel, picketted her, and gave herwater and fodder. He then retired for a while; but returned witha sheep, which he killed, flayed, and cut up; then lighted afire, and when it was of a proper glow broiled part of the sheep, which he had previously seasoned with sundry dried herbs, seeds, and spices, and when ready presented his cookery to me. 

During his hospitalities I observed that my kind host sometimesbeat his breast and wept, from which I guessed that he was inlove, and a wanderer, like myself. My curiosity was raised; but Isaid within myself, "I am his guest, why should I intrude uponhim by painful questions?" and refrained from inquiry. When I hadeaten as much as sufficed me, the youth arose, went into histent, and brought out a basin and ewer, with a napkin embroideredwith silk and fringed with gold; also a cruet of rose water, inwhich musk had been infused. I was astonished at his proceedings, and the politeness of his demeanour, and exclaimed inwardly, "Howwonderful is the abode of so accomplished a personage in thiswild desert. " We made our ablutions, and conversed awhile uponvarious subjects; after which my gentle host went to his tent, from whence he brought out a piece of red silk damask, which hedivided between us, saying, "Brother Arab, go into my tent andchoose thy place of repose, for last night and to-day great musthave been thy hardship and fatigue. "

I entered the tent, and in one partition of it found a mattressof green damask: upon which, having pulled off my upper garments, I lay down, and slept so soundly that I never enjoyed, before orsince, so refreshing a repose. At length I awoke, when night wasfar advanced, and became involved in thought respecting myhospitable host; but knew not what to conjecture, and was sinkingagain into slumber, when, lo! gentle murmurs struck my ears, thanwhich I never heard sound more soft or tenderly affecting. Ilifted up the curtain of my partition, and looked around, when Ibeheld a damsel more beautiful than any I had ever seen, seatedby the generous owner of the tent. They wept and complained ofthe agonies of love, of separation and interruptions to theirdesire of frequent meetings. Then I said within myself, "There isa wonderfully dignified appearance in this amiable youth, yet helives alone, and I have seen no other tent on the plain. What canI conjecture, but that this damsel must be a daughter of one ofthe good genii, who has fallen in love with him, and upon heraccount he has retired to this solitary spot?" Respect for theirlove made me drop the curtain; I drew the coverlid over me, andagain fell asleep. 

When the morning dawned I awoke, dressed, and having performed myablutions and prayers, said to the young man, who had alreadyrisen, "Brother Arab, if in addition to thy hospitalities alreadyshewn thou wilt put me in my way, my obligations will becomplete. " He looked kindly, and said, "If convenient, mybrother, let me entertain thee as my guest for three days. " Icould not refuse his hospitable request, and abode with him. Onthe third day I ventured to inquire his name and family, when hereplied, "I am of the noble tribe of Azzra, " and I discoveredthat he was the son of my father's brother. "Son of my uncle, "exclaimed I, "what can have induced thee to court the seclusionof this desert spot, and to quit thy kinsmen, neighbours, anddependents?"

Upon hearing these words, the eyes of the youth became suffusedwith tears, he sighed, and said, "Ah! my cousin, I passionatelyadmired the daughter of my uncle, and was so devoted to her lovethat I asked her in marriage; but he refused me, and wedded herto another of our tribe richer than myself, who carried her tohis abode. When she was thus torn from me, despair agitated mysoul, I quitted my relations, friends, and companions, becameenamoured of solitude, and retired to this lonely spot. "

When he had finished his communication, I said, "But where is theabode of thy beloved and thy successful rival?" He replied, "Nearthe summit of yonder mountain, from whence, as frequently asopportunity will allow, in the stillness of night, when sleephath overpowered the eyes of the village, she ventures to mytent, and we enjoy the company of each other; but believe me, mybrother, our passion is innocent as devotional love. Hence Idwell here in the manner you have witnessed, and while she visitsme delightful will pass the hours, until Allah shall execute hisappointed decrees, and reward our constancy in this world, orconsign us to the grave together. "

When the unfortunate youth had concluded his narration, at whichI was affected with sincere compassion for his circumstances, aneager desire to relieve the lovers from their oppressors occupiedmy mind, and after much consideration I addressed him thus: "Ifthou choosest, I think I can point out a plan which, under theblessing of Allah, may end the sufferings of thyself and thybeloved. " He replied, "O son of my uncle, reveal it to me!" and Icontinued, saying, "When night shall arrive, and the damselcometh, let us seat her upon my camel; for she is sure-footed andswift of pace; do thou then mount thy steed, and I will accompanyyou upon one of your camels. We will travel all night, and eremorning shall have passed the forest, when you will be safe, andthy heart will be rendered happy with thy beloved. The land ofGod is wide enough to afford us an asylum; and by Heaven I swear, that while life remains I will be thy friend. " The youth replied, "Son of my uncle, I will consult upon thy plan with my beloved, for she is prudent and well-informed. "

When night had shut in, and the usual hour of the damsel's comingapproached, my kind host impatiently expected her arrival; but invain, for she did not appear. He rose, stood in the doorway ofthe tent, opened his mouth, and drew in the exhalations of thegale, then returned, sat down pensively for a few minutes, and atlast bursting into tears, exclaimed, "Ah! my cousin, there are notidings of the daughter of my uncle, some, mishap must havebefallen her. Remain here while I go in search of intelligence. "Having said thus, he took up his sabre, his lance, and departed. 

When somewhat more than an hour had elapsed, I heard hisfootstep, and soon perceived him advancing, bearing somethingbulky in his arms, while he called loudly upon me in adistressful tone. I hastened towards him, and upon my arrival heexclaimed, "Alas, alas! the beloved daughter of my uncle is nomore, and I bear her remains. She was hastening, as usual, to mytent, when suddenly a lion sprung upon her in the path, and toreher in pieces. These relics are all that remain of my beloved. "He then laid them down, and, lo! the thigh bones of the damseland part of her ribs. He wept piteously, and said, "Remain heretill I return;" after which he departed with the swiftness of anarrow. In about an hour he returned, and in his hand was the headof the lion, which he threw down, and asked eagerly for water, which I brought him. He then washed his hands, cleansed the mouthof the lion, which he rapturously kissed, and wept bitterly forsome moments. He then exclaimed, "By Allah, I conjure thee, O sonof my uncle, and by the ties of relationship between us, thatthou observe my will; for within this hour I shall follow mybeloved; be thou our mourner, and bury her remains with mine inthe same grave. " Having said this, he retired into the sleepingpartition of the tent; where he remained at his devotions for anhour, then came out, beat his breast, sighed deeply, and atlength heaved his expiring groan, saying, "I come, I come, mybeloved, I come!" and his pure soul took flight for the mansionsof Paradise. 

When I beheld his corpse, sad indeed was my condition, and fromexcess of sorrow I found it difficult to perform my promise; butat length I arose, washed, enshrouded, and laid the remains ofthese constant lovers in the same grave, near which I remainedfor three days in prayer and lamentation; after which I departedhomewards: but have not failed annually to visit the spot, tobedew their grave with my tears, and pray for the mercy of Allahto their souls and my own errors. 

 STORY OF THE PRINCE OF SIND, AND FATIMA, DAUGHTER OF AMIR BIN NAOMAUN. 

Some ages back a certain sultan of Sind had a son by a concubine, who behaved so rudely to his sultana, that she became dispiritedand lost her health, which her favourite woman observing, resolved by stratagem to get rid of the prince. She advised hermistress, when he might next insult her, to say to him, "That hewould never appear becoming his rank till he was beloved byFatima, daughter of a sultan named Amir bin Naomaun. " The queenhaving followed the woman's directions, the prince resolved totravel to the country of the princess, and demand her inmarriage. Accordingly, having obtained the consent of the sultanhis father, he departed with an attendance suitable to his rank. After marching for some time he entered a desert, which wascovered with a numberless flight of locusts, that had fallenexhausted for want of food. Pitying their distress, he orderedmeal to be spread on the ground, when the locusts havingrefreshed themselves flew away. Some days after this incident hereached a thick forest crowded with elephants, and herds of wildanimals of every description; but as they did not attempt toattack him, and were in a starving condition, he ordered some ofhis cattle to be killed, and distributed to them for food. Havingsatisfied themselves they retired, shewing every sign thatdumbness would allow of being pleased with his kind treatment. Onhis march onwards the prince met a venerable old man, of whom heinquired the route to the territories of Amir bin Naomaun, andwas informed that they were at no great distance; but only to beentered by a range of rugged and steep mountains composed ofiron-stone, and next to impassable; also, that should he succeedin overcoming this difficulty, it was in vain to hope to attainthe princess. The prince inquiring the reason, the old mancontinued, "Sultan Amir bin Naomaun has resolved that no oneshall wed his daughter unless he can perform three tasks which hewill impose, and these are of so difficult a nature as not to beexecuted by the labour or ingenuity of man, and many unhappyprinces have lost their heads in the attempt; for he puts them todeath instantly on failure: be advised, therefore, and give up sofruitless an expedition. " The prince, instead of listening to theadmonition of the old man, resolved to proceed; and havingrequested his prayers and benedictions, continued his march. In ashort time, having entered the passes of the mountains, hediscovered vast caverns inhabited by a species of genii, who wereemployed in working upon masses of iron-stone, which they dugfrom the rock. The prince having entertained them with ahospitable feast, they, in return, shewed him the easiest routethrough the stupendous mountains, and he at length arrived insafety before the capital of sultan Amir bin Naomaun, to whom hesent an envoy, requesting leave to encamp on the plain, and tooffer himself as a candidate for the beautiful princess hisdaughter. The sultan, in reply, acceded to his petition, andinvited him to the palace; where, in the evening, he was led intoa court, in which was placed an immense vessel filled with threekinds of grain mixed together, which (as his first task towardsobtaining the princess) he was to separate entirely from eachother, and put into three heaps; which if not accomplished beforesunrise, he was then to forfeit his head in punishment for histemerity. It being now too late to recede, the prince resignedhimself to Providence; and the gates of the court being lockedupon him, he prayed to Allah, and began to separate the grains;but finding his progress vain, his spirits deserted him aboutmidnight, and he left off his fruitless labour in despair, endeavouring to reconcile himself to death. While he was prayingfor fortitude to bear him up in his last moments, a voice washeard, saying, "Be comforted, and receive the reward of thycharity to famished insects. " Immediately after this the heavenswere obscured, as if by thick clouds, which descended on thecourt, when, lo! this phenomenon proved to be myriads of locusts;who, alighting on the vessel, in a few hours emptied it of allthe grain, which they disposed of, each in its kind, in threeseveral heaps, and having given a general buzzing of salutation, took flight, and vanished into the air. The prince was overjoyedat the miraculous accomplishment of his task by the gratefullocusts, and having offered up thanks to Allah and the prophetfor his deliverance from impending destruction, composed himselfto rest, doubting not but that they would assist him to overcomethe two remaining labours. Great was the surprise of the sultanAmir bin Naomaun, when, on coming at daylight to the court, hebeheld his intended victim in a profound sleep, and the grain inthree separate heaps, neatly piled up in the form of domes. Theprince awaking, saluted him, and demanded to be informed of hisnext task; but the sultan put him off to the evening, until whenhe entertained him at the palace with a most magnificent feast;and his obdurate heart was so softened by the noble address anddemeanour of his guest, that he wished he might be able toovercome the remaining impositions and become his son-in-law. Theprincess, also, who had the curiosity to look at him through theblinds of her apartments, was so fascinated with his appearancethat she prayed for his success. 

When night had set in, the prince was conducted to an open plainin front of the palace, in the centre of which was a largereservoir full of clear water, which the sultan commanded him todrain off before sunrise, or forfeit his life. The princeremained alone on the brink of the reservoir with rather somewhatmore hope of success than he had felt of overcoming his task ofthe preceding night; nor was he disappointed, for about midnighta voice was heard exclaiming, "Prince, benevolence is neverunrequited:" and, lo! the plain was filled with elephants, rhinoceroses, camels, dromedaries, lions, tigers, and everyspecies of wild beasts, in such immense droves as could not benumbered, who, advancing in turn to the reservoir, drank in suchquantity that it, at length, was completely emptied, and becameas dry as if just finished. The beasts then expressing pleasureby their varying natural noises at having served their benefactordeparted, and left him to enjoy the deliverance from the labourimposed upon him. 

The prince, now more assured than ever that he was the favouriteof Allah and the prophet, after offering up prayers with arelieved heart, slept comfortably in a building creeled on themargin of the reservoir, and was only awakened by the call of thesultan at sun-rise, who was more astonished at the accomplishmentof this labour than the former, though certainly each was equallydifficult. He conducted the prince to his palace, and the day wasspent in the highest festivity. 

At the approach of night the prince was conducted to his thirdtask, which was to complete and fit up before daylight from avast mass of planks of the choicest timber ready stored thedoors, windows, and balconies of an unfinished palace, muchlarger than that which the sultan inhabited. The prince at theapprehension of the consequences of failure was somewhat alarmed;but the recollection of his former aids supported him, and afteroffering up his devotions he sat down, composedly waiting for thedecision of Providence on his fate. His resignation was accepted, for at midnight he was roused from his contemplations by thesounds of sawing, planing, hammering, nailing, and the songs ofhappy work-men. Looking up he perceived his friends of the ironmountains; who, all saluting him, cried out, "Prince, set yourheart at rest, for we are come to repay you for your hospitablefeast. " Before daylight the palace was fitted up in a manner moreelegant than can be described, and every door, window, andbalcony painted with the most brilliant colours, flowered withsilver and gold. The grateful labourers of the iron mountainshaving finished their work, respectfully saluted the prince anddeparted. 

The prince having taken a grateful leave of his useful friends, walkedthrough the palace, and was eagerly employed in admiring its eleganceand the magnificence of their finishing hand, when the sultan Amir binNaomaun, who from his apartments at sun-rise had observed themiraculous completion, appeared, having hastened to examine the superbworkmanship, and to congratulate his son-in-law, for as such he nowacknowledged him, and as the favoured of Allah, and of the last ofprophets. He conducted the prince to the palace, and the mostmagnificent preparations being made, the nuptials with his daughterwere celebrated in the new edifice, where the bride and bridegroomenjoyed themselves for three months, at the expiration of which theprince begged permission to return to his father's dominions, which hereached just in time to release him from the attack of an inimicalsultan, who had invaded the country, and laid close siege to hiscapital. His father received him with rapture, and the prince havingmade an apology to the sultana for his former rude behaviour, shereceived his excuses, and having no child of her own readily adoptedhim as her son; so that the royal family lived henceforth in theutmost harmony, till the death of the sultan and sultana, when theprince succeeded to the empire. 

 STORY OF THE LOVERS OF SYRIA; OR, THE HEROINE. 

There formerly dwelt in the city of Damascus two brothers, onepoor and the other rich, the former of whom had a son, and thelatter a daughter. The poor man dying left his son, just emergingfrom infancy, to the protection of his wealthy uncle, who behavedto his unfortunate charge with paternal tenderness, till theyouth, who had exchanged vows of love with his cousin, requestedher in marriage; when the father refused, and expelled him fromhis house. The young lady, however, who ardently loved him, agreed to elope, and having one night escaped from her father'sdwelling, repaired to the object of her affection; who, havinghad notice of her intentions, had prepared two horses and a muleto carry their baggage. They travelled all night, and by morningreached a sea-port, where they found a ship ready to sail, inwhich, having secured a passage, the lady immediately embarked;but the lover remained on shore to dispose of the horses andmule. While he was seeking for a purchaser in the market, a fairwind sprung up, and the master of the ship having weighed anchor, hoisted sail and departed: the lady in vain entreating him towait the return of her beloved, or send her on shore, for he wascaptivated with her beauty. Finding herself thus ensnared, as shewas a woman of strong mind, instead of indulging in unavailingcomplaint, she assumed a satisfied air; and as the only way topreserve her honour, received the addresses of the treacherousmaster with pretended complacency, and consented to receive himas a husband at the first port at which the ship might touch. With these assurances he was contented, and behaved to her withhonourable deference, and affectionate respect. At length thevessel anchored near a city, to which the captain went to makepreparations for his marriage; but the lady, while he was onshore, addressed the ship's crew, setting forth with such forcehis treacherous conduct to herself, and offering such rewards ifthey would convey her to her lover at the port they had left, that the honest sailors were moved in her favour, agreed to obeyher as their mistress, and hoisting sail, left the master toshift for himself. After some days of favourable weather, acontrary gale blowing hard, the vessel was driven far out of hercourse, and for shelter obliged to anchor in the first haven thatoffered, which proved to be that of a large city, the capital ofa potent sultan, whose officers came on board to examine thevessel, and inquire into her cargo and destination. These men, totheir great surprise, finding it commanded by a lady of exquisitebeauty, reported her charms to the sultan, who resolved topossess them, and sent her an offer of marriage; to which sheseemingly consented, and the sultan commanded the most splendidpreparations to be made for the nuptials. When all was ready, hesent onboard the vessel the daughter of his vizier, with otherladies, thirty-nine in number, magnificently attired, to waitupon his bride, and attend her on shore. They were graciouslyreceived by the politic lady, and invited to refresh themselvesin the grand cabin, which she had elegantly adorned with costlyhangings, and prepared in it a superb collation, to which theysat down. She then dismissed the boats in which they came, sending a message to the sultan that she should entertain theladies on board till the next morning, when she would repair onshore and conclude their marriage. She behaved towards her newguests with such winning affability, that they one and alladmired their expected sultana, and partook of the entertainmentwith the highest satisfaction; but what was their surprise when, in the middle of the night, she commanded the crew to weighanchor, having first warned them, on pain of her displeasure andimmediate death, to keep silence, and raise no alarm in theharbour. The vessel sailed, and put to sea without beingmolested, when the intrepid commandress consoled the affrightedladies, related to them her own adventures, and assured them thatwhen she should have rejoined her lover, they should, if theychose it, be honourably restored to their homes; but in the meantime she hoped they would contentedly share her fortunes. Thisbehaviour, by degrees, so won upon their minds, that the ladiesforgot their sorrows, became pleased with their situation, and ina short time were so attached to their new mistress, that theywould not have left her had it been in their power. After someweeks sail, it became necessary to steer towards the first coastthat should present itself, to lay in a supply of fresh water andprovisions, and land appearing, the vessel anchored, when thelady with her companions went on shore. Here they were surroundedby forty robbers, who threatened to take them prisoners; when theheroic lady, desiring her friends to conceal their fears, assumeda smiling countenance, and addressing the chief of the banditti, assured him there would be no occasion for force, as she and hercompanions were ready to share their love, being women who wereabove the prejudices of their sex, and had devoted themselves topleasure, in search of which they roved on board their vesselfrom one coast to another, and would now stay with them as longas they might wish for their company. This declaration suitingthe depraved minds of the robbers, they laid aside their fiercelooks and warlike weapons, bringing abundance of all sorts ofprovisions to regale their expected mistresses, with whom theysat down to a plentiful repast, which was heightened by a storeof wines which the lady had brought in her boats from the ship. Mirth and jollity prevailed; but the fumes of the liquors, inwhich the politic lady had infused strong opiates, suddenlyoperated upon their senses, and they fell down one and all in astate of stupefaction. She then with her companions drew thesabres of their brutal admirers and put them all to deathexcepting the chief, whom they bound hand and foot with strongcords, and after cutting off his beard and mustachios, tied hisown cimeter round his neck, leaving him to feel mortificationworse than death on the recovery of his senses, namely, the sightof his slaughtered fellows, and regret at the loss of hisimagined happiness. The ladies then stripped the caves of therobbers of the vast wealth which they had hoarded up from theirplunders, and having carried it on board their boats, with astock of water and provisions, returned to the ship, weighedanchor, and sailed triumphant and rejoicing from such a dangerouscoast. After some weeks' sail they again descried land, to whichthey approached, and discovered a spacious harbour, round whichrose a vast city, the buildings of which were sublimely lofty, adorned with flights of marble steps to the water's edge, andcrowned with domes and minarets topped with pinnacles of gold. The enterprising lady having anchored, clothed herself and hercompanions in magnificent male habits; after which she orderedthe boats to be hoisted out, and they were rowed ashore by partof their crew richly dressed. On landing, they found all theinhabitants of the city in mourning, and making dolefullamentation for their late sultan, who had died only a few daysbefore. The gallant appearance of a stranger so nobly attendedcreated much surprise, and intelligence of the arrival wasinstantly conveyed to the vizier, who acted as regent till theelection of a new monarch, which ceremony was just on the pointof taking place. The minister, who thought he perceived in such acritical arrival the work of fate, immediately waited on the nowsupposed prince, whom he invited to be present at the election;at the same time informing him that when in this kingdom a sultandied without issue, the laws appointed that his successor shouldbe chosen by the alighting of a bird on his shoulder, which birdwould be let fly among the crowd assembled in the square beforethe palace. The seeming prince accepted the invitation, and withthe disguised ladies was conducted to a gorgeous pavilion, openon all sides, to view the ceremony. The ominous bird beingloosened from his chain, soared into the air to a great height, then gradually descending, flew round and round the squarerepeatedly, even with the faces of the spectators. At length itdarted into the pavilion, where the lady and her companions wereseated, fluttered around her head, and at length rested upon hershoulder, giving at the same time a cry of exultation, stretchingits neck, and flapping its wings. Immediately upon this, theviziers and courtiers bowed themselves to the ground, and theassembled crowd prostrated themselves on the earth, crying out, "Long live our glorious sultan, the chosen of Providence, theelected by the decrees of fate!" The disguised lady was instantlyconducted to the palace, seated on a splendid throne, andproclaimed amidst the acclamations of the people, sovereign of anextensive empire; nor were the abilities of her mind unequal tothe task of government. In a few days the vizier offered to thesupposed sultan his daughter in marriage; and his offer beingaccepted, the nuptials were celebrated with the utmostmagnificence; but what was the astonishment of the bride, when, instead of being caressed, the sultan on retiring with her becamecold and reserved, rose from her, and spent the night in prayer. In the morning the sultana was questioned by her mother; who, onher relating the behaviour of the husband, observed, thatpossibly from his youth he might be over reserved; but that lovewould naturally in time operate its effect. Several evenings pastin the same manner, when the bride, mortified at such coldness, could no longer restrain herself, and said, "Why, my lord, if youdisliked me, did you take me to wife? but if you love not asother men, tell me so, and I will suffer my misfortune insilence. " The lady, moved by this remonstrance, replied, "Mostvirtuous princess, would that for your sake I were of the sex yousuppose me; but, alas! I am like you a woman, disappointed inlove. " She then related to her the wonderful adventures she hadundergone since leaving her father's house, at which the vizier'sdaughter was so affected that she vowed for her a lastingfriendship, agreed to keep her secret, and live with her tillsuch times as chance should restore her lover. In return for thiskindness the lady promised that should the object of heraffections ever arrive, he should marry them both, and that sheshould have the precedence in the ceremony of union. The twofriends having thus agreed, the vizier's daughter regained hercheerfulness, and means were taken to convince her father, mother, and friends of the consummation of the nuptials. Fromthis time they lived in perfect happiness together, oneexercising the authority of sultan to the satisfaction of thesubject, and the other acting the part of a satisfied andobedient wife; but still both were anxious to meet their mutualhusband. As the capital of the kingdom was a mart for mostnations of the world, the pretended sultan formed the followingstratagem for discovering her beloved, not doubting but that hewould travel over all parts of the world in search of the objectof his affection. She erected a most magnificent caravanserai, furnished with baths hot and cold, and every convenience for theweary traveller. When it was finished, she issued a proclamation, that sojourners from all parts should be welcome to lodge in it, and be provided with every necessary till they could accommodatethemselves in the city, or pursued, if only travellers, theirjourney to another part. Over the gate of this edifice she placedan exact statue of herself, and gave orders to the guards thatwhatever stranger, on looking at it, should shew signs ofagitation, or utter words signifying that he knew the original, should be immediately seized and confined in the palace. Manyweeks had not passed when the father of this enterprising lady, who had travelled many thousands of miles in search of hisdaughter, arrived at the gate, and on seeing the statue, exclaimed, "Alas! alas! how like my poor, lost child!" He wasimmediately carried to the palace, lodged in a magnificentapartment, treated with the highest respect; but kept in completeignorance as to the cause of his confinement and his future fate. Not long after this, his disconsolate nephew, who, on thedeparture of the treacherous captain, had wandered from city tocity in hopes of finding his mistress, arrived, and repaired tothe caravanserai. 

On sight of the statue his feelings overcame him; he sighed andfainted: when he was taken up by the guards and lodged in thepalace, where being come to himself, he was astonished at therespect and attention paid him by the domestics, and the splendidmanner in which he was entertained; but it was in vain that heinquired the cause of his detention, the only answer he could getbeing, "Have patience, my lord, and repose yourself tillProvidence shall free you from our confinement. " Soon after thisthe master of the ship, who had visited port after port in hopesof recovering his vessel, reached the city, and hearing of thehospitality with which all strangers were received at thecaravanserai of the sultan, repaired to the gateway; but nosooner had he cast his eyes on the statue, than he exclaimed, "Ah! how like to the artful yet virtuous woman who cheated me ofmy property by stealing my ship. " Immediately he was seized bythe guards, and conveyed to the palace, but treated withkindness. Many days had not succeeded to this event, when thesultan and the vizier, whose daughter with the thirty-nine ladieshad been so artfully carried away from them by the enterprisingheroine of this history, made their appearance at the gateway ofthe caravanserai, and on beholding the statue, cried out, "Surelythis is the likeness of her who deprived us of our children; ah!that we could find her and be revenged on her hypocrisy!" Onsaying this they were apprehended and taken to the palace, wherethey were conducted to apartments suitable to their rank. In afew days afterwards the chief of the banditti, who, burning withthe ireful resolution of revenging the deaths of his associates, had travelled from place to place in hopes of finding the objectof his fury, arrived at the gateway, and observing the statue, roared out in a rage, "Surely this is the resemblance of mytormenter; oh! that I could meet thy original, so that I mighthave the satisfaction of making her blood atone for the murder ofmy friends!" Instantly, as he had spoken, the guards at the gaterushing upon him, bound him hand and foot, conveyed him to thepalace, where he was confined in a loathsome dungeon, and fed onthe coarsest viands. 

The pretended sultan having now all the parties in her power, onemorning ascended her throne in full audience, and commanded themto be brought before her. When they had made their obeisance, shecommanded them to relate the cause of their having journeyed toher capital; but the royal presence rendered them incapable ofuttering a word: upon which she exclaimed, "Since you cannotspeak, I will;" and then discovered to their astonished minds theadventures of each, which had occasioned their travelling. Shethen discovered herself, and fell upon the necks of her fatherand lover, with whom she retired into the private apartments. Thesultan and his vizier were made happy in the company of thedaughter of the latter and the other ladies. The master of theship, as his troubles had atoned for his irregular behaviour, wasreceived into favour, and had his vessel restored; but the savagechief of the banditti was put to death, by being cast into aburning pile, that no further injury might be offered to mankind. In a few days, the most magnificent preparations being made, thedouble nuptials of the heroic lady and her friend the vizier'sdaughter were celebrated with her constant lover, to whom sheresigned her throne, and the happy wives lived together infelicity, undisturbed by jealousy of the husband's attention toeither, so equally did they share his love. The sultan andvizier, after being long entertained at the court, took leave, and returned, under an escort, to their own country; but thedaughter and the thirty-nine ladies could not be prevailed uponto accompany them, only to visit and bid farewell to theirparents, for such was their attachment to their gallant mistress, that they came back immediately, and were espoused to theprinciple nobles of her court. Years of unusual happiness passedover the heads of the fortunate adventurers of this history, until death, the destroyer of all things, conducted them to agrave which must one day be the resting-place for ages of us all, till the receiving angel shall sound his trumpet. 

 STORY OF HYJAUJE, THE TYRANNICAL GOVERNOR OF COUFEH, AND THE YOUNG SYED. 

As Hyjauje (the Ommiad caliph) was was one day seated in his hallof audience, surrounded by his nobles and dependents, tremblinglyawaiting his commands, for his countenance resembled that of anenraged lion, there suddenly entered, unceremoniously, into theassembly a beardless youth of noble but sickly aspect, arrayed intattered garments, for misfortune had changed his originalsituation, and poverty had withered the freshness of his openingyouth. He made the customary obeisance to the governor, whoreturned his salute, and said, "Who art thou, boy? what hast thouto say, and wherefore hast thou intruded thyself into the companyof princes, as if thou wert invited? who art thou, and of whomart thou the son?" "Of my father and mother, " replied the youth. "But how earnest thou here?" "In my clothes. " "From whence?""From behind me. " "Where art thou going?" "Before me. " "Upon whatdost thou travel?" "Upon the earth" Hyjauje, vexed at thepertness of the youth, exclaimed, "Quit this trifling, and informme whence thou comest. " "From Egypt. " "Art thou from Cairo?" "Whyaskest thou?" said the boy? "Because, " replied Hyjauje, "hersands are of gold, and her river Nile miraculously fruitful; buther women are wanton, free to every conqueror, and her menunstable. " "I am not from thence, but from Damascus, " cried theyouth. "Then, " said Hyjauje, "thou art from a most rebelliousplace, filled with wretched inhabitants, a wavering race, neitherJews nor Christians. " "But I am not from thence, " replied theyouth, "but from Khorassan. " "That is a most impure country, "said Hyjauje, "whose religion is worthless, for the inhabitantsare of all barbarians the most savage. Plunderers of flocks, theyknow not mercy, their poor are greedy, and their rich menmisers. " "I am not of them, " cried the youth, "but of Moussul. ""Then, " exclaimed Hyjauje, "thou art of an unnatural andadulterous race, whose youths are catamites, and whose old menare obstinate as asses. " "But I am from Yemen, " said the boy. "Ifso, " answered the tyrant, "thou belongest to a comfortlessregion, where the most honourable profession is robbery, wherethe middling ranks tan hides, and where a wretched poor spin wooland weave coarse mantles. " "But I am from Mecca, " said the boy. "Then, " replied Hyjauje, "thou comest from a mine ofperverseness, stupidity, ignorance, and slothfulness; for fromamong its people God raised up his prophet, whom theydisbelieved, rejected, and forced away to a strange nation, wholoved, venerated, and assisted him in spite of the men of Mecca. But whence comest thou, youth? for thy pertness is becometroublesome, and my inclination leads me to punish thee for thyimpertinence. " "Had I been assured that thou durst kill me, "cried the youth, "I should not have appeared before thee; butthou canst not. " "Woe to thee, rash boy, " exclaimed Hyjauje; "whois he that can prevent my executing thee instantly?" "To thee bethy woe, " replied the youth: "he can prevent thee who directs manand his inmost thoughts, and who never falsifieth his graciouspromises. " "He it is, " cried the tyrant, "who instigates me toput thee to death. " "Withhold thy blaspheming, " replied theyouth; "it is not God, but Satan that prompts thy mind to mymurder, and with God I hope for refuge from the accursed: butknow, that I am from the glorious Medina, the seat of religion, virtue, respectability, and honour, descended of the race of BinGhalib, and family of Ali, son of Abou Talib, whom God hasglorified and approved, and will protect all his posterity, whichyou would extirpate; but you cannot root it out, for it willflourish even to the last day of the existence of this world. "

The tyrant was now overcome with rage, and commanded the youthfulSyed to be slain; but his nobles and officers interceded for him, saying, while they bowed their necks before him, "Pardon, pardon;behold our heads and our lives a ransom for his! For God's sakeaccept our intercession, O ameer, for this youth is not deservingof death. " "Forbear your entreaties, " exclaimed the tyrant, "forwere an angel to cry from Heaven, 'Do not slay him!' I would notattend. " Upon this the young Syed said, "Thou ravest, O Hyjauje;who art thou that an angel should be commissioned for thy sake?"The tyrant, struck with his magnanimity, became calm, andcommanding the executioner to release the youth, said, "For thepresent I forbear, and will not kill thee unless thy answers tomy further questions shall deserve it. " They then entered on thefollowing dialogue; Hyjauje hoping to entrap him in discourse. 

Hyjauje. How can the creature approach the perfection of theAlmighty?

Syed. By prayer, by fasting, by the commanded alms, bypilgrimage, and fighting for the cause of God. 

H. I serve him by shedding the blood of infidel man. You pretendthat Hassan and Houssain, your ancestors, were descendants of theprophet; but how can that be, when God has declared in the KoranMahummud was not of your obstinate race; but the prophet of God, and last of divine messengers?

S. Hear the answer to that in the verse following it. "Hath not aprophet come unto you of your own nation? Receive him, and fromwhat he hath forbidden be forbidden. " Surely, then, God hathforbidden the shedding of the blood of him whom he sanctified. 

H. Thou hast spoken justly, young man; but inform me what Godhath daily and nightly commanded us as obligatory to do?

S. To pray five times. 

H. What to observe in each year?

S. To keep the month of Ramzaun as a fast. 

H. What to perform in the course of life?

S. To make a pilgrimage to Mecca, the temple of God. 

H. Truly said; but what hath mostly dignified and enlightenedArabia?

S. The tribe of Koreish. 

H. Wherefore?

S. Because of our holy prophet's being a member of it. 

H. Who were the most skilful in horsemanship in all Arabia, themost valiant, and of best conduct in war?

S. The tribe of Hashim. 

H. Why think you so?

S. Because my grandfather Imaum Ali, son of Abou Talib, was oneof it. 

H. What tribe of Arabs is most famous for benevolence, andcelebrated for liberality?

S. The family of Tai. 

H. Wherefore?

S. Because Hatim belonged to it. 

H. Which of the tribes have been most disgraceful to Arabia, andmost oppressive to its inhabitants?

S. The tribe of Sukkeef. 

H. Why so?

S. Because thou belongest to it. 

The tyrant could scarcely now contain his anger; but said, hopingto cut the youth off from reply, "Tell me, is the Capricorn ofthe heavens male or female?" To which he answered, "Shew me itstail, that I may inform thee. " The tyrant laughed, and continuedhis questions as follows:

H. Wert thou ever in love?

S. Yes, completely immersed in it. 

H. With whom?

S. With my God, who will, I trust, pardon me for my errors, anddeliver me from thee this day. 

H. Knowest thou thy God?

S. Yes. 

H. By what means?

S. By the scriptures, which he caused to descend to his prophet. 

H. Dost thou guard the Koran?

S. Does it fly from me, that I should guard it?

H. What dost thou learn from it?

S. That God commanded its rules to be obeyed. 

H. Hast thou read and understood it?

S. Yes. 

H. If so, tell me, first, What passage in it is most sublime. Secondly, Which most commanding. Thirdly, Which most just. Fourthly, Which most alarming. Fifthly, Which most encouraging. Sixthly, That which Jews and Christians both believe in. Seventhly, That in which God has spoken purely of himself; thatwhere he speaks of the angels; that in which he mentions theprophets; that where he alludes to those destined to Paradise;and that in which he speaks of those devoted to hell; that whichincludes ten points; and that which Eblis the accursed delivered. 

S. By God's help I will answer thee. The most sublime passage isthe Koorsee: the most commanding, "God insisteth on justice:" themost just, "Whoever diminishes the least of a measure, God willrequite him doubly, and the same to whoever addeth the least:"the most alarming, "All expect to enter Paradise:" the mostencouraging, "O my servants, who have mortified yourselves, despair not of the mercy of God!" that in which are ten points, "God created the heavens and the earth, the revolutions of nightand day; also, the firmament over the waters that it might profitman:" that which is believed alike by jews and christians, "TheJew saith that the Christian is in error, and the Christian saiththat the Jew is mistaken, they both believe so; and both are inerror:" that in which God hath spoken purely of himself, "I havenot created genii and men but to worship me:" that in which hespeaks of the angels, "They said, we have no knowledge, but whatthou hast taught us; for thou only art wise and all-knowing:"that which speaks of the prophets, "How could we deliver you averse without the order of God, on whom the faithful will rely:"that which mentions the devoted to hell, "God hath cast us downfrom heaven, for we were transgressors:" that which describes theblessed, "Praised be God, who hath divested us of all sorrow, forour Lord is merciful and gracious:" that which satan spoke, "Nonewill profit by thy mercy but thy servants the blessed. "

Hyjauje involuntarily exclaimed, "Praised be God, who givethwisdom to whom it pleaseth him; but I have found none so learnedof such tender age. " Having thus spoken, he put many otherquestions to the youth in every science, and he answered them soreadily that the tyrant was overcome with admiration, and offeredhim a residence at his court; but the young man declined it, andrequested his dismission, which he granted, conferring upon him abeautiful female slave richly habited, a thousand pieces of gold, and a steed elegantly caparisoned. The courtiers were astonishedat the bounty of the tyrant, which he perceiving, said, "Be notsurprised, for the advice he hath given me was worthy of reward, and 'Cursed is he who doth not requite a sincere adviser, 'declareth our sacred Koran. "

 STORY OF INS AL WUJJOOD AND WIRD AL IKMAUM, DAUGHTER OF IBRAHIM, VIZIER TO SULTAN SHAMIKH. 

Many ages past there was a very powerful sultan who had a viziernamed Ibrahim, and this minister had a daughter the mostbeautiful of her sex and accomplished of her age, so that shebecame distinguished by the appellation of Wird al Ikmaum, or therose among flowers. It was the custom of sultan Shamikh to holdannually a general assembly of all the nobles of his kingdom, andpersons eminent for science or the arts, during which they weremagnificently entertained at the royal expense. The formerdisplayed their prowess in martial exercises before thesovereign, and the latter the productions of their genius andskill; when valuable prizes were bestowed by the arbitration ofappointed judges on those who deserved them. On one of the daysof this festival, the vizier's daughter from a latticed balconyof the palace, in which she sat to view the sports, was so struckwith the manly figure and agility of a young nobleman named Insal Wujjood (or the perfection of human nature), that love tookpossession of her mind. She pointed him out to a femaleconfidant, and gave her a letter to convey to the object of heraffections. The young nobleman, who had heard her praises, wasenraptured by his good fortune, and the next day, having obtainedas full a sight of her beauties as could be had through thegolden wires of the balcony, retired overcome by love. Lettersnow passed daily, and almost hourly, between them; but they wereimpatient for a meeting, which was at length planned; but thenote fixing the place and time was unfortunately dropped by theconfidant and carried to the vizier; who, alarmed for the honourof his family, sent his daughter the same night to a far distantcastle belonging to himself, and situated on an island in a vastlake, surrounded by mountainous deserts thinly inhabited. Theunfortunate lady was obliged to submit to her fate, but beforeher departure contrived to write on the outside of her balconythe following words, "They are carrying me off, but I know notwhere. " In the morning her lover repairing, as usual, in hopes ofseeing his mistress in the balcony, read the unwelcomeintelligence, which for a time deprived him of his senses. Whensomewhat recovered he resolved to leave the court, though thenthe chief favourite of the sultan, and go in search of hisbeloved. Having put on the habit of a wandering devotee, he, onthe following evening, quitted the city, and recommending himselfto Providence, set out, but knew not whither. Many weeks did hetravel, but could find no traces of his beloved object; whensuddenly, passing through a thick forest, there met him amonstrous lion, from whom he thought it impossible to escape, andhaving uttered a prayer for the happiness of his beloved, andrepeated the testimony of martyrdom, he resigned himself to hisfate, and waited the spring of his expected devourer. What washis surprise when the majestic animal, instead of making him hisprey, on approaching close to him, having looked compassionatelyin his face, licked his hands, and turning round, walked gentlyonwards, moving his head, as if to signify the youth shouldfollow him. Ins al Wujjood did so, and was conducted through theforest by the lion; who, ascending a high mountain, suddenlystopped at the entrance of a cave, to which was a door of iron, then moving his head, and once more licking the hands of hiscompanion, the generous animal left him, and retired back to thewoods. The youth now went to the cave, and having knocked at thedoor, it was opened by a venerable hermit, who bade him welcome, brought him warm water to wash his feet, and set before himrefreshments of various kinds. When he had eaten, he inquired thecause of his coming to such a desolate country; and Ins alWujjood having related his adventures, the old man exclaimed, "Thou art a favourite of Heaven, or the lion would have devouredthee; despair not, therefore, of success, for my mind presagesthat thou wilt be happy, nor shalt thou want my assistance. " Insal Wujjood having thanked him for his hospitality and generousoffers, the hermit informed him, that for nearly twenty yearspast he had not beheld a human face till a few days prior to hiscoming, when, wandering over the mountains, he had seen anencampment on the margin of the great lake below, in whichappeared a crowd of men and women, some very richly habited, partof whom had embarked on board a stately yacht, and the remainderhaving taken leave of them, struck their tents, and returned bythe road they had come. "Most probably, " said the hermit, "theyacht may have conveyed thy mistress to the castle which standson an island in the middle of the lake, and if so thou shalt soonbe safely landed: for the rest Providence must be thy guide. Iwill this night remember thee in my prayers, and meditate on whatcan be done for thy benefit. " Having said this, the hermitconducted the wanderer to a chamber, and left him to his repose. 

The beautiful Wird al Ikmaum during this time remainedoverwhelmed with uneasiness in her confinement, and it was invain that her attendants tried to amuse her. She wanderedmelancholy through the magnificent gardens of the castle, thegroves of which were filled with every variety of birds, whoseharmony was delightful; but the soft cooing of the turtle doveand the plaintive note of the lovelorn nightingale alone caughther attention. To these she would listen for hours together, reclined on a mossy bank, and fancy their pensive strains thelanguage of her beloved. Such was her daily employment, nor wouldshe quit the garden till forced by her attendants to take shelterfrom the falling dews of night. We now return to her lover. 

Fatigue and the consoling assurances of the friendly hermit hadgreatly composed the mind of Ins al Wujjood, who enjoyed arefreshing sleep, nor did he awake till the sun was mounted highin the heavens, when he joined his venerable host in hisdevotions; after which they partook of a repast of bread, milk, and fresh fruits. This ended, the old man requested him to fetchfrom the forest a bundle of the filaments of palm bark, which, when brought to him, he plaited into a shape resembling a littleboat, and giving it to Ins al Wujjood, said, "Repair to the lake, and put this into the water, when it will become instantly largeenough to hold thee, then embark in it, and trust to Heaven forthe rest. Farewell!"

Ins al Wujjood having taken leave of his venerable friend thehermit, with many thanks, did as he had been commanded, and soonarrived on the margin of the lake, into which he launched hislittle vessel, when, to his great surprise, it instantaneouslybecame a handsome boat with the sails set. He got into it, and afair wind springing up was soon out of sight of land. For somedays he was wafted over the deep; but at length the shore of anisland appeared, on which he landed, and made his boat fast tothe trunk of a large tree. He then walked into the country, andfound it beautifully interspersed with green meadows, clearstreams, and shady groves of bending fruit trees, on the branchesof which all sorts of birds were warbling in their differentstrains. Having refreshed himself with several fruits, heproceeded onwards, and at length came in sight of a superbedifice, to the gateway of which he advanced; but found itlocked. For three days he waited in hopes of seeing some of itsinhabitants, but in vain. However on the fourth morning the gatewas opened by a man, who seeing Ins al Wujjood, advanced towardshim, and inquired who he was, whence he came, and what was hisreason for waiting at the gate. "I am of Ispahaun, " replied Insal Wujjood, "and was shipwrecked in a trading voyage upon thiscoast, to the shore of which I alone of all my companions had thegood fortune to escape. " Upon hearing this the man burst intotears, embraced him, and said, "May God preserve thee from futurecalamities! I am also a native of Ispahaun, where also dwelt mycousin, whom I dearly loved, and by whom I was beloved. At thishappy period of my youth a nation stronger than ours made waragainst us, overcame us, and among other captives forced me frommy country; after which they sold me as a slave to my presentmaster: but come, my dear countryman, enter the palace, andrepose thyself in my apartment, where we will endeavour toconsole each other under our misfortunes till Providence shallrestore us to our homes. "

Ins al Wujjood gladly accepted such a friendly invitation, and onentering the court beheld a lofty and wide-spreading tree, fromthe branches of which were suspended several golden cages, eachinhabited by a beautiful bird, and each striving to rival theother in melody, as if in welcome of his approach. He inquired ofhis host to whom the splendid edifice belonged, and was informedto the vizier of sultan Shamikh; who, to secure his daughter fromthe vicissitudes of fortune, had lodged her here, and onlyvisited her annually to inquire after her health, and bring thenecessary supplies for her convenience and the support of herattendants in the castle. Upon hearing the above circumstances, Ins al Wujjood was nearly overcome with ecstacy; but restraininghis feelings, exclaimed to himself, "At length I have reached theabode of my beloved, and may hope for success;" which was yet, however, afar off. His charming mistress, little thinking thather lover was so near, and weary of absence and the solitude ofher abode, had that very evening resolved to escape fromconfinement. In the darkness of night she accordingly let herselfdown from the battlements by a silken rope, which she had twistedfrom slips of various robes, and reached the ground unhurt. Withhaste she fled towards the sea shore, where she perceived afishing boat, the owner of which, though at first alarmed, supposing her, from her dazzling appearance (for she was coveredwith jewels), to be an ensnaring genie, at length, on herassurances that she was really a woman, admitted her into hisvessel. She thanked him for his kindness, which she rewarded bythe gift of many rich jewels, and requested to be conveyed acrossthe lake. The fisherman hoisted sail, and for some hours the windwas prosperous; but now a heavy tempest arose, which tossed themconstantly in imminent danger for three days, and drove them farfrom their intended course. At length the gale subsided, the seabecame assuaged, and land appeared. As they approached the shorea stately city rose to their view, the buildings of which seemedunusually magnificent. Under the terrace of the sultan's palacethey safely, at last, cast anchor; and it chanced that theprince, who was named Dara, was then sitting with his daughter ina balcony to enjoy the fresh sea breeze, and the view of theextensive harbour, crowded with the vessels of every country. Perceiving the boat, the sultan commanded his officers to bringthe master and his crew to the presence. Great was his surpriseat the introduction of the beautiful Wird al Ikmaum. From herrich dress, dignified air, and demeanour, he concluded her to beof superior rank, and having seated her near his daughter, hegraciously requested to be informed of the name of her country, and the cause of her having travelled to his capital; to whichshe replied in eloquent language, giving a summary detail of allher adventures. The sultan consoled her by encouraging assurancesof his protection, promised to exert his authority to effect aunion with her beloved, and immediately dispatched his vizierwith costly presents to sultan Shamikh, requesting him to sendIns al Wujjood to his court. 

The vizier, after a prosperous voyage, having reached the capitalof sultan Shamikh, presented his offerings, and made known therequest of his master; to which the sultan replied, That nearly ayear had elapsed since Ins al Wujjood had, to his great regret, absented himself from his court, nor had any tidings beenobtained of the place of his retirement; but that he would orderhis vizier to accompany the ambassador in search of his retreat, being willing to oblige his master the sultan to the utmost ofhis power. Accordingly, after a repose of some days, the twoviziers departed in search of Ins al Wujjood, but without knowingwhere to bend their journey. At length they reached the shore ofthe ocean of Kunnooz, on which they embarked in a hired vessel, and sailed to the mountainous island of Tukkalla, of which thevizier of sultan Shamikh gave to his companion the followingaccount. "This island was some ages back inhabited by genii; aprincess of whom became violently enamoured of a handsome youngman, a son of an ameer of the city of Misr, or Cairo, whom shebeheld in her flight sleeping in his father's garden in the heatof the day. She sat down by him, and having gently awoke him, theyouth, on looking up, to his astonishment and rapture saw a mostbeautiful damsel who courted his addresses: he was not backwardin offering them; and mutual protestations of love and constancytook place. After some hours of happiness the genie princess tookan affectionate leave, promising soon to visit him again, andvanished from sight. The youth remained musing on his fortunateadventure till the dews of night began to fall, when his parents, fearful of some injury, sent attendants to conduct him to theirpalace, but he refused to go; and talked, as it appeared to them, so incoherently concerning his beloved, that they thought himdistracted; seized him roughly, and forced him homewards. Hisfather and mother were alarmed: it was in vain that they courtedhim to partake of refreshment; he was sullen and gloomy, and atlength abruptly retired to his chamber, where he remained inrestless anxiety all night, waiting impatiently for morning, thathe might revisit the happy spot where his charmer had promisedagain to meet him. 

"At early dawn the ameer's son repaired to the garden, and wassoon gratified with the sight of his beloved; but while they wereexchanging mutual protestations of regard, the mother of thegenie princess, who had suspected from her daughter's conductthat she was carrying on some intrigue, and had followed her inthe air unperceived, suddenly appeared. Rushing upon the lovers, she seized her daughter by the hair, beat, and abused her in theharshest language for having disgraced the honour of the genii byan amour with a wretched son of mortality: to all which the genieprincess replied, that her remonstrances were vain; she had fixedher affections, and would rather be torn into a thousand piecesthan desert the object of her heart. The mother upon this findingthe case desperate, and being herself softened by the uncommonbeauty of the youth, who had fallen at her feet, entreating mercyfor his beloved, at length relented, and agreed to sanctify theirloves by her consent to their marriage. It was accordinglycelebrated; and this island, which after the name of the genieprincess was called Tukkalla, was fixed upon for the place oftheir residence. Its magnificent palace still remains, after thelapse of many ages, and is at present in my possession. Here Ihope to meet my only daughter, whom I brought to reside in itnearly a year ago, to secure her from the attempts of a youngcourtier, on whom she had, against my consent, fixed heraffections. "

The two viziers now disembarked, and proceeded up the island; butwhat was the astonishment and mortification of Ibrahim onlearning, when he arrived at the palace, that his daughter hadescaped, nor had the attendants heard of her since her departure, though they had repeatedly searched every quarter of the island. Perceiving among his attendants whom he had left at the palace astrange young man of pallid countenance, wasted frame, andmelancholy air, the vizier inquired how he had come among them;and received for reply, that he was a shipwrecked merchant ofIspahaun, whom they had taken in for the sake of charity. Ibrahimnow requested of the vizier of sultan Dara that he would returnto his master, and inform him of their vain search after Ins alWujjood; at the same time desiring him to receive into his suitethe supposed merchant as far as the city of Ispahaun, which layin his route. To this the vizier of sultan Dara consented: andthe two ministers having taken a friendly leave of each otherseparated, and departed for their several capitals. 

The vizier of sultan Dara, in the course of the journey, becameso pleased with the agreeable manners of the supposed merchant, that he often conversed with him familiarly; and at length theyoung man, emboldened by his condescending attention, ventured toinquire the cause of his travels to regions so distant from hisown country: upon which he was informed of the arrival of thebeautiful Wird al Ikmaum at the court of sultan Dara; of thecompassion of that sultan for her misfortunes; his generousprotection; and his own fruitless mission in search of her loverIns al Wujjood. A this happy intelligence, the latter, overcomewith ecstacy, could no longer contain himself, but discovered whohe was; and the vizier was also overjoyed at knowing, when leastexpected, that he had found the despaired of object of his longjourney. He embraced the young man, congratulated him upon thespeedy termination of absence from his beloved, and the happyunion which awaited him. He then made him an inmate of his owntents, supplied him with rich attire, and every necessarybecoming the condition of a person for whose fortunes he knew hissovereign to be so highly concerned. Ins al Wujjood, now easy inmind, and renovated by the happy prospects before him, dailyrecovered health and strength, so that by the time of theirarrival at the capital of sultan Dara he had regained hispristine manliness and vigour. 

When the vizier waited upon his master the sultan Dara tocommunicate his successful commission, the sultan commanded theyouth to his presence. Ins al Wujjood performed the usualobeisance of kissing the ground before the throne, with thegraceful demeanour of one who had been used to a court. Thesultan graciously returned his salutation, and commanded him tobe seated; after which he requested him to relate his adventures, which he did in eloquent language, interspersing in his narrativepoetical quotations, and extempore verses applicable to thevarious incidents and situations. The sultan was charmed with hisstory; and when he had finished its relation, sent for a cauzeeand witnesses to tie the marriage knot between the happy Ins alWujjood and the beautiful Wird al Ikmaum; at the same timedispatching a messenger to announce the celebration of thenuptials to sultan Shamikh and Ibrahim his vizier, who werebewailing their supposed irrecoverable losses; one that of hisfavourite, and the latter that of his daughter. Sultan Daradetained the happy couple at his court for some time, after whichhe dismissed them with valuable presents to their own country, which they reached in safety, and were received with the mostheart-felt rejoicings by the sultan and the repentant vizier, whonow recompensed them by his kindness for the former cruelty ofhis behaviour towards them; so that in favour with the sultan, and happy in their own family, the lovers henceforth enjoyedevery earthly felicity, sweetened by the reflection on pastdistresses, till the angel of death summoned them to submit tothe final destination of mortality. 

 THE ADVENTURES OF MAZIN OF KHORASSAUN. 

In ancient days there resided in the city of Khorassaun a youthnamed Mazin, who, though brought up by his mother, a poor widow, to the humble occupation of a dyer, was so celebrated for hispersonal accomplishments and capacity as to become the admirationof crowds, who daily flocked to his shop to enjoy the pleasure ofhis conversation. This young man was as good as he was able, nordid flattery take away his humility, or make him dissatisfiedwith his laborious occupation, which he followed with industryunceasing, and maintained his mother and himself decently fromthe fruits of his labour. So delicate was his taste in the choiceof colours, that veils, turbans, and vests of Mazin's dyeing weresought after by all the young and gay of Khorassaun; and many ofthe females would often cast a wishful glance at him from undertheir veils as they gave him their orders. Mazin, however, wasdestined by fate not always to remain a dyer, but for higherfortunes and surprising adventures. 

As he was one day busy in his occupation, a man of Hijjem came tohis shop, and after looking at him earnestly for some moments, exclaimed, "Alas, that such a noble youth should be confined todrudge at so mean an employment!" "I thank you, father, for yourcompassion, " replied Mazin, "but honest industry can never bedisgraceful. " "True, " said the old man of Hijjem, "yet ifProvidence puts affluence and distinction in our way, should werefuse it?" "By no means, " said Mazin; "canst thou point me outthe way to it without making me forfeit my integrity? If so, Iassure thee I am not so fond of my trade but I would be glad tolive at ease in an honest manner without it; for I should like toenjoy leisure to follow my studies, which have already gained mesome little celebrity. " "Son, " said the Hijjemmee, "thy wishesshall be satisfied: thou hast no father, but I will be one tothee; from this instant I adopt thee as my son. I possess the artof transmuting common metals into gold: be ready at thy shopearly in the morning, when I will meet thee. Farewell!" Havingthus said, the old man took leave. 

Mazin's curiosity and ambition were raised: he shut up his shopsooner than usual, and returned with a full heart to his mother, to whom he communicated the offered kindness of the Hijjemmee. The good woman, after some moments of reflection, said, "Son, Ifear some evil lurks under this apparent kindness, for we live inwicked days, when men profess more than they mean to do for thesake of attaining an object; be cautious then, and do not tillthou hast proof of his sincerity regard his office. We have atpresent all we want, and what can riches give more?" Mazin agreedto the propriety of his mother's advice, and promised to be wary. They ate their usual cheerful meal, and retired to rest; but theyoung man could sleep but little, and he longed with impatiencefor the morning that was to put him into possession of the art oftransmuting metals into gold. 

The morning arrived, and Mazin repaired impatiently to his shop, where he had soon after the satisfaction of seeing his adoptedfather, who came bearing in his hands a crucible. "Welcome, son!""Welcome, father!" was the mutual salutation; after which theHijjemmee desired Mazin to kindle a fire: he did so, when the oldman inquired of Mazin if he had any old metal, iron, brass, copper, &c. Mazin produced some pieces of an old pot of thelatter metal, which were put into the crucible. When melted, theHijiemmee took from his turban a paper containing powder of ayellowish hue, which he threw into the crucible, over which herepeated some cabalistic words while he stirred the meltingmetal. At length he took it from the fire, and to hisastonishment Mazin beheld a large lump of pure gold, which theHijiemmee desired him to carry to a goldsmith's and get itexchanged for coin He did did so, and received a handsome sum, with which he returned to his adopted father. 

"Well, my son, " said the Hijjemmee, "art thou now convinced of myskill, and my sincerity in offering to promote thy fortunes?" "Iam, " said Mazin, "and am ready to follow wherever thou choosest, in hopes of learning this invaluable secret" "That shall soon bethine, " replied the transmuter of metals; "I will sup with theethis evening, and in the privacy of retirement give thee thenecessary instruction. " Mazin, overjoyed, immediately shut up hisshop, and with his adopted father repaired to his own house, where he seated him in his best apartment. He then went to hismother, desiring that she would go and spend the night at aneighbour's, shewing her the gold which his broken copper hadprocured, as a proof of the sincerity of his new friend. The oldlady no longer doubted upon such evidence, and cheerfully tookleave and departed to a friend's house. 

Mazin next went to a cook's shop, from which he returned ladenwith every sort of refreshment, nor was wine forgotten, thoughforbidden to the faithful. The adopted father and son ateheartily, at the same time pushing about the spirit-stirringliquor, till at last Mazin, who had not been used to drink wine, became intoxicated. The wily magician, for such in fact was hispretended friend, watching his opportunity, infused into thegoblet of his unsuspecting host a certain potent drug, whichMazin had scarcely drunk oft, when he fell back upon his cushiontotally insensible, the treacherous wizard tumbled him into alarge chest, and shutting the lid, locked it. He then ransackedthe apartments of the house of every thing portable worth having, which, with the gold, he put into another chest, then fetching inporters, he made them take up the chests and follow him to theseaside, where a vessel waited his orders to sail, and embarkedwith the unfortunate Mazin and his plunder. The anchor wasweighed, and the wind being fair, the ship was soon out of sightof the land. 

Mazin's mother early in the morning returning to her house found thedoor open, her son missing, and the rooms ransacked of all hervaluables. She gave a loud shriek, tore her hair, beat her bosom, andthrew herself on the ground, crying out for her son, who she thoughtmust have been murdered by the treacherous magician, against whoseprofessions she had warned him to be cautious, till the sight of thetransmuted gold had deceived her, as well as the unfortunate victim ofhis accursed arts. Some neighbours hearing her lamentations rushed in, lifted her from the ground, and inquired the cause of her distress;which, when informed of, they endeavoured to alleviate by everyconsolation in their power, but in vain: the afflicted old lady wasnot to be comforted. She commanded a tombstone to be raised in thecourt-yard, over which she sat night and day bewailing her son, takingscarcely food sufficient to preserve her miserable existence. 

The infidel Hijjemmee, who was a wicked magician and a worshipperof fire, by name Bharam, hated the true believers, one of whomannually for several years past he had inveigled by his offers ofinstructing in the science of transmuting metals into his power;and after making him subservient to his purposes in procuring theingredients necessary for his art, had treacherously put him todeath, lest the secret should be divulged: such was now hisintention towards the unfortunate Mazin. 

On the evening of the second day after the sailing of the vessel, Bharam thought proper to awaken his victim to a sense of hismisery. He opened the chest, which had been placed in his cabin, and poured a certain liquid down the throat of Mazin, whoinstantly sneezed several times; then opening his eyes, gazed forsome minutes wildly around him. At length, seeing the magician, observing the sea, and feeling the motion of the ship, his mindsurmised to him the misfortune which had happened; and he guessedhis having fallen into the snares of the treacherous Bharam, against which his mother had warned him, but in vain. Still, being a virtuous Mussulmaun, he would not complain against thedecrees of Heaven; and instead of lamentation uttered thefollowing verse of the sacred Koran: "There is no support orrefuge but from the Almighty, whose we are, and to whom we mustreturn. Deal gently with me, O my God, in the dictates of thyomnipotence; and make me resigned under thy chastening, O Lord ofall being. "

Having finished the above prayer, Mazin turning humbly towardshis accursed betrayer, said in a supplicating tone, "What hastthou done, my father? didst thou not promise me enjoyment andpleasure?" The magician, after striking him, with a scowling andmalignant sneer, exclaimed, "Thou dog! son of a dog! my pleasureis in thy destruction. Nine and thirty such ill-devoted wretchesas thyself have I already sacrificed, and thou shalt make thefortieth victim to my enjoyment, unless thou wilt abjure thyfaith, and become, like me, a worshipper of the sacred fire, inwhich case thou shalt be my son, and I will teach thee the art ofmaking gold. " "Cursed be thou, thy religion, and thy art, "exclaimed the enraged Mazin: "God forbid that for the pleasuresof this world I should apostatize from our holy prophet, and giveup the glorious rewards reserved in certain store for hisfaithful disciples. Thou mayest indeed destroy my body, but mysoul despises thy torments" "Vile dog!" roared out the nowfurious sorcerer, "I will try thy constancy. " He then called inhis slaves, who held Mazin on the floor of the cabin while theirabominable master beat him with a knotted whip till he wascovered with a gore of blood, but the resolute youth, instead ofcomplaining, uttered only prayers to Heaven for divine supportunder his pangs, and strength of fortitude to acquire the gloryof martyrdom. At length the magician, exhausted by his cruelexercise, desisted, and making his slaves load his unfortunatevictim with heavy fetters, chained him down with only a coarsemat to lie upon in a dark closet, in which was placed somestinking water and coarse bread, just sufficient to keep up hismiserable existence. Mazin's courage was not to be overcome Hewashed his wounds, and comforted himself with the hope that if hedied he should enjoy the blisses of Paradise, or if Providencehad decreed his continuance in life, that the same Providencewould present a mode of relief from his present and futureafflictions. In this assurance he took a little of his wretchedfare, and in spite of the agony of his wounds fell asleep, butonly to awake to fresh misery In the morning he was againpersecuted by his cruel tormentor, who for three months dailyharassed him with blows, with revilings, and every sort of insultthat malice could invent or cruelty devise. 

Hitherto the wind had been fair, and the vessel had nearlyreached the desired haven, when suddenly it changed, and a mosttremendous storm arose The waves threatened to swallow up or dashthe vessel in pieces, so that all gave themselves over for lost. At this crisis the sailors, who believed that the tempest wassent by Heaven as a judgment for their suffering the unfortunateMazin to be so cruelly tormented, went in a body to the accursedBharam, and accused him of having brought down the wrath of Godupon the crew by his persecution of the young Mussulmaun; at thesame time threatening to cast him overboard if he did notinstantly release the youth from his confinement. To show theseriousness of their resolves, the sailors seized the slaves whohad been the instruments of the magician's cruelty, and threwthem into the sea, which so alarmed the treacherous Bharam thathe immediately released Mazin from his chains, fell at his feet, begging pardon for his hard usage, and promising if they escapedthe storm to conduct him safely to his own country, and fulfilhis promise of instructing him in the secret of making gold. Wonderful to relate! But no sooner was Mazin freed from hisfetters than the violence of the tempest lessened, by degrees thewinds subsided, the waves abated their swell, and the sea nolonger threatened to overwhelm them: in a few hours all was calmand security, and a prosperous gale enabled the shattered vesselto resume her course. 

The sailors now regarding Mazin as one immediately befriended byHeaven, treated him with the greatest respect and attention; andthe hypocritical magician pretending sorrow for his latecruelties, strove to procure his forgiveness and good opinion byevery art of flattery and affected contrition; which had such aneffect on the ingenuous youth that he forgot his treachery, againbelieved his fair promises and assurances that the torments hehad undergone had only been inflicted as trials of his constancyand belief in the true religion, virtues necessary to be provedbefore the grand secret of transmuting metals could be trusted tohis keeping. 

The remainder of the voyage was prosperous and happy, and at theexpiration of three months more the vessel anchored on the wishedfor coast, which was rocky, and the beach strewed with pebbles ofevery colour. The magician having given orders to the master ofthe vessel to wait a month for their return, disembarked withMazin, and they proceeded together into the country. When theyhad got out of sight of the ship the magician sat down, andtaking from his vestband a small drum, began to beat upon it withtwo sticks, when instantly a whirlwind arose, and a thick columnof dust rolled towards them from the desert. Mazin was alarmed, and began to repent having left the vessel; when the magician, seeing his colour change, desired him to calm his apprehensions, for which there was no cause, that he had only to obey his ordersand be happy. He had scarcely spoken when the wind ceased, thedust dispersed, and three camels stood before them, one of whichwas laden with water and provisions; the others were bridled andvery richly caparisoned. Bharam having mounted one, and, at hisdesire, Mazin the other, they travelled without ceasing, exceptto take the necessary refreshment and repose, for seven days andnights successively over a wild and sandy desert. 

On the eighth morning they reached a beautifully fertile tract, delightfully watered by clear streams; the ground verdant, shadedby spreading trees laden with fruit, on whose branches variousbirds warbled melodiously, and beneath them antelopes and otherforest animals sported unmolested. At the end of a thick avenuerose to view a capacious dome of blue and green enamel, restingupon four columns of solid gold, each pillar exceeding in valuethe treasures of the sovereigns of Persia and Greece. Theyapproached the dome, stopped their camels and dismounted, andturned the animals to graze. This splendid building wassurrounded by a delightful garden, in which the now happy Mazinand the magician reposed themselves all that day and night. Atsome distance from this enchanting spot appeared a stupendousfabric, whose numerous turrets and lofty pinnacles glittered tothe eye, and denoted a palace of uncommon magnificence, so thatthe curiosity of Mazin was raised, and he could not helpinquiring of his companion to whom such a superb edifice mightbelong. The magician, rather roughly, desired him for the presentto ask no questions concerning a place which belonged to his mostbitter enemies, who were evil genii, and of whom at a proper timehe would give him the history. Mazin was silent, but from themagician's manner he began to forbode some new treachery. 

In the morning Bharam beat his magical drum, and the three camelsappealed, when Mazin and his companion mounted, pursuing theirjourney in the same manner as before for seven days, with a speedmore resembling flight than the pace of travel, for their camelswere supernatural. On the eighth morning the magician inquired ofMazin what he saw on the horizon. "I behold, " said he, "toappearance, a range of thick black clouds extending from east towest. " "They are not clouds, " replied Bharam, "but loftymountains, called the Jubbal al Sohaub, or mountains of clouds, from their cloud-like appearance, on their summit lies the objectof our journey, which with thy assistance we shall soon obtain, and return to our vessel more enriched than all the sovereigns ofthe world, but thou must be sure to obey me in whatever I maycommand. " Mazin promised to do so, but his heart trembled withinhim as he beheld the gloomy prospect before him, and recollectedthe boast which the accursed magician had made of his havingsacrificed thirty-nine youthful victims on these mountains, andalso his threat on board the ship to make the fortieth offeringof himself. He repented of having trusted himself from thevessel, but it was now too late to recede. He resigned himself tothe same Providence who had relieved his sufferings in hisvoyage, and concealed, as well as he could, his uneasiness fromthe magician, who now endeavoured to sooth and flatter him withartful promises and caresses. 

For four days longer they pursued their route, when it wasstopped by the black mountains, which formed, as it were, a wallinaccessible, for the precipices were perpendicular, as ifscarped by art, and their tremendous height cast a dark andgloomy shade to a vast distance. They now dismounted, and turnedtheir camels to graze, when the magician took out of his packagethree loaves and a sum of water, after which he lighted a fire;then having beat his talismanic drum, the camels again appeared, the smallest of which he killed, embowelled, and carefully flayedoff the skin, the inside of which he washed with water. Havingdone thus, he addressed Mazin, saying, "My son, the task must nowbe thine to crown our labours with success. Enter this skin, withthese loaves and this water bag for thy sustenance while thouremainest on the summit of the mountain. Be not afraid, for noharm can happen I will sew up the skin, leaving room enough forthe admission of air. By and by a roc will descend, and seizingit in her talons carry thee easily through the air. When sheshall have alighted on the table-land of the mountain, rip openthe stitches of the skin with thy dagger, and the roc on seeingthee will be instantly scared, and fly far away. Then arise, gather as much as possible of a black dust which thou wilt findthickly strewed on the ground; put it into this bag, and throw itdown to me, after which I will contrive an easy means for thydescent, and when thou hast rejoined me we will return to ourvessel, and I will convey thee safely back to thy own country. The dust, which has the quality of transmuting metals into gold, we will share between us, and shall each have enough to rival allthe treasuries on earth. "

Mazin finding it in vain to oppose, allowed himself to be sewn upin the camel's skin with the loaves and water, recommendinghimself by mental prayer to the protection of Allah and hisprophet. The magician having finished his work retired to somedistance, when, as he had said, a monstrous roc, darting from acraggy precipice, descended with the rapidity of lightning, grasped the skin in her widely extended talons, and soaringswifter than the eagle soon alighted on the table-land of themountain; when Mazin, feeling himself on the ground, ripped thestitches of his dangerous enclosure, and the roc being alarmed, uttered a loud scream and flew away. Mazin now arose, and walkedupon the surface of the mountain, which he found covered withblack dust; but he beheld also the skeletons of the young menwhom the accursed Bharam, after they had served his purpose, hadleft to perish. His blood became chilled with horror at the view, as he apprehended the same unhappy fate: he however filled hisbag with the black powder, and advanced to the edge of aprecipice, from which he beheld the magician eagerly lookingupwards to discover him. Mazin called out; and when the hypocritesaw him, he began dancing and capering for joy, at the same timeexclaiming, "Welcome, welcome, my son! my best friend, belovedchild! all our dangers are now over, throw me down the bag. " "Iwill not, " said Mazin, "but will give it thee when thou hastconveyed me safely from this perilous summit. " "That is not in mypower, " answered Bharam, "till I shall have the bag: cast itdown, and I swear by the fire which I worship immediately toprocure thee a safe descent. " Mazin, relying on his oath, andseeing no other chance of escape, cast down the bag; which havingtaken up, the accursed sorcerer mounted his camel and wasdeparting. The unhappy Mazin in agony called after him, saying, "Surely thou wilt not forfeit thy oath, nor leave me to perish!""Perish thou must, Mussulmaun dog!" exclaimed the treacherousmagician, "that my secret may be kept, nor can thy boastedprophet save thee from destruction; for around thee are mountainsimpassable, and below a fathomless sea. I have obtained what Iwished, and leave thee to thy fate. " Having said thus he speededonwards, and was soon out of sight. 

Mazin was now in an agony of despair, not a ray of hope comfortedhis mind; he beat his bosom, threw himself on the ground amid themouldering skeletons of the former victims to the treachery ofthe magician, and lay for some time in a state of insensibility. At length the calls of hunger and thirst forced him back to asense of wretched existence; and the love of life, howevermiserable, made him have recourse to his water and his loaves. Being somewhat revived, religion came to his aid, and he began topray for resignation to submit to the decrees of Heaven, howeverpainful. He then walked to the edge of the mountain overhangingthe sea, which he observed to wash the base of the rock withoutany beach, at sight of which a desperate chance of escape struckhis mind: this was, to throw himself from the precipice into theocean, in hopes, should he survive the fall and rise to thesurface, he might reach land. He commended himself to God, shuthis eyes, held in his breath, and giving a desperate spring, plunged headlong into the dreadful abyss, which providentiallyreceived him unhurt, and a friendly wave drove him on shore;where, however, he remained some minutes in a lifeless stupor, owing to the rapidity of his descent from the brain-sickeningprecipice. 

When his senses returned Mazin looked wildly around him, at firstscarcely able to bear the light from the recollection of thedizzy eminence from which he had plunged; and an uneasy intervalelapsed before he could persuade himself that the certainty ofdeath was past. Convinced at length of this, he prostratedhimself to the earth, and exclaimed, "In God alone is our refugeand support! I thought I should have perished, but his providencehas sustained me. " He then wept exceedingly, entreatedforgiveness of his offences, read several passages from theKoran, which he had preserved in his vestband, repeated the wholeof his rosary, and besought the intercession of the prophet forhis deliverance from future dangers. After this he walked onwardstill evening, the fruits of the forest his food, his drink thewater of the streams, and his resting place the green turf. Suchwas his progress, that after three days he reached the spot underthe mountain where he had been taken up by the roc in the camel'sskin. He now recognized the road he had come; and after measuringback his steps for nine days, beheld on the last the superbpalace, concerning which he had inquired of the magician, who hadinformed him it was inhabited by evil genii, his most bitterenemies. 

For some time Mazin hesitated whether he should advance to thegates of the palace; but considering that no greater calamitycould happen to him than he had already endured, he contemneddanger, and boldly advanced to a grand lodge built of whitemarble exquisitely polished. He entered, and beheld on one of theraised platforms which skirted the passage into the court twobeautiful damsels playing at the game of chess; one of whom onbeholding him exclaimed, "Surely, sister, this is the young manwho passed this way about a month ago with Bharam the magician?""I am he!" exclaimed Mazin, at the same time throwing himself ather feet, "and entreat your hospitable protection. " The lady, raising him from the ground, said, "Stranger, you resemble somuch a once beloved brother, that I feel inclined to adopt theeas such, if my sister will also agree to do so. " The other ladyreadily assented. They then embraced Mazin, seated him betweenthem, and requested to be informed of his adventures, of which hegave them a true narration. 

When Mazin had concluded his story, the ladies expressedcompassion for his misfortunes, and the strongest resentmentagainst the accursed magician, whom they vowed to punish by atormenting death for having had the insolence to accuse them ofbeing evil genii. They then proceeded to acquaint him with thecause of their residence in this secluded palace, saying, "Brother, for as such we shall henceforward regard you, ourfather is a most potent sultan of a race of good genii, who wereconverted by Solomon, the son of David, to the true faith; we areseven daughters by the same mother; but for some cause which wedo not know the sultan our father, being fearful of our becomingconnected with mankind, has placed us in this solitary spot. Thispalace was erected by genii for our accommodation; the meadowsand forests around it are delightful, and we often amuseourselves with field sports, there being plenty of every sort ofgame, as you must have observed. When we want horses or camels wehave only to beat a small magical drum, and they instantly attendour call, ready caparisoned. Our five sisters are at present atthe chase, but will soon return. Set thy heart at rest, forgetthy misfortunes, which are now at an end, and thou shall livewith us in ease and pleasure. "

The five sisters soon returned, and Mazin's adventures beingrecounted to them they also adopted him as their brother; and hecontinued with these ladies, who strove to divert him all intheir power by repeated rounds of amusements: one day theyhunted, another hawked, another fished, and their indoorpleasures were varied and delightful; so that Mazin soonrecovered his health, and was happy to the extent of his wishes. A year had elapsed, when Mazin one day riding out for hisamusement to the enamelled dome supported on four golden columns, perceived under it the accursed magician, and with him a youth, whom, like himself, he had inveigled into his snares, and devotedalso to destruction. The rage of Mazin was kindled at the sight;he drew his sabre, and rushing unperceived behind the sorcerer, who was in the act of flaying a camel for the purposes alreadydescribed, seized him by his hair, and exclaimed, "Wretch! thejudgment of Heaven at length hath overtaken thee, and soon shallthy impure soul be plunged into that fire thou hast blasphemouslyadored. " The magician struggled, but in vain. He then imploredfor mercy and forgiveness; but Mazin, convinced by experiencethat he deserved none, struck off his head at one blow. Theninforming the intended victim, who stood near gazing withastonishment, of the wicked arts of the accursed Bharam, and ofhis own narrow escape from almost certain destruction, he advisedthe young man to remount his camel, and return to the spot wherehe had disembarked from the vessel, which would safely convey himback to his own country. The youth, having thanked him for hisdeliverance, took his leave; and Mazin returned to the palace, carrying with him the head of the magician as a trophy of hisvictory. He was highly applauded for his prowess by the sisters, who rejoiced in the destruction of so cruel an enemy to mankind. 

Many days had not elapsed after this event, when one morningMazin and the sisters sitting together in a gallery of thepalace, observed a thick cloud of dust rising from the desert andapproaching towards them. As it came nearer they perceivedthrough it a troop of horsemen; upon which the sisters, desiringMazin to retire into an inner chamber, went to the gateway toinquire who the strangers might be. They were servants of thegenie sultan, father to the ladies, and sent by him to conductthem to his presence, in order to attend the nuptials of a nearrelation. Upon this summons the sisters prepared for the journey, and at the end of three days departed, assuring Mazin that theywould return in a month. At taking leave they gave him the keysof every apartment in the palace, telling him that he might openevery door except one, which to enter might be attended withunpleasant consequences, and therefore had better be avoided. Mazin promised to observe their caution; and for many days was sowell amused in examining the magnificent rooms and curiosities ofthe palace, that he did not feel a wish to transgress till theforbidden door alone remained unopened. Having then nothing todivert him, he could not resist the impulse of curiosity, butunlocked the door, which opened on a marble staircase by which heascended to the terraced roof of the palace, from whence a mostdelightful prospect feasted his sight. On one side his eye wasarrested by an extensive garden, in the centre of which, undershady trees, was a basin of clear water, lined with gems of everycolour and description. He resolved to visit this enchantingobject; and descending the staircase, explored his way through along arcade, which led him at length into the garden, in which hediverted himself with the scenery it afforded for some time. Hethen retired to an alcove on the margin of the basin, and satdown; but had not rested many moments, when to his astonishmenthe beheld descending from the sky a company of beautiful damsels, whose robes of light green silk floating in the air seemed theironly support. Alarmed at such a preternatural appearance, heretired to the end of the alcove, from whence he watched theirmotions. They alighted on the brink of the water, and havingthrown off their robes, stood to the enraptured view of Mazin innative loveliness. Never had he beheld such enchanting beauty;but one even more exquisitely charming than the rest attractedhis gaze, and from the instant fixed the affections of his heart. They now plunged into the basin, where for some time they amusedthemselves by swimming, every now and then playfully dashing thewater over themselves and at each other. When satiated withfrolic they came out of the water, sat for some time on theverdant margin, then dressed themselves, and adjusting theirrobes to the air, soared aloft, and were soon far from the sightof the enamoured Mazin, who followed them till his eyes couldstretch no farther; then despairing of ever again beholding theobject of his affections, he fainted on the grass, and it wassome time before he recovered his senses. He returned melancholyto the palace, and spent the night in reposeless agitation. 

The following morning the seven sisters returned; and she who hadfirst welcomed him to their abode, and had ever since retainedfor Mazin the purest affection, ran with eagerness to inquireafter his health. Great was her affliction on beholding him uponhis bed, pale, and apparently in a state of rapid decay. Aftermany kind questions, to which he returned no answers, sheentreated earnestly, by the vow of brotherly and sisterlyadoption which had past between them, that he would inform her ofthe cause of his unhappy dejection; assuring him that she woulduse every exertion to remove it, and gratify his wishes, be theywhat they might, however difficult to be obtained. Mazin uponthis, in a feeble tone, related his adventure in the garden; anddeclared that unless the beautiful (he supposed celestial) damselcould be obtained for him he must die of grief. The sister badehim be comforted, for in a short time his desires should besatisfied, which revived his spirits, and he accompanied his kindhostess to welcome home her sisters, who received him with theirusual hospitality, but were grieved and alarmed at the sadalteration in his appearance, of which they inquired the reason, and were informed that it was the effect of absence from hisgenerous patronesses. 

The next morning the sisters went upon a hunting excursion forten days, only one (his kindest friend) remained in the palace, under pretence of attending Mazin, whose health, she said, wastoo delicate to bear the exercise of the chase. When the otherswere departed, she informed Mazin that the beautiful beings hehad seen in the garden were of a race of genie much more powerfulthan her own, that they inhabited a country surrounded by seasand deserts not to be approached by human exertion, that theladies he beheld were sisters to the queen of these genii, whosesubjects were entirely female, occasionally visited by malegenii, with whom they were in alliance for the sake ofpopulation, and to whom all the males were sent away as soon asborn. She further told him, that these females had the power, from their silken robes, of soaring through the air with a flightan hundred times swifter than that of any bird, that they werefond of recreating in verdant spots, and bathing in the clearestwaters, and that the garden he had seen them in was a favouriteplace of their resort, so that they would probably soon visit itagain. "Possibly, " continued she, "they may recreate themselvesthere to-day; we will be on the watch, and if they appear, youmust fix your eye on your favourite, mark where she places herrobes, and while they are in the water seize and conceal them, for deprived of these she cannot fly away, and you may make heryour prisoner. Bring her to the palace, and endeavour bytenderness and endearing attention to gain her affection andconsent to marriage; but remember when she is in your power tokeep her robes from her, for should she regain possession of themshe would certainly return to the Flying Islands, and you wouldsee her no more. "

Mazin and his adopted sister now repaired to the garden, andseated themselves in the alcove, nor had they been there longwhen the fair genii appeared as before, descended on the marginof the basin, and all having undressed, each laying her robes bythemselves, rushed playfully into the water, in which they beganto swim, dive, and besprinkle playfully each other. Mazin, whoseeager eye had ardently watched his beloved, swiftly, butcautiously, snatching up the robes of his mistress, conveyed themto the alcove unobserved by the fair bathers; who, when they hadsufficiently amused themselves, quitted the water, and ascendingthe bank, began to dress; but how can we describe the distressfulconfusion of the unhappy genie whose robes had been stolen? Bigtears rolled down her beautiful cheeks, she beat her bosom, toreher hair, and uttered loud shrieks, while her sisters, instead ofconsoling her, were concerned only for their own safety, anddressing themselves with confused haste, bade her farewell, mounted into the air, and disappeared. On their departure, Mazinand his adopted sister approached, and saluting the disconsolategenie endeavoured to console her, but for the present in vain, her mind being intent only on the sad captivity she thoughtawaited her, and the loss of her native country and relations. They led her gently to the palace, and Mazin, retiringrespectfully, left her to the care of his adopted sister, who bya thousand endearments and attentions so gained upon her, that intwo days the genie began to recover her spirits, and consented toreceive Mazin as her husband, when the ladies should return fromthe chase. On their arrival at the palace they were informed bytheir sisters of what had happened, and introduced to the fairstranger; who, diverted by their company and attentions, nowscarcely regretted her captivity. Preparations were made for thenuptials, and in a short time Mazin was made happy in thepossession of his beloved genie. A round of festivities succeededtheir marriage, and the seven sisters strove with each other whoshould by invention of new amusements make their residence amongthem most delightful to the happy pair Mazin, however, now beganto think of his mother and his native city with fond regret, andat length begged leave of his kind patronesses to return home, towhich request they, from admiration of his filial love, thoughunwilling to part, consented, and a day was fixed for hisdeparture. The time being arrived, the sisters beat their magicaldrum, when several camels appeared at the gates of the palaceheavily laden with the richest goods, a large sum of money, valuable jewels, and refreshments for the journey, led by properattendants. One camel carried a splendid litter for theconveyance of his wife, and another was richly caparisoned forthe use of Mazin, who, having taken an affectionate leave of hisgenerous benefactresses, whom he promised to revisit at somefuture time, departed, and pursued the route back towards the seashore, where he had disembarked with the magician. On the journeynothing remarkable occurred, and on their arrival at the coastthey found a vessel ready to receive them, when the wind provingfair, a short time carried them safely to Bussorah, where Mazinhad the satisfaction of finding his mother alive, though greatlywasted with constant grief and lamentation for his loss. Todescribe the joy of their meeting is impossible, for never wasthere more tender affection between parent and child thansubsisted between Mazin and his mother. She seemed to gain newlife from his recovery, and again to grow young. The fair genie, who was now in the way of being a mother, appeared perfectlycontented in her situation, and Mazin, so unexpectedly restoredto his country, was happy in the possession of all he wished; forthe generous sisters had bestowed such wealth upon him, that, inaddition to the domestic felicity he enjoyed, he was now one ofthe richest persons in all Bussorah. 

Three years had rolled away in undisturbed happiness, duringwhich the fair genie had borne him two sons, when Mazin thoughtit grateful to perform his promise to the seven sisters, thebenevolent foundresses of his good fortune. Having accordinglymade preparations for his journey, he committed his wife's nativerobes to the care of his mother, giving her the key of a secretrecess in which he had lodged them, but with a strict charge notto let the genie put them on, lest an irresistible impulse mightinspire her to fly away to her own country; for though in generalshe had seemed contented, he had heard her now and then express awish to be again with her own friends and species. The motherpromised obedience, and Mazin having taken an affectionate leaveof her, his wife and children, with assurances of speedy return, embarked on board a vessel and pursued his voyage, which wasuncommonly prosperous. On his landing he found camels waiting hisarrival on the beach, for the genie ladies, by magic arts, knewof his coming, and had stationed them for his conveyance to theirpalace, which he reached in safety, and was received with themost affectionate welcomes and hospitality. 

Some time after the departure of Mazin, his wife requested hermother-in-law's permission to amuse herself at a public bath, andthe old lady willingly accompanied her and the children to themost celebrated hummaum in the city, which was frequented by theladies and those of the chief personages of the court, the caliphHaroon al Rusheed then happening to be at Bussorah. When theyreached the bath there were then in it some of the principalfemale slaves, attendants of Zobeide, who, on the entrance ofMazin's wife, were struck with her uncommon beauty, and instantlycollecting round her, rapturously gazed upon her as she wasundressing. 

The slaves of Zobeide did not cease to admire Mazin's wife tillshe left the hummaum, and even followed her till she entered herown house, when dusk had begun to gloom, and they becameapprehensive of their mistress's being displeased at their longabsence, and so it happened. 

Upon entering into her presence, Zobeide exclaimed, "Where haveye loitered, and what has been the cause of your unusually longstay at the hummaum?" Upon which they looked confusedly at eachother, and remained silent. The sultana then said in anger, "Instantly inform me of the cause of your delay!" when theyrelated the wonderful beauty of Mazin's wife, and dwelt so muchupon her charms, that Zobeide was overcome by curiosity to beholdthem. On the following day she sent for the mother of Mazin, whoobeyed the summons with fear and trembling, wondering what couldhave made the caliph's consort desirous of seeing a person of herinferior rank. 

Mazin's mother prostrated herself, and kissed the feet of thesultana, who graciously raising her, said, "Am Mazin, our wish isthat you introduce to me your son's wife, of whose beauty I haveheard such a description, that I long to behold her. "

When the mother of Mazin heard these words, her heart sunk withinher, she trembled, but dared not refuse the command of Zobeide, and she said, "To hear is to obey!" after which she took leave, with the usual ceremony of prostration before the throne of thesultana. 

When the mother of Mazin left the princess Zobeide she returnedtowards her own house; and when she had reached it, entered toher son's wife, and said, "Our sultana Zobeide hath invited theeto an entertainment. " The wife of Mazin was delighted, instantlyrose up, arrayed herself in the richest apparel she was mistressof, and dressed her two children in their choicest garments andornaments Then with them, the mother of her husband, and a blackslave, she proceeded, till they reached the palace of theprincess Zobeide, which they entered, and found her sitting inimpatient expectation. They kissed the ground be fore her, andprayed for her prosperity. 

When the sultana Zobeide beheld the wife of Mazin her senses wereconfounded, her heart fluttered, she was astonished at herbeauty, elegance, graceful stature, and blooming complexion, andexclaimed, "Gracious heaven! Where could such a form as this havebeen created?" Then she seated her guests, and ordered acollation to be brought in, which was done immediately, when theyate and were satisfied, but Zobeide could not keep her eyes fromthe wife of Mazin of Bussorah. She kissed her, and questioned herconcerning what had befallen herself and her husband. Herastonishment was redoubled on the relation of their adventures. 

The wife of Mazin then said, "My princess, if you are thussurprised, though you have not seen me in my native robes, howwould you be delighted at my appearance in them! If, therefore, you wish to gratify your curiosity by beholding a miracle, youmust command the mother of my husband to bring my country dress. "Upon this Zobeide commanded the mother of Mazin to fetch theflying robes, and as she dared not disobey the sultana of thecaliph, she went home, and speedily returned with them. Zobeidetook them into her hands, examined them, and was surprised attheir fashion and texture. At length she gave them to the wife ofMazin. 

When the wife of Mazin had received the robes, she unfolded them, and going into the open court of the palace, arrayed herself inthem, then taking her children in her arms, mounted with themsuddenly into the air. When she had ascended to about the heightof sixty feet, she called out to the mother of her husband, saying, "Give my adieu, dear mother, to my lord, and tell him, should ardent love for me affect him he may come to me in theislands of Waak al Waak. " After this speech she soared towardsthe clouds, till she was hidden from their eyes, and speeded toher own country. 

When the mother of Mazin beheld her in the air, she beat hercheeks, scattered dust upon her head, and cried aloud to theprincess Zobeide, "This is thy mischief. " Zobeide was not able toanswer or reprove her boldness from the excess of her sorrow andregret, which made her repent, when repentance could not avail. The old lady returned in despair to her own habitation. 

Thus it happened to the persons above mentioned, but how was itwith the affairs of Mazin? He did not cease travelling for sometime, till he arrived at the palace of the seven sisters, andpaid his respects. They were rejoiced at his arrival, andinquired after his wife, when he informed them she was well, andthat God had blessed him with two children, both sons, whichadded to their satisfaction. He remained with them for some time, after which he entreated their permission to depart. They took atender leave of him, when he bade them farewell, and returnedtowards his own country; nor did he halt till he arrived insafety at Bussorah. When he entered his house he found his motheralone, mournfully weeping and lamenting what had happened in hisabsence. Seeing her in this state, he inquired the cause, uponwhich she informed him of all that had occurred, from thebeginning to the conclusion. 

When Mazin had heard the unwelcome intelligence, he cried out inan agony of distress for the loss of his wife and children, fellfainting to the ground, and forgot his own existence. His mother, on beholding his condition, beat her cheeks, and sprinkled waterupon his face till he came to himself, when he wept and said tohis mother, "Inform me what my wife may have spoken on herdeparture. " She repeated her farewell words: upon hearing whichhis distress and ardent longing for his wife and children wasredoubled. He remained mournfully at home for the space of tendays, after which he resolved upon the journey to the islands ofWaak al Waak, distant from Bussorah one hundred and fifty yearsof travel. 

Mazin departed from his mother after he had taken leave andentreated her prayers for his success, but the aged matron was soaffected that she ordered her tomb to be prepared, and didnothing but weep and lament night and day for her son, who didnot halt till he had reached the palace of the seven sisters. When they saw him they were surprised, and said to one another, "There must be some urgent cause for his returning so speedily. "They saluted him, and inquired after his affairs: upon which heinformed them of the desertion of his wife, what she had said atgoing away, and of his resolves to travel to the islands of Waakal Waak. The seven ladies replied, "This expedition is impossibleto be accomplished either by thee or any of thy race; for theseislands are distant a hundred and fifty years' journey, so thatthou canst not live to reach them. " Mazin exclaimed, "Myattempting it, however, is incumbent upon me, though I may perishon the road: if God has decreed my reunion with my wife I shallmeet her again; but if not, I shall die and be received into themercy of the Almighty. " The sisters did not cease to importunehim to lay aside the journey, but it was impossible for him toobey them or remain at ease; upon which their grief for hissituation increased. They knew that the distance was such as hecould never overcome by human aid, or rejoin his wife, but theyrespected his ardent love for her and his children. 

On this account they consulted with one another how to assist himon the journey. He remained with them a month, but unable torepose or enjoy their entertainments. The sisters had two uncles, one named Abd al Kuddoos, and the other Abd al Sulleeb, who livedat three months distance from them, to whom they wrote inrecommendation of Mazin as follows. 

"The bearer is our friend Mazin of Bussorah. If you can directhim how to reach the islands of Waak al Waak, assist him; but ifnot, prevent him from proceeding, lest he plunge himself intodestruction. At present he will not attend to our advice orreproofs, from excess of love to his wife and children, butthrough you there may finally occur to him safety and success. "

When they had sealed this letter they gave it to Mazin, andbestowed also upon him, of water and provisions, what wouldsuffice for three months' consumption, laden upon camels, and asteed for his conveyance, upon which he took leave of them withmany thanks, fully resolved to pursue his journey to the islandsof Waak al Waak. 

With much pain and difficulty he pursued his journey, nor had heany pleasure either in eating or drinking during the three monthsof his pilgrimage. At length he reached a verdant pasturage, inwhich was a variety of flowers, flocks of sheep, and cattlefeeding. It was indeed a paradise upon earth. In one part of ithe perceived a pleasant eminence on which were buildings: headvanced to them, and entered a court. Within it he beheld avenerable looking personage, his beard flowing to his middle, whom he saluted; when the sage returned his compliments, welcomedhim with respectful demeanour, and congratulated him on hisarrival. He seated him, and laid before him a collation, of whichthey both ate till they were satisfied. 

Mazin lodged with him that night, and in the morning the sageinquired of him his situation, and the reason of his coming tosuch a sequestered spot. 

Mazin informed him; and, behold! this personage was Abd alKuddoos; who, when he heard his guest mention particulars of hisbrother's children, redoubled his attentions to him, and said, "Did they give you any letter?" Mazin replied, "Yes. " He eagerlyexclaimed, "Give it to me. " He gave it him, when he opened it, read it to himself, and considered the contents word byword. 

Abd al Kuddoos gazed earnestly at Mazin; reflected on hisadventures, at which he was astonished; and how he had plungedhimself into danger and difficulty in such a wild pursuit. Hethen said to him, "My son, my advice is, that thou return by theway which thou hast come, and no longer vex thy soul on accountof impossibilities, for this business thou canst not accomplish. I will write to the daughters of my brother what shall make theehappy with them, and restore thy peace. Return then to them, andperplex not thyself farther, for between this spot and theislands of Waak al Waak is the distance of a hundred and fiftyyears' journey. On the way also are numerous perils, for in itare the abodes of genii, the haunts of wild beasts, and monstrousserpents, and some parts also where food cannot be had or thirstbe gratified. Have compassion then, my son, upon thyself, andrush not on destruction. "

Abd al Kuddoos continued to dissuade him from his resolutionduring three days, but he would not hear advice or reproof. Onthe third he prepared to depart, being sufficiently refreshed;upon which the old man, seeing his steadiness, arose, kindled afire, cast into it some perfumes, and uttered incantations, toMazin unintelligible; when suddenly appeared a genie, in statureforty cubits; he was one of the subdued spirits of our lordSolomon. He muttered and growled, saying, "For what, my lord, hast thou summoned me here? shall I tear up this eminence by theroots, and hurl it beyond the mountains of Kaaf?"

Abd al Kuddoos replied, "God be merciful to thee; I have occasionfor thee, and request that thou wilt accomplish my wish in oneday:" upon which the genie answered, "To hear is to obey. "

Abd al Kuddoos then said to the genie, "Take up this young man, and convey him to my brother Abd al Sullecb. " He consented, though the distance was a common journey of seventy years. Thegenie advanced, seized Mazin, and placing him upon his shoulders, soared with him through the air from morning till sunset, when hedescended before Abd al Sulleeb, paid his respects, and informedhim of the commands of his brother Abd al Kuddoos. Upon this hegreeted Mazin, who presented him the letter from the daughters ofhis brother, which he opened and read. When he had examined thecontents, he was astonished at the circumstances which hadbefallen Mazin, his arrival with him, and his resolve topenetrate to the islands of Waak al Waak. He then said to him, "My son, I advise that thou vex not thyself with thesedifficulties and dangers, for thou canst never attain thy object, or reach these islands. "

Mazin now began to despair, and at the remembrance of his wifeand children to weep bitterly, insomuch that he fainted, which, when Abd al Sulleeb beheld, his heart sympathized with hisunhappy condition. He perceived that he would not return from hispursuit, or be controlled, and therefore thought it best toassist his progress towards the islands. Going into anotherapartment, he kindled a fire, over which he sprinkled someperfumes, and uttered incantations; when, lo! ten genii presentedthemselves before him, and said, "Inform us, my lord, what thoudesirest, and we will bring it thee in an instant. " He replied, "May God be gracious unto you!" and related to them the story ofMaxin, his wife, and children. 

When the ten genii had heard the narration, they exclaimed, "Thisaffair is wonderful and miraculous; however, we will take andconvey him safely over the mountains and deserts, to the extentof our country and dominion, and leave him there, but cannotpromise further assistance, as we dare not pass a step beyond ourown territories, for the land belongs to others. In it areinnumerable horrors, and we dread the inhabitants. " Mazin havingheard what they said, exclaimed, "I accept your offer withgratitude. "

The ten genii now took up Mazin, soared with him through the airfor a night and day, till they came to the limits of theirterritories, and then set him down in a country called the landof Kafoor, took, their leaves, and vanished from his sight. Hewalked onwards, and did not neglect to employ his tongue inprayer, beseeching from God deliverance and the attainment of hiswishes. Often would he exclaim, "O God, deliverer from bondage, who canst guide in safety over mountains, who feedest the wildbeasts of the forest, who decreest life and death, thou canstgrant me if thou choosest relief from all my distress, and freeme from all my sorrows. "

In this manner did he travel onwards during ten days; on the lastof which he beheld three persons contending with each other, eachman trying to kill his fellow. He was astonished at theirconduit, but advanced towards them. Upon his approach theydesisted from combat, and one and all exclaimed, "We will bejudged before his young man, and whoever contradicts his opinionshall be deemed in the wrong. " To this they agreed, and coming upto Mazin, demanded from him a just arbitration in their dispute. They then displayed before him a cap, a small copper drum, and awooden ball, saying, "We are three brothers, by the same fatherand mother, who are both received into the mercy of God, leavingbehind them these articles. They are three, and we are three; buta dispute hath fallen out among us respecting their allotment, aseach of us says, 'I will have the cap. ' Our contention made usproceed to blows, but now we are desirous that thou shouldstarbitrate between us, and allot an article to each of us as thoushall judge best, when we will rest satisfied with thy decision, but should either contradict it he shall be adjuged an offender. "

When Mazin heard the above he was surprised, and said to himself, "These articles are so paltry and of such trifling value as notto be worth an arbitration; for surely this shabby cap, the drum, and the wooden ball, cannot be worth altogether more than half adeenar; but I will inquire farther about them. " He then said, "Mybrethren, wherein lies the value of these three things aboutwhich you were contending, for to me they appear of very littleworth. " They replied, "Dear uncle, each of them has a propertyworth treasuries of wealth, and to each of them belongs a tale sowonderful, that wert thou to write it on a tablet of adamant itwould remain an example for those who will be admonished. "

Mazin then requested that they would relate to him the stories ofthe three articles, when they said, "The eldest brother shallfirst deliver the account of one, its properties, what can begained from them, and we will not conceal any thing from thee. "

"This cap, " said the elder brother, "is called the cap ofinvisibility, by which, whoever possesseth it may becomesovereign of the world. When he puts it on, he may enter where hepleases, for none can perceive him, either genii or men, so thathe may convey away whatever he chooses, unseen, in security. Hemay enter the cabinets of kings and statesmen, and hear all theyconverse upon respecting political intrigues. Does he covetwealth, he may visit the royal treasuries, and plunder them athis pleasure; or does he wish for revenge, he can kill his enemywithout being detected. In short, he may act as he pleaseswithout fear of discovery. "

Mazin now said to himself, "This cap can become nobody but me, towhom it will be most advantageous in the object of my expedition. Perhaps it may conduct me to my wife and children, and I mayobtain from its possession all I wish. It is certainly one of thewonders of the world and rarities of the age, not to be foundamong the riches of kings of the present day. " When he hadruminated thus, he said, "I am acquainted with the properties ofthe cap, what are those of the drum?"

The second brother began, saying, "Whoever has this drum in hispossession, should he be involved in a difficult situation, lethim take it out of its case, and with the sticks gently beat uponthe characters engraven on the copper; when, if his mind becollected and his courage firm, there will appear to himwonderful matters. The virtue of it consists in the wordsinscribed upon it, which were written by our lord Solomon BinDavid in talismanic characters, each of which has control overcertain spirits and princes of the genii, and a power that cannotbe described in speech. Hence, whoever is master of this drum maybecome superior to all the monarchs of the present day, for, onhis beating it in the manner already described, when he ispressed for help, all the princes of the genii, with their sons, will appear also their troops and followers, ready to obey hiscommands. Whatever he may order them to execute they will performby virtue of the talisman of our lord Solomon Bin David. "

When Mazin of Bussorah had heard the above, he said to himself, "This drum is fitting only for me, as I have much more need of itthan the brothers. It will protect me from all evil in theislands of Waak al Waak, should I reach them, and meet with mywife and children. It is true, if I take only the cap I may beable to enter all places, but this drum will keep injury from me, and with it I shall be secure from all enemies. " After this, hesaid, "I have been informed of the virtues of the cap, and theproperties of the drum, there now only remains the account of thewooden ball, that I may give judgment between you, therefore letthe third brother speak. " He answered, "To hear is to obey. "

The third brother said, "My dear uncle, whoever possesses thisball will find in it wonderful properties, for it brings distantparts near, and makes near distant, it shortens long journeys, andlengthens short ones If any person wish to perform one of twohundred years in two days, let him take it from its case, thenlay it upon the ground and mention what place he desires to go, it will instantly be in motion, and rush over the earth like theblast of the stormy gale. He must then follow it till he arrivesat the place desired, which he will have the power to do withease. "

When the youth had concluded his description of the virtue of thewooden ball, Mazin resolved within himself to take this also fromthe brothers, and said, "If your wish be that I should arbitratebetween you, I must first prove the virtues of these threearticles, and afterwards let each take that which may fall to himby decision. " The three brothers exclaimed, "We have heard, andwe consent; act as thou thinkest best, and may God protect theein thy undertakings!" Mazin then put on the cap, placed the drumunder his vestband, took up the ball and placed it on the ground, when it speeded before him swiftly as the gale. He followed ittill it came to the gate of a building which it entered, andMazin also went in with it. The brothers ran till they werefatigued, and cried out, "Thou hast sufficiently tried them;" butin vain, for by this time there was between him and them thedistance of ten years' journey. Mazin now rested, took the drumin his hands, rubbed his fingers over the talismanic characters, hesitated whether he should strike them with the sticks, thenlabored lightly upon them, when, lo! a voice exclaimed, "Mazin, thou hast gained thy desires. 

"Thou wilt not, however, " continued the voice, "arrive at thyobject till after much trouble, but take care of the ball in thisspot, for thou art at present in the land of the evil genii. "Upon this, Mazin took up the ball and concealed it in hisclothes; but he was overcome with astonishment at hearing wordswithout seeing the speaker, and exclaimed, "Who art thou, mylord?" "I am, " replied the voice, "one of the slaves of thecharacters which thou seest engraved upon the drum, andunremittingly in attendance; but the other servants will notappear except the drum be beaten loudly, when three hundred andsixty chiefs will attend thy commands, each of whom has under hisauthority ten thousand genii, and every individual of themnumerous followers. "

Mazin now inquired the distance of the islands of Waak al Waak;to which the voice replied, "Three years' journey:" upon which hestruck the ball before him, and followed it. He next arrived in aregion infested by serpents, dragons, and ravenous beasts, in themountains of which were mines of copper. He now again taboredgently upon the drum, when the voice exclaimed, "I am ready toobey thy commands. "

"Inform me, " said Mazin, "what is the name of this country?" "Itis called, " answered the voice, "the Land of Dragons and RavenousAnimals. Be careful then of thyself, and make no delay, norregard fatigue, for these mountains are not to be passed withouta chance of trouble from the inhabitants, who are genii, and intheir caves are furious wild beasts. " Upon this he struck theball afresh, and followed it unceasingly, till at length hereached the sea shore, and perceived the islands of Waak al Waakat a distance, whose mountains appeared of a fiery red, like thesky gilded by the beams of the setting sun. When he beheld themhe was struck with awe and dread; but recovering, he said tohimself, "Why should I be afraid? since God has conducted mehither, he will protect me; or, if I die, I shall be relievedfrom my troubles, and be received into the mercy of God. " He thengathered some fruits, which he ate, drank some water, and havingperformed his devotions, laid himself down to sleep, nor did heawake till the morning. 

In the morning Mazin had recourse to his drum, which he rubbedgently, when the voice inquired his commands. "How am I, " saidhe, "to pass this sea, and enter the islands?" "That is not to bedone, " replied the voice, "without the assistance of a sage whoresides in a cell on yonder mountains, distant from hence a day'sjourney, but the ball will conduct thee there in half an hour. When you reach his abode, knock softly at the door, when he willappear, and inquire whence you come, and what you want. Onentering he will receive thee kindly, and desire thee to relatethy adventures from beginning to end. Conceal nothing from him, for he alone can assist thee in passing the sea. "

Mazin then struck the ball, and followed it till he arrived atthe abode of the hermit, the gate of which he found locked Heknocked, when a voice from within said, "Who is at the gate?" "Aguest, " replied Mazin upon which the sage arose and opened thedoor, admitted him, and entertained him kindly for a whole nightand day, after which Mazin ventured to inquire how he might passthe sea The sage replied, "What occasions thy searching aftersuch an object?" Mazin answered, "My lord, I intend to enter theislands, and with that view have I travelled far distant from myown country. " When the sage heard this, he stood up before him, took a book, opened it, and read in it to himself for some time, every now and then casting a look of astonishment upon Mazin. Atlength he raised his head and said, "Heavens! what troubles, disasters, and afflictions in exile have been decreed to thisyouth in the search of his object!" Upon this Mazin exclaimed, "Wherefore, my lord, did you look at the book and then at me soearnestly?" The sage replied, "My son, I would instruct thee howto reach the islands, since such is thy desire, but thou canstnot succeed in thy desires till after much labour andinconvenience. However, at present relate to me thy adventuresfrom first to last" Mazin rejoined, "My story, my lord, is such asurprising one, that were it engraven on tablets of adamant, itwould be an example for such as would take warning. "

When he had related his story from beginning to end, the sageexclaimed, "God willing thou wilt attain thy wishes:" upon whichMazin inquired concerning the sea surrounding the islands, andhow he could overcome such an impediment to his progress; whenthe sage answered, "By God's permission, in the morning we willrepair to the mountains, and I will shew thee the wonders of theseas. "

When God permitted morning to dawn the hermit arose, took Mazinwith him, and they ascended the mountains, till they reached astructure resembling a fortress, which they entered, andproceeded into the inmost court, in which was an immense colossalstatue of brass, hollowed into pipes, having in the midst of it areservoir lined with marble, the work of magicians. When Mazinbeheld this he was astonished, and began to tremble with fear atthe vastness of the statue, and what miraculous power it mightcontain. The hermit now kindled a fire, threw into it someperfumes, and muttered some unintelligible words, when suddenlydark clouds arose, from which burst out eddies of tempestuouswind, lightnings, claps of thunder, groans, and frightful noises, and in the midst of the reservoir appeared boiling waves, for itwas near the ocean surrounding the islands. The hermit did notcease to utter his incantations, until the hurricane and noiseshad subsided by his authority, for he was more powerful than anyof the magicians, and had command over the rebellious genii. Henow said to Mazin, "Go out, and look towards the oceansurrounding the islands. "

Mazin repaired to the summit of the mountain, and looked towardsthe sea, but could not discover the smallest trace of itsexistence: upon which he was astonished at the miraculous powerof the hermit. He returned to him, exclaiming, "I can behold noremains of the ocean, and the islands appear joined to the mainland;" when the sage said, "My son, place thy reliance on God andpursue thy object, " after which he vanished from sight. 

Mazin now proceeded into the islands, and did not stop till hehad reached a verdant spot watered by clear rivulets, and shadedby lofty trees. It was now sunrise, and among the wonders whichhe beheld was a tree like the weeping willow, on which hung, byway of fruit, beautiful damsels, who exclaimed, "Praised be Godour creator, and former of the islands of Waak al Waak. " Theythen dropped from the tree and expired. At sight of this prodigyhis senses were confounded, and he exclaimed, "By heavens, thisis miraculously surprising!" When he had recovered himself, heroamed through the groves, and admired the contrivances of theAlmighty till sunset, when he sat down to rest. 

He had not sat long when there approached towards him amasculinely looking old woman of disagreeable countenance, atsight of whom Mazin was alarmed. The matron guessing that he wasin fear of her, said to him, "What is thy name, what are thywants? art thou of this country? Inform me; be not afraid orapprehensive, for I will request of God that I may be the meansof forwarding thy wishes. " On hearing these words the heart ofMazin was encouraged, and he rerelated to her his adventures fromfirst to last. When she had heard them, she knew that he must behusband to the sister of her mistress, who was queen of theislands of Waak al Waak, and said, "Thy object is a difficultone, but I will assist thee all in my power. "

The old woman now conducted Mazin through by-paths to the capitalof the island, and led him unperceived in the darkness of night, when the inhabitants had ceased to pass through the streets, toher own house. She then set before him refreshments, and havingeaten and drunk till he was satisfied, he praised God for hisarrival; when the matron informed him concerning his wife, thatshe had endured great troubles and afflictions since herseparation, and repented sincerely of her flight. Upon hearingthis, Mazin wept bitterly, and fainted with anguish. When revivedby the exertions of the old woman, she comforted him by promisesof speedy assistance to complete his wishes, and left him to hisrepose. 

Next morning the old woman desiring Mazin to wait patiently forher return, repaired to the palace, where she found the queen andher sisters in consultation concerning the wife of Mazin, andsaying, "This wretch hath espoused a man, by whom she haschildren, but now she is returned, we will put her to death afterdivers tortures. " Upon the entrance of the old lady they arose, saluted her with great respect, and seated her, for she had beentheir nurse. When she had rested a little, she said, "Were younot conversing about your unfortunate sister? but can ye reversethe decrees of God?" "Dear nurse, " replied they, "no one canavoid the will of heaven, and had she wedded one of our ownnature there would have been no disgrace, but she has married ahuman being of Bussorah, and has children by him, so that ourspecies will despise us, and tauntingly say, 'Your sister is aharlot. ' Her death is therefore not to be avoided. " The nurserejoined, "If you put her to death your scandal will be greaterthan hers, for she was wedded lawfully, and her offspring islegitimate; but I wish to see her. " The eldest sister answered, "She is now confined in a subterraneous dungeon;" upon which thenurse requested permission to visit her, which was granted, andone of the sisters attended to conduct her to the prison. 

The nurse, on her arrival at the prison, found the wife of Mazinin great distress from the cruelty of her sisters. Her childrenwere playing about her, but very pallid, from the closeness oftheir confinement. On the entrance of the nurse she stood up, made her obeisance, and began to weep, saying, "My dear nurse, Ihave been long in this dungeon, and know not what in the end maybe my fate. " The old woman kissed her cheeks, and said, "My deardaughter, God will bring thee relief, perchance on this veryday. "

When the wife of Mazin heard this, she said, "Good heavens! yourwords, my dear nurse, recall a gleam of comfort that last nightstruck across my mind from a voice, which said, 'Be comforted, Owife of Mazin, for thy deliverance is near. '" Upon this the oldwoman replied, "Thou shalt indeed be comforted, for thy husbandis at my abode, and will speedily release thee. " The unfortunateprisoner, overcome with joy, fainted away, but was soon restoredby the nurse's sprinkling water upon her face, when she openedher eyes and said, "I conjure thee by heaven, my dear nurse, inform me if thou speakest truth, or dissemblest. " "I not onlyspeak truth, " answered the nurse, "but by God's help thou shaltmeet thy husband this day. " After this she left her. 

The nurse, upon her return home, inquired of Mazin if he hadskill to take his wife away, provided he was admitted into thedungeon at night. He replied, "Yes. " When night was set in, sheconducted him to the spot where she was confined, left him nearthe gate, and went her way. He then put on his cap ofinvisibility, and remained unperceived all night by any one. Early in the morning the queen, his wife's eldest sister, advanced, opened the gate of the prison, and entered, when hefollowed unseen behind her, and seated himself in a corner of theapartment. The queen went up to her sister, and beat her cruellywith a whip, while her children wept around her, till the bloodappeared upon her body, when she left her hanging by her hairfrom a pillar, went out, and locked the door of the dungeon. Mazin now arose, unloosed his wife's hair, and pulling off thecap, appeared before her, when she exclaimed, "From whence didstthou come?" They then embraced each other, and he said. "Ah, whydidst thou act thus, leave me in such affliction, and plungethyself into such distress, which, indeed, thy conduct hathalmost deserved?" "It is true, " replied she; "but what is past ispast, and reproach will not avail, unless thus canst effect ourescape:" upon which he exclaimed, "Does thy inclination reallylead thee to accompany me to my own country?" She answered, "Yes; do with me what thou choosest. "

They remained in endearment with their children until evening, when the keeper of the dungeon approaching, Mazin put on his capof invisibility. The keeper having set down the provisions forthe night, retired into a recess of the dungeon and fell asleep;when Mazin and his family sat down and refreshed themselves. Perceiving the keeper asleep, Mazin tried the door and found itunlocked; upon which, he, with his wife and children, left theprison, and travelled as quickly as possible all night. When thequeen, in the morning, was informed of her sister's escape shewas enraged, and made incantations, on which seven thousand geniiattended, with whom she marched out in pursuit, resolved to cutthe fugitives in pieces. 

Mazin, looking behind him, perceived a cloud of dust, and soonappeared the forces of his wife's sister, who cried out on seeinghim, with dreadful howls, "Where will ye go, ye wretches, yeaccursed? where can ye hide yourselves?" Upon this Mazin took outhis drum, and beat it violently, when, lo! there appeared beforehim legions of genii, in number more than could be reckoned, andthey fought with the armies of the queen, who was taken prisoner, with her principal attendants. 

When the wife of Mazin beheld her sister in this distress hercompassion was moved towards her, and she said to her husband, "Hurt not my sister, nor use her ill, for she is my elder:" uponwhich he treated her respectfully, and commanded tents to bepitched for her and her court. 

Peace being established, the sisters took an affectionate leave, and Mazin, with his family, departed for the residence of Abd alSulleeb, which they speedily reached with the assistance of thegenii, and the directing ball. The old man received him kindly, and inquired his adventures, when he related them to him; atwhich he was surprised, especially at the account of the cap, thedrum, and the ball; of which last Mazin begged his acceptance, being now near home, and having no farther occasion for its use. Abd al Sulleeb was much pleased, and entertained himmagnificently for three days, when Mazin wishing to depart, theold man presented him with rich gifts, and dismissed him. 

Mazin was continuing his route, when suddenly a band of a hundredbanditti appeared, resolved to plunder and put him and hiscompanions to death, with which design they kept advancing. Mazincalled out to them, "Brother Arabs, let the covenant of God bebetween you and me, keep at a distance from me. " When they heardthis they increased their insolence, surrounded him, and supposedthey should easily seize all that he had; but especially whenthey beheld his wife, and the beauty she was endowed with, theysaid one to another, "Let us put him to death, and not suffer himto live. " Each man resolved within himself, saying, "I will seizethis damsel, and not take the plunder. "

When Mazin saw that they were bent upon attacking him, to seizehis wife and plunder his effects, he took out his drum and beatupon it in a slight manner, when, behold! ten genii appearedbefore him, requiring his commands. He replied, "I wish thedispersion of yonder horsemen;" upon which one of the tenadvanced among the hundred banditti, and uttered such atremendous yell as made the mountains reverberate the sound. Immediately as he sent forth the yell, the banditti, in alarm, dispersed themselves among the rocks, when such as fell fromtheir horses' backs fled on foot; so that they lost theirreputation, and were ridiculed among the chiefs of the Abbassidetribes. Mazin now pursued his journey, and did not halt till hehad reached the abode of Abd al Kuddoos, who advanced to meet himand saluted him, but was astonished when he beheld his company, and the wealth he had obtained. Mazin related what had befallenhim, of dangers, and hunger, and thirst; his safe arrival in theislands of Waak al Waak; the deliverance of his wife from prison, and the defeat of the army sent to oppose his return. Hementioned also the reconciliation between the sisters of hiswife, and whatever had happened to him from first to last. 

Abd al Kuddoos was greatly astonished at these adventures, andsaid to Mazin of Bussorah, "Truly, my son, these events are mostsurprising, and can have never occurred to any but thyself. "Mazin remained three days to repose himself, and was treated withhospitality and respect until the fourth, when he resolved tocontinue his journey, and took leave. He proceeded towards hisown country, and did not halt on the way till he arrived with theseven sisters, the owners of the palace, who had so muchbefriended him. 

When Mazin of Bussorah arrived near the palace of the sevensisters, they came out to meet him, saluted him and his wife, andconducted them within; but they were astonished at his return, and at first could scarcely believe his success, wondering thathe had not perished on the road, or been torn in pieces by thewild beasts of the desert; for they had regarded it as impossiblethat he should ever reach the islands of Waak al Waak. 

When they were seated, they requested him to relate to them allthat had befallen him, which he did from first to last, and theywere more than ever astonished at his uncommon adventures. Afterthis they introduced a collation, and spread the cloth, when theyate till they were satisfied, and then wrote a letter anddispatched it to the mother of Mazin, congratulating her on thehealth of her son, and his safe return with his wife andchildren. 

Mazin remained with the ladies a month, enjoying himself infeasting and amusements, after which he begged permission todepart to his own country, for his heart was anxious for hismother. They dismissed him, and he travelled unceasingly till hearrived at Bussorah. He entered the city at sunset, and proceededto his own house, when his mother came out, saluted him, andembraced him. She had erected her tomb in the court of her house, and had wept night and day till she became blind, but when theletter arrived from the sisters, from the rapture of joy hersight returned unto her again. She beheld the children of herson, embraced them, and that night was to her as an eed orfestival. 

When God had caused the morning to dawn, the chief personages ofBussorah visited Mazin to congratulate him on his return, and theprincipal ladies came to his mother, and rejoiced with her on thesafety of her son. At length intelligence of it reached thecaliph Haroon al Rusheed, who sent for Mazin to his presence. Having entered the audience chamber, he made the usual obeisance, when the caliph returned his salute, and commanded him to sit. When he was seated, the caliph demanded that he should relate thewhole of what had befallen him, to which he answered, "To hear isto obey. "

Mazin then recited his adventures from the time the fire-worshipperwho had stolen him from his mother by his stratagems, the mode of hiscoming to the palace of the seven ladies, the manner in which heobtained his wife, her flight from the palace of the empress Zobeide, his journey to the islands of Waak al Waak, also the dangers anddifficulties he had encountered from first to last. The caliph wasastonished, and said, "The substance of these adventures must not belost or concealed, but shall be recorded in writing. " He thencommanded an amanuensis to attend, and seated Mazin of Bussorah byhim, until he had taken down his adventures from beginning to end. 

 STORY OF THE SULTAN, THE DERVISH, AND THE BARBER'S SON. 

In the capital of a sultan named Rammaud lived a barber, who hada son growing up to manhood, possessing great accomplishments ofmind and person, and whose wit and humour drew numerous customersto his shop. One day a venerable dervish entering it, sat down, and calling for a looking glass, adjusted his beard and whiskers, at the same time asking many questions of the young man; afterwhich he laid down a sherif, rose up, and departed. The next dayhe came again, and for several days following, always finishinghis visit by leaving a piece of gold upon the looking-glass, tothe great satisfaction of the barber, who from his othercustomers never usually received more than sonic coppers oflittle value; but though he liked the gold, his suspicions wereraised against the generous donor, supposing him to be anecromancer, who had some evil design against his son, whom, therefore, he cautioned to be upon his guard. The visits of thedervish were continued as usual for some time; when one day hefound the barber's son alone in the shop, and was informed thathis father had gone to divert himself with viewing someexperiments which the sultan was making of the mixture of variousmetals, being an adept in chemistry, and eager in search of thephilosopher's stone. The dervish now invited the young man toaccompany him to the spot where the experiments were making, andon their arrival they saw a vast furnace, into which the sultanand his attendants cast pieces of metal of various sorts. Thedervish having taken a lump of ore from his wallet threw it intothe furnace; then addressing the young barber, said, "I must forthe present bid you farewell, as I have a journey to take; but ifthe sultan should inquire after me, let him know I am to be foundin a certain city, and will attend his summons. " Having saidthis, the dervish presented the barber's son with a purse ofgold, took his leave, and the youth returned home. Great was thesurprise of the sultan, when the metals in the furnace were allmelted, to find them converted into a mass of solid gold, whichproved, on assay, to be of the purest quality. Every one wasquestioned as to what he had cast into the furnace, when thereappeared no reason to suppose the transmutation could have beeneffected by such an accidental mixture of metals. At length itwas remarked, that a dervish, accompanying the barber's son, hadcast in a lump of ore, and immediately disappeared. Upon this thesultan summoned the youth to his presence, and inquiring afterhis companion, was informed of the place of his residence, and ofwhat, on his departure, he had said to him. The sultan wasoverjoyed at the welcome intelligence, and dispatched the youngman, with an honourable attendance, to conduct the venerabledervish to his presence, where being arrived, he was receivedwith the most distinguishing attention, and the barber's son waspromoted to high office. After some days, the sultan requestedthe dervish to instruct him in the transmutation of metals, whichhe readily did, as well as in many other occult mysteries; whichso gratified his royal patron, that he trusted the administrationof government to his care. This disgusted the ministers andcourtiers, who could not bear to be controlled by a stranger, andtherefore resolved to effect his ruin. By degrees they persuadedtheir credulous master that the dervish was a magician, who wouldin time possess himself of his throne, and the sultan, alarmed, resolved to put him to death. With this intention, calling him tothe presence, he accused him of sorcery, and commanded anexecutioner to strike off his head. "Forbear awhile, " exclaimedthe dervish, "and let me live till I have shown you the mostwonderful specimen of my art. " To this the sultan consented, whenthe dervish, with chalk, drew a circle of considerable extentround the sultan and his attendants, then stepping into themiddle of it, he drew a small circle round himself, and said, "Now seize me if you can;" and immediately disappeared fromsight. At the same instant, the sultan and his courtiers foundthemselves assaulted by invisible agents, who, tearing off theirrobes, whipped them with scourges till the blood flowed instreams from their lacerated backs. At length the punishmentceased, but the mortification of the sultan did not end here, forall the gold which the dervish had transmuted returned to itsoriginal metals. Thus, by his unjust credulity, was a weak princepunished for his ungrateful folly. The barber and his son alsowere not to be found, so that the sultan could gain nointelligence of the dervish, and he and his courtiers became thelaughingstock of the populace for years after their meritedchastisement. 

 ADVENTURES OF ALEEFA, DAUGHTER OF MHEREJAUN, SULTAN OF HIND, AND EUSUFF, SON OF SOHUL, SULTAN OF SIND. 

Mherejaun, sultan of Hind, was many years without any progeny, and immersed in melancholy at the thought of his kingdom'spassing to another family. One evening, while indulging hisgloomy thoughts, he dropped into a doze, from which he was rousedby a voice exclaiming, "Sultan, thy wife this night shallconceive. If she bears a son, he will increase the glory of thyhouse; but if a daughter, she will occasion thee disgrace andmisfortune. " In due time the favourite sultana was delivered of adaughter, to the great mortification of the parents, who wouldhave destroyed her had not her infant smiles diverted theiranger. She was brought up in the strictest privacy, and at theend of twelve years the sultan had her conveyed to a strongcitadel erected in the middle of a deep lake, hoping in such aconfinement to prevent her from fulfilling the prediction whichhad been made concerning her. Nothing could excel themagnificence of her abode, where she was left only with femaleattendants of the highest accomplishments, but no male wasallowed to approach even the borders of the lake, except whensupplies were conveyed for the use of its fair inhabitants, whowere then restricted to their apartments. The gate of the citadelwas entrusted to the care of an old lady, the princess's nurse. For three years the fair Aleefa lived happy in her splendidprison, but the decree of fate was not to be overcome, and anevent predestined by heaven overturned the cautious project ofsultan Mherejaun. 

Eusuff, a dissipated young prince, son to the sultan of Sind, having offended his father, fled from his court, and with a fewattendants reached the borders of the lake, in his way to seek anasylum in the territories of Mherejaun. Curious to know whoinhabited the citadel in the midst of it, he swam over the lake, and landed at the gate, which he found shut, but no one answeredhis loudest call for admission. Upon this he wrote a note, requesting compassion to a helpless stranger, and having fixed itto an arrow, shot it over the battlements. It luckily for himfell at the feet of the princess, then walking in one of thecourts of her palace. She prevailed upon her nurse to open thegate, and at sight of Eusuff fell in love with him, as he didwith her. He was admitted, and the tenderest interviews tookplace between them. Joy and pleasure prevailed in the citadel, while the prince's attendants remained, expecting his return, onthe banks of the lake. 

After some time, sultan Sohul wishing to be reconciled to hisson, and having learnt the route he had taken, dispatched hisnephew named Yiah to assure him of forgiveness, and invite him toreturn to Sind. Yiah arriving at the lake, was informed byEusuff's attendants that the prince had entered the citadel, since which they had not seen or heard anything of him. Yiah, upon this, penned a note expressive of the sultan's forgiveness, and his wish to see the prince, which he fixed to an arrow andshot it into the palace, in the garden of which it fell, asEusuff and Aleefa were walking for their amusement. The prince, on reading the note, overcome with joy at the intelligence of hisfather's forgiveness of his errors, resolved to return home andpay his duty to his parents. He communicated his design to theprincess, who was plunged into the deepest sorrow at the thoughtof his departure, but he comforted her by assurances of hisspeedy return, declaring that nothing but filial duty could havetorn him from her, even for a moment. She now implored him to totake her with him, but Eusuff prudently represented that such astep could only disgrace her fame and enrage her father, who, ondiscovery of her flight, would invade the kingdom of Sind withhis powerful armies, and a scene of unnecessary bloodshed wouldensue. On the contrary, it they waited patiently, sultanMherejaun might be prevailed upon to consent to their union; but, in the mean time, he would visit her often, while their meetingsmight, through the fidelity of their mutual attendants, be keptsecret. Aleefa, though unwilling, was obliged to acknowledge thejustice of his reasoning, and consented to his departure; but onhis taking leave, with tears and embraces entreated him not to belong absent, which he promised, and with truth, for his love wassincere, and it was with difficulty he submitted to the call ofduty to a forgiving parent. 

Eusuff having swam the lake with his bow and quiver upon hishead, as before, rejoined his companions, who rejoiced to seehim. He was received by his cousin Yiah with transports ofaffection, and informed of what had happened since his departurefrom court; after which the prince related his love adventurewith the fair Aleefa, at the same time requesting his secrecy, and that he would charge the same on his attendants, as to hishaving been in the citadel, which he should earnestly beg also ofhis companions to observe. After a night's repose the two princesmarched towards Sind, and when within a day's distance from thecapital, dispatched a courier to give notice of their approach. Sultan Sohul, overcome with joy at the recovery of his son, having commanded the city to be ornamented and splendidentertainments to be made for his triumphal entry, with his wholecourt in their most magnificent array advanced to meet him. Theprince, on seeing his father's train, dismounted, fell on hisface, then running up, eagerly embraced the stirrup of the oldsultan, who threw himself upon his neck in a transport of joy, and wept over him with tears of affectionate rapture. A horsesumptuously caparisoned was now brought for the prince'smounting, and the father and son rode side by side into the city, amid the acclamations of all ranks of people; while, as theyproceeded, basins full of silver and gold, coined for theoccasion, were showered amongst the assembled crowds in thestreets. It is impossible to describe the tender interviewbetween the prince and the queen his mother, whose heart had beennearly broken on the flight of her son, or the glad transports ofEusuff's own ladies, who were in number three wives and fortyconcubines. Suffice it to say, that all was joy and pleasure inthe palace, except in the breast of Eusuff; who mingled with thesatisfaction of return to his family an ardent desire to meetagain the beautiful Aleefa, so that the caresses of his womengave him no pleasure; and when he retired to his apartment, hedid not, as was usual, call any of them to his presence, butpassed the night alone, thinking of his beloved. Morning invitedhim to new scenes of festivity, prepared by his happy parents, who little suspected how soon they were again to lose their son. 

Eusuff having sacrificed a few days (to him long as the eve ofdissolution) to his sense of duty, could no longer restrain hisimpatience, but with a faithful slave named Hullaul, mounted on afavourite courser behind him, left the palace undiscovered in thedarkness of night, and speeded with the swiftness of the galetowards the citadel of Aleefa. Being arrived on the banks of thelake, he secured his saddle and bridle among some bushes, and wascarried with his attendant safely through the water by his noblesteed. Unbounded was the joy of the princess at again meeting herfaithful lover, nor was his rapture less than hers. Havingcommitted Hullaul to the care of the ladies of Aleefa, theyretired to their apartment. Thirty days rolled on almostunperceived by Eusuff, who forgot his parents, his family, andcountry, in the delights of love. 

On the thirtieth evening, as Eusuff and Aleefa were viewing thebeautiful prospect from the terrace of the palace, they perceiveda boat sailing towards it, which, as it drew nearer, the princessknew to belong to her father the sultan Mherejaun; upon which sherequested her lover to keep himself concealed from view, whileshe received the persons in the vessel. Eusuff accordinglywithdrew into a chamber, the lattice of which looked upon thelake; but how can we express his indignant surprise, and furiousjealousy, when he beheld landing from the boat two handsome youngmen, into the arms of one of whom Aleefa threw herself with eagertransport, and after mutual embraces they withdrew together intothe palace. Without considering that his supposed rival might bea near relation to the princess, as he in fact was, being herfirst cousin, who had been brought up with her till herconfinement to the lake; Eusuff suffered himself to be overcomeby unworthy suspicion, and resolved to quit for ever a faithlessmistress. Having written an angry letter upraiding her withfalsehood, and bidding her farewell, he with his attendantHullaul mounted his courser; then delivering his note to one ofthe females, to be given to the princess, he swam over the lakeand speeded rapidly to his own country, where he was once morejoyfully received by his parents and family; and in order toforget the charms of Aleefa, he indulged himself in mirth andpleasure with his lately forsaken ladies, who, delighted with thelong-wished-for return of his affection, strove with each etherwho should please him best. 

The unsuspecting Aleefa was engaged with her cousin Sohaul andAli Bin Ibrahim, a faithful eunuch who was his attendant, askinga thousand questions and listening to the news of her father'scourt, when Eusuff's letter was put into her hands. Rising up, she withdrew into a closet, opened it, and was much vexed at itsungrateful contents; but knowing herself innocent, and trustingthat her lover would return when convinced of his mistake, shecomposed her mind as firmly as she, could till the departure ofher cousin, who after some days took leave and returned to thecapital of Mherejaun, leaving behind him the eunuch, to the greatsatisfaction of the princess, who hoped to make him the mediatorbetween her and her beloved. Nor was she mistaken. When unfoldingto him the whole of her adventures with Eusuff, he agreed to bethe bearer of a letter, and explain to him the cause of hisneedless suspicion. Having swam the lake with the fair Aleefa'spacket wrapped in his clothes upon his head, the faithful Ah intwenty days reached the city of Sind, and demanding an audiencein private, which was readily granted, delivered his commissionto the prince. Eusuff, whose anger was now calmed, and who hadalready begun to feel uneasy at absence from the still reigningfavourite of his heart, on perusing her letter was overcome withjoy. He listened eagerly to the account of his fancied rival bythe eloquent Ali Bin Ibrohim, to whom he expressed his convictionof her constancy, his own sorrow for his unreasonable desertionof her, and his intention of departing to visit her the nextnight, till when he desired the eunuch to repose himself afterhis fatigue. Ali Bin Ibrahim was then lodged, by the prince'sorders, in one of the most splendid apartments of the palace, andrespectfully waited upon by the domestics of his court. The nightfollowing, Eusuff having ordered his favourite Hullaul to makepreparations, departed from Sind as before, with the eunuchmounted on a second courser. They in a few days reached theborders of the lake, swam over, and to the great joy of the oncemore happy Aleefa arrived at the citadel. The recollection of thepains of absence added a zest to the transports of reunion, andthe lovers were, if possible, more delighted with each other thanbefore their separation. The faithful Ali Bin Ibrahim was nowdismissed with invaluable presents of precious stones, andreturned to the court of Mherejaun, the time for his stay at thecitadel of the lake being expired. On his arrival, the sultan, anxious for intelligence of his daughter's health, took him intohis closet, and while he was questioning him, by some accidentthe eunuch's turban unfortunately falling off, the preciousstones, which, with a summary of the adventures of Eusuff andAleefa, and his own embassy to Sind, were wrapped in the folds, tumbled upon the floor. The sultan knew the jewels, and examiningthe turban, to make farther discoveries, found the paper, whichhe eagerly read; and furious was his wrath, when from thecontents it appeared that all his caution to guard against thedecrees of heaven had been vain, that the princess had beenseduced, and his house dishonoured. He sternly inquired of thetrembling Ali if Eusuff was yet with his daughter, and wasanswered in the affirmative, when he immediately gave orders forvessels to be prepared for his departure, hoping to take himprisoner, and at the same time commanded his army to march alongthe banks of the lake and encamp opposite the citadel. Theunfortunate eunuch was thrown into a dungeon and loaded withheavy chains, after he had been bastinadoed almost to death; butstill faithful to the lovers, he prevailed upon his gaoler by alarge bribe during the night to permit him to dispatch a note bya trusty messenger to the princess, apprising her of themisfortune which had happened, in hopes that she would have timeto escape with Eusuff towards his own country before her father'sarrival. Fortunately for the lovers, this information reachedthem the next morning, when they consulted what measures topursue, and it was agreed, that instead of both quitting thecitadel, only Eusuff and Hullaul should return to Sind, as theprincess was unequal to such a rapid journey, but that in orderto ensure her safety, the slaves should, on the sultan's arrival, assure him that she had gone off with her lover, when he wouldeither return home or pursue the prince with his army; who, however, mounted as he was on so swift a courser, could not beovertaken. It was also settled that Eusuff, on his arrival in hisown country, should send an embassy to Mherejaun, declaring hismarriage with Aleefa, and requesting pardon, and leave to pay hisduty as his son-in-law. This stratagem had in part its effect, but no precaution could ward off the fulfilment of the predictionat the princess's birth, which was that she should occasion thedisgrace and death of her father. 

Mherejaun armed at the citadel a few hours after Eusuff's escape, and was informed by her attendants that she had also accompaniedhim in his flight; upon which the enraged sultan, hurried on byfate, without stopping to search the palace in which his daughterwas concealed, hastened to join his troops on the banks of thelake, and with a vast army pursued the Sindian prince, who, however, reached his capital in safety. On his arrival, havinginformed his father of his adventures, the old sultan, eager togratify his son, approved of his additional marriage with thefair Aleefa, and dispatched an embassy to Mherejaun, who by thistime was in the territory of Sind, laying it waste with fire andsword, no troops scarcely being opposed to his sudden invasion. He received the ambassador with mortifying haughtiness, biddinghim return to his master, and inform him that he never wouldforgive the seduction of his daughter, in revenge for which hehad taken a solemn oath to overturn the kingdom of Sind, raze thecapital, and feast his eyes with the blood of the old sultan andhis son. On receipt of this ungracious reply to his proposals, the sultan and Eusuff had no alternative but to oppose soinveterate a foe. They collected their troops, by whom they weremuch beloved, and marched to meet the enemy, whom, after anobstinate battle, they defeated, and Mherejaun was slain in theaction. It is impossible to resist the decrees of heaven. FromGod we came, and to God we must return. 

Eusuff, after the action, behaved with the greatest humility tothe conquered, and had the body of the unfortunate Mherejaunembalmed and laid in a splendid litter, in which it was conductedby a numerous escort, in respectful solemnity, to the capital ofHind, and deposited with funeral pomp, becoming the rank of thedeceased, in a magnificent mausoleum, which had been erected byhimself, as is customary among the sovereigns of Asia. Theprince, at the same time, dispatched letters of condolence to themother of Aleefa, lamenting the fate of Mherejaun, whom he hadbeen, much against his will, necessitated to oppose in battle, and expressing his ardent love for her daughter, a marriage withwhom was his highest hope, as it was his first wish to consolethe mother of his beloved in her misfortunes. 

The sultana, who had received intelligence of the decisivevictory and the death of her husband, and who expected, insteadof such conduct, to see the victor besieging her capital, feltsome alleviation of her sorrow in the prospect of saving herpeople from destruction, by consenting to an union between Eusuffand Aleefa. Her answer accordingly was favourable, upon which theprince of Sind repaired to the lake, and conducting his willingbride to the capital of Hind, at the expiration of the statedtime of mourning for Mherejaun, their nuptials were celebratedwith all possible magnificence, amid the united acclamations ofthe subjects, who readily acknowledged his authority, and had nocause to repent of their submission to his yoke. His next carewas to inform the caliph Mamoon, who was then commander of thefaithful at Bagdad, of the events which had happened, accompanying his petition with a great sum of money, andofferings of all the rarities the countries of Hind and Sindafforded; among which were ten beautiful slaves, highlyaccomplished in singing, dancing, and a talent for poetry. Theyrecited extempore verses before the caliph, but the subject ofeach was so expressive of their wish to return to their belovedsovereign, and delivered in so affecting a manner, that Mamoon, though delighted with their wit and beauty, sacrificed his ownpleasure to their feelings, and sent them back to Eusuff by theofficer who carried the edict, confirming him in his dominions, where the prince of Sind and the fair Aleefa continued long, amida numerous progeny, to live the protectors of their happysubjects. 

 ADVENTURES OF THE THREE PRINCES, SONS OF THE SULTAN OF CHINA. 

A sultaness of China being seized with an alarming illness wasgiven over by the physicians, who declared her case incurable byany other means than the water of life, which they feared it wasnext to impossible to obtain before nature would be exhausted;the country in which, if anywhere, it was to be found, being sovery distant. Such, however, was the affection of the sultaness'sthree sons, that in hopes of saving their mother they resolved togo in search of the precious medicine, and departed immediatelyin the route pointed out by the physicians. After travellingwithout success to their inquiries through divers countries, theyagreed to separate, in hopes that one of them at least might befortunate enough to procure the wished-for miraculous liquid, andreturn home in time to save their mother. Having taken anaffectionate farewell, each pursued his journey alone. Theeldest prince, after a fatiguing walk (for the brothers hadthought it prudent to lay aside their dignity, and as safest todisguise themselves in mean habits) over a wild country, arrivedat last within sight of a large city, inhabited by blasphemousJews, near which, in a superb synagogue, he laid himself down ona carpet to repose, being quite exhausted with toil and hunger. He had not rested long, when a Jew rabbi entering the building, the prince begged for the love of God a little refreshment; butthe wicked infidel, who hated true believers, instead ofrelieving, cruelly put him to death with his sabre, and wrappingthe corpse in a mat, threw it into a corner of the synagogue. Byill fortune, on the day following the second prince arrived, andwas treated in the same manner by the barbarous Jew, and on thenext came also the youngest brother to the same place, where hewas met by the base assassin, who would have killed him also, hadnot the extraordinary beauty of the young prince struck hiscovetous mind with the idea of making him a slave, and sellinghim for a large sum of money. Speaking therefore to him in a kindmanner he brought him refreshments, and inquired if he waswilling to be his servant, and employ himself in cleaning thesynagogue and lighting the lamps; to which the prince, being inan exhausted condition, seemingly assented, seeing no other meansof present support, but secretly resolved to escape whenrecovered from his fatigue. The Jew now took him to his house inthe city, and showed him, apparently, the same tenderness as heused towards his own children. The next day the prince repairedto his allotted task of cleaning the synagogue, where, to hisgrief and horror, he presently discovered the bodies of hisunfortunate brothers. While he lamented their unhappy fate withshowers of tears, the recollection of his own perilous situation, in the power of their murderer, filled his mind with terror; butafter the agonies of thought were over, the natural courage of aprincely heart rose in his bosom, and he meditated how to revengethe death of his brothers on the savage infidel. An opportunityhappened that same night. The prince having composed his mind, finished his work, and when the Jew arrived to examine it, dissembled so well, that no appearance of his inward melancholywas displayed. The Jew applauded his diligence, and taking himhome, made him sit down to supper with himself and family, consisting of a wife and two young lads. It being the middle ofsummer, and the weather sultry, they retired to sleep on the openterrace of the house, which was very lofty. In the dead of night, when the Jew and his family were fast locked in the arms ofslumber, the prince, who had purposely kept himself awake, seizedthe sabre of the treacherous infidel, and with a dexterous blowstruck off his head; then snatching up the two children, hurledthem headlong from the terrace, so that their brains were dashedout on the stone pavement of the court below. He then upliftedthe sabre to destroy the Jew's wife, but the thought that shemight be of use to him withheld his hand. He awoke her gently, commanded her to make no noise, and follow him down stairs, where, by degrees, he informed her of his adventures, thediscovery he had made of the murder of his brothers, and hisrevenge on her treacherous husband and ill-fated children, whom, however, he would not have destroyed had he not been apprehensiveof their cries alarming the neighbourhood. The Moosulmaun woman, for such she secretly was, did not regard the death of the wickedJew, who had married her against her will, and often used herwith great harshness, and her sorrows for the children weresoftened by the salvation of her own life. She also feltsentiments of tenderness towards the prince, whose injuries inthe murder of his unfortunate brothers had compelled him torevenge, and felt herself obliged to his mercy in letting herlive. She now informed him that in the Jew's laboratory were manyvaluable medicines, and among them the very water of life he wasin search of; which intelligence was most gratifying to theprince, who offered to take the woman under his protection, andshe willingly consented to accompany him to a country inhabitedby true believers. Having packed up the medicines, with somevaluable jewels, and put them, with various refreshments andnecessaries, on two camels, they mounted and left the cityundiscovered, nor did any accident occur on their journey; but onreaching the capital of China, the prince found that his fatherwas dead, while his mother, contrary to expectation, lingered inpainful existence. The ministers, who had with difficulty, inhopes of the three brothers' arrival, kept the next relations ofthe throne from disputing their right to ascend it, were rejoicedat his return; and on being informed of the untimely end of thetwo elder princes, immediately proclaimed him sultan. His firstcare was to administer comfort and relief to his afflictedmother, on whom the water of life had an instantaneous effect;his next, to regulate the affairs of his government, which he didwith such ability, justice, and moderation, that he becameendeared to his subjects, and an example to other sovereigns. 

As the sultan, some time after his accession, was one day amusinghimself in the chase, he saw a venerable Arab, accompanied by hisdaughter, travelling on horseback. By accident the young female'sveil being blown aside, displayed such beauty to the eyes of thesultan, as instantly fascinated his heart, and made him wish tohave her for his sultana. He immediately made offers to herfather of his alliance; but great was his mortification andsurprise when the Arab rejected them, saying, "That he had swornnot to give his daughter to any one who was not master of someuseful trade, by which a livelihood might be earned. " "Father, "replied the sultan, "what occasion is there that I should learn amean occupation, when I have the wealth of a kingdom at mycommand?" "Because, " rejoined the Arab, "such are thevicissitudes of the world, that you may lose your kingdom andstarve, if not able to work in some way for your living. " Thesultan, unlike some princes, who would have seized the lady andpunished the Arab for his freedom, felt the force of his remark, applauded his wisdom, and requested that he would not betroth herto another, as he was resolved to make himself worthy of becominghis son-in-law by learning some handicraft, till when he hopedthey would accept of an abode near the palace. To this the oldman readily consented; and in a short time the sultan, eager topossess his bride, became such an adept in the handicraft ofmaking ornamental mats for sofas and cushions of cane and reeds, that the Arab agreed to the nuptials, which were celebrated withall possible splendour and rejoicing, while the subjects admiredmore than ever the justice and moderation of their sovereign; sotrue is it, that, unless in depraved states, a good prince makesa good people. 

Some years rolled on in uninterrupted felicity to the sultan andhis beloved partner. It was the custom of the former frequentlyto visit in the disguise of a dervish the various quarters of thecity, by which means he learnt the opinions of the people, andinspected the conduct of the police. One day in an excursion ofthis sort he passed by a cook's shop, and being hungry, steppedin to take some refreshment. He was, with seeming respect, conducted to a back room spread with flowered carpeting, overwhich was a covering of muslin transparently fine. Pulling offhis slippers, he entered the room and sat down upon a neatmusnud, but to his surprise and terror it instantly sunk underhim, and he found himself at the bottom of a dark vault, where bya glimmering light he could discern several naked bodies ofunfortunate persons who had been murdered, and presentlyappeared, descending from a narrow staircase, a black slave ofsavage countenance, who, brandishing a huge cimeter, cried out, "Wretch, prepare thyself to die!" The sultan was alarmed, but hispresence of mind did not forsake him. "What good, " said he, "willmy death do you or your employers? I have nothing about me butthe humble habit I wear; but if you spare my life, I possess anart that will produce your employers considerable wealth. " Uponthis, the slave going to the master of the house informed him ofwhat the supposed dervish had said, when the treacherous cookcame to inquire after the promised riches. "Give me only somereeds and canes, varnished of different colours, " said thesultan, "and I will make a mat, which if you carry to the palaceand present to the vizier, he will purchase it for a thousandpieces of gold. " The desired articles were furnished, and thesultan setting to work, in a few days finished a mat, in which heingeniously contrived to plait in flowery characters, known onlyto himself and his vizier, the account of his situation. Whenfinished, he gave it to his treacherous host, who admired thebeauty of the workmanship, and not doubting of the reward, carried it to the palace, where he demanded admission, saying hehad a curiosity to offer for sale. The vizier, who was thengiving audience to petitioners, commanded him to be brought in;but what was his astonishment when the mat was unfolded, to seepourtrayed upon it the imminent danger of the sultan, whom hesupposed to be in his haram, and whose absence the sultana had, in order to prevent confusion, commanded to be kept secret, hoping for his speedy return. The vizier instantly summoning hisguards seized the villanous cook, and proceeding to his house, released the sultan from his confinement. The house was razed tothe ground, and the abominable owner, with his guilty family, putto death. The sultan exultingly felt the use of having learnt auseful art, which had been the means of saving his life. 

 STORY OF THE GOOD VIZIER UNJUSTLY IMPRISONED. 

A certain vizier, though perfectly loyal and of the strictestintegrity, having been falsely accused by his enemies, was, without due examination of the charges brought against him, thrown into prison, where, by orders from the sultan, he wasconfined to a gloomy dungeon, and allowed only bread and waterfor his daily food. In this wretched abode he lay for sevenyears, at the expiration of which, the sultan his master, who wasin the habit of walking about the city in disguise to amusehimself, chanced to pass by the house of his injured minister, dressed as a dervish. To his surprise he saw it open, and a crowdof domestics busy in cleaning the apartments, and preparing forthe reception of the owner, who, they said, had commanded them bya messenger from the prison to put things in order, as he shouldthat day be restored to the sultan's favour, and return home. Thesultan, who, so far from intending to release the unfortunatevizier, had almost erased the remembrance of him from his mind, was astonished at the report of the domestics, but thought hislong confinement might possibly have disturbed the brain of hisprisoner, who in his madness might have fancied his deliveranceto be at hand. He resolved however to go and visit the prisondisguised as he was, and see the vizier. Having purchased aquantity of bread and cakes, he proceeded to the gaol, andrequested, under pretence of fulfilling a vow he had made to feedthe prisoners, to be admitted, and allowed to distribute hischarity among them. The gaoler granted his request, and permittedhim to visit the different cells. At length he came to that ofthe vizier, who was employed earnestly at his devotions, which onthe entrance of the supposed dervish he suspended, and inquiredhis business. "I come, " said he, "for though unknown to you Ihave always prayed for your welfare, to congratulate you on yourapproaching deliverance, which I understand you have announced toyour domestics, but fear without foundation, not having heard ofany orders for the purpose from the sultan. " "That may be true, charitable dervish, " said the vizier, "but depend upon it beforenight I shall be released and restored to office. " "I wish it maybe so, " replied the sultan; "but upon what ground do you build anexpectation, the gratification of which appears to me soimprobable?" "Be seated, good dervish, and I will tell you, "rejoined the vizier, and began as follows: "Know then, my friend, experience has convinced me that the height of prosperity isalways quickly succeeded by adverse fortune, and the depth ofaffliction by sudden relief. When I was in office, beloved by thepeople for my lenient administration, and distinguished by thesultan, whose honour and advantage were the constant objects ofmy care, and for whose welfare I have never ceased to pray evenin this gloomy dungeon, I was one evening taking the air upon theriver in a splendid barge with some favourite companions. As wewere drinking coffee, the cup I held in my hand, which was madeof a single emerald of immense value, and which I highly prized, slipped from it and fell into the water; upon which I ordered thebarge to be stopped, and sent for a diver, to whom I promised anample reward should he recover the cup. He undressed, and desiredme to point out the place at which it fell; when I, having in myhand a rich diamond ring, heedlessly, in a fit of absence, threwit into that part of the river. While I was exclaiming against myown stupidity, the diver made a plunge towards where I had castthe ring, and in less than two minutes reappeared with thecoffee-cup in his hand, when to my great surprise within it Ifound also my ring. I rewarded him liberally, and was exulting inthe recovery of my jewels, when it suddenly struck my mind, thatsuch unusual good fortune must speedily be followed by somedisaster. This reflection made me melancholy, and I returned homewith a foreboding sadness, nor without cause, for that very nightmy enemies accused me falsely of treason to the sultan, whobelieved the charge, and next morning I was hurried to thisgloomy cell, where I have now remained seven years with onlybread and water for my support. God, however, has given meresignation to his decrees, and this day an accident occurredwhich makes me confident of release before night, and restorationto the sultan's favour, which, as I have always done, I willendeavour to deserve. You must know, venerable dervish, that thismorning I felt an unconquerable longing to taste a bit of flesh, and earnestly entreated my keeper, giving him at the same time apiece of gold, to indulge my wish. The man, softened by thepresent, brought me a stew, on which I prepared to make adelicious meal; but while, according to custom before eating, Iwas performing my ablutions, guess my mortification, when a hugerat running from his hole leaped into the dish which was placedupon the floor. I was near fainting with agony at the sight, andcould not refrain from tears; but at length recovering from thepoignancy of disappointment, the rays of comfort darted upon mymind, and I reflected that as disgrace and imprisonment hadinstantaneously followed the fortunate recovery of my cup andring, so this mortification, a greater than which could not havehappened, would be immediately succeeded by returning prosperity. In this conviction I prevailed on the gaoler to order mydomestics to make ready my house and expect my return. "

The disguised sultan, who, while the vizier was speaking, feltevery word impress him more and more with the conviction of hisinnocence, had much difficulty to support his assumed character;but not choosing his visit to the prison should be known atpresent, he restrained his feelings, and when the minister hadfinished took his leave, saying, he hoped his presage would befulfilled. He then returned undiscovered to the palace, andentering his cabinet, resumed his usual habit; after which heissued orders for the release of the vizier, sending him a robeof honour and splendid attendants to escort him to court, at thesame time condemning to confiscation and imprisonment hismalicious accusers. On his arrival, the sultan received thevizier with the most gracious distinction; and having presentedhim with the canopy of state, the seal and the inkstand set withrich jewels, the insignia of office, conducted him to a privatechamber, where falling upon his neck he embraced him, andrequesting him to forget past oppression, informed him of hisdisguised visit to the prison; after which he dismissed him tohis own palace. 

 STORY OF THE LADY OF CAIRO AND HER FOUR GALLANTS. 

A virtuous lady of Cairo, who seldom left her house but uponurgent business, one day returning from the bath, passed by thetribunal of the cauzee just as it was breaking up, when themagistrate perceived her, and struck with her dignity andelegance of gait, from which he judged of her beauty, called herto him, and in a soft whisper expressed his desire of a privateinterview. The lady being resolved to punish him for his unworthyconduct, seemingly consented, and desired him to repair to herhouse that evening, which he gladly promised. She then pursuedher route homewards, but was on the way accosted by three othermen, who made her similar proposals, all which she accepted, andfixed that evening for receiving their visits. The first of thesegallants was the customs tax-collector of Cairo, the second thechief of the butchers, and the third a rich merchant. 

When the lady returned to her house she informed her husband ofwhat had happened, and begged him to permit her to execute astratagem that she had formed to punish their insolence, whichwould not only afford himself and her much laughable amusement, but solid advantage, as doubtless the lovers would each bringwith him a handsome present. The husband, who knew he could trustthe virtue of his wife, readily consented, and the lady havingprepared a handsome entertainment, adorned herself in her richestapparel, and seated herself to receive her guests. Evening hadjust shut in, when the venerable cauzee having finished hissunset devotions, impatiently repaired first to his mistress andknocked at the door, which the lady opened and led him upstairs, where he presented her with a rosary of valuable pearl; afterwhich she made him undress, and in place of his robes put on aloose vest of yellow muslin, and a parti-coloured cap, herhusband all the while looking at them through the door of acloset, and ready to burst his sides with laughter as he beheldthe tender grimaces of the enamoured magistrate. The happiness ofthe venerable gallant was however soon changed to frightfulalarm, for he had scarcely sat down and begun to partake of somerefreshment, when a loud rap was heard at the door; upon whichthe lady starting up in well-affected terror, cried out, "Mahummud protect us! for this is my husband's knock, and if hefinds you here, he will put us both to death. " The cauzee's heartsank within him, and he became more dead than alive; but the ladysomewhat revived him by thrusting him into her bed-chamber, desiring him to remain still, as possibly a way might be foundfor his escape. He gladly retired, secretly vowing that if sparedfrom his present threatening distress, Satan should no more tempthim to make love or break the sacred law. 

The lady having disposed of the cauzee, hastened to the door, whereshe found the expecting tax-collector, who brought with him, as apresent, a set of jewels. She shewed him upstairs, took off his richclothes, and made him put on a crimson vest, and a green cap withblack spots. He had scarcely sat down when the door again resounded, and she played over the same game as she had done with the cauzee, whoon his also entering the bed-chamber was somewhat pleased at seeing abrother magistrate in the same ridiculous plight with himself. Thevenerable lovers condoled by signs with each other, but dared notspeak for fear of discovery. The chief of the butchers, on hisarrival, was next ushered up stairs, and his present received, thenmade to undress and put on a blue vest with a scarlet cap, ornamentedwith sea shells and bits of tinsel; but he had scarce time to finish, when a fourth loud rap was heard at the door, the scene of alarm wasrenewed, and the frightened gallant hurried into the room to keepcompany with his rivals. Now appeared the respectable merchant, whopresented the cunning lady with several rich veils, pieces of silk, and embroidered muslins, after which he was asked to undress andenrobe himself in a sky coloured vest and a cap striped with red andwhite; which he had hardly put on when a thundering knock at the gateput an end to his transports, and the wife pretending great alarm, asit was her husband's rap, forced him into the bed-chamber, where, tohis surprise he discovered three of his intimate acquaintance. 

The husband, who had left his hiding place and knocked at thedoor, now entered, and after saluting his wife, sat down, whenhaving partaken of the refreshments provided for the gallants, the happy couple entered into conversation loud enough to beoverheard by the wretched inamorati, who were quaking for fear ofdiscovery. "Light of my eyes, " said the husband, "didst thou meetwith any thing amusing to-day in thy visit to the bath? and ifso, divert me with an account of it. " "I did, indeed, " said thelady, "for I met with four antic creatures, whom" (at hearingthis the unfortunate lovers gave themselves over for lost) "I hada great inclination to bring home with me" (here they recovered alittle from their alarm) "to divert us, but fearful of yourdispleasure I did not; however, if agreeable, we can send forthem to-morrow. " The frighted gallants now indulged some hope ofescape through the kindness of their cunning mistress, and beganto breathe a little freer, but very short was the suspension oftheir fears. "I am sorry thou didst not bring them, " said thehusband, "because business will to-morrow call me from home, andI shall be absent for some days. " Upon this, the lady laughing, said, "Well, then, you must know that in fact I have broughtthem, and was diverting myself with them when you came in, butfearful you might suspect something wrong I hurried them into ourbed-chamber, in order to conceal them till I had tried yourtemper, hoping, should you not be in good humour, to find somemeans of letting them out undiscovered. " It is impossible todescribe the alarm into which the wretched gallants were nowplunged, especially when the husband commanded his wife to bringthem out one by one, saying, "Let each entertain us with a danceand then recite a story, but if they do not please me, I willstrike off their heads. " "Heaven protect us, " said the cauzee, "how can men of our gravity dance? but there is no resisting thedecrees of fate, nor do I see any chance of escape from thisartful baggage and her savage husband but by performing as wellas we can. " His companions were of the same opinion, and musteredwhat courage they could to act as they should be ordered. 

The wife now entered the chamber, and putting a tambourine intothe cauzee's hands, led him out and began to play a merry tuneupon her lute, to which the affrighted magistrate danced with athousand antics and grimaces like an old baboon, beating timewith the tambourine, to the great delight of the husband, whoevery now and then jeeringly cried out, "Really wife, if I didnot know this fellow was a buffoon, I should take him for ourcauzee; but God forgive me, I know our worthy magistrate iseither at his devotions, or employed in investigating cases forto-morrow's decision. " Upon this the cauzee danced with redoubledvigour, and more ridiculous gestures, in hopes of evadingdiscovery. At length he was overpowered by such unusual exercise;but the husband had no mercy upon his sufferings, and made himcontinue capering by threatening the bastinado, till the tiredjudge was exhausted, and fainted upon the floor in a bath ofperspiration, when they held him up, and pouring a goblet of winedown his throat it somewhat revived him. He was now suffered tobreathe a little, and something given him to eat, which, with asecond cup of liquor, recovered his strength. The husband nowdemanded his story; and the cauzee, assuming the gesture of acoffee-house droll, began as follows. 

 The Cauzee's Story. 

A young tailor, whose shop was opposite the house of an officer, was so attracted from his work by the appearance of a beautifulyoung lady, his wife, in her balcony, that he became desperatelyin love, and would sit whole days waiting her coming, and whenshe showed herself make signs of his passion. For some time hisridiculous action diverted her, but at length she grew tired ofthe farce she had kept up by answering his signals, and of theinterruption it gave to her taking the fresh air, so that sheresolved to punish him for his presumption, and oblige him toquit his stall. Having laid her plan, one day when her husbandwas gone out for a few hours she dispatched a female slave toinvite the tailor to drink coffee. To express the rapture of thehappy snip is impossible. He fell at the feet of the slave, whichhe kissed as the welcome messengers of good tidings, gave her apiece of gold, and uttered some nonsensical verses that he hadcomposed in praise of his beloved; then dressing himself in hisbest habit, he folded his turban in the most tasty manner, andcurled his mustachios to the greatest advantage, after which hehastened exultingly to the lady's house, and was admitted to herpresence. She sat upon a rich musnud, and gracefully lifting upher veil welcomed the tailor, who was so overcome that he hadnearly fainted away with excess of rapture. She desired him to beseated, but such was his bashfulness that he would not approachfarther than the corner of the carpet. Coffee was brought in, anda cup presented him; but not being used to such magnificence andform, and his eyes, also, being staringly fixed on the beautiesof the lady, instead of carrying the cup to his mouth, he hit hisnose and overthrew the liquid upon his vest. The lady smiled, andordered him another cup; but while he was endeavouring to drinkit with a little more composure, a loud knock was heard at thedoor, and she starting up, cried out with great agitation, "Goodheavens! this is my husband's knock; if he finds us together hewill sacrifice us to his fury!" The poor tailor, in terror, fellflat upon the carpet, when the lady and her slave threw some coldwater upon his face, and when a little recovered hurried him awayto a chamber, into which they forced him, and desired him toremain quiet, as the only means of saving his life. Here heremained quivering and trembling, more alive than dead, butperfectly cured of his love, and vowing never again to look up ata balcony. 

When the tailor was disposed of, the lady again sat down upon herstool, and ordered her slave to open the gate. Upon her husband'sentering the room he was surprised at beholding things set outfor an entertainment, and inquired who had been with her; whenshe replied tartly, "A lover. " "And where is he now?" angrilyreplied the officer. "In yonder chamber, and if you please youmay sacrifice him to your fury, and myself afterwards. " Theofficer demanded the key, which she gave him; but while this waspassing, the agony of the unfortunate tailor was worse thandeath; he fully expecting every moment to have his head struckoff: in short, he was in a most pitiable condition. The officerwent to the door, and had put the key into the lock, when hiswife burst suddenly into a fit of laughter: upon which heexclaimed angrily, "Who do you laugh at?" "Why, at yourself, tobe sure, my wise lord, " replied the lady; "for who but yourselfcould suppose a woman serious when she told him where to find outa concealed lover? I wanted to discover how far jealousy wouldcarry you, and invented this trick for the purpose, " The officer, upon this, was struck with admiration of his wife's pleasantryand his own credulity, which so tickled his fancy that he laughedimmoderately, begged pardon for his foolish conduct, and theyspent the evening cheerfully together; after which, the husbandgoing to the bath, his wife charitably released the almost deadtailor, and reproving him for his impertinence, declared if heever again looked up at her balcony she would contrive his death. The tailor, perfectly cured of love for his superior in life, made the most abject submission, thanked her for his deliverance, hurried home, prayed heartily for his escape, and the very nextday took care to move from so dangerous a neighbourhood. 

The husband and wife were highly diverted with the cauzee's story, and after another dance permitted him to depart, and get home aswell as he could in his ridiculous habit. How he got there, andwhat excuse he was able to make for so unmagisterial anappearance, we are not informed; but strange whispers went aboutthe city, and the cauzee's dance became the favourite one or thestrolling drolls, whom he had often the mortification of seeingtaking him off as he passed to and from the tribunal, and notunfrequently in causes of adultery the evidences and culpritswould laugh in his face. He, however, never again suffered Satanto tempt him, and was scarcely able to look at a strange woman, so great was his fear of being led astray. 

When the cauzee was gone, the lady, repairing to the apartment, brought out the grave tax-collector, whom her husband addressedby name, saying, "Venerable sir, how long have you turned droll?can you favour me with a dance?" The tax-collector made no reply, but began capering, nor was he permitted to stop till quitetired. He was then allowed to sit, some refreshment was givenhim, and when revived he was desired to tell a story: knowingresistance vain, he complied. After having finished he wasdismissed, and the other gallants were brought in and treated ina like manner. 

 STORY OF THE MERCHANT, HIS DAUGHTER, AND THE PRINCE OF EERAUK. 

A certain rich merchant was constantly repining, becauseProvidence had not added to his numerous blessings that of achild to inherit his vast wealth. This want destroyed the powerof affluence to make him happy, and he importuned heaven withunceasing prayers. At length one evening, just as he hadconcluded his devotions, he heard a voice, saying, "Thy requesthas been heard, and thou wilt have a daughter, but she will givethee much uneasiness in her fourteenth year by an amour with theprince of Eerauk, and remember there is no avoiding the decreesof fate. "

The merchant's wife that same night conceived, and at the usualtime brought forth a daughter, who grew up an exquisite beauty. No pains were spared in her education, so that at thirteen shebecame most accomplished, and the fame of her charms andperfections was spread throughout the city. The merchant enjoyedthe graces of his child, but at the same time his heart was heavywith anxiety for her fate, whenever he called to mind theprediction concerning her; so that at length he determined toconsult a celebrated dervish, his friend, on the possible meansof averting the fulfilment of the prophecy. The dervish gave himbut little hopes of being able to counteract the will of heaven, but advised him to carry the beautiful maiden to a sequesteredmansion, situated among unfrequented mountains surrounding it onall sides, and the only entrance to which was by a dark cavernhewn out of the solid rock, which might be safely guarded by afew faithful domestics. "Here, " said the dervish, "your daughtermay pass the predicted year, and if any human care can avail shemay be thus saved from the threatened dishonour; but it is invain for man to fight against the arms of heaven, thereforeprepare thy mind for resignation to its decrees. "

The merchant followed the advice of his friend, and having madethe necessary preparations, accompanied by him, and attended bysome white and black slaves of both sexes, arrived, after amonth's journey, with his daughter, at the desired mansion; inwhich having placed her, he, after a day's repose, took hisdeparture homewards with the dervish. Ample stores of allnecessaries for her accommodation had been laid in, and slavesmale and female were left for her attendance and protection. Notmany days, had elapsed when an incident occurred, clearly provingthe emptiness of human caution against the predestination offate. The prince of Eerauk being upon a hunting excursion outrodehis attendants, and missing his way, reached the gate of thecavern leading to the mansion, which was guarded by two blackslaves, who seeing a stranger, cried out to him to withdraw. Hestopped his horse, and in a supplicating tone requestedprotection and refreshment for the night, as he had wandered fromthe road, and was almost exhausted from weariness and want offood. The slaves were moved by the representation of hisdistress, as well as awed by his noble appearance, andapprehending no danger from a single person, conducted himthrough the cavern, into the beautiful valley, in which stood themansion. They then informed their mistress of his arrival, whocommanded him to be introduced into an apartment, in which anelegant entertainment was provided, where she gave him the mosthospitable reception. To become known to each other was to love;nor was it long ere the prediction respecting the merchant'sdaughter proved fully verified. Some months passed in mutualhappiness; when the prince, becoming anxious to return to hisfriends, took leave of his mistress, promising when he had seenhis family to visit her again, and make her his wife. 

On his way he met the merchant, who was coming to see hisdaughter. Halting at the same spot they fell into conversation, in which each inquired after the other's situation, and theprince, little aware to whom he was speaking, related his lateadventure. The merchant, convinced that all his caution had beenvain, concealed his uneasiness, resolved to take his daughterhome, make the best of what had happened, and never again tostruggle against fate. On his arrival at the cavern he found hisdaughter unwell; and before they reached their own abode she wasdelivered of a male infant, who, to save her credit, was leftexposed in a small tent with a sum of money laid under itspillow, in hopes that the first passenger would take the childunder his care. It so happened, that a caravan passing by, theleader of it, on examining the tent and seeing the infant, tookit up, and having no children adopted it as his own. The princeof Eerauk having seen his parents, again repaired to visit hisbeautiful mistress, and on his journey to the cavern once moremet the merchant, who, at his daughter's request, was travellingtowards Eerauk to acquaint him with her situation. The prince, overjoyed, accompanied the merchant home, married the young lady, and with her parents returned to his dominions. Their exposedson, after long inquiry, was discovered, and liberal rewardsbestowed on the leader of the caravan, who at his own request waspermitted to reside in the palace of Eerauk, and superintend theeducation of his adopted son. 

 ADVENTURES OF THE CAUZEE, HIS WIFE, &c. 

In the capital of Bagdad there was formerly a cauzee, who filledthe seat of justice with the purest integrity, and who by hisexample in private life gave force to the strictness of hispublic decrees. After some years spent in this honourable post, he became anxious to make the pilgrimage to Mecca; and havingobtained permission of the caliph, departed on his pious journey, leaving his wife, a beautiful woman, under the protection of hisbrother, who promised to respect her as his daughter. The cauzee, however, had not long left home, when the brother, instigated bypassion, made love to his sister-in-law, which she rejected withscorn; being, however, unwilling to expose so near a relative toher husband, she endeavoured to divert him from his purpose byargument on the heinousness of his intended crime, but in vain. The abominable wretch, instead of repenting, a gain and againoffered his love, and at last threatened, if she would not accepthis love, to accuse her of adultery, and bring upon her thepunishment of the law. This threat having no effect, theatrocious villain suborned evidences to swear that they had seenher in the act of infidelity, and she was sentenced to receiveone hundred strokes with a knotted whip, and be banished from thecity. Having endured this disgraceful punishment, the unhappylady was led through Bagdad by the public executioner, amid thetaunts and scorns of the populace; after which she was thrust oatof the gates and left to shift for herself. Relying onProvidence, and without complaining of its decrees, she resolvedto travel to Mecca, in hopes of meeting her husband, and clearingher defamed character to him, whose opinion alone she valued. When advanced some days on her journey she entered a city, andperceived a great crowd of people following the executioner, wholed a young man by a rope tied about his neck. Inquiring thecrime of the culprit, she was informed that he owed a hundreddeenars, which being unable to pay, he was sentenced to be hung, such being the punishment of insolvent debtors in that city. Thecauzee's wife, moved with compassion, immediately tendered thesum, being nearly all she had, when the young man was released, and falling upon his knees before her, vowed to dedicate his lifeto her service. She related to him her intention of making thepilgrimage to Mecca, upon which the young man requested toaccompany and protect her, to which she consented. They set outon their journey; but had not proceeded many days, when the youthforgot his obligations, and giving way to impulse, insulted hisbenefactress by offering her his love. The unfortunate ladyreasoned with him on the ingratitude of his conduct, and theyouth seemed to be convinced and repentant, but revenge rankledin his heart. Some days after this they reached the sea-shore, where the young man perceiving a ship, made a signal to speakwith it, and the master letting down his boat sent it to land;upon which the young man going on board the vessel, informed themaster that he had for sale a handsome female slave, for whom heasked a thousand deenars. The master, who had been used topurchase slaves upon that coast, went on shore, and looking atthe cauzee's wife, paid the money to the wicked young man, whowent his way, and the lady was carried on board the ship, supposing that her companion had taken the opportunity of easingher fatigue, by procuring her a passage to some sea-port nearMecca: but her persecution was not to end here. In the eveningshe was insulted by attentions of the master of the vessel, whobeing surprised at her coolness, informed her that he hadpurchased her as his slave for a thousand deenars. Theunfortunate lady told him that she was a free woman, but this hadno effect on the brutish sailor, who finding tendernessineffectual proceeded to force and blows in order to reduce herto submit to his authority. Her strength was almost exhausted, when suddenly the ship struck upon a rock, the master was hurriedupon deck, and in a few moments the vessel went to pieces. Providentially the virtuous wife laying hold of a plank waswafted to the shore, after being for several hours buffeted bythe waves. Having recovered her senses she walked inland, andfound a pleasant country abounding in fruits and clear streams, which satisfied her hunger and thirst. On the second day shearrived at a magnificent city, and on entering it was conductedto the sultan, who inquiring her story, she informed him that shewas a woman devoted to a religious life, and was proceeding onthe pilgrimage to Mecca, when her vessel was shipwrecked on hiscoast, and whether any of the crew had escaped she knew not, asshe had seen none of them since her being cast ashore on a plank;but as now the hopes of her reaching the sacred house were cutoff, if the sultan would allot her a small hut, and a triflingpittance for her support, she would spend the remainder of herdays in prayers for the prosperity of himself and his subjects. 

The sultan, who was truly devout, and pitied the misfortune ofthe lady, gladly acceded to her request, and allotted a pleasantgarden-house near his palace for her residence, at which he oftenvisited her, and conversed with her on religious topics, to hisgreat edification and comfort, for she was sensibly pious. Notlong after her arrival, several refractory vassals who had foryears withheld their usual tribute, and against whom the goodsultan, unwilling to shed blood, though his treasury much feltthe defalcation, had not sent a force to compel payment, unexpectedly sent in their arrears; submissively begged pardonfor their late disobedience, and promised in future to be loyalin their duty. The sultan, who attributed this fortunate event tothe successful prayers of his virtuous guest, mentioned hisopinion to his courtiers in full divan, and they to theirdependents. As, according to the proverb, the sheep always followtheir leader, so it was in the present instance. All ranks ofpeople on every emergency flocked to beg the prayers and counselof the sultan's favourite devotee; and such was their efficacy, that her clients every day became more numerous, nor were theyungrateful; so that in a short time the offerings made to heramounted in value to an incalculable sum. Her reputation was notconfined to the kingdom of her protector, but spread graduallyabroad through all the countries in the possession of truebelievers, who came from all parts of Asia to solicit herprayers. Her residence was enlarged to a vast extent, in whichshe supported great numbers of destitute persons, as well asentertained the crowds of poor people who came in pilgrimage toso holy a personage as she was now esteemed. But we must nowreturn to her pious husband. 

The good cauzee having finished the ceremonies of his pilgrimageat Mecca, where he resided one year, and visited all the holyspots around, returned to Bagdad: but dreadful was his agony andgrief when informed that his wife had played the harlot, and thathis brother, unable to bear the disgrace of his family, had leftthe city, and had not been heard of since. This sad intelligencehad such an effect upon his mind, that he resolved to give upworldly concerns, and adopt the life of a wandering religious, tomove from place to place, from country to country, and visit thedevotees celebrated for sanctity in each. For two years hetravelled through various kingdoms, and at length hearing of hiswife's fame, though he little supposed the much-talked-of femalesaint stood in that relation to himself, he resolved to pay hisrespects to so holy a personage. With this view he journeyedtowards the capital of the sultan her protector, hoping toreceive benefit from her pious conversation and prayers. 

The cauzee on his way overtook his treacherous brother, who, repenting of his wicked life, had turned mendicant, and was goingto confess his sins, and ask the prayers for absolution of thefar-famed religious woman. Time and alteration of dress, for theywere both habited as dervishes, caused the brothers not to knoweach other. As fellow travellers they entered into conversation;and finding they were both bound the same way, agreed to continuetheir journey together. They had not proceeded many days whenthey came up with a driver of camels, who informed them that hewas upon the same errand as themselves, having been guilty of ahorrid crime, the reflection upon which tormented his conscience, and made life miserable; that he was going to confess his sins tothe pious devotee, and consult her on whatever penance couldatone for his villany, of which he had heartily repented, andhoped to obtain the mercy of heaven by a sincere reformation oflife. The crime of this wretch was no less than murder; thecircumstances of which we forgot to detail in its proper place. The cauzee's wife immediately after her expulsion from Bagdad, and before she had met the young man who sold her for a slave, had taken shelter in the hut of a camel breeder, whose wife owedher great obligations, and who received her with true hospitalityand kindness; consoling her in her misfortunes, dressing herwounds, and insisting on her stay till she should be fullyrecovered of the painful effects of her unjust and disgracefulpunishment; and in this she was seconded by the honest husband. With this humble couple, who had an infant son, she remained sometime, and was recovering her spirits and beauty when the wickedcamel breeder, first mentioned, arrived on a visit to her host;and being struck with her beauty made love to her, which shemildly but firmly rejected, informing him that she was a marriedwoman. Blinded by passion, the wretch pressed his addressesrepeatedly, but in vain; till at length, irritated by refusal, hechanged his love into furious anger, and resolved to revenge hisdisappointed lust by her death. With this view he armed himselfwith a poniard; and about midnight, when the family were asleep, stole into the chamber where she reposed, and close by her theinfant son of her generous host. The villain being in the darkmade a random stroke, not knowing of the infant, and instead ofstabbing the object of his revenge, plunged his weapon into thebosom of the child, who uttered loud screams; upon which theassassin, fearful of detection, ran away, and escaped from thehouse. The cauzee's wife awaking in a fright, alarmed her unhappyhosts, who, striking a light, came to her assistance; but how canwe describe their agonizing affliction when they beheld theirbeloved child expiring, and their unfortunate guest, who hadswooned away, bathed in the infant's blood. From such a scene weturn away, as the pen is incapable of description. The unhappylady at length revived, but their darling boy was gone for ever. Some days after this tragical event she began her pilgrimage, and, as above stated, reached the city where she released theyoung man from his cruel creditors, and was shortly afterwardsungratefully sold by him as a slave. But to return to the goodcauzee and his wicked companions. 

They had not travelled far when they overtook a young man, whosaluted them, and inquired their course; of which being informed, he begged to join in company, saying, that he also was going topay his respects to the celebrated religious, in hopes that byher prayers he might obtain pardon of God for a most flagitiousingratitude; the remorse for which had rendered him a burthen tohimself ever since the commission of the crime. The four pilgrimspursued their journey, and a few days afterwards overtook themaster of a vessel, who told them he had some time back sufferedshipwreck; since which he had undergone the severest distress, and was now going to request the aid of the far-famed woman, whose charities and miraculous prayers had been noised abroadthrough all countries. The companions then invited him to jointhem, and they proceeded on the pilgrimage together, till atlength they reached the capital of the good sultan who protectedthe cauzee's wife. 

The five pilgrims having entered the city, repaired immediatelyto the abode of the respected devotee; the courts of which werecrowded with petitioners from all parts, so that they could withdifficulty gain admission. Some of her domestics seeing they werestrangers newly arrived, and seemingly fatigued, kindly invitedthem, into an apartment, and to repose themselves while theyinformed their mistress of their arrival; which having done, theybrought word that she would see them when the crowd wasdispersed, and hear their petitions at her leisure. Refreshmentswere then brought in, of which they were desired to partake, andthe pilgrims having make their ablutions, sat down to eat, allthe while admiring and praising the hospitality of their pioushostess; who, unperceived by them, was examining their personsand features through the lattice of a balcony, at one end of thehall. Her heart beat with joyful rapture when she beheld her longlost husband, whose absence she had never ceased to deplore, butscarcely expected ever to meet him again; and great was hersurprise to find him in company with his treacherous brother, herinfamous intending assassin, her ungrateful betrayer the youngman, and the master of the vessel to whom he had sold her as aslave. It was with difficulty she restrained her feelings; butnot choosing to discover herself till she should hear theiradventures, she withdrew into her chamber, and being relieved bytears prostrated herself on the earth, and offered upthanksgivings to the protector of the just, who had rewarded herpatience under affliction by succeeding blessings, and at lengthrestored to her the partner of her heart. Having finished herdevotions, she sent to the sultan requesting him to send her aconfidential officer, who might witness the relations of fivevisitors whom she was going to examine. On his arrival she placedhim where he could listen unseen; and covering herself with aveil, sat down on her stool to receive the pilgrims, who beingadmitted, bowed their foreheads to the ground; when requestingthem to arise, she addressed them as follows: "You are welcome, brethren, to my humble abode, to my counsel and my prayers, which, by God's mercy, have sometimes relieved the repentantsinner; but as it is impossible I can give advice without hearinga case, or pray without knowing the wants of him who entreats me, you must relate your histories with the strictest truth, forequivocation, evasion, or concealment, will prevent my being ofany service; and this you may depend upon, that the prayers of aliar tend only to his own destruction. " Having said this, sheordered the cauzee to remain, but the other four to withdraw; asshe should, to spare their shame before each other, hear theircases separately. The good cauzee having no sins to confessrelated his pilgrimage to Mecca; the supposed infidelity of hiswife; and his consequent resolve to spend his days in visitingsacred places and holy personages, among whom she stood sofamous, that to hear her edifying conversation, and entreat thebenefit of her prayers for his unhappy wife, was the object ofhis having travelled to her sacred abode. When he had finishedhis narrative the lady dismissed him to another chamber, andheard one by one the confessions of his companions; who notdaring to conceal any thing, related their cruel conduct towardsherself, as above-mentioned; but little suspecting that they wereacknowledging their guilt to the intended victim of their evilpassions. After this the cauzee's wife commanded the officer toconduct all five to the sultan, and inform him of what he hadheard them confess. The sultan, enraged at the wicked behaviourof the cauzee's brother, the camel-driver, the young man, and themaster of the vessel, condemned them to death; and theexecutioner was preparing to put the sentence in force, when thelady arriving at the presence demanded their pardon; and to hisunspeakable joy discovered herself to her delighted husband. Thesultan complying with her request, dismissed the criminals; butprevailed on the cauzee to remain at his court, where for theremainder of his life this upright judge filled the high officeof chief magistrate with honour to himself, and satisfaction toall who had causes tried before him; while he and his faithfulpartner continued striking examples of virtue and conjugalfelicity. The sultan was unbounded in his favour towards them, and would often pass whole evenings in their company in friendlyconversation, which generally turned upon the vicissitudes oflife, and the goodness of Providence in relieving the sufferingsof the faithful, by divine interposition, at the very instantwhen ready to sink under them and overwhelmed with calamity. "Imyself, " said the sultan, "am an example of the protection ofheaven, as you, my friends, will learn from my adventures. " Hethen began as follows. 

 The Sultan's Story of Himself. 

Though now seated on a throne, I was not born to such exaltedrank, but am the son of a rich merchant in a country far distantfrom this which I now govern. My father brought me up to his ownprofession; and by instruction and example encouraged me to bevirtuous, diligent, and honest. Soon after I had attained to theage of manhood death snatched away this valuable parent, who inhis last moments gave me instructions for my future conduct; butparticularly requested that nothing might ever prevail upon me totake an oath, though ever so just or necessary to my concerns. Iassured him it would not: soon after which he breathed his last, leaving me, my mother, and sister in sincere grief for his loss. After the funeral I examined his property, and found myself inpossession of a vast sum of money, besides an ample stock intrade, two-thirds of which I immediately paid to my mother andsister, who retired to a house which they purchased forthemselves. Many weeks had not elapsed when a merchant set up aclaim on my father's estate for a sum of money equal to nearlythe whole that I possessed: I asked him for his bond, but he hadnone, yet swore solemnly to the justice of his demand. I had nodoubt of the falsity of his oath, but as I had promised never toswear, I could not disprove it by mine, and therefore was obligedto pay the money, which I did entirely from my own share, notchoosing to distress my mother and sister by lessening theirs. After this, other unjust demands were preferred, and I paid them, rather than falsify my promise to my father, though by so doing Ibecame reduced to the most abject poverty, as still I would nottrouble my mother. At length I resolved to quit my native city, and seek for subsistence in a distant country as clerk to amerchant, or in any other way that might offer. I accordingly setout alone, and had travelled some days, when in passing over asandy desert I met a venerable looking personage dressed inwhite, who kindly accosting me, inquired the object of myjourney: upon which I related my story. The old man blessed me, highly praised the steadfastness of my adherence to the promise Ihad made to a dying father; and said, "My son, be not dismayed, thy virtuous conduct has been approved by our holy prophet, whohas interceded for thee at the throne of bounty: follow me, andreap the reward of thy sufferings. " I did as he desired; and we, after some time, reached this city, which was then whollydepopulated, and even this palace in a state of decay. On ourentrance my venerable guide bade me welcome, saying, "Here heavenhas decreed thee to reign, and thou wilt soon become a powerfulsultan. " He then conducted me to the palace, and we descendedfrom one of the apartments into a vault, where to my astonishmentI beheld vast heaps of gold and silver ingots, large bags ofcoins of the same metals, and several rich chests filled withjewels of inestimable value, of all which he saluted me master. Iwas overcome with astonishment; but said, "Of what use is allthis wealth in a depopulated city? and how can I be a sultanwithout subjects?" The old man smiled, and said, "Have patience, my son; this evening a numerous caravan will arrive here composedof emigrants, who are in search of a settlement, and they willelect thee their sovereign. " His words proved true; the caravanarrived, when the old man invited them to inhabit the city; hisoffer was gladly accepted, and by his direction they declared metheir sultan. My protector remained with me a whole year, duringwhich he gave me instructions how to govern, and I became what Iam. Heaven has prospered my endeavours to do good: the fame of myliberality, justice, and clemency soon spread abroad; the citywas soon filled by industrious inhabitants, who repaired thedecayed buildings, and erected new ones. The country round becamewell cultivated, and our port was filled with vessels from everyquarter. I shortly after sent for my family, for I had leftbehind me a wife and two sons; and you may guess from your ownjoy at meeting after long separation what must have been mine onsuch an occasion. My venerable patron, at the expiration of theyear, one day thus addressed me: "My son, as my mission iscompleted I must now leave you; but be not alarmed, for providedthou continuest to act as thou hast begun, we shall meet again. Know that I am the prophet Khizzer, and was sent by heaven toprotect thee. Mayest thou deserve its blessings!" Having saidthis he embraced me in his arms, and then vanished, how I knownot, from my sight. For some time I continued rapt inastonishment and wonder, which at length gave place toreverential awe and gratitude to heaven; by degrees I recoveredmyself, and bowed down with fervent devotion. I have endeavouredto follow the admonitions of my holy adviser. It is unnecessaryto say more; you see my state and the happiness I enjoy. 

 CONCLUSION. 

The sultan of the Indies could not but admire the prodigious andinexhaustible memory of the sultaness his wife, who hadentertained him so many nights with such a variety of interestingstories. 

A thousand and one nights had passed away in these innocentamusements, which contributed so much towards removing thesultan's unhappy prejudice against the fidelity of women. Histemper was softened. He was convinced of the merit and greatwisdom of the sultaness Scheherazade. He remembered with whatcourage she had offered to be his wife, without fearing the deathto which she knew she exposed herself, as so many sultanesses hadsuffered within her knowledge. 

These considerations, and the many other good qualities he knewher to possess, induced him at last to forgive her. "I see, lovely Scheherazade, " said he, "that you can never be at a lossfor these little stories, which have so long diverted me. Youhave appeased my anger. I freely renounce the law I had imposedon myself. I restore your sex to my favourable opinion, and willhave you to be regarded as the deliverer of the many damsels Ihad resolved to sacrifice to my unjust resentment. "

The sultaness cast herself at his feet, and embraced themtenderly with all the marks of the most lively and perfectgratitude. 

The grand vizier was the first who learned this agreeableintelligence from the sultan's own mouth. It was instantlycarried to the city, towns, and provinces; and gained the sultan, and the lovely Scheherazade his consort, universal applause, andthe blessings of all the people of the extensive empire of theIndies. 

End of Volume 4.