T HE
THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS,
OR THE
ENTERTAINMENTS.
A NEW EDITION,
ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS WOOD ENGRAVINGS,
FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS.
B
CROSBY
117
:
D NICHOLS.
STKELT.
NEW YOR^OLIVER S. FELT
CONTENTS.
Scbaliriar and Schahzenan 7
The Ox, the Ass, and the Farmer 10
The Merchant and the Genie 13
The Old Man and the Hind 15
Story of the Old Man and the two Black Dogs 16
Story of the Fisherman 17
Story of the Grecian King and the Physician Douban 19
History of the King of the Black Isles 25
Story of the Three Calendars, Sons of Kings, and of the Five
Ladies of Bagdad 30
History of the first Calendar 35
History of the second Calendar 37
Story of the Envious Man, and of him that he envied 41
History of the third Calendar 46
History of Zobeide 53
History of Amine 56
The Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor 59
Sindband's First Voyage 60
Sindbad's Second Voyage 61
Sindbad's Third Voyage 64
Sindbad's Fourth Voyage 68
Sindbad's Fifth Voyage . 72
Sindbad's Sixth Voyage , . ... 75
Siudbad's Seventh Voyage 78
History of the Three Apples 80
Story of Noureddin Ali and Bedreddin Hassan 84
Story of Aladdin, or the Wonderful Lamp 98
Story of Little Hunchback 122
The Story told by the Christian Merchant 125
The Story told by the Purveyor , 129
The Story told by the Jewish Physician 134
8 CONTENTS.
PACK.
The Story told by the Tailor 139
Story of the Barber 143
Story of the Barber's Eldest Brother 144
Story of the Barber's Second Brother 145
Story of the Barber's Third Brother 147
Story of the Barber's Fourth Brother 150
Story of the Barber's Fifth Brother. 151
Story of the Barber's Sixth Brother 155
History of Aboulhassen All Eben Becar, and Schernselnihar, favor-
ite of the caliph Haroun Alraschid 158
rustory of Camaralzaman, Prince of Khaledan, and Badoura, Prin-
cess of China 167
Story of the Princess Badoura, after her separation from Prince
Camaralzarnan 181
Story of the Princes Amgrad and Assad 187
Story of Noureddin and the Fair Persian 200
Story of Beder, Prince of Persia, and Giahaure, Princess of Saman-
dal 214
History of Ganem, son to Abon Ayoub, surnamed Love's Slave. . 232
History of Prince Zeyn Alasnam, and the King of the Genii 242
History of Codadad and his Brothers 251
History of the Princess of Deryabar 255
Story of the Sleeper awakened, or the Dead alive 264
Adventures of the caliph Haroun Alraschid 284
Story of the Blind Man, Baba Abdallah 285
Story of Sidi Nonman 2*9
Story of Cogia Hassan Alhabdal 294
Story of Ali Baba, and the Forty Thieves 302
Story of Ali Cogia, Merchant of Bagdad 312
History of the Enchanted Horse 316
Story of Prince Ahmed and the Fairy Paribanon 325
Story of Habib and Dorathil-goase, or the Arabian Knight 312
Story of Illabousatrous, of King Schal-Goase, and of Camaralza-
man 354
Story of the Lady of the Beautiful Tresses 408
Story of the Princess Parizade, or the Talking Bird, the Singing
Tree, and the Yellow Water 457
Conclusion . . 408
N the death of Schemseddin Mohammed, king of
Persia, Schahriar, his eldest son, succeeded to the
I throne. This prince, though hasty and violent in
his temper, had many virtues. He had the truest
affection for his youngest brother, Schahzenan ; and
on receiving the empire, instead of suffering him to languish
in obscurity, he gave his beloved brother the powerful king-
dom of great Tartary ; and sent him to take possession of it,
with a splendor suitable to the dignity of a mighty and inde-
pendent prince.
After an absence of ten years, the royal brothers had a great
desire to see each other ; and the king of Tartary, at the earnest
request of Schahriar, resolved to pay him a visit. He accordingly
began his journey with a suitable equipage ; but as the arranging
so large a retinue prevented his advancing far the first day, he re-
turned privately in the evening, to his palace, to take another fare-
well of his queen, whom he passionately loved. On entering her
apartment suddenly, with the hope of giving her an agreeable sur-
prise, he was shocked to find her sleeping in the arms of a slave.
Overcome with rage, the king drew his sabre, and deprived them
both of lifo. lie then returned to his pavilion ; and though op-
pressed with the keenest sorrow, he determined to pursue his
journey.
When Schahzenan arrived at the capital of Persia, the sultan re-
ceived him with open arms. But a deep melancholy had seized the
8
unfortunate king of Tartary, which all the efforts of his brother
could not overcome. In vain did the court of Persia exhibit all its
splendor. Schahzenan remained gloomy and insensible. On a
sudden, without any apparent cause, this sadness disappeared, and
he became again, all at once, the same sprightly companion and
affectionate brother, whom Schahriar had so tenderly loved before
their separation.
The sultan of Persia rejoiced exceedingly at this alteration ; but
he was also much surprised at it. No cause appeared for the sor-
row which had bowed down his brother ; no reason could be con-
jectured why it should so suddenly leave him. As soon, therefore,
as Schahriar found that the king was effectually recovered, he be-
came importunate for an explanation of the mystery. Schahzenan
made no difficulty of acquainting his brother with the infidelity of
his queen, but entreated him to cease inquiring why he had shaken
off the sorrow which her baseness had occasioned. The sultan be-
came alarmed ; and judging by the reluctance of his brother that
he was somehow interested in the affair, he adjured the king of
Tartary to hide nothing from him.
Schahzenan was obliged to comply. He requested the sultan
would indulge him only till the next day, and would order the court
to prepare for a grand hunting-match to take place then. Schah-
riah complied ; and, as further instructed by his brother, he left
his train, and returned privately to the king of Tartary's apart-
ments, where there was a closet which overlooked the gardens of
the sultaness. Schahzenan had from thence accidentally observed
several interviews between that lady and a favored gallant ; and
from thence the sultan also became a witness of his own dishonor,
and of his wife's incontinence. " It was this unhappy secret," said
Schahzenan, " which removed my despondency ; as so amiable a
man as my brother conld not secure to himself the possession of a
woman, it convinced me that the whole sex were contaminated, and
that it would be idle in me any longer to bewail so common a mis-
fortune."
The sultan instantly sacrificed his guilty wife and her paramour ;
and being overwhelmed with affliction, proposed to his brother that
they should renounce the world, retire to some obscure hermitage,
and finish their lives, without being further exposed to the treachery
of women.
Schahzenan did not think it prudent to oppose the first transports
i:\TKKTAINMENTS.
of his brother's rage and grief, he gave into his proposal with great
apparent readiness but exacted a promise from him, that he would
return to his capital, and re-assume his throne, whenever they
should meet with any one more unfortunate in female connections
than themselves.
The princes having disguised themselves, left the city secretly,
and travelled till evening, when they arrived at the sea-side. At
daybreak they were alarmed by a frightful noise from the sea, and
had scarce time to climb up into a tree, when they perceived a
large column arise in the midst of the water, and advance toward
the shore. They presently found that it was one of those malignant
genii, who are enemies to mankind, and always doing them mischief.
He was black, terrific, and appeared like a giant of prodigious
stature he carried on his head a great glass box, which shut with
four locks. Having laid his box down, he seated himself by it, and
opened it ; when there came out n beautiful lady, magnificently
dressed. She sat down by the monster, who said to her in a voice
of tenderness, " My charming mistress, whom I stole on your wed-
ding day, and have loved with so much constancy ever since, let
me repose awhile by you ; I came hither on purpose to take rest."
Having spoke thus, he laid down his huge head on the lady's knees
and fell asleep.
When the genie's mistress perceived that he was so, she raised
his head from her lap, and laid it on the earth. She then got up
and went to the glass chest, and taking out a large string of rings,
she counted them over, and examined them with much attention,
then turning toward the genie, who was still asleep, she exclaimed
aloud, "Fool, to think that jealousy and restraint can preserve a
mistress : notwithstanding thy vigilance, I find by these rings, every
one of which I have received from a different gallant, that I have
had fourscore and eighteen lovers since I have been in thy power \ )}
The princes continued in the tree till the genie awoke, who hav-
ing replaced the lady in the chest, and locked it up, took it again
on his head, and returned into the sea. When he had been gone a
considerable time they descended and the sultan being convinced
that the genie was more unfortunate than himself, yielded to the
persuasions of his brother, returned to his capital, and resumed his
government. After some time the king of Tartary choosing to re-
turn home, the sultan dismissed him with every mark of fraternal
love, and on his departure said to him " I have at length fallen upon
1*
10 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
a method to preserve the chastity of a wife : I will not now," added
he, " explain myself; you will, no doubt, shortly hear of it ; and I
question not but you will follow my example."
Soon after the departure of Sehahzenan, the sultan chose the
daughter of one of his nobles for his bride : the nuptial ceremony
was performed ; the lady passed her night with her royal bride-
groom : and in the morning the grand vizier received her from his
hands, with orders to put her to death immediately. Every night
now saw a new bride conducted to the sultan's bed, and every morn-
ing beheld her a victim to his jealousy : the consternation was uni-
versal ; there was no parent who had a young and beautiful daugh-
ter, but trembled for her life ; and the sultan, instead of receiving,
as before, the blessings of his people, became the object of their
execrations.
The implicit obedience which good Mussulmans owe to the com-
mander of the Faithful, had as yet restrained the inhabitants of
Bagdad from rebellion, nor had they taken any measure to preserve
their children from so new a calamity ; when the beauteous and
accomplished Scheherazade, daughter of the grand vizier, under-
took to deliver them from it, by becoming the destined bride. Her
father was astonished when she declared her design. He used
every argument and entreaty to persuade her from it ; and agree-
ably to the custom of the East, he endeavored to enforce his rea-
soning by the following apologue :
THE OX, THE ASS, AND THE FARMER.
There lived in a certain country a very wealthy farmer, whose
lands were cultivated with the greatest care, and abounded with all
sorts of cattle and poultry. It so happened that he had an oppor-
tunity to render essential service to a very powerful genie, who, in
return, at the farmer's request, endowed him with the faculty of un-
derstanding the language of all animals, but on this express condi-
tion, that he should never interpret it to any one, on pain of death.
Some time after this event, the farmer was walking leisurely in
his yard, when he heard the following conversation between an ox
and an ass : " Sprightly," said the ox, how much do I envy your
condition ! You have no labor, except now and then to carry our
master little journeys ; in return for which you are well fed with
the best corn, carefully cleaned, and lodged in fresh straw every
night ; while I, who work from daylight till dark, and am urged by
ENTERTAINMENTS. 11
the blows of the ploughman to toil almost beyond my strength, -when
my hard task is performed, am scantily supplied with coarse food,
and pass the night on the common." 1
" Those," replied the ass, " who call you a foolish beast, are not
much mistaken. Why do you not, with all that strength, exert a
little courage, and resist such ill treatment ? If they give you bad
corn, smell at it and leave it ! and when they are about to fasten you
to the plough, bellow aloud, stamp with your foot, and even strike
them with your horns. Be assured a little resolution will soon pro-
cure you better treatment,"
The farmer, having heard this conversation, was not long in com-
ing to a resolution. The next morning the laborer found the ox
restive when he attempted to yoke him : on which, by his master's
orders, he left him, and putting the collar-on the ass, he fixed him to
the plough, and with many blows compelled him to perform the
work the ox should have done. Nor was this all ; for when he re-
turned at night, more dead than alive, he found no straw to lie on ;
and instead of a plentiful supply of the best oats, there was nothing
in his manger but a handful of coarse beans, ill-cleansed, which even
his extreme hunger could scarcely prevail with him to eat.
The ox, who had rested the whole day, and been fed with the prov-
ender usually given to his companion, received him on his return
with many compliments, and avowals of obligation. To these cere-
monies the ass had no relish ; without answering a word he threw
himself on the ground, and, in thought, began to upbraid his own
folly. " Was ever such imprudence as mine ? 77 said he within him-
self. " How has a silly officiousness undone me ! What had I to
wish for that I did not enjoy? when did sorrow ever approach me ?
All this happiness I have deservedly lost, by meddling with that
which did not concern me/' 7
The grand vizier applied the obvious moral to Scheherazade. But
finding she persisted, he became angry. " If you w T ill continue thus
obstinate,' 7 said he, " you will oblige me to treat you in the same
manner the farmer did his wife in the sequel of the story. 77
The farmer, hearing that the ass was in bad plight, was curious
te know what would paf s between him and the ox. Accordingly,
after supper, he took a walk with his wife into the yard, when he
heard the sufferer say to his companion : " Comrade, what do you
intend to do to-morrow, when the laborer brings your meat? 77
" Do, my best friend ! 77 replied the ox ; " why, I will carefully at-
1*2 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
tend to your instructions ; if my corn is not of the very best quality,
I will not deign to touch it : and if he presumes to lay a halter on
me, I will not fail to knock him down."
" I fancy , ;; replied the ass, " you will think it prudent to alter that
resolution, when I relate to you what I heard our master say to the
laborer just now." The ass having thus excited the attention and
fear of the ox, told him very gravely, that the farmer had ordered
his servant, if the ox continued restive, to knock him on the head
the day following, and distribute his flesh among the poor. The
ox, alarmed at this story, bellowed aloud for fear, and vowed sub-
mission to the laborer which resolution the ass was forward to
commend.
The farmer was so pleased with the cunning of the ass, and the
terrors of the ox, that he burst into an immoderate fit of laughter.
His wife, who saw no reason for this extraordinary mirth, was curi-
ous to know the cause of it. lie tried to evade her question; but
the more he sought to divert her attention, the more earnest she
became in her inquiry. At length, tired with her importunity, he
told her that the cause of his laughing must continue a secret.
"You will not, I suppose,'' added he, " urge me any further, when
I acquaint you that my revealing it would certainly cost me my
life."
This assertion, which she affected not to believe, made the wife
redouble her importunities ; the farmer, however, continued reso-
lute, and suffered her to pass the night in tears without much concern.
But when he found next day that the same obstinate desire of the fa-
tal information continued, he was exceedingly distressed. He called in
the assistance of his neighbors and relations, who in vain represented
to her the unreasonableness of her request. She persisted : and the
unhappy farmer was on the point of gratifying her, at the expense
of his life, when an incident determined him to alter his intention.
Going out of his door, he heard his faithful dog relating with
concern the story of his embarrassment to a cock, who heard it
with much contempt. " A pretty fellow, truly," replied the cock,
"is this master of ours, who cannot manage one wife, when I govern
fifty ! Let him take a good crab-stick, and use it properly, I will
engage she will soon dismiss her impertinent curiosity." The hon-
est farmer took the hint ; his wife returned to her duty ; and you,
my daughter, if treated in the same manner, would no doubt be as
conformable to my desires, and forego so desperate an experiment.
ENTERTAINMENTS. 13
Notwithstanding this and every other method taken to shako her
determination, Scheherazade continued unmoved, and the grand
vi/icr was obliged to announce to his sovereign the ambition of his
daughter. The sultan heard him with sin-prise ; after pausing for
a few moments, he said to him ; with an air of severity : I give
you opDortunity to recall this rash offer ; if yon persist in it, I will
receive Scheherazade as my wile, but presume not to hope that 1
will violate my vow in her favor. On the contrary, your own life,
as well as hers, shall be forfeited, if you hesitate for a moment to
execute my usual orders." Even this menace had no effect on the
young lady ; and the unhappy father was compelled to lead his
darling child to the arms of his sovereign, with a full assurance
of being obliged to deprive her of life with his own hand the fol-
lowing morning.
When Scheherazade was introduced to the sultan, he was struck
with her beauty and modest sensibility. Perceiving her in tears,
he for a moment forgot his barbarous resolution, and endeavored
to comfort her. The lovely sultaness, pleased to see she had made-
an impression on his savage heart, seized that moment to request
that her sister, Dinarzade, might be admitted to her next morning,
an hour before day, to take her last farewell. The sultan readily
complied ; and notice being sent to her sister accordingly, the
charming Scheherazade suffered herself to be conducted to the fa-
tal couch, and became the devoted bride to the cruel Schahriar.
At the appointed hour, Dinarzade was admitted to the_nuptial
chamber ;. when she made the strange request, that in the little
time which remained, before they were to part forever, the sultan-
ess w T ould relate to her one of those many entertaining stories she
had read. The sultan, wondering at so singular a request, con-
sented, at the desire of his bride, and even expressed a wish to
hear stories which must be singular, indeed, to be asked for at such
a moment. Scheherazade, encouraged by this wish, began thus :
THE MERCHANT AND THE GENIE.
Sir, there was formerly a merchant whose extensis r e traffic
obliged him to travel to many places ; in one of which journeys,
finding himself much incommoded by the heat of the day, ho
alighted from his horse, and sat down in a shady grove ; when
taking some dates out of his portmanteau, he ate them, tin-owing
the shells on each side of him. When he had done eating, being
14 ARABIAN NIGHTS*
a good mussulman, ho washed his hands and feet at an adjoining
rivulet, and said his prayers. While he was yet on his knees, a
monstrous genie, all white with age, advanced toward him with
a scimitar in his hand ; and uttering a frightful cry, excl.iimed,
*' Rise up that I may kill thee, as thou hast killed my son." The
merchant, terrified as much at his appearance, as at his threats,
protested his innocence. '' How," exclaimed the genie, " did you
not, even now, throw about the shells of your dates ? my son was
passing by, and you threw one of them into his eye, which killed
him ; therefore I must kill thee." Saying which, he took the
merchant by the arm, threw him on the ground, and lifted up the
scimitar to cut off his head.
In this imminent danger, the merchant earnestly entreated per-
mission to return home, and settle his affairs, and take leave of his
family. " What time do you require ?" said the genie. " I ask
a year," replied the merchant ; " I swear by Allah, that this day
twelvemonth I will return under these trees, to put myself into
your hands." Upon this the genie disappeared.
The merchant returned home disconsolate. He employed the
allotted time in properly regulating his affairs, arid when it was
near expired, he took a sorrowful leave of his family, and arrived
at the place where he had promised to meet the genie. While he
was waiting for his dreaded approach he saw two old men coming
toward him from different quarters, the first leading a hind, the
second two black dogs.
They approached the trees where the unfortunate merchant was
sitting, when one of them said to him, " Brother, why do you stay
in this place ? Do you not know that a number of evil spirits re-
sort to it, and that it is by no means safe to continue here ?"
" Alas !" said the merchant, " I know that but too well." He then
related his story to the old men, who having heard it, agreed to
continue with him until the genie should appear.
In a little time they perceived a thick vapor advancing toward
them, which vanishing all at once, discovered the genie. Without
noticing the old men, he took the merchant by the arm, saying,
" Rise, that I may kill thee, as thou didst kill my sou." The mer-
chant tilled the air with his cries ; and the old men prostrating
themselves on the ground, entreated for him. The genie, with
somo difficulty, was persuaded to listen to their expostulations,
and ;it length to agree, that if their several adventures were more
ENTERTAINMENTS. 15
surprising than that of the merchant, he would relent, and set
him at liberty.
Day advancing, the sultan arose, and the vi/.ier, in much afflic-
tion, entered into his presence in full expectation of receiving the
usual fatal orders ; but the sultan was so much taken with the
beauty and accomplishments of his lady, and his curiosity was so
much excited by the interesting story she had begun, that he De-
came irresolute respecting his vow ; and talking to his trembling
vizier on other affairs, he left him in suspense also as to the fate
of his beloved daughter.
The next morning Scheherazade resumed her narrative with the
history of
THE OLD MAN AND THE HIND.
" I married," began the first old man, u in my early life, my
cousin with whom I lived more than twenty years in much happi-
ness. The only thing that abated it was, that we had no children.
The desire of posterity induced me to buy a slave, by whom I
shortly had a son. I still lived in great harmony with my wife,
who always treated the slave kindly, and appeared to be very fond
of my boy. Some years after his birth, I was obliged to go a long
iouruey, and on my return, my wife told me that my son and my
slave were both dead. I lamented their loss very much ; but the
feast of Bairam approaching, I thought it my duty to overcome
my sorrow, and prepare for the holy festival.
tl Accordingly I gave orders to my farmer to bring up one of
the fattest cows, to sacrifice at the commencement of the solemnity.
He obeyed ; but when the cow was brought to me she bellowed
piteously, and I could perceive tears run down from her eyes.
Struck with so singular a spectacle, and moved, I knew not how,
I was about to send the cow back and order another, when my
wife opposed any exchange with great vehemence. I suffered my-
self to be prevailed on ; and though I could not kill her myself,
I ordered my farmer to do so, who obeyed me. When she was
slain, it was found, notwithstanding her plump appearance, that
she was mere skin and bone ; and wholly unfit for the intended
sacrifice.
" I immediately sent for another fat beast ; when the farmer
Drought a calf, whose behavior ws,s still more extraordinary. He
broke the cord, ran to me, and fell at my feet. I determined to
16 AKA1UAN NIGHTS
listen to the impulse I felt in favor of this calf, and accordingly
ordered him to be tokeil hack ; although my wife interfered with
still greater eagerness, and insisted that he should be slaughtered.
" The day following, my farmer desired to speak with me alone.
He took me to his own habitation, and introduced me to his daugh-
ter , by her I was informed that during my journey, my wife
had learned the black art ; and by that means had transformed my
slave into the cow we had unfortunately slaughtered the day be-
fore ; and my son into the calf which had so narrowly escaped
" I leave you to judge, powerful genie, how much I was distress-
ed at this account. But not doubting my informer was able to
restore my son, as she had the skill to discover his situation, I very
earnestly besought her assistance. 'On two conditions/ replied
she, ' I will restore him. First, that you give him me for a hus-
band and secondly, that you permit me to punish as she deserves,
the wicked enchantress who has transformed him. J I consented ;
she then pronounced certain words, and sprinkling my son with
water, be resumed his shape. He joyfully married his fair bene-
factress, who changed my wicked wife into the hind you see here.''
THE STORY OF THE OLD MAN WITH THE TWO BLACK DOGS.
" Prince of genii," said the second old man, " these dogs and
myself are brothers. On the death of our father we divided hia
substance among us, and each received a thousand sequins. One
of my brothers resolved to travel, laid out his money in goods
suited to the country he intended to visit, and departed.
" After a year's absence he returned in great distress, having
lost all his effects. Meantime, by industry, I had acquired an ad-
ditional thousand sequins, which I readily gave him. My other
brother, not disheartened by the ill success of the first, pursued
the same measures ; very shortly he also returned entirely ruined.
To him also I gave another thousand sequins; we then agreed to
remain at home, and pursue our business carefully, without seek-
ing further adventures.
" Some years afterward, both my brothers besought me to join
with them in a trading voyage. Their importunity prevailed. I
disposed of my stock, which now produced six thousand sequins,
half of which I buried in a corner of the house, and gave each of
my brothers a thousand of the remainder. We arrived safely at
our destined port, where we sold our adventures to good profit.
ENTERTAINMENTS. 17
"When \ve were nearly ready to return, I met on the banks of
the sea a lady, handsome, but poorly clad, who very earnestly per-
suaded me to marry her. I consented, and having taken her on
board the vessel, we set sail. My wife proved to be possessed of
so many good qualities that I became every day more fond of her.
My unworthy brothers, envying my superior good fortune, seized
us both while asleep, and threw us into the sea.
:< But little did these bad men imagine the punishment that awaited
their cruelty and ingratitude. My wife was a fairy ; she conveyed
me home, and conducted the vessel which had my goods on board,
safe into port. Before I knew of its arrival, two black dogs came
crouching to me in the most submissive manner. ' These,' said the
fairy, ' are your brothers. Thus is their wickedness requited ; and
it is one part of their punishment, that in this degraded state they
must look for support and protection to the brother they so basely
betrayed. 7 "
The genie thought these adventures so singular, that he remitted
the punishment of the merchant, and disappeared ; and the mer-
chant, after suitably thanking his benefactors, returned home again
with joy to his family.
The sultan was delighted with these stories. He requested Sche-
herazade to proceed next night to another; and going into the
divan, the vizier, his family, the court, and the people in general,
were overjoyed to find that he gave no orders to put the beautiful
sultaness to death.
THE STORY OF THE FISHERMAN.
There was a fisherman who, when young, had indiscreetly vowed
not to cast his net above four times a day. This vow he religiously
observed ; though when he came to have a numerous family, he had
often occasion to regret his having made it.
One morning, having thrown his net three times without the least
success, he was almost wild with grief. Another cast only re-
mained, which he determined to take with particular attention.
Having thrown it. instead of a fish he drew up only a small vessel
of copper with a leaden seal to it. This seal be eagerly removed,
in hopes of finding something valuable ; but to his great mortifica-
tion, the casket was empty. He threw it on the ground, and con-
tinued to eye it in a kind of despair, when he perceived a thick
smoke to come out of it, which mounted to the clouds, and extend-
18 . ARABIAN NIGHTS*
ing itself along the sea and shore, formed a great mist. When the
smoke was all out of the vessel, it connected itself into one body
which formed an enormous genie.
At the sight of so terrible a figure, the fisherman would have
fled, but was too much terrified. " Solomon, Solomon, the great
prophet!" exclaimed the genie, "pardon, pardon, pardon; I never
more will oppose your will ! ; ' The fisherman hearing this took
courage, and said, " Thou proud spirit, what is it thou talkest of ?
it is eighteen hundred years ago since the prophet Solomon died !
Tell me your history, and how you came to be shut up in that
vessel."
The genie turning to his deliverer, with a fierce look said,
" Thou art very bold to call me a proud spirit. Speak to me more
civilly before I kill thee. <; What," replied the fisherman, "would
you kill me for setting you at liberty ? Is that the way you re-
ward the service I have done you ?' ; "I cannot treat you other-
wise/ 7 replied the genie; ''and that you may be convinced of if,
listen to my story : I am one of those rebellious spirits who op-
posed themselves to the will of Heaven. The other genii owned
Solomon the great prophet, and submitted to him. Sacar and I
only resisted. That potent monarch caused me to be seized and
brought by force before his throne ! when, as I daringly persisted
in my disobedience, he shut me up in this copper vessel ; and that
I might not escape, he himself stamped his seal, with the great
name of God engraven on it, upon this leaden cover, and ordered it
to be cast into the midst of the sea.
During the first century of my imprisonment, I swore that if
any one would deliver me I would make him immensely rich.
During the second, I vowed that I would open all the treasures of
the earth to any one who should set me free. In the third, 1 prom-
ised to make my deliverer a mighty prince, and to be always his
attendant spirit. Many centuries passed over, and I continually
increased my promises to him who should render me so essential a
service ; but all in vain ; no one was so lucky as to find the coffer,
and by opening it, to obtain the rewards I had bound myself to
bestow. At last, enraged and tired with so long a confinement, I
vowed that if any one should set me at liberty, I would kill him
without mercy ; therefore, as you have this day delivered me, pre-
pare yourself to die/'
This discourse terrified the poor fisherman beyond measure ; but
ENTERTAINMENT. 1
as necessity is the parent of ingenuity, he addressed the genie
thus : " If it must be so, I submit ; lut before I die, I conjure you
by the great name which was engraven on the seal of the prophet
Solomon, that you grant me one request, in return for the service
] have done you, which you have obliged yourself to repay so
hardly." The genie trembled at the- adjuration, and answered
hastily, " Ask what thou wilt, but quickly."
4< I cannot believe,'' said the fisherman, "that you were really
confined in that vessel ; it will not hold one of your feet. I adjure
you, therefore, by the oath you have taken, to enter into it again,
that I may be convinced, and acquit you, before I die, of ingrati-
tude and murder."
The body of the genie instantly dissolved, and changing into a
mist, extended itself as before. At last it began to enter the ves-
sel, which it continued to do, by a slow and equal motion, till
nothing was left out; and immediately a voice came forth, which
said, " Well, incredulous fellow, I am in the vessel now ; are you
satisfied ?"
The fisherman instantly shut down the cover ; " Xow, genie, it is
thy turn to entreat in vain. I will return thee to the sea whence
I took thee, and will erect a monument to caution other fishermen
if they chance to meet with thee, that they may be aware of such
a wicked genie as thou art. who has sworn to kill thy deliverer !" The
genie endeavored with his utmost force to get out of the vessel
again ; but the seal of Solomon restrained him. Dissembling,
therefore, his anger, he addressed the fisherman in a more pleasant
tone ; begged him once more to remove the cover, and promised
to reward him to his full satisfaction. il Thou art a traitor," re-
plied the fisherman, 4i and I should deserve to lose my lifo, if I
was so foolish as to trust thee. No doubt you would use me as
the Grecian king did his physician Douban. ; T is a story I have a
mind to tell thee, before I return thee to the faithless element in
which I found thee."
THE STORY OF THE GRECIAN KING AND THE PHYSICIAN DOUBAN.
There was a king of Greece who was sorely afflicted with a
grievous leprosy. His physicians had exerted all their art in vain ;
his case was declared hopeless, and he expected every day to sink
under the loathsome disease which oppressed him. At this time
there came to his court a strange physician, named Douban, who,
20 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
after examining the patient, asserted that so far from the king
being incurable, he would undertake to restore his health without
either inward potions or outward applications. This extraordinary
proposal was readily accepted. The physician prepared a racket
and besought the king to play at tennis with it. " I have lodged,"
said he, " certain drugs in the handle, which is hollow, when these
are heated they will penetrate your majesty's whole frame ; leave
off then ; bathe, and retire to rest, and to-morrow you will find
yourself perfectly cured. >J
The king followed the direction of Douban, and rose the next
morning entirely free from his malady. The physician was in-
vested with the most distinguished honors ; the king loaded him
also with riches, and the courtiers with caresses ; he became the
declared favorite ; and every one who had a suit to prefer to the
king, solicited the interest of the physician.
But amid all his prosperity lurked the most fatal destruction.
The Grecian king was a very weak prince, easily irritated, and
tyrannical in his disposition. His former favorites envied Douban,
and seized every opportunity to excite distrust of him in the royal
breast. "He is become," said they, u next in dignity and power to
yourself; as he cured you in a manner so simple, may he not also,
by methods as unsuspected, cut off your majesty ; who alone stands
between him and the throne."
For a long time the Grecian king repelled these insinuations.
" Were I to listen to you," said he to his courtiers, " I should be like
a certain man who had a faithful parrot, who reported to him the
incontinence of his wife during his absence. The wife, enraged at
the tell-tale, contrived a method of destroying the credit of the bird,
and being revenged at the same time. Accordingly, when her
husband went another journey, she caused a slave to scatter water
ovor the cage all night, in the manner of rain, while others pro-
duced the appearance of thunder and lightning. The next day,
when the husband returned, the parrot complained of having been
exposed (ill night to the fury of a continual storm. As the master
knew the weather had been exceedingly fine, be hastily conclud* d
that hi* MrJ was false, and in resentment put it to death ; but tho
future ill conduct of his wife too soon proved to him his parrot's
truth and his own rashness."
u Sir," replied his vizier, " it is my duty to be particularly atten-
tive to your safety, nor must I suffer you to be led by specious ap
ENTEBT A IX MENTS . 2 1
pearances, into real danger. The vizier of a neighboring king wag
intrusted with the care of his master's only son, and so ill did he
perform that duty, that he suffered the young prince to separate
from his train, in the eagerness of the chase, till he was left alone,
and had lost his way ; while he rode ahout, he came up to a hand-
some lady, who appeared to be in great distress. The prince was
naturally compassionate ; he heard her tale, and at her request,
took her upon his horse, which he guided by her direction. They
came at length to the ruins of a castle in a lonely place, where the
lady desired him to alight ; he obeyed. The lady entered the ruins,
and while he was securing his horse he heard her say softly, " Be
glad, my children ; I have brought you a handsome young man,
very fat." Other voices immediately answered, "Mamma, where
is he ? let us eat him presently, for we are very hungry/ 7
The prince heard enough to convince him of his danger. He
perceived that the supposed distressed lady was really an ogress,
wife to one of those savage demons, called ogres ; who frequent
remote places, and use a thousand wiles to surprise and devour
passengers. He began to untie his horse again with all diligence,
putting up all the while prayers to Heaven for his deliverance.
The ogress, returning to the door, never doubted but he was still
employed in fastening his horse, and hearing him utter prayers, she
also pretended to put up ejaculations; but the prince was not to be
deceived by this hypocrisy. Having loosened the rein, he leaped
upon the saddle, and was soon out of the monster's power. But
although he escaped unhurt, his royal father was so much enraged
at the danger he had been in, that he very justly caused his care
less vizier to be put to death. I should deserve the same punish-
ment, if I did not protest against the conduct of Douban, who though
as specious as the ogress, may be equally dangerous.
The credulous Grecian king began at length to listen to these
insinuations; which the vizier observing, so inflamed his passions,
that he caused his benefactor to be seized, and brought into his
presence to be put to death. Douban, astonished at so fatal a de-
nunciation, solicited earnestly for mercy, but in vain.
" You see," said the fisherman to the genie, " how the king treat-
ed his benefactor. So have you also behaved to me."
When Douban found himself in the hands of the executioner, he
once more applied himself to the king, requesting he would, at
least allow him to live till the next day. " I have," said he to the
22 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
cruel prince, " among my books, one well worthy of your majesty's
acceptance : if, when my head is struck off, you will open the book
at the sixth leatj and read the third line, my head will answer any
question you shall ask." The king, though insensible to pity or
to gratitude, was moved by a frivolous curiosity to defer the execu-
tion.
The following day, when Doubau was brought into the royal
presence, he renewed his supplication for life ; reminded the king
of his services, and in the most earnest manner protested his in-
nocence. The unworthy prince told him plainly, that all he could
say was in vain : " Were it only," continued he, " to hear your head
speak after it is cut off, it is my pleasure you should be put to
death." The physician, seeing his fate inevitable, submitted. He
presented a large folio to the king : " Place my head," said he,
" for a moment on the cover of this book, and I shall be in a con-
dition to answer your questions." The executioner performed his
office ; and the head being placed as directed, the blood stanched,
tho eyes opened, and it called upon the king to openlhe book.
The king obeyed, but finding the leaves stick together, he put
his finger to his mouth and wetted it to separate them. When he
came to the sixth leaf, he said, " Physician, there is nothing written
here !" " Turn over leaf by leaf," said the head, " till you come to
the writing." The king continued to turn over the leaves, putting
his finger continually to his mouth, till the poison with which each
leaf was impregnated took effect. The head, perceiving that the
king had but few moments to live, exclaimed, " Tyrant, you are
justly punished !" Having said this, its eyes closed, and it re-
mained without life. The king also, in a short time, fell down and
expired.
" You find, genie," said the fisherman, " that though the physician
could not preserve his life, he contrived to punish his ungrateful
murderer. I am more fortunate in being now out of your power,
and having you in mine. I am now about to return you to the sea."
"My good friend," replied the genie, " remember, revenge is for-
bidden ; do not treat me as Imama did Atteca." tl How was that ?"
asked the fisherman. " Ho !" replied the genie, " do you think I
can tell stories in this confinement ? Let me out, and I will tell
you as many as you please." " No," said the fisherman, I will
not let you out ; on the contrary, I will this moment cast you back
into the sea." " Hear me, I charge thee, ' exclaimed the genie,
ENTERTAINMENTS. i'.l
' ; if tliou wilt deliver me, I swear, in the most solemn manner, that
1 will not hurt thee: on the contrary, I will teach thee how to be-
come as rich as thou desircst to be/ 7
Overcome by this promise, the fisherman once more opened the
vessel ; and the genie, resuming his form., instantly kicked it into
the sea. The fisherman was alarmed at this action, but the genie
assured him he was safe. He then led him up a mountain, from
whence they descended to a great pond, that lay between four hills.
" Cast in thy nets here," said the genie, " and carry the fish thou
shalt take to the sultan, who will liberally reward thee ; only be-
ware not to throw in thy nets more than once a day, or thou wilt
repent it.' 7 Having said this, the genie disappeared.
The fisherman immediately threw in his nets ; but though the
pond seemed to abound with fish, he caught only four. He was
much pleased to find them unusually beautiful, and each of a dif-
ferent color : one being white, one red, one blue, and one yellow.
Having much admired them, he set off for the palace, to present
them to the sultan. The singular beauty of the fish made them
very acceptable ; the liberal prince rewarded the fisherman with
four hundred pieces of gold, and ordered them to be served as a
part of the entertainment of the day.
But an amazing prodigy disappointed the sultan. As the cook
was frying the fish, on turning them, the wall of the kitchen opened,
and a beautiful young lady entered, holding a rod of myrtle in her
hand ! and advancing to the pan, she struck one of the fish, saying,
" Fish, fish, are ye in your duty ?" when the four fish lifting up their
heads together, said, lt Yes, yes, if you reckon, we reckon ; if you
fly, we overcome, and are content.' 7 As soon as they had thus
spoken, the lady overturned the frying-pan, and passed again
through the wall, which closed immediately, and became as before.
The cook was exceedingly terrified ; but recovering herself, and
picking up the fish, she had the misfortune to find that they were
burnt to a cinder, and utterly unfit to be served at the royal table.
She was under the necessity of relating the phenpmenon to the
vizier. That minister invented an excuse, which satisfied the sul-
tan : but being very desirous of seeing so strange a scene, he or-
dered the fisherman to provide him four other fish, of the same
sort, as soon as possible.
The day follo'wing the fisherman obeyed the vizier's orders, and
to his gi-p^t joy received another four hundred pieces of gold. The
24 AKAJJIAN NI UTS*
vizier glint himself up with the cook, who placed the fish on the
fire, and on turning them, when fried on one side, the wall again
opened, the lady appeared, the same dialogue passed between her
and the fish ; when, having overturned the pan, she retired, and
the wall closed as on the preceding day.
The vizier, astonished beyond measure at so great a prodigy,
failed not to relate the matter to the sultan. That prince was
equally surprised, and impatient to see so strange a scene himself.
The fisherman provided four more fish on the following day, and
again received a sum which was to him quite a treasure. The sul-
tan, attended by his vizier, retired into his closet ; the fish were
placed on the fire, and on turning them the wall opened ; but in-
stead of the young lady, there came out a gigantic black, in the
habit of a slave, who advanced with an air of anger to the pan, and
touching one of the fish, said, in a terrible voice, tl Fish, are ye in
your duty?" At these words, the fish raised up their heada, and
answered, "Yes, yes, we are; if you reckon, we reckon; if you
pay your debts, we pay ours ; if you fly, we overcome, and are
content." The black then threw the pan into the middle of the
closet, and the fish were reduced to coal. Having done this, he
retired fiercely, and the w r all shut, and remained as before.
When the sultan recovered "from his astonishment, he sent for
the fisherman, to know where he caught these extraordinary fish;
and finding it was near the city, he ordered his usual retinue, and
set off immediately. On ascending the mountain, the pond and an
immense plain beyond it presented themselves, which no one re-
membered to have seen before. The sultan ordered his court to
encamp by the side of the pond, and retired to his pavilion with
his vizier. To him the sultan declared his resolution of exploring,
alone, this new-discovered plain, in hopes of finding out the cause
of so many wonderful events. He commanded the vizier to detain
his attendants on that spot, and to excuse to them his not appearing,
under the pretence of his being indisposed.
At the dawn of the morning, the sultan set forward, and by sun-
rise, he saw before him a great building, which proved to be a
magnificent palace of black marble. As the gates were opened,
the prince entered, but met not any living creature. He wandered
through many spacious apartments, all furnished in the most splen-
did manner, and kept in the most exact order. He called out
aloud, but no one answered. After walking about a long time, ho
ENTKKTAINMKNTS. 25
grew weary ; and sitting do.wn, was beginning to reflect on the
wonders which had happened, when he was interrupted by the
voice of one complaining. He listened attentively; and following
the sound he came to a magnificent hall, at the upper end of which,
on a throne of burnished gold, sat a handsome young man, richly
habited in regal attire, but oppressed with the deepest melancholy.
As the sultan drew near, he saluted him. The young prince re-
turned the salute, by bowing his head. " I ought to rise, sir," said
he to the sultan, " to receive you ; but alas ! I can but too well
apologize for continuing in this posture." Saying this, he drew
'aside his robe, and discovered to the sultan that he was only a man
from the head to the girdle, and that the other part of his body was
black marble.
11 What you show me," said the sultan, " fills me with grief and
horror. I conjure you, most unfortunate prince, to relate to me by
what accident you have been reduced to your present situation. I
am persuaded your story is somehow connected with certain extra-
ordinary events which have occurred to me lately. Perhaps for-
tune has led me hither to be of service to you."
u Alas !" replied the young man, " I have no hope of relief; yet,
though I must renew my grief by repeating my story, your ap-
pearance, as well as your offers of assistance, entitle you to com-
pliance."
THE HISTORY OF THE KING OF THE BLACK ISLES.
" T succeeded my father to the throne of the Black Isles a few
years ago. and invited to share it with me a young lady whom 1
had loved from my earliest infancy. She was my cousin ; we were
bred up together ; and T had every reason to suppose I was equally
dear to her. After a short time I found a visible coolness in the
queen's behavior, which afflicted me the more, as it seemed to in-
crease daily, and I could no way account for it.
" It chanced, as I was reposing on a sofa, two of her attendants
came into the room, and supposing me asleep, one of them said to
the other, ' Is not the queen much to blame to treat this amiable
j :ince so ill ? I wonder he does not discover her enormities.' ' You
d ; not know, then,' replied the other, 'that every evening she mixes
in his drink the juice of a certain herb, which causes him to sleep,
till by applying another herb to his nose she awakens him. 'Tis
by thia nicans she escapes detection.'
26
li Though I was much alarmed at this discourse, I still appeared
to sleep. In the evening I supped with the queen; but when she
presented me, before we retired, with a cup, I only pretended to
drink, and holding it to my mouth some time, I returned it to ber
untasted. We withdrew to our chamber, where, as soon as I lay
down on the bed, I pretended to fall into a deep sleep. The queen
immediately arose, dressed herself, and having said to me, ' Sloop.
and may you never awake again !' went out of the chamber.
" I was ready to follow her in an instant. She went to a little
grove adjoining the garden, where a man was waiting for her. ' I
reached the grove unobserved, and concealed myself behind a tree;
I listened to their conversation, and found that she seemed to lavish
her fondness on one who heard her very coolly. Enraged that she
should treat me so unworthily, 1 resolved to be revenged on her
minion. Accordingly, when they had passed me, I gave him a vio-
lent blow on the neck with my scimitar, which brought him to the
ground. I supposed he was slain: and not caring to corne to ex-
tremities with the queen, I retired in haste, without discovering
myself, and returned immediately to my chamber. In the morning
I found my wife lying by me as usual, but she either was, or pre-
tended to be, in a profound sleep, so that I arose and went to coun-
cil without having spoken to her.
li At dinner time she presented herself to me, clad in mourning,
and expressed the utmost affliction. Alas, sir,' said she, ' I am
oppressed with the most cruel misfortunes. I have just heard of
the death of my royal mother; and that the king, my father, has
lost a battle, in which he and one of my brothers have fallen. Suf-
fer me to retire for a twelvemonth to the Palace of Tears, that I
may pay a proper tribute to their memory.'
'I was not sorry she thus disguised the true cause of her grief;
and readily gave her the permission she desired. She withdrew
accordingly to that palace : and thithor I found out she conveyed
her gallant. The wound I had given him would have been mortal,
had she not preserved him by a drink, which she prepared and
administered to him herself, every day. But though she was able
by this means to keep him alive, yet she could neither cure him,
nor restore his faculties : he lives, indeed, but he can neither Avalk,
move, nor speak; his eyes alone give signs of existence, but not of
sensibility.
" 1 hoped that time would have removed the queen's sorrow I
ENTERTAINMENTS. 27
suffered her, therefore, to continue this course without interruj tion;
but when, at the end of two years, I found that her criminal afflic-
tion was still cherished, I fatally resolved to let her know I was
not unacquainted with the real source of it. I concealed myself
behind the tomb which she had erected for her gallant, and became
a witness of her ungovernable foil}''. The fondness she lavished on
him was excessive ; nor would it have been excusable had he been
in perfect health. For this adored lover, this minion, thus doated
on, was a black Indian ; and, as I was well informed, as disgusting
in his manners as in his person. 'Alas !' exclaimed she, ' ? tis now
two years since you have spoken to me ; you return no answer to
the many proofs of love I give you. Is it from the effect of your bar-
barous wound, or from contempt, that you are thus silent ? tomb,
have you swallowed up the affection he had for me ? ' Enraged at
these lamentations, I discovered myself all at once, and reproached
her with the utmost severity. She heard me at first in silence and
confusion ; but when I not only declared myself the punishcr of her
gallant, but drew my scimitar to take away the remains of his
life, her shame turned to rage; she instantly began to repeat en-
chantments, and pronouncing certain words I did not understand,
I became as you see me, half marble, half man.
" Nor did I alone fall a sacrifice to the revenge of this wicked
woman. By the force of her incantations, she transformed my
whole territory. The four islands which I reigned over, are be-
come the four hills you passed ; my capital city is changed to a
pond ; and my people are turned into fishes, of various colors : the
Mussulmans being white; the Persians, who adore fire, red; the
Christians, blue; and the Jews, yellow. This I learned from her
rage and reproaches ; for she is not satisfied with the evils I now
suffer, but every day she comes here, and gratifies her malice by
invectives, and even by blows, which I have no power to resist."
, The young king having finished his story, became overpowered
with grief. The sultan did his utmost to console him. In answer
to the further inquiries of his visitor, the king informed him that
the Palace of Tears was adjoining to the hall they were in; that
the enchantress visited the palace every morning at break of day,
when she first exercised her cruelty on him. and then attended her
gallant, with the drink which preserved him from dying, and be-
wailed over him his helpless condition.
The sultan having revolved these matters in his mind, took leave
28
of the unhappy king, when he found he was a little composed,
without acquainting him with his intention, lest a disappointment
should aggravate his affliction. He found out the Palace of Tears,
and as soon as he came to the bed where the black lay, he put
him to death, and dragging his body into the court of the palace,
threw it into a well ! lie then laid aside his upper garment, and
having blackened his hands, face, and neck, and taken his scimitar
with him, he lay down on the bed in the same posture in which he
had found the black.
He passed the night without sleeping, his whole thoughts being
occupied with the affair he was engaged in. At day-break the
loud lamentations of the unfortunate king, and the severe blows
he heard inflicted on him, gave him notice that the wicked en-
chantress was at hand. The poor prince filled the palace with his
outcries, and in vain besought her, in the most affecting manner, to
have pity on him. Having gratified her cruelty, she left him ; and
entering the Palace of Tears began, in her turn, to use the language
of affliction. " Alas !" exclaimed she, as she approached the bed
on which her supposed lover lay can I ever sufficiently revenge
the miseries I suffer? To whose jealousy and cruelty do I owe
the wretched situation of my adored lover ? Alas ! my life, my
love,'' continued she, addressing herself, as she supposed, to the
black, " will you never be delivered from this state of insensibility
and silence ? AVill you no more be able to tell me how much you
love me ?
The sultan affected to awaken slowly, as from a deep sleep.
At last, heaving a sigh, and imitating the accent of the blacks,
he said, " There is no force, or power, but in God alone, who is
almighty/ 7 The enchantress, on hearing these words, gave an ex-
cessive shout for joy ; when the sultan, turning toward her, said,
11 Unhappy queen ! if thou wouldst have my recovery complete,
restore thy husband, and cease to treat him with indignity." The
Fond enchantress flew to the hall, and taking a cup of water, pro-
nounced certain words over it, which caused it to boil, then throw-
ing it on the young king, she said, " If thou art in thy present
state by the force of my enchantments, resume thy natural
powers/'' On her uttering these words, the prince instantly found
himself restored ; the joy he felt was scarcely allayed by the in
solence of his enemy, who directed him, in the haughtiest manner,
to leave the palace immediately, and be seen there no more on
pain of death.
ENTERTAINMENTS. 29
The enchantress returned with impatience to her supposed
lover, and was delighted to find him appear much better. As she
was hastening toward him. the sultan cried out, "Stop, wretched
lady ; if thou approachest nearer to rue, I shall relapse into my
former state of insensibility; my recovery cannot be perfect until
thou hast reversed all thy enchantments, which have produced
such fatal consequences to thy husband's subjects and territory. 77
The enchantress, elated with joy and hope, immediately with-
drew, and in a few minutes dissolved all her spells, and restored
everything to its former condition. The fishes became men ; the
houses and shops were again filled with their inhabitants ; and tho
sultan's retinue were astonished to find themselves in the middle
of a large and populous city.
Tho wicked magician hastened back to the Palace of Tears, and
was transported to see her supposed lover sitting on the bed.
Fearing, however, to approach him too hastily, she restrained her-
self, and said, li I have in all things obeyed you ; I have restored
to its first state everything that I had transformed." " '"Tis well, ;;
replied the sultan, rising up, and going toward her ; " come now,
and receive the reward thou hast deserved." As she flew to meet
him, he, with one blow of his scimitar, put an end to her life, at
once punishing her past crimes, and preventing her repeating
them.
The joy of t'he king and people of the Black Isles, on their de-
liverance, was extreme. The sultan heartily congratulated the
king, inviting him at the same time to pass a few days in his capi
tal, which they might reach in a few hours' ride. But the king oi
the isles undeceived him. ''Though, 77 said he, "you came hither-
in that time, yet now the enchantment if ended, you will find it
several mouths' journey to the confines of your dominions. I
will, however, readily attend you, and ever acknowledge my obli-
gations to you to the last moment of my life. 7 '
Accordingly, after a few days' repose, the young king added a
hundred camels., laden with inestimable riches, to the retinue of
the sultan ; and joining the same with many of his nobles, he
conducted that prince to his capital, where they were received by
the faithful inhnltitu-.iN, with the loudest acclamations.
Nor was the fisherman forgot. As he was the cause of the dis-
covery, the sultan gave him a plentiful estate, which abundantly
gratified his utmost wishes.
30 AK A HI AN NIGHTS'
THE STORY OF THE THREE CALENDARS, SONS OF KINGS, AND O?
THE FIVE LADIES OF BAGDAD,
In the reign of Caliph Haroun Alraschid, there was at Bagdad a
porter, who was remarkable for his wit and good humor. O,e
day, as he was waiting for employment, a young and handsome
lady called to him. The porter was so struck with her appear-
ance and affability, that he followed her with joy, and exclaimed,
" happy day ! a day of good luck ! ;;
The lady knocked at a gate, and .a Christian, of venerable ap-
pearance, opened it. She put money into his hand, without speak-
ing a word : when he, knowing what she wanted, brought her a
large bottle of -wine, which the porter put into his basket. From
thence they proceeded to the diiferent dealers in provisions, fruits,
and perfumes, till the basket was quite full. Meantime, the por-
ter, by his ready wit and cheerful obedience, ingratiated himself
very much into the lady's favor. Having finished their marketing,
they arrived at a handsome house, where the lady, whose name
was Amine, caused the porter to take the provisions from his bas-
ket, for the inspection of her sisters, Zobeide and Safie.
The porter having delivered' his load was handsomely paid, but
instead of retiring, as he ought to havo done, he continued linger-
ing in the presence of the ladies. Zobeide, supposing him not
satisfied with his pay, offered to give him more. " I am overpaid
already, madam," replied he, "and am sensible I ought not to
have stayed here so long. But, permit me to say, I am surprised to
see no man in company with such beautiful ladies; you know the
company of women without men is as dull as the company of men
without women. Besides, the Bagdad proverb is allowed to be a
good one, which says : " One is never well at table, except there be
four in company.' ;;
The ladies laughed heartily at this discourse of the porter, who,
encouraged by their good humor, pressed his suit in such sprightly
terms, that convinced them that his education had been above his
condition. Notwithstanding which, Zobeide, recovering her se-
rious air, was about to reprimand his presumption, when Amine
interfered, and besought her sisters to let him stay and share their
3ntertainment. The porter could not restrain his joy on their
onsenting ; he would have restored the money he had received,
but the grave Zobeide ordered him to keep it. " That which we
have once given," said she, tl to reward those who have served us.
we never take again."
ENTERTAINMENTS. 31
They sat down to their repast together. After they had eaten
a little, Am me took a cup, tilled out wine, and drank first herself,
according to the custom of the Arabians; she then filled the cup
for her sisters, and last for the porter, who, as he received it,
kissed her hand, and, before'he drank, sung a song to this pur-
pose : " That as the wind brings along with it the sweet scent of
the perfumed places through which it passes, so the wine he was
going to drink, coming from her fair hand, received a moreexquis
ite taste than what it had of itself." This song pleased the ladies
highly, and the time they were at dinner passed away very pleas
antly : after which, Sane reminded the porter that it was time for
him to depart. He received this hint with visible reluctance, and
Amine once more became his advocate with her sisters ; who, to
oblige her, readily agreed he should continue till evening.
Zobeide, having signified their consent, turned to the porter and
said, ll One condition you must carefully observe : that whatsoever
we do in your presence, you take heed not to inquire the reason of,
nor presume to dive into the motive of our actions. That you
may perceive this is an invariable rule with us, rise up, and read
what is written over our gate, and then you may stay." The por-
ter, having read there this sentence in golden letters, " HE WHO
SPEAKS OF THINGS THAT DO NOT CONCERN HIM, SHALL HEAR OF
THINGS THAT WILL NOT PLEASE HIM," replied, *' I give you my
oath, ladies, that you shall never hear me speak of anything
which does not concern me, or wherein you have any concern."
During supper the}' sang, and repeated verses. The ladies took
pleasure in fuddling the porter, while they invited him to drink
their healths; mirth and good humor abounded, when they were
interrupted by a loud knocking at the gate.
Safie withdrew to inquire the cause, and presently returning, ac-
quainted her sisters that three calendars were at the gate, who
earnestly solicited to be received into the house, or even admitted
within the porch, for one night, being all strangers, just arrived
at Bagdad ; Safie added that they were young, handsome, and of
good address ; though each of them was deprived of his right eye.
Zobeide and Amine, finding Safie was desirous they should be
entertained, desired her to introduce them ; but to be very explicit
in telling them the terms on which they were admitted.
Safie accordingly led them in, after haviug shown them the
writing over *he gate, and laid the same injunctions on them that
3fc ARABIAN NIGHTS'
the porter had received, to which they each promised exact, obe
dience. Having paid their respects to the ladies, one of them cast
his eye upoii the porter, who was clad much like those calendars
who neither shave their beards nor eyebrows, and exclaimed,
" See, we have got one of our revolted Arabian brethren. "
The porter, who was half asleep, and warm with wine, was af-
fronted at these words ; and with a fierce look, answered, " Sit you
down, and do not meddle with what does not concern you have
you not read the inscription over the gate ? do not pretend to
make people live after your fashion, but follow ours." The calen-
dar apologized to the captious porter, and the ladies interposing,
pacified him. After the strangers had received suitable refresh-
ment, various instruments of music were introduced j the ladies
each took one, the calendars did the same, and began a concert of
music, which was interrupted by another loud knocking.
The caliph Haroun Alraschid was accustomed to walk abroad
in disguise very often by night, accompanied by Giafar, his grand
vizier, and Mesrour, chief of the eunuchs, to inspect into the order
of the city, ind see that the duty of the magistrates was properly
executed. Passing by the palace of the ladies, he heard the sound
of music and jollity ; and chose to inquire into the reason of it.
The vizier represented to him that it was not yet an unlawful hour,
and that by disturbing their mirth, in that disguise, he would prob-
ably expose himself to insult ; but the impatient caliph put an
end to his remonstrances, by ordering him to knock loudly at the
gate. On Safie appearing, Giafar represented to her that they
were Maussol merchants, strangers in Bagdad, who having rambled
a considerable way from their khan (or inn) were at a loss to find
it ; they therefore besought from their hospitality the favor of pass-
ing the night under their protection.
The ladies, having already admitted the calendars, made no
1 esitation to receive also these pretended merchants. The custo-
mary caution of the family was given to them, which they prom-
ised to observe; the diversions were resumed ; the calendars arose
and danced after their manner, and every one endeavored to con-
tribute to the pleasure of the company.
After some time. Zobeide arose and taking Amine by the, hand,
said, with a sigh, " Sister, it grows late ; it is timo for us to pi
to what wo are wont to do. The company are properly cautioned,
Aerefore their presence need not delay a business Avhich must not
be dispensed with."
ENTERTAINMENTS. 33
Amine withdrew, and returned immediately, leading two black
bitches, which appeared to have been severely beaten. She deliv-
ered the chain of one to the porter, and led the other into the
middle of the room. Zobeide appeared much distressed ; but re-
ceiving the bitch from her sister, she said, " Alas ! we must per-
form our duty !' ? The bitch at the same time began to cry, and
holding up her head, in an entreating manner, to supplicate com-
passion. Zobeide, notwithstanding, having received rods, disre-
garded her cries, and whipped her for a long time, with great
severity; after which she flung away the rods with indignation,
raised up the streaming animal by the paws, wept over her, and
having wiped the tears from the eyes of the bitch, she kissed her
and delivered her to Amiue, who led her away. She then received
the other bitch from the porter, and treated her in the same man
nor ; discovered the same reluctance, the same severity, the same
sympathy, and dismissed her with equal marks of affection.
As soon as Zobeide had recovered from her fatigue, Amine took
a lute and played a plaintive tune, which she accompanied with
her voice. Having played and sung for sometime, she became
transported with her own melody, and her powers failing her, she
fainted away. Zobeide and Safie flew to her assistance, and en-
deavored to recover her. But the fit not yielding to common
methods, they were obliged, for air, to lay bare her bosom, which
appeared bruised, and so full of scars as to shock the beholders.
When the caliph was first introduced he was struck with the
beauty and elegant manners of the ladies; the singular appear-
ance of the calendars, all young men of polite address, and all
blind of the right eye, had exceedingly engaged his attention. He
was astonished at the conduct of Zobeide, in so severely whipping
the two bitches, and afterward crying with them ; wiping away
their tears, and kissing them, though such animals" are considered
by the Mussulman religion as unclean ; and the sight of Amine's
bosom excited his highest indignation against the person who had
so cruelly abused her. Yet he still suffered himself to be re-
strained by the conditions imposed on him and his companions.
\Vhile he was meditating on these extraordinary events, he over-
heard the calendars expressing to each, other their wonder also.
The caliph had not doubted before but the calendars were part
of the family ; but when he found that they were strangers, and
wcro equally astonished at what had passed, he entered into COP
2*
3* ARABIAN NIGHTS*
versation with them. Zoboide and Safie still continuing engaged
in the care of Arnine, the caliph beckoned the porter, expecting to
receive information from him ; as he was also unacquainted with
these matters, the prince proposed that they should all throw aside
the law which had been imposed upon them, and jointly request
the ladies to explain these mysteries. The calendars assented to
the proposal, but each declined to ask the question. At last they
a,ll agreed in requiring the porter to do it. While they were con-
versing on this subject. Amine recovered ; and Zobeide, who had
heard them speak with much earnestness, drew near and inquired
the cause of their dispute; to which the porter bluntly answered,
" Madam, these gentlemen desire you will acquaint them why you
wept over your two bitches, after you had whipped them ; and
how that lady's bosom, who fainted lately, became so full of
Bears."
Zobeide, turning to the caliph and the rest of the company, with
an air of indignation asked if they had ordered the porter to make
that request. On their acknowledging that they bad, she said,
" Before we gave you the protection of our house, you were aich
separately cautioned, not to speak of things which did not concern
you, lest you should hear of that which would not please you ; take
therefore the just punishment of your impertinence and ingrati-
tude." As she spoke, she gave three hard knocks with her foot,
and clapping her hands as often, cried, " Come quick.'' A door
immediately flew open, and seven strong slaves with scimitars in
their hands, rushed in. Every one seized a man, threw him on the
ground, and prepared to cut off his head. The frightened porter
exclaimed aloud, " For Heaven's sake do not punish me for the
crimes of others! I am innocent; they are to blame; alas ! ; ' con-
tinued he, crying, " how happy were we before these blind calen-
dars came; they are the cause of this misfortune; there is no
town in the world but falls to ruin, wherever these inauspicious
follows come !"
The caliph, alarmed at his situation, was about to discover him-
eelf, when Zobeide, who, notwithstanding her anger, could scarce
refrain from laughing aloud at the lamentation of the porter, thus
addressed herself to them all : " Your unworthy conduct conduces
me that you are common fellows of no credit in your own coun-
tries. If, however, you have anything to say before you pay the
penalty of your folly, we will hear you.'' At these words, one of
ENTERTAINMENTS. 35
the calendars lifted up his head, and declared that he and hia
brother calendars were princes, and had passed through such
wonderful adventures, that, were they told, would recommend
them to her pity and forgiveness.
Zobeide, having consulted with her sisters, said, u Relate, then,
those events which you speak of: if they are indeed singular, they
may perhaps soften our resentment." The slaves then sufferei
them to rise, and the calendar who had thus far prevailed with the
affronted lady to suspend their resentment, began his story.
HISTORY OF THE FIRST CALENDAR.
'My grandfather reigned over two adjoining kingdoms; one of
which he bequeathed at his death to my father, and the other to
his younger son. As the utmost cordiality subsisted between the
two brothers, when I grew up and had completed my exercises, I
used to pass a month every year in my uncle's court, in company
with his son, who was about my age, and with whom I had con-
tracted an intimate friendship.
"The last visit I paid him, my uncle was absent on a progress
through his distant provinces. My cousin received me with un-
usual ardor of affection. After a few days' repose, he told me that
I could render him an important service : but before he could ex-
plain himself, he must exact a solemn oath, that I would never
discover what he should employ me to do, nor any measure he
should take in consequence of that service. I had the greatest
affection for my cousin, and doubted not but his whole conduct was
regulated by virtue and honor. I made no scruple, therefore, to
take the oath he required ; on which he requested me to go in the
evening to the gardens which were set apart for the women of the
seraglio, ' Tf you are seen,' said he, no one will venture to ques-
tion you ; and when a lady joins you, all I desire of you is, to con-
duct her as she shall direct you, and to keep my secret.'
"I obeyed his commands; the lady met me, and at her desire, I
conducted her to a cemetery adjoining to the city, whore, at a new
tomb, we found the prince waiting to receive us ; he had with him
a pitcher with water, a hatchet, and a little bag of plaster. With
the hatchet he broke down the sepulchre in the midst of the tomb;
he then lifted up a trap-door, which discovered a staircase : ' This,
m;ulam.' said he. ' is the way.' The lady immediately descended
the stairs, and the prince prepared to follow her Turning to me,
36 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
ho thanked me for my services; but in answer to my eager in-
quiries, said only, ' Adieu, my dear cousin ! remember your oath.
Then letting down the trap-door, he disappeared.
' I returned to the palace unobserved. After some days, the
prince not appearing, the ministers of my uncle were greatly dis-
tressed to know what was become of him. I did not venture to re-
veal to them what I knew ; and indeed, when for my own satisfac-
tion, J sought the tomb where I had left him, there were so many
alike, that I found it impossible to distinguish it.
u As the king continued his tour, I determined to return to my
father's court; on my arrival, I was immediately surrounded by the
guards, and taken prisoner. The king, my father, was dead : and
his treacherous vizier taking advantage of my absence, had cor-
rupted the soldiery, and seized the throne. This usurper had a
personal hatred of me. When I w r as a boy. I was shooting at a
bird with a cross-bow, the ball unfortunately hit the vizier and put
' out one of his eyes. I made every apology in my power, yet he
never forgave me ; and now, when I was brought into his presence,
he ran at me in a rage, and pulled out my right eye. But not
daring to put me to death in the capital, lest he should excite an
insurrection among the people, he sent me to a distant part of the
country, under the care of his most trusty adherents, who had orders
to destroy me.
" From these assassins I found means to escape, and with much
difficulty I arrived at the dominions of my uncle, who received me
with the greatest friendship. After having condoled me, he told
me with much sorrow of the absence of the prince, his son. His
excessive grief overcame me ; and notwithstanding my oath, I told
him all that had passed between me and my cousin.
"The king listened to me with great attention. "When I had
finished my narrative, he proposed we should go privately in search
of the tomb. We went accordingly ; and I knew it immediately,
though I had so often sought for it before in vain. We removed
the trap-door with much exertion, as the prince had secured it on
the inside with the mortar he took with him. On descending, wo
found an elegant suite of rooms, in one of which w r as a bed with the
curtains close drawn ; these the king opened, and we found the
prince and the lady in the bed, burnt to a coal.
" While I viewed this spectacle w r ith horror, I was surprised that
my uncle, instead of testifying grief at the fate of his son, spat in his
KNTERTA INMFA'TS. 37
face, and exclaimed, * This is the punishment of this world, but that
of the other will last to eternity ! ; The king perceived my astonish,
ment, and explained his conduct by acquainting me, that a criminal
passion had arisen between the prince and that lady, who was^ hia
sister ; that he had in vain exerted the authority of a father and of
a sovereign, to restrain these unworthy children that before he
began his late tour, he had given an absolute order, that the prince
should not be permitted to approach the women's apartment. ' The
wretch, 7 continued the unhappy father, ' has rendered vain all my
precautions. It is plain he built these subterraneous apartments
for a retreat, and made use of your friendship to obtain the miser-
able partner of his iniquity ; but God, who would not suffer such an
abomination, has justly punished them both.'
" When we were recovered from the horror of this scene, we
agreed to retire as privately as we came ; to cover up the trap-door
with earth, and to hide, if possible forever, so shocking an instance
of human depravity in our relations. We returned to the palaco
in the deepest affliction ; but our attention was soon called to other
objects. The vi/jer, who had usurped my crown, was an able gen
eral ; not doubting but that my uncle would endeavor to punish his
crimes, and to revenge me, he determined to be beforehand with
him - } he led the flower of his troops into the field, and by skilful
conduct and rapid marches, he contrived to surprise the capital.
At the instant of our return, we found that the enemy had entered
the gates. We flew to put ourselves at the head of the guards,
and made a vigorous resistance, but the fortune of the usurper pre-
vailed. My uncle fell gallantly fighting ; all opposition became
fruitless : I had no hope of mercy. I contrived therefore to escape ;
and, in this habit. I passed unknown through my uncle's dominions.
I arrived this day at Bagdad, intending to throw myself at the
feet of the glorious caliph Haroun Alraschid, and to implore his
protection/'
HISTORY OF THE SECOND CALENDAR.
" I also, madam," began the second calendar, " am the son of
a king. I pass over the events of my early life, and come to that
which introduced me to so many misfortunes.
" My father having occasion to send an embassy to the sultan of
the Indies, thought the journey, and the survey of a foreign court,
would be exceedingly useful to me. By his command I joined the
38 AT? \ HI AN NIGHTS'
caravan ; we travelled for a month with safety and pleasure ; when
we were suddenly beset by a numerous troop of robbers, who
plundered our baggage, killed many of our party, and dispersed
the jest.
11 1 had the good fortune to escape unhurt ; but I was alone and
wholly unacquainted with the country. I journeyed on for many
weeks, and at last arrived at a large city, in a most deplorable sit-
uation ; my body sun-burnt, my clothes worn out, and without the
means of obtaining others. On my entering the town, I applied
to a tailor, to mend my tattered garments ; while he was rendering
me this service, he entered into conversation with me, and inquired
who I was and whence I came. I made no hesitation to acquaint
him with my situation. 'Take especial care,' replied the tailor,
' how you reveal to any one else who you are; the prince of this
country is the mortal enemy of your father ; the laws of hospitality,
or even humai ity, are little regarded by him; judge, then, how
necessary it is for you to be concealed.' The instant I heard the
name of the city where I was, I knew the necessity of this caution.
'' The friendly tailor was of the utmost service. to me. lie took
me into his house, and gave me such refreshments as his poverty
could furnish. Some days after, when I was pretty well recovered
from my fatigue, my host, knowing that most princes of our re-
ligion apply themselves to some art or calling, inquired of me
which I had learned. Unfortunately I had neglected that useful
custom. * You must then,' said he, ' submit to harder labor, for it
will not be safe for you to continue unemployed in this city : join
those poor people who cut fuel for the use of the town, in the
neighboring forests; I will supply you with a proper habit, ar.d
with implements; you may then remain in safety with me, till an
opportunity offers of returning to your father's dominions.'
"I followed this prudent advice, and for a year went daily to
the forest. One day, as I was pulling up the root of a tree. I es-
pied an iron ring, fastened to a trap-door : on lifting it, I saw some
stairs, which I descended, and found they led to several stately
rooms, in one of which I discovered a lovely lady, of noble carriage^
and extraordinary beauty. She expressed the greatest surprise at
seeing me: 'I have lived/ said she, '" twenty-five years here, and
no\f>r saw any man before! by what adventure are you come
hither ?'
" I was avlunned to be considered, bv so lovclv a woman, as an
ENTERTAINMENTS. 39
humble wood-cutter; 1 therefore readily told her who I was ; and
requested to know by what accident she had been so long secluded
from the world. ' Alas ! prince/ said she, ' I am also of royal
birth; my father, king of the isle of Ebene, gave me in marriage
to a prince ; but on my weddiag-night, before I was introduced to
my spouse, a genie took me away.
"'I was a long time inconsolable; but time and necessity have
accustomed me to receive the hateful genie. He visits me every
tenth day. If I wish to see him at any other time, I touch the
talisman you see there, and he presently appears. He will not be
here these five days ; if you choose to pass them with me, I will
endeavor to entertain you according to your quality and merit. 7 I
embraced her proposal with the greatest joy.
" The next day she introduced at dinner a bottle of excellent old
wine ; niy head grew affected by it. ' Princess/ said I, ' you have
too long been thus buried alive ; you shall not continue to be en-
slaved by this tyrant, Let him come ; I swear I will extirpate all
the genii in the world, and him first; and for this talisman, I will
break it. ; The princess entreated me not to touch the talisman.
I know/ said she, * what belongs to genii better than you.' But
in vain; the fumes of the wine did not suffer me to hearken to her.
I gave the talisman a violent kick with my foot, and broke it all
to pieces.
'' Immediately the palace began to shake : thunder, lightning,
and darkness, appalled us. This terrible appearance in an instant
dispelled my drunkenness. I perceived at once my folly and the
danger we were in.
" The princess, anxious only for me, urged me to escape imme-
diately. I obeyed her in so much haste, that I left my hatchet and
cords behind me. I had scarce ascended up the stairs, when I saw
the palace open, and. the genie rushing in, the earth closed.
" I returned to the city in great distress, grieved at my own mis
conduct, and in despair for the poor princess. When I got home,
I paid little attention to the joy expressed by my friendly tailor
for my safe return ; but retired to my chamber, and gave myself up
to the most tormenting reflections.
" From these I was soon roused by my host, who came to tell
me that an old man had brought home my hatchet and cords,
which he would not deliver to anybody but mvself. I turned pale
it this intelligence ; but before I had time to recover myself, the
40 A i: API AN
old man followed him : 'Do not these tilings belong to you ?' said
be. sternly. This abrupt question, his terrible aspect, and my own
fears, made me unable to answer him. While I continued thus
torpid from terror, he seized me, dragged me out of the house,
and mounting into the air. carried me along with incredible swift-
then descending, he struck the earth with his foot, which
opened, and we found ourselves in the palace of the princess of
Ebene. But nlas ! what a spectacle ! The poor prii cess was lying
on the ground, fainting, naked, and bleeding.
"' Perfidious wretch !' said the genie to her, ' is not this thy gal-
lant ?' She, casting up her languishing eyes at me, said, * I do not
know him, nor ever saw him before.' * What !' said the genie, * Is
he not the cause of thy being in the condition thou art so justly in !
and yet darest thou say thou dost not know him ?' * I do not know
him/ replied the princess. ' If so,' said the genie, presenting a
scimitar to her, ' cut off his head/ ' Alas !' replied the prince--. 1
am not able to obey your barbarous command, even if I were will-
ing.' The' genie, turning from her, with indignation said to me,
' And thou dost not thou know her ?'
" I should have been the basest of slaves, had I been less faithful
to her than the princ me. I therefore answered firmly,' I
kut>w her not, nor have ever seen her before.' * Take then the soim-
itar,' said the genie, ' and cut off her head ! I shall then be convin-
ced of your innocence, and will set you at liberty.' ' With all my
heart.' replied I.
" The unhappy princess oast up to me a look expressive of her
readiness to die tor my safety : but nothing could be further from
my intention than to perpetrate such a crime. Checking, therefore,
my seemintr readiness. I paused a moment, aivl then said to the ge-
nie, ' I cannot bring myself to take away the life of an unhappy lady.
who hath done me no wrong. If by murder onjy I can escape your
unjust resentment, I am in your power, and you must do with me as
you please.'
'' I see.' said the jronio, * that you both put me at defiance.' liar-
ing said this, he took up the scimitar, and put an end to her life.
Then turning to me, ' Was I sure,' said he. ' that she had put a greater
affront on me than in conversing with thee, thou also shouldst die ;
but I will be content with transforming thee into a dog, ape, lion, or
bird : take thy choice.' * genie," said I, ' it is more noble to par-
dou than to punish; if you will generously dismiss me, I shall ever
ENTERTAINMENTS. 41
gratefully remember your clemency, and you "will act like the
Uious sultan Hassan All, whoeti f n-bearancc was the cause of all
his good fortune. ' I will have patiem-e till you tell me that story/
replied the genie, * but think not to escape unpunished.' "
THE STORY OF THE ENVIOUS MAX, AND OF HIM THAT HE ENVIED.
Hassan Ali was respected by all his neighbors, except by one
man : who, envying his great reputation, conceived a violent hatred
to him. Hassan endeavored in vain, by repeated good offices, to
overcome this dislike : but muling his neighbor's ill-will uncon-
querable, he determined to remove to another town, rather than
live at enmity.
He removed accordingly, put on the habit of a dervis, and pass-
ed his time in retirement. The sajictity of his manners, and the
benevolence of his heart, acquired him general esteem. He was
raised to the head of a convent of dervishes, and his reputation
spread abroad, till it reached the town he had left, and renew-
ed the ill-will of his unworthy neighbor. This man, becoming
more inveterate than ever against Hassan, determined to visit him
at his convent, with intent to destroy him. Hassan received him
kindly, and readily went with him into the garden of the convent,
to hear the business he pretended to have with him.
It was night, and the envious man was well acquainted with the
a. lie prolonged the conversation till they came to the edge
of a deep well, when suddenly turning, he pushed Hassan into it.
He then left the convent hastily, and returned home, rejoicing that
he had gratified his malice and destroyed the good dervis.
It chanced that the well was inhabited by fairies and genii, who
received Hassan and preserved him.
While he was reflecting on these events, he heard a voice rela-
ting his story, and after highly praising him, go on to declare, that
the sultan intended to visit him the next day to recommend his
daughter to his pray
Another voice a.-ked, " What need had the princess of the der-
rs ?" To which the tirst answered, " She i*
he cure > '.ere is in the convent a black
ith a white spot at the end of her tail ; let seven of these
urned in presence of the princess, and the genie
will leave her, and never dare to return/' 7 The dervis took care to
remember this conversation. In the morning he got out of tha
42 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
well without difficulty : when he entered the convent, his vat com.
ing as usual to play about him, he pulled out seven hairs from the
white spot on the tail, and put them safely by.
Shortly afterward, the sultan arrived with his attendants. lias-
Ban received him with suitable respect, and immediately, before the
Bultan had explained the cause of his coming, he caused fire to
be brought in ; and burning the hairs, the genie gave a great cry,
and left the princess, who instantly appeared to be perfectly recov-
ered. The sultan rejoiced beyond measure at this event : having
the highest opinion of the good dervis, he gave him his daughter
for a wife, and dying soon after, Hassan succeeded to his throne.
"When he made his public entry into his capital, great crowds
flocked from all parts to see their new sovereign. Among the
rest, came the envious man, who little expected to find his old
neighbor alive, and become his prince. The good Hassan, seeing
him in the throng, commanded him to be brought before him.
The envious man came into his presence trembling, and expecting
the punishment he deserved ; but the sultan ordered him valuable
presents, and dismissed him with this remark : " I freely forgive
thy past malice, and consider thee as entitled to reward, having
been the cause of my good fortune but as the evil thou didst in-
tend me has been most serviceable to me, so the good I now do
thee will become evil if thou dost not shake off thy malignity."
" You see, genie, said I, how nobly Hassan Ali behaved to his
enemy. Let me entreat you to follow his example. Instead of-
attending to my request, the genie threw some earth in my face,
and vanished. I found myself all at once removed from the palace
to the ridge of a mountain, and transformed into an ape.
" I was overwhelmed with sorrow at this metamorphosis. I de-
termined, without knowing why, to- leave the mountain and to
the sea-coast, which I saw at a great distance. When 1 came
there, I found a vessel at anchor near the shore ; I broke off the
arm of a tree, and getting on it, guided it with two small sticks,
which served me for oars, till I came close to the vessel, when I
seized a rope, and jumped on board. The passengers had seen my
dexterity with much pleasure ; but when I leaped on board, their
superstition took alarm every one pursued me with handspikes or
arrows, and I should certainly have been slain, if I had not thrown
myself at the feet of the captain, and, by my tears and expressive
gestures, obtained his protection,
ENTERTAINMENTS. 43
* A few days aftei we made the port of a capital town. On our
arrival, some officers came on board and desired as many as chose,
to write in a paper they produced. The reason of this request
was, the vizier of the country was lately dead ; who, besides pos-
sesbing other great talents, was a very fine writer and the sultan
had determined not to give his place but to one who would write
as well. Everybody, on hearing this story, was eager to write.
When they had done, I made signs that I could write. The offi-
cers paid no regard to me, but the captain stood once more my
friend. At his request a pen was given to me, and I wrote six
sorts of hands used among the Arabians ; each specimen being a
distich in compliment to the sultan. As soon as that prince saw
my writing, he ordered his officers to conduct the writer to court
in great pomp, and to declare him vizier. The officers could not
restrain their laughter on receiving this order, but immediately
apologized to their sovereign by acquainting him that the writer
was not a man, but an ape. The sultan was amazed, and express-
ed great desire to see me. On my being introduced, I directly
paid my respects to him, in the usual manner, to the surprise of
the spectators who wondered how an ape should distinguish the
prince and behave to him so properly.
" The sultan retiring to dine, made a sign for me to attend him.
After dinner a chess-board was brought in, and on his pointing to
it, I made him understand that I could play the game. We sat
down ; the sultan won the first game, but I won the second and
third. Seeing him disconcerted, I immediately wrote a compli-
mentary distich which restored his good humor.
" The sultan had a daughter who was justly called the Lady of
Beauty, of whom he was exceeding fond. Thinking the sight of so
wonderful an ape would entertain her, he sent for her ; on her
entering the room she let fall her veil, though there was only the
customary attendants present. The sultan inquired the cause of
this novelty : Sir,' replied the princess, ' the ape that you have by
you is a young prince, transformed by enchantment. I have learned
the seventy rules of magic, whence I know, at first sight, all per
sons who are enchanted, and how they became so.' * Have you
power, also,' said the sultan, * to dispel the charm ? J l I have,' re-
plied the princess. ' Do so then immediately, I entreat you,' said
the sultan; ' I interest myself exceedingly in this prince's fortune ;
if you can restore him, I will make him my vizier, and he shall
marry you.'
44 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
4i The Lady of Beauty retired, and presently returning, brought
a knife which had some Hebrew words engraved on the blade. She
conducted the sultan and myself, attended by the master of the
eunuchs and a little slave, into a private court of the palace; and
placing us in the gallery, she drew a circle within which she wrote
eeveral words in Arabian characters, some of them ancient, others
of the character of Cleopatra.
" When she had finished the circle she placed herself in the centre
of it, where she began adjurations, and repeated verses out of the
Alcoran. The air insensibly grew dark ; all at once the genie ap-
pe'ared in the shape of a lion of a frightful size.
'* Wretch,' said the princess to him, 'darest thou present thy-
self in that shape, thinking to frighten me ?' ' And thou,' replied
the lion, 'art thou not afraid to break the treaty which was so
solemnly made between us ? but thou shalt quickly have thy re-
ward. At these words he opened his terrible jaws and ran at her
to devour her ; but she leaped backward, pulled out one of her
hairs, and by pronouncing three or four words, changed herself into
a sharp sword, and cut the lion in two.
u The lion vanished, and a scorpion appeared in his room. The
princess became a serpent, and fought the scorpion, who, finding
himself worsted, took the shape of an eagle, and flew away. The
serpent also took the same shape and pursued him, so that we lost
sight of them both. Some time after the ground opened, and there
eame forth a cat, with her hair standing upright, and making a
fearful mewing ; a black wolf followed her close, and gave her no
time to rest. The cat thus hard beset, changed herself into a worm
and a pomegranate lying by the side of the canal, the worm pierced
it in an instant and hid itself; but the pomegranate immediately
swelled as big as a gourd, and presently burst into several pieces.
The wolf became a cock, and picked up the seeds of the pomegra-
nate ; when he could find no more, he came toward us. as if he
would ask us whether he had left any. There was one lying at tho
brink of the canal, which we perceiving, pointed it out to mo
cock, which ran speedily toward it ; just as he was going to pick
it up, the seed rolled into the river, and became a little fish. The
cock jumped into the river, and was turned into a pike, which pur.
. sued the small fish. They continued both under water about two
hours, and we began to wonder what had become of them,
when, on a sudden, we heard such terrible cries as made us
ENTERTAINMENTS. 4A
tremble, and presently we saw the princess and the genie all in
flames. They threw flashes of fire at each other so fiercely, that
we apprehended chat the palace would be consumed ; but we soon
had more reason to be alarmed, for the genie, having got loose from
the princess, came to the gallery and blew flames on us. The
princess flew to our relief and beat away the genie ; but in that
momentary attack the sultan's face was dreadfully scorched, the
eunuch was stifled, and a spark entering my right eye it became
blind, We expected nothing but death, when we heard a cry of
' Victory ! victory !' the princess appeared in her natural shape,
but the genie was reduced to a heap of ashes.
" The princess hastily caught up some water in the hollow of her
hand, and uttering certain words, she threw it over me, and I be-
came a man as before, one eye only excepted. As I was about to
return thanks to my deliverer, she prevented me by addressing her
father thus : ' Sir, I have got the victory over the genie ] but it is a
victory that costs me dear, as I have but a few moments to live.
This would not have been had I perceived the last of the pomegra-
nate seeds, and swallowed it as I did the others. That oversight
obliged me to have recourse to fire, and to fight with those mighty
arms, as I did, between heaven and earth, in your presence. I
have conquered and reduced the genie to ashes; but the fire pierced
me also during the terrible combat, and I find I cannot escape
death.'
" We were thunderstruck at this declaration, and had scarce re-
covered the power of expressing our sorrow, when the princesb
cried out : ' Oh, I burn !' She continued some time crying out, till
at last the effect of the fire was so violent, that she also, as the
genie, was reduced to a heap of ashes.
" I was inexpressibly grieved for this fatal misfortune. The
sultan fainted away ; and when he revived, he continued several
days so ill that his life was despaired of. W^hen he was a little re-
covered he sent for me : ( Prince/ said he, ' listen to the orders I
now give you ; it will cost you your life if you do not obey them
I have constantly lived in felicity till you arrived in my dominions ,
I need not remind you of the sad reverse I now experience, or of
the loss of my daughter. You are the cause of all. Depart from
. hence in peace, without delay ; I am persuaded your presence brings
mischief along with it ; depart, and take care of ever appearing
again in my dominions \ there is no consideration that shall hinder
40 AltAlilAN NIGHTS'
my making you repent of it if you do. 7 1 was going tc reply but
he prevented me, and drove me from his presence with words full
of anger. Rejected, banished, thrown off by all the world, f
caused my beard and eyebrows to be shaved and set off for Bag.
dad ; lamenting more for the two unfortunate princesses than for
my own wretchedness. I arrived here this evening, and hope to get
admission to the commander of the faithful, and, by reciting my
strange adventures, to obtain his princely compassion."
HISTORY OF THE THIRD CALENDAR.
" My name is Agib. I am the son of a king, at whose death f
took possession of an extensive and flourishing kingdom. When I
was settled on the throne I resolved to visit the distant provinces
of my empire, particularly several valuable islands. We had an
exceeding pleasant voyage there, but on our return a furious storm
arose, and drove us so far out of our course that the pilot knew
not in what direction to steer. While we were in this uncertainty
a sailor from the mast-head gave notice that he saw something
which had the appearance of land, but looked uncommonly black.
<% The pilot on this report expressed the utmost consternation.
' We are lost,' said he, ' the tempest has driven us within the influ-
ence of the black mountain, which is a rock of adamant, and at
this time its attraction draws us toward it ; to-morrow we shall
approach so near that the iron and nails will be drawn out of the
ship, which of course must fall to pieces, and as the mountain is
entirely inaccessible, we must all perish.'
" This account was too true. The next day, as we drew near
the mountain the iron all flew out of it, the ship fell to pieces, and
the whole crew perished in my sight. I had the good fortune to
secure a plank which bore me up, and the tide gently drove me to
the foot of the mountain ; when I approached it, I found it was
entirely perpendicular for a great height ; I continued therefore
upon my plank coasting it, and was almost reduced to despair,
when I discovered a flight of steps that went up to the top. These
I gained with great difficulty ; there was no ground on either side ;
and when I landed I found the steps so narrow, rugged, and diffi-
cult, that the least wind must have blown me into the sea. J got
up, notwithstanding, to the top without accident, and gave God
I hanks for my deliverance.
* On the summit of the mountain I found a dome of fine brass,
ENTKKTAIXMKNTS. 47
upon the top of which stood the figure of a man on horseback, of
tlie .same metal. Being much fatigued, I lay down under the dome,
and soon fell asleep; when I dreamt that the old man came to me,
and said : ' Hearken, Agib ! as soon as thou art awake, dig up the
ground under thy feet, and thou shalt find a bow of brass and three
arrows of lead ; shoot the arrows at the statue, and the rider w T iri
fall into the sea, but the horse will fall down by thee, which thou
must bury in the same place whence thou takest the bow and
arrows. This being done, the mountain will gradually sink down
into the sea ; and thou wilt have the glory of delivering mankind
i'rom the many calamities it occasions. "When it has sunk to tho
surface of the water, thou shalt see a boat with one man in it ; this
man is also of metal. Step on board the boat, and let him con-
duct thee ; in ten days' time he will bring thee to land, whence,
thou wilt find easy passage to thy own country. But be particu-
larly careful not to mention the name of God while thou continuest
in this boat.'
"When I aw r oke I w r as much comforted by the vision, which I
prepared to obey. I dug up the arrows, and shot them at the
statue; every event foretold in my dream followed precisely ; and
when I got into the boat of metal. I found a quantity of all kinds
of refreshments, which were very acceptable. For nine days the
man of metal continued to row day and night without ceasing. I
was so mindful of the caution I had received, that I did not speak
at all ; but arriving then near some islands, my joy made me for-
get myself, and I exclaimed, ' God's name be blest !' Immediately
the man and boat sunk, and I was left in the water.
" I got safe on shore, and presently saw a vessel drawing nigh
the island; not knowing what sort of people might be in it, I
climbed a thick tree whence I could see them undiscovered.
Presently a number of slaves landed, and began to dig near the
tree where I had taken refuge. Soon after a venerable old gen-
tleman came on shore, leading a handsome youth, attended by
several slaves who carried provisions. They came together to the
place where the slaves had opened the ground ; after a short stay,
they all returned to the vessel, except the young man, and sailed
away.
" When I perceived they were at such a distance that they could
not see me, I descended from the tree, and easily removing the
loose earth, came to a flight of steps ; these I descended, and found
48 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
a room handsomely furnished, and the young man silting upon a
couch. lie started at the sight of me, yet rose to receive me with
a good grace. I presently removed his fears, by offering to deliver
him from his confinement, on which he requested me with a smile
lo sit down by him, while he related the cause of his being left in
that place.
" * My father, sir./' said he, ' had grown old in successful traffic,
and had gained immense wealth, before it had pleased Providence
to grant him a child to inherit it. He had begun to despair of the
blessing, when I was born. The joy he felt at my birth was pres-
ently clouded over; for, in his anxiety tor my welfare, he con-
sulted astrologers, as to what my future lot would be. They told
him I should reach fifteen in perfect health, and if I survived that
birthday, I should attain a good old age, in prosperity ; but that
about that time, Prince Agib would throw down the statue of brass
from the mountain of adamant, and within fifty days after would
put an end to my life.
" l My father was exceedingly afflicted at this prediction, and
prepared this habitation to conceal me in at the destined period
As the time slid on, his uneasiness in some degree subsided ; but
he learned yesterday, that ten days ago the statue was overturned
by the prince they had mentioned; and I want just forty days to
complete my fifteenth year. These circumstances have awakened
all his terrors ; he hastened to place me in this asylum, to which I
came very cheerfully ; for surely Prince Agib will never seek me
in a place under ground, in the midst of a desert island.'
" While the young man was relating this story, I was surprised
to find myself so much interested in it. I despised those astrolo-
gers, who had foretold that I should take away the life of a youth
for whom I already began to feel affection. I encouraged him in
the hopes that he was out of all danger; I offered to continue
with him as a companion during his confinement, but took care not
to let him know that I was the Agib whom he dreaded. He
received my offer with joy; and we passed thirty -nine days very
pleasantly.
" The fortieth day came, and in the morning the young man
rejoiced that the threatened danger was over ; he prepared him-
self by bathing to receive his father, and being fatigued, he lay
down on a couch to repose. After a while he requested me to
give him some melon. I looked out the best which remained, but
EXTKKTATNMKNTS. 49
was at a loss for a knife to cut it. 'There is one/ said be, ' on the
cornice over rny head.' I saw it, and made so much haste to reach
it, that when I had taken it in my hand, my foot being entangled
in the covering of the couch, I fell most unhappily on the young
iD\n, and run the knife into his heart.
"It is impossible to express the anguish I fell at this fatal acci-
dent. I cried out, beat my breast, and threw myself on the ground.
When these transports had a little subsided, it fortunately occurred
to me th*at my situation was very dangerous ; that the old man
and his slaves would probably arrive soon, and finding me in the
cavern and his son slain, I had everything to dread from his resent-
ment. These considerations were very seasonable, for on my
hastening out of the auartment, I perceived that the vessel had
arrived, and the old mr.n with his slaves were landing. I had just
time to climb the tree which before concealed mo, when they came
to the subterraneous dwelling.
" I could observe that they came forward with confidence, which
abated greatly when they found the ground open. Some of the
slaves hastily descended, and soon returned, bearing the deceased
youth, with the knife sticking in his body, for I had not had power
to take it out. At this piteous sight the old man fell down in a
swoon ; the slaves lamented ; and, though unseen by them, I joined
in their grief very heartily. After a time, when they had with
difficulty recovered the old man, they, by his direction, made a
grave and buried the poor youth ; the unhappy father, over-
whelmed with sorrow, threw tho first earth on him ; the slaves
speedily filled up the grave, and then carrying their afflicted patron
on board the vessel, they departed.
" I had hoped to be conveyed to the continent by means of this
ship; but being thus fatally disappointed, I was obliged to con-
tinue and ramble about the island for a month longer, living on
the wild fruits it produced ; at length I discovered a part where
tne channel was not very wide ; I contrived to pass over here,
without much difficulty. When I landed, I set off with spirit, and
presently thought I saw at a distance a great fire ; I rejoiced much
at the sign of inhabitants, but when I drew near, I found what I
had supposed a fire, was the reflections of the sunbeams on a cas-
tle of copper.
" It was evening before I reachod this building, where I was
very hrr.pitably received by ten handsome young men who were
3
50 ARABIAN NIGHTS
all blind of the right eye. They introduced me into the castle
allotted me an apartment, and invited me to sup with them ; aftei
which, at their request, I related what had befallen me. We
continued very merry, till it grew late, when one of the company
reminded the rest that it was time for them to perform their duty.
Immediately, upon a signal given, ten basins were brought in, and
one set before each of the gentlemen. They uncovered the basins
which contained ashes, coal-dust, and lamp-black ; Avith these they
bedaubed their faces, beating their breasts, weeping and exclaim-
ing, ; This is the fruit of our idleness and debauchery.' This exer-
cise continued aloi'g time, after which, water being brought in,
they washed, and each withdrew in silence to his own apartment.
" I was conducted also to my bed-chamber; but though fatigued,
I was too much astonished to sleep. In the morning I very earn-
estly requested the gentlemen to tell me the meaning of what I
had seen, and also how it chanced they were all blind of the right
eye. They positively refused to give me this satisfaction, declaring
that I sought to divulge a curiosity that I should repent of as long
as I lived. Thus silenced, I passed the day with them at their own
request, and the evening was closed with a repetition of their
disgusting penance.
l The day following I renewed my inquiries in so earnest a man-
ner, that one of them, in behalf of the rest, said, It is out of
friendship to you, prince, that we have withheld from you the
information you wish ; but if you continue to demand it, we are
not at liberty to refuse you. Know, however, that you will lose
your right eye by gratifying your dangerous curiosity ; and that
when that misfortune hath befallen you, you cannot remain with
us, as our number is complete, and no addition can be made to it. 7
"As I still persisted, the gentlemen killed a sheep and skinned it.
They presented me with a knife, and sewed me up in the skin, tell-
ing me. 'We must now leave you ; but presently a roc will come,
and taking you for a sheep, will fly away with you. Be not
alarmed ; but when he alights, cut open the skin and throw it oftj
when he will fly away. You will then see a large palace which
you will enter. . We have all been there, but may not toll you wha'
befell us, or explain ourselves any further.'
" The gentlemen then loft me, and presently the roc came and
carried me away. The roc is a white bird of enormous size and
of such strength, that it takes elephants from the plains to the
ENTERTAINMENTS. 51
tops of the mountains, where he feeds on tl'.em. On his alighting,
I throw oft' the skin as I was directed, and the r JC flew away.
" I walked forward to the palace, which wa more splendid than
imagination can conceive ; arid when I entered it I was received
by forty ladies of exquisite beauty, most sumptuously apparelled.
They conducted me into a spacious hall, the doors of which were
of burnished gold set with diamonds and rubies, and everything
wiUiin it of equal magnificence. Here, notwithstanding my oppo-
sition, they placed me on a seat exalted above theirs, saj'ing, 'You
are at present, our lord ; and we are your slaves ready to obey
your commands.'
" Nothing could exceed the desire of these beautiful ladies to do
mo service. They brought in a handsome collation and delicious
wines ; after which they entertained me with a concert and
dancing. The day following was spent in the same manner, music,
dancing, feasting, and wantonness, marked the moments as they
flew ; and the whole year passed away while I thus indulged in
every species of voluptuousness.
"At the end of the year I was surprised to see the ladies enter
my apartments, all in great affliction. They embraced me with
much tenderness, and bade me adieu. I conjured them to explain
to me the cause of their grief, and of their being about to leave
me ; when one of them told me that they were obliged to be absent
.forty days, upon Indispensable duties which they were not permit-
ted to reveal ; and that their sorrow arose from the apprehension
that they should see me again no more. 'This/ continued she,
* will wholly depend upon yourself ; here are the keys of a hun-
dred doors which you will find in the adjoining courts. These we
are obliged to leave with you. You will find abundance of curious
things within ninety-nine of these doors to gratify and amuse you,
which you may enjoy in safety ; but if you open the golden door,
we shall never see you again. And it is this fear lest you should
be overcome by an indiscreet curiosity, that gives us so much dis-
turbance.
11 1 embraced the ladies all around, and gave them my best thanks
for a sorrow so very flattering to me. I assured them, in the most
earnest manner, that nothing should induce me to forfeit their
society, by breaking their injunction. I received the hundred
keys, and having exchanged may farewells they departed, and I
was left a 1 one.
52 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
u My time had been passed in such a perpetual round of pleas
ure, that I had not before had the least desire to examine this
inimitable palace. As I was now at leisure, and had permission to
open ninety-nine of the doors, I began with much eagerness to
gratify my curiosity. It would be tedious if it were possible, to
describe what I found within these doors : all that is boautiful in
nature, or elegant in art was there, in the highest perfection and
abundance. The wealth, as well in jewels as in gold, was incredible.
This immense display of everything valuable and curious was so
extensive, that nine-and-thirty days \vere passed by the time I had
explored the ninety-nine apartments I was allowed to visit.
" The sight of such profusion of wealth which I considered aa
my own, elated me beyond measure; and the near return of my
admirable princesses dissolved me in tenderness. One day only
remained, and one door, the fatal door, alone was unopened, ftiy
weak curiosity was ungovernable. I yielded to the temptation. I
opened that door. A smell that was pleasant enough ; though too
powerful for me, overcame me, and I fainted away. When I re-
covered, instead of taking warning and withdrawing. I went in. The
ycent remained, but no longer affected me. Among many objects
that engaged my attention, 1 saw a fine horse, superbly caparisoned
I took him by the bridle and led him forth into the court ; I got upon
his back and would have rode him, but he not stirring, I whipped
him. He no sooner felt the stroke than he began to neigh in an .
unusual and horrible manner ; and extending wings which I had
not observed, he flew up with me into the air. I had presence of
mind to sit fast. After a while he flew down again toward the
earth, and lighting upon the terrace of a castle, without giving me
time to dismount, he shook me out of the saddle, and having with
the end of his tail struck out my right eye, he flew again out of my
sight.
" I got up much troubled with the misfortune I had brought upon
myself; I found the castle was the same from which the roc had car-
ried me, and presently met the ten gentlemen, who w r cre not at all
surprised to see me, as every one of them had passed through the
same adventure. After condoling with me, and lamenting that it
was not permitted them to add me to their number, they directed
me to seek the court of Bagdad, where I would meet him that
would decide my destiny. Accordingly I put on this dress ; and
Arrived here this evening. })
ENTERTAINMENTS. 53
The third calendar having finished his history, a dead silence
pervaded the company. At length Zobcide addressing the calen-
dars said, " your adventures, princes, are indeed as singular as they
are distressing; and I am very sorry it is impossible, after what has
happened, that we should permit you to remain any longer within
our walls ; but we have also reasons for our conduct. Depart in
peace ; and in proof of our respect, take with you, in safety, these
men your companions in indiscretion; who, but for your Bakes,
should have learnt that we are not to be insulted with impunity."
At these words the three ladies withdrew, without permitting
any answer ; and the slaves conducting the caliph and his com-
panions, the calendars, and the porter, to the gate, civilly dismissed
them. Haroun felt esteem and pity for the unfortunate princes.
Without discovering himself, he offered his services to accommo-
date them for the rest of the night, which being thankfully ac-
cepted, he committed them to the care of Mefrour, and returned
with Giafar to his palace.
In the morning the calendars were introduced to the caliph, and
Giafar was dispatched to acquaint the ladies that the commander
of the faithful desired to see. them immediately. They accord-
ingly attended him. and found the caliph seated on his throne, and
the three calendars placed on his right hand. The ladies having
paid thoir homage to the caliph, that prince addressed them with
great benignity, and told them he had been one of their guests the
preceding night. The ladies were covered with confusion ; but
the caliph praised their moderation, after the incivility they had
received. " 1 was then," said he, " a merchant of Maussol, and
deserved your resentment; but I trust you will not refuse to the
caliph the satisfaction you at that time so properly withheld. Be
pleased, therefore, to relate the reason of your whipping, and after-
ward weeping over the two bitches; and why one of you has her
breasts so disfigured."
Zobeide obeyed the caliph thus :
THE HISTORY OF ZOBEIDE.
Commander of the faithful, my father was a merchant of this
city, who, dying some years ago, left his fortune to be divided
between his five daughters, of whom myself and the two -bitches*
are by one mother, and these ladies by another.
Amine and Safie, being yet children, continued with their moth-
54 ARABIAN NIGHTS'
er. My two elder sisters and I lived together in great harmvny,
After some time they both married; being left alone, 1 em-
ployed myself for amusement in rearing silk. worms, and became
so successful in my management of them, that I found them not
only entertaining, but exceedingly profitable.
In less than a year's time, each of my sisters returned to me in
great distress ; their husbands having squandered away all their
substance, had left them to shift for themselves. I received thorn
with kindness, and cheerfully shared with them the money I had
gained by my silk. As I had experienced the advantage of traffic,
I projected a voyage ; I bought a ship at Balsora, and freighted
it; my sisters chose to go with me, and we set sail with a fair
wind.
Some weeks after, we cast anchor in a harbor that presented
itself, with intent to water the ship. As I was tired with having
be
